Producing High Quality Orchardgrass and Timothy Hay
نویسنده
چکیده
Forage quality of orchardgrass and timothy hays can be evaluated from both nutritional and marketing perspectives. From the nutritional perspective it is conditioned by the 1) nutrient concentration, 2) rate of voluntary intake, 3) digestibility and 4) partitioning of metabolized products within the animal. From the marketing perspective, hay destined for urban feed store and Pacific Rim markets are based on aesthetic parameters that are often contrary to good animal nutrition. Cultural practices, environmental effects, soil fertility, soil moisture, plant pathogens, anti-quality factors and cultivar influence forage quality potential. Conditions or practices that improve forage nutritional quality include harvesting at the boot to heading stage, harvesting during cool growth periods and harvesting in the afternoon. Proper soil fertility and irrigation practices to enhance healthy growth also increase forage quality. Grass hay that is free of weeds, dust, mold, foreign material, off-type grass species and musty or sour odors will have an advantage in the marketplace.
منابع مشابه
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