Effect of Storage on Tocopherol and Carotene Concentrations in Alfalfa Hay

Samples of first and fifth cutting baled alfalfa hay from the same stand were collected weekly for 18 wk to determine the effect of storage on concentrations of tocopherols and carotene. There was a loss of tocopherol and carotene during storage for first cutting hay but not for fifth cutting hay. The difference in the initial concentrations between first and fifth cutting hay was significant for tocopherol but not for carotene. These differences were attributed to the difference in moisture content. The practical importance to the dairy farmer is questionable.