Dry Forage Research Articles

Oxidative Status of Goats with Different CSN1S1 Genotypes Fed ad Libitum with Fresh and Dry Forages.

Forty late-lactation Girgentana goats were used to study the effect of diets fed ad libitum and αS1-casein (CSN1S1) genotype on redox balance. The goats genotyped at CSN1S1 locus (A/A, A/F) were subjected to four feeding treatments different for percentage inclusion of dry and fresh forage: DAF100 (98% of Dry Alfalfa Forage), DAF65 (65% of Dry Alfalfa Forage), FSF100 (100% of Fresh Sulla Forage) and FSF65 (65% of Fresh Sulla Forage). Blood samples were analyzed for superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs), biological antioxidant potential (BAP) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), albumin, glucose and cholesterol contents. The oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated as percentage ratio of ROMs to BAP. Redox balance was improved by Sulla inclusion, as reflected in the lower OSI values found in FSF100 and FSF65 groups. DAF100 group displayed the highest GPX activity, while other groups exhibited the highest SOD activity. Fresh forage diets increased albumin concentration while no effect of tested factors was noted on glucose, NEFA, BHBA and cholesterol contents. The interaction diet × genotype was significant only for GPX activity. GPX and albumin were negatively correlated and were correlated positively and negatively with ROMs, respectively. Diet rather than genotype affects redox balance in dairy goats and a possible role of forage polyphenol compounds on oxidative status needs to be tested in future studies.

Harvest Time and Cultivar Effects on Growth, Physiological Traits, Yield and Quality of Alfalfa in Saline Condition

One of the most important forage crops in Iran is Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Cultivar selection is important for alfalfa hay production. This research was carried out in 2017 and 2018 to assess the effects of harvest time and cultivar on growth, physiological traits and yield of alfalfa in saline condition. These field experiments were carried out at the Research Farm of East-Azarbaijan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Tabriz, Iran (Firuz Salar village located 4 km from Azarshahr city). Results showed that the synthetic cultivars (C2 and C3) and especially C4 (Azar cultivar) has the highest forage yield and it attributed to high chlorophyll content, catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, proline content, leaf area index (LAI), stem diameter, plant height and leaf to shoot ratio in these cultivars. However, the highest malondialdehyde (MDA) content related to C1 cultivar (Gara-Yonjeh as a local cultivar). Maximum of fresh and dry forage yields were achieved in second and third harvest times and it have related to high chlorophyll content, enzyme activities (CAT, POD and SOD), LAI, stem diameter, plant height, leaf to shoot ratio, proline and MDA contents in these harvest times. The highest acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), protein content and digestibility were obtained from C4 followed by C3, C2 and C1 cultivars. Value of ADF, NDF, protein content and digestibility were more during early harvests (H1 and H2) than during last harvests (H3 and H4). These findings have shown that suitable harvesting time of forage alfalfa is second stage for high yield and first stage for high quality. Synthetic cultivars and especially Azar cultivar was a superior cultivar. Thus, harvest time and cultivar selections can influence the yield and quality of alfalfa.

Green and Dry Forage Yields of Alfalfa“Medicago sativa, L.” Populations Subjected to Selection Cycles for Glyphosate Tolerance

Green and Dry Forage Yields of Alfalfa“Medicago sativa, L.” Populations Subjected to Selection Cycles for Glyphosate Tolerance

Bacterial concentrations in bedding and their association with dairy cow hygiene and milk quality

Comparison of bacterial counts (BCs) among common bedding types used for dairy cows, including straw, is needed. There is concern that the microbial content of organic bedding is elevated and presents risks for dairy cow udder health and milk quality. The objectives of this study were to investigate: (1) % DM and BCs (Streptococcus spp., all gram-negatives and specifically Klebsiella spp.) in different types of bedding sampled, and to investigate housing and farm management factors associated with % DM and BCs; (2) if bedding type was associated with hygiene of cow body parts (lower-legs, udder, upper-legs and flank) and housing and management factors associated with hygiene and (3) bedding types associated with higher BCs in cow milk at the farm level and bulk tank milk and management factors that were associated with highest BCs. Seventy farms (44 free-stall and 26 tie-stall) in Ontario, Canada were visited 3 times, 7 days apart from October 2014 to February 2015. At each visit, composite samples of unused and used bedding were collected for % DM determination and bacterial culture. Used bedding samples were collected from the back third of selected stalls. Data were analyzed using multivariable linear mixed models. Bedding classification for each farm were: new sand (n = 12), straw and other dry forage (n = 33), wood products (shavings, sawdust; n = 17) and recycled manure solids (RMSs)-compost, digestate (n = 8). In used bedding, across all bedding samples, sand was driest, compared to straw and wood, and RMS; higher % DM was associated with lower Streptococcus spp. count. Streptococcus spp. and all Gram-negative bacteria counts increased with increasing days since additional bedding was added. Gram-negative bacteria counts in used bedding varied with type: RMS = 16.3 ln colony-forming units (cfu)/mL, straw = 13.8 ln cfu/mL, new sand = 13.5 ln cfu/mL, and wood = 10.3 ln cfu/mL. Klebsiella spp. counts in used bedding were lower for wood products (5.9 ln cfu/mL) compared to all other bedding types. Mean cow SCC tended to be higher on farms with narrower stalls. Farms with mattress-based stalls had a higher prevalence of cows with dirty udders compared to those using a deep bedding system (often inorganic sand). Wider stalls were associated with lower bulk milk bacteria count. Lower % DM of used bedding was associated with higher bulk milk bacteria count. In conclusion, bedding management may have a profound impact on milk quality, bacterial concentrations in the bedding substrates, and cow hygiene.

Influence of hydrothermal conditions on the productivity of perennial grasses in South Steppe of Ukraine

The purpose is to determine the productivity of perennial legume and cereal grasses under conditions of natural moisture supply in South Steppe of Ukraine. Method. The studies were conducted during 2016—2018 using conventional methods, and the output of feed units, digestible protein per unit of area was determined by reference books. Results. On average over three years of research, the highest yield of leaf-stem mass of cereals was formed by Bromus inermis and Elytrigia medium tender – 11.6 and 11.2 t/ha, respectively. The lowest yield was formed by Agropyrum pectiniforme – 7.6 t/ha. Among the all legume grasses, Melilotus albus prevailed (14.8 t/ha). Medicago sativa and Onobrychis arenaria were able to form a similar yield (14.5 and 13.5 t/ha, respectively) under the arid conditions of South Steppe of Ukraine. Insufficient rainfall in 2017 caused a decrease in the productivity of the studied crops. Thus, in 2017 the average yield of green mass in the experiment was 10.3 t/ha, while in 2016 under more favorable weather conditions this figure was 13.2 t/ha or 28.2 % more. The highest output of feed and protein units (FPU) per unit of area under cereal grasses was provided by Bromus inermis (2.35 t/ha). The lowest one was recorded in Agropyrum pectiniforme (1.60 t/ha). FPU output per unit of area under legume grasses increased respectively. Lotus corniculatus provides less green mass and therefore dry matter and forage and protein units. Perennial cereals grasses do not prevail over legume grasses, so they do not spread in South Ukraine. Conclusions. The productivity of perennial grasses in the south of Ukraine significantly depends on the type of plants, weather (hydrothermal) conditions of the year. The most effective is the cultivation of perennial legumes, namely Melilotus albus, alfalfa, Onobrychis arenaria. Bromus inermis and Elytrigia medium prevail among cereal grasses.

Genotipos de maíz con potencial forrajero para las condiciones de secano del estado de Guerrero, México

El desarrollo de genotipos de maíz (Zea mays L.) para producción de forraje en condiciones de secano es incipiente, debido a que no se ha difundido variedades específicas para tal fin. El objetivo fue identificar híbridos con potencial forrajero para condiciones de secano del estado de Guerrero, México. Se evaluaron 25 genotipos de maíz en condiciones de secano, bajo un diseño experimental de bloques completos al azar con tres repeticiones. La unidad experimental consistió de cuatro surcos de 5 m de longitud, 0.8 m de ancho entre surcos, a 0.17 m entre plantas para obtener una densidad de población de 73 529 plantas ha-1. Se fertilizó con la fórmula 120N-60P-00K. Los caracteres estudiados fueron: altura de planta, altura de mazorca, peso de planta, peso de mazorca, rendimiento de forraje verde, de grano y de forraje seco. Los resultados indicaron diferencias altamente significativas en los caracteres estudiados. Los híbridos trilineales experimentales H-H562xHCF2-91, H-H565xHCF2-91, H-H516xHCF2-91, híbrido de cruza simple 329x97 y el testigo H-564C destacaron en rendimiento de forraje verde y los híbridos de cruza simple 1275x1277, 1278x1276, híbridos experimentales H-H516xHCF2-91 y H-H565xHCF2-91 expresaron mayor rendimiento de forraje seco.

The Effect of Time and Method of Storage on the Chemical Composition, Pepsin-Cellulase Digestibility, and Near-Infrared Spectra of Whole-Maize Forage

This study examined the effects of long-term storage conditions on the chemical composition, pepsin-cellulase dry matter digestibility (PCDMD), and visible (VIS)/near infrared spectra (NIR) of forage. Eighteen samples of different whole-crop maize varieties originally harvested in 1987 were used. After drying, these samples were analyzed in the laboratory for ash, crude protein (CP), structural carbohydrates, total soluble carbohydrates (TSC), starch and PCDMD, and the remaining samples were stored frozen (at −20°C) or at barn temperature (ambient temperatures ranged from −8.5 °C to 27.1 °C). In 2016, the samples were analyzed for ash, CP, structural carbohydrates, TSC, starch and PCDMD. The visible/NIR spectra of both storage methods were obtained. Chemical composition and PCDMD analyses revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the storage methods for TSC but not for the other parameters (p > 0.05). After sample harvesting in 1987, the analyses were compared with those in 2016. It was found that the post-harvest TSC and ash content were higher (p < 0.05) and lower (p < 0.05), respectively, during 2016. No significant differences were found for starch and PCDMD. Important differences between the VIS/NIR spectra of both storage methods were obtained in the VIS segment, particularly in the area between 630 and 760 nm. We concluded that storing dry forage samples at ambient temperature for a very long time (29 years) did not change their nutritive value compared to the values obtained before storage.

Balanced Parameters for Genotype X Environment Interaction in Some Alfalfa Genotypes

Identification of alfalfa genotypes, with high yield potential and good forage quality along with the least seasonal fluctuation over a wide range of environments, is important for crop improvement programs. Trials were conducted to evaluate seven alfalfa (Medicago sativa, L) genotypes over three years at the Nubaria Agricultural Research Station Site. Field experiments were carried out in 2014, 2015 and 2016 seasons to evaluate fresh and dry forage yield, protein and fiber percentages and their stability employing parametric and non-parametric measures for the seven genotypes across environments. Results indicated that the local cultivar Ismailia-1 was superior to the introduced genotypes regarding its fresh and dry forage yield in addition to recording the least fiber percentage; however, MI reya produced higher protein percentage. When stability measures for the four traits was considered, Isamilia-1 was considered the most stable for fiber percentage based on four different measures tested. MI reya was most stable for protein percentage and more stable than Ismailia-1 for fresh and dry forage yield based on estimates from larger number of the tested stability measures, suggesting that MI reya is the most promising genotype among the introduced genotypes under study.

Effect of shading and canopy height on pasture of Andropogon gayanus in silvopastoral system

In silvopastoral systems (SPS) canopy height and the existence of shaded and non-shaded environments can provide changes in plant development. The objective in this study was to evaluate the effect of shading and canopy height on morphogenic, structural and biomass production characteristics of Andropogon gayanus in an SPS. It was adopted a completely randomized design in a 2 × 3 factorial scheme, with four replications, being two luminosity intensities (shaded and non-shaded within a SPS) and three canopy heights (45, 55 and 65 cm). The studied area was used for 21 years in SPS and grazed by goats. The luminosity in the A. gayanus canopy in shaded areas was reduced by 40% in comparison to the non-shaded area in the SPS. There was effect of the interaction between heights and environments on the dry forage biomass, with higher values in non-shaded areas and in higher canopy heights. The leaf/stem ratio, as well as the leaf percentage did not differ between the environment luminosities and canopy heights, whereas the number of tillers was lower in the shaded areas, also where final leaf length was higher. The shade from Tabebuia sp. in SPS does not compromise the growth of A. gayanus. In SPS A. gayanus should be managed at a canopy height of 65 cm in order to present higher yield and maintain its sustainability.

Mengembangkan Ayam Buras Dan Sapi Potong Untuk Meningkatkan Pendapatan Petani Kabupaten Maros

The activities conducted in Maros regency Tanralili district Purnakarya village in chickens and beef cattle groups Cedde Jaya. The main source of livestock feed cows during the dry season are dry forage, rice straw, corn straw and hay crops of nuts which happened to be planted at the time of drought. Besides, leaf Gamal is also a main feed in dry season. Number of cattle per family ownership only 2-3 head extensively maintained. Range chicken as well as extensive maintenance, ownership on average 2-5 chicken each household group. To increase the productivity of cattle, the team provides counseling, coaching, training and mentoring as well as providing some main of facilities such as cattle shed, biogas digester, planting banana. Results are expected in the presence of activities is the avaibility of green forage mainly during the dry season, so that the cattle population will increase, the biogas as a fuel alternative to kerosin and LPG gas, liquid and solid fertilizer from biogas by-product process, the increasing population of chicken qualified (meat and eggs as well as the day old chick). Besides the problem of production is also done on the farm management. The activities is expected that will increase the incomes of farmers further improve the welfare of Maros regency. For the sustainability of the program it is necessary supervision and guidance are routinely performed by the related department along with the college.

Nitrate toxicity in annual forages: Survey of beef producer perspectives and samples submitted to a commercial testing laboratory in Nebraska

The objective was to assess the prevalence and management of nitrate toxicity when beef producers use annual forages. A survey was distributed online and advertised via extension outlets in Nebraska and Kansas. Additionally, examination of the various annual forage samples submitted to Ward Laboratories Inc. (Kearney, NE) for nitrate-nitrogen (NO 3 -N) analysis was conducted to determine the frequency that various annual forages have been evaluated for nitrate content. Most survey respondents (n = 107/115; 93%) were from the midwestern United States, and 85% indicated that they use annual forages in 3 or more years out of 5. These producers were more ( P = 0.02) likely to test annual forages fed as hay (53%) than grazed (38%). There was a tendency ( P = 0.09) for more producers to suggest that they have had nitrate toxicity issues with annual forage pasture (34%) than with hay (24%), though the majority had not experienced issues (62%) with either. When small grains, millet, and sorghum × sudangrass were evaluated, fresh forage (<26% DM) had greater ( P < 0.01) nitrate content than dry forages (>84% DM). Overall, 48% of the fresh brassica samples, 23% fresh annual grasses, and 5% of the dry annual grasses were considered at risk for causing nitrate toxicity as they exceeded 2,100 mg of NO 3 -N/kg of DM. These data suggest that annual forages are infrequently tested for nitrates and that the majority of survey respondents have not experienced nitrate toxicity when using annual forages.

GROWTH AND FORAGE YIELD OF PEARL MILLET AS INFLUENCED BY CUTTING DATE AND NITROGEN FERTILIZATION

This investigation was conducted at the, Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt during 2016 and 2017 summer seasons to study the growth and forage yield of Pearl millet. The experiment was arranged in a split plot design with three replications. The treatments consisted of two cutting dates [early at 56 days after sowing (DAS), and late at 63 DAS for the 1st cut, and after 35 and 42 days from the 1st and 2nd cuts for the 2nd and 3rd cuts] respectively and three nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels viz. 15, 30 and 45 kg N/fad./cut. The results indicated that late cutting date significantly produced the highest growth values for each of plant height (238.2 cm), leaf area/plant (4970.2 cm2) and fresh forage weight (164.9 (g)/plant). Also, the highest fresh and dry forage yields (16.88 and 3.541 ton/fad), the highest total fresh seasonal yield (TFSY) and total dry seasonal yield (TDSY) 37.98 and 7.11 ton/fad., were as well recorded by late cutting in both seasons. Apparently, the highest obtained value of each studied growth traits and the forage yield during both growing seasons was achieved by increasing N fertilizer level up to the highest amount (45 kg N/fad./cut), followed by 30 and 15 kg N/fad./cut, respectively.The significant interaction effect between the two studied factors on forage yield indicated that the highest (TDSY) (7.607 ton/fad.) of pearl millet was obtainable at late cutting date under application of 45 kg N/fad./ cut. The results of the present study has concluded that, cutting at 63 DAS followed by 42 and 35 days interval for next cuts (three cuts) with application of 45 kg N/fad./cut is optimum for better growth and yield performance in pearl millet cultivar “Shandaweel 1” under the agro-climatic conditions of Sharkia Governorate in Egypt and similar areas.

Twofold excessive utilization rate yields high financial equivalent but seriously threatens public rangelands in Turkey

The aim of this study was to estimate the utilization rate and financial equivalent of the utilized rangeland forage to quantify the extent of grazing pressure on the semiarid Turkish rangelands, and to attract the public attention to the importance of rangelands in national economy. The study was conducted in Erzurum province of Turkey. In permanent 12 representative sites in each of village rangelands, cages of 1 m height and 1 m × 1 m floor area, were placed and forage under cages was clipped to the ground at the end of the grazing seasons in 2007 and 2008. Simultaneously, the forage outside the cages was sampled with random quadrats. Financial equivalent of the utilized rangeland forage was estimated using surrogate market valuation method. In data analysis were employed descriptive statistical methods and one-way ANOVA test. According to the results, the average rangeland dry forage yield was 1012 kg.ha–1 and rangeland utilization rate was 69 per cent, roughly two-fold higher than suggested rates. Under the prevailing conditions, the financial equivalent of the utilized rangeland forage is about 526 TRY or 92 USD per hectare. It was concluded that utilization rate or grazing period should be deflated by 50% for sustainable resource use by allowing rangeland plants to regenerate.

Influence of Cutting Date and Nitrogen Fertilizer Levels on Growth, Forage Yield, and Quality of Sudan Grass in a Semiarid Environment

Sudan grass is less sensitive to water shortage and produces large amounts of biomass. For these reasons, it is a promising summer forage crop for arid and semiarid regions where natural pastures are rare and water scarcity limits summer forage production. The aim of the present work was to investigate the influence of cutting date (early and late, for three cuts) and three nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels (35, 70, and 105 kg N/ha/cut) on Sudan grass (Sorghum sudanense(Piper) Stapf.). The study was carried out in the experimental farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Egypt, during 2016 and 2017 summer seasons using a split-plot design. The results obtained revealed significant differences between the two cutting dates on growth, forage yield, and quality of Sudan grass. The late cutting date (56 days after sowing DAS and 42 days after the 1stcut) gave the highest values for almost all the growth characters, dry forage yield in addition to total dry yield (TDY) in both seasons. The highest number of shoots/plant (1.911), leaf area/plant (2841.6 cm2), and dry forage weight (g)/plant (76.65 g) were obtained by late cutting (56 DAS) with the application of 105 kg N/ha/cut. The lowest values of these characters were recorded with 35 kg N/ha/cut. Quality parameters were significantly affected by N levels during both seasons, while cutting date significantly affected the protein yield (kg/ha). The interaction result apparently indicated that the highest dry forage yield of Sudan grass (16.26 ton/ha) was achievable at the 1stcut with the application of the highest N level (105 kg N/ha/cut).

The Interaction Effect of Humic Substances and Mineral Phosphorus Fertilization on Forage Yield and some Macronutrients Uptake of Triticale under different Soil Salinity Levels.

Salinity becomes one of the most important and serious agricultural problems. Furthermore, it is an ever-present impendence to crop productivity, especially in the countries where irrigation is a determining factor for agricultural activity. It is known that crop matching is one of the ways to overcome the problem of soil salinity, such as triticale plant which was recognized as a crop suitable for growth in saline soils. Two field trials were conducted to study the interaction effect of soil salinity levels, Humic substances and mineral phosphorus fertilization, it can further illustrate how triticale cultivation in saline soils is developed by studying the impact on plant height, forage fresh and dry weight, total NPK uptake in dry forage. All privies parameters were depressed with increased salinity levels. While the order of Humic substances for their influences on triticale growth parameters and total N, P and K uptake were as follows: Falvic soil, Falvic foliar, Humic soil, Humic foliar, without Humic substances. While, applying 140 kg P ha-1 gave the highest results of previous parameters. While the interaction effect shows that when using 70 kg p ha-1 in low soil salinity (SL), or when using 140 kg p ha-1 in moderate soil salinity (SM), the effect of Humic substances will become clear on fresh and dry forage yield and total N, P and K uptake of triticale. Therefore, it is preferred that applying Humic substances and mineral phosphorus fertilization to the improvement of triticale production with increasing soil salinity.

Effect of Intercropping Cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata L.) with Teosinte ( Zea mexicana Schrad ) on Forage Yield Productivity and Its Quality

TWO FIELD experiments were carried out at Giza Agricultural Research Station (30° 02’ N latitude and 31° 13’ E longitude, altitude 22.50m above sea level), Egypt, during 2017 and 2018 seasons to investigate the effect of three intercropping patterns of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) with teosinte (Zea mexicana Schrad ) (1- On the other side of teosinte ridges, 1:1 and 2:2 in alternating ridges) and three seeding rates, (50%+50%, 75%+50% and 50% +75%) teosinte/cowpea of its pure stand on forage yield and its quality. A split plot design with three replicates was used. The results could be summarized as follows:--Intercropping pattern of 2:2 recorded the highest values for total fresh and dry forage yields whereas cowpea intercropped on the other side gave the lowest values in both seasons. Seeding rate of 75%+50% teosinte/cowpea recorded the highest values for total fresh and dry forage yields in both seasons. Intercropping pattern 2:2 with 75% teosinte+50% cowpea gave the highest value of totally fresh and dry yields. Whereas, planting cowpea on the other side with 50% seeding rates of both crops, gave the lowest values in both seasons.-Crude protein and digestible protein percentages, crude protein and digestible protein yields fed-1 were increased by different intercropping patterns. Seeding rates and the interaction between them compared with teosinte pure stand in both seasons, whereas fiber percentage behaved opposite trend in both season.-Land equivalent ratio (LER) and relative crowding coefficient recorded the highest values by the interaction between 2:2 ridges and 75% teosinte+50% cowpea seeding rates of its pure stands in both seasons. Teosinte was dominant crop in 6 out of 9 treatments in both seasons.-It could be concluded that 15kg teosinte+10kg cowpea and 2:2 intercropping pattern in alternate to obtain the highest mixture yield and quality.

Dynamics of evapotranspiration over a non-irrigated alfalfa field in the Southern Great Plains of the United States

Accurately quantifying the dynamics of evapotranspiration (ET) is crucial for efficient water management and improved water use efficiency. However, details on the magnitudes and annual dynamics of ET with respect to environmental/biophysical factors and harvesting of hay in non-irrigated alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) are lacking. Using the eddy covariance (EC) technique, daily magnitudes and seasonal/annual dynamics and budgets of ET were quantified from April 2016 to May 2018 over a non-irrigated alfalfa field in central Oklahoma, USA. The field was harvested periodically for hay, and cumulative dry forage yield was approximately 7.5 and 10 t ha−1 in 2016 (dry year) and 2017 (wet year), respectively. Daily ET reached up to 6.9 mm d−1 and 8-day average ET reached up to 5.64 mm d−1. Cumulative seasonal (April-October) ET was 652 mm (∼1.3 times of precipitation) in 2016 and 734 mm (∼0.8 times of precipitation) in 2017. Annual ET in 2017 was ∼900 mm (∼0.8 times of annual precipitation). Optimum air temperature (Ta) and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) for ET were approximately 30 °C and 3 kPa, respectively. Higher forage production was associated with a greater increase (∼22%) in carbon uptake (gross primary production, GPP) than ET (∼13%) in 2017 compared to 2016. Consequently, ecosystem water use efficiency (EWUE) at the seasonal scale (seasonal sums of GPP to ET) was 2.38 and 2.57 g C mm−1 ET in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Despite strong correspondence (R2 = 0.73) between EC-measured ET and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-derived ET (ETMOD16), the standard ETMOD16 product underestimated ET by 36% compared to EC-measured ET. The MODIS-derived enhanced vegetation index (EVI) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) explained 83% of variations in alfalfa ET, indicating the potential of integrating remote sensing observations and climate data to extrapolate site-level alfalfa ET at larger areas.

Effect of alfalfa variety and bale wrap-type on dry matter loss and forage nutritive value of round bales in long-term, outdoor storage

Effect of alfalfa variety and bale wrap-type on dry matter loss and forage nutritive value of round bales in long-term, outdoor storage

Integrated effect of planting dates and irrigation regimes on morpho-physiological response, forage yield and quality, and water use efficiency of clitoria (Clitoria ternatea L.) in arid region

ABSTRACTA 2-year field experiment (2015/2016) was conducted on clitoria planted on May 20 as early (PE) and June 20 as late (PL) under 100% = I100%, 80% = I80% and 60% = I60% of allowable soil moisture depletion (ASMD). The objective was to investigate the complementary effect of planting date and deficit irrigation on morpho-physiological responses, forage quantity and quality, and water use efficiency (WUE) of clitoria. Early planting date (PE) significantly improved almost all attributes. Clitoria plants exposed to (I100% or 80%) had higher almost parameters except for leaf/stem ratio (LSR), protein, and WUE in both seasons. Higher cumulative dry forage yield CDFY (6.5 and 6.4 t ha−1) and cumulative protein yield CPY (1.4 and 1.2 t ha−1) resulted from I80% and I100% whereas, highest WUE (1.8 and 1.6 kg m−3) from I60% in both the seasons, respectively. Clitoria planted early and irrigated with I100% or 80% had higher morpho-physiological responses and yields in both cuts of both seasons. Therefore, the adverse effects of drought can be diminished by planting early (PE) and watering with (I100% or 80%), particularly under limited water and could be suggested as a non-monetary practice for upgrade the drought tolerance in clitoria and maximizing yield and quality in arid environments.

Aspectos produtivos e nutricionais de cereais de inverno em regimes de corte para ensilagem

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito de três regimes de cortes em estádio vegetativo (Sem corte; um corte e dois cortes), sobre os aspectos produtivos e nutricionais de cinco cereais de inverno, colhidos para produção de silagem. Os cereais usados foram o trigo (Triticum aestivum cv. BRS Gralha Azul), cevada (Hordeum vulgare cv. BRS Brau), aveia branca (Avena sativa cv. URS Guará), aveia preta (Avena strigosa cv. Embrapa 139) e triticale (X Triticosecale cv. IPR 11). Para a massa de forragem seca total, o aumento no número de cortes gerou redução na produção de todos os cereais. O triticale apresentou a maior estabilidade produtiva, uma vez que não houve diferença (P&gt;0,05) para o regime sem corte (12.317 kg MS/ha) e com um corte (11.944 kg MS/ha). O regime de cortes influenciou os componentes morfológicos, pois houve redução das porcentagens de colmo e folha e aumentou a porcentagem de espiga e a quantidade de folhas senescentes em relação as folhas totais. Os teores de NDT não foram influenciados negativamente pelos regimes de corte, com exceção da aveia branca. Dos cereais avaliados, a cevada apresentou menores valores (P