Basis for use of simplified techniques to evaluate alfalfa for hay and brush for browse in California. Weir, W. C. In pages R–1 – R–6, September, 1969. Univ. Nebraska.
abstract   bibtex   
Abstract: A test of nutritive value to be applicable to routine evaluation of forages ideally should have the following characteristics: 1) provide a reasonably accurate prediction of nutritive value, 2) require a small (1 kg or less) sample of the forage under test, and 3) be simple enough to permit rapid evaluation with a minimum of equipment in commercial laboratories. A modified crude fiber analysis has been developed which has simplified the ether extraction step and eliminated the ashing for mineral matter. By including the ash (mainly silica) with the crude fiber an improved estimate of nutritive value was obtained for alfalfa. Tables were prepared that indicated the digestible protein and total digestible nutrients in alfalfa hay as estimated from the modified crude fiber content and dry matter content. To further facilitate comparisons of alfalfa to standard feeds on a monetary basis, alfalfa of varying modified crude fiber and dry matter content was compared to barley and cottonseed meal. The test has met with widespread acceptance with a considerable portion of California hay being sold on the basis of the modified crude fiber analysis. Establishing the nutritive value of feeds consumed by livestock on California's rangelands consisting of grasses, forbs, and shrubs remains a challenging problem. Early results from tests conducted at the Hopland Field Station with sheep fitted with esophageal fistulas have been promising. Other work done at Hopland when the nutritive value of range feeds has been evaluated with monometric gas and VFA production by rumen microbes has also yielded promising results.
@inproceedings{weir_basis_1969,
	title = {Basis for use of simplified techniques to evaluate alfalfa for hay and brush for browse in {California}},
	shorttitle = {Basis for use of simplified techniques to evaluate alfalfa for hay and brush for browse in {California}},
	abstract = {Abstract:  A test of nutritive value to be applicable to routine evaluation of forages ideally should have the following characteristics:  1) provide a reasonably accurate prediction of nutritive value, 2) require a small (1 kg or less) sample of the forage under test, and 3) be simple enough to permit rapid evaluation with a minimum of equipment in commercial laboratories.  A modified crude fiber analysis has been developed which has simplified the ether extraction step and eliminated the ashing for mineral matter.  By including the ash (mainly silica) with the crude fiber an improved estimate of nutritive value was obtained for alfalfa.  Tables were prepared that indicated the digestible protein and total digestible nutrients in alfalfa hay as estimated from the modified crude fiber content and dry matter content.  To further facilitate comparisons of alfalfa to standard feeds on a monetary basis, alfalfa of varying modified crude fiber and dry matter content was compared to barley and cottonseed meal.  The test has met with widespread acceptance with a considerable portion of California hay being sold on the basis of the modified crude fiber analysis.  Establishing the nutritive value of feeds consumed by livestock on California's rangelands consisting of grasses, forbs, and shrubs remains a challenging problem.  Early results from tests conducted at the Hopland Field Station with sheep fitted with esophageal fistulas have been promising.  Other work done at Hopland when the nutritive value of range feeds has been evaluated with monometric gas and VFA production by rumen microbes has also yielded promising results.},
	publisher = {Univ. Nebraska},
	author = {Weir, William C.},
	month = sep,
	year = {1969},
	keywords = {1969, Weir, W.C., alfalfa hay, anaysis, analysis, forage, brush, as browse, digestibility, forage, fiber analysis, forage, fistula, esophageal, forage analysis, forage quality, protein content, forage},
	pages = {R--1 -- R--6}
}

Downloads: 0