Growing Beef Newsletter
November 2025, Volume 16, Issue 5
Self feeders for finishing cattle
Denise Schwab, ISU extension beef specialist
A common question many of our beef team get is whether to use self-feeders or daily feed delivery. To dig deeper into the topic, I started by searching for research-based studies to compare.
The first research report I found was from Purdue in 1954 using shorthorn steers finished to about 1,000 lb. on ground ear corn, a protein supplement and free choice hay. Their conclusions were that cattle were successfully fattened on a self-fed free choice ration of ground ear corn, protein supplement, minerals and hay. At no time did cattle show signs of scouring or of going off feed from the first day they were turned into the feedlots to eat according to appetite. I think we can all agree on the fact that that is not the type of cattle we are feeding today, but the cob from ground ear corn was a pretty good source of fiber in the finishing diet.
As our grain harvesting technology changed from picking ear corn to combining corn grain, I found more articles on the use of whole shell corn and protein in self-feeders. A 1993 bulletin from Mississippi State University concluded that whole shell corn and supplement in self-feeders had a lower feed cost/pound of gain than a comparable bunk-fed ration with no difference in gain, feed efficiency, or carcass characteristics. But again, crossbred steers were finished at about 1,000 lb. in this study.
A more recent (2021) project from Kansas State University compared self-feeders to a TMR ration. They saw no digestive problems observed in the cattle on these diets but formulated the complete-feed self-fed diet to include adequate fiber to reduce digestive issues. The self-feeder diet consisted of 62% whole shelled corn, 14% pelleted wheat midds, 10% dried distillers grains, 8% cottonseed hulls (loose), and 6% supplement with no additional forage. The self-fed calves weighed 50 lb. more at harvest, gained 0.33 lb/d more, had 26 lb. more hot carcass weight, and had a greater marbling score than calves on the TMR, with no differences in yield grades. Calves on the TMR were more efficient, had lower dry matter intake, and had a lower cost of gain. Despite bigger gains and higher actual carcass sale prices, the calves on the self-fed ration lost money due to higher feed ingredient costs, whereas calves on the TMR were profitable. Researchers concluded that providing self-fed rations could be an option for producers, but their very “safe” rations to minimize digestive issues also resulted in poor efficiency.
This KSU study highlighted the challenges of developing a ration that optimizes growth while minimizing rumen upset potential. Feeding with a self-feeder is the ultimate balancing act between high intakes and rumen health. So, what are the pros and cons of finishing cattle on a self-feeder? Here are my conclusions on the topic.
Pros to using a self-feeder:
- Reduced labor by delivering feed less frequently
- Increased intake and increased daily gain
- Decreased equipment cost on a per head basis compared to a TMR, depending on the number head being fed
- Less feed waste from feed delivery
Cons to using a self-feeder:
- Lack of ability to monitor daily feed intake
- More animal observation needed to identify sick animals
- More focus on feed step-up needed to reduce the risk of overeating in the early part of the feeding period
- Incorporating adequate fiber in the diet to control rumen upset - some digestible fiber feeds include corn coproducts, soy hulls, and wheat midds; but also consider the added cost
- Complete feed formulation needs to flow easily through the feeder. Whole shell corn is preferred over ground/cracked corn for both flowability and slower starch digestion
- Limits use of lower cost ingredients particularly high moisture feeds and home-grown forages resulting in higher feed costs
- No control of forage or grain intake when hay fed free choice resulting in more rumen upset and increased variation within the pen
- Sifting of fines can cause issues with ruminal upset, so pay attention to pellet quality and reduce fines from cracked corn
- Never let the feeder run empty as cattle may over eat once it is filled causing rumen upset
- Lack of ability to adjust ration quickly for weather changes
- Potential for feed waste depending on feeder management
- Increased risk of stall-out prior to reaching market readiness
The decision on whether to use a self-feeder for finishing cattle is a difficult one that needs to consider all the points above. It also requires producer management and increased monitoring to optimize the system. Then work with your nutritionist or beef specialist to design the best system for your operation.
This monthly newsletter is free and provides timely information on topics that matter most to Iowa beef producers. You’re welcome to use information and articles from the newsletter - simply credit Iowa Beef Center.
