Digestibility Of Fodder Research Articles

Enhancement in fodder productivity and quality of feather Pennisetum grass by intercropping with groundnut

In semi-arid regions, production of good quality fodder is a challenge; cereal-legume intercropping can be a better alternative in improving forage yield and quality. The present study was conducted to assess the performance of feather Pennisetum (FP) in groundnut (GN) intercropping and for determining a sustainable forage cropping system. Therefore, an experiment was conducted with groundnut and feather Pennisetum as a monocrop and intercrop (2GN:1FP and 3GN:1FP), where FP was harvested at 60, 75, 90, and 120 days after sowing. The land equivalent ratio of intercropping was 15–29% higher indicating yield advantages and economic benefits over sole stands. Crude protein and fiber content was increased by 10 and 8% in intercropping, lignin content was reduced by 15% and neutral detergent fiber by 5% indicating the better quality of FP due to intercropping with GN. Intercropping of GN and FP increased the content of non-fibrous carbohydrate (13%), gas production (6.5%) and volatile fatty acids (6%) indicating better fodder digestibility. Furthermore, intercropping of GN and FP also increased the mineral content by 8-20% than sole stands. Apart from productivity, intercropping of FP and GN, improved water use efficiency over sole stand of both component crops. Considering, forage yield, quality and profitability, 3GN:1FP intercropping was superior and can be recommended as an alternative to monoculture. Our study concluded that in semi-arid regions double dual cropping of food and fodder can be achieved by intercropping which can provide opportunities to produce food and fodder simultaneously for livelihood, animal rearing and long-term sustainability.

Mixed cropping system of maize and bean as a local source of N-substances for the nutrition of farm animals

In this study, we investigated the quality of mixed cropping system (MCS) composed of maize and bean in comparison with maize grown as monoculture. Experimental stands were established using the precision vacuum seeding machine during a single crossing of the plot. Inter-row distance was 0.375 m, and regularly alternating experimental crops were maize (Zea mays L.) and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Experimental variants included maize alone (M) in an amount of 80,000 seeds per hectare and maize (M-MCS) with bean (B-MCS) in a 1:1 ratio (80,000: 80,000 individuals) in MCS. Average yield of N-substances (t/ha) in the biomass obtained from individual variants was 2.36 t/ha in the pure maize culture and 3.09 t/ha in the mixed culture (by 30.9% more). The difference was statistically significant. On the other hand, differences in the content of N-substances (protein) were not found. Results of the experiment for the whole period from 2020–2022 also indicated that the presence of bean in the mixed crop statistically significantly increased contents of acid detergent fibre and crude fibre. On the other hand, compared with the biomass of maize monoculture, bean reduced contents of starch and lipids in the maize biomass. The measured results indicate that biomass from mixed cropping systems has a higher potential to fix more N than biomass from the maize monoculture which is important for digestibility of fodder in livestock production.

Genetic analysis for green fodder quality characters in concurrence of heterosis and genotype-by-trait biplot in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Animal health is of utmost importance, whereas green fodder supply is limiting day-by-day. In the present investigation, eight diversewheat varieties were crossed in half-diallel fashion and were analysed along with 28 F1s for green fodder digestibility and crude protein in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The parental genotype NIAW34 showed the highest organic matter (91.65%), followed by PBW723 (91.47%) and GW322 (91.30%). Acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose and lignin contents ranged from 26.86-33.89%, 2.59–28.02% and 2.91–4.40%, respectively for parents and hybrids. Hemicellulose content varied from 27.60–36.58% and the parents namely, HI1544 (30.52%) and GW322 (29.91%) were found promising with the hybrids viz., HD3086/DBW110, HI1544/NIAW34 and GW322/NW5054. The study revealed that wheat green fodder quality was comparable with the sorghum and maize crops.Organic matter and neutral detergent fiber revealed a preponderance of additive gene action, whereas protein and nitrogen contents,cellulose, lignin, acid detergent fiber and hemicellulose showed an average degree of dominance more than unity. The narrow leaf wheat genotype DBW110 exhibited higher cellulose and lignin contents, providing insight for on-field selection. The per se performance and genotype by trait biplot revealed the potential of wheat variety, GW322 for multiple fodder digestibility traits.

Characterization, Expression Profiling, and Biochemical Analyses of the Cinnamoyl-CoA Reductase Gene Family for Lignin Synthesis in Alfalfa Plants.

Cinnamoyl-CoA reductase (CCR) is a pivotal enzyme in plant lignin synthesis, which has a role in plant secondary cell wall development and environmental stress defense. Alfalfa is a predominant legume forage with excellent quality, but the lignin content negatively affects fodder digestibility. Currently, there is limited information on CCR characteristics, gene expression, and its role in lignin metabolism in alfalfa. In this study, we identified 30 members in the CCR gene family of Medicago sativa. In addition, gene structure, conserved motif, and evolution analysis suggested MsCCR1–7 presumably functioned as CCR, while the 23 MsCCR-likes fell into three categories. The expression patterns of MsCCRs/MsCCR-likes suggested their role in plant development, response to environmental stresses, and phytohormone treatment. These results were consistent with the cis-elements in their promoters. Histochemical staining showed that lignin accumulation gradually deepened with the development, which was consistent with gene expression results. Furthermore, recombinant MsCCR1 and MsCCR-like1 were purified and the kinetic parameters were tested under four substrates. In addition, three-dimensional structure models of MsCCR1 and MsCCR-like1 proteins showed the difference in the substrate-binding motif H212(X)2K215R263. These results will be useful for further application for legume forage quality modification and biofuels industry engineering in the future.

Reproductive qualities of ewes and digestibility of fodder following the introduction of supplements from aquaculture of the Dniester River into the diet

Reproductive qualities of ewes and digestibility of fodder following the introduction of supplements from aquaculture of the Dniester River into the diet

Biomass Quantity and Quality from Different Year-Round Cereal–Legume Cropping Systems as Forage or Fodder for Livestock

The quantity and quality of forage and fodder crops is the major drawback of the livestock sector in the country. There is a need to bridge the gap between the supply and demand of fodder through the adoption of specific sustainable fodder production strategies. The field experiments were conducted during kharif (rainy, June–October), rabi (post-rainy, October–February), and summer (March–May) seasons of 2018–19 and 2019–20 to identify a sustainable fodder cropping system module in randomized complete block design with fifteen fodder cropping systems in three replications. The main objective of this research was to identify the most productive cereal–legume cropping system, both in terms of quantity and quality of biomass, to reduce the gap between supply and demand of quality livestock feed around the year. Among cropping systems, Bajra–Napier hybrid intercropped with lucerne, cowpea, and sesbania recorded significantly higher green fodder (163.6, 155.2, and 144.0 t/ha/year, respectively) and dry matter yields (32.1, 30.8, and 31.3 t/ha/year, respectively). Similarly, the same perennial systems also recorded higher quality yield and ash content. However, higher crude protein content was noticed in monocrop legumes, with the highest in sesbania (22.32%), while higher ether extractable fat was found in monocrop sesbania (3.78%). The monocrop oats recorded higher non-fiber carbohydrates (36.90%) while a monocrop of pearl millet recorded higher total carbohydrates (80.75%), however they were on par with other monocrop cereal cropping systems. Cultivation of legumes as a monocrop, and their inclusion as an intercrop with cereals resulted in lower fiber fractions and improved crude protein in intercropping systems. Furthermore, this improved the dry matter intake and digestibility of fodder. With higher sustainable yield index values and land-use efficiency, perennial intercropping systems were also found to be sustainable. Thus, cultivation of the Bajra–Napier hybrid with either lucerne, cowpea, or sesbania as an intercrop will help livestock farmers to achieve higher productivity in terms of quantity and quality, and forms a viable option for overcoming livestock feed scarcity.

Nitrogen fertilizer on yield of fodder maize, chemical composition, its preference and digestibility by Sokoto Gudali heifers

The lack of high yielding quality fodder for ruminant production is still a major problem to livestock sector in Nigeria. Fodder yield is primarily determined by nitrogen levels in the soil which is often limiting in tropical soils. This study evaluated four levels of nitrogen fertilizer application (0, 100, 150 and 200kg N/ha) on fodder yield of maize, chemical composition, its acceptability and digestibility by Sokoto Gudali heifers. Treatments were replicated three times on plots measuring 4mx10m in a completely randomized design. Forage was harvested at 42 days after planting (DAP) and fodder yield (tons/ha) per plot was determined. Samples of forage from each plot were taken for chemical analysis. Eight heifers were used to evaluate acceptability and twelve heifers for digestibility of the fodder using standard procedures. The biomass yield increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing levels of nitrogen fertilizer with the highest yield (9.06tons/ha) recorded at200kgN/ha also increased significantly (P<0.05) with increased levels of nitrogen across the treatment. The highest CP (23.25%) and NDF (75.15%) were recorded at 200kg N/ha and the lowest CP(17.51%) and NDF(71.40%) at 0kgN/ha. Preference of heifers for maize fodder reduced with application of fertilizer while digestibility of the maize fodder increased up to 100kg N/ha and thereafter reduced.

Evaluation of fodder yield and fodder quality in sorghum and its interaction with grain yield under different water availability regimes

Sorghum is widely grown as a failsafe crop in semi-arid regions particularly in post rainy season. Though the effect of drought on crop performance is studied widely there are few studies illustrating the association of fodder quality and agronomic traits under drought. To study the interactions we evaluated a set of 24 cultivars under drought for three years in post rainy season. The effect of drought was evident in delayed flowering (by 2 days) and reduce plant height (by 0.98 cm) compared to control. The fodder digestibility traits were reduced (in vitro organic matter digestibility by 2.25 times) under drought. All the plant growth and yield parameters recorded higher heritability compared to fodder quality parameters (<0.75) in most of the season in both control and stress environments. The scatter plot showed best (ICSV700-P10, N13, PB15881-3, SP 2417-P3) and poor (296B, ICSB377-P1, ICSV1, IS9830) performing entries in control and stress plots. The agronomic and the fodder quality traits have shown no significant relationship between them, hence independent association can be utilized to breed for desirable traits. Identification of contrasting lines could be the key to identify genes controlling the fodder quality traits under drought.

The effect of non-traditional feed additives on the metabolism of young pigs in Yakutia

The results of the study on the effect of zeolite feed additives on digestibility of fodder and metabolism of young white pigs in Yakutia are presented in the article. Three groups of pigs with 15 animals each were formed for the experiment. The formation of groups was produced by the method of analogues. The control group consumed a ration, the experimental groups additionally received Hongurin’s zeolite at the rate of 0.15 g/kg of body weight with 5g of Kempendiai salt, and in the second experimental group pigs received 0.18 g/kg of Hongurin’s zeolite and 6g of Kempendiai salt. The grinding class of zeolite flour is 1 mm. Feed additives have affected the rate of digestion and metabolism. So the experimental groups digested the nutrients better than the control group in dry matter by 0.22% and 0.91%, in organic matter by 0.55% and 1.28%, in protein by 2.16% and 2, 96%, in fat by 3.83% and 4.45%, in fiber by 7.96% and 8.21%. When studying metabolism in terms of deposition of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus in experimental groups of pigs, superiority over animals in the control group was observed. The best metabolism was observed in animals of the experimental groups that exceeded their analogues in nitrogen by 0.56% and 4.93%, in calcium by 2.18% and 20.06%, in phosphorus by 11.43% and 20.15%. Thus, the use of non-traditional feed additives zeolite hongurin in feeding pigs provides the intensity of digestion of feed and improves the metabolism of animals in Yakutia.

Fiber composition and digestibility of fodder in different ryegrass fields submitted to different harvesting management systems

ABSTRACT This essay aims to evaluate the composition of fiber in neutral detergent, digestibility of plant components, as well as ruminal disappearance rate of fodder dry matter from five ryegrass fields submitted to different cut systems for the production of haylage. The experimental design was the randomized blocks one, at a 5 x 3 factorial scheme, with five cultivars (cv.) of ryegrass Lolium multiflorum (cv. Barjumbo, cv. BarHQ, cv. Ribeye, cv. Potro and cv. Willians) associated with three harvesting management systems: 1- single harvesting system at a pre-floral stage; 2 - double harvesting system, with a cut at vegetative stage and another at pre-floral stage; and 3 - triple harvesting system, with a cut at vegetative stage, a cut at full vegetative stage and a cut at pre-floral stage, with three repetitions each. Similarities were noticed on the results of fodder digestibility of different fields, however, cv. Potro presented a higher ruminal disappearance rate after 48 hours, with 69.27%. Generally, the harvesting management system with the increase of ryegrass cut frequency determined increments on the percentage of lignin and the reduction in the concentration of total nutrients and dry matter digestibility of the resulting hylage.

Digestibility of fodder and Nitrogen metabolism in highly productive cows in the first lactation period when fed mixed ligand complexes of Zinc, Manganese and Cobalt

Digestibility of fodder and Nitrogen metabolism in highly productive cows in the first lactation period when fed mixed ligand complexes of Zinc, Manganese and Cobalt

Fodder productivity and profitability of different maize and legume intercropping systems

The current trend in global agriculture is to search for highly productive, sustainable and eco-friendly cropping systems. Intercropping of cereals with legumes is a recognized practice for economizing the use of nitrogenous fertilizers and increasing the productivity, quality, and profitability particularly in commercial grain crops but possibilities of fodder production in these intercropping systems is less explored. Availability of green fodder with improved quality to animals is the key to success of dairy enterprises and it is difficult to maintain the health and milk production of the livestock without supply of the quality green fodder. The growing of fodder crops in mixture with legumes has potential to improve palatability and digestibility of fodder (Kumar et al. 2018, Kumar et al. 2016). It is fact that about 65-70% of the total cost of livestock farming is attributed to feeding. However, green fodder production is a good way in order to curtail the cost on feed and fodder resources for sustainable livestock production. At present, the country is facing a net deficit of 35.6% green fodder, 10.95% dry crop residues and 44% concentrate feed ingredients. At the current level of growth in forage resources, there will be 18.4% deficit in green fodder and 13.2% deficit in dry fodder by the year 2050 (Anonymous 2015). The main objective of intercropping has been to maximize use of resources such as space, light and nutrients as well as to improve fodder quality and quantity. When legumes are used as intercrops, they provide beneficial effect on soil health by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, improving physical, chemical and biological properties. Hence, present study was undertaken in order to to assess the productivity, soil nutrient status and economics of different forage maize-legumes based intercropping systems.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ПРОБИОТИКОВ Bacillus subtilis GM2 И GM5 НА РОСТ И УСВОЯЕМОСТЬ КОРМОВ У ЦЫПЛЯТ-БРОЙЛЕРОВ

ВЛИЯНИЕ ПРОБИОТИКОВ Bacillus subtilis GM2 И GM5 НА РОСТ И УСВОЯЕМОСТЬ КОРМОВ У ЦЫПЛЯТ-БРОЙЛЕРОВ

Production and chemical composition of hydrophytes cultivated in aquaponics

Aquaponics can be defined as the integration of hydroponic plant production in a recirculating aquaculture system and has been proposed as a sustainable method to control the accumulation of waste produced by fish farming. The objective of the present study was to determine the biomass production and its feed potential of Myriophyllum aquaticum, Limnobium laevigatum, Lemna minor and Salvinia molesta grown in aquaponics. To evaluate the chemical compositions of these species, dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent ber, acid detergent ber, lignin, ash, ether extract, gross energy, calcium, and phosphorus of the aquatic plants were determined. Based on the results of this study, aquatic plants are considered to fulfll most of the nutritional requirements of productive animal species. Therefore, it is feasible to use them as the main ingredient in whole animal rations, with an emphasis on Myriophyllum aquaticum and Lemna minor as alternative food sources for di erent animal species, opening the way to aquaponic fodder production. Aquatic plants are interesting alternative, unconventional feed sources, especially because their high growth rates and nutritional qualities make it feasible to use them for animal consumption. However, Salvinia molesta has no value as fodder, especially because of its lignin concentration, which could affect the fodder digestibility.

Comparison of Feeding Value of Some Popular Tree Fodders for Goats in the Mid-hill Region of Nepal

Large numbers of species of tree fodder are being used as green roughage source for goats in several farming systems. A study was carried out at Goat Research Station, Bandipur, Nepal in order to compare the feeding value of commonly used tree fodder leaves in mid-hills of Nepal. Altogether five treatments; tree fodder leaves of Ficus semicordata, Shorea robusta, Ficus glaberrima and Ficus lacor and mixed fodder as the conventional practices of the farmers were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Total of 30 male goats were used for the experiment in five groups, 6 for each treatment. The subsequent experiment was carried out to determine the nutrient digestibility of the tree fodder leaves by using fecal collection method. Nutrient composition, voluntary intake and nutrient digestibility of the fodder leaves and growth performance of goats were monitored. Crude protein (CP), total ash (TA), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), hemicelluloses and cellulose proportion were better for F. glaberrima and F. lacor leaves, whereas the digestibility of those nutrients were better for F. semicordata leaves and moderate for F. glaberrima and S. robusta. Voluntary fodder dry matter intake was highest for F. glaberrima and least for mixed fodders. Growth performance of goats was higher for F. lacor and F. glaberrima than other tree fodder leaves and mixed fodders. The leaves of F. lacor and F. glaberrima had shown better feeding value than the conventional practices of farmers, mixed fodders. The leaves of S. robusta and F. semicordata were observed similar with the mixed fodders for their feeding value.Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 5(4): 442-448

Relative contribution of soil, management and traits to co-variations of multiple ecosystem properties in grasslands.

Ecological intensification promotes the better use of ecosystem functioning for agricultural production and as a provider of additional regulation and cultural services. We investigated the mechanisms underpinning potential ecological intensification of livestock production in the Vercors mountains (France). We quantified the variations in seven ecosystem properties associated with key ecosystem services: above-ground biomass production at first harvest, fodder digestibility, plant species richness, soil organic matter content, soil carbon content, total microbial biomass and soil bacteria:fungi ratio across 39 grassland plots representing varying management types and intensity. Our analyses confirmed joint effects of management, traits and soil abiotic parameters on variations in ecosystem properties, with the combination of management and traits being most influential. The variations explained by traits were consistent with the leaf economics spectrum model and its implications for ecosystem functioning. The observed independence between ecosystem properties relevant to production (forage biomass, digestibility and nutrient turnover) on the one hand and soil stocks (organic matter, carbon and microbial stocks) on the other hand suggests that an intensification of fodder production might be compatible with the preservation of the soil capital. We highlight that appropriate choices regarding various practices, such as the first date of grazing or mowing being dependent on soil moisture, have important consequences on a number of ecosystem properties relevant for ecosystem services and may influence biodiversity patterns. Such avenues for ecological intensification should be considered as part of further landscape- and farm-scale analyses of the relationships between farm functioning and ecosystem services.

Isolation and characterization of extracellular α-galactosidases from Penicillium canescens

Two alpha-galactosidases were purified to homogeneity from the enzymatic complex of the mycelial fungus Penicillium canescens using chromatography on different sorbents. Substrate specificity, pH- and temperature optima of activity, stability under different pH and temperature conditions, and the influence of effectors on the catalytic properties of both enzymes were investigated. Genes aglA and aglC encoding alpha-galactosidases from P. canescens were isolated, and amino acid sequences of the proteins were predicted. In vitro feed testing (with soybean meal and soybean byproducts enriched with galactooligosaccharides as substrates) demonstrated that both alpha-galactosidases from P. canescens could be successfully used as feed additives. alpha-Galactosidase A belonging to the 27th glycosyl hydrolase family hydrolyzed galactopolysaccharides (galactomannans) and alpha-galactosidase C belonging to the 36th glycosyl hydrolase family hydrolyzed galactooligosaccharides (stachyose, raffinose, etc.) of soybean with good efficiency, thus improving the digestibility of fodder.

Maize Culture in Reed Canarygrass Sod to Renovate Municipal Wastewater Effluent1

AbstractField conditions that accompany conventional maize (Zea mays L.) culture may not permit adequate infiltration of wastewater effluent needed for optimum yields. Two experiments with randomized complete block designs were conducted over a 3‐year period on effluenttreated soils to assess the effects of suppressing reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundenacea L.) with several types and rates of herbicides on (a) yields of interplanted maize grain and fodder; (b) total crop yields and N removal by maize‐reed canarygrass combinations; (c) feed quality of interplanted maize; (d) water infiltration capacity of the Typic Hapludoll soil; and (e) the N concentration in the soil water at the bottom of the root zone (just above the water table).Herbicidal suppression of 60% of the reed canarygrass was necessary to obtain maximum grain and fodder yields of the interplanted maize. This degree of suppression was achieved consistently by glyphosate (N‐(phosphonomethy1) glycine) applied at 0.56 kg AI/ha. This treatment holds most promise for use in the type of culture system outlined because: 1) This was the only treatment that suppressed at least 60y0 of the reed canarygrass without completely killing it, 2) The soil under this treatment was capable of sustained infiltration rates of 1.7 cm/hr to prevent the ponding that occurred in killed grass sods, 3) One application of glyphosate was effective over a 2‐year penod. Annually‐applied paraquat (1,l'‐dimethyl‐ 4,4'‐bipyridinium dichloride) at 0.56 kg AI/ha also provided satisfactory (but sometimes lower) yields of maize interplanted in reed canarygrass.Total N removal by maize‐reed canarygrass combinations was maximum when the grass was not suppressed by herbicides. This was due to the superior capacity of reed canarygrass compared to maize to remove N from effluent‐treated soils. The N concentration in the soil water also reflected N removal by the combined crops, in that minimum soil water N occurred when N removal by the crops was maximum. An effluent‐renovation croping system in which maize is interplanted in herbicide unsuppressed reed canarygrass will remove more N but could lead to much lower maize yields than a system where the grass is suppressed.Feed quality of maize ears or fodder was not influenced by degree of reed canarygrass suppression, except for two occasions where the crude protein concentration of fodder and/or ears was reduced, and one occasion where the fodder digestibility was increased, when the grass herbicide‐suppressed or was partly suppressed.

Maize Fodder—Influence of Barrenness on Yield and Quality1

Our objective was to establish the relative yield potential and quality of high‐sugar, male‐sterile (barren) vs. normal, male‐fertile (fruited) maize (Zea mays L.) for silage crops. We produced fodder from a male‐sterile and a male‐fertile cultivar by procedures causing both barren and fruited plants of both cultivars during each of two years. Feed quality, dry matter yield, and digestible dry matter yield were determined for husked ears, stover, and fodder.Barrenness reduced in vitro digestibility of fodder from the male‐fertile cultivar, but it did not affect digestibility of the male‐sterile. However, total non‐structural carbohydrate concentration of the fodder was greatly reduced by barrenness of both cultivars. Crude protein of the fodder was not affected by barrenness.Fruited plants yielded 20% more fodder dry matter than barren plants of both cultivars. The fruited plants also yielded more digestible dry matter (22 to 27% more than barren plants).We confirmed the hypothesis that preventing grain formation in maize reduces its efficiency in producing fodder dry matter. Our results show that maize breeders are likely to produce higher yielding, high quality silage cultivars by developing male‐fertile, fruited genotypes instead of male‐sterile, high‐sugar genotypes.

Some metabolic aspects of vitamin B 12 deficiency in sheep.

1. Studies were made with pair-fed vitamin B12-deficient and vitamin B12-treated or cobalt-treated ewes fed a Co-deficient diet in cages. Measurements were made of body-weight changes and some observations were made of energy and nitrogen metabolism. The effects of oral Co on energy and nitrogen metabolism were examined in sheep fed the Co-deficient diet, but not yet deficient of vitamin B12 in the tissues.2. The rate of loss of body-weight of vitamin B12-deficient sheep was significantly faster (P&lt;0.01) than that of pair-fed sheep given 50 μg vitamin B12/d by injection.3. In a limited number of observations of pair-fed sheep no significant differences were found in retention of combustible energy from the diet, but excretion of faecal nitrogen was higher in deficient animals than in animals receiving vitamin B12 or Co.4. There was no significant effect of supplementary Co on energy metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, production of methane or digestibility of fodder in sheep that were not deficient of vitamin B12.