Which biochemical property of forage most strongly favours good hay/silage preparation?

Correct option is B

· Ideal crops for silage should have adequate fermentable substrate, specifically 8–10% of dry matter as water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), plus a relatively low buffering capacity.
· High WSC allows lactic acid bacteria to rapidly ferment sugars, drop pH quickly, and preserve the forage, leading to good quality silage.
Why other options are wrong
· (a) High buffering capacity and low sugar – this combination (typical of many legumes) actually makes ensiling difficult, because more acid is required to reduce pH.
· (c) Very low dry matter at harvest – excessively wet forage encourages clostridial spoilage and nutrient loss; good silage needs adequate DM (often >25–30%).
· (d) High crude protein with low WSC – again typical of legumes like alfalfa/soybean; high protein raises buffering capacity, while low WSC limits fermentation – unfavorable for silage unless additives are used.