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Both Grass Development Stage And Grazing Management Influence Milk Terpene Content, G. Tornambé, A. Cornu, N. Kondjoyan, P. Pradel, M. Petit, B. Martin

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Terpenes are a wide group of molecules originating from plants’ secondary metabolism. Forage terpenes vary according to the botanical composition and in particular to the proportion of plants such as Apiaceae, Lamiaceae or Asteraceae. These molecules are considered effective milk markers for the presence of diversified forages in dairy cow diets. The variation in terpene content in the milk of grazing cows would depend on the period of development of terpene-rich plants and on the grazing management, whereby cows do or do not have the opportunity to choose and to modify the botanical composition of the ingested grass. The aim …

Supplementation Under Intensive Grazing, Silage- Or Grain-Based Diets For Beef Production On Steer Performance And Meat Fatty Acid Composition, J. Martínez Ferrer, E. Ustarroz, C. G. Ferrayoli, A. R. Castillo, D. Alomar

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is the main cultivated pasture in Argentina. In beef production enhanced productivity and profit depend on high stocking rates and pasture utilisation, with grain supplementation necessary to maintain high individual live weight gains (LWG) and to increase production per ha (Ustarroz, 1999). Substitution of grazed grass by concentrate can affect meat fatty acid (FA) composition (French et al., 2000). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of intensifying an alfalfa-based grazing system and two confinement dietary regimens for beef steer finishing on animal performance and meat FA composition.

Hay Production In The Deep South: Bermudagrass And Alfalfa A Perfect Combination, Jennifer J. Tucker

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

No abstract provided.

National Producer And Consumer Survey: Increasing Alfalfa Hay Sales To Horse Owners, Krista Lea, Bob Coleman, Laurie Lawrence, Jen Zimmerman, Ray Smith

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Horse owners were surveyed regarding their hay feeding choices. Unique factors of this market are discussed.

Potential Yield Of Cocksfoot (Dactylis Glomerata) Monocultures In Response To Irrigation And Nitrogen, A. Mills, D. J. Moot, R. L. Lucas, P. D. Jamieson, B. A. Mckenzie

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Cocksfoot is a widely sown grass in temperate pastures. However, while potential yield of cocksfoot can exceed 28 t DM/ha per year, it is often restricted by water, temperature and nitrogen (N). Of these, Peri et al. (2002) showed that N was severely limiting in all seasons. The aim of this study was to confirm the potential yield of cocksfoot and quantify the extent of yield reductions due to environmental constraints.

Diverse Forage Mixtures Effect On Herbage Yield, Sward Composition, And Dairy Cattle Performance, M. A. Sanderson, K. Soder, N. Brzezinski, S. Goslee, H. Skinner, M. Wachendorf, F. Taube, L. Muller

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Managing complex mixtures of plants to take advantage of spatial and temporal variability in land and climate may be one ecological approach to increase productivity of pastures. We tested the hypothesis that complex mixtures of forage species would yield more herbage and reduce weed competition compared with a simple grass-legume mixture in grazed pastures.

Hygienic Value And Mycotoxins Level Of Grass Silage In Bales For Horses, A. Potkański, J. Grajewski, K. Raczkowska-Werwińska, B. Miklaszewska, A. Gubała, M. Selwet, M. Szumacher-Strabel

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of moulds which have adverse effects on humans, animals, and crops and result in illnesses and economic losses. The toxins may occur in storage under conditions favourable for the growth of the toxin-producing fungus or fungi. The highest forage concentration of toxins was found in horizontal storage methods such as bunker silos and feed piles, which were left open to oxygen. In any fermentation storage system, temperature and the presence of moisture is sufficient for toxin production. In a plastic covered storage system, oxygen penetration is slowed but not eliminated. The longer silage is stored, the …

The Effects Of Maize And Whole Crop Wheat Silages And Quality Of Grass Silage On The Performance Of Lactating Dairy Cows, D. C. Patterson, D. J. Kilpatrick

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Patterson et al. (2004) obtained positive milk production responses to the inclusion of maize silage in grass silage-based diets under Northern Ireland conditions. By contrast, while inclusion of fermented whole crop wheat increased total forage intake, it had no significant effect on milk production of dairy cows. More recently, a newer technique has been developed of harvesting the wheat crop at high DM content, with milling of the grain during harvesting and treatment with an urea/urease mixture at ensiling (alkalage treatment). The aim of the present study was to investigate the milk production potential of high DM whole crop …

New Results On Inhibition Of Clostridia Development In Silages, E. Kaiser, K. Weiß, I. Polip

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The prevention of clostridial activity in silages is one of the most important aims in silage making. Clostridial activity in silages is especially expressed as the occurrence of butyric acid and as increased content of clostridial spores. A rapid reduction in the pH value at the beginning of fermentation process is considered as the most important factor for inhibition of clostridial development. It is assumed, that, if the “critical pH value” will be quickly achieved, clostridial activity in silages can be stopped. In experiments concerning the fermentation process it was found that the effect of acidification and dry matter content …

Ensilability And Silage Quality Of Different Cocksfoot Varieties, U. Wyss

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Various factors determine the ensilability of plant crops. In addition to dry matter content, sugar and protein content, buffering capacity, plant structure, soil contaminations and epiphytic microflora are also important. In Switzerland, various mixtures and also pure swards are continuously revised on the basis of results from variety testing programs. The main parameters for these tests are the yield and nutrient contents. However, in terms of ensilability and silage quality, no systematic tests have been carried out. For this reason, we have tested the ensilability of different cocksfoot varieties as well as the quality of the silages.

Ensiling Characteristics Of Sudangrass Silage Treated With Green Tea Leaf Waste Or Green Tea Polyphenols, M. Kondo, K. Kita, H. Yokota

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Green tea waste (GTW), emitted from beverage companies manufacturing tea drinks, contains high crude protein (CP) and polyphenols. Kondo et al. (2004) showed that GTW addition to forage ensiling enhanced lactic acid fermentation and decreased pH value. Ishihara et al. (2001) showed that high counts of Lactobacillus species were maintained and the counts of clostridia were decreased in the intestinal microflora of animals fed the diet containing green tea polyphenols (GTP). It is hypothesised that GTP might activate lactic acid bacteria and enhance silage fermentation. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of GTW and GTP as silage …

Improving The Aerobic Stability Of Whole-Crop Cereal Silages, I. Filya, E. Sucu, A. Karabulut

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Whole-crop cereal silages, such as wheat, sorghum, and maize are susceptible to aerobic deterioration, especially in warm climates. This is because aerobic yeasts are the most active at 20-30°C (Ashbell et al., 2002). Therefore, it is very important to find suitable additives that inhibit fungi and protect the silage upon aerobic exposure. Propionibacterium acidipropionici is propionic acid bacteria (PAB), which produce propionic and acetic acid in silage. Results with these micro-organisms in laboratory studies were promising with regard to aerobic stability. The purpose of the present work was to study the effects of PAB, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and …

Aerobic Stability And Nutritive Value Of Low Dry Matter Maize Silage Treated With A Formic Acid-Based Preservative, I. Filya, E. Sucu, A. Karabulut

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Aerobic stability is one of the major problems of the ensiling process, especially in warm climates. Ashbell et al. (2002) have shown that at 30°C, the development of aerobic yeast and moulds in silages is most intensive. In Turkey all silages are susceptible to air penetration during storage and unloading with a large proportion of the silage spoiled and in extreme cases all the silage is spoiled. The purpose of the present work was to study the effects of formic acid-based preservative (FAB; Kemisile® 2000, Kemira Oyj-Industrial Chemicals, Finland) on the aerobic stability and nutritive value of maize silage.

Perennial Ryegrasses Bred For Contrasting Sugar Contents: Manipulating Fermentation And Aerobic Stability Using Wilting And Additives (1) (Eu Fp V -Project ‘Sweetgrass’), P. O'Kiely, H. Howard, G. Pahlow, R. J. Merry, F. P. O'Mara

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Higher concentrations of water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) in silage offer ruminant nutrition and environmental attractions. Both successful field wilting and alternative silage additives provide the opportunity to manipulate silage WSC by modifying fermentation and/or improving aerobic stability. This experiment evaluated the fermentation and aerobic stability of silages made from perennial ryegrass cultivars of high or normal WSC genotype that differed in field wilting or additive use.

Perennial Ryegrasses Bred For Contrasting Sugar Contents: Manipulating Fermentation And Aerobic Stability Of Unwilted Silage Using Additives (2) (Eu-Project ‘Sweetgrass’), H. Howard, P. O'Kiely, G. Pahlow, F. P. O'Mara

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grass cultivars bred for elevated concentrations of water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) could have improved silage preservation but possibly disimproved aerobic stability. Additives can be used to manipulate fermentation and thereby increase silage WSC. They can also influence aerobic stability. This experiment evaluated the fermentation and aerobic stability of unwilted silages made from perennial ryegrass cultivars of high or normal WSC genotype that differed in additive use.

Perennial Ryegrasses Bred For Contrasting Sugar Contents: Manipulating Fermentation And Aerobic Stability Of Wilted Silage Using Additives (3) (Eu-Project ‘Sweetgrass’), H. Howard, P. O'Kiely, G. Pahlow, F. P. O'Mara

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Rapid field-drying of grass prior to successful ensilage restricts fermentation and can assist preservation, but can consequently result in silages that are prone to aerobic deterioration at feedout. Additives that directly (e.g. potassium sorbate or sodium benzoate) or indirectly (e.g. formic acid or Lactobacillus plantarum, via manipulation of fermentation) alter yeast activity at feedout could modify silage aerobic stability. This experiment evaluated the fermentation and aerobic stability of wilted silages made from perennial ryegrass cultivars of high or normal water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) genotype that differed in additive use.

The Effect Of Additive Containing Formic Acid On Quality And Aerobic Stability Of Silages Made Of Endophyte-Infected Green Forage, L. Podkówka, J. Mikołajczak, E. Staszak, P. Dorszewski

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Festuca species grasses are very often infected with endophytic fungi Neothypodium, that produce ergotic alkaloids, peramins etc. (Podkówka et al., 2003). Produced green forage can be dangerous to animals. The basic preservation method of such green forages is ensiling, especially with organic acids addition. Organic acids demonstrate destructive action on fungal organisms, as well as influence the quality and aerobic stability of forage. The objective of this study was to determine if the preservation of endophyte-infected green forage by ensiling with formic acid affects quality and aerobic stability of produced fodder.

Recent Developments In Methods To Characterise The Chemical And Biological Parameters Of Grass Silage, R. S. Park, R. E. Agnew, M. G. Porter

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Key points

1. Chemical analysis of forages is expensive, time consuming, environmentally unfriendly and relates poorly to the feed value for production purposes.
2. In vivo characterisation of animal feed is not a feasible option in terms of cost and analysis time.
3. NIRS is a rapid, non destructive, environmentally friendly, multi-analytical technique which can estimate the nutritive value of the feed.
4. NIRS predictive equations developed on a master instrument can be transferred to local and international sites.
5. Future assessment of forages necessitates rapid, stable, instrumentation for ‘in field’ studies.

The Effect Of Chop Length And Additive On Silage Intake And Milk Production In Cows, V. Toivonen, T. Heikkilä

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Effects of reduced silage chop length on silage intake and milk production by dairy cows have been variable. Chopping of grass at harvest generally improves silage fermentation quality and consequently intake. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of chopping flail harvested silage ensiled with acid or biological additive prior to feeding on intake, milk yield and milk composition in dairy cows.

Evaluation Of Narrow-Row Forage Maize In Field-Scale Studies, W. J. Cox, J. H. Cherney, D. J. R. Cherney

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Some dairy producers in the north-eastern USA adopted narrow row (0.38 m) maize forage production in the mid-1990s because of its 5% dry matter (DM) yield advantage (Cox et al., 1998). These dairy producers, however, continued to plant forage maize at high plant densities (125,000 plants/ha) under high N fertility (225 kg N/ha), despite research that indicated that forage maize had optimum DM yields and forage quality when planted at the recommended 100,000 plants/ha under 175 kg/ha of N fertility (Cox & Cherney, 2001). We evaluated forage maize at 0.38 and 0.76 m (conventional) row spacing under recommended vs. …

The Feeding Value Of Conserved Whole-Crop Wheat And Forage Maize Relative To Grass Silage And Ad-Libitum Concentrates For Beef Cattle, K. Walsh, P. O'Kiely, F. O'Mara

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grass is the predominant forage ensiled in Ireland. However, the relatively modest yields achieved in a single harvest allied to variability in digestibility and ensilability (and thus in intake and animal performance response) and the likelihood of effluent production create disadvantages for grass silage compared to the potential of some alternative forage crops. Thus, alternative forages are worthy of consideration on many farms. The objectives of this study were to quantify the relative intake, digestibility and performance of beef cattle offered grass silage, forage maize silage and whole-crop wheat (fermented or urea-treated), rank these relative to cattle offered an ad …

Effects Of Two Different Chopping Lengths Of Maize Silage On Silage Quality And Dairy Performance, K. Mahlkow, J. Thaysen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Maize silage harvested at dough stage contains less fibre structure than grass silage. Due to higher proportions of maize silage in dairy rations and due to the fact that with longer chopping length of maize silage the contribution of fibre structure increases. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of two chopping lengths in the silage on animal performance with respect to feed intake, milk yields and ingredients as well as physiological effects of digestion.

Effect Of Additives At Harvest On The Digestibility In Lambs Of Whole Crop Barley Or Wheat Silage, S. Muhonen, I. Olsson, P. Lingvall

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

There are very few published articles about how silage additives affect digestibility of whole crop silage. In this experiment, male lambs were given whole crop barley or wheat silage harvested at dough stage with a number of different acid-based and bacterial additives.

Use Of Silage Additives In Ensiling Of Whole-Crop Barley And Wheat - A Comparison Of Round Big Bales And Precision Chopped Silages, M. Knický, P. Lingvall

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

An increasing use of whole-crop cereals, as supplementary feed, has increased interest in development of efficient ways of preserving these forages to achieve a high hygienic quality. It is known that ensiling of whole-cereals often results in silages with high concentrations of butyric acid (Weissbach & Haacker, 1988). Furthermore, problems with poor aerobic stability still persist despite the use of lactic acid bacteria (Filya et al., 2000). Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of different types of additive mixtures on the fermentation process and aerobic stability of precision chopped and baled silages.

Ensiling Of Tannin-Containing Sorghum Grain, E. M. Ott, Y. Acosta Aragón, M. Gabel

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Sorghum is known as important feed-stuff in tropical regions where rainfall is insufficient for the cultivation of maize. Furthermore, those sorghum cultivars rich in tannins are naturally protected to a certain extent against bird damage, insect pests and moulds. Nevertheless, tannins impair the feed quality. Thus, the objectives of this study were to investigate whether ensiling could be a suitable preservation method for sorghum grain originally rich in tannins and if it is possible to reduce tannin content during fermentation.

Sustained Aerobic Stability Of By-Products Silage Stored As A Total Mixed Ration, N. Nishino, H. Hattori, H. Wada

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Ensiling a total mixed ration (TMR) has been practiced in Japan when high-moisture by-products are used as ruminant feed. Wet brewers grains (BG) are a common feed resource and approximately one million t are produced annually. Nishino et al. (2003; 2004) reported that, although silage would easily deteriorate in the presence of air when wet BG were ensiled alone, the spoilage could be avoided when stored as a TMR. Interestingly, the resistance to deterioration was consistently found whether high (> 106 cfu/g) or no (/g) yeasts were detected at unloading. In this study, changes during ensilage and after exposure …

Ndf Digestion In Dairy Cows Fed Grass Or Red Clover Silages Cut At Two Stages Of Growth, K. Kuoppala, S. Ahvenjärvi, M. Rinne, A. Vanhatalo

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Increasing demand for organic dairy products has encouraged research on red clover, as it is an important plant species in organic farming systems. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of plant species and growth stage on NDF digestion in dairy cows.

Effect Of Stage Of Maturity On The Nutrient Content Of Alfalfa, Y. Tyrolova, A. Vyborna

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), one of the major agricultural crops in the Czech Republic, is grown on 15.8% of the arable land. Alfalfa silage forms a substantial part of diets for farm animals. It is very important to choose a suitable term of harvesting for ensilage from the view of optimal nutrient content. The stage of maturity at cutting has large effects on each component, except crude protein (Yu et al., 2004). Alfalfa can be difficult to ensile due to a high buffering capacity and a low WSC content.

An Evaluation Of The Inclusion Of Alternative Forages With Grass Silage-Based Diets On Carcass Composition And Meat Quality Of Beef Cattle Offered Two Contrasting Grass Silages, T. W. J. Keady, F. O. Lively, D. J. Kilpatrick, B. W. Moss

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Recent studies have shown that the inclusion of some alternative forages with grass silage-based diets can increase animal performance of beef cattle. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of including either maize or whole crop wheat (WCW) silages with grass silage-based diets on meat quality of beef cattle offered two levels of concentrate.

Effect Of Additive Treatment On Meat Quality, V. Vrotniakiene, J. Jatkauskas

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Major components of meat quality are physico-chemical properties (including visual appearance and tenderness) and dietetic properties (i.e. fat content and fatty acid composition) (Razminowicz et al., 2004). Physico-chemical and technological properties of meat are influenced by feeding system, feeds quality and various feeds additives (Brzoska et al., 1999). The aim of the present study was compare the influence of untreated, inoculated and chemically-treated legume-grass silage on carcass composition and physico-chemical properties of meat when fed to fattening bulls.