Hay question

[cteague]

I have been feeding a orchardgrass/fescue hay to my guys and gals. But the supplier has gotten worse as far as quality. Now all I have available is a bermuda grass. How do u all feel about feeding bermuda? Good or bad? Thanks!

 

[OneFineAcre]

That's the main hay that I use. Mine have access to coastal bermuda free choice.
I supplement milkers with some alfalfa, and I give some peanut hay in the fall.
But, bermuda is my main source of hay.

 

[Southern by choice]

Bermuda is fine.
If you plan on breeding any of your does you will want to eliminate fescue anyway. Fescue toxicity is an issue for goats, it can cause thickened placentas, retained placentas, and birthing complications. Much like in horses.

 

[OneFineAcre]

Bermuda is fine.
If you plan on breeding any of your does you will want to eliminate fescue anyway. Fescue toxicity is an issue for goats, it can cause thickened placentas, retained placentas, and birthing complications. Much like in horses.

You know actually, that is a specific variety of fescue, the Kentucky Tall 31 drought resistant type. There are other varieties that are perfectly fine.
Problem is, knowing what the hay is.\
Particularly around here.

 

[cteague]

Didnt know the fescue would do thst tp goats like the horses. Im gonna have a problem with that then. The whole state is covered in fescue.

 

[OneFineAcre]

Kentucky Tall 31 has an endophyte fungus that causes the problem
MaxQ is a safe, endophyte free variety. Just got to know what kind it is.

 

[Southern by choice]

You know actually, that is a specific variety of fescue, the Kentucky Tall 31 drought resistant type. There are other varieties that are perfectly fine.
Problem is, knowing what the hay is.\
Particularly around here.

Yes, that is correct. Problem lies with what you mentioned, most hay suppliers may not know, and some are haying for cattle and they don't care.

 

[cteague]

Its 100% KY-31 in TN. It grows like wildfire here. And I have 32 acres of it. Ugh. Lol