Dactylis Research Articles

Herbage intake of dairy cows in mixed sequential grazing with breeding ewes as followers.

This study aimed to evaluate the hypothesis that mixed sequential grazing of dairy cows and breeding ewes is beneficial. During the seasons of spring-summer 2013 and autumn-winter 2013-2014, 12 (spring-summer) and 16 (autumn-winter) Holstein Friesian cows and 24 gestating (spring-summer) and lactating (autumn-winter) Pelibuey ewes grazed on six (spring-summer) and nine (autumn-winter) paddocks of alfalfa and orchard grass mixed pastures. The treatments "single species cow grazing" (CowG) and "mixed sequential grazing with ewes as followers of cows" (MixG) were evaluated, under a completely randomized design with two replicates per paddock. Herbage mass on offer (HO) and residual herbage mass (RH) were estimated by cutting samples. The estimate of herbage intake (HI) of cows was based on the use of internal and external markers; the apparent HI of ewes was calculated as the difference between HO (RH of cows) and RH. Even though HO was higher in CowG, the HI of cows was higher in MixG during spring-summer and similar in both treatments during autumn-winter, implying that in MixG the effects on the cows HI of higher alfalfa proportion and herbage accumulation rate evolving from lower residual herbage mass in the previous cycle counteracted that of a higher HO in CowG. The HI of ewes was sufficient to enable satisfactory performance as breeding ewes. Thus, the benefits of mixed sequential grazing arose from higher herbage accumulation, positive changes in botanical composition, and the achievement of sheep production without negative effects on the herbage intake of cows.

Tiller population in orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) grown alone and associated with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.)

El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la densidad de tallos del pasto ovillo en monocultivo, y asociado con ballico perenne y trébol blanco en diferentes proporciones. Los tratamientos consistieron de las siguientes asociaciones: 20-70-10, 70-20-10, 100-00-00, 40-40-20 % de pasto ovillo (Ov), ballico perenne (Ba) y trébol blanco (Tr), respectivamente. Los tratamientos se distribuyeron en un arreglo de bloques al azar con tres repeticiones. La asociación 70-20-10 de Ov-Ba-Tr es la que presenta mayor densidad de tallos de Ov, con un promedio de 3,750 tallos m-2, y la menor densidad de tallos fue en el Ov en monocultivo (100-00-00), con un promedio de 2,400 tallos m-2 (P<0.05). La población de tallos en Ba fue baja en todas las asociaciones, en promedio de 225 tallos m-2. La mayor densidad de tallos en pasto Ov-Ba se presentó en otoño e invierno. Independientemente de la asociación en la estación de primavera se encontró mayor peso por tallo con 0.30 y 0.42 g tallo-1, en Ov y Ba y menor en invierno con 0.13 y 0.14 g tallo-1, en Ov y Ba, respectivamente. En conclusión, la dinámica de población de tallos de pasto ovillo tendió a mantenerse; en contraste, en pasto ovillo solo y ballico perenne disminuyó la población de tallos.

Assessment of Changes in Sod Under Intensive Use

AbstractThe paper presents research results which aimed at evaluation of the change in the sodding degree and selected strength parameters of sod used with varied intensity; additionally sod was modified through administration of biopreparation. Measurements were taken on two types of sod. The first one was formed from perennial rye grass, the second one from orchard grass. It was proved that the use of the investigated facilities resulted in reduction of sodding, which was related to the sod forming species. No impact of biopreparation use on the sodding degree was proved. Intensive use affected the increase of the value of the analysed strength parameters; at low soil moisture (5.0-5.5%) considerable compaction in the surface layer of soil was reported.

草類の可溶性炭水化物の生理化学的研究 : 第2報 越冬および早春期におけるオーチャードグラス貯蔵炭水化物の経時的変化

草類の可溶性炭水化物の生理化学的研究 : 第2報 越冬および早春期におけるオーチャードグラス貯蔵炭水化物の経時的変化

草類の可溶性炭水化物の生理化学的研究 : 第1報 刈取り再生過程におけるオーチャードグラス刈株のフラクトサン含有率及び重合度の変動について

草類の可溶性炭水化物の生理化学的研究 : 第1報 刈取り再生過程におけるオーチャードグラス刈株のフラクトサン含有率及び重合度の変動について

Role of Different Feedstocks on the Butanol Production Through Microbial and Catalytic Routes

Abstract Among the renewable fuels, butanol has become an attractive, economic and sustainable choice because of cost elevation in petroleum fuel, diminishing the oil reserves and an increase of green house effect. Butanol can be derived from renewable sources by using the natural bio-resources and agro-wastes such as orchard wastes, peanut wastes, wheat straw, barley straw and grasses via Acetone Butanol Ethanol (ABE) process. On the other hand, butanol can be directly formed from chemical route involving catalysts also such as from ethanol through aldol condensation. This review presents extensive evaluation for the production of butanol deploying microbial and catalytic routes.

Ocorrência do coró-pequeno (Cyclocephala flavipennis) danificando pastagens perenes de inverno na região Sul do Brasil

Cyclocephala flavipennis Arrow, 1914 (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae), popularly known as white grub, is an insect widely disseminated in the South Region of Brazil. Despite the frequent occurrence of this white grub in areas cultivated with winter cereals, it is generally not considered a pest, since it feeds on straw and dead plant material. However, in 2015 and 2016, this insect has been identified as the damage-causing agent in the perennial winter pastures in Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Damage was observed in patches and caused reduction in root depth and mass, resulting in loss of vigor, accelerated senescence in aerial parts, and death of tillers in Festuca arundinacea Schreb. and Dactylis glomerata L. plants.

Effect of mixed hay supplementation during fattening on carcass traits and meat quality of Hanwoo steers

BackgroundThis study was aim to observe the effects of feeding mixed local hay (MH) consisted of 55% orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.), 35% tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and 10% red clover (Trifolium pratense) to Hanwoo steers on performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality (longissimus thoracis) compared with feeding imported timothy hay (TH) and local rice straw (RS).ResultsAlthough no significant effects were found on animal performance and carcass yield grade, the carcasses of MH group had higher marbling score and quality grade than those of RS and TH group (P < 0.05). Therefore, higher fat content (P < 0.001), lower shear force and hardness value in the beef of MH group than that of other groups were observed. Furthermore, the beef of MH group had higher CIE a* value (redness) than that of other groups and feeding MH to Hanwoo steers lowered n-6 to n-3 fatty acids ratio in beef.ConclusionsMixed hay provided benefits on meat quality and could be used for Hanwoo fattening program.

Relationships Among Digestible Energy Intake, Body Weight, and Body Condition in Mature Idle Horses

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships among digestible energy (DE) intake, body weight (BW), and body condition score (BCS) in lean/moderate condition horses. The feed intake of 35 Quarter Horses (age 5.3 ± 1.2 years; BW 462 ± 39 kg; BCS 4.5 ± 0.5) was recorded daily over three, 42-day feeding trials. Horses were offered 1.75–2.00 kg DM/100 kg BW in Orchard grass hay and 0.2 kg/100 kg BW in whole oats. Body weight and BCS were recorded biweekly. Daily DE intake was calculated according to Pagan and recorded as the amount fed minus any refusal. The daily kilogram intake was multiplied by the DE (Mcal/kg) content of the feed to equal the total calories per day. The mean within-horse ΔBW and ΔBCS from 0 to 42 days of each trial were evaluated using paired t tests. Trial 1 horses consumed 24.5 Mcal/d and BW increased (P < .001) by 24 ± 3 kg; however, there was no significant change in BCS (0.0 ± 0.5). Trial 2 horses consumed 22.8 Mcal/d and BW increased (P = .009) by 8 ± 3 kg and BCS tended to increase (P = .06) by 0.5 ± 0.5. Trial 3 horses consumed 25.7 Mcal/d and BW and BCS increased (P < .001) by 22 ± 2 kg and 1.0 ± 0.5, respectively. According to trial, horses required approximately 19, 34, and 18 Mcal/kg of weight gain, respectively. Additional factors affecting weight gain are related to the individual.

Involvement of cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants-specific IgE in pollen allergy testing.

BackgroundSpecific IgE antibodies against the low-molecular-weight carbohydrate antigen that does not bridge IgE molecules on mast cells are not associated with clinical symptoms. Cross reactivity can be determined in allergen-specific IgE detection assays when the carbohydrate structures between pollen allergens and plant derived food allergens are similar; in such cases, false positive results for grain or legume allergens can be reported for pollen allergic patients who are not sensitized to those allergens. This phenomenon arises owing to the presence of cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs).ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the impact of CCD interference on the results for pollen allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the general adult population and to perform CCD inhibition tests evaluating the involvement of CCD on samples positive to pollen allergens.MethodsSerum samples from 322 subjects were tested for IgE antibodies to pollens and CCD. The research subjects were given questionnaires about pollen allergic symptoms to help assess the presence of allergies. Allergen IgE antibodies for Japanese cedar, Japanese cypress, orchard grass, ragweed, MUXF, bromelain, horseradish peroxidase (HRP), and ascorbate oxidase (ASOD) were analyzed.ResultsIt was observed that among individuals who tested positive to any of the pollen allergens, the positive ratio of CCD-specific IgE antibody was the highest for HRP (13.5%–50.0%). The results from the inhibition tests revealed that CCD was marginally present. Although IgE antibodies for cedar pollen did not react with CCD, IgE antibodies for Japanese cypress, orchard grass, and ragweed might be detected by the presence of CCD.ConclusionThe results of the inhibition tests revealed the obvious presence of CCD suggesting its involvement. Considering these findings, careful evaluation of patient IgE results should be performed for Japanese cypress, orchard grass, and ragweed.

Relationship between Plant Species Diversity and Plant Biomass of Orchard Grass and Lucerne Sown in Different Ratios in the Province of Salamanca, Spain

A field experiment was carried out at the CSIC Mu&#241ovela farm belonging to the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) in order to evaluate the effect of sowing orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata var. Trerano) and lucerne (Medicago sativa var. Aragon) in monoculture and in combination. The experiment was based on a randomized block designed with a factorial arrangement (5 × 2). Experimental units were 40 plots distributed in four blocks. The phosphorus fertilization (P) factor included two types of conditions: basal fertilization without phosphorus (-P) and basal fertilization with phosphorus (+P), and the vegetation cover factor (T) included five conditions depending on the grass (G) and the legume (L). Above-ground biomass showed statistically significant differences among seasons and years (P Lolium perenne L. and Poa pratensis L. throughout the three years indicated that both species significantly increased their presence over time regardless of the treatments applied. The analysis performed for the other plant species (those other than grasses and legumes) allowed us to determine that the T1 and T5 treatments, which correspond to single species not treated with the application of phosphorus, influenced the presence of 70% of other species planted. Our specific aim was to explore how changing plant biotic diversity affects productivity under a given set of conditions. We manipulated plant species richness as an experimental factor to determine if productivity would be affected by changes in the ratios of plants sown.

Effect of Biochar Type and Size on&amp;lt;i&amp;gt; in Vitro &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;Rumen Fermentation of Orchard Grass Hay

Biochar, a byproduct from the biofuels industry, may be a potential feed additive in ruminant diets due to possible improvements in microbial fermentation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the nutritive value, in vitro digestibility, volatile fatty acid (VFA) production, and gas production of biochar inclusion to an orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) basal diet. The study was designed as a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with 3 different biochar sources and 2 biochar processed sizes as the main effects factors. Experimental treatments were biochar from 3 different tree types: 1) Chestnut Oak (Quercus prinus L.; CO), 2) Yellow Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera; YP), or 3) White Pine (Pinus strobus L.; WP), and processed at 2 different biochar particle sizes: a) 178 μm (Coarse). Biochar was added to the basal diet of orchard grass hay (872.35 g/kg of DM, 98.31 g/kg of CP, and 704.02 g/kg of aNDF, DM basis) at a rate of 81 g/kg DM. Biochar residual ash content was greater (P P P = 0.01) with lower aNDF content in both WP sizes compared with their respective biochar type and size. Gas production was not influenced (P = 0.23) by biochar tree type; however, gas production was increased (P = 0.05) by Fine particle size compared with Coarse biochar. The in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) of orchard grass hay was increased (P = 0.01) by the inclusion of Fine biochar particle size compared with Coarse particle size. Additionally, in vitro CP true digestibility (DCP) exhibited a type × size interaction (P = 0.01). Crude protein digestibility was lower for Fine particle-sized CO and WP biochar sources compared with Coarse particle-sized CO and WP (P ≤ 0.004). However, DCP was not different between Coarse and Fine particle-sized YP biochar (P = 0.70). Volatile fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) were not altered by biochar type (P ≥ 0.66) or particle size (P ≥ 0.19). These results indicate that both tree type and particle size of biochar may need to be carefully considered before incorporating into a ruminant diet. Furthermore, Fine particle-sized biochar may be the most effective to incorporate as a feed additive in a ruminant diet based on digestibility parameters.

Changes in nutritive characteristics associated with plant height, and nutrient selection by dairy cows grazing four perennial pasture grasses

Previous research has documented nutritive characteristics of perennial ryegrass-based pastures and subsequent nutrient-selection differentials when dairy cows graze such pastures, but there has been little comparable research on alternative pasture grasses. The aim of the present study was to compare the pre-grazing nutritive characteristics of four perennial grasses, how nutrients vary with plant height, and selection differentials achieved by dairy cows grazing these grasses in late winter and late spring. The study utilised an established field experiment, with four replicates of monoculture swards of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) and prairie grass (Bromus willdenowii Kunth.), in western Gippsland, Victoria. Eighty individual tillers per replicate were sampled to ground level immediately pre- and post-grazing in late winter (July–August, vegetative tillers only) and late spring (November–December, vegetative and reproductive tillers sampled separately), dissected into three height categories (0–5 cm, 5–10 cm and 10+ cm) and analysed for nutritive characteristics. For vegetative tillers in both seasons, perennial ryegrass had the highest estimated metabolisable energy concentration and lowest neutral detergent fibre concentration of all species. In spring, reproductive tillers had consistently lower nutritive characteristics than did vegetative tillers. Selection differentials, calculated as the ratio of nutritive characteristics selected by the herd to that available pre-grazing, showed that cows selected herbage with higher crude protein concentration but there was little evidence for selection of higher metabolisable energy concentration. The selection differentials reflected the vertical distribution of nutrients in the tillers. The present results have provided new information to assist in developing grazing guidelines for alternative perennial grasses.

The grass pollen season 2015: a proof of concept multi-approach study in three different European cities

Background Grasses release the most widespread aeroallergens with considerable sensitization rates, while different species produce several pollen concentration peaks throughout the season. This study analyzed the prevalence of grass species in three different European city areas and compared the flowering period of these species with daily pollen concentrations and the symptom loads of grass pollen allergy sufferers.Methods The most prevalent grass species in Vienna (Austria), Berlin (Germany) and Turku (Finland) were studied and examined by use of three different approaches: phenology, pollen monitoring and symptom load evaluation. A mobile pollen exposure chamber was employed to observe reaction patterns of grass pollen allergy sufferers to three common grass species evaluated in this study versus placebo.Results Common meadow grass (Poa pratensis) and the fescue grass species (Festuca spp.) are important contributors within the grass pollen season. The pollination period of orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) and false-oat grass (Arrhenatherum elatius) indicated a greater importance in Berlin and Vienna, whereas a broader spectrum of grass species contributed in Turku to the main pollen season. The standardized provocation induced a nasal symptom load, reduction in nasal flow and increased secretion, in contrary to the placebo control group in grass pollen allergic subjects.Conclusion The phenological observations, pollen measurements and symptom data evaluation provided unique insights into the contribution of multiple grass species in different European regions. All investigated grass species in the provocation induced rhinitis symptoms of comparable significance, with some degree of variation in symptom patterns.

A new record of Hypoaspis sardous (Canestrini, 1884) (Acari: Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) from Korea

Mite of the genus Hypoaspis of family Laelapidae are free-living soil predators mostly observed on the open grass field. Five species in the genus Hypoaspis were listed in Korean Catalog (NIBR, 2013) without detail information. Recent series of soil acarine biodiversity survey in Gyeongbuk and Gangwon provinces during 2009-2015 recovered a new record of Hypoaspis sardous (Canestrini, 1884) to Korean inventory from apple orchard and riparian grass land. Detailed description and morphological comparison with the related species, H. aculeifer which is well known biological control agent of horticultural crop pests were provided with identification keys.

The Longevity of Crop Seeds Stored Under Long-term Condition in the National Gene Bank of Bulgaria

Abstract Seed accessions from 7 plant families and 28 species stored for above 20 years in the National gene bank of Bulgaria were evaluated. All seed accessions were maintained as base collection under long-term storage conditions with low moisture contents (5±2%) in hermetically closed containers at −18°C. On the basis of experimental data, the seed storage characters σ (standard deviation of seed death in storage), P50% (the time for viability to fall to 50%) and P10% (the time for viability reduction of 10%) were determined allowing the prediction of seed storage life and the regeneration needs. The results showed significant differences in loss of seed viability among species and within the species. After 20–24 years of storage, eleven crops showed minimal viability decline under 5% as compared to the initial viability (oats, barley, maize, bread wheat, durum wheat, smooth brome grass, faba bean, chickpea, sunflower, cucumber and pepper). For the same storage time, another group of crops (sorghum, triticale, orchard grass, tall fescue, common vetch, grass pea, lentil, common bean, rapeseed, tobacco, flax, cabbage and tomatoes) presented 5–10% reduction of seed viability. More significant changes in seed viability – above 10% – were detected for peanuts, lettuce, soybean and rye. The σ values varied from 20.41 years (Arachis hypogaea L.) to 500 years (for Avena sativa L. and Triticum aestivum L). There was wide variation across species, both in time taken for the viability to fall to 50% and in time taken for the seed viability reduction of 10%. The study illustrates the positive effect of both seed storability early monitoring and prediction of regeneration needs as a tool for limiting undesired losses.

Allergen-Specific IgE Measurement: Intermethod Comparison of Two Assay Systems in Diagnosing Clinical Allergy.

Our aim was to examine the performance of IMMULITE 2000 assay for specific IgE (sIgE) by comparing it with ImmunoCAP technology in light of a clinical background. Measurements of sIgE were done in a selected patient group (N = 569; varied sample size for each allergen) and in a random sample group (N = 100; 8 allergens). sIgE results were correlated with skin-prick test results (selected patients) and medical history (nonselected patients). We have detected fair to excellent correlation and agreement between the results of both assays, despite their methodological differences, both in selected and nonselected patient group (ρc = 0.431-0.976; ρc = 0.390-0.972, respectively). Associations of sIgE levels with skin-prick test (SPT) levels and medical history have shown significant correlation for both assays for majority of tested allergens, where applicable (D. pteronyssinus, cat dander, egg white, milk, peanut, orchard grass, Alternaria tenuis, and common ragweed in selected patients; birch, cat dander, common ragweed, D. pteronyssinus, and orchard grass in nonselected; P < 0.05 for all). Laboratory testing for sIgE can be successfully accomplished by IMMULITE 2000 immunoanalyzer at a diagnostic accuracy relative to SPT, comparable to the results acquired by CAP technology but not fully comparable on the level of an individual patient.

Możliwości wykorzystania substratu jonitowego i archebakterii do wspomagania rozwoju roślin na gruntach jałowych

Przeprowadzone badania dotyczyły określenia możliwości wykorzystania substratu jonitowego i archebakterii do wspomagania rozwoju roślin na gruntach jałowych (np. na nasypach dróg, skarpach mostów itp.). Realizacja badań wymagała przeprowadzenia doświadczenia wazonowego z kupkówką pospolitą jako gatunkiem testowym. Na potrzeby eksperymentu przygotowano dwie podstawowe serie podłoży: serię kontrolną – piasek (model jałowego gruntu) i serię stanowiącą mieszaninę piasku i 2% (objętościowo) dodatku substratu jonitowego (nośnik pierwiastków odżywczych roślin). W trakcie wegetacji roślin połowę liczby wazonów serii kontrolnej podlewano wodą wodociągową, natomiast drugą połowę podlewano wodą wodociągową wzbogaconą w archebakterie pochodzące z preparatu komercyjnego Arkea® firmy Archaea SolutionsTM. Analogicznie postąpiono z wazonami zawierającymi mieszaninę piasku z dodatkiem substratu jonitowego. Po zakończeniu doświadczenia stwierdzono, że dodatek substratu jonitowego do piasku korzystnie wpłynął na proces wzrostu i rozwoju roślin istotnie zwiększając wartości parametrów wegetacyjnych. Wbrew oczekiwaniom nie zaobserwowano pozytywnego oddziaływania drobnoustrojów z domeny Archeae na proces wegetacji gatunku testowego. Dodatek substratu jonitowego można polecić jako materiał wspomagający rozwój pokrywy roślinnej na terenach zdegradowanych i obiektach infrastruktury drogowej.

Priming seeds in aqueous smoke solutions to improve seed germination and biomass production of perennial forage species

Seeds of many forage species have dormancy, delaying germination in the field. Species from semi-arid environments may have adaptation to fire, therefore, the effects of priming seeds of common forage species in aqueous smoke solutions were studied. Seeds of eight grasses and two legumes were primed in serial dilutions of aqueous smoke solutions and then dried before germination tests. Depending on the species and concentrations of solutions, priming seeds acted independently or in interaction with light and (or) temperature to improve germination in Altai wildrye (Leymus angustus), green needlegrass (Nassella viridula), Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum), needle-and-thread (Hesperostipa comata), northern wheatgrass (Elymus lanceolatus), orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata), plains rough fescue (Festuca hallii), Russian wildrye (Psathyrostachys juncea), and western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii). Priming seeds of cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer) in distilled water or aqueous smoke solutions had no effect o...

Carbon Source-Dependent Effects of Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation on Soil Microbiome and Suppression of Rhizoctonia solani AG-5 and Pratylenchus penetrans.

The effect of carbon source on efficacy of anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) toward suppression of apple root infection by Rhizoctonia solani AG-5 and Pratylenchus penetrans was examined. Orchard grass (GR), rice bran (RB), ethanol (ET), composted steer manure (CM), and Brassica juncea seed meal (SM) were used as ASD carbon inputs, with plant assays conducted in natural and pasteurized orchard soils. Subsequent studies investigated the effect of GR application rate used in ASD on control of these pathogens. In general, apple root infection by R. solani AG-5 was significantly lower in ET, GR, RB, and SM ASD treatments compared with the control. Among different ASD treatments, apple seedling growth was significantly greater when GR or SM was used as the carbon input relative to all other ASD treatments. R. solani AG-5 DNA abundance was significantly reduced in all ASD treatments, regardless of amendment type, compared with the control. In independent experiments, ASD-GR was consistently superior to ASD-CM for limiting pathogen activity in soils. ASD treatment with a grass input rate of 20 t ha(-1) provided superior suppression of P. penetrans but grass application rate did not affect ASD efficacy in control of R. solani AG-5. The soil microbiome from ASD-GR-treated soils was clearly distinct from the control and ASD-CM-treated soils. In contrast, composition of the microbiome from control and ASD-CM-treated soils could not be differentiated. Comparative results from pasteurized and nonpasteurized soils suggest that there is potential for GR based ASD treatment to recruit microbial elements that persist over the anaerobic phase of soil incubation, which may functionally contribute to disease suppression. When ASD was conducted with GR, microbial diversity was markedly reduced relative to the control or ASD-CM soil suggesting that this parameter, typically associated with system resilience, was not instrumental to the function of ASD-induced soil suppressiveness.