Stretching Limited Hay Supplies: Wet Cows Fed Low Quality Hay

Abstract

Many producers are facing low hay supplies and looking for alternative hay sources and ways to stretch limited supplies. This factsheet will provide some supplementation options and considerations when feeding varying amounts of hay similar in quality to the hay described below. These examples assume cattle will be in a sacrifice pasture or drylot situation. They would apply to producers across the state as long as cattle are not experiencing extreme cold stress. If cows are in good condition prior to calving it is appropriate to let them lose some weight during lactation; the goal is to control weight loss so that cows do not lose more than 1 body condition score (BCS) during any 100 day period. Additionally, cows should not drop below a BCS of 4 during lactation. These examples are designed so that the cows will not lose more than 1 body condition score during the first 100 days after calving. They are appropriate for most beef breeds of cattle with moderate milk production