Cattle Do Not Like Hot Bunks
Jun 14, 2021

Tara Jo Bina
Countryside Feed Livestock Production Specialist
What is it?
Bunk heating is an indication of feed spoiling in the feed bunk. Typically, yeasts, molds, and bacteria from fermented forages begin to ferment the readily available nutrients in a TMR when they are exposed to oxygen. This fermentation produces the heat you feel when reaching into the bunk. TMR heating can be a problem year-round, but in the hot humid months, spoilage occurs at a much higher rate. The rate of aerobic microbial growth doubles for every 10?F increase in environmental tem[erature.
What impacts can it have?
Reduced feed intake and performance are two of the major symptoms of bunk heating. Cattle do not like eating hot feed when under heat stress. Aerobic fermentation also depletes nutrients in the TMR, leading to lower quality feed being consumed!
Some toxins produced by yeast, mold, and bacterial aerobic fermentation can also cause other, more severe health problems. Sudden loss of production and onset of diseases can be attributed to toxins hindering the immune system.
How to to prevent it?
Contact your Countryside Feed representative to discuss problems with bunk heating and to design a strategic approach that fits your operation!
Countryside Feed Livestock Production Specialist
What is it?
Bunk heating is an indication of feed spoiling in the feed bunk. Typically, yeasts, molds, and bacteria from fermented forages begin to ferment the readily available nutrients in a TMR when they are exposed to oxygen. This fermentation produces the heat you feel when reaching into the bunk. TMR heating can be a problem year-round, but in the hot humid months, spoilage occurs at a much higher rate. The rate of aerobic microbial growth doubles for every 10?F increase in environmental tem[erature.
What impacts can it have?
Reduced feed intake and performance are two of the major symptoms of bunk heating. Cattle do not like eating hot feed when under heat stress. Aerobic fermentation also depletes nutrients in the TMR, leading to lower quality feed being consumed!
Some toxins produced by yeast, mold, and bacterial aerobic fermentation can also cause other, more severe health problems. Sudden loss of production and onset of diseases can be attributed to toxins hindering the immune system.
How to to prevent it?
- Proper harvest and storage of forages
- Feedout and face management
- Mix feed directly before feeding
- Consider increasing number or timing of feeding
- Clean bunks
- TMR preservers
Contact your Countryside Feed representative to discuss problems with bunk heating and to design a strategic approach that fits your operation!