Heifers harvess high-fiber forages

Authors: Akins, Matthew

Submitted to: Hay and Forage Grower
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/15/2024
Publication Date: 3/1/2024
Citation: Akins, M.S. 2024. Heifers harvess high-fiber forages. Hay and Forage Grower. March 2024 edition.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The use of high fiber forages is an effective strategy to control heifer feed intakes and growth with several forage options available. Dairy heifers are only able to eat about 1% of bodyweight as fiber each day, so a higher fiber diet can be used to reduce feed intake. Forages with higher fiber content are described in the article including perennial cool-season forages, (alfalfa and grasses), perennial warm-season grasses (switchgrass and eastern gamagrass), and annual warm-season grasses (sorghums and millets). Perennial cool-season forages which are commonly grown on dairy farms will require allowing the forage to become more mature which may be a useful strategy for a mid-summer harvest. Perennial warm-season grasses are good options as they require minimal management after establishment with a single harvest taken each season in the fall. Annual warm-season grasses can be useful within an annual forage rotation (corn silage and cereal grain cover crop) with higher yields and more optimal quality using a single fall harvest. Overall, any of these forage options have the ideal fiber and energy values to work effectively in dairy heifer diets to increase fiber content with species selection dependent on individual farm management, climate, and soil conditions.