Corvallis : Agricultural Experiment Station, Oregon State University
Abstract
New grading standards for hay have been proposed by the American
Forage and Grassland Council and the Federal Grain Inspection Service.
This publication traces the development of these standards, describes new
terminology, and reports on research conducted at Oregon State University
to evaluate these new standards.
Alfalfa hay samples obtained from five distinct geographical areas in
Oregon were subjected to various chemical analyses (crude protein, neutral
detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, in vitro dry matter digestibility,
calcium, and phosphorous). Differences between values for regions and cuttings
were quite small, with mean values falling within the limits presently
defined as Grade 2 alfalfa hay. This indicates that management factors are
more important than geographical region or cutting in determining hay
quality. These results also point out the importance of hay testing in providing
an objective measure of hay quality.
Animal production studies also were conducted on alfalfa hays of varying
quality. Acid detergent fiber was found to be a good predictor of both
animal intake and digestibility. Milk production was greatest from cows fed
rations containing high-quality hay when rations contained 45 percent hay,
but no significant differences were observed when cows were fed rations
containing only 30 percent hay.Published October 1981. Facts and recommendations in this publication may no longer be valid. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalo