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Shelf Life Potential And Microbial Load Of Varying Mixtures Of Grass-Legume Pellets: A Dry Season Feed, O. A. Aderinola, S. T. Oyewole, D. O. Okunlola Oct 2021

Shelf Life Potential And Microbial Load Of Varying Mixtures Of Grass-Legume Pellets: A Dry Season Feed, O. A. Aderinola, S. T. Oyewole, D. O. Okunlola

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The effects of storage duration (0, 6 and 12 weeks), storage medium (plastic container, polythene bag and jute sack) and varying mixture of grass-legume (60% Panicum maximum (6Pm); 30% Panicum maximum + 30% Lablab purpureus (3Pm3Lp); 40% Panicum maximum + 20% Lablab purpureus (4Pm2Lp); 40% Panicum maximum + 20% Stylosanthes hamata (4Pm2Sh) and 30% Panicum maximum + 30% Stylosanthes hamata (3Pm3Sh)) on shelf life and microbial load of grass-legume pellets were examined in the derived savanna zone of Nigeria (Latitude 80N, Longitude 40E) using a 3 x 3 x 5 factorial arrangement using completely randomized design …


Grass-Legume Mixtures For Diversified And Profitable Forage Production, M. A. Islam, D. Ashilenje Oct 2021

Grass-Legume Mixtures For Diversified And Profitable Forage Production, M. A. Islam, D. Ashilenje

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grass-legume mixtures can improve forage yields, nutritive value, and net economic benefits. A replicated experiment was conducted from 2013-2017 at the University of Wyoming Sheridan Research and Extension Center to determine forage yield, nutritive value, and gross margin for meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehm.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.), and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) mixtures and monocultures. Treatments included 50-50% and 70-30% mixtures of meadow bromegrass with each legume and 50-25-25% mixture of meadow bromegrass with two legumes and 50-16.7-16.7-16.7% mixture of meadow bromegrass, alfalfa, sainfoin, and birdsfoot trefoil. Grass monocultures received …


The Morphological, Crude Protein And In-Vitro Dry Matter Degradability Characterisation Of Nine Native Grass Species For Veld Restoration In Semi-Arid Environment, N. H. Msiza, K. E. Ravhuhali, H. K. Mokoboki, Sydney Mavengahama Oct 2021

The Morphological, Crude Protein And In-Vitro Dry Matter Degradability Characterisation Of Nine Native Grass Species For Veld Restoration In Semi-Arid Environment, N. H. Msiza, K. E. Ravhuhali, H. K. Mokoboki, Sydney Mavengahama

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Pasture production is dependent on results from favourable conditions that allow for stimulation of tillers and absence thereof does not promote the development of tillers. The study sought to investigate the comparative characterisation of the morphology, crude protein and in-vitro dry matter degradability (DMD) of nine native grass species (Anthephora pubescens, Cenchrus ciliaris, Chloris gayana, Dactylis glomerata, Digitaria eriantha, Eragrostis curvula, Festuca arundinacea, Panicum maximum & Themeda triandra), subjected under controlled conditions. Plants were assessed for germination percentage, chlorophyll, number of leaves and tillers, crude protein and in-vitro dry matter degradability (DMD). Data on these parameters was analysed …


Formononetin Of Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense L.) As Affected By Water Availability, Fernando Ortega-Klose, Rafael López-Olivari, Muriel Melo, Andrés Quiroz, L. Bardehle Oct 2021

Formononetin Of Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense L.) As Affected By Water Availability, Fernando Ortega-Klose, Rafael López-Olivari, Muriel Melo, Andrés Quiroz, L. Bardehle

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Red clover is a valuable legume in the world. Among the biotic factors limiting persistence of the species in Chile is the root borer Hylastinus obscurus (Marsham). Our previous studies have shown a negative effect of formononetin content of the plant on the root borer fitness The purpose of this research was to assess the relationship between water availability and formononetin concentration. Two independent growth chamber experiments were established at Carillanca Research Center, INIA-Chile in order to study the effect of water availability on formononetin concentration in the aerial and root parts of the plants. In experiment I, three levels …


Isolation And Identification Of Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains And Their Effects On The Fermentation Quality Of Elephant Grass (Cenchrus Purpureus) Silage, Azizza Mala, Babo Fadlalla, Zhihao Dong, Junfeng Li, Tao Shao Oct 2021

Isolation And Identification Of Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains And Their Effects On The Fermentation Quality Of Elephant Grass (Cenchrus Purpureus) Silage, Azizza Mala, Babo Fadlalla, Zhihao Dong, Junfeng Li, Tao Shao

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This study aims to isolate and identify lactic acid bacteria and examine their effects on the fermentation quality of elephant grass silage. The isolated strains were identified based on morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics as well as 16S rRNA analysis. Three strains namely Pediococcus acidilactic (AZZ5), Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. Plantarum (AZZ4), Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. Argentoratensis (AZZ6) were isolated from elephant grass silage. Isolation of the microbes was done by serial dilution method. Three LAB and one commercial bacteria Lactobacillus Plantarum, Ecosyl MTD/1(CB)) were used as additives to fresh material of elephant grass. To follow the fermentation quality during ensiling, …


Nutritive Composition And In Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility Of The Most Browsed Forage Species By Lactating Camels, Lucy W. Ikanya, J. G. Maina, C. K. Gachuiri, W. O. Owino, José C. B. Dubeux Jr. Oct 2021

Nutritive Composition And In Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility Of The Most Browsed Forage Species By Lactating Camels, Lucy W. Ikanya, J. G. Maina, C. K. Gachuiri, W. O. Owino, José C. B. Dubeux Jr.

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Camels are both grazers and browsers of a broad spectrum of forages. The objective of this study was to identify and to determine the chemical composition of the most preferred forage species by lactating Somali camels in Laikipia County, Kenya. Lactating Somali camels and their calves were observed during the wet and dry seasons while browsing for a period of two weeks. The forage species were ranked based on the bite count. The most browsed forages identified through observation were sampled for identification by the local and scientific names and laboratory analysis. They were analyzed for proximate composition, detergent fiber …


Forage Yield And Nutritive Quality Of Haulm From Dual-Purpose Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata L Walp) Cultivars For Dry Season Feeding In Nigeria, N. J. Anyanwu, Olufemi S. Onifade, Jimoh A. Olanite, V. I. O. Olowe, B. O. Boukar, I. I. Ekpe Oct 2021

Forage Yield And Nutritive Quality Of Haulm From Dual-Purpose Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata L Walp) Cultivars For Dry Season Feeding In Nigeria, N. J. Anyanwu, Olufemi S. Onifade, Jimoh A. Olanite, V. I. O. Olowe, B. O. Boukar, I. I. Ekpe

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The availability of high quality forage especially during the dry season remains a major challenge to ruminant livestock production in Nigeria and many parts of West Africa. Due to the prevailing mismatch between livestock population and supply of feed resources in the arid and semi arid Nigeria, the humid forest zone represents a potential source for crop residues, especially during the dry season due to longer rainfall duration and suitable climate. This study was conducted to evaluate forage yield and nutritive quality of haulm from selected dual purpose cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) cultivars in the humid rain forest …


Influence Of Seeding Rate On Growth Performance And Yield Of Early Maturing Sorghum, Ismail S. Selemani, O. B. Ngonyani Oct 2021

Influence Of Seeding Rate On Growth Performance And Yield Of Early Maturing Sorghum, Ismail S. Selemani, O. B. Ngonyani

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Heavy grazing pressure in Tanzanian semi-arid rangelands coupled with climate change and variability has resulted into severe decline in forage production and changes in vegetation composition. To increase forage biomass production in the face of climate change and variability, climate resilient fodder crops such as early maturing sorghum have been recommended in arid and semi-arid regions. However, paucity of information on the best agronomic practices especially the optimal seeding rate and row spacing fostered the need to carry out research on growth performance and yield of early maturing sorghum. The experiment was conducted at Magadu Dairy Farm to assess the …


Comparison Of Four Maize Cultivars (Zea Mays L.) As Winter Forage In Sudan, Rihab El Zubair Oct 2021

Comparison Of Four Maize Cultivars (Zea Mays L.) As Winter Forage In Sudan, Rihab El Zubair

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Winter forage availability in Sudan is constrained by lack of a suitable annual winter forage crop. The main forage crop grown is Abu70 (Sorghum bicolor) which is a summer crop that yields 7.6-8.4 t/ha in summer but much less in winter. There is, therefore, need for a winter high yielding forage crop that exceeds Abu70 in productivity and quality. This study was aimed to evaluate four forage maize cultivars as potential winter crops in central Sudan in terms of productivity and quality. An experiment was conducted using four maize forage cultivars. The experiment lasted for two consecutive seasons …


Title Evaluation Of Yields And Nutritive Composition Of Dual Purpose Sweet Potato Vine Cultivars For Forage Use, R. S. Kenana, A. I. Hoka, N. Ondabu, F. Ondabu, J. Mercy Oct 2021

Title Evaluation Of Yields And Nutritive Composition Of Dual Purpose Sweet Potato Vine Cultivars For Forage Use, R. S. Kenana, A. I. Hoka, N. Ondabu, F. Ondabu, J. Mercy

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The sweet potato vine (SPV) is a widely grown but underutilized feed resource for livestock. The vines have desirable characteristics suitable for fodder production due to high contents of protein and digestible energy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield and nutritive composition of five dual purpose cultivars based on vine production for forage use. The experimental design was arranged in randomized complete block design where six cultivars of sweet potato were established in plots of 2.5m x 2.5m in three replicates. The cultivars used were; Kenspot 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. An improved forage type …


Diet Selection By Goats At Kalemando, North Darfur, Sudan, Abdelrahim I. H. Mansoor, Babo Fadlalla Oct 2021

Diet Selection By Goats At Kalemando, North Darfur, Sudan, Abdelrahim I. H. Mansoor, Babo Fadlalla

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Pressure on rangelands of Sudan has increased in the last few decades due to increase in human population and in animal numbers. The rangelands were also impacted by climate change, desertification, agricultural expansion, mining, and overgrazing. Decreased amounts of rainfall have impoverished the natural rangelands. Goats are capable of grazing on semi-desert regions characterized by low rainfall and scarce grazing plants. It is therefore necessary to know and enhance plant species preferred by goats to properly manage the rangelands. The present study was conducted at Kalemando, North Darfur State during the rainy season of year 2017 when most plants were …


Smallholder Farmer Seed Production Of Mulato Ii Hybrid Brachiaria In Thailand And Laos - Bringing Quality Forage Seeds Home To Africa, M. D. Hare Oct 2021

Smallholder Farmer Seed Production Of Mulato Ii Hybrid Brachiaria In Thailand And Laos - Bringing Quality Forage Seeds Home To Africa, M. D. Hare

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Seeds of Mulato II hybrid brachiaria [Urochloa ruziziensis (syn. Brachiaria ruziziensis) x U. brizantha (syn. B. brizantha) x U. decumbens (syn, B.decumbens)] produced by smallholder farmers in villages in northeast Thailand and northern Laos, under contract to Ubon Forage Seeds Co. Ltd, a tropical forage seed company in Thailand, have come home to Africa. Since 2012, over 20,000 kg of Mulato II seed have been exported from Thailand to Kenya. The seed is hand-harvested from seed-heads in Laos and by hand-sweeping the seed from the ground in Thailand. The farmers semi-clean the seed in the field …


Induction Of Tetraploid Ruzigrass (Brachiaria Ruziziensis) By Colchicine And Possibility Of Using Seed Weight As Screening Method, R. Poungkaew, Y. Mangpung, J. Arananant, P. Chuchuay, S. Thaikua, P. Chanpeng Oct 2021

Induction Of Tetraploid Ruzigrass (Brachiaria Ruziziensis) By Colchicine And Possibility Of Using Seed Weight As Screening Method, R. Poungkaew, Y. Mangpung, J. Arananant, P. Chuchuay, S. Thaikua, P. Chanpeng

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Tetraploid ruzigrass (Brachiaria ruziziensis) have been obtained by colchicine treatment of in vitro apical meristems and embryogenic calli. The colchicine treatment consisted of culturing apical meristem on MS basal medium containing 6.0 mg L-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.05-0.20% colchicine for 8, 14, 20 and 26 h. After treated by colchicine, apical meristems were transferred onto former medium without colchicine for 4 weeks. Surviving apical meristems were induced multiple roots on MS basal medium containing 2.0 mg L-1 BAP. The ploidy level of plants after colchicine treatment was determined by flow cytometry. Apical meristems treated with 0.05% …


Growth Performance And Yield Of Three Brachiaria Cultivars Subjected To Different Eco-Climatic Zones Of Tanzania, Ismail S. Selemani Oct 2021

Growth Performance And Yield Of Three Brachiaria Cultivars Subjected To Different Eco-Climatic Zones Of Tanzania, Ismail S. Selemani

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Replacement of high quality (perennial forage) with low quality (annual forage) due to the effects of climate change has resulted into low milk production in Tanzania to 4.5L which is below the genetic potential of producing at least 15L of milk per cow per day. Though high yield fodder grasses such as Brachiaria have been recommended as climate smart fodder grass, little information has been documented in Tanzania particularly with respect to the growth performance of these grasses across different eco-climatic zones. The current study determine the performance and yield of three cultivars of Brachiaria (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piata, …


Differences In Urochloa Hybrids And Cultivars Biomass Production In Several Sites In Western Kenya, S. Mwendia, A. O. Notenbaert, D. M. Mwangi, R. Odhiambo, I. Ogutu, A. Juma Oct 2021

Differences In Urochloa Hybrids And Cultivars Biomass Production In Several Sites In Western Kenya, S. Mwendia, A. O. Notenbaert, D. M. Mwangi, R. Odhiambo, I. Ogutu, A. Juma

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Forage production is at the core of improved livestock productivity, especially in sub Saharan Africa. The genetic potential of existing animals remains underutilized due to limited forage quality and quantity. Albeit wide range of forage germplasm that exists, little data is available for identifying suitable genotypes, matched to specific environments and production systems. Due to the spatial and temporal diverse environments in which livestock production happens, multi-locational screening of forage production and characterizing genotype by environment interaction is key. We selected seven Urochloa (Syn. Brachiaria) genotypes comprising three hybrids and four cultivars and established them in on-farm trials in …


Brs Quênia And Brs Tamani: New Panicum Maximum Jacq. Hybrid Cultivars In Brazil, Liana Jank, C. M. S. De Andrade, Giovana A. Maciel, Rodrigo A. Barbosa, Gustavo J. Braga, Manuel C. M. Macedo, José R. Valério, Jaqueline R. Verzignassi, A. H. Zimmer, Celso D. Fernandes, M. F. Santos, Rosangela M. Simeão Oct 2021

Brs Quênia And Brs Tamani: New Panicum Maximum Jacq. Hybrid Cultivars In Brazil, Liana Jank, C. M. S. De Andrade, Giovana A. Maciel, Rodrigo A. Barbosa, Gustavo J. Braga, Manuel C. M. Macedo, José R. Valério, Jaqueline R. Verzignassi, A. H. Zimmer, Celso D. Fernandes, M. F. Santos, Rosangela M. Simeão

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Since 1982 Embrapa Beef Catle in Campo Grande, MS, Brazil, develops a Panicum maximum Jacq. breeding program, based on the germplasm collected and assembled by IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Developpment) and received through a cooperation-agreement with IRD. The germplasm was evaluated and four cultivars were released directly from the germplasm: cultivars Tanzania, Mombaça, Massai and BRS Zuri. Breeding began in 1990 and involved crosses between sexual plants and selected apomictic accessions. The program consists of evaluation followed by selection of hybrids in plots with replications, evaluation of the selected hybrids in national network experiments in diverse regions and …


Nutritional Characteristics Of Brachiaria Ruziziensis (Germain & Evrard) Subjected To Different Doses Of Gamma Rays, A. I. Hoka, M. Gicheru, S. Otieno Oct 2021

Nutritional Characteristics Of Brachiaria Ruziziensis (Germain & Evrard) Subjected To Different Doses Of Gamma Rays, A. I. Hoka, M. Gicheru, S. Otieno

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Appropriate methods of mutation induction are of high importance in pastures for increased genetic variability and improved forage performance. The objective of this research was to improve agronomic and nutritive performance of mutant lines through induced mutagenesis to seeds of a local landrace Brachiaria ruziziensis. The seeds were irradiated with 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40Gy doses of gamma radiation from Cobalt 60 (60Co). Treatments were; KE 0Gy, KE 10Gy, KE 20Gy, KE 30Gy, and KE 40Gy resulting into M1 seeds. The seeds were planted in the greenhouse in germination pots then transplanted to the field. Seeds …


Soil Microbial Carbon, Nitrate And Ammonium Nitrogen Dynamics In Urochloa Grass Cultivated In Sub-Humid Kenya, K. W. Ndung’U-Magiroi, M. N. Koech, M. C. Mutoko, M. Kamidi, Elias M. Gichangi, Donald M. G. Njarui Oct 2021

Soil Microbial Carbon, Nitrate And Ammonium Nitrogen Dynamics In Urochloa Grass Cultivated In Sub-Humid Kenya, K. W. Ndung’U-Magiroi, M. N. Koech, M. C. Mutoko, M. Kamidi, Elias M. Gichangi, Donald M. G. Njarui

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A study was conducted to monitor the dynamics of available soil phosphorus (P), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), nitrogen (SMBN), ammonium and nitrate nitrogen under seven Urochloa grass cultivars at Kitale, Kenya. The Urochloa cultivars: Urochloa brizantha cvs. Marandu, MG-4, Piata, Xaraes, U. decumbens cv. Basilisk, U. hybrid cv. Mulato II and U. humidicola cv. Llanero was compared with two popularly grown forages, Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana cv. KAT R3), Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. KK1) and annual weeds. The treatments were tested in a randomized complete block design arranged in a split plot treatment structure with two …


Productivity And Nutritive Value Of Urochloa Grass Cultivars In Semi-Arid Tropical Kenya, Donald M. G. Njarui, Mwangi Gatheru Oct 2021

Productivity And Nutritive Value Of Urochloa Grass Cultivars In Semi-Arid Tropical Kenya, Donald M. G. Njarui, Mwangi Gatheru

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

There is increasing demand for high yielding and nutritious forages to meet the growing dairy farming in semi-arid Kenya. The productivity and nutritive value of seven Urochloa grass cultivars (Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk, U. brizantha cvs. Marandu, MG4, Piatá and Xaraes, U. humidicola cv. Llanero and U. hybrid cv. Mulato II) were evaluated in two diverse semi-arid environments, Katumani and Ithookwe in Kenya. At Katumani, the dry matter (DM) yield (5000 - 7500 kg/ha) was highest during the first harvest during the long rains (LR) 2014 season. Dry matter yield declined progressively with season and in the third season …


Participatory Evaluation And Selection Of Improved Urochloa Grass Cultivars In Kenya, Mwangi Gatheru, C. N. Ondiko, W. Ayako, M. C. Mutoko, Elias M. Gichangi, Donald M. G. Njarui Oct 2021

Participatory Evaluation And Selection Of Improved Urochloa Grass Cultivars In Kenya, Mwangi Gatheru, C. N. Ondiko, W. Ayako, M. C. Mutoko, Elias M. Gichangi, Donald M. G. Njarui

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Low adoption of superior agricultural technologies has been attributed to insufficient attention given to farmers’ priorities and perceptions while developing technologies. There is therefore a need to involve farmers in development of new forage technologies in order to increase adoption. Participatory variety selection (PVS) was conducted on eight Urochloa grass cultivars in the coastal lowlands, eastern midlands, central highlands and northwestern highlands of Kenya to select cultivars that are more adaptable in each region. The eight Urochloa cultivars; U. brizantha cvs. Marandu, Xaraes, Piatã, MG4, U. decumbens cv. Basilisk, U. humidicola cvs. Llanero and Humidicola, and U. hybrid cv. Mulato …


Growth And Yield Evaluation Of Urochloa Grass Cultivars In Sub-Humid Region Of Kenya, M. N. Kifuko-Koech, K. W. Ndung’U-Magiroi, M. C. Mutoko, M. Kamidi, Donald M. G. Njarui Oct 2021

Growth And Yield Evaluation Of Urochloa Grass Cultivars In Sub-Humid Region Of Kenya, M. N. Kifuko-Koech, K. W. Ndung’U-Magiroi, M. C. Mutoko, M. Kamidi, Donald M. G. Njarui

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Livestock production in sub humid region of Kenya is constrained by inadequate and low quality pasture. A study was conducted to evaluate growth and productivity of eight improved Urochloa grass cultivars in lower midlands, upper midlands and lower highlands agro-ecological zones (AEZ) in Eldoret, Kitale and Alupe respectively, western Kenya. The grass cultivars were; Urochloa brizantha cvs. Marandu, Xaraes, Piata, and MG-4, U. decumbens, cv. Basilisk, U. humidicola cvs. Humidicola and Llanero and Urochloa hybrid cv. Mulato II. Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) and Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Kakamega 1) were included as controls. At establishment …


Feed Intake And Liveweight Gain Of Goats Fed Urochloa Grass, P. M. Ngila, Donald M. G. Njarui, Michael N. Njunie Oct 2021

Feed Intake And Liveweight Gain Of Goats Fed Urochloa Grass, P. M. Ngila, Donald M. G. Njarui, Michael N. Njunie

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Crude protein and digestible dry matter are the most important components of a feed and determine animal performance. The natural pastures in Kenya are prone to great seasonal and spatial fluctuation in both quality and quantity. Consequently, there was need to explore other nutritious alternative feeds. Sixteen growing male Galla goats weighing 10 - 24 kg were used in a twelve weeks feeding trial in the coastal lowlands of Kenya. They were randomly allocated four grass diets consisting of Urochloa brizantha cvs. Piata and MG4, U. hybrid cv. Mulato II and Chloris gayana (Rhodes grass), which was used as the …


Warm-Season Legumes – Challenges And Constraints To Adapting Warm-Season Legumes To Transition Zone Climates With Examples From Arachis, G. M. L. Assis, José C. B. Dubeux Jr. Oct 2021

Warm-Season Legumes – Challenges And Constraints To Adapting Warm-Season Legumes To Transition Zone Climates With Examples From Arachis, G. M. L. Assis, José C. B. Dubeux Jr.

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grass pastures in monoculture are the predominant system in transition zone climates, where warm-season perennial grasses are usually cultivated. Mixed grass-legume pastures are worldwide recognized for having advantages over pure stands, including pasture longevity, N input from biological fixation, efficient nutrient cycling, and greater animal production. The genus Arachis encompasses important and successful warm-season forage legume species cultivated in mixed pastures or in pure stands. Arachis pintoi and Arachis glabrata are potential tropical forage species that can be used in transition zone climates. Mixed pastures with these legumes have been shown to be resilient systems, able to withstand short-term perturbations, …


Moving Warm-Season Forage Bermudagrass (Cynodon Sp.) Into Temperate Regions Of North America, W. F. Anderson, L. Baxter, D. Hancock, R. N. Gates, Esteban F. Rios Oct 2021

Moving Warm-Season Forage Bermudagrass (Cynodon Sp.) Into Temperate Regions Of North America, W. F. Anderson, L. Baxter, D. Hancock, R. N. Gates, Esteban F. Rios

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Warm-season (C4) perennial grasses are grown over millions of hectares in the Southeastern United States. These grasses produce optimal growth at 30 to 38°C diurnal temperature. Bermudagrass (Cynodon sp.) has been adopted as the preferred forage for many livestock and hay producers. Compared to other native and introduced warm-season perennial grass species, improved bermudagrass varieties produce high biomass with enhanced digestibility for ruminant grazing or feed. Until the 1930’s pastures in the region consisted of unimproved ‘common’ bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) that had been introduced earlier. However, in the early 20th century, new germplasm, including stargrass …


Breeding Cows Body Condition And Dry Matter Availability In Natural Pastures Under Rotational System, Dinah Pereira Rodrigues, Giuliano Teixeira Da Silva, Paulo Elias Borges Rodrigues, Alex Fabiano Fernandes Gomes, Gustavo Kruguer Gonçalves, Leonardo De Melo Menezes Oct 2021

Breeding Cows Body Condition And Dry Matter Availability In Natural Pastures Under Rotational System, Dinah Pereira Rodrigues, Giuliano Teixeira Da Silva, Paulo Elias Borges Rodrigues, Alex Fabiano Fernandes Gomes, Gustavo Kruguer Gonçalves, Leonardo De Melo Menezes

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The livestock production in Rio Grande do Sul is based on natural pastures, which suffer great productive seasonality throughout the year, especially due to the quantitative and qualitative deficit that it goes through in the winter months. The existing dynamic between the animal and the forage is fundamental for a better reproductive performance of the brood cows, and consequently an increase of the productivity of beef cattle. The calf herd generation is, certainly, the fundamental element of the full cycle livestock. Knowing the potentiality and understanding the dynamism of the natural fields is a fundamental condition for the choice of …


Linking Demand With Supply For Tropical Forage Genetic Resources To Reach Impact At Scale, M. Peters, S. Burkart, U. Ohmstedt, C. Castiblanco, E. Stern, A. Nicolayevsky, K. Enciso, M. Díaz, S. Mwendia, S. Douxchamps, A. O. Notenbaert, B. Lukuyu, K. Fuglie Oct 2021

Linking Demand With Supply For Tropical Forage Genetic Resources To Reach Impact At Scale, M. Peters, S. Burkart, U. Ohmstedt, C. Castiblanco, E. Stern, A. Nicolayevsky, K. Enciso, M. Díaz, S. Mwendia, S. Douxchamps, A. O. Notenbaert, B. Lukuyu, K. Fuglie

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Over the last decades a wealth of information on tropical forage genetic resources has been collated and is accessible to users ranging from farmers, development practitioners and researchers to decision makers and academia, e.g. through online tools such as Tropical Forages: An interactive selection tool (www.tropicalforages.info). However, while genetic diversity is being conserved by international gene banks, adoption of improved tropical forages is still far from reaching its full potential. Major bottlenecks in our view include lack of awareness of available forage genetic resources, confirmation of adaptation in a wide range of bio-physical, socio-economic, political and cultural contexts …


Forage Genetic Resources In Brazil, Liana Jank, Mateus F. Santos, Cacilda B. Do Valle, Sanzio C. L. Barrios, Rosangela M. Simeão Oct 2021

Forage Genetic Resources In Brazil, Liana Jank, Mateus F. Santos, Cacilda B. Do Valle, Sanzio C. L. Barrios, Rosangela M. Simeão

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

To maintain the largest herd in the world, 214 million heads of beef cattle grazing exclusively on pastures (only 14% finished in feed-lots), Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) in Brazil, has intensely invested on forage breeding programs since the 1980s. Nowadays, there are circa thirteen forage grass and legume species being bred at different Embrapa Units around the country and other six Units focusing on collection and research of regional native forages. Breeding depends on good germplasm sources. Therefore, breeding activities in Brazil will remain highly dependent on exotic and native genetic basis maintained in the Germplasm Banks. Despite the …


Forage Production And Utilisation: Forage Production For Improved On-Farm Wealth And Wellness, John Caradus Oct 2021

Forage Production And Utilisation: Forage Production For Improved On-Farm Wealth And Wellness, John Caradus

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

It is often overlooked that the world’s largest agricultural land use by far is grassland, where these are mostly grazed by livestock, either domesticated or wild animals. Native grasslands are referred to as savanna (in Africa), steppe (in sub- Artic Eurasia), prairie (in North America), or pampas (in South America). Grasslands contribute to the livelihoods of more than 800 million people (FAO 2000). Native grasslands are maintained by restricted rainfall that reduces the opportunity for succession by forest. Grasslands are not only food for livestock, but also provide a habitat for wildlife, prevent soil erosion, support pollinators, and capture carbon …


Sustainable Use Of Grassland Resources For Improved Livelihoods, Liana Jank, Cacilda Borges Do Valle, Rosangela Maria Simeão, Roberto Giolo De Almeida, Mateus Figueiredo Santos, Sanzio Carvalho Barrios Oct 2021

Sustainable Use Of Grassland Resources For Improved Livelihoods, Liana Jank, Cacilda Borges Do Valle, Rosangela Maria Simeão, Roberto Giolo De Almeida, Mateus Figueiredo Santos, Sanzio Carvalho Barrios

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grasslands occupy about 80% of global agricultural land and represent a wide range of ecosystems (Bosi et al., 2020). Pastureland represents approximately 889 million ha in Africa, followed by China (~506 million ha), Oceania (~345 million ha), Asia (~307 million ha, excluding China and India), United States (~252 million ha) and Brazil (~149 million ha) (Goldewijk et al. 2017; Bosi et al. 2020; Landau et al., 2020). Rangelands alone are the world largest land surface, and in 28 countries they represent more than 60 percent of total land area (FAO, 2009). The livelihoods of almost one billion people depend on …


Perennial Legume Intercrops Provide Multiple Belowground Ecosystem Services In Smallholder Farming Systems, Laurie E. Drinkwater, Charles A.O. Midega, Rachel Awuor, Dickens Nyagol, Zeyaur R. Khan Oct 2021

Perennial Legume Intercrops Provide Multiple Belowground Ecosystem Services In Smallholder Farming Systems, Laurie E. Drinkwater, Charles A.O. Midega, Rachel Awuor, Dickens Nyagol, Zeyaur R. Khan

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Soil degradation is a major underlying cause of poverty and malnutrition in smallholder agrarian communities across the globe. Legume diversification, through polyculture or intercropping, is a strategy that increases yields and income while improving family nutrition. However, the potential for these legume-cereal intercrops to restore soil functions in smallholder fields remains uncertain, with many studies failing to detect increases in soil organic matter (SOM). In sub-Saharan Africa, smallholders typically grow maize either intercropped with short-lived annual food legumes or as a monoculture. Recently, a novel maize system which includes perennial legumes in the genus Desmodium as intercrops, known as “push-pull” …