# Feedlot Feed Bunk Management: Reading and Adjusting Intake ## Key Takeaways - Bunk management's primary objective is to achieve a "slick bunk" (Score 0-1) at feeding time, indicating optimal feed delivery that matches cattle appetite and prevents digestive upset. Deviations from this target, such as a Score 2 or higher, necessitate a feed reduction of 2-5%, while a slick bunk warrants a 2-5% increase to meet demand. - Rumen health is critically dependent on consistent feed supply; erratic delivery disrupts rumen pH, increasing the risk of subacute acidosis (pH < 5.5) and subsequent issues like reduced intake, poor feed conversion, and potential laminitis or liver abscesses. - Bunk reading serves as an early disease detection system; a sudden drop in intake in a single pen (Score 3 or higher) warrants immediate investigation for individual animal illness, while multiple pens going off-feed simultaneously suggests a ration, water, or environmental issue. - Water availability and quality are integral to feed intake; cattle cannot consume feed if water sources are inaccessible or contaminated, making daily checks of water flow and tank cleanliness non-negotiable components of bunk management. - Consistent recordkeeping of bunk scores, feed delivered, weather, and health pulls is paramount for informed decision-making, enabling trend analysis and proactive adjustments to prevent costly errors like overfeeding or underfeeding. - Weather significantly impacts intake; heat stress reduces appetite, necessitating potential feed reductions, while cold stress increases energy demands, requiring feed increases, with both requiring proactive adjustments based on forecasts. --- Feed bunk management is the daily practice of matching feed delivery to the appetite of cattle in the pen. It is the single most important routine task on a feedlot because it directly controls intake, rumen health, rate of gain, and feed cost. This guide explains how to read bunks accurately, how to score the amount of feed remaining, how to adjust the ration delivered each day, and how to use bunk reading records to catch sick cattle early. It is written for feedlot owners, managers, and pen riders who want a practical system they can start using today. ## At a Glance - **Goal of bunk reading:** Have the bunk empty or nearly empty at the time of the next feeding. Target a slick bunk, meaning only a few scattered particles of feed remain. - **Bunk scoring scale:** Use a 0 to 5 scale where 0 is an empty bunk and 5 is a full bunk or a bunk with feed left from the previous day. Most feedlots aim for a score of 0 to 1 at feeding time. - **Adjustment rule:** If the bunk is clean 2 hours before feeding, increase feed by 2 to 5 percent. If feed remains at feeding time, decrease by the same amount. - **Timing matters:** Read bunks at the same time every day. The best time is just before the morning feed delivery when the bunk has had the longest time to be cleaned up. - **Watch the pattern:** A pen that suddenly leaves feed for two days in a row is a warning sign. Check those cattle for illness before cutting feed too aggressively. - **Water is part of bunk management:** Cattle cannot eat if they cannot drink. Check water flow and tank cleanliness daily. - **Record everything:** Write down the bunk score, feed delivered, weather, and any sick pulls for every pen every day. Use these records to adjust the next day's delivery. - **Call for help:** If a large number of pens go off feed at the same time, or if one pen drops intake by more than 20 percent for more than two days, contact your veterinarian or extension agent. ## Why Bunk Management Matters Cattle in a feedlot cannot choose when or how much they eat. They depend on the feeder to deliver a consistent ration at consistent times. The rumen is a fermentation vat that works best when it receives a steady supply of feed. When feed delivery is erratic, the rumen bacteria and protozoa experience shifts in pH and nutrient supply. This can lead to acidosis, founder, bloat, and reduced intake. The cost of a mistake is high. Overfeeding wastes feed and money. Feed left in the bunk spoils, becomes unpalatable, and attracts pests. Underfeeding reduces gain and can make cattle restless and prone to bellowing and riding. Both mistakes can lead to digestive upsets that require veterinary treatment and set the pen back by days or weeks. Bunk management is also an early warning system. Cattle that are becoming sick often reduce their intake before they show other signs. A trained bunk reader can spot a pen that is off feed and alert the hospital crew before the disease becomes severe. This is why bunk reading is not just a feeding chore. It is a health monitoring tool. ## Understanding the Rumen and Intake Patterns To manage bunks well, you need to understand how the rumen works. The rumen holds 25 to 40 gallons in a mature beef animal. It contains billions of bacteria, protozoa, and fungi that ferment feed into volatile fatty acids. These acids are the main energy source for the animal. The rumen wall absorbs these acids into the bloodstream. The rumen environment is sensitive. The pH normally ranges from 5.5 to 7.0. When cattle eat large amounts of rapidly fermentable carbohydrate, the pH can drop below 5.5. This is subacute acidosis. The animal may not show obvious signs, but intake drops, feed conversion worsens, and the rumen lining can be damaged. Severe acidosis below pH 5.0 can cause laminitis, liver abscesses, and death. Cattle adapt to high-grain rations over time. The rumen bacterial population changes to handle more starch. This adaptation takes 2 to 3 weeks. During this period, bunk management is critical. Feed increases should be small and gradual. A sudden jump in feed delivery can overwhelm the rumen and cause acidosis. Normal intake patterns follow a daily rhythm. Cattle eat most actively in the morning and again in the late afternoon and evening. They rest and ruminate during the middle of the day and at night. When you deliver fresh feed, you stimulate a bout of eating. Most cattle will eat 60 to 70 percent of their daily intake within 4 hours of feeding. Weather changes intake. Heat stress reduces appetite. Cold stress increases energy needs and can increase intake. Rain and mud make cattle uncomfortable and can reduce time at the bunk. A sudden storm can cause a pen to leave feed even when the ration is correct. Bunk readers must account for weather in their adjustments. ## The Bunk Scoring System Bunk scoring is a standardized way to describe how much feed remains in the bunk at a specific time. The most common system uses a 0 to 5 scale. You assign a score based on the amount of feed left on the bunk surface and the number of empty spaces along the bunk. Here is the standard scoring system used in commercial feedlots: **Score 0: Slick bunk.** No feed remains on the bunk surface. Cattle are at the bunk or standing nearby waiting for feed. This is the target for most feedlots. **Score 1: Scattered particles.** A few individual feed particles or a thin dusting of fines remain. The bunk surface is mostly visible. Most of the bunk is clean. **Score 2: Light feed cover.** A thin layer of feed covers less than half of the bunk surface. Some areas are bare. Cattle have cleaned up the majority of the feed. **Score 3: Moderate feed cover.** Feed covers more than half of the bunk surface. The layer is not deep but is clearly visible. Cattle have eaten some but not most of the feed. **Score 4: Heavy feed cover.** A substantial amount of feed remains. The bunk looks mostly full. Cattle have eaten only a small portion of the delivered feed. **Score 5: Full bunk.** The bunk is completely full. Feed has been delivered but cattle have eaten very little or none. This is an emergency sign that requires immediate attention. Some operations use a simplified 3-point scale where 1 is clean, 2 is half full, and 3 is full. Others use a 0 to 4 scale. The exact numbers do not matter as long as everyone on the crew uses the same system and records scores consistently. The key is to score at the same time every day. The most useful time is just before the next feeding. At that point, the bunk has had the maximum time to be cleaned up. A score of 0 or 1 at this time means the feed delivery was appropriate. A score of 2 or higher means too much feed was delivered. Some feedlots also score bunks at a second time point, usually 1 to 2 hours after feeding. This tells you how aggressively cattle are eating. If cattle are not coming to the bunk after fresh feed is delivered, something is wrong. They may be sick, the ration may be unpalatable, or the feed may be spoiled. ## How to Read a Bunk Properly Reading a bunk is more than glancing at the feed surface. It requires a consistent method and attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step process. **Step 1: Approach the pen quietly.** Do not drive a truck or four-wheeler directly at the bunk. Cattle will move away and you will not get an accurate picture of how many are eating. Stop at a distance and observe the pen for a minute before you approach the bunk. **Step 2: Observe cattle behavior.** Note how many cattle are at the bunk. Are they eating aggressively, picking at feed, or just standing? Are they lying down and ruminating, or are they standing around the water tank? Cattle that are at the bunk and eating when feed is available are a good sign. Cattle that are not interested in feed are a concern. **Step 3: Walk or drive along the entire bunk.** Do not judge the whole bunk from one spot. Cattle eat in different areas. The feed may be cleaned up at one end and left at the other. Walk the full length of the bunk and note the pattern. **Step 4: Look at the feed surface.** Determine the amount of feed remaining using your scoring scale. Look for separation of ingredients. If the finer particles are gone and only the coarse stems or large kernels remain, the cattle are sorting the ration. This can happen when the ration is too finely ground, too dry, or unpalatable. **Step 5: Check the feed quality.** Smell the remaining feed. It should smell like the fresh ration. A sour, fermented, or moldy smell means the feed has spoiled in the bunk. This is more common in hot weather or when feed is left for more than 24 hours. **Step 6: Look for fines and dust.** A layer of fine particles at the bottom of the bunk means the ration is breaking down or the cattle are not eating the fines. This can happen when the ration is overmixed or when the mixer is operating too long. **Step 7: Check the bunk condition.** Look for sharp edges, broken boards, or protruding nails that could injure cattle. Look for old feed caked in the corners. Clean out any spoiled feed before adding fresh feed. **Step 8: Record the score.** Write down the bunk score for each pen on your record sheet. Include the date, time, pen number, feed delivered, and any observations about cattle behavior or feed condition. ## How to Adjust Feed Delivery The adjustment rule is simple: match feed delivery to what the cattle cleaned up the previous day. If the bunk is slick at feeding time, increase the feed. If feed remains, decrease the feed. Here is the standard adjustment procedure used in commercial feedlots. **If the bunk score is 0 (slick):** Increase feed by 2 to 5 percent over the previous day's delivery. The exact amount depends on the stage of the feeding period. Early in the feeding period, when cattle are adapting to the ration, use the smaller increase. Later in the feeding period, when cattle are on full feed, use the larger increase. **If the bunk score is 1 (scattered particles):** Increase feed by 2 to 3 percent. The cattle have cleaned up nearly all the feed and are ready for a little more. **If the bunk score is 2 (light cover):** Hold feed delivery the same as the previous day. The cattle have eaten most of the feed but not all of it. Give them a day to catch up before increasing. **If the bunk score is 3 (moderate cover):** Decrease feed by 2 to 5 percent. The cattle have left a significant amount of feed. Reducing the delivery will encourage them to clean up the bunk. **If the bunk score is 4 (heavy cover):** Decrease feed by 5 to 10 percent. This is a significant amount of leftover feed. Check the cattle for signs of illness and check the ration for quality problems. **If the bunk score is 5 (full):** Do not feed this pen. Remove the leftover feed from the bunk and assess the cattle. A full bunk at feeding time is a serious problem. The cattle may be sick, the ration may be unpalatable, or the previous day's delivery was far too high. Contact your veterinarian or nutritionist if the problem persists. These percentages are starting points. You must adjust them based on the specific conditions in your feedlot. Some pens of cattle are more aggressive eaters than others. Some rations are more palatable. You will develop a feel for each pen over time. The key is to make small adjustments. Do not jump feed delivery by 10 percent or more in one day unless the bunk is completely empty and the cattle are bellowing for feed. Sudden large increases in feed delivery are a major cause of acidosis. ## Managing the Adaptation Period The first 2 to 3 weeks on feed are the most critical for bunk management. Cattle are transitioning from a forage-based diet to a high-grain ration. The rumen bacteria need time to adapt. If you push feed too fast, you will cause acidosis and set the cattle back. During the adaptation period, use a step-up program. Start cattle on a higher forage ration and gradually increase the grain content over 14 to 21 days. The exact steps depend on the starting ration and the final ration. Work with your nutritionist to develop a step-up program for your operation. During this period, increase feed delivery by small amounts. A common approach is to increase by 0.5 to 1 pound per head per day. Some feedlots use a percentage increase of 2 to 3 percent per day. The goal is to have cattle on full feed by the end of the adaptation period. Watch the bunks closely during the adaptation period. A pen that is not cleaning up the bunk is telling you that the adaptation is too aggressive. Back off the increase and hold feed delivery steady for a few days. It is better to adapt slowly and avoid acidosis than to push cattle hard and cause digestive upsets. Some feedlots use an intake-based approach to adaptation. They target a specific intake level for each day of the adaptation period. For example, they might target 10 pounds of dry matter per head on day 1, increasing by 0.5 pounds per day until the cattle reach their expected intake level. This approach requires accurate feed weights and good records. ## Reading Bunks for Health Monitoring Bunk reading is one of the best tools for detecting sick cattle early. Cattle that are becoming sick often reduce their feed intake before they show other clinical signs. A sharp bunk reader can spot a pen that is off feed and alert the hospital crew before the disease becomes severe. Here are the health-related signs to watch for when reading bunks. **A single pen goes off feed.** If one pen leaves feed while all other pens are cleaning up, check the cattle in that pen for illness. Walk the pen and look for cattle that are standing apart, drooling, coughing, or showing nasal discharge. Check for signs of bloat, diarrhea, or lameness. Pull any suspect cattle and take their temperature. **Multiple pens go off feed at the same time.** If several pens leave feed on the same day, the problem is likely not individual animal illness. Check the ration. The feed may have changed, spoiled, or been mixed incorrectly. Check the water supply. A water failure can cause a feedlot-wide drop in intake. Check the weather. A heat wave or a severe storm can reduce intake across the lot. **Cattle are not coming to the bunk.** When you deliver fresh feed, cattle should come to the bunk to eat. If they do not, something is wrong. The ration may be unpalatable. The feed may have a moldy or sour smell. The cattle may be suffering from heat stress. Or they may be in the early stages of a disease outbreak. **Cattle are sorting the ration.** If cattle are eating the grain and leaving the roughage, or vice versa, the ration may be unbalanced or unpalatable. Sorting can also happen when the feed is too finely ground or too dry. Sorting leads to inconsistent nutrient intake and can cause acidosis. **Cattle are slobbering or foaming at the mouth.** This can be a sign of acidosis or of an unpalatable ration. Check the feed for mold, spoilage, or contamination. If the feed looks normal, the problem may be the cattle. **Cattle are lying down and not chewing cud.** Healthy cattle on feed should spend a significant portion of the day lying down and ruminating. If you see cattle lying down but not chewing cud, they may be in pain or suffering from digestive upset. **Cattle have a tucked-up appearance.** A sick animal often has a gaunt, tucked-up abdomen. The rumen may be empty or the animal may be dehydrated. Compare the appearance of suspect cattle to the rest of the pen. When you identify a pen that is off feed, do not just cut the feed and move on. Investigate the cause. Check the feed delivery records. Was the correct amount delivered? Was the ration mixed correctly? Check the feed itself. Does it look and smell normal? Check the water. Are the tanks full and clean? Check the cattle. Are there sick animals in the pen? ## Common Bunk Management Mistakes Even experienced feedlot managers make mistakes. Here are the most common bunk management errors and how to avoid them. **Mistake 1: Inconsistent feeding times.** Cattle thrive on routine. If you feed at 7 AM one day and 10 AM the next, the cattle become restless and intake can suffer. Feed at the same time every day. If you must change the feeding time, do it gradually over several days. **Mistake 2: Inconsistent feed delivery.** If you deliver different amounts of feed each day without a clear reason, the cattle never settle into a stable intake pattern. Use your bunk scores and records to make consistent, incremental adjustments. **Mistake 3: Overfeeding to avoid bellowing.** Cattle that are hungry will bellow and stand at the fence. Some managers respond by increasing feed delivery. This is a mistake if the bunk still has feed. The bellowing may be a response to a change in routine, the presence of cattle in adjacent pens, or the anticipation of feeding time. Check the bunk before you add more feed. **Mistake 4: Underfeeding to save money.** Cutting feed too aggressively reduces gain and can cause cattle to become restless and aggressive. The goal is to feed to appetite, not to restrict intake. A slick bunk at feeding time is the target, but a bunk that is empty for hours before feeding time means the cattle are hungry. **Mistake 5: Ignoring the weather.** Weather has a major impact on intake. Heat waves reduce intake. Cold snaps increase energy needs. Rain and mud make cattle uncomfortable. Adjust your expectations for intake based on the weather forecast. Do not increase feed delivery during a heat wave just because the bunk was slick the day before. **Mistake 6: Not cleaning out spoiled feed.** Feed that is left in the bunk can spoil, especially in hot weather. Spoiled feed is unpalatable and can cause digestive upsets. Clean out any leftover feed before adding fresh feed. In hot weather, you may need to clean bunks more frequently. **Mistake 7: Poor bunk maintenance.** Bunks with sharp edges, broken boards, or cracks can injure cattle and make them reluctant to eat. Inspect bunks regularly and repair damage promptly. Keep the area around the bunks clean and free of debris. **Mistake 8: Not training bunk readers.** Bunk reading is a skill that requires training and practice. A new bunk reader may not recognize the difference between a score of 1 and a score of 2. Spend time training new crew members. Have them read bunks alongside an experienced reader until they are consistent. **Mistake 9: Not keeping records.** If you do not write down your bunk scores and feed deliveries, you cannot track trends or make informed decisions. Records are essential for identifying problems early and for evaluating the performance of your feeding program. **Mistake 10: Making large adjustments.** Big changes in feed delivery are dangerous. They can cause acidosis, bloat, and digestive upsets. Always make small adjustments of 2 to 5 percent per day. If you need to make a larger change, do it over several days. ## Decision Thresholds for Bunk Management Bunk management requires making decisions every day. Here are the key decision thresholds and the actions you should take. **Threshold 1: Bunk is slick at feeding time.** This is the target. Increase feed by 2 to 5 percent for the next feeding. If the bunk is slick and the cattle are bellowing aggressively, use the higher end of the range. **Threshold 2: Bunk has a score of 1 at feeding time.** Increase feed by 2 to 3 percent. The cattle have cleaned up nearly all the feed and are ready for a little more. **Threshold 3: Bunk has a score of 2 at feeding time.** Hold feed delivery steady. The cattle have eaten most of the feed but not all of it. Give them a day to catch up. **Threshold 4: Bunk has a score of 3 at feeding time.** Decrease feed by 2 to 5 percent. The cattle have left a significant amount of feed. Check the cattle for signs of illness. **Threshold 5: Bunk has a score of 4 at feeding time.** Decrease feed by 5 to 10 percent. This is a significant amount of leftover feed. Check the cattle, the ration, and the water supply. **Threshold 6: Bunk has a score of 5 at feeding time.** Do not feed this pen. Remove the leftover feed and assess the situation. Contact your veterinarian or nutritionist if the problem persists. **Threshold 7: A pen is off feed for two consecutive days.** This is a warning sign. Check the cattle for illness. Check the ration for quality problems. Check the water supply. If you cannot identify the cause, contact your veterinarian. **Threshold 8: Multiple pens are off feed on the same day.** This is an emergency. Check the ration immediately. A mixing error, a spoiled ingredient, or a water failure can cause feedlot-wide problems. Contact your nutritionist and veterinarian right away. **Threshold 9: Intake drops by more than 20 percent in a single pen.** This is a serious problem. Check the cattle for disease. Check the feed and water. If the cause is not obvious, contact your veterinarian. **Threshold 10: Cattle are not coming to the bunk when fresh feed is delivered.** This is an immediate concern. Check the feed for palatability. Check the cattle for illness. Check the weather conditions. If the problem persists, contact your veterinarian. ## Recordkeeping and Bunk Management Software Good recordkeeping is essential for effective bunk management. You cannot make informed decisions if you do not know what you fed yesterday or how the cattle responded. A simple paper record sheet works well for small feedlots. Larger operations may use spreadsheet software or specialized feedlot management programs. At a minimum, your records should include the following for each pen and each day: - Date and time of feeding - Pen number - Bunk score at feeding time - Amount of feed delivered (as fed and dry matter) - Ration type or ration code - Weather conditions (temperature, wind, precipitation) - Number of cattle in the pen - Any sick cattle pulled from the pen - Any comments about cattle behavior or feed condition Review your records at least weekly. Look for trends. Is a pen's intake declining over several days? Is intake increasing as expected for the stage of the feeding period? Are there patterns related to weather or feed deliveries? Use your records to calculate key performance indicators. The most important is dry matter intake per head per day. To calculate this, divide the total dry matter delivered to the pen by the number of head in the pen. Compare this to the expected intake for the stage of the feeding period and the type of cattle. Another useful indicator is the coefficient of variation in daily intake. This measures how consistent intake is from day to day. A high coefficient of variation indicates that intake is erratic, which can be a sign of management problems or health issues. A well-managed pen should have a coefficient of variation below 10 percent. Many commercial feedlot software programs include bunk management modules. These programs can track bunk scores, calculate recommended feed deliveries, and generate reports. They can also integrate with [feed mixing and delivery](/knowledge/animal-farming/farm-management/feed-mixing-and-delivery-avoiding-errors-and-waste) systems to automate the feeding process. The cost of these programs varies widely. Consider your operation size and needs before investing in software. Even with software, you still need a trained person to read the bunks. Software can help you analyze data and make recommendations, but it cannot replace the eyes and judgment of an experienced bunk reader. ## Weather and Seasonal Adjustments Weather is one of the biggest challenges in bunk management. Cattle intake changes with temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation. A good bunk manager anticipates these changes and adjusts feed delivery accordingly. **Heat stress.** When temperatures rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, cattle begin to reduce intake. Above 90 degrees, intake can drop by 10 to 20 percent. The drop is more severe when humidity is high and when cattle do not have access to shade. During heat waves, feed in the early morning or late evening when it is cooler. Consider reducing feed delivery by 5 to 10 percent during extreme heat. Ensure that water supplies are clean and abundant. **Cold stress.** When temperatures drop below freezing, cattle need more energy to maintain body temperature. Intake can increase by 10 to 20 percent in cold weather. The increase is more severe when wind chill is a factor and when cattle are wet. During cold snaps, increase feed delivery to meet the increased energy demand. Consider adding an extra feeding to help cattle stay warm. **Rain and mud.** Rain makes cattle uncomfortable and reduces time at the bunk. Mud makes it difficult for cattle to walk to the bunk and can reduce intake. After a heavy rain, expect intake to drop. Do not increase feed delivery until the cattle have recovered from the weather event. **Snow and ice.** Snow can cover the feed in the bunk and make it unpalatable. Ice can make the area around the bunk dangerous for cattle. Keep bunks clear of snow and ice. Consider using a bunk heater or moving the feeding area if ice is a persistent problem. **Wind.** High winds can reduce intake by making cattle uncomfortable. Wind can also blow feed out of the bunk, wasting feed and making bunk scores misleading. Consider using windbreaks or adjusting the feeding schedule during windy periods. **Seasonal changes.** Day length affects cattle intake. Cattle tend to eat more during longer days. As days shorten in the fall, intake may decline. As days lengthen in the spring, intake may increase. Adjust feed delivery gradually to account for these seasonal changes. The key to managing weather-related intake changes is to be proactive. Check the weather forecast daily and anticipate how it will affect intake. Make small adjustments to feed delivery before the weather event, not after. If a heat wave is forecast, reduce feed delivery a day or two in advance. If a cold snap is forecast, increase feed delivery in advance. ## Ration Considerations for Bunk Management The ration you feed affects how cattle eat and how you manage the bunk. Here are the key ration factors to consider. **Dry matter content.** Cattle eat a consistent amount of dry matter per day. If the ration dry matter changes, the as-fed amount you deliver must change. For example, if the ration dry matter drops from 70 percent to 65 percent, you must deliver more as-fed feed to maintain the same dry matter intake. Check the dry matter of your ingredients regularly, especially silage and high-moisture grains. **Forage level.** Rations with higher forage levels are less energy-dense and cattle will eat more dry matter. Rations with lower forage levels are more energy-dense and cattle will eat less. The adaptation period is primarily about adjusting the forage to grain ratio. **Grain processing.** The processing method affects how rapidly the grain ferments in the rumen. Steam-flaked and high-moisture grains ferment rapidly and require careful bunk management. Dry-rolled grains ferment more slowly and are more forgiving. Adjust your bunk management approach based on the grain processing method. **Fat content.** Adding fat to the ration increases energy density but can reduce intake if the level is too high. Most feedlot rations contain 3 to 6 percent fat. If fat levels are too high, cattle may go off feed. **Additives.** Many feedlots use feed additives such as ionophores, beta-agonists, and yeast products. These additives can affect intake patterns. Ionophores, for example, can improve feed efficiency and reduce the risk of acidosis. Work with your nutritionist to understand how your additives affect intake. **Palatability.** Cattle prefer certain feeds over others. Moldy or spoiled feed is unpalatable. Feed that is too finely ground can be dusty and unpalatable. Feed that is too wet can freeze in cold weather. Monitor feed palatability and adjust your ration or feeding practices as needed. **Ration consistency.** Cattle do best when the ration is consistent from day to day. Changes in ingredients, processing, or mixing can cause intake to fluctuate. If you must change the ration, do it gradually over several days. Mix the feed thoroughly to ensure that every bite is similar. ## Training Bunk Readers Bunk reading is a skill that requires training and practice. A good bunk reader is observant, consistent, and able to make sound judgments. Here is how to train a new bunk reader. **Start with the basics.** Explain the bunk scoring system and the reasons for bunk management. Show the trainee the different bunk scores and explain what each one means. Use photos or videos if available. **Pair the trainee with an experienced reader.** Have the trainee shadow an experienced bunk reader for several days. The trainee should score each bunk independently and then compare their scores with the experienced reader. Discuss any differences. **Practice in different conditions.** Have the trainee read bunks in different weather conditions, at different times of day, and with different types of cattle. The trainee should learn how weather, ration, and cattle type affect bunk scores. **Teach observation skills.** A good bunk reader observes more than just the feed remaining in the bunk. They notice cattle behavior, feed quality, bunk condition, and water supply. Teach the trainee to look at the whole pen, not just the bunk. **Teach decision-making.** Explain the adjustment rules and the reasoning behind them. Have the trainee make adjustments to feed delivery and explain their decisions. Discuss the outcomes of those decisions. **Emphasize consistency.** The most important trait of a good bunk reader is consistency. The trainee should read bunks at the same time every day, use the same scoring system, and record their observations consistently. **Provide feedback.** Review the trainee's records regularly. Point out areas where they are doing well and areas where they need improvement. Be specific and constructive. **Encourage questions.** A new bunk reader will have many questions. Encourage them to ask. The more they understand the reasons behind the practices, the better they will perform. Training a new bunk reader takes time, but it is worth the investment. A skilled bunk reader can save a feedlot thousands of dollars by preventing acidosis, detecting disease early, and optimizing feed efficiency. ## When to Call a Veterinarian or Extension Agent Bunk management is primarily a management task, but there are times when you need professional help. Here are the situations where you should call your veterinarian or extension agent. **Sudden feedlot-wide drop in intake.** If multiple pens go off feed at the same time, you may have a feed or water problem that requires professional investigation. Call your nutritionist first to check the ration. If the ration checks out, call your veterinarian. **Persistent off-feed in a single pen.** If a pen remains off feed for more than two days despite your adjustments, there may be a disease problem. Call your veterinarian to examine the cattle. **High death loss.** If you are losing more than 0.5 percent of cattle in a pen over a short period, call your veterinarian immediately. This could indicate a disease outbreak or a feed toxicity problem. **Signs of acidosis.** If you see multiple cattle with signs of acidosis, including diarrhea, laminitis, or neurological signs, call your veterinarian. Acidosis can be a medical emergency. **Signs of bloat.** If you see cattle with severe bloat, call your veterinarian immediately. Bloat can be fatal if not treated promptly. **Signs of feed toxicity.** If you suspect that the feed is contaminated with mycotoxins, molds, or other toxins, call your veterinarian and your nutritionist. Feed toxicity can cause widespread illness and death. **Water quality problems.** If you suspect that the water supply is contaminated or inadequate, contact your extension agent or a water quality specialist. Water is the most important nutrient and water problems can cause serious health issues. **Unexplained intake patterns.** If you cannot explain why a pen is off feed despite your best efforts, call your veterinarian or extension agent. They can help you diagnose the problem and develop a plan. **New feed ingredients.** If you are introducing a new feed ingredient, especially one you have not used before, consult with your nutritionist or extension agent first. They can help you evaluate the ingredient for safety and nutritional value. Your veterinarian and extension agent are valuable resources. Do not hesitate to call them when you need help. It is better to ask for advice early than to deal with a serious problem later. ## Frequently Asked Questions **What is the ideal bunk score at feeding time?** The ideal bunk score at feeding time is 0, meaning the bunk is slick and all feed has been consumed. A score of 1, with only scattered particles remaining, is also acceptable. If the bunk has a score of 2 or higher at feeding time, you delivered too much feed the previous day. Adjust the delivery downward by 2 to 5 percent. **How much should I increase feed when the bunk is slick?** Increase feed by 2 to 5 percent over the previous day's delivery. Use the lower end of the range during the adaptation period and the higher end when cattle are on full feed. Do not increase by more than 5 percent in a single day, as this can cause acidosis. **What should I do if a pen leaves feed for two days in a row?** A pen that leaves feed for two consecutive days is a warning sign. Check the cattle for signs of illness, check the ration for quality problems, and check the water supply. Reduce feed delivery by 5 to 10 percent. If the pen does not recover within a day or two, contact your veterinarian. **How does weather affect bunk management?** Weather has a major impact on cattle intake. Heat stress reduces intake, while cold stress increases energy needs and can increase intake. Rain and mud reduce time at the bunk. Check the weather forecast daily and adjust feed delivery in advance of weather events. **Can bunk reading help me detect sick cattle?** Yes. Cattle that are becoming sick often reduce their feed intake before they show other clinical signs. A pen that suddenly goes off feed may have sick cattle. Walk the pen and look for animals that are standing apart, drooling, coughing, or showing other signs of illness. **What is the best time of day to read bunks?** The best time is just before the next feeding, when the bunk has had the maximum time to be cleaned up. This gives you the most accurate picture of whether the previous day's feed delivery was appropriate. Some feedlots also score bunks 1 to 2 hours after feeding to assess eating behavior. **How do I train a new bunk reader?** Start with the basics of the scoring system, then pair the trainee with an experienced reader. Have the trainee score bunks independently and compare their scores with the experienced reader. Teach observation skills, decision-making, and the importance of consistency. Provide regular feedback and encourage questions. **When should I call a veterinarian about bunk management issues?** Call your veterinarian if a pen remains off feed for more than two days, if multiple pens go off feed at the same time, if you see signs of acidosis or bloat, if you suspect feed toxicity, or if death loss is higher than 0.5 percent in a short period. Your veterinarian can help you diagnose the problem and develop a treatment plan. ## Related Farming Guides This section will be populated with links to other farming guides on similar topics, including feedlot nutrition, cattle health management, and feed mixing best practices. Check back regularly as new guides are published. ## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides * [Cattle Head Gate Selection and Adjustment](/knowledge/animal-farming/beef-cattle/cattle-head-gate-selection-and-adjustment) * [Beef Cattle Handling Facility Flow](/knowledge/animal-farming/beef-cattle/beef-cattle-handling-facility-flow) * [Beef Cattle Maternity Pen Design: Comfort and Monitoring](/knowledge/animal-farming/beef-cattle/beef-cattle-maternity-pen-design-comfort-monitoring) ## References - Beef Cattle Research Council: https://www.beefresearch.ca/ - USDA APHIS Cattle Health: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cattle - WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code: https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/terrestrial-code-online-access/ - FAO Animal Production and Health: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/ - WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health): https://www.woah.org/en/home/ > This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.