Loss models for forage harvest

Information gathered through a comprehensive literature review was used to develop models which predict forage dry matter losses and the resulting changes in nutritive characteristics for each of the major phases or operations of harvest. Models include plant respiration, rain damage, mowing, swath manipulation, baling, and chopping losses. Models were developed from the best data sets available and then validated by comparing model predictions with other available data or models. Dry matter losses were predicted from physical characteristics of the crop to provide models for application across legume and grass species. Changes in nutrient concentrations were modeled as functions of leaf fraction and the relative rates of depletion of plant constituents. These models were developed for use in forage enterprise models to predict typical losses and nutritive changes during harvest over a range of crop and climatic conditions.