Is bermuda grass nutritious? An in-depth guide to its forage quality

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

With its widespread use as a forage crop in tropical and subtropical regions, Bermuda grass is known to have moderate nutritional value that can vary depending on factors like harvest time and variety. It is a versatile and durable grass, but its nutritional profile is often misunderstood by livestock owners.

Quick Summary

Bermuda grass provides moderate nutritional value to livestock, with its content of protein and fiber influenced by maturity. Proper harvesting and supplementation are key for meeting animal dietary needs and supporting overall health.

Key Points

Moderate Nutritional Value: Bermuda grass is a moderate-quality forage, lower in protein and energy than alfalfa but generally adequate for maintenance diets.
Nutrient Variability: Its nutritional content varies significantly based on harvest time, with younger, leafier grass being more nutrient-dense.
High in Fiber: Bermuda hay is high in fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health in many animals, particularly horses and ruminants.
Beneficial for Weight Control: The lower calorie content makes Bermuda grass hay a suitable option for managing weight in horses and other livestock prone to obesity.
May Require Supplementation: For animals with higher nutritional demands, such as performance horses or lactating animals, Bermuda grass often needs supplementation.
Risks Associated with Poor Quality: Moldy, dusty, or overly mature Bermuda hay can be problematic, potentially leading to respiratory issues or reduced palatability.
Suitable for Multiple Species: It is a common and appropriate feed source for horses, cattle, sheep, and goats, provided it is managed according to their needs.

Understanding the Nutritional Profile of Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass, or Cynodon dactylon, is a perennial warm-season grass widely utilized as a forage crop due to its hardiness and drought resistance. The nutritional value of Bermuda grass is often described as moderate, placing it below the high-protein content of legume hays like alfalfa but above some mature cool-season grasses. Its overall contribution to an animal's diet is a combination of its fiber, protein, and mineral content.

Protein and Fiber Content

On a dry matter basis, fresh Bermuda grass typically contains 9-16% crude protein, while Bermuda grass hay averages around 10%. The protein level is highly dependent on the plant's maturity at harvest, with younger, vegetative grass offering higher concentrations. Fiber is a major component, with Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) levels ranging widely from 45-85% for fresh grass and around 75% for hay. High fiber levels are essential for ruminant digestive health, but very high levels can indicate lower digestibility, especially in more mature hay.

Mineral and Vitamin Composition

Bermuda grass provides essential minerals and vitamins, though levels can be inconsistent. Key nutrients include:

Calcium and Phosphorus: Often present in a more balanced ratio than in high-calcium legume hays. The typical ratio of Calcium to Phosphorus is around 2:1, which is suitable for many livestock.
Vitamins: Contains vitamins A and D, with fresh grass also providing vitamin E. Vitamin E levels decrease significantly once grass is cut and cured into hay.
Trace Minerals: Contains trace minerals such as iron, manganese, and zinc, though supplementation may still be necessary depending on the animal's specific needs.

Factors Influencing Nutritional Value

Several factors can significantly alter the quality of Bermuda grass as a forage. Understanding these variations is crucial for proper feed management.

Maturity at Harvest

The stage of growth when Bermuda grass is harvested has the most profound impact on its nutritional content. As the plant matures, the percentage of crude protein and overall digestibility decreases, while fiber content increases. High-quality hay is made from younger, leafy plants, while older, stemmier hay offers less nutritional density.

Variety and Cultivar Differences

Different varieties of Bermuda grass possess distinct nutritional profiles. For example, hybrid varieties like Coastal Bermuda were developed to be more productive and are generally higher in nutritive value than common Bermuda grass. Newer, specialized cultivars like Tifton 85 offer further improvements in digestibility and biomass yield.

Fertilization and Growing Conditions

The nutrient content of the soil and the level of fertilization directly affect the chemical composition of Bermuda grass. Adequate nitrogen fertilization can increase protein content, while poor soil conditions or drought can reduce overall nutritional quality. Bermuda grass is highly responsive to nitrogen and irrigation, with high-input levels leading to greater biomass and potentially better quality.

Comparing Bermuda Grass to Other Forages

To make an informed decision, it's helpful to compare Bermuda grass to other common hay types. Here is a general comparison based on typical values.


Nutrient	Bermuda Grass Hay	Alfalfa Hay	Timothy Hay
Protein	Moderate (8-12%)	High (15-20%+)	Moderate (8-12%)
Fiber	High (25-35% CF)	Low (20-30% CF)	Moderate (25-30% CF)
Calcium	Balanced	High	Balanced
Energy	Moderate	High	Moderate
Purpose	Maintenance diet	Growing, lactating, performance	General purpose
Notes	Good for weight management	Requires careful feeding to avoid excess	Excellent palatability

Bermuda Grass for Different Livestock

Bermuda grass can be a suitable feed source for a variety of animals, but its application should be tailored to the specific needs of the livestock.

Horses

For horses, Bermuda grass hay is a popular choice, particularly for mature, less active animals or those with metabolic issues, as it is relatively low in calories and carbohydrates. However, it must be clean and dust-free to prevent respiratory issues. The risk of sand colic is also a concern in sandy regions, which Bermuda hay can help mitigate. For performance horses, mares, or growing animals, the moderate protein and energy content will likely need supplementation with grain or a legume hay like alfalfa.

Cattle and Ruminants

Cattle, sheep, and goats can thrive on Bermuda grass pasture and hay, provided its quality is suitable for their production stage. Intensive grazing on high-quality Bermuda grass can produce good weight gains in beef cattle. However, for high-producing dairy cows, supplementation is often required to meet higher energy and protein demands.

Conclusion: Making Bermuda Grass a Part of a Balanced Diet

While not the most nutrient-dense forage available, the answer to "is bermuda grass nutritious?" is yes, it holds moderate nutritional value. Its true benefit lies in its versatility and durability, making it a reliable and cost-effective forage for many livestock operations. Proper management, including harvesting at the right maturity and supplementing where necessary, allows Bermuda grass to provide adequate protein, fiber, and minerals for maintenance diets, overweight animals, and as a component of more intense feeding regimens. For in-depth nutritional data on Bermudagrass, consult reliable resources such as the Feedipedia database. Ultimately, understanding its nutritional profile and how to balance it with other feed sources is the key to successfully incorporating it into an animal's diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Bermuda grass hay is a good option for horses, particularly for maintenance diets, overweight horses, or those prone to metabolic issues, due to its lower calorie and protein content compared to legume hays. It's also beneficial for digestive health and can help prevent sand colic.

The protein content of Bermuda grass hay typically ranges from 8% to 12% on a dry matter basis. The specific amount depends heavily on the maturity of the plant at harvest, with earlier cuttings having higher protein levels.

Bermuda hay is lower in protein, calcium, and energy compared to alfalfa hay. This makes Bermuda more suitable for weight management and maintenance diets, while alfalfa is better for growing, lactating, or high-performance animals.

Yes, Bermuda grass is a valuable and common forage for cattle, used both for grazing and as hay. It is tolerant of heavy grazing and, when managed well, can provide good weight gains for beef cattle and serve as a base forage for dairy cattle.

Health concerns are generally minimal with high-quality Bermuda hay. However, low-quality, dusty, or moldy hay can cause respiratory issues in horses. Additionally, in very sandy soils, high fiber Bermuda hay is often recommended to help prevent sand colic.

No, Bermuda grass is not considered toxic to dogs and is a natural part of many dogs' diets as they chew on grass. However, dogs should not eat grass that has been treated with pesticides or herbicides, as these chemicals can be harmful.

While Bermuda grass is not a typical food for humans, and is difficult for the human body to digest, some folk remedies and supplement makers have used it, often in juiced form. It is not recommended as a significant source of nutrition for people.