Animal Unit Research Articles

Live weight accounting for beef cow management

Calculation and use of annual live weight production of a group of beef cattle, ie, net harvest of live weight from their grazing area over a year, which is a primary beef cattle business measure directly indicating income, is limited in practice because it is not well understood and there is generally insufficient record keeping to achieve it. This concept paper introduces live weight production from extensively-managed breeding cows grazing pastures in a novel way termed ‘live weight accounting’. Live weight production and its calculation and expression as a function of both animal and land units is introduced. Division by the average live weight of the grazing cattle over a year to produce a live weight production ratio, indicative of efficiency of conversion of available pasture to live weight, is then presented. Live weight accounting is based on the principles that cows can extract nutrition from a pasture for the combined annual live weight production of themselves and their calf, and that annual weaner production equates to yearling growth in the same situation. Applied use of these measures is proposed. Large variation in production and efficiency occurs within and between cattle management groups, indicating opportunity to improve in many situations by focusing on multiple putative risk factors, especially pasture utilisation and weaning management. Performance of breeding cattle, primarily pregnancy and survival and growth of cows and calves, can each be altered to regulate production.Live weight accounting is a novel practical concept that can be used to conceptualise and manage beef business analyses and decision making. The principles of live weight accounting are applicable to all beef systems globally. Its application is discussed for weaning, supplementation, heifer mating, first-lactation cow management, selection and culling in breeding herds. In addition, it can be used for application of steer research outcomes to breeding cattle management and for managing climate variation.

Minimum Animal Units and the Standardized Count Problem

Minimum Animal Units and the Standardized Count Problem

Livestock Use on Public Lands in the Western USA Exacerbates Climate Change: Implications for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Public lands of the USA can play an important role in addressing the climate crisis. About 85% of public lands in the western USA are grazed by domestic livestock, and they influence climate change in three profound ways: (1) they are significant sources of greenhouse gases through enteric fermentation and manure deposition; (2) they defoliate native plants, trample vegetation and soils, and accelerate the spread of exotic species resulting in a shift in landscape function from carbon sinks to sources of greenhouse gases; and (3) they exacerbate the effects of climate change on ecosystems by creating warmer and drier conditions. On public lands one cow-calf pair grazing for one month (an “animal unit month” or “AUM”) produces 875 kg CO2e through enteric fermentation and manure deposition with a social carbon cost of nearly $36 per AUM. Over 14 million AUMs of cattle graze public lands of the western USA each year resulting in greenhouse gas emissions of 12.4 Tg CO2e year−1. The social costs of carbon are > $500 million year−1 or approximately 26 times greater than annual grazing fees collected by managing federal agencies. These emissions and social costs do not include the likely greater ecosystems costs from grazing impacts and associated livestock management activities that reduce biodiversity, carbon stocks and rates of carbon sequestration. Cessation of grazing would decrease greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil and water resources, and would enhance/sustain native species biodiversity thus representing an important and cost-effective adaptive approach to climate change.

Vegetation and Animal Performance Responses to Stocking Density Grazing Systems in Nebraska Sandhills Meadows

Management-intensive grazing, which is proposed to increase forage and animal productivity and maintain soil integrity and biodiversity, is seen as an alternative to meet 21st century agricultural and environmental challenges. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that high levels of trampling of standing vegetation associated with mob grazing (a.k.a., ultrahigh stocking density) leads to increased plant diversity and productivity. A long-term experiment was established on a subirrigated meadow in the Nebraska Sandhills as a complete block design comparing three grazing treatments applied annually during the growing season for 8 consecutive yr (2010−2017): 120-pasture rotation with one grazing cycle (mob; 225 000 kg live weight ha−1), four-pasture rotation with one grazing cycle (4PR1; 7 000 kg live weight ha−1), and four-pasture rotation with two grazing cycles (4PR2; 5 000 kg live weight ha−1). All treatments were set at a moderate stocking rate (7.4 animal unit months ha−1) using yearling steers. Percentage trampling, plant production, species composition, and steer weight gain were estimated annually. We applied linear mixed-effect models to account for year and treatment effect on the response variables. Percentage trampling on mob pastures ranged from 40% to 55% over the 8 yr of the study, nearly double that of the 4PR1 and 4PR2 pastures. We observed that mob grazing had no overall effect on plant species composition, aboveground production, and root growth relative to low stocking densities. Average daily gain of steers in the mob pastures was less than gain of steers in 4PR2 pastures in all years, with intermediate weight gains for the 4PR1 steers. Overall, stocking density did not appear to be a driver of plant composition and productivity in rotationally grazed pastures on subirrigated meadows in the Nebraska Sandhills.

Potential Availability of Forage in Oil Palm Plantations in West Pasaman Regency

Abstract Forage fodder can be obtained from various sources, one of which is from oil palm plantations. Oil palm plantations have enormous potential for the development of ruminant livestock. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential of forage biomass in oil palm plantations in the West Pasaman Regency. The research was carried out in different location with different plants aged 13 and 15 years with a land area of 2 ha each. Sampling was carried out randomly, each location is taken as many as 30 samples of forage samples using a 100 cm x 100 cm quadrant, for forage plant species identification, forage production, and storage carrying capacity. The results showed that 24 types of potential forage plant species were identified, including grasses, legumes, rumba (other indigenous plant species), and oil palm leaf midribs. Potential forage biomass was 994 thousand tons year-1, which is possible to supply forage with a carrying capacity of 436,000 animal units year-1. This number enables an additional population of cattle with 413,352 AU in west pasaman regency in terms of forage biomass potency in soil palm plantation.

Mangrove Utilization as Sources of Ruminant Feed in Belawan Secanang Subdistrict, Medan Belawan District

Mangroves hold several benefits, one of which is barriers from marine abrasion, food sources, aquatic habitats, carbon sinks and storages, places for education and training, ecotourism sites, and sources of ruminant feed. This study aimed to determine the potential of mangroves as sources of ruminant feed and its carrying capacity for sustainable mangrove utilization. The research was conducted in Belawan Sicanang Subdistrict by using purposive sampling for vegetation analysis and questionnaire method. Avicennia marina, Bruguiera sexangula, B. gymnorrhiza, Nypa fruticans, Rhizophora apiculata, Sonneratia alba, and Thespesia populnea were among the mangrove species used by the farmer. The total capacity of mangrove species as ruminant feed in the animal unit (AU) was obtained as dry matter (835.48 AU), crude protein (481.24 AU), and total digestible nutrient (873.77 AU). The carrying capacity of mangroves as represented in the form of dry matter (13.74), crude protein (7.91), and total digestible nutrient (14.36), were categorized as safe. In addition, the potential additional populations based on the safe level of carrying capacity (2.5) was 273 AU, based on crude protein for 131 AU, and based on total digestible nutrients for 288 AU.

Economic analyses of milk production among members and non-members offarmer collectives in Saurashtra

Primary data collected for 2019-‘20 from 416 members and non-members of dairy farmer collectives (where farmers come together to market their milk collectively – this study considers a co-operative union and a milk producer company – both prominent forms of farmer collectives) in Saurashtra region of Gujarat are used to work-out the cost and returns in milk production from local cow and buffalo, and across dairy farmer categories. The analyses reveal that farmer collective organizations like co-operatives and producer companies are profitable in case of both local cow and buffalo milk production, and also for the small (1-3) and medium (3-6) herd-size category (in Standard Animal Units or SAU) of farmers. Both the overall average feed cost and Total Variable cost (TVC) per animal per day incurred by members is 12 per cent and 11 per cent less than that of non-members, respectively. Members of the co-operative receive annual bonus and members of the producer company receive annual dividends and cash incentives; with this additional benefit received by the members, their total return per litre is 25 per cent more than that of non-members. The overall average annual net returns from dairy per household for members are higher at Rs. 11,641/- compared to the returns of non-members at Rs. 3955/-. Expanding the reach of farmer collective organizations would benefit more dairy farmers by making dairy a more profitable enterprise for them.

Effects of Grazing on Water Erosion, Compaction and Infiltration on Grasslands

Seventy-seven percent of all agricultural land is related to livestock, meat and dairy, including grazing land and arable fields used for animal feed production. The effect of livestock on the natural environment is well documented. Many types of research describe these effects on biodiversity. The surface runoff and soil erosion on grasslands and pastures are investigated with smaller intensity since grasslands are one of the two major land uses that are considered as natural or at least semi-natural lands. Still, mainly due to overuse, grazing on sloping pasture lands can cause severe soil damage, the trampling can cause compaction, compaction decrease infiltration and thus increase runoff and, consequently, soil loss. There are several consequences of the grazing pressure that cause water erosion and surface runoff above the acceptable limit, such as a dramatic decrease in grass densities and/or above-ground bio-mass, compaction, animal tracks, etc. Related research started as early as 1911 and continues until today. There are several methods to analyse the consequences of grazing pressure, e.g., in situ rainfall simulations, infiltration and soil resilience measurements, modelling of runoff, soil loss and infiltration, calculation of ecological costs, etc. Furthermore, most importantly, scientists are investigating the possibilities for improvement of the achieved unstable grazing system due to bad management. Numerous publications have been publishing results on positive changes with the removal of grazing livestock from the grasslands. However, since the socio-economic situation is changing on Earth, more people requiring the products of the pastures, an optimal grazing solution is greatly needed. One of the solutions can be the planning of the optimal animal unit per area, based on the expected grass yields. However, due to the big differences in yields, caused by the greatly unreliable weather, the solution for the future must be a multifunctional agriculture and a flexible land use.

Evaluating hydrological components and streamflow characteristics under conventional and adaptive multi‐paddock grazing management

AbstractEnhancing ecosystem services and improving water catchment functions are significant components of sustainable rangeland management. Different grazing management practices including the continuous season‐long heavy stocking (HS) and light stocking (LS), and adaptive multi‐paddock stocking (MPS) are adopted on rangelands around the world. Studies evaluating the effects of grazing management practices on streamflow characteristics are lacking. In this study, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool was used to assess the impacts of HS (24 Animal Units [AU] per 100 ha), LS (12 AU/100 ha), and adaptive MPS (24 AU/100 ha) management practices on hydrological conditions and streamflow characteristics in the Lower Prairie Dog Town Fork Red River watershed in north Texas. The model was calibrated based on 36 years of measured daily streamflow data and then used to assess the variation in hydrological components and streamflow characteristics under different grazing management practices, and no grazing (EX). Results indicated that the adaptive MPS decreased surface runoff by 30.6 and 46.0%, streamflow by 15.6 and 23.6%, and Richards–Baker flashiness Index by 24.1 and 35.9%, while increasing Baseflow Index by 19.7 and 31.6% when compared to the continuous LS and HS, respectively. In addition, changing grazing management from HS or LS to MPS showed a general tendency to decrease the magnitude of high flows and increase the magnitude of low flows, thereby decreasing the frequency of occurrence of floods and droughts. Simulated hydrologic conditions under MPS and EX scenarios were similar. Overall, adaptive MPS was found to be an ideal grazing management practice for water conservation, streamflow stability, and reduction of flood and drought risk.

The impact of education and experience on profit of smallholder dairy farming at Batu City of Malang Raya, Indonesia

The research was conducted at Batu, City, Malang Raya of Indonesia. Study addressed to examine the farmer characteristics, dairy farming income, and the factors influencing on profit. The case study applied multistage sampling method to select 34 representative farmers which divided into three strata namely, stratum-1 (rearing <4 Animal Units), stratum-2 (owning 4-8 AU), and stratum-3 (controlling >8 AU). Primary data collection used survey method with structured questionnaire, whereas secondary data were available in related institutions and sources. Data analysis implemented descriptive and multiple regression technique. Results confirmed that farmers has experienced about 6-10 years in raising dairy farming and they has secondary school education. The profitable dairy farming was smallholder dairy farming that rearing more than 8 AU with daily income per Animal Unit of IDR 64,554 and structured with IDR 11,131 of revenue and IDR 47,577 of production cost. Farmer’s experience was positively explaining the smallholder dairy profit, and the high school education attainment was more likely to increase venture’s income. The farm return has positive and strong relationships with the more number of dairy cattle owned.

Use of fat-soluble vitamins and feed additives in cow diets

The authors have created modern effective methods for controlling the vitamin content of highly productive lactating cows during the first period of lactation. The results were obtained on the content of vitamins in the diet, milk and blood when feeding with supplements Vitaminol and phytocomplex at 10, 15 and 20 g per animal unit daily separately and with mixed feed. The authors monitored the levels of vitamins A, carotene, D and E in cow's milk and serum. Scientific research was carried out for the agricultural enterprise "Novgorodsky Becon" of the Novgorod region. The cows ration was balanced by 50 nutrients and biologically active substances in accordance with the recommendations for animal feeding (Moscow, Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 2003). Studies of the content of vitamins were carried out using the silage-concentration type of ration fed to lactating black-and-white cows in conditions without grazing. We conducted 2 scientific experiments and 2 physiological experiments with cows during the first 100 days of their lactation. The increase in the level of vitamin A in milk and blood was due to the use of feed additives in the diets. The use of feed additives increased the vitamin D levels in milk and serum. The balance of calcium and phosphorus metabolism in cows is positive. The use of "Vitaminol" together with compound feeds increased the level of calcium by 5.6 6.3 and phosphorus by 4.4 4.9 grams per 1 kg of milk with the natural fat content. The diets were admixed with the "Vitaminol" and phytocomplex ratio of Ca: P (1.3: 1) and Na: K (0.2: 1). With the same doses of feed additives, the ratio of acid and alkaline elements in the diets was the same: Vitaminol was 0.743 and phytocomplex was 0.709. Due to the use of "Vitaminol", the concentration of vitamin E in milk is 4.6-6 times higher than that in the control group, in blood and blood serum.

Assessment of Cumulative Energy Needs for Chosen Technologies of Cattle Feeding in Barns with Conventional (CFS) and Automated Feeding Systems (AFS)

The increasing popularity of automated systems and the increased market share of producers of robotic feeding equipment for cows causes the need for a deeper study of energy demand in such technologies. This article provides an analysis of the inputs of energy accumulated in conventional (CFS) and automated feeding systems (AFS) for cattle. The aim of this is to determine the impact of robotic technologies for the preparation and feeding of fodder on the cumulative energy inputs. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of machinery and the equipment applied to the cumulative energy intensity in cattle farming facilities. The cumulative energy consumption for four technologies of automated cattle feeding (AFS) was tested and compared to the energy consumption for six technologies with a conventional feeding system (CFS). The research involved nine cow barn facilities for dairy cows and one for beef cattle. An evaluation has been made for cattle farming structures (milk and meat production) with various mixing and feeding systems for feeds of various concentrations, and keeping system (tied system and free-stall). The cow barns differed in feed mixing, feeding machinery, and equipment. Measurements of live labor inputs and the consumption of electric and mechanical energy carriers were carried out, and the mass of various types of machines and devices with software was taken into account, which became the basis for calculating cumulative energy consumption for individual technologies. The obtained average of electric and mechanical energy inputs for robotic technologies of feeding fodder (AFS) was 0.60025 kWh∙day−1∙LU−1(where LU means Large Animal Unit 500 kg), and it was 39.3% lower than for conventional technologies (CFS) where it was 0.989052 kWh∙day−1∙LU−1. However, taking into account all components of cumulative energy consumption, the average for the group of robotic technologies (AFS) was higher by 35.18% than for conventional technologies (CFS).

Population dynamics of the pasture leafhopper complex (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) in brachiaria and mombasa grass

Pasture leafhoppers are considered highly important pests in forage grasses in Brazil due to their widespread occurrence. This insect is one of the most relevant pests in pasture degradation. In order for the control of spittlebugs to be efficient, it is important to know the population behavior of the species of this insect, identify the period of greatest occurrence, as well as the climatic and environmental conditions that favor the development of the pest. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the population dynamics of spittlebugs, at a quantitative level, in Brachiaria decumbens and Panicum maximum pastures, associating the results with meteorological data from the municipality of Conceição do Araguaia, Southeast Pará. To study the population dynamics of spittlebugs, samples were taken every two weeks, in two types of pastures aged between 5 and 7 years, kept under rotational grazing, with a stocking of 1.5 animal units. The method of monitoring nymphs and adults of leafhoppers was adopted, through walking within the observation area. The level of infestation of spittlebugs in both forage species was evaluated and all results were submitted to analysis of variance by the F test. It was found that the species B. decumbens had a greater number of adults and nymphs when compared to the forage species P. maximum. The population dynamics of spittlebugs occur gradually according to climatic conditions, and the period with not-so-high temperatures (22 ºC to 34 ºC) and good rainfall provide an infestation of this insect pest in the pasture.

Relationships between management factors in dairy production systems and mental health of farm managers in Japan

To facilitate sustainable dairy farming, it is essential to assess and support the mental health of dairy farm workers, which is affected more than that of workers in other industries, as indicated by the relatively few studies to date. In addition, the limited investigations on mental health in dairy workers minimize the opportunities to suggest practical approaches of improvement of their mental health. Therefore, further data acquisition and analysis is required. In the present study, we undertook quantitative surveys on 17 management factors and administered a mental health questionnaire to 81 dairy farm managers (80 male, 1 female) in Hokkaido, northern Japan. The management factors were categorized into 3 groups: production input, production output, and facility indicator; mental health was evaluated based on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Principal component analysis assigned the factors into 2 groups: intensiveness factors of dairy production systems (PC1: livestock care cost, fat- and protein-corrected milk, stocking density, medical consultation fee per unit time per animal unit, nonfamily wages, fertilizer and pesticide expenses, and net agricultural income ratio) and basic dairy management factors (PC2: net agricultural income ratio, quantity of concentrate feed, and milk quality variable). The depression symptoms of dairy farm managers were not significantly associated with PC1 and milking methods; however, they were significantly negatively associated with PC2, which integrated 3 management factors, including factors related to finances, feeding, and milk quality. According to the findings of the present study, the efforts needed for stable economic farm management, adequate feed supply, and milk quality maintenance may increase the depression levels of dairy farm managers and negatively affect their mental health. These findings could be the basis for future studies on the relationship between the mental health of farm managers and sustainable dairy farm management and production.

A survey of the usage (frequency and pattern) of antibiotics at the University of Maiduguri Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

Background and Aim:Veterinary antibiotics are widely used to treat bacterial diseases in various species of animals. However, despite the importance of these chemotherapeutic agents, their indiscriminate or extensive use can pose dangers to the animals or humans that consume edible tissues from animals contaminated with antibiotic residues. Therefore, concerns regarding their appropriate and judicious use in animals are of public health significance. This is because of the tendencies of developing resistance to targeted microbes and the ability of the parent compound or its metabolites to persist as residues in the animal tissues. This study aimed to determine the frequency and pattern of antibiotic usage and ascertain the level of awareness of clinicians on the judicious use of antibiotics at the University of Maiduguri Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.Materials and Methods:Data related to the administration of antibiotics in all species of animals presented for treatment from January 2009 to December 2018 were obtained from the hospital archives, with permission from the office of the hospital directorate. The diseases, hospital units, antibiotics used, and years were parameters that were recorded for each case. Furthermore, 47 questionnaires were administered to clinicians who render services to the hospital.Results:A total of 63.9% of all cases brought to the hospital within the 10 years under study were infectious, and as such, were treated with antibiotics. The highest recorded use of antibiotics was observed in the poultry unit (38.4%), followed by the large animal unit (24.1%), with the lowest used recorded in the ambulatory unit (9.3%). Furthermore, regarding the antibiotics used, oxytetracycline had the highest occurrence (55%), followed by penicillin-streptomycin combination (12.2%), with the lowest being metronidazole (0.30%). The highest number of cases treated with antibiotics was recorded in 2018 (22.5%), and the lowest was recorded in 2014 (1.3%). Regarding the questionnaire administered to the clinicians, 78.7% of the respondents preferred oxytetracycline as their drug of choice, whereas only 2.1%, 4.3%, 2.1%, and 4.3% preferred amoxicillin, penicillin, streptomycin, and penicillin-streptomycin, respectively. Moreover, 65.9% of the respondents used a particular antibiotic because of its availability at the hospital, 8.5% because of cost, and 27.7% because of clinician preference. Furthermore, 74.5% of the clinicians offered palliative intervention while awaiting laboratory reports, whereas 8.5% treated the animals without requesting laboratory analyses.Conclusion:In this study, oxytetracycline was found to be the most used antibiotic for treating infectious diseases at the hospital because of its availability. The observed pattern appeared in the following order of frequency: Oxytetracycline, penicillin-streptomycin combination, neomycin, erythromycin, amoxicillin, tylosin, streptomycin, and gentamicin with metronidazole being the least frequent. There might also be antibiotic resistance, which requires a change to another antibiotic because of the lack of response to the initial antibiotic. Non-judicious antibiotic use can also have a negative impact on public health because of the development of multidrug-resistant “superbugs” and the problem of drug residue.

Ewe performance in the post-weaning phase and structural characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha cultivars in the dry season

The objective of this study was to examine the performance of ewes in the post-weaning phase and the structural characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha cultivars in the dry season. The treatments were represented by four Brachiaria brizantha cultivars (Piatã, Marandu, Paiaguás, and Xaraés), which were evaluated in a randomized-block design with two replicates for the forage variables and eight replicates for the animal performance variables. Canopy height, masses of forage and morphological components and chemical composition of morphological components were evaluated. Thirty-two ½ Santa Inês and ½ Dorper sheep with an initial body weight (BW) of 22.7 ± 1.2 kg were used. Average daily gain (ADG – kg animal-1 day-1), stocking rate (in animal units [AU] = 30 kg of body weight) and weight gain per area (kg ha-1 day-1) were measured. There was no cultivar effect (p > 0.05) on the structural characteristics of the pasture. The highest crude protein content in the leaf blade (11.8%) were found in cultivar Marandu. Average daily gain was higher in the animals that grazed on cultivar Marandu (0.08 kg animal-1 day-1) as compared with cultivars Xaraés (0.05 kg animal-1 day-1) and Piatã (0.04 kg animal-1 day-1), whereas the ewes that grazed on cultivar Paiaguás showed intermediate ADG values (0.06 kg animal-1 day-1). There was no difference between the cultivars for stocking rate (9.2 AU). Weight gain per area was highest in cultivar Marandu (0.33 kg ha-1 day-1) and lowest in cv. Piatã (0.16 kg ha-1 day-1). Brachiaria brizantha cultivars Piatã, Marandu, Paiaguás and Xaraés proved to be forage options for the post-weaning phase of ewes supplemented with concentrate in the dry season.

PSVIII-26 Utilizing Megasphaera elsdenii probiotic to improve the performance of crossbred Holstein x Angus calves

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of an oral probiotic bolus (Megasphaera elsdenii NCIMB 41125; Lactipro Advance®, MS Biotec, Wamego, KS) on the performance of crossbred Holstein x Angus calves. Thirty-one calves (45.3 ± 7.1 kg; 8.2 ± 2.0 d old) were enrolled in a 76-day randomized block trial in two blocks. This study was conducted at the University of Kentucky Large Animal Unit between August 2020 and April 2021. Calves were assigned to one of three probiotic treatments: no probiotic (ME0), single dose of probiotic on day 15 (ME15), or probiotic administration on day 15 and 39 (ME15 + 39). Calves were individually housed and had ad libitum access to water and a pelletized calf starter (18% CP, 2.5% fat). Calves were fed 7 L/d of milk replacer (Cows Match Warm Front, Land O Lakes, MN; 1L, 150 g/L) divided into two equal meals until day 41. On day 42, milk allowance was reduced in half and then weaned on day 56. Grain orts were weighed daily and grain intake was calculated for each calf. Individual body weights were measured weekly. A mixed linear model determined the effect of treatment on total grain dry matter intake (total DMI), total weight gain (TWG), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Manual stepwise backward elimination retained predictors with a P-value < 0.30 of the factors block, treatment, age and weight at enrollment, and if treated with antibiotics. Calves receiving the M. elsdenii bolus had greater TWG (ME0=53.57±5.83, ME15=72.52±6.71, ME15 + 39=77.51±5.00 kg; P = 0.01), greater ADG (ME0=0.73±0.08, ME15=0.99±0.09, ME15 + 39=1.05±0.07 kg/d; P = 0.01), and tended to have greater total DMI (ME0=72.24±10.49, ME15=95.20±12.07, ME15 + 39=105.36±9.01 kg; P = 0.06) throughout the study. FCR did not differ between treatments (ME0=0.79±0.04, ME15=0.78±0.04, ME15 + 39=0.76±0.03 kg; P = 0.84). Overall, strategic pre-weaning intervention of a M. elsdenii bolus improved the performance of crossbred Holstein x Angus calves.

Applying Geospatial Technology in Estimating Agricultural Wastes Carrying Capacity in Grobogan Regency, Indonesia

This study aimed to estimate using geospatial the feed carrying capacity of agricultural wastes, especially in Grobogan Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. The method that has been used in this study is the descriptive analysis which is sourced from secondary data from Grobogan Regency. Analysis of agricultural waste production includes rice straw, corn and soybeans converted into dry matter feed. Geospatial analysis using ArcGis 10.3 software to extract feed carrying capacity data in the form of maps. The result showed that dry matter agricultural wastes 405528.81 (tons/year), The capacity of beef cattle was 924606 (animal units) and the ability to add beef cattle was 791036 (animal units). The conclusion of the study that Grobogan Regency has to carrying capacity indexes were at safe levels.

Evaluation of Total Roughage Production and its Sufficiency for Livestock in Turkey

In this study, total roughage production and its sufficiency for farm animals in Turkey was evaluated. Because of insufficient production, feed prices are relatively high and fluctuating in Turkey. It was estimated that, the total 40 363 210 tonnes of roughages production in Turkey was supplied by meadows and pastures (13 164 210 tonnes), shrublands (11 267 000 tonnes) and forage crops production (15 932 000 tonnes). In addition, total straw and stubble production was estimated as 31 074 800 tonnes for animal feed, indicating that half of the total roughages production in Turkey came from straw and stubble production. In Turkey, the large and small ruminant stock is composed of a total of 17 066 900 animal units and in order to meet only the maintenance requirements of these animals via roughage, 77 867 731 tons of roughage is needed in 2019. Considering the daily dry roughage requirement as 12.5 kg (approximately 2.5 percent of total 500 kg live weight), deficiency of daily feed amount was estimated as 1.032 kg per animal unit and a total of 6 429 720 tonnes in 2019 in Turkey. If shrublands, straw and stubble production is neglected or removed from the calculation, then total deficiency reaches at 48 771 521 tonnes year-1 (62.63% of the total feed requirement). For a rational animal feeding, not only the maintenance requirements of the animals but also, in addition to their maintenance requirements, at least 5-7 kg of milk production requires meeting from quality roughages. In this case, it is clear that the need for roughage will increase more. In Turkey, suffering from roughage shortage that adversely affecting production obtained from small and large ruminants, high quality forage production should be, at least, doubled by using every possible resource including natural rangelands, fallows, and cultivated lands effectively without compromising soil conservation and feed costs principles.

DETERMINATION OF ANIMAL LOAD AND GRAZING SYSTEM IN THE WEIGHT GAIN OF BOVINES WITH SECONDARY VEGETATION FEEDING

The present study was to evaluate the weight gain of bovinesin three animal loads with two grazing systems and three levels of grazing, furthermore to evaluate the botanic composition of secondary vegetation areas. The study was carried out during two years, in the first year, the animal loads used were 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 animal unit per hectare (AU/ha).The vegetation which animals were evaluated was secondary vegetation of 8 years old. Botanic composition was determined by transects at the beginning of experiment. The two systems used were rotational and alternate grazing with three animals per each load and system.The initial average weights were 175 kg and evaluation were carried out each 56 days. The experimental design used was random totally with factorial arrange of 3X2, the first factor was the animal load and the second was the grazing system. Results indicated changes in botanic composition caused by grazing effect (P≤0.05), furthermore, grazing system and animal loads showed significative statistical differences between treatments and interaction. The best weight gain was 520 g of weight gain average per day detected in 0.50AU/ha with rotational grazing system (P≤0.05).