Hay is a fundamental component of the diet for various livestock animals, providing essential nutrients and roughage necessary for their well-being. Farmers and livestock owners must understand the different types of hay available, how to manage their hay intake, and what other hay alternatives are out there.

Types of Livestock Hay

Grass Hay: Common types include timothy, orchard grass, and brome. Grass hay is rich in fiber and suitable for most livestock. (Timothy, Orchard, Bermuda, and Ryegrass)

Legume Hay: Examples include alfalfa and clover. Legume hay is higher in protein and calcium, making it beneficial for animals with higher nutritional needs, such as growing or lactating livestock. 

Mixed Hay: Combines various grasses and legumes, offering a balanced nutritional profile.

CATTLE - Grass hay is suitable for adult cattle that don't require high protein levels. Timothy or Brome grass hay are good options. Legume hay includes alfalfa and clover, making it higher in protein and calcium, which is beneficial for animals with higher nutritional needs - such as growing or lactating livestock. Mixed hay provides a balanced diet for cattle of varying ages and nutritional needs.

EQUINE - Several types of hay are suitable for horses, each with its own nutritional characteristics and benefits. Timothy is easily digestible and suitable for horses of all ages and activity levels. Similar to Timothy hay, Orchard grass is rich in fiber and provides essential nutrients. Common in warmer climates, Bermuda grass hay is nutritious and often a cost-effective option, it’s drought-tolerant. Alfalfa hay is high in protein, calcium, and other nutrients. It's a popular choice for horses with higher energy needs, such as growing, lactating, or working horses. It's essential to balance alfalfa with grass hay for some horses to prevent excessive protein intake.

PIG - While pigs primarily consume grains and vegetables, they can benefit from small amounts of grass hay for added fiber. Timothy hay can be offered sparingly.

SHEEP - Grass hays are mainly used for adult sheep as they fulfill their fiber needs. Orchard grass or fescue hay are common choices. Fescue hay is a type of grass hay produced from various species of fescue grasses, primarily tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) or meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis).

GOAT - Most grass hay is adequate for most goats, providing necessary fiber. Types like Bermuda grass or ryegrass are commonly fed all year round! While legume hay can be beneficial for pregnant or lactating does and growing kids to meet their increased protein demands.

Introduce new hay gradually to prevent digestive issues. You’ll want to also make sure that hay is free of mold, dust, and weeds - good quality hay is crucial for animal health! Consider adjusting hay types and quantities based on the animal's age, reproductive stage, and nutritional requirements. Be sure to store hay in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent spoilage and maintain its nutritional value. 

Types of Hay Feeders and Hay Bags

Selecting the right hay feeders and bags for your livestock is essential to ensure efficient feeding, minimize waste, and maintain hay quality. Here are considerations for choosing hay feeders and bags for different types of livestock:

Round Bale Feeders - Known as a cone or ring feeder that is designed for large bales or bundles of hay. These minimize hay wastage by keeping the bale contained and reducing spoilage.

Rack Feeders - A sturdy rack feeder can keep both hay and feed off the ground to prevent contamination and waste. 

Hanging Feeders - Hanging feeders at an appropriate height can allow even sheep and goats to access hay easily while minimizing waste, while you can mount hanging feeders higher for larger livestock. These can be either wall-mounted or suspended in the barn.

You’ll want to opt for feeders that allow animals to eat comfortably without excessive wastage or contamination. Choosing the right type of feeder is crucial, consider materials suitable for your livestock's behavior and strength. Be sure to ensure animals can reach the hay without difficulty. Regularly clean and disinfect feeders and bags to prevent mold or bacterial growth.

Mesh Hay Bags - Durable mesh bags with small openings prevent excessive consumption and reduce hay waste. They are convenient for hanging in pens or stalls.

Nylon Hay Bags - Sturdy, nylon bags with small openings are suitable for horses. They can be tied or clipped to fences or in stalls to control hay intake.

Choose a hay bag that will hold the appropriate amount of hay needed and the size of the animals. Select high-quality, durable materials that withstand the animals' chewing and pulling! You’ll want to monitor hay consumption to adjust feeding quantities and prevent overfeeding or underfeeding.

Supplementing Hay 

Can hay be supplemented? The simple answer is, yes there are various other feed options to provide additional nutrients or cater to specific dietary needs of livestock. Here are some alternatives and supplements to consider:

Silage / Haylage: Silage or haylage is fermented forage made from grass or other crops. It's more nutritious than dry hay and can be a good alternative, especially in situations where fresh pasture isn't available.

Grains and Proteins: Grains like corn, oats, barley, and supplemental concentrates can provide additional energy and protein. These are commonly fed to livestock alongside hay, especially during periods of high energy demands (such as lactation or growth). Livestock, especially cattle, might benefit from protein supplements like soybean meal, cottonseed meal, or commercial protein mixes when hay doesn't provide enough protein.

Pellets and Cubes: Pelleted or cubed forages are compressed versions of hay or other forages, offering convenience and a more concentrated form of nutrition. They can be easier to handle and feed but may be more expensive.

Minerals, Vitamins, and By-Products: Ensure livestock have access to mineral blocks or supplements to meet their nutritional requirements, as hay alone might not provide all necessary minerals and vitamins. Beet pulp can also be used as supplementary additive feed, offering additional fiber and nutrients mixed within their feed. 

Supplementing hay with alternative feeds or supplements can enhance the overall diet of livestock, providing a broader range of nutrients or compensating for deficiencies in hay. However, it's crucial to maintain a balanced diet and monitor the animals' health to ensure they receive adequate nutrition and thrive.

Should I Feed Hay all Year Round? 

WINTER - In colder months when pasture is limited or not available, cattle typically require more hay. On average, adult cattle may consume around 2-3% of their body weight in hay per day. Horses generally require 1.5% to 2.5% of their body weight in forage (hay or pasture) per day when pasture is at the lowest quality. 

SPRING - As grass begins to grow in the spring, pasture becomes available. The amount of hay needed may decrease as cattle graze. Similar to cattle, horses might require less hay in the spring as they have access to fresh, growing pasture. Hay intake should be adjusted based on pasture quality. 

SUMMER - During the summer months, when pasture is, hopefully, abundant and rich in nutrients, cattle and horses may require less hay. However, providing access to hay is still important for roughage and as a supplemental feed, especially during dry spells or when pasture quality declines due to excessive grazing.

FALL - As the quality of pasture diminishes with seasonal changes, both horses and cattle, might require increased hay supplementation. Especially if you experienced a hard summer with little to no rain for pasture growth. 

The feeding guidelines for other livestock (such as sheep, goats, and pigs) generally follow similar principles regarding seasonal adjustments based on available pasture, nutritional needs, and environmental conditions. It's important to regularly monitor the body condition of your livestock and adjust their hay intake accordingly. Consulting with a veterinarian or an animal nutritionist can provide more precise recommendations based on your specific livestock, feeding practices, and local conditions. Adjustments in hay feeding should consider both the nutritional needs of the animals and the availability and quality of pasture or other feed sources throughout the year.

Hay Cubes

Hay cubes and hay pellets are compressed small blocks or cubes made from dried hay, typically alfalfa or grass hay. They are created by chopping and compacting hay into small dense cubes. These cubes offer several advantages for livestock feeding:

1. Because hay cubes are compressed, they have a lower likelihood of being trampled or soiled by livestock. This reduces wastage compared to loose hay, where animals may scatter or waste portions while eating.

2. Hay cubes generally maintain consistent quality throughout the cube, minimizing variability in nutritional content compared to loose hay, which might have variations in quality from bale to bale.

3. Hay cubes can be fed in various ways, including in feeders, tubs, or troughs, making them adaptable for different livestock feeding setups. And serve as an effective supplement to pasture or as an alternative feed source when fresh forage is limited or unavailable.

These cubes are available in various formulations, including alfalfa cubes, grass hay cubes, or mixed hay cubes, providing flexibility in meeting the specific nutritional needs of different livestock. However, it's essential to note that while hay cubes offer convenience and consistency, they may be more expensive than traditional loose hay due to the additional processing involved.

Alfalfa Pellets

Alfalfa pellets are a concentrated feed made from processed alfalfa hay. They are created by chopping, drying, and compressing alfalfa into small, pellet-shaped pieces. These pellets are often used as supplemental feeds for various types of livestock due to their nutritional value and convenience.

Alfalfa is a high-quality forage known for its rich nutrient content, including proteins, vitamins, minerals (such as calcium and magnesium), and fiber. Alfalfa pellets retain much of the nutritional value found in fresh alfalfa hay. Pellets are also less likely to be wasted or scattered compared to loose hay, reducing the potential for spoilage or contamination. Alfalfa pellets can be fed alone or mixed with other feeds to create a balanced diet for livestock. However, while alfalfa pellets offer nutritional benefits, they should be fed in appropriate amounts alongside other forages and feeds to meet the specific dietary needs of different animals.

Soaking Hay

Soaking hay before feeding it to animals, particularly horses, is a practice employed for several reasons, each aimed at improving the health and well-being of the animals:

Reducing Dust and Mold Inhalation: Hay can contain dust, mold spores, or other particles that may contribute to respiratory issues in animals, especially horses. Soaking hay helps reduce dust and minimize the inhalation of potentially harmful particles, aiding horses with respiratory sensitivities or conditions like heaves or allergies.

Hydration and Water Intake: Soaking hay increases its moisture content, making it more palatable and easier to chew, especially for older horses or those with dental problems. Additionally, soaking hay can increase the water intake of horses, potentially aiding in hydration.

Reducing Nutrient Loss: Some horse owners soak hay to leach out sugars, which can be beneficial for horses sensitive to high sugar or carbohydrate content in hay. This process may reduce the sugar content to some extent, potentially making it suitable for horses prone to metabolic issues like laminitis or insulin resistance.

However, it's important to note that soaking hay can also result in some nutrient loss, particularly water-soluble vitamins and minerals. Therefore, soaking should be practiced cautiously and not excessively to avoid diminishing the nutritional value of the hay. Some individuals may soak hay for about 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the hay to become damp but not fully saturated. Others may soak hay for several hours or overnight, aiming for softer, more thoroughly soaked hay.

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