Forage crops are used for feeding ruminant animals such as cows, beef, sheep and goats. The digestive system of ruminants includes the rumen, a large compartment in which billions of microorganisms help the animals digest the fibrous feed (roughage) which comprises whole crop forages. The main forage crops worldwide include maize, alfalfa, various grasses, and in Israel also wheat13. In areas where pasture is abundant all year round, animals get their roughage through grazing. However, where pasture or forage crops are not available throughout the year due to weather limitations such as frozen winters or dry seasons, forage crops are harvested in seasons when yields and quality are optimal and the large quantities must be preserved to ensure continuous supply throughout the year13. Methods to preserve forages should be efficient and economical. These include hay making and ensiling. The following paragraphs describe the pros and cons of each method, point out new developments and summarize recent studies of our Unit.
Forage crops are used for feeding ruminant animals such as cows, beef, sheep and goats. The digestive system of ruminants includes the rumen, a large compartment in which billions of microorganisms help the animals digest the fibrous feed (roughage) which comprises whole crop forages. The main forage crops worldwide include maize, alfalfa, various grasses, and in Israel also wheat13. In areas where pasture is abundant all year round, animals get their roughage through grazing. However, where pasture or forage crops are not available throughout the year due to weather limitations such as frozen winters or dry seasons, forage crops are harvested in seasons when yields and quality are optimal and the large quantities must be preserved to ensure continuous supply throughout the year13. Methods to preserve forages should be efficient and economical. These include hay making and ensiling. The following paragraphs describe the pros and cons of each method, point out new developments and summarize recent studies of our Unit.