Forage Quality: Making Sense Out of Your Alphabet Soup Dennis Hancock, PhD. Extension Forage Specialist UGA – Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences Dennis Hancock, PhD. Extension Forage Specialist UGA – Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences

Outline What is forage quality? What do all those terms mean? Can you give me one number to look at? How do I use forage quality data? What affects forage quality?

Which is the better hay?

How good is this hay? Crude Protein = 13.5%

How good is this hay? Crude Protein = 13.5%

Crude Protein and Hay Quality CP is the most overrated measure of quality!  Total N x 6.25 = CP, % Tells you nothing about the form nitrogen is in  Protein (AA), Bound Protein, Nitrates etc. Protein requirements are (typically) easily met Somewhat related to maturity Tells you very little about energy content Important- just overemphasized CP is the most overrated measure of quality!  Total N x 6.25 = CP, % Tells you nothing about the form nitrogen is in  Protein (AA), Bound Protein, Nitrates etc. Protein requirements are (typically) easily met Somewhat related to maturity Tells you very little about energy content Important- just overemphasized

How do we get enough energy in the animal? The animal eats more forage.  What is the physical limit?  Can a cow eat enough straw to meet her energy needs? What forage the animal eats must be high in energy.  High digestibility -> High energy Bottomline: Every bite has to count! The animal eats more forage.  What is the physical limit?  Can a cow eat enough straw to meet her energy needs? What forage the animal eats must be high in energy.  High digestibility -> High energy Bottomline: Every bite has to count!

The Relationship between Fiber (NDF) and Dry Matter Intake (DMI) Fiber (NDF) Level Intake Intake to Meet Needs Intake is Physically Limited Dry Matter Intake (DMI) Dig. Energy Intake Low DigestibilityHigh Digestibility

What is high quality forage? Forage that is highly digestible (i.e., high TDN) and large amounts of the forage can be consumed (i.e., high DMI). = High Quality Forage Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) = TDN * DMI/1.23 Forage that is highly digestible (i.e., high TDN) and large amounts of the forage can be consumed (i.e., high DMI). = High Quality Forage Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) = TDN * DMI/1.23

The Plant Cell Cell Contents Cell Wall

The Plant Cell Pectins Hemicellulose Cellulose Lignin Silica Protein Oil Minerals Sugars Organic Acids Easily Digestible Neutral Detergent Fiber Cell Contents Cell Wall

The Plant Cell Hemicellulose Cellulose Lignin Silica Neutral Detergent Fiber Cell Contents Cell Wall

The Plant Cell Cellulose Lignin Silica Cell Contents Cell Wall Acid Detergent Fiber Acid Detergent Lignin

The Plant Cell Silica (& Minerals) Cell Contents Cell Wall Ash

The Plant Cell Pectins Hemicellulose Cellulose Lignin Silica Protein Oil Minerals Sugars Organic Acids Easily Digestible Neutral Detergent Fiber Cell Contents Cell Wall

3 Primary Components Cellulose  “Concrete Blocks” Hemicellulose  “Red Bricks” Lignin  “Rebar and the Mortar” Fiber = Cell Wall

Neutral Detergent Fiber Acid Detergent Fiber Lignin It is the relative amount of each that is important. Fiber = Cell Wall

The Plant Cell Hemicellulose Cellulose Lignin Amt. & Ratio of Each Total Digestible Nutrients Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) Metabolizable Energy Dry Matter Intake

What can you make out of Crude Fiber? Crude fiber makes no allowance for the ratios of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin (relative to one another). Crude fiber makes no distinction between forage species and different fiber types. Crude fiber makes no allowance for the ratios of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin (relative to one another). Crude fiber makes no distinction between forage species and different fiber types. Feeding the Dairy Herd: Section: Feed Nutrients

What can you make out of Crude Fiber? Crude fiber is not an accurate measure of total fiber  Much of the lignin and hemicellulose (and some cellulose) is lost during the analysis.  1890s technology! Most testing labs no longer report CF.  It is required on tags of purchased feeds. Crude fiber is not an accurate measure of total fiber  Much of the lignin and hemicellulose (and some cellulose) is lost during the analysis.  1890s technology! Most testing labs no longer report CF.  It is required on tags of purchased feeds. Feeding the Dairy Herd: Section: Feed Nutrients

What is high quality forage? Forage that is highly digestible (i.e., high TDN) and large amounts of the forage can be consumed (i.e., high DMI). = High Quality Forage Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) = TDN * DMI/1.23 Forage that is highly digestible (i.e., high TDN) and large amounts of the forage can be consumed (i.e., high DMI). = High Quality Forage Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) = TDN * DMI/1.23

RFQ Simplifies Comparisons Relative Forage Quality  Predicts energy based on fiber quality and intake Combined into a single value  RFQ of 100 is ~ = full-bloom alfalfa  Could simplify marketing  RFQ allows comparisons to be made across forage species  Allows hay to be easily assigned to appropriate physiological stages Relative Forage Quality  Predicts energy based on fiber quality and intake Combined into a single value  RFQ of 100 is ~ = full-bloom alfalfa  Could simplify marketing  RFQ allows comparisons to be made across forage species  Allows hay to be easily assigned to appropriate physiological stages

Range in Appropriate RFQs

Common Questions about Interpreting and Using Forage Quality Data

Reading Forage Quality Data

1 2 3 Price 4

Let’s Do Some Comparisons A B C

Nutrient Requirements: 1200 lb cow* Req. TDN58.1% CP 9.6% * First 3-4 mo postpartum, prep to rebreed

Comparing One Lot of Hay To Another Lot IDABC Kind of HayTift 85TF/OGCoast RFQ CP, % NDF, % ADF, % Lignin, % TDN, % Which lot is best for our lactating beef cow? Req. TDN58.1% CP 9.6% * First 3-4 mo postpartum, prep to rebreed

Comparing One Lot of Hay To Another Lot IDABC Kind of HayTift 85TF/OGCoast RFQ CP, % NDF, % ADF, % Lignin, % TDN, % Price, $/ton Which lot is best for our lactating beef cow? Req. TDN58.1% CP 9.6% * First 3-4 mo postpartum, prep to rebreed

What is the value of forage quality? $65/1000 lb roll 51% TDN $70/1000 lb roll 58% TDN A) B) Scenario: Lact. Cows Bale A cost:  No supplement; $70/bale Bale B cost:  180 lbs of supplement/1000 lb bale  $15.75 supp. + $65 = $80.75  + labor In this case, the feeding of one bale paid for the forage test.

Thou Shalt Test Your Forages

NIR Cuvette

Cost Comparison (UGA) MeasurementNIRWet Chemistry CP, NDF, RFQ, TDN, NE m, NE g, NE l, Moisture $8$21 + Nitrate$10$23 + Minerals$20$28 + ADFNo charge$38 + LigninNo Charge$53

What Affects Forage Quality?

Primary Factors Affecting Forage Quality FactorRecommendation Plant Maturity Cut bermudagrass every 4-5 wks; cut tall fescue in the boot or early head stage. Forage Species Use the highest-quality grass species that will persist in your environment. Bale Storage Protect bales from rainfall and weathering during storage (i.e., barn, tarp, etc.) Rain During Curing Avoid cutting if significant rainfall (> 0.50 inches) is predicted during curing. Moisture at Baling Allow forage to dry to the appropriate moisture (Round: 15%; Square: 18%) Fertilization Provide fertilizer based on soil test recommendations Variety Use varieties that have proven to be higher in quality.

The Paradox of Forage Quality and Quantity Digestibility & Palatability

Bermudagrass Harvest Interval Effects on Protein and Digestibility McCollough and Burton., 1962 DMI 11.9, 8.8, 9.5 lbs ADG 1.2,.9, 0 lbs Oat straw = ~ 43 TDN

The Effect of Maturity on the Bottomline: Supplementing a Lactating Cow CropMaturityCPTDNSupplementCost -- % -- lbs/hd/day$/hd/day Bermudagrass4 weeks $0 6 weeks $ weeks $ ~$2.00/hd/d

Primary Factors Affecting Forage Quality FactorRecommendation Plant Maturity Cut bermudagrass every 4-5 wks; cut tall fescue in the boot or early head stage. Forage Species Use the highest-quality grass species that will persist in your environment. Bale Storage Protect bales from rainfall and weathering during storage (i.e., barn, tarp, etc.) Rain During Curing Avoid cutting if significant rainfall (> 0.50 inches) is predicted during curing. Moisture at Baling Allow forage to dry to the appropriate moisture (Round: 15%; Square: 18%) Fertilization Provide fertilizer based on soil test recommendations Variety Use varieties that have proven to be higher in quality.

Quality Differences in the Major Forage Species Maint. Mod. Production High Production

Primary Factors Affecting Forage Quality FactorRecommendation Plant Maturity Cut bermudagrass every 4-5 wks; cut tall fescue in the boot or early head stage. Forage Species Use the highest-quality grass species that will persist in your environment. Bale Storage Protect bales from rainfall and weathering during storage (i.e., barn, tarp, etc.) Rain During Curing Avoid cutting if significant rainfall (> 0.50 inches) is predicted during curing. Moisture at Baling Allow forage to dry to the appropriate moisture (Round: 15%; Square: 18%) Fertilization Provide fertilizer based on soil test recommendations Variety Use varieties that have proven to be higher in quality.

Primary Factors Affecting Forage Quality FactorRecommendation Plant Maturity Cut bermudagrass every 4-5 wks; cut tall fescue in the boot or early head stage. Forage Species Use the highest-quality grass species that will persist in your environment. Bale Storage Protect bales from rainfall and weathering during storage (i.e., barn, tarp, etc.) Rain During Curing Avoid cutting if significant rainfall (> 0.50 inches) is predicted during curing. Moisture at Baling Allow forage to dry to the appropriate moisture (Round: 15%; Square: 18%) Fertilization Provide fertilizer based on soil test recommendations Variety Use varieties that have proven to be higher in quality.

Primary Factors Affecting Forage Quality FactorRecommendation Plant Maturity Cut bermudagrass every 4-5 wks; cut tall fescue in the boot or early head stage. Forage Species Use the highest-quality grass species that will persist in your environment. Bale Storage Protect bales from rainfall and weathering during storage (i.e., barn, tarp, etc.) Rain During Curing Avoid cutting if significant rainfall (> 0.50 inches) is predicted during curing. Moisture at Baling Allow forage to dry to the appropriate moisture (Round: 15%; Square: 18%) Fertilization Provide fertilizer based on soil test recommendations Variety Use varieties that have proven to be higher in quality.

Primary Factors Affecting Forage Quality FactorRecommendation Plant Maturity Cut bermudagrass every 4-5 wks; cut tall fescue in the boot or early head stage. Forage Species Use the highest-quality grass species that will persist in your environment. Bale Storage Protect bales from rainfall and weathering during storage (i.e., barn, tarp, etc.) Rain During Curing Avoid cutting if significant rainfall (> 0.50 inches) is predicted during curing. Moisture at Baling Allow forage to dry to the appropriate moisture (Round: 15%; Square: 18%) Fertilization Provide fertilizer based on soil test recommendations Variety Use varieties that have proven to be higher in quality.

Primary Factors Affecting Forage Quality FactorRecommendation Plant Maturity Cut bermudagrass every 4-5 wks; cut tall fescue in the boot or early head stage. Forage Species Use the highest-quality grass species that will persist in your environment. Bale Storage Protect bales from rainfall and weathering during storage (i.e., barn, tarp, etc.) Rain During Curing Avoid cutting if significant rainfall (> 0.50 inches) is predicted during curing. Moisture at Baling Allow forage to dry to the appropriate moisture (Round: 15%; Square: 18%) Fertilization Provide fertilizer based on soil test recommendations Variety Use varieties that have proven to be higher in quality.

What is New? Dennis Hancock, PhD. Extension Forage Specialist UGA – Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences Dennis Hancock, PhD. Extension Forage Specialist UGA – Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences

Varieties UF Riata  Improved bahiagrass, similar to Tifton 9  Better cold tolerance, longer growing season  Seed production beginning in 2009 (in GA). New Novel Endophyte Tall Fescues  Arkansas releases  UGA, UK, and Noble Foundation UF Riata  Improved bahiagrass, similar to Tifton 9  Better cold tolerance, longer growing season  Seed production beginning in 2009 (in GA). New Novel Endophyte Tall Fescues  Arkansas releases  UGA, UK, and Noble Foundation

Herbicides OutRider (previously known as Maverick)  Johnsongrass control Prowl H 2 O  Label expected in July 2009  PRE crabgrass control (applied in Feb./early Mar) DuPont has 2 good ones in the pipeline  ‘Pastora’ label in late 2009?  Ryegrass and broadleaf control in bermuda  Another for crabgrass/johnsongrass control OutRider (previously known as Maverick)  Johnsongrass control Prowl H 2 O  Label expected in July 2009  PRE crabgrass control (applied in Feb./early Mar) DuPont has 2 good ones in the pipeline  ‘Pastora’ label in late 2009?  Ryegrass and broadleaf control in bermuda  Another for crabgrass/johnsongrass control

Current Research Overview N volatilization study (Calhoun/Eatonton) Ryegrass baleage feeding trial (Calhoun) Rye-Ryegrass growth curves (Athens/Tifton) Growth of forage brassicas (Athens) Drying rates of SA grasses (Athens) Pearl millet planting date (Athens) Teff N response (Athens) Switchgrass agronomics (Athens/Midville) Clover management zones (Eatonton) N volatilization study (Calhoun/Eatonton) Ryegrass baleage feeding trial (Calhoun) Rye-Ryegrass growth curves (Athens/Tifton) Growth of forage brassicas (Athens) Drying rates of SA grasses (Athens) Pearl millet planting date (Athens) Teff N response (Athens) Switchgrass agronomics (Athens/Midville) Clover management zones (Eatonton)

Current Research Overview DuPont herbicide trials (1: Calhoun; 4 Eatonton) On-farm Research on MiG Dairying (Wrens and Quitman)  Forage species growth under IRR and MIG  Quality, Yield, and Distribution  IRR scheduling for MIG  Fate of N on MIG DuPont herbicide trials (1: Calhoun; 4 Eatonton) On-farm Research on MiG Dairying (Wrens and Quitman)  Forage species growth under IRR and MIG  Quality, Yield, and Distribution  IRR scheduling for MIG  Fate of N on MIG

Current Research Overview Variety Trials Alfalfa (Athens, Midville, Tifton) Cool Season Perennial Legumes (Athens, Calhoun, Eatonton) Cool Season Perennial Grasses (Athens, Blairsville, Calhoun, Eatonton) Chicory (Athens) Variety Trials Alfalfa (Athens, Midville, Tifton) Cool Season Perennial Legumes (Athens, Calhoun, Eatonton) Cool Season Perennial Grasses (Athens, Blairsville, Calhoun, Eatonton) Chicory (Athens)

Strategies for Tight Budgets and Minimal Risk Regional Forage Trainings Across Georgia (4) and South Carolina (3)

Hay Production School 2009 April 21 UGA – Griffin Campus

Corn Silage and Conserved Forage Field Day June 18 UGA-Tifton

Grazing School 2009 September UGA-Athens Livestock Arena

QUESTIONS? ASK-UGA1