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Impacts Of Harvest Date And Concurrent Alkali Pretreatment And Ensiling On Anaerobic Digestion Of Pennycress Biomass, Liangcheng Yang, Tuba Yasmin Lubna, Michael A. Moklak, Barsanti Gautum, Nicholas J. Heller, Robert L. Rhykerd, David E. Kopsell, John C. Sedbrook

Faculty Publications – Biological Sciences

Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) is an annual cover crop known for its exceptional cold tolerance and high oil and protein yields. Pennycress can be integrated into a corn–soybean rotation in the U.S. However, the utilization of pennycress biomass remains largely unexplored, including assessing compositional changes through its growth and organic matter digestibility. This study harvested pennycress at three growth stages, characterized the biomass for anaerobic digestion (AD), and tested the effects of concurrent alkali pretreatment and ensiling on the biomass methane yield. Results showed that the biomass harvested when the plants were undergoing senescence (“third-harvest”) had higher contents of …

Effects Of Wilting Extent On The Phytoestrogen Levels, Nutritional Value, Microbial Populations, And In Vitro Ruminal Methane Emissions Of Red Clover Hay And Silage Across Stages, Diego Zamudio Ayala

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The main objective of this thesis is to improve the understanding and awareness of methodologies to decrease phytoestrogens in conserved legumes without sacrificing forage nutritive value. In chapter 1, we discussed the main factors influencing each stage of hay production and our current understanding of the hay microbiome dynamics. The primary objective of haymaking is to dry forage enough (80-85% DM) to inhibit the growth of undesirable microbes and halt residual plant enzymatic activity that causes nutrient losses. During the field and storage phases of haymaking, the environment, management practices, and other factors influence the extent of DM losses. This …

Expanding Our Understanding On Feed Spoilage And Developing Novel Approaches For Its Mitigation, Marjorie A. Killerby

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The main objective of this study is to improve the understanding and awareness of conserved feed spoilage and to develop novel technologies that can prevent it. In chapter 1, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of chemical (50 articles)and biological (21 articles)preservatives on hay spoilage during storage. Multi-level linear mixed-effects modelswere fit including moderators:Preservative Class (PC), forage type (FT); moisture class (MC), and application rate (AR). Dry matter (DM) loss was affected by PC×FT (P=0.045), PC×AR (P<0.001), and PC×MC (P=0.009),relative to the overall effect of preservatives (-0.37% units). DM loss in propionic acid (PropA)-treated hay was numerically reduced to a greater extent in grasses (-16.2), followed by mixed hay (-1.76), but it was actually increased (+2.2%)in legume hay.Increasing ARof PropA resulted in decrease in DM loss (β = -1.34).Application ofBuffered Organic Acids,Other Organic Acids, PropA,and Anhydrous Ammoniadecreased visual moldiness by -22.1, -29.4, -45.5 and -12.2% units, respectively (PC; P<0.001). Sugars increased in treated grass hay (+1.9) and decreased in treated legume hay -0.8% DM, respectively (P<0.001). Microbial inoculants had small effects on hay spoilage since the overall DM loss effect size was - 0.21%. Inoculated grass hay preserved moresugars (+1.47) than treated legume hay (+0.33) relative to untreated hay (x=4.63% DM; P<0.001). In conclusion, organic acid-based preservatives effectively prevent spoilage of hay as influenced by FT, MC and AR, but microbial inoculants had only small effects. In chapter 2, we evaluated the effects of chemical and biological preservatives and ensiling stage on spoilage, ruminal in vitro fermentation, and methane production of wet brewer’s grain (WBG) silage. Treatments (TRT) were sodium lignosulfonate at10 g/kg (NaL1) and 20 g/kg (NaL2; fresh WBG), propionic acid at 5 g/kg fresh WBG (PRP, 99%), a combination inoculant (INO; Lactococcus lactisand Lactobacillus buchneri each at 4.9 log cfu/fresh WBG g), and untreated (CON). Three stages (STG) were tested:treated WBG (Fresh) was ensiled for 60 d(Ensiled), after which they were opened and aerobically exposed for 10 d (AES). Data were analyzed as a RCBD (5 blocks) with a 5 TRT × 3 STG(Fresh, Ensiled and AES) factorial arrangement. Our results show that Ensiled PRP-treated WBG markedly preserved more sugars (250) and starch (190) than all other Ensiled TRT (x=136 ± 16.2sugarsg/kg DM and x=121 ± 6.15 starch g/kg DM, respectively; P<0.001). Due to its superior nutritive value, PRP-treated AES was less aerobically stable than CON (61.9 vs. 90.1 h; P = 0.03). Preservation was not improved by INO, NaL1 or NaL2, but the latter prevented the increase of neutral detergent fiber (NDF)across STG (x=384).In vitro ruminal fermentation of Fresh WBG resulted in higher methane concentration (0.94) and yield (0.27) than theother STG (x=0.84 ± 0.07mMand x=0.23 ± 0.03mmol/g fermented OM, respectively). In conclusion, PRP was the most effective at preserving WBG during ensiling but failed to improve aerobic stability. In chapter 3, we evaluated the effects of application rate (AR) of sodium lignosulfonate (NaL) and propionic acid(PRP)on high moisture alfalfa hay spoilage during storage and its nutritive value. Treatments (TRT; NaL and PRP) were applied at four AR: 0 (CON), 2.5, 5 and 10 g/kg (fresh basis) to alfalfa hay at 68.5% DM, packed into mini balesand stored for 33 d.Data were analyzed as a RCBD(5 blocks) with a 2 TRT x 4 AR factorial arrangement. At d 33, DM losses were decreased by PRP at 5 and 10 g/kg (0.9), vs.CON (6.92) andNaL (6.63 ± 1.13%). Visual moldiness (0-10) and mold counts were also decreased by PRP at 5 (2.4 and 5.30) and 10 g/kg (0 and 2.7) relative to CON (6.0 and 7.13) and NaL (5.85 ± 0.67 and 7.21 ± 0.31 log cfu/fresh g, respectively). Both TRT increased apparent in vitroDM digestibility at all AR relative to CON (x=543 vs 501 ± 12.0g/kgof DM, respectively), but the acetate-to-propionate ratio was higher for NaL at 10 g/kg (3.02) vs. CON (2.89 ± 0.04). In conclusion, NaL failed to prevent spoilage of high moisture alfalfa hay while PRP was effective at doses >5 g/kg. Both TRT at 10 g/kg improved the rumen in vitro fermentation measures of high moisture alfalfa hay but PRP …

Management And Dietary Strategies To Mitigate Environmental Stressors In Northern Plains Cattle Feeding Systems, Warren Carl Rusche

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Three studies were undertaken to examine strategies to mitigate environmental stress faced by Northern Plains cattle feeders. In the first study, 46 feedlot managers from SD (n = 21), MN (n = 6), and NE (n = 19) were surveyed on use and perceptions of heat stress (HS) mitigation strategies. All respondents avoided cattle handling during heat stress events and incorporated some method of HS mitigation. Buildings or shades were perceived as the most successful strategy (60.9%) and were most commonly named as strategies managers would like to employ (63% for shades and 17.4% for buildings). Increasing dietary corn silage …

Nutritional Evaluation Of Maize Plant Fodder Grown In Spring And Autumn Season In Punjab, Pakistan, Nafeesa Qudsia Hanif, Nadeem Akhtar

Journal of Bioresource Management

Present study was planned to assess the nutritional evaluation of maize plant grown in spring and autumn seasons. For this purpose, a total of 277 (n=130 in spring and n=147 in autumn season) samples were collected from high maize-growing localities i.e. Kasur, Pakpattan, Okara, Burewala, Sahiwal, Lahore and Melsi. These samples were analyzed for different parameters such as dry matter (DM) and Crude protein (CP) etc. It was noticed that during spring season the values of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and starch were significantly higher than autumn season values. On the other hand, …

The Effects Of Planting Techniques On Maize Grain Yield And Silage Production, Tyler D. Kaufman

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a comprehensive analysis of the effects of seed orientation, row direction and planting population on grain yield, kernel composition, and silage yield and composition. Producers are striving to increase profit by efficiently using their available land area to maximize crop production. However, little research is available testing the effect of seed orientation on grain or silage production. Quantifying the impacts of seed orientation and row direction on grain and silage is essential for maximum crop production. Dissemination of the results should benefit grain and silage producer.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of manipulating seed …

Buying And Selling Corn Silage Or Other High Moisture Feeds: Value The Feed Not The Water, Dillon Feuz, Clark Israelsen, Allen Young, Lyle Holmgren

All Current Publications

Questions often arise among growers who have corn silage or alfalfa silage (haylage) to sell and dairy producers and feedlot operators who are looking to buy those feeds as to how to establish a fair price. Because of the high moisture content of these feeds (50-75% water) and other similar feeds (barley silage, oat silage, sorghum silage and wheat silage) the transportation costs are rather substantial relative to the value of the feed.

Corn Silage Performance, 2006; Cache County, Utah, T. C. Griggs, C. E. Israelsen

All Current Publications

This report summarizes on-farm performance of irrigated silage corn hybrids at Benson (Cache County) in 2006. The site is at 4439 ft elevation and has a long-term average of 2800 corn growing degree days (50/86° F) per year. Hybrids were seeded with a six-row planter on May 10 at approximately 35,000 seeds/ac into Kidman fine sandy loam. Plots were six rows wide at 30-in row spacing by 1070 ft long in three randomized complete blocks.

Processed Corn Silage Effects On Digestibility And Production Of Growing Beef Replacement Heifers, Dale Zobell, Ken Olson, Randall Wiedmeier

All Current Publications

Forage is generally the principle feedstuff in feedlot diets for growing cattle and, as such, its nutritive value will determine weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency. In feedlot diets for growing cattle, corn silage can constitute up to 60% of the diet (DMB).

Drought-Stressed Corn, Thomas Dorn, Bruce Anderson, Richard J. Rasby

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact details how to identify drought stress in corn, its effect on potential yield and how to maximize economic return from drought-damaged corn.

G00-1393 Grazing Alfalfa (Revised September 2004), Jerry D. Volesky, Bruce E. Anderson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Alfalfa is the most productive and versatile forage legume grown in Nebraska. Cutting for hay or silage has been the traditional method of harvest, but many options also exist for grazing. With current technology and proper management beef gain can exceed 1,000 pounds per acre with acceptable stand persistence.

Grazing alfalfa may be a cost efficient means of harvest for some producers. This NebGuide explores alfalfa and alfalfa/grass options, varieties and stand establishment, and grazing and bloat management.

Ec98-753 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Fact Sheet 7: Improving Hazardous Materials And Waste Management, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Waste is inevitable. Things which have been outgrown, broken, replaced, or are just no longer needed add to the waste produced at homes, acreages and around farms. Most of the waste accumulated around the farm, acreage and home is solid waste. Solid waste includes all discarded materials — newspapers, empty paint cans, liquids, gases, pickle jars, orange peelings, leftover food, worn out shoes, junk mail — this list is endless. Some of these solid wastes contain potentially hazardous materials.

Ec98-771 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Fact Sheet 8: Improving Household Wastewater Treatment, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

A properly installed and maintained system for treating and disposing of household wastewater will minimize the impact of that system on groundwater and surfacewater. State and local codes specify how wastewater systems must be designed, installed, and maintained. For example, Title 124 regulates the design, operation, and maintenance of septic tank systems in Nebraska. In addition, federal and state regulations guide the stabilization and land application of wastewater septage.

Ec98-792 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Fact Sheet 16: Improving Crop Pesticide Application Management, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Though pesticides are especially harmful to the target pest, they are also potentially harmful to most living and breathing creatures and non-target plant life. Proper handling and application management of pesticides are important to protect you and to protect surface and groundwater from contamination. Pesticides were first found in groundwater in the 1970s. Prior to that, the general belief was that pesticides did not leach into the groundwater with normal use.

Ec98-750 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Worksheet 12: Silage Storage, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Silage is an important feed for livestock-based agriculture. When properly harvested and stored, silage poses little or no pollution threat, but improper handling can lead to a significant flow of silage juices (or leachate) from the silo. Leachate is an organic liquid that results from pressure in the silo or from extra water entering the silo. It is usually a problem only when silage is fresh, or just after storage. This loss of leachate represents a loss of nutrient value from the silage.

Ec98-754 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Worksheet 7: Hazardous Materials And Waste Management, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Consider the variety of products commonly used in households, on acreages and on farms: paints, solvents, oils, cleaners, wood preservatives, batteries, adhesives, and pesticides. Also consider the amount of these products which goes unused or is thrown away. Some common disposal practices can create an unsafe environment around the home and may contaminate groundwater. Additionally, many of these common disposal practices violate Nebraska law.

Ec98-752 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Worksheet 9: Livestock Manure Storage, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Accumulating manure in storage incurs certain risks to the environment and to human and animal health unless appropriate precautions are taken.Manure can contribute nutrients and disease-causing organisms to both surface water and groundwater.

Ec98-758 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Worksheet 11: Land Application Of Manure, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Stewardship of soil and water resources should be a goal of every livestock producer. Management decisions made relative to land application of livestock manure will influence the ability to attain that goal.

Ec98-757 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Fact Sheet 11: Improving Land Application Of Manure, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Resource or waste? Stewardship of soil and water resources should be a goal of every livestock producer. Management decisions made relative to land application of livestock manure will influence the ability to attain that goal. An evaluation of your land application practices should focus on the following question: Is manure a waste or are source?

Ec98-766 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Worksheet 3: Drinking Water Well Condition, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Essentially all of Nebraska’s rural residents use groundwater to supply their drinking water and farm needs. Wells should provide clean water. If wells are improperly constructed or maintained, however, they can allow bacteria, pesticides, fertilizer, oil products, or other pollutants to contaminate groundwater. These contaminants can put family, pets and livestock health at risk.

Ec98-762 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Fact Sheet 6: Improving Petroleum Product Storage, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Petroleum product storage is an area of great concern for groundwater safety. It’s not uncommon for fuel to leak into aquifers and pollute the drinking water of a family or even a community, and it can be very costly for the landowner. Petroleum product storage is regulated by laws regarding fire safety and air quality as well. Therefore, petroleum product storage must be evaluated from various perspectives. This factsheet examines some important aspects of petroleum product storage: where the tank is located on your property, the type of tank, how to monitor the tank, reduction of losses from aboveground tanks, …

Ec98-759 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Fact Sheet 10: Improving Livestock Yards Management, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Besides addressing the potential of livestock yards to pollute surface and groundwater, other good reasons for improving management practices include ease of maintenance, improved herd health, and quality milk or meat production. This fact sheet discusses six issues critical to minimizing the impact of livestock yards on water quality.

Ec98-767 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Fact Sheet 4: Improving Pesticide Storage And Handling, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

We’ll look at five areas of pesticide management on your farm: 1. pesticide storage practices 2. mixing and loading practices 3. spill cleanup 4. container disposal practices 5. other management practices When handling pesticides, wear proper protective clothing and equipment at all times. See the pesticide label for details.

Ec98-790 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Worksheet 14: Crop Nutrient Application Management, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Most Nebraska farmers apply some source of plant nutrients to help improve their crop production each year. Nutrients come from applied chemical fertilizers, manure or sewage sludge, and soil organic matter or legumes. When nutrients move off site or leach out of the root zone, they can pose a threat to the environment and the water we drink.

Ec98-789 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Fact Sheet 14: Improving Crop Nutrient Application Management, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Economics, energy and the environment are three primary reasons to be concerned about nutrient management, especially nitrogen (N) management. Nitrogen ranks high on a list of sixteen nutrients needed for the health of most plants, but unfortunately it also ranks high as a contaminant of Nebraska’s surface and groundwater. Most other nutrients occur naturally in the soil. Besides nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the nutrients most often added to Nebraska soils.

Ec98-795 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Fact Sheet 17: Improving Stormwater Management At Residential Sites, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Stormwater is water from irrigation, rain or melting snow that does not soak into the ground. It flows from rooftops, over paved areas and bare soil, and across sloped lawns. As it flows, this runoff can collect and transport soil, pet waste, livestock manure, salt, pesticides, fertilizer, oil and grease, leaves, litter and other potential pollutants. A heavy rainstorm isn’t needed to send pollutants rushing toward streams, wetlands and lakes. A garden hose alone can supply enough water.

Ec98-751 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Fact Sheet 9: Improving Livestock Manure Storage, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Manure storage is an important manure management option for livestock producers. Stored manure can be applied to the soil when nutrient uptake by crops can be maximized and weather related losses minimized. Preplant applications of manure incorporated into the soil ensures maximum crop nutrient value, while reducing risks of water contamination.

Ec98-763 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Worksheet 6: Petroleum Product Storage, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Aboveground and underground storage of liquid petroleum products such as motor fuel and heating fuel presents a threat to public health and the environment. Nearly one out of every four underground storage tanks in the United States may now be leaking, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. If an underground petroleum tank is more than 20 years old, especially if it’s not protected against corrosion, the potential for leaking increases dramatically. Newer tanks and piping can leak, too, especially if they were improperly installed.

Ec98-772 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Worksheet 8: Household Wastewater Treatment, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Virtually all farms and rural housing use a septic system or similar on-site wastewater treatment system. While these systems are generally economical and safe, household wastewater can contain contaminants that degrade water quality for uses such as drinking, pet and stock watering, food preparation, and cleaning. Potential contaminants in household wastewater include disease-causing bacteria, infectious viruses, household chemicals, and excess nutrients, such as nitrate.

Ec98-769 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Fact Sheet 5: Improving Fertilizer Storage And Handling, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Fertilizer storage practices If stored safely in a secure location, fertilizers pose little danger to groundwater. Common sense suggests keeping fertilizer dry and out of the way of activities that might rip open a bag or allow rain to enter a bulk container.