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Diurnal Variation In Forage Nutrient Composition And Metabolic Parameters Of Horses Grazing Warm-Season, Perennial Grass-Legume Mixed Pastures, A. C. Vasco, J. Dubeux, L. Sollenberger, M. Wallau, E. Santos, J. Lance, L. Warren, C. Wickens

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Although warm-season, grass-legume mixed pastures have improved nutritive value and may reduce negative environmental impacts relative to nitrogen-fertilized grass monocultures, no study has been done to evaluate their effect on diurnal variation of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) and other nutrients, and on the metabolic responses observed in horses’ blood and fecal samples. This 2-yr study aimed to investigate the circadian variation in nutrient composition and the fecal and blood metabolic responses in horses grazing these pastures. Forage, fecal, and blood samples were collected every 28 days at 0600, 1200, 1800, and 0000 h, in two years, for measurement of diurnal variation …

Herbage Responses And Performance Of Mature Horses Grazing Warm-Season Perennial Grass-Legume Mixed Pastures, A. C. Vasco, E. R. Santos, J. Lance, J. Dubeux, L. Sollenberger, M. Wallau, C. Wickens, L. Warren

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Legume-grass mixtures may be a useful alternative to nitrogen-fertilized grass monocultures, but pasture and animal responses have not been assessed for pastures grazed by horses in Florida. This 2-yr study compared pasture and horse responses of continuously stocked, mixed pastures of rhizoma peanut (RP, Arachis glabrata Benth) and bahiagrass (BG, Paspalum notatum Flüggé) receiving 30 kg nitrogen (N)/ha (RP-BG) compared with BG pastures fertilized with 120 kg/N ha (BG-N) or with no N (BG-No N). Herbage mass was similar among treatments in 2020 and for most evaluation days in 2019. In 2019, stocking rate (AU/ha) was greater in …

Integrating Plant Secondary Metabolites And Foraging Behavior To Enhance Animal Health In Ruminant Production Systems, J. J. Villalba, J. W. Macadam, S. Van Vliet, F. D. Provenza

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Legumes and forbs contain bioactives or plant secondary compounds (PSC) with potential to enhance animal health through their antibiotic, antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties that are evident even at small dietary concentrations. In turn, ruminants can regulate their ingestion of PSC through behavioral mechanisms that allow for the efficient achievement of homeostasis. High concentrations of PSC lead to food avoidance, whereas lower content of PSC in the diet achieved through regulatory mechanisms of ingestion could promote medicinal and/or prophylactic effects in the animal and concomitant health benefits to milk and meat products. Under this context, we discuss the restructuring of rangelands …

The Effect Of Spring Grass Availability On Dry Matter Intake Of Early Lactation Dairy Cows, S. Walsh, Z. C. Mckay, M. Egan

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Spring grass availability has a major impact on dry matter intake (DMI) of dairy cows during early lactation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of opening farm cover (OFC) on DMI during early lactation. A twelve week experiment, which was split into two 6 week periods (Period 1 (Week 1 – 6) and period 2 (Week 7 – 12), was conducted over a two year period. A high and low OFC were established for two treatment groups; 1253 kg DM/ha (High grass = HG) and 887 kg DM/ha (Low grass = LG). Animals were randomly assigned …

The Hindgut Microbiome Of Grazing Horses, J. R. Weinert, C. A. Williams

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The hindgut microbiome plays an essential role in horses consuming forage-based diets high in fiber, such as pasture. The equine hindgut harbors a large microbial community that ferments dietary fiber and produces by-products which provide a substantial portion of daily energy requirements. Despite the importance in nutrition and health, research evaluating the hindgut microbiome of grazing horses is relatively limited. Grazing horse microbiome research has primarily focused on inter-diet comparisons with mixed diets including concentrates as well as with other forms of forage. Recent research has begun to explore responses of the gut microbiome to different pasture forage species and …

Horse And Pasture Responses To Stocking Methods: Rotational Versus Continuous, C. A. Williams, J. R. Weinert-Nelson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Rotational grazing management offers potential advantages for economic and environmental sustainability, as well as for horse health. Rotational grazing has the potential to increase pasture yields and available forage for grazing, and therefore reduce supplemental feed costs. A rotational grazing management strategy can also prevent or mitigate negative effects of overgrazing, with implications for pasture productivity and the environment. Overgrazing can reduce vegetative cover over time, increasing the potential for erosion and nutrient run-off. Overgrazing may also result in long-term decreased forage stand persistence and weed invasion, necessitating more frequent pasture renovation. All of this can negatively impact the horse’s …

Challenges Of Stray Cattle On Integrated Crop-Forage Resources In India, Pal Mahendra Singh

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Field survey was conducted covering 1000 residents of district Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand states of India in January 2022 including farmers, school teachers, students and residents of town and cities to study the ‘challenges and threats of stray animals on crop-forage resources in India. The survey indicated that 97.5, 75.6, 60.0, 77.8%, and 68.9 respondents had strong opinion that stray cattle were the serious threat to crops-forage resources, biodiversity, road accidents, transmitting harmful diseases and human-wildlife conflict, respectively, while 85.5, 67.7, 62.7,76.2 and 70.5% respondents gave their consent to solve stray cattle by opening of cowsheds, strict government policies, mass …

Optimizing Production Technology For Sustainable Organic Fodder Production And Soil Health In Indo-Gangetic Plains Of India, Pal Mahendra Singh

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Field experiment was carried at Instructional Dairy Farm, G B Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar (India) during 2020-21 and 2021-22 to optimize the production technology for sustainable organic fodder production and soil health in Indo-Gangetic plains of India. Among the organic production systems, application of vermicompost @ 5 t/ha gave the highest fodder yield, gross return and net return but the B:C ratio was derived highest from zero budget natural farming. Among the Kharif crops grown in different cropping systems, BN hybrid intercropped with cowpea gave the significant higher green and dry fodder yield, gross return, net return …

The Combined Role Of Microbes And Forages In Animal Productivity, K. Panke-Buisse

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Agricultural systems, particularly ruminant systems, are underpinned by diverse, functional microbial communities—in the soil, forage, silo, and rumen. We have relied on the jobs they perform on our behalf, but only recently have we been able to look “under the hood” at the membership and mechanisms within these microbiomes and begin to think about optimization. Ensiling is a common method of forage preservation globally and represents a highly intensive intersection between forage and microbiology, which has been shown to have beneficial effects on forage quality and dairy animal performance. However, observations of enhanced productivity, especially in the context of inoculated …

Determining ‘Wether’ Social Behaviour Or Pasture Quality Drives Sheep Grazing Patterns Using Random Forest Modelling, D. J. Parnell, L. Ingram, J. Edwards

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Monitoring livestock provides valuable insights into the spatial distribution, foraging patterns, and animal behaviour, which may lead to the improved management of livestock. This objective of study was to understand what variables were significant in determining where sheep spent the most time in paddocks of native (dominated by Poa spp., Stipa spp., and Hordeum leporinum), and improved (Phalaris aquatica, Festuca spp., and Trifolium subterraneum) pastures (~24 ha-1 in size). Castrated male sheep, wethers, were tracked using GPS collars on a property located in the Monaro region of Southern New South Wales, Australia. Trials were performed over …

Smallholder Zebu And Forage Production Development In Central Madagascar, L. Randriamanalina, M. S. Vorontsova, M. T. Rajaonah, O. P. Nanjarisoa, C. E. R. Lehmann, D. Miharinjanahary, H. N. S. Ratovoarinjaka, A. Bendrainy, C. Rijaniaina, A. M. Rabendrina, D. Rabeharison, B. F. Rakotozafy, F. Rakotoarison, D. Tahirinirainy, T. Randriamboavonjy, H. Ralimanana, J. Raharimampionona, C. Birkinshaw, W. Truter

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Poverty in the Central Highlands of Madagascar is partly driven by inefficient exploitation of native forages and poor livestock nutrition. Zebus are of importance as cultural symbols, but this tradition has grown disconnected from agricultural policy. This project is working with three central highland communities near the protected areas of Itremo, Ibity and Ankafobe, to boost rangeland productivity and trial management methods which will support key forage grasses and improve livestock nutrition. A severe nitrogen deficiency compounded by extremely acidic soil conditions and low phosphorus is observed across the three sites. The lowest grazing capacity of an estimated 0.7 livestock …

Dry Season Feeding Strategies And Winter Forage Production By Communal Area Sheep Farmers Of The Eastern Cape Province In South Africa, B. Moyo, K. E. Ravhuhali

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Experimental research into the possibility of employing winter forages as a low-cost, high-quality winter supplement has produced promising outcomes. The extent, challenges, and mitigation strategies of communal farmers involved in winter fodder production in the Eastern Cape are unknown. This study examines farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of winter fodder production, its difficulties, and perceived advantages for communal sheep farmers. The study was carried out in the Swartwater communal area of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Thirty-two sheep farmers who cultivate winter forage were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Using SPSS 17, descriptive statistics were produced for the …

Harvesting Site Influenced The Concentration Level Of Nitrogen And Mineral Status Of Woody Species In Semi-Arid Areas Of South Africa, K. E. Ravhuhali, H. S. Mudau, H. K. Mokoboki, B. Moyo, L. E. Motsei

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Feed shortages in semi-arid areas cause a major set-back for livestock production. An understanding of the nutritive value of woody species in most parts of savanna regions can be vital to predicting what these species can offer for livestock productivity. The study assessed the variation in nitrogen and mineral concentration of leaves of woody species as influenced by harvesting site in South Africa. The study sites were communal areas in Limpopo and North West provinces. A total of 52 browse species were selected and used for this study. All statistical tests showed that there was a significant effect of species …

Winter Herbage Mass Accumulation And Animals Grazing Days Of Set Stocking Or Cell Grazing Dairy X Beef Systems In Southwest England, M. J. Rivero, Sarah Morgan, Maite Fajardo, G. Irisarri, P. Chilibroste

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Cell grazing (CG) has shown to increase the production per hectare by allowing higher stocking rates, greater grass production and higher herbage utilisation throughout the grazing season compared to set stocking (SS). Our objective was to compare the herbage growth rate during winter resting (WHGR, October/November to April) and the animals grazing days per ha (AGD-ha) of CG and SS systems grazed by dairy x beef steers. Three 1.75ha (1.5ha in 2018) plots and three 1.0ha were used for the SS and CG, respectively. Forty-two and 48 autumn born dairy x beef steer calves were split into six equal groups …

Operational Model Of The Alliance For Grassland Renewal, C. A. Roberts, J. G. Andrae

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Novel endophyte tall fescue was developed over 20 years ago, and novel endophyte cultivars are among the most innovative cultivars developed in recent decades. Yet adoption of novel endophyte technology is slow. In order to expedite adoption, a diverse group of stakeholders self assembled as the Alliance for Grassland Renewal, a nonprofit organization that includes colleagues from the sectors of industry, university, government, and production. Since 2012, the Alliance has held workshops for producers, educators, and industry across the southeastern US, where tall fescue is the predominant pasture grass. Also since 2012, the Alliance has monitored and reported endophyte purity …

Economic Value Of Improving Feed Efficiency Of Beef Cows On Pasture, J. T. Biermacher, J. K. Rogers, D. Lalman, A. Holder, R. S. Walker

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Dry matter intake of beef cows is based on a percentage of body weight, so as mature cow size increases, intake increases. Feed efficiency, or the amount of feed required to produce gain or maintain production, has a direct impact to the producer. That is, as mature cow weight increases, yearly maintenance costs increases due to higher feed costs. However, variation in feed efficiency exists within population. Some large cows consume the same or less dry matter as a smaller cow, but produce a larger calf. Conversly, some smaller cows consume the same or more as a large cow but …

The Effects Of Grazing Cover Crops On Animal Performance And Soybean Production, J. Brett Rushing, Rocky Lemus, J. G. Maples, J. C. Lyles

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grazing cover crops has the potential to offset costs incurred with cover crop establishment, thus incentivizing management adoption. Information regarding cover crop species in combination with grazing and their subsequent effects on soybean production is limited. A field trial was conducted in Newton, MS from 2019 to 2021 to assess these effects. Cover crop treatments included oats (O), O + crimson clover (OC), and OC + radish (OCR) were applied in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Cover crops differed in nutritive analysis; O had significantly lower mean CP, but greater total daily nutrients (TDN). Weaned beef steers …

Spring Triticale Forage Yield And Nutritive Value As Affected By Location And Maturity In Wisconsin, Y. Newman, K. Jarek, P. Holman, M. Akins, E. Schreifer, R. Zogbaum

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Spring triticale (X Triticosecale Wittm.) has a nutritional value that is like other spring cereal grain forages and presents a wide range in value and potential for ruminant feed (Emile et al. 2007). As varieties are improved, they may compete with oats as a spring forage source. A multi-location evaluation was conducted during 2021 in Wisconsin (Spooner, Marshfield and Lancaster) to evaluate spring triticale varieties harvested at two maturities (boot and mature stage) for yield and nutritive value. Treatments included six spring triticale varieties (AR-1, AR-2, AR-3, AR-4 and a local oat (WI-O) and triticale (WI-T) variety. Response variables measured …

Design And Management Of Saltbush-Based Forage Systems To Improve Productivity And Reproductive Performance Of Sheep, H. C. Norman, M. G. Wilmot, D. G. Masters, D. Blache, S. K. Maloney, S. N. Hancock

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

There is evidence that effective shelter can significantly improve lamb survival, but the majority of Australian studies have occurred in small paddocks where the ewes had no choice but to use shelter. In mixed farming systems with large open paddocks, it is unclear if ewes will choose to use shelter for lambing. Our multidisciplinary collaboration examines the use of woody shrubs as an opportunity to improve the survival of twin lambs. In a series of large experiments on commercial farms, we will evaluate the impact of different shrub planting configurations, orientations, and densities on microclimates at the sub-paddock scale. Twin-bearing …

Environmental Co-Benefits Of Improved Forages In Smallholder Dairy Systems Of Kenya, A. Notenbaert, S. Mwendia, S. Burkart, P. Karimi, E. Mwema

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Livestock play a major role across Kenya, especially in smallholder mixed farms through provision of household nutrition and income through milk and meat. Equally, fertilization of cropland benefits from livestock manure, and livestock often act as insurance and saving. Despite the opportunities and benefits livestock production presents, livestock systems are also key drivers of environmental degradation, including increased nutrient loads, GHG emissions, water use, grassland degradation and land-use conversion. Low livestock productivity, largely due to use of low-quality crop residues and natural grasses often not endowed with nutrients key for animal performance, limits the potential positive contributions of livestock and …

Performance Of Finishing Nellore Beef Steers In Intensively Managed Pastures And Silvopastoral Systems In Southeast Of Brazil, P. P. A. Oliveira, Neto R. Pasquini, G. S. Pádua, L. H. C. Junior, R. Vechi, A. J. Furtado, G. V. Silva, A. A. Lobo, A. L. Abdalla-Filho, A. F. Pedroso, P. H. M. Rodrigues

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This study evaluated the average daily weight gain (ADG), stocking rates, and live weight gain per hectare (LWG) in different intensified animal production systems. The experiment was carried out from September 2020 to September 2021 at Embrapa Southeast Livestock, São Carlos, SP, Brazil. Thirty Nellore steers (285±21 kg of live weight and 12±13 months old) were randomly distributed into five treatments, with two replicates: 1) intensively managed and irrigated Megathyrsus maximus cv. Tanzânia pasture overseeded in the dry season with Avena byzantina and Lolium multiflorum (IHS); 2) intensively managed rainfed M. maximus cv. Tanzânia pasture (RHS); 3) intensively managed rainfed …

Forage Intake Of Nellore Steers Grazing A Cajanus CajanLegume-Grass Intercropped Pasture, P. P. A. Oliviera, A. J. Furtado, J. F. Bruno, Neto R. Pasquini, G. V. Da Silva, A. A. Lobo, A. L. Abdalla-Filho, F. Perna Junior, T. C. Alves, S. R. Medeiros, A. F. Pedroso, P. H. M. Rodrigues

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This study evaluated forage, supplement, and total (forage + supplement) dry matter intake (DMI, expressed as kg/day and as percentage of average live weight, %ALW) of Nellore steers in different production systems, including a Cajanus cajan (Pigeon pea) legume-grass intercropped pasture by using external (titanium dioxide, TiO2) and internal (indigestible neutral detergent fiber, iNDF) markers. The experiment was carried out at Embrapa Southeast Livestock, São Carlos, SP, Brazil, in the rainy (January) and dry (July) seasons of 2021. Eighteen animals Nellore steers were randomly distributed into three treatments with three replications (1.5 ha paddocks each): 1) degraded pasture of Urochloa …

Theobroma Cacao Pod Silage Diets; Effect On Mineral And Anti-Nutrients Utilization By Goats, O. B. Omotoso, Adebowale N. Fajemisin, J. A. Alokan

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A 63-day study was conducted to evaluate the mineral and anti-nutrients utilization and weight gain by west African dwarf goats fed Theobroma cacao pod silage diets. Cocoa pod husk used was collected, crushed to 2 cm particle size, divided into 4 equal portions, and ensiled differently with synthetic and non-synthetic fertilizer for 28 days under anaerobic conditions to increase the nutrients. Thereafter the ensiled products were dried and incorporated with other convectional feed ingredients at fixed amount to make four diets to feed twenty-four goats (six goats per treatment). Nutrient, mineral and anti-nutrient composition were assayed; sex effect on intake …

Livestock Production And Economic Implications From Augmenting Degraded Rangeland With Atriplex Halimus And Salsola Vermiculata In Northwest Syria, A. E. Osman, F. Bahhadi, N. Hassan, F. Ghassali, T. Al Ibrahim

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Three stocking rates (low: one sheep 2.25 ha-1, medium: one sheep 1.5 ha-1 year-1 and high: one sheep 0.75 ha-1 year-1) were studied for 7 seasons (1990/91-1996/97) on native range and on pasture over sown with fodder shrubs at Maragha, northwest Syria. There were 8 Awassi sheep in each stocking rate treatment, and the treatments were replicated 3 times in fenced paddocks. Milk yield, lamb production, live weight and supplementary feeding of the sheep were monitored. The results showed significantly higher forage availability on the range over-sown with fodder shrubs by 82% and 41% in the medium and high rainfall …

Feeds And Forages Intervention Strategies For Improved Livestock Nutrition And Productivity In The Northwest Highlands Of Vietnam, M. Atieno, T. B. N. Trần, V. T. Bùi, T. T. Mai, A. Duncan, S. Douxchamps, M. Peters

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Livestock production in Vietnam is critical for livelihoods particularly for ethnic minorities in the Northwest Highlands (NWH). Improved livestock management and productivity can be achieved through better feed management and increased cultivation of improved forages, to meet animal nutrition demand. This study aimed at assessing feed intervention strategies to address context-specific feed-related challenges, mainly winter feed shortage in Mai Son district, Son La province, Vietnam. Feed interventions included promotion of improved forages (grasses and legumes) and capacity building on animal nutrition techniques including feed preservation, feed mix and feeding regimes for cattle and pigs. Willing farmers selected from a list …

Biodiverse Forage Mixtures For Bees And Beef Cattle, J. O. C. Kubesch, S. P. Greiner, G. J. Pent, J. L. Reid, B. F. Tracey

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Introduction: Beef cattle performance in the southeastern US is limited by tall fescue (TF) toxicosis. Native warm season grasses (NWSGs) can provide alternative forage for cattle and reduce TF toxicosis. Pollinator populations, especially bees, also have been declining across North America. Introducing native wildflowers into tall fescue grasslands might improve pollinator populations. An ongoing grazing experiment in central Virginia USA is testing the feasibility of integrating wildflowers and native grasses as a way to generate ecosystem services.

Objectives: This study sought to determine whether including native grasses and wildflowers in tall fescue pasture systems could improve beef heifer performance.

Methods: …

Winter Performance Of North American Bos Grunniens Offered Hay Harvested From Different Forage Species, Jeff Lehmkuhler, G. Dike, M. Mccarty

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Bos grunniens or the domesticated yak was brought to North America in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. In Asia, yaks have been observed to lose 25% or more of their body weight over the winter in the high mountain altitudes. Little research has been conducted with the domesticated yak and their nutritional needs. Maintaining positive weight change during the winter is expected to improve the profitability and viability of yak production systems in North America. An on-farm study was conducted near Wellington, KY, USA to investigate the winter performance of yaks and hay type. Four outdoor grass lots approximate …

Warm-Season Annual Grasses As Pinpoint Grazing Opportunities, Rocky Lemus, J. A. White

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

There is a need to determine the use of annual warm-season grasses (AWSGs) such as forage sorghum (FS), millets (M), sudangrass (SG), and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid (SSH) can be integrated for grazing or hay production when utilized with appropriate grazing management strategies. The objective of the study was to screen new cultivars with the potential for resistance to sugar cane aphid (SCA, Melanaphis sacchar) for biomass production and nutritive value in a one-cut system. Treatments consisted of 30 cultivars that included FS, SG, SSH, and millets (M). Treatments were replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. Cultivars influenced …

Tannins In Perennial Legume And Forb Functional Forages, J. Macadam, Juan Villalba, S. Lagrange, E. Stewart, S. Hunt, J. Legako, R. Christensen, R. L. Pitcher, A. Bolletta

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Feed is the greatest input cost for cattle producers. The studies summarized here employed non-bloating, tannin-containing irrigated perennial legume pastures or hay of legumes or a hydrolysable tannin-containing forb that were grown in the Mountain West USA, with non-tannin legume, grass, or feedlot treatments for comparison. Cattle grazing legume pastures or fed legume or forb hays had greater intake, gain and nitrogen retention, and in some cases, reduced enteric methane emissions compared with grass pastures or hay, and methane emissions were not different from feedlot-fed cattle.

Yearling Beef Cattle Grazing Diverse Summer Annual Swards, K. Mercier, Christopher D. Teutsch, S. R. Smith, K. H. Burdine, E. S. Vanzant, E. L. Ritchey

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Utilizing summer annuals is often regarded as “a breakeven proposition at best” due to high establishment costs. This study investigated using botanical diversity to increase forage yield or animal performance to improve the economic feasibility of grazing summer annual forages in western Kentucky, USA. Sorghum-sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor x S. bicolor spp. drummondii)-based treatments included a monoculture, a three-species mixture (two grasses, one legume), and a 12-species mixture (five grasses, four legumes, two brassicas, and one forb). Angus-cross yearling beef calves (329, 366, and 297 kg in 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively) grazed summer annuals in 2017-2019 for an …