Agricultural Science Commons^™

Evaluation Of Acid Detergent Fibre, Sulphuric Acid Lignin And N-Alkanes As Markers For Estimating Ruminal Digestibility In Cattle, Gilberto V. Kozloski, Francisco R. Mesquita, Tiago P. Alves, Cristiano M. Stefanello, Lisandre De Oliveira, Teresa C. M. Genro

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Most of the published studies on estimating organic matter (OM) rumen digestibility (OMRD) use research animals fitted with simple t-type cannulas and an external or inter-nal marker for estimating the duodenal digesta flow. Although there is not an ideal or standard marker, com-pared to external markers, internal markers have the advantage of occurring naturally in the diet and, conse-quently, they flow intimately associated with digesta (Titgemeyer 1997). In digestibility studies where total faec-es output is measured, duodenal digesta flow may be estimated based on both faeces output and the ratio of a marker concentration in faeces and in duodenal digesta. …

Evaluation Of Internal Markers For Estimating Duodenal Digesta Flow In Ruminants: Acid Detergent Fibre And Lignin Disappearance At The Lower Gastrointestinal Tract, Gilberto V. Kozloski, Francisco R. Mesquita, Tiago P. Alves, Thais R. Longo, Mariana P. Mezzomo, Filipe Zanferari

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Most of published studies carried out for estimating organic matter (OM) rumen digestibility (OMRD) use research an-imals fitted with simple t-type cannulas and an external or internal marker for estimating the duodenal digesta flow. Compared to external, the internal markers have the advan-tage of occurring naturally in diet and, consequently, they flow intimately associated with digesta (Titgemeyer 1997). Porter and Singleton (1971a) reported from a study with sheep fitted with re-entrant duodenal cannula that lignin degradation takes place entirely in the stomach. Thus, in digestibility studies where total faeces output is measured, duodenal digesta flow may be estimated based on …

Development Of New Functional Feed That Utilizes Yacon (Smallanthus Sonchifolius) And Rush (Juncus Effuses L.) In Japan, Akiko Koike, Shin Yasuda, Ryoji Nagai, Chinobu Okamoto, Takahiro Nikki, Keiji Igoshi, Rajeev Pradhan, Masateru Ono, Kiyotaka Kabata

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is acknowledged as a food as well as a medicinal plant and its cultivation in Ja-pan has recently expanded. Rush (Juncus effuses L.) which is widely distributed in the temperate regions in the north-ern hemisphere, has historically been used as a herbal medicine for nephritis and dermal disorders. However, there is a lot of harvest residue of both plants. This research was conducted to find out the way for the effective use of these residues as functional feed resources.

Improving Forage Nonstructural Carbohydrates Through Management And Breeding, Gilles Bélanger, Gaëtan F. Tremblay, Annick Bertrand, Yves Castonguay, Robert Berthiaume, Réal Michaud, Sophie Pelletier, Chantale Morin, Carole Lafrenière, Guy Allard

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) are an important source of readily fermentable energy available to rumen microbes. Limited concentrations of readily available energy in forages combined with fast and intensive protein degradation contribute to poor N use efficiency by dairy cows and other ruminants. Increasing NSC in forages has been shown to improve intake, milk yield, and N use efficiency (Brito et al. 2009). We assessed several strategies to increase forage NSC accumulation, including PM-cutting, species selection and genetic improvement.

Mineral Content In Some Species Of Leguminosae In Bandar Torkaman Plain Rangelands, Iran, Mohammadreza Tatian, Maedeh Yousefian, Reza Tamartash, Fatemeh Montazeri, Mehdi Jafari, Morteza Shaabani

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Improving the forage quality and balance of their minerals in rangeland ecosystems is important for rangeland managers to improve livestock productivity (Mohamed et al. 2003; Epstein and Bloom 2005). This research investigated the amount of several minerals; Calcium (Ca), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) and Magnesium (Mg), in some important species of Leguminosae including Medicago sativa, Trifolium repens, Trifolium pratense and Lathyrus pratensis, that are grazed by livestock in the Bandar Torkaman plain rangelands in north of Iran.

Copper Status Of Free Ranging Cattle: What’S Hidden Behind? A Pilot Study At The Gilgel Gibe Catchment, Ethiopia, Veronique Dermauw, Thomas Van Hecke, Kechero Yisehak, Gijs Du Laing, Eric Van Ranst, Luc Duchateau, Geert P. J. Janssens

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Copper (Cu) deficiency is known to be a major risk for cattle health and production. The widespread problem is due to low absorption rates in the rumen, low Cu concentrations in the natural diet and the presence of dietary Cu antagonists, such as S, Mo and Fe (Suttle 2010). Cattle in the tropics are even more prone to shortage of this mineral, given that the animals are often extensively kept and largely dependent on natural pasture for mineral supply (McDowell and Arthington, 2005). More specifically, in Ethiopia, Cu deficiency was previously described in zebu (Bos indicus) cattle by …

Dry Matter, Protein And Fibre Digestibility By West African Dwarf Sheep Fed Varying Levels Of Vernonia Amygdalina Meal In Cassava Starch Residue-Based Diets, O. B. Omotoso, Adebowale N. Fajemisin, J. A. Alokan, Y. A. Shuiabu

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

It is imperative to find alternative source(s) of feed for livestock in lieu of the limited availability of conventional concentrates and the competition for this resource by man. One plant with great potential for the livestock is bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina). It is wide spread with about 200 species, is edible, drought tolerant, nutritious and has been found to have medicinal qualities (John 1994). V. amygdalina has an astringent taste which affects its intake. Bitter leaf meal contains 20-34% crude protein (CP) and can be used as protein supplement (Aregheore et al. 1998). With the recent introduction …

Improving The Feeding Value Of Dryland Lucerne In Australia, Hayley C. Norman, Steve J. Hughes, Elizabeth L. Hulm, Alan W. Humphries, K. Oldach, Dean K. Revell, Zoey Durmic, J. Vadhanabhuti, Philip E. Vercoe

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) is the most widely grown perennial legume species in southern Australia. Within Australian farming systems it plays an important role in the provision of high-quality feed for livestock, nitrogen fixation and dewatering soils to reduce watertable recharge and dryland salinity (Cocks 2001). The majority of lucerne varieties have been developed for the areas with high rainfall or supplementary irrigation. The new challenge is to develop lucerne cultivars specifically for dryland mixed farming systems in temperate and mediterranean climate zones (Humphries and Auricht, 2001). Persistence in these environments and feeding value to sheep are critical selection …

Influence Of Cutting Height On Seasonal Composition Of Moringa Oleifera In The Rainforest Zone Of Nigeria, A. A. Fadiyimu, J. A. Alokan, Adebowale N. Fajemisin, R. D. Aladesanwa

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Moringa oleifera, a native of sub-Himalayan regions of northwestern India, is now indigenous to many countries in Africa. Matured leaves and young branches of Moringa are potentially useful livestock fodder, for ruminants (Akinbamijo et al. 2004) and non-ruminants (Ly et al. 2001). However, in Nigeria it has been grossly underexploited as it is restricted to the arid northern zone where it is used mainly as live fence and as vegetable salad. The study was initiated because not enough information on the nutritive value of Moringa foliage and its change with season, harvesting or grazing had been accumulated …

Evaluation Of Forage Quality Indicators Using Multivariate Methods (Case Study: Rangelands Of Karsanak, Chaharmahal Va Bakhtiari Province), Hassan Yeganeh, Hossein Arzani, Javad Motamedi, Hamze Ali Shirmardi, Ehsan Zandi Esfahan

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In most studies on forage quality, the rank of species and the interaction effect between species and time (grazing months) has not been analyzed for forage quality (Meshkani 1986). An additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model is able to analyse the interaction of species in the environment. Studies on stability of forage production have been carried out using the AMMI model (Farshadfar et al. 2010).

The objective of the current research was to determine the forage quality indicators of range species through AMMI models in semi-steppe rangelands of Karsanak area of Iran.

Effect Of Enclosure And Open Grazing On Diet Selection, Relative Preference Index And Voluntary Intake By Sheep At El-Khuwei Locality North Kordofan State Sudan, Mohammed Abdelkreim, Babo Fadlalla

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The nutritive value of a pasture depends mainly on its in-take and the selection animals exert in consuming the different species or the various parts of a determined plant (Mayes and Dove 2000). Animal production in North Kordofan State is mainly traditional depending on natural rangeland (Cook and Fadlalla 1987; DHP 1998). The State is rich in animal and range resources. It contains more than 13 million head of sheep, goats, camels and cattle (IFAD 2011).

The study aims to provide information that contributes to a better understanding of the plant-animal inter-actions through knowledge of diet botanical composition, forage biomass …

Nutrition Diet Of Grazing Sheep And Forage Supply On Natural Grassland, Guomei Yin, Yingjun Zhang, Yongzhi Liu, Zhijun Wei, Heping Zhao

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Forages are a major asset of any livestock operation and the foundation of most rations in a forage-based livestock system. The available nutrients in a forage influence individual animal production (e.g. gain per animal), while the amount of forage produced affects production per hectare. The relationship between voluntary food intake and animal productivity is well recognized. Many studies related to the regulation of food consumption by sheep and cattle have been reported (Provenza 1996). Willoughby (1958) dis-cussed a number of factors which might influence the herbage intake of grazing animals. By contrast, less attention has been given to …

Potential Of Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (Nirs) To Predict Nutrient Composition Of Bromus Tomentellus, Hossein Arzani, Anvar Sour, Javad Motamedi

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to analyse the nitrogen (N), acid detergent fiber (ADF), dry matter digestibility (DMD) and metabolizable energy (ME) content of three phenological stages (vegetative, flowering and seeding) of Bromus tomentellus samples in grazing pastures of Iran. The sample set consisted of 40 samples for calibration and 23 samples for validation was used to predict N, ADF, DMD and ME, separately. The samples were measured by reflectance NIR in a 950-1650 nm range. Calibration models between chemical data and NIR spectra were produced using the method of partial least squares (PLS). The coefficients of determination (R2) …

Trace Element Imbalance In Vegetation As A Threat To Free Ranging Cattle In The Gilgel Gibe Valley, Ethiopia, Thomas Van Hecke, Veronique Dermauw, Kechero Yisehak, Gijs Du Laing, Luc Duchateau, Geert P. J. Janssens

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

As in many tropical countries, natural pastures are the main source of nutrients for cattle in Ethiopia. However, there is limited information available with regard to trace element concentrations in Ethiopian forages. In this study, 58 plants were sampled in the Gilgel Gibe valley based on the observed ingestion by zebu cattle (Bos indicus) herds, grazing at different elevation and soil types, and analysed for copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), molybdenum (Mo), manganese (Mn), sulfur (S), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn). The effect of elevation, soil type and plant type on the above trace element concentrations was …

Variations An Α-Tocopherol And Β-Carotene Concentrations In Forage Legumes And Grasses Harvested At Different Sites And Maturity Stages, Elisabet Nadeau, Hanna Lindqvist, Søren Krogh Jensen, Nilla Nilsdotter-Linde, Anne-Maj Gustavsson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Forage is a major source of natural α-tocopherol and β-carotene for dairy cows. This study examined vitamin concentrations of birdsfoot trefoil (Bft), red clover (Rc), timothy (Ti) and meadow fescue (Mf) at different sites, years and cutting dates. Mixtures of Bft+Ti, Rc+Ti and Rc+Mf were established at Skara (58°21’N; 13°08’E) and Umeå (63°45’N; 20°17’E) in Sweden. First-year leys were cut on three occasions in spring (Umeå 2005, Skara 2005 and 2007); one week before heading of timothy, at heading and one week after heading. Birdsfoot trefoil had higher α-tocopherol concentration at Skara than at Umeå in the first two cuts …

Comparing Drying Protocols For Perennial Ryegrass Samples In Preparation For Chemical Analysis, Marion Beecher, Deirdre Hennessy, Tommy M. Boland, Michael O’Donovan, Eva Lewis

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Diet formulation for animals requires accurate estimation of feed nutritive value. In order to determine the nutritive value of grass, the moisture in the samples must be removed, with minimum damage to cell structure, and then the dried samples milled, prior to chemical analysis. Generally samples are oven dried. The aim of this study was to verify if differing drying protocols gave diverging results when drying grass samples. The drying protocols investigated were 40°C for 48 hours, 60°C for 48 hours and 95°C for 15 hours in forced convection ovens. Four perennial ryegrass samples were cut to 4 cm from …

Remote Sensing Of Pasture Quality, Reddy R. Pullanagari, Robyn A. Dynes, Warren M. King, Ian Yule, Susanne Thulin, Nichola M. Knox, Abel Ramoelo

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Worldwide, farming systems are undergoing significant changes due to economic, environmental and social drivers. Agribusinesses must increasingly deliver products specified in terms of safety, health and quality. Increasing constraints are being placed on them by the market, the community and by government to achieve a financial benefit within social and environmental limits (Dynes et al. 2003).

In order to meet these goals, producers must know the quantity and quality of the inputs into their feeding systems, be able to reliably predict the products and by-products being generated, and have the skills to be able to manage their business accordingly. …

Infrastructure To Improve Beef Business Outcomes In The Queensland Gulf, Kiri C. Broad, Bernie H. English, Rebecca A. Gunther, Emma S. Hegarty, Joe W. Rolfe, Steven G. Bray

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

There are significant economic and environmental issues impacting on the short and long term viability of family-run breeding enterprises in the Queensland Gulf. Falling cattle prices and increased business costs threaten the social and financial well-being of many beef producers. Set stocking and overgrazing combine to reduce native 3P (productive, palatable and perennial) grass frequency and herd productivity. The Ryan family on Greenhills Station at George-town in the Queensland Gulf embarked on a 5 year water and fencing infrastructure development program aiming to improve pasture utilisation, land condition and long term carrying capacity.

A Technique For Measurement Of Cattle Form Using A Trail 3d Digital Camera, Tamaki Kida, Shigeki Tejima, Toshitaka Uchino, Fumihiko Tanaka

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Measurement of weight and form are important for the management of grazing cattle; however, form measurement is seldom carried out. Recently, use of 3D digital cameras has been increasing, and 3D-technology for reconstruction of 3D pictures has been developed. The measurement of withers and hip height of cattle from 3D pictures using the image-analysis technique has been reported (Kida et al. 2012). However, time and effort are required to obtain 3D images of grazing cattle in pastures.

Here, we examined an automatic photographic technique using a sensor camera.

Modelling Complex Sheep Systems Using Ausfarm, Susan M. Robertson, Michael A. Friend

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Simulation modelling can be a valuable method for extrapolating experimental findings to different weather or management conditions. However, most of the decision support tools which are available for sheep grazing systems, for example GrassGro® (Donnelly et al. 1997), are limited to modelling of relatively simple sheep management. This makes validation of simulations against experimental results difficult where management changes from year to year, and where more complex sheep management is used. This study evaluated the use of the AusFarm® decision support tool (Moore et al. 2007) to model a split-joined sheep system, using different ram breeds against experimental …

Does Targeted Short-Term Grazing Of Lucerne Increase Twinning Rates In Unsynchronised Merino Ewes?, Jessica M. Rummery, Susan M. Robertson, Belinda J. King, Michael A. Friend

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Reproduction is one of the key profit drivers in the sheep industry and increased reproductive output is needed to address the decline in sheep numbers in Australia to maintain supply to export markets (Curtis 2009). Increased nutrition around mating, or ‘flushing’, is a well-known means of increasing twinning rates. Studies using synchronisation methods have shown that short-term (acute) supplementation can increase prolificacy if targeted at days 9-14 of the oestrous cycle (Stewart and Oldham 1986). However, synchronisation involves increased chemical and labour costs, so may not suit extensive production systems. This study aimed to test whether an increase in twinning …

Evaluating Rangeland's Grazing Capacity For Livestock And Wild Herbivores Using The Delta Diet Tool And Gis Technology, Sandra A. Santos, Arnaud L. J. Desbiez, Humberto L. Perotto-Baldivieso, Juliana M. Alvarez

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Rangelands are dynamic and complex systems requiring appropriate adaptive decision-making to calculate grazing capacity integrating livestock and herbivore wildlife. This work describes the development and application of an integrated framework using the microhistological analysis (DeltaDiet tool) to identify key forage used by different herbivores from the same area associated with GIS technology to mapping landscape containing forage productivity and quality information. This study was conducted in a management unit, representative of the Nhecolândia sub-region landscape, Pantanal. During the dry period, representative fecal samples were collected from cows, capybaras and deer grazing in the same management unit for diet analysis, using …

Corn Response To Wastewater-Recycled Phosphorus Fertilizers, Shane R. Ylagan, Kristofor R. Brye

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

The ability to recycle phosphorus (P) from wastewaters could provide a sustainable, continuous source of P that might also help protect surface water quality from P enrichment. The mineral struvite (MgNH4PO4 · 6H2O) is an understudied material that can be created from P- and nitrogen (N)-containing wastewater and has been shown to have agricultural fertilizer value. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of electrochemically precipitated struvite (ECST), chemically precipitated struvite (Crystal Green; CG), diammonium phosphate (DAP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), rock phosphate (RP), and triple superphosphate (TSP) on corn (Zea mays) response in a greenhouse pot study. …

Internet Of Things For Sustainable Forestry, Abdul Salam

Faculty Publications

Forests and grasslands play an important role in water and air purification, prevention of the soil erosion, and in provision of habitat to wildlife. Internet of Things has a tremendous potential to play a vital role in the forest ecosystem management and stability. The conservation of species and habitats, timber production, prevention of forest soil degradation, forest fire prediction, mitigation, and control can be attained through forest management using Internet of Things. The use and adoption of IoT in forest ecosystem management is challenging due to many factors. Vast geographical areas and limited resources in terms of budget and equipment …

Soil Carbon Dynamics And Greenhouse Gas Emissions In Conservation Tillage Systems At Multiple Scales, Yawen Huang

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

Conservation tillage practices like no-tillage and reduced tillage have been widely implemented worldwide, with expectations they would provide multiple benefits (e.g., yield enhancement and soil carbon sequestration) for food security and climate adaptation and mitigation. However, the adoption of conservation tillage faces both opportunities and challenges. A knowledge gap still exists regarding the effects of conservation tillage on the carbon cycle in agroecosystems. This dissertation reflects a comprehensive evaluation of conservation tillage at multiple scales using an integrated systems approach, a combination of data synthesis, the agriculture ecosystem model, and field observations and measurements. I first conducted a meta-analysis to …

Can Precision Farming Technologies Be Applied To Grazing Management?, S. Mark Rutter

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In arable farming, precision is used to monitor and manage crop variability. The same precision approach can be used to manage grassland, by using crop sensing, targeted fertilizer/herbicide/pesticide application and forage yield measurement when it is harvested mechanically. An additional challenge in grassland agriculture is developing precision approaches to manage the grazing process. This requires technologies to determine where an animal is, when, what and how much it is grazing which the system then needs to use in conjunction with other sources of information to control where the animal grazes next. This paper reviews the existing technologies in these …

Manipulation Of The Spatial Grazing Behaviour Of Livestock In Extensive Grassland Systems, Derek W. Bailey, Mitch B. Stephenson, Milton G. Thomas, Juan F. Medrano, Gonzalo Rincon

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Spatial behaviour of livestock is a critical factor in grassland management. Recent and ongoing research suggests that new approaches can be used to manipulate where cattle graze. The combination of strategic supplement placement and low-stress herding can be used to target cattle grazing and potentially may be useful for managing fine fuels. A phenotype to genotype association study of cattle spatial behavior suggests that use of rugged terrain and areas far from water is inherited. Although more research is needed, selection for animals specifically adapted for mountainous terrain or extensive paddocks may be an alternative for managing grasslands in the …

Case Studies Which Demonstrate The Financial Viability Of Precision Dairy Farming, Ian Yule, Hayden Lawrence, Craige Mackenzie, Carolyn Hedley, Miles Grafton

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A number of case studies are used to demonstrate the financial viability of precision farming methods for intensively managed pastures. Precision farming has sometimes been criticized as being technology-led where the management goals and desired outcomes are sometimes poorly defined. Case studies presented in this paper demonstrate a strong management approach where appropriate technologies are selected to contribute to the financial success of the farm. The first case study farm has increased milk production by 70% in four years, increased pasture production by 43%, reduced fertilizer costs to 43% of previous levels and has successfully predicted annual production to within …

Opportunities For Improving Livestock Production With E-Management Systems, Dave L. Swain, Rebecca N. Handcock, Greg J. Bishop-Hurley, Don Menzies

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

There is increased interest in hardware and software that can support e-Management for grassland-based livestock industries. Managers of grazing livestock were early adopters of radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies automatically monitoring individual animal performance. Recent developments of remote sensing, automated individual recording and management, location based systems, improved data transfer and technologies that can be used in more extensive grazing systems are providing new opportunities for the development of e-Management systems. There is a need for better data integration and systems that can provide the best available information to enable better decision-making. For greater industry adoption of more integrated e-Management …

Growth Of Bali Bulls Fattened With Forage Tree Legumes In Eastern Indonesia: Leucaena Leucocephala In Sumbawa, Tanda Panjaitan, Muhammad Fauzan, H. Dahlanuddin, Michael J. Halliday, H. Max Shelton

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The contribution of West Nusa Tenggara Province to domestic beef supply in Indonesia is relatively small, however, beef cattle are very important for the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the region.

Bali cattle (Boss javanicus) are the predominant breed as they are adapted to harsh nutritional conditions, are highly fertile and have low calf mortality (Toelihere 2003). While genetically capable of achieving a growth rate of 0.85 kg/d (Mastika 2003), Panjaitan (2012) identified poor nutrition as a severe limitation to animal growth in traditional village systems. Improving feed quality and supply is vital to increasing growth rates and …