The increase in the incidence of rain showers brings higher humidity conditions. These conditions are very favorable for many producers with the exception of those trying to harvest hay. Many meadows are indicating a reduced amount of forage available for harvest. The less than normal rainfall amount has placed several producers in a dilemma for determining harvesting dates. One factor we count on is that with plant maturity we also can expect an increase in the amount of lignin in the plant.
Forages contain a significant amount of plant cell wall material.
The amount and type of cell wall material present in the harvested forage has a great influence on the nutritional value of the ration. A young plant cell has a single outer layer referred to as the primary cell wall. Later as the plant matures a second layer develops and is known as the secondary cell wall. The secondary layer is thicker and gives the plant cell added strength. These structural portions of the plant contain a complex mixture of carbohydrates, cellulose and hemicellulose.