Having the best hay for cows on your farm is important because it helps ensure a healthy and happy animal. In addition to feeding your livestock, it can also serve as a valuable resource in helping to keep your yard looking beautiful and well-maintained. There are many different types of hay available for your animals, including timothy, alfalfa, and barley. It is important to learn all you can about these hays so you can select the best hay for your farm.
Alfalfa hay
Often considered as the premier forage for dairy cows, Alfalfa hay for cattle can be beneficial to both the animal and the farmer. Whether you’re a large dairy producer or a backyard farmer, alfalfa hay is an inexpensive way to meet your cattle’s nutritional needs. However, you should be careful when incorporating it into your feeding program.
Alfalfa is highly digestible and provides extra protein for your cows. It also provides nutrients that are important for total health.
Alfalfa hay can be used as a substitute for timothy. Alfalfa also adds extra value to a dairy ration. It is a good choice to use in addition to corn.
Depending on the quality of the alfalfa you’re buying, your cows can consume as little as two pounds of alfalfa per day. This is enough to meet the protein and nutrient needs of a cow herd.
Alfalfa hay for cows is a good choice if you want to increase the weight of your cows. Alfalfa is energy-dense and can help meet the high energy demands of lactation. This means that your animals will gain weight faster. The protein in alfalfa hay will also help increase their intake.
Alfalfa for cows is particularly beneficial when harvested early. It is in its early growth stage and has the highest protein content.
Timothy hay
Often called meadow cat’s-tail, Timothy is an annual grass of the genus Phleum. This grass is a good source of hay for animals, especially horses and cows. It is used in animal feed, and is sometimes mixed with other ingredients such as corn fodder. It is also a dietary staple for many small animal species, such as rabbits.
Timothy hay is commonly used in pasture mixtures. However, it is not the best hay for cattle. It is a low energy, low protein, low calcium, and low fiber grass. It is not suitable for drought-prone soils, and its moisture content can be low.
Timothy has a shallow root system. This means that it can be over grazed. In fact, some veterinarians advise against feeding it to cattle. However, it is a good source of protein for less active horses.
Timothy hay grows best in a cool spring. It also does well in moist, cool climates. It is not drought resistant, but it is tolerant of harsh winters. It can be grown throughout the United States. The best growing sites are at the base of a mountain range, where there is adequate irrigation.
Timothy is a popular grass in the northeastern part of the United States. However, it is not the best choice for the central United States.
Barley
Using barley for hay can provide a less expensive alternative to corn in dairy diets. It is also a valuable source of protein for high producing ruminants.
Barley contains more protein and lysine than corn. It is also a good source of methionine and tryptophan. However, it has fewer vitamins than corn. It is a major cereal crop, being cultivated in warm climates and temperate regions throughout the world.
Barley grain is simply-arranged starch granules that have a thick fibrous coat. The grain also contains five times the calcium of oats and twice the copper.
Barley grain is high in soluble ss-glucans, which contribute to its high starch fermentation rate. This process improves microbial nutrient assimilation. It also improves the quality of hay.
Barley can be harvested for forage at various stages of maturity. However, it is best harvested at the heading to milk stage, for best quality. Barley hay is suitable for irrigated systems and alfalfa production. It can be harvested at about 40-60 percent moisture.
Barley is a cereal derived from the annual grass Hordeum Vulgare. It is an ancient grain with a long history. It is also the fourth largest cereal grain in the world in terms of area cultivated.
