HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Danley, M. M. Articles by Vetter, R. L. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Danley, M. M. Articles by Vetter, R. L.

Changes in Carbohydrate and Nitrogen Fractions and Digestibility of Forages: Maturity and Ensiling¹

Iowa State University of Science and Technology², Ames 50010

Abstract

The effects of advancing maturity and ensiling on the carbohydrate and nitrogen fractions and in vitro digestibility were studied on freeze-ground fresh and ensiled samples of two forage sorghums (Pioneer 931 and RP-30F) and two corn varieties (Cargill 1089 silage corn and Cargill HS-50 high sugar corn) at five stages of maturity.

Advancing maturity resulted in a significant (P < .01) increase in dry matter and hemicellulose and a significant (P < .01) decrease in crude protein and estimated total digestible nutrients (ETDN). The decrease in estimated digestible energy (EDE) and in vitro digestible dry matter with advancing maturity was significant (P < .05).

Ensiled forage had a significantly (P < .01) lower soluble carbohydrate, EDE and EDTN content and a significantly (P < .01) higher acid detergent fiber, cellulose and lignin content than did fresh forage.

The effects of advancing maturity and ensiling on composition of the structural constituents are discussed with reference to their effect on digestibility of forage plants.

¹ Journal Paper No. J-7021 of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, Ames. Project No. 1559.

² Department of Animal Science.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				H. M. Darby and J. G. Lauer Harvest Date and Hybrid Influence on Corn Forage Yield, Quality, and Preservation Agron. J., May 1, 2002; 94(3): 559 - 566. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]