Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) on water dynamics and balance, as well as nitrogen (N) excretion by red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) as a potential forage tool to reduce negative environmental impacts. This experiment used a crossover design with red deer (n = 8) in metabolism crates to determine how fresh-cut herbage diets of either plantain or ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) compared in terms of dry matter intake (DMI), diet digestibility, water dynamics, and N dynamics. Deer consuming plantain had greater water intake from herbage (P < 0.01) compared with ryegrass. Additionally, when fed plantain, deer had greater water excretion from urine (P < 0.01; 69.4%) and feces (P < 0.01; 29.4%) and, thus, total water excretion (P < 0.01; 61.7%) than when fed ryegrass. When consuming plantain, deer had greater DMI (P = 0.02; +11.2%) and fecal output (P < 0.01; +36.8%) and lower apparent dry matter digestibility (P = 0.03; −8.3%) compared with ryegrass. Plantain (15.9%) contained 30% less crude protein than ryegrass (22.8%) so that even with the greater DMI of plantain, plantain had lower (P < 0.01; −23%) N intake (g/d). Deer consuming plantain had lower urine N concentration (P < 0.01) than when consuming ryegrass. Additionally, deer consuming plantain had much less daily urine N (P < 0.01; −34.9%) excretions. Our results indicate deer fed plantain had greater DMI, ingested more water, and excreted more water than those consuming ryegrass, with lower urinary N (UN) concentration and lesser daily urine N excretion. Thus, we conclude that offering red deer plantain may reduce the environmental impact associated with UN output, such as nitrate leaching or N2O emissions to the atmosphere.
Highlights
Red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) have been farmed in New Zealand since 1969 (Semiadi et al, 1993)and represent a considerable income for producers in New Zealand, generating 322 million NZD in export revenue (2017–2018 fiscal year; Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ), 2019)
Our results indicate deer fed plantain had greater dry matter intake (DMI), ingested more water, and excreted more water than those consuming ryegrass, with lower urinary N (UN) concentration and lesser daily urine N excretion
New Zealand pastoral deer production systems are based on simple sward associations like perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) that provide an excess of crude protein [CP; i.e., nitrogen (N)]
Summary
Red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) have been farmed in New Zealand since 1969 (Semiadi et al, 1993)and represent a considerable income for producers in New Zealand, generating 322 million NZD in export revenue (2017–2018 fiscal year; DINZ, 2019). The environmental implications of N coupled with the collateral risk of cancer from nitrates in drinking water (Schullehner et al, 2018) confirm the need to explore strategies to reduce the amount of UN excreted in ruminant systems and respond to the political and public pressures on pastoral farming and environmental protection These negative implications for the environment and water quality directly impact the ability for New Zealand to meet the goals outlined in the Kyoto Protocol and the Ramsar Convention and undermine the possibility of meeting the United Nations’ sustainable development goals 6 (water quality), 9 (industry innovation), and 12 (responsible production; Marshall et al, 2020)
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