Digital Commons Network^™

Higher Glycemic Index And Glycemic Load Diet Is Associated With Slower Disease Progression In Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Ikjae Lee, Hiroshi Mitsumoto, Seonjoo Lee, Edward J. Kasarskis, Michael Rosenbaum, Pam Factor-Litvak, Jeri W. Nieves

Neurology Faculty Publications

Objective: High-caloric diets may slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; however, key macronutrients have not been identified. We examined whether dietary macronutrients are associated with the rate of progression and length of survival among the prospective cohort study participants.

Methods: Participants with a confirmed diagnosis of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis enrolled in the Multicenter Cohort Study of Oxidative Stress were included (n = 304). We evaluated baseline macronutrient intake assessed by food frequency questionnaire in relation to change in revised amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale total- score, and tracheostomy-free survival using linear regression and Cox proportional hazard models. …

Exploring The Role Of Sex In The Association Of Late Chronotype On Cardiorespiratory Fitness, J. Matthew Thomas, Philip A. Kern, Heather M. Bush, Sarah J. Robbins, W. Scott Black, Julie S. Pendergast, Jody L. Clasey

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

Circadian rhythms differ between young adult males and females. For example, males tend to be later chronotypes, preferring later timing of sleep and activity, than females. Likewise, there are sex differences in body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness. Few studies have investigated the association between circadian rhythms, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition. We sought to determine whether chronotype and circadian phase were associated with cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and anthropometric measures in sedentary males and females. Fifty-nine adults participated in the study. Circadian phase and chronotype were measured using dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) and the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) score. We …

Concentrations Of Lead And Arsenic In Mother's Milk And Children's Blood In Peruvian Breastfeeding Dyads., Ana Maria Linares, Amanda Thaxton-Wiggins, Jason M Unrine

Nursing Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Toxic trace elements could enter human milk through mothers' food consumption, drinking water, air, or incidental soil ingestion, and are of concern to the nursing infant.

RESEARCH AIM: To determine the concentration of toxic trace elements (lead and arsenic) in Peruvian mothers' milk and their association with blood concentrations in their own infants 3-20 months old.

METHOD: This exploratory, cross-sectional study, carried out in Peru, included breastfeeding mother/child dyads (N = 40). Following standardized protocols, biospecimens of human milk and child's blood were collected.

RESULTS: Lead and arsenic concentrations in milk were above the method detection limits in …

Effect Of Soil Source And Variety On The Heavy Metal Contents Of Guinea Grass, C. C. Anotaenwere, P. O. Bankole, P. A. Dele, Alaba O. Jolaosho

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the heavy metal content in soils and grasses planted on selected contaminated soils. The study was a 3 x 2 factorial experiment in a completely randomized design comprising of two factors which are: 3 soil sources (i.e., industrial site, dump site and Fadama (a lowland around a river/stream) which was used as the control) and 2 varieties of Megathyrsus maximus (var. Local and Ntchisi) replicated four times. Soils were collected from the three sites and planting was done in a greenhouse. Soil samples were collected before and after planting. Samples of the …

Effect Of Nitrogen Source And Age At Harvest On The In Vitro Digestibility Of Oba Super Ii Maize Fodder, C. C. Anotaenwere, P. A. Dele, F. E. Salawu, B. T. Akinyemi, O. A. Okukenu, Alaba O. Jolaosho

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This experiment was carried out in the Pasture Section of the Directorate of University farms and the laboratory of Department of Pasture and Range Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, to evaluate the effect of nitrogen source (Swine manure, N.P.K. 15:15:15 as well as the control) and age at harvest on the in vitro gas production and digestibility of Oba Super II maize fodder. The experiment was in a split plot design. The nitrogen source was applied at the rate of 120 kgN/ha two weeks after planting. Maize was harvested at 8, 10 and 12 weeks after planting, oven …

Harvest Time Determine Biomass And Nutritive Value Of Forage Soybean In The Northwestern Loess Plateau Of China, An Dong, Jean Marie Vianney Nsigayehe, Y. Y. Shen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Soybean is a critical legume crop, which can be used as high protein forage in a crop-forage rotation system to supplement forage and increase system productivity. According to the actual production demand, selecting a suitable harvest time and the best feeding variety of soybean can provide a theoretical basis for applying forage soybean in a rotation system. In this study, four forage soybean varieties were selected in the Loess Plateau of northwest China. They were harvested on three dates suitable for local rotation conditions, and their biomass and nutritive value were evaluated. At the early harvest (20 August), the nutritive …

Developing A Simple Bioassay For Detection Of Alfalfa Autotoxicity In Field Soils, P. Baisley, K. Cassida, S. Gruss, E. Hill

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Alfalfa autotoxicity causes yield reductions in alfalfa production by inhibiting plant establishment and decreasing plant productivity. Accurate predictions regarding autotoxic potential of the soil in a given field at a given time are an essential tool for alfalfa growers to make appropriate planting decisions. To address this issue, we are developing a soil bioassay that can be conducted as a mail-in soil test for alfalfa growers through plant diagnostic service laboratories. We hypothesize that we will detect differences in seed germination, emergence, root length, and root morphology between control and autotoxic soils. A preliminary trial testing alfalfa field soils and …

Phyllochron And Growth Dynamic Of Lolium Perenne L. And Bromus Valdivianus Phil. As Affected By Soil Ph, Phosphorus And Nitrogen Restriction, Oscar A. Balocchi, M. F. Alonso, I. Calvache

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Permanent grasslands are the main food for livestock production systems in Southern Chile. Therefore, it is essential to develop management tools that optimize the use of pastures. Among these tools, the phyllochron could be a better method to control grazing frequency. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of three levels of soil pH, phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) on the phyllochron and growth dynamic of Lolium perenne and Bromus valdivianus. Nine monophytic mini-swards of each species were established in 125 L containers for three different pH, P and N levels. For one year we measured: …

Mass Production And Morphology Of Marandu Brachiaria Under Different Nitrogen Rates In The Brazilian Savannah, V. L. Banys, A. O. Matos, A. L. Bocchi, I. I. Silva, L. V. D. Ribeiro

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Nitrogen is the nutrient that most contributes to increase forage productivity and quality. The objective was to evaluate Marandu brachiaria submitted to nitrogen doses in the Brazilian savannah through the total and green mass production, leaf:stem and brachiaria:weed ratio. Plots were established in a randomized block design, with four replications and four N doses 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N/ha). After the uniformization cut, the data collect cycles occurred when the canopy reached 30 cm average height. Samples were taken until 15 cm from the ground in an area of 0.25 m². Fractions were separated according botanical …

Grazing Management For Alfalfa Persistence And Productivity In Warm-Climate Regions, D. Basigalup

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Alfalfa is the most important cultivated forage crop in Argentina, where about 3 million hectares are grown. Even though the use of direct grazing is coming down during the last 15 years, it is still important for both beef and dairy production. Alfalfa grazing can play an important role in reducing operative costs and decreasing quality loss due to forage conservation (hay or silage). In this paper, the main concepts necessary to implement adequate and practical rotational grazing systems are briefly discussed. Particular attention is given to issues such as grazing frequency, grazing period, pasture use efficiency, and alfalfa quality …

Amphicarpic Legumes For Tropical Pasture Persistence, R Schultze-Kraft, A Schmidt, H Hohn

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Amphicarpy, by which a plant produces underground seeds in addition to aerial fruits, is found in many plant families and in species of at least 15 legume genera. First studies on the tropical Centrosema rotundifolium and subtropical Macroptilium panduratum revealed for both species, besides their stoloniferous growth habit, two important mechanisms for survival under unfavorable conditions: (1) Underground meristems and reserve organs, and (2) regeneration from a soil seed reserve based on underground, aerial-flowering independent, seed production. Underground seed production was for both species particularly high on very sandy soils, but amphicarpy enables the plants to exhibit a plasticity response …

The Business Case For Healthy Grasslands-Based Agriculture – Economic And Social Implications, E. Bisangwa, Pat D. Keyser

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Native perennial warm-season grasses (NWSGs) of the United States (U.S.) provide valuable summer forage. Studies have shown their potential within grazing systems as a complement to cool-season forages, as well as their benefits to soil biota, wildlife biodiversity, carbon sequestration and their resiliency to extreme drought and flood events. In this paper, we demonstrate that, in addition to these benefits, NWSGs provide important economic value to beef and dairy producers as a hedge against financial risks posed by overreliance on cool-season grasses.

Breeding Forage Grasses For Increased Heat Tolerance To Combat Climate Change, Eric D. Billman, J. S. Morrison, B. S. Baldwin

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The onset of climate change brings many challenges for forage production in the southeastern United States, where it is projected to become hotter and dryer in the next century. To combat this climatic challenge, recurrent phenotypic selection was conducted in growth chambers on annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) to select seedlings that can germinate and survive at temperatures of 40°C. Following three cycles of selection, germination was increased from < 5% to 45% in annual ryegrass, and from 20% to 80% in orchardgrass. The rate of germination also increased, in both species by a factor of 8x that of the base germplasm. Realized heritability also increased by 40 – 45% for each species by the end of the project. This work successfully improved a quantitative trait using recurrent phenotypic selection using growth chambers as a stable environment and provided the basis for combatting climate change in other outcrossing forage species.

Industry Perspectives, Challenges, And Opportunities To Enhance Alfalfa In Warm Climates, J. H. Bouton

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.; aka lucerne) acreage is low in comparison to perennial grasses in warm humid regions. This includes the tropics and subtropics, and in the USA, the Southeastern states. The alfalfa seed industry therefore saw few reasons to target sales and marketing in these regions. This overlooked logical opportunities. In this paper, these opportunities are examined for Southeastern USA. The Southeast contains a majority of beef herd, a high percentage of the dairy herd, and millions of acres suitable for conversion to alfalfa. Alfalfa is also now viewed as the best crop to solve problems inherent with …

Palatability Of Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.) And Orchard Grass (Dactylis Glomerata L.) Silages, R. D. Améndola-Massiotti, J. A. Burgueño, M. Concepción, L. Cruz

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objective was to compare palatability with different methodologies for characterizing silages at Chapingo Autonomous University, México. Eight silages were used resulting from an experiment which evaluated effects of cutting time (08:00 and 14:00), time of wilting (0, 1 and 2 h) and use of lactic bacteria inoculant on properties of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) silages. Organoleptic properties (odor, color, texture, moisture) were assessed by trained observers, using as categories: excellent, good, fair and poor. Dry matter content, CO₂ rate of production and pH were also measured. For the evaluation of …

The Future Of Clovers In Forage Systems And As Cover Crops, J. H. Bouton, John R. Caradus

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Clovers (Trifolium spp.) are the most widely used genera of legumes in forage systems, although only a limited number of the hundreds of perennial and annual species are commercially available. The number of varieties available within each of the main commercial species can be high and demonstrates past breeding achievements. Success relates to any clover’s ability to persist in mixtures with other forage species, across a range of soil types, management systems, and climates, while providing animal nutrition and biologically fixed nitrogen benefits. Uses range from traditional pasture mixtures with grasses to inclusion in multi-species mixtures, and as cover …

Canopy Characteristics And Growth Rate Of Bahiagrass Monoculture And Mixtures With Rhizoma Peanut, N. Caram, Lynn E. Sollenberger, Marcelo O. Wallau, C. H. Wilson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Understanding relationships among canopy light interception (LI), canopy height and structure, and leaf area index (LAI) informs management decisions and can improve efficiency of forage-livestock systems. In a long-term experiment in Florida, USA, we assessed the LI, LAI and sward height relationships of rhizoma peanut (Arachis glabrata Benth., RP)-bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) mixed swards compared with bahiagrass monoculture to determine whether changes in canopy structure affect herbage accumulation (HA) rate due to changes in radiation use. Treatments were arranged in a semi-factorial, split-plot design (r=4). Bahiagrass monoculture and bahiagrass-RP mixtures were whole-plot treatments. Sub-plot treatments were an undefoliated …

Herbage Accumulation And Mass In Massai Grass Plots Mixed With Forage Peanut And Fertilized With Nitrogen, Carlos A. B. Carvalho, M. O. Leal Junior, P. P. Carneiro, J. V. B. Ramos, N. Schultz, J. C. C. Almeida, A. J. Paiva

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objective of this work was to evaluate herbage accumulation and mass during the growing season of Massai grass mixed with peanut forage and fertilized with nitrogen. The work was carried out at Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 11/2021 to 03/2022. A randomized block experimental design was used, in plots of Massai grass Megathyrsus maximus, in a factorial arrangement, with seven replications. Four treatments formed by the combination of the presence or absence of Archis pintoi and nitrogen fertilization (0 and 50 kg ha^-1 of N). Canopy heights of the plots were evaluated weekly …

Brs Sarandi: A New Andropogon Gayanus Cultivar For Tropical Pastures, Marcelo A. Carvalho, C. E. F. Lazarini, Allan K. B. Ramos, Gustavo J. Braga, Claudio T. Karia

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

BRS Sarandi is adapted to low and medium fertility soils. It has a medium-high height, with a semi-erect growth habit and a high total number of tillers. The annual productivity of dry matter is 11 t ha-1, concentrated in the rainy season (90%). Of the total DM produced, 60% are leaves. The levels of crude protein (CP), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) are, on average, 8.7, 56.5, 66.7 and 38.2%, respectively. . The average daily weight gain was 0.7 kg/head/day, the gain per was and 1.7 kg ha-1 day with …

Mass Production And Morphology Of Brauna Brachiaria Under Different Nitrogen Rates In The Brazilian Savannah, E. A. Collao-Saenz, M. F. P. Carvalho, P. S. Ribeiro, R. A. De O. Rodrigues, T. A. Cavalcante

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Nitrogen is the nutrient that most contributes to increase forage productivity and quality. The objective was to evaluate Brauna brachiaria (Urochloa brizantha cv. Brauna) submitted to nitrogen doses in the Brazilian savannah through the total and green mass production, leaf:stem and brachiaria:weed ratio. Plots were established in a randomized block design, with four replications and four N doses 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N/ha). After the uniformization cut, the data collect cycles occurred when the canopy reached 30 cm average height. Samples were taken until 15 cm from the ground in an area of 0.25 m² . …

Urochloa Brizantha Cv. Paiaguás Herbage Mass Production Under Continuous Grazing During The Rainy/Dry Transition Period In Brazilian Savanna, W. R. Da Silva, M. F. P. Carvalho, P. S. Ribeiro, R. A. De O. Rodrigues, T. A. Cavalcante

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

During the transition period between rainy and dry season, unfavorable climatic conditions such as limited water availability, temperature and light limit forage production and quality. Because of the seasonal pattern, it is essential to quantify forage mass for pasture management and planning purposes. The objective of this study was to evaluate Paiaguas herbage mass in pasture managed under continuous stocking with steers supplemented with protein concentrate offered in feed bunk and onground. The experiment was carried out in the Beef Cattle Facilities of Jatai Federal University (UFJ), from March to June 2020, in a completely randomized design, using 18 male …

Micro Mineral Concentrations Of Congo Grass As Affected By Shading And Harvesting Age, P. A. Dele, J. I. Akinyode, A. A. Eesuola, B. T. Akinyemi, F. E. Enwete, C. C. Anotaenwere, O. I. Awoola, O. L. Aiyesa

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This study investigated the effect of levels of artificial shading and harvesting age on four micro mineral concentrations (iron, manganese, copper and zinc) of Congo grass (Brachiaria ruzizinensis Germain & Evrard). The experiment was a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement in a split plot design with four replicates, which is three levels of artificial shading (0, 30 and 60% shading) as the main plot and three harvesting age (3, 6 and 9 weeks after cutback). The grass was established in May 2017 and grazed in 2018 and 2019, but a cutback was done in May 2020 for this study …

In Vitro Digestibility And Methane Production Of Two Tropical Grasses: Plant Spacing And Grazing Frequency, F. E. Enwete, P. A. Dele, O. L. Aiyesa, O. I. Awoola, C. C. Anotaenwere, J. I. Akinyode, T. A. Amole, Olufemi S. Onifade

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This study was carried out to investigate the influence of plant spacing and grazing frequency on the in vitro gas production, digestibility, and methane production of Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) and Elephant grass (Cenchrus purpureus) in the humid southwest part of Nigeria. The experiment was laid in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement in a split-split-plot design with three replicates, which consisted of two grazing frequency (3 and 6-week) as the main plot, two grass species: Guinea grass (M. maximus) and Elephant grass (C. purpureus) as the sub plot and …

Evaluation Of New Dwarf Elephant Grass Genotypes For Grazing, Carlos A. M. Gomide, R. B. Silva, K. G. Riberiro, F. K. S. Ledo, Domingos S. C. Paciullo, E. M. Barradas

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Elephant grass stands out for its production potential, forage quality and acceptance by animals. However, its tall size makes management under grazing difficult and dwarf cultivars have been selected and evaluated to overcome this limitation. The objective was to characterize agronomic aspects of dwarf elephant grass genotypes submitted to two defoliation intensities. The experiment was installed in a 5 x 2 factorial scheme, with five elephant grass genotypes (2022, 1810, 2111, 2035, BRS Kurumi) and two residue heights after defoliation (25 and 45 cm). A randomized block design with three replications in 4x3m plots was used. Forage above the residue …

Molecular Approaches In The Analysis Of Red Clover Rhizobium Symbiosis, Randy D. Dinkins, L. Koch, M. L. Sullivan, H. Zhu

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is an important forage and pasture legume grown throughout temperate regions. Because it can form a symbiotic relationship with rhizobium, it is able to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Due to the high cost of nitrogen fertilizers, pasture legumes have been increasingly important in forage production settings. Red clover has not been a model legume primarily due to selfincompatibility and the associated high level of genomic heterozygosity, therefore it has not been a significant contributor in molecular or genetic studies and basic information on red clover legume/rhizobium symbiosis is lacking. Using recently annotated genomic resources, RNA-seq …

Weed Management Affects Pasture Productivity And Animal Performance, José C. B. Dubeux Jr., I. L. Brêtas, L. M. D. Queiroz, H. A. Koury

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Weed can be defined as any plant growing in undesirable locations. Weeds are considered one of the main challenges in agricultural fields. Weeds affect pasture productivity mainly because of the competition for limited resources such as nutrients, water, and light with forage plants. Weeds encroach pastures spontaneously and spread quickly through the farm and neighboring areas, making their control difficult. In addition, weeds can affect forage nutritive value, grazing behaviour, voluntary forage intake, animal health, and consequently animal performance. The low efficiency of mechanical weeding and the global concern about indiscriminate use of herbicides impose challenges for producers in grazing …

Improving Forage Production Practices Of Livestock And Hay Producers, S. Dyer, L. Baxter

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

By the year 2060, the U.S. population is expected to reach 417 million, up from 319 million in 2014, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Following historical trends, the U.S. continues to produce more food with a decreasing amount of land. This is possible because of continuous research and innovation of advanced agricultural technologies. Educating farmers of agricultural best practices and the newest resources available to them to improve their operation is vital to improving overall agricultural production. To improve livestock forage and hay production practices, Dade Extension conducted a monthly forage management series. The series covered an entire year …

Seasonal Performance Of White Clover In Mixed-Sward Grazing Pasture Highlights Genotype By Environment Interaction, O. Grace Ehoche, Sai Krishna Arojju, Greig Cousins, Jessica O'Connor, Brian Maw, Jennifer A. Tate, Peter J. Lockhart, Mohamed Z. Z. Jahufer, Andrew G. Griffiths

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

White clover is an important forage crop because of its nutritional value, ability to provide plantavailable nitrogen via symbiosis with Rhizobium soil bacteria, and year-round availability of dry matter (DM) yield. However, its performance in mixed sward-based pastures is characterised by seasonal variability and declining DM yield over time. The identification of white clover genotypes adapted for across seasonal performance is an important goal in white clover breeding. In this study, we evaluated the seasonal performance of 200 white clover half-sib families using visual growth scores and calibrated dry matter yield based on growth scores measured for three years in …

Do Grass And Legume Vitamin Contents Change During Extended Growth In Spring?, A. Elgersma, Karen Søegaard, S. K. Jensen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Herbage vitamins affect performance of grazing and grass-fed cattle. In silages, knowledge of vitamin contents in herbage is desired to balance supplements in indoor feeding rations. This is of particular interest in organic farming systems. Information on companion species effects in grass-legume mixtures on changes during prolonged growth is scarce, while this is relevant in view of delayed harvests that frequently occur in practice. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) was sown with either red clover (Trifolium repens), white clover (Trifolium pratense), lucerne (Medicago sativa) or birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), and white …

Assessing The Nutrient Status Of Alfalfa Stands In Kentucky, William R. Fleming, Christopher D. Teutsch, Edwin L. Ritchey, John H. Grove

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a perennial forage legume and is sometimes referred to as the “Queen of Forages” due to its high nutritional value. Alfalfa is commonly produced as hay for use in the dairy and equine industries. Alfalfa yield increased exponentially from the 1950s to the1980s due to new breeding and management innovations. However, during the 1980s yields plateaued at around 7.5 Mg/ha and remain there today. The overarching goal of this study was to determine the role of soil fertility in the observed yield plateau. Fifty alfalfa stands in Kentucky were sampled to gather information about …