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Effect of Stage of Maturity at First Cutting on Quality of Forages^{1, 2,}

Departments of Dairy Science, Animal Industry and Nutrition, and Agronomy, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park

ABSTRACT

A field containing approximately equal proportions of alfalfa, clover, and timothy, and a second field containing orchard grass, were cut for hay on three dates: May 25, June 9, and June 24, 1959. The hays were evaluated by digestion trials with sheep, and all except the latest-cut orchard grass by a lactation trial with Holstein cows. A 15-day delay in cutting date caused a significant reduction in milk production, less body weight gain, lower hay intake, and lower digestibility. When cut on the same date, feeding of the mixed hay resulted in more milk production, greater body weight gains, more intake, and higher digestibility than the orchard grass. When compared at similar stages of maturity, there was no significant differenee in milk production or digestibility. However, even at similar stages of maturity, there was a species difference in intake. About 65% of the variations in calorie intake associated with stage of maturity could be attributed to differences in dry matter intake.

¹ Authorized for publication on October 27, 1960, as Paper No. 2503 in the Journal Series of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station.

² The data in this paper are in part from a thesis presented by the senior author to the Graduate School of The Pennsylvania State University, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a M.S. degree.