Protein Content in hay

[Lazyacre]

Is there a relationship between fertility and protein content?

Does protein content increase or decrease with time after cutting?

 

[dun]

Is there a relationship between fertility and protein content?

Does protein content increase or decrease with time after cutting?

Not sure about the first part but the sugar content of hay varies by time of day. Don;t recall when it;s the highest since now we just cut it when we can and take what we get.

 

[novatech]

Generally speaking protein content is determined by nitrogen.
The more N the more protein. With bremudas and some sorgums you can bring this up to the level of being toxic. This is assumeing you have enough water.

There is an optimum time for forage to be cut and bailing is determined by moisture content. I would think that the longer it was left on the ground after that optimum point it may go into decomposition just from ground moisture and dew, which would certainly have an effect on protein content.

 

[Bluestem]

Is there a relationship between fertility and protein content?

Does protein content increase or decrease with time after cutting?

Not sure about the first part but the sugar content of hay varies by time of day. Don;t recall when it;s the highest since now we just cut it when we can and take what we get.

Best time to cut for sugar content is mid to late afternoon. You can check for mineral(sugar) content using a Brix meter.
I'm not 100% sure on this but I think if hay has been put up properly the protein content should not change.

 

[MikeC]

Is there a relationship between fertility and protein content?

Does protein content increase or decrease with time after cutting?

I assume you are talking about forage?

Protein content is directly affected by nitrogen content.

CP = %N X 6.25

The amount of nitrogen/protein in grass is depends on the available nitrogen in the soil.

Nitrogen may leach from hay by sun and/or rain over a period of time.

Sugar content in forage would affect energy values.
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"Nitrate toxicity is sometimes a lethal problem for livestock especially during the fall. The amount of nitrate accumulated within the plant depends on two factors: the rate of uptake by the plant from the soil, and the rate the plant reduces it. If uptake exceeds the rate of reduction, large amounts of nitrate can accumulate. If the rate of reduction equals the rate of uptake, there is no accumulation.

Nitrate accumulation usually results from plant stress, such as drought, and is accentuated by excessive soil nitrogen. Most nitrate accumulates in plant stems rather than leaves, and concentration tends to be highest in immature forage. A characteristic symptom of nitrate toxicity is a chocolate-brown color to the blood.

Use good management practices to avoid poisoning. Fertility programs consistent with plant needs and growing conditions minimize the problem. Test potentially dangerous forage before feeding. Often hay containing excessive nitrate can be fed safely when diluted with other feed, particularly concentrates."