Effect of Stage of Maturity at First Cutting on Quality of Forages

A field containing approximately equal proportions of alfalfa, clover, and timothy, and a second field containing orchard grass, were cut for hay on three dates: May 25, June 9, and June 24, 1959. The hays were evaluated by digestion trials with sheep, and all except the latest-cut orchard grass by a lactation trial with Holstein cows. A 15-day delay in cutting date caused a significant reduction in milk production, less body weight gain, lower hay intake, and lower digestibility. When cut on the same date, feeding of the mixed hay resulted in more milk production, greater body weight gains, more intake, and higher dio'estibility than the orchard grass. When compared at similar stages of maturity, there was no significant difference in nfilk production or digestibility. However, even at similar stages of nmturity, there was a species difference in intake. About 65% of the variations in caloric intake associated with stage of maturity could be attributed to differences in dry matter intake.