Producing Quality Oat Hay

cellulose. When hay is cut too low NIR feed
tests will have higher NDF and ADF values and
lower digestibility (IVD).
Poor colour
The lower part of the stem has poorer colour
due to:
1) high fibre content;
2) discolouration probably due to
oxidation reactions;
3) early cessation of photosynthesis due
to shading;
4) reduction in water soluble carbohydrates when
moisture stress occurs during stem elongation.
Stem thickness
Stem thickness is greatest at the bottom of the
plant and can impact on the visual appearance of
the hay. Nodes are very highly digestible and are
storage areas for water soluble carbohydrates.
Conversely internodes contain the lowest level
of water soluble carbohydrates and are highest
in lignin and cellulose. Between the node and
the mid point of the internode there is a
gradation from water soluble carbohydrates, to
hemicellulose, to cellulose to lignin. Therefore,
if possible, it is best to cut to include a node.
Image 7.1 Oats at cutting time showing a range of
stem diameters (thin to thick L to R) and different levels of
stem bleaching. Stem diameter and colour both impact on
hay quality.
PRODUCING QUALITY OAT HAY
Lodging
Lodged plants do not support the weight of a
windrow because of the low angle of stems to
the horizontal soil surface. Invariably, lodged
plants are cut at differing heights depending on
the direction of cut, the type of cutter used and
the speed of operation. If weather is going
to be fine from cutting to baling lodged crops
can be cut low, although feed test parameters
would be expected to be poorer. However, if
there is a risk of rainfall lodged crops should be
cut higher.
Image 7.2 When row spacing is greater than 12.5cm
cutting direction should be across the seeding direction to
keep hay off the ground, improve air circulation, limit
spoilage and assist in efficient pick up by super conditioners
and balers.
Direction
In crops that may be leaning or lodged cutting
height needs to accommodate the direction of
travel of cutter, super conditioners and balers.
Cutting direction should be across the seeding
direction, when the distance between plants in
adjacent rows is greater than 12.5cm. This will
keep hay off the ground, improve air circulation,
limit spoilage and assist in efficient pick up by
super conditioners and balers (Chapter 6 Seeding
direction and Figures 6.1a,b,c & d). When
cutting across seeding rows cutting height may
be slightly lower than when cutting in the same
direction as seeding rows.
65