The protein content of grass, chiefly meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis), as influenced by frequency of cutting

Extract

It has been known for many years that agricultural grasses become less nutritious as they approach maturity and ripen their seed. The grass plant in its earlier weeks of growth makes a heavier draft on soil nitrogen than later in the season, with the result that its tissues are particularly rich in protein. As the grass continues to grow, the protein, now formed in lessening quantities, is distributed throughout a greater bulk of the plant and thus its percentage in the dry matter is reduced. From a study of the analytical data on record of grasses examined at several stages of growth, it may be summarised that as a grass matures the protein, ash, fat and water decrease while the carbohydrates (nitrogen-free extract) and fibre increase. Further, in addition to the larger percentage in their dry matter of protein and mineral constituents, the leaves and shoots of very young grass are more succulent, palatable and digestible than the leaves of the older plant. These facts have been used in giving advice as to the best period at which to cut for hay, i.e. the stage of growth at which the grass will yield the largest amount of digestible matter per acre. This will vary somewhat with different species, but the weight of scientific evidence is in favour of cutting at or shortly after the flowering period. It will thus be seen that chemistry has contributed valuable information in relation to the best time or period for the harvesting of grass for hay.