Bermuda Grass Hay — Livestock Feed Analysis
Bermuda grass hay is the dominant warm-season forage in the southeastern and southwestern United States, providing reliable yields in hot, humid climates where cool-season grasses struggle. With 10% crude protein and 52% TDN, Bermuda hay provides adequate nutrition for maintenance-level livestock and serves as a cost-effective forage base for beef cattle operations. Tifton 85 and Coastal Bermuda are the most common improved varieties, producing higher yields and better nutritional quality than common Bermuda. Bermuda hay is acceptable for horses but must be inspected carefully for blister beetles, which are attracted to alfalfa but can also be present in Bermuda fields. Bermuda grass hay is typically harvested 4-6 times per season in southern climates, making it one of the most productive perennial forages available.
Which Animals Can Bermuda Grass Hay Feed?
The table below shows how Bermuda Grass Hay performs as a sole feed source for each of the 20 livestock species in our database. At 10% crude protein and 52% TDN, this feed meets the protein requirement for animals needing up to 10% CP and the energy requirement for animals needing up to 52% TDN. In practice, feeds are rarely used as the sole source; this analysis helps determine where bermuda grass hay fits in a mixed ration.
| Animal | Needs CP | Needs TDN | As-Fed/Day | CP Met? | TDN Met? | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Cow | 7% | 52% | 27.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $65.45 |
| Dairy Cow | 16% | 70% | 55.7 lbs | No | No | $133.64 |
| Horse | 10% | 55% | 25.0 lbs | Yes | No | $60.00 |
| Meat Goat | 10% | 55% | 6.0 lbs | Yes | No | $14.32 |
| Dairy Goat | 14% | 65% | 6.8 lbs | No | No | $16.36 |
| Sheep | 10% | 55% | 6.0 lbs | Yes | No | $14.32 |
| Pig (Sow/Boar) | 14% | 75% | 13.6 lbs | No | No | $32.73 |
| Pig (Grower/Finisher) | 16% | 80% | 8.5 lbs | No | No | $20.45 |
| Chicken (Layer) | 16% | 70% | 0.2 lbs | No | No | $0.55 |
| Chicken (Broiler) | 20% | 78% | 0.3 lbs | No | No | $0.82 |
| Turkey | 22% | 75% | 1.0 lbs | No | No | $2.39 |
| Duck | 16% | 70% | 0.4 lbs | No | No | $0.86 |
| Rabbit | 16% | 65% | 0.3 lbs | No | No | $0.76 |
| Llama | 10% | 55% | 7.2 lbs | Yes | No | $17.18 |
| Alpaca | 10% | 55% | 3.1 lbs | Yes | No | $7.36 |
| Donkey | 8% | 50% | 8.5 lbs | Yes | Yes | $20.45 |
| Bison | 7% | 52% | 40.9 lbs | Yes | Yes | $98.18 |
| Elk | 12% | 60% | 22.7 lbs | No | No | $54.55 |
| White-tailed Deer | 12% | 60% | 5.7 lbs | No | No | $13.64 |
| Miniature Horse | 10% | 55% | 6.8 lbs | Yes | No | $16.36 |
Cost Comparison with Similar Feeds
Selecting the most cost-effective feed requires comparing both the as-fed price and the price per ton of dry matter. The table below compares Bermuda Grass Hay with other feeds in the forage category and common reference feeds. The cost per ton of dry matter accounts for moisture content, providing a fair comparison between feeds with different moisture levels.
| Feed | DM % | CP % | TDN % | $/Ton | $/Ton DM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grass Hay | 88% | 8% | 52% | $150 | $170 |
| Alfalfa Hay | 90% | 18% | 58% | $250 | $278 |
| Timothy Hay | 88% | 9% | 55% | $200 | $227 |
| Bermuda Grass Hay | 88% | 10% | 52% | $160 | $182 |
| Whole Corn | 88% | 9% | 88% | $220 | $250 |
| Pasture Grass (Fresh) | 25% | 12% | 62% | $0 | $0 |
| Alfalfa Hay Cubes | 90% | 17% | 56% | $300 | $333 |
Feeding Guidelines for Bermuda Grass Hay
When incorporating bermuda grass hay into a livestock feeding program, consider the following nutritional characteristics. With a dry matter content of 88%, each pound of as-fed bermuda grass hay provides 0.88 lbs of actual dry matter. The crude protein content of 10% means that each pound of dry matter delivers 1.6 grams of crude protein. The TDN content of 52% indicates the proportion of the feed that is digestible and available for energy.
The cost of bermuda grass hay at $160 per ton translates to $0.080 per pound as-fed or $0.091 per pound of dry matter. When evaluating whether to use this feed, compare the cost per unit of the nutrient you are trying to supply. If you need protein, calculate the cost per pound of crude protein. If you need energy, calculate the cost per unit of TDN. The most economical feed choice depends on which nutrient is the limiting factor in your ration and the relative prices of available feeds in your local market.
Storage requirements vary by feed type and moisture content. Feeds with less than 15% moisture (most dry hays and grains) can be stored in open-sided barns or covered stacks for months to years without significant nutrient loss. Feeds with higher moisture content require either airtight storage (silage, haylage) or must be consumed within days of delivery (wet brewers grains, wet distillers grains). Proper storage prevents mold growth, mycotoxin contamination, and dry matter losses that can significantly increase the effective cost per unit of nutrition delivered to the animal.
Always introduce new feeds gradually over a period of 7-14 days, increasing the proportion of the new feed while decreasing the old feed by equal amounts each day. Sudden dietary changes disrupt the microbial population in the rumen (for ruminants) or the hindgut (for horses), potentially causing digestive disturbances ranging from mild loose stools to life-threatening acidosis or colic. This gradual transition is especially important when switching between forages and concentrates, or when introducing high-starch feeds like corn or barley to animals previously consuming an all-forage diet.
Other Feed Types
Compare nutritional profiles and costs for all livestock feeds in our database.