A: Yes, indeed the moisture (or dry matter content) affects cow intake. Researchers and practitioners alike have determined that preparing a ration too dry (or too wet) reduces appetite. If you do not have much silage in the ration, or your feeds are on the dry- side ( a typical situation ), adding water to achieve about 55% dry matter would be preferred.

Here's a formula for determining how much water (gallons) to add per ton:

 

[2000 (100-'actual moisture' / 100-'desired moisture')] - 2000 _______________________________________________ 8.35

 To take 70% DM (30% water) to 55% DM (45% water) would require about 133 gallons of additional water.