Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluation Of Quality Factors In Warm Season Forages, Warren G. Monson, Gkenn W. Burton, Wayne W. Hanna

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Improved forage quality is a feasible objective. Coastcross-1 bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., selected for high dry matter digest­ibility, has consistently enhanced the perform­ance of the animals consuming it. Variation in quality factors of other species, particularly Paspalum notatum var. Saurae Parodi and Pennisetum americanum (L.) K. Schum., makes it possible to improve digestibility. Pearl millet varieties with improved animal­production potential have been developed and released for farmer use. The varieties have been selected for higher digestibility and short stature, with reduced stem fractions. The assessment of the digestion of fresh forage permits evaluation of the effects of other factors, …

Study Of The Dynamics Of Flowering, Protein And Fibre Content In Varieties Of Kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus) In Cuba, C M. Puentes, A Mujica, A Hernandez

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The search of sources of protein for animal feed­ing is a very important task the world over. Grasses are the most important sources for animal feeding in the Tropics, their protein and mineral contents are generally low due, among other causes, to climatic conditions. This aspect is a limiting factor in dairy cows. Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) is a tropical plant with high contents of protein and miner­als. It was observed in fields of kenaf sown for fibre purposes that cattle entering these fields ate the plants with pleasure. The work was aimed at studying the dynam­ics of biological …

Intra-Specific Variation Within Trifoliuni Repens L. In Relation To The Early Spring And Late Autumn Growth Of Upland And Marginal Pastures, John H. Ollerenshaw, Willaim S. Stewart, Raad H. Baker

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

There is an urgent need for a better under­standing of the biology of white clover (Tri­folium repens L.) to improve grassland produc­tion in temperate and other regions of the world. Cultivars of this legume are required which can compete with and provide atmos­pherically fixed N for associated grasses in late autumn and early spring. Such cultivars would also improve the quality of the animal diet during these periods of the year. We have collected populations of white clover from northern maritime regions, some of which ap­pear to be frost hardy and adapted to growth at low temperatures. These populations …

Grazing Values Of The Boreal Forest And Tundra Regions, William L. Pringle

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grazing values of the Boreal forest and tundra regions of our world offer a tremendous future potential for the production of red meat. One of the only means we have of efficiently utilizing our northern lands is by grazing animals -that are able to forage over extensive areas. The Boreal forest and tundra biomes of the world occupy about 2. 3 billion ha. This area is equal to 85 % of the total potential arable area of the earth's surface. By far the largest portion occurs in the U.S.S.R. which has 1.2 billion ha of forest and 321 million ha …

The Importance Of Ley Farming For Improving The Forage Basis Of Tropical Africa, V A. Oyenuga

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The concept and practice of including short­duration pasture mixtures or leys in agricultural rotations, particularly for intensive livestock production, are of recent development in tropical Africa. Although mixed farming -the keeping of animals for farm work, producing farmyard manure for the maintenance of soil fertility, and rearing of dairy cows to produce milk for household use - was first introduced as an organized system of settled farming in Nigeria in 1922, intensive animal husbandry, based on intensively maintained pasture mix­tures, be it on a small or large scale, is still in the process of widespread development in many parts of …

Management Of Arid Pastures, Cyrus M. Mckell, Don D. Dwyer

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Arid pasture, natural grazing land, or rangeland are synonymous terms used to describe the extensive areas of open, non-cultivated arid lands over which domestic livestock and wildlife roam in search of feed. These lands are characteristically low in productivity and if managed, the level of management is extensive and based on ecological principles. The term rangeland originated in the United States of America and is gradually gaining usage in other countries to differentiate between intensively managed pastures of humid and sub-humid regions, and the open steppes, deserts, shrub­lands and dry non-commercial forested lands which, in addition to grazing, provide non­consumptive …

New Objectives And Modern Methods Of Forage Grass Breeding In The German Democratic Republic, Heinrich Baudis

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objectives of forage grass breeding in the GDR are derived from the social development processes which, in socialist agriculture, find their expression in further intensification, concentration and spezialization of plant and animal production. New aspects which have been recognized only recently, for example, positive response to intensification measures, suitability for industrialized production me­thods, increased yield stability and improved quality in addition to a higher yielding poten­tial, have the decisive say in the breeding tar­gets. The most important traits and properties from the breeder's point of view are dealt with in detail. Explanations on practical breeding work and on some …

Possibilities Of Dry Matter Production From Forage Plants Under Different Climatic Conditions, Th Alberda

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

On the basis of the gross photosynthesis of closed green grass swards the net potential dry herbage production of permanent pastures is calculated for the climatic and soil conditions for the so-called broad soil regions and summa­rized per continent. The values thus obtained form the upper level of dry herbage production to be reached on the prevailing permanent pas­ture area. Subsequently the minimum level of dry herb­age production is calculated, based on data on the production of marketed secondary prod­ucts as meat and milk. Since not all these secondary products are marketed and since not all the herbage produced is …

Influence Of Feeding On Health And Productivity Of Ruminants, Alexander Sommer

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

As to the utilization of plant matter not suited for direct consumption by man, ruminants are of outstanding importance. This fact is related with the function of their specific stom­ach system. The paper discusses the microbial protein synthesis from NPN compounds. When 50 per cent of digestible crude protein required by fattening cattle were replaced, daily live weight gains of 997 g were reached; beef quality was not affected. Similarly favourable results were obtained with dairy cows when replacing by NPN compounds 50 to 100 per cent of extracted meals. Further on, the problem of crude-fibre diges­tion in connection with …

Assessing Integrated Pest Management Protocols For The Invasive Aquatic Weed Giant Salvinia (Salvinia Molesta), Samantha Lee Prinsloo

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) is free-floating aquatic fern that originates from South America. Through human introduction, giant salvinia has escaped its native range and is listed as an invasive species across multiple continents causing negative socio-economic and environmental impacts. This research aimed to expand our understanding of integrated pest management for controlling giant salvinia by combining chemical and biological control. The objectives were to assess the effects of rainfastness, carrier volume, and growth stage on herbicide efficacy, assess augmented biological control and optimal weevil release densities, assess weevil populations in the field, determine herbicide and surfactant toxicity to …

Field Trials Report 2025: Wa Farming Systems Project (Daw2204-003rtx), Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Farm Systems and Economics research reports

In 2025 the Western Australian Farming Systems Project continued its program of field trials, from Northampton in the north to Wittenoom Hills in the south, to address our project outputs; investigate diversity within farming systems, evaluate changes in sowing opportunities, identify profitable low greenhouse gas emission options and monitor crown rot following diverse crop sequences.

Fungal Diversity In Lespedeza Cuneata Roots, Gwendolyn Happ, Sophia Mcdade, Anthony Yannarell

MICRO-CCS student projects

Background

• Plants form a relationship with fungi that can be beneficial or harmful
• Fungi may grow on the plant surface, within plant tissues, or around roots
• Plants release compounds that invite fungi to their roots and chemicals  that can diminish unwanted fungi

Why Lespedeza cuneata? 

• Invasive that competes with native plants and damages biodiversity within plant and animal communities
• Alters soil microbiome
• Expansive seed bank and deep root system
• Understanding its microbiome can help in understanding invasive species success and ecology

Afforestation Strategies In Semi-Arid Mediterranean Ecosystems: Experimental Evidence From Chmistar, Lebanon, Ahmad Saker, Mohammad Saleh, Wael Mostafa, Safaa Baydoun, Jamilah Borjac, Dalia El-Badan

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

The success rate of broadleaf tree growth in semi-arid Mediterranean environments is reduced in afforestation operations constrained by water scarcity, shallow soil depth, and intense competition from herbaceous vegetation. This study, conducted between 2022 and 2024 in Chmistar, East Lebanon, using a completely randomized block design, aimed to evaluate the impact of three planting broadleaf trees techniques (traditional digging pits , hoedad tools, and auger digging) and four effective vegetation control (herbicide application, mowing,  mulching, and no control) on the early growth of three native broadleaf tree species (Pistacia palaestina, Quercus calliprinos, and Quercus infectoria ).

The …

The Multifaceted Medicinal Properties Of Momordica Charantia: Insights Into Phytochemistry And Therapeutic Applications, Maham Ashfaq, Haroon Ur Rashid, Javaria Ashfaq, Shazia Ramzan, Fatma Hussain

Journal of Bioresource Management

Momordica charantia (bitter melon) is a significant medicinal plant, having been long used in traditional medicine in Asian, African and South American systems. M. charantia is more than a traditional medicine; by consolidating existing evidence, it is a promising source of drug discovery and can serve as a complementary in contemporary therapeutics. Over the last several decades, it has become the subject of contemporary biomedical studies due to its abundance of phytochemicals, such as saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and polypeptides. These bioactive compounds present a wide range of pharmacological processes that M. charantia can be a natural solution to some of …

Impact On Energy Budgets In Grassland Production And Conservation Of Possible Production Of Energy From Biomass Crops, R J. Wilkins

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

There is commonly a conflict between output/unit of area of land and output/unit of support-energy (SE) input. The possibil­ity of using a proportion of the total land area for biomass energy production suggests an approach for calculating grassland out­put/ha unconfounded with differences in SE input. Output can be calculated for an area of land that is devoted to grassland and biomass energy crops in proportions that result in a net demand for SE of zero. Outputs of utilized metabolizable energy (UME) are related to inputs of SE for (1) grazed grass with high application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer and (2) …

Efficiency Of Dairying Under Contrasting Feeding And Management Systems In North America, Israel, Europe, And New Zealand, J.D. J. Scott

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Four different systems of feeding and managing dairy cattle are seen in major milk-producing countries. These are (1) feeding purchased roughages and concentrates to zero-grazed, intensively penned cows; (2) home growing of roughages and most con­centrates for zero-grazed animals; (3) feeding concentrates with conserved pasture and other roughages in winter and reduced concentrates to grazed cattle in spring-summer; and (4) feeding cattle on grazed pasture and conserved pasture throughout the year. The following data on the four systems were obtained from examples in southern California, Wisconsin, England/Wales, and New Zealand. Average fat-corrected milk (FCM)/cow is approximately 7,140, 5,300, 4,670, and …

Potential Contribution Of White Clover To The Economics And Support-Energy Inputs Of Grass-Based Beef-Production Systems, T A. Stewart, R E. Haycock, A S. Laidlaw

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Biological output, gross margins, and efficiency of support-energy usage in an 18-month beef-production system on grass-white clover swards receiving either 50 kg N/ha stocked at 3.3 head/ha (low N) or 300 kg N/ha stocked 4.5 head/ha (high N) were compared. To date, two production cycles (1977-1979 and 1978-1980) at two sites have been completed. Mean live-weight and carcass gains/ha were, respectively, 17.5% and 14% higher from the high-N than from the low-N system. Gross margin/head was higher from the high-N system in the first production cycle but not in the second. In the low-N system as com· pared with the …

An Evaluation Of The Black Walnut- Tall Fescue Pasture-Management System, H E. Garrett, W B. Kurtz

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The economic and biological feasibility. of a black walnut-livestock-grazing multicropping-management regime bas been evaluated for comparison with a similar livestock-management regime conducted in the open. Pure tall fescue plots were established under open and black walnut-shade conditions. Forage yields on a dry-weight basis were estimated for a 3-year period. A concurrent grazing trial was co􀀌ducted on similar sites using 1.2-ha plots. Black walnut seedlings were planted within the plots on a 3 x 12-m spacing and protected from grazing animals by electric fencing. The economic analyses of the alternate grazing systems were based on their respective present net worth and …

Economic Analysis Of The Impact Of Management Decisions On Production And Use Of Silage For A Dairy Enterprise, A J. Corrall, H D. St. C Neal, I M. Wilkinson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The aim of this work was to examine the influence of variations in grass management and methods of ensiling on the economics of milk production for autumn-calving cows. A simulation model was developed to combine knowledge of plant and animal responses and their interactions in order to calculate the effects of management options on economic balances. Input data were compiled for herbage production from cut­ting strategies that gave herbage at four digestibilities, at two levels of applied nitrogen, and in three climates. Experimental evidence was also collated to construct matrices of loss of dry matter and changes in digestibility and …

Effective Training For International Students, G W. Thomas

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The observations made in this paper are based upon contacts with international students, both in the U.S. and in many other countries. Two of the most serious problems in increasing world food production in the developing world are (1) lack of trained people, and (2) technology transfer. A third constraint, inadequate research, is also critical but not of the magnitude of the other two, since there is a great amount of research information available that is not being adequately ut:ilized. Training needs fall into two general categories in which deficiencies are obvious: (1) graduate-level programs, particularly in the applied fields …

West Virginia University Allegheny Highlands Project: A Ten-Year Experiment In Technology Transfer, B S. Baker, P E. Lewis, E K. Inskeep, R H. Maxwell

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

West Virginia's livestock industry is characterized by relatively small units located predominantly on rough terrain not suited to highly mechanized or intensive agriculture. As a result of changes in West Virginia agriculture during the last 40 years, there has been a reduction in support from agribusiness, marketing alternatives, and profitability. Some agriculturalists contend that if present technology were adopted, beef and sheep farms in mountainous regions could be profitable and could contribute to the local economy. The objective of the Allegheny Highlands Project (AHP) was to test the effectiveness of a method for delivering technological information to farmers to promote …

Grassland Societies In Manitoba, G Bonnefoy

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Farmers with forage and livestock problems were organized into grassland societies and cooperated with extension staff sup­plied by 􀀇anitoba Agriculture. The purpose of the grassland societies is to improve by demonstration the traditional manage­ment practices used by livestock producers for pastures and forage production for beef and dairy herds. Results over 5 years were clearly positive. Significant improvements were noted in both field and animal husbandry practices. The experience confirmed the principles of the diffusion-adoption process and its application to adult extension education.

Pasture Demonstrations For Beef: Agronomic Considerations, N P. Martin, P R. Hasbargen, R L. Arthaud, G J. Sullivan

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Beef cattle supply a major portion of farm income of northern Minnesota, but the major resource supporting this enterprise, forage, is vastly underutilized. A 5-year on-the-farm demonstration was conducted by the Agricultural Extension Service of the University of Minnesota and the Upper Great Lakes Regional Commission to improve income in this area by improving man­agement of the beef enterprise.

We compared one or two improved pasture systems with an unimproved permanent grass pasture composed predominantly of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), system A, on each of six ranches. Improved systems included use of a cool-season grass fertilized with 138 kg …

Optimizing The Use Of Grazed Dryland Pasture In Western Oregon, T E. Bedell

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

When they are properly fertilized, western Oregon dryland pastures of subterranean dover with grasses such as perennial rp:g:rass, tall fescue, and resident annuals produce total annual dry-matter yields averaging 6,500 kg/ha. Some sites are capable of over 9,000 kg/ha. Optimum use of this forage is complicated by its highly seasonal availability. Over 50 % of the total growth occurs from late April to mid-June. Only about 10% takes place during autumn-early winter, and virtually none occurs during summer. Research shows livestock weight gains from 300 to over 700 kg/ha can be expected depending upon pasture mixture and kind of grazing …

Growing Beef Cattle On Native Pasture Oversown With The Legume Fine-Stem Stylo In Subtropical Australia, K G. Rickert, G M. Mckeon, J H. Prinsen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Fine-stem stylo (FSS), Stylosanthes guianensis var. lntermedia, is a perennial legume suitable for sowing into native Heteropogon contortus pastures on well-drained soils in southeastern Queensland. A grazing system is described that aims to maintain a productive FSS pasture and grow steers to 480 kg live weight at 27 months of age. This goal requires gains of 300 kg/steer in 20 months after weaning. Results from a short-term field study of the system were analyzed for long-term repeatabil­ity using a simple model that predicted animal production from stocking rate and weather records. The system was studied near Gayndah, Queensland, on 11.3 …

Development Of Legume-Based Pastures For Beef Production In Dry Tropical Areas Of Northern Australia, J G. Mcivor, R J. Jones, C J. Gardener, W H. Winter

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A program designed to select pasture legume species suitable for beef cattle grazing in the 500-1,500 mm annual rainfall zone of northern Australia is described. A detailed study of members of the genus Stylosanthes, involving spaced-plant studies and small-scale cutting trials at a number of sites, identified a number of persistent, high-yielding accessions. Animal-production studies have shown that the introduction of a legume into native pasture generally results in an increase in carrying capacity, although production/head may not increase unless superphosphate is applied. The Stylosanthes accessions can produce moderate to high yields without superphosphate, and only small applications of superphosphate …

Development Of A Pasture Research Program For The Tropical Savanna Region Of Brazil, D Thomas, C P. Moore, W Couto, R P. De Andrade, C.M C. Da Rocha, D T. Gomes

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The tropical savannas (cerrados) of west central Brazil contain almost 40% of the nation's cattle population. However, the low productivity and nutritive value of the native pastures is a serious limitation to cattle production. To improve the nutrition of the grazing animal, a research program has been developed with emphasis on the integrated use of cultivated pastures. The program aims (1) to select species adapted to the cerrados, (2) to determine their nutrient requirements, and (3) to develop methods of establishment and utilization. The program is being conducted at the Cerrados Agricultural Research Center (CP AC) at lat 15°S. Rainfall …

Advances In Pasture Research And Development In Santa Cruz, Bolivia, R T. Paterson, C R. Horrell

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Cattle production is important in Santa Cruz but is low in productivity, due in part to low grazing value of natural pastures, particularly in the dry season. Other constraints to cattle production include low land values, poor management, high cost of in­puts, and relatively low product prices. This program is aimed at providing higher-quality, low-cost pastures for complemen­tary use within traditional grazing systems. Improved introduced species were identified for five agro-ecological zones, and commercial seed production of the following was encouraged: Petri guineagrass (Panicum maximum), Brachiaria decumbens, buf­felgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris), glycine (Neonotonia wightii, formerly Grycine wightii), Archer axillaris (Macroryloma axillare), …

Pasture Research Results In The Brazilian Amazon, E.A S. Serrao

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Natural upland savanna grasslands are represented mainly by well-drained savannas, with the cerrado type predominant, and by poorly drained savannas with the campo alto-type being the most common. The main limitations are low forage­production potential and, especially, low forage quality. About 3 million ha of rain forest has been replaced by improved pastures of guineagrass (Panicum maximum, 80% ), jaraguagrass (Hyparrhenia rufa, 10% ), and Brachiaria spp. and other grasses (10% ). During the first few years after establish­ment, pastures are productive. However, with time, a gradual decline of productivity occurs, especially in P. maximum pastures. About 0.5 million ha …

Pasture Research Project In The Brazilian Amazon, H M. Saito, H W. Koster, E.J A. Khan, D F. Winslow, A M. Hollick, P M. Paollichi, A C. Costa, F A. Rolim

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The procedure for pasture establishment in the Brazilian Amazon has been to cut down and burn forest and then to seed guineagrass (Panicum maximum L.). Under normal management, animal production has dropped significantly as pastures have deteriorated and have been invaded by weeds. A dearth of knowledge of climate, soils, and plant species; the manner in which pastures have been planted and managed; and a complete absence of fertilization have led to overgrazing and complete degrada­tion of the pastures. This study was undertaken to identify soil problems, adapted forage species, pasture-management practices, and ways of regenerating pastures. Two regions …