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Fatty Acid Metabolism On Pasture- And Feedlot-Finished Cattle, Cuk T. Noviandi, Robert E. Ward, Jong-Su Eun, Dale R. Zobell, Rusty D. Stott, Blair L. Waldron, Mike D. Peel

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Feeding high-grain diets to finishing beef cattle results in high proportions of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in the beef, which is considered to confer negative impacts on human health. In contrast, pasture-finished cattle produce lower proportion of SFA, greater n-3 and less n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and higher conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) compared to high grain-finished beef (Noviandi et al. 2012). Increased n-3 PUFA, especially C18:3 n-3, can reduce the risk of heart disease, hypertension, inflammation, and mammary cancer, and lower cholesterol concentration in blood (De Deckere et al. 1998; Tapiero et al. 2002).

Nitrogen fertilisation …

Development Of Feeding System Based On Azolla (Azolla Pinnata) And Sheanut Cake (Vitellaria Paradoxa) For Nellore Sheep Reared In Different Production Systems, K. Sarjan Rao, Y. Ravindra Reddy

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Since protein sources such as ground nut cake and soya bean are too expensive to feed as supplements to livestock in India, steps have been taken to reduce cost by utilizing alternative feedstuffs to replace the traditional sources in ration formulation (Parashuramului et al. 2013). Azolla which is a free-floating nitrogen fixing water fern has a potential to be used as a protein supplement for ruminants (Ahirwar and Leela, 2012). Sheanut cake (Vitellaria paradoxa) which is produced after extraction of fats use in cosmetics and as a cocoa butter substitute in chocolate making, is also a rich …

Forage Allowance And Cow Genotype, Tools To Increase Animal Production In Native Pastures, Pablo Soca, Mariana Carriquiry, Martín Do Carmo

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In eight plots (four per block) the effects of two FA per two cow genotypes were tested from August 2007 to March 2010, on a Campos grassland (major species were Axonopus affinis, Oxalis sp., Cyperus sp., Cynodon dactylon, Eryngium nudicaule, Gaudinia fragilis, Chevreulia sarmentosa, Stipa setigera, Paspalum notatum and Coelorhachis selloana) in Uruguay (32º 20` S, 54º 26` W). Forage allowance varied seasonally, in HIGH (5, 3, 4 and 4 kg DM/kg LW) and LOW (3, 3, 2 and 2 kg DM/kg LW) during autumn, winter, spring and summer; respectively. Continuous stocking method was …

Cultivar Influences Milk Production Of Grazing Dairy Cows, Mary Mcevoy, Michael O’Donovan, Emer Kennedy, John Paul Murphy, Luc Delaby

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Perennial ryegrass is considered one of the most important forage grass species used in temperate ruminant animal production systems. Maximizing milk production from grazed grass is a major objective of pastoral-based dairy systems. While DM yield is an important trait, it fails to define the ultimate value of a grass cultivar, which is its potential to improve animal performance from a pasture sward (Reed 1994). The majority of cultivar evaluation trials are conducted under cutting, so therefore inferior cultivars from an animal production perspective may not be identified until commercialisation when animals graze a pasture sward. Reed (1978) reported that …

Efficient Beef Production From Temperate Grasslands In North-Western Europe, Edward G. O’Riordan, Paul Crosson, Mark Mcgee, Padraig O’Kiely

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Ireland’s cool temperate maritime climate is conducive to grass growth and, as a result, ruminant livestock systems have evolved that maximise both grazed pastures and conserved grassland forage as winter feed. Most Irish pastures are permanent, capable of achieving high herbage production (Keating and O’Kiely 2000) and, accordingly, supporting intensive livestock production systems. Most male progeny from the 1.1 million Irish dairy herd are reared as steers, typically slaughtered at 24-26 months of age. Approximately 85% of dairy calves available for beef production are spring-born, usually in February/March (AIMS 2011). The progeny of Holstein-Friesian (Ho/Fr) sires account for 0.5-0.6 of …

Dietary Effect Of Substituting Panicum Maximum With Tithonia Diversifolia Forage On Performance Of Yankasa Sheep, Adebowale N. Fajemisin, Timayin Salihu, Akinyemi Fadiyimu, Adebayo Alokan, Olusola Agbede

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Ruminant livestock production in Nigeria is based predominantly on native grassland (especially Panicum maximum); the nutritive value of the natural pasture varies drastically according to season (Ademosun.1992). Changes in nutritional status of these native plants result in very irregular growth and marked fluctuations in seasonal weights of farm animals. Consequently, it becomes imperative to source for alternative feed resources which are more efficient, economical and can be incorporated into ruminant’s diet with a view to reducing feed costs and hence, achieving a greater profit margin for the producer. Tithonia diversifolia is an herbaceous weed of field crops and is …

Do Different Breeds Of Dairy Cow Differ In Their Ability To Digest Perennial Ryegrass?, Marion Beecher, Frank Buckley, Tommy M. Boland, Craig Thackaberry, Daniel Enriquez-Hidalgo, Michael O’Donovan, Eva Lewis

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grazed grass is the cheapest feed source available for ruminant production systems in temperate climates (Finnernan et al. 2010) accounting for 70% and 90% of the diet of dairy cows in Ireland and New Zealand, respectively. Successful operation of grass-based dairy systems is based on achieving large intakes of high quality grass and efficiently converting it into high value milk solids (Prendiville et al. 2010). Prendiville et al. (2009) identified production efficiency differences between Holstein Friesian (HF) and Jersey (J) cows. They found that J had higher milk solids output per 100 kg bodyweight than HF. The …

Developing And Implementing Animal Welfare Assessments On Extensive And Intensive Grassland Systems: An Overview, Nguyen Xuan Trach, Bob Kilgour

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

While several definitions of animal welfare exist, in this paper we use the concept of the Five Freedoms. The Five Freedoms are freedom from hunger, thirst and malnutrition; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury and disease; freedom from fear and distress; freedom to perform normal behavior. While the idea of the Five Freedoms has limitations, it is still a widely-used conceptualization of animal welfare and we use it here to discuss the welfare of cattle in intensive and extensive management systems in Vietnam and Australia. Compared to extensive pasture systems, intensive management systems do result in heightened animal welfare …

The Evolving Beef Industry And Its Sustainability In Western China, J. P. Wu, Z. M. Lei, L. P. Zhang, X. R. Wang, S. G. Zhao, C. Q. Zhang, G. H. Sun, S. G. Li

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The beef industry in China has started to develop since the 1980s. Since then, its production system has been evolving significantly from subsistence production towards business operation in farmer households. As demands continue to grow, China will become the largest beef consumption country in the world by the year of 2025. The beef production in China’s western agriculture regions is gaining significant role in the beef industry of China. Utilization of corn stover and other agriculture aftermath is seen as the competitive advantage of development of the beef industry. Over the last 30 years the beef production efficiency has been …

The Place Of Crossbred Lambs In Australian Lamb Production, David L. Hopkins, Suzanne I. Mortimer, Jessica S. Richards

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The Australian sheep industry, particularly the lamb meat sector has undergone a major change in focus, such that consumer requirements are a paramount determinant for production and processing developments. This change has been facilitated by the use of cross breeding production systems where the benefits of heterosis are captured and the implementation of a performance recording system amongst initially, breeders of terminal sires. This sector of the industry has strongly embraced genetic selection using objectively measured traits and this is one of the contributors to the superior growth rate of crossbred progeny over pure bred progeny. A crossbreeding system does …

Developing A Diet Authentication System From The Composition Of Meat In Ruminants, F. J. Monahan, A. P. Moloney, O. Schmidt

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

As consumer interest in the link between diet and human health and in the ethics of food production increases assurances about the background origin of food are sought. In the case of animal-derived foods, such as meat, the animal’s diet is an intrinsic component of the food’s production and of its subsequent nutritional quality. Thus, there is a need to develop ways of validating the authenticity of the animal diet. Among the approaches to authenticate the background diet of ruminants is the measurement of components in meat (muscle and adipose tissue) and other tissues that are directly influenced by the …

Effect Of Harvest Stage On Forage Yield And Nutritional Value Of Winter And Spring Triticale Genotypes, Abidi Sourour, Ben Youssef Salah, Jlidi Refka

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Triticale grain is the first human made cereal created by 1875. It grows in most climates on acidic soils and in extreme temperature conditions. Moreover, the low value of triticale flour makes it a cereal mainly for animal feed as grain or forage (Varughese et al. 1987). It is well suited for dual purpose use (forage + grain + fodder or fodder, Ben Youssef et al. 2000) and as green forage, silage or hay (Delogu et al. 2001). In Tunisia, triticale was introduced by INRAT but its utilization has not been fully developed in Tunisia. The maximum …

Performance Of Medicago Varia Cv. Gannong No.1 And Onobrychis Viciaefolia Cv. Gansu In The Mixed Agricultural And Pastoral Zone Of Western China, X. R. Wang, J. P. Wu, Z. M. Lei, Y. Liu, T. Liu, B. J. Chen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Western China is mostly covered with natural grasslands, particularly in mountainous and alpine areas. Here agriculture and grazing pastures with livestock are widely integrated. Overgrazing and forage shortages are prominent problems for animal production. Cold weather and long drought periods can also lead to serious feed shortages, especially of high quality protein forages (Liu et al. 2010). Planting perennial forages with high nutritive value is an important way of increasing forage supply and relieving grassland degradation. Medicago varia L. cv. Gannong No.1 (Medicago) and Onobrychis viciaefolia Scop. cv. Gansu (sainfoin) are examples of perennial legumes with high …

Meat And Milk Production On Irrigated Birdsfoot Trefoil Pastures In The Mountain West Usa, Jennifer W. Macadam, Sara R. Hunt, Silvana Martini, Rachael Christensen, Jong-Su Eun

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Irrigated birdsfoot trefoil (BFT; Lotus corniculatus L.) is a productive, persistent perennial legume in the Mountain West region of the United States of America (USA) (MacAdam and Griggs 2006). It does not cause bloat, even when grazed in pure stands, because it contains a relatively small amount (2-4% of dry matter (DM)) of condensed tannins (Mueller-Harvey 2006; Waghorn 2008). Birdsfoot trefoil tannins bind excess plant proteins at rumen pH (~ pH 6.2) sufficiently to prevent bloat and then release these proteins into the abomasum at gastric pH (~ pH 2.5). This allows plant proteins to be digested to amino acids …

Influence Of Grazing Exclusion On Vegetation And Productivity Of Kyrgyz Pastures, N. V. Kilyazova, М. I. Аdenov, К. A. Samsaliev, А. Каrybekov, B. Jeangros

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of grazing exclusion on the vegetation and productivity of: (1) pastures near villages that are grazed intensively through-out the year; and (2) pastures, which are used in summer and are less intensively grazed through the remainder of the year. The potential of degraded pastures to recover, when protected from overgrazing, was also evaluated. Six pastures (3 located in or near villages and 3 used for summer grazing) were selected with local community representatives in 3 pilot regions of Kyrgyzstan (the Lahol and Теrеk regions of Naryn oblast and the Оrgochor …

Establishment Techniques To Increase The Production Of Italian Ryegrass (Lolium Multiflorum) Over-Sown Into An Irrigated Kikuyu (Pennisetum Clandestinum) Pasture, Joseph C. Fitzgerald, Mark N. Callow

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Irrigated mixed pastures of kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) over-sown with Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) in the cool-season (May-October) can produce large amounts of biomass in a sub-tropical environment (Botha et al. 2008). However, appropriate pasture management practices are required to suppress the aggressive growth of kikuyu prior to autumn, in order to facilitate establishment of ryegrass seedlings.

The present study evaluated ryegrass establishment techniques on the dry matter (DM) production, botanical composition and forage quality of a mixed sward containing kikuyu.

Trifolium Vesiculosum: Exploring Its Potential In The Uruguay Lowlands Rice Region, Walter Ayala, Ethel Barrios, Gerónimo Cardozo

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Trifolium vesiculosum, commonly known as arrowleaf clover, is a winter-growing annual legume native to Europe (Duke, 1981), with high persistence and low risk of bloat. Several reports show a wide annual production range between 1.9 and 9.8 t DM/ha/year (Gomes and Reis 1999; Evans and Mills 2008). It shows a high nutritional value (Tekeli et al. 2005) that declines with increasing maturity. Grazing management should consider the need for seed production to ensure natural re-seeding in subsequent years. Recently, INIA Uruguay released the T. vesiculosum cultivar Sagit (Glencoe EC1), characterized by intermediate growth habit and flowering period.

The …

The Functionality Of Legume-Grass Swards In A Long-Term Pasture: Productivity And Stability, Žydrė Kadžiulienė, Lina Šarūnaitė, Leonas Kadžiulis

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Combinations of various plant species or functional groups can enhance sward structure, the function and stability of an ecosystem, supplement forage production and mitigate negative environmental impacts. Climatic variation, rising temperatures, changing precipitation and other extreme climatic events may lead to changes in plant diversity (Soussana and Lüscher 2007). At the same time it is very important to optimise functional diversity by combining species with different properties that are well adapted to the local environments (Huyghe et al. 2012). Successful selection and management of legumes influences the herbage production, nutritional quality and sustainability of grazing systems. Therefore, their role …

Mixed Species Seeding: A Means To Increase Production In Temperate Pastures, Michael P. Schellenberg, Bili Biligetu, Valentin Picasso

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Seeding mixed species for forage production has been suggested as a means of increasing productivity and stabilizing yields under a changing climate. Forages have traditionally been sown as monocultures or binary mixtures only, with the emphasis being on species and not necessarily their function or compatibility. While natural plant communities typically may be dominated by a single species, they are comprised of several species and function-al groups.

This paper provides the results of sowing multiple species at semiarid sites within the North American Great Plains and identifies a similar result from a more humid region reported within the literature.

The Production Potential Of Kikuyu (Pennisetum Clandestinum) Over-Sown With Ryegrass (Lolium Spp.) In A No-Till System, Janke Van Der Colf, Philip R. Botha, Robin Meeske, Wayne F. Truter

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Pastures for milk production in the southern Cape of South Africa are based on no-till systems where kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) is over-sown with ryegrass during autumn to improve seasonal pasture production and forage quality. The aim of the study was to quantify the pasture and milk production potential of kikuyu over-sown with Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum var. italicum), Westerwolds ryegrass (L. multiflorum var. westerwoldicum) or perennial ryegrass (L. perenne). The study was conducted for 2 years on existing kikuyu pastures grazed by Jersey cows. Growth rate, dry matter (DM) production, botanical composition, …

Inputs For Turfgrass Managers And Sod Growers: Marketing Vs. Science-Based Information With Emphasis On Australian Experience, Donald S. Loch

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Industry structure and supporting resources are discussed in relation to information on plant nutritional and biostimulant products and concepts. Critical commentary is provided on examples of such products and services before considering ways in which decision-making by turf managers and sod growers can be improved in the future.

Effects Of Fertilizer Applications On Seed Yield And Quality Of Elymus Sibiricus In A Rain-Fed Condition, Qingfeng Li, Xiao He, Guihua Shi

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Siberian wildrye grass (Elymus sibiricus L.) is widely used for reseeding as part of grassland improvement programs in Inner Mongolia. Shortage of seed supply has been a problem that limits wider use of E. sibiricus in Northern China steppes. In this research, we investigate the effects of fertilizer application on the seed yield and seed quality of E. sibiricus grown under rain-fed conditions in Inner Mongolia.

Production Of Alfalfa Seed In Italy, Alessandra Sommovigo, Domenica Iraci Capuccinello, Marta Giannini

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is considered the largest cultivated forage species in the temperate areas in the world and in Italy covers about 700,000 ha. This species is important for the ability to produce a good quality forage with low input. Alfalfa seed production is spread throughout Italy, France and Spain (Fig. 1). In Italy, about 47% of forage area is planted with alfalfa and the Italian regions where alfalfa seed is mainly produced are Emilia Romagna, Marche and Tuscany (Fig. 2). In 2012 the area for the production of alfalfa seed was 20,906 ha with a seed production …

The Italian Catalogue Of Herbage Varieties, M. Giolo, Giovanni Corsi, N. Mugueta, F. Sorgoni, Pier Giacomo Bianchi, Renzo Torricelli, Mario Falcinelli

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

With 3.4 million hectares, permanent grassland covers 25.8% of Italian U.A.A. (Usable Agricultural Area). Most of this is located in hilly and mountainous areas and is important for the stability of the soil even if their productivity is low. Alfalfa and annual forages cover 1.8 million hectares (C.R.P.A. 2010). Italy’s large longitudinal extension (between latitudes 35° and 47° N), delivers a great variety of climates (Fig. 1). The northern regions bordering the rest of Europe differ greatly from the southern regions surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea.

Advances In Nutrient Management Of Grass Seed Crops, René Gislum, Birte Boelt

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Nutrient management of herbage grass seed crops is just as complex as for other agricultural crops when the aim is to optimise economic net return and minimise environmental impact. The use of economic optimum nitrogen (N) application rate (ECO-N) defined as the N application rate that maximise net return for the seed grower is an easy and applicable method for seed growers. Besides the economic advantages of implementing ECO-N there is an additional positive environmental effect as ECO-N is lower than the N rate that maximises seed yield and a lower N application rate will concomitantly lower the potential risk …

Effects Of Storage Conditions On Endophyte And Seed Viability In Pasture Grasses, David E. Hume, Stuart D. Card, M. Philip Rolston

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Several important temperate pasture grasses have co-evolved with mutualistic Epichloë fungal endophytes. These endophytes impart beneficial attributes to their host as they enhance the fitness of the grass when under biotic and abiotic stresses. The asexual species of these fungi (formerly classed as Neotyphodium) are obligate symbionts, and efficiently colonise newly formed tillers and infect seed by direct colonisation of the embryo. These endophytes are strictly seed transmitted. Survival of the fungus in this seed is therefore critical for the dissemination of endophyte-infected seed to grassland farmers. Longevity of endophyte in stored seed is primarily determined by the length …

Comprehensive Evaluation Of Wild Elymus L. Germplasm In Inner Mongolia, Juan Qi, Wen-Xia Cao, Ting Jiao, Xiao-Peng Pu, Wei-Hong Yan

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grassland degradation is increasing in severity and is an important global issue in the 21st century. Increasing research is being conducted on how to solve these problems (Niu and Jiang 2004). Restoration and revegetation of degraded grassland and the establishment of artificial pastures are important in addressing degradation. Successful restoration requires the identification of species and seed sources that are adapted to the ecological conditions of the restoration site. Elymus L. is a large genus that contains about 150 species distributed across a wide range of ecological sites across temperate and subtropical regions of the world (Dewey 1984; Love 1984). …

Fatty Acid Analysis Of The Transgenic Tobacco Expressing A Delta 6-Desaturase Gene From Microula Sikkimensis, Shujuan Wu, Lijing Zhang, Xiaolong Chen, Xiumei Miao, Decao Niu, Hua Fu

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

γ-Linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3^{Δ6, 9, 12}) and octadecatetraenoic acid (OTA, 18:4^{Δ6, 9, 12, 15}) are important polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which have been proved to be benefit for human health (Fan and Chapkin 1998; Whelan 2009). Currently, fish are the predominant source of PUFAs. However, with the growth of world’s population and the more nutrition requirements, fishery resources are shrinking. Alternative sources of PUFAs are being investigated (Truksa et al. 2009). The major oil crops do not contain GLA and OTA, only several plant species contain these important fatty acids in their leaf lipids and …

Leaf Growth And Senescence Rates In Brown-Back Wallaby Grass, Rytidosperma Duttonianum, Helen G. Daily, Shaun Lisson, Kerry L. Bridle, Peter A. Lane, Stuart Anderson, Ross Corkrey

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Knowledge of leaf turnover in grasses is necessary to model curing (the accumulation of dead material in the sward), which is not well represented in current pasture growth models, nor for many Australian native species. Leaf turnover begins with the appearance of successive leaves, which elongate until typically, a leaf ligule develops to indicate a mature, fully expanded length. Green leaf life span extends from appearance to the beginning of senescence, which ultimately leads to death (Fig. 1). Here, the individual rates of leaf growth and senescence for the Australian native brown-back wallaby grass, Rytidosperma duttonianum (Cashmore) Connor & Edgar, …

Challenges To Domesticating "Native" Forage Legumes, James P. Muir, José C. B. Dubeux Jr., Mércia V. F. Dos Santos, Inacio C. Maposse, William D. Pitman, Twain J. Butler

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

If ruminant production from cultivated and natural grasslands is to depend less on petroleum-based products, forage legumes must serve as protein sources. Commercially available legumes for warm-dry climate grasslands are, however, very limited and resources available for developing such legumes are inadequate. Indeterminate flowering and dehiscent seed pods combined with the need for specialized seed harvesting equipment are major impediments (Butler and Muir 2012). Warm climates often present environmental challenges such as poor rainfall distribution, extended dry seasons, temperature extremes and aggressive grass species (Muir et al. 2011). Erosion of indigenous knowledge and replacement with inappropriate land management approaches …