Weed Science Commons^™

Pasture Demonstration Program For Beef: Economic Considerations, P R. Hasbargen, R H. Craven, N P. Martin

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This study made an economic evaluation of several alternative pasture improvement programs on beef farms in northern Minnesota. Three questions were addressed relative to several pasture improvement systems. These were (1) Will it pay? (2) Is there a cheaper way? and (3) Is there a more profitable system for a particular farm resource situation? Partial budgeting and computerized linear programming techniques were used to analyze pasture cost and return data obtained from several ranches in northern Minnesota. Study results show that rented pastures, when available, provided the cheapest source of additional summer feed, and that legume pastures provide cheaper sources …

Estimation Of Digestibility Of Legume Forages By Means Of Morphological Parameters, W Kuhbauch

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Forage quality is normally evaluated by time-consuming and costly laboratory analyses. It appears promising to use mor­phological parameters to evaluate forage quality in alfalfa and red clover. During progressive growth of white clover, red clover, and alfalfa, the leaf and stem portion was separated to determine the fiber fraction according to the Van Soest method and to

estimate digestibility by the procedure of Tilley and Terry. Stem : leaf ratio and stand height as a measure of stem length were used as morphological parameters. Leaves of the three legumes vary only slightly in concentration of cell-wall material and in digestibility …

Alternative Forage-Production Patterns For Dairy Cattle Under Conditions Of Limited Water Supply In Northern Mexico, R A. Martinez, M Quiroga, N Thomas, K F. Byerly

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In the desert climate of northern Mexico ground-water resources are being exploited in forage production for the dairy in• dustry. As rest-water levels are currently falling by 1. 75 m annually, there is urgent need to examine the water-management effi­ciency index (WEI) of present forage cropping patterns and to replace the less efficiently managed species without decreasing the overall regional mean milk production of 141/cow/day. The present study describes the approach taken to achieve this goal and the implications of the approach for increased water-management efficiency in this region. Data are drawn from (1) on-farm surveys of 68 forage and …

Pasture Demonstrations For Beef: Agronomic Considerations, N P. Martin, P R. Hasbargen, R L. Arthaud, G J. Sullivan

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Beef cattle supply a major portion of farm income of northern Minnesota, but the major resource supporting this enterprise, forage, is vastly underutilized. A 5-year on-the-farm demonstration was conducted by the Agricultural Extension Service of the University of Minnesota and the Upper Great Lakes Regional Commission to improve income in this area by improving man­agement of the beef enterprise.

We compared one or two improved pasture systems with an unimproved permanent grass pasture composed predominantly of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), system A, on each of six ranches. Improved systems included use of a cool-season grass fertilized with 138 kg …

Changes In Quality And Composition Of Alfalfa During Autumn, S C. Fleming, M Collins, N A. Jorgensen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Autumn harvest of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) offers a potential for obtaining additional forage production during a particular season. Little is known about the quality or changes in the chemical composition of this forage. The objective of this research was to examine changes in chemical composition, dry-matter intake (DMI), and apparent digestibility of alfalfa during autumn in Wisconsin. An established stand of Vernal alfalfa, early bud to midbud, was harvested using a flail harvester on 5 and 20 October and 5 and 18 November 1979. The forage was dried at 55°C for 72 to 96 hours in burlap bags. A …

Influence Of Grazing With Cattle On Establishment Of Forage In Burned Aspen Brushland, R D. Fitzgerald, A W. Bailey

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The effect on establishment of introduced forages in aspen (Populus tremuloides) brushland of removal of suckers, by grazing with cattle early in the growing season or just before leaf fall, was investigated in central Alberta following burning of aspen forest in spring. In a year when moisture conditions were suitable, forage species were established successfully by broadcasting in spring shortly after the forest was burned. Suppression of competition from regenerating shrubs was necessary for forage seed­ling survival and improved establishment more when carried out early than when carried out late in the growing season. Cattle, when concentrated on the burned …

Influence Of Pesticide, Fertilizers, Row Spacings, And Seeding Rates On No-Tillage Establishment Of Alfalfa, L R. Vough, A M. Decker, R F. Dudley

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Two experiments were conducted to investigate seeding techniques associated with no-tillage establishment of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) stubble. The objective of experiment 1 was to evaluate the influence of car­bofuran (CF) insecticide/nematocide and of P and N fertilizers on seedling weight, plant population, and forage yield. All materials were applied in the row with the seed. The largest seedlings at 10 weeks after seeding occurred with CF + P + N. The smallest seedlings were associated with the check and P treatments. The highest plant populations at 6 and 30 weeks after seeding …

Initial Rate Of Digestion And Legume Pasture Bloat, R E. Howarth, K J. Cheng, J P. Fay, W Majak, G L. Lees, B P. Goplen, J W. Costerton

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Studies were conducted to provide the basic knowledge for breeding a bloat-safe alfalfa cultivar. Two working hypotheses of pasture bloat were tested. The cell-rupture theory proposed that leaf mesophyll cell rupture is an important event in the occur­rence of pasture bloat. The initial-rate-of-digestion (IRD) theory proposed that susceptibility to rapid initial digestion by ruminal bacteria is a characteristic of bloat-causing forages. The studies involved comparisons of bloat-causing and bloat-safe legumes: alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. ), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), arrowleaf clover (Trifolium vesiculosum Savi), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus comiculatus L.), deer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer …

Top Grazing High Protein Forages With Lactating Cows, H R. Conrad, R W. Van Keuren, B A. Dehority

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Two grazing systems, top-grazing of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and high-intensity grazing of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), were investigated with three and four levels of concentrate, respectively. The concentrates consisted of corn, oats, and minerals. High dry-matter (DM) alfalfa silage fed in the barn with 40% concentrate by weight was used for a positive control ra­tion. Three- or 4-day grazing periods/paddock were used with 16- and 24-day rotation cycles for orchardgrass and alfalfa, respectively. Using alfalfa without concentrate resulted in mean daily yields of 20.2 kg of milk and 0.65 kg of protein. As amounts of concentrates were increased, daily …

Harvesting And Processing Effects On Alfalfa Protein Utilization By Ruminants, R Britton, D Rock, T Klopfenstein, J Ward, J Merrill

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is an efficient and important means of producing supplemental protein for ruminants. This research was undertaken to characterize the value of alfalfa protein for ruminants and to show how the protein is affected by different harvesting or processing regimens. The effects of maturity (prebloom, one-tenth, one half, and full bloom) and processing method (freeze dried [FD], sun cured [SC], and oven heated [HJ), on percentage of nitrogen (N), acid detergent insoluble N (ADIN), in-vitro rumen ammonia release (NH3), and in-situ rumen protein degradation, using dacron bags (BAG), were studied on irrigated alfalfa harvested over 2 years. …

Wet Fractionation Of Alfalfa: A Direct Forage-Harvesting System, M Collins, R G. Koegel, N A. Jorgensen, H W. Ream

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In this syst􀀇m, termed wet fractionation, fresh forage is macerated and pressed to remove approximately 50 % of the moisture. The result is a forage product containing 32 %-38 % dry matter (DM) that can be ensiled directly. In addition, the protein con­tained in the plant juice can be coagulated and removed. The remaining deproteinized juice contains large quantities of mineral nutrients that can be returned to the soil. This process has several potential advantages: (1) less weather-dependent harvesting, which minimizes harvest losses; (2) reduced harvesting time; (3) reduced fertilizer requirements; and (4) ability to harvest protein from land unsuited …

Hastening Hay Drying, J W. Thomas, T R. Johnson, M A. Wieghart, C M. Hansen, M B. Tesar, Z Helsel

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objectives of these studies were to increase the drying rate of cut alfalfa (Medicago sativa) by treating with chemical solu­tions and to examine factors that influence drying. Time to dry and drying rate of cut alfalfa were studied under laboratory and field conditions. Treatment consisted of spraying the cut alfalfa with methyl esters of long-chain fatty acids, an emulsifier alone, or a combination of an emulsifier and a potassium carbonate solution. Alfalfa sprayed with solutions of each chemical under specified conditions increased drying rate and decreased drying time to 60% or 75 % dry matter (DM) or …

Effects Of Microwave Treatment On Drying And Respiration In Cut Alfalfa, S A. Seif, D A. Holt, V L. Lechtenberg, R J. Vetter

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

After forage crops are cut mechanically, they usually undergo some degree of natural drying before being stored or further processed. During early stages of drying, plant respiration continues. Treatments or management practices that hasten drying and reduce postharvest respiration are desirable, because they minimize quantity and quality losses. Our objective was to determine the effects of brief microwave treatment on subsequent natural drying rate and respiration of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. ). Duplicate samples of field grown Apollo alfalfa were subjected to focused microwave energy (2,450 MHz) generated at 0.25, 0.50, or 1.0 kilowatt of power for 3, 6, …

Simple Computer Simulation Models For Forage-Management Applications, G W. Fick, D Onstad

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Dynamic computer simulation models of forage growth can be useful in interpreting physical and biological limitations on production and in designing management systems for testing in the field. The explanatory detail of such models makes them both more reliable and more expensive to use than simple empirical formulations. Simple simulation models reduce the expense. They can also serve as reference points for designing, evaluating, or selecting more complex versions and thus provide a more ra­tional basis for using models in grassland research and management. Our objectives were to develop and to test a simple dynamic simulation model of alfalfa (Medicago …

Forage Quantity And Quality Contributions From A Grass-Legume-Shrub Planting On A Semi-Arid Rangeleand, D A. Johnson, M D. Rumbaugh, G A. Van Epps

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Poor grazing management has led to deterioration of vast expanses of the world's semiarid rangelands. Although contem­porary thought in range-management circles suggests that combinations of grasses, forbs, and shrubs are desirable in revegetating these areas, past revegetation mainly involved the establishment of monocultures of perennial grass. The objectives of this study were to determine the forage and protein yields of a grass-legume-shrub planting in a semiarid rangeland. The study was conducted in central Utah on a rangeland receiving 32 cm of annual precipitation. Crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) was established alone and in combination with fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), alfalfa (Medicago …

Responses Of Alfalfa To A Simulated Midwinter Thaw, M Suzuki

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Effects of a freezing-waterlogging-freezing treatment, under controlled environmental conditions, on the viability and chemical components of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) were determined to assess physiological responses to midwinter thaw. Alfalfa plants grown in a field were more resistant to freezing but less resistant to waterlogging than those grown in a greenhouse. Both types of plants sustained severe damage from the second freezing treatment. An accumulation of ethanol and methanol, a solubilization of proteins, and a decrease in carbohydrates occurred during the waterlogging. Two important physiological characteristics for surviving a midwinter thaw appear to be an ability to maintain freezing resistance …

Nutritional Quality Of Leaf Proteins Prepared From Crops Containing Phenolic Compounds And Polyphenolase, T Horigome, S Uchida

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Many studies have indicated that leaf protein prepared by green crop fractionation affords good potential as a protein supple­ment. It has been noted, however, that there were some marked differences between crops in the nutritional quality ofleaf pro­tein in spite of a similarity in amino-acid composition between leaf proteins made from different crops. We previously showed that brown casein, which was produced by the interaction of milk casein with phenolics undergoing enzymic oxidation, had lower nutritional value than original casein. In addition, it has been suggested that leaf proteins prepared from crops containing phenolics and polyphenolase were brown after extraction …

Impact Of Phosphorus And Potassium Fertilization On Maintaining Alfalfa-Orchardgrass Swards In Hokkaido, Japan, H Oohara, N Yoshida, K Fukunaga, W G. Colby, M Drake, W F. Wedin, G Kemmler, H R. Uxekull, M Hasegawa

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In spite of the importance of alfalfa for all kinds of livestock, particularly for dairy cattle, the cultivation of alfalfa has not yet expanded in Hokkaido, Japan. A comprehensive research project has been undertaken, based on observations oflong-term'ef­fects of fertilization on longevity and productivity of alfalfa-orchardgrass mixtures. This report is concerned with (1) the dry­matter production of alfalfa and orchardgrass, cultivars of which were introduced from the U.S.A. and (2) the ratio of alfalfa to orchardgrass and uptake of nitrngen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). The research began in 1960 and is continuing with close …

Alfalfa Breeding For Forage Yield And Low Saponin Content, P Rotili

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objective of our breeding program is to build alfalfa (Medicago satia L.) varieties, having good vigor and persistence, high protein level, and low ,aponin content. The: breeding method utilizes a selfing phase combined with selection in competitive conditions. Leaf-saponin content was analyzed by the Tn'choderma viridc bioassay. Parent populations (cv. Leonicena and Cantoni), S0, S1., and S2, families :1 were evaluated 11ndcr competitive and &equcnt culling conditions. In both populations, some S1, families yield more than their respective S1 family. Vuiatioo in yield and mortality increased with the level of selfing, and 1ome S2 families showed lower minimum values …

Evolution Of Selection Techniques In Breeding For Bloat-Safe Alfalfa, B P. Goplen, R E. Howarth, G L. Lees, W Majak, J P. Fay, K J. Cheng

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This report summarizes the Canadian breeding program to develop a bloat-safe alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). This program has experienced an evolution of selection methods in attempting to identify bloat-safe alfalfa genotypes. In chronological order, the methods involved selection for fraction I (18S) protein, soluble proteins, foam volume, tannins (flavolans), saponins, initial rate of digestion (IRD), sonication, purified enzymes, gas production, and leaching. Although soluble herbage protein is correlated with the occurrence of pasture bloat, we have experienced slow progress in a selection program to reduce soluble-protein concentration in alfalfa. We have found that foam volume is not correlated with …

Alternative For Managing Beef Yearlings After Intensive Early Stocking Of Kansas Flint Hills Range, G L. Posler, G M. Ward, J G. Riley, C E. Owensby, E F. Smith, K K. Bolsen, R M. Helsel, N S. Hill

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Intensive early stocking of Kansas Flint Hills tall grass prairie (2X normal rate during the first half of the grazing season) has produced greater beef/ha than season -long stocking because of low animal gains during the last half season. Alternatives for animals removed from native range in mid-July include grazing seeded forages such as alfalfa or hybrid sudangrass or direct placement to the feedlot. During 3 years, we compared grazing alfalfa or hybrid sudangrass during the last half season and subsequentfeedlot placement for finishing with placement directly to the feedlot in mid-July. In our studies, animal gains were better for …

Ensilage Of Alfalfa Press-Cake. A Kinetic Model For Ph, Acidity And Nitrogen Evolution, G Amdrich, L Lencioni, R Florentini, G Anelli

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A kinetic model to describe the time evolution of pH, acidity, metabolizable nitrogen and k1 • B, ( a function related to the bacteria concentration) during ensilage of alfalfa press-cake is suggested. The basic hypotheses of the model are given together with the related differential and integral equations. The kinetic model has been tested using experimental data obtained from two samples of alfalfa press-cake respectively ensiled with and without acid addition. The correlation coefficients obtained indicate the reliability of the suggested model.

Ensilage Of Alfalfa Press-Cake, G Anelli, G Andrich, M Contini, L Lencioni

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The Istituto Industrie Agrarie of the University of Pisa has developed a wet green crop fractionation process which involves the ensilage of the press-cake. This note reports some experimental results on the alfalfa press-cake ensiled with or without addition of acid. The evolution of silages was evaluated through organoleptic and chemical parameters. The good behaviour· during the ensilage shows that alfalfa press-cake is suitable to be ensiled even without previous acidification.

Effects Of The Leaf Protein On Serum Cholesterol Levels In Rats, T Horigome, Y S. Cho, S Uchida, E Sakaguchi

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The cholesterol-lowering effect of the leaf protein was compared with those of casein and soya bean protein in rats. Unfractionated leaf proteins were prepared from Italian ryegrass and alfalfa by heating the green juice at 85°C. Wet leaf proteins were extracted repeatedly with acetone at room temperature. Rats were given a cholesterol-free, low-fat diet containing each protein source at a protein level of 20% for a period of 3 weeks. There were no differences in the weight gain among rats given casein, soya bean protein and Italian ryegrass leaf protein, while the weight gain of rats given alfalfa leaf protein …

Effects Of Defoliation On The Difference In Growth Between Large And Small Plants In Swards, Y Takasaki, H Oizumi, H Nojima

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Stands of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) become sparser as cutting frequency is increased (Takasaki, 1980), while stands of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) or tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) become denser as cutting frequency is increased (Jung et al., 1974; Ishida et al., 1971). It is assumed that defoliation of swards increases the difference in growth between individual plants and causes some of them to die in the case of alfalfa, whereas in those of orchardgrass or tall fescue defoliation decreases the difference in growth and relieves stand reduction. In order to prove this assumption two experiments were …

Mutual Influence Of Temperate Legumes And Grasses Grown In Association At Different Nitrogen Levels, E Meister, J Lehmann

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In grass/legume associations white clover (Trifolium repens), red clover (Trifolium pratense) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) contribute significantly to the nutritive value of such mixtures. Compared to Italian ryegrass (Lolium italicum), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata ), the legumes have an inherently higher content of protein, magnesium and calcium. In addition they indirectly help to improve the quality (protein and mineral content) of the companion grass, presumably over a nitrogen transfer from the legume to the grass partner: On the other hand, the chemical composition of these …

Comparisons Of Nutritious Specificity For Mineral Absorption Of Species Between The Alfalfa And The Orchardgrass Grown On The Same Soil, I Harada, I Shinohara, K Aoki

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Very little is known about the compare of mineral absorption between alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) grown on same soil condition in Hokkaido. The objective of this study was to compare the longterm effects of nutritious specificity for species of the absorption of mineral elements. The soils used were Nopporo diluvial, Shinotsu alluvial, Uenai pumice volcanic,. and Bibai peat soil. Alfalfa and orchardgrass were grown on these soils with eight different fertilizer regimes, namely, barnyard manure and NPK, NPK, PK, NK, NP, NPK with sulphur, NPK with chloride and control {nil fertilizer). The treatment have …

Cold Acclimation Of Alfalfa Cells In Suspension Culture, S Shibata

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Effects of 2,4-D and kinetin on the growth of cells derived from alfalfa and their capacity to induce cold acclimation were investigated for the breeding of the cold hardy alfalfa using suspension culture. The yield was the highest in the modified Schnek and Hildebrandt medium containing 1 ppm 2,4-D and 0.5 ppm kinetin. Cells proliferated 12-fold in this medium at 26°C in the dark in ten days. Cells ceased growing during the cold acclimation and the pH in the medium kept unchanged. The cold hardiness of cells incubated at 1 °C in the dark increased during the first 20 days …

Winter Injury Of Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.) In Soil Freezing Area Of Japan, T Komatsu, J Maruyama, Y Horikawa, F Tsuchiya

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In spite of the importance of alfalfa for dairy cattle, the cultivation of alfalfa is not yet expanded in eastern Hokkaido, Japan. A combined research project has been carried out, based on (1) observation of winter injury in 130 fields all over the Tokachi district from 1981 to 1983 and (2) observation of the influence of controlled snow depth during the winter 1983-1984 on regrowth of alfalfa. Tokachi was divided into three areas according to the type of winter injury, the depth of snow cover and the depth of soil frost. Both the depth of snow cover and the depth …

The Alfalfa Anthracnose Resistance Success Story, J H. Elgin Jr

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In the past 18 years since anthracnose was first recognized as a serious disease of alfalfa, breeders and pathologists have been highly successful in developing cultivars with high resistance. The availability of these resistant cultivars has resulted in a 10% annual increase in yield in areas of the USA where anthracnose is a problem and has an estimated value in excess of $240 million. This paper reviews the research which contributed to that successful effort.