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The Relative Roles Of Livestock, Termites, Wild Animals And Human Beings In Nutrient Recycling In Nigeria, S M. Liya, A A. Agboola Jun 2024

The Relative Roles Of Livestock, Termites, Wild Animals And Human Beings In Nutrient Recycling In Nigeria, S M. Liya, A A. Agboola

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Primary production of savanna woodland and cropland vegetation in semi-humid tropical Nigeria was 990t/km2 and contained 8.0 t of nitrogen (N) and 1.4 t of phosphorus (P). Of this biomass livestock, termites and humans consumed 4, 29 and 6% respectively; 18% was burnt. Of the N and P stocks, livestock, termites and humans consumed 9 and 5%, 17 and 22%, and 10 and 9% respectively. The liveweights per km2 of livestock, termites and humans were 3.5, 10.0 and 2.3t respectively. Annual grass burning consumed 25% of N and 16% of P. The role of wild animals was negligible. About 2/3 …


Integrated Dairy Waste Management, Water Quality And Crop Utilization System, D R. Ivers, P D. Clayton, R H. Beck, G W. Randall, L J. Greub, M A. Schmitt, W F. Wedin Jun 2024

Integrated Dairy Waste Management, Water Quality And Crop Utilization System, D R. Ivers, P D. Clayton, R H. Beck, G W. Randall, L J. Greub, M A. Schmitt, W F. Wedin

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Livestock-crop farmers have very limited opportunities to efficiently utilize manure in an environmentally safe manner during the cropgrowing season. In this study, dairy manure slurry was surfaceapplied over a two year period on reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), a perennial grass cover (living filter) at one location each in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Public and private (University and Cenex/Land O’Lakes) research and development capabilities were coupled to request and receive funding from a nationally-mandated program on water quality (United States Department of Agriculture). The primary objective was to study factors which impinge upon acceptable ground water quality using a …


Nitrogen Cycling In Pasture Grazed By Lactating Dairy Cows, M P. Russelle, L D. Satter, T Dhiman, V R. Kanneganti Jun 2024

Nitrogen Cycling In Pasture Grazed By Lactating Dairy Cows, M P. Russelle, L D. Satter, T Dhiman, V R. Kanneganti

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Increasing use of intensive rotational grazing for livestock production in the USA raises questions about the potential for nitrate-N (NO3- N) leaching losses. In grazing experiments with lactating dairy cows at two sites in the Upper Midwest, we monitored milk production, soil NO3-N concentration, and NO3-N leaching. Dietary supplementation increased milk yield, but there was no measurable impact on NO3-N leaching losses. Leaching volumes and NO3-N losses were small on these silt loam soils, even directly under urine patches. The results suggest that NO3-N leaching is not likely to be a problem on fine-textured soils in the Upper Midwest under …


Monitoring The Movement Of N And S Through The Soil Plant Animal System Under Degraded And Perennial Pastures, Chen Wen, R.D B. Lefroy, G J. Blair, J M. Scott Jun 2024

Monitoring The Movement Of N And S Through The Soil Plant Animal System Under Degraded And Perennial Pastures, Chen Wen, R.D B. Lefroy, G J. Blair, J M. Scott

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

An experiment was carried at Armidale, NSW, Australia, to test the hypothesis that pastures dominated by the perennial grass phalaris (Phalaris aquatica) together with white clover (Trifolium repens) can optimize nutrient cycling and minimize nutrient leakage in comparison with one where the perennial grass has been lost through prior overgrazing (‘degraded’). The concentrations of mineral nitrogen present as ammonium and nitrate indicated limited opportunities for N leaching under either perennial or ‘degraded’ pastures in this environment. The high S content in the 40-60 cm soil layer indicates some movement of S under both ‘degraded’ and perennial …


Nitrogen Leaching From Dairy Pastures In The Northeast United States, W L. Stout, G F. Elwinger, S L. Fales, L D. Muller, R R. Schnabel, W E. Priddy Jun 2024

Nitrogen Leaching From Dairy Pastures In The Northeast United States, W L. Stout, G F. Elwinger, S L. Fales, L D. Muller, R R. Schnabel, W E. Priddy

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

While intensive grazing has the potential to increase dairy farm profitability in the Northeast United States, the uneven recycling of N through feces and urine can increase NO3 - leaching. We measured NO3 - leaching loss from urine and feces beneath N-fertilized orchardgrass using 60 cm diameter by 90 cm deep drainage lysimeters. Mean NO3-N levels in leachate beneath these areas were 3.8, 6.5, 93.5, 110 and 139 mg l-1 for the control, feces, and spring, summer and fall applied urine. Extrapolation of the leaching data over a grazed landscape indicates that a grazing intensity for a 180-day grazing season …


Sustainable And Conventional Grazing Systems For Beef Steers, V G. Allen, J P. Fontenot, W L. Daniels, A M. Zajac, G K. Evanylo, R R. Youngman, J Luna Jun 2024

Sustainable And Conventional Grazing Systems For Beef Steers, V G. Allen, J P. Fontenot, W L. Daniels, A M. Zajac, G K. Evanylo, R R. Youngman, J Luna

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A conventional grazing and crop production system and a sustainable system with integrated grazing and crop production were compared in a farm-scale experiment. The objective was to improve sustainability through improved nutrient management and reduced off-farm chemical use while retaining productivity and profitability. Each system involved 48 steers per year and 32 hectares of crop and pasture land in four replications. Daily gains and final weights were higher (P<0.05) for steers in the Sustainable System than the Conventional System but required more supplemental hay feeding. Initially, more forage was harvested from the Sustainable System, but as grazing management improved, more forage was harvested through grazing, and harvested forage became similar between the systems. Pesticide requirements were lower and N fertilizer use was reduced more than 50% for the Sustainable System. The Sustainable System maintained total crop and livestock production potential and was at least as profitable as the Conventional System.


Triticale As Early Winter Forage For Meat Calves On Sandy Acidic Soils, M Bemhaja, D F. Risso Jun 2024

Triticale As Early Winter Forage For Meat Calves On Sandy Acidic Soils, M Bemhaja, D F. Risso

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The use of triticale as a winter forage, improves animal performance. The objective of this study was to characterize a triticale crop during winter months, in relation to liveweight gain and animal production, under different grazing systems on sandy acidic soils. Three treatments were imposed to weaned calves of 110 kg liveweight average. Continuous grazing at a herbage allowance of 4% liveweight in dry matter (C4), rotational at an herbage allowance of 4% dry matter (R4) and rotational grazing at an herbage allowance of 2. 5% liveweight (R2. 5). Individual calf gain was 585 g/day for C4 and R4 and …


The Nature Of Competition Between Forage Herbs, Perennial Ryegrass, And White Clover Under Organic Farming Conditions, A P. Umrani, D Younie, P R. English Jun 2024

The Nature Of Competition Between Forage Herbs, Perennial Ryegrass, And White Clover Under Organic Farming Conditions, A P. Umrani, D Younie, P R. English

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Chicory and ribwort were sown alone or with perennial ryegrass (PRG), PRG/white clover (WC) or WC at three seed rates (1, 5 and 20 kg/ha) in fields or in the glasshouse in the north-east of Scotland under organic farming conditions during 1995-96. PRG showed strong negative effects on root and shoot development of the herbs, but it increased total herbage production. WC had no marked effect on herb establishment when it was sown without PRG. Density dependent competition in herbs for different seed rates were higher during early establishment when plant count was high. Competition between companion species was higher …


A Study Of Agronomic Factors Affecting The Yield And Quality Of Forage Maize In Ireland, G P. Keane Jun 2024

A Study Of Agronomic Factors Affecting The Yield And Quality Of Forage Maize In Ireland, G P. Keane

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objectives of these studies were to examine the effects of sowing date and plastic film on the yield and quality of forage maize (Zea mays L) in a marginal maize growing area. The response, in DM yield terms, to sowing in early April rather than early May differed in 1995 and 1996, but early sowing in all cases improved quality parameters. The use of plastic film, whether perforated or complete cover treatments, gave substantial yield increases in some instances, and always improved quality parameters. Perforated plastic gave highest DM yield increases with late April or early May sowings, …


Utilizing Soil And Plant Analysis For The Prevention Of Cobalt Deficiency In New Zealand, M B. O'Connor, J Waller, J Morton, M F. Hawke Jun 2024

Utilizing Soil And Plant Analysis For The Prevention Of Cobalt Deficiency In New Zealand, M B. O'Connor, J Waller, J Morton, M F. Hawke

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The addition of trace elements to fertiliser is a well accepted method of overcoming deficiencies in plants and animals in New Zealand. Cobalt sulphate, for instance, is commonly added to fertiliser to prevent Co deficiency in grazing animals. New Zealand farmers annually apply 130 tonnes of cobalt sulphate to permanent pastures at rates up to 350g/ha/annum. Cobalt deficiency is normally diagnosed by the analysis of animal tissues or plant material. Soil Co analyses have traditionally been considered unsatisfactory for diagnostic purposes. Research, however, suggests that the relationship between soil and plant Co for particular soils is sufficiently promising to consider …


Genetic Variability Of Ruminal Starch Degradation Of Corn Harvested At Two Silage Maturities, C Philippeau, M Champion, B Michalet-Doreau Jun 2024

Genetic Variability Of Ruminal Starch Degradation Of Corn Harvested At Two Silage Maturities, C Philippeau, M Champion, B Michalet-Doreau

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This trial was carried out to determine the influence of genotype and maturity stage on ruminal starch degradation of corn harvested at silage maturity. Two types of corn (Zea mays L.), differing in their endosperm texture, flint or dent, were harvested at 30 and 35 % whole plant DM. The degradation rate in the rumen of grains (oven dried at 40°C and ground through a 3-mm screen) was determined by the in situ technique. Mean ruminal starch degradability was 69 %. With maturity, the content of grain in the whole plant increased and ruminal starch degradability decreased (15 points). Starch …


Estimation Of Organic Matter Digestibility And Me Content In Ruminant Feeds From In Vitro Gas Production, H Steingass, K P. Aiple, W Drochner Jun 2024

Estimation Of Organic Matter Digestibility And Me Content In Ruminant Feeds From In Vitro Gas Production, H Steingass, K P. Aiple, W Drochner

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Cumulative gas production from incubation of feedstuffs with rumen liquor or a fresh faecal suspension as inoculum in vitro together with crude nutrient composition can be used to predict organic matter digestibility and metabolizable energy content of ruminant feeds with high accuracy. In this study, prediction equations were derived for roughages using 110 samples with known in vivo digestibility. It can be demonstrated, that the accuracy of prediction of the gas production method is better compared with a pepsin-cellulase procedure and that the use of a faecal suspension as inoculum is a useful alternative when fresh rumen liquor is not …


Effects Of Mixture Rates And Cutting Dates On The Forage Yield And Quality Of Vetch-Triticale Mixtures And Their Seed Yields Under Lowland Conditions Of Cukurova, T Tukel, E Hasar, R Hatipoglu Jun 2024

Effects Of Mixture Rates And Cutting Dates On The Forage Yield And Quality Of Vetch-Triticale Mixtures And Their Seed Yields Under Lowland Conditions Of Cukurova, T Tukel, E Hasar, R Hatipoglu

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This study was conducted to determine the effects of mixture rates and cutting dates on the forage yield and quality of vetch-triticale mixtures. Mixtures containing 50% vetch + 50% triticale or 25% vetch + 75 % triticale can be preferred for a high forage yield and the cutting should be performed at the beginning of the pod stage in terms of herbage and hay yield unless there is a necessity for the early harvest. Even if 100 % triticale provided the highest yield 0.98 tonnes/ha of crude protein, the mixture with 25 % +75 % triticale giving 0.96 tonnes/ha yield …


Functions Of Permanent Grassland In The Process Of Feed Base Optimization Of Dairy Farms From Great Poland Region, P Golinski Jun 2024

Functions Of Permanent Grassland In The Process Of Feed Base Optimization Of Dairy Farms From Great Poland Region, P Golinski

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objective of this paper was the determination of permanent grassland functions at optimization of the feed base of dairy farms in the region of Great Poland using linear programming against the background of newly developing conditions of market economy. The important factor leading to significant improvement of financial situation of farms was finding them a model of cattle feeding based on feed from permanent grasslands. However, permanent grasslands in Great Poland, when compared with arable lands, are characterized, in their models, by a low dual value. This can be attributed mainly to a low milk price and low productivity …


Changes In Agronomic Characteristics With Maturity Of Erianthus Ik-76-110, P Mislevy, F G. Martin, M B. Adjei, J D. Miller Jun 2024

Changes In Agronomic Characteristics With Maturity Of Erianthus Ik-76-110, P Mislevy, F G. Martin, M B. Adjei, J D. Miller

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Optimal production of energy from biomass necessitates the identification and management of high yielding plant entries. Erianthus arundinaceum (Retz) Jesw. IK-76-110 was tested to determine the influence of harvest treatments at heights of 1.2, 2.5, and 3.7 m and mature in October (4.9 m), and mature in December (4.9 m and in flower) on agronomic characteristics from 1987 to 1990. All treatments received 25 kg ha-1 P and 93 kg ha-1 yr-1 K in one spring application and 336 kg ha-1 N in split applications applied prior to the growth of each harvest. An additional October treatment at the mature …


Pearl Millet: A New Green Fodder Crop In Korea, B H. Choi, K Y. Park, R K. Park Jun 2024

Pearl Millet: A New Green Fodder Crop In Korea, B H. Choi, K Y. Park, R K. Park

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke) has been recognized in Korea since 1985, as an important new forage crop of high quality and yield. Suwon 1, pearl millet hybrid, was the best of 20 hybrids examined in Suwon, giving 150t/ha (three cuttings) of green fodder. The pearl millet hybrid was higher in green fodder yield than corn and sorghum/sudan grass hybrids. Leaf area index was 28.8 for three cuttings of pearl millet, with 5.8 for one cutting of maize, and 19.5 for three cuttings of sorghum/sudan grass. Crude protein content was 16.3% for pearl millet, 6 and 5% higher …


Modelling Feed Resources Budgets In The Moist Savannahs Of West Africa, A Naazie, J W. Smith Jun 2024

Modelling Feed Resources Budgets In The Moist Savannahs Of West Africa, A Naazie, J W. Smith

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A deterministic model was developed to evaluate the adequacy and utilization of ruminant livestock feed resources in the moist savannahs of W. Africa. Changes in land cropped and available as range, were used to project changes in feed resources over time and to evaluate whether these feed resources were adequate for the expected numbers of livestock in the region. Ignoring crop residues as feed resources would result in feed shortages especially in the drier northern parts of the moist savannahs. If 50% of the residues could be used as feed, feed shortage would be unlikely irrespective of area cropped. In …


Participative Management And Rehabilitation Of The Village Common Pastures In The Central Highlands Of Turkey: Importance Of Diagnostic Surveys In Project Planning And Execution, H K. Firincioglu, S Christiansen, S Unal, D Ozturk, H Basaran Jun 2024

Participative Management And Rehabilitation Of The Village Common Pastures In The Central Highlands Of Turkey: Importance Of Diagnostic Surveys In Project Planning And Execution, H K. Firincioglu, S Christiansen, S Unal, D Ozturk, H Basaran

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Most of the pastures in the central highlands of Turkey have been replaced by cereal production over the last 50 years. Also, the mismanagement of the existing pastures, i.e., early grazing and over stocking of animals, has resulted in severe degradation of pasture species. A study, involving a multidisciplinary approach, was initiated and included botanical and socio-economic surveys, improvement of village-based feed resources, and realistic livestock feeding schemes to put limited feed resources to best use. Results of socioeconomic survey studies in selected villages are presented as prerequisite information for initiation of a forage, livestock and range rehabilitation project.


Use Of Grazing Animals In Re-Seeding Degraded Marginal Lands In Northern Syria, F Ghassali, A E. Osman, P S. Cocks Jun 2024

Use Of Grazing Animals In Re-Seeding Degraded Marginal Lands In Northern Syria, F Ghassali, A E. Osman, P S. Cocks

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Seed mixture of sixteen native legumes were fed to sheep as a single meal and their passage through the animals was monitored in the faeces. The same mixture was used in a field experiment to improve degraded pasture. Over two hundred sheep were allowed to graze the improved pasture and rest on a nearby un-improved (target) pasture during four days. Results showed that legumes with smaller seeds were able to pass through the animals undamaged compared with large seeded species. The field study provided confirmation of the animal feeding study and provided evidence that grazing animals can help in rehabilitation …


Integrated Management Of Natural Forage Resources In A Tropical Humid Savannah Of West Africa, Ph Lecomte, Ph Hellemans, A Buldgen Jun 2024

Integrated Management Of Natural Forage Resources In A Tropical Humid Savannah Of West Africa, Ph Lecomte, Ph Hellemans, A Buldgen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In the practise of extensive cattle rearing in the Guinean low altitude savannah, coupled with a poor knowledge or appreciation of the plant communities, disturbs the natural equilibrium of vegetation. A carefully designed land management program and the establishment of indicators to monitor any changes are crucial for ensuring production capacity. The study suggests the integration into a Geographical Information System of a set of field indicators defined for a typical savannah of the area in question. These indicators take into account throughout the seasons, data on the climate, the natural environment, the productivity value of vegetation and the risk …


Structure, Productivity And Animal Utilization In A Communal Pasture In The Basque Country (Northern Spain), I Albizu, G Besga, M Rodriquez, M Onaindia, M Domingo, I Amezaga Jun 2024

Structure, Productivity And Animal Utilization In A Communal Pasture In The Basque Country (Northern Spain), I Albizu, G Besga, M Rodriquez, M Onaindia, M Domingo, I Amezaga

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The goal of this study was to determine the structure, productivity and utilization of mountain communal pastures of the Gorbea area in 1994. The area was classified in four zones according to topographic position and improvement activities: north slope brush removed, summit, south slope 50% brush, and south slope brush removed. Ecological profiles were used to relate the most abundant species to soil P and K contents at the different zones. Exclosure cages were used to estimate potential productivity, botanical composition and pasture utilization. Soil P and K contents are the parameters that relate best to floristic composition, being Agrostis …


Traditional Grassland And Fodder Management Systems In Tanzania And Potential For Improvement, R M. Otsynia, I Essai, D Asenga Jun 2024

Traditional Grassland And Fodder Management Systems In Tanzania And Potential For Improvement, R M. Otsynia, I Essai, D Asenga

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The “Ngitiri” fodder conservation system was developed by the Sukuma agro-pastoralists as a strategy to alleviate acute dry season fodder constraints. This traditional agroforestry system provides the basis and opportunities for development of improved silvipastoral systems. Ngitiri is a major source of dry season fodder supply for livestock and thatch for roofing. The system is widespread in the Sukuma landuse system in central Tanzania. This paper presents the scope and importance of the Ngitiri system, management aspects, constraints, and farmers’ perceptions on improvement. Implications for agroforestry technology development in the Sukuma agropastoral system are also discussed.


Overseeding Methods For Communal Grassland, L Tahtacioglu, A Mermer, M Avci Jun 2024

Overseeding Methods For Communal Grassland, L Tahtacioglu, A Mermer, M Avci

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Two establishment methods, cultivator+roller and grassland drill, in combination with four plant mixtures were evaluated for the improvement of degraded communal grassland in two provinces of Eastern Anatolia. The establishment had been satisfactory with both methods and no significant differences were observed between two overseeding methods. Sainfoin, alfalfa, smooth brome and crested wheatgrass were used in this work and plant mixtures consisted of one legume and one grass species. Compatibility of introduced seedlings with existing vegetation was very weak. Although, the contribution of introduced plant mixtures to DM yield was significantly higher under protected condition, the survival and regeneration rates …


The Effects Of Topographical Factors On Forage And Grazing Periods And Carrying Capacity In Eastern Anatolia Region Of Turkey, Ali Koc, Ahmet Gokkus Jun 2024

The Effects Of Topographical Factors On Forage And Grazing Periods And Carrying Capacity In Eastern Anatolia Region Of Turkey, Ali Koc, Ahmet Gokkus

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In this study, natural pastures were selected for floristic and grazing measurement in toeslope, summit, footslope, and shoulder of four position with altitudes ranging between 2000-2500 m in 1992 and 1993. While the longest green forage periods were recorded for footslope, summit and northern faces, the longest dry forage periods were in the south and west sites. Duration of grazing period ranged between 120 and 140 days depending on climatic and topographical factors. Grazing period was the longest in the southern footslope whereas it was shortest in the summit and northern shoulder. Grazing area for a livestock unit (LU) needs …


Sward Height Effects On Sward Composition And Animal Performance In Grass/Clover Swards Co-Grazed By Sheep And Goats, M Del Pozo, A Martinez, K Osoro Jun 2024

Sward Height Effects On Sward Composition And Animal Performance In Grass/Clover Swards Co-Grazed By Sheep And Goats, M Del Pozo, A Martinez, K Osoro

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A mixed herd of yearling cashmere bucks plus Gallega and Lacha ewes rearing single lambs continuously grazed lowland perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) / white clover (Trifolium repens) swards on two contrasting sward surface heights of 8.3 (High) or 5.9 cm (Low) over a 100-day spring grazing period. Performance results showed that ewes and bucks had respectively an extra 2.6 and 2.0 kg of liveweight gain in the High height treatment while lambs replenished 185 (High) and 198 (Low) g of daily liveweight. Significant increases of live clover occurred in both sward height treatments and that was …


Dry Matter Degradability Of Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense L.) Grown At Different Altitudes Tested With Rumen Fistulated Rams, M Knezevic, J Leto, V Kozumplik, I Pejic Jun 2024

Dry Matter Degradability Of Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense L.) Grown At Different Altitudes Tested With Rumen Fistulated Rams, M Knezevic, J Leto, V Kozumplik, I Pejic

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Among ecological factors altitude can have significant influence on forage dry matter degradability. Red clover is a very important forage species in hilly-mountain regions. Its response in dry matter degradability to different altitudes has been little studied. In this experiment degradability of six red clover cultivars grown at two different altitudes (123 and 650 meters above the sea level) was studied by using rumen fistulated rams (in sacco technique). The clover samples for the degradability determination were taken from the first cut done at the beginning of flowering at each altitude. The experiment was organised as tree factorial CRD. Five …


Utilization Of Rumen Evacuation And In Situ Methodology To Study Mineral Element Characteristics Of Bromus Inermis, D T. Hickok, R J. Rasby, D R. Brink, P A. Olson, P R. Martin Jun 2024

Utilization Of Rumen Evacuation And In Situ Methodology To Study Mineral Element Characteristics Of Bromus Inermis, D T. Hickok, R J. Rasby, D R. Brink, P A. Olson, P R. Martin

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Mineral element characteristics of Bromus inermis were determined in 2 week intervals from May 15 to October 15 in a four-year study. Clipped samples were separated to leaf and stem fractions. In year 4, 3 ruminally fistulated cows were used to determine diet selection 6 times during the growing season, and were used to determine in situ mineral disappearance of clipped grass. Based on rumen evacuation and in situ methodology elemental concentrations in Bromus inermis exhibited seasonal flux and in the conditions of this study cows did not select a diet different from clipped samples in elements other than Fe …


Anatomy Of Forage Plant Parts In Relation To Digestion, P Rezvani Moghaddam, D Wilman Jun 2024

Anatomy Of Forage Plant Parts In Relation To Digestion, P Rezvani Moghaddam, D Wilman

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objective of this study was to contribute some quantitative information regarding the proportion of cell types and the thickness of cell walls in different plant parts of three major forage species, lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and maize (Zea mays L.). All plant parts examined contained a significant proportion of cell types with walls which appeared too thick to be completely degraded during the time which plant particles are likely to spend in the rumen; this applied particularly to lucerne stems and maize leaf blades.


Recent Developments In The Use Of Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy For The Evaluation Of Grass Silage, N W. Offer, D S. Percival, C Thomas Jun 2024

Recent Developments In The Use Of Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy For The Evaluation Of Grass Silage, N W. Offer, D S. Percival, C Thomas

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This work assessed the potential of near infra-red spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict the voluntary intake and fermentation characteristics of grass silage. NIRS spectra were obtained from dried milled (Dry) or fresh samples by two methods (Wet1 - vertical transport mechanism and Wet2 - rotating cup drawer). Prediction errors (SECV as a percentage of mean values) were 5.5, 6.5 and 2.5 for Dry, Wet1 and Wet2 respectively for intake by dairy cows (n=28). Corresponding values were 10.3, 16.1 and 10.9 for lambs (n=88). The Wet2 method gave more accurate predictions than Wet1 except for predictions of ADF and unfermentable metabolisable energy …


Monitoring Kinetics Of Readily Available Fermentable Components By Means Of In-Vitro Gas Production, G Pichard, G Jaurena, M A. Bruni Jun 2024

Monitoring Kinetics Of Readily Available Fermentable Components By Means Of In-Vitro Gas Production, G Pichard, G Jaurena, M A. Bruni

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In vitro rumen incubations were used for measuring substrate disappearance and gas production dynamics. Samples were neutral detergent extracts of alfalfa and orchardgrass with or without added glucose. A logistic multi-pool model was used for describing feed fractions with distinct kinetic parameters, namely pools A, B1, B2 and C that represent fractions of increasing refractoriness. This technique based on gas measurement allowed to monitor early fermentation kinetics of readily available substrates thus overcoming the limitations encountered in traditional in vitro substrate disappearance. Pools A, B1 and B2 showed specific rates near 0.14 , 0.08 and 0.02 and lags of zero, …