ANSC Feeds Practice Exam

As plant maturity increases, what happens to forage quality?

1. It increases

2. It remains the same

3. It decreases

4. It fluctuates

The correct answer is: It decreases

As plant maturity increases, forage quality typically decreases. This decline in quality is primarily due to several physiological and biochemical changes that occur in the plant as it matures. As plants grow older, they tend to produce more fibrous material, which includes lignin, and the levels of digestible nutrients, such as proteins and soluble carbohydrates, often decrease. Younger plants are generally more nutrient-dense and have a higher content of carbohydrates and proteins, which are vital for animal nutrition. In contrast, mature plants, while they may have more biomass, often contain higher fiber levels and lower digestibility, which can lead to lower overall forage quality for livestock. This understanding is critical for anyone managing animal diets as it emphasizes the importance of harvesting forage at the right stage for optimal nutrition.