Page 13 - MWC 10-27-2022s

The Midwest Cattleman · October 27, 2022 · P13
Hay Quality 2022 . . . challenging!
Hay Quality 2022 . . . challenging! By Stan Smith, OSU Extension

In a year like this when, As an example of the hay haps a better way is to com- lesser body condition, poor
according to the National quality we are seeing, a re- pare it to wheat straw. Book quality colostrum, delayed
Ag Statistics Service (NASS) cent forage analysis on some values I found for the feed return to estrus, lower con-
estimates, barely half of our mixed grass hay that was nutrient content of wheat ception rates, and lighter
first cutting hay harvest was mowed in mid-June and straw show a TDN of 43% calf weaning weights. In part
completed by mid-June, it is baled shortly after shows and crude protein of 4.2% . . this can result from cows not
apparent that many cattle- less than 7% crude protein . not a lot different than the breeding on first service and/
men will again be faced with and less than 40% TDN (total hay we tested. With so much or having lower milk produc-
finding ways to make “feed” digestible nutrients) on a dry of our first cutting hay being tion than if they were on an
from forages that were har- matter basis. I could tell you made in late June and even adequate nutritional plane.
vested way past their prime. that’s not good feed, but per- into July this year, it creates Considering that in many
a challenge feed quality regions a forage quality prob-
situation we have expe- lem exists again this year, it’s
rienced far too often in not realistic to expect we can
recent years! replace all the poor-quality
Feed of the quality hay that was made this year
referenced in the for- with only a properly made
age sample analysis second or third cutting. It
above and fed to cows is apparent it will be neces-
as long stem hay, even sary to find ways to efficient-
when offered in unlim- ly utilize the lesser quality
ited amounts, simply first cutting hay we present-
will not satisfy the nu- ly have. There are options
tritional requirements available to accomplish just
of a cow in the third that, and time to create and
trimester of gestation implement strategies that
or lactation. Without allows it without cow health
amendment, feeding suffering.
this quality of forage
results in cows with continued on page 21