By Scout Nelson
Ditch hay can provide an additional feed source for livestock operations, especially when regular forage supplies are limited. Farmers may consider it an affordable alternative to other types of hay.
However, its nutritional value and safety can vary widely based on plant types, maturity, harvest timing, weather conditions, and possible contamination. Understanding these factors helps farmers decide whether ditch hay is suitable for their livestock.
Kim Ricardo, SDSU Extension Forage Field Specialist, explained that ditch hay quality depends on several important factors, including plant composition, harvest timing, and maturity.
Different plants, such as cool-season grasses, warm-season grasses, legumes and weeds, contain different levels of nutrients. As a result, the nutritional value of ditch hay can be difficult to estimate by looking at it alone.
Factors That Affect Ditch Hay Quality
Plant maturity is one of the main factors that determines hay quality. As plants grow and mature, their fiber and lignin levels increase. This makes the forage harder for livestock to digest and reduces its nutritional value.
Harvest timing also plays an important role. Farmers sometimes delay harvesting to produce more hay. However, waiting too long can reduce protein and energy levels, resulting in lower-quality feed.
Research at North Dakota State University shows that ditch hay harvested before July 1 contains an average crude protein (CP) level of 9.4%. In comparison, hay harvested by August 15 contains 7.3% crude protein. The research identifies early July as a suitable harvest period that balances hay production and nutritional quality.
Why Feed Testing Is Important
Since ditch hay quality changes based on several conditions, farmers should not depend only on its appearance to judge its feeding value. A laboratory feed analysis provides a better understanding of the nutrients available in the hay.
A forage test measures important nutritional values, including total digestible nutrients (TDN), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF).
- Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN): Estimates the energy available from the feed.
- Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF): Measures fiber content and helps estimate how much forage an animal can consume.
- Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF): Measures fiber levels and helps estimate digestibility and available energy.
These results help farmers prepare balanced and affordable feed plans. They also make it easier to identify whether additional protein or energy supplements are needed to meet livestock requirements.
Farmers can learn more through the resource How to Interpret Forage Test Results.
Potential Risks of Feeding Ditch Hay
Although ditch hay can reduce feed expenses, it may contain unwanted materials that create health risks for livestock. Trash, plastic, metal pieces, and other physical debris can become mixed with the hay during harvesting. Farmers should inspect the area before cutting and remove visible waste and harmful materials.
Chemical exposure is another important concern. Roadsides may receive herbicide treatments to control unwanted plants. However, not all herbicides are approved for use on forage that will be fed to livestock. Certain chemicals can cause health problems when animals consume contaminated hay.
Some herbicides can also pass through livestock without breaking down completely. These chemicals may remain in animal manure and affect the growth of future crops when the manure is spread on farmland. This can create problems when manure from cattle fed roadside hay is used as fertilizer or when animals receive ditch hay while grazing crop residues.
Farmers should identify which herbicides have been used along roadsides before harvesting. If the chemical treatment history is unknown, avoiding the harvest is a safer choice.
Which Livestock Can Benefit from Ditch Hay
Not all livestock have the same nutritional needs. Therefore, ditch hay may be more suitable for animals with lower energy and protein requirements.
Dry, mature cows in early- to mid-pregnancy may be able to use lower-quality ditch hay as part of their feeding plan. However, late-pregnancy and lactating cows require more energy and protein to support their health and production. Ditch hay alone may not provide enough nutrients for these animals.
Growing calves and yearling heifers also need nutrient-rich feed to support proper growth and development. Farmers should use forage test results to determine whether ditch hay meets these requirements or needs additional supplements.
Ways to Get More Value from Ditch Hay
Farmers can improve the value of ditch hay by following a few important practices. First, test the hay to understand its actual nutritional content. Second, match its quality with the needs of different livestock groups. Third, provide protein or energy supplements when required.
It is also important to calculate feed expenses based on the cost per usable nutrient rather than the price per bale or ton. This helps farmers understand the actual feeding value and avoid unexpected costs.
For additional information, farmers can read Stretching Forage Supplies with Agriculture Byproducts and Crop Residues.
Evaluate Feed Quality Before Making a Decision
Ditch hay can be a useful and affordable feed source when regular forage supplies are limited. However, its value depends on nutritional quality, harvesting practices and possible chemical contamination.
Feed testing, careful inspection and proper ration planning help farmers make better feeding decisions. By matching hay quality with livestock nutritional needs, farmers can reduce feed expenses while supporting animal health and performance.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fertnig-e
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Hay & Forage, Livestock