Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

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

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

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.

Implications For N Transformations In Acidic Soils Of Replacing Annual-Based Legume Pastures With Lucerne-Based Pasture In Dryland Farming Systems Of Southern Australia, I. R. P. Fillery

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The supply and demand for nitrogen (N) in annual-based pasture-crop rotations in southern Australia is often poorly synchronised, leading to large losses of inorganic N (Fillery, 2001). Perennial pasture species, particularly lucerne, are being recommended to minimise dryland salinity. The implications for N cycling of using lucerne in place of annual legumes on acidic sandy soils that are widespread have not been widely studied. Lucerne is less tolerant of acidity and could fix less N than annual legumes. Lucerne root residues mineralise at slower rates than annual pasture residues with lower N release to subsequent wheat crops (Bolger et al …

Red Clover Improves The Energy To Protein Balance Of Lucerne-Grass Herbage, X. Godin, Gaëtan F. Tremblay, P. Seguin, S. Bittman, D. Hunt, J. Hakl, G. Bélanger, M.-N. Thivierge, A. Bertrand, M. Thériault, A. Claessens

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Low ratio of readily fermentable carbohydrate to soluble protein concentrations in lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) leads to inefficient use of herbage N by ruminants. To improve the energy to protein balance in lucerne-grass herbage, four proportions of lucerne:red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) were compared in mixtures with and without grasses: timothy (Phleum pratense L.) and tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus Schreb. Dumort.) in Quebec (QC, Canada). In the first post-seeding year, red clover proportion averaged (across grasses and four harvests) 0, 37, 59, and 74% in herbage mixtures. Increasing the proportion of red clover caused a slight …

Evaluation Of Annual Companion Crops For The Establishment Of Perennial Forage Crops In Eastern Canada, Philippe Seguin, Sandrine St-Pierre-Lepage, Céline Georlette, Caroline Halde, Gaëtan F. Tremblay, Huguette Martel, Ayitre Akpakouma

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The use of companion crops when establishing perennial forages is desirable as it often reduces weed growth and increases forage biomass in the seeding year. In eastern Canada, oat (Avena sativa L.) is the main species used as companion crop; although other species are used, they have not been systematically evaluated. A field study was established in 2019 at three sites in Québec, Canada, to contrast the use of six annual species as companion crops for the establishment of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.)-timothy (Phleum pratense L.) mixtures. Species evaluated include berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), annual …

Increasing Precipitation Decreases Water Use Efficiency Of Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.) In A Semiarid Region, H. Ni, H. K. Chu, X. F. Lai, J. Q. Deng, Yuying Shen

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plays an important role within the integrated farming systems in Northwestern Loess Plateau of China, because of its traits on a high productivity, prolonged growing season, and excellent nutritive value. However, water use efficiency (WUE) is a crucial indicator for forage production under different water conditions in the semiarid regions. To explore the responses of alfalfa growth and water use to precipitation variability, we set precipitation shelters to manipulate precipitation scenario as 30% precipitation increased (P+30), normal precipitation (CK), and 30% precipitation decreased (P-30) with the measurement of dry matter yield and soil water content. …

Effect Of Seeding Rates On Productivity And Quality Of Alfalfa In Northern Area Of Korea, Jong Geun Kim, C. Liu, S. N. Wei, Y. F. Li, E. C. Jeong, H. J. Kim

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Alfalfa cultivation in South Korea is not common. There are many reasons, but low productivity has been extremely limited. Although alfalfa growth was poor due to boron deficiency in the soil, the problem has recently been solved. Nevertheless, the cultivation of alfalfa is not expanding. About 200,000 tonnes of alfalfa hay are imported every year. Therefore, this study was conducted to find a way to replace imported hay by expanding alfalfa cultivation in Korea. Alfalfa (P5444) was sown in northern part of South Korea (Pyeongchang). Alfalfa was sown in September 2018 with different seeding rates (20, 30 and 40 kg/ha) …

Effect Of Cutting Height On Productivity And Quality Of Alfalfa In Northern Area Of Korea, Jong Geun Kim, C. Liu, S. N. Wei, Y. F. Li, E. C. Jeong, H. J. Kim

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Alfalfa is a very important forage for livestock feeding. In particular, due to the high crude protein content, it is widely used as a dairy cattle feeds. However, the cultivation of alfalfa is quite limited and main source is imported hay in Korea. There are many reasons, but most importantly, low productivity due to lack of boron in the soil. This experiment was conducted to expand domestic production and use of alfalfa. Alfalfa was sown in the fall of 2018 at 30 kg/ha seeding rate. Alfalfa was harvested four times (3 May, 2 July, 11 September and 13 October) in …

Kentucky Alfalfa Conference: A Team Approach To Alfalfa Education And Technology Transfer, Garry D. Lacefield, Monroe Rasnake, Christi L. Forsythe, Jimmy C. Henning, Bill Talley

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Alfalfa has played an important role in providing farmers of Kentucky with a high yielding, high quality, persistent forage legume for many years. In 1980, a group of individuals under the leadership of University of Kentucky Forage Extension Specialists organized and implemented the first statewide educational event on alfalfa. This initial meeting gave rise to the Kentucky Alfalfa Conference that celebrated it’s twentieth anniversary in February 2000. This annual event has been co-sponsored by the University of Kentucky, Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council, along with other state and national groups including Certified Alfalfa Seed Council, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky …

Evaluating Varieties Of Alfalfa And Tall Fescue For Tolerance To Over-Grazing By Cattle, Robert F. Spitaleri, Jimmy C. Henning, Charles T. Dougherty, Garry D. Lacefield, B. T. Larson

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Cultivars of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) were seeded in small (1.5 m x 4.6 m) plots and harvested for estimating yield the following spring. Plots were then grazed by cattle continuously for the remainder of the season so as to keep stand heights at 7.5 cm or less. This procedure was repeated for one or two more grazing seasons, depending on stand survival. Stands were visually rated for stand in the fall and spring. Marked differences in grazing tolerance were observed among alfalfa cultivars, following closely the commercial designations as grazing-type or …

Structural Stability Of Short Latency Alfalfa-Based Pastures In The Humid Pampa, Argentina, R. O. Refi, B. Martín

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The aim of this study was to search the effects of grazing intensity and nitrogen fertilization on the structural stability of a mixed pasture composed by alfalfa (latency group 9), brome grass, tall fescue and white clover, sown in April 1997. Rotational grazing was carried out with dairy cattle with high intensity (HI: up to 3-4 cm) or moderate intensity (LI: up to 8-10 cm), whenever the alfalfa showed basal regrowth. According to a split-plot design, grazing intensities were subdivided to assign three levels of nitrogen fertilization: N0, without fertilization; N1 with 50 kg N/ha per year; and N2 with …

Legumes For Organic Cropping Systems, F. Caporali, R. Mancinelli, E. Campiglia

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

A field experiment which focuses on the yield performance of both durum wheat and sunflower included in a twoyear rotation between wheat/subterranean clover and sunflower was carried out in an organic farm in Central Italy. Three factors were included in the experiment according to a factorial design: a) two different previous crop sequences (four years of alfalfa, four years of annual crops); b) three fertilization levels (without and with animal manure incorporated at 15 or 40 cm depth); c) three durum wheat genotypes (Appulo, Arcangelo and Daunia cvs). The results obtained show that a previous alfalfa meadow allows the succeeding …

Forage Production From Perennial Vs. Annual Crop R~ On In Sandy Soils In Egypt, Z. Abdelhalim, O. Niemeläinen, I. A. Hanna, A. M. Rammah

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Forage production was studied on newly reclaimed sandy soil in Egypt trom perennial lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) and two annual crop rotations. The cropping systems were: A) lucerne, B) berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) in the winter followed by pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum R. Br. Emend. Stantz.) in the summer and C) triticale (XX Triticosecale Wittm.) (forage cut + grain harvest) in the winter followed by maize (Zea mays L.) (grain + stover) in the summer. Mean annual dry matter yields (t ha^-1 ) were 20.65, 26.59 and 27.48 from A, B and C, respectively. However, …

Different Methods Of Artificial Shade For Agro-Silvipastoral Research, A. C. Varella, D. J. Moot, R. J. Lucas, D. L. Mcneil, P. L. Peri, K. M. Pollock

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Artificial shading sources are used to simulate silvipastoral light environments and study the effect of shade on pasture. Different sources of shade may not imitate normal forest light environment. An experiment was conducted to examine the light environment and effect on pasture yield components of two artificial shading materials. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) pasture was submitted to three light regimes: full sunlight (100% transmissivity); black shade cloth (40%) and wooden slats (45%).

The pattern of light exposure for plants differed under slats and shade cloth, but light intensity and quality were similar. Alfalfa dry matter (DM) yield and leaf …

Phylogenetic Grouping By Pcr Analyses Of Sinorhizobium Meliloti Strains Isolated From Eutrophic Soil, W. S. Oliveira, P. P. A. Oliveira, C. M. Bellato, F. R. S. Duarte, S. M. Tsai

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

This study evaluated the ability of Sinorhizobium meliloti strains (SEMIA-116, SEMIA- 134 and SEMIA-135) to persist in eutrophic soils after three complete growing cycles of alfalfa. PCR fingerprinting using primers for the nifH, Eric, Rep, RP genes and P25 RAPD-PCR performed the phylogenetic grouping of the three commercial strains and 39 field isolates. These analyzes were sufficiently sensitive to discriminate and group the strains and isolate. Our preliminary studies were based upon Eric primers and RP01 RAPD-PCR.

Adaptability And Stability Of Alfalfa Cultivars, Ana C. Ruggieri, Alda L. G. Monteiro, R. Gualberto

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Yield adaptability and stability of thirty five alfalfa genotypes (Medicago sativa L.) were evaluated at Sertãozinho, SP, Brazil, considering different environments (seasons of year) from 1996 to 1999. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Scott-Knott’s test was performed to compare genotypes averages. Adaptability and stability were determined by Eberhart and Russell's procedures. Two diverse groups of genotypes with mean dry matter yield were identified: Araucana, F686, MH4 e BR2 were more responsive under favorable environments, but SW 8210, Alto, Monarca SP, Victoria SP, Florida 77, P5888, MH15, BR1, BR3, SW 9210A presented broad adaptability and …

Supplementation Of Dairy Cows Under Alfalfa Grazing Conditions With Ground Corn, A. R. Castillo, L. A. Romero, O. R. Quaino, E. A. Comeron, M. C. Gaggiotti

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Two trials were carried out during the Autumn of 1991 and 1992 to investigate the effects of corn supplementation on lactational performance of dairy cows under alfalfa grazing. Forty two multiparous Holstein cows with 30-60 days in milk were used in a randomized continuous design with covariance analysis. The treatments were 0.0, 3.5 and 7.0 kg.day^-1 of corn grain supplementation (T1, T2 and T3 respectively) in 1991 and 0.0, 3.0, 6.0 and 9.0 kg.day^-1 (T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively) in 1992. Six cows per treatment were used divided in 3 cows per grazing paddock. Dry matter (DM) …

Alfalfa, J. H. Bouton

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Cultivated alfalfa or lucerne (Medicago sativa spp. sativa) is the most important forage legume in the world with approximately 32 million hectares cultivated mainly in the temperate regions of both the northern and southern hemispheres. Intensive research has been conducted on the management and physiology of the crop and a major seed industry has developed world wide. Since insect and disease pests are numerous in alfalfa, development of cultivars with the proper fall dormancy and a broad genetic base for pest resistance has been pursued in order to provide increased adaptation, persistence, and yield. There has been a …

Carbon And Nitrogen Isotopic Discrimination In Alfalfa For High Yield And Quality Forage, W. S. Oliveira, P. P. A. Oliveira, M. Corsi, S. M. Tsai

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Biological nitrogen fixation and assimilation of CO₂ can be indirectly monitored in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) through the variation of the stable N and C isotopes in the plant (Δ values). Such measurements result in a simple, non-destructive and reliable method for identification of alfalfa cultivars of high yield and nutritional quality. A program for selection of 12 alfalfa cultivars under field and controlled conditions (lysimeters) included determination of biomass and N accumulation. Under controlled conditions yields ranged from 1.77 to 2.47 ton/ha/month (Pioneer 5312 and WL-605) and N2-fixed varied from 77.43 to 84.01% for total N (Brazilian …

Herbivore Preference For Afternoon- And Morning-Cut Forages And Adoption Of Cutting Management Strategies, H. F. Mayland, J. C. Burns, D. S. Fisher, Glenn E. Shewmaker, R. Carlstrom, D. S. Cash

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Photosynthesizing forage plants accumulate total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) during daylight, but then TNC concentrations are reduced during the night. Afternoon-cut forage (PM) has greater TNC value and thus economic value, than morning-cut (AM). Livestock prefer PM-cut hay and this can be readily demonstrated by offering animals a choice of hays cut in PM and AM. Alfalfa growers in the western United States are readily adopting PM-cutting technology to increase profits.

Near Infra-Red Measurement Of Nonstructural Carbohydrates In Alfalfa Hay, H. F. Mayland, J. C. Burns, D. S. Fisher, Glenn E. Shewmaker

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Recently documented benefits from afternoon versus morning cut forage have encouraged laboratory reporting of total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) values as part of forage quality testing. Our objective was to determine if infra-red spectroscopy (NIRS), which is being used in many forage testing labs, could be reliably used to quantify forage sugars in hay samples. We used two alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) sample populations that were analyzed by wet chemistry for sugars and scanned by NIRS. The first set consisted of field-dried hay samples that were oven dried at 70^oC and the second consisted of fresh, freeze-dried samples. …

A Simple Method For Estimating Alfalfa Fiber Content In The Field, Reuben M. Sulc, K. A. Albrecht, V. N. Owens

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Predictive equations for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) quality (PEAQ) based on length of the longest stem and maturity stage of the most mature stem in a sample were developed and validated for estimating neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) concentrations in alfalfa. The objective of this research was to validate PEAQ with a simplified maturity scale when estimating fiber content. Alfalfa samples varying in height and maturity were collected throughout the growing season from fields across six states in USA. Observed NDF and ADF values (determined via wet chemistry) were regressed on estimated values. The estimated …

Boron Fertilization Effects On Nutritive Parameters Of Alfalfa, F. M. Rouquette Jr., V. A. Haby, J. O. Fritz, M. Collins

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

With early pre-plant incorporation of limestone to raise soil pH to 6.8 to 7.0, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) may be grown successfully on acid, Coastal Plain, sandy loam soils. Fertility and forage quality for hay and/or grazing require alternative management of alfalfa on these Coastal Plain soils. A two-year experiment evaluated alfalfa fertilized with three rates of boron to quantify effects on nutritive entities, especially fiber components. On a whole-plant basis in year 1, only crude protein was increased (P < .05) at one of six harvest dates. In year 2, chemical analyses of leaf-stem components indicated consistent increases in crude protein of leaf fractions at each harvest (P < .05), reduction in neutral detergent fiber at three harvest dates (P < .06), and reduced lignin (P < .07) at the final harvest. Stem sections were affected by rate of boron at only the June harvest with an increase in crude protein (P < .05). Rate of boron fertilization had indirect effects on nutritive value (crude protein) by either delaying physiological maturity or enhancing nitrogen fixation in leaves, and had a direct negative effect on certain fiber components.

Effect Of Maceration On In Sacco Degradability And Energy Content Of Low-Moisture Round Bale Alfalfa Silage, K. Nonaka, S. Kume, T. Ohshita

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of maceration on in sacco degradability and energy content of low-moisture alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) silage. The results of two treatments were compared: 1) maceration, in which the alfalfa was processed through a large- scale forage mat maker prior to wilting to approximately 50% DM content (FM treatment), and 2) conventional conditioning, in which the alfalfa was tedded and wilted to the same DM content as that in the FM treatment (CC treatment). Silage bales were chopped in 20-mm pieces for each experiment. In sacco degradabilities of DM, CP …

Bloat In Ruminants: The Cell Rupture Hypothesis, B. P. Berg, T. A. Mcallister, K.-J. Cheng

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

An alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivar with a low initial rate of digestion (LIRD), AC Grazeland B, was developed to test the hypothesis that the rate of cell rupture was a cause of frothy bloat in cattle or sheep. The amount of cell wall increases and digestibility declines as plants mature. Thus the cell rupture theory also predicts that the bloat potential of alfalfa is related to maturity. This study compared the digestibility of cell walls (NDF) in LIRD cultivars with that of a standard, Beaver, in relation to maturity and bloat incidence. Fresh alfalfa was fed to wethers …

Water Management For Establishment Of Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.), J. B. Rassini, E. J. A. Leme

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

This research was carried out in 1997, at the “Centro de Ciências Agrárias” of the “Universidade Federal de São Carlos”, in Araras, SP, Brazil, to evaluate the behavior of three growth stages (S₁ = initial vegetative stage, S₂ = full vegetative stage, and S₃ = reproductive stage) of the “Crioula” alfalfa cultivar, in the presence of four water levels (L₁ = 100%, L₂ = 80%, L₃ = 45-50% and, L₄ =20-25% of a sprinkler irrigation) in a field trial. Growth stages changed according to water levels, and S₂ stage was the most …

Dry Matter Accumulation And Partitioning Between Vegetative And Reproductive Organs In Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.), E. D. Bolaños-Aguilar, Christian Huyghe, B. Julier, C. Ecalle

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

This work investigated the partitioning of dry matter between vegetative and reproductive plant organs in alfalfa during the reproductive period under field conditions. Two French varieties (Europe and Magali) were studied. Both varieties showed similar growth pattern of the different plant organs in 1998 and 1999. The mean dry matter of vegetative organs (shoots and leaves) over the two years was higher in Europe (567g/m²) than Magali (470g/m²). No vegetative growth was observed during the reproductive period. The root organs (measured to a depth of 0.20 m) and the reproductive organs showed an increase in dry …

Effects Of Photoperiod, Low Temperature And N Nutrition On Vsp Accumulation In Taproot Of Alfalfa, J. C. Avice, C. Noquet, A. Ourry, J. J. Volenec

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

In Medicago sativa L., vegetative storage protein (VSP), specifically accumulated in taproot, are strongly involved in nitrogen storage. How the accumulation of such VSPs is regulated remains largely unknown. Experiments were designed with non-nodulated alfalfa to determine if length of the photoperiod, a decrease of temperature, or high availability of mineral nitrogen may induce the accumulation of VSPs. ¹⁵N labelling was used to quantify nitrogen uptake and its further relative translocation within the plant while VSPs accumulation was analysed by ELISA quantification. Results showed that environmental factors such as shortening daylength or low temperature changed biomass allocation within the …

Effect Of Climatic Factors On The Plant Population Dynamics In Temperate Pasture Implantation, B. Martin, R. Refi, S. Montico, M. Costanzo

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The objective of this experiment was to determine the environmental influence on seedling emergence of alfalfa and fescue in mixture. We hypothesized that the temperature and precipitation data could be used to estimate field emergence of alfalfa and fescue. A field trial was carried out at Zavalla, Argentina and consisted of sowing a tall fescue – alfalfa mixture at different seeding date (March, April and June). Relationships between the range of temperature, rainfalls and alfalfa and fescue seedling emergence were described by linear regression models. Patterns of emergence and death of alfalfa and fescue seedling were found in the different …

Forage Quality Of Mixtures Of Bromus Wildenowii And B. Parodii Influenced By Nitrogen Fertilization Or Alfalfa Interseeding, S. Abarza, R. E. Brevedan, H. Laborde

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Under good soil fertility conditions, Bromus wildenowii Kunth and Bromus parodii Covas et Itria are two high producing forage grasses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen fertilization or the association with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) on yield and forage quality of mixtures of both grasses during the establishment year. Nitrogen fertilizer (300 kg ha^-1) was broadcasted in three 100 kg N dosis. Nitrogen fertilization or alfalfa intercropping did not increase dry matter yield. Tiller density and crude protein content of grass forage were increased by nitrogen application. Intercropped alfalfa increased N …

Tillage Systems In The Establishment Of Pastures In Argentinian Subhumid Area, H. Pagliaricci, C. Saroff, A. Ohanian, T. Pereyra

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The effect of three tillage systems on the number of plants produced and forage production of a pasture the first year of establishment was assessed in this experiment. The components of the pasture were alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Shreb), orchard grass (Dactilys glomerata L), and prairie grass (Bromus unioloides). Treatments were three tillage systems: conventional tillage (CT), reduced tillage (RT), and direct sowing (DS). Sowing was performed with (NI) and without fertilizers (N0) in each treatment. A split-plot experimental design with two repetitions was used, with tillage being the main factor …