...today’s research to satisfy the markets of tomorrow. The New Zealand Society of Animal Production has been the major NZ forum for the presentation of research results on farmed animals including: sheep, cattle, dairy, deer and goats for over 50 years. Over 500 farmers, farm advisors, veterinarians, scientists and university students are members of the Society.

BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Dairy cows and horses do not select oaten hay based on its greenness

---

S.J. PAIN and D.K. REVELL

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 69: 132-134

Domestic and export markets for oaten hay are driven largely by estimates of the quality of hay produced. This assessment is commonly based on the plant of origin and subjective criteria, such as colour, or 'greenness', and general appearance as judged by an observer. However, subjective measures such as these are not always reliable indicators of an animal's response to a hay when offered, in terms of its intake and ultimate performance. Understanding the role of specific plant characteristics that... Continued

Keywords: NZSAPAB; feed preference; fodder characteristics; dairy cow; horse; oaten hay.

---

Last Updated 14/07/2009

All rights reserved © New Zealand Society of Animal Production
Last modified: 11th November 2009