Native grass hay meadows in three Kansas
Flint Hills counties were sampled at 2-week
intervals during the 1997 and 1998 growing
seasons to determine the effect of harvest date
on forage quality and dry matter (DM) yield.
Each sample was weighed and analyzed for
crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF),
and phosphorus (PHOS). The CP and PHOS
contents declined, whereas ADF and DM yield
increased as harvest date progressed. Although
CP, ADF and DM yield were related highly to
harvest date, the association for PHOS content
was only moderate. Because harvest date of
native grass hay can significantly influence supplemental
protein needs for beef cows, mid-July
harvesting appears to be the best compromise
between yield and forage quality.