Precision Feeds logoWith feed representing 40-60 percent of dairy production expenses, feed loss, or shrink, dramatically impacts returns. During more profitable years, tight control of feed shrink and efficiency seems less important. But in fact, that's exactly when shrink should be attacked. Dr. Mike Brouk, feed efficiency expert at KSU, estimates that shrink represents 15-20 percent of total feed costs. For a 2000 head dairy feeding at $7/head/day, shrink can shave up to $84,000 per month from profits. And although shrink can't be completely eliminated, there are a variety of management improvements to implement that require minimal investment but produce impressive returns.


  • Wind Loss (up to 2% shrink loss) Adding bay curtains is a simple but effective way to block wind loss. Add a top-cover tarp for even greater wind control, with a side benefit of reducing bird feeding and fecal contamination.

  • Scale Accuracy (up to 3% shrink loss) When was the last time you had your scales calibrated?

  • Feed Transfer (up to 2% shrink loss) Moving feed from the truck unload point into the feed bay requires attention on the part of the operator. Failing to scoop all material, overloading the bucket, plus wind and rain loss can be managed. Replace bucket loaders with a dedicated unload pit and an auger/conveyor.

  • Storage Loss (up to 15% shrink loss) Bays may be traditional, but they are at high risk for shrink. Wind, animal scavenging, rear-bay spoilage, transfer loss, and other challenges all conspire to reduce profits. Switching to bins can reduce this loss to under 5% (Kertz, 1998, J. Dairy Sci.). Use flat (horizontal) bins for forage/silage and high moisture proteins feeds, and uprights (vertical) for grains and other dry feeds. Not only is the feed better protected, it can be more efficiently weighed and measured to increase TMR precision.


Implementing these changes can be relatively quick and easy.


  • Request a quote for bay curtains. Look for a company that will customize the solution for your specific bay design and location.

  • Contact your scale manufacturer to provide local assistance with calibration, and if required, replace your chronically inaccurate scales.


  • Review your feed transfer procedures and retrain your loader operator to ensure proper bucket loading technique and complete collection of feed.


  • Although the most involved of these four solutions, replacing open bays with bins offers the greatest potential profit boost. Choose a company experienced in feed automation and shrink reduction to ensure that any design you receive includes the ability to incorporate future automation capabilities. The breakeven point for bins is extremely short, and the increase in feed precision and cost savings is dramatic.

    While you may not currently experience the worst-case scenario in every one of these situations, the combined effect of even small losses can have big costs. Integrating these progressive best practices will positively impact your feed shrink costs, give you a competitive advantage, and ultimately improve your bottom line.

    Submitted by:
    Steven M. Kirwan
    Precision Feed Systems, LLC
    Return to Industry Buzz.

    12.5.2014