3RD Cutting Alfalfa

leaym548 · #1 09/20/13, 12:21 AM

I recently round baled 3rd cutting alfalfa and it got hot. Iam wondering if it is okay to just feed it to my cattle right away.

Lazy J · #2 09/20/13, 06:27 AM

Heating is an indication of microbial, yeast, fungi, or mold activity inside the bale. The consequences of the heating are mold toxins, reduction in sugar content of the hay, carmelization of proteins. These all reduce the nutritive value of the hay. i'd be careful feeding the hay, I definitely would NOT feed it to any cattle that are bred or you intend to breed.

Jim

topside1 · #3 09/20/13, 07:33 AM

Sounds like you made haylage without the wrap, some molds are fine for cattle to consume and others can kill. Just because it got hot does not necessarily mean it's now deadly. You're on scene, it's your call. Read what lazy J said twice.
Topside

Allen W · #4 09/20/13, 11:35 AM

We've took it out and unrolled it and fed it while it was still hot. Cattle were still on grass and just getting hay every second or third day.

leaym548 · #5 09/20/13, 04:52 PM

It does smell like haylage when I rolled it out. I feed some to my steers and they are still on grass as well. As far as my brood cows the bull is not in yet but will be this weekend. I will not be feeding them any. Thanks for the help.

Allen W · #6 09/20/13, 05:52 PM

As long as it smells good and not moldy I would feed it especially if it was just part of what the animal was eating. .

leaym548 · #7 09/21/13, 04:00 AM

I am going to rap the remainder of what is left.