Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons^™

Ecosystem Management In Pasture Communities: Tools From Restoration Ecology, S. C. Goslee, M. A. Sanderson

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Pasture systems have the potential to improve both economic and environmental sustainability in agricultural communities worldwide. To achieve maximum benefits, pasture plant communities must be tailored to the climate, the site type and the goals of the producer. Little is known about how to accomplish this, beyond very broad recommendations. We approached the problem by adapting a three-step conceptual framework from restoration ecology for use in managed pasture communities of the northeastern United States. The three steps, inventory, assessment and remediation, were designed for managers interested in restoring degraded native ecosystems, but can be applied equally well in managed ecosystems.

Forages For Horses Programmes, G. W. Wilson, R. L. Hendershot, J. Hoorman

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

A survey by the American Horse Council in 1996 showed there were 6.9 million horses in the USA with 1.9 million horse owners and 7.1 million people involved in allied industries. The value of the USA horse industry to the gross national product is $25.3 billion. Nationally, 2.2 % of households own a horse but 4.9 % of households want to own a horse. Ohio's horse industry has 192,000 horses (7th nationally) and generates $776 million per year. Most of the 48,500 homes with horses in Ohio have 2-5 horses with 1-2 ha of land. Many exercise lots and high-use …

The Paired-Paddock Model As An Agent For Change On Grazing Properties Across Southeast Australia, J. Thompf, P. W. G. Sale, Geoffrey Saul

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

From the mid 1970s to the mid 1990s the low productivity of wool and beef producing farms in the high rainfall zone (>550 mm annual rainfall) in south east Australia has been a major contributing factor to the difficulties faced by farmers in this region. This was despite research from the Long-term Phosphate Experiment at Hamilton in south west Victoria indicating that there is considerable potential to increase the productivity and profitability of wool production (Saul, 1994). By implementing the productive pasture technology (PPT) that involves increased rates of fertiliser on pastures containing productive species and increased stocking rates …

Field Measurements Of Ruminal Methane Of Cattle Grazing Tropical Grasses, M. P. Pedreira, O. Primavesi, M. A. Lima, R. Frighetto, T. T. Berchielli

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Ruminal methane production represents energy losses from ingested feed that should be utilised to maintain body weight or to generate products. Quantitatively, daily methane production varies according to amount and quality of ingested dry matter (DM), as well as physiological status of the animal.

The Effect Of Soil Type And Climate On Modelled Greenhouse Gas Emissions Derived From Pasture Based Milk Production Systems, Dan K. Lovett, L. Shalloo, P. Dillon, Frank O'Mara

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The ability of spring calving dairy farmers to exploit herbage production can be limited by soil type and climatic conditions. Previous work, using the Moorepark Dairy System Model (MDSM) (Shalloo et al., 2004) demonstrated differences in terms of biological and production efficiency for two contrasting sites. This study models whole farm greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Lovett et al., in press) from two dairy systems, the Moorepark Standard System (MSS, Co. Cork) and the Kilmaley Standard System (KSS,Co. Clare), classified as lower and high rainfall (1025 and 1614 mm yr) and free draining versus poor draining respectively.

The Effect Of Legume/Grass Pasture On Soil Organic Carbon, Z. Kadziuliene, Alvyra Slepetiene

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Soil organic carbon content is an important integral indicator of soil fertility. The extent at which the soil can sequestrate carbon depends on the nature of agricultural production, land use and soil type (Follet, 2001). More than two thirds of the annual grassland biomass production is allocated to below ground structures and deep humus layers are common in grassland (Körner, 2002). Grasslands differ markedly in species composition, utilisation purpose, fertilisation and this can significantly change their effect on soil organic content (Hassink & Neeteson, 1991). The objective of study was to estimate changes in the soil organic carbon content and …

Carbon Sequestration In Irrigated Pastures, Glenn E. Shewmaker, J. A. Entry, R. E. Sojka

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Carbon sequestration potential for irrigated grazing lands is significant. We measured organic and inorganic C stored in southern Idaho soils having long-term land use histories that supported native sagebrush vegetation (NSB), irrigated pasture systems (IP), irrigated conservation tillage sites (ICT), and irrigated moldboard plowing systems (IMP). This study estimates the amount of possible organic, inorganic and total C sequestration if irrigated pasture land was expanded by 10%.

Biomass Vertical Distribution In A Grazed Grassland Under Monoespecific And Mixed Grazing, C. Saroff, S. González, A. Ohanian, H. Pagliaricci, Y. R. Chiaramello

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Mixed grazing is defined as the use of the same forage resource for more than one herbivore species. It has been shown that different herbivore species have specific grazing modalities (Black and Kenney, 1984), which may differentially modify the structure of the pasture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomass vertical distribution in a sward with mixed grazing.

Estimating Pasture Intake By Cattle Using Alkanes And A Known Amount Of Supplement, E. Charmley, J. L. Duynisveld, H. Dove

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The alkane ratio method for estimating pasture intake involves calculating the fecal ratio of plant (endogenous) and exogenous alkanes. This method is effective for sheep, although the delivery mechanism for the exogenous alkanes has presented challenges in cattle (Charmley et al. 2003). Dove et al. (2003) have shown that the relative concentration of components in a mixed diet can be estimated from fecal alkane concentrations using least squares methods. Further, if the amount of one dietary component is known, then the amount of all components, and hence intake, can be determined. In this trial beeswax was added to …

Root Systems In Tropical Pasture Restoration Treatments In Rondônia, Brazil, M. C. Piccolo, K. C. Augusti, C. Neill, L. Fante Junior, M. Bernoux, C. C. Cerri

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Soil management can influence physical and chemical soil properties, with fundamental differences in root system development. Our objectives were to quantify carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) concentrations, dry mass and length of roots subjected to different restoration treatments of degraded pasture.

Validation Of Faecal Nirs For Monitoring The Diet Of Confined And Grazing Goats, S. Y. Landau, T. A. Glasser, L. Dvash, Avi Perevolotsky

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Goats are used for brush control and ecological management of Mediterranean grazing lands. Farmers are willing to cooperate with communities but they need an easy method to evaluate the daily intake of nutrients. A calibration of the chemical attributes of goats' diets was set-up, based on faecal near infrared (NIR) spectra (Landau et al., 2004; Table 1). The accuracy of this methodology was estimated by using the standard error of cross-validation (SECV), which represents the variability in the difference between predicted and reference values when the equation is applied sequentially to subsets of data from the calibration data set. …

Finishing Effect On Fatty Acid Profile Of Intramuscular Fat In Extensively Reared Steers, N. Aldai, B. E. Murray, A. I. Nájera, K. Osoro

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Both the amount and the composition of fat depots in beef may be influenced by several factors i.e. feeding system. Related to this factor, extensively reared cattle may produce beef with a more desirable fatty acid (FA) composition in terms of beneficial effect on human health, especially in relation to the content of n-3 type FAs. However, concentrate finishing improves some carcass traits and meat quality. In this sense, the objective of this work was to study the effect of concentrate finishing on intramuscular (IM) FA profile of Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle in pasture fed steers.

Economic Comparison Of Pasture Based Lamb Production Systems In Southern Australia, A. J. Kennedy, A. N. Thompson

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Lamb production enterprises in southern Australia utilise a pasture base as their primary nutrition source due to its low cost. Holmes Sackett & Associates (2003) identified that increasing total lamb weight per hectare by increasing ewe stocking rate, animal genetic potential and weaning percentage can increase enterprise profitability. The limitation of these enterprises is the seasonal and geographic variations impeding pasture production and quality. The 'MoreLamb Quality Pasture' project is demonstrating the benefits of mixing high performing grass, legume and herb species to extend the pasture-growing season and increase pasture quality. Key economic indicators of three pasture systems and commercial …

The Impact Of Tillage System For Small-Grain Pasture Establishment On The Performance Of Growing Beef Calves In Arkansas, P. Beck, S. Gunter, M. Anders, K. Lusby, D. Hubbell

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

In the United States, governmental regulations mandate the improvement of farming practices to improve environmental quality. There is a requirement to reduce the siltation of waterways, soil carbon losses, and nutrient runoff along the Mississippi River Delta. The use of small-grain forages by grazing cattle offers real opportunities to produce high-quality forage for cattle production during the winter and spring months. No-till and reduced tillage practices developed primarily for grain production may offer environmental and economic solutions for both grain farmers and cattle producers. Producers are slow to adopt conservation tillage practices because of a perceived risk of reduced production. …

Effect Of A Summer Period At Pasture On The Performance Of Young Bulls Offered Concentrates Ad Libitum, R. J. Fallon, M. G. Keane

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Holstein bull calves can produce a 250 kg carcass at 11 to 12 months of age on indoor feeding of ad libitum concentrates. An outdoor period at pasture would reduce housing costs. Two experiments were undertaken to determine the effect of an outdoor period at pasture on concentrate intake, liveweight gain and selected carcass traits of Holstein young bulls.

Assessment Of Inter-Specific Diversity Of The Hedysarum Genus In Tunisia, S. Marghali, H. Chennaoui, M. Marrakchi, N. Trifi-Farah

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

In Tunisia, many grassland and pasture species were menaced by genetic erosion. Thus, we were interested in the Hedysarum species which constitute a very important phytogenetic patrimony able to produce forage and restore destroyed pasture land especially in arid and semi-arid areas. In order to facilitate fodder improvement, we investigated the phenetic relationships among Hedysarum species using rDNA intergenic spacer (IGS) polymorphism.

Improving The Utilisation Of Germplasm Of Trifolium Spumosum L. By The Development Of A Core Collection Using Ecogeographical And Molecular Techniques, K. Ghamkhar, R. Snowball, S. J. Bennett

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

A core collection is a sub-set encompassing more than 70% of the variability of all accessions held in a collection (Brown 1995), the development of one for Trifolium spumosum (bladder clover) could assist in future development of the cultivar within southern Australia. The aim of this work is to develop a core collection of Trifolium spumosum as a model for other pasture legume species using molecular and ecogeographical data.

Improving The Utilisation Of Germplasm Of Trifolium Spumosum L. By The Development Of A Core Collection Using Ecogeographical And Molecular Techniques, K. Ghamkhar, R. Snowball, S. J. Bennett

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

A core collection is a sub-set encompassing more than 70% of the variability of all accessions held in a collection (Brown, 1995). The development of one for Trifolium spumosum (bladder clover) could assist in future development of the cultivar within southern Australia. The aim of this work is to develop a core collection of Trifolium spumosum as a model for other pasture legume species using molecular and ecogeographical data.

The Effect Of Different Grazing Managements On Upland Grassland, V. Pavlů, Michal Hejcman, L. Pavlů, Jan Gaisler

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

A transformation process in the Czech economy led to a rapid decrease in livestock numbers in the Czech Republic and an enlarged area of grasslands at the beginning of 1990’s. The result was extensification of grassland management and also abandonment in marginal areas. The main purpose of this study was to reveal how different managements affect plant species diversity of previously abandoned grassland.

The Long Road To Developing Native Herbaceous Summer Forage Legume Ecotypes, James P. Muir, T. J. Butler, W. R. Ocumpaugh

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Only a handful of well-adapted herbaceous summer forage legumes are currently marketed for drier regions of North America and even fewer are true natives. There is a growing demand for native germplasm in the region as a new generation of landowner attempts to return grasslands to a semblance of their original species and diversity. The objective of this paper is to describe preliminary research results of a grasslands team collecting, studying and promulgating native leguminous germplasm in Texas.

Species Richness, Species Identity And Ecosystem Function In Managed Temperate Grasslands, S. C. Goslee, M. A. Sanderson, K. Soder

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Manipulation of plant species diversity may provide a way to improve the ecosystem functioning of managed systems by increasing productivity and suppressing weedy species. As yet, the functional role of species richness is not well-enough understood to enable practical application. We investigated the effects of differing species richness on community stability and invasion resistance in a grazed temperate grassland.

Challenges In Modelling Live-Weight Change In Grazed Pastures In The Australian Subtropics, C. K. Mcdonald, A. J. Ash

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

In sub-tropical regions there is enormous seasonal, annual and spatial variation in pasture quality and considerable variation in quality between pasture species. The heterogeneous structure of sub-tropical pasture swards means that process based modelling of liveweight change (LWC) is particularly difficult. In response to this complexity LWC has been expressed as a function of the length of the growing season and/or pasture utilization (McKeon et al. 2000), green leaf availability, or pasture availability and climate (Hirata et al. 1993). However, these relationships vary from year to year, often fail when species composition changes, and generally explain

Farm Performance From Holstein-Friesian Cows Of Three Genetic Strains On Grazed Pasture, K. A. Macdonald, B. S. Thorrold, C. B. Glassey, J. A. S. Lancaster, G. A. Verkerk, J. E. Pryce, C. W. Holmes

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Dairy selection objectives and farm production systems in USA and Europe are different from those in New Zealand (NZ). The use of overseas semen in NZ in the last 20 years has changed the genetics of the former NZ Holstein-Friesian (HF) strain. This trial was designed to demonstrate the genetic progress in the NZ HF dairy herd in the last 25 years and how high production potential North American HF cows perform under pasture-based feeding systems.

Suitability Of Small And Large Size Dairy Cows In A Pasture-Based Production System, M. Steiger Burgos, R. Petermann, P. Hofstetter, P. Thomet, S. Kohler, A. Munger, J. W. Blum, P. Kunz

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Pasture-based dairy production with greatly reduced supplemental feeding and block-calving in spring is increasingly applied in Switzerland. The prevalent cow type has been selected mainly for high individual production in a barn feeding system with balanced diet. This cow type has continuously increased in size over the last 30 years. The question arises whether this type is suitable for the new system, and particularly if cow size is a critical factor. Theoretically a large, heavy type of cow has a higher intake capacity, while the nutrient requirements for a small, light type are easier to satisfy.

Challenges And Opportunities For Animal Production From Temperate Pastures, D. A. Clark

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Key points

1. Temperate pastures offer a major opportunity to reduce the feed costs associated with ruminant production.

2. Pastures offer unique opportunities for producing high value components in feedstuffs that are beneficial to human health.

3. The increased use of pasture will not automatically lead to improved environmental outcomes – difficult challenges exist in reducing nitrogen and greenhouse gas pollution.

4. Grazed pasture systems offer advantages in animal welfare, provided management avoids the problems associated with climatic extremes, and the toxins associated with some pastures.

5. To remain competitive with total mixed ration systems, and environmentally acceptable, pastures with higher intake characteristics that allow …

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The Long Road To Developing Native Herbaceous Summer Forage Legume Ecotypes, J. P. Muir, T. J. Butler, W. R. Ocumpaugh

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Only a handful of well-adapted herbaceous summer forage legumes are currently marketed for drier regions of North America and even fewer are true natives. There is a growing demand for native germplasm in the region as a new generation of landowner attempts to return grasslands to a semblance of their original species and diversity. The objective of this paper is to describe preliminary research results of a grasslands team collecting, studying and promulgating native leguminous germplasm in Texas.

Impact Of Fertility And Mowing On Crabgrass Quantity And Quality For Hay Production In Southeast Kansas, D. Helwig, M. Haywood, J. K. Farney, B. C. Pedreira, G. F. Sassenrath

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A crabgrass variety trial comparing Quick-N-Big and MoJo crabgrasses was conducted during the summer of 2020 at the K-State Research and Extension experiment station near Columbus, Kansas. The trial evaluated quantity and quality of forage produced under different nitrogen fertility scenarios and mowing management techniques. MoJo produced more biomass than Quick-N-Big. Addition of nitrogen fertilizer increased biomass production and forage protein content. Mowing was also found to enhance forage quality.

Bermudagrass Fertility Trial In Southeast Kansas, 2020, D. Helwig, M. Haywood, J. K. Farney, B. C. Pedreira, G. F. Sassenrath

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

In 2020 a bermudagrass fertility study was conducted at the K-State Research and Ex­tension experiment station outside of Columbus, KS. The purpose of the study was to simulate forage producer practices of managing bermudagrass and determine how each practice affects forage production and quality. Addition of fertilizer, and mowing were tested to determine the impact on forage biomass production and quality. Fertilizer increased both biomass production and forage quality. However, greater improvements in forage quality were observed by mowing the bermudagrass.

Evaluation Of Implants, Clover, And Fescue Variety On Stocker Steers, Z. T. Buessing, J. K. Farney

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Sixty-four growing steers were used in a split-plot experiment, where the whole plot was pasture, and the split-plot was implants. Whole plot treatment was a 4 × 2 facto­rial with four levels of fescue (High Endophyte, Low Endophyte, Novel, or Endophyte Free) and two levels of legume (Legumes or No Legumes). The split-plot included four implant levels (No Implant, Synovex One Grass, Revalor-G, Ralgro). Data collected were weights, hair coat scores, hair length, rectal temperature (every 28 days), and ultrasound carcass characteristics coming off grass. Steers on High Endophyte had the lowest average daily gain (ADG), longest hair, and highest …

Comparing And Linking Organic Carbon And Iron In Soil And Headwater Stream In A Pasture And A Forest Catchment In A Central Appalachian Region, West Virginia, Lili Lei

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Continued global warming and surface water brownification are two main environmental issues which have attracted attention and are related to soil organic carbon (SOC) cycling. Iron oxides differ in reducibility and thus have essential roles in regulating SOC preservation and remineralization in soil and transport of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from soil to surface water. In the central Appalachian region, anthropogenic disturbances are increasing, which leads to major issues of soil degradation and depletion of SOC concentrations. Cropland and pasture soils are subject to intense disturbances compared to the forest soil, which may lead to differences in SOC fractions and …