Hay Test Results

[MudHog]

Can anyone help me understand a couple hay analysis? This is my first time doing the test and I did one test using 2012 hay and one test using 2013 hay. This ia Bahaiagrass hay with weeds. No fertilizataion, no liming, no nothing.

2013
Dry Matter %: 90.80
Crude Protein %: 4.09
ADF %: 37.87
NDF %: 62.84
TDN %: 45.13
Calcium %: 0.35
Phosphorus %: 0.07
Magnesium %: 0.19
Potassium %: 1.02
Copper (ppm): 2.00
Zinc (ppm): 16.00
Manganese (ppm): 378.00

2012
Dry Matter %: 91.16
Crude Protein %: 4.36
ADF %: 39.16
NDF %: 65.52
TDN %: 44.31
Calcium %: 0.35
Phosphorus %: 0.12
Magnesium %: 0.23
Potassium %: 1.06
Copper (ppm): 2.00
Zinc (ppm): 17.00
Manganese (ppm): 255.00

 

[Bigfoot]

The first thing that jumps out at me is the protein. That is alarmingly low. All Bahai grass may test that low idk. It will need supplementing that is for sure.

 

[cross_7]

Protein is low and tdn is low
Based on Adf and ndf and the other factors lead me to believe it was really mature when harvested
It's going to take a little supplement for dry cows and a lot of supplement for nursing cows

 

[B&M Farms]

That's about normal for unfertilized Bahia. If fertilized heavy you can get the protein up to around 8% and the TDN a little over 50 at times but you still have to cut it every 3 to 4 weeks.

 

[MudHog]

Thanks guys. I was shocked at the CP too, but only used feed at 16% and 20% as a comparison measure. I do have 20% AN range cubes that I've started to suppliment with. Now that I have my results, I can call my local feed specialist with LoneStar Feed to come out and make some recommendations.

My grandfather would normally cut in the early spring and then not cut again until September. Last year it wasn't until mid-October until we cut due to weather and help with picking the bales. My thoughts is to cut in May or June and then cut again in September.

 

[TexasBred]

Thanks guys. I was shocked at the CP too, but only used feed at 16% and 20% as a comparison measure. I do have 20% AN range cubes that I've started to suppliment with. Now that I have my results, I can call my local feed specialist with LoneStar Feed to come out and make some recommendations.

My grandfather would normally cut in the early spring and then not cut again until September. Last year it wasn't until mid-October until we cut due to weather and help with picking the bales. My thoughts is to cut in May or June and then cut again in September.

From the looks of those tests that was cut about every 120 days too. ;-) Pretty low quality and low digestibility. But as some say "it will make a turd". Get you some of those good Lone Star cubes in teh black bag. :nod:

 

[MudHog]

Get you some of those good Lone Star cubes in teh black bag. :nod:

That's what I have been buying. $11.95 per 50# bag from the local feed store. I had bought some Tractor Supply cubes for $8.99 a bag after I first bought the Lone Star, but after talking to Harry at Lone Star, I went back to buying the LS cubes.

 

[MudHog]

Talked to the Lone Star feed specialist and he suggested 5# per head based on the hay test numbers I gave him over the phone. He is coming pass by my place Monday, so will see where that leads to in his sugestions.

 

[cross_7]

Talked to the Lone Star feed specialist and he suggested 5# per head based on the hay test numbers I gave him over the phone. He is coming pass by my place Monday, so will see where that leads to in his sugestions.

If all their getting is that hay and 5# of 20% cubes it might do it on dry cows but I doubt it
Sure wouldn't do it on nursing cows

 

[TexasBred]

Get you some of those good Lone Star cubes in teh black bag. :nod:

That's what I have been buying. $11.95 per 50# bag from the local feed store. I had bought some Tractor Supply cubes for $8.99 a bag after I first bought the Lone Star, but after talking to Harry at Lone Star, I went back to buying the LS cubes.

4-5 lbs. per head per day is the typical recommended rate to feed. If he's a nutrtionist you might listen to him. If he's a salesman remember who is paying him. ;-) And take everything he say with a grain of salt. :lol2:

 

[snake67]

Sure drives up the cost per day to keep a cow

Bez

 

[TexasBred]

Sure drives up the cost per day to keep a cow

Bez

True. Only necessary when you have very low quality hay tho. One reason I encourage folks to put up the best hay they can or at least have hay tested they plan to purchase.

 

[MudHog]

Question,

With the low quality of hay, should I feed more bales to get better results? I plan to still suppliment as I am now and have started with one 50# per day, but should I provide more hay? I do small squares and have been feeding 6-8 bales (depending on bale size) per day.

 

[Bigfoot]

Question,

With the low quality of hay, should I feed more bales to get better results? I plan to still suppliment as I am now and have started with one 50# per day, but should I provide more hay? I do small squares and have been feeding 6-8 bales (depending on bale size) per day.

I've never been in your part of the country in the dead of winter. Is there anything left in your pasture for them to eat. I have rolls out free choice right now. They could still browse, and find something. It's just with the rolls out they are choosing not to. The good thing about squares is you can easily limit feed them. It forces them go out find something g else. If Infact you have anything left for them to find.

 

[TexasBred]

Question,

With the low quality of hay, should I feed more bales to get better results? I plan to still suppliment as I am now and have started with one 50# per day, but should I provide more hay? I do small squares and have been feeding 6-8 bales (depending on bale size) per day.

MudsHog how many cows are you feeding?

 

[cross_7]

Question,

With the low quality of hay, should I feed more bales to get better results? I plan to still suppliment as I am now and have started with one 50# per day, but should I provide more hay? I do small squares and have been feeding 6-8 bales (depending on bale size) per day.

45% tdn
I don't think they can eat enough of it
4.9% protein and only utilize 45%
If they can eat 25#'s at 4.9% and utilize 45%
That gives you about .5 pounds of protein
Add 5#'s of cubes gives you another pound of protein
So your at 1.5 or so total protein
Its going to take more than that
Still don't know whether the cows are dry or nursing

 

[TexasBred]

The supplemental protein from the cubes will allow the cattle to synergize a bit more of the protein in the hay as well as digest it faster allowing for more intake of hay vs when the cow is fed hay alone. Protein is still a bit low but with your milk climate the cattle should be able to winter ok IF you'll just make a bit more hay available.

 

[Bigfoot]

A cow here would be dead by spring eating that hay.

 

[MudHog]

I have three cows that are nursing. Two of the three calves would have been gone back in December, but they escaped the pen. Now they will will be gone in two weeks. Those three look the most dry. My ryegrass is next to nothing (overseeded early November), but within the last week has shown more green than it has all along. If I can get my rye up, I would allow just the three nursing cows in there. Can I put fertilizer (nitrogen) on the rye right now?

 

[MudHog]

A cow here would be dead by spring eating that hay.

I wouldn't doubt that, but how does that comment help me?