There continues to be several fescue hay fields harvested for hay this summer. Late-cut hay can lead to low quality forage for feeding this winter and most likely will require supplementation to meet the nutritional needs of livestock. Tim Schnakenberg, Agronomy Specialist with the University of Missouri Extension noted that the ideal time for balancing maximum quality of hay with production yield is when grass hay is in the boot to early heading stage. “We are well past this stage at this point,” Schnakenberg said.
So what does this mean to southwest Missouri farmers hoping to feed their livestock on this hay through the winter?
Schnakenberg cited a study out of Tennessee that compared the performance of 500 pound Holstein steers fed fescue hay harvested in the late boot stage, to hay that was mature and producing seed. The study results found that the late boot stage hay resulted in protein levels that were 1.8 times higher, dry matter intake per day was 1.5 times higher, the steers gained an average of one pound more per day on this hay using half as much hay for each pound of gain.
“Yield of the late boot stage hay, in the field it was harvested in, was only 47 percent of that of the mature hay. This demonstrated that hay yield is minimized by cutting on time but gain from the cattle fed this hay made up the difference,” Schnakenberg said.
While producers are getting more in yield with these late cuttings, the value may not be there. At this point, farmers must really examine the hay they will be feeding in the coming months.
“Evaluating hay begins with looking at the physical traits of the hay. In many cases the stage of growth of the hay at the time of harvest is more important than the species of hay that is used. Farmers should prefer hay that has a low weed content, low level of seed heads, high content of leaves, good green color and no signs of mold,” Schnakenberg noted.
Testing hay is the only way to know the true quality of what is being fed to cattle. “The analysis can provide the protein level, fiber content, total digestible nutrients and relative feed value of the hay,” he added.
Extension Livestock Specialists can assist in determining the amount of supplementation that will be needed after seeing the test results. The rule of thumb for good quality hay is to feed hay that has a high protein and low fiber content.
Testing hay requires the use of a core sampler that will penetrate the core of hay bales using an electric drill or hand brace. “At least ten small square bales should be sampled to make one sample submitted to the lab. Five to ten large round bales should be sampled from the side of the roll. A quart should be submitted to a lab certified by the National Hay Testing Association,” Schnakenberg said. For advice on sampling or a lead on finding tools to take samples, contact your nearest Extension Agronomy Specialist.
