A Guide to the Different Types of Hay in Australia

Hay is a staple in Australian agriculture, supporting livestock nutrition across the country. However, not all hay is the same, and each type serves different purposes based on the animals being fed, the region, and the nutritional requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of hay in Australia, helping you choose the right one for your needs.

Lucerne Hay

Lucerne (commonly known as alfalfa outside Australia) is one of the most popular types of hay due to its high protein and calcium content. It’s ideal for dairy cattle, horses, and growing animals that need extra nutrients for development or milk production. First-cut and dryland lucerne crops may be of poorer quality, with weaker leaf attachment, thicker and longer stem length. They can also be slightly dirtier due to winter weed issues, and broadleaf weeds are more difficult to control. These factors may make early cut lucerne less suitable for situations where livestock is being hand-fed. Cured in the right conditions, second and subsequent cuts can be of higher quality.

• Benefits: Nutrient-dense, supports muscle growth, and aids in milk production.
• Best for: Dairy cattle, horses, goats, and sheep.
• Considerations: Its high calcium levels may not suit all animals, particularly those prone to urinary stones.

Oaten Hay

Oaten hay is a versatile option widely used across Australia and is favoured for its palatability and moderate nutritional profile.

• Benefits: High energy content and good digestibility.
• Best for: Horses, cattle, and sheep.
• Considerations: Quality can vary depending on when it’s harvested, with younger crops offering better nutrition.

Wheaten Hay

Wheaten hay, similar to oaten hay, is best if cut early in its maturity. While it’s less sweet than oaten hay, it provides similar energy levels and is often more economical.

• Benefits: Cost-effective with decent fibre and energy content.
• Best for: Sheep, beef cattle, and horses.
• Considerations: Lower palatability compared to oaten hay.

Barley Hay

Barley hay can be an excellent option for livestock due to its good balance of energy and fibre.

• Benefits: Balanced nutrition with moderate energy and fibre levels.
• Best for: Sheep, beef cattle, and horses.
• Considerations: Barley awns (the spiky parts of the plant) can cause irritation if not properly removed, but there are awnless varieties available.

Grass Hay

Grass hay refers to a variety of native and improved pasture grasses that are cut, dried, and baled. Common species include ryegrass, kikuyu, and fescue.

• Benefits: Provides good fibre and is less nutrient-dense, making it a safe option for animals with lower nutritional needs.
• Best for: Horses prone to laminitis, maintenance diets for sheep, and cattle.
• Considerations: Lower protein and energy levels may require supplementation for high-performance animals.

Clover Hay

Clover hay, often mixed with grass or other hays, is prized for its high protein and calcium content. It’s commonly used as a supplement rather than a standalone feed.

• Benefits: High protein and energy, great for improving overall diet quality.
• Best for: Dairy cows, goats, and sheep during lactation.
• Considerations: Overfeeding can cause bloat in ruminants, so use it sparingly.

Rhodes Grass Hay

Rhodes grass is a tropical perennial grass common in northern Australia. It’s an economical option with good fibre content, suitable for general livestock feeding.

• Benefits: Affordable, high in fibre, and drought-resistant.
• Best for: Beef cattle, sheep, and horses.
• Considerations: Lower protein and energy levels compared to other hays, requiring supplementation in some cases.

Northern & Southern Pasture Hay

Pasture hay is a mixture of grasses and legumes. Its composition can vary widely, depending on the plant species and the time of harvest.

Northern pasture hay has more grass types with a small amount of clover and larger amounts of Rhodes grass or lucerne. Southern pasture hay is usually softer in texture and a higher percentage of clovers. Due to the variability across a single paddock and between locations, it’s important to check feed test results taken from the lot meet nutritional requirements.

• Benefits: Highly palatable, with a natural mix of nutrients and fibre.
• Best for: Horses, cattle, and sheep.
• Considerations: Nutritional content may be inconsistent, and quality depends on the variety of plants included.

Choosing the Right Hay for Your Livestock

When selecting hay, consider the following:

1. Hay Quality: Timing and height of cutting, weather conditions during the curing period and hay maturity can all impact the nutritional value of the hay.
2. Nutritional Needs: Match the hay to your livestock’s requirements, such as growth, maintenance, or lactation.
3. Palatability: Animals are more likely to eat hay they enjoy, so choose types they find appealing.
4. Quality: Inspect hay for mould, weeds, or contaminants, and opt for fresh-smelling, green-coloured bales.
5. Budget: Balance cost with quality and availability, especially during dry periods when hay prices can surge.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the differences between hay types, as well as understanding the feed test results allows you to make informed decisions for your livestock. Lower quality hay can often align with poorer livestock performance. Whether you’re feeding dairy cows, sheep, or horses, there’s a hay variety to suit every need. Choose wisely, and your animals will thrive, contributing to a healthier, more productive farm.