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. Not all herbicides are approved for use on forages intended to be fed to livestock and can cause some serious health issues in livestock. Additionally, some herbicides remain unaltered even after being consumed by livestock and can have negative impacts on subsequent crop yields. This can be problematic for subsequent crops if producers spread manure onto fields or supplement cattle with ditch hay while they graze crop residues. If you’re not entirely sure what herbicides have been applied roadside, it might be better to err on the side of caution when it comes to harvesting ditch hay.
Not All Livestock Can Make the Best Use of Ditch Hay
As with other types of harvested forage and feed, not all livestock will make the same use of ditch hay. Because ditch hay quality varies widely, it may make the most sense to reserve it for livestock classes with lower nutrient demands, such as dry, mature cows in early- to mid-gestation. Late-gestation and lactating cows have greater energy and protein requirements and will likely not be able meet their nutritional needs on ditch hay alone. Similarly, growing calves and yearling heifers will also need a more nutrient-dense diet to support growth and performance. However, using forage test results to know exactly what nutrients ditch hay offers can help determine if and what kind of supplementation is needed to still make use of ditch hay but also meet livestock needs.
How to Get the Most Value Out of Ditch Hay
While there are important risks to consider before feeding ditch hay, it can be a useful resource for livestock operations. The greatest tool to maximize the value of ditch hay is to utilize a feed test to know exactly what nutrients you will be feeding to livestock. Also, use test results to match hay quality to livestock nutritional needs to maximize its effectiveness and identify when protein or energy supplementation is needed. Lastly, evaluate ditch hay on a cost per usable nutrient rather than price per bale or ton alone. For more information on how to determine cost per pound of nutrient, see: Stretching Forage Supplies with Agriculture Byproducts and Crop Residues.
Evaluate the Feed, Not the Label
Ultimately, ditch hay is neither inherently good nor bad. It can make an excellent feed resource during years when forage supplies are limited. However, quality testing and proper ration formulation are essential in determining how useful ditch hay is to the operation. Ditch hay can seem relatively inexpensive, but it’s only economical if it safely and successfully meets the nutritional needs of livestock.
Sources
Meehan, M., K. Sedivec, F. Brummer, and C. Dahlen. 2015. Quality of Hay from Road Right of Ways in North Dakota.
