Analysis and evaluation of forage millet quality under different fertility and storage times using the membership function method

To analyze the effects of different fertility periods and storage times on the quality of forage millet (Setaria italica) hay and to determine the optimal fertility and storage time for forage millet hay preparation, the nutritional quality of forage millet at three fertility stages: filling stage, milk stage, and dough stage, and three storage times: 60, 120 and 180 d were compared. The results showed that the fertility of the hay had a significant influence on storage time. The results showed that fertility had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on dry matter (DM) and water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content, and a significant effect (P < 0.01) on crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE); storage time had a highly significant effect (P < 0.01) on DM, CP and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content, and a significant effect (P < 0.05) on WSC and EE content; and the interaction of fertility and storage time had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on DM and WSC content. As storage time increased, the contents of CP, acid detergent fiber (ADF), WSC, and EE decreased, and the contents of NDF increased. However, as fertility progressed, the contents of CP, ADF, and WSC decreased, the contents of NDF increased, and the contents of EE first decreased and then increased. The highest D values were obtained at 60 d of storage at the milk stage and at 120 d of storage at the dough stage. In conclusion, in Inner Mongolia, forage millet should be harvested at wax maturity to make hay of the best quality, but the storage time of hay bales should be controlled within 4 months to ensure its nutritional quality.