Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Terms for Fermented Hay
Fermented hay is known as:
- Brown hay
- Mow-burnt hay
- Both — Correct Answer
- None
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Both Brown hay & Mow-burnt hay
When hay is baled or stored at excessive moisture (>20%), bacterial and mould respiration causes intense heat generation. This heat triggers the Maillard reaction (sugar-protein condensation), which caramelizes the forage, producing a dark brown colour and sweet smell. The resulting degraded product is called both Brown hay and Mow-burnt hay.
Maillard Reaction in Haymaking
- Heat production from fermentation → Maillard-type reaction
- The brown colour of hay is due to Maillard-type reaction
- Lysine amino acid is mainly susceptible to Maillard-type reaction (reducing its availability)
- Nutritive value of brown/mow-burnt hay is significantly reduced
Hay — Key Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Moisture content | 12–14% |
| Best crop | Oat (Avena sativa) |
| Best legume hay | Lucerne (alfa-alfa) |
| Preferred plant | Leafy with thin stem |
| Harvesting time | Flowering stage (1/3 to 1/2 blossom) |
| Vitamin D | Very high (sun drying) |
| Vitamin A loss | Up to 80% (sun drying) |
📚 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.
