Publication Date
1985
Location
Kyoto Japan
Description
Only a small fraction of the U.S. hay crop is evaluated for nutritive properties. Various states have developed alfalfa hay quality prediction systems based on chemical analysis. Confusion among users has resulted from nonuniformity among systems. Additional factors causing concern include: increased awareness among producers of higher income from the sale of high quality hay; increased demand among dairymen for a prediction system compatible with ration formulation; recognition of the inadequacy and nonuse of U.S. federal hay grades; increased movement of alfalfa hay across state borders; and lack of agreement on duplicate samples sent to different laboratories. After formation of the National Alfalfa Hay Quality Committee (NAHQC), discussion during the next one and a half years produced agreement on a procedure for determining nutritive value of alfalfa hay which inculded a sampling procedure; supplementary visual standards; laboratory procedures for acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP), and dry matter (DM); use of near-infrared-reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS); compilation of digestion studies to predict digestible dry matter (DDM) from ADF, and the conversion of DDM to digestible energy (DE) for ration balancing; and the establishment of a laboratory certification program. The procedure has been recommended for implementation and evaluation on a nationwide basis. Canada is also evaluating the system.
Citation
Marble, V L. and Templeton, W C., "Development of a National Alfalfa Quality Assessment Procedure in the United States" (1985). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 10.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1985/ses10/10)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Development of a National Alfalfa Quality Assessment Procedure in the United States
Kyoto Japan
Only a small fraction of the U.S. hay crop is evaluated for nutritive properties. Various states have developed alfalfa hay quality prediction systems based on chemical analysis. Confusion among users has resulted from nonuniformity among systems. Additional factors causing concern include: increased awareness among producers of higher income from the sale of high quality hay; increased demand among dairymen for a prediction system compatible with ration formulation; recognition of the inadequacy and nonuse of U.S. federal hay grades; increased movement of alfalfa hay across state borders; and lack of agreement on duplicate samples sent to different laboratories. After formation of the National Alfalfa Hay Quality Committee (NAHQC), discussion during the next one and a half years produced agreement on a procedure for determining nutritive value of alfalfa hay which inculded a sampling procedure; supplementary visual standards; laboratory procedures for acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP), and dry matter (DM); use of near-infrared-reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS); compilation of digestion studies to predict digestible dry matter (DDM) from ADF, and the conversion of DDM to digestible energy (DE) for ration balancing; and the establishment of a laboratory certification program. The procedure has been recommended for implementation and evaluation on a nationwide basis. Canada is also evaluating the system.
