Soil Science Commons^™

Forage Quality And Defoliation Interval In Tall Fescue Cultivars, Mónica G. Agnusdei, Juan Ramón Insúa, Oscar Norberto Di Marco

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Past research has shown digestibility decreases along leaf lifespan (LLS) in several grasses (i.e. Groot and Neute-boom 1997; Insúa et al. 2013; Agnusdei et al. 2012). This phenomenon has not yet been quantified in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Therefore, additional knowledge on the dynamics of leaf quality decline along LLS is necessary to verify the proper defoliation window necessary to optimize forage quality and production (Fulkerson and Donaghy 2001; Lemaire et al. 2009) in tall fescue. Further, this window might differ between old and new types (i.e. softer vs rough-leaved). The …

Use Of N-Alkane Technique To Estimate Sheep Dry Matter Intake, Glaucia A. Amaral, Teresa C. M. Genro, Armindo B. Neto, Jean V. Savian, Diego B. De David, Eduardo B. Azevedo, Felipe Jochims, Paulo C. De F. Carvalho

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Given the complexity of evaluating intake on grazing, some compounds have been studied to promote qualitative and quantitative estimates of animal physiology. In this sense, the technique using n-alkanes as a marker has been used in several animal species, especially in grazing ruminants (Dove and Mayes 1996). By definition, validation under grazing or browsing conditions is not possible, because actual intakes are unknown (Dove and Mayes 2005). Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the methodology of n-alkanes to estimate herbage intake by sheep in metabolic cages.

Fatty Acid Profile Of Elephant Grass Pastures With Different Grazing Heights, Kamila M. Dias, Giselle R. Rodolfo, Daniel Schmitt, Raphael S. Pereira, Guilherme N. Camargo, Francisco C. Deschamps, André F. Sbrissia

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Ruminant milk and meat are a source of CLA and omega-3 in the human diet and these fatty acids (FAs) have a beneficial effect on human health (Mcguire and Mcguire 2000). The increase in CLA and omega-3 in ruminant products is mainly related to proportion of C18:2 and C18:3 in the animal feed, like forage and to incomplete ruminal biohydrogenation (Bauman et al. 2000). Evaluation of FAs have been performed in temperate forage pastures, without the interaction of animal grazing, and presenting samples collected at ground level and at fixed re-growth intervals or seasons as the main sampling criteria. …

Effect Of Plant Density On Yield And Forage Quality Of Corn For Silage, Lorena Machinandiarena, Jonatan Camarasa, Pablo Barletta, Jorge O. Scheneiter

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

There is evidence that plant density of maize crops for silage affects herbage yield and quality (Cusicanqui and Lauer 1999). However, most of experimental information comes from trials with a range of plant densities between 20,000 and 140,000 plants per hectare (Pl/ha). This range would be insufficient to establish functional relationships between yield, forage quality, light interception and plant composition (Bertoia 1994). In addition, it is known that dry matter partitioning between plant components varies according to the environmental conditions of a given year (Andrade et al. 1991).

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between …

Daily Faecal Excretion Of Alkane C32 In Beef Cattle Females Grazing Natural Grasslands In Southern Brazil And In Uruguay, Teresa C. M. Genro, Carolina Bremm, Júlio K. Da Trindade, Alexandre C. Varella, Pablo Soca

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The n-alkane technique is accepted as an appropriate method to estimate herbage intake by grazing ruminants. This method reinforces issues similar to those raised by other methods based on markers such as the effect of carrier matrix or dosing method and frequency on the excretion kinetics of the dosed n-alkanes (Dove et al. 2002; Molina et al. 2004, Oliván et al. 2007). The time of dosage needed to reach the dynamical equilibrium between the concentrations of alkanes in the diet and in the faeces of ruminants is still unclear for the natural grassland environments. The aim of this study was …

Use Of N-Alkanes To Estimate The Intake Of Beef Heifers On Natural Grassland In Southern Brazil, Teresa C. M. Genro, Júlio K. Da Trindade, Paulo C. De F. Carvalho

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The technique of alkanes to estimate dry matter intake (DMI) by wild and domestic herbivores has advanced considerably in the last 20 years (Dove and Mayes, 2006). Alkanes are long chain, saturated hydrocarbons present in the plant cuticle. They are relatively indigestible in the gastrointestinal tract and can be recuperated in the faeces. Compared to other markers normally used (e.g. chromium oxide, ytterbium), it is possible to determine simultaneously the external and internal marker in a unique analysis and to estimate digestibility, faecal excretion, DMI and diet composition (Dove and Mayes 1991). This is a great advantage of …

A Comparison Of Fermentation Kinetics In The Rumen Of Grazing Sheep On A Dwarf Bamboo Pasture And A Grass Pasture, Masato Yayota, Noriya Tanaka, Kazuya Doi, Shigeru Ohtani

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Native grasses grown as forest understory are important forage resources for grazing ruminants and in agroforestry. Dwarf bamboo is one such typical grass and has traditionally been used in Japan. The name “dwarf bamboo” refers to a group of native grasses from certain genera (e.g., Sasa spp. and Pleioblastus spp.). These grasses are generally rhizomatous, perennial, and semi-woody (Usui, 1961). The results of an earlier study suggested that the in sacco ruminal degradation of the dwarf bamboo was inferior to that of a common tropical grass (Yayota et al. 2009), and cattle grazing on a forest …

Mineral Composition Of Brachiaria Brizantha Cv. Mg5 Irrigated And Non-Irrigated Subjected To Grazing, Rita C. R. Carvalho, Wellington W. Rocha, Bruno S. Pires, Luziney D. Silva, César T. Piza, Paulo R. V. Leite, Eliel A. Ferreira

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Brachiaria brizantha cv. MG5 is an important component of pastures in Brazil. Past studies (Corsi and Marta Jr. (1998), Maya (2003)) have shown significant pasture and animal production increases can be obtained through irrigation and associated grazing management. Such systems can significantly increase economic viability of production systems based on these pastures (Cedeño 2003). However, past studies have not measured possible differences in mineral composition of such pastures throughout the year with and without irrigation. Such differences, if present, may have implication for animal productivity.

This study had the objective of evaluating the mineral composition of Brachiaria brizantha cv …

Forage Quality Indices Of Some Important Grass Species Of Iranian Rangelands, Hossein Arzani, Javad Motamedi, Mohammad Ali Zarechahouki

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

To be informed of the forage quality indices is one of the fundamental essentials for determination of the amount of forage sufficient for the daily requirements of animal in rangelands and wildlife habitats. This amount would be different depending on the vegetative composition and consequently the forage quality (Arzani, 2009). In this regard, grasses are considered one of the most important plants in the vegetative composition of rangelands in the country’s different climate zones that are grazed by the animals and meet a considerable amount of animal requirements (Arzani et al. 2010). Therefore, the values of forage quality indices …

Estimating Crude Protein Concentration Of A Grass Sward Using Spectral Measurements, Joseph L. Moyer, Chuyuan Wang, Bohua Ling, Kevin P. Price

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

While measurement of forage mass (FM) is fundamental to evaluating sward productivity, its forage quality determines the value for grazing. Optical sensing devices have varying potential for estimating forage characteristics. Instruments such as the Greenseeker®, which measures normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) have been related to various characteristics, but are confounded with canopy traits (Biewer et al. 2009). Simultaneous readings of NDVI and FM were used to separate their contributions to sward crude protein CP using multiple regression (Moyer et al. 2010).

Relationships in swards of tall fescue (Lolium arundinacium Schreb.) were poorer than in other species, …

Effect Of Cultivar On Yield, Chemical Composition And British Thermal Unit Content Of Three Switchgrass (Panicum Virgatum L.) Cultivars, Kyung I. Sung, Jalil G. Nejad, Bae H. Lee, Do H. Ji, Jing L. Peng, Byong W. Kim

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Switchgrass varieties with different sowing times and years of cultivation may change nutrient parameters, dry matter production and bio-fuel characteristics expressed as British Thermal Unit (BTU). The objective of this study was to report the effect of cultivar on dry matter yield, chemical composition and bio-fuel value of three Switchgrass (Panicum Virgatum L.) cultivars. Fossil fuel usage is a key human-related factor contributing to the production of green house gases. Biomass conversion into forms of energy is an old idea but one that is receiving increasing attention largely because of environmental, energy supply and agricultural market condition concerns …

Morning And Afternoon Sampling And Herbage Chemical Composition Of Rotationally Stocked Elephant Grass Cv. Napier, Laiz P. De Oliveira, Adenilson J. Paiva, Lilian E. T. Peireira, Eliana V. Geremia, Sila C. Da Silva

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Nutrient intake by grazing animals depends on the amount of dry matter consumed and its chemical composition. Forage grasses, as with any other plants, produce assimilates during the day via photosynthesis to sustain live tissues, plant growth and organic reserves (Taiz and Zeiger 2013). In that context, herbage chemical composition may vary according to variations in the photosynthesis-respiration balance throughout the day. From dawn to dusk the balance increases and herbage dry matter content as well as concentration of soluble carbohydrates increase, the reverse happening from dusk to dawn. That could interfere with nutritive value and nutrient intake of grazing …

Forage Quality Characteristics Of Lotus Tenuis, Narrow-Leaf Birdsfoot Trefoil, Adam D. Langworthy, Peter A. Lane, David Parsons, Eric Hall

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Narrow-leaf birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus tenuis Waldst. & Kit.) is a herbaceous perennial legume of Mediterranean origin, which can grow in saline and waterlogged environments (Teakle et al. 2010). If this species is to be cultivated in regions constrained by these abiotic factors, it is also vital that herbage produced has a forage quality acceptable for ruminant production. In addition, proanthocyanidin (PA) content is important, and legume species can cause animal production issues if PA content is low, (< 0.02%), e.g. fro-thy bloat, or high (> 5 %), e.g. decreased palatability and digestibility (Larkin et al. 1999). This study examined the PA content and …

Anoxic Conditions Maintained High Phosphorus Sorption In Humid Tropical Forest Soils, Yang Lin, Avner Gross, Christine S. O'Connell, Whendee L. Silver

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

The strong phosphorus (P) sorption capacity of iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) minerals in highly weathered, acidic soils of humid tropical forests is generally assumed to be an important driver of P limitation to plants and microbial activity in these ecosystems. Humid tropical forest soils often experience fluctuating redox conditions that reduce Fe and raise pH. It is commonly thought that Fe reduction generally decreases the capacity and strength of P sorption. Here we examined the effects of 14 d oxic and anoxic incubations on soil P sorption dynamics in humid tropical forest soils from Puerto Rico. Contrary to the …

Quality And Vitamins In Forage Herb And Legume Species, Anjo Elgersma, Karen Søegaard, Søren Krogh Jensen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grasslands provide an important part of the feed used by domestic and wild ruminants. Fresh herbage is an important natural source of vitamins in ruminant diets. Concentrations of vitamins in plants depend on factors such as regrowth stage, temperature and day length, N fertilisation and leaf proportion in the harvested herbage. Most studies on vitamin concentrations in forages have been carried out with agronomical important grass species such as perennial ryegrass and legume species such as white clover, but hardly with other grassland forage species. As data of dicotyledonous species grown in a sward are scarce, yield, quality and vitamin …

Forage Nutritive Value Changes In A Stratified Canopy Of A Mixed Cool-Season Grass Sward Affected By Season, Renata L. Nave, Reuben M. Sulc, David J. Barker

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The seasonal pattern of herbage growth rate is an important determinant on forage system productivity. Pasture stocking rates and supplemental feed requirements are influenced by the dynamic balance between forage growth and the amount of herbage available. There is limited in-formation regarding vertical distribution patterns (layers within the sward) in nutritive value in cool-season grasses, especially for vegetative herbage (Burner and Belesky 2004). More complete information could support decisions regarding cutting schedules, residual mass and heights to meet nutritional value targets, and timing of pasture allocation. The objective of this study was to characterize the vertical distribution of nutritive value …

Effect Of Defoliation Management On Expression Of The ‘High Sugar’ Cultivar Trait In Tasmania, Lydia R. Turner, Daniel J. Donaghy, Keith G. Pembleton, Richard P. Rawnsley

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The proposed benefits of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) cultivars with a high concentration of water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) for the dairy industry in Australia include enhanced rumen protein metabolism, and potential improvements in milk components (Stewart et al. 2009). Perennial ryegrass cultivars have been developed to express higher levels of WSC, and extensive trials have shown consistent trait expression in Europe (reviewed by Edwards et al. 2007a). In New Zealand and Australia, there has been less consistent expression of the high sugar trait (Smith et al. 1998; Parsons et al. 2004; Francis et al …

Evaluation Of Acid Detergent Fibre, Sulphuric Acid Lignin And N-Alkanes As Markers For Estimating Ruminal Digestibility In Cattle, Gilberto V. Kozloski, Francisco R. Mesquita, Tiago P. Alves, Cristiano M. Stefanello, Lisandre De Oliveira, Teresa C. M. Genro

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Most of the published studies on estimating organic matter (OM) rumen digestibility (OMRD) use research animals fitted with simple t-type cannulas and an external or inter-nal marker for estimating the duodenal digesta flow. Although there is not an ideal or standard marker, com-pared to external markers, internal markers have the advantage of occurring naturally in the diet and, conse-quently, they flow intimately associated with digesta (Titgemeyer 1997). In digestibility studies where total faec-es output is measured, duodenal digesta flow may be estimated based on both faeces output and the ratio of a marker concentration in faeces and in duodenal digesta. …

Evaluation Of Internal Markers For Estimating Duodenal Digesta Flow In Ruminants: Acid Detergent Fibre And Lignin Disappearance At The Lower Gastrointestinal Tract, Gilberto V. Kozloski, Francisco R. Mesquita, Tiago P. Alves, Thais R. Longo, Mariana P. Mezzomo, Filipe Zanferari

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Most of published studies carried out for estimating organic matter (OM) rumen digestibility (OMRD) use research an-imals fitted with simple t-type cannulas and an external or internal marker for estimating the duodenal digesta flow. Compared to external, the internal markers have the advan-tage of occurring naturally in diet and, consequently, they flow intimately associated with digesta (Titgemeyer 1997). Porter and Singleton (1971a) reported from a study with sheep fitted with re-entrant duodenal cannula that lignin degradation takes place entirely in the stomach. Thus, in digestibility studies where total faeces output is measured, duodenal digesta flow may be estimated based on …

Development Of New Functional Feed That Utilizes Yacon (Smallanthus Sonchifolius) And Rush (Juncus Effuses L.) In Japan, Akiko Koike, Shin Yasuda, Ryoji Nagai, Chinobu Okamoto, Takahiro Nikki, Keiji Igoshi, Rajeev Pradhan, Masateru Ono, Kiyotaka Kabata

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is acknowledged as a food as well as a medicinal plant and its cultivation in Ja-pan has recently expanded. Rush (Juncus effuses L.) which is widely distributed in the temperate regions in the north-ern hemisphere, has historically been used as a herbal medicine for nephritis and dermal disorders. However, there is a lot of harvest residue of both plants. This research was conducted to find out the way for the effective use of these residues as functional feed resources.

Improving Forage Nonstructural Carbohydrates Through Management And Breeding, Gilles Bélanger, Gaëtan F. Tremblay, Annick Bertrand, Yves Castonguay, Robert Berthiaume, Réal Michaud, Sophie Pelletier, Chantale Morin, Carole Lafrenière, Guy Allard

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) are an important source of readily fermentable energy available to rumen microbes. Limited concentrations of readily available energy in forages combined with fast and intensive protein degradation contribute to poor N use efficiency by dairy cows and other ruminants. Increasing NSC in forages has been shown to improve intake, milk yield, and N use efficiency (Brito et al. 2009). We assessed several strategies to increase forage NSC accumulation, including PM-cutting, species selection and genetic improvement.

Mineral Content In Some Species Of Leguminosae In Bandar Torkaman Plain Rangelands, Iran, Mohammadreza Tatian, Maedeh Yousefian, Reza Tamartash, Fatemeh Montazeri, Mehdi Jafari, Morteza Shaabani

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Improving the forage quality and balance of their minerals in rangeland ecosystems is important for rangeland managers to improve livestock productivity (Mohamed et al. 2003; Epstein and Bloom 2005). This research investigated the amount of several minerals; Calcium (Ca), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) and Magnesium (Mg), in some important species of Leguminosae including Medicago sativa, Trifolium repens, Trifolium pratense and Lathyrus pratensis, that are grazed by livestock in the Bandar Torkaman plain rangelands in north of Iran.

Copper Status Of Free Ranging Cattle: What’S Hidden Behind? A Pilot Study At The Gilgel Gibe Catchment, Ethiopia, Veronique Dermauw, Thomas Van Hecke, Kechero Yisehak, Gijs Du Laing, Eric Van Ranst, Luc Duchateau, Geert P. J. Janssens

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Copper (Cu) deficiency is known to be a major risk for cattle health and production. The widespread problem is due to low absorption rates in the rumen, low Cu concentrations in the natural diet and the presence of dietary Cu antagonists, such as S, Mo and Fe (Suttle 2010). Cattle in the tropics are even more prone to shortage of this mineral, given that the animals are often extensively kept and largely dependent on natural pasture for mineral supply (McDowell and Arthington, 2005). More specifically, in Ethiopia, Cu deficiency was previously described in zebu (Bos indicus) cattle by …

Dry Matter, Protein And Fibre Digestibility By West African Dwarf Sheep Fed Varying Levels Of Vernonia Amygdalina Meal In Cassava Starch Residue-Based Diets, O. B. Omotoso, Adebowale N. Fajemisin, J. A. Alokan, Y. A. Shuiabu

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

It is imperative to find alternative source(s) of feed for livestock in lieu of the limited availability of conventional concentrates and the competition for this resource by man. One plant with great potential for the livestock is bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina). It is wide spread with about 200 species, is edible, drought tolerant, nutritious and has been found to have medicinal qualities (John 1994). V. amygdalina has an astringent taste which affects its intake. Bitter leaf meal contains 20-34% crude protein (CP) and can be used as protein supplement (Aregheore et al. 1998). With the recent introduction …

Improving The Feeding Value Of Dryland Lucerne In Australia, Hayley C. Norman, Steve J. Hughes, Elizabeth L. Hulm, Alan W. Humphries, K. Oldach, Dean K. Revell, Zoey Durmic, J. Vadhanabhuti, Philip E. Vercoe

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) is the most widely grown perennial legume species in southern Australia. Within Australian farming systems it plays an important role in the provision of high-quality feed for livestock, nitrogen fixation and dewatering soils to reduce watertable recharge and dryland salinity (Cocks 2001). The majority of lucerne varieties have been developed for the areas with high rainfall or supplementary irrigation. The new challenge is to develop lucerne cultivars specifically for dryland mixed farming systems in temperate and mediterranean climate zones (Humphries and Auricht, 2001). Persistence in these environments and feeding value to sheep are critical selection …

Influence Of Cutting Height On Seasonal Composition Of Moringa Oleifera In The Rainforest Zone Of Nigeria, A. A. Fadiyimu, J. A. Alokan, Adebowale N. Fajemisin, R. D. Aladesanwa

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Moringa oleifera, a native of sub-Himalayan regions of northwestern India, is now indigenous to many countries in Africa. Matured leaves and young branches of Moringa are potentially useful livestock fodder, for ruminants (Akinbamijo et al. 2004) and non-ruminants (Ly et al. 2001). However, in Nigeria it has been grossly underexploited as it is restricted to the arid northern zone where it is used mainly as live fence and as vegetable salad. The study was initiated because not enough information on the nutritive value of Moringa foliage and its change with season, harvesting or grazing had been accumulated …

Evaluation Of Forage Quality Indicators Using Multivariate Methods (Case Study: Rangelands Of Karsanak, Chaharmahal Va Bakhtiari Province), Hassan Yeganeh, Hossein Arzani, Javad Motamedi, Hamze Ali Shirmardi, Ehsan Zandi Esfahan

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In most studies on forage quality, the rank of species and the interaction effect between species and time (grazing months) has not been analyzed for forage quality (Meshkani 1986). An additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model is able to analyse the interaction of species in the environment. Studies on stability of forage production have been carried out using the AMMI model (Farshadfar et al. 2010).

The objective of the current research was to determine the forage quality indicators of range species through AMMI models in semi-steppe rangelands of Karsanak area of Iran.

Effect Of Enclosure And Open Grazing On Diet Selection, Relative Preference Index And Voluntary Intake By Sheep At El-Khuwei Locality North Kordofan State Sudan, Mohammed Abdelkreim, Babo Fadlalla

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The nutritive value of a pasture depends mainly on its in-take and the selection animals exert in consuming the different species or the various parts of a determined plant (Mayes and Dove 2000). Animal production in North Kordofan State is mainly traditional depending on natural rangeland (Cook and Fadlalla 1987; DHP 1998). The State is rich in animal and range resources. It contains more than 13 million head of sheep, goats, camels and cattle (IFAD 2011).

The study aims to provide information that contributes to a better understanding of the plant-animal inter-actions through knowledge of diet botanical composition, forage biomass …

Nutrition Diet Of Grazing Sheep And Forage Supply On Natural Grassland, Guomei Yin, Yingjun Zhang, Yongzhi Liu, Zhijun Wei, Heping Zhao

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Forages are a major asset of any livestock operation and the foundation of most rations in a forage-based livestock system. The available nutrients in a forage influence individual animal production (e.g. gain per animal), while the amount of forage produced affects production per hectare. The relationship between voluntary food intake and animal productivity is well recognized. Many studies related to the regulation of food consumption by sheep and cattle have been reported (Provenza 1996). Willoughby (1958) dis-cussed a number of factors which might influence the herbage intake of grazing animals. By contrast, less attention has been given to …

Potential Of Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (Nirs) To Predict Nutrient Composition Of Bromus Tomentellus, Hossein Arzani, Anvar Sour, Javad Motamedi

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to analyse the nitrogen (N), acid detergent fiber (ADF), dry matter digestibility (DMD) and metabolizable energy (ME) content of three phenological stages (vegetative, flowering and seeding) of Bromus tomentellus samples in grazing pastures of Iran. The sample set consisted of 40 samples for calibration and 23 samples for validation was used to predict N, ADF, DMD and ME, separately. The samples were measured by reflectance NIR in a 950-1650 nm range. Calibration models between chemical data and NIR spectra were produced using the method of partial least squares (PLS). The coefficients of determination (R2) …