Best Grass For Hay For Cattle

Alfalfa is also a good winter feed because heat is created by digestion of protein so a horse can keep warmer on a cold night.

Best grass for hay for cattle.

Shutterstock hay for cattle. As grain prices continue to be high the better our forage stands yield high quality forage the more we can reduce our need for expensive grain. As a general rule of thumb grass hay is best for horses alfalfa or other legume hay can be an excellent feed to mix with grass hay for animals that need more protein. So base your choice primarily on how you plan to use it.

Hay for sheep and cattle the best mixtures for hay are usually longer term ones such as early bite sheep and hay ley and milk meat cut or graze which contain perennial and hybrid ryegrasses. Sort by default order show 25 products. For best quality hay should be cut just as. Each one has its own strengths and weaknesses.

It grows in usda zones 5 through 8. Bermuda grass is common in the south and university of florida foraging expert glen burton consider it an excellent crop for achieving high yields especially in dairy operations. Bermuda grass is also made easily into hay for winter grazing making it a popular crop for year round production. Legume hay is known for its high protein and calcium levels as well being rich in vitamins and minerals.

However when it becomes mature palatability rapidly declines. Research has shown that stand of 2 3 alfalfa and 1 3 grass can out yield a pure stand of either grass or alfalfa by as much as 40 50. It is very productive bunch type grass that responds well to good management. Double barrel brome grass and double barrel orchardgrass both are cool season grasses suitable for making hay.

Orchardgrass this grass is good for pasture hay and silage. Legume hay is a popular choice for most livestock. Orchardgrass is considered more palatable than brome grass and requires better soil and more active management. It grows best in well drained soils has rapid regrowth and is palatable.

Orchard grass dactylis spp is a perennial grass with fibrous roots that can be used for both pasture grass or hay. Brome grass does well in arid climates and marginal soil conditions.