2001 Forage Quality?

2001 has been a challenging year for forage production. First cuts yields were generally good to excellent. Pastures and stored forage inventories were considered more than adequate in June. Standing hay was easy to buy at reasonable prices. Then the rains stopped falling. Second cut yields were significantly reduced, particularly in later cut fields. Third cut regrowth was extremely low yielding or non-existent. Hay prices increased, pastures needed to be supplemented with hay that was in short supply, and extra corn silage was harvested to meet feed requirements.

What about forage quality? First cut forage quality was considered good. Laboratory analysis indicated normal Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF), Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF), crude protein, Ca and K levels, with some fibre digestibilities being slightly higher than normal. Second and third cut forage analysis is quite different. Extremely low fibre (NDF) and high crude protein levels have resulted in some "rocket fuel" that requires special consideration in ration formulation. Alfalfa plants respond to severe moisture stress with less stems and yield, but with shorter stems comes increased leaf to stem ratio. Valuable information as you plan your winter feeding strategies!

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