By Kim Ricardo
Often, ditch hay is treated as an inexpensive, lower-quality feed source that can extend forage resources when inventory might be low. However, its actual feed value varies tremendously based on plant composition, maturity, harvest timing, weathering, and potential contamination. Before feeding ditch hay to livestock, it helps to understand its feeding value and the risks it can pose beyond appearance alone.
Factors Affecting Ditch Hay Quality
There are several factors that affect hay quality, and ditch hay is no different. Plant species play a significant role in ditch hay nutrient composition. Cool-season grasses, warm-season grasses, legumes, and weeds contribute different nutrient profiles to ditch hay, making quality difficult to estimate. The greatest factors affecting ditch hay quality are maturity stage and harvest timing. As plants mature, the fiber and lignin content increases and, conversely, digestibility decreases. Similarly, it is a common practice to delay harvest as a means to increase tonnage. However, often a later harvest results in lower protein and energy concentrations and, therefore, lower hay quality. Research at North Dakota State University found that ditch hay harvested before July 1 had a crude protein (CP) content of 9.4%, whereas ditch hay harvested by August 15 had a CP value of 7.3%. This research found that harvesting in early July offered the best compromise between yield and quality.
Importance of a Feed Analysis
Because many factors affect the quality of ditch hay, the best way to know exactly what feed value it will provide to livestock is to use a feed analysis. A feed test is going to help identify important nutritional values such as: estimates of energy value (total digestible nutrients; TDN), fiber content and its relationship to intake (neutral detergent fiber; NDF), and fiber content and its relationship to digestibility and available energy (acid detergent fiber; ADF). Knowing the exact nutritive value of harvested forage and feeds can help build cost-effective, balanced rations that meet livestock nutritional demand without sacrificing animal performance. For information on understanding the results of a forage test, see: How to Interpret Forage Test Results.
Potential Risks of Ditch Hay
Ditch hay may bring additional low-cost feed opportunities when forage inventory may be limited, but that does not mean it comes entirely risk free. Trash, debris, and other physical contaminants can pose health risks to livestock. Before harvesting ditch hay, it is important to evaluate these risks and remove any trash and debris before cutting. One of the greater risks associated with ditch hay is the potential of roadside herbicide application and chemical exposure.
Source : sdstate.edu