2013 Forage Survey Summary During the fall of 2013, regional forage and livestock specialists collected more than 200 samples of forage harvested in 2013 across the province. The purposes were to: a. Gather forage quality data for the upcoming winter feeding period; b. Demonstrate the typical wide range in forage quality; c. Provide example balanced rations based on feed quality; and d. Compare the daily costs of the example rations. The samples collected were grouped as follows: Alfalfa Hay (31 first cut) Alfalfa/Grass Hay (126) Grass Hay (17) Cereal Greenfeed Hay (24) Table 1 shows the range of values for protein, energy, calcium and phosphorus for each of the forage groups. These values clearly illustrate the variability inherent in forage quality. Table 2 lists the nutrient guidelines for bred and lactating cows. Table 1. Crude protein, total digestible nutrient, calcium and phosphorus content of 4 types of forage harvested during 2013 (dry matter basis). Forage Quality Range Crude Protein (%) Digestible Nutrient (%) Calcium (%) Phosphorus (%) Alfalfa Hay High 19.0 59.3 1.76 0.28 Average 14.7 51.9 1.31 0.19 Low 8.0 53.2 0.79 0.11 Alfalfa/Grass Hay High 19.5 62.0 2.30 0.39 Average 11.5 57.0 0.96 0.16 Low 7.0 52.7 0.30 0.08 Grass Hay High 12.7 59.6 0.92 0.22 Average 9.2 57.8 0.56 0.14 Low 6.0 54.3 0.24 0.09 Cereal Greenfeed Hay High 15.0 64.5 0.77 0.33 Average 9.6 59.5 0.37 0.23 Low 7.1 53.8 0.19 0.14
Transcript
2013 Forage Survey Summary
During the fall of 2013, regional forage and livestock specialists collected more than 200 samples of forage harvested in 2013 across the province. The purposes were to:
a. Gather forage quality data for the upcoming winter feeding period; b. Demonstrate the typical wide range in forage quality; c. Provide example balanced rations based on feed quality; and d. Compare the daily costs of the example rations.
The samples collected were grouped as follows:
Alfalfa Hay (31 first cut) Alfalfa/Grass Hay (126) Grass Hay (17) Cereal Greenfeed Hay (24)
Table 1 shows the range of values for protein, energy, calcium and phosphorus for each of the forage groups. These values clearly illustrate the variability inherent in forage quality. Table 2 lists the nutrient guidelines for bred and lactating cows. Table 1. Crude protein, total digestible nutrient, calcium and phosphorus content of 4 types of forage harvested during 2013 (dry matter basis).
Forage Quality Range
Crude Protein
(%) Digestible
Nutrient (%)Calcium
(%) Phosphorus
(%)
Alfalfa Hay High 19.0 59.3 1.76 0.28 Average 14.7 51.9 1.31 0.19 Low 8.0 53.2 0.79 0.11
Alfalfa/Grass Hay
High 19.5 62.0 2.30 0.39 Average 11.5 57.0 0.96 0.16 Low 7.0 52.7 0.30 0.08
Grass Hay High 12.7 59.6 0.92 0.22 Average 9.2 57.8 0.56 0.14 Low 6.0 54.3 0.24 0.09
Cereal Greenfeed Hay
High 15.0 64.5 0.77 0.33 Average 9.6 59.5 0.37 0.23 Low 7.1 53.8 0.19 0.14
Table 2. Nutrient requirements for mature bred and lactating cows on a dry matter basis.
The chemical analysis of the forages was evaluated against their ability to meet the energy requirements of cows six months pregnant in -25 C. Thirty-eight per cent of all the forages sampled met this requirement. Only 29 per cent of the alfalfa, and alfalfa grass hays provided adequate energy, while 77 per cent of the grass hays and 75 per cent of the green feed did so. As cows enter the final month of pregnancy and nutrient requirements increase, only five per cent of all the sampled forages would provide adequate energy. Example Rations using the Provincial Data The rations in Table 3 were developed using the alfalfa/grass hay of high, average, and low quality. The rations meet the nutrient requirements of a 1350 pound cow, six months pregnant, at an average daily temperature of -25 C. The feed prices used were; hay $60 per ton, straw $30 per ton, and barley $3.50 per bushel. The mineral and vitamin package for the cows fed alfalfa/grass hay was kept constant using 50 grams of 1:1 Mineral, 20 grams of cobalt iodized (blue) salt, six grams of trace mineralized (brown) salt, two grams of Vitamin A,D,E 10 million premix and seven grams of Vitamin E 50,000. Table 3. Alfalfa/Grass Hay Sample Rations (amounts fed per head per day)
Alfalfa-Grass Quality Range
Ingredient High Average Low Alfalfa/GrassHay 25 lb. 30 lb. 25 lb.Cereal Straw 5 lb. 0 lb. 0 lb.Barley Grain 0 lb. 1.5 lb. 7 lb.1:1 Mineral 2 oz. 2 oz. 2 oz.Blue Salt 1 oz. 1oz. 1oz.TM salt 0.2 oz. 0.2 oz. 0.2 oz.Vit A,D,E 10 mil 0.07 oz. 0.07 oz. 0.07 oz.Vit E 50,000 0.25 oz. 0.25 oz. 0.25 oz.Cost/head/day $0.98 $1.16 $1.41
Nutrients Mid pregnancy Late pregnancy Lactation
Crude Protein 7 to 8 % 9 to 10 % 11 to 12 %
Energy (TDN) 55 % 60 % 65 %
Calcium 0.45 % 0.50 % 0.55 %
Phosphorus 0.20 % 0.22 % 0.25 %
The highest quality alfalfa/grass hay has more protein and energy than what is required. As a result, five pounds of cereal straw can be substituted for the hay for a total cost of $0.98 per cow per day. The lowest quality alfalfa/grass hay provides adequate protein but the high fiber content limits intake, resulting in an energy deficiency. Seven pounds of barley is required to provide the required energy, for a total cost of $1.41 per cow per day. In this example, the cost difference between using high and low quality forage is $0.43 per head per day. The average quality alfalfa/grass hay is slightly deficient in energy and requires 1.5 pounds of barley to address the shortfall. Producers are encouraged to test their forages in order to determine the amount of supplemental feed required to provide adequate nutrition for their livestock. For assistance interpreting feed test results, developing rations and additional questions related to feeding livestock this winter, contact your nearest Ministry of Agriculture Regional Livestock Specialist or call the Agriculture Knowledge Center at 1-866-457-2377.
Table A. Average, minimum and maximum nutrient profiles of 31 first cut alfalfa hays sampled in 2013.
