Question

activity 4.2.2 student observations
table 1. nutrient categories
carbohydrate\tprotein\tfat\tvitamin\tmineral
corn\tcotton seed meal\tvegetable oil\tvitamins\tsalt block
\t\t\t\t
\t\t\t\t
\t\t\t\t
\t\t\t\t
table 2. feed classifications
roughage\tconcentrate\tsupplement
\t\t\t
\t\t\t
\t\t\t
\t\t\t
\t\t\t
\t\t\t
\t\t\t
\t\t\t
analysis questions
q1 what is the primary difference between a concentrate and a roughage?

q2 which categories are used to sort feed composition data?

table 3. alfalfa feed composition data
observations of alfalfa entries

analysis questions
q3 what effect might regional differences have on hay quality?

q4 why might the time of harvest affect nutrient value?
curriculum for agricultural science education © 2020\tasa - activity 4.2.2 whats in it for me? - page 2

Explanation:

Q1: Roughages are high in fiber, low in digestible nutrients; concentrates are low in fiber, high in digestible energy/nutrients.
Q2: The nutrient categories from Table 1 are used for sorting.
Q3: Regional differences in climate, soil quality, and growing conditions change nutrient content, moisture levels, and plant maturity of hay, altering its quality.
Q4: As plants mature (delayed harvest), fiber content increases while protein, vitamin, and digestible nutrient levels decrease, reducing overall nutrient value.

Answer:

Q1: Roughages are high-fiber, low-digestible nutrient feeds; concentrates are low-fiber, high-digestible nutrient feeds.
Q2: Carbohydrate, Protein, Fat, Vitamin, and Mineral.
Q3: Regional differences in soil composition, rainfall, temperature, and growing season length can alter the nutrient content, moisture retention, and overall palatability of hay, leading to varying quality.
Q4: Harvest timing affects plant maturity; earlier harvests have higher protein, vitamin, and digestible nutrient levels, while later harvests have more indigestible fiber and lower nutrient density as plants mature.