The 6 Most Widely Used Forages in Cattle Feed

Introduction

Forage plays a fundamental role in cattle feed, primarly by providing the essential  fiber component of the diet. Selecting the appropriate forage is crucial for optimizing animal health, productivity, and profitability. This article examines six of the most widely used forages in cattle feed across different production systems and climates: alfalfa, corn silage, bermudagrass, timothy grass, ryegrass, and clover. Each forage is addressed in terms of its nutritional profile, suitability for various cattle operations, and geographic prevalence. Additionally, we outline the common forage conservation methodologies—hay, haylage, and silage—used to preserve and optimize these forages.

Prefer to listen to this article? Click the play button below and enjoy our podcast!

Importance of Forage Conservation

Forages are the foundation of ruminant diets, providing essential fiber, protein, and energy while supporting rumen health in cattle operations. However, in many climates, the growing season for fresh forage is limited. Conservation techniques allow producers to store surplus forage for use during periods of low pasture productivity, ensuring nutritional consistency and economic stability.

Forage conservation also improves feed management, reduces waste, and enhances ration formulation in both beef and dairy systems. The method of conservation significantly affects forage quality, palatability, and nutrient retention, directly influencing cattle performance and feed cost efficiency.

Forage Conservation Methods

Hay

Hay is made by cutting forage and drying it to about 12–15% moisture before baling. It is the most traditional and widely used preservation method, especially in dry or temperate regions. Hay is convenient, storable without fermentation, and less susceptible to spoilage if kept dry. However, excessive rainfall during curing can damage nutrient content and increase losses.

Silage

Silage is a fermented, high-moisture feed made by anaerobic ensiling of chopped forage at 60–70% moisture. The fermentation process preserves nutrients and reduces storage losses. Silage is highly palatable and digestible, especially suitable for high-producing dairy or beef finishing operations. Ensiling requires investment in silos, bunkers, or wrapped systems, but allows conservation of crops that are otherwise difficult to dry.

Haylage (Baleage)

Haylage is made from forage baled at 40–60% moisture and wrapped in plastic to ferment. It combines benefits of hay and silage: reduced drying time, good palatability, and improved preservation of nutrients. Haylage is gaining popularity in humid climates where curing hay is difficult.

Six Most Widely Used Forages in Cattle Feed and Their Conservation Practices

Corn (Zea mays) – Conserved as Silage

Corn silage is a high-energy forage produced by harvesting and ensiling the whole corn plant. With 30–35% dry matter and 7–9% crude protein, it is indispensable in large dairy and feedlot systems. Silage is the exclusive processing method due to the plant’s high moisture and starch content, making corn unsuitable for hay. Corn silage supports energy-dense rations when combined with higher-protein forages such as alfalfa. It is widely grown in the U.S. Midwest, Southern Canada, and Eastern Europe. 
Key Traits:

• High in starch
• Ensiled at peak moisture for fermentation
• Requires precision in chopping and compaction

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) – Most Commonly Used as Hay and Haylage

Alfalfa (lucerne) is one of the most valuable leguminous forages due to its high protein content (17–20%) and digestibility. It is particularly favored in dairy systems for supporting high milk yields. Alfalfa is commonly processed as hay, but haylageis also gaining traction in humid regions where drying hay is difficult. While it supports rapid growth and performance, it requires careful management to prevent bloat in pasture systems. Alfalfa is prevalent across temperate regions, especially in North America and parts of Europe and Asia.
Key Traits:

• Protein-rich
• Ideal for lactating cows
• Requires bloat management in grazing systems

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) – Commonly Used as Hay

Bermudagrass is a warm-season perennial grass used extensively in the southern United States and tropical climates. Its adaptability to drought, poor soils, and heavy grazing makes it ideal for pasture systems. Nutritionally, it offers 8–12% crude protein. It is frequently harvested as hay, and some producers also use haylage when moisture levels allow. Bermudagrass is commonly used in beef cattle systems and hay operations in the Southeastern U.S., and hybrid cultivars like ‘Tifton 85’ have improved forage quality. 
Key Traits:

• High yields in warm climates
• Cost-effective
• Compatible with rotational grazing and hay systems

Timothy Grass (Phleum pratense) – Primarily Hay

Timothy grass is a cool-season perennial grass known for its palatability and moderate nutritional value (8–11% protein). It is especially popular in the northeastern U.S., Canada, and Northern Europe. Hay is the most common preservation method, as timothy cures well and stores reliably. It is often mixed with legumes like clover or alfalfa in hay blends to improve overall forage value. Timothy is widely used for young stock, lactating animals, and performance horses due to its soft texture and digestibility. Key Traits:

• Palatable
• Soft texture
• Often mixed with legumes like clover

Ryegrass (Lolium spp.) – Used as hay, silage, haylage, or grazed

Ryegrass includes both annual and perennial species that offer high forage yields and excellent quality, with 14–20% crude protein. It grows quickly and is widely used in New Zealand, the UK, and temperate parts of the U.S.  Haylage and silage are frequently made from annual ryegrass due to its rapid biomass production and moisture content. Ryegrass pastures are productive but must be managed to prevent mineral imbalances such as grass tetany.
Key Traits:

• High digestibility
• Fast regrowth
• Ideal for rotational grazing and ensiling

Clover (Trifolium spp.) – mostly conserved as Hay and Haylage

Clover, including red and white varieties, is widely used in pasture mixes and hay production. Red clover is commonly harvested as hay or haylage, while white clover is better suited for grazing due to its growth habit. Clover offers 15–20% crude protein and improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. It is often mixed with grasses to increase palatability and nutrient density. Care must be taken to manage risks like bloat or fungal toxins during storage. 
Key Traits:

• Nitrogen-fixing in soi
• Boosts forage palatability
• Must be managed to avoid bloat and spoilage

Take home messages

Forage conservation is essential for ensuring year-round cattle nutrition, particularly in regions with variable climates or intensive production systems. The choice of conservation method—hay, silage, or haylage—affects the nutritional value, storage potential, and animal intake. Among the six most widely used forages, conservation practices vary depending on plant characteristics, climate, and production goals. Matching the appropriate method to the forage type maximizes feed efficiency, reduces losses, and supports sustainable livestock management.

References

Ball, D. M., Hoveland, C. S., & Lacefield, G. D. (2007). Southern Forages (4th ed.). International Plant Nutrition Institute.

Cherney, D. J. R., & Cherney, J. H. (2013). Grass forage quality and evaluation. In R. F. Barnes et al. (Eds.), Forages, Volume II: The Science of Grassland Agriculture (7th ed., pp. 283–298). Wiley-Blackwell.

Ferraretto, L. F., & Shaver, R. D. (2015). Meta-analysis: Effects of corn silage harvest practices on intake, digestion, and performance by dairy cows. The Professional Animal Scientist, 31(5), 435–444.

Frame, J., Charlton, J. F. L., & Laidlaw, A. S. (1998). Temperate Forage Legumes (2nd ed.). CAB International.

Hopkins, A., & Wilkins, R. J. (2006). Temperate grassland: Key developments in the last century and future perspectives. The Journal of Agricultural Science, 144(6), 503–523.
Undersander, D., Cullen, E., Cosgrove, D., et al. (2009). Alfalfa Management Guide. American Society of Agronomy.