As the winter rolls on, livestock farmers increasingly rely on hay as the only ration for cattle. But how can a farmer be sure the hay contains adequate nutrition?

In light of abnormal weather, harvests can be delayed, which can affect hay quality. For example, more mature cuts contain less energy than earlier cuts of hay. And feeding low-energy hay as a sole ration has many disadvantages, like the birth of weak calves, increased susceptibility to illness and poor reproductive success for cows.

A good way to determine if cattle will be well-nourished during the long winter months is to have hay tested — something that can be arranged through an extension educator, veterinarian or feed supplier. That way, if hay is nutritionally inadequate, it can be supplemented with a variety of high-energy feeds.