Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Ideal Crop Type for Hay
Crop suitable for hay making should be:
- Crop with thin hollow stem
- Leafy fodder
- Both a & b — Correct Answer
- None
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Both a & b (thin hollow stem AND leafy fodder)
Ideal hay crops should have: (a) a thin, hollow stem (for rapid drying — thick stems retain moisture and may not dry sufficiently before fermentation starts), and (b) be leafy (leaves have high nutritive value, especially protein and vitamin A content, which is retained in good-quality hay).
Characteristics of Good Hay Crops
| Characteristic | Reason |
|---|---|
| Thin, hollow stem | Rapid drying in field; prevents mow-burnt hay |
| Leafy (high leaf:stem ratio) | Leaves retain most nutrients; high CP and vitamin content |
| Harvested at 1/3 to 1/2 blossom stage | Optimal balance of yield and nutritive value |
Key Facts About Hay Making
- Best hay: Prepared from Oat (Avena sativa).
- Best legume hay: Prepared from Lucerne (Alfalfa).
- Vitamin D content is very high in hay due to sun-drying (UV conversion of ergosterol).
- Vitamin A content is lost up to 80% due to sun-drying (carotene oxidation).
- Moisture content of good hay should be 12–14%.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Thin hollow stem alone → incomplete; leafy character is equally important for nutritive value.
- Leafy fodder alone → incomplete; stem type affects drying speed.
- None → both criteria are correct for hay crop selection.
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
