Strategies To Maintain Livestock Health When Hay Quality Is Low

By Andi Anderson

Many farmers are facing poor hay quality this year, especially in parts of Ohio. Out of 180 hay samples tested through an OSU program, only one sample met the energy needs of a 1,200-pound lactating beef cow.

Sheep and goats require even better forage, meaning the challenge is greater for small ruminants. As winter approaches, having a clear feeding plan is essential for keeping animals healthy on pasture.

Farm managers often discuss whether livestock can stay in good condition with low-quality hay. In most cases, animals need extra energy in their diet to make up for the lack of nutrition in forage.

Livestock use nutrients based on a “waste not, want not” order: maintenance, development, growth, lactation, reproduction, and fattening. If an animal cannot maintain body condition, it will struggle to grow, produce milk, or breed on schedule.

First-calf heifers are especially at risk. A thin heifer still needs nutrients for growth, so low-energy hay will not help her reach the body condition needed for breeding.

Several strategies can help improve winter nutrition:

Additional forage: Feeding high-quality hay can support mature animals, but only second- or third-cutting hay with good care will meet higher energy needs. Poor hay may fill an animal’s stomach but not improve condition.

Forage testing: Farmers should test their hay instead of guessing. Hay quality varies widely, and old, uncovered bales lose valuable dry matter. Even cheap hay can be overpriced if it contains too little usable feed.

Protein or energy tubs: While tubs may help stocker calves, they are often too expensive for grazing livestock when used as an energy supplement. Not all tubs provide good value, so reading labels is important.

Grain supplementation: Whole shelled corn is one of the most affordable ways to add energy. Research from Ohio State shows that only 2.5 pounds of corn per day helped bred heifers maintain condition even in muddy conditions, costing about 25 cents per head per day.

The bottom line is simple: When hay quality is low, supplemental energy is often necessary. By comparing costs and selecting the most efficient feed sources, farmers can keep their livestock healthy throughout winter.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-ianchrisgraham