Feeding cut grass

[Jackov Altraids]

Had a contractor bale some grass for me today and found one left unwrapped. hsit happens.
I was always told not to feed cut grass to livestock but saw no easy alternative but to stick it in a feeder.
A few friends have said that they have before with no problems and I can't see the difference between this and zero grazing.
So what are the issues exactly with feeding cut grass?

 

[Derrick Hughes]

Cut grass is zero grazing yes

 

[benferg]

I've got farmers that mow in front of the cows, can't see how the baled stuff is any different.

 

[Samcowman]

no problems with feeding it. fed a part one yesterday when we emptied out one of the balers and the fat cattle loved it. Not sure how it could be bad as it is just the same as grazed grass

 

[Jackov Altraids]

Thanks for the replies. You've relaxed me a bit.

My head says there is no problem but I worry about going against perceived wisdom.

 

[roscoe erf]

Thanks for the replies. You've relaxed me a bit.

My head says there is no problem but I worry about going against perceived wisdom.

only problem animal is the horse big no no have done the same as you the cattle seem to love it even when surrounded by grass

 

[Thick Farmer]

I fed some new bales earlier this year and one cow bloated and died.
Don't know if it was related, but I didn't feed any more.

 

[Poorbuthappy]

I fed some new bales earlier this year and one cow bloated and died.
Don't know if it was related, but I didn't feed any more.

But had they been wrapped?
Was always told once wrapped it shouldn't be fed for up to 6 weeks.

 

[Thick Farmer]

But had they been wrapped?
Was always told once wrapped it shouldn't be fed for up to 6 weeks.

Yes, these were wrapped. Only fed it cos I was running out of fodder and had to keep cattle in until they passed a TB test.

 

[RobFZS]

But had they been wrapped?
Was always told once wrapped it shouldn't be fed for up to 6 weeks.

we've fed after 3 weeks, no problems

get it fed quick before it goes off

 

[Blue.]

Worked for a chap who would use his round baler for zero grazing,the grass didn't look great as it was compacted but stock loved it.

 

[multi power]

But had they been wrapped?
Was always told once wrapped it shouldn't be fed for up to 6 weeks.

we have fed wrapped bales after a week with no problems, un wrapped bales need to be fed quick, before they heat

 

[multi power]

But had they been wrapped?
Was always told once wrapped it shouldn't be fed for up to 6 weeks.

we have fed wrapped bales after a week with no problems, un wrapped bales need to be fed quick, before they heat

 

[multi power]

I fed some new bales earlier this year and one cow bloated and died.
Don't know if it was related, but I didn't feed any more.

was your cow hungry?

 

[will6910]

a dairy neighbour of mine few fields last year and had first ones open on 5 days after being baled, didnt hear of any problems

 

[Monty]

No problem. Often leave one or two bales with mole hill soil in unwrapped and feed straight away. Just make sure it's fed within a couple of days before it starts to heat up and rot.

Also feed wrapped ones straight away before they've made out. No problems yet.

 

[Yatesbros1]

We buffer feed bales starting the day after they have been wrapped ,never had any problems.

 

[Thick Farmer]

was your cow hungry?

I suppose so, she wouldn't have eaten it otherwise!