volunteer rye in hay

[goddy]

Hi there. Does anyone have experience/knowledge on any problems associated with volunteer rye in hay fed to cattle ? It's in the pasture to varying degrees from next to nothing to maybe 30% in the thickest area. Any health concerns you know of ? or anything else really- thanks in advance

 

[Galloways1]

Hi there. Does anyone have experience/knowledge on any problems associated with volunteer rye in hay fed to cattle ? It's in the pasture to varying degrees from next to nothing to maybe 30% in the thickest area. Any health concerns you know of ? or anything else really- thanks in advance

In Rye grain, ergot can be an issue. Ergot is a fungus that grows on the grain heads. The ergot looks like mice or rat droppings. At high levels, the ergot can cause abortions in cows and heifers.

I would think with the rye concentration being that low (30%), you have nothing to worry about.