The Nutritive Value of Timothy Hay as Affected by Nitrogen Fertilization

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Abstract
Aftermath Climax timothy was fertilized with four levels of nitrogen, 0 (check), 50, 100, and 200 lb. per acre. The dry matter obtained from the 50-, 100-, and 200-lb. levels was, respectively, 2.6, 3.0, and 3.2 times that of the check plot (790 lb. per acre). Ash content of the forage increased slightly with nitrogen application, nitrogen-free extract dropped markedly, gross energy dropped slightly and crude fiber and ether extract remained relatively unchanged. Crude protein of the forage from 0-, 50-, 100-, and 200-lb. levels was 14.0, 15.9, 18.9 and 20.7%, respectively. Apparent digestibility of protein was significantly greater (P<.05) for the 100- and 200-lb. levels than for the check plot. A correlation (r=0.987) between crude protein content and apparent digestibility of protein was statistically significant (P<.05). With increasing nitrogen application the apparent digestibility of nitrogen-free extract was significantly decreased; crude fiber and ether extract digestibility were unaffected, and dry matter and energy digestibility and TDN values were decreased slightly. Digestible energy was significantly lower at the 100- and 200-lb. levels. Copyright © . .

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