A forage probe for sampling hay might be the most valuable tool you can use in 2019!
To suggest that it’s been challenging to get quality hay made this year is an understatement. Much like last year, until near the end of June it was nearly impossible to find enough days in a row that allowed for the harvest of dry hay. In fact, the National Ag Statistics Service (NASS) has estimated that only 60% of Ohio’s first cutting hay harvest was completed by the first of July.
To further confirm concerns for the quality of much of the hay that’s been harvested, a recent forage analysis on some Fairfield County mixed grass hay that was mowed on June 25th and baled on June 29 – after also getting lightly rained on once – came back showing 6.85% protein and 38.02% TDN (total digestible nutrients) on a dry matter basis. The ADF (acid detergent fiber) was 51.63% and the NDF (neutral detergent fiber) was 65.51%.
While that level of protein might be tolerable for a dry cow in mid-gestation, the other quality factors indicated by this sample of hay – TDN, ADF and NDF – indicate that when fed as long stem hay, even when offered in unlimited amounts, it simply won’t satisfy the total nutritional requirements of a cow at any time during the year. That includes during her time of least nutritional need, which is when she’s dry during mid-gestation. Without amendment, feeding this quality of forage for very long results in cows with lesser body condition, delayed return to estrus, lower conception rates, lighter weaning weights, lower quality colostrum, and even perhaps weak calves at birth.
Processing or chopping mature, long stem, grass hay can increase the rate of forage digestion 30%.
Considering that a forage supply and quality problem exists not just here but across Ohio and extends throughout much of the Midwest, it’s not realistic to expect we can replace all the poor-quality hay being made this year with purchased hay or a properly made second or third cutting. While growing additional forages on Prevented Planting corn and soybean acres for harvest this fall may relieve some of the pressure, it’s apparent it’ll be necessary to find ways to effectively utilize the lesser quality first cutting hay we presently have. There are options available to accomplish just that, and time to create and implement strategies that allow it without cow health suffering.
As you consider alternatives for making quality feed from late made, low digestible forages like that reported above, and stretching the supply of any high quality forages that might be in inventory, consider this brief checklist:
- Sample, test and inventory each lot of hay that’s made. Similar qualities of hay should be stored together in order that they can be found and fed at the most opportune times during the hay feeding season.
- If possible, create a way to bunk feed cows during the winter months. This allows for limited supplementation of extra energy and/or protein in the correct amounts at the correct times.
- Could processing poor quality long stem hay into smaller particle size be made an option? Reducing the large particle size of mature long stem grass hay to two to 6 inches in length can increase the rate of forage digestion enough that it allows cows to consume 25-30% more forage daily.
- Optimize the quantity and quality of subsequent hay cuttings this year by fertilizing now. At a minimum, applying 35 to 50 units of additional nitrogen will benefit future cuttings.
- If considering the use of lick tubs, be sure they provide what your hay is deficient in. For the most part, the local sample mentioned above needs additional energy. Many tubs do a nice job of adding protein to the diet, but perhaps not enough additional energy. The least expensive source of energy today is likely corn.
- Sample, test for quality, and inventory each lot of hay that’s made this year.
If you want to discuss forage sampling and testing, or properly supplementing poor quality hay, don’t hesitate to contact me at smith.263@osu.edu or 740-652-7265. Also, for more on forage sampling and determining the proper amounts of supplementation, see this recent video from OSU Extension Educators Christine Gelley and Dan Lima: