- The fodder cut at the Proper stage will have the maximum nutrients and, therefore, will make better hay. Delay in harvesting fodder for haymaking will make the stems woody and lignified with the resultant deterioration in the nutritive value. Besides, a part of the nutrients would have been used up in seed formation. Thus, crops cut at the proper stage can make good quality hay.
- Good hay will be having a major proportion of the leaves intact. The leaves are richer in nutrients compared to other parts. Shattering of leaves during the process of haymaking will, therefore, reduce the quality of hay.
- Green colour of hay is an indication of its quality. It means that a greater proportion of the leaves have been preserved and losses due to bleaching, leaching, fermentation, etc have been minimized.
- It will be made out of thin-stemmed crops so that it is soft and palatable.
- The crop used for haymaking should be free from weeds and poisonous plants to get good hay.
- Hay should not have more than 20-23 per cent moisture when stored. If there is more moisture, fermentation will take place, generating a great deal of heat. Ultimately it may lead to spontaneous combustion. Even if it does not catch fire, the nutritive value would have seriously affected.
- Good hay will be free from dust and mold
- It will have a pleasant aroma, which adds to its palatability
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