As someone who’s grown up around livestock and stayed active in the show world, I know just how important hay selection is. The right hay doesn’t just fill a feeder—it supports everything from beef production to milk quality and growth in young calves. Whether you’re raising market steers, managing a dairy string, or prepping for the next show season, understanding the types of hay for cattle can make all the difference in your herd’s performance and your bottom line.
Understanding Hay for Cattle
Growing up feeding cattle through long winters and dry summers, I learned early on that hay isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different cattle need different things—and hay comes in several categories: grass hay, legume hay, cereal grain hays, and mixes. Each has its own strengths, weaknesses, and ideal uses. Knowing the difference can save money, improve health, and give your animals the nutrition they need to thrive.
Nutritional Value of Hay
One of the first lessons I learned in the barn was that leafy hay is usually the most nutritious. Leaf-to-stem ratio matters. A leafy alfalfa plant, for example, delivers way more protein than one that’s gone to seed. The maturity of the plant at cutting also makes a big difference—early bloom orchard grass or early bloom alfalfa hay tends to be more digestible and richer in nutrients than late-season cuts.
I always check for color, smell, and leafiness when evaluating hay. Good quality hay has a bright green color and a fresh, clean smell. If it’s dusty or musty, that usually means moldy hay or poor storage conditions.
Types of Hay for Cattle
Let’s break it down by type so you can figure out what works best for your herd.
Grass Hay
Grass hay is a go-to for many beef cattle operations and works well for mature animals that don’t need extra protein. When I’m feeding mature beef cattle or weaned calves, this is usually what I reach for.
Popular grass hays:
- Orchard Grass Hay: Soft, palatable, and great for animals with respiratory sensitivity. Early bloom orchard grass is my favorite.
- Coastal Bermuda Grass: Common in the South, it’s hardy and easy to grow.
- Reed Canary Grass, Meadow Hay, and Wild Hay: These vary in quality but can be excellent when harvested and stored right.
Tips for Buying Grass Hay:
- Check for good quality grass hay with a fine texture and minimal coarse stems.
- Avoid weedy hay and overly mature hay with thick seed heads.
- Grass legume mix hay offers the best of both worlds—fiber and protein.
Legume Hay
Legume hay—like alfalfa or clover—packs twice the protein of most grass hays. I always use it for dairy cows, young calves, and lactating animals.
Top picks:
- Alfalfa Hay: A workhorse in cattle nutrition. Look for palatable alfalfa hay with thin stems and leafy tops.
- Clover Hay: Sweet-smelling and rich in nutrients, though it can be dustier.
- Leafy Alfalfa and Early Bloom Cuts: These are easier for cattle to digest and offer great nutritional value.
Watch out for coarse alfalfa, moldy hay, or thick-stemmed hay. I always store my hay in a covered hay shed to maintain quality.
Cereal Grain Hays and Straws When I need a cost-effective filler for my beef cattle, cereal grain hays like oat hay are a solid option.
Options include:
- Oat Hay: Good for feeding mature beef cattle, especially when mixed with legume hay.
- Barley Straw, Wheat Straw, and Oat Straw: Low in nutrients but useful as roughage or bedding.
Feeding cereal grain hay requires balance. I always make sure I’m supplementing with more nutrient-dense feed when needed.
Hay Quality & Feeding Considerations
Feeding hay isn’t just about the bale—it’s about the conditions too. I avoid feeding on wet or muddy ground, and I always check hay for dust, mold, or weeds. Good palatable grass hay should be leafy, not coarse.
Young calves and dairy cows need soft hay with high digestible energy. Beef cattle can handle coarser, dustier hay, but I still aim for clean, mold-free feed.
Always sample a few bales before buying in bulk. One bad batch can cause more harm than good.
Factors Affecting Hay Quality
I’ve learned over the years that harvest timing and storage can make or break your hay.
Key points:
- Early cuttings have more protein and digestibility.
- Hay should be dried properly to avoid mold.
- Use a well-ventilated hay shed or tarp to protect from rain.
- Avoid hay with native or volunteer plants unless you know their quality.
Choosing the Right Hay for Your Herd
Matching hay to your herd is key.
Dairy cows: Need alfalfa hay or other good legume hay for milk production.
Beef cattle: Can tolerate coarse hay and cereal grain straw.
Young calves: Thrive on soft, fine hay with high nutrient content.
Lactating cows: Require nutrient-rich hay with twice the protein.
I often mix hay grasses with legume hay for a well-balanced diet. A grass legume mix helps ensure digestible energy while reducing the risk of bloating that can come with too much legume hay. When I’m choosing hay for different animals, I also look at texture and quality, avoiding thick-stemmed hay for calves and ensuring mature beef cattle get enough roughage from coarse grass hay. Buying grass hay in bulk is a great option when I know the quality is consistent, especially if I can test a few bales beforehand.
Storing and Feeding Hay
Storage matters. I prefer using a hay shed, but tarping in a well-drained area works in a pinch. I rotate my stack so older hay gets used first and never let it sit in direct sun for long.
Feeding hay in feeders cuts waste, especially during wet seasons. Keep it clean, dry, and off the ground.
Even the best hay can lose its nutritional value if it’s not stored correctly. That’s why I always check for signs of moldy hay or damp spots—especially in the hay shed after rain. Weedy hay and coarse alfalfa are other things I try to avoid unless I know my herd can handle them. I’ve also found that feeding hay on wet or muddy ground leads to a lot of waste, so placing hay feeders on higher ground or using gravel bases is a smart move. Proper storage and feeding make all the difference in keeping my cattle healthy and maximizing the value of each bale.
Tips for Cattle Farmers
Calculate hay needs carefully based on herd size and winter length.
Factor in costs of buying vs. growing hay.
Make sure you have the equipment to cut, store, and feed hay properly.
Feeding hay is as much about efficiency as it is about nutrition.
I always recommend starting with a hay inventory before the cold season kicks in. Understanding your storage space and expected consumption can prevent shortages for mature hay or feeding mature beef cattle. If you’re growing hay yourself, consider rotating hay types—like alternating between alfalfa hay and orchard grass hay—to diversify nutrients and balance soil health. And don’t forget equipment maintenance. A broken baler or loader in the middle of winter can be a major setback, so I keep mine in top shape all year long. Investing in quality hay and planning ahead can pay off in both performance and cost.
Conclusion
Hay is the backbone of any cattle operation. From the feedlot to the show ring, understanding types of hay for cattle has helped me improve herd health, reduce waste, and get the most out of every feeding season.
If you’re looking to connect with other livestock families, compare feed strategies, or find reliable suppliers, head over to Livestock Show Specs. It’s a hub for folks like us who want the best for their animals—in and out of the ring.