Selecting the right type of hay for your livestock is a critical decision that can significantly impact their health, growth, and productivity. There isn't a one-size-fits-all when growing hay (or buying hay bales). The decision of which type of hay to grow is unique to each farm operation.
The factors that go into this depend on the type of livestock you raise, how much land you have to graze, what types of hay grow best in your region, whether you will store the hay, and whether will you have access to machinery to process the hay into bales. We've added information about different types of hay, the nutrients in hay, and the needs of different types of livestock. We hope this helps you better understand all the options and what you might want to grow on your farm.
The Nutrients of Hay
Like any other plant hay inherently has different vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Different species of hay offer more or less of these nutrients. Each species of livestock has different nutritional needs and different types of hay can provide that nutrition for them. Getting this right will help them gain weight faster or keep them at an optimal weight, and help keep them well. All animals need water, protein, energy, fiber, vitamins, and minerals to live and thrive.
Protein
Protein is an essential building block for all animals to maintain their health, growth, and productivity. It's necessary for many critical cell processes, functions, and overall growth.
Ruminants like cattle, sheep, and goats have certain protein needs for growth, reproduction, and milk production. Protein sources like alfalfa hay are often preferred for these animals. Other animals such as horses, need lower protein levels compared to ruminants but still require quality protein sources, such as legume hays or balanced concentrates.
Carbohydrates, Energy, and Fiber
The amount of energy contained in hay or forage is contained in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates fall into the two categories of structural carbohydrates or fibers that make up the plant such as cellulose and non-structural carbohydrates like sugars, starches, etc. The amount of energy livestock can break down and absorb into their system or the digestible energy is their caloric intake. This is the energy or calories they need and can use to maintain weight, gain weight, produce milk, or work.
Fiber or structural carbohydrates are needed to slow the passage of food through the digestive tract and metabolize energy by breaking it down. It also provides a population of microorganisms that produce enzymes, energy, and fatty acids necessary for healthy digestion.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are essential for the health and productivity of livestock, playing a critical role in various physiological functions such as supporting immune system function, promoting proper growth and development, enhancing reproductive performance, and aiding in the efficient digestion and utilization of feed.
There are two types of minerals; Macrominerals like calcium, phosphorous, sodium, chlorine, magnesium, potassium, and sulfur. These are required in slightly higher amounts compared to microminerals like iron, copper, molybdenum, manganese, zinc, cobalt, iodine, and selenium. Livestock will need various amounts of these nutrients so it's important to understand their needs before administering.
Vitamins such as A, D, and E are vital for vision, and bone health, while minerals like calcium, copper, zinc, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium are crucial for bone development, the metabolism of energy, and muscle function. Deficiencies or imbalances in these nutrients can lead to health issues, reduced growth rates, poor reproductive outcomes, and decreased resistance to diseases. It's a good idea to ensure that livestock receive a balanced supply of these vitamins and minerals in their diet. Keep track of your minerals and vitamins by using crop management software.
Water
Water is probably the most critical component to the health of your animals. Without this livestock cannot function. The amount of water needed varies by species, animal age, stage of life, available live forage, and environmental temperatures. The ideal moisture for hay is around 15%.
Now that we've discussed what types of nutrients are in hay let's look more closely at the specific nutritional needs of the animals. Here are some general recommendations for different kinds of livestock.
Nutritional Requirements of Hay Per Species
Overall, Alfalfa hay is high in protein and calcium and is best for young, growing, lactating, or high-performance animals. Timothy hay has a good balance of nutrients and is suitable for most adult livestock. Orchard grass hay is soft as well as palatable and good for animals with respiratory issues or animals that are picky or need variety in their meals. Clover hay is overall a nutritious choice that can be cost-effective and similar to alfalfa but generally cheaper.
However, each species of livestock has different nutritional needs. Getting this right will help them gain weight faster or keep them at an optimal weight, and help keep them in optimal health.
We've added some suggestions below for different types of hay for different animals but it is always a good idea to check with your extension office or veterinarian to ensure that your animals are getting the nutrients they need.
Cattle
Alfalfa Hay: High in protein and calcium, excellent for dairy cows and young, growing cattle.
Timothy Hay: Lower in protein, suitable for adult beef cattle, and for maintaining body condition without excessive weight gain.
Clover Hay: Similar to alfalfa, but usually less expensive and still high in protein.|Information on reseeding your
Horses
Timothy Hay: A favorite for horses, offering a good balance of protein and fiber.
Orchard Grass Hay: A soft, palatable hay that's good for horses with respiratory issues.
Alfalfa Hay: High in protein and calcium, great for growing foals, lactating mares, and performance horses, but should be fed in moderation to adult horses to avoid excess weight gain.
Goats
Alfalfa Hay: High in protein and calcium, excellent for lactating does and young goats.
Timothy or Bermuda Grass Hay: Suitable for adult goats, providing adequate fiber without too much protein.
Sheep
Timothy Hay: Good balance of nutrients and fiber, suitable for maintaining body condition.
Orchard Grass Hay: Similar to Timothy, but softer and more palatable.
Clover or Mixed Grass Hay: Provides variety and can be nutritious, but avoid high legume hays like alfalfa for mature sheep to prevent urinary calculi.
Other animals
Many other types of animals also eat hay as a main staple of their diets. While we can't add every animal in this article we wanted to add a few popular ones like Camels and rabbits which are two popular breeds of animals that require specific types of nutrients regarding hay intake. It can be detrimental to their longevity and health to eat the wrong kinds.
Factors To Consider When Growing Hay on Your Farm
Choosing the right hay to grow on your farm and for your livestock involves several key considerations to ensure the hay you're growing meets the nutritional needs of your livestock, fits the environmental conditions of your region, and aligns with your farming practices. As you consider this make sure to tailor the specific needs of your livestock, considering factors like age, reproductive status, and activity level. Always ensure hay is free of mold and contaminants to maintain animal health.
1. Nutritional Needs of Your Livestock:
The most important factor in choosing hay for your farm may be this one thing, the nutritional needs of your livestock. Match the hay you grow to the specific dietary requirements of your livestock. Some animals need less protein for instance, because they are being raised for different purposes. Being aware of these needs will ensure the optimal health of your livestock.
2. Livestock Growth Stages:
Animals will need different nutrients during different times of their life and stages of growth (e.g., young, pregnant, lactating). Also, animals will have differing dietary needs per species. It's important to grow the types of hay that your animals need (or supplement for them) as they mature and grow.
Another aspect of this is knowing how much hay you will need to support your animals throughout the year. To understand your needs you can use this hay estimating calculator.
3. Grow It Well:
Choose a type of hay that is easily grown in your region. There are types of hay that grow better in cool weather and also ones that have adapted to grow in warmer weather. It's important to understand your USDA hardiness zone and how the seed will germinate, grow, and reproduce in your area.
Understanding your soil (loamy, clay, etc), the PH, and the other trace nutrients that are available in your soil is vital to growing healthy crops. It is advisable to understand your soil and know the PH. Plants will grow better with the correct PH.
4. Growth and Yield:
Many types of grass are perennials and have regrowth ability. The hay that you grow can be a sustainable source of feed for your livestock. This means that you may get a second, third, or more cutting(s) of your hay. You can then store the hay cutting or sell it if you have extra. Be sure not to over-harvest and give enough time for your crop to regrow.
Alternatively, if you are using rotational grazing methods the plants your livestock consume today will regrow if given time by moving them to a different area to graze. This method is beneficial for the long-term health of your pasture and ensures that the pasture isn't overgrazed.
Another factor you may want to consider is drought and heat. Unfortunately, extreme weather is becoming more and more common and will negatively affect the growth of your hay crop. So, it's something to take into consideration as you plant hay.
5. Pests and Diseases:
When you are choosing a type of hay to plant on your farm it's important to know the downside as well. Crops can attract unwanted pests that will also eat the crop. Know the types of pests different types of grasses might attract and manage for them or grow pest resistance types.
6. Compatibility With Other Crops:
Some hay crops, like clover, can improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, making them good choices for crop rotation systems. Combining different hay types, such as grass-legume mixes, can enhance forage quality and yield.
7. Market Demand:
You might also choose to sell your surplus hay. Choose hay types that have strong demand in your local market to ensure you can sell any extra. Some customers can tell you the amount of hay they need to overwinter their livestock or you can use an estimator to do this.
Selling hay can become another income stream for your farm. You can use a Farm Management System like Farmbrite to keep track of your inventory, the hay you have on hand when it was processed, and how much you made from your sales.
We often get asked, how much you can sell a bale of hay for? That depends on many factors like your location, the type and grade of hay, and the size of the bale of hay. Here is a link from the Upper Midwest Hay prices but if this is not relevant to you you might try searching for hay sales in your area or ask your local extension office.
8. Costs:
Consider the costs of seeds, fertilizers, and any additional inputs required for growing and harvesting the hay. Different hay types may require varying levels of management and labor. You might also want to consider your available labor resources and equipment. You may be able to share costs with another farmer, rent equipment, or pay for your field to be cut. These all have costs associated with them so it's important for you to weigh those with potential sales.
9. Harvest and Storage:
Ensure you have the necessary equipment for harvesting as well as a place to store the hay. Proper storage will prevent spoilage and maintain quality. You can use a farm record-keeping software like Farmbrite to keep track of how much hay you have on hand and what date you will run out.
Selecting the right hay can significantly impact the health and productivity of your livestock, so it's important to consider all these factors when making your choice. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select the most suitable hay type for your farm, ensuring it meets both your livestock's nutritional needs and your operational capabilities.
Types of Hay to Consider Growing on Your Farm
There isn't a one-size-fits-all when growing hay. Selecting the right type of hay for your livestock is a critical decision that can significantly impact their health, growth, and productivity and this can be unique to each farm operation.
Hay is a primary source of nutrition for many animals, providing essential fibers, proteins, and other nutrients. Different types of hay offer unique benefits and nutritional profiles, making some more suitable for certain livestock and specific stages of their growth or production cycles. Understanding the characteristics and best uses of various hay types can help you make informed choices that optimize the well-being of your animals and the efficiency of your farming operations. This guide will explore the most common types of hay grown, detailing their advantages and ideal applications to aid you in selecting the best forage for your livestock.
Choosing the right type of hay for your livestock is crucial for their health and productivity. Here are some common types of hay and growing considerations for each type.
1. Alfalfa Hay
Alfalfa is a perennial legume that's high in protein, calcium, vitamins, and fiber. It is grown in many different areas throughout the world. It is known to be a top choice to grow in grazing areas, for hay, silage, and green manure or cover crops. This is one of the highest quality feeds for livestock as well as a cash crop. It is especially good for pregnant or lactating animals, and work animals.
Nutrient Content: High in protein and calcium.
Suitable For: Dairy cattle, young animals, horses (with moderation due to high calcium), and other high-performance livestock.
Growing needs: It requires deep, well-drained soils.
Considerations: Can be too rich for some animals, leading to digestive issues if not balanced properly.
2. Timothy Hay
A type of perennial grass. It has a balanced nutritional composition of high fiber, and low protein, and contains nutrients like calcium, and phosphorus that makes it more easily digestible by livestock.
Nutrient Content: Lower in protein compared to alfalfa but higher in fiber.
Suitable For: Horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, and livestock that require high fiber and lower protein.
Cool Season Crop: Plant in the fall of the year before to get established.
Considerations: Good for maintaining digestive health; often mixed with other hays.
3. Bermuda Grass Hay
Bermuda Grass is considered a medium-quality forage. It is a deep-rooted, high-quality forage for various livestock. It has moderate protein but provides other nutrient content. One of the clearest advantages to growing this hay is that it can be bailed at more convenient times, offers nutrition for grazing cows and calves when they might need it most, and withstands heat in the summer months.
Nutrient Content: Moderate in protein and fiber.
Suitable For: Horses, cattle, sheep, and goats.
Warm Climates: Not suited for colder climates
Grazing: Grazing height needs to be no lower than 3-4 inches.
Considerations: Soft texture, generally well-liked by animals.
4. Orchard Grass Hay
Orchard grass is highly versatile and widely valued in livestock management due to its excellent nutritional profile and palatability. It is best used as hay or pasture for a variety of animals, including horses, cattle, sheep, and goats. Its high fiber content and moderate protein levels make it ideal for maintaining digestive health and supporting steady growth and productivity in livestock.
Orchard grass is also well-suited for mixed hay production, where it can be combined with legumes like clover or alfalfa to enhance the overall nutrient balance. Additionally, its resilience to frequent grazing and ability to thrive in cooler climates make it a reliable forage option for sustainable pasture management.
Nutrient Content: Moderate protein and fiber levels.
Suitable For: Horses, cattle, goats, and sheep.
PH: Prefers well-drained, loamy soils with a PH of 5.8 to 7.0
Considerations: Often preferred due to its softness and palatability.
5. Clover Hay
Clover hay is highly regarded for its rich nutritional content, particularly its high protein and calcium levels, making it an excellent feed choice for dairy cattle, young animals, and other high-performance livestock. It is often used to supplement diets that require additional protein, supporting milk production, growth, and overall health.
Clover hay is also beneficial when mixed with grass hays, such as orchard grass or timothy, to create a balanced forage that enhances the palatability and nutrient profile of the feed. Additionally, clover hay can improve soil fertility when grown in rotation with other crops, as it fixes nitrogen in the soil, promoting sustainable farming practices. Its versatility and nutritional benefits make clover hay a valuable component in the diets of a wide range of livestock.
Nutrient Content: High in protein, similar to alfalfa.
Suitable For: Dairy cattle, growing animals, and other high-performance livestock.
Protein: High Protein Content
Considerations: Can be mixed with grass hays to balance the diet.
6. Fescue Hay
Fescue hay is a versatile and durable forage option, best suited for beef cattle, horses, sheep, and goats due to its moderate protein and fiber content. It thrives in a variety of soil types and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it a reliable choice for regions with challenging climates.
Fescue hay is particularly advantageous for grazing systems, as it maintains its nutritional value and palatability even under frequent grazing. It is also a good option for hay production, providing a steady supply of forage throughout the growing season. However, it is important to use endophyte-free or novel endophyte fescue varieties to avoid potential health issues in livestock, such as fescue toxicosis. Overall, fescue hay's resilience and adaptability make it a valuable feed resource in diverse livestock management systems.
Nutrient Content: Moderate protein and fiber levels.
Suitable For: Beef cattle, horses, sheep, and goats.
Grazing: Good for rotational grazing and Hay production.
Considerations: Endophyte-infected fescue can cause health issues, so choose endophyte-free varieties.
7. Ryegrass Hay
Ryegrass hay is prized for its high energy content and moderate protein levels, making it an excellent feed choice for dairy cattle, sheep, and goats, particularly during lactation and growth phases. Its palatability ensures high intake rates, which can lead to improved weight gain and milk production.
This type of grass is also beneficial when used in rotational grazing systems, as it establishes quickly and recovers well after grazing, providing a consistent forage supply. Its lush, high moisture content makes it ideal for silage production, ensuring a high-quality feed during the winter months. Due to its adaptability to various soil types and climates, ryegrass hay is a versatile and valuable component in the forage repertoire of many livestock operations.
Nutrient Content: High in sugars and moderate in protein.
Suitable For: Dairy cattle, sheep, and goats.
Grazing: Good for rotational grazing
Considerations: Can be lush and high in moisture; best mixed with drier hays.
8. Oat Hay
Oat hay is a versatile and nutritious forage option, particularly well-suited for horses, cattle, and sheep. Its high fiber content and moderate protein levels make it an excellent choice for maintaining digestive health and providing a balanced diet.
Oat hay is especially beneficial for young, growing animals and lactating females due to its nutrient profile. It is a valuable supplement during the winter months when fresh pasture is limited. Harvested at the milky to dough stage, oat hay retains a high nutritional value and palatability, ensuring livestock readily consume it. Its adaptability to different climates and soil types makes oat hay a reliable and sustainable forage crop for diverse agricultural settings.
Nutrient Content: Variable, but generally moderate in protein and high in fiber.
Suitable For: Horses, cattle, and sheep.
Grazing: Good for pasture grazing in the winter
Considerations: Best harvested before oats fully mature to maintain palatability.
There are many things to consider as you transition to growing hay on your farm; The needs of your current livestock and the ones you are thinking of purchasing in the future, your land and soil, the resources you have available to produce the hay, how you'll store it, how you'll manage it's consumption, and who you might sell it to. I hope we've been able to give you some information to get you headed in the right direction to support your livestock's nutritional needs on your farm by growing your hay for yourself.
Happy Farming from the team here at Farmbrite!