Table of Contents
Does hay have any nutritional value?
GRASS HAYS It can satisfy the horse’s appetite and provide necessary roughage without excess calories and protein. A good-quality grass hay may meet most of the adult horse’s basic nutritional needs. Mature horses require 10 to 12 percent CP (crude protein) in their diets.
What is the main nutrient in hay?
Consider alfalfa hay if a higher level of protein and energy is required. Typical mid-bloom alfalfa hay contains about 16 percent crude protein and 56 percent TDN. Grass hay contains about 8.4 percent crude protein and 53 percent TDN. Compare the requirements of the beef cattle with the nutrient content of the hay.
What hay is high in protein?
One of the biggest differences between alfalfa hay and grass hay is the protein content. On average, alfalfa hay has much higher levels of protein, ranging from 15\% to 21\% depending on when the alfalfa was cut. This is much higher than the protein levels of grass hay, which typically contains 10\% or less protein.
Are there vitamins in hay?
Alfalfa, a legume hay, is relatively high in energy, protein, calcium and vitamin A.
Does hay have vitamin D?
Vitamin D is also present in hay, although the amount will decrease over time. Horses will get all of their required Vitamin D if they get daily exposure to sunlight for at least six hours.
Is hay good for cows?
Hay can provide every important nutrient for cattle, but it has to be picked at the height of its nutrient richness — that is, before it becomes too dry. To be a good food source for cattle, hay must also be carefully cured and stored to prevent rot and damage.
Does hay lose its nutritional value?
A: Hay begins to lose its nutritional value at the time of cutting and continues to lose nutrients both while drying in the field and while in storage. The nutrients most affected by harvesting and storing are vitamins. Conversely, the protein and mineral content of hay is quite stable.
What nutrients are in Hay?
– Timothy hay. Timothy hay grows in cooler climates and is highly adaptable to a wide variety of soil conditions. – Bermudagrass hay. Bermudagrass hay is often used in the southern regions of the United States. – Alfalfa hay. Full of nutrients, alfalfa is a legume that has a protein content ranging from 17 to 20 percent. – Oat hay. – Clover hay.
Does Hay lose nutritional value over time?
The simple answer to this is: Yes. Hay, always and without exception, loses nutritional value with age and consequentially loses economic value as well. The more complex issue for a horse owner is estimating how much has been lost when considering a hay purchase.
What is the best hay for beef cattle?
Hay, especially good legume hay, will produce good beef and usually a profit. You will likely use about ½ to ¾ ton of hay in fattening out a steer or heifer. When it comes to hay, alfalfa is tops for beef cattle.
What is the protein content of hay?
Alfalfa hay is an ideal source for animals because it is full of rich nutrients. This legume type of hay has a crude protein content between 17 and 20 percent, and it has 1.19 to 1.41 percent calcium and 0.98 to 1.13 mCal/lb. digestible energy.