Question on Hay for Cattle

[jjaimes]

I’m buying some hay that will be 1st time cut this year. It’s tall Costal with some weeds throughout the pasture. Next year will be fertilized now that he will maintain it. Will cows have any issues eating that stuff?

[dclifton]

Nope... Especially not if they are hungry and dont have any other choices.

Ive seen cows eat 10 yr old hay pushed off in ditches. Now it may not have much nutrient value but its fodder none the less. Supplement with high protein/fat feed and minerals.

Ive always operated under the theory that protein and nutrients in feed is almost a guarantee. Hay is hard to invest alot of extra money in with the risk of worms, drought and fires.

Just my .02.

[etbowhunter]

They'll be fine. Like dclifton said above, it probably won't be much more than filler but if you keep some protein tubs out along with minerals, they'll clean it up just fine. Like my Grandpa used to tell me every time we bailed a junky pasture for someone, "trust me boy, they'll like it alot better than a snowball".

[Jon B]

I have some junky pasture if someone wants to turn it into hay!

[jjaimes]

Ok that sounds good!