The research project "Hay Quality Upgrade," part of the "LK Hay Project 2026," evaluates hay quality from farms throughout Austria using new quality criteria for protein, energy, and DCAB (digestible nutrient intake), with the aim of specifically optimizing dairy cow feeding according to the current GfE (Swiss Society for Nutrition) standards (2023). Within the project, hay samples undergo comprehensive chemical and mineral analyses, including DCAB, are linked to farm management data, and evaluated using modern statistical methods to develop practical recommendations and updated advisory materials for farmers. The results are incorporated into advisory services, teaching, and public discourse, and are disseminated through presentations, publications, and an Austria-wide hay gala with awards for the best hay and aftermath samples.
This is a collaborative project with the feeding experts of the Chambers of Agriculture, the Rosenau Feed Laboratory (Lower Austria Chamber of Agriculture), the State Control Associations (LKV), the Machinery Ring (MR), the working groups for milk production, suckler cows and fattening, the Austrian Hay Milk Association (ARGE Heumilch Österreich ), and the Austrian Working Group for Grassland and Livestock Farming (ÖAG).
Through the participation of the BRING advisory service (https://www.bring.bz.it/), South Tyrolean hay farmers also have the opportunity to participate in this research project.
