Ask the Vet

Hay Quality Can Affect Cow Body Conditions

Several factors can affect a cow's body condition with the main factor being nutrition. (DTN/Progressive Farmer photo by Gregg Hillyer)

READER QUESTION:

Our cows do not seem to be holding their body condition this winter as they have in the past, and it has been pretty mild so far. We calve in the spring and usually overwinter on hay and some stockpiled forages. What could be causing this?

DR. MCMILLAN'S ANSWER:

There are many variables that could be in play, but I would first look at hay quality. I recommend that each hay cutting or any purchased hay has a forage analysis run on it so you know the quality you are feeding. This will help you compare hay from one year to the next and can help you know if cattle need supplemental feeding.

Hay quality can vary greatly based on rain and the stage that you harvest hay. One of the biggest factors affecting hay quality is the stage of maturity at harvest. Most grass hays should be harvested when the grass has reached the "late boot stage," which is when the seed head first emerges from the sheath. In our area, too many people watch the weather forecast more than the grass. In my opinion, a little rain is not nearly as detrimental to hay quality as over maturity.

Fall and winter is a great time to get a head start on next year's hay crop. Get soil samples as soon as possible. These should be done every two to three years and as often as annual on intensively managed hay fields. If you are in an area like we are where lime is needed to correct pH, your fields should be limed as soon as possible since it can take months for lime to do its job. More importantly, if your pH is not right, a lot of the other expensive nutrients will not be as effective as they could be, and you are wasting money. The soil test can be used in the spring to apply the correct blend of nutrients for optimal growth. Not only will getting your soil fertility right improve your forage yields and quality, desirable plants will be healthier and better able to compete with weeds, insects and drought conditions.

Always remember we are grass farmers first. Take care of your grasses.

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Editor's Note: Please contact your veterinarian with questions about the health of your herd or other animals. Every operation is unique, and the information in this column does not pertain to all situations. This is not intended as medical advice but is purely for informational purposes. Email Dr. Ken McMillan at vet@dtn.com.