ANSC Feeds Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct answer is warm-season grasses. The negative impact of plant maturity on forage quality is particularly significant in this forage class due to how these grasses grow and develop throughout the growing season. As warm-season grasses mature, their fiber content increases while digestibility tends to decrease. This is a direct result of the plant's natural life cycle and growth patterns, which lead to a buildup of lignin and other structural carbohydrates that reduce nutrient availability for grazing animals.

In contrast, cool-season grasses, legumes, and forbs tend to maintain better forage quality for a longer period as they grow, particularly when they are harvested or grazed at the right stages of growth. Legumes, for instance, often have higher protein content and digestibility, even as they mature, compared to warm-season grasses. Therefore, the relationship between plant maturity and forage quality is crucial in understanding grazing management and the nutritional needs of livestock.