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Evaluation Of Morphogenesis And Yield Of Three Pennisetum Purpureum Varieties In South-West, Nigeria, Victoria O. A. Ojo, T. A. Adeyemi, D. K. Oyaniran, G. A. Akinade, Olufemi S. Onifade

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This experiment, conducted at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria evaluated the morphogenesis of three varieties of Pennisetum purpureum used in this study, which were the local, purple, and FI variety at different stages of growth. The plants were established through vegetative plant parts (stems) sourced from a previously established plot and planted using 1 m × 1 m spacing on plots measuring 4 m × 5 m. The plants were fertilized with split doses of poultry manure at 4 t/ha (equivalent to 120 kg N/ha). The experiment was laid out as a Randomized Complete Block Design. Data on …

Effects Of Stages Of Growth On Dry Matter Yield And Nutrient Composition Of Red Clover In The Year Of Establishment In Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, T. T. Akpensuen, J. T. Amodu, O. A. T. Namo, R. J. Tanko

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

An experiment was conducted in Jos, Nigeria to evaluate the effects of stages of growth on dry matter yield and nutrient composition of Red clover (Trifolium pratense var. AberClaret) in the year of establishment. The treatments were five (5) stages of growth (5, 9, 13, 17 and 21) weeks after sowing (WAS). The five stages of growth were replicated five times in a Latin Square Design. The land was divided into twenty five plots of 3 m X 3 m each. The spacing between each plot was 1m along the rows and columns. Growth components and DM yield were …

Effects Of Maturity And Drying Method On The Nutritive Value Of Tropical Grasses In Nicaragua, Rocky Lemus, R. Van Der Hoek, Y. C. Newman, M. Mena, K. A. Albrecht

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Tropical grasses are key components for both grazing and conserved forages in sustainable livestock systems (beef and dairy) in Central America. The objective of the study was to evaluate grasses used in Nicaragua and their nutritive value contribution as preserved forage during the dry season under different drying methods. Five tropical bunch grasses (Andropogon gayanus, Hyparrheniarufa, Urochloabrizantha, Megathyrsus maximus, and Cenchruspurpureus) were sampled across different farms in Nicaragua in 2014 and 2015 using three replications. Forage samples were collected at 2, 4, 6, and 8-wk maturity as well as season long samples. Samples drying …

Effects Of Harvest Frequency On Yield And Self-Thinning In Irrigated Orchardgrass (Dactylis Glomerata L.) In Oregon, Usa, G. Jones

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Persistence is an important factor in the economic management of perennial grass swards. Frequent harvest is occasionally attributed to poor stand persistence, but self-thinning theory indicates that infrequent harvest should cause swards to thin as tillers compete for light. This experiment aimed to demonstrate and qualify self-thinning in orchardgrass managed under differing harvest frequencies. Orchardgrass was planted in September 2018 and then clipped, fertilized and divided into experimental units in March 2019. Plots were randomly assigned one of four harvest frequency treatments (n = 5): No harvest, one harvest, two harvests, and four harvests. Irrigation water and fertilizer were …

State And Transition Models In Space And Time – Using Stms To Understand Broad Patterns Of Ecosystem Change In Iceland, I. C. Barrio, D. S. Hik, T. A. Mulloy, J. Thorsson, K. Svavarsdóttir, B. Marteinsdóttir, I. S. Jónsdóttir

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Managing ecological systems sustainably requires a deep understanding of ecosystem structure and the processes driving their dynamics. Conceptual models can lead to improved management, by providing a framework for organizing knowledge about a system and identifying the causal agents of change. We developed state-and-transition models (STMs) to describe landscape changes in Iceland over three historical periods with different human influence, from pre-settlement to present days. Our models identified the set of possible states, transitions and thresholds in these ecosystems and their changes over time. To illustrate the use of these models for predicting and improving management interventions, we applied our …

Soil Water Movement In A Watershed In The Chilean Patagonia, J. Ivelic-Sáez, P. Cisternas, J. Dörner, J. Arumí, J. Valenzuela, E. Muñoz, S. Valle, H. Alonso, R. López, H. Uribe

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Magallanes region, located southern Chile, contains about 1.9 million sheep heads, in about 5 million hectares of rangelands. However, forage production is concentrated in small wetlands meadows called locally “Vegas” that only represent about 300.000 hectares. Those ecosystems that sustain patagonian ranches, produce 20 times more forage biomass than the surrounding natural rangelands. Patagonian vegas have concave topography with a hydrophyte (wet) center, and mesic slopes and xeric highlands of Festuca gracillima. Although the moisture content is controled by topography, there is scarce information about the movement of water through this concave topography. Also, the spatial variability of the …

Simple Guidelines For Deciding When Soil Variability Does – And Doesn’T – Matter For Rangeland Management And Restoration, Jeff E. Herrick, J. Maynard, B. Bestelmeyer, A. Ganguli, J. Glover, K. Johnson, D. Kimiti, J. Neff, G. Peacock, J. Peters, S. Salley, P. Shaver, K. Shepherd, Z. Stewart, R. Van Den Bosch

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

“Rangelands in most parts of the world are relatively homogenous and can be managed uniformly at the landscape scale” or “rangelands are extremely diverse and require different approaches even at the landscape scale.” Both statements are made frequently by rangelands scientists and managers. Both are correct. Whether or not it is worthwhile to consider soil variability when planning management and restoration at the landscape scale depends on objectives, location, and the management or restoration strategies under consideration. Together these factors determine whether outcomes are likely to be different at different locations in the landscape, and whether those outcomes can be …

Effects Of Banana Peels On Chicken Weight Gain And Egg Production In The Urban And Peri-Urban Areas Of Aksum City, Ethiopia, H. G. Araya, S. G. Gebrekristos, W. V. Oliver

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

High feed cost of running urban-animal-agriculture and huge city wastes are challenges of the growing towns in modern Ethiopia. Egg production microenterprise is steadily growing due to its low initial investment and ready market in urban and peri-urban areas. However, cost of egg production is high due to the rising cost of corn, the main feed ingredient in poultry rations. Using banana peels, which forms a great proportion of city waste in Ethiopia, is seen as a way of not only reducing the waste, but also as an alternative low-cost feed supplement that could help enhance egg production by small-holder …

Sheep Grazing Patterns For Better Land Management: Adjusting Gps Tracking Protocol, J. Castro, L. M. Godoy, J. P. Castro, M. Castro

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Small ruminant livestock systems in northeast Portugal are an extensive activity based on daily grazing paths across the landscape. The flocks use multiple patches of multiple land cover types in different ways throughout the year. Shepherd and flock interactions determine the resting and feeding spots utilized by sheep and goats according to the biotic and abiotic conditions. Information about the herding home range is central to managing the land use and vegetation cover and optimizing sheep and goats' productivity in traditional systems. This study's main objective is to contribute to calibrate a shepherding GPS protocol to monitor sheep flocks based …

Restoring Rangelands For Nutrition And Health For Humans And Livestock, I. Öborn, A. Bargués Tobella, G. Bostedt, A. Hörnell, P. Knutsson, K. Lindvall, D. Mpairwe, S. Mureithi, G. Nyberg, Y. Nyberg, B. Schumann, A. Turinawe, T. Vågen, D. Wakjira, L. Winowiecki, E. Wredle

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Drylands cover 40% of the global land area and host 2 billion people, of which 90% live in low- or middleincome countries. Drylands often face severe land degradation, low agricultural productivity, rapid population growth, widespread poverty, and poor health. Governance structures and institutions are often eroded. Livestock-based livelihoods, largely depending on seasonal migration are common. Pastoralist communities and their land are highly vulnerable to climate shocks, while there are also changes in land tenure, insecurity/conflicts and rapid infrastructure development. Drylands Transform is an interdisciplinary research project revolving around the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project aim is to contribute …

Role Of Different Shrubs In Soil Seed Bank Conservation In Different Climates Of Iran, Reza Erfanzadeh, Fatemeh Barzegaran, Shadi Hazhir, Sirus Saber Amoli

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Shrubs often produce positive effects on understory soil seed bank (SSB) characteristics. However, the effect of shrubs on SSB could be variable in different habitats depending on the climate and the type of shrub. In this study, the effect of Crataegus pseudomelanicarpa (humid areas, northern Iran), Onobrychis cornuta, Berberis integerrima and Juniperus sabina (sub alpine areas, northern Iran) and, Astragalus myriacanthus and Acantholimon spinosum (semi-arid areas, central Iran) on SSB characteristics was studied. Soil samples were collected under the canopy of shrubs and the control (out of canopies) from 0-5 cm and 5-10 cm depths by auger and seed germination …

Range Condition Classification Based On Quantitative Characteristics Of Vegetation, Nafiseh Fakhar, Mansour Mesdaghi, Kamal Naseri

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Change in range condition classes over time are usually the basis for monitoring management effectiveness. Several approaches have been proposed to monitor the range condition classes in relation to a bench mark usually called climax stage. There are some types of range condition classification often included in a range inventory. In this paper, six factors of canopy cover, litter frequency, plant vigour, soil protection percentage, plant composition, and present production as a percentage of indicative state were described for determination range conditions. We have determined range condition classes by using R software. This method was developed by FAO projects in …

Long-Term Water Balance Evaluation In Glass Ionomer Restorative Materials, Howard Roberts, David Berzins, John Nicholson

Oral Health Practice Faculty Publications

The complex role of water in glass ionomer cement (polyalkenoate) dental restorative materials has been studied, but much of the present understanding concerning water balance within these materials is based on very early studies and short-term experiments. This study evaluated the nature of the water species of six conventional and four resin modified glass ionomer restorative materials over 3 years using thermogravimetric analysis techniques. Materials were prepared, placed in crucibles, and stored in physiologic phosphate buffered saline and evaluated at 24 h, 1 week, and then at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months. All materials …

Effect Of Seeding Rates On Productivity And Quality Of Alfalfa In Northern Area Of Korea, Jong Geun Kim, C. Liu, S. N. Wei, Y. F. Li, E. C. Jeong, H. J. Kim

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Alfalfa cultivation in South Korea is not common. There are many reasons, but low productivity has been extremely limited. Although alfalfa growth was poor due to boron deficiency in the soil, the problem has recently been solved. Nevertheless, the cultivation of alfalfa is not expanding. About 200,000 tonnes of alfalfa hay are imported every year. Therefore, this study was conducted to find a way to replace imported hay by expanding alfalfa cultivation in Korea. Alfalfa (P5444) was sown in northern part of South Korea (Pyeongchang). Alfalfa was sown in September 2018 with different seeding rates (20, 30 and 40 kg/ha) …

Effect Of Prompt-Delayed Packaging And Ensiling Time On Fermentation And Aerobic Stability Of Soybean Curd Residue, Ajmal Wali, Takeshi Tsuruta, Naoki Nishino

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Wet soybean curd residue (SCR) obtained from two tofu factories (F1 and F2) was anaerobically stored with or without added beet pulp (BP). Sealing was performed on the day of tofu production (prompt sealing [PS]) or 2 days after SCR was piled and unprocessed (delayed sealing [DS]). Predominant lactic acid fermentation was observed regardless of the sealing time and BP addition. Acinetobacter spp. were the most abundant (> 67%) bacteria in pre-ensiled SCR, regardless of the factory and sealing time. In PS silage, the abundances of typical lactic acid-producing bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, and Streptococcus spp. reached …

Effect Of Native Grassland Intensification Over Cattle Performance, N. Caram, F. Casalás, M. Cadenazzi, R. Zanoniani, P. Boggiano

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objective was to evaluate the effect of different levels of intensification in native grassland over cattle live weight gain (LWG), stocking rate (SR) and average daily gain (ADG) in Uruguay. The study was carried out in 7.8 ha in Paysandú, between winter 2015 and autumn 2019. Experiment was a randomized complete block design, with 4 replicates. The four treatments applied were native grassland (NG), NG overseeded with Trifolium pratense (6 kg.ha^-1) and Lotus tenuis (6 kg.ha^-1) + 40 kg.ha^-1 of P₂O₅ (NGO), NG fertilized with 60 kg.ha^-1 of N + …

Relationship Between Exchangeable Acidity And Persistence Of Orchardgrass (Dactylis Glomerata) In Temperate Pastures Under Different Management, H. Kakihara, S. Ogura

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Orchardgrass is a high productive, highly nutritive grass, but its persistence is low under acid soil condition. Therefore, to obtain the information on the effect of soil acidity on the persistence of orchardgrass in acid soil grasslands, we investigated the relationship between exchangeable acidity (y₁) and orchardgrass in sown pastures. Eight temperate pastures (four cutting meadows [CMs] and four cattle grazing pastures [GPs]) were used for vegetation survey and soil samplings. Six or three line transects (50 m each) were fixed in each meadow or pasture, and measurement location (three quadrats 20 cm×20 cm in size and 50 …

Productivity Of Grasslands In Wielkopolska In Conditions Of Weather Variables Changes In The Last 34 Years, B. Golińska, M. Czerwiński, P. Goliński

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The purpose of this study was the assessment of the effect of climatic changes since 1985 on the productivity of grasslands in Wielkopolska region (Poland). The weather data (precipitation sum, mean, maximum and minimum air temperature, insolation, relative air humidity and wind speed) were collected from 1985 to 2018 at five weather stations located in the region that belong to the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management. Using this data, trends of Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) were determined. Grassland productivity was estimated from data collected by the Central Statistical Office, that refer to meadow hay production for each commune …

The Diversity Of Poisonous Plant Patches In The Arid Rangelands Of Namaqualand, South Africa, T. Jamalie, M. I. Samuels, C. F. Cupido, F. L. Müller, W. L. Engelbrecht, T. Dube, R. S. Knight

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The Namaqualand region in South Africa is part of the richest arid biodiversity hotspot in the world. Plant distribution and diversity here are impacted by various biophysical and anthropogenic factors. In these landscapes, poisonous plant patches, which pose serious threats to livestock, are widespread but their contribution to the regions biodiversity are not fully understood. This study assessed their plant diversity and compared its matrix. This study was conducted in the semi-arid to arid Steinkopf pastoral area located in Namaqualand where livestock is still herded daily. Twenty-five paired sites were selected based on the dominance of poisonous plants within the …

Isotopic Δ15N Signature Of Grass-Alone And Grass-Legume Tropical Pastures To Estimate Sources Of Nitrogen To Grasses In Farmer Managed Pastures, Daniel M. Villegas, J. Velasquez, J. Arango, K. Obregon, Idupulapati M. Rao, G. Rosas, A. Oberson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Vast areas of tropical forest have been converted into pastures sown with introduced grasses (Urochloa spp.). The majority of pastures exist in some stage of degradation, which has dramatic ecological and economic consequences. Our objective was to determine isotopic ¹⁵N signature of grass alone and grass-legume pastures to estimate sources of nitrogen (N) to grasses in farmer managed pastures. This work contributes to enhancing the sustainability of tropical pastures in forest margins through the integration of legumes. The overarching hypothesis tested was that legumes associated with grasses will improve nutrient supply via symbiotic fixation and mobilization of soil …

Landscape-Level Impacts Of Mesquite Canopy Cover On Herbaceous Species Composition, D. B. Murray, C. E. Cooper

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Woody encroachment of mesquite (Prosopis) and acacia (Acacia) species into grasslands has widespread and ongoing impacts on grassland ecosystems. Changes in the herbaceous layer are associated with changes in the canopy cover of these sparse-canopied species, which do not exclude the herbaceous component, but often change species composition under the canopy relative to surrounding open areas. These effects are often differential based on productivity of the site and herbaceous species composition of the grassland. Here we investigated landscape-scale changes in the herbaceous composition resulting from changes in canopy cover of honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) …

Interactive Effects Of Drought And Fire On Co-Existing Woody And Herbaceous Communities In A Temperate Mesic Grassland, R. Keen, J. Nippert, E. Tooley, K. O’Keefe, S. Bachle, M. Sandwick

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Increased drought and woody encroachment are likely to have substantial and interactive effects on grassland carbon and water cycling in the future. However, we currently lack necessary information to accurately predict grassland responses to drought-by-fire interactions in areas experiencing woody encroachment. A more thorough understanding of these interactive effects on grass-shrub physiology would improve the effectiveness of demographic vegetation models and refine predictions of future changes in grassland ecosystem function. To this end, we constructed passive rainout shelters over mature Cornus drummondii shrubs and co-existing grasses in two fire treatments (1-year and 4-year burn frequency) at the Konza Prairie Biological …

Interacting Effects Of Disease And Weather Variability On Rangeland Biodiversity Associated With Black-Tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys Ludovicianus) Colonies, Courtney J. Duchardt, J. D. Hennig, D. Pellatz

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Rangeland ecosystems worldwide are experiencing novel pressures during the Anthropocene, including land conversion, disease dynamics, non-native species, and climate change. These issues can be compounded in rangelands occupied by burrowing rodents. Often considered keystone species important for maintaining rangeland biodiversity, these species often experience widespread control efforts because of their potential to reduce forage for livestock. We examined the effects of climatic variation and disease on bird communities associated with a North American burrowing rodent, the black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus). Following an outbreak of sylvatic plague (Yersinia pestis) in the prairie dog population, we observed …

Influence Of Grazing Intensity On Nutrient Concentrations In Grass Tissue: Evidence From Two Savannah Grass Species, C. Munyati

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

High grazing intensity can accelerate the recycling of animal nutrients on savannah rangelands through the deposition of dung and, subsequently, nutrient mineralisation, uptake and concentration in grass tissue. The actual magnitude of this influence can vary depending on the grazing system. This study derived grazing system-dependent magnitudes of the influence of grazing intensity on concentrations of major (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na) and trace (B, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, Zn) animal nutrients in above ground grass tissue. Two grass species were examined: Brachiaria nigropedata, a decreaser, and Eragrostis lehmanniana, an increaser. For the …

Transforming Obesity Prevention For Children (Topchild) Collaboration: Protocol For A Systematic Review With Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis Of Behavioural Interventions For The Prevention Of Early Childhood Obesity, Kylie E. Hunter, Brittany J. Johnson, Lisa Askie, Rebecca K. Golley, Louise A. Baur, Ian C. Marschner, Rachael W. Taylor, Luke Wolfenden, Charles T. Wood, Seema Mihrshahi, Alison J. Hayes, Chris Rissel, Kristy P. Robledo, Denise A. O'Connor, David Espinoza, Lukas P. Staub, Paul Chadwick, Sarah Taki, Angie Barba, Sol Libesman, Ana Maria Linares

Nursing Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: Behavioural interventions in early life appear to show some effect in reducing childhood overweight and obesity. However, uncertainty remains regarding their overall effectiveness, and whether effectiveness differs among key subgroups. These evidence gaps have prompted an increase in very early childhood obesity prevention trials worldwide. Combining the individual participant data (IPD) from these trials will enhance statistical power to determine overall effectiveness and enable examination of individual and trial-level subgroups. We present a protocol for a systematic review with IPD meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of obesity prevention interventions commencing antenatally or in the first year after birth, and …

A Muscle Cell-Macrophage Axis Involving Matrix Metalloproteinase 14 Facilitates Extracellular Matrix Remodeling With Mechanical Loading, Bailey D. Peck, Kevin A. Murach, R. Grace Walton, Alexander J. Simmons, Douglas E. Long, Kate Kosmac, Cory M. Dungan, Philip A. Kern, Marcas M. Bamman, Charlotte A. Peterson

Center for Muscle Biology Faculty Publications

The extracellular matrix (ECM) in skeletal muscle plays an integral role in tissue development, structural support, and force transmission. For successful adaptation to mechanical loading, remodeling processes must occur. In a large cohort of older adults, transcriptomics revealed that genes involved in ECM remodeling, including matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14), were the most upregulated following 14 weeks of progressive resistance exercise training (PRT). Using single-cell RNA-seq, we identified macrophages as a source of Mmp14 in muscle following a hypertrophic exercise stimulus in mice. In vitro contractile activity in myotubes revealed that the gene encoding cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor ( …

A Muscle Cell-Macrophage Axis Involving Matrix Metalloproteinase 14 Facilitates Extracellular Matrix Remodeling With Mechanical Loading, Bailey D. Peck, Kevin A. Murach, R. Grace Walton, Alexander J. Simmons, Douglas E. Long, Kate Kosmac, Cory M. Dungan, Philip A. Kern, Marcas M. Bamman, Charlotte A. Peterson

Center for Muscle Biology Faculty Publications

The extracellular matrix (ECM) in skeletal muscle plays an integral role in tissue development, structural support, and force transmission. For successful adaptation to mechanical loading, remodeling processes must occur. In a large cohort of older adults, transcriptomics revealed that genes involved in ECM remodeling, including matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14), were the most upregulated following 14 weeks of progressive resistance exercise training (PRT). Using single-cell RNA-seq, we identified macrophages as a source of Mmp14 in muscle following a hypertrophic exercise stimulus in mice. In vitro contractile activity in myotubes revealed that the gene encoding cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor ( …

Short Chain Fatty Acids Taken At Time Of Thrombectomy In Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Are Independent Of Stroke Severity But Associated With Inflammatory Markers And Worse Symptoms At Discharge, Nicholas Henry, Jacqueline A. Frank, Christopher J. Mclouth, Amanda L. Trout, Andrew J. Morris, Jianzhong Chen, Ann M. Stowe, Justin F. Fraser, Keith R. Pennypacker

Behavioral Science Faculty Publications

Introduction: Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are gut microbiota-derived metabolites that contribute to the gut-brain axis and may impact stroke outcomes following gut dysbiosis. We evaluated plasma SCFA concentrations against stroke severity parameters and identified SCFA-associated protein networks.

Methods: The Blood and Clot Thrombectomy Registry and Collaboration (BACTRAC), a continuously enrolling tissue bank, was used to obtain stroke samples. Arterial blood distal and proximal to the thrombus was obtained from Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) Patients (n=53) during thrombectomy. Patient demographics, stroke presentation and outcome parameters were reported. The SCFAs were isolated from proximal plasma via chemical derivatization UHPLC coupled tandem …

Seasonality And Grazing Management Effect On Growth And Nutritional Composition Of Herbage On Semi-Natural Grasslands Grazed By Dairy Cows In Southwest Germany, E. Velasco, S. Perdana-Decker, J. Werner, U. Dickhoefer

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Natural and semi-natural grasslands represent an attractive forage source for cows in organic dairy farming. Throughout the grazing season, however, diverse factors such as climatic conditions, botanical composition, as well as grazing and herd management, can influence growth and nutritive value of forage on grasslands. We aimed at investigating the influence of seasonality and grazing management in forage growth and nutritional quality in seven commercial organic dairy cattle farms during the grazing season 2019 in South Germany. Therefore, forty exclusion cages (1 m²) were installed on pastures, which were under three different grazing systems: rotational, short-grass, and continuous …

Effect Of Cutting Stage And Turning Frequency On Nutritive Value And Digestibility Of Two Tropical Forages, M. M. Chiphwanya, F. C. Chigwa, H. D. C. Msiska

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In Malawi, feed shortage during the dry season (June-October) is a critical factor affecting smallholder dairying. Though suitable improved forages were long introduced, important parameters that indicate forage and hay quality for dry season feeding have been less well studied. This study evaluated the effect of cutting stage and turning frequency at drying of two tropical forages on nutrient composition and digestibility. A 2³ factorial experiment laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design was conducted in Mzuzu milk shed area. Centrosema pubescens and Chloris gayana were established on four plots (5m x 3m) each by 24 dairy farmers; two …