To cut hay consumption by 60% there better be some grazing available to the cows, if not the cost will be way higher than the cost of tubs, condition, weak calves, delayed rebreeding$$$
These work pretty well and the price is right, I’ve have a couple must be close to 10yrs.
https://alamance.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/barrel-mineral-feeder-design.pdf?fwd=no
https://www.watermoover.com/
I have been using a homemade version of this, had to build a screen around the pump to keep the impeller free of debris has been working good to -38c .
I used this gadget to verify voltage leakage at my cattle water trough. Right after I touched a steel panel with the other hand in the water. It also works great on electric fences!
I’ve had good luck with Ritchie fountains mine are 20yrs old. Most important is to have a 8”+ riser from below frost line to surface to run water line in. Also a heat tape that runs inside the water pipe is the only way to go.
I use Right Now cargill Mineral, consumption is good compared to other brands. Some of the brands used across the line are not available here, IGR mineral additive has only been available here for a few years.
Not clear on what your idea of supplements are, I give my cows free choice mineral and salt. As far as feed they get hay, however this winter they are getting some hay(15#), lots of straw(25#) & ddgs(3#). My cattle don’t get any supplements over and above a balanced ration.
Fog fever refers to cattle refeeding syndrome which is clinically named acute bovine pulmonary emphysema and edema(ABPEE) and bovine atypical interstitial pneumonia.[1][2] This veterinary disease in adult cattle follows an abrupt move from feedlot (dried feed indoors) to 'foggage pasture' (fast...