Manage self-feeders for better cattle performance

At some point, most cattle producers have used a self-feeder—whether it was to creep-feed calves, finish out a few steers for the locker, or simply manage labor and space more efficiently. Whatever the reason, how you manage a self-feeder directly affects cattle performance and overall health.

A self-feeder (sometimes called a “steer stuffer”) is a box-style system with a trough that holds a ration and protects it from the weather. These feeders may be made of metal, wood or plastic and often sit on trailer-like running gear for mobility. Their purpose is simple: allow cattle to eat at their leisure.

While cattle normally have peak feeding times—early morning and evening—access to a self-feeder increases the frequency of feeding bouts. That flexibility is helpful, but it also means proper setup and feed management become even more critical.

Self-feeders typically work best with feeds that have larger particle sizes, helping to reduce fines and lowering the risk of rumen upset that can lead to liver abscesses, bloat or founder. Whole-shelled corn is a good option here. It digests more slowly than processed corn and doesn’t require grinding or rolling, saving on handling costs. Plus, whole corn can act as a natural “scratch factor” in the rumen—especially important in self-fed rations where forage may make up less than 20% of dry matter.

However, moisture content is critical. Corn with more than 18% moisture can soften pelleted supplements, causing them to swell and bridge inside the feeder. This clogs flow, disrupts intake, and increases labor as feeders have to be cleared manually. The ideal moisture range is between 11% and 14% for both shelled corn and pelleted feed such as Endpoint. Too wet, and you’ll have clogs. Too dry, and you’ll likely see more sorting of fines.

“My preference is to be able to fill the feeder without entering a pen full of escape-artist calves.”

Where you position the feeder also matters. It needs to be in a spot that’s easy to fill. My preference is to be able to fill the feeder without entering a pen full of escape-artist calves. About 30 feet from the water source is ideal. Much farther, and you risk reducing both feed and water intake.

Even though self-feeders reduce daily labor, they don’t eliminate it. Weather protection is a must. Wind, snow, rain and dust can all impact feed quality and consumption if not properly managed. If your feeder doesn’t have an overhang, consider placing it under a shelter. A wet or frozen feeder quickly becomes a plugged feeder, and plugged feeders lead to performance problems. Cleaning the trough—even just pushing feed forward—can cue animals to eat, similar to a push-up on a dairy bunk.

Ensure you have enough trough space for your cattle. Cattle under 600 pounds need 3 to 4 inches per head, while cattle over 600 pounds need 4 to 5 inches per head. If space allows, multiple smaller feeders will improve animal performance compared to one large feeder, giving cattle more access points and reducing crowding, shoving and stress.

Gate openings also require some fine-tuning. Think of it like adjusting the bath water—always tweaking for that “just right” balance. A good starting point is about 9⁄16 inch, which you can measure by setting the gate on the head of a 3⁄8-inch bolt. Aim for around 50% pan coverage. In colder months, you may need to open the gate a bit wider to encourage more intake.

Annual maintenance is a must. Before each new feeding season, go through each self-feeder to make sure it’s tight, solid and structurally sound. Power washing is a great way to check for leaks and allows you to start with a clean surface.

Self-feeders can be a powerful tool to reduce labor and streamline cattle feeding. But like any system, they perform best when paired with thoughtful management. From feed form and moisture to placement, space and maintenance, small adjustments can pay big dividends in both cattle health and production.