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Journal of Dairy Science Vol. 51 No. 10 1639-1643
© 1968 by American Dairy Science Association ®
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Effect of Initial Cutting Date on the Yield and Nutritive Value of Mixed Hays and Their Aftermaths1

G. A. Shirk, E. M. Kesler, J. W. Bratzler and J. B. Washko

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

ABSTRACT

A stand of mixed alfalfa-grass forage was cut initially on May 5, June 1, or June 20; and part of the plots cut on the two latter dates were preserved as hays. Second cuttings were made on July 5, July 20, and August 2, respectively. Yields, chemical composition, and nutritive values of hays made from the June 1, June 20, July 5, and the combined July 20 and August 2 harvests were determined. Dairy cows and sheep were used as test animals. The growing season was characterized as a cool, wet spring followed by severe summer drouth. The initial clipping on May 5 was detrimental to the survival of alfalfa. The resultant aftermath was poorest of all the hays in nutritive value.

Seasonal yields of dry matter and total digestible nutrients were greater when initial first cutting was delayed until June 20, but this was not true for yield of digestible protein. The first cutting hay harvested on June 1 was superior as a feed to that cut on June 20 and it was equal to second cutting aftermath. Digestibility of the dry matter and energy was highest for the June 1 first cutting, followed by that of the aftermaths, and lowest for the June 20 first cutting. Aftermath hays were higher in per cent digestible proten than the first cutting hays.

FOOTNOTES

1 Authorized for publication on May 7, 1968, as Paper 3414 in the journal series of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station.






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Copyright © 1968 by the American Dairy Science Association ®.