Theme 09: Forage Quality
Publication Date
2001
Location
Brazil
Description
Photosynthesizing forage plants accumulate total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) during daylight, but then TNC concentrations are reduced during the night. Afternoon-cut forage (PM) has greater TNC value and thus economic value, than morning-cut (AM). Livestock prefer PM-cut hay and this can be readily demonstrated by offering animals a choice of hays cut in PM and AM. Alfalfa growers in the western United States are readily adopting PM-cutting technology to increase profits.
Citation
Mayland, H. F.; Burns, J. C.; Fisher, D. S.; Shewmaker, Glenn E.; Carlstrom, R.; and Cash, D. S., "Herbivore Preference for Afternoon- and Morning-Cut Forages and Adoption of Cutting Management Strategies" (2001). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 36.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/19/9/36)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Herbivore Preference for Afternoon- and Morning-Cut Forages and Adoption of Cutting Management Strategies
Brazil
Photosynthesizing forage plants accumulate total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) during daylight, but then TNC concentrations are reduced during the night. Afternoon-cut forage (PM) has greater TNC value and thus economic value, than morning-cut (AM). Livestock prefer PM-cut hay and this can be readily demonstrated by offering animals a choice of hays cut in PM and AM. Alfalfa growers in the western United States are readily adopting PM-cutting technology to increase profits.
