Save feed costs and prevent nutrition problems with the help of CowBytes

CowBytes ration-balancing software, available through the Beef Cattle Research Council for $60, allows producers to formulate their own feed rations while considering various combinations of feed and by-products at different prices. This can find a way to reduce feed costs while still meeting production targets.

Ensuring cattle are fed a balanced ration can also save money on feed in the long run by preventing over- or under-feeding.

The easy-to-use program allows beef producers to specify the type and breeds of cattle they want to feed, then select cattle productivity levels based on body weight, average daily gain, body condition score and the stage of gestation or milk production in cows. Producers may also adjust for climatic conditions, such as wind or temperature, which affect nutritional requirements for beef cattle.

Feed testing is a key component to building a proper ration. Using your own, on-farm feed test results with CowBytes will enhance the accuracy of your rations.

Explore the BCRC’s feed testing resources

CowBytes comes with a feed table that is based on the average value of Alberta feeds. After making a selection from the feed table, you can modify the feed nutrient content to match your own feed test results. By inputting various feed amounts software you can balance rations for energy, protein, macrominerals such as calcium and phosphorus, and trace minerals such as copper, selenium and vitamins A and E. Once the ration is balanced, CowBytes can generate eight different reports, including feed mix and batch-scale sheets.

Custom feeding and feed inventory reports can also be generated. These features can help make decisions about purchasing feed in advance or selling animals to match feed inventory with cattle nutrition requirements. A yardage calculator is also included where beef producers can enter their facility, equipment and operating costs (e.g. insurance, taxes, veterinary services, labour, fuel, utilities, repairs), along with the number of cattle and the number of days on feed to be able to determine the yardage costs per head per day.