Estimate Forage Quality

As producers, it is key that we know just how good our forage is because so many decisions are based on it, as well as the quantity. Here, we will cover quality. Quantity estimation will be in the next post.

Leafy green new growth can be assumed to be >20% crude protein. When the stocking rate matches the carrying capacity of the pasture, we assume the cow has enough forage to be sustained. This, combined with green, leafy growth means you don't have to supplement. The grass is meeting the cows' energy and protein requirements.

Now, when the forage supply is comprised of less than 50% of this green, leafy growth and the stems dominate the pasture, you're looking at a crude protein percentage of 7-15%. You need to be thinking about supplementation at this time. The cows' protein requirements are still sufficiently met, but she is energy deficient. 

The forage is brown now. Without supplement, this diet is deficient for protein and energy. The crude protein is <7% and the forage is considered low quality. The low protein percentage limits the cows' intake and digestibility of the forage. Protein supplementation can optimize the low quality forage. Not all is lost. Of course, she still going to eat it. She needs the fiber and the scratch factor.

Protein supplementation will be covered more in depth in a future post. You can find a brief look at protein supplementation in this previous post about range cubes. 

I would be happy to answer any specific questions you may have. Ask them in the comment section below!

Happy Ruminating,

The Bos Lady