Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons^™

Effect Of Supplementation On Pasture Selection By Grazing Steers. I. Quality Of Ingested Forage, O R. Rosso, P O. Gomez, F Overjero

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Three oesophageal fistulated Hereford steers (average live weight 304 kg) were supplemented throughout a trial at 0, 0.7 or 1.4% of live weight, with a mixture of 90% ground maize and 10% sunflower expeller. Adaptation and sampling periods were 7 and 4 days respectively. Steers were allocated randomly to 4 Agropyron•dominated pastures of 1800, 2000, 8200 and 8900 kg OM/ha and leaf percentage of 5.8, 28.9, 23.2 and 14.0, respectively. Fistula samples were taken once daily, air dried at 60°C and analysed. Supplementation significantly (P<0.05) affected DM digestibility, which was 51.3, 54.7 and 57.2 for 0, 0.7 and 1.4% levels, respectively. Nitrogen and cell wall content differences were not detected. It appears that supplemented steers preferred pasture components with the highest digestibility.

Seasonal Changes In The Dry Matter Digestibility Of Individual Tillers Of Napiergrass At Two Sites Of At Different Altitudes, Y Ishii, K Ito, H Numaguchi

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

An investigation was made into the seasonal changes in the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of leaf blade (LB) and stem (ST) of individual tillers of napiergrass (Pennisetum purpuretum) grown at the high-altitude site (HA) and low-altitude site (LA) in Miyazaki prefecture, south-western Japan. Within a single sampling date, the variation in the IVDMD with tillers was small both for LB and ST. Negative logarithmic relationships held between the LB percentage and tiller dry weight and between the IVDMD and dry weight of LB and ST. The HA plants produced less dry matter as well as digestible …

Tropical Pastures For Dairy Heifers In The South-Eastern Region Of Brazil, S Aronovich, S R. De Carvalho, Mm Aronovich

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A number of experiments using improved tropical pastures (mostly Digltaria decumbems cv. Transvala) for heifers were made in the south-eastern region of Brazil from 1970. The results are presented as: (A) experiments with heifers during· the nursing period, (B) experiments with heifers after. weaning and (C) experiments with heifers older than 6 months. The results and the economical analyses lead to the following conclusions: ( 1) the use of well managed, improved tropical pastures enables adequate growth and development of dairy heifers, (2) the heifers reach sexual maturity before 20 months of age, and (3) the cost of replacement heifers …

Mineral Supplementation And Phosphorus Fertilizer Application On Native Pastures In North-East Argentina, R M. Pizzio, O Royo Pallares

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Extensive cattle production systems in north-east Argentina are based on the use of native pastures. One of the most important limiting factors to improve production is the acute phosphorus deficiency of soils and pastures. A large experiment was set up to study the effect of phosphorus fertiliser and mineral supplementation on the live­weight gain of steers of 2 ages grazing native pastures. Supplementation with a mixture of bone meal and salt, residual effect of P fertilisation, and both treatments applied together increased the annual animal live-weight gain by 60, 66 and 106%, respectively. The response of younger steers to fertiliser …

Nebraska Crop Budgets Updated For 2025, Glennis Mcclure

Cornhusker Economics

For the 2025 production season, 83 crop budgets were developed for Nebraska. These budgets show slightly lower per-unit costs compared to 2023 and 2024. The primary factor behind the reduction in input costs is the lower estimated costs of fuel and fertilizer. In most cases, machinery depreciation and opportunity costs remained relatively stable, while land values and rental rates increased slightly. Additionally, seed and interest costs also rose in the 2025 budgets. Budget scenarios for individual producers may vary depending on the timing of their input purchases and fluctuations in prices.

The Nebraska crop budgets are updated annually to serve …

Insect Frass Fertilizer As Soil Amendment For Improved Forage And Soil Health In Circular Systems, Amanda J. Ashworth, Helen Carla S. Amorim, Gerson L. Drescher, Philip A. Moore, Maria Guadalupe Rojas, Juan Morales-Ramos, Ann M. Donoghue

Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Insect farming is expected to increase in coming years, thus generating high quantities of frass (insect excreta). Frass valorization hinges on basic agronomic research prior to industry upscaling. Here, we investigated soil physiochemical properties, SMAF (Soil Management Assessment Framework) soil health, CO2 efflux, and bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] yield and quality as affected by yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) frass [3400 and 6800 kg ha-1, low (LF) and high (HF) rates], poultry litter (PL; 3400 kg ha-1), and ammonium nitrate (AN; 67 kg N ha-1). HF increased soil C, N, P, K, and Mg by 10, 12, 44, 58, …

Milk Yield Of Cows With Different Genetic Potential On Grass And Grass-Legume Tropical Pastures, C E. Lascano, P Avila

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A grazing experiment was carried out at CIAT's Quilichao research station to assess the effect of legumes selected for acid soils on milk production of cows with different genetic potential. Pastures of Brahiaria dictyoneura cv. Llanero and Andropogen gayanus cv. Carimagua l, alone and in association with Centrosema acutifolium (CIAT 5568) and C. macrocarpum (CJAT 5713), were grazed by Holstein and Zebu crossbred cows using a Latin square crossover design. Fat corrected milk (FCM) yield of Holstein cows was 17 and 19% higher in the associations of B. dictyoneura and A. gayanus, respectively, than in the grass-only pastures. With the …

Fattening Heifers On Nitrogen Fertilized And Irrigated Pastures: A Productive And Sustainable System For The Tropics?, F Champanhet, M Mahieu

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Beef production from nitrogen-fertilised and irrigated pastures was studied for 4,S years on vertisols, South Martinique (rainfall 1400 mm). Digitaria decumbens (pangola) pastures received 230��7S-ISO kg/ha/year N-P·K and were rotationally grazed (S days grazed, 30 days rested) all year round with a fixed stocking rate (6.6 heifers/ha). Mean live-weight gains were: 1121 kg/ha/year and 170 kg/head/ year. Pangola showed good persistence and cover at the end of the experiment exceeded 9S%, It is concluded that heifers fattening on nitrogen-fertilised pastures is a productive and stable system.

Comparative Use Of Digitaria Decumbens And Cynodon Nlemfuensis By Local Suckling Ewes In Martinque (Fwi), Maryline Boval, Gisele Alexandre, M Mahieu, P Cruz, M Meuret

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Pastures of Digitaria decumbens (Dd) and Cynodon nlemfuensis (Cn) were each grazed by 64 native suckling ewes ( 40 ewes/ha) in Martinique. Forage characteristics, ewe feeding behaviour and lamb growth were studied. The available herbage mass (kg DMJLW0-75/day) was lower for the Dd pastures than for the Cn pastures: 295 v. 355 for the leaves (P<0.05) and 820 v, 1360 for the stems (P<0.01), respectively. There was no difference in the diurnal activities (grazing, ruminating) between the ewes in the 2 groups. Number of bites/min was higher on Dd pasture than that for Cn: 31 v. 26 (P<0.001), Pre­weaning daily weight gain (g/day) was higher for the Dd lambs group than for Cn: 170 v. 140 (P<0.01). The lamb mortality rate(%) was respectively: 15 v. 27 (P<0.05). Pasture management problems are discussed.

Stockpiling Of Brachiaria Decumbens For Steer Maintenance During The Dry Season, Esther G. Cardoso, V.P B. Euclides, J.M Da Silva

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A Brachiaria decumbens pasture was evaluated in a factorial experiment (2 stocking rates and 2 pasture managements). Eight steers averaging 370 kg live weight (LW) were allocated to the paddocks at the beginning of the wet season ( 1 December). For the deferred management treatment, half of the area was closed off at the end of the rainy season ( 15 March to 15 June) for utilisation as stockpiled feed during the dry season (15 June to 30 October). B. decumbems was capable of fattening Nellore steers during the rainy ·season, but maintained steer live weight (LW) only in the …

Seasonal Changes In The Chemical Composition Of Cultivated Tropical Grasses In The Savannas Of Brazil, M.C M. Macedo, V.P B. Euclides, M.P De Oliveira

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Five tropical grasses; Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, B, decumbens cv. Basilisk, Panicum maximum cv. Coloniilo, P. maximum cv, Tobiatil, P. maximum cv. Tanzania-I, were planted on a dark red latosol (Oxisol) and grazed for 3 rainy and 3 dry seasons . The original savanna vegetation was removed, the soil cultivated and fertilised with 1000 kg/ha of dolomitic limestone, 350 kg/ha of single superphosphate, 100 kg/ha of KCI and 40 kg/ha of fritted traced elements. Treatments were arranged in a RCB design with 3 replicates. Paddocks were 1.5 ha. Grazing pressure was adjusted to approximately 8 or 15 kg of …

Evaluation Of Panicum Maximum Cultivars Under Grazing, V.P B. Euclides, M.C M. Macedo, A Vieira, M P. Oliveira

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A grazing trial was conducted in Brazil, for a 3-year period, to study animal production from Panicum maximum cultivars (Coloniao, Tobiatii and Tanz5nia-1). Three 1.5-hn paddocks of each cultivar were stocked continuously with 3 steers, and additional grazers were added or removed as required to ensure similar grazing pressure in each treatment. Steers on Tanzania-I had a superior average daily gain (ADG) to those on Tobiatii and Coloniffo. However, the lack of difference in carrying capacity between Tanzdnin and Tobiatil pastures resulted in similar live-weight gain (LWG)/ha. The ADG and LWG/ ha of Coloniilo were significantly lower than the other …

Evaluation Of Brachiaria Decumbens And Brachiaria Brizantha Under Grazing, V.P B. Euclides, A H. Zimmer, M P. Oliveria

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A 3-year grazing trial was conducted in Brazil, to relate changes in sward characteristics of B. decumbens and B. brizantha to animal live-weight gain (LWG). Three 1.5-ha paddocks of each grass species were stocked continuously with 3 steers, and additional grazers were added or removed as required to ensure similar grazing pressure in each treatment. Despite similar (P>0.85) annual average daily gains (ADO) of steers grazing both species, the ADO of steers grazing B. brizantha pasture was significantly (P<0.05) higher during the wet season, and significantly (P<0.05) lower in the dry period, when compared with those on B. decumbens. Annual LWG per area of both species were also similar (P>0.85). The best predictor of ADO was …

Effects Of Grain Supplement For Steers Grazing Stargrass Pastures On Subsequent Feedlot Gains And Carcass Characteristics, G.M.J Horton, W D. Pitman, E M. Hodges

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Performance of steers (181 kg) grazing slargrass pastures was evaluated al 2 levels of grain supplementation in comparison with unsupplemenled cattle and with steers in drylot fed a high-roughage diet. Supplements during the 140-day winter period were fed at 1.0 (moderate) and 1.5% body weight (BW)lday (high), followed by 0.40 kg (moderate) and 0.5% BW/day (high) during the 98-day spring grazing period. Gains during a subsequent 100-dny, high-energy feeding period and resulting carcass characteristics were also compared. Gains during !he grazing period did not differ between !he 2 levels of supplement. Daily rate of gain of unsupplemented cattle (0.44 kg) …

Large-Scale Property Demonstrations Of The Effect Of Sexa Stylo And Phosphorus On Beef Cattle Growth In Central Queensland, Australia, C H. Middleton, K J. Murphy, G W. Blight, Vicki-Lee Hansen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Seca style (Stylosanthes scabra) was oversown into black speargrass (Heteropogon comortus)•dominant pasture after a burn at 2 sites in central Queensland, and the pasture was continuously grazed. At one site with <5 ppm bicarbonate-extractable soil P, Seca growth was poor and gave only a small animal growth response (18 kg/steer/year) over native pasture. With the addition of superphosphate (27 kg P/ha) the Seca-native grass produced an additional live-weight gain of 70 kg/ steer/year over the native pasture control. At a second site with 6-8 ppm available soil P, Seca grew well, and with a P supplement given to steers, live-weight gains were 40 kg/steer/year more than for P­supplemented animals grazing native pasture. Oversowing Seca into native pasture with P as fertiliser or a supplement can dramatically improve animal performance. The project was conducted on private properties and was aimed to focus producer attention on this technology, which is suited to large areas of northern Australia.

Improving Hill Agriculture Systems In Nepal: A Case Study, B N. Tiwari, J B. Abington

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The Kingdom of Nepal is characterised by complex, diverse smallholder farming systems in which crops, livestock and forest resources are all interlinked. Traditional feeding practices throughout the hills are coming under severe pressure due to the high density of livestock. Consequently, acute shortages of forage are e, experienced, especially during the dry winter season. A case study is presented In which the integration of forage management into the whole farming system is practised, User groups are improving community grazing lands by the introduction of more productive herbage and fodder tree species. Fodder is sold to livestock farmers, animal management is …

Development Of Forage Systems For Dairying In Subtropical Australia, R J. Moss, K F. Lowe

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The development of productive dairy farm systems integrating irrigated temperate pastures with rain-grown tropical pastures in subtropical Australia is described, Milk production increased from 2976-34211/cow (P<0,01) with increased temperate pasture allowance from 0. I to 0.2 ha/cow, and this increase was similar for nitrogen­fertilised ryegrass or clover-ryegrass mixtures, Temperate pastures provided cows with a high protein diet (20-30% crude protein}, enabling energy-rich grain and molasses concentrates to be efficiently used, Increasing supplementation to S kg grain/cow day increased milk yields to S109 I/lactation. Nitrogen fertilisation of perennial tropical grasses enabled higher stocking rates to be used and, together with the increases in production/cow, increased farm output from 464S I/ha to 7300 I/ha.

Use Of Blood Urea Nitrogen Concentration To Predict Response To Protein Or Energy Supplementation In Grazing Cattle, A C. Hammond, W E. Kunkle, D B. Bates, L E. Sollenberger

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In healthy ruminants, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations are positively correlated with ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentrations and are indicative of the protein to energy ratio in the diet. Our objective was to determine whether BUN could predict the biological response (average daily gain, ADG) to protein or energy supplementation in free­grazing steers and heifers on tropical grass pastures, Change in ADO (-0.0S to 0.30 kg) due to protein supplementation was linearly related to BUN concentration (6,2-15,5 mg/di) in control cattle (P<0.05, slope= 0.023, r = 0.69, s = 0.07 kg). BUN concentrations of 9-12 mg/di were a transition range t��tow which ADG response to protein supplementation was greater (P«J.05) and above which ADG response was lesser (P<0, l 0) than the response within thls range. Change in ADO due to energy supplementation was not related to BUN in control cattle, but the range of BUN in our trials was limited to concentrations above 9 mg/di. Concentration of BUN may be a useful tool for predicting biological response to protein supplementation of grazing beef cattle.

Utilization Of Faba Bean (Vicia Faba L.) Fodder And Silage In Ruminants, P C. Gupta, M A. Akbar

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Two feeding experiments were conducted to find out the nutritive value of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) green fodder and silage, In the first experiment, mixtures of faba bean and oat (Avena sativa) green fodders in proportions of 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1, respectively, were fed to lambs randomly divided in to 3 groups of 6 each for 50 days, The DM intake of lambs, change in their body weights and digestibility co-efficients of various nutrients did not differ (P>0.05) among the 3 groups. However, the values of DCP in different rations varied significantly (P<0.05) but not that of TDN. In the second experiment, pure faba bean was ensiled for 50 days and offered to sheep, which maintained their body weights. It was concluded that effective utilisation of green faba bean in sheep could be achieved either by ensiling or by mixing it with other forages like oat. Feeding of faba bean and oat mixture al 2:1 ratio gave optimum growth in lambs,

Utilization Of Leucaena Leucophala As Fodder For Buffaloes, P C. Gupta, M A. Akbar

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A feeding trial was conducted for 122 days to assess the effect of feeding Leucaena leucophala day on growth rate, utilisation of nutrients, and its toxic effects, if any, in 15 Murrah male buffalo calves about 1 year old. Calves in control group (Tl) were maintained on concentrate mixture and ad lib. wheat straw. The protein of concentrate mixture was replaced at 25% and 50% levels by leucaena protein in the rations of group T2 and T3, respectively, Leucaena hay was isonitrogenous (CP about 19%). The mimosine, tannin and 6-carotene in leucnena hay were 2.50%, 7.33 mg/g and 504.24 mg/kg, …

Qualitative And Quantitative Responses Of Dwarf And Tall Napiergrass Selections In Puerto Rico, A Sotomayor-Rios, S Torres-Cardona, W Hanna, A Quiles-Belen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The agronomic performance of dwarf napiergrass (Pennisetum purpurreum) selections N75, NI 14, N127, N128 and Merkeron were compared with that of the Merker variely. The experiment was conducted at Mayaguez and Isabela, Puerto Rico (PR), at cutting intervals (CI) of 45, 65 and 85 days. The dry forage yields (DPY) of Merkeron were superior to those of the 4 dwarf selections and Merker al all CI except that of 85 days, when Merker was superior. Although the DPY of the dwarf napiergrasses compared favourably with those obtained from the best forages in PR, more uniform and higher annual …

Cattle Growth And Diet Responses To Legume And Phosphorus Supply, C P. Miller, R E. Hendricksen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Phosphorus was supplied to oversown pastures and steers grazing them, as supplement or as 3 rates of fertiliser over 2 years. Dry­season live-weight change was related to fertiliser rate and legume availability, with live-weight losses on unfertilised pastures, gains on moderately fertilised pasture and maintenance on low-fertilised pasture. Supplement had no effect. Wet-season live-weight gain was increased through fertiliser effects on legume availability and consumption (total response was 42 kg/steer) and through P supplement effects on phosphorus intake (total response was 34 kg/ steer). These and related studies have allowed rational and economical P management of oversown pasture systems in …

Increasing Cool-Season Production From Irrigated Leucaena Leucocephala, D Pratchett, S Petty

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Annual live-weight gains of cattle grazing irrigated Leucaena leucocephala in the ORIA (Ord River Irrigation Area) average 0.7 5 kg/day al a stocking rate of 7.5 animals/ha. During the dry season the cooler temperatures reduce the growth rate of leucaena and live­weight gains are reduced lo about 0.5 kg/day. To date growth rates have been maintained by reducing stocking rates but a continuous supply of stock is now required to meet the demands of a local abattoir in the ORIA. During the cooler period a supplement of 1.5 kg maize/animal/day plus hay increased the live-weight gain of cattle to 0.75 …

Grassland Opportunities In The Subtropical Region Of South America, G E. Maraschin, A.V A. Jacques

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Natural grasslands represent a significant proportion of southern South America, which, despite the increase in cropland, is being maintained. However, ignorance and misinformation about the potential of the natural grassland and its environment lead to poor economic results, with live-weight gains (LWG) of around 50-60 kg/ ha/year. Work on the soil-plant-animal relationship have shown that animal performance can be raised to 150-160 kg LWG/ha/year, using sound management practices. The improvement of natural grassland through lime, fertilisation and introduction of exotic species (sod­seeding) can further increase production to 500-600 kg LWG/ha/ year. These results illustrate the great potential of natural grasslands …

Feed Resources For Intensive Smallholder Systems In The Tropics: The Role Of Crop Residue, O B. Smith

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The paper focuses on smallholder production systems in the tropics, characterised not so much by the land holding or livestock numbers, which may vary from one ecozone to another, but rather by an integrated crop-livestock production system, which appears to be the common thread among smallholder producers across all ecozones of the tropics. A major advantage of such a system is the production of large quantities of crop residues on-farm. These residues have the potential to contribute significantly to feed requirements. Paradoxically, the major constraint facing this system is a perennial quantitative and qualitative feed shortage which is most manifest …

Flexibility - The Key To Managing A Northern Beef Property, T H. Mann

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Successful management involves keeping the property profitable on an annual basis and maintaining long-term profitability by gradual improvement. To maintain long-term economic profitability we must ensure ecological sustainability. "Hillgrove" is a 65 000 ha specialist beef production (breeding, fattening, store production) property in the Charters Towers district of north Queensland. The environment is dominated by erratic (annual rainfall 127-1367 mm) and highly seasonal rainfall (75% during December-March). Soils vary from fertile basaltics to phosphorus-deficient yellow earths, In addition to the climatic variation, cattle prices fluctuate uncontrollably. We plan to enter periods of low prices with low debt levels and an …

Dalrye - A Farm Business In Southern New South Wales, T R. Hutchings

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Dalrye is n 1473 ha farm 50 km south of Wagga in the South West Slopes region of New South Wales. It is approximately twice the average farm size for the area. The climate in this region is Mediterranean, with the average 600 mm rainfall being evenly spread throughout the year. The rainfall is reliable (cv. 20%) by Australian standards, There is no possibility of irrigation. Present enterprises are based on wool production from a Merino ewe flock, and dryland crops, including wheat, triticale, oats, lupins and canola. Management strategies concentrate on maximizing profit by manipulating the combination of the …

Planning For A Farming Future, Bruce Milne

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

We have been gathering experience in Whole Farm Planning since our involvement with the Potter Farmland Plan, 1985-1987. Our concerns rose when we reviewed the welfare of the basic finite resources; soil, water, biodiversity and air. We believed those resources were suffering as they supported us, our sheep and cattle enterprises and all other living things, Our concerns caused us to re­examine the purpose of farming. Many farm planners attempt to plan around inherited grazing, economic and trading systems without first questioning the appropriateness of those systems. We attempted to open our minds, remove the existing "fences" and commence farm …

Ley Farming In Smallholder Systems In North-East Thailand, Suchint Simaraks

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This paper points out constraints to the adoption of a ley farming system, using rotations of crop and pasture by the smallholders in north-east Thailand. However, some parts of the ley system, pasture and livestock rnising have been slowly accepted. A general picture of the north-east Thailand, implementation of fey ·farming, results, and responses by the farmers are presented.

Economic Stock Farming In Harmony With An Arid Ecosystem On Smitskraal Ranch - A Holistic Approach, J D. Ivy, S F. Ivy, A J. Ivy, M P. Ivy

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The different nctivities on Smitskraal ranch have been developed and integrated over 40 years. In order to maximise profits while conserving soil, a holistic approach has been taken. The ranch is sweet bush veld, subtropical and has a low rainfall. Many stock diseases, mostly tick• b'orne, are prevalent. Adapted beef cattle and goals effectively conserve and utilise the grass and bush respectively. Suitable wildlife species are nlso included,. A multi��camp, graze half, leave half system called controlled selective grazing is applied. Veld variations are separated, stocking rate is low and is adjusted to seasonal rainfall. Uniform batches of calves from …