Choosing the best grass for your cows is a crucial decision in dairy farming. There are many types of grass available for your cows, and a variety of factors should be considered before deciding on a specific one. For example, tall fescue, Kikuyu, or Perennial ryegrass are all good choices for your cows. These types of grass grow quickly and require little irrigation.
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Perennial ryegrass
Perennial ryegrass is an excellent feed for cows. However, the persistence of this forage can be affected by a number of factors. These factors include management, climate, cultivars, and pests. Excessive grazing can also destroy the pasture and cause overgrowth of weeds. Fortunately, there are ways to extend the persistence of perennial ryegrass.
To determine the optimal amount of perennial ryegrass to feed cows, we should first understand the digestive process of this forage. Its protein content is highly digestible and most of the nitrogen will be converted to high quality microbial protein in the small intestine.
Perennial ryegrass is best grown in soils with good fertility and adequate moisture. The Midwest has been a hit or miss experience with perennial ryegrass, as earlier varieties were short on drought tolerance and winterhardiness. However, new selections have been developed that are more tolerant of the region. New types of tetraploid perennial ryegrass are particularly well-suited to this area, and the plants’ leaves are wider than the diploid varieties.
Tall fescue
Among the most nutritious and best-tasting grasses for cows is tall fescue. This grass has the highest protein and is high in dietary fiber. It is also resistant to rust and insect attack, which makes it an excellent choice for feeding cows. For best results, plant the tall fescue in the spring, just before the cows start grazing.
When it comes to tall fescue, it’s important to remember that its seed heads are only produced during the first growth flush of the year. Because tall fescue grows so rapidly, it’s necessary to manage spring grazing carefully. This will reduce the amount of seed heads produced and minimize reseeding.
If the plants begin to yellow, it’s probably due to nitrogen deficiency, but it’s important to know the causes for yellowing. Yellowing also indicates the presence of certain diseases like crown rust, fusarium wilt, and dollar spot. To minimize these problems, plant resistant varieties of tall fescue and follow proper management practices. If you’re growing fescue, ensure that you apply nitrogen fertilizer at a rate that matches your production needs.
Orchardgrass
Orchardgrass is a palatable, high-quality forage that is good for cows, horses, and small ruminants. It is less drought tolerant than fescue but is still a good choice for short-term hay rotations. It is also highly marketable due to its high nutrient value and eye-catching appearance. It is relatively resistant to disease and traffic, and is best sown in the fall, preferably before the first average fall frost.
Orchardgrass is harvested during its boot stage, and the yield is best at this stage. Harvesting after this stage results in a reduced yield and lower digestibility. After the boot stage, orchardgrass can be harvested every four to six weeks. In addition, the digestibility of orchardgrass decreases with maturity. Harvesting after flowering will result in low-quality hay, so harvest the grass when it is only 4 to 6 inches tall.
Orchardgrass is highly nutritious, and provides a good balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. It also contains a good amount of calcium and phosphorus. Its higher fiber content also promotes healthy gut health and better motility in livestock. Because of its high nutritional value, orchardgrass can be fed to a wide range of livestock.
Kikuyu
Kikuyu grass is one of the best grasses for cattle. It grows best in moderately moist soil with temperatures between 15 and 25oC. It tolerates low pH levels and moderate salinity. It has a high fibre content and is low in carbohydrates and energy. Moreover, it is suitable for both dry and wet climates.
In Colombia, Kikuyu grass is the most popular forage for dairy cows. However, there are a number of limitations to its nutritional value that affect its composition and milk yield. Kikuyu grass contains high concentrations of crude protein and nitrogen, and low concentrations of sodium and non-structural carbohydrates.
Kikuyu grass is a hard, fibrous crop. It may be hard to digest for older cows, so it is recommended to use mineral supplements. In addition, kikuyu can be sprayed with molasses to make it more palatable and provide extra energy. Kikuyu should be grazed in rotational fashion. This ensures that the cows graze at the correct leaf and stem stage.
