Silly nutrient question

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IGotMyWings

IGotMyWings

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Joined
Aug 20, 2008
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Indiana
Those of you that read my introduction know that I'm grazing two calves, a Red Angus bull and a Holstein/handsome stranger steer, in my barn lot. I was curious to know if anyone knew what the actual (I know, varies from location to location/types of grass) nutrient value of yard grass. They graze on that, plus I give them good hay (free choice) and once a day I supplement with 14% protein "sweet feed" which they go crazy for. Just curious.
 
Where are you located? "Yard grass" could mean anything from Kentucky Bluegrass, Creeping Red Fescue, up north, or (I think) buffalo grass down south.

Edit: Never mind, I see you are in Indiana. The "yard" grass that you might have I'm guessing is the cool season species, which'd be KBG or CRF. At this time of year, depending on the amount of moisture you have, the quality is getting lower each day, little by little. This is because of the grasses heading out, the energy that the plant puts into leaves is instead being put into the seed head. However, unless the grass is cut before the grass fully heads out (flowers and seeds are fully formed), the nutrient quality would be more abundant because of the energy the plant is putting into producing more leaves.

Hope that helps explains things.
 
The barn lot is part of the bigger yard, and gets cut weekly. We move them about every two-four days depending on how eaten down they make it. I don't figure that it's nearly as good as even some lesser quality hays but I figure it's better than a sharp stick in the eye! They don't seem to be under fed, they have clear eyes, and even though the bull has yet to mature, I've had a few neighbors stop by and tell me that when I start getting calves from him, they'll take 'em. I plan on posting a pic or two of them soon.
 
Just don't let them graze any lawn grass which has been sprayed or otherwise treated with fungicide, weed killers, etc as many lawn services and homeowners do. There is a reason that lawn services have to post a warning sign in some states.
 
I'm a bit lazy when it comes to yard treatment...I look at dandelions as colorful and temporary! I mow, weed eat, and call it done.
 

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