Effect of Stage of Maturity at First Cutting on Quality of Forages

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Abstract
Alfalfa-timothy-clover was cut for hay in 1959 on May 25 (Hay 1), June 9 (Hay 2), and June 24 (Hay 3). Orchard grass (Dactalylis glomerata) was cut on May 25 (Hay 4), June 9 (Hay 5), and June 24 (Hay 6). The hays were evaluated by digestion trials with sheep and, all except Hay 6, by a lactation trial with Holstein cows. The per cent digestible energy was 69.2, 62.6, 58.3, 63.8, 55.7, and 53.4 for Hays 1 through 6, respectively. Results of the lactation trial for Hays 1 through 5 respectively, were: Production of 4% fat-corrected-milk per cow daily was 40.4, 37.1, 32.8, 34.3, and 31.4 lb. Daily changes in body weight were +1.4, +0.9, +0.6, 0.0, and -0.5 lb. Average daily hay intakes (90% dry matter) per 100 lb. of body weight were 2.92, 2.63, 2.24, 2.29, and 1.68 lb. A 15-day delay in cutting date caused a significant reduction in milk production, less body weight gain, lower hay intake, and lower digestibility. About 65% of the variation in caloric intake was attributed to differences in dry matter intake. Orchard grass was about 2 weeks more mature than the mixed forage cut on the same date. When the 2 forages were compared, milk production, body weight changes, % digestible energy and maximum intake were more closely associated with stage of maturity than with date of harvest.