The nutrition a cow gets out of hay is a function of how much she consumes to the amount of energy and protein contained in the hay. With hay that is overly mature, the fiber is less digestible causing the hay to move through the digestive system more slowly. Higher quality forages contain larger concentrations of important nutrients so animals consuming these forages will be more likely to meet their nutritional needs. Higher quality forages are fermented more rapidly in the rumen.
While cattle can utilize poor quality hay, protein and/or energy supplements will be needed to overcome nutrient deficiencies. Having hay tested is the only sure way to know its quality.
“Hay should be tested every year regardless if producers are buying hay or producing it themselves. If the test shows you have low quality hay then you will have an idea of the supplements needed for the herd,” explained Paul Beck, Ph.D., associate professor from the University of Arkansas Southwest Research and Extension Center.
“Hay testing is always the best approach, but time may be limited,” added Tim Schnakenber, agronomy specialist with University of Missouri. “If you have the opportunity to test, do so, but if are in need of hay and don’t have time to test before you buy base the quality on physical characteristics, like leafiness, number of seed head and weed content. You should always have the hay tested after you buy it and base your supplements on the results.”
Efficient producers only feed supplements needed by the animal. Overfeeding protein and energy can result in unnecessary costs to the producer.
“This year producers may need to feed a higher supplement rate than normal. When cattle are consuming .6 percent of their body weight you can start limiting forage intake,” continued Beck. “When forage availability is limited avoiding liquid feeds or molasses based blocks is best because they increase hay and forage intake.”
Beck also suggested to, “Stockpile tall fescue or plant some winter annuals. It’s not too late. We suggest planting winter annuals between Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 to get the best grazing through the winter and early spring.”
“If you haven’t already begun stockpiling, close your gates and keep cattle on sacrificed paddocks to let pastures grow. While pastures are growing, this is the time to feed the low quality hay. Save the highest quality high for winter,” added Schnakenberg. “Pasture is going to be more important than hay this year.”
Producers may find themselves cutting hay later in the year than normal.
“If the pasture has been cut already this year, late cuttings should be good quality,” explained Schnakenberg.
“The number one thing to remember when storing hay is to keep it up off the ground. Keep the bales on high ground not the bottom of hills. Keep the drainage away from the bales. Do not store under trees. Studies show that pour storage can result in up to 40 percent lose in dry matter,” suggested Schnakenberg.
“Conserving hay supply is critical. Control how much you feed and move it around. Rationing it out in the pasture is the key,” concluded Schnakenberg.
