As a subject matter expert in animal nutrition, particularly in the dietary habits of bovines, I can provide a detailed and comprehensive answer to your question about whether cows eat hay or straw.

Firstly, it's important to understand the dietary needs of cows. Cattle are ruminants, which means they have a specialized stomach with four compartments that allows them to digest a wide variety of plant materials. Their diet primarily consists of forage, which can be fresh or conserved. Hay and straw are both forms of conserved forage, but they differ significantly in their nutritional content and palatability.

Hay is made from grass, legumes, or other herbaceous plants that have been cut, dried, and stored for later feeding. It is high in nutrients, particularly in terms of digestible fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Hay is a staple in the diet of many cows, especially during winter months or in areas where fresh forage is not readily available. It provides essential nutrients and helps maintain the rumen's health, which is crucial for the cow's overall well-being.

Straw, on the other hand, is the stalks of grain crops such as wheat, barley, or oats that remain after the grain has been harvested. While it can be used as a feed for cows, it is generally considered to be of lower nutritional value compared to hay. Straw is higher in fiber but lower in digestible energy and protein. It is also less palatable, meaning that cows may not prefer to eat it as readily as they would hay.

However, straw can still be a useful part of a cow's diet, especially when it is supplemented with higher quality feedstuffs. The nutritional value of straw can vary depending on the type of grain it comes from. As mentioned in the reference you provided, oats straw is considered the most palatable and nutritious, followed by barley straw, with wheat straw being the least nutritious of the main grains.

When feeding straw to cows, it is important to consider the overall balance of the diet. Straw can be used as a fiber source, but it should be combined with other feeds that are higher in energy and protein to meet the cow's nutritional needs. This might include concentrates, silage, or other forms of conserved forage.

In addition to their nutritional content, it's also worth noting that both hay and straw can serve other purposes in cow management. For example, providing a bed of straw can help keep cows clean and dry, which can be beneficial for their health and comfort.

In conclusion, while cows can and do eat both hay and straw, the choice between the two should be based on the nutritional needs of the cows, the availability of the feed, and the specific conditions of the farm. Hay is generally preferred due to its higher nutritional value and palatability, but straw can be a viable alternative, especially when used in conjunction with other feeds.

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Feeding Straw. Straw is a good alternative in rations for cows and sheep if properly supplemented with higher quality feedstuffs. ... Differences in feeding value do exist among the straws. Oats is the most palatable and nutritious; barley straw is second and wheat straw has the lowest nutritional value of the main grains.Jul 9, 2012read more >>