CAROTENE IN FEED GRASSES

Abstract

Cuttings of feed grasses less than 7 in. high, taken from the same field and given the same treatment, were found to vary considerably in carotene content. Factors that were found to contribute to these variations were: the amount of sunshine and rain prior to each cutting, the height of the cutting, and the manner of storage. Higher carotene content was found when the cuttings were taken following periods of increased daily sunshine particularly if these periods were preceded by rain. Cuttings less than 7 in. high contained larger amounts of carotene than did 12 in. cuttings. Storing the ground, dehydrated feed grasses in 100-lb. paper-lined burlap sacks at 35° F. during the summer months reduced the average loss in carotene content to 7.5%.