Pigs may also be fed hay, but they do not digest it as efficiently as ruminants. Horses are more able to convert poor quality forage than ruminants such as cows, goats and sheep. Livestock producers need hay that provides high protein, energy and mineral values while delivering low fiber content to ensure quick nutrient absorption by the animal. provides good nutrition for cows during the growing season and is used extensively to produce hay for winter feeding. But as with grazing, as plants become mature and stemmy, switchgrass hay becomes less desirable and may need to be ground in order to be used effectively. Orchard Grass is higher in protein (10-12%), higher in calorie content and contains the same balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus Feed Quality and Nutritional Value. in the form of hay is the primary source of forage. Caution 3. Selenium, in particular, is of concern to horse owners. Rhodes grass is generally harvested for hay at a late stage of maturity, when the protein content is low, in the 5-8% DM range (Mtenga et al., 1990). Nutritional Value of Hay The nutritional value of hay is related to leaf content. Most horses require about 12 percent CP. While there are many quality characteristics that influence the intake of a grass by livestock, the most useful are digestibility and crude protein; hence, where available, these figures are provided for individual species. A properly managed stand of smooth bromegrass can yield high-quality hay. in English. There are many types of hay harvested from grasses including alfalfa, timothy, clover and rye. From a nutritional angle, as those classified advertisements indicate, orchardgrass can be a worthwhile component in almost any horse-feeding scenario. According to the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, alfalfa hay for dairy cattle provides an average crude protein level of 18 percent with a fiber level of 23 percent. Alfalfa Hay is also higher in Calcium, with about 3 times as much as Grass Hay. The high nutrient intake delivered by Orchard Grass hay translates into potentially less grain the horse would need to eat to satisfy High quality forage is critical for proper digestive function in horses. a solid three hay cuttings per year. Hay cut earlier (for example at 21 days regrowth) may have a protein content of about 15% DM, close to that of fresh grass (Tagari et al., 1977). Selenium, in particular, is of concern to horse owners. Nutritional value of seaweed to ruminants. Grass forage featuring a moderate protein and moderately high fiber content. Though not as commonly used by farmers to feed their animals, oaten hay can be harvested at various maturity stages. If you cut it cut before or after maturation, the nutritional value will deteriorate. It also adapts extremely well to different soils. Analysis. Dry matter values are useful when comparing the nutrient content of different samples that have different water content, such as the values between dried hay and pasture grass. Weeds constantly invade crop fields and pastures; therefore, it is important to know the potential quality of individual weed species in making management decisions concerning weed control. Bermuda grass hay is usually of lower quality than the fresh forage: it contains about 10% protein, 75% NDF and 36% ADF (DM basis). Any green forage fed to horses provides enough beta-carotene to ensure that the horse does not need supplemental Vitamin A. The value of hay is determined by the composition of nutrients in the hay rather than the hay's appearance. The leaves of grass hay have more nutrients and are more digestible when the plant is immature and growing, and more fiber when the plant has reached full growth. Italian ryegrass has a bunch-type growth (lacks rhizomes) and flowers in day lengths greater than 11 hours. The nutritional . Seemingly, the only potential draw-back with Timothy Grass is availability. High quality Nutritional Concerns and Animal Health Hazards Smooth bromegrass left much beyond this period will decrease rapidly in nutritional content. It offers the most nutrients during the 50 percent headed phase, with a protein percentage of 15.6 to 16.3 and a calcium percentage of 0.32. The performance of livestock grazing grasses is directly related to the quantity and quality of grass on offer. However, the lower persistence of perennial ryegrass relative to other cool-season grasses and the increased drying time of ryegrasses should be considered prior to their use. Unfortunately soaking hay can reduce the nutritional value of hay, as up to 70% of water-soluble carbohydrates and 20% of protein is lost during this process. Grass Hay averages 10.8% protein and 12.9% NSC. Timothy Grass is the traditional favorite among horse owners. Either the “as sampled” or “dry matter” nutrient values can be used to balance a ration, if the feeds contain a similar dry matter content. A balanced supplement is ideal for replacing this essential mineral. Our oat hay, like all grass hays, meets the nutritional needs of herbivores that need high fiber and low protein. Typical chemical composition of fresh Bermuda grass is 9-16% protein, 45-85% NDF and 20-45% ADF (DM basis). This legume type of hay has a crude protein content between 17 and 20 percent, and it has 1.19 to 1.41 percent calcium and 0.98 to 1.13 mCal/lb. Nutritional Value. In some areas, minerals or other nutrients might be depleted from the soil, leaving a deficit in the nutritional value to the horse. Seeding 4. Forage (hay/pasture) makes up 60-100% of the diet for horses, Why is My Guinea Pig Chewing When It's Not Eating Anything? Soft dough oaten hay has nutrients comparable with those of grass hay but with less calcium. Orchard grass hay yields a crude protein between 8 and 13 percent and has a calcium content of 0.26 to 0.27 percent. Hay with moderate or low RFV value might be desirable for horses with low nutrient requirements, because they can eat enough to satisfy their hunger without gaining too much weight. Among grasses, orchardgrass does particularly well in mixed stands. Crude protein is a measure of protein content in the hay. The Calcium in Alfalfa is higher, but the Phosphorus is about the same as grass hay, which could lead to an imbalance in the diet of a given horse. and Orchard Grass making them the big two forage grasses. Thanks. Therefore, feeding Timothy Grass has a well-established comfort level with horse people. Feeding Hay to Horses and Ponies. Conversely, hay baled too dry might lose its nutritional value through broken or fallen leaves. Sorghum-Sudan grass hybrids fit best in summer feeding programs. 1. What Is the Difference Between a Hay Tedder & a Hay Rake? energy and protein requirements. The digestible energy of this type of hay ranges from 0.82 to 0.94 megacalories (Mcal) per lb. Empower Her. Nutrition - Jun 18th, 02 HAY QUALITY & NUTRITION: Evaluating Your Horse's Nutritional Needs Horses are herbivores by design and foragers by nature. It is also lower in nutritional value but has good amounts of vitamins A and D, calcium, and phosphorous. Higher values taken from FeedTest® laboratory## data. 2 At the first hay cutting, many winter annual weeds such as curly dock, Virginia pepperweed (Lepidium virginicum), and cutleaf evening primrose may be mature, which may cause hay quality to decline. To determine the nutrient content of any hay, have it tested. Feeding Value of Sorghum and Annual Forages John K. Bernard The University of Georgia. If near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is used, ensure that the laboratory has calibrated its equipment for your specific feed; otherwise, the analysis will not provid… This hay will not meet the cow herd’s energy requirements starting at 5 months prior to calving. Timothy Grass is the traditional favorite among horse owners. nutritional value of alfalfa hay as well as the horse’s digestive system and nutritional needs. Therefore, feeding Timothy Grass has a well-established comfort level with horse people. The closer the nutrient composition of the hay matches the requirements of the horse being fed, the fewer supplements needed and the more economical the total ration. Nutrition Loss in Stored Hay. and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenneL.). Nutritional value of perennial cool-season grasses at first harvest. For horses with high protein needs, Bermuda hay is not the best option. ©2020 Standlee Premium Products, LLC® All Rights Reserved. When seeded with legumes, nitrogen is not required. Standlee Premium Western Orchard Grass is typically slightly higher in protein and calories compared to Timothy and can be moderate to high in sugar content. Alfalfa is also a popular horse hay since it is widely available. I'd start offering hay now, in addition to pasture, best in a slowfeeder of some kind. A better alternative is to steam hay If your horse develops a cough when fed dry hay it may be worth considering switching to HorseHage, Haylage or a similar equine product. Dr. Stephen Duren, Performance Horse Nutrition and Standlee Premium Western Forage® Nutritional Consultant. Introduction. Grass hay. For horses that are stalled, or for horses that do not have abundant pasture, stored forage It is the fourth most widely grown crop in the United States and is the only forage species produced and sold in every state. As you can see below from Figure 1, 100 kg of grass will contain approximately 83 kg of water. In general, nutritional value is highest in late spring/early summer. that horses readily consume with minimal or no waste. Protein is necessary for tissue growth in young animals, and alfalfa hay may promoter greater development. Standlee Premium Western Forage produces both Timothy Grass and Orchard Grass forage products. When it comes to feeding your animals, you want the most nutritionally balanced hay you can find for their diets. Traditionally, Italian ryegrass would not survive for more than a single growing season in northern climates. There are numerous varieties of bermudagrass, both seeded (common, Cheyenne, Wrangler) and hybrid (Tifton 85, Coastal, Jiggs, etc.). From a nutritional angle, orchardgrass can be a worthwhile component in almost any horse-feeding … Many of the alternative feeds vary widely in nutrient content, making an analysis or some assessment of the feed value necessary. They have different backgrounds and genetics, different occupations, different life styles and diets. Shape The World. Some are young and developing, full of promise for the future. to the increases in fiber and lignin. Teff has a wide range of adaptation and is being used all across the U.S. as hay, silage or pasture for dairy, beef, sheep or horses. value of brome and alfalfa also decreases with advane­ ing maturity (Ferebee et al. https://animals.mom.com/nutritional-values-of-hay-types-12536949.html Several varieties of orchardgrass have been tested and were high-yielding in Pennsylvania variety trials. Grass Hay averages 10.8% protein and 12.9% NSC. The feed value of grass silage is a combination of its intake potential and nutritive value, which is determined primarily by digestibility. The same stand of grass can be cut four or five times a year. What Do You Feed a Cow That Doesn't Have Much Pasture. These values were obtained from Feeds & Nutrition by M. E. Ensminger, J. E. Oldfield, and W. … Compare Feeding Rolled Corn Vs. Cracked Corn. Feed Quality and Nutritional Value 9. This helps ensure your horses always have Some of us are unsure about the food plot that is mainly annual ryegrass because of its low nutritional value, but others think that its a great plot nutrition wise because of the annual ryegrass. Orchard grass hay is another type of grass hay similar to timothy hay. In other words, if providing the hay free-choice, cows will not be able to consume enough of this hay to meet her energy needs. Hay or grass is the foundation of the diet for all grazing animals and can provide as much as 100% of the fodder required for an animal. grasses cultivated for horse hay. Compared to Timothy Grass, Orchard Grass grows better in moderate drought conditions and provides If you could let me know if the annual ryegrass is a good nutrition source for deer that would be great! Timothy grass usually yields just two cuttings per year Though you may not feed your animals one specific hay, finding out the value of the nutrients in each individual hay could help determine the percentage of each hay you add to their daily diets. Nutritional Analysis Just by looking at the excellent nutritional quality of legumes, one might wonder why they shouldn’t feed their horses legume hay. This can become important when considering the ideal Calcium:Phosphorus ratio for horses, which should be about 2:1. As long as the hay has been stored in a dry environment, the only significant loss is Vitamin A, and most of that loss occurred in the first 6 months of storage. This mineral is scarce in many areas of North America, and that means horses won’t be getting enough from grass or hay. This hay will not meet the cow herd’s energy requirements starting at 5 months prior to calving. Kellie Davis graduated magna cum laude from Florida Gulf Coast University, earning a B.A. It has a consistent and balanced ratio of calcium to phosphorus and Timothy Grass has a low to moderate calorie content. Orchard Grass is a highly palatable grass with a high nutrient content. Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) is established from seed. 2 Bosworth et al. It is frequently assumed that weeds have low nutritive value and livestock will not eat weeds, so expensive and time-consuming measures are often used for their control.12 Some weeds are toxic or poisonous to livestock, and certain weeds are unpalatable – causing a reduction in total intake.9 Several weed species have th… a high quality grass forage option to utilize. Darbysh.] With alternative feeds, we recommend wet chemistry analysis to determine nutrient content. It has a rather low protein content compared to, for instance, alfalfa hay. PART OF WILD SKY MEDIA | FAMILY & PARENTING. 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From oat harvests not used for grains summer feeding programs season in climates. Early spring when winter annual weeds are thriving forage in horse husbandry since then 83 kg of grass silage a... 15 ( 1 ): 15-18: Azimi, S. A., 1990 balanced ratio of calcium phosphorus... But coastal bermuda grass hay but with less calcium the feed value necessary makes up 60-100 % grass hay nutritional value! As well as the horse does not need supplemental Vitamin a activity occurs right after.... Has a consistent and balanced ratio of calcium to phosphorus and Timothy grass usually yields just two per. Some are young and developing, full of promise for the future, least-cost diets for livestock in a of... Fed hay, since it dries well and provides a solid three hay cuttings year... 0.82 to 0.94 megacalories ( Mcal ) per lb into silage in tower, bunk, or! Enough beta-carotene to ensure that the horse ’ s energy requirements starting at 5 months prior to calving ( known... Part of WILD SKY MEDIA | FAMILY & PARENTING instead of two cuttings, orchard grass hay is excellent...