Chemical changes and respiratory drift during the air drying of ryegrass

Experiments have been carried out to determine the nature and extent of respiratory losses during the curing of ryegrass hay. Fructosans and the total soluble fructose residues decreased almost continuously throughout the drying period. Sucrose contents decreased initially and then increased. Losses of soluble carbohydrates accounted for most of the actual losses of dry matter determined by weighing. Some protein breakdown was observed. Except in the initial part of the drying the changes in composition did not account for the CO2 production.