By Andi Anderson
As Ohio beef producers mark another challenging year, forage quality is again in the spotlight. Results from 180 forage samples collected by Ohio State University Extension confirmed that this year’s hay and forage are well below the levels needed to sustain cattle health.
Of the samples tested, only one could support a 1,200-pound lactating beef cow. Just a handful were adequate to maintain a gestating cow after weaning.
While crude protein in the samples averaged slightly above 10 percent, the total digestible nutrients (TDN) were barely over 51 percent. Without supplements, cattle simply cannot consume enough of this low-quality forage to maintain condition.
To illustrate the problem, even early-cut cereal rye straw tested at 51 percent TDN, nearly the same as the state’s average hay sample. Such results show that Ohio beef producers must be proactive in planning feed strategies.
Experts recommend several steps:
- Test all harvested forages. Without accurate results, efficient feed management is not possible.
- Inventory forage supplies by quality. Group feed based on nutritional value.
- Identify supplemental feed options. Distillers grains, brewers grains, soy hulls, wheat middlings, corn gluten, and even whole corn can help balance rations.
- Seek professional guidance. Extension educators or ruminant nutrition experts can help producers design the best plan.
Failure to evaluate and manage forage quality can result in declining body condition, reduced reproductive success, poor colostrum quality, and weaker calf performance.
As one expert noted, simply saying “it’s better than snowballs” is not enough when herd health and profitability are on the line.
With calf value high and margins tight, this is the year to take the advice seriously: don’t guess, forage test.
Photo Credit: pexels-dendoktoor-19486680-f
Categories: Ohio, Crops, Hay & Forage