Fescue hay

[kens]

Is baled Fescue hay good feed for wintering beef cows during late gestation? Would it be comparable a brome/alfalfa mix?

[chalmers]

Typically fescue hay would be lower in protein than an alfalfa brome mix hay, it is best to feed test the hay in question and do up a ration to ensure meeting the cow's requirements since hay quality in general can be extremely variable. Some varieties of fescue may also have present endophytes that may produce toxins that may produce harmful effects to livestock. You should discuss this risk with Dr Joe Kendall, DVM and head of toxicology with Alta Ag at joe.kendall@agric.gov.ab.ca
Hope this helps.