Fescue grass hay for goats For the first 30 to 40 years of tall fescue use, the mainstay of all fescue pastures was the endophyte-infected Kentucky-31 (Ky31) variety. The fescue can be left tall and saved for late season grazing which will save you money on hay. No RFV test done, I choose a number to indicate average or better mix grass hay. The best kind of hay to feed a female goat is also grass hay, such as timothy, orchard grass, or brome. We feed OG,Timothy, Fescue or a mix of any of them, and always tell people we need hay for horses. Welcome to BrowseMaster Pro, your go-to solution for creating the most productive and nutritious goat pastures. If a farmer wants to grow oats, they don’t cut the grass to make hay. The fungus affects the reproductive system of the horse. Photo 1: Leaf blotch on second cutting orchard grass. Pasture Mixes. I keep Ammonium Chloride on hand just in case though and feed it as a preventative as well. Most locals have fescue. The best ones are Bermuda hay, Orchard Grass, and Fescue hay. Fescue toxicity, caused by a fungus (or entophyte) which infects the fescue, can result in poor condition and health problems in goats. Clean, Moisture 10%, Crude protein ~ 12%. Red Clover is one example of a Legume Hay, while Bermuda grass and Fescue are two kinds of Hay that come from Grasses. The crude protein content of Sudan grass hay is 10% on average, although certain varieties can reach 18% or more. Fescue Hay. It’s high in fiber and low in sugar and protein. Fescue just needs to be managed right. 76 RFV Fescue hay is high in nutrient content, drought resistant, and resistant to overgrazing. Fescue grass is used in the central, east, and Pacific Northwest part of the United States. Keep The key to a good goat pasture/hay field much to plant. 7. Soft Leafy Orchard Blue Grass Kentucky 31 Hay (For Easy Keepers) Currently, I’m feeding my does(who are in milk) an Alfalfa orchard grass mix so I will be getting that for them. More mature grass has a lower protein content and thicker stems. But if you don't have any of the reed canary grass there now, why introduce it. It’s grazed, and excess Our local pellet mill sells low endophyte fescue hay and makes hundreds of tons of pellets per year using the same. if i could id put rye clover an vetch in all my hay meadows. Willow is high in magnesium and zinc and contains a crude protein at a level consistent with lucerne hay. Pine Hill Farms bales horse quality hay that is a pasture mix of primarily orchard grass, tall fescue and Kentucky blue. Legumes are generally higher quality than grasses, and cool-season grasses such as tall fescue and orchardgrass are higher quality than warm-season grasses like bermudagrass (Table 1). Most grass hay contains around 7-8% protein content. 15 . I would avoid anything rich like alfalfa. Including kids. Fescue grass is a hardy cover and grows quickly despite pasture grazing. Grass hay is the preferred type of hay to feed baby goats. Fiasco Farm hasn't owned goats in years. Tall Fescue for Forage Origin Tall fescue (Festuca arudinacea Schreb. Alaskan brome, meadow brome, Timothy, festulolium, and orchard grass : These Hay For Sale Providers of Premium Quality Hay. Come out to our barn, tell us your needs, look at the hay and you’ll see how we’re different. Protein content and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) should be below 35% for goats. For toxic tall fescue, the low pH in baleage will help preserve alkaloids. If you do, don't feed much. With over 40 years in the hay business, J & J has developed a dependable supply of equine quality hay and forage products from the Fescue. It can tolerate heavy grazing. In our area, orchard grass is a popular hay grass, so you’ll see it used when planting new hay fields. Organic Orchard Grass Mix Blue Grass Kentucky 31 Hay (For Easy Keepers) 4. 1411 My Account; Cart; Custom Seed Cleaning; Shop Seed By Category. My understanding from them and what I have read is that Most people producing hay know which fescue is safe and which is not and they are careful to make sure they are not baling toxic hay! Tall fescue is problematic for all livestock See our page on fescue grass for more information on using reed fescue for grazing horses, sheep, and cattle and for growing hay. A. In northern Arkansas it produces more winter grazing than any other grass. 283. Okay, I realize the yield (lb per acre) is doubled for late cut and late-cut hay is usually much easier to cure and bale. Goats are browsers, which means they prefer to eat leaves and twigs from trees and shrubs rather than grass. Fescue was introduced from Europe in the late 19th century. Most hay is made at or after seed maturity. The hay should be leafy and free of molds and dust. Since I have 9 horses to feed and only (at the last time I bought, anyways) 2 goats, it made more financial sense to just give my goats the grass hay (which is content tested), and they are supplemented with alfalfa pellets along with fescue mix, horse quality hay, also animal feed. How bout orchard grass? This generally means the hay contains both grasses and legumes, with orchardgrass/alfalfa being the most common mixture. Need Help? Call us at 435. In my book Orchard grass is hard to beat. Bermuda grass is great if you have warm weather and really mild winters, but its tough to get anything established with it because it gets so thick. The first 10 bales I got when I first got my boys looked good. Fescue hay is another hardy grass hay. 2. As much as Bermuda Clover is another option, as is timothy, meadow grass, and fescue. Management is a key factor in controlling Introduction and Characteristics of goats and sheep . However, hay may also include legumes, such as alfalfa and clovers. For horses, the focus is on digestibility and energy. Mature sheep can get by on good-quality grass hay, but lambs do When it comes to grass with both benefits and drawbacks, tall fescue takes the cake. land area or approximately 37 million Collect and submit samples from Why Choosing the Right Grass is Important for Goats. 2 Cereal Grains; Cool Season Improved Grasses. A Mixed Hay would have both a Legume and a Grass like "O&A Hay" Hay for Goats is From what I have found through my research on the endophyte free fescue is that it can revert back over time. 200 Bales Available. Early growth, mid growth, seeding, hay. Mixtures of grasses such as ryegrass, timothy, brome, fescue, Bermuda grass, and orchard grass are commonly used for hay. Grass hay is less nutritious and also less expensive, so homesteaders often feed a 50-50 grass-legume mix. If your pasture has grass, then you When given the chance, goats prefer to browse on shrub-like, broadleaf forbs over traditional pasture grasses. High-fiber, low-sugar hay works for many. 12. farmerjan Herd Master. It tends to be well-rooted and forms a dense sod. Other ruminants can graze pastures close so orchard grass which stores energy at the base of the plant may not be a good option if you have sheep or goats too. large impact hay quality. Large Round Bales . We feed some fescue hay to the cows is not as big a problem after it is made into hay. It is an excellent hay for cows, horses, sheep, goats, and lactating animals. Endophyte-infected Tall Fescue hay will remain toxic for two years or more. Putting Weight on a Skinny Horse Best Hay for Baby Goats: What Hay Do Goat Kids Like To Eat. Fescue endophyte can persist for up to two years in stored hay, so animals fed KY-31 hay may benefit from supplementary grain and/or an added ration of legume hay to their winter diets. The Ultimate Grass Seed Mixture for Productive Goat Pastures. The squares are alfalfa/grass mix and I know the guy from the horse farm I worked at, so he's going to be good enough to hold back 50 bales Millet, an annual grass, is a productive choice for producing winter hay for goats. 15 to Oct. Our normal reseeding mix includes alfalfa, clover and orchard grass, since we prefer a mixed hay for our stock. 2 Orchardgrass (Dactylis 1. Within each class there can be a wide range of quality, however. Bluegrass originated in Kentucky, USA, and is suitable for pasture and green It's really hard around here to find any hay without fescue, which is why I'm considering switch grass as opposed to a mixed grass. Not good. It is a fine stemmed, fast growing, high yielding, summer annual grass. Immature grass hay is one of the best low-budget alternatives to leafy alfalfa. Medium Round Bales . J & J Hay Farms offers a wide variety of top-quality straw and hay for sale including Timothy, Alfalfa, Timothy/Alfalfa Mixes, Timothy/Alfalfa/Orchard Mixes, Grass Hays and Straw. Best Types of Grass for Goat Pastures. It grows quickly, reaching 40 to 50 inches in 60 to 90 days if left alone. $6. However, if the type of hay you feed them causes them to bloat then it can definitely be bad for their health! Bloat is a serious issue that can kill your goat so avoid feeding Can goats eat clover hay? They certainly can, although this has not been the favorite choice of hay type for goats. The pines, cedars, and maple trees near the barn have taken a severe hit this winter. Horses, cows, goats, and rabbits all have different needs. Endophytes are fungi that live inside some grass plants, most commonly tall fescue and perennial ryegrass. Deliveries for hay are available please contact Sean at (541) 450 Abstract The nutritive value of a forage largely determines ruminant animal daily performance through the provision of digestible energy, crude protein (CP), minerals, and vitamins. For your horses, goats, cattle, garden, hay ride, etc. I think straight johnson grass hay is a little too coarse,but that is just my personal opinion. Average fescue hay typically contains 8-9% crude protein and 55-60% TDN on a dry matter basis. . Signs of fescue toxicosis in ruminants such as goats result from the vasoconstrictive properties of the main toxic agent, Take a hay crop from the pasture area. Goats. 5% per day from boot stage to mature seed stage. Learn More $ 38. It also contains some protein but not enough to meet the dietary needs of goats Any grass hay is great. Shop 25% Tall Fescue 25% Orchardgrass 25% Forage Kentucky Bluegrass 10% Climax Timothy 10% White Clover *I have read that fescue can be poisonous to goats (due to endophytic fungus in the grass, which produces several types of alkaloids that are toxic to animals) but I have never seen any problems in my goats when fed fescue in moderation. It is a little more expensive and slightly harder to get established than K31, but it is well worth the money. We grow premium Orchard Grass Hay and Fescue Hay which offers an excellent ration. It grows from March to Orchardgrass makes a better hay, has more summer growth than tall fescue, J-M. ] in comparison with other perennial, cool-season grasses when managed as pasture, Hay is basically a grass that is cut green, then dried and baled. Sheep tend to find it less palatable than leafy alfalfa. ) is a deep-rooted, long-lived, sod-forming perennial grass that spreads by short underground stems called rhizomes. ' The tall fescue endophyte fungus inside a leaf sheath cell. Well-managed legume-grass hays generally are higher in protein and minerals than are straight grasses under similar management. 2. Even so, it can also be expensive, so not all farmers choose to feed their goat’s hay. “I’ve fed fescue hay all my life to cattle and for the 27 years I’ve had goats. But what really makes Teff Grass unique and exciting is its nutrient content. This chapter will examine the nutritional composition of tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb. Sweetlix Meat Maker is my choice. Whether you’re raising goats for milk or meat, our advanced grass seed mixture is scientifically designed to boost productivity and ensure your herd thrives. Photo 2: Susan - always look for horse hay. How to determine the presence of endophyte-infected tall fescue Tall fescue identification Tall fescue is a hardy, perennial bunch grass with short, slow growing and spreading rhizomes. The damages of fescue toxicosis often go undetected in sheep production and can have drastic influences on animal performance. Gipson, R. Georgia Georgia hay hay for sale ar ea city other contact : A. Do not use mineral blocks. Alfalfa is not a health concern for does but we do not recommend a 100% alfalfa diet. Pu. What is the best hay for goats? As I mentioned, it can depend on the quality. Bermuda Seed for Hay ; Bermuda Turf Grass Seed ; Best Sellers ; Best Selling Products ; Biofuels ; Bird Seed for Fescue Grass Cover Crop Seed ; Fescue Grass Forage Fodder Seed ; Food Plot & Hunting ; Food Plot Seed ; Forage ; Forage & Pasture ; Forage & Pasture Seed ; Goat Seed for Homestead, Animal, & Garden ; Golf Course / Athletic my goats at grass clippings all the time one of my fainting goats lasted 14 years which is a LONG time for a goat to live his front legs were messed up and he walked on his knees but he walked all over the place and i couldnt put him down when i had the vet come out to check out the cows he said he is healthy and gets around ok that he would just leave him (i wasnt • Tall fescue: a popular pasture grass that is easily established, fast-growing, and hardy. For mixed legume grass hay-- 8-20 lbs/acre with 10-12 lbs/acre alfalfa For long term, Cattle, sheep, and goat farmers/ranchers are much easier to deal with, It is possible this mixed grass hay is dominated by over-ripe fescue (and probably weeds too). In fact, grass hay is better for some goats than legume hay. Warrenton, North Carolina Fescue Grass Hay for sale. Williams, and T. I'm thinking that instead of stacking bale after bale of expensive squares in the loft, I'll be buying maybe three of those and actually putting them in the barn, free choice, for this winter's Grass hay can include Bermuda grass, sorghum, orchard grass, fescue, and timothy . HayMaster Pro is formulated for either a straight grass hay field or for mixing with a legume crop to produce high quality, high performing hay. Hay grown locally in Western WA does not Goats prefer to eat weeds, shrubbery, weeds, branches, leaves, and hay before grass. Time is of the essence when it comes to baling hay. The nutrition of hay can also vary widely depending on its maturity when it was cut and baled. My goats love grass hay - I mean to the point they will walk away from alfalfa for the grass, but they are not fond of Timothy. The star of our discussion is tall fescue, a grass variety which, with its hardiness and high yield, behaves like a well-oiled machine even in low fertility conditions. I contacted the man we buy hay from and he told me the hay is a mixed grass hay of orchard grass and fescue. Mine get pasture and a grass mix hay, and a mineral block. While grass doesn’t have the same protein content as legume hay, it is still a beneficial ingredient in your goats’ diet. Timothy is also lower in protein than the other 2 for the most part. These fast-growing and nutritious grass varieties provide goats with a healthy diet while supporting efficient pasture growth. Tall Fescue is the most well rounded grass for hay that is available on the market today. It’s an excellent source of fiber, which helps keep their digestive systems working properly. These factors make it less palatable and harder to digest. When properly cut, a mixture of a grass and legume Fescue alkaloids degrade during the hay-curing process. “Producers can find other sources of hay such as orchard grass, timothy, alfalfa or red clover to reduce toxicity problems in the winter feeding period,” he said. Pasture with timothy, fescue and orchard grass is good for Pygmy goats. Goats will graze on grass to balance their diet, especially when stalky forages are limited, but grass does not account for a large portion of their intake. We have hay for cows, goats, and rabbits. Olive Tree. Myrtle Creek Cow Hay $6-$9, Orchard Timothy Horse Hay $10-$12, Round Bales $45. I love orchard grass. HayMaster Pro Premium Grass Mix is an all grass mix of top varieties of soft leaf tall fescue, late maturing orchardgrass and timothy. Anything that saves you money on hay is a good thing in my book. At a bare minimum, goats need 7% crude protein (pregnant goats need 12% crude protein rather than 11% as they are lactating). that assures you a good cutting if it dont drought during the spring. Sep 26, 2022 #3 F. Willard, North Carolina Alfalfa Hay for sale. I don't feed any grains. the daily ration of a goat is made up of 20% grasses, 20% Current Hay Products This page is updated daily. While straw is never used for feeding livestock, hay is. Teff is a “C4 Warm Season” grass with a moderate protein and calorie content, but with a low sugar/starch content. but you need to feed that hay 1st as alot say it doesnt keep wellas said it will sure help your pastures. Goat Seed for Homestead, Animal, & Garden ; Golf Course / Athletic Field Grass ; For hay, cutting forage Fescue in the early boot stage will give the best balance between hay yield and nutritional Hay for sale in North Carolina , United States - North Carolina - HayMap Hay for goats can be either legume hay (alfalfa or clover) or carbonaceous hay (timothy, brome, orchard grass, mixtures). They get other feed too, wild onions, fescue, and of course dead poplar leaves off the ground. While the Oklahoma Extension lists fescue as having a moderate forage nutritional profile, the Kentucky The question has come up recently about the toxicity of KY-31 infected tall fescue hay. Thanks! Shantara Acres Alpine Dairy Goats In general, though, there are many better hays to give your goat. Actually alfalfa is not a grass; it is a legume, like clover. The reason I got to thinking about adding kentucky bluegrass was I took over a new field this past spring that had been previously grazed by goats and it had a real nice stand of grass on it that was equal amounts of orchard grass and fescue but it also had a good amount of a sod forming fine bladed grass that I found out to be kentucky bluegrass. Teff is an ideal forage and hay crop due to several factors – Each animal unit will require approximately 50 pounds of hay per day, assuming average to good quality hay. Sheep are grazers like cattle whereas goats are browsers like deer. Orchardgrass is a tall, erect, bunch-type grass without rhizomes or stolons. Ammonia gas treatment can reduce the toxin levels in tall fescue hay. Do not forget about your cutting height, keep it up above 3" and a 4" stubble is even better for the stand longevity and regrowth. That is how I feed. Perennial Grass Species: Warm-Season: Plant: April 15 to June 30 . Tall Fescue. It is like nectar for goats and other foragers and g For the record: fescue can be fed to goats. Fescue grasses are naturally infected with the fescue toxicosis endophyte Neotyphodium coenophialum. It’s a new day . 1 Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) 1. Alfalfa is among the mostly cultivated greens for goats and considered as one of the best grass for goats. The hay goes to small acreage farmers; like many on this forum that have some goats or some sheep and only want 10-50 bales at a time or want 200 for the year. Fescue hay, 6 weeks growth: 58-62: 8-11: Fescue hay, 9 weeks growth: 48-53: 7-9: Bermuda hay, 7 weeks growth: 54-58: 9-11: Bermuda hay, 12 It is sometimes advisable to provide a mineral mix that contains 20-25% magnesium oxide to reduce the risk of grass tetany when heavy milking goats are grazing lush small grain or grass/legume As the graph above shows, hay takes up half of a goat’s daily diet. Since the largest part of a goat’s diet is grassy hay, that is where we are going to put our focus today, in particular, the first and second Ruminant nutritionist Laura Marie Kramer talks about alfalfa and grass hay, as well as the difference between pellets and long saying, Oh, it’s fine for cows. IF you know the source, and that grower has animals that are affected by endophytes (horses, sheep, goats, cows) and the the grower feeds the very same hay to his animals, chances are, the hay is safe-- age helps decrease the chance of endophytes surviving, as well. Anytime a cool-season plant matures, quality drops rapidly (Kilgore et al. Let’s look at what the best hay could be for your goat. 25% Fuzion Endophyte Free Fescue Your pasture should contain small sized broad-leafed plants, some kind of grasses, forbs etc. It thrives in a variety of soil types and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it a reliable choice for regions with challenging climates. Feeding mixed grass hay that contains tall fescue along with other Choosing the right pasture grass for goats involves considering factors such as climate, soil type, and the nutritional needs of the animals. Baled June 2024 In the barn ready for pick-up, or Hay Production. Due to wet weather challenges in spring, baleage is more popular for conserving forages than dry hay in the Northeast US. 1. You can’t feed that to a horse or Oh, that’s goat hay. I'd find other hay that would be more palatable to the animals too. They are too hard for goats to bite. When it comes to the best types of grass for goat pastures, a variety of options exist that are ideal for grazing. It tolerates heavy grazing, drought, Most labs will not test fescue hay because of erratic results. I do goats. It has high nutrition throughout the year. It got its start in the United States in the 19th century when it came from Europe to be used as pasture grasses and in early household lawns, according to PennState Extension. Myrtle Creek Fescue Mix Grass Hay $6, Plus Horse Hay $9-$12. A strain known to exist in Kentucky before 1890 was collected in Feed donkeys lower-quality forages, such as barley straw or stemmy, mature grass hay, than you would feed a horse. My grass hay is 2nd cutting Max Q and the animals LOVE it. Legume hay, for example, alfalfa, consists of more protein than grass hay does. In my opinion it is the best hay for goats. They come in with onion breath every day. it’s a good source of nutrition and can help to keep animals healthy. Orchardgrass – 20 lbs; Tall Fescue – 20 lbs; Timothy – 8 lbs; other Categories of hay: legume (alfalfa and clover), grass (timothy, brome, orchard grass, bluegrass), cereal grain straw (oat hay, cut before the seed heads mature), and mixed (legume and grass). Here in texas you would be hard pressed to find Huh, never heard that about bermuda grass. Size: 18" W x 14" H x 42" L; 40-60 Lbs (length and density varies) No rain, no pesticides, no livestock manure. So far its been working pretty well, I just make sure to put dry den pellets down before I put the hay down so that the urine will soak up more. It’s an excellent feed for pregnant or lactating does, and kids. It is known for its hardiness and ability to withstand grazing pressure. If you farm in the Northeast, native and improved varieties of Festuca arundinacea (tall fescue) and Festuca pratensis (common meadow fescue) are more than likely abundant. Like male goats, alfalfa hay can be given to female goats but only in moderation. Reactions: mysunwolf, Stephine, Finnie and 3 others. Quick-to-Grow Pasture Mix Tall fescue is one of the most predominant forage grass species throughout the “Fescue Belt” – middle to southeastern U. Tall fescue grass is not safe for goats. We feed coastal hay-which is bermuda and fescue. I am also buying some local grass hay this week. I get 4 - 5 deliveries a year. Hay: For many goat farmers, this is the most common type of food to feed your goats to make sure they get all of the nutrients they need. My goats love it, in all of its forms. Pasture for sheep is not that different than that for cattle but pasture for goats is very different. While the benefits of each type of fescue grass vary slightly, they share But as far as the seeds from the hay, we only feed the fescue hay where there is already fescue growing, it is pretty common here, and although we don't like it, it is not the worst. Selecting the right grass for goats directly impacts their health and growth. primary consideration for averting fescue toxisosis in goats by either interseeding alternative forages within an established fescue pasture (o r encouraging multi-species plant growth within the pasture) or providing open access to brushy areas along with the fescue pasture. Forage Tall Fescue handles all soil types, PH levels and moisture levels. They typically need something with higher protein content, and clover hay is not the most advantageous in 9% protein is not fabulous, but as much hay as goats waste, johnson grass, fescue and hay grazer/cane type hays like this that are untested, and that were cut this year during this extreme weather. In fact, female goats should be given less alfalfa hay than males, as it can cause issues with pregnancy and lactation if given in excess. Sahlu, Langston University I have been feeding coastel bermuda/johnson grass hay to my horses for many years without any problems. I told the guy to bring me 50 more bales and he brought a different cutting. Goats need a variety of nutritious grasses for optimal development. Any type of grass hay, including Timothy, Bermuda, and Teff, is ideal for the average adult goat, provided it’s of good quality and free from any mold and debris. Grass Hay. Pastures for Meat Goats. , 1980). Our Pacific Northwest goat pasture mix contains a selection of grasses, legumes and forbs designed to provide palatable, nutrient-dense forage for your goats. However, because kid goats are growing and their bones developing, alfalfa is also acceptable for young goats. Not all goats love Hay for Sheep. Tall fescue, meadow fescue, Italian ryegrass, perennial ryegrass: These grasses add variety to goats’ diets and keep things interesting 6. Legume hay is pricier but has higher nutrition. If you do not want to use fescue, substitute rye grass. Merkel, K. All Purpose Pasture Grass Mix for the price consious customer. When it looks like grass, it can be cut and baled as hay. Smith Hay : Russell Bermuda grass, small square bales, contact Alton (5mi SE of Toccoa) N E: GA : Eastanollee : 770-714-0931 : Leaning J Farms LLC : Coastal Bermuda grass, squares/rounds for cattle, donkeys, goats, horses, and For example dry beef cows probably do not need high quality alfalfa and stockers may need a higher quality and more palatable forage then what fescue grass can provide. 14-16 % at baling May2024br /5 X 4 Round bale JD baler net wrapped. Dry hay is a good practice to mitigate fescue toxicosis. Each type of grass offers Mature hay from a second cut is better for donkeys than the protein-rich harvest of the first cut. Some goats may prefer other types of plants, such as grass or leaves. Hear alot of talk about bermuda grass, but have no personal experience with it. This type of hay contains plenty of fiber and Producers also could move goats from tall fescue to warm season grasses during hot and/or dry months. The advantages to using our website are that it is available 24/7, you can be very specific on what you need, you can search as far and as wide as you want (nationwide listings), and you can sign up for our newsletters that will alert you each time hay is available near you. However, if you must provide them with grass, the best type of grass for goats is a mix of cool-season grasses Fescue Grass Hay For Horses. 150 RFV. If fertilized, the plant can accumulate nitrates, making nitrate poisoning an additional danger. Matter of fact, my hay guy has 5'x6' round bales of "grass" hay that are just as I described -- about 50/50 clover and grass -- for a mere $25 a bale. Hay for goats is important for keeping the rumen working especially in the winter when its digestion provides a lot of warmth. The genus is comprised of more than 400 species worldwide. Introduced to the United States from England in the late 1800s, tall fescue is incredibly hardy and drought-resistant, thriving in a wide range of temperatures. These grasses are known for their ability to withstand grazing pressure and provide a balanced diet for goats. Because the leaf and seed of plants naturally contain more nutritional value than the stems, farmers typically harvest hay when the seeds are not quite ripe and the leaf is Between the cost of hay and straw, it became to expensive. Ect. My goats prefer grass hay when they aren't feeling well and I also want to have some on hand for Isis. I also have bucks. My goats eat Native grass hay (bluestem, indiangrass mostly) and they love it. Most goats need at least two to four pounds of hay per day. Cool season perennial and annual grasses are generally of higher Incorporating cool season perennial and annual forages in a grazing system allows meat goat producers to kid earlier in the spring on cereal Great local grass hay (mostly tall fescue), on the farm - North Dallas. On the other hand, grasses like timothy or Bermuda contain less protein but greater fiber. Cool-Season: Plant: Aug. TALL FESCUE TOXICITY IN GOATS. Straight legume hay or legume-grass mixed hay is a desirable feed if cut early. Despite that, not all goats eat hay. Sheep, like goats, prefer fine, leafy hay and will not eat coarse hay. My ideal hay would be a grass/alfalfa blend so I could feed it to all my Jessica, Fescue that contains endophytes can be toxic under certain conditions. But time of cutting and other hay-making practices affect protein and mineral levels. Most of the reason is the haymaker and not the grass. The University of Georgia Extension suggests that while cattle may prefer a diet composed of a high percentage of grasses, goats will only include 20-30% grass in their diet and prefer a significant portion of browse or brush. If you tell them you're looking for goat hay, you'll end up with molded, nasty hay that's been kept outside, because many people believe goats can eat 'anything. We use it as the grass component to any mixed hay we plant. It’s somewhat similar to leafy alfalfa in texture, and can still be fed to lambs. C. So after we hayed our field we took the extra unsellable hay ( which is a fescue, rye, orchard grass mix ) and started to use it as bedding. Olives are extremely palatable to Orchard Grass (Dactylis glomerata) Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) Meadow Brome (Bromus Fescue hay is a versatile and durable forage option, best suited for beef cattle, horses, sheep, and goats due to its moderate protein and fiber content. We goats. What are some things to consider when feeding hay to pygmy goats? There are two primary types of hay: legume hay and grass hay. Compared to other hay options, it contains a substantial amount of protein, at least 8%, and is full of fiber. Meaning that if there are other fescues in the area that aren't the endophyte free type then it can cross pollinate and eventually you'll end Sudan grass hay is a Brazilian hay that is great for cattle. Blue Grass Hay. ) is grown for hay and pasture on approximately two million acres in Arkansas and is the predominant perennial cool-season grass in the United States. Common grass species used for goat pastures include Bermuda grass, fescue, clover, and ryegrass. It is very important to use endophyte free varieties. Most Popular. When given the chance, goats prefer to browse on shrub-like, broadleaf forbs over traditional pasture grasses. 25% Perennial Ryegrass. Fescue is a low-maintenance herb that seldom needs scarification, with a distinctive forest Fescue has adequate palatability and is a nutritious forage option that can be successfully used in goat operations. I wouldn't Chicory is easily digestible for goats, which means that they get more of the benefits from it than many other pasture plants. The endophyte is what makes fescue so wonderfully hardy. A hay’s protein content A three string 100-150 lbs bale of alfalfa will go for $18 easily in feed stores and grass is even more. Grass hay is the most common type of hay for goats, and it typically consists of a variety of grasses, including timothy, brome, orchardgrass, and fescue. 00. I would go with the orchard grass or the orchard/fescue/timothy. In the realm of hay field contenders, Fescue grass steps up to the plate, demonstrating potential as one of the best grass seeds for hay fields. Goat Guardian | Complete Goat Knowledge During the growing seasons, it is beneficial to supplement hay with fresh forage options such as woody shrubs and a variety of grasses such as tall fescue and perennial rye. Fescue Hay: Fescue hay is another common grass hay found in the United States. Plus, with fescue you can stockpile it for winter grazing. $7. goats, sheep. Our team of rangeland googled fescue hay protein Fescue Hay Fescue hay has a reputation as being low-quality hay. Immature grass hay or leafy alfalfa is usually the best feed for sheep. Fescue hay can vary widely in quality depending on the variety and growing conditions, so it's important to select high-quality fescue hay for your donkey. The fungus is not found in a leaf blade. Remember, the period when alkaloid levels are spiking in tall fescue is also the time when most producers are making their first cutting To safely incorporate tall fescue grass into goats’ diets and reduce the risk of fescue toxicosis, farmers and livestock owners can employ various management strategies: Pasture Renovation: Consider renovating pastures by replacing infected tall fescue with endophyte-free varieties or other suitable forages. In: Meat Goat Production Handbook, ed. Can hay be bad for goats? Hay should not hurt your goat unless it causes them to have an allergic reaction. Some of the legumes from which hay is Fescue is the most common lawn grass in the United States, and it is also grown for hay in some regions. It is very winter-hardy with a deep root system. The main difference between hay and straw is that hay is comprised of legumes while straw is a byproduct created during the grain harvest. Forage crop producers face a number of challenges if they want to consistently produce high-quality hay. My hay also tested with Our grab and go mix is a Grass Only blend that works well for hay or pasture applications. It will be better if the pasture contain forbs, such as the milkweed, With All Hay, you can search 24/7 for hay as local as you want it to be. They also favor a wide variety of plant species. This practice not only helps diversify the diet of the animals but also serves to reduce their overall hay consumption, promoting a more balanced and nutritious feeding regimen. If you do not have access to pasture for your goats, then the grass hay percentage is going to be a bit higher than the graph above. In the fall, we delivery fall decorative hay The hay is a mixed grass, clover, orchard, Timothy, fescue. per Bale. S. Tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb. We've just started feeding alfalfa to our goats-including our breeding/show buck and some soon to be wethers. With this in mind, we’ve created our goat blends with the proper balance of forbs, legumes and grasses. Some grasses, such as Bermuda grass and timothy, do not grow well in mixtures. Fescue grasses are prone to being host to the endophytes that cause neurological issues. ) Darbysh. We sell Horse Quality Hay. It is often used as a pasture cover. This is a blend of orchard, ryegrass and soft leaf fescue. Mine will munch them some rye! It's a winter crop here, starts growing up in fall, and seeds in early spring. Azalea Goats Nigerian dwarf buck and wethers. – and makes up over 10% of the U. Even though grass and clover are not a goats preference if all of the forage present is grass and clover goats will eat it. Never had any problems with it. Troy Lohman of TNT Farms now runs almost 1,000 goats a year. If fescue grass is present in your area, buy a fescue balancer loose mineral. Young kids that have weaned do better on a mixture of grass This planting guide has been developed to help producers establish most forage grasses commonly Special Notes: Often considered a weed, in some situations. only had goats for a few years now,but they have been devouering it alongside the horse without any ill effects. Orchard grass hay is a classic. We have delivery options and we accept credit/debit cards. [] Small Square Bales . First and second cut 2023. Like all grasses, if oats are allowed to just keep growing, they go to seed. As a cool-season grass, it offers a reliable source of forage year-round and even stays green into the winter in many areas. Premium Utah Alfalfa of i have no problem feeding rye grass hay. Tall Fescue is an extremely hardy perennial that is insect and drought resistant, shade tolerant, the toxin remains active and dangerous. In Pennsylvania, it has been used primarily for conservation purposes but is well suited as hay, silage, or pasture. Feeding grains will also make them bray every time they see you. Orchard alfalfa mixes can be good, but if you can’t get that then alfalfa pellets are usually good enough if you need calcium. Call/text 865-317-2685 for more Our dairy goats milked better on it than on alfalfa hay. The goats have been ogling where they KNOW the rye grows lately, I Often, they have to be mixed with grasses to produce a mixed pasture with protein and palatable than grass alone. The new consideration is that today’s tall fescue is not the same as your grandpa’s tall fescue. Mixed with other grass seeds for pasture land, Fescue grass is highly tolerant of drought, insects and disease. My goats graze "fresh" fescue and also eat fescue hay. Feeding mixed grass hay that contains tall fescue along with other If you keep goats, you might wonder what the best (and worst) plants for goats are. Not sure it's for goats, but never had any complaints for horses cows or hay. Worse Type of Grasses for Goats Tall Fescue Grass. It also withstands drought conditions very well. My goats hate Timothy, and I’ve heard from a lot of people that their goats hate it as well. In short, Fescue will be the cheapest and easiest to grow, but is it good for goats. They get very fat easily. My goats like Timothy. Irrigated pasture. One of the most popular hay options that horses eat is timothy grass hay. Hay is a type of dried grass that is often fed to livestock. This mix is suitable for all livestock but works especially well for sheep or as a base for goats. Bermudagrass – 6 lbs; other to consider: Big Bluestem, Eastern Gamagrass, Indiangrass, Switchgrass . Myrtle Likewise, meat goats require nutrient-dense forages, often found in natural browse, to promote healthy growth. Small Square Bales - 2-wire bales, (40 bales per ton). Timothy grass hay is a tried-and-true hay option for horses since it is one of the premier grasses grown, harvested, and produced for horses. It is a long-lasting, high-quality mix that will produce in less-than-ideal conditions. Signs of fescue toxicosis in ruminants such as goats result from the vasoconstrictive properties of the main toxic hay can be tested for the presence and levels of toxins. Can be useful as a high-quality short-term hay and Feed efficiency (lb of hay fed per lb of gain) is cut in half when comparing early-cut to late-cut, indicating you would have to feed twice as much late-cut hay to have similar gains. Fescue hay is toxic to pregnant mares due to the presence of Acreonioum coenophialum fungus in flowers. It was a lifesaver last year when she had ketosis and milk fever. What Is Fescue Grass? Fescue is a common perennial grass used everywhere, from front lawns to golf courses. In other regions, common hays include reed canary grass, ryegrass, Sudan grass, and fescue. $200. The higher the fiber content, the lower the digestibility. It’s crucial that you bale the hay before bad weather arrives. Lots of stems, gone to seed, downy brome. Mostly grass hay, some bales have a grass and birdsfoot trefoil mix. Alfalfa has higher protein and calcium than grass hay. They prefer Brome, Orchard, or Wheat grass. then bale it end of april mid may. Photo by Dwane Miller. When oat seeds are planted, they first grow as a grass. I feed mostly alfalfa hay which I get delivered in 5 - 10 ton lots at a time. Does: We recommend good quality orchard grass hay or a 50/50 mix of orchard grass and alfalfa. T. Crude protein will drop 0. )Dumort. 8. With low quality feeds, goats will eat more, up to a point, to try to compensate. Hay. 2006. Types of immature grass hay include: Timothy; Sudan; Orchard grass; Bluegrass; Brome; Reed Canary; Fescue Hancock’s Forage Fescue Grass Seed is the answer to the problems associated with grazing infected Hancock’s Forage Fescue Grass pastures. Many grass hays include a mixture of several grasses, such as tall fescue, orchardgrass, and Kentucky bluegrass. There are alot of horse owners that can only handle storage of 50-100 bales at a time. Mixed fescue grass. Donkeys evolved in sparse deserts and are good at feed conversion. When referring to average to good quality hay, I mean over 10% crude protein and over 55% TDN (A forage analysis will tell you the quality of your hay). Buy loose minerals made for goats. Agricultural extension offices can supply the address of the closest testing laboratory. Penn State Extension Hay Production Workshop addresses some of these challenges. Max Q is a novel endophyte, and a wonderful pasture grass. Immature Grass Hay. But I just love orchard grass. Other pasture plants to consider are: Alaskan Brome (Bromus sitchensis) Orchard Grass (Dactylis glomerata) We have fed fescue pastures and fescue hay to our goats and cows for several years. Tall Fescue Tall fescue is very hardy. The amount of hay you feed your pygmy goats 1. Alfalfa Orchard Grass Mix 50-70% Alfalfa 3. Learn More $ 50. Don't start vast plans with half vast ideas. Goats Buy hay from a person who raises it for a living rather than solely to keep the agricultural tax exemption on his land. Fescue has adequate palatability and is a nutritious forage. It stood too long. I buy my hay only 2x a year and fill my loft, and because I buy so much at once I get a good deal from my local grower. pgfor ugx elzrqo hvog gldir rlvw offw armre zdf cebikv