Hay

[susie]

I am thinking of getting started on buying hay for the winter. I will have a pregnant heifer and cow this winter.
I've read that I should feed them grass hay and alfalfa. We have about 60 bales of good grass hay so far. We were thinking of feeding grass in the am and alfalfa in the pm or vice-versa, so they don't pick through and try to get to the alfalfa.
My questions are:
Which is better 1st or second ( or later) cutting alfalfa ?
Should we just buy hay thats a combination of grass/ alfalfa, instead of alternating what we feed?
How can I get the best deal on hay? We don't mind picking it up out of the field, but don't see alot of alfalfa grown locally her-- not hot enough? I'm in Western Washington.
Also I've heard that cows really like pea hay? Is that very nutritious?

Thanks a bunch!
Susie

 

[1848]

Hello,

I suppose it is a good thing you are not waiting till the last minute.. :)

1. I think the second cutting is prefered, especially due to blister bugs.

2. I would buy hay that is cheap (but not bad). Non lactating beef cows don't need a whole lot. Reasonable protein (at least 10 to 12%) is all a beef cow needs.

3. Proably finding somes pasture sitting idle and asking the owner if you can cut it (which they usually gladly oblige) would be the cheapest, ...but not always. You would just be out the cost of baling, you might even be able to sell some, or you can just cut it on the halves. At least picking it up yourself would save money though.

4. Pea hay is good. Just check with you Ag ext. agent on storage requirements, and any potential side affects (bloat) or latent toxcitities when feeding heavily.

I would say feed the grass hay (occasionally throwing an alfalfa bale to get them accustomed to it) until there is no more grazing available then go to the alfalfa. The alfalfa is a higher protien hay and will be better come middle of winter. They will eat what is available, and seeing you have beef cows that should be plenty of nutrition for them other than some mineral. Good luck

P.S. I don't think it is necessary to feed alfalfa...it is just a nutritious legume is all.

 

[Bama]

Alfalfa is not very plentiful around here. I hardly ever feed it. The cows don't really have to have it. The cost to gain just wouldn't work out for me. If I have a old cow that is not in the best of condition and is bred I sometimes feed the alfalfa 50 pound compressed bales. At $9.00 each I don't do it much. I'd perfer to not to get myself in this situtation. If you can't get it cheap don't worry with it.

 

[bigbull338]

id say just feed a good quality grass hay. if you feed alalfa i would not mix it togather. scott

 

[jgn]

I'd say forget the alfalfa and just find some good quality grass to feed. I don't know how many bales you'll need but you might get a little bit better price if you buy all at once.