A NOVEL APPROACH TO EXPAND OUR UNDERSTANDING OF ALFALFA HAY SPOILAGE AND IMPROVE THE EFFICACY OF HAY PRESERVATIVES

1) Evaluate the efficacy of propionic acid at preserving nutrients during the storage of high moisture alfalfa hay relative to grasses and mixtures2) Compare the effectiveness of propionic acid against ammonium and sodium propionate in preserving high moisture alfalfa hay3) Evaluate the effects of propionic acid on high moisture alfalfa hay microbial community dynamics during storage4) Isolate and identify hay molds across Northeastern and Northcentral regions to quantify their divergent responsiveness to preservatives and spoilage potential.5) Assess the effects of film wrapping and cutting during baling on nutrient preservation of high moisture alfalfa hay that cannot be treated with chemical preservatives.6) Raise awareness on the consequences of hay spoilage and the proper utilization of preservatives to mitigate nutrient losses among alfalfa and mixed hay producers in the Northeast and Northcentral regions, which are highly susceptible to rain damage during harvest.