Two keys govern forage quality after cutting: dry-down time and leaf retention. Both of these factors can make or break a hay crop.
Dry-down time is impacted by weather conditions, but it is also driven by swath width and conditioning. Swaths should ideally be laid as wide as possible.
Leaf retention for legumes is the other factor that significantly impacts final forage quality. Leaves make up about 50% of the alfalfa plant and change minimally in forage quality over time. Stems, on the other hand, decline rapidly in forage quality as the plant matures. All of this means that about 70% of the change in final forage quality can be attributed to leaf retention.
The opportunity to lose leaves comes during both windrow manipulation and baling or chopping. In all cases, leaf loss usually occurs because the forage is too dry for mechanical handling.
For haymakers, forage quality is the value-added niche, or at least the easiest one. High-quality hay is always in demand and always commands a premium price. Making the best quality hay that can possibly be made and stored should always be the end goal.
DYNA-CURE™ Advanced Hay Conditioner is designed to improve the quality and
manageability of hay forages.
High quality hay produced with DYNA-CURE™ Advanced Hay Conditioner results in improved palatability, digestibility and overall feed value. This reduces waste and promotes more pounds of milk or more pounds of beef gained per ton consumed.
DYNA-CURE™ Advanced Hay Conditioner can help:
Reduce Leaf Shatter
Reduce Respiration Losses
Accelerate Curing Process
Improve Dry Matter Recovery
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