My definition of feedbunk management is to deliver a consistent, nutritious, fresh ration in a manner that maximizes (or nearly maximizes) feed intake and minimizes waste and spoilage. Therefore feedbunk management includes not only feed delivery decisions, but also feed mixing, nutrient balancing, feedstuff quality control and characteristics, feed processing, and other factors related to feed presentation. Feed delivery decisions (feed calls) are essentially an estimate of the amount of feed a pen of cattle will consume. Factors such as cattle size, weight, breed, ration, weather effects and health must all be taken into account. Also the effect of a given feed intake on intake at subsequent feedings must be accounted for.
For example, cattle may consume the feeding just after an increase, but lose appetite and crash a day or two later. This is the classic mistake that sets the stage for roller coaster consumption patterns.
Source: Iowa State Ag Extension