Feeding Hay to Newly Weaned Calves: Exploring Options

Experts at Kansas State University's Beef Cattle Institute recommend adding long-stem hay to the feed of newly weaned calves to help them adjust to eating from a feedbunk. They also suggest starting with high-quality hay and offer pros and cons for delivering hay from a round bale feeder or grinding it and mixing it with other feedstuffs. Grinding the hay allows for better portion control, but it comes with the cost of equipment and labor. Overall, adding chopped hay to the ration can improve feed efficiency for calves.