ARS | Publication request: Effects of Bale Diameter, Storage Location, and Sampling Depth on the Nutritive Value, Ruminal Disappearance Kinetics of DM, and Concentrations of Ergovaline for Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue Hay Packaged in Large Round Bale

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: August 15, 2006
Publication Date: November 15, 2006
Citation: Norman, R.C., Coblentz, W.K., Rosenkrans, C.F., Hubbell, D.S., Ogden, R.K., Coffey, K.P., West, C.P. 2006. Effects of Bale Diameter, Storage Location, and Sampling Depth on the Nutritive Value, Ruminal Disappearance Kinetics of DM, and Concentrations of Ergovaline for Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue Hay Packaged in Large Round Bale [abstract]. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting. Abstract No. 1732a.

Technical Abstract: During 2004, endophyte-infected tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) was packaged in large-round bales made at three diameters in Fayetteville (1.11, 1.35, or 1.59 m) and Batesville (1.14, 1.39, or 1.67 m), and then stored over winter either inside or outside on wooden pallets. Bales were then sampled at three depths (0 to 0.15 m, 0.15 to 0.31 m, and 0.31 to 0.46 m) to assess the effects of exposure on nutritive value, ruminal in situ disappearance kinetics of DM, and concentrations of ergovaline. At both locations, bale diameter had little effect (P > 0.05) on any response variable. Generally, there was little deterioration of nutritive value during the storage period, regardless of treatment; however, some storage location x sampling depth interactions (P < 0.05) were observed for measures of nutritive value at each research location. At both sites, there was no difference (P > 0.05) between the surface and internal bale layers for any measure of nutritive value when bales were stored inside. In contrast, concentrations of CP, NDF, ADF, and lignin were greater (P < 0.028) in the surface layer for bales stored outside at Fayetteville; similar responses (P < 0.003) were observed for CP, ADF, lignin, and ash at Batesville. Parameters associated with ruminal disappearance kinetics of DM exhibited some differences (P < 0.05) in response to treatment, but these were largely minor, except for comparisons of the bale surface with internal layers for bales stored outside at Batesville. In that case, a 60 g/kg reduction (P < 0.0001) in effective ruminal disappearance of DM was observed. Concentrations of ergovaline were not affected (P > 0.05) by baling treatment at Batesville (overall mean = 247 ng/kg); however, at Fayetteville, a 77% reduction (P < 0.001) in ergovaline was observed between standing forage (539 ng/kg) and samples taken from baled hay before and after storage (126 ng/kg).