ADF Contents Research Articles

Assessment of Goat Feed Resources and Nutritional Quality of Major Available Feed Stuffs in Dollo Zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia

The aim of this study was to assess goat feed resources and evaluate nutritive value of major available feed resources in Warder, Danod, and Daratole districts of Dollo zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia. A total of 156 households (52 from each district) who own goats were randomly selected for the study and interviewed using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. The study revealed that major feed sources for goats during wet season were natural pasture and fodder trees with 63.5% & 36.5%, respectively. On the other side, the major sources of feed in the dry season were natural pasture (42.3%) followed by fodder trees (30.8%) and crop residues (26.9%), respectively. Drought (46.2%), weed dominance (38.5%) and overstocking (15.4%) were reported as the major factors affecting grazing land productivity in the study area. The major factors affecting availability of feed resources were climate variability, lack of input, population growth, lack of awareness about feed conservation mechanisms, & lack of extension of extension services. Regarding to chemical composition of the sampled feeds, a significant difference was observed in CP, NDF, ADF and ash between seasons. The DM content of the sampled feeds ranged from 88.6% to 90.9% in wet season, while during the dry season, it ranged from 91.1% to 92.4%. The CP content ranged from 5.3% to 10.7%, while in the dry season, it ranged from 2.4% to 4.4% and a significant drop was observed in the dry season. The NDF contents ranged from 53.3 to 84.9%. The ADF content also ranged from 10.5% to 27.3% in wet season and from 7.6% to 31.9% in dry season. The ash content also ranged from 8.3% to 21.3% in wet season and from 4.5% to 14.3% in dry season. Therefore, the study suggests that it is essential to promote drought-resistant forage cultivation, implement effective feed conservation practices, strengthen extension services, manage grazing pressure sustainably, adapt to climate variability, and conduct further research on the nutritive value of local feed resources.

FIBER FRACTION OF CABBAGE AND MUSTARD VEGETABLE WASTE SILAGE USING VARIOUS ADDITIVE SOURCES

Utilization of cabbage and mustard waste as an alternative to forage for livestock is one of the efforts in providing limited forage in the dry season in the form of silage. Additives can be added to improve the quality of the silage. This study aims to determine the quality of the fiber fraction contained in the silage of cabbage and mustard waste using a variety of different additive sources. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 5 replications. The treatments were, P1 (70% cabbage and mustard waste + 30% rice bran); P2 (70% cabbage and mustard waste + 30% corn flour); P3 (70% cabbage and mustard waste + 30% tapioca starch waste); P4 (70% cabbage and mustard waste + (30% rice bran + corn flour + tapioca starch waste)). Parameters observed included NDF, ADF, ADL, cellulose and hemicellulose content. The results of this study showed that the administration of different additives had a very significant effect (P<0.01) on decreasing the content of NDF, ADF and ADL, having a significant effect (P<0.05) on increasing the cellulose and hemicellulose content it conclude that the use of various additive sources reduces the content of NDF, ADF, and ADL and increase the content of hemicellulose and cellulose silage made from cabbage and mustard waste.

Silage Yield and Quality of Forage Peas and Hungarian Vetch and Triticale Binary Mixtures

This study was conducted in order to determine silage quality in binary mixtures of forage pea (Pisum sativum ssp. arvense L. "FP") and Hungarian vetch (Vicia pannonica C. "HV") and triticale (X triticosecale Wittmack. "T") in 2021-2022 vegetation period. Hungarian vetch and forage pea and triticale seeds were sown in 6 different mixture ratios (legume/triticale; 100%/0, 80/20%, 60/40%, 40/60%, 20/80%). The experiment was established according to randomized blocks experimental design with 3 replications. In the study, dry matter content, pH, flieg score, quality class, crude protein, ADF, NDF, Ca, K, Mg, P, lactic acid and acetic acid contents were analyzed for silage yield and quality. The dry matter of silages was between 23.83 and 36.49%, while the pH was between 4.57 and 5.18. The highest crude protein was determined in pure forage peas (22%) and it was determined that it increased in parallel with the increase in the legume ratio in the mixture. Mineral contents were found to be high in sole and intense legume silages, similar to crude protein. In terms of silage quality in the examined parameters, mixed sowing gave better results than sole sowing. As a result of the study, 80:20 T/HV mixture ratio sowing is recommended for Yozgat and regions with similar ecology in terms of silage yield and quality.

Determination and Prediction of Available Energy in 13 Cereal Feed Ingredients for Growing Pigs.

This study was conducted to develop equations to predict the digestible (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) for growing pigs by using the chemical compositions of five corn, two wheat and six rice samples. A total of 13 castrated boars were chosen and fed 13 diets formulated with different cereal feed ingredients according to a 13 × 6 Youden square design. The DE and ME contents, the ratio of ME to DE, and the nutrient digestibility among the 13 cereal feed ingredients were different (p < 0.05), and the DE and ME ranged from 13.77 MJ/kg to 17.05 MJ/kg and 13.40 MJ/kg to 16.73 MJ/kg, respectively. The DE and ME were negatively correlated to the NDF (p < 0.10) and ADF (p < 0.05) contents among the test cereals; however, the DE and ME contents were positively correlated with the starch content. Based on the chemical analysis, the models for predicting the DE and ME in the cereal feed ingredients were DE (MJ/kg) = 0.1364 × Starch (%) - 0.2352 × ADF (%) + 11.4467 and ME (MJ/kg) = 0.9838 × DE (MJ/kg) - 0.0165 × CP (%) + 0.0538. In conclusion, the different chemical compositions of different cereal feed ingredients led to large variations in the energy concentration and digestibility of nutrients for growing pigs. The number of cereal samples needs to be further increased to improve the accuracy of the equations for predicting energy contents.

Effects of dose, dietary nutrient composition, and supplementation period on the efficacy of methane mitigation strategies in dairy cows: A meta-analysis

The objective of this meta-analysis was to quantify the potential of CH4-mitigating strategies in dairy cattle when accounting for the effects of treatment dose, dietary nutrient composition, and supplementation period. Data from 218 studies with dairy cattle published between 1963 to 2022 were reviewed. Individual CH4 mitigation strategies selected for the analysis were algae (Asparagopsis spp.), 3-nitrooxypropanol, nitrate, lipids, plant secondary compounds, and direct-fed microbials (DFM). Response variables evaluated were daily CH4 emission (g/d), CH4 yield (g CH4/kg DMI), and CH4 intensity (g CH4/kg milk yield [MY] and ECM). Relative mean difference between treatment and control means reported in the studies were calculated and used in the statistical analysis. Robust variance estimation method was used to analyze the effects of CH4 mitigation strategies. Dose, forage-to-concentrate ratio (F:C), dietary concentrations of CP, ether extract (EE), NDF, ADF, and starch, and supplementation period were used as continuous explanatory variables. Data for algae supplementation were limited and responses to studied species were contrasting but, overall, Asparagopsis spp. effectively decreased daily CH4 emission, CH4 yield, and CH4 intensities by 29.8 ± 4.6%, 23.0 ± 5.3%, 34.0 ± 4.3%, and 22.6 ± 7.3%, respectively. Supplementation of 3-nitrooxypropanol decreased daily CH4 emission, yield, and intensity (per kg MY and ECM) by 28.2 ± 3.6%, 28.7 ± 2.8%, 29.2 ± 3.1%, and 31.8 ± 2.8%, respectively, compared with control. Decreasing dietary fiber (i.e., F:C, NDF, and ADF), whereas increasing dietary starch concentration increased the efficacy of 3-nitrooxypropanol at mitigating enteric CH4 emission. Nitrate supplementation decreased CH4 emission, yield, and intensity (per kg ECM) by 18.5% ± 1.9%, 17.6 ± 1.6%, and 13.0 ± 0.2%, respectively, compared with control. Efficacy of nitrate at mitigating enteric CH4 yield and CH4 intensity was positively associated with dose, and efficacy of nitrate at mitigating CH4 yield was positively associated with dietary starch concentration. Lipid supplementation decreased CH4 emission, yield, and intensities by up to 14.8 ± 2.3%, respectively, compared with control. Efficacy of lipids supplementation was positively associated with dietary EE, starch, and supplementation period, but negatively associated with dietary ADF concentration. Free oil supplementation tended to increase lipid efficacy by 31% at decreasing CH4 emission, compared with control. Condensed tannins and plant-derived bioactive compounds decreased CH4 yield by 11.3 ± 2.9% and 5.7 ± 2.5%, respectively, but oregano did not affect enteric CH4 emission metrics in the current meta-analysis. Direct-fed microbials were not effective in mitigating enteric CH4 emission variables. Data were limited to determine the effects of dietary nutrients and duration of supplementation on efficacy of Asparagopsis spp., plant secondary compounds and DFM. Overall, supplementation of the diet with Asparagopsis spp., 3-nitrooxypropanol, nitrate, and lipids were the most effective strategies for decreasing enteric CH4 emission in dairy cattle. Variability in the efficacy of most CH4 mitigation strategies can be partially explained by differences in treatment dose, dietary nutrient composition, and supplementation period.

A Comparison of The Nutrient Contents and In Vitro Digestibility of Silage Corn Varieties Grown as Main and Secondary Crops

A study was conducted to determine the dry matter yields as well as the nutrient compositions and in vitro digestibility of 9 silage corn varieties grown as main and second crops under Van conditions. In 2020-2021, a study was conducted on 9 corn varieties from different maturation groups during the growing periods of the main crop and the second crop. The main crop was harvested during the transition from milk maturity to dough stage maturity, while the second crop was harvested at the beginning of the milk maturity period. The study determined the crude nutrient (DM, CA, CP, CF, ADF, and NDF) analysis and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of the corn herbage. The Bodega corn variety had the highest DM yield in the main crop, while the KxB6451 corn variety had the highest yield in the second crop. Among the varieties studied, DKC5685 had the lowest DM yield, ADF, and NDF content in the main product. However, it had the highest CP content and IVDMD (P

The Relationship Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and Forage Value of Rubus Species Collected from Türkiye’s Flora

The increasing drought caused by climate change makes it difficult for rural areas reliant on pasture-based livestock farming to sustain their agricultural practices. Blackberries, a spreading species, have been selected as the material for this study due to their perennial shrub nature and their tolerance to adverse environmental conditions. Türkiye, the gene center for blackberries, is part of the Mediterranean belt and is located at the intersection of three flora regions—Mediterranean, Euro-Siberian, and Irano-Turanian. This study aims to determine the forage value of the Rubus species and other shrub/tree species (Quercus, Pistacia, and Rosa) collected and identified from these flora regions. Furthermore, a linear regression analysis established a relationship between the forage values and the SPEI, a drought index, considering the combined effects of rainfall and temperature in the collection regions. Among the Rubus species, the highest organic matter content (887.8 g kg−1) was obtained from R. pruinosus. In comparison, the highest protein content (240.1 g kg−1) was found in cultivated blackberries in the Euro-Siberian flora region. P. lentiscus had the highest Ca content (14.4 g kg−1) and offered feed at the “Prime” level with 154 of RFV. The SPEI explained 87% of the variation in fructan, 89% in Mg, and 92% in ADF. Due to the perennial nature of the species studied, a strong relationship was found between their growth and forage values over a 48-month time scale using the SPEI. Consequently, the equations related to ADF, Mg, and fructan content obtained in this study can be recommended for woody species.

NUTRIENT CONTENT, IN VITRO GAS PRODUCTION AND POST INCUBATION PARAMETERS OF INDIGENOUS BROWSE FODDERS IN DIFFERENT AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES OF NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;In Ethiopia indigenous browse species have the potential to serve as a sustainable supplement for poor quality feeds and enhance ruminant livestock production. &lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; To analyze the nutrient content, in vitro gas production, and post incubation parameters of indigenous browse species in northwestern Ethiopia. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology: &lt;/strong&gt;Eight indigenous browse fodder trees were collected from each agroecological zone for this experiment. Leaf and pod samples of the fodder trees were collected, dried and ground for laboratory analysis. Analysis of variance was carried out for nutrient content, in vitro gas, and methane production of the samples within agroecological zones using standard analytical procedures. The statistical design used to analyze the data was Completely Randomized Design (CRD). &lt;strong&gt; Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The highest CP content was recorded from &lt;em&gt;Vernonia&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; amygdalina &lt;/em&gt;(223.4 g/kg DM)&lt;em&gt;,&lt;/em&gt; &lt;em&gt;Dodonaea viscosa &lt;/em&gt;(207.7 g/kg DM), and &lt;em&gt;Acacia abyssinica &lt;/em&gt;(216.0 g/kg DM) in the highland, midland and lowland agro-ecology respectively. In lowland area, NDF, ADF and ADL contents were highest for &lt;em&gt;Albezia amara&lt;/em&gt; leaves and lowest for &lt;em&gt;Acacia brevispica&lt;/em&gt; respectively. &lt;em&gt;V. amygdalina&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Stereospermum kunthianum&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Ficus vasta&lt;/em&gt; had the highest gas volume at 24-hour incubation time in high, mid and lowland, respectively. The estimated organic matter digestibility, metabolizable energy and short chain fatty acid at 24 hour of incubation was the highest for &lt;em&gt;V. amygdalina&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;S kunthianum&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;F. vasta&lt;/em&gt; in high, mid and lowland, respectively. &lt;em&gt;Ficus sycomorus&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Myrica salicifolia&lt;/em&gt; had the lowest methane production among the species in the low, mid and highland study areas, respectively. &lt;strong&gt;Implications: &lt;/strong&gt;The present study provides a valuable resource for selecting suitable feed options for livestock in different agroecological zones. High CP and digestible browse species like &lt;em&gt;V. amygdalina,&lt;/em&gt; &lt;em&gt;S. kunthianum&lt;/em&gt;, and &lt;em&gt;F. vasta&lt;/em&gt; could be prioritized for livestock feed. Low methane-producing species like &lt;em&gt;F. sycomorus&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;M. salicifolia&lt;/em&gt; could be incorporated into diets to reduce enteric methane emissions. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion&lt;/strong&gt;: Based on their nutrient composition and in vitro gas production potential, these feed resources are of better quality to supplement grazing livestock during the seasons of critical feed shortage as the main feed resources are either limited in availability or lower in nutrient composition and digestibility in the study areas.&lt;/p&gt;

EFFECT OF MAIZE (&lt;i&gt;ZEA MAYS&lt;/i&gt;) COB BASED TOTAL MIXED RATION IN GROWING CALVES

The present study was conducted to study the effect of maize (Zea mays) cob on replacing paddy straw in the Total Mixed Ration (TMR). Twelve cross bred calves of about 5 to 8 months of age with body weight ranging from 41 to 79 kg were divided into two groups of six each in completely randomized design. Five complete diets were prepared (TMR1 to TMR5) using maize cobs at the level of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% replacement of paddy straw in the diets containing 12 % CP and 60 % TDN of 50:50 concentrate to roughage ratio. There was significant (P&lt;0.01) differences among the diets in OM, CF, NFE, TA, AIA, NDF, ADF, Lignin, Hemicellulose and Cellulose contents. In vitro rumen fermentation study showed significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher total gas (ml/200 mg/48 h), in vitro dry matter and organic matter degradability in maize cob based ration than paddy straw contained ration (51.17 vs 36.00; 62.87 vs 57.25; 64.80 vs 59.93). Paddy straw (100%) based diet as control ration and maize cob (100 % replacement of paddy straw) based diet as treatment ration fed to growing calves for sixty days in growth trial. A seven day digestion trial was conducted in the middle of the experiment. The digestibility (%) of DM, OM, CP, EE, CF and NFE were significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in the maize cob based diet fed group than paddy straw based diet fed group. The average body weight gain (kg) and FCR (kg DMI/ kg gain) were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in maize cob fed animals (19.47; 6.10) than paddy straw fed animals (16.02; 7.34). The feed cost per unit of weight gain in calves fed paddy straw based diet was numerically higher (30.78 %) than calves fed on maize cob based ration. It could be concluded that maize cob based ration could replace paddy straw at 100 % level in total mixed ration without affecting feed intake and nutrient digestibility and may also improve the body weight gain and reduce feed cost in growing calves.

Fibrolytic Enzymes and Lactic Acid Bacteria Improve the Ensiling Characteristics of Ramie and Elephant Grass Mixed Silage

Understanding the effects of bacteria and enzyme addition on mixed crop silage is imperative for dairy producers to make informed decisions. The current study evaluated the chemical changes in silage prepared from different ramie and elephant grass ratios (30:70, 50:50, 70:30, and 100:0) in response to bacteria (0, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg) and enzyme addition (0, 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) in a complete randomized design. The results indicated that the proportion of ramie in silage (p &lt; 0.01), level of bacteria (p &lt; 0.05), and level of enzyme added (p = 0.05) affected the CP, fiber, volatile fatty acids, and lactic acid contents and pH of silage. By comprehensive analysis, low lignin content and pH of silage with high lactic acid content was observed with a 30% ramie proportion. High CP and lactic acid contents with low ADF, lignin, and pH values were observed with the addition of bacteria (p &lt; 0.05). High lactic acid with low ADF content was observed with the addition of enzyme in silage (p ≤ 0.05). The optimum quality of silage was observed when the ramie, bacteria, and enzymes were added at the levels of 30%, 200 mg/kg, and 20 mg/kg, respectively, in ramie and elephant grass mixed silage.

157 Microbial inoculant effects on limpograss silage

Abstract Warm-season perennial grasses are the main forage sources preserved as silage or haylage by livestock producers in subtropical and tropical regions; however, the nutritive value and silage fermentation parameters are often less than desirable. Microbial inoculants have been used to improve grass silage nutritive value and fermentation characteristics with inconsistent results. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a microbial inoculant on nutritive value and fermentation parameters of ‘Gibtuck’ limpograss (Hemarthria altissima) silage. Treatments were silage treated with SiloSolve FC (68.1 billion CFU/g, Lactobacillus lactis and Lactobacillus buchneri) or control (no microbial inoculant) distributed in a complete randomized design with 10 replicates. The inoculant level used was 0.5 g/Mg of forage. The experiment was conducted in Ona, FL in May 2023. Twenty 4 × 4 m plots of established limpograss were harvested at 15-cm stubble height with 58-d regrowth interval. The forage was chopped to a particle size ranging from 10 to 18 mm, placed into mini-silos (PVC pipes with rubber), and sealed immediately. The inoculant was applied with a hand sprayer before ensiling. The silos were opened after 60 d for analysis. There was no difference (P &amp;gt; 0.05) between the inoculant and control treatments on DM concentration (25%), DM recovery (96%), NDF (67%), and NFC concentrations (14%); however, silage treated with inoculant had greater CP (8.5 vs. 8.0%; P = 0.03), IVTD (56 vs. 54%; P = 0.01), and NDFD (53 vs. 51%, P = 0.02) and lesser ADF concentrations (38 vs. 40%; P = 0.02) than control. The inoculant did not affect (P &amp;gt; 0.05) silage pH (4.2) and lactic acid concentrations (1.5%) but resulted in greater acetic acid (2.5 vs. 2.0%; P = 0.01), propionic acid (1.6 vs. 1.0%, P &amp;lt; 0.01), and total acid concentrations (5.6 vs. 5.0%; P = 0.04), and decreased butyric acid (0 vs. 0.2%; P &amp;lt; 0.01), isobutyric acid (0.1 vs. 0.4%; P &amp;lt; 0.01), and NH3-N concentrations (4.4 vs. 5.3% N; P &amp;lt; 0.01). Aerobic stability (140 h), mold (1.1 log cfu/g) and yeast (2.2 log cfu/g) count were not affected (P &amp;gt; 0.05) by the inoculant treatment. At the genus level, there was no difference (P &amp;gt; 0.05) in relative abundance of Lactobacillus (85%), Enterobacter (4.0%), Enterococcus (1.8%), and Weissella (0.2%) between inoculant and control, but silage treated with inoculant had less Clostridium (1.0 vs. 2.3%, P = 0.04), Pediococcus (0.2 vs. 0.3%, P = 0.03) and greater relative abundance of Lactococcus (2.8 vs. 0.5%, P &amp;lt; 0.01) and Bacillus (0.2 vs. 0.1%, P = 0.01). At the species level, the inoculant was effective to increase the relative abundance of Lactococcus lactis (from 0.02 to 0.48, P = 0.002) and Lactobacillus buchneri (from 1.4 to 1.9, P = 0.03). SiloSolve FC is a promising microbial inoculant to be used in warm-season grass silage in subtropical and tropical regions.

FORAGE YIELD AND QUALITY OF INTERCROPPED ANNUAL RYEGRASS WITH BERSEEM CLOVER SOWN AT DIFFERENT SEED MIXTURE RATIOS UNDER RAINFALL CONDITIONS OF MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE

This research was carried out under rainfall conditions of the Mediterranean climate to study the effects of different seed mixture ratios (Berseem clover (BC100), annual ryegrass (AR100), BC80-AR20, BC60-AR40, BC40-AR60, BC20-AR80) on forage yield and quality characteristics of mixture. The experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications during the growing season of 2020- 2021 and 2021-2022. Annual ryegrass sown as pure produced higher green forage yield than berseem clover sown as pure and the mixtures. In the mixture of berseem clover at 20% seed rate and pure annual ryegrass, higher hay yields were determined compared to the other mixtures. In terms of total LER, BC80-AR20 and BC20-AR80 mixtures were the two most advantageous mixtures, while the aggressivity value of annual ryegrass showed a positive value and became the dominant species. Pure sown berseem clover had lower ADF, NDF and higher crude protein content than pure sown annual ryegrass and other mixtures tested. According to these results, it can be said that berseem clover can be included in the mixture at low seed rates for high forage yield under rainfall conditions, while berseem clover can be grown as pure for high forage quality

Determination of cutting frequency for optimum herbage yield and nutritive value of Desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium) in western Oromia, Ethiopia

The experiment aimed to determine the optimal cutting frequency for desho grass to maximize dry matter yield and forage quality. Three cutting intervals (30, 45, and 60 days) were tested in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The agronomic parameters, dry matter yield, and chemical composition of the grass were collected and analyzed via standard procedures. The cutting frequency significantly affected the agronomic parameters and chemical composition but did not affect the DM yield. The tallest plants and most leaves were observed at 60-day intervals, while the tiller density was greater at 30 days. A relatively high DM yield (8.64 t/ha) was obtained by cutting desho grass at 30-day intervals, which was comparable to the results of the other treatments. The crude protein content decreased with increasing intervals, whereas the ADF content increased. Overall, cutting desho grass at 30–45 days optimized both the DM yield and nutritional value in the study areas.

EFFECT OF SOAKING PERIOD ON THE PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF SOYBEAN USED IN FORMULATING MILK REPLACER FOR CALVES

The study investigated the effect of soaking period on the proximate composition (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, fibre, fat, ash, carbohydrate. acid detergent fibre- neutral detergent fibre and energy) and (moisture, pH, titratable acidity, solid non fat, protein, total solid, fat and ash contents) of soybeans both on dry and wet matter basis respectively. Raw seeds of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merril) were sun-dried and milled which serves as the control (sample A); soaked for 12h at room temperature (34±2 DC) dehulled, sun-dried and milled (sample B); soaked for 24h, sun-dried and milled (sample C); soaked for 48h, sun-dried and milled (sample D) and soaked for 72h sun-dried and milled (sample E). Results from the proximate composition showed that dry matter content of the samples ranged from 95.53 (sample D) to 96.91% (sample A); crude protein content ranged from 40.28 (sample A) to 46.60% (sample C); crude fibre content ranged from 5.16 (sample C) to 9.50% (sample A); and crude fat content ranged from 14.1 1 (sample A) to 29.55% (sample E). The control (sample A) recorded the highest ash, carbohydrate, NDF, ADF and Hemicellulose contents of (8.47.24.55, 60.19, 49.98, 10.21%) respectively, while sample D recorded the highest energy content (5631.61 MJ/kgDM). Total solid and solid non-fat were highest in sample D (7.01 and 6.85) respectively. On the other hand, length of soaking period decreases the pH of the samples, but there was an increase in titratable acidity across the samples. In conclusion, the study showed that period of soaking improves the proximate composition of the product.

Effect of sodium lignosulfonate and propionic acid application rate on dry matter losses, nutritional composition, in vitro gas production, and fungal populations of high moisture alfalfa hay mini bales

This study evaluated the effects of application rate (AR) of sodium lignosulfonate (MBL) and propionic acid (PRP) on high moisture alfalfa hay spoilage during storage and its nutritive value. Treatments (TRT; MBL and PRP) were applied at four AR: 0 (CON), 2.5, 5 and 10 g/kg (fresh basis) to alfalfa hay at 68.5 % dry matter (DM), packed into mini bales and stored for 33 d. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design (5 blocks) with a 2 TRT × 4 AR factorial arrangement. At d 33, DM losses were decreased by PRP at 5 and 10 g/kg (x¯=0.9), vs. CON (6.92) and MBL (6.63 ± 1.13 %). Visual moldiness (0–10 ranking) and mold counts were also decreased by PRP at 5 (2.4 and 5.30) and 10 g/kg (0 and 2.7) relative to CON (6.0 and 7.13) and MBL (5.85 ± 0.67 and 7.21 ± 0.31 log cfu/fresh g, respectively). Both TRT kept aNDF and ADF concentrations low at 2.5 g/kg AR (464 and 319) and to a greater extent at 10 g/kg (442 and 307), relative to CON (494 ± 8.1 and 333 ± 4.71 g/kg DM, respectively; P<0.001). Both TRT increased apparent in vitro DM digestibility at all AR relative to CON (x¯=543 vs. 501 ± 12.0 g/kg of DM, respectively), but, compared to MBL, PRP also increased the asymptotic maximal gas produced (188.4 vs. 179.7 ± 4.82 mL/g of incubated DM), the rate of gas production (9.46 vs. 8.72 ± 0.45 %/h), and total volatile fatty acids (117.5 vs. 114.8 mM, respectively; P<0.035), due to its greater concentration of nutrients. In conclusion, MBL failed to prevent spoilage of high moisture alfalfa hay while PRP was effective at doses >5 g/kg. However, MBL prevented the increase of aNDF and improved in vitro DM digestibility to the same extent as PRP, possibly due to its strong surfactant properties.

Orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) yield and nutritive characteristics in response to different cutting regimes in a temperate region

The present study was carried out at the Research Farm of Regional Research Station, ICAR-IGFRI, Rangreth, Srinagar, to evaluate three harvesting stages and three cutting intervals for achieving higher fodder yield and quality in orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L). Among the harvesting stages, H3 (harvesting at the flowering stage) recorded the highest green (27.04 t/ha) and dry(8.05 t/ha) fodder yield. Among the cutting intervals, CI 3 (cutting at 60-day intervals) recorded higher fresh and dry biomass yield. Fodder yield increased with harvesting at later stages and increased cutting intervals. The highest crude protein content (11.87%), lowest NDF (55.87%) and ADF (31.65%) contents were recorded when grass was harvested at the vegetative stage. Digestible dry matter (DDM) varied significantly with both harvesting stage and cutting interval and was found to be highest with H1 (64.23%) and CI 1 (63.54%). The highest relative feed value (RFV) of 106.92% and highest total digestible nutrients (TDN) of 65.68% were found in the orchard grass cut at the vegetative stage (H1), which was at par with orchard grass harvested first at the booting stage (H2). Harvesting at both vegetative and booting stages resulted in good quality (RFV &gt;103%) and energy-rich (TDN&gt; 65%) forage. Harvesting at the flowering stage resulted in fair quality (RFV 96.67% and TDN 63.65%) fodder.

DETERMINATION OF FEED QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF SOME SILAGE MAIZE (Zea mays L.) HYBRIDS CULTIVATED IN EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN CONDITIONS

The research was carried out in Kahramanmaras Eastern Mediterranean Transition Zone Agricultural Research Institute (DAGTEM) in the main crop growing season of 2019 and 2020, in a randomized blocks trial design with three replications to determine the silage quality characteristics of 20 different silage maize hybrids (Macha, Ranger, Simon, AS160, Dracma, DS0224, DKC6442, Colonia, Inove, Antex, Everest, Torro, 73may81, Kilowaatt, Klips, PR31Y43, 30B74, DKC7240, C955, and Gladius). The study showed that silage quality varied significantly for maize hybrids and the region's climatic conditions in different years. According to the two-year average results, the dry matter content (T60), dry matter recovery, crude protein content, crude ash content, starch content, NDF content, ADF content, and ADL content were between 28.43-32.59%, 90.11-97.69%, 6.01-7.44%, 4.93-7.52%, 18.88-27.04%, 44.28-54.69%, 23.85-30.30%, and 2.00-3.62%, respectively, and C955, Everest, and PR31Y43 were the hybrids that potential silage nutritional value of them was prominent.

Effect of Harvest Management on Biomass Yield, Forage Quality, and Nutrient Removal by Bioenergy Grasses in Mid-Central Virginia

The increasing cost of fossil-based energy sources has driven research in bio-based alternatives, such as perennial grasses for feedstock. The mid-Atlantic receives appreciable summer rainfall that may support a two-cut-per-year−1 harvest. At Virginia State University, a study on annual forage sorghum and two one-year stand perennials, miscanthus, and selected switchgrass ecotypes was carried out. The experimental design was a split-plot with harvest systems and feedstock grass species randomly assigned to the main and sub-plots, respectively. Only perennial grasses were assigned to the two-cut-per-year−1 system. The first cut occurred in early summer, and the second and single cut occurred after the frost-kill. Under the two-cut system, in 2022, the first-cut dry matter (DM) yield ranged from 8.9 Mg ha−1 in Blackwell to 14.7 Mg ha−1 in BoMaster. Additionally, except for BoMaster, the regrowth DM yields were within 10% of the first-cut DM yield. Under the one-cut system, the yield ranged from 10.8 Mg ha−1 in Blackwell to 23.2 Mg ha−1 in sorghum. Under the two-cut system, in 2023, miscanthus produced the greatest first-cut DM yield of 18.4 Mg ha−1, while other perennials averaged 10.1 Mg ha−1. Compared to the first cut, the hot and dry summer significantly reduced regrowth for all feedstock species, with the miscanthus DM yield dropping by 64%. While forage attributes differ among feedstock species, in general, both the first cut and regrowth showed greater crude protein and mineral elements, as well as lower ADF contents compared to a single cut following a killing freeze. Sorghum had better forage quality for the one-cut-per-year−1 feedstock material, and, along with the first cut and regrowth, it may have the potential for use as forage for maintenance energy in animal systems. For perennials, the two-cut-per-year−1 system removed the greatest quantities of nutrients during both years, with the first-cut harvest contributing about 65% of all removed N and K. Sorghum removed the greatest quantities of nutrients compared to the perennial under a one-cut-per-year−1 system. Therefore, while a two-cut-per-year−1 system can result in the greatest DM yields for dual-purpose use, its adoption calls for a critical analysis of economic benefits that considers feedstock bioenergy processing approaches, stand persistence, and fertilizer management strategies to address potential soil fertility depletion due to mineral element mining.

Epiphytic microbiota source stimulates the fermentation profile and bacterial community of alfalfa-corn mixed silage.

The epiphytic microbiota source on plants plays a crucial role in the production of high-quality silage. To gain a better understanding of its contribution, the microbiota of alfalfa (M1C0), corn (M0C1) and the resulting mixture (M1C1) was applied in alfalfa-corn mixed silage production system. M1C0 decreased ammonia-N levels in terms of total nitrogen (57.59-118.23 g/kg TN) and pH (3.59-4.40) values (p < 0.01), which increased lactic acid (33.73-61.89 g/kg DM) content (p < 0.01). Consequently, this resulted in higher residual water-soluble carbohydrate (29.13-41.76 g/kg DM) and crude protein (152.54-167.91 g/kg DM) contents, as well as lower NDF (427.27 g/kg DM) and ADF (269.53 g/kg DM) contents in the silage compared to M1C1- and M0C1-treated samples. Moreover, M1C0 silage showed significantly higher bacterial alpha diversity indices (p < 0.05), including the number of observed species and Chao1 and Shannon diversity indices, at the later stages of ensiling. Lactobacillus, Kosakonia and Enterobacter were the dominant bacterial species in silages, with a relative abundance of >80%. However, the abundance of Lactobacillus amylovorus in M0C1- and M1C1-treated silage increased (p < 0.01) in the late stages of ensiling. These findings confirmed that the epiphytic microbiota source exerts competitive effects during anaerobic storage of alfalfa-corn mixed silage.

Evaluation of the decomposition ability and characteristics of pig manure treated with different larval instar stages of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.)

AbstractWaste treatment using black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens L.) larvae is an emerging technology that reduces livestock manure disposal. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different growth stage BSF larvae on the decomposition potential (Experiment 1) and characteristics (Experiment 2) of pig manure. BSF larval instars were randomly divided in three groups according to their developmental stage, with three replicates per group, using a randomized block design. Each treatment group consisted of 1 kg of 2nd, 3rd, or 4th instar BSF larvae added in 10 kg of pig manure (Group 1, 2, or 3, respectively). In Experiment 1, 2nd and 3rd instar BSF larvae treatments resulted in greater decomposition levels of pig manure compared with 4th instar BSF larvae groups. In Experiment 2, BSF larvae improved the nutrient content of manure, leading to an increase in the total nitrogen levels and a decrease in total carbon content and C:N ratio, rendering it suitable for use as an organic fertilizer. In addition, the increased N levels of treated BSF manure were not related to lower pH levels. BSF larvae can greatly reduce ADF and NDF pig manure contents as a result of the larvae's waste reduction potential. Overall, BSF 3rd instar larvae have proven to be a useful tool for the sustainable management of pig manure by strongly increasing its decomposition ability and can be an organic fertilizer for agricultural purposes that reduce ADF and NDF contents through composting.