Feeding Elk with Grass Hay

Grass Hay for Elk by Life Stage

Feed requirements change significantly across life stages. The table below shows the daily as-fed quantity of grass hay needed for each elk life stage, along with whether the feed meets the adjusted protein and TDN requirements for that stage. Life stages with higher demands (lactation, growth) may require supplementation even if grass hay is adequate at maintenance.

Herd Feed Budget: Elk on Grass Hay

For operations feeding grass hay to multiple elk animals, the table below projects total feed requirements and costs. These estimates use the maintenance-level feeding rate of 22.7 lbs as-fed per head per day at $150/ton.

Feeding Rates by Body Weight

The daily amount of grass hay varies with the individual animal's body weight. The table below shows as-fed feeding rates and monthly costs across a range of weights for elk.

Nutritional Analysis: Grass Hay for Elk

Grass Hay provides 8% crude protein on a dry matter basis, while elk at maintenance require a minimum of 12% crude protein. This means grass hay falls short of the minimum protein requirement by 4 percentage points. A protein supplement such as soybean meal, cottonseed meal, or a commercial protein block would be needed to balance the ration.

For energy, grass hay provides 52% TDN compared to the elk requirement of 60% TDN. Energy supplementation is needed. Adding corn (88% TDN), barley (84% TDN), or a fat supplement (180% TDN) to the ration would address the energy deficit. The amount of supplementation required depends on the magnitude of the shortfall and the animal's production level.

The dry matter content of grass hay is 88%, meaning that for every 100 lbs of as-fed feed, the animal receives 88 lbs of actual dry matter nutrition and 12 lbs of water. At $150 per ton as-fed, the effective cost per ton of dry matter is $170. When comparing feeds, always use the dry matter cost rather than the as-fed cost to make fair comparisons between feeds with different moisture levels.

For a comprehensive feeding program, consider combining grass hay with complementary feeds that address any nutritional gaps. Browse the complete feed comparison to identify the most cost-effective supplements, or use the calculator to model different feed combinations. Always provide free-choice mineral supplementation and clean water regardless of the forage and grain program.

More Feeding Combinations

Explore other feed options for elk or see how grass hay works for other species.