Acid Detergent Fiber Content Research Articles

Biomass yield, quality, nutrient composition, and feeding value of oat (Avena sativa) silage subjected to different wilting durations and/or inoculant application.

In this study, we evaluated the biomass yield, physico-chemical characteristics, nutrient composition, and feeding value of oat (Avena sativa) grown without irrigation ensiled with or without supplemental inoculant following different wilting durations. Oat forage at early dough stage (79days after sowing) were harvested to assess the biomass yield, nutrient contents, and mineral composition. Oats were ensiled with or without the addition of inoculant and different wilting durations (0, 24, and 48h) in 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. After the ensiling (120days), the oat silages were opened, quality was measured in terms of pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), smell, structure, color, and Flieg point. Nutritional composition and feeding values were analyzed in oat silages. Oat grown without irrigation yielded 32 ton/ha fresh matter. Mean dry matter (DM), organic matter, crude protein (CP), crude fiber, crude ash, ether extract, nitrogen free extract, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, non-structural carbohydrates, hemicellulose, and in vitro dry matter digestibility of oat forage were 32.77%, 90.41%, 11.31%, 28.69%, 9.59%, 3.99%, 46.43%, 36.32%, 63.98%, 7.22%, 11.14%, 27.67%, and 74.81%, respectively. Addition of inoculant had no effect on the quality, nutritional composition, and feeding values of oat silages. Increasing wilting durations linearly increased the pH (P = 0.005) and decreased the smell score (P = 0.028) of ensiled oat. A linear increase was seen in the DM content of ensiled oat after increasing wilting durations (P = 0.001). Oat ensiled without wilting had greater CP content (P = 0.010 and linear P = 0.011) and lower ADF content than those ensiled after 24 or 48h of wilting (P = 0.013 and linear P = 0.007). Silages subjected to 24 or 48h of wilting had lower hemicellulose content (P = 0.019 and linear P = 0.012) and digestible DM (P = 0.013 and linear P = 0.007) than those without wilting. In conclusion, inoculant may not affect the quality, composition and feeding values of ensiled oat grown without irrigation whereas, wilting at different durations may negatively affect the pH, smell, CP, ADF, and feeding values of ensiled oats.

Pengaruh Konsentrasi Giberelin (GA3) Terhadap Nilai Nutrisi Calopogonium caeruleum

This research was conducted to reveal the effect of the Gibberellins concentration (GA3) on the content of crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of Calopogonium caeruleum. The design of experiment was the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in factorial arrangement. The first factors were the concentrations of GA3 namely 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm, for G0,G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5 respectively and the second factors were the soaking time at 6, 12 and 24 h, for T1, T2 and T3 respectively. Each treatment has three replications. The results showed that there were not significant (P< 0.05) effect of the concentration of GA3 on the content of CP, ADF and NDF of Calopogonium caeruleum.

Clinical evaluation and digestibility of banana (Musa spp.) compared to the Coast Cross hay (Cynodon sp.) as food for sheep

The objective of this work was to carry out a feeding trial to evaluate the nutritional aspects of the aerial part of the banana in healthy sheep. In the first trial, twelve ewes were used in the tests to determine the digestibility of banana dry matter. In the second, six sheep were used with ruminal cannulas to evaluate the content of dry matter, crude protein, neutral and acid detergent fiber. Three treatments were analyzed: (A) stalk plus dried banana leaves, (B) dried banana stalk and (C) dried banana leaves. The leaves and stems of the banana tree proved to be an alternative source of nutrition for sheep, which, when properly formulated, does not compromise animal health.

Aspergillus niger Improves the Nutritional Composition of Apple Pomace by Solid-State Fermentation

The effect of solid-state fermentation using Aspergillus niger on the nutritional composition of apple pomace was investigated in this study. Apple pomace was milled to 2 mm and sterilized at 121 °C for 15 min before fermentation. Aspergillus niger strain (ATCC 200345) was cultured and inoculated to apple pomace 104 spores/ml. Raw and fermented apple pomace were analyzed for determination of the crude protein (CP), ash, ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), neutral-detergent fiber (NDF), acid-detergent fiber (ADF), and acid-detergent lignin (ADL) content. The CP (P

Sustainable Use of Pennisetum sinese: Effect on Nutritional Components and Fermentation Quality of Stylosanthes guianensis in Tropics

Mixed ensiling of Stylosanthes guianensis and Pennisetum sinese is an alternative method to improve the nutrient composition of feeds for healthy and green ruminant production in the tropics. This study examined the fermentation quality, nutritional composition, and microbial population in silage to select the most suitable ratio of mixed silage containing different proportions of S. guianensis and P. sinese. It was completely randomized and consisted of four treatments with five replications based on fresh weight as follows: S0, 100% P. sinese; S15, 85% P. sinese + 15% S. guianensis; S30, 70% P. sinese + 30% S. guianensis; and S45, 55% P. sinese + 45% S. guianensis. The silage samples were opened and detected after ensiling for 30 days. The results showed that the content of dry matter and crude protein in mixed silage increased with the increase in S. guianensis, while the content of acid detergent fiber decreased significantly, and the maximum or minimum value appeared in the S45 group. As the proportion of S. guianensis increased, the pH, ammonia nitrogen, and acetic acid in mixed silage gradually increased, but the lactic acid content decreased. In addition, the content of lactic acid bacteria and yeast showed a significant downward trend. Further study showed that there was a complex correlation between nutrient compositions, fermentation characteristics, and microbial numbers in mixed silage, especially dry matter, crude protein, and lactic acid bacteria. From the sensory evaluation of silage, S30 was excellent and exhibited an aromatic smell, a hazel color, and the loosest texture. However, from the results of the proportion of organic acids in mixed silage fermentation and further principal component analysis, the highest comprehensive score was in the S15 group. Considering the nutritional compositions and fermentation quality, the optimum ratio of mixed fermentation between S. guianensis and P. sinese in this experiment was 30:70.

Fermentation characteristics and microbial community composition of wet brewer's grains and corn stover mixed silage prepared with cellulase and lactic acid bacteria supplementation.

The objective of this study was to investigate how cellulase or/and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) affected the fermentation characteristic and microbial community in wet brewer's grains (WBG) and corn stover (CS) mixed silage. The WBG was mixed thoroughly with the CS at 7:3 (w/w). Four treatment groups were studied: i) CON, no additives; ii) CEL, added cellulase (120 U/g fresh matter [FM]), iii) LAB, added LAB (2×106 cfu/g FM), and iv) CLA, added cellulase (120 U/g FM) and LAB (2×106 cfu/g FM). All additive-treated groups showed higher fermentation quality over the 30 d ensiling period. As these groups exhibited higher (p<0.05) LAB counts and lactic acid (LA) content, along with lower pH value and ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) content than the control. Specifically, cellulase-treated groups (CEL and CLA) showed lower (p<0.05) neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber contents than other groups. All additives increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Firmicutes, Lactiplantibacillus, and Limosilactobacillus) while they decreased abundance of Proteobacteria and microbial diversity as well. The combined application of cellulase and LAB could effectively improve the fermentation quality and microbial community of the WBG and CS mixed silage.

Dynamic changes occur in the cell wall composition and related enzyme activities during flower development in Rosa damascena.

The flowering period of oil-bearing rose is short and many physiological processes occur during flower development. Changes in the cell wall composition and associated enzyme activities are important as they allow cells to divide, differentiate and grow. In the present study, changes in seven cell wall components and six cell wall-related enzyme activities at five flower development stages were investigated and the relationships between these parameters and flowering were examined. Ash content did not change between stages I to II but decreased at later stages. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and hemicellulose contents increased after stage I but did not change significantly at the other developmental periods. Total pectin content increased throughout flower development. An "increase-decrease" trend was observed in total cellulose content and a "decrease-increase" pattern in uronic acid content. The activities of both glycosidases (β-galactosidase, β-glucosidase and endoglucanase) and pectinases (pectin lyase, pectin methyl esterase and polygalacturonase) increased until stage IV and decreased significantly at stage V of flower development. Correlation analysis revealed 14 positive and one negative correlation with the studied parameters. Cell wall enzymes showed positive correlations with each other. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that ADF, NDF and cellulose content were significantly altered at stage II of flower development, and significant changes occurred in all cell wall enzyme activities between stages III and V. Overall, blooming is correlated closely with increased pectin and decreased cellulose contents, and changes in cell wall glucosidase and pectin hydrolysis enzyme activities. These results show that cell wall modifying enzymes are part of the flower development process in oil-bearing rose. Therefore, remodeling of cell wall components in petals is a process of flower development.

Effect of Anaerobic Calcium Oxide Alkalization on the Carbohydrate Molecular Structures, Chemical Profiles, and Ruminal Degradability of Rape Straw.

To improve the utilization efficiency of rape straw, anaerobic calcium oxide (CaO) alkalization was conducted, and advanced molecular spectroscopy was applied, to detect the internal molecular structural changes. Rape straw was treated with different combinations of CaO (3%, 5%, and 7%) and moisture levels (50% and 60%) and stored under anaerobic conditions. We investigated the carbohydrate chemical constituents, the ruminal neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) degradation kinetics, and the carbohydrate molecular structural features. CaO-treated groups were higher (p < 0.05) for ash, Ca, non-fiber carbohydrate, soluble fiber, and the ruminal degradability of aNDF and ADF. In contrast, they were lower (p < 0.05) for the contents of aNDF, ADF, and indigestible fiber. With CaO levels rising from 3% to 7%, the content of aNDF and ADF linearly decreased (p < 0.05). CaO treatment and anaerobic storage changed the molecular characteristics, including structural parameters related to total carbohydrates (TC), cellulosic compounds (CEC), and structural carbohydrates (STC). Alterations in cellulosic compounds' spectral regions were highly correlated with the differences in carbohydrate chemical constituents and the ruminal digestibility of rape straw. In summary, CaO treatment and anaerobic storage altered the molecular structural parameters of carbohydrates, leading to an enhancement in the effective degradability (ED) of aNDF and ADF in rape straw. From the perspective of processing cost and effectiveness, 5% CaO + 60% moisture could be suggested as a recommended treatment combination.

Role of morphological traits and cell wall components in imparting resistance to pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens Walker in maize.

Host Plant Resistance (HPR) is the most important component for sustainable management of insect pests. The purpose of the present work was to understand the role of various morphological and biochemical factors as defense mechanism and their interaction on different biological parameters attributed to survival and development of pink stem borer (PSB), Sesamia inferens Walker in maize. The resistant and moderately resistant genotypes (DMRE 63, CM 500 and WNZ Exotic pool) suffered least leaf injury rating (LIR), dead hearts (DH%), percentage stem tunneling (ST%), number of entry/exit holes (E/EH) and showed deleterious effects on biological parameters of pink stem borer as compared to susceptible ones (CM 202 and BML 6). Resistance index among the genotypes varied from 0.11 to 0.46. The variation in morphological traits such as number of nodes, internode distance and stem diameter could not distinguish all the resistant genotypes from that of susceptible genotypes in terms of its mean value. Higher levels of biochemical constituents, viz., p-Coumaric acid (p-CA), ferulic acid (FA), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) were observed in resistant genotypes compared to susceptible ones. Antibiosis was expressed in terms of reduced pupal weight when fed on WNZ Exotic pool, whereas larval weight and larval survival affected when fed on DMRE 63. Higher concentration of p-CA content in pith of resistant maize genotypes prolonged the pupal period of pink stem borer. Higher concentration of p-CA and FA contents in rind reduced the adult emergence, as they showed significant negative correlation between them. The larval period was prolonged with higher levels of ADF and ADL contents in maize genotypes either in rind or both rind and pith as both ADF and ADL content showed a significant positive correlation with the larval period. The Pearson correlation analysis of most of the biochemical constituents revealed significant negative correlation with damage parameters. The correlation coefficients between p-CA with DH (%), ST (%) and E/EH were r= -0.9642**, r= -0.9363**, and r= -0.9646**, respectively. Similarly, the correlation coefficients between FA with DH (%), ST (%) and E/EH were r= -0.9217*, r= -0.9563**, and r= -0.9434**, respectively and ADF with DH (%), ST (%) and E/EH were r= -0.9506**, r= -0.9611**, and r= -0.9709**, respectively. The study confirms that stem damage parameters can also be used as selection criteria along with LIR to identify resistant genotypes against pink stem borer. Based on the correlation analysis it was concluded that resistance to pink stem borer in maize is the result of interaction of several morphological and biochemical traits rather than a single factor. The findings obtained from the present study can be utilised in pink stem borer resistance breeding programmes to enhance and diversify the basis of resistance.

Multi-Trait Selection of Quinoa Ideotypes at Different Levels of Cutting and Spacing

Climate change has affected the food supply chain and raised serious food concerns for humans and animals worldwide. The present investigation aimed to assess the effect of environmental factors along with three different levels of cutting (i.e., cutting 1, 2, and 3 at the vegetative, budding, and flowering stages, respectively) and spacing (i.e., 21, 23, and 26 cm) on quinoa biomass and quality to select the most suitable accessions. This experiment was repeated for two years using a split–split plot experimental design. The cutting × genotype × year and cutting × space × genotype interactions were significant for most quinoa morphological traits (except for leaf area and intermodal distance), where the maximum growth in number of leaves/plant (NoL), plant height (PH), fresh weight (FW), number of branches/plant (Br), and dry weight (DW) were observed during the second growing season. Cutting and spacing levels also showed significant effects on morphological and quality traits of quinoa. Among the different levels of cutting and spacing, cutting level 3 and spacing level 2 were more effective across both years at gaining maximum biomass and quality traits such as crude fat (CF) and crude protein (CP). According to the MGIDI, only two accessions (R3 and R9) fared better in both growing seasons, and selected accessions had positive morphological and quality traits. There were moderately significant negative correlations between PH, NoL, LA, FW, and DW and anti-quality traits such as neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF), indicating that an increase in biomass decreased the concentrations of ADF and NDF in both stem and leaves. A comparison with oat accessions (G3 and G7) revealed that quinoa has higher CP and CF and lower NDF than oats in both stems and leaves (except for ADF). In conclusion, the combination of cutting level 3 and spacing level 2 (23 cm) is more suitable to obtain high-quality quinoa forage with maximum biomass production. Furthermore, the MGIDI is a useful tool for breeders to select genotypes based on their mean performance, stability, and desired traits.

Impact of Soil-Applied Humic Ameliorative Amendment on the Ligno-Cellulose Quality and Calorific Value of Switchgrass Panicum virgatum L.

The main objective of the paper was to determine the ligno-cellulose quality and calorific value of switchgrass Panicum virgatum L. The impact of nutrition treatments (pre-sowing soil humic amendment HA and/or NPK, with annual dose of N on both the treatments, and untreated control UC) and years were evaluated as main effects within a pilot experiment with seven cultivars tested during 2018–2022. Two data sets of acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), crude cellulose (CE), hemicellulose (HEM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and high heating value (HHV) were evaluated, the primary one in terms of quality content and the secondary one in terms of quality yield. The average ADF content of the switchgrass was 43.94% (range 30.15–50.91), while the average contents of ADL, CE, HEM, NDF, and HHV were 9.21% (6.02–12.41), 34.73% (17.98–40.08), 30.49% (21.34–38.41), 74.43% (59.20–81.15%), and 17.206 kJ g−1 (16.579–17.799), respectively. An adequate value of ADF yield was 4.17 Mg ha−1 (0.01–29.31), while for ADL, CE, HEM, NDF and HHV this was 0.79 Mg ha−1 (0.00–5.39), 3.37 Mg ha−1 (0.01–23.92), 2.79 Mg ha−1 (0.01–17.66), 6.96 Mg ha−1 (0.01–46.93), and 1.466 hGJ ha−1 (0.003–10.603), respectively. In terms of the both quality sets the cultivar was confirmed to be the most important factor followed by the year, with nutrition having the least impact. This impact order of the main effects was valid for each of the parameters. Moreover, in terms of quality yield the formation of homogeneity groups corresponded with dry matter yield and therefore with the order of cultivars (EG 1101 ˃ BO Master ˃ EG 1102 ˃ Kanlow ˃ Alamo ˃ Carthage ˃ NJ Ecotype), the years (2021 ˃ 2020 ˃ 2022 ˃ 2019 ˃ 2018), and the treatments (HA ˃ NPK ˃ UC).

PRODUCCIÓN DE BIOMASA Y COMPOSICIÓN QUÍMICA DE Tithonia diversifolia POR FECHA DE COSECHA A DIFERENTES ALTURAS DE CORTE

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background&lt;/strong&gt;: The use of &lt;em&gt;Tithonia diversifolia&lt;/em&gt; foliage can improve the quality of animal feed because its crude protein content doubles that of tropical grasses. However, plant response regarding biomass production to frequent harvest disturbances are not known well. &lt;strong&gt;Objective&lt;/strong&gt;: To evaluate the effect of different cutting heights and repeated harvests on biomass production and nutrient content of &lt;em&gt;T. diversifolia&lt;/em&gt; in fodder banks under warm sub-humid climate. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology&lt;/strong&gt;: We used a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement; the treatments consisted of six harvest dates: Mar, May, July, September, November 2019 and January 2020; and three harvest heights: 40, 60 and 80 cm from the ground level. After each harvest date, the biomass was separated into different components, weighed and dried. Samples were taken to analyse the chemical composition of the forage. &lt;strong&gt;Results&lt;/strong&gt;: The highest yield of leaves was found in the month of January, while tender stems in November. The Senescent material and total biomass were lower in September. The cutting height influenced leaf yield. Crude protein content was higher in September at a cutting height of 60 cm. Neutral detergent fiber was higher in the month of November for all cutting heights. Likewise, the highest contents of acid detergent fiber were in November for all cutting heights and in January for the cutting height of 60 cm. Lignin content was similar for all treatments. &lt;strong&gt;Implications&lt;/strong&gt;: These results contribute to the development sustainable livestock production by providing alternatives to reduce grassland degradation from overgrazing. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion&lt;/strong&gt;: Biomass yield and chemical composition of &lt;em&gt;T. diversifolia&lt;/em&gt; are affected by harvest date and heights, so it is necessary to consider it in the management strategies for optimal use of forage resources, incorporation in silvopastoral systems and the development of sustainable livestock production.&lt;/p&gt;

NIRS Estimation of the Nutritive Value of Megathyrsus maximus (Syn. Panicum sp.) Forages

Aimed to evaluate the estimation of the nutritive value of Megathyrsus maximus (Syn. Panicum sp.) forages by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications. The treatments were arranged in a split-plot arrangement, with nine cultivars of M. maximus in the main plot (Aries, Atlas, Massai, Mombasa, Paredao, Kenya, Tamani, Tanzania, and Zuri) and four harvesting ages in the subplot (30, 60, 90, and 120 days). The contents of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF), indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF), and ash were evaluated. A reduction in CP and ash contents is observed with the advancement of age in all evaluated cultivars. In contrast, an increase in DM, NDF, ADF, and iNDF contents is observed. The nutritive value of the forages from the evaluated cultivars deteriorates as age increases, recommending grazing periods of less than 60 days for cattle. The NIRS estimations are excellent (R2cv &gt; 0.95) for CP, ash, NDF, and iNDF, demonstrating the potential of this technology for analyzing the nutritive value of M. maximus forages.

A Dataset on Corn Silage in China Used to Establish a Prediction Model Showing Variation in Nutrient Composition

It is important to assess the nutritional concentrations of forage before it can be used for tremendous improvements in the dairy industry. This improvement requires a rapid, accurate, and portable method for detecting nutrient values, instead of traditional laboratory analysis. Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy technology was applied, and partial least squares regression (PLSR) and backpropagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) algorithms were used in the current study. The objective of this study was to estimate the discrepancy in nutritional content and rumen degradation in WPCS grown in various regions and to propose a novel analytical method for predicting the nutrient content of whole plant corn silage (WPCS). The Zhengdan 958 cultivar of WPCS was selected from eight different sites to compare the discrepancies in nutrients and rumen degradation. A total of 974 WPCS samples from 235 dairy farms scattered across five Chinese regions were collected, and nutritional indicators were modeled. As a result, substantial discrepancies in nutritional concentrations and rumen degradation of WPCS were found when they were cultivated in different growing regions. The WPCS in Wuxi showed 1.14% higher dry matter (DM) content than that in Jinan. Lanzhou had 11.57% and 8.25% lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) concentrations than Jinan, respectively. The DM degradability of WPCS planted in Bayannur was considerably higher than that in Jinan (6 h degradability: Bayannur vs. Jinan = 49.85% vs. 33.96%), and the starch of WPCS from Bayannur (71.79%) was also the highest after 6 h in the rumen. The results indicated that the contents of NDF, ADF, and starch were estimated precisely based on ATR-FTIR combined with PLSR or the BP-ANN algorithm (R2 ≥ 0.91). This was followed by crude protein (CP), DM (0.82 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.90), ether extract (EE), and ash (0.66 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.81). The BP-ANN algorithm had a higher prediction performance than PLSR (R2PLSR ≤ R2BP-ANN; RMSEPLSR ≥ RMSEBP-ANN). The same WPCS cultivar grown in different regions had various nutrient concentrations and rumen degradation. ATR-FTIR technology combined with the BP-ANN algorithm could effectively evaluate the CP, NDF, ADF, and starch contents of WPCS.

Morpho-physiological traits and SSR markers-based analysis of relationships and genetic diversity among fodder maize landraces in India.

Maize is an excellent fodder crop due to its high biomass, better palatability, succulency, and nutrition. Studies on morpho-physiological and biochemical characterization of fodder maize are limited. The present study aimed to explore the genetic variation in fodder maize landraces for various morpho-physiological traits and estimation of genetic relationship and population structure. The study on 47 fodder maize landraces revealed significant variation for all morpho-physiological traits except leaf-stem ratio. Plant height, stem girth, leaf-width and number of leaves showed positive correlation with green fodder yield. Morpho-physiological traits-based clustering grouped the landraces into three major clusters, whereas neighbour joining cluster and population structure analysis using 40 SSR markers revealed four and five major groups, respectively. Most landraces of Northern Himalaya-Kashmir and Ludhiana fall into a single group, whereas rest groups mainly had landraces from North-Eastern Himalaya. A total of 101 alleles were generated with mean polymorphic information content value of 0.36 and major allele frequency of 0.68. The pair wise genetic dissimilarity between genotypes ranged from 0.21 to 0.67. Mantel test revealed weak but significant correlation between morphological and molecular distance. Biochemical characterisation of superior landraces revealed significant variation for neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, cellulose and lignin content. Interestingly, significant, and positive correlation of SPAD with lignin content can be explored to bypass the costly affair of invitro quality assessment for digestibility parameters. The study identified superior landraces and demonstrated the use of molecular markers in genetic diversity assessment and grouping of genotypes for fodder maize improvement.

Analysis of leaf forage value and screening of different populations of Pteroceltis tatarinowii, a rare and endemic species in China.

To fully exploit the economic value of the Chinese endemic species Pteroceltis tatarinowii and provide new resources for forage production, the forage nutritional value of P. tatarinowii leaves from different populations was analyzed and evaluated. The results were as follows: 1) There were significant differences in the forage nutrient indices of leaves from different populations. The crude protein content was 10.77%-18.65%, with an average of 14.58%, and the SDJN population had the highest crude protein content. The average crude fat, crude fiber content was 7.62%; the average neutral detergent fiber content was 25.33%; and the average acid detergent fiber contents were 6.79%, 7.62%, 25.33%, and 17.52%, respectively. The average phosphorus and calcium content in the leaves was 0.785 g·kg-1 and 58.01 g·kg-1, respectively. The tannin content was much lower than the antifeedant standard, at an average of 4.97 g·kg-1. The average total amounts of hydrolyzed and free amino acids in the leaves were 108.20 mg·g-1 and 47.87 mg·g-1, respectively. Thus, P. tatarinowii leaves have high crude protein, crude fat, and calcium contents, and low fiber, tannin contents, and are protein-rich. These results provide evidence that this species can be developed into an excellent woody forage tree. 2) There were significant differences in the forage quality evaluation indices among the populations. The forage indices of NDP, ADP, DMI, DDM, and RFV of 21 populations all met the super standard of the American Grass and Grassland Association (AFGC) for hay, two crude protein indices met the grade 1 standard, and 12 crude protein indices met the grade 2 standard. Four high-protein and high-RFV forage populations (SDJN, SDZZ, SXLQ, and AHXX) were selected. 3) The results of the correlation analysis showed that there was no significant correlation between the forage characteristics of P. tatarinowii leaves and latitude and longitude, indicating no significant geographical variation. However, the forage characteristics were strongly correlated with elevation, average annual temperature, and annual precipitation. Thus, high elevation, low temperatures, and rainy weather can improve the forage value of the leaves. P. tatarinowii can be planted to provide leaf forage in cold and wet areas at a specific elevation. Moreover, the forage value of P. tatarinowii leaves can be further improved by increasing nitrogen fertilizer and reducing K and Ca fertilizers during cultivation. 4) Cluster analysis revealed obvious regionalism. Taking the Yangtze River Basin as the limit, cluster analysis divided the species into four population groups: the Yangtze River Basin and northern, southwestern, and eastern coastal populations.

Silage additives improve fermentation quality, aerobic stability and rumen degradation in mixed silage composed of amaranth and corn straw.

The objective of this research was to investigate effects of different additives on the fermentation quality, aerobic stability and rumen degradation of mixed silage composed of amaranth and corn straw. The mixture ratio of amaranth to corn straw was 78%: 22%. Three additives were selected in this study and five groups were as follows: control group (CON, without additive), lactic acid bacteria group (LAB, 5 mg/kg, Lactobacillus plantarum ≥ 1.6×1010 CFU/g and L. buchneri ≥ 4.0×109 CFU/g), glucose group (GLU, 30 g/kg), cellulase group (CEL, 2 mg/kg) and lactic acid bacteria, glucose and cellulase group (LGC, added at the same levels as in individual group). The period of ensiling was 60 days. Fermentation quality, chemical composition and aerobic stability of mixed silage were analyzed. Four cows with permanent ruminal fistula were selected as experimental animals. Nylon bag technique was used to study rumen degradation characteristic of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of mixed silage. Compared with CON group, the addition of different silage additives could improve mixed silage quality of amaranth and corn straw to some extent. Combining three additives significantly increased (P < 0.05) the DM, CP and lactic acid contents, whereas decreased (P < 0.05) the ADF and NDF contents as well as pH and ammonia nitrogen/total nitrogen. Moreover, the aerobic stability and rumen degradation of DM, CP and NDF were significantly improved (P < 0.05) in LGC group when compared to other groups. In conclusion, the combined addition of lactic acid bacteria, glucose and cellulase increased DM, CP and lactic acid contents as well as lactic acid bacteria count, decreased NDF and ADF contents and aerobic bacteria and mold counts, improved aerobic stability and rumen degradation of amaranth and corn straw mixed silage.

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&#x0D; 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.

Effects of sugarcane variety and nitrogen application level on the quality and aerobic stability of sugarcane tops silage.

To better understand the effects of sugarcane variety and nitrogen application level on silage, we analyzed the fermentation quality, microbial community dynamics, and aerobic exposure of sugarcane tops silage from three sugarcane varieties (B9, C22, and T11) treated with three levels of nitrogen (0, 150, and 300 kg/ha urea). After 132 days of silage, the sugarcane tops silage produced from variety B9, with strong nitrogen fixation ability, treated with nitrogen had the highest crude protein (CP) contents, pH, and yeast counts (P < 0.05), as well as the lowest Clostridium counts (P < 0.05), and the CP increased with increasing N application level (P < 0.05). In contrast, the sugarcane tops silage produced from variety C22, with poor nitrogen fixation ability, treated with 150 kg/ha nitrogen had the highest lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts, dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and lactic acid (LA) contents (P < 0.05), as well as the lowest acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents (P < 0.05). However, these results were not present in the sugarcane tops silage produced from variety T11, with no nitrogen fixation ability, whether it was treated with nitrogen or not; although the silage was treated with 300 kg/ha nitrogen, the ammonia-N (AN) content was the lowest (P < 0.05). After 14 days of aerobic exposure, Bacillus abundance increased in the sugarcane tops silage produced from variety C22 treated with 150 kg/ha nitrogen and from varieties C22 and B9 treated with 300 kg/ha nitrogen, while Monascus abundance increased in the sugarcane tops silage produced from varieties B9 and C22 treated with 300 kg/ha nitrogen and from variety B9 treated with 150 kg/ha nitrogen. However, correlation analysis showed that Monascus was positively correlated with Bacillus irrespective of nitrogen level and sugarcane variety. Our results indicated that sugarcane variety C22, with poor nitrogen fixation ability, treated with 150 kg/ha nitrogen produced the highest sugarcane tops silage quality and inhibited the proliferation of harmful microorganisms during spoilage.

Does the presence of tall or dwarf elephant grass genotypes change the nutritive value of butterfly pea in grass–legume intercrops?

Adding tropical legumes into grass-based forage systems may increase the nutritive fodder value, but competition may decrease legume quality. We evaluated the nutritional values and agronomic responses of tall and dwarf elephant grass genotypes (Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone.) and butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) grown as binary intercrops. Two tall (Elephant B and IRI-381) and two dwarf elephant grass genotypes (Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37) were the grass components of intercrops in a two-year trial. Higher acid detergent fibre (ADF) and lignin contents were found in tall than dwarf elephant grass genotypes (p < 0.0001), while lower coefficients of in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) were recorded in tall than dwarf elephant grass genotypes (p < 0.0001). There was no intercrop effect on the herbage accumulation (p = 0.1278), dry matter (DM) contents (p = 0.2338), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (p = 0.2022), lignin (p = 0.7179) and condensed tannins (p = 0.1699) of the butterfly pea. The butterfly pea grown with tall genotypes had higher crude protein (CP) concentrations (p = 0.0001) and coefficients of IVDDM (p = 0.0086) than when intercropped with dwarf genotypes. The study showed that tall elephant grass genotypes improved the butterfly pea’s nutritional value in grass–legume intercrops through increases in leaf/pod ratio. Intercropping with butterfly pea may compensate for the lower nutritive fodder value of tall elephant grasses compared to dwarf genotypes.