- As any forage, feed tests change with each harvest
- Low sugar
- High in complex fiber
- Good for carb sensitive animals
- Nutritional analysis
- Crude Protein 12%
- Crude Fat 1.5%
- Crude Fiber 27%
- Used mostly for easy keeping horses or horses at risk for laminitis
Teff started as an ancient grain native to Ethiopia and Eritrea where it is a staple food crop to millions of people, now it’s not only grown for grain, it’s also grown as a forage. Teff company only works with grain but it’s important to understand its other uses as well.
Growing teff for grain and growing teff for forage is remarkably similar. Teff is a warm season, annual grass that can be grown in a variety of regions. Planting is done after the last danger of frost, typically when temperatures are 65 degrees and above. Teff likes a firm seed bed, and the seed are distributed by either by broadcasting or drilling it into the soil about ¼ inch. The seeding rate for hay is 5-7 pounds per acre. With an average of 1.3 million seeds per pound a little goes a long way. The days until harvest also changes between grain and hay. The hay is mature enough for the first cutting in about 45-50 days and then 30 days for subsequent cuttings when using good harvest practices. Depending on your area you can get anywhere between 2 and 4 cuttings of teff hay. The grain crop takes much longer since it must enter its reproductive phase to set seeds for grain, this usually takes 90-105 days. The yields of each vary depending on farming practices but in general 1.5-2.5 tons per acre per cutting of hay or 1,500-2,000 pounds of grain per acre is normal.
Teff grain and teff hay serve distinct markets but share notable nutritional benefits that attract attention from both human and livestock consumers. Teff grain is primarily processed into flour for making injera and boasts high levels of fiber, calcium, magnesium, and iron, while being naturally gluten-free, which makes it a versatile option for those with celiac disease or those avoiding gluten. In contrast, teff hay is mainly sold as forage for horses, valued for its low sugar and high fiber content, making it an excellent choice for horses with lower energy needs or those that are overweight. Despite their different uses, both teff grain and hay are recognized for their high fiber content and low sugar levels, which contribute to their appeal as nutritious options for a variety of dietary needs.
With teff being a relatively new crop to the U.S. there are many things that we are still learning about its production, its feeding, and its uses in the kitchen. The next time you pick up some teff grass hay think about trying some teff waffles. Teff is not just a one-use crop anymore.