For those who raise cattle in a pasture setting, there are several considerations you may want to take into account when choosing a type of hay. These include nutritional value, grazing time, dry matter intake and cost. We’ve compiled these considerations in this short article, to help you make an informed choice.
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Dry matter intake
Teff grass is a warm season grass that is native to Ethiopia. It is high in fiber and low in protein. When grazed, it can produce 2 to 2.5 tons dry matter per acre. The grass can be used as hay or silage.
In a study at Kansas State University, researchers evaluated dry matter intake, growth performance, and digestion characteristics of teff grass fed to cows. Researchers conducted feeding trials with two alternative formulations of teff diets. These treatments included 0.45 kg cottonseed meal and 0.50% dried distillers grains.
A total of 240 teff grass samples were grown. They were evaluated for quality and DMI at 14-d intervals. The NDF (number of cells walls) and NEm (net energy available) were measured in both the canopy and the plant.
Forage mass, NDF, and NEm were not different among the supplement treatments. However, a low CP to TDN ratio inhibited forage digestion. Daily digestible intake of all nutrients was greater with the TEFF treatment.
Grazing time
There are several advantages to growing Teff grass hay for cattle. Firstly, teff produces high yield during the long growing season. Also, this hay is relatively palatable and is accepted by a wide variety of animals. In addition, teff can be stored for use during the winter. This makes it a good emergency crop.
Secondly, teff can be grown at a low input rate. It requires a minimum of 60 pounds of nitrogen per acre at planting. Moreover, it is not susceptible to nitrates or prussic acid.
Finally, teff has a high total nutrient yield. Therefore, it may be more suited for livestock feeding than other summer annual grasses. However, it is important to note that the nutritive value of teff varies depending on its maturity and grazing season.
The present study investigated the growth performance and nutritive yield of teff, the water footprint, and the estimated forage nutrient production of 850 stocker calves on 320 acres of teff in Oklahoma. Canopy samples were collected in 1 m2 quadrats at 7-d intervals for the duration of grazing.
Nutritional value
Teff grass has potential as a high-nutritional value forage for dairy cows. It is a warm-season, annual grass that tolerates drought and water-stressed conditions. The forage has been traditionally used by Ethiopian people as a grain.
In order to assess the nutritional value of teff hay, a feeding trial was performed at Kansas State University. High-producing dairy cows were fed a variety of diets containing different amounts of teff, as well as a control diet. They were monitored for body condition score and dry matter intake.
The study evaluated the effect of harvesting teff hay at different maturity stages. Results showed that harvesting at later maturity stages did not affect total digestibility, OM or CP intake, but did affect N utilization. However, the DMI and omasal nutrient flow did not differ.
Forage intakes were similar across the three diets. Similarly, the teff-A and teff-B diets contained similar concentrations of crude protein and NDF from forage.
Cost
Teff grass hay for cattle is an excellent source of forage. It is high in protein and low in carbs. Teff hay is also palatable and suitable for horses and sheep.
Several studies have evaluated teff as a possible new forage crop. Several public and private trials have yielded 4 to 7 tons per acre of dry hay. The cost of growing teff is significantly less than other forage crops.
Teff grows well in a variety of soil conditions. In California, the plant can grow on irrigated land and marginal ground. CSUF has studied teff’s use under center pivot irrigation.
Teff requires minimal inputs. It is ready to harvest 45 to 55 days after planting. A double crop can produce 1.5 to 2.5 tons of forage. For a full season, it requires 50 to 60 pounds of nitrogen.
During the growing season, the forage can be harvested two to three times. Approximately four inches of stubble should be left in each cutting.
