Last fall UK Forage Specialists and county agents analyzed almost 454 hay samples as part of the Eastern Kentucky Hay Contest.  Here is what we found: 

• Crude protein (6.1 to 21.9%) and total digestible nutrients (45.7 to 66.3%) varied widely 
• 2% of the hay samples contained less than 50% TDN 
• 1% of the hay samples contained less than 8% crude protein 
• 184 samples or 41% contained enough energy to meet the requirements of a beef cow at peak lactation 
• 300 samples or 66% would meet the protein requirements of a beef cow at peak lactation 
• 450 samples or 98% contained enough protein to meet the needs of a dry pregnant cow 
• 450 samples or 98% contained enough energy to meet the requirements of a dry pregnant cow 

Samples 2023 were better than 2022, but this was probably mostly due to better hay making weather. The biggest take home from the 2023 samples is that we still have a way to go in terms of improving hay quality! More than 60% of the samples still needed energy supplementation when feeding hay to lactating brood cows and first calf heifers.    

So, what don’t these results tell us?  Since there is still wide variation in both crude protein and energy for the hay samples, average quality results CANNOT be used to make recommendations on what or how much to supplement.  To make this type of recommendation, you will need to sample individual hay lots (one cutting from one field) that you will be feeding (see AGR-257 Hay Sampling Strategies for Getting a Good Sample).  Once you have the results in hand, then a supplementation strategy can be designed by either working your local extension agent, nutritionist or veterinarian or by using the UK Beef Cow Forage Supplementation Tool ( http://forage-supplement-tool.ca.uky.edu/). Steps for utilizing UK Beef Cow Forage Supplement Tool found at http://forage-supplement-tool.ca.uky.edu/ .