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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Cadmium In Soil, Pasture And Grazing Ruminants, J Lee, N D. Grace, A D. Mackay, M J. Hedley, J R. Rouce Sep 2024

Cadmium In Soil, Pasture And Grazing Ruminants, J Lee, N D. Grace, A D. Mackay, M J. Hedley, J R. Rouce

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Cadmium, present in New Zealand hill country pastures rrom Cd­amended phosphatic fertiliser use, is assimilated by grazing ruminants. Concentrations of Cd in plasma from sheep grazing pastures containing low (0.1-0.2µglg dry weight) or high (0.8-1.4 µgig dry weight) levels of Cd were 0.15±0.04 nglg and 0,35:1:0.15 ng/g, respectively (P<0.08). Cadmium in pasture was highly correlated (P<0,001) with soil O.IM HCl-extractable Cd (log10 Soiled= -0.98+0.26 Plantcd).


Foraging Strategies Of Ruminant Livestock On Intensively Managed Grasslands: Potential And Constraints, I J. Gordon, C Lascano Aug 2024

Foraging Strategies Of Ruminant Livestock On Intensively Managed Grasslands: Potential And Constraints, I J. Gordon, C Lascano

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

All grazed swards exhibit heterogeneity in the spatial (horizontal and vertical) dispersion of species/biomass. A herbivore foraging at random within such a heterogeneous environment would ingest less nutrients than wou Id one which exploited the heterogeneity on offer through selective grazing. The suite of decision-making processes involved in the selective grazing we observe is termed the animal's foraging strategy. On first observation, intensively managed sown swards appear to offer little opportunity for a herbivore to exhibit a foraging strategy; however, opporlunities do exist and there is empirical evidence that herbivores foraging on sown swards tend to have a diet higher …


Selective Behaviour Of Cattle Grazing Ryegrass Swards With Horizontal Heterogeneity In Patch Height And Bulk Density, Montague W. Demment, R A. Distel, T C. Griggs, E A. Laca, G P. Deo Aug 2024

Selective Behaviour Of Cattle Grazing Ryegrass Swards With Horizontal Heterogeneity In Patch Height And Bulk Density, Montague W. Demment, R A. Distel, T C. Griggs, E A. Laca, G P. Deo

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Patches of different height and/or bulk density were created in ryegrass pasture to study selective responses of steers to horizontal variability in patch structure. The experiment involved 3 heterogeneity treatments with 2 patch types each. Steers encountered and entered both patch types available in each treatment with the same frequency. In contrast, they grazed for a longer time (T,) at; and removed more bites (B) from the patch type that yielded greater intake rates. While T, and B varied for a patch type depending on the alternative patch, bite rate and likely bite size were constant for a given patch …


Effect Of Varying Trace Elements Intakes On Their Concentrations In The Skeleton Of Grazing Sheep, N D. Grace, J Lee Aug 2024

Effect Of Varying Trace Elements Intakes On Their Concentrations In The Skeleton Of Grazing Sheep, N D. Grace, J Lee

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The trace mineral composition of the skeleton was studied in 42 Romney wether lambs, which were divided into 7 treatment groups· and grazed on a ryegrass-white clove. pasture. The trace element intakes were increased by drenching daily with various salt solutions. Treatments were (a) control distilled water (b) 8 mg Cu (c) 580 mg Fe (d) 350 mg Mn (e) 2 mg Mo (f) 0.08 mg Se and (g) 30 mg Zn. Treatments had no significant effect on the mean DM intakes (1.2 kg/day) or live-weight gains (178 g/day). Increasing the Mo, Se and Mn, intakes increased their concentrations in …


Analysis Of A Natural Pasture Of The Karst Region (North-East Italy) Under Chemical Fertilization, G Parente, R Ardiani, F Bozzo, M Onofrii, M Scimone, S Venerus Aug 2024

Analysis Of A Natural Pasture Of The Karst Region (North-East Italy) Under Chemical Fertilization, G Parente, R Ardiani, F Bozzo, M Onofrii, M Scimone, S Venerus

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

To characterise the vegetation changes in a natural pasture, a mineral fertilisation and a 4-year grazing test (1987-1990) were carried out on a typical karstic natural grassland, at that time not grazed by livestock and frequently devastated by fire. Mineral fertiliser and year-long animal grazing have modified the vegetation and seem not to have damaged the agro-ecosystem. An increase of the Arrhenatheretum species and, consequently, higher dry matter production, have been recorded, as well as an extension of the growth period and a greater quantity of grass during the summer. Animal performance has been quite satisfactory as the milk production …


Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis Of The Nutrient Content Of Dairy Pastures, R C. Kellaway, C Stimson, R J. Tassell Aug 2024

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis Of The Nutrient Content Of Dairy Pastures, R C. Kellaway, C Stimson, R J. Tassell

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Pasture samples from temperate and tropical species were collected before and after grazing, at regular intervals, on 3 dairy farms in New South Wales over a period of 3 years. All samples (n=693) were analysed on a near-infrared (NIR) spectrophotometer with a scanning monochromator. Subsets of samples selected for calibration and validation, were analysed by wet chemistry methods for estimated metabolisable energy (MID), crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), acid-detergent fibre (ADF), Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, S, Cu, Mn and Zn. These data were used lo develop NIR equations using partial least squares analyses. Standard errors of laboratory analysis …


Canada's Forage Resources, D Mccartney, P R. Horton Jul 2024

Canada's Forage Resources, D Mccartney, P R. Horton

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Canada is the second largest country in the world and stretches 5,500 km east to west and 4,600 km north to south. About 90% of Canada is uninhabited with 90% percent of the population living within 500 km of the Canadian-American border. About 60% of Canadians live in southern Ontario and Quebec. The grazing industry is located primarily in western Canada with British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba having 84% of the national beef herd. Ontario and Quebec have 73% of the national dairy herd. The majority of harvested forage, dehydrated alfalfa and forage seed crops are grown in western …


Sward Height On The Performance Of Cow-Calf Units And Yearling Steers Grazing Cool Season Pasture, E C. Prigge, W B. Bryan, E L. Nestor Jul 2024

Sward Height On The Performance Of Cow-Calf Units And Yearling Steers Grazing Cool Season Pasture, E C. Prigge, W B. Bryan, E L. Nestor

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Performance and grazing time of cow-calf units and yearling steers were determined over four years on naturalized cool season pastures maintained at a sward height of 4-6, 6-8, 8-10, or 10-12 cm. Daily gains of cows and steers responded quadratically (P<0.05) to increasing sward heights, with gains maximized at 8-10 cm. Milk production of the cows and gain of the calves were not affected (P>0.10) by sward height. Grazing days (cow-calf unit/hectare) decreased linearly (P<0.01) with increasing sward height. The proportion of the day spent grazing for cows and steers decreased in a linear manner (P<0.05) as pasture height increased. Cows spent less time grazing than steers (P<0.05) at all but the low pasture height.


Buffer Grazing For A Twelve Month Cow-Calf Production System, W B. Bryan, E C. Prigge, D J. Flaherty, G E. D'Souza Jul 2024

Buffer Grazing For A Twelve Month Cow-Calf Production System, W B. Bryan, E C. Prigge, D J. Flaherty, G E. D'Souza

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Set stocking is a widely used grazing management for beef cow-calf production on Appalachian hill land pastures of the USA. A replicated study was conducted to compare a conventional (set stocking) and buffer grazing management. For the buffer system, grazing area was restricted in the spring and hay was harvested from the ungrazed area. In summer, a portion of this area (buffer) was grazed and a second cutting of hay removed from the remaining area. For the conventional treatment a fixed area was set stocked and hay was harvested on an area designated for hay only. Land areas and fertilizer …


Intake Of High Producing Holstein Cows Grazing Pasture Or Fed A Total Mixed Ration, E S. Kolver, L D. Muller Jul 2024

Intake Of High Producing Holstein Cows Grazing Pasture Or Fed A Total Mixed Ration, E S. Kolver, L D. Muller

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The ability of a pasture diet to support a high dry matter intake without supplementary feed was determined using 16 high producing Holstein cows. Cows (n=8) were adapted to an all-pasture diet by incrementally reducing the amount of total mixed ration (TMR) fed over four weeks. A control group of cows (n=8) remained in confinement and were fed a TMR. Performance of grazing cows differed significantly (P < 0.001) from TMR fed cows by intake (19.0 vs. 23.4 kg DM/d), milk production (29.6 vs. 44.1 kg/d), milk protein content (2.61 vs. 2.80%), liveweight (562.1 vs. 597.3 kg), and condition score (2.02 vs. 2.50). Results indicate that intake of good quality pasture is higher than previously estimated for high producing Holstein cows in the USA, but that milk production is 15 kg/d less than when cows are fed a TMR.


Production Efficiency Benchmarks For Irrigated Dairying In South Eastern Australia, K E. Pritchard, O A. Gyles, D P. Armstrong, S L. Spiteri Jul 2024

Production Efficiency Benchmarks For Irrigated Dairying In South Eastern Australia, K E. Pritchard, O A. Gyles, D P. Armstrong, S L. Spiteri

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Milk production from grazed irrigated pasture is an important industry in south eastern Australia. Irrigation water is essential for perennial pastures, but the efficiency with which the irrigation water is used to produce milk varies widely between farms. As irrigation water is a limiting resource, future productivity increases will depend on increasing the amount of milk produced per unit of water applied. This research project estimates metabolisable energy utilised from grazed pasture, using energy values for animal requirements, products and feedstuffs. Efficiency criteria, in terms of production per hectare of irrigated pasture, per megalitre of irrigation water, and per cow …


Production Response To Feed Supplementation Of Dairy Cows In A Seasonal Calving And Grazing System, T R. Dhiman, W R. Kanneganti, R P. Walgenbach, L J. Massingill, M C. Miltbank, M P. Russelle, L D. Satter Jul 2024

Production Response To Feed Supplementation Of Dairy Cows In A Seasonal Calving And Grazing System, T R. Dhiman, W R. Kanneganti, R P. Walgenbach, L J. Massingill, M C. Miltbank, M P. Russelle, L D. Satter

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

A study was conducted over a period of two years to determine the impact of supplemental feed on milk yield and reproductive performance of dairy cows in a spring calving and grazing system. Three groups of Holstein cows consumed either all pasture (P), 2/3 (2/3P), or 1/3 (1/3P) of their feed dry matter from a temperate pasture of mixed grasses and white clover (Trifolium repens L.). The balance of feed for the 2/3P and 1/3P groups was supplied by a supplement containing grain and some forage. Cows calved between March and June. During the grazing season cows consumed 0, 5.8 …


Grazing Affects Pest And Beneficial Invertebrates In Australian Pastures, P J. Michael, M Grimm, M Hyder, P T. Doyle Jul 2024

Grazing Affects Pest And Beneficial Invertebrates In Australian Pastures, P J. Michael, M Grimm, M Hyder, P T. Doyle

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Grazing annual subterranean pastures in Western Australia to targeted levels of pasture mass, instead of at a set stocking rate, affected numbers of invertebrates at the commencement of the following season. Treatments were controlled grazing to 1.4 t ha-1 or 2.8 t ha -1 dry weight of green pasture and set stocking at the average for the district. Grazing reduced numbers of redlegged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor, but increased numbers of lucerne flea, Sminthurus viridis. The most likely reason for the reverse effect on lucerne flea was the presence of an effective predator, the pasture snout mite, Bdellodes lapidaria …


An Interactive Multimedia Educational Program For Pasture Management, P G. Tow, Corina Mulholland, P Marriott, D A. Shelton Jun 2024

An Interactive Multimedia Educational Program For Pasture Management, P G. Tow, Corina Mulholland, P Marriott, D A. Shelton

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Developing abilities in pasture management decision making is important for all students of pasture agronomy, whether they plan to work in management, extension or research. Such problem-based learning fosters an ability to understand and apply principles, and to integrate and use information from various sources. A computerassisted, problem based, multimedia educational programme, “Pasture Management” has been developed to complement limited field exercises in pasture assessment and management. It comprises illustrated case studies and supporting information. Students interact with the programme by choosing alternative management options, calling up images and text as required to assist them. The programme supplies feedback for …


Lamb Performance On Russian Wildrye And Russian Wildrye-Legume Mixtures, David W. Koch, Limei Yun Jun 2024

Lamb Performance On Russian Wildrye And Russian Wildrye-Legume Mixtures, David W. Koch, Limei Yun

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Alfalfa, sainfoin and cicer milkvetch provided relatively little increase in forage production, however, they improved forage palatability and quality, increasing total forage consumption. Over years 3 through 5 of the stand, lamb production per hectare was more than doubled with alfalfa and sainfoin, compared with Russian wildrye (RWR) alone. Cicer milkvetch was relatively slow to establish and did not contribute significantly to mixture quality until Year 5. Alfalfa was more competitive to RWR than sainfoin.


Impacts Of Grazed Pastures On Soil Water And Nitrogen Status In Cropping Systems, J A. Baldlock, W D. Bellotti, A D. Moore, I Yunusa Jun 2024

Impacts Of Grazed Pastures On Soil Water And Nitrogen Status In Cropping Systems, J A. Baldlock, W D. Bellotti, A D. Moore, I Yunusa

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

In southern Australia pastures precede wheat in many rotations. In recent years the quality (legume content) of many pastures has declined and the value of pastures in rotation with cereals has been questioned. This research aims to develop a more complete understanding of the impact of pastures on crop production through greater knowledge of the below ground processes of soil water and soil inorganic nitrogen. In this study, the impacts of annual barley grass (Hordium leporinum) and barrel medic (Medicago truncatula) pastures on soil water and inorganic nitrogen status at the start of a subsequent wheat growing season were investigated …


Extending The Grazing Season With Mixtures Of Spring-Planted Spring And Winter Cereals, V S. Baron, D F. Salmon Jun 2024

Extending The Grazing Season With Mixtures Of Spring-Planted Spring And Winter Cereals, V S. Baron, D F. Salmon

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The objective of the study was to extend the grazing season into the fall using crop-combinations of spring-planted spring and winter cereals. Treatments established at Lacombe, Alberta, Canada were spring oat (Avena sativa L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) monocrops (SMC), spring-planted winter wheat (Tritcum aestivum L.) and winter triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) monocrops (WMC), spring and winter cereal binary mixtures seeded together in the spring (MX) and the winter cereal seeded after the first clipping of the spring cereal (double crop-DC). Clippings were carried out at 4 to 6 wk intervals after the initial cut (Boot …


Effects Of Different Phosphate Fertilizers On Pasture Nutrition And Soil Phosphorus In Canterbury, New Zealand, L M. Condron, K M. Goh Jun 2024

Effects Of Different Phosphate Fertilizers On Pasture Nutrition And Soil Phosphorus In Canterbury, New Zealand, L M. Condron, K M. Goh

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

A field trial was conducted over 6 years to assess the relative performance of three phosphate (P) fertilisers of differing solubility (single superphosphate, ‘longlife’ superphosphate, ‘reactive’ phosphate rock) on a permanent pasture at Methven in Canterbury, New Zealand. Plant P uptake data showed that while the overall relative effectiveness of the fertilisers was closely related to their water-soluble P content (single superphosphate > ‘longlife’ superphosphate > ‘reactive’ phosphate rock), the agronomic efficiency of the sparingly soluble phosphate rock fertiliser improved markedly with time. Soil P analysis demonstrated that significant dissolution of phosphate rock had occurred in the soil, and the findings of …


The Effect Of Fertiliser History On Nutrient Accumulation And Plant-Available Nutrient Supply In Legume-Based Pasture Soils, J L. Moir, M J. Hedley, A D. Mackay, R W. Tillman Jun 2024

The Effect Of Fertiliser History On Nutrient Accumulation And Plant-Available Nutrient Supply In Legume-Based Pasture Soils, J L. Moir, M J. Hedley, A D. Mackay, R W. Tillman

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Animal production in New Zealand is dependent on pastoral legumes to build soil nitrogen fertility, which otherwise limits the growth of the major sward component, grass. Traditionally, in order to sustain legume vigour, single superphosphate has been applied to elevate soil phosphorus and sulphur levels. Rarely have either the agronomic or nutrient efficiencies of these systems been assessed. Fourteen hill country pasture sites in three broad rainfall regimes were chosen to assess the effect of contrasting fertiliser histories on soil fertility, in particular nitrogen availability. At each site soil fertility indices and pasture production for the 1993/94 growing season were …


Seasonality In The Response Of Perennial Grass-Clover Pastures To Phosphorus Fertiliser, A K. Metherell, A C. Mckenzie Jun 2024

Seasonality In The Response Of Perennial Grass-Clover Pastures To Phosphorus Fertiliser, A K. Metherell, A C. Mckenzie

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Pasture dry matter yields from individual cuts of multi-year phosphorus (P) fertilizer field trials were analyzed for evidence of consistent seasonal trends in the response to P. The relative response to P was greatest in the late autumn - winter period, with the seasonal variation in relative yield being greater where soil fertility and mean annual relative yields were lowest.


Co2 Enrichment And Temperature Effects On Productivity Of Field-Grown Phalaris And Subterranean Clover, J M. Lilley, T P. Bolger, R M. Gifford Jun 2024

Co2 Enrichment And Temperature Effects On Productivity Of Field-Grown Phalaris And Subterranean Clover, J M. Lilley, T P. Bolger, R M. Gifford

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Pure and mixed swards of Phalaris aquatica and Trifolium subterraneum were exposed to cool (ambient) and warm (cool +3oC) temperatures, at both 380 and 690 ppm CO2 concentrations in field temperature gradient tunnels for 5 months. In general, clover and the mixture had similar forage productivity in each treatment, while phalaris was less productive. Elevated CO2 increased clover production 40% in the monoculture and the mixture. Higher temperatures reduced clover regrowth at ambient CO2 and reduced the response to elevated CO2 in the monoculture but not in the mixture. In contrast, phalaris regrowth in the monoculture was not increased by …


Methane Production By Steers On Pasture, W P. Mccaughey, K Wittenberg, D Corrigan Jun 2024

Methane Production By Steers On Pasture, W P. Mccaughey, K Wittenberg, D Corrigan

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

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 …


Trees For Shelter: The Implications In Agroforestry System, L C. Nwaigbo, A R. Sibbald, G Hudson Mar 2024

Trees For Shelter: The Implications In Agroforestry System, L C. Nwaigbo, A R. Sibbald, G Hudson

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The objective of this study was to determine the horizontal and vertical variations in soil penetration resistance (PR) observed at tree-scale in silvopastoral plots that were grazed by sheep with and without trees. Sycamore trees (Acer pseudoplatanus L) were planted in the spring of 1988 at 10 m x 10 m spacing (100 stems/ha) at Glensaugh NE of Scotland on plots replicated over three blocks in Randomized Complete Block design on a predominantly rye grass (Lolium perenne L) pasture. Included in the design were pasture plots without trees (Control). The experiment is grazed by sheep yearly from April to …


Changes In Understorey Pasture Composition In Agroforestry Regimes In New Zealand, M F. Hawke, A G. Gillingham Mar 2024

Changes In Understorey Pasture Composition In Agroforestry Regimes In New Zealand, M F. Hawke, A G. Gillingham

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Long term Agroforestry trials were established in the North and South Islands of New Zealand between 1971-76. They compared a range of final tree stockings of Pinus radiata planted into pasture with open pasture control plots and were measured for tree growth parameters and agricultural production. This paper presents the results of pasture species changes over the period of tree age 10-22 years. Pasture species composition under Pinus radiata changed with time, dependent primarily on the rate of canopy closure. Changes occurred relatively rapidly in high tree stocked areas of 400 stems per hectare (sph) in the North Island trials …


The Effects Of Tree Density On Pasture Production Under Acacia Melanoxylon, B S. Thorrold, I L. Power, M B. Dodd Mar 2024

The Effects Of Tree Density On Pasture Production Under Acacia Melanoxylon, B S. Thorrold, I L. Power, M B. Dodd

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Silvi-pastoral systems could contribute to greater total productivity and more sustainable land management of grazed pastures in New Zealand. Despite this potential, little is known of the interactions of tree species and environment on pasture growth. In this paper we report the effects of tree density on pasture yield in an Acacia melanoxylon silvi-pastoral system. The results show decreasing pasture yield with increasing tree density, although the extent of the reduction is less than would be expected under Pinus radiata. Results suggest that shade is the dominant factor causing yield decline in this study, while reduced N availability is …


Monitoring Productivity And Quality Of Grass-Legume Pastures Under Irrigated Condition, L Tahtacioglu, A Mermer, M Avcy Feb 2024

Monitoring Productivity And Quality Of Grass-Legume Pastures Under Irrigated Condition, L Tahtacioglu, A Mermer, M Avcy

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The performance of six grass-white clover mixtures were evaluated in winter cold zone of Eastern Anatolia. In combination with white clover, ryegrass (Lolium perenne L) cocksfoot, (Dactylis glomerata L) and smooth brome (Bromus inermis Leyss) were used in double and triple plant mixtures. Average DM production ranged from 7.5 to 10 t/ha , with no significant differences observed among the mixed swards. DM production of all mixed swards significantly varied between cutting periods and years. A gradual decrease in DM production was observed both from the first to forth cut and from the first to third year. …


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 Feb 2024

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 (1993-2023)

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 …


Building Partnerships To Address Social And Technological Challenges To Enhance Farm Profitability And Improve Water Quality Through Better Grassland Management, C. C. Stafford, R. A. Clark, L. Ritchie, J. Dudding, G. Pent, J. Fike, J. Benner, C. Swanson, S. Baker, T. Mize, V. Temu, K. Payne, D. Gill, D. Mullins, R. Mcguire, C. Teutsch, W. Thomason, A. Grev, P. Blevins, T. P. Clarke, M. Poore, M. Booher, T. Stanley, G. Halich, J. Bovay, S. Jones, K. Love, A. Hilliard, A. Byington, E. Mullins, L. Haugen Feb 2024

Building Partnerships To Address Social And Technological Challenges To Enhance Farm Profitability And Improve Water Quality Through Better Grassland Management, C. C. Stafford, R. A. Clark, L. Ritchie, J. Dudding, G. Pent, J. Fike, J. Benner, C. Swanson, S. Baker, T. Mize, V. Temu, K. Payne, D. Gill, D. Mullins, R. Mcguire, C. Teutsch, W. Thomason, A. Grev, P. Blevins, T. P. Clarke, M. Poore, M. Booher, T. Stanley, G. Halich, J. Bovay, S. Jones, K. Love, A. Hilliard, A. Byington, E. Mullins, L. Haugen

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

With 2.1 million acres of pastureland and 1.25 million acres of hay land in Virginia, the rural Virginia landscape is predominately grassland. These lands form the base of the $3.96 billion-dollar livestock and dairy industry in Virginia. Managing these livestock in a profitable manner for farmers and beneficial to the environment is important. A cultural tradition with roots in colonial times has been to run animals in large fields year-round throughout Virginia. Livestock often graze from spring until fall (about 220 days), and farmers feed hay the remainder of the year. Spikes in the cost of fuel, fertilizer, and equipment …


Impacts Of Forage Cropping Decisions On Feed-Flows In Cool- Temperate Grazing Systems, D. R. Stevens, M. J. Casey Feb 2024

Impacts Of Forage Cropping Decisions On Feed-Flows In Cool- Temperate Grazing Systems, D. R. Stevens, M. J. Casey

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Intensive cool-temperate grasslands often rely on adding forage crops to help supply feed when pasture growth is limited by cool temperatures and low sunlight. We tested the impacts of using single- or multi-graze crops to alter feed supply in either summer/autumn or winter on productivity in red deer farming systems in a cool-temperate environment. The choice of single-graze or multi-graze crops to provide forage in deer grazing systems had an impact on the feed flows and the amount of pasture available, with multi-graze crops supplying more feed during the dry summer months while single-graze crops supplying more feed during the …


Bale Grazing To Improve Soil Fertility In Kentucky Pastures, N. Roy, J. W. Lehmkuhler Feb 2024

Bale Grazing To Improve Soil Fertility In Kentucky Pastures, N. Roy, J. W. Lehmkuhler

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

A long-term project on a small Kentucky beef farm has demonstrated that bale grazing is an effective means of improving soil fertility. With the cooperation of a beef cattle producer, Extension personnel have been able to measure improvements in soil fertility using both high density and moderate density bale grazing practices. Initial efforts demonstrate that high density bale grazing improved soil fertility quickly by increasing soil test phosphorus from 15 to 45 ppm and potassium from 52 to 175 ppm on Melich III soil test extraction method. High density bale grazing was also shown to serve as a strategy to …