Stocker Cattle Research Articles

PSIV-4 Effectiveness of maternal bovine appeasing substance on growth, physiological, and behavioral responses of high-risk stocker cattle

Abstract Stocker cattle purchased at auction can be susceptible to disease due to the stressors associated with the auction process. These cattle are labeled “high-risk” due to their decreased immune system during transportation, handling, and vaccination processes. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a maternal bovine appeasing substance, FerAppease, on growth performance and fearfulness of stocker cattle. Male beef calves (n = 80) were purchased at auction and transported to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Savoy Research Complex Beef Stocker Unit. Steers and bulls were of varying age, breed, and temperament. Upon arrival to the facility (d 0), bulls (n = 48) were castrated by banding and cattle were assigned to 8 pens (n = 10 calves/pen; 4 bulls and 6 steers/pen). On d 0, cattle in 4 pens were treated with FerAppease (FA) on the nuchal skin (n = 40) and cattle in the other 4 pens were not treated and served as controls (CON, n = 40). All cattle received commercial clostridial and respiratory vaccines and were treated with an anthelmintic. Cattle were offered bermudagrass hay for ad libitum intake and were fed a grain supplement (1.8 kg/d) to meet or exceed nutrient requirements. To measure growth performance, body weight (BW) was recorded on d 0, 3, 14, 28, 41, 42 of the study and used to calculate average daily gain (ADG). Body weights on d 41 and 42 were averaged to calculate final BW. To measure fearfulness, exit chute velocity (ECV) was measured with a rodeo timer and recorded on d 3, 14, 28, 41, and 42. To measure inflammation, blood was collected from 5 calves/pen (n = 3 bulls and 2 steers/pen) on d 0, 3, 28 and 42 and haptoglobin (Hp) was measured in blood serum. A two-way ANOVA with the fixed effects of sex (arrived as steer or bull) and treatment (FA, CON) and random effect of pen was used for analysis. Serum Hp was log transformed to improve normality. There was not a treatment effect on any of the measures collected. Steers had a greater BW throughout the study (P ≤ 0.05), weighing more than bulls at the end of the study (261 kg vs 241 kg, respectively). Steers also had a greater (P < 0.0001) ADG than bulls (1.14 vs. 0.84 kg/d, respectively). On d 3 and 14, steers exited the chute more rapidly (P < 0.05) than bulls. There was an interactive effect on serum d 28 Hp concentrations (P = 0.04), where CON bulls had greater Hp concentrations (111,261 ng/mL) than CON steers (13,055 ng/mL), with FA steers and bulls intermediate. The results from this study indicate that there was no consistent effect of the treatment on the measures collected.

Evolving Dairy Cattle Systems in Chile: Structural Shifts and Adaptation Strategies.

This study examines the structural and geographical changes in Chile's dairy cattle systems from 1997 to 2021, using data from agricultural censuses. It focuses on variables like animal stocks, herd sizes, pasture utilization, and stocking rates, analyzed through descriptive statistics, multivariable analysis, and geographical mapping. The findings show a significant decrease in dairy farms (-69%) and dairy cattle stocks (-25.4%), with regional disparities: southern farms increased in importance while central farms declined. There is a trend towards intensification, with higher stocking rates and larger herd sizes. Grassland utilization shifted, with a decrease in natural pastures and an increase in improved and sown pastures. The study identifies four typological groups based on stocking rates, dimensions, and pasture use, reflecting distinct evolutionary paths influenced by climate change, land use, economic dynamics, and technology. Geographical analyses highlight regional variations. This research provides insights into the dynamics of Chile's dairy farming sector and its sustainability challenges and opportunities amidst changing environmental and socioeconomic conditions.

The Tendency of Livestock Growth in Ethiopia: A Review

Ethiopia ranks first in Africa and 5th in the globe in its livestock population. The livestock subsector is immensely contributing about 60-70 % to the population’s livelihood and about 80% of the farmers use animal traction to plough their croplands. This study involved gathering livestock-based data from the Central Statistical Agency (CSA) for the years 2004/05 to 2018/19. Additionally, information on livestock holders was systematically organized and analyzed to track progress over the years. Quantifiable values indicating increases were presented in tables and figures. The relationship between cattle numbers and livestock owners’ growth trends was tested using the Pearson correlation. The findings were further supported or challenged through a comprehensive literature review. The data show that the cattle population grew by 57% in 2018/19 than the number it was at the end of 2004/05 and the number of cattle owners increased by about 53 %. Likewise, the total number of sheep population grew by 82.69 % and their holders by 53%, the total goat heads grew by 162.2% and the camel population by 284%. From the total stock of cattle, 97.92% and 99.72% of sheep and all the goats and camels were identified as indigenous, respectively. The study found a significant and strong correlation (p less than 0.01) between the number of animals used for production and the number of holders. This suggests that the growth in livestock population is primarily due to an increased number of livestock owners, rather than an increase in the number of animals per holder. The work identifies bottlenecks in livestock development and provides insights into growth trends and underlying causes. It highlights opportunities for policy interventions to enhance sustainable livestock production. Further research is recommended on addressing feed and water shortages and evaluating policy and institutional setup effectiveness.

One size does not fit all: Differential predation on livestock species by leopards (Panthera pardus) in a multiuse landscape in the gangetic plains, India

There are underlying patterns involved in predation, particularly for an adaptable species like leopard. One of them is size of the prey. The selection of a prey by a carnivore is typically determined by the trade-off between energy spent and gained. Here size becomes even more consequential when conflict is involved, but most studies typically map all species as a single entity at a single spatial scale. This study aimed at understanding the multiscale nature of the conflict based on the size livestock attacked by leopards (large stock − cattle and small stock − goat and sheep). The methodology encompassed targeted sampling which included the collection of the GPS locations of the attack sites. Spatial layers of 14 environmental variables that represented three spatial scales i.e. proximate (cache-distance), local (daily-movement), and landscape (home-range) scale were then created through remotely sensed data. After that Generalized additive models were utilized for analysis, with ΔAIC used for model selection and evaluation was performed via AUC and TSS statistic. Our results indicate a spatial distinction in predation strategies. In the final model the statistically significant variables for large stock included a higher proportion of cover, and a lower proportion of settlements at the home-range scale, very low human population density at daily-movement scale, and NDVI representing moderately dense vegetation and terrain ruggedness index representing flat terrain at cache-distance scale. Similarly, for small stock the variables included a higher proportion of agricultural land and NDVI values representing open terrain. The effective degrees of freedom was higher than 2 for most of the variables, indicating non-linear relationships. We inferred that the leopards’ targeted large stock in more secluded dry deciduous forests farther from human settlements, where they may be found grazing alone. In contrast, smaller stock, being easier to catch, are killed more frequently in rugged terrain across a wider scrub landscape with scantier cover. Consequently, this selective selection based on size might have its basis in the perceived risk of being chased off by people and the reward in terms of the size of the acquired meal.

Integrated transcriptome and multi-tissue mineral analyses of healthy stocker cattle fed complexed or inorganic trace mineral supplement

Trace mineral supplementation is common in beef cattle pro­duction, however the impact of supplementation on inflamma­tory signaling and immunity in high-risk cattle remain unclear. We employed high-throughput RNA sequencing and multi-tissue mineral analyses to identify specific genomic mecha­nisms and spatial mineral trends related to ad libitum mineral supplementation.

Transcriptome assessment of healthy highrisk stocker cattle defines mechanisms of inflammatory regulation induced by tulathromycin metaphylaxis

Tulathromycin is commonly used as metaphylaxis to reduce bovine respiratory disease (BRD) risk. Current secondary phar­macodynamics characteristics of tulathromycin on the host are poorly understood. RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq) techniques were used to measure gene expression in healthy cattle admin­istered tulathromycin to elucidate the genomic mechanisms over time.

Understanding an ecological tug of war: Disentangling competition between native and domesticated ungulates

AbstractCompetition is a complex ecological process involving individual and community interactions at ecological and evolutionary time scales. Individuals within and between species can compete through two mechanisms: exploitative and interference competition. These mechanisms often co‐occur, making it difficult to develop a mechanistic understanding of competition. We used movement data from 19 GPS‐collared white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) associated with an experimental cattle (Bos taurus) stocking event to disentangle exploitative from interference competition between deer and cattle. We assumed any effect of exploitative competition on reduced forage availability for deer would not occur immediately, whereas interference competition would occur immediately after cattle stocking, and antagonistic interactions between deer and cattle would alter deer behavior and degrade habitat quality. We evaluated the effects of the experimental stocking event on deer for 30‐day intervals before and after the cattle stocking event as this period was assumed to be too short for cattle to reduce deer forage resources through exploitative competition. We assessed the effects of interference competition using the movement metrics of home range size, speed, and resource selection. We used home range size as a proxy for habitat quality, assuming cattle would degrade deer habitat through means other than loss of forage. We used speed and resource selection as indicators of deer behavior. We experimentally stocked cattle at densities ranging from 0 to 15.7 animal units/km2 to previously destocked pastures. Stocking densities did not influence home range sizes ( = 17.033, 85% CI: −189.471 to 235.322) of deer. However, as stocking density increased, deer decreased speed ( = −0.014, 85% CI: −0.020 to −0.008) and increased selection for woody cover ( = 0.047, 85% CI: 0.031 to 0.063) and sandier soils ( = 0.062, 85% CI: 0.033 to 0.090). Our results suggest cattle density altered deer behavior and their realized niche within our system. Our results demonstrated mechanisms by which competition with livestock could influence native wildlife populations, which can be used to inform management of multiuse working landscapes.

Interaction of an herbicide containing aminopyralid and metsulfuron and nitrogen fertilizer in tall fescue pastures grazed by stocker cattle

Interaction of an herbicide containing aminopyralid and metsulfuron and nitrogen fertilizer in tall fescue pastures grazed by stocker cattle

34 A survey of the Oklahoma State University Cowculator user preferences

Abstract The Oklahoma State University Cowculator is a free, easy to use model designed to assist cattle producers in making informed decisions regarding the nutrition of their herd. The Cowculator operates as a spreadsheet-based model, which collects information from the 2016 National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine’s Nutrient Requirements for Beef Cattle, previous editions of the book, and previous research data. Producers have the option to adjust animal characteristics, feed and forage values, and diet composition to fit certain production objectives. In 2022, a Qualtrics survey was developed to determine perception of users of the program and their likes and dislikes. When users download the program, they are required to enter their name, email address, and zip code. A link to the survey was emailed to each address registered within the Cowculator database, with an email reminder sent out 30 days later. The survey yielded 233 responses. According to user download data, in 2022 the Cowculator was downloaded 2,090 times from 41 states and 53 countries. Based on email addresses ending in “.edu” the program was downloaded by faculty or students from 135 different universities, colleges, or other technical institutions. Of the respondents, 60% identified as beef cattle producers, 16% as industry professionals (e.g., consultants, veterinarians), 11% as extension personnel, 7% as research or teaching faculty, and 6% as students. Regarding the type of enterprise which the program was used for, 52% responded with cow/calf, 33% growing or stocker cattle, and 15% finishing cattle. The survey indicated that 88% of respondents were able to utilize the program effectively to evaluate or modify their nutrition program, while 16% indicated they were not successful in using the program. The survey asked respondents to give their opinion on the accuracy of the program. 69% indicated that it yielded “mostly accurate” projections, 23% responded with “very accurate”, and 5% perceived the program to be inaccurate or marginally accurate. Users of the program estimated the average annual benefit of the program to be $1,500. The respondents were asked to select what they liked about the program and what they felt needed improvement. It was indicated that the most liked features were that the program was free and that it was easy to use. The features that were indicated as needing improvement where the limited pre-added list of feedstuffs and the lack of availability of a simplified app version of the program. The results of this survey provide valuable insights regarding user demographics, as well as what can further be adjusted within the Cowculator to best fit the needs of the users.

148 Supplementing Bovacillus to newly weaned beef steers during a 90-d grazing period

Abstract This experiment compared performance, health, and physiological responses of high-risk stocker cattle receiving a Bacillus subtilis derivative during a 90-d grazing period. Crossbred steers (n = 120) were obtained from an auction yard and transported to the experimental facility. Steer shrunk body weight (BW) was recorded at arrival (d -1). This value was averaged with BW recorded on d 0 to represent initial BW (236 ± 2 kg). On d 0, steers were ranked by BW and allocated to 1 of 12 pastures (4-ha pastures; 10 steers/pasture). Pastures were randomly assigned to receive daily supplementation with dried distillers’ grains at 1% of BW containing either: 1) Bacillus licheniformis and B. subtilis ingredient (BOV; 2 g/steer daily of Bovacillus, Chr Hansen A/S, Horsholm, Denmark) or 2) no additive (CON). Cattle received treatments from d 0 to 90 while housed in pastures containing stockpiled grass forage, as well as free-choice access to water and a commercial mineral + vitamin mix without ionophores. Steers were assessed for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) signs daily, and shrunk BW recorded on d 91. Blood samples were collected, and BW recorded on d 0, 14, 28, 56, and 90. No treatment differences were detected (P ≥ 0.19) for glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, haptoglobin, or insulin-like growth factor 1, whereas a treatment × day interaction indicated increased cortisol in BOV cattle on d 56 (P < 0.01). A treatment × day interaction was detected for serum concentrations of parainfluenza type 3 antibodies, which was greater in BOV steers on d 90 (P < 0.01). No treatment differences were detected (P ≥ 0.23) for serum concentrations of antibodies against other BRD pathogen. Average daily gain (ADG) tended to be increased (P = 0.09) in BOV compared with CON steers from d 56 to d 90 (0.858 and 0.760 kg/d, respectively, although did not impact overall ADG (P = 0.48). No treatment differences were detected for steer final BW (P = 0.43). Total BW change per pasture was greater in BOV compared with CON (790 vs. 550 kg BW change; P = 0.02). No treatment differences were detected (P = 1.00) for BRD incidence, although steers removed from the experiment for health reasons tended to be increased in CON compared with BOV (P = 0.08). Despite lacking differences in health or physiological responses, B. licheniformis and B. subtilis supplementation increased overall production of BW in high-risk stocker steers during a 90-d grazing period.

164 Effect of distillers grains supplementation and fertilization rate on performance of stocker cattle grazing wheat pasture and stand performance

Abstract Within this study, the objectives were to determine how varied Nitrogen (N) fertilization rates and inclusion of dried distiller’s grains plus solubles (DDGS) impacted stocker and wheat stand performance within a no-till (NT) production system. A total of twenty-four 1.62-ha pastures were split between 3 unsupplemented treatments with urea spread at fixed rates of 50.44, 67.25, 84.06 kg N/ha in autumn and again in spring along with an additional 6 pastures fertilized with 50.44 kg N/ha each growing season plus supplemented with DDGS. From fall of 2021 to Spring of 2023, 576 beef steers (286.62 ± 36.67 kg) were randomly allocated at fixed stocking rates of 2.47 steers/ha (4 steers/pasture) in the fall, and 4.94 steers/ha (8 steers/pasture) in the spring. Steers were weighed upon arrival, at turnout, every 28 d, and when pulled off pasture. Steers were pulled off pasture when forage mass (FM) became insufficient, temperatures became too cold to support regrowth, or forage entered reproductive phase. Sampling dates to determine forage mass and quality coincided with weigh dates, where 20 plate meter readings were taken in every field and were recorded with a 0.25m2 plate meter, and 0.25m2 grass clippings were obtained from 15 fields every sampling date to estimate FM. Pairwise comparisons using the Mixed Model procedure in JMP were used to analyze data, with N rates with and without supplementation as a single fixed categorical variable, and year modeled as a random effect. In the fall, supplemented pastures produced greater ADG than 67.25 and 84.06 kg N/ha pastures (P < 0.05), along with greater total costs of supplemented pastures compared with all unsupplemented treatments (P < 0.0001). In the spring, supplemented pastures produced greater end weights, gain per hectare, forage mass and ADG than all unsupplemented treatments (P < 0.0001), and supplementation provided more grazing days (P < 0.05). While total sale income for supplemented pastures were greater than all unsupplemented treatments (P < 0.05), total costs of supplemented pastures were all increased (P < 0.0001), resulting in less income after variable costs (P < 0.0002). Response changes to supplementation were more pronounced than responses to increased fertilization. In conclusion, these results indicate that DDGS supplementation provided greater performance benefits to stocker cattle grazing wheat pasture than increased N fertilization rate, but the added costs associated with feeding resulted in lower profitability. However, the addition of DDGS supplementation may provide an opportunity to increase stocking rates to potentially improve profitability.

CONDITIONS OF CHANGES IN THE REGIONAL SPECIALIZATION OF ANIMAL PRODUCTION IN POLAND

Aim: The study aimed to identify regional specialization and changes in competitiveness in the field of animal production in Poland. Methods: The analysis covered statistical data of the Central Statistical Office from 2010–2021 on a national scale and in individual voivodeships. The study used a comparative analysis of animal production in regional terms. In order to determine the specialization of the region and to analyze changes in competitiveness over time, the classic method of Shift-Share Analysis (SSA) was used. Results: Major changes are taking place in Poland in the stock of farm animals and the production of animals for slaughter. In the years 2010–2021, the pig stock decreased drastically, and the stock of cattle, especially for fattening and poultry, increased. Changes in livestock stock contributed to an increase in beef cattle and poultry production and a decrease in the production of live pigs. Conclusions: There is specialization in Poland, and the concentration of production of the most important livestock species in individual voivodeships is increasing. Specialization and concentration processes allow for more effective use of farm resources and greater competitiveness of regions. However, the accelerating concentration of production may threaten the sustainable development of agriculture and negatively affect the natural environment. Therefore, further research on the impact of specialization and concentration of animal production on food security and the natural environment is recommended.

Efficiency of the use of bulls of the Russian and imported selection of the breeding stock of the Red Steppe and Black-and-White breeds at the farms of the Omsk region

The possibilities of increasing the genetic potential of the breeding stock of dairy cattle by using the seed of stud bulls belonging to Russian organizations for artificial insemination of farm animals and the imported ones have been studied. The use of the Holstein breed bulls' seed of the Russian and imported selection on the breeding stock of the Red Steppe and Black-and-White breeds in the conditions of the Omsk region farms has been analyzed. The obtained results of researches have revealed the improving ability of stud bulls of the Russian selection, used on the breeding stock of the Red Steppe breed, on the main productive indices of the first and the highest lactation. The milk yield of the first heifers by 150 kg, or 2.4%, exceeded the productivity level of the imported root counterparts, the excess in fat and protein amounted to 0.1 and 0.08%, respectively. The coefficient of stability of lactation activity in this group of animals was maximum among the whole livestock – 92%. The superiority of imported rootstock animals on the main productive indicators has been identified on the breeding stock of the Black-and-White breed: milk yield (+769 kg), fat and protein content (+0.04 and +0.13%, respectively), milk fat and protein yield (+13 and +17%). Also, in the process of research the improving influence of the genetic potential of stud bulls of the imported selection on the whole breeding stock of the Red Steppe breed and on the breeding stock of the Black-and-White breed with the level of productivity of 8000 kg has been determined. The improving effect on the milk yield of the bulls of the Russian selection when they are selected to the breeding stock with the level of productivity up to 7000 kg has been found.

Supplementing a Bacillus-based probiotic to high-risk stocker cattle.

This experiment evaluated the performance, health, and physiological responses of high-risk steers receiving a Bacillus-based probiotic during a 90-d grazing period. A total of 240 Angus-influenced steers were used in this experiment that was replicated over 2 yr (120 steers/year). Each year, steers were obtained from an auction yard and transported to the experimental facility (120 km). Steer body weight (BW) was recorded at arrival (day -1), and this value was averaged with BW recorded on day 0 to represent the initial BW (236.6±1.5kg). On day 0, steers were ranked by BW and allocated to 1 of 12 pastures with stockpiled native grass (4-ha pastures; 10 steers/pasture). Pastures were randomly assigned to receive daily supplementation with dried distillers' grains at 1% of BW containing either: 1) Bacillus subtilis + B. licheniformis probiotic (BOV; 2g/steer daily of Bovacillus; Novonesis, Horsholm, Denmark) or 2) no feed additive (CON). Cattle received treatments from days 0 to 90, in addition to free-choice access to water and mineral + vitamin mix without ionophore. Steers were assessed for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) signs daily. Blood samples were collected and full BW was recorded on days 0, 14, 28, 56, and 90. Shrunk BW was recorded on day 91 after 16h of feed and water restriction, and a 4% pencil shrink was used to calculate the final BW. Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated based on initial and final BW. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.73) for steer final BW and ADG. A treatment × day interaction was detected (P ≤ 0.05) for plasma haptoglobin concentration, which was greater for CON steers on days 14 and 28 (P ≤ 0.02). Incidence of BRD signs did not differ (P = 0.97) between treatments (51.7% and 51.3% for BOV and CON, respectively; SEM = 7.70). However, steer mortality + removals for health complications were greater (P = 0.01) in CON compared to BOV (0.00% vs. 5.04%, respectively; SEM = 1.41). Supplementing BOV improved (P ≤ 0.04) total pasture-based liveweight change (643 vs. 502kg/pasture, respectively; SEM = 45) and final pasture-based total liveweight (3,007 vs. 2,869kg/pasture, respectively; SEM = 46). Collectively, supplementation with a probiotic based on B. subtilis and B. licheniformis to high-risk stocker cattle did not alleviate the incidence of BRD signs nor improved ADG, but decreased acute-phase protein response, reduced steer mortality + removal, and increased pasture-based productivity during a 90-d grazing period.

Assessment of the influence of linear origin on the productive longevity of cows

The foundation stock of dairy cattle in the country is represented by animals of the Holstein breed, the most abundantly dairy in the world. The breeding of Holstein cattle is carried out along the lines and it is interesting to evaluate the animals of these lines for productive longevity. In the dairy herd there is a significant number of animals obtained as a result of inbreeding and inbreeding ranges from 0.25±0.026 (Reflection Sovering line) to 0.44±0.038 (Vis Back Ideal line), depending on the line. A greater number of cows obtained as a result of closely related mating in the Vis Back Ideal line. All cows, regardless of their lineage, have a high level of Holstein bloodline from 83.5±2.96 (Montwick Chieftain line) to 87.6±0.51 (Vis Back Ideal line) and, accordingly, can be considered as representatives of the Holstein breed. The highest duration of productive use was found in the group of cows of the Montwick Chieftain line. Lower indicators of productive longevity were found in the group of animals of the Vis Back Ideal line. The age of maximum lactation in the main, most common lines of cows: Reflection Sovering and Vis Back Ideal and amounted to 1.93 and 1.84 lactation, respectively. The most nutrients were obtained from the milk of cows of the Montwick Chieftain line, even for average lactation, which, in our opinion, is explained by the high quality indicators of milk from cows of this group.

Прогнозування динаміки розвитку тваринництва за допомогою часових рядів

The construction of time series using historical data is one of the urgent problems of management in the agrarian sector, since the analysis and forecasting of processes related to the food security of the State, of region, and of economic entities is crucial. With the help of forecasts, businesses can adjust their production activities in such a way as to meet demand and deliver products to consumers on time. The aim of this study is to forecast the dynamics of the development of stock of cattle and cows and to determine the optimal forecasting period. For this type of analysis, statistical methods related to autoregression are used: autoregressive models, moving average models, or combinations of both; integrated models with a variable structure, and models that include seasonal effects and exogenous factors with an autoregressive and moving average component in the model. Monthly statistics on the number of cattle and cows are provided: mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values, asymmetry and excess. The dynamics of decline in the number of stock of cattle and cows is shown. The studied series were tested for stationarity. To the time series of the number of cattle, the Box–Cox transformation was applied. The optimal parameters of the models used are presented. Forecast values for time intervals (months) have been obtained and changes in the number of stock of cattle over the past 17 years have been analyzed. The built time series are compared with the actual values, which is illustrated in the graphs. Estimates of standard deviation, mean absolute error for different forecasting terms are provided. When comparing these estimates for different time intervals, the optimal time period for the forecast (24 months) was determined. This study allows farms and enterprises of the industry to realize how much products (milk, meat) can be harvested or obtained in the future. This assists in taking the necessary managerial steps: plan for resource needs, improve efficiency, increase profits, reduce costs, and adapt to changes in the market.

Long-Term Effects of April, August, or October Prescribed Fire on Yearling Stocker Cattle Performance and Native Rangeland Plant Composition in the Kansas Flint Hills

Long-Term Effects of April, August, or October Prescribed Fire on Yearling Stocker Cattle Performance and Native Rangeland Plant Composition in the Kansas Flint Hills

Low-Waste Technology of Fodder Grass Processing

The article describes the peculiar features of plant processing for the conservation of fodder made of the leafy mass of hard-to-ensilage legume family cultures in agricultural complexes and deficiencies of the traditional treatment of the feedstock. The current technology of mechanical fractionation of legume grasses suggests the production of the basic product - the protein concentrate. The by-products are press residues - grass pulp and protein-free liquid, which are production wastes. The purpose of this work was to develop a comprehensive method of plant resources' use with waste disposal and application in fodder production. The novelty of the work is the method of combining the dehydration of the vegetative organs of the hard-to-ensilage sown legume fodder grasses through mechanical pressing and drying and the use of the resulting wastes - the press residues as raw material for fodder preparation. The humidity of the press residues was to be reduced to the level required for making haylage by using the method of low-temperature final drying in an experimental unit - a continuous-action direct heated drier. The results of studying the possibility of reducing the humidity of the press residues by low-temperature direct-heated drying and using it as raw material for haylage are presented in the article. The temperature and time ranges for the material drying in a direct-heated drier were established. The chemical composition of the vegetable stock and resulting haylage was analyzed, and the composition of the fermentation products, the feed, and caloric values, and the potential safety for animal organisms were determined. The suggested method ensures the comprehensive processing of the herbage with waste disposal and the production of high-quality animal fodder. In terms of quality parameters and environmental safety, the obtained fodder conformed to the regulatory requirements for the haylage to be used in the cattle stock diet.

Cattle grazing management affects soil microbial diversity and community network complexity in the Northern Great Plains

Soil microbial communities play a vital role in the biogeochemical cycling and ecological functioning of grassland, but may be affected by common land uses such as cattle grazing. Changes in microbial diversity and network complexity can affect key ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling. However, it is not well known how microbial diversity and network complexity respond to grazing in the Northern Great Plains. Consequently, it is important to understand whether variation in grazing management alters the diversity and complexity of grassland microbial communities. We compared the effect of intensive adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) grazing and conventional grazing practices on soil microbial communities using 16S/ITS amplicon sequencing. Samples were collected from grasslands in 13 AMP ranches and 13 neighboring, conventional ranches located across the Canadian prairies. We found that AMP grazing increased fungal diversity and evenness, and led to more complex microbial associations. Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, and Bacteroidetes were keystone taxa associated with AMP grazing, while Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Armatimonadetes were keystone taxa under conventional grazing. Besides overall grazing treatment effects, specific grazing metrics like cattle stocking rate and rest-to-grazing ratio affected microbial richness and diversity. Bacterial and fungal richness increased with elevated stocking rate, and fungal richness and diversity increased directly with the rest-to-grazing ratio. These results suggest that AMP grazing may improve ecosystem by enhancing fungal diversity and increasing microbial network complexity and connectivity.

Forage yield and nutritive value of summer legumes as affected by row spacing and harvest timing

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an essential, high-quality forage used for grazing stocker cattle from fall to spring in the US Southern Great Plains (SGP). However, the lack of nutritious forages during summers limits grazing by stocker cattle. To fill this quality gap, a short season species capable of producing significant yield and quality of forage is necessary. A two-year experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of three legumes: tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray), mothbean [Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal], and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] as a control, at different harvest dates, in response to different row spacing (38 ​cm and 76 ​cm) and moisture levels (rainfed and irrigated). Results showed forage yield by all legumes planted at 38 ​cm spacing (4.5 and 3.9 ​Mg ​ha−1) was higher than at 76 ​cm spacing (3.4 and 2.4 ​Mg ​ha−1) in 2018 and 2019. Soybean was the most productive while mothbean had the highest relative feed value (RFV) in both 2018 and 2019 (160 and 118, respectively). Although soybean produced more forage, mothbean and tepary bean provided high quality forage in terms of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and in-vitro true digestibility (IVTD). The results indicate that no single legume species stands out as the unequivocal leader in delivering both high-quality and abundant forage. Consequently, the choice of which species to utilize should be tailored to the specific forage requirements and management goals. Future research should explore mothbean genotypes to identify cultivars with greater yield potential and develop agronomic practices that effectively utilize those cultivars.