This study evaluated the influence of three pasture‐management systems on milk fatty acid (FA) profiles in New Zealand dairy cows: standard–contemporary (STD–CON), diverse–contemporary (DIV–CON), and diverse–regenerative (DIV–REG). The STD–CON pastures consisted of ryegrass–clover, whereas diverse pastures included up to 16 species of grasses, legumes, and herbs. Monthly herd test records ( n = 790) from the 2023 to 2024 lactation season were used to assess milk yield and composition. Composite milk samples were collected and analyzed for fat, protein, and mid‐infrared spectral data. FA concentrations (g/100 g milk) were predicted using partial least squares regression models calibrated with 120 reference samples with FA determined by gas chromatography. Lactation curves for FA were fitted using random regression with orthogonal polynomials. FAs differed across systems: C16:0 was lowest in DIV–REG (−6%) and intermediate in DIV–CON (−1%) vs. STD–CON; C18:2 n‐6 was highest in DIV–REG (+13%), while STD–CON and DIV–CON were similar. Polyunsaturated FAs were higher in diverse pastures (+15% DIV–REG; +7% DIV–CON) than in STD–CON. These findings show that pasture diversity can enhance milk fat composition while maintaining production in pasture‐based systems.

Fodder beet ( Beta vulgaris L.) is an important forage crop used for cattle wintering in New Zealand. Regional nitrogen (N) fertiliser experiments over two seasons (2016–2018) consisting of different N application rates (0–300 kg N/ha) and times of N application (sowing, canopy closure, and mid‐bulb development stage) were used to validate yield responses. Within site, there was a maximum of 3 t DM/ha difference in total biomass yield between control (no N) and high N treatments at maturity. Near maximum fodder beet yield was achieved in all sites with a rate of 100 kg N/ha applied as urea (split applications). Near optimum yields were achieved on higher fertility sites with preseason soil nitrate‐N + ammonium‐N (0–15 cm depth) of 75 kg N/ha or greater. Little additional fertiliser N was required for maximising crop yield. However, enhanced plant N concentration and crop N uptake were achieved with rates up to 300 kg N/ha. Fertiliser N management that stimulated full canopy expansion with optimum green leaf area (GLA) and GLA duration was required to maximise yield. Important management practices for maximising yield include the use of N fertiliser for earlier crop canopy closure and enhanced canopy duration during bulb development.

Limited on‐animal sensor technology is available to monitor sheep behaviour. We investigated the accuracy and suitability of Hobo Pendant G and IceQube loggers for recording lying behaviour, and steps (IceQube) in pasture‐managed sheep. Twenty mixed‐breed ewes wore both sensors on their hind legs for 20 consecutive days. Lying behaviour was recorded for 12 h daily (8:00–20:00 h) using video cameras. For step count, four 15‐min intervals per sheep ( n = 20) were analysed. Bland–Altman plots revealed that the percentage of time recorded as lying per hour by both loggers closely matched video observations. For Hobo/Video and IceQube/Video comparisons, 93% and 99% of data respectively were within ±2% of video‐observed lying time. The two loggers were also closely matched, with 93% of data within ±2%. Sheep spent on average 13.7 ± 1.24 h (SD) lying per day (range: 7.4–19.2 h). IceQube underestimated steps compared to manual video counts (mean difference; 7 steps, limits of agreement −21.5 to 35.5). After 5 days, one sheep had minor rubbing (IceQube) and after 20 days, 5 sheep had minor or major rubbing from the loggers (3 IceQubes, 4 Hobos). Both loggers accurately captured lying time, but improved attachment materials are needed to prevent rubbing.

This study evaluated the chemical composition, fermentation profile, microbial populations, aerobic stability, and fermentative losses of spineless forage cactus silage supplemented with varying levels of cassava hay (0%, 7.5%, 15.0%, 22.5%, and 30.0% on a fresh matter basis). The experiment followed a completely randomized design with five replicates per treatment. Twenty‐five mini‐silos were used, and the ensiling period lasted 120 days. Crude protein (CP), ether extract, acid detergent fiber, and ash showed quadratic responses ( p < 0.001). Dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber increased linearly ( p < 0.001). Nonfibrous carbohydrates and total carbohydrates decreased linearly with cassava hay inclusion. No changes ( p > 0.05) were observed in pH, lactic acid concentration, or lactic acid bacteria counts. Ammonia nitrogen and acetic acid concentrations showed quadratic effects. Aerobic stability and temperatures decreased linearly, while forage loss was quadratically influenced ( p < 0.05). Total losses and DM recovery were significantly improved. Gas losses decreased linearly ( p < 0.001), while effluent and total losses showed quadratic reductions. In conclusion, 20.9% cassava hay inclusion is recommended for optimizing spineless forage cactus silage, providing 16.8% CP and promoting a minimum forage loss, thus improving silage quality and meeting nutritional requirements for small ruminants.

Methane emissions from enteric fermentation in beef cattle are a major source of greenhouse gases in Argentina, contributing notably to the country's total emissions. Quantifying these emissions is challenging and involves considerable uncertainty. This study aimed to quantify the uncertainty in methane emission estimates and to assess the contribution of key input variables to this uncertainty. Methane emissions were estimated following Argentina's national inventory methodology, using a tier 2 approach based on the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories. Monte Carlo simulations were applied to incorporate uncertainty in inputs, generating 10,000 iterations to estimate emissions and assess their variability at a 95% confidence level. For 2020, mean methane emissions were estimated at 46.6 MtCO 2 e, with a 95% confidence interval of 37.9–54.5 MtCO 2 e, corresponding to an uncertainty of −17%; +19%. Feed digestibility was the largest contributor to emissions uncertainty, accounting for 41%, followed by the methane conversion factor, contributing 19%. When both variables were fixed, the uncertainty decreased to −2%; +3% with a confidence interval of 44.7–47.1 MtCO 2 e. Improving the accuracy of feed digestibility and methane conversion factor estimates is essential to reduce uncertainty and enhance the reliability of national greenhouse gas inventories.

The study of farm animal behaviour often relies on labour‐intensive observations, which can be impractical in extensive systems. Advances in technology (e.g. accelerometers and global positioning satellite (GPS) devices) can be used to record behaviours frequently, long‐term and remotely. Monitoring behaviour of livestock, in combination with other key information, such as environmental factors (e.g. weather, spore counts), feed quality and quantity, and animal performance, can be used to gain a deeper understanding of animal health and welfare. Changes in behaviour may be used as early warning indicators for important welfare and productivity issues, such as facial eczema and gastrointestinal parasites. This article describes current research where accelerometer sensors have demonstrated high accuracies (>80%) in tracking behaviours like grazing, ruminating and lying, and have successfully identified behavioural changes associated with gastrointestinal parasites. Research currently being undertaken in New Zealand to evaluate the ability of accelerometers and other technologies, such as acoustic sensors and GPS, to record measures associated with facial eczema, heat stress (e.g. respiration rate) and maternal behaviour of sheep, will be discussed. In summary, technologies including the use of accelerometers have the potential to guide management decisions and ultimately improve animal health, welfare and production efficiency on‐farm.

A 3‐year grazing study was undertaken to quantify nitrogen (N) leaching losses from forage crops that were grazed by dairy cows in late autumn (fodder beet, Beta vulgaris ; FB) or winter (FB and kale, Brassica oleracea ). The practice of mechanical lifting instead of autumn grazing of FB was also evaluated as an option for mitigating N leaching. Mean annual inorganic‐N leaching losses from autumn grazing of FB were large (98 kg N ha −1 ) relative to those measured for winter‐grazed FB. Lifting of FB in autumn had no effect on reducing N loss. Leaching losses from winter‐grazed FB were significantly less than those measured from winter‐grazed kale (52 vs. 82 kg N ha −1 year −1 ), most likely reflecting the effects of the lower protein content of FB and consequent reduced intake and excretion of N by cows. Leaching losses from the forage crop treatments were large relative to those measured from nearby pasture paddocks, confirming the elevated risk associated with forage crops where extended overlapping periods of bare ground coincide with inputs of surplus rainfall. Considerations of grazing and/or harvest timing and crop type are therefore important factors that determine the risk of N leaching losses from grazed forage cropping systems.

Industrial sludge from the pulp‐and‐paper sector is produced in large volumes and, when properly processed, can provide low‐cost alkalinity to correct soil acidity. We evaluated the agronomic potential of a phosphorus‐rich industrial sludge as a liming amendment in two acidic soils, Subeutric Luvic Brunosol (Soil A) and Distric Luvic Brunosol (Soil B), using Medicago sativa L. under controlled greenhouse conditions. A completely randomized pot experiment combined two soils with eight treatments (control; calcite at 0.45 and 2.5 t ha −1 ; dolomite at 0.41 t ha −1 ; a Ca–Mg–S product at 0.11 t ha −1 ; sludge at 1.31, 3.90, and 10 t ha −1 ). Measured variables included seedling emergence, stem and root growth, aboveground dry biomass, and nodulation (abundance, size class, position, and internal coloration). Because several variables were non‐normal, we analyzed treatment effects within soils using Kruskal–Wallis tests with Dunn's post hoc. Sludge increased soil pH after incubation and significantly enhanced nodulation and biomass in both soils. The intermediate dose (3.90 t ha −1 ) matched or exceeded dolomite without phytotoxic responses. Responses were soil‐specific and strongest in the Subeutric Luvic Brunosol. Overall, properly processed sludge performed as a viable partial liming alternative under greenhouse conditions. Field trials are warranted to assess multi‐season agronomic consistency and confirm environmental safety at operational scales.

We outline the diversity of pests, weeds and plant pathogens absent from New Zealand that threaten forage production, examine their potential import pathways, and outline the challenges of managing them should they arrive. The number and diversity of threats and pathways indicates ongoing incursions are inevitable. Thus, we also review measures in place for detecting and responding to forage biosecurity threats when they arrive and find almost none, which contrasts with measures in place for protecting other crops. Alarmingly, therefore, New Zealand's least protected plants include ryegrass and white clover which are vastly more valuable than any of its other better protected crops. We contend that forage productivity and farm profitability are suffering death by a thousand cuts as each new incursion adds to forage plants’ pest burdens. There are clear opportunities to reduce rates of establishment of new pests, weeds and pathogens, and limit the damages they will cause post‐establishment. Critical needs include comprehensive pest risk analyses to inform risk mitigation, and surveillance targeting the most important threats. Forage‐based industries must recognize the biosecurity risks they face, collectively summon the will to act, and capitalize on opportunities for collaboration to minimize further erosion of forage productivity.

The combination of corn and soybean silage can offer high nutritional feeding value. The purpose of this study was to study the effects of citric acid (CA) and tartaric acid (TA) on the chemical quality, fermentation quality, and microbial community dynamics of corn and soybean mixed silage, and to analyze the bacterial and fungal communities after silage. 20 g/kg CA and TA are added into corn and soybean mixed for dynamic ensiling (3, 7, 14, 30, 60 days), respectively. The results showed that, compared with the control group, the pH of CA and TA can be rapidly decreased (4.1–3.3), the lactic acid (LA) content can be increased (5.48%−8.35%), and the ammonia nitrogen content can be reduced (1.22%TN–0.95%TN). In addition, the crude protein (CP) content can be effectively increased (12.37%−13.66%), acetic acid (AA) content (1.82%−1.14%) and butyric acid (BA) content (0.26%−0.06%) can be reduced to prevent undesirable odor. Additionally, the addition also contributed to the change of bacterial and fungal community. The above results suggested that 20 g/kg CA and TA could significantly improve the quality of corn and soybean mixed silage, and the effect of TA was better than that of CA.