Relationship between Score Card Evaluation of Hay and Actual Nutritive Value

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Abstract
Score-card evaluations were made on 20 alfalfa-bromegrass hays which were also fed to goats to determine digestible energy (DE), intake, and nutritive value index (NVI). Part (1) of the score card (stage of maturity or date of harvest) yielded scores which were significantly correlated with DE. Part (2) of the score card (Leafiness) was significantly correlated with DE and NVL Part (3) of score card (color and condition) was a poor indicator of DE, but was significantly correlated with intake and NVL Total score was the best indicator of forage quality, especially when known date of cutting was included. Total score was significantly correlated with DE (0.88**) and NVI (0.63** ). It was concluded that the hay score card is a useful teaching aid to encourage dairymen to cut hay earlier, save as many leaves as possible, handle and cure to prevent losses from heating and mold development.