Common oat is a highly fibrous hay. It contains nitrate nitrogen and is a hardy, good source of energy. It is a common crop that is used as hay by different livestock classes, including cattle. Washington State University Extension offers information on oaten hay to the public without discrimination. If you are not satisfied with the information, you can contact a local WSU Extension office for assistance.
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oaten hay is a high-fiber hay
Oaten hay is an excellent choice for cattle and other animals, especially those that are young. It has a high fiber content and a nutty flavor, making it an excellent source of energy. It is also very chewy, so it promotes good digestion. It also promotes healthy teeth.
This hay is rich in fiber, and it is a great source of roughage. Cattle also require extra roughage during the winter. The break down of fiber in the rumen produces energy and heat for the animals. For this reason, it is best to feed more hay during the winter months.
It contains nitrate nitrogen
High nitrate levels in cattle feed are harmful, causing abortions and sudden death. The presence of nitrates in oat hay for cattle should be reduced as much as possible. Cattlemen should consider testing oat hay before giving it to their animals.
Tests for nitrate nitrogen in oat hay for cattle are available from the OSU Soil, Water and Forage Analytical Laboratory and the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. To submit samples for testing, farmers should contact their county Cooperative Extension Service office. They will provide information about the required testing and can help with sample collection. The diphenylamine test is one option to confirm the presence of nitrate nitrogen in oat hay for cattle. However, this test is not completely reliable and can lead to false positive results. It is therefore recommended that farmers send samples to the laboratory for final evaluation.
Despite being a good alternative for cattle feed, oat hay for cattle contains a high amount of nitrate nitrogen. It is recommended that cattle feed containing only high-quality oat hay. This is the most effective method for reducing the risk of nitrate poisoning in cattle.
It is hardy
Hardy oaten hay for livestock is one of the many kinds of hay available. This hay provides essential nutrients to cattle and can be used to supplement the diet. But it needs to be stored properly to avoid mold and rot. Mold and rot reduce the nutritional value of the hay and can make the animal sick. For this reason, it should be stored in an airtight, dry place.
A hay made from oats is generally lower in digestible energy and crude protein than alfalfa. It’s also less expensive and more suitable for sedentary horses. In the Western United States, oats are often grown as a dry forage crop. This hay can be graded by its sugar content and appearance. It is typically packaged in single-compressed or double-compressed bales.
It is a good source of energy
Oaten hay for cattle is able to provide cattle with the energy needed during the winter months. It has higher energy content than native forages and can be fed as a hay or silage. It can also provide cattle with a greater level of protein and energy.
Oaten hay contains a high fiber content. Oat hulls make up about 24-30 percent of grain weight. This fiber content provides energy to the cattle’s rumen. As a result, oat hay is a great option for transitioning cattle from a grain diet to a high-fiber diet. It can also be used as creep feed for nursing calves.
It can cause hardware disease
Oaten hay for cattle can cause a condition called hardware disease. The disease causes the rumen to shut down and cause depression, and may result in decreased milk production. Cattle owners may want to use rumen magnets to prevent hardware disease. Metal debris is often strewn across pastures following storms, tornadoes, and high winds. Ingestion of these pieces of debris can lead to a fatal blockage in the digestive tract.
Cattle with hardware disease may have hardware protruding from their heart. This hardware is digested slowly, but sometimes causes abscesses or adhesions between the reticulum and diaphragm. Fortunately, if this condition is detected and treated early, 60 to 75 percent of affected animals will recover and return to normal functioning. In some cases, a cattle with hardware disease may be salvaged and used in breeding.
