Choosing the Right Bale: A South African Farmer’s Guide to Hay and Feed Options

In South Africa’s varied climate, livestock feeding is both an art and a science. Whether you’re raising dairy cows, beef cattle, horses, sheep, or goats, the type of hay or bale you choose can have a direct impact on animal health, productivity, and your bottom line.

Different bales provide different nutritional profiles, digestibility, and storage considerations. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each type will help you choose the best feed for your animals and farming goals.

Why Choosing the Right Bale Matters

• Nutritional Value: Not all hay is equal. Protein, fibre, and energy content vary widely.

• Animal Preference: Some animals thrive on softer, leafy hay; others do better with coarse, high-fibre forage.

• Cost Efficiency: Matching the right hay to the right animals prevents waste and optimises feed spend.

• Availability: Certain hay types are seasonal or region-specific in South Africa.

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1. Grass Bales (General Pasture Hay)

Grass bales are a staple feed source in many regions. They’re typically cut from mixed pasture grasses and provide moderate energy and fibre.

Pros:

• Widely available and affordable

• Good base forage for most livestock

• Suitable for maintenance feeding

Cons:

• Lower protein than legumes like lucerne

• Nutritional quality depends heavily on cutting time and grass maturity

Best For: Beef cattle, sheep, and goats during non-production phases.

2. Eragrostis Hay

Eragrostis curvula (weeping lovegrass) is one of the most common hay types in South Africa. It’s hardy, drought-resistant, and adaptable to various soils.

Pros:

• Consistent quality when cut young

• Long shelf life if stored well

• Affordable and readily available

Cons:

• Older, over-mature eragrostis can be very stemmy and low in protein

• Needs supplementation for high-producing animals

Best For: Maintenance feed for cattle and sheep; can be fed to horses when cut early for softer texture.

3. Lucerne (Alfalfa) Hay

Lucerne is a high-protein legume hay, prized for its exceptional nutritional value.

Pros:

• High protein (15–20%) and energy levels

• Rich in calcium and vitamins

• Promotes weight gain and milk production

Cons:

• Can cause bloating if overfed to ruminants without adaptation

• More expensive than grass hay

• Needs careful storage to avoid leaf loss

Best For: Dairy cows, young growing animals, horses in work, and breeding stock.

4. Teff Hay

Teff is a fine-stemmed, leafy grass hay with a soft texture, making it highly palatable.

Pros:

• Excellent for horses due to its soft texture and low dust

• Moderate protein and energy content

• Well-accepted by picky eaters

Cons:

• Can be costly in some regions

• Nutritional content drops if cut too late

Best For: Horses, dairy goats, and high-value livestock.

5. Rhodes Grass Hay

Rhodes grass is a tropical pasture grass known for its digestibility and yield.

Pros:

• Tolerates heat and drought

• Provides good fibre and energy

• Less stemmy than some other grass hays

Cons:

• Moderate protein, often requiring supplementation for high-performance animals

Best For: Beef cattle, horses, and general livestock feeding.

6. Soya Bales

Made from the byproducts of soya plants after harvesting beans, soya bales are high in protein and fibre.

Pros:

• High protein content for growth and lactation

• Good supplement for low-protein grass hays

Cons:

• Must be fed in moderation to avoid digestive upset

• Not always available year-round

Best For: Dairy cows, beef cattle finishing rations, and protein supplementation.

7. Smuts Finger Grass Hay

A hardy perennial grass suited to warm climates, smuts finger hay is valued for its drought tolerance.

Pros:

• High yield and good drought resistance

• Good for bulk feeding in dry conditions

• Lower risk of bloat than legumes

Cons:

• Lower protein than lucerne or legumes

• Quality drops if not harvested at the right growth stage

Best For: Beef cattle, sheep, and goats, especially in semi-arid regions.

Storage Tips for All Bale Types

South Africa’s climate varies from humid coastal zones to dry inland areas, so proper storage is essential to maintain bale quality:

• Store under cover to protect from rain and sun

• Keep bales off the ground to prevent moisture absorption

• Ensure good ventilation to avoid mould growth

• Rotate stock: first in, first out

Matching Bales to Your Needs

Bale Type	Protein	Best Use	Cost Level
Grass (Mixed)	Low–Moderate	Maintenance feed	$
Eragrostis	Low–Moderate	Maintenance; horses if young cut	$
Lucerne	High	Production animals	$$$
Teff	Moderate	Horses, high-value animals	$$
Rhodes	Moderate	General livestock	$$
Soya	High	Supplementation	$$
Smuts Finger	Low–Moderate	Drought feeding	$

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right bale is about balancing nutrition, cost, and availability. South African farmers have the advantage of multiple hay types to suit different animals, production stages, and budgets. By understanding the characteristics of each bale type, you can reduce waste, improve animal health, and optimize feed costs year-round.