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We were unable to harvest johnsongrass before frost (some of it was 3 to 4 feet tall), but we were able to get it pretty dry before baling. Just wondering if there would be any danger in feeding johnsongrass hay to cattle.

Last Updated: February 26, 2011

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There may not be any problems, but testing the hay for nitrates is always a good idea. Any prussic acid would be gone by now. Johnsongrass could accumulate some nitrates, but it is a vigorous grass (tough to stress).

So for a forage source for beef cows, sample the hay and test it for moisture, crude protein, total digestible nutrients (TDN) (energy), and nitrates. Remember, forage testing labs will only take a probe sample, so you may need to contact your local Cooperative Extension office to see if they have a forage probe that you can borrow.

Browse related Faqs by tag: beef cattle, nitrates, johnsongrass


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