Hay Taste Test !

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Anonymous

While not a scientific "tast test" by any means, we have found hay preferences for our Longhorns are:

1st Place: Alfalfa 2nd Place: Haygrazer (sudan sp.) 3rd Place: Redtop Cane 4th Place: Bluestem

Alfalfa we have used small square bales for treats and supplements as needed. The other three types have been tried using the large round bales in horse hay rings (can't get their horns caught in these). One observation over the past year has been that the Redtop cane was eaten at an average rate and cattle held condition well. The Haygrazer was eaten the fastest but didn't seem to improve condition any more than others and was lot of waste due to large stems in it. The bluestem, fine stemmed native grass, eaten at a moderate rate, cattle maintained condition, little waste.

Due to availability and price here in Texas Pahnahdle, we bought a bunch of round bales of bluestem this fall for $28. a bale. Other types of hay been going for between $35 and $60 a round bale. These are all average sized bales, probably around 1000 lbs in size. Like most everywhere else, we've been in a drought for past 2+ years and lot of people producing horse quality alfalfa and bermudagrass have have been irrigating their hay fields. Non-irrigated hay fields have been hurt significantly.

Even though we have native grass pasture, we stocked up on hay to carry us until spring grass appears plus extra for a margin.

Anyone else have any experiences with types of hay fed their cattle and the critters' preferences?



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My cattle prefer trefoil, but that's likely not going to be a common forage. It's a non-bloating legume with fine stems which the calves find soft. Again, not scientific. There have definitely been studies on preferences, which will vary from region to region. JMHO V
 
We have never fed alfalfa but I would guess it would be high on the cows' lists of favorite hay. We have fed grazer in the past which they do eat well but as mentioned, more waste with the stems. While Klein grass is another cow favorite, we typically feed about 95% coastal or jiggs bermuda.
 
Ours just prefer whatever is in that stack over there. It's gotta be better then the stuff we're eating now

dun

> We have never fed alfalfa but I
> would guess it would be high on
> the cows' lists of favorite hay.
> We have fed grazer in the past
> which they do eat well but as
> mentioned, more waste with the
> stems. While Klein grass is
> another cow favorite, we typically
> feed about 95% coastal or jiggs
> bermuda.
 

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