Optimizing Production Technology For Sustainable Organic Fodder Production And Soil Health In Indo-Gangetic Plains Of India,
2024
G B Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, India
Optimizing Production Technology For Sustainable Organic Fodder Production And Soil Health In Indo-Gangetic Plains Of India, Pal Mahendra Singh
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Field experiment was carried at Instructional Dairy Farm, G B Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar (India) during 2020-21 and 2021-22 to optimize the production technology for sustainable organic fodder production and soil health in Indo-Gangetic plains of India. Among the organic production systems, application of vermicompost @ 5 t/ha gave the highest fodder yield, gross return and net return but the B:C ratio was derived highest from zero budget natural farming. Among the Kharif crops grown in different cropping systems, BN hybrid intercropped with cowpea gave the significant higher green and dry fodder yield, gross return, net return …
The Combined Role Of Microbes And Forages In Animal Productivity,
2024
USDA-ARS
The Combined Role Of Microbes And Forages In Animal Productivity, K. Panke-Buisse
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Agricultural systems, particularly ruminant systems, are underpinned by diverse, functional microbial communities—in the soil, forage, silo, and rumen. We have relied on the jobs they perform on our behalf, but only recently have we been able to look “under the hood” at the membership and mechanisms within these microbiomes and begin to think about optimization. Ensiling is a common method of forage preservation globally and represents a highly intensive intersection between forage and microbiology, which has been shown to have beneficial effects on forage quality and dairy animal performance. However, observations of enhanced productivity, especially in the context of inoculated …
Determining ‘Wether’ Social Behaviour Or Pasture Quality Drives Sheep Grazing Patterns Using Random Forest Modelling,
2024
University of Sydney, Australia
Determining ‘Wether’ Social Behaviour Or Pasture Quality Drives Sheep Grazing Patterns Using Random Forest Modelling, D. J. Parnell, L. Ingram, J. Edwards
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Monitoring livestock provides valuable insights into the spatial distribution, foraging patterns, and animal behaviour, which may lead to the improved management of livestock. This objective of study was to understand what variables were significant in determining where sheep spent the most time in paddocks of native (dominated by Poa spp., Stipa spp., and Hordeum leporinum), and improved (Phalaris aquatica, Festuca spp., and Trifolium subterraneum) pastures (~24 ha-1 in size). Castrated male sheep, wethers, were tracked using GPS collars on a property located in the Monaro region of Southern New South Wales, Australia. Trials were performed over …
Ruminant Agriculture: A Tool For Climate Change Mitigation,
2024
Agoro Carbon Alliance
Ruminant Agriculture: A Tool For Climate Change Mitigation, B. L. Peterson Munks, M. Rellaford, J. Shanahan, S. Urbanowitz, F. Wang, S. Wang, Y. Zhao, E. Bender
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The quest to address and mitigate climate change has been dubbed a “wicked problem” as it involves many interconnected processes requiring a multifaceted, comprehensive approach. Animal agriculture contributes roughly 15% to CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions; as a result, a concerted effort is being made to develop and promote more climate-friendly production practices. These practices include species diversification in grasslands, improving grazing rotation, adding nitrogen amendments, and the use of feed additives to reduce enteric fermentation. Successful inter-seeding of legumes and deep-rooted native grasses increases soil organic carbon (SOC) pools in many systems by increasing the biological carbon inputs to the …
Economics And Other Factors Affecting The Adoption Of Novel Endophyte Technology,
2024
North Carolina State University, Raleigh
Economics And Other Factors Affecting The Adoption Of Novel Endophyte Technology, M. H. Poore, J. Horner
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Endophyte infected tall fescue impacts cattle and other livestock across vast regions of the world. Toxicosis from wild type endophyte is widespread in regions where toxic tall fescue is the base perennial forage. The Alliance for Grassland Renewal was founded to address this complex issue and to facilitate appropriate adoption of Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue, the only potentially 100% effective remedy for fescue toxicosis. A poor understanding of the Cost/Benefit ratio of renovating pasture is one of the main reason farmers give for not renovating tall fescue pastures. An Excel-based spreadsheet tool was developed by University of Missouri Extension to …
Physiological And Behavioral Responses Of Heifers That Graze Tall Fescue Infected By Wild-Type Or Novel Endophytes,
2024
Virginia Tech
Physiological And Behavioral Responses Of Heifers That Graze Tall Fescue Infected By Wild-Type Or Novel Endophytes, S. Poudel, A. Halili, L. Wright, G. Pent, J. Fike
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Fescue toxicosis presents serious challenges and huge economic losses to the beef industry in the U.S. Replacing tall fescue (TF) infected by wild-type endophyte (WE) with TF infected by novel endophyte can eliminate this problem but adoption of this technology has been limited. We aimed at demonstrating the physiological and behavioral responses of heifers that grazed either WE or NE TF using relatively non-invasive techniques. Angus or Angus cross heifers (n = 24) were assigned to either WE or NE pastures for a 56-d grazing period during the summers of 2020 and 2021. Heifer ADG and hair retention scores were …
Smallholder Zebu And Forage Production Development In Central Madagascar,
2024
Kew Madagascar Conservation Centre, Madagascar
Smallholder Zebu And Forage Production Development In Central Madagascar, L. Randriamanalina, M. S. Vorontsova, M. T. Rajaonah, O. P. Nanjarisoa, C. E. R. Lehmann, D. Miharinjanahary, H. N. S. Ratovoarinjaka, A. Bendrainy, C. Rijaniaina, A. M. Rabendrina, D. Rabeharison, B. F. Rakotozafy, F. Rakotoarison, D. Tahirinirainy, T. Randriamboavonjy, H. Ralimanana, J. Raharimampionona, C. Birkinshaw, W. Truter
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Poverty in the Central Highlands of Madagascar is partly driven by inefficient exploitation of native forages and poor livestock nutrition. Zebus are of importance as cultural symbols, but this tradition has grown disconnected from agricultural policy. This project is working with three central highland communities near the protected areas of Itremo, Ibity and Ankafobe, to boost rangeland productivity and trial management methods which will support key forage grasses and improve livestock nutrition. A severe nitrogen deficiency compounded by extremely acidic soil conditions and low phosphorus is observed across the three sites. The lowest grazing capacity of an estimated 0.7 livestock …
Dry Season Feeding Strategies And Winter Forage Production By Communal Area Sheep Farmers Of The Eastern Cape Province In South Africa,
2024
Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute, South Africa
Dry Season Feeding Strategies And Winter Forage Production By Communal Area Sheep Farmers Of The Eastern Cape Province In South Africa, B. Moyo, K. E. Ravhuhali
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Experimental research into the possibility of employing winter forages as a low-cost, high-quality winter supplement has produced promising outcomes. The extent, challenges, and mitigation strategies of communal farmers involved in winter fodder production in the Eastern Cape are unknown. This study examines farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of winter fodder production, its difficulties, and perceived advantages for communal sheep farmers. The study was carried out in the Swartwater communal area of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Thirty-two sheep farmers who cultivate winter forage were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Using SPSS 17, descriptive statistics were produced for the …
Harvesting Site Influenced The Concentration Level Of Nitrogen And Mineral Status Of Woody Species In Semi-Arid Areas Of South Africa,
2024
North West University, South Africa
Harvesting Site Influenced The Concentration Level Of Nitrogen And Mineral Status Of Woody Species In Semi-Arid Areas Of South Africa, K. E. Ravhuhali, H. S. Mudau, H. K. Mokoboki, B. Moyo, L. E. Motsei
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Feed shortages in semi-arid areas cause a major set-back for livestock production. An understanding of the nutritive value of woody species in most parts of savanna regions can be vital to predicting what these species can offer for livestock productivity. The study assessed the variation in nitrogen and mineral concentration of leaves of woody species as influenced by harvesting site in South Africa. The study sites were communal areas in Limpopo and North West provinces. A total of 52 browse species were selected and used for this study. All statistical tests showed that there was a significant effect of species …
Winter Herbage Mass Accumulation And Animals Grazing Days Of Set Stocking Or Cell Grazing Dairy X Beef Systems In Southwest England,
2024
Rothamsted Research, UK
Winter Herbage Mass Accumulation And Animals Grazing Days Of Set Stocking Or Cell Grazing Dairy X Beef Systems In Southwest England, M. J. Rivero, Sarah Morgan, Maite Fajardo, G. Irisarri, P. Chilibroste
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Cell grazing (CG) has shown to increase the production per hectare by allowing higher stocking rates, greater grass production and higher herbage utilisation throughout the grazing season compared to set stocking (SS). Our objective was to compare the herbage growth rate during winter resting (WHGR, October/November to April) and the animals grazing days per ha (AGD-ha) of CG and SS systems grazed by dairy x beef steers. Three 1.75ha (1.5ha in 2018) plots and three 1.0ha were used for the SS and CG, respectively. Forty-two and 48 autumn born dairy x beef steer calves were split into six equal groups …
Operational Model Of The Alliance For Grassland Renewal,
2024
University of Missouri
Operational Model Of The Alliance For Grassland Renewal, C. A. Roberts, J. G. Andrae
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Novel endophyte tall fescue was developed over 20 years ago, and novel endophyte cultivars are among the most innovative cultivars developed in recent decades. Yet adoption of novel endophyte technology is slow. In order to expedite adoption, a diverse group of stakeholders self assembled as the Alliance for Grassland Renewal, a nonprofit organization that includes colleagues from the sectors of industry, university, government, and production. Since 2012, the Alliance has held workshops for producers, educators, and industry across the southeastern US, where tall fescue is the predominant pasture grass. Also since 2012, the Alliance has monitored and reported endophyte purity …
Economic Value Of Improving Feed Efficiency Of Beef Cows On Pasture,
2024
North Dakota State University
Economic Value Of Improving Feed Efficiency Of Beef Cows On Pasture, J. T. Biermacher, J. K. Rogers, D. Lalman, A. Holder, R. S. Walker
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Dry matter intake of beef cows is based on a percentage of body weight, so as mature cow size increases, intake increases. Feed efficiency, or the amount of feed required to produce gain or maintain production, has a direct impact to the producer. That is, as mature cow weight increases, yearly maintenance costs increases due to higher feed costs. However, variation in feed efficiency exists within population. Some large cows consume the same or less dry matter as a smaller cow, but produce a larger calf. Conversly, some smaller cows consume the same or more as a large cow but …
Effects Of Concentrate Supplementation During Summer On Animal Performance And Heat Stress Of Angus Steers Grazing Native Grasslands In Uruguay,
2024
INIA Uruguay
Effects Of Concentrate Supplementation During Summer On Animal Performance And Heat Stress Of Angus Steers Grazing Native Grasslands In Uruguay, P. Rovira, P. Lorenzo
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Research in temperate grasslands has addressed livestock supplementation (SUPL) mainly during winter, but more studies are needed on the impact of SUPL during summer where heat stress (HS) conditions may occur. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of summer SUPL on average daily gain (ADG), respiratory rate (RR), and body temperature (BT) of steers grazing native grasslands (60% TDN, 7.3% CP) in Uruguay (33°14'S, 54°15'W). Eighteen 15-month-old Angus steers (285±11 kg) were randomly assigned to 6 groups (2 treatments x 3 replicates) with free access to shade and water on a continuous stocking system (1.5 steer/ha) …
Bale Grazing To Improve Soil Fertility In Kentucky Pastures,
2024
University of Kentucky
Bale Grazing To Improve Soil Fertility In Kentucky Pastures, N. Roy, J. W. Lehmkuhler
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
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 …
The Effects Of Grazing Cover Crops On Animal Performance And Soybean Production,
2024
Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station
The Effects Of Grazing Cover Crops On Animal Performance And Soybean Production, J. Brett Rushing, Rocky Lemus, J. G. Maples, J. C. Lyles
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Grazing cover crops has the potential to offset costs incurred with cover crop establishment, thus incentivizing management adoption. Information regarding cover crop species in combination with grazing and their subsequent effects on soybean production is limited. A field trial was conducted in Newton, MS from 2019 to 2021 to assess these effects. Cover crop treatments included oats (O), O + crimson clover (OC), and OC + radish (OCR) were applied in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Cover crops differed in nutritive analysis; O had significantly lower mean CP, but greater total daily nutrients (TDN). Weaned beef steers …
Forage Cactus In Different Cropping Systems In The Semi-Arid Region Of Brazil,
2024
Rural Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil
Forage Cactus In Different Cropping Systems In The Semi-Arid Region Of Brazil, M. V. F. Santos, D. B. Nascimento, M. V. Cunha, A. C. L. Mello, V. J. Silva, W. P. S. Diniz, A. L. R. Magalhães, T. N. E. Amaral
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Forage cactus is a Cactaceae grown in the Semiarid region of Brazil and other regions of the world, representing vital forage support. Using legumes in consortium with forage cactus can be an alternative in the region to increase the supply of nitrogen (N) in the soil and improve the quality of the animal diet. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the yield of the different production systems with ‘Míuda’ Cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck) and Mexican Elephant Ear [Opuntia Sricta (Haw.) Haw] in consortium with the ‘Cunhã’ legumes [Clitoria ternatea (L.)] and ‘Jureminha’ [Demanthus pernambucanus …
Spring Triticale Forage Yield And Nutritive Value As Affected By Location And Maturity In Wisconsin,
2024
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Spring Triticale Forage Yield And Nutritive Value As Affected By Location And Maturity In Wisconsin, Y. Newman, K. Jarek, P. Holman, M. Akins, E. Schreifer, R. Zogbaum
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Spring triticale (X Triticosecale Wittm.) has a nutritional value that is like other spring cereal grain forages and presents a wide range in value and potential for ruminant feed (Emile et al. 2007). As varieties are improved, they may compete with oats as a spring forage source. A multi-location evaluation was conducted during 2021 in Wisconsin (Spooner, Marshfield and Lancaster) to evaluate spring triticale varieties harvested at two maturities (boot and mature stage) for yield and nutritive value. Treatments included six spring triticale varieties (AR-1, AR-2, AR-3, AR-4 and a local oat (WI-O) and triticale (WI-T) variety. Response variables measured …
The Milk Quality Of Dairy Cows As Influenced By Months And Grassland Regions In The Tropical Country,
2024
Nong Lam University, Vietnam
The Milk Quality Of Dairy Cows As Influenced By Months And Grassland Regions In The Tropical Country, T. T. Nguyen, T. N. T. Phan
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The objective of the study was to evaluate the milk yield and quality of dairy cows across periods of year and grassland regions in the tropical country, Vietnam. The milk data were collected from October 2021 to March 2022 at three farms (Farm one in Gialai Province, Farm two and three in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam). Each Farm used the different software to manage the milk yield and quality, including SCR DataFlow II, Afifarm, and Epacific management software. The milk properties of freezing point (FP), total solid (TS), fatness, solids-not-fat (SNF), protein, and lactose were analyzed in lab. The …
Design And Management Of Saltbush-Based Forage Systems To Improve Productivity And Reproductive Performance Of Sheep,
2024
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australia
Design And Management Of Saltbush-Based Forage Systems To Improve Productivity And Reproductive Performance Of Sheep, H. C. Norman, M. G. Wilmot, D. G. Masters, D. Blache, S. K. Maloney, S. N. Hancock
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
There is evidence that effective shelter can significantly improve lamb survival, but the majority of Australian studies have occurred in small paddocks where the ewes had no choice but to use shelter. In mixed farming systems with large open paddocks, it is unclear if ewes will choose to use shelter for lambing. Our multidisciplinary collaboration examines the use of woody shrubs as an opportunity to improve the survival of twin lambs. In a series of large experiments on commercial farms, we will evaluate the impact of different shrub planting configurations, orientations, and densities on microclimates at the sub-paddock scale. Twin-bearing …
Environmental Co-Benefits Of Improved Forages In Smallholder Dairy Systems Of Kenya,
2024
International Center for Tropical Agriculture, Colombia
Environmental Co-Benefits Of Improved Forages In Smallholder Dairy Systems Of Kenya, A. Notenbaert, S. Mwendia, S. Burkart, P. Karimi, E. Mwema
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Livestock play a major role across Kenya, especially in smallholder mixed farms through provision of household nutrition and income through milk and meat. Equally, fertilization of cropland benefits from livestock manure, and livestock often act as insurance and saving. Despite the opportunities and benefits livestock production presents, livestock systems are also key drivers of environmental degradation, including increased nutrient loads, GHG emissions, water use, grassland degradation and land-use conversion. Low livestock productivity, largely due to use of low-quality crop residues and natural grasses often not endowed with nutrients key for animal performance, limits the potential positive contributions of livestock and …
