Abstract
Native grass hay meadows in three Kansas Flint Hills counties were sampled at 2-week intervals during the growing season to determine the effect of harvest date on forage quality. Each sample was analyzed for crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and phosphorus (PHOS). CP and PHOS contents declined, and ADF increased as harvest date progressed into the growing season. Both CP and ADF were related highly to harvest date. PHOS content was associated only moderately with harvest date. Harvest date of native grass hay can significantly influence supplemental protein needs for beef cows.
Highlights
Native grass hay serves as an important roughage source for wintering beef cattle in Kansas
Native grass hay meadows in three Kansas Flint Hills counties were sampled at 2-week intervals during the growing season to determine the effect of harvest date on forage quality
Each sample was analyzed for crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and phosphorus (PHOS)
Summary
Native grass hay serves as an important roughage source for wintering beef cattle in Kansas. Harvest date is the most important management factor for native grass hay meadows, because it has a major impact on dry matter (DM) yield, forage quality, and plant vigor in the following year. Native hay harvest in the Flint Hills region normally occurs in mid-July, it can take place from late June through September. Because forage quality declines and DM yield per acre increases with advancing plant maturity, the optimum harvest date for native grass hay involves a compromise between yield (tons/acre) and forage quality. Our objective was to document and develop prediction equations for the rate of decline in nutritional value of grass hay harvested at progressively later dates throughout the growing season
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
