Digital Commons Network^™

Milk Production From Ruzi Grass Alone, Ruzi Mixed With Leucaena And Ruzi Supplemented With Dolichos Lablab, S Tudsri, S Prasanpanich, S Swasdiphanich

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Three groups of dairy cattle were compared under different grazing managements viz. strip-grazed on pure ruzi grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis), strip-grazed on mixed pasture between ruzi and leucaena (Luecaena luecocephala) and strip-grazed on pure ruzi and supplemented with lablab (Lablab purpureus). The results showed that the animals that received the legumes through supplementary or mixed with the grass produced higher in daily milk yield (13.63 and 13.26 kg/cow) and fat percentage (4.7 and 4.5) than that of the pure grass alone (12.00 kg/cow for milk yield and 4.2 % for fat). This advantage was due …

Zea Mays Grazing In Cattle Production Systems, V Mundy, B E. Anderson, T L. Gompert, T L. Mader, C A. Shapiro

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Nebraska producers have used silage maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids as a grazed forage in dairy and beef production systems. In an onfarm case study, farmers and researchers collaborated to gather information on production practices, grazing management, and plant characteristics of grazing maize within three forage-based dairy and beef systems. Production practices were generally similar to conventional grain corn production, except that in one system maize was seeded directly into a suppressed grass sod. Milk production from grazing maize was 23 kg/day/animal, compared to 24 kg/day/ animal before using maize and 22 kg/day/animal after using maize. Average gain of …

Grazing Management Of Lotus In Eastern Australia: A Participatory Approach, M J. Blumenthal, J F. Ayers, Z Hochman

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Both Lotus uliginosus Schkukr and L. corniculatus L. require lenient grazing management for persistent production. However, grazing systems, where Lotus is adapted in eastern Australia are based on intermittent set stocking. Conflict between plant ecophysiology and the adverse influences of traditional grazing systems that limit the adoption of new grazing management technology have been addressed by a participatory (co-learning) research and development process. The approach taken involved the use of a facilitator who ran an initial meeting to involve stakeholders and subsequently established “colearning” groups and “co-learning” experimental sites. These sites are monitored, progress is reviewed, and knowledge is …

Tropical Forage Seed Production In Southeast Asia: Current Status And Prospects, C Phaikaew, L Guodao, A Abdullah, M Tuhulele, E Magboo, B Bouahom, W Stur

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The demand for forage seed in southeast Asia has increased in recent years. More than 1,200 tons of seed were produced in Thailand in 1995 with smaller quantities of seed having been produced in China, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia. Large quantities have been produced of Brachiaria ruziziensis, Stylosanthes hamata, Stylosanthes guianensis and Panicum maximum. There are good prospects to increase forage seed production and to develop trade between countries in the southeast Asian region. There is a need to increase seed production of widely adapted species, and expand production of forages for other purposes such as turf …

Valorization Of Seafood Waste For Food Packaging Development, Zhijing Zhan, Yiming Feng, Jikai Zhao, Mingyu Qiao, Qing Jin

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Packaging plays a crucial role in protecting food by providing excellent mechanical properties as well as effectively blocking water vapor, oxygen, oil, and other contaminants. The low degradation of widely used petroleum-based plastics leads to environmental pollution and poses health risks. This has drawn interest in renewable biopolymers as sustainable alternatives. The seafood industry generates significant waste that is rich in bioactive substances like chitin, chitosan, gelatins, and alginate, which can replace synthetic polymers in food packaging. Although biopolymers offer biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity, their films often lack mechanical and barrier properties compared with synthetic polymer films. This comprehensive review …

Recommendations For The Revision Of Animal Units And Their Application In The Western Australian Rangelands, Ian Mclean, Sally Finch

Natural resources commissioned reports

This report provides recommendations for the practical application of a methodology for calculating and applying Animal Units in the rangelands of Western Australia.

Animal Units have evolved over time, in their definition, derivation and the size of the standard animals used. This has resulted in their being varying and inconsistent approaches within and across jurisdictions which has limited their application.

The Animal Unit methodology applied in this report is used in other rangeland and pastoral regions, it therefore progresses a nationally consistent approach.

The standard animals used in this methodology are:

• Animal Equivalent (AE), a 450 kg Bos taurus steer …

Ocular Gene Transfer In The Spotlight: Implications Of Newspaper Content For Clinical Communications, Shelly Benjaminy, Tania M. Bubela

Office of the Provost

Background: Ocular gene transfer clinical trials are raising hopes for blindness treatments and attracting media attention. News media provide an accessible health information source for patients and the public, but are often criticized for overemphasizing benefits and underplaying risks of novel biomedical interventions. Overly optimistic portrayals of unproven interventions may influence public and patient expectations; the latter may cause patients to downplay risks and over-emphasize benefits, with implications for informed consent for clinical trials. We analyze the news media communications landscape about ocular gene transfer and make recommendations for improving communications between clinicians and potential trial participants in light of …

Effects Of Simulated Climate Change On Native Southeastern Grassland Vegetation Using Open Top Chambers, Makaila Carpenter

Theses

The southeastern United States is a critical biodiversity hotspot once covered in prairie grassland ecosystems and now facing significant threats due to urbanization, habitat destruction, over-exploitation, biological invasions, pollution, and climate change. This study analyzes the response of Alabama’s native prairie ecosystem to climate change. We used open top chambers (OTCs) to simulate climate change-induced warming. We assessed the response of ecosystem function and structure to higher temperatures (1-3^oC). The indicators of ecosystem function included phenology, leaf surface area (LSA), specific leaf area (SLA), and aboveground and below net primary productivity (ANPP and BNPP respectively). Ecosystem structure was …

Virtual Fencing In Livestock Management: Effects On Beef Cattle Stress And Enhancing Wildlife Conservation, Kaitlyn E. Dozler

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

I examined the effects of virtual fencing on beef cattle stress and how implementing the technology can aid wildlife habitat conservation at the University of Nebraska Gudmundsen Sandhills laboratory (GSL) near Whitman, NE. First, I examined how virtual fencing influences acute heart rate changes in beef cattle fitted with the virtual fencing collars. No significant difference in the average heart rate of a cow (P > 0.05) was observed between the 30 min control and virtual fenced periods for both trial dates. Second, I examined the influence of topography on wildlife species richness and presence at GSL using wildlife camera …

Arkansas Corn And Grain Sorghum Research Studies 2023, Jason Kelley, Travis Faske

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

The 2023 edition of the Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Research Studies Series includes research results on topics pertaining to corn and grain sorghum production, including weed, disease, and insect management; economics; irrigation; agronomics; soil fertility; mycotoxins; cover crop management; and research verification program results. Our objective is to capture and broadly distribute the results of research projects funded by the Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Board. The intended audience includes producers and their advisors, current investigators, and future researchers. The Series serves as a citable archive of research results.

The Analysis Of Artificially Flavored Coffees, Hannah Knights

Longwood Senior Thesis Proposal

This project aims to determine the molecular components that give artificially flavored coffees their advertised flavor. Much work has been conducted to determine various characteristics such as antioxidant properties, phenolic compounds, flavors, and aromas found in natural coffees. In addition, there is ample literature on the results of sensory tests for a variety of commercial coffees. However, not much work has been conducted to determine the compounds found in artificially flavored coffees that give rise to their distinctive aroma and flavor. This is, perhaps, due to the proprietary nature of the flavoring process employed by commercial producers. The goal of …

Integrating Remote Sensing And Machine Learning To Determine Past, Current And Future Crop Water Use From The Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System, Moaz Ishag

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The agriculture sector is a significant consumer of water, and sustainable water use begins with monitoring irrigated land. Delineating irrigated land supports decision-makers and promotes the sustainable use of this crucial resource. This study focuses on the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System (NSAS), the largest aquifers in the world, which spans Egypt, Sudan, Libya, and Chad. The study aims to: 1) quantify the increase in irrigated hectares (both pivot and non-pivot) from 2000-2001 to 2023-2024; 2) identify major irrigated crop types and their water requirements; and 3) quantify groundwater crop water use from the NSAS using remote sensing via the Google …

Transforming Place-Based Management Within Watersheds In Fiji: The Watershed Interventions For Systems Health Project, Stacy D. Jupiter, Aaron P. Jenkins, Joel Negin, Shylett Anthony, Ponipate Baleinamau, Rachel Devi, Sikeli Gavidi, Alice Latinne, Kini Koto Mailautoka, Sangeeta Mangubhai, Kelera Naivalu, Timoci Naivalulevu, Vilisi Naivalulevu, Nabeela Nasim, Sikeli Naucunivanua, Sarah Nelson, Ingrid Qauqau, Anaseini Ratu, Mereia Ravoka, Jacqueline Thomas, Andrew Tukana, Paul Van Nimwegen, Ama Wakwella, Amelia Wenger, Donald Wilson, Pierre Horwitz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Watersheds offer opportunities for place-based interventions to transform systems health via preventative versus reactive approaches to management that achieve multiple co-benefits for public and environmental health. The Watershed Interventions for Systems Health in Fiji (WISH Fiji) project embraced participatory knowledge co-production and action-oriented research to identify risks to public and ecosystem health, prioritize interventions to address risks, and monitor responses of the system to interventions. We used screening filters and local knowledge to collaboratively identify five watersheds for action with high prior incidence of water-related diseases (Fiji’s “three plagues” of leptospirosis, typhoid and dengue) and high risk to downstream environmental …

Exploring The Effects Of An Alfalfa Leaf-Derived Adsorbent On Microbial Community, Ileal Morphology, Barrier Function, And Immunity In Turkey Poults During Chronic Aflatoxin B1 Exposure, Maria De Jesus Nava-Ramirez, Jing Liu, Juan Omar Hernandez-Ramirez, Xochitl Hernandez-Velasco, Juan D. Latorre, Alma Vazquez-Duran, Guolong Zhang, Roberto Señas-Cuesta, Sergio Gomez-Rosales, Andressa Stein, Billy M. Hargis, Guillermo Tellez-Isaias, Abraham Mendez-Albores, Jesus A. Maguey-Gonzalez

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

This article follows-up on our recently published work, which evaluated the impact of the addition of an alfalfa leaf-derived adsorbent in the aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁)-contaminated diet in regard to the production parameters, blood cell count, serum biochemistry, liver enzymes, and liver histology of turkey poults. This paper presents complementary results on microbial community, ileal morphology, barrier function, and immunity. For this purpose, 350 1-day-old female turkey poults were randomly distributed into five groups: (1) Control, AFB₁-free diet; (2) AF, AFB₁-contaminated diet at 250 ng/g; (3) alfalfa, AFB₁-free diet + 0.5% ( …

Strong Marine Heatwaves Trigger Flowering In Seagrass, Catalina A. García-Escudero, Victoria Litsi-Mizan, Pavlos T. Efthymiadis, Vasilis Gerakaris, Oscar Serrano, Eugenia T. Apostolaki

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In recent decades, the global intensification of marine heatwaves has impacted several ecosystems and species, including the endemic Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica. However, the scarcity of research in Eastern Mediterranean meadows, where historical and present thermal conditions differ from those of the Western Mediterranean, hampers our ability to draw comprehensive conclusions regarding the species' response to elevated sea temperatures. Here, we studied flowering patterns of P. oceanica meadows (3–15 m depth) of the Greek seas and assessed their potential association with marine heatwaves, while also examining the effects on plant growth associated with the transition from vegetative to sexual reproduction. …

T. Boudieri Extract Potentiates The Effects Of Capecitabine Treatment In Human Colon Cancer Cells, Katia Sawaya, Mahmoud Khalil, Ghada Khawaja

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

Resistance to chemotherapy remains a major challenge for colorectal cancer patients worldwide, hence the persistent need to uncover alternative treatments as well as new adjunct therapies in the fight against cancer. Natural extracts constitute an excellent source of bioactive substances that have a promising potential in that regard, with minimal negative side effects. We have previously demonstrated that both the ethanolic as well as the water extracts of Terfezia boudieri, a black desert truffle abundant in and part of the cuisine of the Mediterranean region, have significant antiproliferative effects against colon cancer cells. Our aim in this study was …

Effects Of The Biochar Of Senna Tora On The Soil Fertility Of Misau Farmlands, Bauchi State, Northern Nigeria, Ozoilo Onyeka Calistus, Umar Faruk Hassan, Auwal Adamu Mahmoud, Haruna Baba, Hamza Badamasi, Hannatu Akanang

Journal of Bioresource Management

The use of biochar as an amendment to the soil is attracting the scientific community's attention because of its cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and its promising success in increasing the fertility of the soil and crop yield. In the present study, the effects of biochar from Senna tora applications on soil characteristics and the availability of micronutrients in Misau, Bauchi State, Nigeria, were explored. A completely randomized approach was adopted and duplicated three times, with reference soil (no biochar), 30-day, and 60-day biochar treatments. The biochar was removed at the end of the treatment, and soil samples from the various treatments were …

Forage Production And Performance Of Beef Yearlings Grazing Diploid And Tetraploid Crested Wheatgrass, J D. Bruynooghe, R.D H. Cohen, N W. Holt, P G. Jefferson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A series of experiments were conducted during 1994 and 1995 at Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Canada to evaluate forage production and animal performance on tetraploid Kirk (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.) and diploid Fairway (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.) crested wheatgrass pastures under grazing conditions imposed by beef (Bos taurus) yearling steers at four stock density levels (3, 4, 6 and 8 steers ha-1). Total ungrazed forage production for Kirk was greater (<0.05) than Fairway (6302 kg ha-1 vs. 5235 kg ha-1) in 1994 but less (P<0.05) than Fairway in 1995 (3709 kg ha-1 vs. 4633 kg ha-1). Animal performance (average daily gain, animal grazing days and total animal production) did not differ (P>0.05) for steers grazing either Kirk or Fairway pastures. Plant vigour and available energy reserves following one season of grazing were evaluated through etiolated growth with …

Vertical Distribution In Grass Swards: Interactions Between Dry Matter And Nutritional Quality, D R. Buckmaster, R H. Mohtar, S L. Fales

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A field experiment was conducted to study the distribution of mass and quality over plant height throughout the growing season in a pure stand of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.). When plant density (expressed as kg DM/ha per cm height) is plotted against a height of strata, all treatments show a similar linear shape distribution. ADF and NDF concentrations declined with sward height. Fall treatments had lower ADF and NDF concentrations than summer treatments. Conversely, CP concentrations showed an increase with plant height. Fall treatments showed higher CP than spring and summer treatments. Defoliation management did not affect orchardgrass quality. …

The Application Of Multi-Isotope Analysis To Assist In Geoprofiling Unidentified Decedents Within Florida, Liotta D. Noche-Dowdy

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The biochemistry of human tissues can provide information for geoprofiling (geographic birthplace or migration patterns) of an unidentified decedent. Utilizing isotope analyses (both stable and radiogenic) from teeth, bone, nails, and/or hair reveals specific isotopic information that correlates to diverse geographic regions reflecting an individual’s birthplace and migration patterns. Isotope analysis of enamel and bone has been employed in bioarchaeology for decades to reconstruct the diet, health, and migration patterns of past populations. Isotope ratios measured from enamel can then be compared to isotope ratios measured from bone of the individual to track patterns of migration. The enamel from the …

Productivity And Genotypic Diversity Of Trifolium Ambiguum In The Central Caucasian Mountains, Georgia, R G. Patterson, P R. Espie

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Trifolium ambiguum occurred in12 diverse grassland communities, ranging from 1700 m to 2850 m, in the Kasbegi region, Central Caucasus. Total herbage mass in mid summer ranged from 310 to 763 g/m2with T. ambiguum composition ranging from 0.5 to 51%. Maximum T. ambiguum production occurred in fertile, regularly mown hay meadows, but was reduced in severely grazed pastures. It has persisted in these communities after centuries of grazing or cutting, without fertiliser input. T. ambiguum ploidy levels were predominantly diploid (82% frequency of occurrence), often in conjunction with triploid (18%) or tetraploid (27%) genotypes. The triploid T. ambiguum genotype ( …

Nitrogen Nutrition Of Brant (Branta Bernicla L.) Grazing On Saltmarsh And Pasture Species, G Q.A Anderson, M Andrews, S M. Percival, J S. Kirby

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Captive brant Branta bernicla were fed a range of food plants to determine their ability to digest nitrogen and specifically soluble protein. Soluble protein levels in droppings were only a small fraction of those in plants, indicating substantial uptake or conversion. For white clover Trifolium repens L., uric acid content indicated that at least 50% of excreted nitrogen had been metabolised, strongly suggesting that a substantial fraction of soluble protein is utilised by the geese. Carbon/nitrogen ratios increased from plants to droppings while carbon/hydrogen ratios remained nearly constant indicating greater uptake of nitrogen relative to carbon. T. repens was found …

Evaluation Of Morphological, Biological And Chemical Properties For Breeding On New Fodder-Grass Cultivars, S Kozlowski, B Golinska, P Golinski

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Our work is an attempt to emphasize the importance of grass morphological, biological and chemical properties in the process of development of new forage cultivars. Results of our investigations indicate that there are realistic possibilities of developing grass cultivars with improved nutritive properties. However, breeding works can only be effective if a wide range of different properties can be taken into consideration and if, simultaneously, mutual correlations occurring between them are also considered. High mutability of properties revealed by lower taxonomic units of the species observed in Poland indicates that they can constitute a valuable material for breeding work on …

Alfalfa Seeding Patterns And Their Relations With Vegetative And Reproductive Development, R B. Medeiros, A.V A. Jacques, C Nabinger

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This study was conducted to understand how plant density (17, 61 and 89 plants m-2) and row spacing (30 and 90 cm) affect plant development and the consequences on potential seed yield (PSY) and agricultural realized seed potential (ARSP) of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in south Brazil. Both variables were not affected by row spacing but were negatively correlated to plant population. This was a consequence of a higher allocation of assimilates to reproductive structures at low plant competition, denoted by a positive correlation between these two variables and reproductive parts growth rate. Despite the benefits of the low plant …

Ecological Site Database- Basic Site Information For Resource Analysis And Decision Making, S L. Ekblad, J R. Carlson, W R. Oaks

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) describes and interprets range, native pasture, grazable forest, pasture, and hayland with ecological site descriptions and forage suitability groups. Ecological sites have evolved from agency range and woodland site descriptions, and have integrated alternate and more recent concepts with the traditional succession-retrogression model for site classification and interpretation. Ecological site interpretations are based on vegetation sampling by weight and composition, and other field data collection. Sample data is recorded and managed in the Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) and is analyzed to identify and develop site and suitability group descriptions. ESIS provides data …

Validation Of Arachis Pintoi As A Forage Legume In Commercial Dual Purpose Cattle Farms In Forest Margins Of Colombia, C E. Lascano, G A. Ruiz, J Valasquez, J Rozo

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

An on-farm pilot project was initiated in the Andean piedmont of the Amazon basin in Caquetá, Colombia to determine the contribution of the forage peanut Arachis pintoi (CIAT 17434) introduced in degraded pastures to animal production and soil improvement. Early results show that milk production in dual purpose cattle farms can be increased by 20% with A. pintoi-based pastures. However, to enhance adoption of the legume by farmers there is a need to make adjustments on pasture management and assure supply of high quality seed in the region.

The Evolving International Grassland Congress, L R. Humphreys

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The locations of the International Grassland Congresses are listed. Analysis of the disciplinary themes of papers presented at five Congresses from 1937 to 1993 indicated a considerable homeostasis of content. The plant genetic base for grassland improvement received most attention, and this, together with plant physiology, plant ecology and soil science contributed 52 to 57 per cent of the subject matter at all five Congresses. Emergent topics are mentioned.

Strategies For Forage Research And Transfer In India, R P. Singh, Bhag Mal

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The debate on how to meet the yawning gap of forage and feed (both in terms of quantity and quality) in India has continued since the last decade. This paper is an effort to discuss the feed and forage deficit, harnessing of unexploited resources (arable and non-arable) and the strategies of forage research and extension support for the development of forage and feed sector.

Changes In The Distribution Of Carbohydrates Due To Water Stress And Root-Shoot Ratio As An Index Of Drought Resistance In Ecotypes Of Adesmia Bicolor (Poir.) D.C., B G. Neves-Piestun, Armando Olano, Dan Piestun

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The genera Adesmia, is found in the “El Plata” area. Adesmia bicolor (Poir). D.C. is one of the most common species in Uruguay that belongs to this genera. In this study, three ecotypes were collected from different kinds of environments. Ecotypes 016, 2316 and 7017, came from superficial-soil, clay-soil and sandy soil, respectively. The ecotypes of Adesmia bicolor (Poir.) DC. were studied under water-stress conditions (two levels), during two stages: vegetative phase and beginning of blossom. In both stages, leaf-water potential (LWP), leaf-relative-water content (LRWC), leaf-dry matter (LDM), stem-dry matter (SDM) and root-dry matter (RDM) were measured, while root-shoot ratio …

A Comparison Of Steer Gains On Cunningham Leucaena And Some Alternative Psyllid-Tolerant Shrub Legumes, R J. Jones, B Palmer

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Five shrub legumes, Leucaena leucocephala cv.Cunningham, L. leucocephala cv.Tarramba, L. diversifolia CPI 33820, L. pallida CQ 3439 and Calliandra calothyrsus CPI 115690 were compared for yield and steer gain in comparison to an all-grass control. Shrubs were sown in rows 4 m apart and all treatments, including the control, were sown with the grass Urochloa mosambicensis cv.Nixon. Edible legume yield was highest for L. leucocephala cv.Tarramba and lowest for L. leucocephala cv.Cunningham. In the absence of psyllid attack, liveweight gains over a 5-week period in summer were highest with cv.Cunningham (1170g/d) and lowest for C. calothyrsus (391 g/d) and the …