Ryegrass Safety?

[Running Arrow Bill]

In past week we have planted annual ryegrass in some of our small pasture areas. Have had touch of rain past week. Last nite we got good 3.5" rain, heavy fog today, and little more rain forecast. Should be very good to get our ryegrass up with moisture percolating "up" this week with sun out.

Now, the question: What are the risks (if any) to new ryegrass growth on our cattle & horses? Since ryegrass is relatively safe forage (unlike the sorgram sp.) I figure we're "safe".

Any comments?
Thanks!

 

[dun]

Posible grass tetany

dun

 

[Jogeephus]

You luck dog! :lol: I haven't planted the first thing since we don't have the luxury of any rain. I doubt you could have any trouble since I don't imagine the ryegrass could be big enough for the animals to get any appreciable amounts in their stomach at this stage. I have never had any problems with ryegrass. In my opinion, I wouldn't be putting any animals on those fields for fear of them pulling up the seedlings before they are ready to graze.

 

[cypressfarms]

R A Bill,

I'd wait until the ryegrass was at least 6 to 8 inches high before grazing.

I normally hit it with fertilizer a week or so after I get a good stand, and then wait until it's around 8" to graze. Just me though, everyone has their method.

 

[msscamp]

In past week we have planted annual ryegrass in some of our small pasture areas. Have had touch of rain past week. Last nite we got good 3.5" rain, heavy fog today, and little more rain forecast. Should be very good to get our ryegrass up with moisture percolating "up" this week with sun out.

Now, the question: What are the risks (if any) to new ryegrass growth on our cattle & horses? Since ryegrass is relatively safe forage (unlike the sorgram sp.) I figure we're "safe".

Any comments?
Thanks!

Grass Tetanus, as dun already said. I would also be a little concerned about possible grass foundering for the horses. Yes, it usually happens in the spring - but I would be concerned with the possibility in the fall too. Maybe it's just me, though.

 

[MrBilly]

I agree on the height at which to turn cattle in. I would put them on high mag mineral now (for at least two to three weeks prior to turn in) and only turn the cows in for a couple hours per day - certainly not full time once the grass gets to about 7 inches tall.

We have done this for years, without any problems. Hope it continues.

Billy