Reliability of Score-Card Judging of Hay

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Abstract
A total of 129 samples of alfalfa or alfalfa-brome mixtures were each scored twice by 7 judges using a score card based on stage of growth, leafiness, and color and condition. Repeatability of judges in the use of score cards ranged from .42 to .80 on a within-judge basis and from .38 to .78 on a between-judge basis. A multiple regression analysis indicated that dates of cutting for first-crop-samples and leafiness scores for later-crop samples were the most useful criteria of the score card for predicting nutritive value. However, even among later-crop samples where it appeared most effective, the score card accounted for only 20 - 30% of the variation in estimated TDN.