Soil Science Commons^™

Diversity Of Diet Composition Decreases With Conjoint Grazing Of Cattle With Sheep And Goats, A. M. Nicol, M. B. Soper, A. V. Stewart

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Conjoint or mixed grazing can affect the diet selected by each species (Nicol & Collins, 1990). Diet similarity coefficients are often used to compare pairs of diets (Krebs, 1999). However this approach is awkward when a number of contrasts are required in a multifactorial comparison. Species diversity is a descriptor of a particular environment. Many models provide an estimate of species diversity, the most common of these being a log-normal distribution (Tokeshi, 1996). We tested whether this model could be applied to dietary components selected from a pasture, and thus provide a coefficient of dietary diversity for the individual diets …

A Study In Cuba Of The Biology, Ecology And Agroecological Management Of Heteropsylla Cubana Crawford In Leucaena Leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit, N. Valenciaga, M. Felicia Díaz, T. E. Ruíz, M. Fernández, C. Mora

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

As a consequence of the increase in Leucaena leucocephala areas to counter the shortage of feed in Cuban cattle production, there is a risk of the development of Heteropsylla cubana Crawford (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) as a pest in silvopastoral systems with this legume. This psyllid is known to be the main phytophagous pest (Valenciaga, 2003), which produces damage in 95% of the apical region of branches. Since information on the identification and biology of a pest species is a necessary prerequisite for its management, a taxonomic, biological and ecological study was conducted to define Heteropsylla behaviour in Cuban conditions and elaborate …

Effect Of Applied Biosolids To Bahiagrass Pastures On Copper Status Of Cattle, M. E. Tiffany, L. R. Mcdowell, G. A. O'Connor, N. S. Wilkinson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

When grazing ruminants consume forages high in Mo but adequate in S, there is a risk of molybdenosis (a Mo-induced Cu deficiency). This occurs when Mo, S, and Cu join to form Cu-thiomolybdate complexes in the rumen that are not readily absorbed (Suttle, 1991). High dietary S reduces Cu absorption, possibly due to unabsorbable Cu sulphide formation, independent from its part in thiomolybdate complexes. The use of municipal sludge (biosolids) as a pasture fertiliser is of interest since some contain high Mo which may induce Cu deficiency. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and Cu status …

Body Temperature In Free-Roaming Beef Cattle, T. L. Mader, S. L. Colgan

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Body temperature (BT) measurements are traditionally used in diagnosing sick animals, but may also be used as an indicator of stress or activity. Based on results of metabolism studies, Mader et al. (1999) reported that BT can vary as much as 0.9^oC and can depend on metabolisable energy (ME) of the diet consumed. Acceptable measures of BT can be obtained from the rectum, vagina, or ear canal. Technologies are also being developed for continuously monitoring BT via radio-telemetry. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of high concentrate (low fibre) versus high fibre diets on …

Diversity Of Diet Composition Decreases With Conjoint Grazing Of Cattle With Sheep And Goats, A. M. Nicol, M. B. Soper, A. Stewart

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Conjoint or mixed grazing can affect the diet selected by each species (Nicol & Collins, 1990). Diet similarity coefficients are often used to compare pairs of diets (Krebs, 1999). However this approach is awkward when a number of contrasts are required in a multifactorial comparison. Species diversity is a descriptor of a particular environment. Many models provide an estimate of species diversity, the most common of these being a log-normal distribution (Tokeshi, 1996). We tested whether this model could be applied to dietary components selected from a pasture, and thus provide a coefficient of dietary diversity for the individual diets …

A Simple Vegetation Criterion (Ndf Content) May Account For Diet Choices Of Cattle Between Forages Varying In Maturity Stage And Physical Accessibility, Cécile Ginane, R. Baumont

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The management of extensively grazed pastures requires an understanding and prediction of the diet choices of herbivores grazing on vegetation that is qualitatively (maturity stage) and quantitatively (biomass, sward height) heterogeneous. The Optimal Foraging Theory (OFT, Stephens & Krebs, 1986), bases its predictions on the relative energy intake rate (EIR) of forages. However, as EIRs are difficult to assess at pasture and are subject to wide intra- and inter-individual variations, another vegetation criterion was sought (accessibility, quality), by-passing the animal's influence, to predict cattle diet choices quantitatively.

Effect On Sward Botanical Composition Of Mixed And Sequential Grazing By Cattle And Sheep Of Upland Permanent Pasture In The Uk, J. E. Vale, M. D. Fraser, J. G. Evans

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Previous work has shown benefits of sequential grazing by cattle and sheep, with superior liveweight gains being recorded for lambs grazing swards previously grazed by cattle. A preliminary study of the effects of mixed sheep and cattle grazing also suggested that more extensively grazed swards offer scope for complementary grazing between sheep and cattle. The aim of this experiment was to directly compare these two approaches of integrating the grazing of cattle and sheep.

Effect Of Mixed And Sequential Grazing By Cattle And Sheep Of Upland Permanent Pasture On Liveweight Gain, M. D. Fraser, J. E. Vale, J. G. Evans

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Previous work has shown benefits of sequential grazing by cattle and sheep, with superior liveweight gains being recorded for lambs grazing swards previously grazed by cattle. A preliminary study of the effects of mixed sheep and cattle grazing also suggested that more extensively grazed swards offer scope for complementary grazing between sheep and cattle. The aim of this experiment was to directly compare these two approaches of integrating the grazing of cattle and sheep.

Characterising The Fermentation Capabilities Of Gut Microbial Populations From Different Breeds Of Cattle And Sheep Grazing Heathland, D. R. Davies, M. D. Fraser, V. J. Theobald, E. L. Bakewell

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Previous studies have demonstrated differences in the diet composition of sheep and cattle when grazing heather moorland, and such differences may in turn lead to differences in rumen fermentation characteristics and associated adaptation to diet. To investigate this further an in vitro gas production experiment was conducted using inocula from different breeds of cattle and sheep grazing heathland.

The Performance Of Cattle On Lowland Species-Rich Neutral Grassland At Three Contrasting Grazing Pressures, B. A. Griffith, J. R.B. Tallowin

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grazing is an essential management practice for maintaining the nature conservation value of lowland semi-natural neutral grassland to control succession and create different faunal habitats via structural heterogeneity within the pasture (Duffey et al., 1974). However, there is a paucity of information on what would constitute a sustainable grazing intensity that will deliver the wildlife objectives and what the consequences of this management would be on growth rate of livestock and overall pasture output. An experiment was designed to quantify the ecological and agronomic consequences of imposing different grazing intensities on species-rich neutral grassland. The results will provide sward-based …

In Situ Rumen Degradability Of Perennial Ryegrass Cultivars Differing In Ploidy And Heading Date In Ireland, V. Olsson, J. J. Murphy, F. P. O'Mara, M. O'Donovan, F. J. Mulligan

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grazed grass is the predominant feed in Irish dairy and beef cattle production systems. Knowledge of the degradability characteristics of protein in Irish forages is necessary for the establishment of protein values (PDIE and PDIN values) for these. This knowledge would also facilitate more accurate formulation of supplements for grass diets with the potential to reduce nitrogen (N) excretion.

Pasture Land Management System Decision Support Software, G. E. Groover, S. R. Smith, N. D. Stone, J. J. Venuto, J. M. Galbraith

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Controlled or rotational grazing provides benefits to producers and society through profitable and sound management of grazing land and livestock. Pasture land management system (PLMS) is a decision support system developed to help university, government, and professionals provide technical pasture management assistance to beef and dairy producers. The PLMS focuses on the balance between seasonal forage supply and nutrient demand in a dairy or beef cattle operation. It allows users to explore and compare alternatives (dividing fields into multiple paddocks, changing stocking rates, and forage species) through a visual display and embedded simulation. Users enter a description of the farm …

The Feeding Value Of Conserved Whole-Crop Wheat And Forage Maize Relative To Grass Silage And Ad-Libitum Concentrates For Beef Cattle, K. Walsh, P. O'Kiely, F. O'Mara

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grass is the predominant forage ensiled in Ireland. However, the relatively modest yields achieved in a single harvest allied to variability in digestibility and ensilability (and thus in intake and animal performance response) and the likelihood of effluent production create disadvantages for grass silage compared to the potential of some alternative forage crops. Thus, alternative forages are worthy of consideration on many farms. The objectives of this study were to quantify the relative intake, digestibility and performance of beef cattle offered grass silage, forage maize silage and whole-crop wheat (fermented or urea-treated), rank these relative to cattle offered an ad …

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.

Intake Characteristics Of Diploid And Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass Varieties When Grazed By Simmental X Holstein Yearling Heifers Under Rotational Stocking Management, R. J. Orr, J. E. Cook, K. L. Young, R. A. Champion, A. J. Rook

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Orr et al. (2003) measured large differences in dry matter (DM) intake rate between 15 intermediate-heading perennial ryegrass varieties when they were continuously stocked with sheep and subsequently explored the extent to which, for 5 of these varieties, these differences could be explained by chemical and morphological traits (Orr et al., 2004a) which could be targeted in grass breeding programmes. Here, four of the 15 varieties, which within ploidy had low or high intake characteristics when grazed by sheep, were rotationally stocked with cattle and intake and sward factors were measured.

Genetic Characteristics Required In Dairy And Beef Cattle For Temperate Grazing Systems, F. Buckley, C. Holmes, M. G. Keane

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Key points

1. Only about 10% of the world’s milk is produced from grazing systems. Consequently the majority of dairy cattle have not been selected under grazing, nor on seasonal systems. This is not true for beef cattle, for which the majority, especially the dams, are managed under seasonal grazing systems.

2. In grazing systems daily feed intake is limited to lower levels than are achievable on concentrate plus conserved forage rations. Consequently, cows most suited to grazing environments are likely to have a lower genetic potential for milk production than cows selected in high concentrate systems, to minimise their relative energy …

   ---

   Go to article

Nitrogen Leaching From Cattle, Sheep And Deer Grazed Pastures In New Zealand, Keith Betteridge, Sterwart F. Ledgard, Coby J. Hoogendoorn, M. G. Lambert, Z. A. Park, Des A. Costall, P. W. Theobald

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The impacts of intensified grazing in New Zealand are being reflected in declining quality of groundwater, streams and lake water. Manipulation of ratios of grazing animal species may be one way farmers can reduce nitrogen (N) emissions to ground water. The present research quantifies nitrate and ammonium leaching losses from rotationally grazed sheep, cattle and deer pastures in a common environment.

Effect Of Winter Grazing Management Of Stockpiled Native Pastures Of Basaltic Soils Of Uruguay On Daily Gains Of Heifers, G. Pigurina, R. Castells, G. Reyes, E. J. Berretta

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The effect of three grazing systems of fall stockpiled native pastures on the winter gains of 66 Hereford heifers (135 kg) was studied. Treatments were: continuos grazing (CG); (C7) the plot was divided in 12 and each was grazed for 7 days and (C28), the plot was divided in 3 and each were grazed for 28 days. Heifers were weighed every 14 days and grazing behaviour was recorded. Stockpiled HM was greater (P< 0.05) in C7 and C28 than in CG (988, 912, and 604 kg DM/ha, respectively). Herbage allowance (HA) was greater (P< 0.01) in CG followed by C28 and C7 (11.7, 6.6 and 5.9 kg DM/100 kg LW, respectively). Post-grazing HM was greater (P0.05) in all pastures (CP 10.2%, NDF 71.2%, ADF 41.3% and ash 14.4%). Final LW of heifers were similar (P> 0.05) (167, 162 and 160 kg for CG, C7 and C28, respectively). A very mild winter favoured exceptional gains which tended to be higher in CG (0.353 …

Describing Cattle Grazing Distribution In Communal Rangelands Of The Eastern Cape South Africa: Towards Improving Livestock Rangeland Use, B. Gusha, A. R. Palmer

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This study used global positioning systems (GPS) to understand grazing distribution of three cattle in the communal rangeland of Eastern Cape, South Africa. Free ranging cattle were randomly selected from participating households and were fitted with neck GPS collars, which recorded geographic position every five-minute interval during wet and dry season. The study identified three production domains where cattle were reported to be spending most of their time grazing, separated by bound polygons on google earth Pro to further extract MODIS EVI???. The recorded GPS points were loaded into google earth Pro to analyse the distribution of cattle grazing in …

Agropastoral Systems An Alternative To Revert Pasture Degradation In The Cerrados Of Brazil: Preliminary Results, Manuel C. M. Macedo, J. A. M. Bono, A. H. Zimmer, F. P. Costa, Tsutomu Kanno, Cesar Heraclides Behling Miranda, A. N. Kichel

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A long term experiment was set to test the hypothesis that agropastoral systems could improve crop and animal production, being more profitable and sustainable relative to economical, biological and environmental aspects, than continuous and traditional crop and grazing pasture systems. Five farming systems are being tested: two traditional (continuous soybean annual cropping and continuous pasture cropping) and three agropastoral systems (two combinations of four by four years of rotational crop-pasture systems and one by three years of crop-pasture rotation). Animal production in continuous pasture cropping measured as liveweight gain/ha (LWG) are declining along the years in the sub-treatment without fertilizer …

Goats To Control The Encroachment Of Undesirable Brush And Woody Species In Cattle Pastures, J-M. Luginbuhl, J. T. Green Jr., M. H. Poore, A. C. Conrad

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Field studies were initiated in an abandoned, overgrown 8.4 ha orchard left untouched for 15 years to evaluate the effectiveness of using goats (Capra hircus hircus) to manage undesirable vegetation. Goats alone (G: 30 does/ha) or cattle (Bos taurus) with goats (GC:17 does/ha and 3 steers/ha) were mob-grazed twice a year during four grazing seasons. Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora Thunb.) canopy area decreased from 12 to 2.5 m² in grazed pastures and multiflora rose live canes were 100% in the control, 0% in G, and only 8% in GC at the completion of the …

The Role Of Cattle Dung In Seed Dispersal Of Major Species In A Zoysia Japonica Pasture In Japan, K. Shimoda, S. Sakanoue

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

To evaluate the role of cattle dung in seed dispersal of major species in Zoysia japonica pasture in Japan, we investigated the species composition and density of seeds in cattle dung by means of a germination test. Of 20 major species which had a mean coverage of more than 0.1%, 90% were detected as seeds in cattle dung. In addition, the species composition and density of seeds in cattle dung differed among three sampling seasons. Seeds of the six most prevalent species in terms of coverage were detected from cattle dung during the growing season. Hence, we conclude that it …

Influence Of Grassland Management And Grazing By Different Farm Animals On Animal Performance And Flora Alterations, W. Jentsch, H.-D. Matthes, A. Admasu, H. Möhring

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objectives of this study were to test the possibilities of using different farm animals for landscape care on extensive pasture, taking into account their particular performance, and to analyse alterations of the flora in consequence of grazing by different animals and various pasture management. Salers had the highest (836g/d) and Galloways (584g/d) the lowest live weight gain as compared with the other breeds (771g/d). Lambs had higher live weight when grazing together with cattle and horses (mixed grazing) than under one species grazing. The number of legume increased and that of grass decreased. Following 3 years the grazing animals …

Late Winter Dietary Overlap Among Greater Rheas And Domestic Herbivores On The Argentinean Flooding Pampa, G. Vacarezza, M. S. Cid, F. Milano

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This study evaluates the dietary overlap among greater rheas (Rhea americana L.) sheep and cattle in the Flooding Pampa, Buenos Aires, Argentina during late winter, when is observed the lowest forage availability. The work was carried out with the following forage classes (FC): warm and cool season grasses and forbs (legumes and no-legumes). Diet botanical composition was estimated by microanalysis of faeces. Principal Component Analysis and Kulcyznsky´s index of similarity were used for data analysis. Rhea populations selected diets with higher forb percentages. On the contrary, vegetation structure and their own morpho-physiology conditioned cattle to diets almost exclusively gramineous. …

Forage Management For Extending The Grazing Season, David W. Koch, C. M. Lux, J. W. Flake

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Studies were conducted to determine ways to extend grazing season with forages adequate to meet the needs of grazing animals and to reduce the cost of livestock production. Perennial grasses were swathed, windrowed and left in the field until they were winter-grazed with bred heifers. Corn (Zea mays L.) was stockpiled for winter grazing with lambs and ewes. Windrowed grasses increased in acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) compared with stored hay, but crude protein content, heifer weight gain and body condition change was similar for both forages. An economic value of $218 ha^-1 from …

Intensive Grazing Systems For Beef Cattle Production, F. P. Fontenot, V. G. Allen, M. A. Cochran, N. B. Frank

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objective of this study was to compare grazing systems that used rotational and continuous stocking for beef cows-calves and stocker cattle grazing fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and clover (Trifolium repens). For each system seven cows/calves and seven stocker steers were used within each of two replicates. The cows and stockers grazed stockpiled forage and were fed hay in winter, and grazed growing forage during spring and summer. Cows in the rotational system gained at a faster rate (P< . 05) from October to April than those in the continuous system. Daily gains of calves were higher (P< . 05) for the continuous system. Rate of gain during the last 28 days was higher (P< . 05) for the stockers in the rotational system. Average hay yields were not different for the two stocking systems, but more (P< . 05) hay was fed to the cattle in the continuous system. The system that used continuous stocking was more easily managed and required less labor and facilities.

Contract Grazing Of Young Beef Cattle On Ryegrass In The Southeastern Usa, David I. Bransby

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objective of this study was to evaluate contract grazing (in which the landowner grazes cattle owned by someone else for a specified fee) as an alternative to traditional ownership of the cattle, in order to improve profitability of grazing young beef cattle on annual ryegrass under limited availability of operating capital in the southeastern USA. Production data from a two-year grazing experiment were used as a basis for an economic analysis which assumed market prices for the beef industry in the region. Return/ha over animal and pasture costs was $312.20 for contract grazing, and $477.50 for purchased cattle. However, …

Integration Of Cattle And Improved Pastures Under Coconuts In Southern Luzon, Philippines, F. A. Moog, H. E. Diesta, A. G. Deocareza

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Results of two studies involving 1) grazing of Signalgrass (Brachiaria decumbens) pastures at different stocking and 2) cut-and-carry forages in smallholder farms for cattle under coconuts are presented. Grazing at 3 AU/ha and 2 AU/ha gave significantly higher LWG/ha (P 0.05) over 1 AU/ha but highest financial return was obtained from 2 AU/ha. Productivity of cattle on cut-and-carry forages in small farms varies among farmers with better animal performance directly related to quantity and quality of feeds offered and industriousness of individual farmers. Both studies showed the benefits derived from integration of cattle with improved pastures under coconuts.

Transgenic Maize Hybrid Crop Residues: Nutritive Value And Their Effects On Performance Of Grazing Beef Cows, S. K. Barnhart, J. R. Russell, M. J. Hersom, D. E. Farnham

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Several maize (Zea mays) hybrids, including three transgenic hybrids containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) enzymes (Bt-maize hybrids), were planted in a field study. Mature, midgestation, beef cows (Bos tarus) strip-grazed post-harvest residues as paddocks over 126 days. Body condition-scores and weights were monitored. Forage yield, weathering losses and forage composition were monitored on grazed and ungrazed areas. Forage selection and intake were estimated. Grain yields, dropped grain, initial crop residue concentrations of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) yields were similar among hybrids. Hybrids varied in infestation of maize borers, …

Integrating Pastures Into The Traditional Slash-And-Burn Cycle In Northeastern Pará, Brazil, S. Hohnwald, B. Rischkowsky, R. Schultze-Kraft, J. M. King, A. P. Camarão

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A project to test possibilities to integrate pastures into the traditional slash-and-burn cycle of small farmers in the Bragantina region in northeastern Pará, Brazil, is presented. Whereas in practice the traditional grass-only pasture is managed separately from the crop/fallow cycle, two options for integration are tested: a Brachiaria humidicola pasture enriched with two bushy and one herbaceous legume, Cratylia argentea, Chamaecrista rotundifolia and Arachis pintoi, and a B. humidicola pasture allowing a controlled regrowth of secondary vegetation ("Capoeira"). The regeneration performance of these pastures for a subsequent cropping period is compared with plots of undisturbed regrowth of Capoeira …