ADF Values Research Articles

DETERMINATION OF SEASONAL CHANGES OF FEED VALUE OF COMMON GRAZABLE SPECIES AŞAĞI GÖKDERE MACQUIS SHRUBLANDS

This study was conducted in the years of 2018-2020 to determine the feed value of common shrub species that can be grazed in the maquis area around Aşağı Gökdere village of Isparta. Ten species (Quercus coccifera, Quercus infectoria, Quercus cerris, Phillyrea latifolia, Spartium junceum, Crataegus monogyna, Paliurus spina-christi, Juniperus oxycedrus, Cistus creticus and Arbutus andrachne) were used in the study. Leaf samples were collected from these species in each season. Dry matter content, crude protein content, NDF, ADF, total digestible nutrients, relative feed value and tannin content were determined. According to the analysis of variance, the differences between seasons and shrub species were found to be statistically significant in all traits analyzed. According to the two-year averages, when the seasons were compared, the highest crude protein content, total digestible nutrients and relative feed value were obtained in spring, decreased as the seasons progressed, and the lowest values were obtained in winter. The lowest dry matter ratios, ADF and NDF values were obtained in spring and they increased in parallel with the progression of the seasons. The lowest condensed tannin ratios were obtained in spring and summer, while the highest values were determined in autumn. When the species were compared, the lowest dry matter and condensed tannins contents were found in Spartium junceum, while NDF and ADF ratios were found in P. spina-christi. The highest crude protein content was determined in Quercus infectoria, while total digestible nutrients and relative feed value were determined in P. spina-christi species. As a result, it was observed that shrubs, shrub-formed trees and shrubs in the maquis have an important potential as high quality feed for ruminants during the critical period in semi-arid and arid regions.

61 Effects of botanical composition on grazing system management, forage quality, forage availability, and ewe performance

Abstract The objective was to compare the effects of two forage mixtures utilized in a rotational grazing system on ewe performance, forage quality, and forage availability. Dorset-Suffolk crossbred ewes [n = 48; body weight (BW) = 187 ± 20 kg] were stratified by BW, body condition score (BCS), and age, then allotted to six groups. Groups were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: forage mixture 1 (FM1; 47% orchard grass, 30% white clover, 14% brome grass, and 9% ryegrass) and forage mixture 2 (FM2; 44% ryegrass, 33% white clover, and 23% red clover). There were 18 paddocks (30.5 m x 22 m) for each treatment, each group was rotated between one of six paddocks; the rotation of each group was determined by the reduction of forage height to approximately 10 cm. Ewe BW and BCS were collected on d 0, 14, and 28. Forage heights were measured using meter sticks upon the groups entering and exiting each paddock. Forage heights were used to calculate forage availability, and the difference between pre-grazing and post-grazing forage availability was assumed to be forage disappearance. Five pre-grazing forage samples from each paddock were clipped at 10 cm using the forage square (0.0625 m²) to determine fiber content. Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS 9.4. No effects on ewe BW or BCS were observed (P = 0.4134) between treatments. Ewes grazing FM2 spent more time grazing each paddock (P < 0.01) compared with ewes grazing FM1. Pre-grazing forage ground cover (P < 0.01) was greater in FM2 compared with FM1; however, grazed forage mass disappearance was not different (P = 0.44) between treatments. The NDF and ADF values were greater for FM1 than FM2 (P < 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively) indicating that more forage is needed to meet ewe energy requirements. Results suggest that neither forage mixture had a significant impact on ewe BW or BCS; however, ewes grazing FM2 maintained themselves on a smaller land area during growing season, making it a more feasible option for rotational grazing management.

Feed Quality of Sweet Sorghum Grains

Sweet sorghum crop produces grains at its ear-head which can be utilised as food and feed, produces stalks for the production of syrup, bio-ethanol, bio-diesel, bagasse and green foliage for use as organic fertiliser and excellent animal fodder. Approximately 4000 sweet sorghum cultivars are spread over the globe, providing a broad and varied genetic foundation for the development of highly productive, region-specific cultivars. A study was conducted to assess the grains of selected 10 different sweet sorghum varieties for the feed quality characters. For this aim, ADF, NDF, ADL, DMD, DMI, TDN, RFV, DE and ME values of sweet sorghum grains were determined. As a result of the study, crude ash, CP, ADF, NDF, ADL, DMD, DMI, RFV, TDN, DE and ME values were determined as 0.19-3.74%; 9.03-11.05%; 10.0-24.6%; 24.3-38.0%; 1.07-9.13%; 69.69-81.09%; 3.16-4.94%; 170.5-309.5%; 63.85-74.84%; 3.25-3.74 MJ/kg and 9.85-11.78 Mcal/kg, respectively. Variety "Smith" stands out with its ADF, NDF and ADL characteristics. Gülşeker, USDA-Taiwan and Erdurmuş varieties were significant in terms of CP. Ulusoy variety stands out with DMI, TDN, RFV, DE and ME.

Nilai Nutrien dan Kecukupan WSC Berbagai Hijauan Sebagai Sumber Pakan Silase

Cultivation of forages from graminae and legumes is an alternative source of fiber feed to meet basic living needs and ruminant livestock production. This research aims to assess the nutritional and WSC content of various forages as indicators and considerations in making silage. The research used a completely randomized design with 5 treatments with 4 replications. Regarding the treatment of forage types, namely A = elephant grass; B = Gama Umami; C= Mexican Grass; D= Odot grass; D = Indigofera beans. The research parameters are crude protein (%), crude fat (%), dry matter (%), ash, crude fiber (%), water-soluble carbohydrates (%), and NDF and ADF content (%). The results showed that different types of forage had a significant effect (P<0.05) on the nutritional value and WSC content. The research conclusion was that Indigofera legumes and odot grass had the highest WSC content, namely 4.59% and 4.49%. Furthermore, indigofera legumes and odot grass also produce the lowest NDF and ADF values compared to other treatments, so they have the potential to be used as raw materials for making silage to support the availability of ruminant feed

The extremely young planetary nebula M 3-27: an analysis of its evolution, physical conditions, and abundances

ABSTRACT Spectrophotometric data of the young planetary nebula M 3-27, from 2004 to 2021, are presented and discussed. We corroborate that the H i Balmer lines present features indicating they are emitted by the central star, therefore He i lines were used to correct line fluxes by effects of reddening. Important variability on the nebular emission lines between 1964 and 2021, probably related to density changes in the nebula, is reported. Diagnostic diagrams to derive electron temperatures and densities have been constructed. The nebula shows a very large density contrast with an inner density of the order of 107 cm−3 and an outer density of about 103–104 cm−3. With these values of density, electron temperatures of 16 000–18 000 K have been found from collisionally excited lines. Because the central star emits in the H+ lines, ionic abundances relative to He+ were calculated from collisionally excited and recombination lines, and scaled to H+ by considering that He+/H+ = He/H = 0.11. Abundance discrepancy factor (O+2) values were also determined. Total abundance values obtained indicate sub-solar abundances, similar to what is found in other comparable objects like IC 4997.

Evaluation of Grain Maize Harvest Residues as Fodder After Partial Torrefaction Under Microwave

With a project supported by Siirt University (Siirt, Türkiye), we determined the conversion potential of residues of field cropped grain maize into animal feed via torrefaction. Torrefaction application was performed in a microwave device for four different periods of time (0, 4, 8, and 12 minutes) in three replications at three different watts (300, 600, and 900 watts). The dry matter digestion was determined for the ground starter and final materials by the Daisy Incubator Technique (ANKOM). Changes in dry matter, protein, and ADF values were measured by standard feed quality analyses. The effects of applications on dry matter ratio, protein, and in vitro digestibility were found to be statistically significant, whereas the effect on ADF ratio was insignificant. Low-term torrefaction applications significantly increased the dry matter ratio, whereas high power and long application periods significantly increased the protein ratio. In vitro, digestibility was decreased due to the increase in the power application and duration of torrefaction. A material with high dry matter and high protein content but low in vitro digestibility was obtained as a result of the torrefaction applications tested in the study under microwave conditions with grain maize harvest residues. Although the applications tested have decreased the value of maize harvest residues as cattle feed, the obtained material with high dry matter and protein content with this torrefaction method has the potential to be used as a nutrient medium in different living environments (e.g. bacterial or fungal) which may be subjected to further investigations.

The effect of the addition of fermented natural lactic acid bacterial liquid and some lactic acid bacterial inoculants on alfalfa silage quality, in vitro digestibility and gas production

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding fermented natural lactic acid bacteria (PFJ) obtained from different sources and some lactic acid bacteria inoculants to alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) silage on fermentation, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and in vitro gas production. In the study, (i) pure alfalfa plant constituted the control group, whereas (ii) 2% molasses added group (iii) PFJ (3% molasses) prepared from alfalfa + 2% molasses to alfalfa plant, (iv) PFJ (3% molasses) prepared from meadow grass + 2% molasses alfalfa. plant, (v) PFJ (3% Molasses) prepared from maize + 2% molasses to alfalfa plant, (vi) homofermentative added group + 2% molasses to alfalfa plant, (vii) heterofermentative group + 2% molasses to alfalfa plant, added groups formed the trial groups. Homofermentative and heterofermentative LAB inoculants were added to alfalfa plant at the level of 108 cfu/kg. When the DM, CA, ADF, NDF, IVOMD, ME and CH4 values of the prepared silages were examined, the differences between the groups were found to be statistically significant. When the fermentation characteristics (pH, NH3-N, CO2, LA, AA, BA, mold) of the silages prepared by adding PFJ and some LAB inoculants to alfalfa plant, the differences between groups were found to be statistically significant. When examined in terms of all parameters, it was determined that the addition of PFJ (3% molasses) prepared from meadow grass + 2% molasses to alfalfa plant had positive effects on silage quality, fermentation characteristics and in vitro organic matter digestion.

NUTRIENT COMPOSITION, IN VITRO GAS AND METHANE PRODUCTION OF Pleurotus SPECIES TREATED CROP RESIDUES FOR THEIR USE IN RUMINANT DIETS

A promising approach for the provision of high-quality supplementary feed for dry season ruminant feeding is the use of fungal-treated crop residues. This current study, therefore, used 3 Pleurotus species (P. ostreatus -PO, P. florida – PF, and P. sajor-caju- PS) to treat 4 crop residues (cowpea chaff - CC, millet chaff - MC, groundnut haulm - GH, and maize stover -MST) over 20 days at room temperature. The treated residues were afterward dried and sub-samples were taken for chemical composition (Dry matter – DM, crude protein – CP, Neutral detergent fibre – NDF, and Acid detergent fibre – ADF) determination and in vitro studies (in vitro gas and methane gas production). The Pleurotus species improved the crop residues nutrient composition through increased CP values and decreased NDF and ADF values but the species varied in their residues preference. PO greatly improved GH and CC; PS greatly improved MC; and PF greatly improved MST. The Pleurotus species improved the in vitro gas production of millet chaff (57 – 107 ml/ g DM – PF; 123 ml/ g DM – PS; and 130 ml/ g DM – PO) only. The highest in vitro gas production in PO-treated MC was complemented with comparable methane gas production (3.28 – 5.19 ml/ g DM) and percentage methane in total gas production (7 – 7%) to intact residue at 72h of incubation. It can be concluded that PO-treated millet chaff can be used as improved supplementary dry season feed for better ruminant production.

Chemical Composition And Surface Images Of Untreated And Urea-Treated Rice Straw As Inf uenced By Days After Threshing

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and changes in the surface structure of rice straw as affected by the number of days of exposure to the field prior to processing. A total of 24 packs of rice straw samples collected at 1 day after threshing (DAT), 4 DAT, and 7 DAT field exposure untreated and treated with urea for 10 days were analyzed for its chemical changes using proximate analysis and surface structure of the fiber compounds through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results (%DM basis) showed that 1DAT untreated rice straw obtained the highest dry matter (DM) concentration at 94.61%. Seven DAT untreated rice straw contain the highest amount of Ash at 20.92%. Likewise, 1 DAT and 7 DAT untreated rice straw contains higher levels of crude protein (CP) at 9.60% and 9.79%, respectively. Ether extract (EE) was observed highest in 1DAT untreated rice straw at 1.97%. Considerable breakdown of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin fractions of rice straw was attained in 4DAT and 7DAT untreated, and 1 to 7 DAT urea-treated rice straw (UTRS) as evident by its lower NDF, ADF, and ADL values. Changes in the surface structures of microfibers efficiently captured using SEM showed the differences in the morphology of the fibers as influenced by number of days exposed to the field prior to treatment. Therefore, in order to optimize the protocol to improve the feeding and nutritional quality of rice straw, it is suggested that the number of days of exposure to the field be considered prior to processing. Likewise, UTRS is an effective method to disintegrate the complex fibrous compounds of the cell wall of rice straw.

Doğu Akdeniz koşullarında ikinci ürün olarak yetiştirilen bazı hibrit mısır genotiplerinde tane ve yem verimi ile yem kalite özelliklerinin değerlendirilmesi

This research was conducted in order to guide farmers and researchers by determining grain, forage yield and yield-related traits and forage quality of different parts of the whole plant in some maize cultivars in Eastern Mediterranean ecological conditions. In this study, it was assessed grain and forage yield and fodder quality of four maize cultivars (PR91G98, SY Castaneda, SY Gladius, and SY Tuscani) cultivated under the Estern Mediterranean conditions. To determine forage quality, ear, stem and leaves of the whole plant maize were analyzed separately. To evaluate grain and forage yield, parameters like plant height, stem diameter, hay yield, dry matter yield, green leaf yield, green stem yield, ear weight, green ear yield were investigated while features such as crude protein, crude ash, organic matter, NDF, ADF, digestibility of dry matter, dry matter intake and relative feed value were examined to determine forage quality. The new maize cultivars have been updated continually; it is important to clarify the responses of new varieties to agronomic practices and forage yield, quality, grain yield, and related traits. The results of this study revealed that ear is very important for forage yield and quality. The greatest hay and grain yield were produced by PR31G98 maize cultivar. It was observed SY Tuscani had higher NDF and ADF values than other maize varieties. With this study, the importance of nutrient content according to silage yield and plant parts in second crop corn cultivation was determined. In addition, research results showed important source data for farmers and researchers regarding forage and grain yield of maize farming and production area is continually increasing.

Determination of Forage Yield and Other Characteristics of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Cultivars Sown at Different Times

In this study, which was carried out in Erzurum conditions to utilize cowpea cultivars and a cowpea landrace sown at different times as feed crops and determine some of their characteristics, 5 genotypes including 4 different cowpea cultivars (Akkız-86, Karagöz-86, Karnıkara, and Ülkem) and 1 landrace (red cowpea) were used, and treatment groups with 3 different sowing times (25 April, 10 May, and 25 May) were formed. The study was conducted with the Randomized Complete Block Design and 4 replicates. According to the results, after the sowing of the cowpea cultivars and landrace at different times, the ranges of the values were 21.50-90.50 cm for plant height, 11.50-25.25 cm for first pod height, 8.25-18.75 cm for pod length, 1.75-19.00 for number of pods, 1.50-13.75 for number of seeds per pod, 935-3537.55 kg/daa for green herbage yield, 157.40-760.38 kg/daa for dry herbage yield, 8.93-12.27% for crude protein ratio, 16.48-26.71% for ADF ratio, and 21.89-36.99% for NDF ratio. Among the sowing times, the dates 25 April and 10 May were prominent. Consequently, the treatment at the sowing time of 25 April was found optimal in terms of the green herbage yield, crude protein ratio, ADF, and NDF values in terms of the identification of sowing times of the plant as a feed crop in Erzurum conditions. Among the cultivars, the Ülkem cultivar and the red cowpea landrace provided the best results as feeds.

The Seasonal Variation of Forage's Chemical Composition of a Semi-Arid Rangeland According to Altitude and Aspects

This study was carried out on Kop Mountain, which is located at the intersection of Eastern Anatolia and Eastern Black Sea in Turkey. Forage samples were taken from the semi-arid rangeland sites were analyzed for status of the chemical composition according to altitude and aspect. In addition, the seasonal variation of the chemical composition was investigated by repeated analyzes in 3 different periods. In terms of aspect, the highest crude protein ratio (13.40%) occurred in the north, the lowest ratio (10.11%) occurred in the east, while the higher crude protein ratio (11.88%) was observed in the backslope in terms of altitude. The highest crude protein rate (15.15%) was found in May. The highest rate (53.67%) was found in the east and the lowest (45.86%) in the North in terms of NDF. NDF rates in May, July, and October were 48.27%, 47.11%, and 58.17%, respectively. The highest value (33.30%) was recorded in the west and the lowest value (27.66%) was recorded in the North in terms of ADF. ADF values observed in May, July and October were determined as 26.98%, 30.93%, and 36.63%, respectively. According to the results of the research, it was determined that while the crude protein ratio decreased with the maturation of the plants, the elements forming the cell wall increased; and seasonal conditions changed and affected the forage quality.

Prediction of the nutritional values by INRA (2018) feed evaluation system of Megathyrsus maximus subjected to different grazing strategies

Grazing management is a key element to optimize growth cycle of forages, which are enhanced in their chemical composition leading to the reception of greater nutritive values for feeding ruminants. Several studies have showed that the accuracy and precision of the feeding values are critical to achieve this goal, unfortunately, in Ecuador there are not referential data, despite of Megathyrsus maximus is the most forage used by livestock farmers. The predominant aim of the current study was to approach and estimate the feeding values by INRA feed evaluation system of Tanzania grass (Megathyrsus maximus) subjected at different grazing strategies. The statistical design was a randomized complete block, with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Where the treatments were combinations of three grazing frequencies (GF) (30 d; termed GF30, 45 d, GF45 and 60 d, GF60) and two cutting heights (CHs; 30 and 45 cm). The agronomic data did not vary by season effect (P = 0.24 to 0.82), but GF60 had higher plant heigh and dry matter (DM) contents (P < 0.001) than other GF, although with less tiller populations (241 vs. 304 tiller/m2). By CHs effect, Tanzania grass at 30 cm had a greater DM content than 45 cm of CHs (5565 vs. 4221 ± 603 kg/ha-1; P = 0.073). All chemical determinations were affected by GF, CHs and their interaction (P < 0.001 to 0.004) with the exception on ADF between CHs (P = 0.50). Whereas only the CP and ADF values were conditioned by season effect (P = 0.001 to 0.011). Subsequently, Tanzania grass subjected at moderate rest periods and low defoliation intensities showed greater energy and proteins values than traditionally used GF60. Based in these findings, the defoliation frequency had influence on agronomic and chemical characteristics, whilst the feeding values was mainly affected by grazing intensities and weather conditions. So, the best combination regarding nutritive values should be at GF30 and GF45 combined with 45 cm of CHs.

Effect of adding lactic acid bacteria to maize silage on nutritive quality, fermentation properties and in vitro digestibility

This study aimed to determine the effects of adding lactic acid bacteria to maize silage on the nutritionalf quality, its fermentation properties and its in vitro organic matter digestion (IVOMD). In the study, pre-fermented juices (PFJ) prepared from different water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) sources at the rate of 5% and commercial homofermentative and heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were added to silages. Groups were designed as (I) control, (II) Glucose-PFJ, (III) Fructose-PFJ, (IV) Sucrose-PFJ, (V) Molasses-PFJ, (VI) Homofermentative LAB (HoLAB) and (VII) Heterofermentative LAB (HetLAB). When the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count, lactic acid (LA), acetic acid (AA), LA/AA ratio, pH and yeast values of the natural fermented lactic acid bacteria liquids prepared by adding 5% different easily soluble carbohydrate sources to meadow grass fermentation values of the groups were examined, the differences between them were statistically significant. 
 The differences between the groups in the CA, ADF, IVOMD and methane (CH4) values of the silage groups prepared by adding PFJ were found to be statistically significant. The differences in the fermentation characteristics of the silages (pH, ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), LA, AA, LA/AA, CO2 and total yeast mold after aerobic stability) were statistically significant. When all parameters were examined, it was concluded that the addition of PFJ, which is prepared by adding 5% fructose to the meadow grass plant, to the maize silage has positive effects on IVOMD, ME, CH4, LA and yeast-mold and can be used instead of commercial inoculants.

PROXIMATE COMPOSITION, FIBRE FRACTION AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF ENSILED RICE MILLING WASTE ENHANCED WITH UREA AND POULTRY LITTER

The experiment was conducted to examine the physical properties, pH, temperature, proximate composition, fibre fraction, energy content and mineral composition of ensiled rice milling waste (RMW) treated with urea and poultry litter in a completely randomized design. RMW was treated with of Urea and Poultry Litter (PL) and ensiled in in-vitro laboratory silos (946ml). The treatment combinations were; A (100%RMW), B (100%RMW+ Urea), C (80%RMW + 20%PL), and D (60%RMW + 40%PL). The treatments were ensiled for 21 days in triplicates. At the expiration of each ensiling period, samples were taken for analyses. The results for physical properties showed that most of the silages were adequately fermented with sweet aroma. The compounded silages were acidic 4.34 – 4.86 except treatments B and D which had pH of 7.96 and 7.91 respectively. The temperatures of the silages were significantly (P<0.05) different. Based on the physical properties, pH and temperature evaluated, most of the silages can be considered to be well prepared. The proximate composition of silages differ significantly (P<0.05), higher percentages in CF and Ash were recorded in Treatment A. Dry matter content was also significantly different (P<0.05) with treatment A having the highest DM (97.19%). The CP in treatment D (6.13%) proved superior. RMW and Urea mixtures resulted in silages with highest %NDF, %HEM and Energy. Lowest NDF, ADF, CEL and ADL values were obtained in treatment D. The nutritive quality of treatment D was proved to be higher and thus it is recommended for dry season ruminant feeding.

Quality parameters of Paspalum paspalodes in wetland of Kızılırmak delta

The Kızılırmak Delta, located in the north of Turkey, covers approximately 20,000 hectares and contains seven lakes of various sizes. There are Balık, Cernek, Gıcı, Liman, Uzun and Tatlı Lakes in the east and Karaboğaz Lake in the west and the width of these lakes is around 3,600 hectares. While the lakes have the largest area in the winter months, the water level decreases in the summer months and livestock are grazed in these areas. This study was carried out in the grassland areas formed by the withdrawal of water in the summer period in the south of Balık Lake. Paspalum paspalodes is the powerful plant species that appears with the withdrawal of water in the summer grazing period. In the present study, the CP, ADF, NDF and RFV values of the watergrass plant were found to be 8.92, 36.83, 60.57 and 92.45%, respectively. According to the results of the research; It was determined that Paspalum paspalodes was lovingly eaten by water buffaloes in the Kızılırmak Delta and the forage quality was medium.

Kovada Gölü çevresindeki yaygın çalı türlerinin yem değerlerindeki mevsimsel değişiminin belirlenmesi

This study was carried out in Kovada lake national park in Isparta in 2018-2020 to determine the forage values of common grazeable bush species. Ten species including bush, shrub-shaped tree and shrub species (Phillyrea latifolia, Spartium junceum, Juniperus oxycedrus, Quercus coccifera, Quercus infectoria, Coronilla emerus, Colutea melanocalyx, Fraxinus excelsior, Paliurus spina-christi ve Crataegus monogyna) were used in the study. Leaf samples were taken from these species in all seasons. In this study, dry matter (DM) ratio, crude protein (CP) ratio, NDF, ADF, total digestible nutrients (TDN), relative feed value (RFV) and tannin ratios of each species were determined.According to the results of the analysis of variance, the difference between seasons and bush species was found to be statistically significant in all the examined characteristics.According to the two-year averages, when the seasons are compared, the highest crude protein ratio, TDN and RFV were obtained in the spring, while they decreased as the seasons progressed, and the lowest values were obtained in the winter. The lowest dry matter ratios, ADF and NDF values were obtained in the spring and increased in parallel with the progress of the seasons. The lowest tannin ratios were obtained in spring and summer, while the highest values were determined in winter.When the species were compared, the lowest dry matter and NDF ratio were found in C. melanocalyx, ADF ratio in P. spina-christi, and tannin ratio in P. latifolia, S. junceum, C. emerus, C. melanocalyx and F. excelsior. The highest crude protein ratio was determined in C. emerus, TDN P. spina-christi and RFV C. melanocalyx species.Consequently, it has been seen that the bush, shrub-shaped tree and shrub species in the maquis have an important potential as high quality feed for ruminant animals in the critical period in semi-arid and arid regions.

The Use of Whey Powder Additions for Grass Silage: Effects on Nutrient Content, Fermentation Properties and Aerobic Stability

The aim of this study was to determine the nutrient content, fermentation properties, and aerobic stability of grass ensiled with the addition of different doses of whey powder. Freshly cut grasses (Festuca arundinacea, Festuca rubra, Poa pratensis, and Lolium perenne) were ensiled with the addition of whey powder at a rate of 0, 2, 4, and 6% in the laboratory in 1.5-liter plastic jars with 4 replications. At the end of the 60-day ensiling period, the nutrient content, fermentation properties, and aerobic stability values of silages were investigated. The pH measurements revealed that the silages were of high quality. Although dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE) values increased depending on the increase in whey powder rate in the silages, crude ash (CA), ADF, and NDF values decreased. The lowest pH and the highest Fleig Score (FS) were obtained in silage with a 6% whey powder addition. Except in the control group, no mold formation was detected in silage groups after the seven-day aerobic stability test. As a result, different mixing ratios of grass and whey powder did not cause negative results in silages and increased the quality. According to Fleig scores and aerobic stability results, the best quality silages were obtained from silages with 4 and 6% whey powder additions. It was concluded that the ensiling of grass with whey powder was effective in improving the nutritional and fermentation quality of silages and provided a partial solution to environmental pollution.

Determination of Nutritional Quality and Aerobic Stability of Sorghum, Maize, and Sorghum-Maize Mixture Silages

The current study aimed to determine the nutritional quality and aerobic stability of sorghum, maize, and their mixture silages without any additives. Sorghum and maize were harvested at dough stage from a local farm in Tekirdağ. Fresh plant materials were chopped to a length of 2-3 cm and packed into polythene bags, and vacuumed. A total of 12 vacuum-packed silos (4 replications in each treatment) were prepared with sorghum (S), maize (M), and a mixture of sorghum-maize (SM) forage (w:w, 50:50 according to dry matter) and stored at room temperature for 60 days. The chemical and microbiological composition of silages with the rate of aerobic deterioration upon aerobic exposure were evaluated. Based on the pH and ammonia nitrogen concentration, all silages could be classified as good quality. The water-soluble carbohydrate level of the SM group increased due to mixing S and M forages, leading to improved lactic acid content. The NDF and ADF values of silages varied between 520.52-588.32 and 234.98-309.01 g kg-1, and the differences between silages were significant (P<0.01). The Hemicellulose/Cellulose ratio of S, M, and SM silages were found 0.94, 1.49, and 1.18, respectively. The lactobacilli and yeast content of silages were significant and varied between 5.18-7.41 and 5.18-7.29 log cfu g-1, and the highest and lowest values were observed in SM and S silages, respectively (P<0.01). No visible mold was detected in all silages after 5 days of aerobic exposure (P>0.05). The pH, CO2, and yeast numbers were varied in groups between 4.88-6.74, 55.71-119.33 g kg-1, and 8.40-9.01 log cfu g-1. It was concluded that it is possible to improve the nutritional and fermentation characteristics of sorghum and maize silage by ensiling their mixture. However, it is highly recommended that silage additives should be used to guarantee and strengthen the fermentation and aerobic stability of silage mostly made by a mixture of these two energetic forage crops.

Acúmulo de forragem, composição morfológica e valor nutritivo de Paspalum notatum CV. INIA Sepé

Defoliation strategies determine sward canopy structure and affect forage accumulation and nutritive value. The objective of this study was to determine forage accumulation, morphological composition and nutritive value of inia Sepé subjected to combinations of three frequencies (defoliation at 90%, 95% and maximum canopy light interception during regrowth —li90%, li95% and liMax), and two severities of defoliation (40 and 60% of the pre-cutting height). The experiment was carried out from November 15th, 2018 to March 31st, 2019 in Tacuarembó. Measurements of li and canopy height, forage mass morphological composition and nutritional value were carried out. Forage mass was greater in Feb-March. The percentage of leaves was greater for the higher defoliation frequency treatment (li90%). The percentage of stems did not vary among treatments (average of 23%). The percentage of dead material was greater for the lower defoliation frequency treatment (liMax) and 40% defoliation severity. Greater adf and ndf values and smaller digestibility were recorded for liMax/40% combination. For li90%, greater adf and ndf, and smaller digestibility were recorded for the 60% defoliation severity (Feb-March). Forage accumulation was greater for li90% and li95%. inia Sepé shows large flexibility to defoliation management, and the optimal pre-cutting target should not exceed li95% (i.e. 30 cm of canopy height) in order to ensure production of high nutritive value forage and harvest efficiency.