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Cattle prefer alfalfa hay harvested in the afternoon to that cut in the morning, according to a new study by Agriculture Research Service scientists. The experiment is a follow-up to earlier work with tall fescue hays. The tall fescue study showed up to a 50 percent difference in forage preferences based on time of cutting. Knowing more about the characteristics of forage what cue animals' preferences can lead to healthier livestock, better weight gains and bigger profits for ranchers. In addition, the research helps plant breeders develop new forages that appeal to animals. Animals may prefer p.m. harvested hays because they have more carbohydrates -- easily digestible starches and sugars -- than those harvested in the morning. Another ARS analysis of chemicals in tall fescue hays indicated cattle preferred those with high levels of a natural chemical known as 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one. ARS scientists are probing additional chemical and physical characteristics of tall fescue, alfalfa and other forages that might affect animals' menu preferences. Investigations into the influence of minerals and potassium on animals' forage choices are already under way. |
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