Effects of Storage Conditions on the Forage Quality Characteristics and Ergovaline Content of Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue Hays

Throughout the southern Ozark Highlands, endophyte-infected tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh] hay often is stored outdoors, without cover. At two research sites (Fayetteville and Batesville, AR), the effects of unprotected storage were assessed for large round bales of tall fescue hay packaged at three diameters (approximately equal to 1.1, 1.4, and 1.7 m). Bales were stored over winter either inside or outside on wooden pallets and then sampled at three depths (0-0.15 m, 0.15-0.31 m, and 0.31-0.46 m). At both locations, bale diameter had no effect (p > 0.05) on dry matter (DM) recovery or nutritive value. Generally, there was little deterioration of nutritive value during the storage period, regardless of treatment; however, some interactions (p