Dehydration curve, gas exchange, and nutritional value of Bermuda grass hay under different conditions of storage

The aim of this study was to characterize the dehydration curve and, gas exchange of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) as well as the nutritional value of hay under different conditions of storage. The dehydration curve was evaluated at 7 time point (0, 13, 18, 22, 37, 42, and 44 hours after cutting) until baling, using five replicates. The time 0 (zero) corresponded to the time before cutting, performed at 19:00 hours. The design was completely randomized with measures repeated over time. Gas exchanges was evaluated 0, 14, and 18 hours after cutting, using 10 replicates. The nutritional value of cowpea hay was evaluated in two open and closed environments (SO and CS), three storage times (30, 60, and 90 days), and five replications. Dehydration of hay was carried out for 44 hours, rapid rates of dehydration was observed in the leaves. Gas exchange was more intense before cutting and up to 14 hours after cutting. Crude protein (CP) content was higher at the time of cutting and decrease after storage. The in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content showed no variation between the sampling time and storage systems evaluated. Bermuda grass hay presents rapid dehydration and undergoes changes in the bromatological composition with storage time. Internal temperature of the hay bale did not exceed the ambient temperature.