Dry Forage Research Articles

Effect of Different Fertilizer Levels, Split Application Rate, and Seeding Methods on Dry Matter Yield and Forage Quality of Italian ryegrass in Early Spring on Paddy Field

Effect of Different Fertilizer Levels, Split Application Rate, and Seeding Methods on Dry Matter Yield and Forage Quality of Italian ryegrass in Early Spring on Paddy Field

Agronomic Performance of Forage Sorghum Genotypes as Affected by Watering Interval in Semi-arid Environment

In the latest years, scarcity of rainfall in North Kordofan of Sudan led to the search for irrigation water for cultivation of fodder crops to fill the gap in fodder production, hence the North Kordofan state characterized by a limited water situations. Therefore, efficient use of irrigation water seems to be of vital importance. This situation emphasizes the need for using earlier variety and scientifically sound methods for deciding when and how much to irrigate the crops. A field experiment was carried out during two successive seasons (2014/2015) and (2015/2016), to investigate the effect of ten genotypes and two watering intervals (seven and ten days) on growth and yield of forage sorghum. The treatments were arrange in a split plot design with three replications. The results showed that there were significant differences among watering intervals and genotypes for the most characters measured. The Watering interval of seven days significantly improved growth and forage yield of sorghum. Hybrid Pioneer was superior in plant height, leaf to stem ratio (LSR), fresh and dry forage yield (ton/ha) compared to other genotypes.

English

In order to investigate tillage systems and plant densities effects on corn (Zea mays L.cv.sc704) silage yield and component after harvesting wheat, an experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design in a strip plot. Treatments were arranged with four replications in Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center Station of Dashte-Naz in Mazandran, Iran, for two years in 2012 and 2013. Tillage systems had three levels: 1. Plow and Disk system (PDS). 2. Disk system (DS). 3. No tillage (NT). Other factor was plant density in four levels (70000, 80000, 90000 and 100000 plant/ha). The results indicated that most silage yield (55.62 ton ha-1) was obtained from Plow and Disk system (PDS) in density of 70000 plants/ha, that had no significant difference effects in comparison with No tillage system (NT) in density of 90000 plants ha-1 with silage yield of 53.39 ton ha-1. The results also indicated that most dry forage yield (18.09 tons ha-1) was obtained from Disk system (PDS) in density of 70000 plants ha-1 that had no significant difference effects in comparison to No tillage system (NT) in density of 90000 plants ha-1 with silage yield of 17.99 ton ha-1. According to results, best treatment was No tillage system (NT) in density of 90000 plants ha-1. Key words: Corn, plant density, silage yeild, tillage system.

Resíduo líquido de laticínio como fertilizante para o capim Mombaça

The chemical or organic fertilizer can be responsible for the sustainability of pastures, with an alternative of application for the agro-industry subproducts. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of dairy waste application on Mombaça grass agronomic characteristics to verify the potential supply of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Six doses of liquid dairy waste corresponding to 10, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 400 m³ ha-¹ were evaluated in four production cycles. The accumulation of dry forage, leaf blade, stem, dead material, leaf area index, number of tillers, leaf/stem and plant height were evaluated. Increasing levels resulted in the increase of the grass performance. The application of 400 m³ ha-¹ of liquid dairy waste ensures similar productions when compared to the application of P and K through chemical fertilizers, replacing 25% of the phosphorus and 100% of potassium fertilization. The liquid dairy waste can be used as a potassium supplier to Mombaça grass and have a positive residual effect on biomass accumulation.

Growth and Forage Quality Responses of Smooth Bromegrass to Nitrogen Placement and Timing

Smooth bromegrass [Bromus inermis (L.)] is a cool‐season perennial that is widely used in pastures and meadows. More intensive management of N may be required to optimize production. This study was conducted for 4 yr to determine bromegrass dry forage mass (FM) and quality responses to annual rates of 84 or 168 kg ha−1 of N fertilizer solution with three placements at four different fall/late winter (LW) timing combinations. Vegetative forage was harvested in April to represent early grazing, or postanthesis, in May to simulate hay production. Knife (KN) placement generally resulted in less vegetative FM than broadcast (BC) and dribble (DR) placements, regardless of N rate. In two typical moisture years, FM increased an average 15% when N rate increased from 84 to 168 kg N ha−1, but the first 84 kg ha−1 did not increase yields above the check (0 N). Forage crude protein (CP) generally increased as N rate increased, particularly with KN placement, or when most was applied in LW. Nitrogen increased postanthesis FM by an average of 24% with the first 84 kg ha−1 increment, and by an additional 15% with the next 84‐kg increment, while average CP was increased by 20%. Knife placement increased mass and CP, particularly with the 168 kg ha−1 rate, and when some was applied in LW, but often with increased neutral detergent fiber and decreased digestible dry matter. The most beneficial N management system would be determined by the projected forage use.Core Ideas Nitrogen fertility management of smooth bromegrass affects not only yield, but forage quality. Placement of N fertilizer affects bromegrass yield and quality. Responses to N amount and placement are also modified by application timing.

Yield Productivity and Stability of some Varieties of Egyptian Clover

The present investigation was carried out to study the productivity of fresh and dry forage yield and stability parameters of five varieties of Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.). Five varieties (Helaly, Sakha 4, Giza 6, Gemmiza 1 and Serw1) were sown on three sowing dates (1st October, 15th October and 1st November) in a split plot design. The experiment was conducted at two experimental stations, Sids and Giza during 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 seasons. Five cuts were taken from the first and second dates of sowing wile only four cuts were taken from the third sowing date. Results revealed that mean squares of varieties, dates of sowing, varieties x dates and varieties x locations were highly significant for total fresh and dry forage yields. As an average performance of all varieties, total fresh and dry forage yields were higher at Sids compared to Giza. The highest fresh and dry forage yields of varieties were obtained from the first and second dates of sowing at the two locations while the lowest fresh and dry forage yields for varieties were obtained from the third sowing date. As an average sowing dates, Helaly variety out yielded of fresh (54.83 fad-1) and dry (8.17t fad-1) yields other tested varieties. The estimates of phenotypic stability parameters (bi and s2di) for fresh yield showed that the highest yield variety Helaly exhibited less instability while the variety Gemmiza 1 was more stable. The estimates of phenotypic stability parameters (bi and s2di) for dry yield showed that the highest yield and stable variety was Helaly. Therefore, these varieties Gemmiza 1 and Helaly could be recommended as good source in breeding programs.

Enhancing forage production through a silvi-pastoral system in an arid environment

A study was undertaken at Jodhpur during the years 2001–2011 to assess the production potential of Cenchrus ciliaris L., Lasiurus sindicus Henr. and Vigna unguiculata L. (cowpea) sown in strips with Colophospermum mopane Kirk ex Benth. and Hardwickia binata Roxb. tree stands without and with fertilizer application. Results indicated that the plant growth and survival percentage of C. mopane was higher than that of H. binata. Growth of C. mopane plants was affected by different cropping systems and fertilizer treatments during the initial phase but later on the effect was not significant. Green and dry forage yields were influenced by the cropping systems, i.e., 2.09 t ha−1 with L. sindicus followed by 1.9 t ha−1 dry forage yield in a sole strip of C. ciliaris, which was significantly higher than the strip cropping of cowpea with respective grasses. However, the sustainable yield index was higher with C. ciliaris (0.52) followed by L. sindicus (0.38). The average data revealed that the protein yield was higher in L. sindicus + cowpea and C. ciliaris + cowpea inter-cropping as compared to the respective sole strip of Cenchrus ciliaris and L. sindicus. Application of 40 kg N ha−1 increased dry fodder yields by 15 % over the control, and crude protein also increased by 22.37 %. Water use efficiency of grasses increased with nitrogen application. Maximum water use efficiency (9.8 kg dry matter ha−1 mm−1) was recorded in L. sindicus with 40 kg N ha−1 mm−1 application followed by C. ciliaris (8.8 kg dry matter ha−1 mm−1). The system productivity varied with different tree species and inter-cropping. Among tree species, the system productivity was higher with H. binata than with C. mopane. Leaves of H. binata were more palatable and preferred by goats than C. mopane. For obtaining higher productivity of quality fodder, inter-cropping of grasses with legumes in association with H. binata appears to be a highly suitable proposition for a silvi-pastoral system in an arid environment.

Candidate probiotic strains, with immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects, isolated from traditional Italian dairy products

Cancer is a multifactorial disease and inflammation could be the 10th hallmark of cancer. Increased systemic inflammation is almost, if not always, a sign of dysbiosis and increased translocation of of bacterial origin, such as endotoxin. Therefore, therapeutic manipulations of intestinal bacteria could reverse the inflammatory responses and restore mucosal homeostasis. Thus, we evaluated the role of a fresh Pasta Filata cheese of the Alto Molise area called “Stracciata”, made from milk of cows fed by grazing and with local dry forages, as a source of potentially probiotic microorganisms. Molecular characterization by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene were carried out on all bacteria isolated from fresh Pasta Filata cheese manufactured with natural starter cultures. Transmembrane electrical potential (ΔΨ) assay, antioxidant system activity, Glutathione disulphide (GSSG)/reduced Glutathione (GSH) ratio and nucleotides pool were measured by fluorescence techniques and HPLC. Moreover, the ability of bacterial isolates to stimulate IL-10 and TNF-α production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was determined in vitro by ELISA kits. We demonstrate how bacteria isolate by Stracciata cheese or their metabolites regulate immunomodulatory effects. Further studies are opportune for conferring therapeutic strategies to traditional dairy products in bacteria-metabolite-immune system axis contest.

Effect of reclaimed water irrigation on yield attributes and chemical composition of wheat (Triticum aestivum), cowpea (Vigna sinensis), and maize (Zea mays) in rotation

Irrigating crops with reclaimed water from sewage treatment plants can contribute to the conservation and augmentation of the water resources in arid regions. Many countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa are suffering from serious water shortages. Three field studies were conducted during the period 2010–2011 to assess yield components and chemical constituents of wheat, cowpea and maize crops grown in rotation with reclaimed water for irrigation in comparison with desalinated and groundwater. The reclaimed water irrigation increased wheat plant height (cm), chlorophyll, leaf area (cm2), leaf length (cm), grain yield (t ha−1) and the water productivity (kg grain m−3). It improved all cowpea growth parameters under study except the dry forage yield. Nitrogen was also higher under reclaimed water irrigation in wheat tissue, cowpea pods and maize cobs. Reclaimed water had no effect on the element concentrations in wheat, cowpea and maize except for nickel concentration in wheat plants, and Sodium and Manganese concentrations in maize plants. Using reclaimed water for irrigation increased the yield parameters of wheat, cowpea and maize. However, all the studied element concentrations in wheat, cowpea and maize were within the normal limits after irrigation by reclaimed water. It can be concluded that reclaimed water usage will have significant positive impacts on yield and water productivity.

The Effect of Limestone and Stabilized Nitrogen Fertilizers Application on Soil pH Value and on the Forage Production of Permanent Grassland

The changes of soil pH and dry forage yield of permanent grassland after application of dolomitic limestone and stabilized nitrogen fertilizers are described in this paper. The small‑plot experiment was located on semi‑natural grassland at Bohemian‑Moravian Highlands, near village Kameničky (Czech Republic), with poor and acidic soil. The experiment was divided into two blocks, within one of whose dolomitic limestone was applied in autumn 2013. In each block, 4 experimental treatments were applied: 1. control (untreated), 2. Urea, 3. Urea with inhibitor of urease, 4. Urea with inhibitor of nitrification. After liming, the pH/CaCl2 soil values increased in both the first as well as the second year after application. Fertilizing by urea, namely urea with inhibitors, did not significantly influence the pH/CaCl2 values. Dry forage productions in both years were comparable. In comparison to the untreated variants, significant increase in dry forage yield was achieved after application of urea and urea with urease inhibitors. The impact of stabilized fertilizers on the yield was not proven. In case of the limed variants, yield drop by 1.12 t/ha (average of both years) was observed; the yield decrease may be connected with disturbance of production potential of the stable community of plant species that had been adapted to acidic locations.

Substantiation of technology and development of a pick-up chopper for preparation of chopped hay

With the use of current technologies of preparation of pressed forage, the losses of valued leaf part of grass plants come up to 14%, which is equivalent to significant losses of total weight of harvested hay. From this perspective, the purpose of the research is to develop a resource-saving technology of preparation of high-quality chopped hay, and to design a pick-up chopper for its implementation. To substantiate the offered technology, the method of system analysis is applied; to develop the structural and technological scheme of universal pick-up chopper, the method of design of agricultural machinery is used. As a result of theoretical researches, the analytical expression is obtained for determination of total yield losses, that are equivalent to the losses of leaf part of forage. The expression is proposed as a new optimization criterion for substantiation of different technologies of forage preparation. To improve the quality of forage and to exclude operations leading to the losses of leaf part of grass plants, a technology of preparation of chopped hay is proposed. Hammer and knife working bodies of a pick-up chopper provide high-quality chopping of dry and wet forage. The machine is equipped with new pick-up mechanism without treadmill, rollers, cranks or bearings for reliable hay picking up. The results of experimental researches allow to determine the following optimal parameters of the machine: the air flow speed in deflector 15 m/s; the rotation speed of pick-up reel 60 rpm; the optimal productivity 8-9 t/h; the losses of chopped forage 1.83%. The performance tests of a pick-up chopper equipped with hammer mill and new pick-up mechanism showed that it provides the preparation of high-quality chopped hay with reduction of operating costs by 2 times as compared to the roll technology of forage preparation.

Produção de Espécies Forrageiras Produtoras de Grãos e Composição Química de Silagens

This study was conducted with the object of evaluate forage species that produce grains and chemical composition of their silages under the conditions of the Brazilian Northeast. They were evaluated four forages: maize, millet, sorghum and sunflower. It was determined the dry dead forage mass (DDFM), total dry mass of grain (TDMG), total dry mass of leaf (TDML) and total dry mass of stem (TDMS). Silage produced with the species was rated to the ammonia nitrogen, losses gases (G), losses effluent (E), dry matter yield (DMY), dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), mineral matter (MM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Sorghum showed higher (p<0.05) accumulation of DDFM, TDMG and TDMS than maize, millet and sunflower. Sunflower had higher losses by G and E and lower DMY for silage production. There was no difference of silages for CP. To EE sunflower silage had a higher amount, a fact that undermines the quality of this silage for ruminants feeding. Sorghum has more appropriate characterization for silage, because of its high production of bulky, low losses and chemical composition similar to corn silage under the conditions of the Brazilian Northeast.

Evaluación del potencial productivo del sorgo negro forrajero (Sorghum almum).

Information on productivity and nutritional composition of forage black sorghum or Columbus grass (Sorghum almum) was obtained though five cuts, 63 days long each one. The first cut was in October - November 1991, the second in December 1991 - January 1992, the third in February - March 1992. A second set of cut took place with the fourth cut in September - October 1992 and the fifth in November - December 1992. The variables evaluated were Neutral Detergent Fibrous (FND), Dry Matter (MS), Dry Forage by Hectarea (FSH) and Crude Protein (PC), but only FSH, MS and FND tumed to be significantly important (P&lt;0,01).

Forage yield and quality in elephant grass cv. Pioneiro harvested at different cutting height sand times

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cutting height and harvest time on forage yield and quality in elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) cv. Pioneiro. Experimental plots were arranged in a randomized block split-plot design. The treatments consisted of four residual heights (30, 40, 50, and 60 cm)and three successive harvest times (January, March, and May 2011). There was a significant interaction between residual height and harvest time for the proportion of stems (P&lt;0.05) and leaves (P&lt;0.01) in the forage. A similar result was observed for fresh (P&lt;0.01) and dry (P&lt;0.01) forage yield at the first and third harvests. There was a quadratic relationship between dry forage yield and residual height, with a maximum yield of5738 kg ha-1ataresidual height of 50.17 cm in the second harvest. The increase in residual height from 30 to 60 cm, regardless of harvest time, reduced neutral detergent fiber (NDF)and acid detergent fiber (ADF) and increased crude protein content. Forage yield and quality were highest at 40-50 cm residual heights.

Quality Herbage Production of Dwarf Napiergrass with Italian Ryegrass Cropping under Digested Effluent Application in Southern Kyushu, Japan

Digested effluent produced by a biogas-plant contains essential plant nutrients to solve the treated and disposal problems of livestock manure. Dwarf variety of late-heading type (dwarf) napiergrass as a perennial summer crop and intercropping of over-sown Italian ryegrass as an annual winter crop were applied to 3 levels of digested effluent in southern Kyushu from 2007 to 2009. Digested effluent revealed so effective fertilizer as chemical one to increase dry matter yield, wintering ability and forage quality in crude protein concentration and in vitro dry matter digestibility (digestibility) with increasing application rate. Digestibility in leaf blade of napiergrass and that in whole Italian ryegrass were positively correlated with acid detergent lignin and neutral detergent fiber concentrations, respectively, which might be mediated with reducing tiller size with defoliation proceeded. The present cropping systems have a potential under sufficient application of the effluent to achieve sustainable quality herbage production in southern Kyushu, Japan.

SELECTION WITHIN AND BETWEEN FARMER SEED LOTS OF EGYPTIAN CLOVER TO DEVELOP HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE POPULATIONS TOLERANT TO HIGH LEVEL OF SALINITY.

Seeds of selected nine populations and registered varieties were divided to evaluate at El-Serw Agric. Research Station of 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 growing season. Combined and highly significant were observed for all studied traits, except green forage and dry yield/plot in the second cut, plant height, number of tillers per plant and number of seeds per head. The performance of the studied genotypes was determined separately for each season. The genotype 5 (108 from Farskour district) was the highest for total green fodder yield, total dry fodder yield, seed no/head, 1000-seed weight, seed yield per plot and seed yield per fed. While, the genotype 3 (103 from El-Zarka) recorded the highest for plant height. The results revealed that the genotypic variance (VG) relative to environmental variance (VE) was large in magnitude for all traits except for total green fodder yield per plot. The differences between genotypic coefficient variability (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient variability (PCV) were narrow, suggesting little effects of environments on these traits. Heritability in broad sense expressed low values for total dry fodder yield/plot, medium values for 1000 seed weight and seed number/plant and high values for other traits. There were a positive significant correlation between seed yield/plot and each of 100-seed weight, no. of seeds/head and number of tillers/plant. The relationship between total green forage and total dry forage achieved a significant positive correlation between them. It could be concluded that, selection in advanced generations of this populations is good to improve green and seed yields and also the genotype no. (5) was a new promising to produce as a variety tolerant for high level of salinity.

ESTIMATION OF GENETIC VARIABILITY AND DIVERGENCE IN SOME SELECTED LINES OF PEARL MILLET

The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic variability , heritability , genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variations , genetic advance , range , genotypic and phenotypic variances and to study the genetic divergence by using multivariate analysis for yield and yield components in forty selected lines of pearl millet during 2012 and 2013 summer seasons at Sakha Agriculture Research Station . Analysis of variance manifested highly significant differences among all selected lines for all the studied traits. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV). Heritability in broad sense ranged from 11.12%for fresh leaf/ stem ratio to 86.87% for stem diameter. High estimates of bread sense heritability were found in all the studied traits, except dry matter and fresh leaf/stem ratio which, were medium and low, respectably. The environmental variance ranged from 13.13% for stem diameter to 88.88% for fresh leaf / stem ratio. The results also cleared that the genetic advance ranged from 0.91% for fresh leaf / stem ratio to 24.72% for total fresh forage yield. The results cleared that the ascendant order of the importance of evaluated traits were, the first factor accounted 41.78% (number of tillers, plant height, total dry forage yield and total fresh forage yield) while, the second factor accounted 59.62% (dry matter, stem diameter and fresh leaf /stem ratio) of the multivariate variance. The forty selected lines were grouped into eight clusters based on dissimilarity coefficients. Thus, the pearl millet breeder would use these selected lines from divergent cluster for hybridization in order to isolate useful recombinants in the segregating generations.

The Physiological Suppressing Factors of Dry Forage Intake and the Cause of Water Intake Following Dry Forage Feeding in Goats - A Review.

The goats raised in the barn are usually fed on fresh grass. As dry forage can be stored for long periods in large amounts, dry forage feeding makes it possible to feed large numbers of goats in barns. This review explains the physiological factors involved in suppressing dry forage intake and the cause of drinking following dry forage feeding. Ruminants consume an enormous amount of dry forage in a short time. Eating rates of dry forage rapidly decreased in the first 40 min of feeding and subsequently declined gradually to low states in the remaining time of the feeding period. Saliva in large-type goats is secreted in large volume during the first hour after the commencement of dry forage feeding. It was elucidated that the marked suppression of dry forage intake during the first hour was caused by a feeding-induced hypovolemia and the loss of NaHCO3 due to excessive salivation during the initial stages of dry forage feeding. On the other hand, it was indicated that the marked decrease in feed intake observed in the second hour of the 2 h feeding period was related to ruminal distension caused by the feed consumed and the copious amount of saliva secreted during dry forage feeding. In addition, results indicate that the marked decreases in dry forage intake after 40 min of feeding are caused by increases in plasma osmolality and subsequent thirst sensations produced by dry forage feeding. After 40 min of the 2 h dry forage feeding period, the feed salt content is absorbed into the rumen and plasma osmolality increases. The combined effects of ruminal distension and increased plasma osmolality accounted for 77.6% of the suppression of dry forage intake 40 min after the start of dry forage feeding. The results indicate that ruminal distension and increased plasma osmolality are the main physiological factors in suppression of dry forage intake in large-type goats. There was very little drinking behavior observed during the first hour of the 2 h feeding period most water consumption occurring in the second hour. The cause of this thirst sensation during the second hour of dry forage feeding period was not hypovolemia brought about by excessive salivation, but rather increases in plasma osmolality due to the ruminal absorption of salt from the consumed feed. This suggests the water intake following dry forage feeding is determined by the level of salt content in the feed.

The Effect of Water Shortage and Foliar Application of Salicylic Acid on Quantitative and Qualitative Performance of Cumin Herb

The outcome of different levels of drought stress and salicylic acid on quantitative as well as qualitative performance of cumin herb and split-plot test with entirely randomized block design has been conducted for four-times, in the city of Khash in 2013-14. The treatments includes foremost factor of stress in three different levels of controls vis; umbelet stage, grain filling and the sub factor of salicylic acid in four-levels namely 1.5, 0.7, 0.1 and 0 mm. In this experiment, the characteristics measured and investigated are height of plant, number of seeds per umbel, number of umbels per plant, grain yield and weight, grain yield per plot and wet and dry forage yield as well. Results, evidently displayed the dryness and foliar application of salicylic acid’s influence on the most of the characteristics. On one hand, dryness caused a negative impact on these attributes and on the other hand, foliar application of salicylic acid has visibly improved these features.

The Effect of Drought Stress, Salicylic Acid and Nitrogen on Yield and Yield Components of Forage Maize

The effect of salicylic acid (SA) and nitrogen fertilization on forage maize was studied under drought stress in Nehbandan, Iran in 2014. It was a factorial split-plot experiment based on a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The main plot was devoted to irrigation intervals. The sub-plot was factorial of two factors (nitrogen and SA). It was found that deficit irrigationdeclined quantitative yield of maize. Nitrogen fertilization improved forage yield. Fresh and dry forage yield was 65.88 and 665.32% lower under 16-day irrigation interval than under 8-day irrigation interval, respectively. SA application enhanced dry forage yield by 7.06 and 10.35% under 8 and 16-day irrigation intervals, respectively. In total, it was revealed that the concurrent application of SA and N resulted in greater increase in fresh and dry forage yield, which was mostly via the increase in leaf stem weight, as compared to their sole applications.