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P. Tipton, M. S. Gadberry, J. Gunsaulis, K. J. Simon, M. B. Sims, P. A. Beck, J. A. Jennings, C. A. Ahrens, 009 Evaluating Variation in Haylage Collected in Arkansas - an Internship Project in Animal Science Extension Programming, Journal of Animal Science, Volume 95, Issue suppl_1, December 2016, Page 05, https://doi.org/10.2527/ssasas2017.009
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Abstract
To better harvest cool-season forages in unpredictable weather, harvesting forages as haylage or baleage is becoming increasingly popular in Arkansas. A summer internship project was created to increase our understanding of the variation in nutrient composition and basic preservation characteristics of Arkansas haylage while providing hands-on learning in Animal Science Extension programming. A survey instrument was first created to record the use of additives, harvest date, quantity of haylage produced, forage type harvested and notes were made on what method of wrapping was used. Seven farms were visited in northern Arkansas. There was an average of 4 samples/ farm with a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 13 samples within farm. A Colorado Hay probe (model 2004, UDY Corp., Fort Collins, CO) or Star Quality probe (multi-sampler, Star Quality Samplers, Irricana, AB, Canada) was used to collect the haylage samples. Samples were placed in plastic bags and pressed to remove air before sealing and were immediately placed on ice. Dry matter was measured after drying for 48 h at 50°C. Olfactory evaluations were determined by majority response using 3 appraisers and were scored as Desirable, Acceptable, or Undesirable. The pH was measured using a Oakton pH 150 meter (Oakton Instruments, Vernon Hills, IL). Nutritive values (CP, ADF, and NDF) were determined by Near Infrared Spectroscopy (FOSS, Eden Prairie, MN). The mean ± sd for moisture, CP, ADF, and NDF was 53.9 ± 10.8, 14.5 ± 3.6, 36.6 ± 4.4, and 58.2 ± 7.6, respectively. Principle component analysis revealed the main variant in the first principle component was moisture. The main variants in the second principle component were CP and fiber (ADF and NDF). The first 2 principle components explained 98% of the variation. The pH averaged 5.2 ± 0.5 and was negatively correlated with moisture (r = -0.7, P < 0.001). Olfactory counts were 11 desirable, 12 acceptable, and 12 undesirable. Logistic regression indicated that increasing CP (P = 0.02) and moisture (P = 0.06) increased the likelihood for an undesirable scent. This project provided insight into the strengths and weaknesses of haylage. In addition, this exercise provided a hands-on learning opportunity in forage evaluation methods and producer education for an agricultural student completing a summer internship in Extension.
