ANSC Feeds Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Timothy is classified as a cool-season grass because it thrives during the cooler months of the year, particularly in spring and fall, when temperatures are moderate. This type of grass grows best when soil temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F, making it well-suited for regions with distinct seasonal temperature variations. Cool-season grasses, including Timothy, have a growth pattern that allows them to utilize moisture and nutrients efficiently during these cooler periods, often becoming dormant in the heat of summer.

In contrast, Indian grass, switchgrass, and Bermudagrass are warm-season grasses. These grasses have adaptations that enable them to flourish during warmer temperatures, with optimal growth generally occurring in late spring and summer when conditions are ideally hot and dry. Understanding the distinction between cool-season and warm-season grasses is crucial for pasture management and forage production, as it influences decisions related to planting, maintenance, and harvesting strategies for optimal livestock nutrition.