Hay Saver Feeder Tips

Tips for use of the Hay Saver Feeders

There have been instances where the hay saver feeders have been implicated in hair loss on the noses of livestock. We have used the hay saver feeders on our farm for a number of years. We had experienced occasional hair loss on noses prior to using the hay saver feeders and have experienced the same since using them.

Here are some tips to reduce the risk of hair loss from the hay saver feeders: 1) Keep the feeders high enough – if the livestock are entering the mesh at an acute angle there is more chance of abrasion on the bridge of the nose from the mesh of the feeders. Taller animals are more likely to access low feeders at an acute angle.

2) Keep the feeders full – if the livestock are having to work and dig to access hay there is a greater risk of abrasion.

3) Have enough feeders – if too many animals are trying to access too few feeders they may become more aggressive at accessing the hay and may cause abrasion.

Other potential factors in hair loss on noses: Zinc deficiency

Mange/Mites

Hair loss on the bridge of the nose for whatever reason almost always seems to occur in dark color animals.

Hair loss on a nose from an animal driving for hay in a hay saver feeder is always shaped in a triangular fashion (see example below).

The temperament of the livestock often has something to do with this type of hair loss where the aggressive eaters may push more.

Hair loss on the nose not related to hay saver feeders will take many shapes however is distinct from the triangular shape that occurs in rare cases from feeder use (see examples)
Hair loss on nose due to feeder use.
Hair loss on nose not related to feeder use.

Hair loss on nose due to feeder use.

Hair loss on nose not related to feeder use.