Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons^™

Effect Of Variety And Species On The Chemical Composition Of Lotus When Ensiled, C. L. Marley, R. Fychan, R. Jones

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Research has shown that there are positive benefits from using Lotus as a grazing forage for ruminants. These findings warrant studies into the suitability of different varieties for silage production. In this experiment, we investigated the chemical composition of 13 birdsfoot trefoil varieties and 1 greater birdsfoot trefoil when ensiled.

Cob Development In Forage Maize: Influence Of Harvest Date, Cultivar And Plastic Mulch, E. M. Little, P. O'Kiely, J. C. Crowley, G. P. Keane

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Forage maize grown for silage tends to be a compromise between reproductive and vegetative yield, and the cob component is the main driver of feeding value (Keane et al., 2003). Thus the aim is to produce a well-developed crop of high dry matter (DM) and starch content reflecting large cobs of well-filled grains rather than crops with low DM and starch contents reflecting poorly developed (immature) cob components at harvest. The use of plastic mulch can increase total DM yields with the increase in cob yield accounting for 75% of the total yield increase (Easson & Fearnehough, 1997). In …

The Influence Of Crop Maturity And Type Of Baler On Whole Crop Barley Silage Production, P. Lingvall, M. Knicky, B. Frank, B. Rustas, J. Wallsten

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Bale ensiling is based on long cut forages. Earlier studies (Honig, 1984; 1987) have shown the importance of laceration and high density in preventing fungi growth and storage instability. On the other hand use of an efficient baling technology reduces the time between moving and wrapping of bale to less than 10 minutes with a combi-baler compared to two hours with a separate wrapper. Even during feeding late fermentation is restricted as the bale is fed within some hours after opening. Ensiling of whole crop cereals needs the addition of silage additives to avoid clostridial fermentation (Weissbach et al., …

Ndf Digestion In Dairy Cows Fed Grass Or Red Clover Silages Cut At Two Stages Of Growth, K. Kuoppala, S. Ahvenjärvi, M. Rinne, A. Vanhatalo

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Increasing demand for organic dairy products has encouraged research on red clover, as it is an important plant species in organic farming systems. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of plant species and growth stage on NDF digestion in dairy cows.

Effect Of Stage Of Maturity On The Nutrient Content Of Alfalfa, Y. Tyrolova, A. Vyborna

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), one of the major agricultural crops in the Czech Republic, is grown on 15.8% of the arable land. Alfalfa silage forms a substantial part of diets for farm animals. It is very important to choose a suitable term of harvesting for ensilage from the view of optimal nutrient content. The stage of maturity at cutting has large effects on each component, except crude protein (Yu et al., 2004). Alfalfa can be difficult to ensile due to a high buffering capacity and a low WSC content.

Parameters Of Ensiled Maize With Biological And Chemical Additives, J. Grajewski, A. Potkański, K. Raczkowska-Werwińska, M. Twarużek, B. Miklaszewska

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The amount of maize grown in Poland has increased rapidly. Nowadays it takes about 600,000 ha, 40% of which is used as silage. Changing climate in Poland, with dry summer followed by wet autumn with ground frost causes extensive moulds contamination and high presence of the fusarium toxins in the maize during the harvest. The norms accepted in the EU concerning the acceptable level of deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenol (ZON) in feedstuffs for cattle require detailed examination of this problem as it decides on the health quality and production results. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects …

Sugars And Cuticular Waxes Impact Sugarcane Aphid (Melanaphis Sacchari) Colonization On Different Developmental Stages Of Sorghum, Juan David Betancurt Cardona, Sajjan Grover, Michael J. Bowman, Lucas Busta, Pritha Kundu, Kyle G. Koch, Gautam Sarath, Scott E. Sattler, Joe Louis

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Sugarcane aphid (SCA; Melanaphis sacchari) is a devastating pest of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) that colonizes sorghum plants at different growth stages. Leaf surface characteristics and sugars often influence aphid settling and feeding on host plants. However, how changes in cuticular waxes and sugar levels affect SCA establishment and feeding at different development stages of sorghum have not been explored. In this study, two- and six-weekold BTx623 plants, a reference line of sorghum, was used to evaluate plant-aphid interactions. Monitoring aphid feeding behavior using Electrical Penetration Graph (EPG) technique revealed that aphids spent more time in the sieve …

Effects Of Feeding Legume Silage With Differing Tannin Levels On Lactating Dairy Cattle, U. C. Hymes Fecht, G. A. Broderick, R. E. Muck

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Condensed tannins (CT) bind to plant proteins in the rumen, reducing protein degradation to ammonia and increasing milk production and milk protein (e.g. Waghorn, 1987). Previous research showed that the reduced soluble non-protein nitrogen (NPN) content of red clover (Trifolium pratense) silage (RCS) was related to its greater N efficiency relative to lucerne (Medicago sativa) silage (LS) (Broderick et al., 2001). Commercial cultivars of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus; BFT) contain modest levels of CT which reduce NPN formation in silage (Albrecht & Muck, 1991). The objective was to compare silages made from BFT …

An Evaluation Of The Inclusion Of Alternative Forages With Grass Silage-Based Diets On Carcass Composition And Meat Quality Of Beef Cattle Offered Two Contrasting Grass Silages, T. W. J. Keady, F. O. Lively, D. J. Kilpatrick, B. W. Moss

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Recent studies have shown that the inclusion of some alternative forages with grass silage-based diets can increase animal performance of beef cattle. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of including either maize or whole crop wheat (WCW) silages with grass silage-based diets on meat quality of beef cattle offered two levels of concentrate.

Blood Meal As A Source Of Histidine For Cattle Fed Grass Silage And Barley, R. Berthiaume, C. Lafrenière

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Previous research has shown that cattle fed grass silage are responsive to protected amino acids (Veira et al., 1991). Methionine and lysine were suggested as the most limiting amino acids for grass silage diets. Recently, Korhonen et al. (2000) have shown that histidine is the first limiting amino acids for dairy cows fed grass silage and barley-based concentrates. However, histidine is not available in a rumen protected form and needs to be provided through dietary ingredients. Blood meal is rich in histidine. This trial was designed to determine the effect of increasing histidine supply through blood meal on …

Nutritive Value For Finishing Beef Steers Of Wheat Grain Conserved By Different Techniques, P. Stacey, P. O'Kiely, A. P. Moloney, F. P. O'Mara

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Wheat grain harvested at dry matter (DM) concentrations above 860 g/kg is slow to deteriorate during long-term storage. However, high moisture grain (HMG) ranging from below 600 to 750 g DM/kg is conserved on some farms in the form of anaerobic storage of acid-treated, rolled wheat (AR) and urea-treated whole-wheat (UN) (Stacey et al., 2003). This experiment quantified the nutritive value for beef cattle of standard wheat grain (propionic acid-treated and rolled:PR) compared to AR and UN at different levels of intake.

Effect Of Additive Treatment On Meat Quality, V. Vrotniakiene, J. Jatkauskas

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Major components of meat quality are physico-chemical properties (including visual appearance and tenderness) and dietetic properties (i.e. fat content and fatty acid composition) (Razminowicz et al., 2004). Physico-chemical and technological properties of meat are influenced by feeding system, feeds quality and various feeds additives (Brzoska et al., 1999). The aim of the present study was compare the influence of untreated, inoculated and chemically-treated legume-grass silage on carcass composition and physico-chemical properties of meat when fed to fattening bulls.

Replacement Of Maize/Soybean Meal Concentrate By High Moisture Maize Grain Plus Wholeseed Soybean Silage For Cattle, C. C. Jobim, A. F. Branco, V. F. Gai, U. Cecato

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Ensiling high moisture maize grain with wholeseed soybean can increase quality of silage, mainly in relation to protein and energy (Jobim et al., 2002) working as concentrate. This fact contributes to reduced use of concentrate and costs for milk and beef production, and costs related to grain storage on the farms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritive value of high moisture maize grain plus wholeseed soybean silage through partial and total digestibility in cattle.

The Effects Of Alfalfa Silage Harvesting Systems On Dry Matter Intake Of Friesland Dairy Ewes In Late Pregnancy, H. F. Elizalde

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

With the recent introduction of alfalfa in Chilean Patagonia (Aisén), its utilisation as silage has to be reviewed relative to animal performance. The effect of silage chop length on the voluntary intake has been evaluated in different species, with sheep being more sensitive to chop length than cattle (Dulphy et al., 1984). The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of different alfalfa silage chop lengths on dry matter (DM) intake and eating behaviour of Friesland dairy ewes in late pregnancy.

Effect Of Feeding Red Clover, Lucerne And Kale Silage On The Voluntary Intake And Liveweight Gain Of Growing Lambs, R. Fychan, C. L. Marley, M. D. Fraser, R. Jones

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Despite a need for alternative forages to provide home-grown sources of protein (Wilkins & Jones, 2000), there have been few studies comparing the effects of such forages on lamb production when fed as silage. In this experiment the effects of offering ensiled red clover (Trifolium pratense), lucerne (Medicago sativa) and kale (Brassica oleracea) on voluntary intake and liveweight gain in growing lambs were compared.

An Evaluation Of Grain Processing And Storage Method, And Feed Level On The Performance And Meat Quality Of Beef Cattle Offered Two Contrasting Grass Silages, T. W. J. Keady, F. O. Lively, D. J. Kilpatrick

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Traditionally cereals have been dried or treated with propionic acid and processed prior to feeding to finishing beef cattle. Recently new techniques have been developed for storing and feeding grain to beef cattle. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of grain storage and processing method, and grain feed level on performance and meat quality of beef cattle offered two contrasting feed value grass silages.

Feeding Mixed Grass-Clover Silages With Elevated Sugar Contents To Dairy Cows, J. Bertilsson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grasses with high sugar content (WSC) have been claimed to increase feed intake and milk production and at the same time give more efficient N utilisation and thus reduce pollution (e.g. Miller et al., 2001). In an ongoing EU-supported project (“Sweetgrass”), we have grown the new varieties of perennial ryegrasses and fed them to dairy cows. Results from the first year’s experiment when pure ryegrass silages made from standard or high-sugar varieties were fed, showed small differences in feed intake, milk production and N partitioning. In order to test the principle, it was therefore decided to increase the difference …

Modelling Contamination Of Raw Milk With Butyric Acid Bacteria Spores, M. M. M. Vissers, F. Driehuis, P. De Jong, M. C. Te Giffel, J. M. G. Lankveld

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Raw milk contains low concentrations of bacterial endospores, originating from the farm environment (e.g. soil, feeds, faeces). Spores of Clostridium tyrobutyricum, also called butyric acid bacterium (BAB), are of great interest to the dairy industry. They survive milk pasteurisation and cause off-flavours and texture defects in various cheese types. The contamination pathway of BAB spores is well known. Their primary origin is soil. In silage the number of spores will increase if conditions permit BAB growth. The spores are excreted in the cows faeces and are transferred to milk by contaminated teat surfaces. Many factors are involved in the …

Feeding With Badly Preserved Silages And Occurrence Of Subclinical Ketosis In Dairy Cows, F. Vicente, B. De La Roza, A. Argamentería, M. L. Rodríguez, M. Peláez

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Ketosis in dairy cows is due to high levels of circulating ketone bodies in blood (Duffiel, 2000). In early lactation, the capacity of voluntary dry matter intake does not allow dairy cows to cover the total energy requirements for maintenance and production, and then the body reserves are mobilised. However, the amounts of fatty acids that can be metabolised in the liver are limited, later they are converted to ketone bodies (Tveit et al., 1992). During forage ensiling, acetic and lactic fermentations only are desirable, but frequently butyric and alcoholic fermentations appear. When the animals ingest these silages, the …

Conjugated Linoleic Acid Content Of Milk From Cows Fed Different Diets, E. Staszak, J. Mikołajczak

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a mixture of positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid (c-9, c-12 C_18:2). Conjugated linoleic acid occurs naturally in foods, however the main dietary sources are dairy products and other foods derived from ruminants. Continuous interest in CLA is attributed to its potential health benefits such as anticarcinogenic, antiatherogenic, antidiabetic and antiadipogenic effects (Dhiman et al., 1999, Staszak et al., 2001). Typical consumption of CLA by humans is far lower than the dose that has been shown to be effective in reducing tumours in animal models (Dhiman et al., 1999), …

Effects Of Access Time To Feed And Sodium Bicarbonate In Cows Given Different Silages, T. Heikkilä, V. Toivonen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Animal performance is closely related to silage intake, which might be affected by access time to feed, silage fermentation quality or using neutralising agents. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of access time to silage or addition of sodium bicarbonate on silage intake, milk yield and milk composition in diets based on restrictively fermented acid-treated or extensively fermented enzyme-treated grass silage.

Pea-Barley Bi-Crop Silage In Milk Production, M. Tuori, P. Pursiainen, A. -R. Leinonen, V. Karp

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Whole crop silage (WCS) from barley or wheat has many advantages as roughage feed. The possibility to use the same harvest machinery as in harvesting grass reduces investment costs. The farms which are specialised in grass production may have shortage of open field area for manure spreading, in which case WCS can be the answer. However, digestibility and protein content of WCS is usually lower than in grass silage, which is limiting the feed intake and performance of the dairy cows. Cultivation of grains with grain legumes increases digestibility and protein content of the stand (Lunnan, 1988). Feeding of bi-crop …

Dairy Cow Performance Associated With Two Contrasting Silage Feeding Systems, C. P. Ferris, D. C. Patterson, R. C. Binnie, J. P. Frost

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

As a result of increasing labour costs, the lack of skilled labour, and the desire of many farmers to reduce their working hours, there is considerable interest in using simple feeding systems for dairy cows. A study was conducted to compare two silage feeding systems that differed in complexity.

Effect Of Supplementing Grass Silage With Incremental Levels Of Water Soluble Carbohydrate On In Vitro Rumen Microbial Growth And N Use Efficiency, D. R. Davies, D. K. Leemans, R. J. Merry

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The efficiency of utilisation of N for milk production in dairy cows is often less than 25% and a shortfall in readily available carbohydrate to provide substrate for microbial growth is often cited as a potential problem. Grasses bred for their high water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content have potential to address this issue but there is limited information on the level of sugar required to optimise rumen microbial growth efficiency. The objective of this experiment was to examine the effect of different concentrations of WSC on the efficiency of use of grass silage N under in vitro conditions.

Responses To Grass Or Red Clover Silages Cut At Two Stages Of Growth In Dairy Cows, A. Vanhatalo, K. Kuoppala, S. Ahvenjärvi, M. Rinne

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Red clover has an important role in organic farming, and also potential to reduce dependence on N fertilisers in conventional farming. This experiment compared dairy cow responses to grass and red clover silages cut at two stages of growth.

Whole Crop Silage From Barley Fed In Combination With Red Clover Silage To Dairy Cows, J. Bertilsson, M. Knicky

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grass silage is the basic feed in Swedish dairy cow rations. The nitrogen utilisation in this type of diet is, however, low. A combination of forage legume protein and whole crop silage carbohydrates might be a solution to this problem. From other countries in Northern Europe the experience from feeding barley whole crop silage in combination with legumes is that it is possible to maintain a reasonably high milk production and at the same time have a good protein utilisation (Kristensen, 1992).

Silage Production From Tropical Forages, Luiz Gustavo Nussio

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Key Points

1. The determination of overall DM recovery is important in tropical grass silage systems
2. Silage fermentation profile and aerobic stability: trends and additional effects
3. Combinations of chemical and microbial additives might be useful for control of losses
4. Fermentation products should be considered in order to better predict animal performance
5. A critical points database would be a helpful management tool for the development of a set of HACCP principles for the production and utilisation of tropical grass silages

Update On Technologies For Producing And Feeding Silage, P. D. Forristal, P. O'Keily

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Key Points

1. Mechanisation and engineering inputs are key factors which contribute to silage costs.
2. Sensing technologies will improve management precision in many areas of ensilage.
3. While current harvesting machines have high output capacity reflecting mature design, there is a need to revisit the area of energy efficiency.
4. Baled silage technology, particularly in the areas of covering film and wrapping technology, needs further research.
5. Feeding systems are well researched but there is a need for systems research to underpin farmers’ decisions concerning housing design and feeding system.

Effect Of Perennial Ryegrass Cultivars On The Fatty Acid Composition In Milk Of Stall-Fed Cows, A. Elgersma, H. J. Smit, G. Ellen, S. Tamminga

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Herbage provides bulk feed for ruminants and plant lipids, especially C18:3, are a major source of benefical fatty acids (FA) in milk. There are very few direct comparisons allowing a precise evaluation of the effects of the basal forage diet on milk FA composition. Grass quality differences can affect rumen metabolism and there could be opportunities to change the composition of ruminant products through choice of grass cultivar. To test this hypothesis, six cultivars were fed to dairy cows in a stall-feeding trial with fresh grass to evaluate the effect of grass cultivar on rumen VFA and milk FA composition …

What Research Is Required For Economically And Environmentally Sustainable Farming?, W. Taylor

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This Congress is being held on an island that is a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone. No other land area in the western world has achieved such a status!

With this designation come completely new parameters for agriculture in general and grassland production in particular. Alongside this change in emphasis for the grass based industry is the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy reform. For farming within the European Union it is not completely about maximising production, about “growing two blades of grass where one grew before”. It’s also about creating a diverse landscape, about less pollution about greater recreational opportunities, about …