Effects of alfalfa maturity and cutting times on availability of alfalfa hay protein for dairy cows

This experiment was conducted to consider the effects of maturity and cutting time on chemical composition and available protein content of alfalfa hay for dairy cows.. Alfalfa hay harvested at two maturity stages (Pre-bloom and Early bloom) and two cutting times (Morning and Afternoon). Available protein was predicted using NRC (2001) and DVE/OEB (1994) models. In the NRC model (2001), alfalfa hay harvested pre-bloom and in the afternoon had higher microbial protein synthesized in the rumen from energy and absorbable microbial protein and lower ruminal degraded protein balance (P0.05). In the DVE/OEB model, pre-bloom alfalfa harvested in the afternoon had higher fermentable organic matter, microbial protein synthesized from organic matter and absorbable microbial protein and lower ruminal degraded protein balance (P