Research Papers (original) (raw)

RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do uso de adubos orgânicos e mineral na estrutura e na produção de forragem do Panicum maximum cv. Massai. O experimento foi desenvolvido na fazenda escola do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Norte, campus Apodi. Os tratamentos avaliados foram fontes orgânicas de nitrogênio (dejetos da suinocultura, da avicultura e da ovinocultura) e uma fonte mineral (ureia), fixados em 150 kg/ha de N. Avaliou-se a produção de forragem e de componentes morfológicos, a altura do pasto, a interceptação luminosa, o índice de área foliar e o teor de clorofila, em cortes realizados a cada 60 dias. A altura do dossel foi afetada pelo tipo de adubo aplicado, e maior altura foi observada no pasto adubado com ureia (50,97 cm). A maior interceptação de luz (IL) pelo dossel foi observada nos pastos que receberam ureia, porém não alcançaram 95% de IL. O índice de área foliar nos pastos adubados com ureia foi maior que nos demais, e os valores observados nos pastos que receberam adubos orgânicos foram considerados muito baixos. As massas de forragem, de lâmina foliar, de colmo e de material morto foram afetadas pelo tipo de adubo, e foram maiores nos pastos que receberam ureia. Os teores de clorofila total nas lâminas foliares não diferiram entre os adubos avaliados. A estrutura e a produção de forragem em pastos de capim-massai não são afetadas pelo tipo de dejetos de produção animal utilizado como fonte de nitrogênio. A eficiência destes adubos orgânicos como fonte de nitrogênio é inferior à da adubação mineral. Os dejetos de produção animal avaliados podem ser utilizados como fonte de nitrogênio para pastos de capim-massai em condições de baixo custo e para diminuir os impactos ambientais. ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of organic and mineral fertilizers on the structure and production of Panicum maximum cv. Massai forage. The experiment was conducted at the teaching farm of Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Norte, Apodi Campus. The treatments evaluated were organic sources of nitrogen (wastes of pig, poultry and sheep farming) and a mineral source (urea), set at 150 kg N/ha. Forage production, morphological components, pasture height, light interception, leaf area index, and chlorophyll content were evaluated in samples obtained at intervals of 60 days. Canopy height was affected by the type of fertilizer applied and the greatest height was observed for pasture fertilized with urea (50.97 cm). The highest light interception by the canopy was observed for pastures receiving urea, but 95% light interception was not reached. The leaf area index was higher for pastures fertilized with urea compared to the other treatments and the values obtained for pastures receiving organic fertilizers were considered very low. Forage, leaf blade, stem and dead material mass was affected by the type of fertilizer and was higher for pastures receiving urea.

- by Boletim de Industria Animal and +1
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- Animal Production, Forage Science/ruminant Nutrition/, Produção Animal, Produção Animal a Pasto

The study examined the effects of varying planting distances on seed yield and proximate composition (crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extractives (EE), ash and nitrogen free extractives (NFE) of seeds of Cajanus cajan from varying planting distances. Treatments were three planting distances (Treatment A: 30cm x 30cm; Treatment B: 45cm x 45cm and Treatment C: 60cm x 60cm). Each planting distance was randomly allocated three seed beds in a completely randomized design. Total seed yields from Treatments A, B and C were 1,024, 1,936 and 1,912kg/ha, respectively. Seed yields on Treatments B and C were significantly (p<0.05) higher than the seed yield of Treatment A. Ether extractives content of Cajanus cajan seeds on Treatment B were significantly (p<0.05) higher than the values recorded for seeds from Treatments A and C. Treatments comparisons of EE content of seeds from Treatments A and C were not significant (p>0.05); EE content of seeds were independent of planting distances.

Fodder insufficiency and its poor-quality leads to lower productivity of Indian cattle. To improve productivity and quality of fodder oats, the present study was undertaken with residual effect of three maize cultivars (V 1 : African Tall, V 2 : J-1006; V 3 : P-3396) on oats cv. Kent and four nutrient management options (N 0 : Control; N 1 : 100% RDF; N 2 : 75% RDF + PGPR + Panchagavya; N 3 : 50% RDF + 25% FYM + PGPR + Panchagavya) using Split Plot Design. Results showed that residual effect of maize cultivars did not cause significant variations on quality traits as well as economics of fodder oats. The use of 75% RDF + PGPR + Panchagavya (N 2) showed significantly higher dry fodder, crude protein, ether extract and total ash yields and it followed by 50% RDF + 25% FYM + PGPR + Panchagavya (N 3). The fibre fractions as well as nitrate concentrations were significantly lowered with the application of N 2 and N 3 options. The highest benefit in terms of net returns was also obtained with N 2 option. Our results suggested that application of 75% RDF + PGPR + Panchagavya enhances the fodder quality, productivity, profitability and reduces the nitrate concentration in oats grown after maize besides replacing 25% chemical fertilizers.

- by Dr. Dinesh Kumar and +1
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- Agronomy, Agriculture, Animal Nutrition, Oats

Considerações sobre a produção de leite a pasto REDVET® Revista Electrónica de Veterinaria está editada por Veterinaria Organización®. Se autoriza la difusión y reenvío siempre que enlace con Veterinaria.org® http://www.veterinaria.org y con REDVET®-Resumo A alternativa racional para melhoria na competitividade e sustentabilidade da produção de leite no Brasil, é a saída do sistema estabulado de gado puro ou de elevada mestiçagem da raça holandesa para o sistema de produção intensiva em pastagens de alto valor nutritivo e alta produtividade. As pastagens representam a fonte mais econômica para alimentação dos rebanhos e a produção de leite a pasto é o sistema mais econômico. Além do aspecto econômico, a utilização mais racional das pastagens auxilia na preservação dos recursos renováveis e permite a produção de leite sob condições mais naturais. Em explorações bem manejadas, com forrageiras de alto valor nutritivo e produtivo, o retorno por vaca em lactação supera em 30% em comparação com o sistema de alimentação no cocho. Palavras-chave: irrigação | manejo | nitrogênio | pastejo rotacionado | suplementação | Abstract The rational alternative for improvement in the competitiveness and sustentabilidade of the milk production in Brazil is the exit of the stable system of pure dairy cattle or of the race cross-bred Holstein for the system of intensive production in pastures of high nutritional value and high productivity. The pasture represents the most economic source for food of the ruminants and the milk production the grass is the system most economic. Beyond the economic aspect, the use most rational of the pastures assists in the preservation of the resources renewed and allows the milk production under more natural conditions. In well to

Indigofera zollingeriana is a shrubby legume that has been studied since 2009 at Department of Animal Science and Technology, Bogor Agricultural University. Observation of agronomical parameters was conducted to investigate forage regrowth patern, herbage production and cutting management. Some soil ecological parameters were also observed to recognize rhizo effect on chemical and biological soil properties. Evaluation of nutrinional parameters were conducted as well to investigate utilization of nutritional value of the legume. Agronomical study revealed I. zollingeriana is a branchy regrowing plant that showed appropriate harvesting time at 60 days, easy to grow with tea growing structure model, and produced about 6-10 ton DM ha-1 harvest-1. Cultivation of I. zollingeriana significantly increased 20% of soil organic carbon, P-solubilizing bacteria colony, stablized soil-P and -N consentration and soil pH. Meanwhile investigation of nutritional aspects revealed highly nutritional value indicated by high protein content and digestibility; good utilizable fiber, high dry matter digestibility, low tannin and saponin content. According to these results, I. zollingeriana is able to be developed as one of promising shrubby legume to improve livestock production in Indonesia due to nutritional, agronomical and ecological reasons.

- by Suharlina Suharlina
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- Forage Science/ruminant Nutrition/, Tropical forages, Forages

Editores: Lúcio Carlos Gonçalves Iran Borges Pedro Dias Sales Ferreira

power point yang berisikan tentang hijauan yang dikeringkan atau hay

The study ascertains housing and feed management practices among rabbit keepers in Enugu State of Nigeria. Snowball sampling technique was used to get at 67 respondents for the study. Structured interview schedule/questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Outdoor cages were used by 85.1% of the respondents to house rabbits and about 40% considered temperature as the most important factor, when sitting rabbit hutches. Most (92.5%) of the respondents used zinc roofing for rabbit hutches while 89.6% used wood in hutch floor construction and 94% used wood in constructing the hutch walls. Greater proportion (66.6%) of the respondents used wood as bedding material. All (100%) the respondents cleaned their hutches. About 60% cleaned at least once a week. Majority (79.1%) fed rabbits with locally available forages, while 20.9% fed with a combination of local forages and commercial feeds. Potatoe leaf (Solanum tuberosum) was the most (59.7%) used forage, followed by sow thistle (Sonchus) and goose grass (Galium aparine) (53.7%) each among others. Majority (98.5%) of the respondents did not dry forages before feeding rabbits. About a third (32.8%) agreed that there are forages that are harmful to rabbits. The most observed harmful forages, were fresh cassava leaf (Manihot utilissima) (66.7%), spear grass (Heteropogon contortus) (23.8%) and basil leaf (Occimomum Basilicum) (9.5%). Respondents perceived scarcity of forages during dry season (M= 2.92) as the most serious constraint to rabbit feeding, followed by poor quality of available feed (M= 2.22). The most essential reason for low rabbit production is low demand for rabbits (37.3%). There is need for training programmes to be organized by extension agents with the support of governmental or non-governmental organizations, aimed at sensitization of the farmers on the benefits of rabbit production and the importance of rabbit meat.

- by Irenonsen O Uddin
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- Agriculture, Livestock, Forage Science/ruminant Nutrition/, Rabbit

Acacia niloticaest un ligneux fourrager de la famille des Fabaceae (légumineuses). Cet arbre est d'une grande importance agro-forestière, sylvo-pastorale et nutritionnelle dans les régions arides et semi-arides où le couvert végétal ne cesse de reculer. La première cause est le manque de projets de reboisement. En outre, chez les légumineuses, la dormance tégumentaire (vernalisation) et le réchauffement climatique limitent la germination et l'établissement d'une population végétale importante. Le taux de germination dans la nature n'est maintenant que de 5 à 10% selon les services forestiers. L'effet d'un prétraitement chimique pour améliorer la germination a été étudié en analysant 3 paramètres (cinétique de germination ; TMG : temps moyen de germination en jours et ITG : indice du taux de germination) après 4 temps d'incubation (4, 8, 12 et 16 jours) en boîte de Pétri. Le prétraitement consistait en l'immersion des graines dans de l'acide sulfurique concentré (98%) pendant 7 durées : 0 (témoin), 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 et 120 minutes. Chez toutes les graines d'A. nilotica prétraitées dans cette étude, la durée croissante d'immersion dans l'acide sulfurique a amélioré significativement (p < 0,001) la germination en réduisant le TMG et en augmentant l'ITG. La meilleure germination a atteint un taux de 95%, avec une valeur de TMG réduite (1 jour) et une valeur d'ITG élevée (47,3±2,6) pour une immersion de 100 min dans l'acide sulfurique. Par contre, l'immersion de 120 min a réduit l'ITG à (26,5±1,9). Un tel prétraitement de 100 min est donc recommandé pour augmenter le taux de germination des acacias implantés par les services forestiers en Algérie. Abstract Acacia nilotica is a ligneous forage tree of the family of Fabaceae (Legumes). This tree has a great agro-forester, sylvo-pastoral and nutritional importance in the arid and semi-arid regions where the plants cover is in a permanent reduction. The first cause is the lack of reforestation project. In addition, the stage of germination for the legume trees meets the problem of the integumentary dormancy (vernalization) and the global warming which

Cereal-based forage production could be considered to have potential to supply great deal of energy-rich feed in animal diets. Experiment was conducted to evaluate effect of corn-soybean combinations of 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75 in addition to monocrops of corn and soybean to detremine forage dry matter (DM) yield and quality in corn-soybean intercropping. The crop combination ratio had significant effects on dry matter yield and nutritive quality of forage. The ratio of 75:25 and 50:50 recorded DM yields similar to those of monocropped corn (14.77 t/ha). Forage quality in terms of crude protein (CP) (75:25 ratio 12.75%, 50:50 ratio 13.73% and 25:75 ratio 14.68%) was improved by intercropping due to higher nitrogen availability for corn in intercropping compared with its sole crop (10.83% CP). Increase ratio of corn in corn-soybean mixture, negatively affectd neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) of forage and declined with increasing ratio of soybean plants. Combination ratio of 50:50 gave higher protein yield (1886.45 kg/ha) than other crop combination ratio. Among all the combination ratios, the 50:50 corn-soybean ratio was the optimum giving highest forage yield, protein content as well as protein yield.

- by Ali Baghdadi
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- Biochemistry, Agronomy, NIRS, Agriculture

Interactions between sodium hydroxide (NaOH), anhydrous ammonia (NH 3), and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) treatments of wheat straw were investigated. Straws were treated with ten different solutions that were adjusted (with NaOH) to a pH of 7, 9, 11, or 13 and contained 0 or 2% H 2 O 2. Straws were then treated with 0 or 3.5% NH 3. In situ DM disappearance (DMD) of the straws was measured at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48h in ten nonlactating Holstein cows and three periods. The evolution of DMD was slow and almost linear (R 2 =0.99). The effect of ammoniation on DMD was consistently apparent at all pH levels. The minor positive effect of H 2 O 2 on DMD did not change with the pH, but was improved by ammoniation (P=0.02). On the other hand, H 2 O 2 enhanced (P=0.06) the effect of ammoniation at pH 11. It is concluded that H 2 O 2 and NH 3 have different and complementary action mechanisms. The combined NH 3-H 2 O 2 treatment at pH 13 had the highest DMD but did not significantly differ from straight ammoniation at pH 7 that remains a cheap and practical treatment.

- by Mohammed Diouri
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- Forage Science/ruminant Nutrition/, Ammonia, Hydrogen Peroxide
- by Hani El-Zaiat and +1
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- Forage Science/ruminant Nutrition/, Ruminant nutrition and Dairy science

A field experiment was conducted during summer seasons of 2011 and 2012 on
sandy loam soil at Sardarkrushinagar to study the effect of irrigation scheduling and
nitrogen levels on multi-cut summer forage pearl millet. The results showed that of 2011
and 2012 as well as in pooled irrigation at 1.2 IW : CPE ratio producing significantly
higher green fodder yield (1108.2 q/ha), dry matter yield (248.3 q/ha), crude protein
content (9.7%) and yield (26.98 q/ha), available nitrogen (204.99 kg/ha) and phosphorus
(38.64 kg/ha) over 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 ratios. However, water use efficiency (86.07 kg/ha)
was higher with 0.8 IW/CPE ratio. The green fodder yield (1045.1 q/ha), dry matter yield
(249.7 q/ha), crude protein content (10.6%), crude protein yield (26.77 q/ha), water use
efficiency (87.66 kg/ha), available nitrogen (214.53 kg/ha) and phosphorus (41.23 kg/
ha) were maximum at 200 kg N/ha compared to other levels (100 and 150 kg N/ha). The
treatment combination of I4N3 (1.2 IW : CPE ratio+200 kg N/ha) registered the highest net
realization of (Rs. 99499/ha with B : C ratio (3.56). Consequently for higher productivity
and profitability of multi-cut summer forage pearl millet, it should be grown with irrigation
at 1.2 IW : CPE ratio and fertilized with 200 kg N/ha.

The objectives of this study were evaluating the effect of grass-legume mixture and time of harvesting on the agronomic performance and biomass yield of Buffel grass and Silver leaf desmodium planted in pure stand and in mixture. The study was conducted in a 3 x3 factorial arrangement of treatments in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The first factor was forage species (Buffelgrass, Silver leaf desmodium and Buffelgrass/Silver leaf desmodium mixture) and three times of harvesting (HT1, HT2, and HT3). Plant height, number of branches per plant of the legume, leaf length and leaf area of the grass were significantly affected (p 0.05) on the basal circumference of the grass. DM yield of Buffelgrass was significantly affected by harvesting times. The highest DM yield in Buffelgrass was recorded in the later harvesting time (HT3) compared to HT1 and HT2. The highest DMY in Buffelgrass (3.0 t /ha) was recorded at Buffelgrass planted with desmodium compar...

- by Berhanu Alemu
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- Agronomy, Biology, Agriculture, Buffelgrass

As a part of establishing suitability classification for forage production, use of the national soil and climate database was attempted for Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam., IRG) in Gangwon Province. The soil data base were from Heugtoram of the National Academy of Agricultural Science, and the climate data base were from the National Center for Agro-Meteorology, respectively. Soil physical properties including soil texture, drainage, slope available depth and surface rock contents, and soil chemical properties including soil acidity and salinity, organic matter content were selected as soil factors. The crieria and weighting factors of these elements were scored. Climate factors including average daily minimum temperature, average temperature from March to May, the number of days of which average temperature was higher than 5 from September to December, the number of days of precipitation and its amount from October to May of the following year were selected, and criteria and weighting factors were scored. The electronic maps were developed with these scores using the national data base of soil and climate. Based on soil scores, the area of Goseong, Sogcho, Gangreung, and Samcheog in east coastal region with gentle slope were classified as the possible and/or the proper area for IRG cultivation in Gangwon Province. The lands with gentle or moderate slope of Cheolwon, Yanggu, Chuncheon, Hweongseong, Pyungchang and Jeongsun in west side slope of Taebaeg mountains were classified as the possible and/or proper area as well. Based on climate score, the east coastal area of Goseong, Sogcho, Yangyang, Gangreung and Samcheog could be classified as the possible or proper area. Most area located on west side of the Taebaeg mountains were classified as not suitable for IRG production. In scattered area in Chuncheon and Weonju, where the scores exceeded 60, the IRG cultivation should be carefully managed for good production. For better application of electronic maps.

- by Jalil Ghassemi Nejad and +1
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- GPS Applications, Forage Science/ruminant Nutrition/, Grass and Forage Science

A considerable number of the dromedary camels are found in the semi Nigeria. Apart from the wide use of the camel as a draught animal it now serves as a source of milk, meat and hide in this region. This paper examines the foraging beh rangeland in order to determine its major daily activities as influenced by season, sex and age to enable us improve the biodiversity of our rangelands. Four categories of animals (Adult male, Adult Female, Young Male and Young F rainy seasons. The result indicates that the time spent by the camels in the two seasons (Wet and Dry) and between Male and Female on various activities were significant (P<0.05). However, the was also a significant difference between the behaviour of the adult and younger camels. In can be concluded that camel spends most of its time grazing during the day and the grazing time is higher in the wet season which is related to the forages avail by age rather than sex.

- by Haruna A . Alkali
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- Agronomy, Agriculture, Forage Science/ruminant Nutrition/

Feeding standards of ruminant livestock could be significantly enhanced through the cultivation of improved quality forages which are suitable for different agro-climatic condition of the country. Therefore, a field experiment was carried out to assess the growth parameters, herbage yield and chemical composition of maize (Zea maize), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) moench), and hybrid Napier (Pennisetum perpureum X Pennisetum americarnum) in the northern region of Sri Lanka. The experiment was conducted during the period of December 2015 to June 2016 with three treatments consisted of maize (variety Pacific 984), sorghum (variety Sugargraze), and hybrid Napier (variety CO-3), each having three replicates under randomized complete block design. Growth parameters were measured at two week intervals up to the 8 th week and the crops were harvested at the 10 th week after planting for making silage. Among the species, maize was superior (p<0.05) to others in terms of growth, and resulted the highest (p<0.05) fresh matter yield of 52.27 t/ha/cut, with a dry matter yield of 17.11 t/ha/cut, whereas the lowest (p<0.05) crude fiber and dry matter (DM) yield were obtained from CO-3. In terms of chemical composition, sorghum showed the highest (p<0.05) crude protein (CP) (14.37%) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) (66.05%) while the lowest (p<0.05) IVDMD and CP were recorded in CO-3 and maize, respectively on DM basis. In addition, the cost of production of maize and sorghum was less than that of CO-3. The results revealed that maize and sorghum performed better than CO-3 in terms of growth, yield, nutrient composition, and cost effectiveness in the northern region of Sri Lanka.

- by Sarmini Maheswaran
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- Forage Science/ruminant Nutrition/

As a part of establishing suitability classification for forage production, use of the national soil and climate database was attempted for Whole crop barley (Hordeum vulgare var. hexastichon (L.) Asch.) in Gangwon Province. The soil data base were from Heugtoram of the National Academy of Agricultural Science, and the climate data base were from the National Center for Agro-Meteorology, respectively. Soil physical properties including soil texture, drainage, slope available depth and surface rock contents, and soil chemical properties including soil acidity and salinity, organic matter content were selected as soil factors. The criteria and weighting factors of these elements were scored. Climate factors including average daily minimum temperature in January, average temperature from March to May, the number of days of which average temperature was higher than 5℃ from September to December, the number of days of precipitation and its amount from October to May of the following year, and sunshine hours from March to May were selected, and criteria and weighting factors were scored. The electronic maps were developed with these scores using the national data base of soil and climate. Based on soil scores, the area of Goseong, Sogcho, Yangyang, Gangreung, Donghea and Samcheog in east coastal region with gentle slope were classified as the possible and/or the proper area for Whole crop barley cultivation in Gangwon Province. The lands with gentle or moderate slope of Cheolwon, Yanggu, Chuncheon, Wonju, Hweongseong, Pyungchang and Jeongsun in west side slope of Taebaeg mountains were classified as the possible and/or proper area as well. Based on climate score, the east coastal area of Goseong, Sogcho, Yangyang, Gangreung and Samcheog could be classified as the possible or proper area. Most area located on west side of the Taebaeg mountains were classified as not suitable for Whole crop barley production. In scattered area in Cheolwon, Yanggu, Chuncheon, Wonju, Hweongseong, Pyungchang and Jeongsun, where the scores exceeded 50, the Whole crop barley cultivation should be carefully managed for good production. As a results, based on soil with climate the area of Goseong, Sogcho, Yangyang, Gangreung, Donghea and Samcheog in east coastal region with gentle slope and some area of Cheolwon, Yanggu, Chuncheon, Wonju, Hweongseong, Pyungchang and Jeongsun were classified as the possible and/or the proper area for Whole crop barley cultivation in Gangwon Province. For better application of electronic maps of whole crop barley, acurate study will be possible if a data comfirmed on th shine hours is achieved.

- by Jalil Ghassemi Nejad and +1
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- GPS Applications, Forage Science/ruminant Nutrition/
- by Agnes Mwang'ombe and +2
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- Restoration Ecology, Rangeland Management, Desertification, Grassland Ecology
- by Kevin Mganga
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- Restoration Ecology, Rangeland Management, Desertification, Grassland Ecology

D r ys e a s o ne f f e c t so nt h eb i o ma s sy i e l da n dn u t r i t i v eq u a l i t yo f A n d r o p o g o nt e c t o r u m i nt h en a t u r a l p a s t u r e si nA b e o k u t a , Ni g e r i a A d e t a y oB. A d e k e y e 1 ,... more

D r ys e a s o ne f f e c t so nt h eb i o ma s sy i e l da n dn u t r i t i v eq u a l i t yo f A n d r o p o g o nt e c t o r u m i nt h en a t u r a l p a s t u r e si nA b e o k u t a , Ni g e r i a A d e t a y oB. A d e k e y e 1 , Ol u f e mi S. On i f a d e 2 , J i mo hA. Ol a n i t e 3 , Ol u b u k o l aA. I s a h 4 a n d E u n i c eY. A d e k e y e 5 F e d e r a l U n i v e r s i t yo f A g r i c u l t u r e , A b e o k u t a , Ni g e r i a , P. M. B. 2 2 4 0 , A l a b a t a , A b e o k u t a k o l e t a y o 2 0 0 2 @h o t ma i l. c o m K e yWo r d s C u t t i n g-h e i g h t , c u t t i n g-i n t e r v a l , p r o x i ma t ec o mp o s i t i o n , f i b e r f r a c t i o n , d i g e s t i b i l i t y I n t r o d u c t i o n A .t e c t o r u m i sa mo n gt h en o t i c e a b l eg r a s ss p e c i e si nt h en a t u r a lp a s t u r e so ft h eS o u t h-we s t e r nNi g e r i a. A nu n d e r s t a n d i n go fc u t t i n gma n a g e me n tt of i n do u tt h eb e s ta g r o n o mi c p r a c t i c e sf o r i mp r o v i n gt h ey i e l da n dn u t r i t i v ev a l u eo f t h i sg r a s ss p e c i e s , e s p e c i a l l yi nt h ed r y s e a s o nf o r me dt h ef o c u so f t h i sr e s e a r c hwo r k. T h eo b j e c t i v eo f t h er e s e a r c hi st h e r e f o r et o e v a l u a t et h ee f f e c t so f c u t t i n gh e i g h t a n di n t e r v a l o nt h ed r yma t t e ry i e l d(D MY) , d i g e s t i b i l i t y a n dc h e mi c a l c o mp o s i t i o no f A. t e c t o r u m i nt h en a t u r a l p a s t u r ed u r i n gt h ed r ys e a s o n. Me t h o d s T h ee x p e r i me n t wa sc o n d u c t e do nan a t u r a l l yp a s t u r ed o mi n a t e db yA. t e c t o r u m a t t h e F e d e r a l U n i v e r s i t yo f A g r i c u l t u r e , A b e o k u t a. A na r e ao f 5 0 0m 2 wa sma p p e do u t t o a c c o mmo d a t e2 4e x p e r i me n t a l p l o t so f 4 m x4 m ma d eu po f 6t r e a t me n t sa n d4r e p l i c a t e s. T h ef a c t o r i a l t r e a t me n t sc o n s i s t e do f t woc u t t i n gh e i g h t s(i. e. 2 0a n d3 0c m a b o v eg r o u n d l e v e l) a n dt h r e ec u t t i n gi n t e r v a l (i. e. f o u r , s i xa n de i g h t we e k s). T h ei n t e r v a l swe r er a n d o ml y d i s t r i b u t e da mo n gt h eb l o c k s. D a t ac o l l e c t i o nf r o m t h ep l o t sc o mme n c e df o u r we e k sa f t e r t h e i n i t i a l c u t b a c kf o r 2 4we e k s. A t e a c hc u t t i n g , f r e s hh e r b a g ewa sh a r v e s t e df r o m t h ep l o t sa t d i f f e r e n t h e i g h t sa n di n t e r v a l sa n dwe i g h e du s i n ge l e c t r o n i cs e n s i t i v es c a l e. 4 0 0 gf r e s h h e r b a g es u b-s a mp l ewa st a k e na n ds e p a r a t e di n t ol e a f (b l a d ea n ds h e a t h) , s t e m a n do t h e r s p e c i e s. T h e s ewe r ewe i g h e ds e p a r a t e l ya n do v e nd r i e da t 6 0 o Cu n t i l c o n s t a n t we i g h t wa s o b t a i n e df o r D MYd e t e r mi n a t i o n. P r o x i ma t ea n a l y s e swe r ec a r r i e do u t a c c o r d i n gt oA OA C(2 0 0 0) p r o c e d u r ea n dV a nS o e s t e t a l. (1 9 9 1) p r o c e d u r ewa su s e df o r t h ef i b r ef r a c t i o n sd e t e r mi n a t i o n. C a l c i u m a n dS o d i u m c o n t e n t swe r ed e t e r mi n e du s i n gJ e n wa yD i g i t a l f l a meP h o t o me t e r. P h o s p h o r u sa n d Ma g n e s s i u m c o n t e n t swe r ed e t e r mi n e db yt h eV a n d o-Mo l y b d a t eme t h o da n dA t o mi c A b s o r p t i o nS p e c t r o p h o t o me t e r (F r i t za n dS c h e n k , 1 9 7 9) , r e s p e c t i v e l y. I nv i t r og a sp r o d u c t i o n , Me t a b o l i z a b ee n e r g ya n dOr g a n i cma t t e r d i g e s t i b i l i t ywe r ed e t e r mi n e d(Me n k ea n dS t e i n g a s s , 1 9 8 8) a n ds h o r t-c h a i nf a t t ya c i d sa c c o r d i n gt ot h ep r o c e d u r eG e t a c h e we t a l. (2 0 0 0). A l l d a t awe r es u b j e c t e dt ot wo-wa ya n a l y s i so f v a r i a n c ei naR a n d o mi z e dC o mp l e t eB l o c k D e s i g nu s i n gs t a t i s t i c a l p a c k a g e(S A S , 1 9 9 9). R e s u l t s A so b s e r v e d , p r o p o r t i o no f l e a v es i g n i f i c a n t l y(P <0. 0 5) r e d u c e d(7 0. 4 9–4 4. 5 6%) wi t h i n c r e a s e di nc u t t i n gi n t e r v a l f r o m f o u r t oe i g h t we e k s , r e s p e c t i v e l y , t h i sr e s u l t sa g r e e swi t hD a S i l v e i r ae t a l. (2 0 1 0) t h a t a sh a r v e s t i n gwa sd e l a y e d , l e a f : s t e m r a t i oi nt h ef o r a g el o we r e d , wh i c hc o u l dc o n s e q u e n t l yl o we r t h ed i g e s t i b i l i t yo f t h ef o r a g ema t e r i a l. Ont h eo t h e r h a n d , s t e m p r o p o r t i o n , d e a dma t e r i a l , t i l l e r d e n s i t y , p l a n t d e n s i t ya n dwe e dp r o p o r t i o ni nt h es wa r d i n c r e a s e dwi t hi n c r e a s ei nc u t t i n gi n t e r v a l. T h ei n c r e a s ei nt h ev a l u e so f d e a d / s e n e s c e n t

Forage availability and grazing pattern for the impala (Aepyceros melampus (Brian) Kathryh) in three ecosystems of the Impala sanctuary, Kenya was assessed during the wet and dry seasons. The grazing behavior of the impalas was observed to identify the preferred forage species and patterns grazing between seasons and ecosystems. Preferred grass species were sampled to determine percentage dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fibers, and Crude protein. Data was subjected to Analysis of Variance using SAS version 9.0. The results showed that impala sanctuary had 37 different grass species but Cynodon dactylon, Eragrostis curvula, Digitaris scalarum, Eleusine indica, Pennisetum setaceum and Hyparrhenia filipendula were most grazed on by the Impala. Grassland ecosystem had significantly high forage availability during the wet season, but in the dry season the marshes ecosystem was the one with the most nutritious forages. Grazing patterns varied with seasons, with most impalas preferring to graze in the grassland during the wet season and in the marshes during the dry season. The study suggests management practices that favor dominance of species that are most foraged in order to increase forage availability for the impalas in the sanctuary.

- by Martha Konje
- •
- Botany, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Forage Science/ruminant Nutrition/

Chamaecytisus palmensis is a leguminous browse species cultivated for supplementary feeding for ruminants in Australia. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementation of the species on the nutritive value of sheep diets. Experimental diets were formulated to contain six dry matter (DM) levels (0, 176, 352, 524, 722 and 1000 g/kg DM) of C. palmensis. Freshly harvested, chopped browse forage was mixed with Avena sativa (oaten) chaff and fed to sheep according to a 6 × 6 Latin square design. Feed and fecal samples were analyzed for DM, ash, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and crude protein (CP). The total phe-nolics (TP) contents and in vitro gas production at 24 h were measured in freeze-dried feed samples. The in vivo digestibility, digestible nutrient content and in vitro metabolizable energy (ME) content of the experimental diets were calculated. The effect of level of C. palmensis on nutritive properties of diets was assessed by analysis of variance followed by mean comparison and regression analysis. The level of C. palmensis supplementation had significant (P < 0.05) effects on the digestibility and nutritive value (digestible nutrient and ME content) of experimental diets. Regression analysis revealed that the highest DM, OM, NDF, ADF and CP digestibility would be at 592, 554, 490, 454 and 808 g/kg DM supplement levels, respectively. The contents of digestible OM, NDF, ADF and CP and ME would also found to be highest at 617, 436, 482, 1000 and 831 g/kg DM supplement levels, respectively. The level of TP in C. palmensis is inadequate to make significant adverse effects on ruminal fermentation in sheep. Greater ADL content of the browse limits its level of supplementation. A greater level of C. palmen-sis than has been previously used by other researchers could be used to supplement low quality A. sativa chaff based sheep diets.

This study aimed to evaluate nutritional quality of total mixed rations containing Indigofera zollingeriana for dairy goats by using in vitro rumen fermentation technique (RUSITEC). Four rations with different levels of I. zollingeriana were tested, i.e., 20% of dry matter (R1), 40% (R2), 60% (R3) and 80% (R4). Each ration was repeated three times by following a randomized complete block design in which different batch of rumen fluid served as the block. Variables observed included chemical composition, In Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility (IVDMD) and In Vitro Organic Matter Digestibility (IVOMD), methane emission, Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA) profiles and protozoa population. Results revealed that R4 contained significantly higher crude protein content than that of R1-R3 (p<0.05). Rations containing higher proportions of I. zollingeriana (60 and 80% dry matter) had significantly higher IVDMD and IVOMD as compared to their lower proportions (20 and 40% dry matter, p<0.05). Methane concentration was lowest in ration containing the highest proportion of I. zollingeriana and it was accompanied with the lowest protozoa population. It can be concluded that higher inclusion levels of I. zollingeriana in rations improved their nutritional values while decreasing methane emission as a main greenhouse gas.

- by Magan Singh
- •
- Agronomy, Agriculture, Animal Nutrition, Oats

Forage peas hybrid lines №PL, №11, №12A, №13, Taskent, Tore and Mir variety (standard) were studied for green mass yield and plastid pigments content. The study was performed in two locations both situated in the Central part of the Danube hilly plain region of Bulgaria (2017-2019). Location A (43 o 23'N, 24 o 34'E, 230 m altitude), podzolized soil subtype; location B (43.41º N, 24.61º E), haplustoll soil subtype. For the first experimental year green mass yield for location A ranged between 1270 and 2484 kg/da. Lines №13 and №11 showed higher green mass yield than the standard by 23.47% and 38.15%, respectively. Green mass yield for location B ranged between 2144 and 2873 kg/da, and Tashkent variety and №13 showed higher green mass yield than the standard by 6.12% and 7.87%, respectively. For the second year green mass yield for location A ranged between 2144 and 2873 kg/da. №PL and №13 lines showed higher green mass yield than the standard by 6.94% and 7.20%. Green mass yield for location B ranged between 1158 and 1420 kg/da and №13 only showed higher green mass yield than the standard by 10.94%. On average for the period green mass yield for location A ranged between 1960 and 2547 kg/da and №11 and №13 lines showed higher green mass yield than the standard by 13.51% and 13.73%, respectively. Green mass yield for location B ranged between 882 and 1049 kg/da and Tore variety and №13 showed higher green mass yield than the standard by 8.13% and 9.87%, respectively. As a whole green mass yield was found higher for location A as compared to location B. The data were in correspondence with plastid pigments content: for location A-304.48 mg/100 g FW and for location B-282.18 mg/100 g FW.

- by Yalcin Kaya and +1
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- Animal Feed, Forage Science/ruminant Nutrition/, Animal feeding and nutrition, Forages

With the objective to assess effect of level of linseed inclusion in feeds on nutritive value, an in vitro OM digestibility (IVOMD), total short chain fatty acids (SCFA:mMol l-1), microbial crude protein (MCP kg-1 DM), metabolizable energy (MEruminants:MJ kg-1 DM) and relative feed values (RFV) of household wastes=HW (Areke-Atela=AA, carrot peels=CaP, cabbage leaf=Cle, cabbage leftover=Clef, onion leaf=OL, onion peels=OP, potato peels=PP, Tela-Atela=TA) supplemented with linseed (LS) containing concentrates=LSC1…LSC5 (39.32, 37.32, 35.32, 33.32, 31.32% noug cake + 58.99% wheat bran + 1.69% salt + 0, 2, 4, 6, 8% LS, as fed basis) were estimated via an in vitro gas trial. HWs were mixed with LSC (LSC-HW) at 3:1 ratio. Samples were incubated in-vitro with rumen fluid in duplicate and readings recorded at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of incubation. LSC-HW mixtures had higher CP, IVDMD, IVOMD, ME and SCFA, MCP and RFV than those of HWs alone. IVDMD and IVOMD of the LSC-HW improved with increasing LS levels, mostly at 2 and 4%LSC; but at higher concentrations they declined. AA, TA had high IVOMD. However, IVDMD of AA (with the lowest IVDMD) was much more influenced than TA (with highest IVDMD) by LS levels. Clef had lowest and AA and TA highest ME. SCFA increased over incubation periods and with increasing levels of LS, in Clef improvement (from 0.25 to 0.61 mMol l-1) was significant but in AA (from 0.69 to 0.72 mMol l-1) moderate. Mixing
HWs with LSC gave best results at 2%LSC.

- by Merga Bayssa Becho
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- Forage Science/ruminant Nutrition/

In situ (nylon bag) technique was used to investigate the effects of forage pH level and rumen pH manipulation on rumen degradability of foliages from selected trees and shrubs. Six forages - Kakawate (Gliricidia sepium), Madre de agua (Trichanthera gigantea), Acacia (Samanea saman), Gmelina (Gmelina arborea), Robles (Cassia siamea) and Santol (Sandoricum koetjape) - were analyzed for their pH level and were categorized as low, medium and high pH; consequently, two samples in each category were used in the study. The study was set-up in a completely randomized design. The pH level of forages significantly influenced dry matter disappearance (DMD) in the first 24 hours of incubation, such that forages with medium to high pH levels generally showed higher values than those with low pH levels. The DMD after 48 hours of incubation appeared to be more affected by the characteristics of the forages influencing degradability rather than their pH levels. The addition of acetic acid to bring the rumen pH into an ideal level of 6.0-6.4 increased DMD, indicating the beneficial effects of rumen pH manipulation on forage digestibility.

- by Maita Aban
- •
- Forage Science/ruminant Nutrition/, Rumen Manipulation

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of genetic and environmental factor on locals Madura cattle semen production and quality. A total of 2275 semen collections records from 11 bulls from 2012 to 2014 were analyzed to evaluate the genetic pote ncy of semen productions. Genetic evaluation consists of repeatability estimation of semen volume, sperm concentration and sperm individual motility. Data were analyzed by HGLM (REML) with environmental factors of age, seasons, interval of semen collections, and frequency of ejaculations as fixed effect and bulls as random effect using GENSTAT 16 th edition. Result showed that age and ejaculation frequency affect to all variables; interval of semen collections affected to both semen volume and sperm concentrations; while seasons only affected to sperm concentrations. Repeatability estimation of semen volume, sperm concentration and sperm individual motility were 0.376, 0.445 and 0.567 respectively. It was concluded that the quality of Madura bulls ejaculate less affected by environmental factors. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan mengevaluasi pengaruh faktor genetik dan lingkungan terhadap produksi dan kualitas semen pejantan sa pi madura. Analisis dilakukan terhadap 2275 catatan penampungan semen dari 11 ekor pejantan sepanjang tahun 2012-2014. Evaluasi yang dilakukan berupa pendugaan nilai ripitabilitas volume, konsentrasi, dan gerak individu spermatozoa. Analisis data dilakukan melalui HGLM (REML) dengan faktor lingkungan umur, musim, interval penampungan dan frekuensi ejakulasi sebagai fixed effect dan pejantan sebagai random effect menggunakan Genstat edisi-16. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan umur dan frekuensi ejakulasi berpengaruh terhadap semua peubah, interval penampungan berpengaruh terhadap volume semen dan konsentrasi spermatozoa sedangkan musim hanya berpengaruh terhadap konsentr asi spermatozoa. Nilai ripitabilitas volume semen, konsentrasi dan gerak individu spermatozoa berturut-turut adalah 0,376; 0,445; dan 0,567. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa produksi dan kualitas semen sapi madura hanya sedikit dipengaruhi oleh faktor lingkungan. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______ Kata kunci: produksi semen, ripitabilitas, sapi madura

A feeding trial was carried out to determine the effects of chromium methionine (Cr-Met) chelate and forage level over two years, 1 st fattening and 2 nd fattening period on growth parameters, carcass characteristics and blood metabolites of 46 Korean native (Hanwoo, Bos Taurus, BW = 183 ± 44 kg) steers. Treatments were: 1) Steers in the low forage (LF) group were fed diets that consisted of 60% concentrate and 40% forage; 2) Steers in the high forage (HF) group were fed diets that consisted of 40% concentrate and 60% forage. Following the 1 st fattening period, steers (BW = 480 ± 37.6 kg) were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: LF (40 F plus no Cr-Met supplementation in the 2 nd fattening period), LFCM (40LF plus added 400 ppb of Cr-Met during the 2 nd fattening period), HF (60 F plus no added Cr-Met during the 2 nd fattening period) and HFCM (60 F plus added 400 ppb of Cr-Met in the 2 nd fattening period). Dry matter intake of the treatment diets did not differ during the raising and 1 th fattening period (P > 0.05). The ADG in the raising period showed no difference between the 40 F and 60 F groups (P > 0.05). Carcass characteristics including rib-eye area and meat yield index were higher in HF than the other treatment groups (P < 0.05). The HF group tended to show a higher (P = 0.08) marbling score than the LF group whereas the HFCM group showed a higher marbling score than the LFCM group (P < 0.05). HDL was higher and LDL lower in groups fed with Cr-Met than in other groups whereas glucose showed the lowest value in HF group (P < 0.05). Triglyceride (TG), Cholesterol, PUN and total protein (TP) were the same among all treatment groups (P > 0.05). The Insulin concentration in the blood was significantly higher for the HFCM group than for the LF, LFCM and HF groups (P < 0.05). It is concluded that supplementation of chromium-methionine chelate could improve meat quality in beef steers.

- by Jalil Ghassemi Nejad and +1
- •
- Forage Science/ruminant Nutrition/, Aquaculture, Fish Nutrition, Feed Additives

This study was conducted to determine the effects of sewage sludge (SS) used as fertilizer at different concentrations [Control, 20 kg ha–1 nitrogen (N), 30 ton ha–1 SS (S1), 60 ton ha–1 SS (S2) and 90 ton ha–1 SS (S3), 20 kg ha–1 N + 30 ton ha1 SS (N + S1), 20 kg ha–1 N + 60 ton ha–1 SS (N + S2) and 20 kg ha–1 N + 90 ton ha–1 SS (N + S3)] on common vetch yields and chemical features. For this purpose, an increasing level of SS was applied to the soil samples. The residuals of some heavy
metal (Hg, Cr, Fe, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Co, and Se) and macro element (K, Ca, Na, Mg, C, and S) concentrations were measured in leafs, seeds and soils. According to the results of this study, SS, when applied to soil in increasing amounts, raised the mineral matter contents of the plants, which favorably affected plant growth. Accordingly, it affected the herbage yield, increasing the yield in parallel with the increasing SS concentrations. Applying N with the SS positively influenced the heavy metal contents on leafs and seeds of common vetch and residue in the soil. Besides, the heavy metal contents were found at below critical levels in the soil, leaf and seeds. Therefore, SS application as fertilizer used in appropriate concentrations did not pollute the soil very much, but did lead to an increase in plant products.

The objective of this study was to determine the best performing switchgrass (Panicumvirgatum L.) cultivar with three different
seeding dates as a bioenergy source in Republic of Korea. Split-plot in time with three replications was performed and three
switchgrass cultivars, Carthage (CT), Cave-in-Rock (CIR), and Forestburg (FB) were used in this experiment from 2009 to 2012.
Plots were seeded on April 23, May 4, and May 13, 2009 and were harvested once in November each year. No fertilizer was
applied to the field for the first year; however, in second and third years (June 2010 and May 2011, respectively), N, P2O5 and
K2O fertilizers were applied in 67,45 and 90 kg h a－1, respectively. Soil pH (5.9) and climate condition including temperature
(10.4~17.5℃) and precipitation (89.4~109.8 mm month－1) were suitable for switchgrass cultivation. Total dry matter yields were
higher in CT and CIR compared to FB and were 16.9, 15.9, and 4.5 ton ha－1, for CT, CIR, and FB, respectively (p<0.0001).
The samples were analyzed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF),
crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE), and ash. No significant differences in energy content (p = 0.96) and chemical composition
among cultivars (p>0.05) were found. Seeding dates did not affect DM yield (ton ha－1), chemical composition and energy content
significantly (p>0.05). Significant difference was observed for heights among CT, CIR, and FB (177.59, 169.98, and 94.89 cm,
respectively, p = 0.0002). In conclusion, based on soil characteristics and climate condition in Korea compared to other countries,
switchgrass can be cultivated successfully. Considering dry matter yield and energy content of these three cultivars of switchgrass
CT and CIR adapted better to climate in Middle Eastern of Republic of Korea than Forestburg for bioenergy purpose.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilizer application and harvesting stage on the contents of chlorophyll, phytol and carotenoids (b-carotene and lutein) in Italian ryegrass herbage before and after ensiling, and the extent of phytol preservation after ensiling. Three rates of N fertilizer (0, 60 and 120 kg N/ha) were applied by top-dressing as an additional fertilizer. The herbage harvested at booting stage (27 weeks of age) or heading stage (29 weeks of age) were wilted for 1 day, then ensiled for 60 days using a small-scale pouch system. In the pre-ensiled herbages, increasing N fertilizer application increased the contents of crude protein and photosynthetic pigments, and these contents were also higher at the booting stage compared with the heading stage. In the silage, increasing N fertilizer application also increased the contents of crude protein, the photosynthetic pigments and their derivatives (pheo-phytin and pheophorbide), while harvesting stage did not affect the contents of b-carotene, chlorophylls or pheophorbide. Nitrogen fertilizer application and early harvesting of herbage increased lutein and phytol contents in Italian ryegrass silage. Lutein and phytol in Italian ryegrass herbage are indicated to be well preserved during ensiling.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da planta daninha Solanum sisymbrifolium (joá-bravo) sobre o número e as características de perfilhos de Urochroa decumbens cv. Basilisk em pasto sob lotação contínua com bovinos. Foram avaliados dois locais do mesmo pasto, sendo um próximo, localizado a 0,5 m do caule principal da planta daninha, e outro distante, onde não havia ocorrência desta planta em 2,0 m de raio, por meio da quantificação do número, peso e morfologia dos perfilhos. O delineamento foi inteiramente ao acaso com três repetições. No local distante da planta daninha houve maior densidade populacional de perfilhos com desfolhação e sem o meristema apical. Os números de perfilhos basais e aéreos foram menores próximo da planta daninha. Este local também apresentou menores números de perfilhos vegetativos, reprodutivos, vivos, mortos e totais, quando comparado ao local distante da planta daninha. Os pesos de perfilhos vegetativos e reprodutivos foram maiores no local próximo do que no distante da planta daninha. Os perfilhos próximos da planta daninha apresentaram maiores comprimento do pseudocolmo e de lâmina foliar, superior número de folha viva e inferior número de folha pastejada em relação aos distantes. A ocorrência da planta S. sisymbrifolium ocasiona variabilidade espacial da vegetação no pasto de U. decumbens cv. Basilisk. Palavras-chave: Urochroa decumbens, composição morfológica, lotação contínua, peso de perfilho. ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the weed Solanum sisymbriifolium (sticky nightshade) on the number and characteristics of Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk tillers in pasture continuously stocked by cattle. Two sites of the same pasture were evaluated, one site located close (0.5 m) to the main stalk of the weed and the other located at a distance where no weed was growing within a radius of 2.0 m. The number, weight and morphology of the tillers were evaluated in a completely randomized design with three repetitions. At the site distant from the weed, a higher population density of defoliated tillers without apical meristem was observed. The number of basal and aerial tillers was smaller close to the weed plant. This site was also characterized by smaller numbers of vegetative, reproductive, live, dead and total tillers when compared to the site distant from the weed plant. The weight of vegetative and reproductive tillers was higher at the site close to the weed plant. Tillers close to the weed plant exhibited a greater length of the pseudostem and leaf blade, a larger number of live leaves, and fewer grazed leaves compared to distant tillers. The occurrence of S. sisymbriifolium results in spatial variability of vegetation in U. decumbens cv. Basilisk pasture.

In this study we have demonstrated that rising background ozone has the potential to reduce grassland forage quality and explored the implications for livestock production. We analysed pasture samples from seven ozone exposure experiments comprising mesotrophic, calcareous, haymeadow and sanddune unimproved grasslands conducted in open-top chambers, solardomes and a field release system. Across all grassland types, there were significant increases in acid detergent fibre, crude fibre and lignin content with increasing ozone concentration, resulting in decreased pasture quality in terms of the metabolisable energy content of the vegetation.We derived a dose-response function for metabolisable energy of the grassland with ozone concentration, applicable to a range of grassland types, and used this to predict effects on pasture quality of UK vegetation at 1 km resolution using modelled ozone data for 2007 and for predicted higher average ozone concentrations in 2020. This showed a potential total reduction in lambproduction in the UK of approximately 4% in 2020 compared to 2007. The largest impacts were in geographical areas ofmodest ozone increases between the two years, but where large numbers of lambs were present. For an individual farmer working to a very small cost margin this could represent a large reduction in profit, both in regions where the impacts per lamb and those where the impacts per km2 of grazing land are largest. In the short term farmers could adapt their lamb management in response to changed forage quality by additional supplementary feed of high metabolisable energy content. Nationally this increase in annual additional feed in 2020 compared to 2007 would be 2,166 tonnes (an increase of 0.7%). Of added concern are the longer-term consequences of continual deterioration of pasture quality and the implications for changes in farming practices to compensate for potential reductions in livestock production capacity.

- by Naomi Rintoul and +2
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- Grazing and Range Management, Plant Nutrition, Livestock, Forage Science/ruminant Nutrition/

- by Eagle Team Espian
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- Biology, Agriculture, Livestock, Forage Science/ruminant Nutrition/

Predicting growth rates or determining the needs for supplementary feeding of grazing animals requires knowledge of the nutritive value of the diet the animals are consuming. Faecal analyses are non-invasive and effective methods for compiling information about the diets of animals. In this study the usefulness of faecal chemistry and near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), either used individually or in combination to predict the quality of mixed diets fed to sheep, was investigated. Faecal nitrogen, ash, neutral detergent fibre and lignin contents can be successfully used to predict the metabolisable energy content and the organic matter digestibility of the diet as well as the type of rumen fermentation (in terms of short chain fatty acids) whilst fNIRS calibration equations can be successfully used to predict the crude protein, total phenolic and total tannins contents of mixed diets consumed by sheep. 2003) and metabolisable energy (ME) content (Kamler & Homolka, 2005) of typical (...

- by Dr. MBP Kumara Mahipala
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- Biology, Forage Science/ruminant Nutrition/