What is a potential issue with overly mature forage when harvested?

The potential issue with overly mature forage when harvested is primarily related to its low nutritional value. As forage matures, it undergoes physiological changes that lead to a decrease in the digestibility and nutrient content, particularly in terms of proteins and soluble carbohydrates. This is a crucial consideration in livestock feeding, as lower nutritional quality can affect animal health, growth rates, and overall production efficiency.

Forage that is too mature typically contains more structural components, like lignin, which further inhibit digestibility. In addition to nutritional detriments, the balance of essential nutrients decreases, meaning animals consuming overly mature forage may not receive adequate nutrition, leading to poorer livestock performance.

While issues such as high moisture content can arise under certain circumstances, the primary concern with maturation is the decline in quality and nutritional value. Similarly, better palatability generally relates to younger, fresher forage that retains more desirable taste and texture for grazing animals. Excessive fiber can indeed be a characteristic of mature forage; however, it primarily contributes to the low nutritional value rather than being a standalone issue.