Theme 09: Forage Quality
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" (2021). IGC Proceedings (1989-2023). 36.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/19/9/36
Included in
Herbivore Preference for Afternoon- and Morning-Cut Forages and Adoption of Cutting Management Strategies
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.
