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Diversity And Taxonomic Identity Of Rumen Bacterial Community In Cattle Fed Different Diets, B. K. Korir, J. K. N. Kuria, D. M. Mwangi, M. M. M. Wanyoike

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In this study, the identity of rumen bacterial community and their taxonomic classification in Zebu heifers (n=24) fed 4 different diets (range grasses, Bracharia MulatoII, Azolla and Cassava leaf meal) was surveyed using metagenomics sequencing of the 16SrRNA gene. Rumen liquor samples were collected from the heifers from which a total of 192 DNA samples were amplified and the resulting 16S rRNA sequences compared to the existing sequences at the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) BLAST database through the MetagenAssist . Bioinformatics analyses indicated that 17 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were present at the phylum level. Of these, 43.3% …

Comparison Of Causality Of Temperature And Precipitation On Italian Ryegrass (Lolium Multifloru Lam.) Yield Between Cultivation Fields Via Multi-Group Structural Equation Model Analysis In The Republic Of Korea, M. Kim, J. Y. Kim, M. H. Jo, C. H. Kim, K. Sung

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This study aimed to compare the causality of climatic factors affecting the yield of Italian ryegrass (IRG) between upland fields and paddy fields, by multi-group structure equation modeling. The raw data (n = 728) on forage contains both yield, field type, and the plantation address were collected from the Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea. The climatic factors were: growing days, temperature and precipitation - in autumn and next spring seasons - from the climate big data of the weather information system of Korean Meteorology Administration. In the result, the composition of climatic factors was similar, but the causality by …

Changes In Crude Protein And Fiber Contents Of Small Grain Cereals For Forage Over Time, J. L. Zaragoza-Ramirez, N. Zayago-Ramos, P. A. Martinez-Hernandez

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Oat, triticale, wheat and barley are small grain cereals used as forage in many temperate Mexican regions. The objective was to determine crude protein and van Soest fiber contents of these forages cut at 80, 96, 108, 121, 138 and 153 days after seeding. Cultivars used were: Chihuahua (OC) for oat; Arne (TA), Bicentenario (TB) and Siglo XXI (TS) for triticale; Saturno (WS) for wheat; and San Marcos (BSM) for barley. Experiment was under greenhouse conditions from November 2015 to May 2016. Crude protein (CP), neutral (NDF) and acid (ADF) detergents fibers were determined on the forage harvested at each …

Collection Priorities Of Pasture Genetic Resources In The Paniceae Native To South Africa, F. L. Müller, M. Trytsman, E. L. Masemola, M. I. Kgonothi, N. R. Mkhize, T. J. Tjelele

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

There is an urgent need for the prioritization and ex situ conservation of pasture grass species. Many pasture grasses are still in the process of domestication and grasslands in the tropical, subtropical, semi-arid and arid regions of the world are therefore a major source of genetic material for future forage improvement. Within South Africa, it was found that the Paniceae contains several species with high pasture value and that many populations of these species are found in water-limited environments. Therefore, it was proposed that a strategy be developed for the South African National Forage Genebank to prioritize efforts to collect …

Changes In Defoliation Patterns Of Plant Functional Groups Under Variable Herbage Allowance In Campos Grasslands, N. Caram, F. Casalás, Pablo Soca, M. Wallau, M. Cadenazzi, P. Boggiano

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Several studies have evaluated separately forage production, botanical composition, leaf traits and animal performance. However, few of them have focused on defoliation patterns at the level of functional groups (FGs) under different and variable herbage allowance (HA), especially in natural, diverse grasslands. The objective was to evaluate the relationship between HA and leaf traits on defoliation patterns of mature beef cows in the autumn, winter and spring. We evaluated the grazing probability (GP), intensity of defoliation (ID), and leaf traits on 14 species that represent more than 80% of total dry matter of the pasture. The experiment at which we …

Can Livestock Alone Be The Main Source Of Income From Rangelands In Poor Countries?, Hossein Arzani, Mohammad Jafari, H. Moradii

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In many countries due to the high population of land holders, there is insufficient range area for each land holder to cover all life expenses. In such places, the income of only livestock in rangelands is not enough to cover living expenses of landholders. The ideas in this paper suggest that researchers should create and explore economic models that incorporate the multiple use concept in rangelands and show how multiple uses are compatible with livestock grazing and to sustain the livelihood of rangeland families.

Assessment Of Climate Events In Changma Season (Korean Monsoon) For Production Trend Of Sorghum-Sudangrass Hybrid (Sorghum Bicolor L.) In The Central Inland Regions Of Korea Using Time Series Analysis, M. Kim, J. Y. Kim, M. H. Jo, K. Sung, H. Jo

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This study aimed to assess the impact of climate events in the Changma (Korean Monsoon) season on the production trend of sorghum-sudangrass hybrid (SSH) in central inland regions using time series analysis. The dataset in Suwon from 1988–2013 (n = 388) was generated by merging SSH data and climate data. The accumulated temperature (SHAT, ℃), rainfall amount (SHRA, mm) and sunshine duration (SHSD, hr) from seeding to harvesting were used to assess their impact on the trend of dry matter yield (DMY, kg/ha) for SSH. Furthermore, heavy rainfall (HRF) and typhoons (TPH) were considered as climate events. As a result, …

Assessment Of Causality Between Climate Variables And Production For Whole Crop Maize Using Structural Equation Modeling, M. Kim, J. Y. Kim, M. H. Jo, H. Jo, K. Sung

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This study aimed to assess the causality of different climate variables on the production of whole crop maize silage (Zea mays L.; WCM) in the central inland region of the Republic of Korea. Furthermore, the effect of these climate variables was also determined by looking at direct and indirect pathways during the stages before and after silking. The WCM metadata (n = 640) were collected from the Rural Development Administration’s reports of new variety adaptability from 1985‒2011 (27 years). The climate data was collected based on year and location from the Korean Meteorology Administration’s weather information system. Causality, in …

Analysis Of Ensiling Suitability Of Moringa, A Woody Plant, Z. Du, F. Yang, Y. Lin, Y. Cai

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

To effectively use the woody plant resources as animal feed, the ensiling suitability of Moringa including the dynamics of microbial community, chemical composition, and silage fermentation were studied. Tender stems and leaves of Moringa at the full-bloom stage of second cutting was used for silage preparation in Guizhou, China. After 3, 7, 15, 30, and 60 days of ensiling, five silos for each treatment were opened to analyze the fermentation characteristics. Moringa before ensiling contained 10⁴ lactic acid bacteria (LAB), 10⁶ aerobic bacteria, 10⁴ coliform bacteria, 10² yeast, and 10⁴ mold based on colony-forming unit/g …

Impact Of Grazing Management On Productivity Of Tropical Grasslands, Moacyr Corsi, Geraldo B. Martha Jr., Domício Do Nascimento Jr., Marco A. A. Balsalobre

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Beef and dairy cattle enterprises from tropical pasture-based systems are notoriously of low productivity. The low soil fertility, the exploitation of native grasslands, the low genetic potential of the animals and the poor management of soil, pasture and animal components are all arguments used to explain these “low-productivity systems”. In fact, research has consistently indicated up to 50% increase in calving rate when animals grazing unfertilized pastures were supplemented with trace-mineralized salt (Table 1) but unfortunately less than 90% of Brazilian farmers use this management strategy (Tosi, 1997). However, a recent survey conducted by São Paulo State government showed that …

Impact Of Grazing Management On The Productivity Of Cold Temperate Grasslands Of Southern Patagonia - A Critical Assessment, A. F. Cibils, M. B. Coughenour

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The contention that productivity of cold temperate grasslands of southern Patagonia have been greatly affected by domestic herbivore grazing in the past is fairly widespread. The consequences of spatiotemporal interactions between grazing and abiotic factors on the overall productivity of such systems, however, are still poorly understood. Predictions of both short- and long-term impacts of grazing management strategies on grassland productivity require a better understanding of these interactions. In this paper we make a critical assessment of the impact of grazing management on long-term sustainability of the grass steppes of southern Patagonia (Argentina). We discuss this issue in the context …

Productivity Of Winter And Spring Native Improved Vegetation Under Different Grazing Stocking Rates On Basaltic Soil, M. Bemhaja

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Improved grassland with Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium repens and annual phosphorus fertilization, was evaluated during winter and spring for five consecutive years under grazing at three different stocking rates on medium basaltic soil. Specific contribution of Lotus and Trifolium reached 67% of grassland community in the first year. Stipa setigera and Poa lanigera increased their contribution from 0.8 to 17% in the fourth year of grazing experiment. Highest average value of crude protein was 19% during the second year and was related to legumes contribution. Forage availability was always up to 1.5 ton MS/ha at the three stocking treatments. Average daily …

Effects Of Cattle Grazing On A Perennial Legume, Bitumen Trefoil (Bituminaria Bituminosa (L.) Stirton), In A Mediterranean Grassland, M. Gutman, M. Sternberg, A. Perevoltsky

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A six-year study was conducted in a Mediterranean grassland in north-eastern Israel to investigate the effects of cattle grazing management on a perennial legume, Bitumen Trefoil (Bituminaria bituminosa (L.) Stirton). The relationship between grazing pressure and its relative plant cover was studied in the context of inter-annual variation in rainfall. Treatments included manipulations of stocking rates (moderate, heavy and very heavy) and of grazing regimes (continuous vs. seasonal), in a factorial design. The results showed that inter-seasonal rainfall variation was a dominant factor in the expression of plant cover changes of this species. Grazing showed no significant effect on …

Increased Above-Ground Biomass And Plant Species Decline Related To The Presence Of Eragrostis Curvula Across Multiple Grazing Grasslands In The Snowy Monaro Region Of Australia, J. Brown, L. Ingram

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

"It will be noticed that invasions most often come to cultivated land, or to land much modified by human practice." This quote was published in 1958 by Charles Elton, and holds true today, backed by empirical evidence suggesting mechanisms of disturbance, plant functional traits and propagule pressure can push a cultivated system towards an invaded state. 17 farms, with either a current or previous history of grazing and land modification, within the Snowy Monaro Region, NSW, Australia, were surveyed to explore the relationship between the non-native C4 perennial tussock grass Eragrostis curvula [Schrad.] Nees. and species richness. As E. curvula …

The Use Of Open Communal Grazing Designs To Screen Options For Grazing Management, David R. Kemp, D. L. Michalk, P. M. Dowling, G. Millar

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

An open communal grazing design is described that enables a large number of grazing tactics to be concurrently evaluated in small plots under common grazing conditions. Pasture data indicated that the same level of utilisation occurred inside the experimental plots as in the surrounding field. However, differential grazing may occur where plots have divergent composition. The open communal design was economical using < 5% of the land, livestock and fencing resources of alternative designs. The limitations of the open communal design as a research tool are also discussed.

Stocking Rate And Supplementation Effects On Performance Of Lambs Grazing Triticale And Ryegrass Sward In Uruguay, R. San Julián, Fabio Montossi, L. Guarino, F. Pittaluga

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

An experiment was carried out from 9 June to 2 October 1997, using a Lolium multiflorum Lom. (Ryegrass) and X Triticosecale Wittmack (triticale) sward to evaluate the effect of stocking rate (SR; 20, 30 and 40 lambs/ha), and supplementation (S; with or without) on Corriedale lamb performance. SR had a significant effect on: liveweight gain (160, 130 and 90 g/an/d, P< 0.01); greasy fleece weight (2.8, 2.7 and 2.3 kg, P< 0.01); fiber diameter (28, 27, and 26 microns, P< 0.05); rib eye depth (2.4, 2.1 and 2.0 cm, P< 0.05); fat cover (3.2, 2.1 and 1.5 cm, P< 0.01); hot carcass weight (17.7, 15.6 and 13.5 kg/an, P< 0.01); GR (10.5, 6.6 and 4.2 mm, P< 0.01) and boneless leg weight (1.56, 1.42 and 1.24 kg, P< 0.05), for 20, 30 and 40 lambs per ha, respectively. At the highest SR, lambs increased grazing time (59 vs 52%) and biting rate (29 vs 26 bites/lamb/min). The mayor influence of S on lamb performance was found in grazing behavior variables: (grazing time (63 vs 50%, P< 0.01); biting rate (26.8 vs 28.4 bites/lamb/min, P< 0.01)), carcass characteristics: (hot carcass weight (15.3 vs 16.0 kg, P< 0.05); GR (7.9 and 6.3 mm, P< 0.05)) for with and without supplement, respectively. Over the experimental period (115 days), liveweight production and wool production ranged from 358 to 437 kg/ha for 20 and 30 lambs/ha respectively, and wool production from 55 to 93 kg/ha for 20 and 40 lambs/ha respectively. These results show the potential use of mixed ryegrass and triticale swards to produce high quality lamb meat even at high SRs, and the convenience of using supplements only when sward conditions are not sufficient to maintain an adequate lamb performance, particularly when high lamb SRs are used.

Effect Of Winter Grazing Management Of Stockpiled Native Pastures Of Basaltic Soils Of Uruguay On Daily Gains Of Heifers, G. Pigurina, R. Castells, G. Reyes, E. J. Berretta

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The effect of three grazing systems of fall stockpiled native pastures on the winter gains of 66 Hereford heifers (135 kg) was studied. Treatments were: continuos grazing (CG); (C7) the plot was divided in 12 and each was grazed for 7 days and (C28), the plot was divided in 3 and each were grazed for 28 days. Heifers were weighed every 14 days and grazing behaviour was recorded. Stockpiled HM was greater (P< 0.05) in C7 and C28 than in CG (988, 912, and 604 kg DM/ha, respectively). Herbage allowance (HA) was greater (P< 0.01) in CG followed by C28 and C7 (11.7, 6.6 and 5.9 kg DM/100 kg LW, respectively). Post-grazing HM was greater (P0.05) in all pastures (CP 10.2%, NDF 71.2%, ADF 41.3% and ash 14.4%). Final LW of heifers were similar (P> 0.05) (167, 162 and 160 kg for CG, C7 and C28, respectively). A very mild winter favoured exceptional gains which tended to be higher in CG (0.353 …

Influence Of Stocking Rate And Grazing System On Lamb Performance Of Mixed Oat And Ryegrass Swards In Uruguay, Fabio Montossi, R. San Julián, C. Arocena, A. Dighiero

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

An experiment was conducted at INIA-Tacuarembó Research Station (Uruguay) during 15 June to 4 October 1998, using a Avena Sativa (oat) and Lolium multiflorum (ryegrass) sward to examine the effect of stocking rate (SR; 25 and 35 lambs/ha) and grazing system (GS; strip and 7 days rotational grazing) on sward and lamb performance. SR had a significant effect on lamb performance, being higher the liveweight gain (LWG; 120 vs 98 g/a/d, P < 0.01), hot carcass weight (HCW; 17.7 vs 16.1 kg/a, P < 0.05) and carcass fat cover (GR; 12 vs 8 mm, P < 0.01) of those lambs managed at the lower SR. At the high SR, lambs increased grazing time (405 vs 376 min., P < 0.05). SG did not affect lamb performance, but strip GS reduces lamb grazing time (367 vs 414 min., P < 0.01) and biting rates (22 vs 24 bites/lamb/min., P < 0.01). Post grazing sward height (SH) was highly associated with LWG (LW = - 101,7 + 32.7 SH – 1.49 SH², R² = 0.66). This experiment demonstrated that: (a) the productive potential of ryegrass and oat swards to produce high quality …

Productivity And Composition Of Two Improved Native Pastures Under Different Grazing Managements In Uruguay, D. F. Risso, E. J. Berretta, G. Carracelas

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Two improved native pastures were established by phosphoric (P) fertilisation and oversowing of: white clover (Trifolium repens) mixed with birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) (TbL) and annual lotus (Lotus subbiflorus) (Rin). Such pastures were evaluated during 5 years with steers at two stocking rates (High and Low) and two grazing managements (Rotational and Alternate). Presence of legumes was high and botanical changes were favourable in both pastures that evidenced good persistence. Daily liveweight gains of steers and total animal production were high in both pastures, but significantly (P≤ 0.05) higher in TbL. No significant differences …

Describing Cattle Grazing Distribution In Communal Rangelands Of The Eastern Cape South Africa: Towards Improving Livestock Rangeland Use, B. Gusha, A. R. Palmer

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This study used global positioning systems (GPS) to understand grazing distribution of three cattle in the communal rangeland of Eastern Cape, South Africa. Free ranging cattle were randomly selected from participating households and were fitted with neck GPS collars, which recorded geographic position every five-minute interval during wet and dry season. The study identified three production domains where cattle were reported to be spending most of their time grazing, separated by bound polygons on google earth Pro to further extract MODIS EVI???. The recorded GPS points were loaded into google earth Pro to analyse the distribution of cattle grazing in …

Degradation Issue Of Fescue-Forbs Rangeland In The Mountain Steppe Of Mongolia, Otgontuya Lkhagvajav, Lkhagvajav Namdag, Munkhbat Chimed

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The total area of Fescue-forbs rangeland in Mongolia is 10 million hectares, accounting for 8.5% of total rangeland area. The Fescue-forbs rangeland is the main type of rangeland in the mountain steppe. The Mongolian rangeland has degraded in the last two decades mainly due to overgrazing and climate change. The main objective of this study was to determine the change of plant community and reduction of frequency and productivity of the dominant species Festuca lenensis in different degradation states of rangeland. The dominant species and main plant functional groups have completely changed in Fescue-forbs rangeland in all three states of …

Decomposition Rates Of Organic Material Across Herbivore Treatments In A Nutrient-Rich Semi-Arid Sodic Savanna, L. L. Erasmus, H. Van Coller, S. Claassens, F. Siebert

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Decomposition is a major determinant of terrestrial nutrient cycling and therefore an important regulator of ecosystem structure and function. It has been widely documented that large mammalian herbivores (LMH) act as a significant driver of changes to aboveground structure and modifications to edaphic properties. Little is known about the role of herbivory, and particularly the loss thereof, in mediating essential ecological processes in a herbivore-adapted system. The Nkuhlu exclosures, a large-scale, long-term exclusion experiment in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, provided an opportunity to explore the effects of herbivory and/or its long-term exclusion on decomposition and stabilisation of detrital …

Can High Density, Short Duration Grazing Replace Fire In A South African Mesic Grassland?, N. M. Chonco, S. C. Nkuna

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

High density grazing (HDG), defined as the concentration of many livestock on a small area for a short period of time has become increasingly popular in the South African mesic grassland yet little is known about it impact. HDG is usually applied without fire, based on the assertion that it is a key contributor to desertification of grasslands. However, fire plays an important role in the development and growth of most South African mesic grassland plant species, as it stimulates resprouting and reduces competition for light. The aim of this study was to determine the impacts of high density grazing …

Back To The Roots - Do Traditional Maasai Management Strategies Work Towards Resilience Against Unpredictable Rainfall And Grazing Pressure In Northern Tanzania?, S. A. Baumgartner, A. C. Treydte

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Despite the importance for people´s livelihoods, many semi-arid African savannas are prone to heavy degradation due to overutilization by people, livestock and increased climate variability. Rangeland management, such as transhumance and deferred grazing systems, practiced by the Maasai in northern Tanzania, can be useful in combating the negative consequences of overuse and increasing rainfall variability. But little is known on how different rangeland regimes, practiced by the Maasai, impacts the productivity of these rangelands.

We collected data on regrowth rates under different rangeland management regimes (rainy season grazing land, dry season grazing land, and seasonal exclosures), different harvest rates (month, …

An Integrated Assessment And Management Optimization System For Grazinglands, D. Toledo, J. E. Herrick, S. Goslee, M. Sanderson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Rangelands and pasturelands are often assessed using different methodologies. The Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health and Pasture Condition Scoring methodologies, two techniques used widely across the USA, were developed for rangelands and pasturelands respectively. These two grazingland assessment techniques were determined to be complementary and if integrated could provide an optimized approach to measure grazinglands without regards to specific use (i.e. range or pasture). We present an improved grazingland assessment protocol that merges indicators and attributes from Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health and Pasture Condition Scoring methodologies. This Integrated Grazingland Assessment (IGA) approach allows evaluators to assess site conditions and …

Transforming Science Into Practice, Janice Jiggins

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The space for action that might move agricultural systems toward sustainability is narrowing. In so far as increasing dis-order in agroecosystems and food systems is caused by human agency, then remedial action must take account of cognition. This article argues that an understanding of cognitive processes is essential, as the foundation for participatory R, D & E that builds platforms of cooperation, binding actors into communities of learning that are trasnforming both science and practice.

Technology Transfer And Education Training And Extension In Grassland Farming, K. G. Rickert

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Stakeholders in grassland farming, including farmers, rural communities, urban consumers, politicians, educators, and service agencies, widely agree that the goal for grassland farming is the triple bottom line: farming systems that are ecologically sustainable, profitable and socially acceptable. This paper considers how extension and training might contribute to that worthy goal by encouraging practitioners to better manage their management environment. The notion of a management environment refers to a holistic consideration of those factors that impact on farmers, farm advisors or educators, that subset of grassland farming ‘practitioners’ within the wider range of stakeholders.

The difficulty faced by these practitioners …

Gis-Based Forage Species Adaptation Mapping, David B. Hannaway, C. Daly, W. Gibson, G. Taylor, J. P. Bolte, I. Sriprisan, T. Griggs

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Selecting forage crops adapted to the climatic and edaphic conditions of specific locations is essential for economic sustainability and environmental protection. Yet, currently, proper selection is difficult due to the absence of advanced selection tools. Significant improvements are being made in the process through Geographic Information System (GIS)-based mapping. Climate and soil GIS layers are being matched with forage characteristics through rules describing species tolerances. Better matching will reduce economic risks and environmental hazards associated with sub-optimal crop selection and subsequent performance. Once developed, these forage crop selection strategies and tools can be adapted for use with other crops. A …

On Farm Riparian Grazing Demonstration, J. T. Green Jr., M. H. Poore, S. P. Morgan

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Two farm demonstrations were designed to show effects of periodic grazing of riparian areas. Sites were monitored for vegetative cover, degree of treading or hoof prints and dung deposition within three m of stream edge following grazing by beef cattle. A fenced enclosure was established along a 350 m stream reach on Farm-1, and eleven permanent stations were monitored following six graze periods over 12-months. Farm-2 involved grazing of two 0.13 ha paddocks, each of which contained a 22 m stream reach. On Farm-1 the cover improved following riparian exclusion, and evidence of treading in the 11 stations declined following …

Grassland Landscape Design: Working With Land-Managers, C. J. Pearson, R. K. Mann, I. G. Mann

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

We are entering an era of landscape design in order to simultaneously tackle largescale issues such as salinity and rising water tables, whole-farm profitability and the maintenance or enhancement of rural communities. In Australia, an important element of landscape design will be the reintroduction or broadening of the base of perennial grasses within farm systems. The goal of this project was to accelerate awareness and adoption of perennial grasses in a large but ecologically-specific area, namely the already-cleared steep uplands in the high rainfall recharge areas of the Murray-Darling Basin. We used a participatory model, in which land-managers made monthly …