Content Of Herbage Research Articles

Agronomic Biofortification of Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.) with Zn for Improving Herbage Productivity and Its Quality

Zinc (Zn) deficiency in soils not only reduces the productivity of forage crops, but also results in inadequate dietary zinc intake for livestock. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of different rates and methods of applying ZnSO4 to both soil and foliage on the yield and quality of fodder maize grown in a sandy loam soil testing low in DTPA-extractable Zn. A 2-year field experiment was conducted with six treatments including control, foliar application of 0.3% ZnSO4 at 30 days after sowing (DAS) (F1), foliar application of 0.3% ZnSO4 at 30 and 40 DAS (F2), soil application of 16 kg ha−1 ZnSO4 (S16) and a combination of both soil and foliar ZnSO4 application (S16 + F1 and S16 + F2). Increase in green herbage yield by 25%, dry matter yield by 47% and Zn content by 79% was observed under S16 + F2 treatment over the control. Zinc application improved N, K, Cu and crude protein content of herbage significantly over the control. Thus, the study shows that significant improvement in growth parameters, herbage yield and quality of maize can be achieved with soil Zn application + two foliar sprays of ZnSO4 at 30 and 40 DAS, thereby ensuring availability of improved fodder Zn to the livestock.

Limited response to phosphorus fertilization in native South American grasslands across a productivity gradient despite low phosphorus concentrations in grassland herbage

Limited response to phosphorus fertilization in native South American grasslands across a productivity gradient despite low phosphorus concentrations in grassland herbage

Multiple bHLH/MYB-based protein complexes regulate proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in the herbage of Lotus spp.

Main conclusionThe complexes involving MYBPA2, TT2b, and TT8 proteins are the critical regulators of ANR and LAR genes to promote the biosynthesis of proanthocyanidins in the leaves of Lotus spp.The environmental impact and health of ruminants fed with forage legumes depend on the herbage's concentration and structure of proanthocyanidins (PAs). Unfortunately, the primary forage legumes (alfalfa and clover) do not contain substantial levels of PAs. No significant progress has been made to induce PAs to agronomically valuable levels in their edible organs by biotechnological approaches thus far. Building this trait requires a profound knowledge of PA regulators and their interplay in species naturally committed to accumulating these metabolites in the target organs. Against this background, we compared the shoot transcriptomes of two inter-fertile Lotus species, namely Lotus tenuis and Lotus corniculatus, polymorphic for this trait, to search for differentially expressed MYB and bHLH genes. We then tested the expression of the above-reported regulators in L. tenuis x L. corniculatus interspecific hybrids, several Lotus spp., and different L. corniculatus organs with contrasting PA levels. We identified a novel MYB activator and MYB-bHLH-based complexes that, when expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana, trans-activated the promoters of L. corniculatus anthocyanidin reductase and leucoanthocyanidin reductase 1 genes. The last are the two critical structural genes for the biosynthesis of PAs in Lotus spp. Competition between MYB activators for the transactivation of these promoters also emerged. Overall, by employing Lotus as a model genus, we refined the transcriptional network underlying PA biosynthesis in the herbage of legumes. These findings are crucial to engineering this trait in pasture legumes.

Temporal changes in labile soil phosphorus pools in grassland receiving P recycled from dairy processing sludge

Replacing chemical fertilisers with recycled products will require new advice for phosphorus (P) use.. Emerging P fertilisers derived from dairy processing sludge (DPS) include products such as struvite and hydrochar. A field study monitored temporal changes in available, exchangeable, and Mehlich3 P pools in a P deficient grassland amended with DPS-derived hydrochar and struvite. Herbage P content and yields were compared with data from plots amended with a mineral P fertiliser. Regardless of fertiliser used, there was no statistical difference in dry matter yield. However, herbage P content varied depending on the fertiliser type. The optimal P content in herbage for cattle feed (0.3–0.4 %) was reached using struvite and mineral fertiliser. Application of struvites increased available, exchangeable, and Mehlich3 P, raising the available P levels to the agronomic optimal value for crop production (>5 mg l-1) within one month. In hydrochar amended plots, the optimal level of P was reached 4 months after fertilisation, at the end of the growing season. During the low growth or dormancy period, soil P levels decreased and remained low regardless of the treatment. In the struvite amended plots, available and exchangeable P pools recovered at the beginning of the second season. This effect was not observed in mineral fertiliser and hydrochar amended plots. A single application of struvite can replace mineral fertilisers supplying crops with P for more than one season. This needs to be reflected in the advice for growers to avoid excessive P application and legacy P deposition.

DETERMINATION OF YIELD AND QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF COMMON REED (Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. Ex Steud) HARVESTED AT DIFFERENT GROWTH STAGES

Common Reed (Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. Ex Steud, which is remained inactive and grown in saline
 drainage channels, has been seen as an important potential to reduce the roughage deficit needed in animal nutrition. For this purpose, some yield, fermantation, chemical and nutritional characteristics of P.australis herbage and silage obtained from the end of the vegetative stage (EVS), the beginning of panicle (BP) and the full panicle stage (FPS) were determined. The study was carried out in 2021-2022 in Igdir, which is located in the North-East of Turkey. The results showed that the forage yield characteristics increased as the development period progressed and also that high lactic acid, low pH, acetic, propionic and butyric acid contents desired in silo feeds were obtained from the cuttings at FPS. In addition, ammonia production was low in silages at BP and FPS, but high the fleig score. It was observed that the dry matter digestibility, metabolic energy and relative feed value were higher while dry matter and crude protein ratio, acid detergent fibre and crude ash content of herbage according to silage were lower. On the other hand, the desired chemical and nutritional values in both herbage and silage were determined during the most suitable BP. As a result, it was determined that the common reed was appropriate to harvest in FPS for a silo feed with high yield and fermentation properties. In addition, it was concluded that the herbage and silage harvested at BP produced a higher quality feed material in terms of nutritional and chemical composition, respectively.

Chemical composition, lipid peroxidation and in vitro ruminal fermentation of crown vetch (Coronilla varia L.) herbage and silage

AbstractCrown vetch (Coronilla varia L.) is a widely spread legume species that can be used as a forage crop for herbivores. The crown vetch herbage was ensiled with 0, 4, or 8% of crushed barley grain on a wet basis. The crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber in organic matter (NDFom) contents of crown vetch herbage were higher than those of crown vetch silages (p < .05). The malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations of herbage and silages with barley grain were lower than that of silage without barley grain (p < .05). The linoleic acid (C18:2) percentage of total fatty acids in forage decreased with the ensiling process (p < .05). The addition of crushed barley grain in the ensiling process of crown vetch herbage preserved the α‐linolenic acid (C18:3) percentage of total fatty acids (p < .05). The crushed barley grain positively affected dry matter (DM) and ammonia‐nitrogen levels, acidity value (pH and lactic, acetic and propionic acids) and in vitro ruminal fermentation values (cumulative gas production, metabolic energy [ME], net energy lactation [NEL] and organic matter digestion [OMd]) of crown vetch silage (p < .05). The concentration of volatile fatty acids (acetic, butyric, propionic, iso‐valeric and iso‐butyric acids) in the in vitro ruminal fermentation fluid was similar in herbage and silages of crown vetch (p > .05). Consequently, crushed barley grain (especially 4% rate) in the ensiling process of crown vetch increased hemicellulose, easily digestible carbohydrates, linoleic acid, α‐linolenic acid in silage and in vitro ruminal digestion parameters, positively affected silage acidity and decreased lipid peroxidation.

The effect of soil type on yield and micronutrient content of pasture species.

The use of multispecies swards on livestock farms is growing due to the wide range of benefits they bring, such as improved biomass yield and animal performance. Preferential uptake of micronutrients by some plant species means the inclusion of legumes and forbs in grass-dominated pasture swards could improve micronutrient provision to livestock via careful species selection. However, although soil properties affect plant micronutrient concentrations, it is unknown whether choosing 'best-performing' species, in terms of their micronutrient content, needs to be soil-specific or whether the recommendations can be more generic. To address this question, we carried out an experiment with 15 common grass, forb and legume species grown on four soils for five weeks in a controlled environment. The soils were chosen to have contrasting properties such as texture, organic matter content and micronutrient concentrations. The effect of soil pH was tested on two soils (pH 5.4 and 7.4) chosen to minimise other confounding variables. Yield was significantly affected by soil properties and there was a significant interaction with botanical group but not species within a botanical group (grass, forb or legume). There were differences between botanical groups and between species in both their micronutrient concentrations and total uptake. Micronutrient herbage concentrations often, but not always, reflected soil micronutrient concentrations. There were soil-botanical group interactions for micronutrient concentration and uptake by plants, but the interaction between plant species (within a botanical group) and soil was significant only for forbs, and predominantly occurred when considering micronutrient uptake rather than concentration. Generally, plants had higher yields and micronutrient contents at pH 5.4 than 7.4. Forbs tended to have higher concentrations of micronutrients than other botanical groups and the effect of soil on micronutrient uptake was only significant for forbs.

Trees in silvopastoral systems reduce legume proportion with no consequence for internal N resorption efficiency

AbstractIn legume-based grasslands, legumes supply the sward with nitrogen (N) from biological N2-fixation. Previous studies in silvopastoral systems have emphasized that legume proportions decline near trees which would cause spatial variation in the N supply and the concentration of N in the harvested herbage of grass swards between trees. In natural ecosystems, it was shown that the N resorption efficiency (NRE) was increased by nutrient limitation, hence, near trees where legumes are scarce. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that the NRE is increased near trees and compensates for the loss of legumes with respect to N concentration in live herbage. Two vegetation compositions consisting of legume-based grass swards were analysed across positions between tree lines in an alley cropping system established 5 years prior to this study. Legume proportion declined up to 45% towards the tree line, and also N concentration in live and dead herbage but on average only declined by 15%. As a consequence of a reduced N concentration and also herbage mass close to trees, the N yield decreased by up to 50%. Despite the loss of legumes near trees, the NRE was unaffected by the tree line irrespective of vegetation composition. Further, the results indicate that internal N cycling of managed grass swards in silvopastoral grassland with short defoliation intervals between harvests is of lesser relevance than in unmanaged ecosystems. Legume proportions control the N concentrations of live and dead herbage irrespective of tree shading in silvopastoral systems.

Grass-clover response to cattle slurry N-rates: Yield, clover proportion, protein concentration and estimated N2-fixation

Optimal nitrogen (N) fertilization for grass-clover leys is important, since the N application affects yields and the clover and crude protein (CP) contents of the forage. Modeling of optimal N application to maximize economic output and minimize environmental consequences depends on grass-clover responses, e.g., on clover proportion, dry matter (DM) and CP yield. Thus, such parameters need to be quantified in field trials. Based on a three-year field trial (2017–2019; Foulumgaard Experimental Farm, Denmark) with four cuts of an organically managed grass-clover ley, the effect of increasing N fertilization from cattle slurry (0, 50, 100, 200 and 300 kg total N ha -1 ) on DM yield, CP yield and concentration as well as on clover proportion was examined. Results were analyzed separately for four sward ages (1–4 years). Dry matter yields ranged from 5.8 to 11.8 Mg ha -1 and the 200 and 300 kg N ha -1 treatments showed the highest DM yield for all sward ages; the 300 kg N ha -1 showed no significant additional yield benefit relative to the 200 kg N ha -1 . The clover proportion generally decreased with increasing N application (36–65 % for 0 N and 8–35 % for 300 kg N ha -1 ). The herbage concentration of CP was either unaffected or decreased with increasing N application. The fourth-year swards showed DM yields comparable to first and third-year sward ages. In unfertilized swards, a linear relationship was found between the first cut in a given year and the fourth cut of the previous year ( r 2 = 0.82 within a range of autumn clover proportions of 33–74 %), indicating the possibility of using last cut for predicting next year’s fertilizer requirements. The comprehensive data and results may form the basis for future modeling of optimal N application in organic grass-clover leys. • Dry matter yield increased up to a fertilizer level of 200 kg N for all sward ages. • Crop N concentration showed decreasing tendency with increasing slurry N application. • Knowledge on optimal N application to organic grass-clover ley provided.

The effect of vegetable and animal oils added to different forages and concentrates on the in vitro fermentation parameters in ruminants

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the effects of fermentation parameters of sunflower oil, vegetable oil blend, palm oil and chicken oil addition to sunflower meal, wheat grain, alfalfa herbage and corn silage at different rates (4% and 6%, dry matter basis). The oil supplementation up to 6% rate to the alfalfa herbage and corn silage did not adversely affect the level of in vitro gas production, metabolic energy (ME), net energy lactation (NEL), organic matter digestion (OMD) and molarities of acetic, propionic, butyric, iso-valeric, iso-butyric and valeric acids and number of total protozoa (P > 0.05). The oil supplementation to alfalfa herbage increased molarities of butyric, iso-valeric, iso-butyric and valeric acids and number of total protozoa (except sunflower oil) in rumen fluid (P < 0.05). Palm oil decreased the in vitro gas production, ME, NEL and OMD values of sunflower meal (P < 0.05). Supplementation of vegetable oil blend to wheat grain increased ME, NEL and OMD values and butyric acid molarity in rumen fluid (P < 0.05). The in vitro ruminal ammonia–nitrogen concentrations of alfalfa herbage and corn silage increased by vegetable oil blend, palm oil and chicken oil up to 6% (P < 0.05). As a result, the nutrient content of the feedstuffs used changed the in vitro ruminal fermentation values of the oil additive to be added. The addition of sunflower oil, vegetable oil blend, palm oil and chicken oil at 4% and 6% rates to corn silage, alfalfa herbage, sunflower meal and wheat grain feed found to differ on in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters.

Effects of Foliar Application of Nano-molybdenum Fertilizer on Copper Metabolism of Grazing Chinese Merino Sheep (Junken Type) on Natural Grasslands Under Copper and Cadmium Stress.

In recent decades, the groundwater contaminated by mineral development and metal smelting has seriously polluted natural grasslands, resulting in heavy metal residues in soils and forages exceeding the standard, especially copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd). After animals intake contaminated forages, heavy metals may accumulate in animal tissues and threaten human health through the food chain. Previous studies found that molybdenum (Mo) fertilizer from ammonium molybdate or potassium molybdate could alleviate the decrease of antioxidant capacity caused by heavy metal poisoning, but the application of nano-Mo fertilizer in sheep is still lacking. To investigate the effects of nano-Mo fertilizer on Cu metabolism of grazing Chinese Merino sheep (Junken Type) on natural pastures under Cu and Cd stress, fertilizing experiment was carried out in the Bayanbulak Grassland in the northwest of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. A total of 24 hm2 fenced grassland contaminated by heavy metals was randomly divided into four groups (3 replications/group and 2 hm2/replication). The experimental groups were applied 0g Mo, 100g Mo, 200g Mo, and 300g Mo per hectare for the control group, group I, group II, and group III, respectively, through foliar spraying fertilization. A total of 72 Chinese Merino sheep (1year old, 43.8 ± 2.3kg) grazing on polluted natural grasslands, with 18 sheep per group, were randomly assigned to the experimental pastures for 30days. The results showed that the Mo content in soil in group II and group III nwas higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05); the Cd content in soil in group II and group III was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05), and the Cu content in soil in fertilized pastures was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The Mo content in herbage in fertilized pastures was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05), and the content of Cu in herbage in fertilized pastures was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The contents of iron (Fe) and Mo in blood and liver of grazing animals from fertilized pastures were higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The Cd content in blood of grazing animals in group II and group III was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The Cu content in blood and liver of grazing animals in fertilized pastures was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The content of selenium (Se) in blood of grazing animals in group II and group III was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The levels of blood including hemoglobin (Hb), erythrocyte count (RBC), and packed cell volume (PCV) in group II and group III were higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The white blood cell (RBC) count in group II and group III was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The activities of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and ceruloplasmin (Cp) in group II and group III were higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in group II and group III was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the application of nano-Mo fertilizer on Cu- and Cd-contaminated grasslands changed the contents of mineral elements in soil, forage, and blood of grazing sheep, improved the antioxidant capacity, affected the Cu metabolism of grazing Chinese Merino sheep caused by Cu and Cd pollutions, and alleviated the toxic damage of heavy metal pollutions.

Farklı fenolojik dönemlerde hasat edilen yerelması hasılının (Helianthus tuberosus) yağ asiti kompozisyonun araştırılması

This study was aimed to determine fatty acid compositions of Jerusalem artichoke herbages (Helianthus tuberosus) at five different phenological stages. Jerusalem artichoke was harvested at early vegetative, vegetative, early flowering, full flowering, and early seed stages and its herbage samples were obtained. In the herbages, the saturated fatty acid (∑SFA), unsaturated fatty acid (∑UFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (∑PUFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), medium chain fatty acids (∑MCFA), long chain fatty acids (∑LCFA) and very long chain fatty acids (∑VLCFA) were analyzed. The linoleic acid (C18:2n 6c) concentrations of herbages were changed from about 21 to 23% at different growing stages (P&amp;lt;0.05). The oleic acid (C18:2n 6t) concentrations of this forage increased with plant growing (20 to 34% in total fatty acids) (P&amp;lt;0.001). The ∑PUFA, w-3, w-6, ∑MCFA and ∑VLCFA concentrations of Jerusalem artichoke herbage were positively correlated with plant growing stage (from vegetation to after flowering) (P&amp;lt;0.05). The ∑MUFA, w-9 and ∑LCFA concentrations of this herbage were negatively correlated with plant growing stage of plant (P&amp;lt;0.05). As a result of the study, the ∑UFA, ∑MUFA and w-9 fatty acids compositions of Jerusalem artichoke herbage, harvested at early flowering stage, were high than those of other plant growing stages. Besides, the Jerusalem artichoke herbage, harvested at flowering stage, was rich from ∑PUFA, w-3 and ∑VLCFA fatty acids. Therefore, Jerusalem artichoke herbage, harvested at early flowering and full flowering stages, has high functional properties for ruminants and other herbivorous.

Protein and Carbohydrate Fractions in Warm-Season Pastures: Effects of Nitrogen Management Strategies

Nitrogen (N) management affects herbage production and chemical composition; however, information on the impact of tropical herbage on N and carbohydrate fractions is scarce. A two-year study was conducted to investigate the potential use of pintoi peanut (Arachis pintoi) compared with N fertilization of palisade grass (Brachiariabrizantha cv. Marandu) by evaluating the herbage chemical composition (fractionation of protein and carbohydrate), herbage mass and accumulation rate, herbage disappearance rate, and stocking rate of pastures. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three treatments, and four replications (paddocks) were used with twenty-one non-lactating crossbred dairy heifers. Treatments consisted of pastures of palisade grass without a N source (control), fertilized with urea (150 kg/ha/year; fertilized), or mixed with pintoi peanut (mixed). Inclusion of the legume increased concentrations of fractions A (p = 0.009), which is the soluble N compound, and B3 (p &lt; 0.001), which is slowly degraded true protein, compared with pastures fertilized with N and non-fertilized pastures. Nitrogen fertilization increased fraction B1 + B2 (p = 0.046), mainly true proteins, and decreased fraction C (p = 0.0007), indigestible protein, and neutral detergent fiber concentrations (p = 0.0003), contributing to increasing the nutritive value of the herbage. Additionally, N fertilization increased herbage mass (p = 0.004) and herbage allowance (p = 0.0001). Both N fertilization and biologically fixed N increased herbage allowance (p = 0.02) and accumulation rate (p = 0.02), as well as the crude protein content of herbage (p &lt; 0.0001) compared with non-fertilized pastures. Nitrogen fertilization increased true protein and decreased indigestible protein of herbage and promoted a greater herbage mass production, while the inclusion of legumes increased soluble protein and decreased the slowly degraded true protein of herbage. Both N management strategies increased herbage allowance and accumulation rate.

Restoration management of cattle resting place in mountain grassland.

This study investigated the effect of restoration management of a weed-infested area, previously used as cattle resting place, on herbage production and nutrient concentrations in the soil and herbage. The experiment was undertaken from 2004 to 2011 at the National Park of Nízké Tatry, Slovakia. Three treatments were applied: (i) cutting twice per year, (ii) herbicide application, followed after three weeks by reseeding with a mixture of vascular plant species and then cut twice per year, and (iii) unmanaged. Treatments had significant effect on biomass production and concentration of nutrients in the soil and in herbage. Nutrient concentrations in herbage and in soil declined progressively under the cutting treatments and reached optimum ranges for dairy cattle at the end of the experiment when herbage N was less than 15 g kg-1 and herbage P was 3.4 g kg-1. There was also a strong positive relationship under the cutting treatments between soil nutrient concentrations and herbage nutrient concentrations for N, P, K, Mg and Ca. Although the cutting management as well as the combination of herbicide application with cutting management reduced nutrient concentrations in the soil and in herbage, the nutrient concentrations remained relatively high. We can conclude that restoration of grassland covered with weedy species like Urtica dioica and Rumex obtusifolius, with excessive levels of soil nutrients, cannot be achieved just by cutting and herbicide application.

184 Essential amino acid concentration of soybean herbage as influenced by stage of growth

184 Essential amino acid concentration of soybean herbage as influenced by stage of growth

Effect of 15‐year sward management on vertical distribution of plant functional groups in a semi‐natural perennial grassland of central Europe

AbstractAimsThe nutrient concentration in herbage and biomass productivity analyses are dependent on the vertical distribution of different sward layers where the sampling is done. Notably, a majority of studies indicate clipping biomass to the ground level without any consideration of the vertical distribution. This study examined the effect of cutting and grazing intensities on the vertical distribution of plant functional groups.LocationOldřichov Grazing Experiment, northern Czechia.MethodsDuring a 15‐year experiment: (a) intensive and (b) extensive grazing without cutting; (c) cutting in June followed by intensive and (d) extensive grazing; and (e) undefoliated treatment were applied throughout the vegetation season. Biomass data were collected at two layers in the sward (below and above 3 cm) and separated into five functional groups. Biomass data were analysed to examine the succession and effects of treatments on vertical distribution of functional groups.ResultsTreatment effects were differentiated after 2–3 years from the introduction of management, but the composition of functional groups fluctuated over time. Treatments significantly affected total biomass of all functional groups and the vertical distribution within swards of most groups. Particularly intensive grazing significantly decreased the total biomass of graminoids, forbs, and dead biomass in favour of legumes (which increased). This led to a shift in the relative biomass distribution from the upper sward layer to the lower layer for most functional groups except for legumes and mosses.ConclusionThe high proportion of dead biomass in the lower sward layer suggests the need for a methodological approach that considers clipping of biomass only above 3 cm when sampling for productivity and forage quality analysis. This approach would avoid including biomass from below 3 cm or the lower layer, which would be ungrazed by cattle. Many previous studies may have reported a distorted or inflated value in herbage productivity or forage quality results.

92 Brix as an Indicator of Energy Value in Alfalfa and Orchardgrass Herbage

Abstract This study correlated Brix values (measure of total dissolved solids via refractometer) with wet-lab analyses (WLA) of sugar concentrations in fresh herbage of two forage species, alfalfa (ALF; Medicago sativa) and orchardgrass (ORG; Dactylis glomerata) to estimate energy value of pastures. Four monthly samplings occurred from May-August, 2019. At each sampling, eight ALF and ORG samples were collected from established monocultures of each species. Solubles were extracted from fresh herbage using a hand-held garlic press. Triplicate Brix readings were recorded per sample using a digital refractometer. Fresh herbage samples were flash-frozen in liquid N, freeze-dried, and analyzed via WLA for total and individual (glucose and fructose) sugar concentrations, as well as nutritive value (CP, NDF, and ADF; Agri-King, Inc., Fulton, IL). The TDN, RFV, and RFQ were calculated. Brix values were correlated with WLA using the PROC CORR procedure in SAS, with significance established at P &amp;lt; 0.05 and trends at 0.05 &amp;lt; P &amp;lt; 0.10. Brix values were negatively correlated (P &amp;lt; 0.001) with WLA of total sugars (-0.65), glucose (-0.6), and fructose (-0.68) in ORG while no significant correlations (P &amp;gt; 0.10) were detected in ALF. Conversely, Brix values of ORG and ALF were positively correlated (P &amp;lt; 0.01) with NDF (0.57 – 0.58) and hemicellulose (0.42 – 0.55), as well as with ADF in ALF (0.54). Brix was negatively correlated (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with CP in ALF (-0.41), but there was no correlation (P &amp;gt; 0.10) with ORG. No correlations (P &amp;gt; 0.10) were detected between Brix and TDN, RFV, and RFQ. These results indicate that the Brix index does not directly translate to forage quality, particularly sugar concentrations, of ALF and ORG, and may inadvertently select herbage with increased fiber concentrations. Producers should consider more accurate methods, such as WLA, for assessing energy value of pastures.

The Mineral Composition of Wild-Type and Cultivated Varieties of Pasture Species

Mineral deficiencies in livestock are often prevented by using prophylactic supplementation, which is imprecise and inefficient. Instead, the trend for increased species diversity in swards is an opportunity to improve mineral concentrations in the basal diet. Currently, there are limited data on the mineral concentrations of different species and botanical groups, particularly for I and Se, which are among the most deficient minerals in livestock diets. We grew 21 pasture species, including some cultivar/wild type comparisons, of grasses, legumes and forbs, as single species stands in a pot study in a standard growth medium. Herbage concentrations of Co, Cu, I, Mn, Se, Zn, S, Mo and Fe showed no consistent differences between the wild and cultivated types. There were significant differences between botanical groups for many minerals tested. Forbs were highest in I and Se, grasses in Mn and legumes in Cu, Co, Zn and Fe. Comparing species concentrations to recommended livestock intakes, the forbs Achillea millefolium, Cichorium intybus and Plantago lanceolata, and the legumes Medicago lupulina, Trifolium hybridum and Lotus corniculatus, appear to be good sources of Co, Cu, I, Se and Zn. Further work is required to ensure these results are consistent in multispecies mixtures, in different soil types and in field trials.

Chemical Composition of Milk and Rumen Microbiome Diversity of Yak, Impacting by Herbage Grown at Different Phenological Periods on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Simple SummaryNative values of herbage grown at different phenological periods and rumen diversity of microbial population would impact rumen fermentation end-products and milk compositions of yaks (Bos grunniens). The research was conducted in 12 female yaks grazing on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). The results revealed that the phenological periods (VS: Vegetative stage, May; BS: Bloom stage, August; SS: Senescent stage, December) significantly influenced the nutritive values of herbages, microbial diversity and, as a consequence affected on the yak milk yield and compositions. We concluded that the observed differences resulted from the combined effects of phenological periods, herbage composition, and herbage availability. The findings of this study were of great value and useful for current understandings and onwards to conduct further research and for possible practical implementation for the yak cows grazing on QTP.To estimate how native herbage of three different phenological periods modify rumen performance and milk quality of yak grazing alpine meadow. In this study, milk composition and the diversity of the rumen microbial community were measured in 12 full-grazing female yaks on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). The nutrient composition of three phenological periods was determined: Vegetative stage (VS), bloom stage (BS), and senescent stage (SS). High-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was used. The results showed that crude protein (CP) content of herbage in BS was higher than that in vs. and SS (p < 0.05), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content of herbage in SS was higher than that in vs. and BS (p < 0.05). Milk solids and fat contents were higher in the vs. and SS than in BS (p < 0.05). However, milk protein content was higher for the vs. and BS than those for SS (p < 0.05). The total volatile fatty acid (VFA), acetate, and propionate concentrations were higher in vs. and BS than in SS (p < 0.05). The community richness estimates (Chao1 estimator) of vs. were higher than that in BS and the SS (p < 0.05). The diversity indices (Shannon index) of the BS were higher than that vs. and the SS (p < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis between the milk composition, ruminal fermentation parameters, and the relative abundances of the rumen bacteria showed that milk protein content, total VFA, acetate, and propionate concentrations were positively correlated with the relative abundances of the genera Desulfovibrio, Prevotella_1, and Butyrivibrio_2 and was negatively correlated with Olsenella, Ruminococcaceae_UCG.010, and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group abundances. Collectively, the results revealed that there were significant differences in nutrient composition of herbage, chemical composition of yak milk, and microbial diversity in rumen at different phenological stages. The correlations between ruminal fermentation parameters, chemical constituents of yak milk, and some genera of ruminal bacteria might be indicative that the ruminal fermentation parameters and chemical constituents of yak milk are strongly influenced by the rumen bacterial community composition.

Effect of Herbage Density, Height and Age on Nutrient and Invertebrate Generalist Predator Abundance in Permanent and Temporary Pastures

The aim of this research was to assess differences in the quantity and quality of herbage and invertebrate generalist predator abundance among permanent and temporary pastures. Two permanent pastures and four temporary ley pastures (either one year or two years since being sown) were monitored weekly for 10 weeks in the spring. Permanent pastures included a diverse range of native UK grass species, and temporary ley pastures were predominantly perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) with or without white clover (Trifolium repens). Weekly measurements of herbage height (in centimeters), herbage cover (fresh and dry matter in kg per hectare) and herbage density (fresh and dry matter in kg per hectare per centimeter) were obtained for each field, along with lycosid spider and carabid beetle abundance. Weekly pasture samples were used to obtain nutrient concentrations of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), ash, oil, sugars, digestible organic matter in the dry matter (DOMD) and metabolisable energy (ME) in the herbage as a measure of forage quality for grazing or harvesting. A linear mixed model was used to assess the effect of sward age, herbage density and height on herbage production, nutrient concentrations and invertebrate abundance. Although this study showed that permanent pastures were associated with lower nutrient concentrations of crude protein, ash, oil and ME compared to younger and predominantly perennial ryegrass pastures, the older pastures were associated with higher carabid numbers. Furthermore, permanent pastures had a higher density of dry matter herbage compared to younger pastures, and more dense and taller swards were associated with higher lycosid numbers. The study suggests that within pastures of 3 to 20 cm height, increasing the height and density of swards increases both ME and oil concentrations in herbage, therefore enhancing forage nutrient quality. Older and more permanent pastures can be beneficial for plant and invertebrate generalist predator populations, and still provide a useful source of nutrients for forage production.