Recently, farmers and farmland business owners search for the best pasture for cows. This animal is known as an animal that eats grass. ‘Grazer’ is the nickname. That is why the pasture’s quality becomes so much more critical because it is related to the cows’ health and productivity. The farmers must understand how to manage a balanced and good diet to maximize productivity.
Nutritionists even classified the cows into some categories based on what they produce. Then each category has its own nutrient list needed. Beef and milk (or other products) have a different need for nutrients.
Cows’ health is important to be maintained. Besides it is related to the quality of the product, it also deals with the long life and medical cost. Instead of spending money on medicine and treatment of particular diseases, it is better to give them the best pasture for cows and keep the animals remain healthy.
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The Quality Requirements
To state whether one pasture is good or not, we have to comprehend the factors. They are:
Management on Grazing
This has to be balanced because of many reasons. If the grass is under-grazed, the low-quality leaves will be accumulated. The next grazing will get the payback. If the grass is overgrazed, the pasture productivity will decrease. The intensity and duration of the grazing have to be right to avoid those 2 bad possibilities.
The Quality
The forage must possess good nutrient content. The nutrients in the forage must be in the top condition or the top percentage. It will help the cows to maintain their health. The full nutrient content can be gained if the material is in perfect condition. To reach this purpose, the harvesting must be done in the good condition where the grass gets enough water, grow well, and is leafy.
The Species
Every grass has different nutrients, textures, and tastes. Although we can say that all grasses can be good for cows, you have to notice the species. The grass that is good for hay production might not be good for grazing, and vice versa. Before deciding to give it freshly or in the form of hay, read the knowledge about the grass.
The Fertility of the Soil
The lawn is where the grass grows. It is the most important element. We can also say that the soil or the lawn is the source of grass’ life. Water and fertilizer are absorbed through it. To make it a better place for the grass to grow, the three substances have to be at a perfect level. They are potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. To learn about the level, test the soil.
Grass for Grazing
The best pasture for cows that are suitable for grazing is in the following:
Tall Fescue
This is one of the cool season plants that are great for cows to be grazed. It withstands heavy grazing because the root is deep and strong down there. This also makes the grass drought-tolerant. Unfortunately, a toxic endophyte can be in the grass. The farmers have to give attention to this.
Ryegrass
With good root strength, ryegrass is also good for grazing. High protein content also supports it to promote the cows’ growth. Besides, it regrows so fast. It doesn’t matter if the animals are starving and eat a lot of grass. It can be a good helper when the other grasses are in slow growth.
Kentucky Bluegrass
This grass has high tolerance toward dryness. The root is deep which makes it strong to withstand heavy grazing. This cool-season grass will fulfill the food supply for most cool-season.
Orchard Grass
In the eastern part of the United States, this grass is often used for grazing. It is nutritious and palatable. Cows like it so much and it is good for their health.
Timothy Grass
The fiber and the protein are good in this grass making it to be one of the best choices for livestock.
Bermuda Grass
Belonging to warm season grass, this grass can be used by turn when the cool season grass grows slowly.
Best Pasture for Cows for Hay
Some of the grasses mentioned above are also good for hay production. But some grasses are not there. Here are the popular grasses that make excellent hay ingredients: bluegrass, alfalfa, bermudagrass, orchard grass, and timothy grass. There are several more but the most popular ones are the five types of grass above.
To sum up, there are many types of grass good for cows. But, some of them are good for hay, and some others are good for grazing. To be high-quality forage, it is not always about the grass kind but also the treatment. So, after we know the kinds for grazing and for making hay, the treatment should be noticed to reach the best pasture for cows status.