Hay moisture and temperature are not constant and should be monitored periodically. Phosphorous plays a major role in transferring energy from one part of the plant to another, enabling cell division and plant growth. In 2008, Texans harvested approximately 4.4 million acres of hay worth an estimated $1 billion. The first step in hay production is the actual cutting of the hay. One quick test is the diphenylamine spot test. After nitrogen, phosphorus is often the second most limiting nutrient. Soil testing is the most important tool in forage production. The standard mixes that we have will cover a variety of uses for your needs. The species of forage used for hay production will have a large impact on hay nutritive value. Cornstalks are considered forage if they don’t contain grain. can be used for pasture, hay and/or erosion control. Hay is often advertised as “well” or “heavily fertilized,” but these terms are not precise. Mapping and collecting soil samples properly will help you develop an accurate and efficient nutrient management plan. Many areas of Texas have inherently low amounts of soil phosphorus. Premium hay mixtures designed with improved varieties to produce the very best hay for your operation. One pint of this mixture is a composite sample that represents the field or area you want analyzed. Remove the outer ½ inch of the bale surface so the sample will not be contaminated with dust or debris. Most Texas counties have recent soil surveys that were completed after 1960. It is important to remember that fieldtesting should be used only as a qualitative tool and is not precise enough to use as a basis for mixing feeds. These products are generally safe to use, though high relative humidity can reduce their effectiveness and unexpected rainfall can wash them off altogether. Net wrap. Why should a bale with only 6 percent crude protein sell for the same price as a bale that contains 14 percent crude protein? Nitrates are nonvolatile and if you harvest and bale high-nitrate hay, that nitrate level will remain constant in the bales. But what works best for them is our own home-grown pasture salad hay (some coastal, native grasses, etc. Clear plant litter from the surface, but do not remove decomposed black (humus) material. How quickly forage dries depends on humidity, temperature, wind speed, and solar radiation. is generally the most winter hardy of the cool-season annual grasses. Ammonia can improve both the crude protein and digestibility levels of the hay by preventing mold growth and keeping the hay at safe temperature levels. The most commonly used inhibitors are propionic acid (propionates) and ammonia (applied at about 1 percent of wet forage weight). Acid detergent fiber content is an indirect indicator of overall forage digestibility or energy; as ADF increases total digestibility generally decreases. 2002. On round bales, cores should be taken toward the center, midway up the side of the bale. When sampling fertilized fields, avoid sampling directly in a fertilized band. Though choices are limited, you could decide to plant more salt-tolerant forages. Inhibitors make it possible to safely store hay that is baled at up to 30 percent moisture. You must also consider the field proximity to other crops or properties that might restrict or prevent the use of certain pesticides, limestone, or other nutrients. At a moisture content of greater than 20 percent up to 35 percent, mold production becomes a great concern because it consumes nutrients in the hay and reduces its nutritive value. Safety and nutritional considerations make it critical that you bale hay at the appropriate moisture content. A growing beef steer or heifer requires forage with about 12 percent CP and 65 to 68 percent TDN. Phosphorus can quickly limit plant growth if it is not replaced. Whether you look at national data or at Texas data, hay production is a valuable enterprise that contributes significantly to our state and national economies. You can use an auger bit powered by an electric drill to collect samples that are 0 to 6 inches deep. This process releases ADF solubles containing hemicelluloses and fiber-bound protein into solution. Finally, certain forage species that may accumulate toxic levels of nitrates should be carefully analyzed to ensure the hay is will not sicken or kill livestock. Annual ryegrass. The removal rate in grazing systems is near zero, but as mentioned above, rotational stocking will help ensure more even redistribution of potassium. With this information you can calculate whether or not you will need supplemental protein, energy or minerals. This can be done independently or by a professional, and it helps keep the topsoil healthy and aerated. Pitt, R.E. Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service, NRAES – 5. NDF is the residue left after boiling a forage sample in a neutral detergent. The lignin is mostly indigestible. The cellulose in ADF is more or less digestible depending on the maturity of the forage. Potash and Phosphate Institute and Foundation for Agronomic Research. Phosphorus can quickly limit plant growth if it is not replaced. High-nitrate bales are particularly hazardous to timid animals because more aggressive cattle tend to eat the leaves and more palatable upper stems first and leave only the lower stems, which have higher concentrations of nitrate. Some of the nitrogen in the CP estimate may actually include non-protein nitrogenous compounds. The bottom line is that forage nutritive value declines as the plant matures. Forage can be broadly divided into cell contents (protein, sugar, starch) and cell walls or fiber (cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin). You can determine whether an animal has died from nitrate poisoning by cutting a recently deceased animal; the blood will be dark and then turn red as it reacts with oxygen in the air. Unlike prussic acid, nitrate levels do not decline after cutting or baling. Acid detergent fiber content is an indirect indicator of overall forage digestibility or energy; as ADF increases total digestibility generally decreases. ‐ Continue feeding hay to slow down green grass passing through the cattle so it can be better digested and tighten their bowels. We have native and non-native options. The forage species you choose will have a large impact on the nutritive value of your hay. Most forages contain about 70 to 80 percent moisture when they are cut. Producers should evaluate the status of these other nutrients with annual soil tests. You must sample the hay correctly to get an accurate analysis, and each lot of hay should be sampled independently. Crabgrass hay normally cures more slowly than bermudagrass but more quickly than sorghum-sudan hybrids or pearl millet. Earl was released in 1996 by NRCS. The cost to wrap long strings of round bales (Fig. For very large lots of hay you should sample at least 10 percent of the baled hay. This hardy grass has a rich texture and is very tolerant of extreme cold, heat, and drought. Routine analysis requires approximately 1 pint of the composite soil. Premium hay mixtures designed with improved varieties to produce the very best hay for your operation. McCullough, M. E. and Glenn W. Burton. 9) is about $5 to $7 per bale. Label the container with the field and sample identification and submit it with the laboratory submittal form. The actual levels of crude protein and digestible energy, and other nutritive characteristics of the forage should be established through laboratory analysis so producers can make sound purchasing and feeding decisions. While haylage reduces leaf shatter loss and allows you to preserve high-moisture forage, it is typically fed on-farm because it cannot be moved easily. Should You Choose Sod Or Seed With Your Lawn Installation? A crude estimate of total protein is obtained by multiplying the percentage of total nitrogen by a constant of 6.25. You can then replace the cap and sample other parts of the field. Its seeds are a bit more costly than Bermuda and St. Augustine, but it does very well in a wide variety of soils and weather conditions. These bunchgrasses are well adapted to North, Northcentral, and Central Texas because they are cold and drought tolerant. You should obtain one composite sample for each lot of hay by taking sub-samples from at least 10 percent of each lot’s bales. Since the nutritive value of these crops is generally lower, animals will usually need supplements during the winter or during droughts when fed overly mature forages. Ryegrass is sensitive to acid soil pH values below 5.5. Weeds hurt forage production by intercepting sunlight and removing moisture and nutrients forage crops need for growth. Orchard grass (Dactylis spp.) Small ruminants have somewhat higher metabolic rates and require more nutrition than large animals. Haylage does not, however, attain as low a pH as silage so it cannot be stored as long. Hay cures quickly on hot, sunny, windy days with low relative humidity; it cures more slowly when conditions are cool, cloudy or humid. Bermudagrass has many uses other than pasture and hay, such as lawns, general-purpose turf, and erosion control. Under good growing conditions, plants reduce nitrates to ammonium, which in turn is converted into amino acids and other proteins. Price is currently $75/bale, price is negotiable depending on quantity ordered, Delivery is available for additional fee of $20/bale. Best Grass for Texas Heat | Types of Grass in Texas | Zodega is better suited for hay production than for grazing because it can accumulate prussic acid in its leaves and poison livestock. Crude protein and TDN requirements for various kinds and classes of livestock are shown in Table 5. It is one of the highest quality forage grasses. If interested, check with your local county extension agent, NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) personnel, or Texas Parks and Wildlife biologist to determine which species are best adapted to your location. Red clover should be reserved for well drained soils, as this legume does poorly when planted on wet soils. Young, tender, fast-growing plants are more likely to be toxic than mature plants. If the reagent turns dark blue within 5 seconds, the forage contains nitrate. -N) values. The Texas AgriLife Extension Service Soil, Water, and Forage Testing Laboratory reports nitrate in forage as actual nitrate, which differs from plant nitrate analysis for other plants. Cutters today are more adjustable and a higher cut leaves some leaf material to support photosynthesis and encourages a more rapid recovery from the harvest. (Hay temperatures less than 120 degrees F are considered safe; between 120 degrees F and 140 degrees F, monitor closely; between 140 degrees and 180 degrees F hay is likely to spontaneously combust.). When forage growth is slowed or stopped by drought, extended periods of cool and/or cloudy weather, soil nutrient imbalances, etc., nitrates can accumulate in the forage to a toxic level. Many areas of Texas have inherently low amounts of soil phosphorus. Warm-season perennial grasses respond well to fertil-ization and, with heavy fertilization, can produce large amounts of hay or grazing per acre. Triticale tolerates drought and pests better than wheat. Though often considered a weedy species, it is palatable and can be used for hay production. ), so it is critical to match the nutritive value of the hay to the nutrient requirements of the target animal. Once crabgrass reaches the mature seed stage, forage nutritive value begins to decline. Twelve states account for approximately 63 percent of the total U.S. cow herd and of these top 12 states. Soil fertility is critical to forage production and nutritive value. The low pH inhibits mold and respiration losses that typically occur in high-moisture bales. To convert nitrate-N levels to actual nitrate, multiply by 4.42. Within each type, nutritive value varies widely with maturity. Rye matures earlier in the spring than most wheat varieties but generally produces more forage in the fall than wheat. Hemoglobin carries oxygen in the blood, but methhemoglobin does not and can cause an animal to die from asphyxiation. Mechanical treatments, primarily mowing or shredding, can actually make managing species like persimmon more difficult. Because regrowth is usually poor, you should expect only one harvest. Plant nitrates are expressed as ppm nitrate-N. To convert ppm nitrate-N to percent, divide by 10,000. St. Augustine is a good choice for a shady Texas lawn with mature trees, as it prefers … The goal, then, is to harvest hay when yield and nutritive value are balanced for the target animal species and class. Warm-season perennial grass provides good grazing from April through June and again from July through … Take separate samples for areas with different soil types, different land uses or fertilizer uses, or different terrain. 4:4-5. Crabgrass hay usually has higher nutritive value than bermudagrass, bahiagrass, or the more commonly used summer annual grasses such as pearl millet or sorghum-sudan hybrids. To convert nitrate-N levels to actual nitrate, multiply by 4.42. Natives grasses may require longer time to establish and are less tolerant of overstocking. Annual ryegrass experiences few pest problems other than occasional beet or armyworm outbreak. Use a soil auger or soil sampling tube and sample 6 inches deep. compaction and non-chemical soil properties will not limit yield; your yield goal is reasonable for the field to be fertilized; the soil sample was representative of the area analyzed; the crop species you select are suitable for the climate and soil; and. 1990. Although cool- season annual grasses (small grains, ryegrass), and some legumes are harvested for hay each spring, most hay operations in Texas are based on warm-season perennial grasses. You have to know the height at which the forage will be harvested and differences in fertilization from one area of the pasture to another. In the case of horses, low quality hay is the primary cause of impaction colic. Texas Tough was developed for its drought … As noted previously, nitrate levels do not decline after cutting or baling. This is the composite sample. Ball, D.M, C.S. Since hay may be the only source of nutrients for livestock during the winter, it is critical to know their nutrient requirements to ensure that the hay you feed will meet that need. is palatable and has a higher level of nutritive value than bahiagrass and some bermudagrass varieties, and it can retain its nutritive value later into the summer. Good-quality hay, silage, or haylage meet supplement criteria for grass-fed beef. Soil tests can determine phosphorus levels in forage fields; however, a common symptom of low phosphorous is the decline of desired forage species (e.g., bermudagrass) and the invasion of grasses that require less phosphorus (e.g., bahiagrass). Dry matter yield, however, is usually less than well-managed bermudagrass. It is usually less expensive to fertilize appropriately and harvest at the correct stage of maturity than it is to purchase supplement. Once the hay has dried enough to be safely baled, prussic acid will have volatilized to nontoxic levels. Southern Forages, 3rd Ed. I have to kill off St. Augustine, as it's starting to sprout in the middle of my Bermuda and looks like Crab Grass. Tall fescue also tolerates flooded conditions and grows well in soils that are typically too wet for many other forage grasses. Even a 4-inch band on the outer surface of a 6-foot diameter round bale can represent a 21 percent lossof dry matter and nutritive value (Table 7). Prussic acid in forages can pose a significant risk to grazing livestock, but in well-cured hay, prussic acid is rarely an issue. A cow’s nutrient requirement is the greatest 60 to 80 days after calving. Rotational stocking with water in each paddock will help ensure efficient nitrogen management and capture. The only effective way to reduce soil salinity is by leaching the salts down through the soil profile with abundant rainfall or irrigation. Under certain circumstances you may need to harvest hay at higher than recommended moisture content. Sampling near ends or bottoms of bales will not give you a representative sample. Proper seeding rates and forage selection, combined with good fertility, produce forage stands that are better able to compete with weed species. Natives can sometimes take longer to establish, but require less management once they do. can be used for pasture, silage or hay, though making hay is usually somewhat more difficult because of the large stems. Triticale tolerates drought and pests better than wheat. Neutral detergent fiber is correlated with dry matter intake in that as NDF increases, intake generally decreases. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Both products, however, can pose significant health risks to those applying the materials. Baled hay should then be field cured to the proper level of moisture content and stored under cover to prevent loss of dry matter and nutritive value. Proper sampling and testing are required to ensure the hay is safe to feed. Silage and Hay Preservation. In haying systems, an average of 14 pounds P2O5 is removed for each ton of dry matter harvested. EARL BIG BLUESTEM – is a native, warm-season, perennial grass originating near Weatherford, Texas. Hay production, therefore, should be reserved for the highest yielding sites. Generally, legumes have higher nutritive value than grasses, and cool-season grasses have higher nutritive value than warm-season grasses at the same stage of maturity (Table 3). Brome grass does well in arid climates and marginal soil conditions. Coastal grass is high-protein forage. They must be hand delivered or picked up. The species must be adapted for the soil type, rainfall and other environmental conditions of the location where you intend to produce the hay. can be used for grazing or for hay. For additional information on managing prussic acid in forages, refer to Extension publication E-543, “Nitrates and Prussic Acid in Forages.”. Once you have determined how much hay you need, you can use the land inventory to decide where to collect soil samples and how to manage fields for grazing or hay production. Alfalfa hay is very digestible and can be high in crude protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals. They can really take a toll on your yard and landscape. Dallisgrass is also subject to ergot (Claviceps spp.) infection, which can be toxic to cattle if they eat infected seed heads. is used primarily for pasture, though it can be used for hay or silage. are typically water-based solutions of potassium carbonate (K. ) with an appropriate surfactant to help them spread over the harvested forage. The primary use of perennial ryegrass is for pasturing cattle and sheep cows. Research has shown that stand of 2/3 alfalfa and 1/3 grass can out yield a pure stand of either grass or alfalfa by as much as 40-50%. Though nitrogen recommendations are based on species and yield goals, it generally takes approximately 50 pounds of nitrogen to produce 1 ton of high-protein, warm-season perennial grass hay. The actual dry weight of hay is determined by adjusting for moisture content as measured by a moisture probe. This increase is called “sweating” or “going through a sweat.” It is mainly caused by microbial activity, though it can include some final plant respiration. Dallisgrass is also subject to ergot (Claviceps spp.) Texas AgriLife Extension Service, E-543. As noted previously, nitrate levels do not decline after cutting or baling. It can be grazed until mid-April and harvested at the early bloom stage in mid-May. make it possible to safely store hay that is baled at up to 30 percent moisture. Kentucky bluegrassflourishes throughout the Northeast and the entire northern ti… Crabgrass hay usually has higher nutritive value than bermudagrass, bahiagrass, or the more commonly used summer annual grasses such as pearl millet or sorghum-sudan hybrids. Ryegrass is sensitive to acid soil pH values below 5.5. The fiber that remains is referred to as ADF and is mostly cellulose and lignin. Cornstalks are considered forage if they don’t contain grain. Plant nitrates are expressed as ppm nitrate-N. To convert ppm nitrate-N to percent, divide by 10,000. Texas Tough is a mixture of Giant, Common and Turf Type bermuda grasses. Tall fescue will tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, but like most turfgrasses grows best with a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5. 2008. The ideal way to sample hay is to use a bale probe, which removes a 1-inch-diameter core. Similar to johnsongrass, sorghum-sudangrass also has a strong potential for nitrate accumulation when subjected to stress and/or high nitrogen fertilization and can produce prussic acid under stress conditions such as drought or frost. It is necessary, therefore, to harvest every 30 to 35 days to maintain forage nutritive value. , though primarily used for grain and pasture, can also be used as a hay crop. Do not use plastic bags because the high moisture content will make the samples mold, which interferes with the nitrate analysis. Though Table 4 may appear to indicate only a slight economical advantage to the herbicide treatment, each season usually requires more than one mechanical treatment. How well the partially available protein fraction can be used by animals depends primarily on the crop species and maturity. When finished, simply unscrew the cap and push the hay out with a wooden dowel. 26 pounds × 100 head × 120 days ÷ .8 (20 percent waste) = 390,000 pounds of hay. Like pearl millet, though, sorghum-sudan hybrids also have large stems, which require conditioning and extra drying time. Price is currently $75/bale, price is negotiable depending on quantity ordered, Delivery is available for additional fee of $20/bale. NDF is the residue left after boiling a forage sample in a neutral detergent. is established from seed. If fertilized and managed properly, they work well in almost any live-stock production program. Mixing samples from areas that have received different rates of manure or fertilizer will skew the final laboratory analysis. Take a look at the most common grass types for Fort Worth lawns. The ends and outer edges of bales are often weathered and decayed, so taking samples from these areas can understate the true nutritive value of the hay. Additionally, johnsongrass has a strong potential for nitrate accumulation when subjected to stress and/or high nitrogen fertilization. They can really take a toll on your yard and landscape. Mechanical methods are generally less effective and more costly than chemical controls (Table 4). Ground Covers: The Infamous Perfect Replacement for Grasses in Texas. Grass seed is not cheap, but it is generally quite a bit less expensive to purchase and sow than installing sod. About 45 pounds of K2O are removed per ton of dry matter harvested. Be sure you understand your laboratory’s reporting method to ensure you don’t feed toxic levels of nitrate to livestock. Haylage is typically wrapped in plastic to exclude air. Millet may require a hay conditioner (a piece of equipment that crimps and crushes newly cut hay to promote faster and more even drying) and more drying days than the fine-stemmed species such as bermudagrass. Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a short-lived perennial that can last 2 to 3 years. Harvesting oat hay in the boot stage produces the highest overall forage nutritive value, but delaying harvest until the soft dough stage will produce a greater yield. Probable Problems With Your Lawn. Purchase a nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer and spray the plant and the soil, reapplying the fertilizer monthly to encourage growth. Most cattle ranchers use Coastal Bermuda Hay or some Bermuda hybrid. It should be harvested at the boot to early heading stage. Can you tell the difference? The high quality grasses we selected for these mixtures are late maturing, high yielding varieties with high fiber digestibility. are less sensitive to nitrate toxicity than ruminants, there have been reported cases of horses becoming ill from high-nitrate hay. Texas Tough is a mixture of Giant, Common and turf type Bermudagrass seed. It tolerates a variety of soil types and grows better in wet soils than any other cool-season annual grass. Of course, this payback period varies according to barn construction and geographic location. Nitrite is then absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the rumen wall where it reacts with hemoglobin to form methhemoglobin. Ranchers Agricultural Leasing Workshop: Online course, Connecting Agriculture and Health – From the Ground Up: online, Equine Reproductive Management Short Course, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc8xY2YuOfM. Non-ruminants (horses and pigs) get energy directly from forage while ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats, and white-tailed deer) get energy indirectly through degradation of the forage’s carbohydrates and fiber in the rumen. St. Augustine grows on runners and creates a dense, emerald green mat that provides an excellent surface for resting and recreation in a relaxing and shady yard. The solution is applied immediately after mowing and speeds up the drying process by disrupting the waxy cuticle of the stem and allowing moisture to escape from the harvested forage. “Well fertilized” hay may not meet the animal’s nutrient requirements, and supplementation can dramatically increase the cost of the feeding program. As the hay dries it loses roughly 1 percent of dry matter for each percent of moisture. This elegant grass is tolerant of most weather conditions, but prefers not to be in full sun. Cold winters, cool summers and high humidity create challenging conditions for many plants, including lawn grasses. You should collect one composite sample for every 25 to 30 bales from a given field and cutting. Ohio State University Extension, AGF-013-92. 3. Protein breakdown begins at temperatures above 120 degrees F and browning begins at about 140 degrees F. This browning reaction (carmelization) can further increase temperature and take forage nearly to the point of combustion. are either energy (total digestible nutrients, TDN) or protein (crude protein, CP). Hay Preservatives. Once sown, you must care for your lawn tenderly and defend it against trampling and birds. To sample forage before harvesting, create a composite sample from at least 10 to 15 areas with the same fertility and moisture conditions. Most hay for cow-calf production systems is sold on a per-round bale basis and there are two major problems with this. Tall fescue grows on a wide variety of soil types, but it performs best on loam or clay soils that have some water-holding capacity. If you underestimate the hay’s nutritive value you may end up buying expensive supplements that are unnecessary. Bermuda grass does very well throughout Texas. Very helpful as we live in San Antonio, and believe our new house has Bermuda grass! Is there much of a difference visually between the two grasses? When you select high-quality Zoysia seed and take care in sowing it, you can expect a hearty and successful lawn. Additionally, johnsongrass has a strong potential for nitrate accumulation when subjected to stress and/or high nitrogen fertilization. Warm-season perennial grass provides good grazing from April through June and again from July through … We have 170 round bales of hay available for sale. Neutral detergent fiber also contains lignin, which is either not digestible or very slowly digestible. Mid-to late-maturity hay is usually more desirable for horses with lower nutrient requirements, while early-maturity hays are more appropriate for horses with high nutrient needs. When using a spade/sharpshooter, dig a V-shaped hole and take a 1-inch slice from the smooth side of the hole; then take a 1- x 1-inch core from the middle of that slice. Because of the long experience with common, it is often used as a standard for evaluating new material. Although coolseason annual grasses (small grains, ryegrass), and some legumes are harvested for hay each spring, most hay operations in Texas are based on warm-season perennial grasses. Proper sampling and testing are required to ensure the hay is safe to feed. You will want a species with multiple year yields, high nutritive value, winter hardiness, persistence, and disease resistance. True proteins are complex structures made up of amino acids. Bermudagrass is an important warm-season, perennial, sod-forming forage grass grown across the southeastern United States. Bermuda grass is a grass of many names — Bahama grass, couch grass, or devil’s grass, the bottom line is that this type of grass can survive extreme temperatures and severe drought conditions. When this happens you can use an implement called a tedder to turn the windrow over to help it dry (Fig. It tolerates a variety of soil types and grows better in wet soils than any other cool-season annual grass. basis does not tell you the nutritive value of the bale. In haying systems, an average of 14 pounds P. is removed for each ton of dry matter harvested. To reduce losses, hay can be stored under tarps specifically designed for this task. Drying agents do not affect forage nutritive value. Unless high sodium levels cause the high pH, there is no effective mechanism for lowering soil pH. Under proper range management, stands are persisting and remain highly productive. The high quality grasses we selected for these mixtures are late maturing, high yielding varieties with high fiber digestibility. Hay for sheep and goats should contain more protein and be more digestible than hay produced for the dry, pregnant cow. However, success depends upon skilled installation. 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