Comparative analysis of ‘Tifton 85’ hay production under varied nitrogen fertilization rates and dehydration techniques

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate Cynodon species ‘Tifton 85’ at different hay production
phases (harvest, baling, and storage) and different (N) rates. Dehydration of the first crop was carried
out in the field, while the second crop was in the shed. Dry matter and protein content increased
linearly with the N rates. Dehydration in the shed was not effective for hay production, since dry matter
did not reach the desired level of 850 g kg-1
. During the hay production period (harvest, baling, and
storage), the content of acid detergent fiber of the first crop and the second crop increased by 25.32
and 7.38%, respectively, and that of lignin increased by 21.33 and 32.27%, respectively. Forage
digestibility decreased by 4.55%, when dehydration occurred in the field, whereas it decreased by
14.68% when dehydration occurred in the shed, a difference higher than 300% due to the loss of soluble
carbohydrates. Overall, the findings of this study indicate that forage dehydration for hay production
needs to be carried out in the field under appropriate environmental conditions to prevent nutritional
losses. Additionally, dry matter of Tifton 85 increased by 20.40% and protein content increased by
18.65%, which equals 514.27 kg of soybean meal at 100 kg ha-1
of N.