PINE BLUFF — When producers buy hay, they often think about how many tons are needed to feed their livestock through the winter. Few, however, consider hay in terms of the nutrients it actually provides, according to Dr. David Fernandez, Extension livestock specialist and interim dean of graduate studies for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

“As long as the animals have something to eat, producers often think that’s good enough. But you can feed your animals 33 pounds of pine straw per day and meet their need to eat something, but you will not meet their needs for nutrition,” Fernandez said. “Unfortunately, most hay producers don’t test their hay, so they can’t know whether they are buying enough nutrients to meet their animals’ needs.” kAmw2J E6DE:?8 :D 62DJ[ 96 D2:5] xE :D 2D D

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