Brome grass can be a good hay crop for dairy cows, but quality can be quite variable. After the brome plant starts heading, fiber content is increased and protein content is decreased. For best results brome should be cut while in the boot stage of maturity. Cereal crops such as barley, wheat, oats, rye, and triticale can make good hay or haylage. The protein content is good and fiber is reasonably low if harvested in the boot stage.
Quality deteriorates rapidly past the boot stage.
Fescue can be a productive forage crop, but the palatability may limit consumption. For this reason it should not provide a major portion of a forage program, other than for dry cows and heifers. Their major function is a source of energy. Barley, oats, and wheat can contribute significantly to the protein content of the ration, but palatability problems may occur when the grain mixture exceeds 40 percent wheat. The main consideration in selecting grains for dairy rations is price.