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Full-Text Articles in Plant Sciences
Extension Agronomist Perceptions Regarding Clover Use In The Usa, D M. Ball, G D. Lacefield
Extension Agronomist Perceptions Regarding Clover Use In The Usa, D M. Ball, G D. Lacefield
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Recent enhancement of economic incentives for using legumes in forage/livestock systems seems likely to result in greater usage of clovers in the USA. To determine attitudes regarding clovers, a questionnaire was sent to forage crop agronomists having Extension assignments. Responses to most questions varied greatly, particularly among geographic regions. Poor grazing management was identified as the primary concern or problem associated with clovers, followed by poor persistence, and a lack of recognition of the benefits. Improved forage quality was ranked as the most important benefit, followed by better distribution of pasture growth, and biological nitrogen fixation. The importance of benefits …
Strategies For Forage Research And Transfer In India, R P. Singh, Bhag Mal
Strategies For Forage Research And Transfer In India, R P. Singh, Bhag Mal
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The debate on how to meet the yawning gap of forage and feed (both in terms of quantity and quality) in India has continued since the last decade. This paper is an effort to discuss the feed and forage deficit, harnessing of unexploited resources (arable and non-arable) and the strategies of forage research and extension support for the development of forage and feed sector.
Changes In The Distribution Of Carbohydrates Due To Water Stress And Root-Shoot Ratio As An Index Of Drought Resistance In Ecotypes Of Adesmia Bicolor (Poir.) D.C., B G. Neves-Piestun, Armando Olano, Dan Piestun
Changes In The Distribution Of Carbohydrates Due To Water Stress And Root-Shoot Ratio As An Index Of Drought Resistance In Ecotypes Of Adesmia Bicolor (Poir.) D.C., B G. Neves-Piestun, Armando Olano, Dan Piestun
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The genera Adesmia, is found in the “El Plata” area. Adesmia bicolor (Poir). D.C. is one of the most common species in Uruguay that belongs to this genera. In this study, three ecotypes were collected from different kinds of environments. Ecotypes 016, 2316 and 7017, came from superficial-soil, clay-soil and sandy soil, respectively. The ecotypes of Adesmia bicolor (Poir.) DC. were studied under water-stress conditions (two levels), during two stages: vegetative phase and beginning of blossom. In both stages, leaf-water potential (LWP), leaf-relative-water content (LRWC), leaf-dry matter (LDM), stem-dry matter (SDM) and root-dry matter (RDM) were measured, while root-shoot ratio …
Forage Based Fallow Management Strategies For Intensified Land Use And Resource Conservation In Small Holder Farms, M A. Mohamed Saleem, Kahsay Berhe
Forage Based Fallow Management Strategies For Intensified Land Use And Resource Conservation In Small Holder Farms, M A. Mohamed Saleem, Kahsay Berhe
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Intensification of land-use is inevitable for long term food security in the east African highlands, but technological options need to be environmentally safe. How forages can be used as a basis for intensified grain and fodder production from the same land unit, and serve as a profitable fallow during necessary crop-free rest period is the purpose of this study.
Grazing Impacts On The Production Stability Of Fescue Prairie, W D. Willms, J F. Dormaar, J R. King
Grazing Impacts On The Production Stability Of Fescue Prairie, W D. Willms, J F. Dormaar, J R. King
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The fescue prairie in southwestern Alberta is highly productive but susceptible to grazing during the growing season. This study examined how production stability is affected by grazing impact. It was initiated in 1949 using four fixed stocking rates (1.2, 1.6, 2.4, 4.8 animal-unitmonths ha-1). Forage and livestock production were estimated over 4 or 15 years, respectively. The coefficient of variation (CV) for either primary or secondary production was constant over all rates except for the very heavily stocked paddock. Forage production, and therefore livestock production, in that paddock was dependent on precipitation during the growing season. Heavy grazing pressure resulted …
Dry Matter Allocation And Nutritive Value Of Tropical And Temperate Fodder Trees And Shrubs In The Gauteng Province Of South Africa, J P. Lindeque, N.F G. Rethman, C C. Botha
Dry Matter Allocation And Nutritive Value Of Tropical And Temperate Fodder Trees And Shrubs In The Gauteng Province Of South Africa, J P. Lindeque, N.F G. Rethman, C C. Botha
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Fodder tree and shrub species from the genera Albizzia, Atriplex, Cassia, Chamaecytisus, Cytisus, Leucaena, Lupinus, Medicago, Sesbania and Teline were evaluated in terms of their adaptation to local conditions and potential production of protein-rich forage and fuelwood. Atriplex nummularia, Cassia sturtii, Chamaecytisus palmensis, Cytisus maderiensis, Leucaena species, Sesbania sesban and Teline stenopetala offer considerable potential, both in terms of yield of protein-rich forage and/or fuelwood.
Productivity Of Silphium Perfoliatum L. In Low Input Agricultural Systems, G Pichard, R Cussen, F Moore
Productivity Of Silphium Perfoliatum L. In Low Input Agricultural Systems, G Pichard, R Cussen, F Moore
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
There is a large area in the coastal region of southern Chile affected by low productivity of soils and severe climatic limitations, which is owned mainly by small farmers. This research was conducted with dairy farmers producing an average of 20,000 liters/year whose main problem is cattle underfeeding because of severe seasonal cycles in pasture growth and extended overgrazing of natural grasslands of low production potential. Silphium perfoliatum L. is a perennial forage species that grows well during the summer period when grasslands have stopped their growth due to moisture stress and high temperatures. Based on the agronomic results and …
Root Distribution Study Of Forage Gramina Under Conservation Tillage Systems, By A Tracer Technique, M B. Barrios, A Bujan, A A. Bozzo, S P. Debelis
Root Distribution Study Of Forage Gramina Under Conservation Tillage Systems, By A Tracer Technique, M B. Barrios, A Bujan, A A. Bozzo, S P. Debelis
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The aim of this work is to evaluate the root activity patterns of three forage graminaceous species under different tillage systems. The field experiment was carried out during 1993-94 in a Mollisol under three tillage systems: plowing, chiseling tillage and subsoiling tillage system cultivated with Lolium multiflorum, Bromus catharticus and Phalaris aquatica. Significant differences were found in lateral root distribution between tillage systems. Subsoiling tillage system treatment showed the largest presence of roots at 10 cm lateral distance from the plants. No differences in root activity at 10, 20, and 30 cm from the plant were found in chiseling …
Utilization Of Rumen Evacuation And In Situ Methodology To Study Mineral Element Characteristics Of Bromus Inermis, D T. Hickok, R J. Rasby, D R. Brink, P A. Olson, P R. Martin
Utilization Of Rumen Evacuation And In Situ Methodology To Study Mineral Element Characteristics Of Bromus Inermis, D T. Hickok, R J. Rasby, D R. Brink, P A. Olson, P R. Martin
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Mineral element characteristics of Bromus inermis were determined in 2 week intervals from May 15 to October 15 in a four-year study. Clipped samples were separated to leaf and stem fractions. In year 4, 3 ruminally fistulated cows were used to determine diet selection 6 times during the growing season, and were used to determine in situ mineral disappearance of clipped grass. Based on rumen evacuation and in situ methodology elemental concentrations in Bromus inermis exhibited seasonal flux and in the conditions of this study cows did not select a diet different from clipped samples in elements other than Fe …
Characterizing Effective Fiber With Particle Size And Fiber Concentration Interactions, D R. Buckmaster, A J. Heinrichs, R A. Ward, B P. Lammers
Characterizing Effective Fiber With Particle Size And Fiber Concentration Interactions, D R. Buckmaster, A J. Heinrichs, R A. Ward, B P. Lammers
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Both physical form and chemical nature of fiber is important to ruminant animals. A recently developed method for determining particle size distribution was used to characterize typical distributions for forages and total mixed rations (TMR) from the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. An effective fiber index (EFI) and modified effective fiber index (MEFI) are proposed which link physical and chemical characteristics. The EFI and MEFI are computed by weighting NDF concentrations by particle size distribution and effectiveness for contribution towards a rumen mat and rumination.
Protein Degradability Effect And Supplementation Level On Pasture Utilization, A.V M. Franco, P De Andrade, G L. Franco
Protein Degradability Effect And Supplementation Level On Pasture Utilization, A.V M. Franco, P De Andrade, G L. Franco
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The objective was to determine the effect of protein degradability and supplement level on forage degradation. Steers fistulated were utilizated in brachiaria (Brachiaria brizantha) pasture. A randomized block design was used with a control treatment and supplements according to a factorial scheme combining low, medium and high protein degradability with supplementation levels: low, medium and high analysed as principal treatments and incubation time as splitplot by SAS. Nylon bags were incubated at 4; 8; 12; 24; 48; 72; 96 and 120 hours to determine DM, CP and NDF degradation. There was no effect (P>0.05) of protein degradability …
Long Term Benefits Of Diversified Forage-Oriented Cropping Systems As Compared To Rotations Based Mainly On Cereals Or Maize, E Meister, V Mediavilla, P Weisskopf
Long Term Benefits Of Diversified Forage-Oriented Cropping Systems As Compared To Rotations Based Mainly On Cereals Or Maize, E Meister, V Mediavilla, P Weisskopf
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The aim of this study is to assess the long term effects of a forageoriented, versus a maize- and a cereal-oriented crop rotation on the yield potential and soil fertility, as well as the weed, disease and pest development. We report the results after four cropping cycles using silage maize (Zea mays L.) in 1994 and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in 1995 as reference crops for all three rotations. Two years of a grass-clover mixture in a five-year rotation showed positive effects with respect to most soil and plant parameters.
Forage Maceration On A Self-Propelled Mower: Effect Of Windrow Deposition And Inversion, P Savoie, D Tremblay, J Lajoie, M Roberge, S P. Lemay
Forage Maceration On A Self-Propelled Mower: Effect Of Windrow Deposition And Inversion, P Savoie, D Tremblay, J Lajoie, M Roberge, S P. Lemay
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Forage maceration is an intensive conditioning technique applied at mowing with high speed rolls. Maceration has been observed to enhance the field wilting rate, produce a more efficient silage fermentation and accelerate ruminal degradation. An important technical hurdle has been to scale up maceration for wide mowers without reducing capacity. The paper descibes a three-roll maceration unit that was integrated in a self-propelled 4.2 m wide mower. A capacity of 2.75 ha/h and throughputs up to 14 t DM (dry matter)/h or 64 t WM (wet matter)/h were achieved in alfalfa and timothy. Compared to a commercial mower-conditioner, the macerator …
Phosphogypsum As A Source Of Nutrients For Bahiagrass, J E. Rechcigl, I S. Alcordo
Phosphogypsum As A Source Of Nutrients For Bahiagrass, J E. Rechcigl, I S. Alcordo
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Phosphogypsum is a by-product of the manufacture of phosphoric acid from phosphate rock and is a potential source of sulfur and calcium for crops. There are currently more than 700 million Mg of phosphogypsum in Florida alone stacked in waste piles and an additional 30 million Mg produced annually. A 3-year study was conducted to determine whether addition of phosphogypsum to bahiagrass would increase production and quality. Results indicate that addition of up to 4.0 Mg/ha phosphogypsum increased bahiagrass yields, protein content, and in vitro digestibility of forage. This study has demonstrated that phosphogypsum can be used as an alternative …
Methane Production By Steers On Pasture, W P. Mccaughey, K Wittenberg, D Corrigan
Methane Production By Steers On Pasture, W P. Mccaughey, K Wittenberg, D Corrigan
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Grazing system, stocking rate and monensin controlled release capsule (CRC) administration were investigated to determine impacts on methane (CH4) production by steers grazing alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)/meadow bromegrass (Bromus biebersteinii Roem & Schult.)/Russian wildrye (Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski) pastures. Pasture treatments consisted of 2 replications each of two grazing systems (continuous stocking or 10-paddock rotational stocking) at each of two stocking rates (low, 1.1 steer ha-1 or high, 2.2 steers ha-1). Half of the animals in each pasture were administered a monensin CRC while untreated animals served as controls. During the grazing season, 1 steer per treatment …
Salinity Responses In Some Forage Legume Species, M E. Rogers
Salinity Responses In Some Forage Legume Species, M E. Rogers
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The salt tolerances of more than 70 lines and species of forage legumes were evaluated in a series of greenhouse experiments, with the aim of identifying plant material that is more salt tolerant than some of the more traditionally-grown, temperate, forage legume species. Several species or lines showed potential as salt tolerant germplasm including sweet clover (Melilotus albus), berseem clover (T. alexandrinum) cvv. Mescani and Wardan, woolly clover (T. tomentosum), birdsfoot treefoil (L. Corniculatus), slender birdsfoot treefoil (Lotus tenuis) and Trifolium squamosum. However, further selection and field evaluation is required in order to …
New Approaches For Rehabilitating And Developing Fodder Production From Acid Mountain Soils In Nepal To Alleviate Poverty And Restore The Environment, D Pariyar, P Van Der Grinten
New Approaches For Rehabilitating And Developing Fodder Production From Acid Mountain Soils In Nepal To Alleviate Poverty And Restore The Environment, D Pariyar, P Van Der Grinten
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The approach for the re-integration of degraded areas in the farming system demands methods that are simple, affordable and sustainable. Under the Hills Leasehold Forestry and Forage Development Project (HLFFDP) technologies were trialed for the establishment of pasture legume and nitrogen fixing trees on degraded leased sites. Agrisilvipastoralism (ASP) applied using minimum or zero tillage has considerable untapped potential for simultaneously alleviating poverty and restoring the environment in Nepal. Preliminary results presented here indicate that with the introduction of suitable improved forage species under the application of simple establishment techniques, degraded lands have the potential to produce considerable amounts of …
Role Of Non-Traditional Forages In Livestock Production In India, Bhag Mal, J N. Gupta, J P. Singh
Role Of Non-Traditional Forages In Livestock Production In India, Bhag Mal, J N. Gupta, J P. Singh
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The paper reports a number of non-traditional forage species which form the life support system for grazing animals in normal conditions as well as scarcity periods like droughts and famines. Such species vary according to climatic and ecological conditions of India. These species play an important role in domestic livestock production as well as providing forage to the game animals. In the arid region the majority of such species are small trees and shrubs; in semi-arid regions majority of such species are shrubs, aquatic weeds and minor millets. In temperate/alpine Himalaya such species range from lichens, ferns, climbers to shrubs …
The Role Of Leguminous Browse Plants In A Cool Mediterranean Enviornment, P A. Lane, R Reid, D Parsons
The Role Of Leguminous Browse Plants In A Cool Mediterranean Enviornment, P A. Lane, R Reid, D Parsons
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
There is considerable scope for improving the productivity and persistence of pasture systems, in the temperate low rainfall zones (< 550 mm annual rainfall) of Australia and New Zealand. Alternative pasture species, including leguminous browse plants, have potential to increase the diversity and stability of these pasture systems. The genus Dorycnium (canary clover), has previously been identified as containing a number of species with desirable forage and soil conservation characteristics. Preliminary investigations have indicated that at least two species, D. rectum and D. hirsutum, produce significant quantities of forage in the year of establishment and are palatable to sheep. It is proposed that these plants may provide a valuable source of forage on land which currently lacks productive and persistent pasture. Forage produced by these plants would be allowed …
A Transdisciplinary Approach To Landscape Transformation Towards Perennial, Diverse, Circular Systems: Why And How, V. Picasso, C. Williams
A Transdisciplinary Approach To Landscape Transformation Towards Perennial, Diverse, Circular Systems: Why And How, V. Picasso, C. Williams
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Prevailing agricultural systems in the U.S. are dominated by intensification through annual crop monocultures and high amounts of external inputs. Increased yields per unit of land have resulted but many undesirable environmental, ecological, and socioeconomic outcomes have co-occurred. Lack of resilience within intensified agricultural systems is a factor in these outcomes. Redesign of agricultural systems and changes in federal policy are needed to better support resilience in agriculture. Redesign for greater resilience must encourage adoption of agricultural systems that are diverse, perennial, circular, and include forages. We developed a transdisciplinary framework within a project orientation with a focus on crops …
Transitioning To Multiple-Use Polyculture Grassland-Derived Bioenergy Feedstock Systems, J. P. Muir, J. L. Foster, A. Falk, S. Weiss, W. D. Pitman, W. Alsion, H. D. Naumann, J. R. Bow, C. Shadrock, E. Osei, O. Lasater
Transitioning To Multiple-Use Polyculture Grassland-Derived Bioenergy Feedstock Systems, J. P. Muir, J. L. Foster, A. Falk, S. Weiss, W. D. Pitman, W. Alsion, H. D. Naumann, J. R. Bow, C. Shadrock, E. Osei, O. Lasater
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
We argue that research and development of grassland-derived bioenergy feedstock (GBF) has focused unduly on dedicated monospecific biomass systems to the detriment of more stable multiple-use multispecies grasslands. This has retarded GBF adoption as a viable, sustainable contribution to renewable energy production in North America. We hypothesize that focusing on multiple-use GBFs will foster greater feedstock availability for nascent renewable energy generation while minimizing financial risk to grassland husbandry during market transitions from current grazing systems to more flexible business models. Our hypothesis is that source and demand are more likely to develop simultaneously under less risky multiple-use grassland management. …
Participatory Evaluation Of Urochloa (Brachiaria) Grasses In The Cool Highlands Of Central Kenya, Elkana Nyambati, W. Ayako, S. K. Mailu
Participatory Evaluation Of Urochloa (Brachiaria) Grasses In The Cool Highlands Of Central Kenya, Elkana Nyambati, W. Ayako, S. K. Mailu
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Grasslands are increasingly threatened by over exploitation, degradation and climate change that has undermined their productive capacity, leading led to inadequate quantity and quality feed. Urochloa grass, a native of eastern Africa has been widely improved and adapted as livestock forage. A farmer participatory study was conducted to evaluate productivity of eight Urochloa grasses (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu, U. brizantha cv. Xareas, U. brizantha cv. Piata, U. brizantha cv. MG4, U. decumbens cv. Basilisk, U. humidicola cv. Humidicola, U. humidicola cv. Llanero and Urochloa hybrid Mulato II) compared to controls of Pennisetum purpureum (Napier grass cv. Kakamega 1 …
Physically Adjusted Ndf: Integrating Forage Physical Form With Diet Complexity On The Farm, P. J. Kononoff, M. B. Hall
Physically Adjusted Ndf: Integrating Forage Physical Form With Diet Complexity On The Farm, P. J. Kononoff, M. B. Hall
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Physical form of forages and their neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content are crucial in ruminant diets for maintaining a healthy rumen and a productive animal. A challenge has been in taking the concept from its research base and applying it successfully in varied diets. A new system for physically adjusted NDF (paNDF) offers an option. It takes into account the forage, NDF, starch and other components in the diet and uses the Penn State Particle Separator on farm to assess total mixed ration particle size to provide recommendations on directions to move the diet to maintain a healthy rumen. This …
Brix As An Indicator Of Sugar Content And Nutritive Value In Alfalfa And Orchardgrass Herbage, Eric D. Billman, K. Soder, J. Horst, K. Balk, A. Hafla
Brix As An Indicator Of Sugar Content And Nutritive Value In Alfalfa And Orchardgrass Herbage, Eric D. Billman, K. Soder, J. Horst, K. Balk, A. Hafla
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Brix, a measurement of total dissolved solids in solution, has been used by forage producers to provide real-time estimates of energy content of fresh herbage. However, its efficacy has never been validated in herbage through wet chemistry testing and comparisons with other nutritive value parameters. This study compared and correlated Brix measurements with sugar concentrations and common nutritive value parameters relating to protein, fiber, and energy to determine the viability of using Brix to predict when to graze or harvest fresh herbage. Brix measurements were collected monthly on fresh herbage samples of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and orchardgrass (Dactylis …
Forages For Horses Revamped, C. Gelley, E. Lyon, H. Zynda, S. Mastellar, E. Share, B. Hendershot, D. Kreager, G. Wilson, R. Purdin, J. Hampton, J. Morris, T. Wiseman, L. Beers, M. Sulc
Forages For Horses Revamped, C. Gelley, E. Lyon, H. Zynda, S. Mastellar, E. Share, B. Hendershot, D. Kreager, G. Wilson, R. Purdin, J. Hampton, J. Morris, T. Wiseman, L. Beers, M. Sulc
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The Forages for Horses program began in Ohio in1998 as a collaboration between the Ohio Forages & Grasslands Council and Ohio State University Extension. Over time, additional collaborations with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ohio Department of Agriculture and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts expanded the program. At its inception, one to three educators would partner to provide eight hours of in-person lectures followed by a pasture walk to better the management practices of equine enthusiasts. From 2021 through 2022, the curriculum was adapted for a hybrid classroom and included three 90-minute live webinars featuring nine different presentations followed …
More Than Fiber: Forage Carbohydrates Affecting Animal Performance, M. B. Hall
More Than Fiber: Forage Carbohydrates Affecting Animal Performance, M. B. Hall
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Forages are well known as an important source of fiber in livestock diets. However, their carbohydrate contribution is more than fiber. Forage grasses and legumes supply sugars, fructans, and other water-soluble carbohydrates as well as soluble fiber that behave very differently than starch in the rumen. With a focus on ruminants, we will explore the forage supply, and ruminal and animal impacts.
The Business Case For Healthy Grasslands-Based Agriculture – Economic And Social Implications, E. Bisangwa, Pat D. Keyser
The Business Case For Healthy Grasslands-Based Agriculture – Economic And Social Implications, E. Bisangwa, Pat D. Keyser
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Native perennial warm-season grasses (NWSGs) of the United States (U.S.) provide valuable summer forage. Studies have shown their potential within grazing systems as a complement to cool-season forages, as well as their benefits to soil biota, wildlife biodiversity, carbon sequestration and their resiliency to extreme drought and flood events. In this paper, we demonstrate that, in addition to these benefits, NWSGs provide important economic value to beef and dairy producers as a hedge against financial risks posed by overreliance on cool-season grasses.
Use Of Limpograss As An Alternative Feed During The Fall Forage Gap In Beef And Dairy Systems In Central And North Florida, L. Garcia, José C. B. Dubeux Jr., Marcelo O. Wallau, J. D. Pereira-Neto, M. A. Bernardini, M. Ruiz-Moreno
Use Of Limpograss As An Alternative Feed During The Fall Forage Gap In Beef And Dairy Systems In Central And North Florida, L. Garcia, José C. B. Dubeux Jr., Marcelo O. Wallau, J. D. Pereira-Neto, M. A. Bernardini, M. Ruiz-Moreno
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
In central and North Florida, the use of limpograss [Hemarthria altissima (Poir.) Stapf & C. E. Hubb.] for beef and dairy operations is limited and its potential use is not well documented. Two on-farm projects have been conducted in Central and North Florida to explore the use of limpograss as an alternative conserved forage during late fall and winter. The potential use of this forage as baleage for dairy farmers and as stockpiling for livestock producers would offer another alternative to reduce feed costs and fill the forage gap in the area when typical warm-season forages go dormant. In …
Chlorophyll And Mineral Dynamics Of Perennial Grass Species Found In Semi- Arid Rangelands Of South Africa, N. H. Msiza, K. E. Ravhuhali, H. K. Mokoboki, Sydney Mavengahama, L. E. Motsei
Chlorophyll And Mineral Dynamics Of Perennial Grass Species Found In Semi- Arid Rangelands Of South Africa, N. H. Msiza, K. E. Ravhuhali, H. K. Mokoboki, Sydney Mavengahama, L. E. Motsei
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Minerals are essential for ruminants and are mostly provided by grass species. Their growth stage is vital in the supply of these minerals. Perennial grass species have been mostly undervalued, owing to the scarce information concerning their potential feeding value and little documentation about their potential nutritive value in different growth stages. This study was conducted to investigate the chlorophyll and mineral concentration of grass species at different growth stages under greenhouse conditions at the North-West University Experimental farm, North West province, South Africa. The soil, collected from different villages, was mixed and samples were drawn for chemical analysis before …
Opportunities For Promoting The Adoption Of Forages In Kenya, Joseph G. Mureithi, Elkana M. Nyambati
Opportunities For Promoting The Adoption Of Forages In Kenya, Joseph G. Mureithi, Elkana M. Nyambati
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Livestock production plays an important socio-economic role in many areas across Kenya. They are kept in all the major livestock production systems including smallholder mixed crop- livestock system, crop-livestock-tree production system, and pastoral/extensive livestock production system, which occupy about 70% of land in Kenya. Livestock production is mainly constrained by inadequate feed quantity and quality. Forage forms the major source of feed for ruminant livestock as they provide high-quality forage to alleviate feed shortages. The demand for pasture and fodder production and conservation to meet livestock feed requirements, particularly during the dry seasons, has created the need to re-position the …