Final answer:
The best time to harvest or graze forage plants for optimal nutritional value is when the legumes are in the vegetative stage and the grasses are in the early reproductive stage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best time to harvest or graze forage plants for optimal nutritional value is when the legumes are in the vegetative stage and the grasses are in the early reproductive stage.
During the vegetative stage, legumes such as clover and alfalfa have a higher protein content and lower fiber content compared to other stages of growth. Grasses, on the other hand, reach their peak digestibility during the early reproductive stage when the seeds are developing but before they become mature.
By harvesting or grazing during these stages, you can maximize the nutritional value of the forage plants and ensure high protein content, low fiber, and good digestibility for herbivores.