33 



Using comparable practices, when the two-cut system is used, the average 

 cost per ton is greater than under the single -cut system, but the crude protein 

 content is higher. If an operator wants to be certain that he will have some 

 hay in which the crude protein content exceeds 10. 5 percent, the two -cut 

 system provides the surest method of obtaining it. The two-cut harvest with 

 phosphates used on sod seeded to legumes is the most efficient method of 

 obtaining .high-protein hay. 



VALUE OF HIGH -PROTEIN HAY 



The basic criteria used in determining the value of high-protein hay follow: 



Weaner calves should be wintered to gain between 0. 50 

 and 1. pounds per day in order to utilize effectively the feed 

 from the following summer's pasture. The value of high- 

 protein hay, when fed as a supplement to weaner calves to 

 obtain this desired gain, cannot exceed the cost of purchased 

 commercial supplements that produce the same winter ratios 

 to gain. 



How many pounds of a given quality (crude protein) hay is equal in feeding 

 value to a given quantity of a substitute ration? To find the economic value 

 of superhay, the cost of buying some quantity of such feed as cottonseed 

 cake, which can be replaced nutritionally by a given quantity of superhay was 

 established. This method of determining the value of superhay establishes 

 a higher than average economic value to the rancher. The naethod does not 

 permit determination of its value through use, that is, the value of the additional 

 pounds of weight added to the animals fed or their offspring when sold in the 

 marketplace. 



One of the first questions to be answered is, "Can animals utilize econom- 

 ically all the protein available in 'superhay'? " Morrison's feeding standards 

 indicate that, if the quality of the feed is considerably above these standards, 

 additional gains will be made by the animals fed, but at a relatively high cost 

 per unit of gain. 9/ These standards also throw some light on the conditions 

 under which superhay is more valuable than ordinary hay. If the feed does 

 not meet the following minimum quality or its equivalent, superhay may be 

 more valuable than ordinary hay, or if the feeds exceed these standards to 



9/ Morrison, F. B. Feeds and Feeding. A Handbook for the Student and 

 Stockman. Ed. 21, pp.776-822, 1148-1149. Ithaca, New York. 1948. 



