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Alfalfa hay
Alfalfa hay is an important source of nutrients for dairy cows. It is also highly digestible, so it can provide the high energy requirements of lactating cows. This makes it one of the best forage sources for dairy cows. Its use in dairy farms has increased in many sections of the world.
One study looked at the lactation performance of a COW on an alfalfa hay ration. This COW had a shorter calving period and produced more butterfat during her second lactation. She was also able to carry her calf for 155 days instead of 219 days.
However, alfalfa hay is not for every cow. It is important to find a good quality hay and follow the nutritionist’s advice. Higher quality hay contains more fiber and protein. It should contain less than 14 percent moisture. Wetter hays are prone to mold, and cost more. A high-quality alfalfa hay should have a relative feed value of more than 150 grams per ton.
Timothy hay
Timothy hay is one of the most nutritious forages for dairy cows. Its long, hollow stems and spikelets contain high amounts of nutrients, which dairy cows need to stay healthy. The plant grows best in temperate climates and can tolerate harsh winters. Timothy does not tolerate drought, however, and will rapidly decline if it isn’t watered regularly. It is best to grow it in areas near major mountain ranges that have moderate rainfall and a consistent temperature. The cool winds of these mountain ranges help to dry hay before the sun bleaches it.
Timothy hay is an excellent source of energy and fiber, and is an important ingredient in your feed program. Timothy is very easy on the digestive system, and it promotes regular bowel movements. It is especially beneficial for pregnant cows because its low moisture content helps prevent mold and rot. Additionally, timothy can help prevent hypocalcemia, a condition that can negatively affect up to 10% of a dairy herd.
Grass hay
Grass hay for dairy cow nutrition is an important aspect of the dairy farmer’s nutrition program. It should be supplemented with other nutrients to ensure a balanced diet. The nutritional value of hay depends on several factors, such as the plant species and the soil fertility. Compared to hay from other sources, grass hay for dairy cows contains higher amounts of protein and has higher digestible fiber.
Grass hay can be cut to meet dairy cow needs in various stages. For example, Sudan-grass hay is usually cut when the seeds are in the milk stage. This results in a stemmy, coarse hay. However, dairy cows reject up to 25 percent of this hay by weight. Comparative yield information is available for different stages of maturity.
Cereal hay
Cereal hay for dairy cows is an important part of a dairy farmer’s winter feeding plan. This type of hay is low in protein and contains little vitamin and mineral content. It is used as a bulk food and can be supplemented with grain to increase the energy content. Wheat and barley straws are popular for this purpose, and can even be used as a sole roughage source for beef cows. However, the amount of straw to be fed should be limited to eight to ten pounds per day in order to maintain milk production in dairy cows.
Cereal hay is also suitable for sheep and other livestock. Cereal hay should have the same nutrition content as good-quality brome grass hay. If you’re planning to feed your dairy cows only cereal grain hay, you should carefully monitor the growth and maturity of the crop. Harvesting a cereal grain crop at the right time is crucial to the taste and palatability of the forage. For example, rye hay loses its taste and palatability after flowering, while canola hay should be cut at the end of the flowering stage or just before podding.
Slough hay
If you’re considering switching from grass to hay for your dairy cows, you should know that Slough hay has many advantages. It is low in moisture, so it’s easy on the digestive tract and can help cows maintain regular bowel movements. In addition, it can prevent hypocalcemia, which can affect up to 10% of your herd.
When choosing forage for your dairy cows, make sure to look for quality, as lower quality hay can actually decrease the feed intake of your herd. One small decrease in intake can lower the amount of milk your cows produce by as much as 7 pounds. So be sure to buy hay that has been tested for nutrients.
