Effect of Initial Cutting Date on the Yield and Nutritive Value of Mixed Hays and Their Aftermaths

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

A stand of mixed alfalfa-grass forage was eut initially on May 5, June 1, or June 20; and part of the plots cut on the two latter dates were preserved as hays. Second euttings were made on July 5, July 20, and August 2, respectively. Yields, chemical composition, and nutritive values of hays made from the June 1, June 20, July 5, and the combined July 20 and August 2 harvests were determined. Dairy cows and sheep were used as test animals. The growing season was characterized as a cool, wet spring followed by severe summer drouth. The initial clipping on May 5 was detrimental to the survival of alfalfa. The resultant aftermath was poorest of all the hays in nutritive value.