Nutrition: Conserved Forages

Question 1

Conservation methods

Answer 1

Hay
Artificial dehydration
Silage/haylage

Question 2

Components of hay conservation

Answer 2

DM~85%
Field drying most common, but can barn dry
Typically made from grass
Cutting and drying should be rapid

Question 3

Components of artificial dehydration

Answer 3

Younger, higher digestible forage able to be conserved
Dried at 800*C for 30s
Efficient but expensive

Question 4

Components of silage

Answer 4

Forage conserved by anaerobic fermentation
Production of lactic acid lowers pH
Can be made from a variety of crops
Nutritive value depends on variety of factors