THE HAY BARN GLOSSARY

Native grass – Native grasses are the various regional & national grasses indigenous to a particular area. Native grasses in good condition not only stockpile well but also offers a diversity of grazing for livestock. Species native to the US include Bluestem, Bluegrama, Buffalograss, Gramagrass, Indiangrass, and Switchgrass.

Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) - Residue left after boiling a sample in neutral detergent solution. The NDF in forages represents the indigestible and slowly digestible components in plant cell walls (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and ash). Contrast with crude fiber and acid detergent fiber. Called "aNDF" if amylase and sodium sulfite are used during the extraction (this is recommended procedure). NDF is used to predict ruminant feed intake.

Neutral soil - Soil that is neither acid or alkaline; commonly has a pH of 6.6-7.3.

Nitrate - Any compound containing the NO3- radical, such as potassium nitrate (KNO3).

Nitrogen-free extract (NFE) - The highly digestible portion of a plant, consisting mostly of carbohydrates, that remains after the protein, ash, crude fiber, ether extracts, and moisture content have been determined.

The Hay Barn Glossary