Canary grass hay is one of the most nutritious grasses for cows. Its benefits are many. Several studies have been conducted on the digestibility of canary grass hay. The effects of harvest maturity and stage were investigated. Feed intake was also examined. In each experiment, cattle were fed maximum ad libitum amounts of each forage. First-cutting canary grass was harvested in early June and stored in haylage in conventional tower silos. A second-cutting crop was harvested twelve to fifteen days later.
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prussic acid
Prussic acid in canary grass for cattle is a potentially toxic substance that is present in the leaves and stems of this plant. While the content of this chemical is low, it can lead to death for livestock. Therefore, producers should test suspect hay for prussic acid content.
Although prussic acid is a hazard for livestock, research has shown that reed canary grass contains alkaloids that can be dangerous to cattle. These substances can cause neurological staggers and sudden death in ruminants. They are associated with the growth of this plant during spring. In order to minimize these symptoms, producers should look for cultivars that contain no tryptamine alkaloids.
The researchers discovered that a small amount of prussic acid was present in canary grass hay. The concentration was less than the threshold for concern, but it was persistent. The presence of prussic acid in canary grass tended to suggest that the hay was toxic. The researchers concluded that prussic acid in canarygrass is a common cause of livestock deaths. The chemical is a highly toxic compound that blocks the use of oxygen at the cellular level. It kills animals within minutes of ingesting it.
Slow establishment
One of the challenges with canary grass is its slow establishment. Once established, it can be quite persistent. This grass is best managed in an intensive manner. SDSU Extension range specialist Pete Bauman recalls his experience with native reed canarygrass: “One day I woke up to find a dead 950-pound Angus heifer in a patch of reed canarygrass on my property,” he says.
Canary grass seed costs more than other grasses. While it is not as competitive as other grasses, it has slower establishment. However, it can be used in a long rotation. It is recommended to plant at least five pounds of seed per acre. It is important to ensure that the seedbed is firm and packed before seeding. Seeding can be done in the fall or in the spring.
Poor palatability
Canary grass has a reputation as being of poor palatability for cows, but this is not necessarily the case. Recent studies have shown a relationship between palatability and the amount of total alkaloids in canary grass hay. Alkaloids are compounds found in grasses that reduce the animal’s appetite, causing diarrhea. These compounds also negatively affect the performance of animals.
Reed canarygrass is easy to establish and grows in similar ways to other cool-season grasses. Reed canarygrass seed should have at least 80 percent germination and is typically seeded at five to eight pounds per acre. Seeding can be done in the fall or early spring. It is important to seed at the heading stage for optimum yield and quality.
Lack of lignin
Canary grass is a tall grass that can grow up to five feet tall. As a result, it needs a high amount of structural fiber, such as lignin. Because lignin is indigestible, this type of grass is not the best option for cows. It also has a high amount of acid and neutral detergent fiber, which will reduce the digestibility of the feed.
The content of lignin in canary grass silages has been studied to determine how effective it is at reducing biogas production. The chemical composition of the silage depends on the type of lignin present, the plant’s habitat, and how it is used. In the study, cultivated canary grass had higher biogas yields than the wild variety.
Lack of prussic acid in reed canary grass
One of the biggest questions surrounding reed canary grass for cow nutrition is whether it contains prussic acid. A recent study found a low level of the acid in reed canary grass, about 181 mg per kg of fresh shoots. Although it has not been definitively linked to mortality, the acid content remains a cause for concern.
Reed canary grass has been linked to toxicosis in livestock since 1942. The plant contains tryptamine alkaloids that can cause sudden death in ruminants. A study in West Virginia reported the death of 18 cows. Researchers have attempted to develop less toxic varieties of the grass, but to date, there is no effective treatment.
