EFFECT OF HARVESTING TIME ON CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND QUALITY OF FORAGE

Abstract

In this review, changes in terms of the chemical composition and  feed quality of roughage harvesting at different times and being indispensable for ruminant nutrition  were detrerminen depending on the earlier studies related to this subject. In addition, the effect of the most appropriate harvesting time on  quantity and quality of animal and plant products was investigated in the present reviev.

The earlier studies carried out on different harvesting times of forages showed that the quality increased and product quantity decreased at early harvested legume forages, however it was reported that the quality and flavor of the forages was reduced depending on lignification occuring do to late harvest. As the harvesting period is delayed, dry matter yield and stem rate increase, and the leaf richest nutrient composition decreases. As the leaf / stem ratio decreases, the quality of forage decreases because of increasing crude fibre ratio and the stem ratio. The rate of crude ash, which represents the total mineral matter in the plant, also decreases with the progress of development. In contrast, delayed harvest often allows more carbohydrate and nitrogen to be stored in the roots or lower parts of upright growing legumes. They are used by forage to growth and develop after harvesting period. The optimum harvest time of the forage crops is the booting and dough stages. Dry matter yield is low during booting and higher in dough stage.

Assuming that other environmental conditions are optimally supplied to the plant, in order to obtain the desired quantity and quality products from the forages and animals, each plant should be harvested by the farmer at the most appropriate time determined for itself. In addition, the farmers should be informed about changes, either positive or negative, in nutritional composition and feed quality depending on the time of harvest, and how these will be reflected in the performance of the animal. In conclusion, with the present review, technical information on the correct harvest time, which is essential for minimizing feed losses and obtaining the desired quantity and quality of roughage and animal products, was presented to the target farmers.