By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

July 6, 2006 - With drought conditions, many Texas livestock producers are looking for the best feed, at the best cost; and that’s not always easy.

Dr. Larry Redmon, state forage specialist for Texas A&M University, had several suggestions for producers trying to keep livestock during the drought. The first was the use of oat hay, which he said has excellent protein, once the seeds are gone. Another is soybean hay, which Redmon said was first used as feed for livestock, before the soybeans were found to contain the oils.

Another hay Texas producers may find advertised is Kansas Brome. Redmon noted if it is an annual, it has more stem than leaf, although there is a Lincoln Smooth Brome used in Oklahoma and other states that work out well as quality hay for livestock.

Wheat straw is the lowest in nutrition of all because the grain is gone.

Prices for hay vary throughout the state. Some can find good hay for as little as $40 per round bale, while others are paying closer to $100. It’s becoming more of a common site, in livestock-rich areas, to see 18-wheelers, loaded with out-of-state hay, parking and selling directly to producers.

Redmon urged producers to check out a sample of the product, before purchasing a number of bales of any hay.

“It’s important to find hay where you can get it, but you need to take a sample for forge analysis to find out the protein contained,” he explained. County Extension agents can give directions for submitting the sample.

One warning he gave producers was to watch purchasing hay consisting of warm-season grasses because they may contain nitrates to a toxic level. In such a case, feeding it to livestock can end in tragic results.

“If you are buying hay and ask to take some for a test and the seller goes on the next customer, you know you don’t want the hay,” Redmon laughed.

When it comes to alfalfa hay, producers need to check for blister beetles that might inhabit the bales. Blister beetles can cause serious illness in horses. Experts from the University of Missouri note as few as two to five blister beetles may cause colic horses. Even if no actual beetles are ingested, the dried juices from crushed beetles on the hay may cause symptoms (ranging from ulcerations in the mouth, pawing and stretching, and discarded intestinal tract lining in the stool).

Alfalfa hay can be inspected for blister beetles. They are primarily black, brown, or gray, and can be 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches long. The first portion of the thorax, just back of the head, is narrower than either the head or wing covers. The first pair of wings is soft and flexible; yet may be extremely short, narrow and elongated, or inflated.

The University of Missouri also issued notice on June 28 that potato leafhoppers are being found in their state’s alfalfa fields. Leafhoppers, both adults and nymphs, suck juice from the leaves and stems of alfalfa plants. While they are not harmful to livestock when consumed, the insect does reduce hay yields.

Some other facts about the crops-turned-hay products can be researched on the Internet. Some findings include:

The soybean originated in China and is used as hay and for grazing. It is an annual and usually grows from two to four feet tall. In general, it does not cause bloat in livestock, but harvesters may find the hay is difficult to dry.

When it comes to wheat, uses are for grazing, hay, and grain. The annual grows to between two to four feet tall and is an erect bunchgrass. If the wheat is to be grazed-out or put up for hay, an awnless variety is recommended.

Oats originated in Europe and have been used for grazing, hay, and grain. The annual plant is generally two to four feet tall.