Crops. 



197 



Composition of Dry Matter of Timothy. 



It will be observed that the protein and ash of the hay decrease 

 rapidly from the heading out stage, while the fiber increases at 

 the later stages. The nitrogen-free extract at the later stages is 

 probably less valuable than at the earlier periods of growth as 

 a result of increased proportions of indigestible pentosans and 

 similar compounds. Thus, while the hay crops increase in the 

 quantity of dry matter to the end of the ripening period, they 

 decrease in palatability and food value when harvesting is de- 

 layed too long. These conditions are more serious with legume 

 hays, where a large percentage of protein is involved. This is 

 shown in the following table on the composition of alfalfa hay 

 published by the Kansas Experiment Station : 



Composition of Dry Matter of Alfalfa Hay. 



