Factors affecting digestibility in plant

Variety

Differences have been reported between the same species, that is, two variety of Lucerne. However, there may be more actual difference in the feed value of the two lots of the same variety of hay than there is between hay of two entirely different kinds. Thus, other factors such as soil fertility, method of harvesting and so on, are much more important than the variety.

Stage of maturity

Hay that is cut late has considerably lower digestibility than that which is cut early. If the early cut hay is cured, the percentage of protein, digestibility and the content of mineral and vitamin all decrease at hay crops when getting to maturity stage.

Soil fertility balance

Plant requires the entire major and minor nutrient in most cases to be able to develop adequate growth. The low supplies or absent of mineral nutrient in soil affect both the yield and composition of forages.

Harvesting

Factors such as the lost of leaves, fermentation, bleaching and leaching all contribute to a lower value of hay.