By Andi Anderson
Ensuring high-quality hay is essential for livestock nutrition and safety. While lab tests provide a detailed analysis of nutrients, visual inspections using sight, smell, and touch can help detect contaminants and assess overall quality.
Leafiness is a key indicator of hay quality. Leaves contain the most digestible nutrients, and a higher leaf presence generally means better nutrition. Maturity also plays a significant role, as over-mature hay has more stems and seeds but fewer digestible leaves, reducing its value.
Odor can indicate spoilage or mold. If hay smells sour, musty, or damp, animals are likely to reject it. Color alone is not a reliable measure of quality, though greener hay may indicate better curing conditions. Texture is another factor—pokey, brittle hay can decrease livestock intake and may contain harmful weeds with thorns or spines.
Purity affects how well hay fits into feeding programs. A pure stand of a single species or a well-balanced mix makes it easier to manage and market. Bale condition is also important, with uniform, well-wrapped bales preventing spoilage.
Contaminants such as poisonous weeds, mold, dirt, and trash significantly reduce hay quality and safety. Regularly scouting fields before harvest can prevent contamination from litter, broken machinery, or invasive plants. For those buying hay, inspecting for trash and weeds before and after feeding is essential.
With the hay feeding season ending and a new growing season ahead, producers should use these evaluation methods to maximize hay quality, marketability, and livestock nutrition. For more guidance on hay assessment, contact your local OSU Extension office.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ianchrisgraham
Categories: Ohio, Education