Fodder Value Research Articles

Influence of moisture supply during the growing period on productivity and fodder value of soybean

Abstract The paper presents the results of research on comparative study of seed yield formation and aboveground biomass yield of soybean in years with different moisture availability, under the conditions of the Central region of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia. It has been found that the maximum accumulation of both raw and dry aboveground biomass, crude protein and fodder units in soybean agrocenosis is observed at the stage of full seed (R6). The average values for maximum yields in the experiment were the following: of aboveground raw biomass – 24.8 t/ha, aboveground dry biomass – 6.82 t/ha, protein yield in aboveground dry biomass – 1 278 kg/ha, yield in fodder units – 3.68 t/ha, the contribution of leaves to the yield of aboveground dry biomass being 23.0%, leaves accumulated 20.0% of protein where its content being 20.9%; the contribution of stems to the yield of aboveground dry biomass was 36.0%, stems provided 11.0% of protein accumulated where its content being 5.8%; the contribution of beans reached 41.0%, beans ensured 69.0% of crude protein where its content being 30.1%. Increased moisture availability contributed to a significant growth of the yield of aboveground raw biomass – 1.09-1.19-fold, aboveground dry biomass – 1.08-1.15-fold, protein yield in aboveground dry biomass – 1.10-1.21-fold, yield in fodder units in aboveground dry biomass – 1.07-1.14-fold. On average in the experiment seed yield reached 2.54 t/ha, yield of protein accumulated in seeds was 1 008 kg/ha, of fodder units – 3.40 t/ha. Increased level of available moisture contributed to increase in seed yield – by 1.14-1.21 times, collection of crude protein per unit area – by 1.19-1.31 times, yield of fodder units – by 1.13-1.21 times. It was found that the yield of aboveground biomass harvested at the stage of full seed (R6) significantly exceeded the seed yield: in terms of dry matter yield – by 2.69 times, protein yield – by 1.27 times, fodder units yield – by 1.08 times.

Technological status of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill.) fermentation to increase the protein value of its fodder

Objective: To analyze the state-of-the-art technology and the application of the fermentation process, in order to increase the protein value of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica), as a source of fodder, in three technological levels. Design/Methodology/Approach: The technological parameters and mechanization level of three fermenters —employed to increase the protein value of prickly pear fodder— were characterized. The conceptual technical analysis was determined through quantitative and qualitative indicators, based on mathematical expressions and equations. Results: Quantitative indicators showed a fermentation technology with limited efficiency, which provides an opportunity for technical improvements. Findings/Conclusions: The application of fermentation technology results in significant savings in water, soil, and fertilizer resources. Furthermore, it provides an alternative for fodder production and food security for livestock in the semi-arid region of Mexico.

Maya Traditional Knowledge of Cnidoscolus spp. in the Yucatán Peninsula

The genus Cnidoscolus (Euphorbiaceae) contains some species with socioeconomic and cultural relevance in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. There is little published information on the traditional knowledge of this genus, and the recent movements of younger people to more populated cities and towns risks this knowledge being forgotten. To preserve this knowledge, we wanted to answer the questions: what are the species or varieties of the plant with the generic name chaya that the contemporary Maya population uses in the Yucatan Peninsula, and in which agroecosystems are these species or varieties found? Nine local communities were selected for interviews in which the general population and healers shared their knowledge about the uses and management of Cnidoscolus spp. Through these interviews, we identified eight species or cultivars used by these communities: six cultivars of C. aconitifolius ( chay, makat chay, chay sin espinas, ch’inch’in chay, tsaj, and tsaj/ hoja de papaya), C. multilobus ( tsaj), and C. souzae ( tsaj). Within homegardens chay, makat chay and chay sin espinas are utilized for their feeding, medicinal and fodder value; while ch'inch'in chay and tsaj are utilized for their feeding, medicinal, and living-fence potential. In paddocks, ch’inch’in chay and tsaj are utilized as livestock feed. Tsaj is used for handcrafts, and tsaj/ hoja de papaya possesses spiritual-religious attributes. The feeding, medicinal, fodder, living-fence, spiritual-religious, and handcraft potential of species and cultivars of Cnidoscolus reflect their biocultural importance for Maya inhabiting the peninsula of Yucatan.

Assessing montane grassland and butterfly biodiversity to improve management strategies in locally significant conservation areas

Montane grasslands must be managed effectively to conserve biodiversity since they play an important role in sustaining healthy and diversified ecosystems. A 9 km transect was used to assess plant and lepidopteran biodiversity in mountain meadows in Bilbor, Romania. Different management strategies were used in each plot. The identified plants were divided into three categories: Poaceae, Fabaceae, and other families. In the case of lepidoptera, diurnal butterfly species from three families were observed: Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae, and Pieridae. The number of plant species in the abandoned meadows was reduced, with a focus on those with low fodder value (Nardus stricta and Deschampsia flexuosa), as well as some invasive species (Vaccinium myrtillus). The implementation of protection and conservation measures resulted in species diversification, with an increase in the number of Poaceae (11 to 16 species) and Fabaceae (nine to fourteen species). In addition to providing more feed, the flora can benefit lepidopteran entomofauna. During the monitoring period, 29 species were identified from the three lepidopteran families. The most abundant species were Maniola jurtina L., Boloria selene Denis & Schif., Argynnis paphia L., Coenonympha pamphilus L. (Nymphalidae), Pseudophilotes schiffermuelleri Hemming (Lycaenidae), and Pieris mannii Mayer (Pieridae). Traditional mowing and grazing activities can help to maintain the structure and composition of these ecosystems, limiting biological succession to forest and sustaining floristic biodiversity.

Comparison of the fodder yield, nutritive value and cost of triticale and vetch mixtures under hydroponic condition

This study was carried out determine the effects of different ratios of triticale and vetch seed and use of fertilizer on fodder yield, nutritive value and cost of fodder grown. The treatments included five ratios of triticale to vetch seeds at 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 0:100 (V0, V10, V20, V30, and V100; respectively and a fertilizer treatment (with (+) or without (-) fertilizer). The experiment was a completely randomized design in factorial arrangements (five seed treatments and two fertilizer treatments). Considering the yield performance, differences were found among treatments with the highest yield (21.78 kg fresh weight m-2) for V0+ and lowest (18.48 kg fresh weight m-2) for V100-. With increasing proportions of vetch, ash, crude protein and acid detergent fiber increased linearly, whereas neutral detergent fiber and nitrogen free extract decreased linearly. The crude fiber was lowest (8.43%) for V0+ and highest (10.26%) for V100+ fodders, respectively. Highest neutral detergent fiber was observed for V0- while V100- revealed the lowest neutral detergent fiber. The acid detergent fiber was lowest for V0+ compared with all other treatments. The nitrogen free extract content in V0+ fodder were gradually higher than that of other fodders. The fodder’s energy value was significantly different among the treatments. The results in the study showed that the seed cost was the highest in the V0+ fodder to produce one kg fresh fodder. The higher expense for one kg CP and one unit energy (MJ kg-1) was obtained in V0 fodder, as well.

The influence of sunflower meal in feed on slaughter and meat quality of pigs

Currently, the problem of providing protein nutrition for animals and reducing the cost of pork production is relevant. The choice of effective and, at the same time, cheap protein components for animal rations is one of the foundations of high-performance animal husbandry. The purpose of the work was to determine the effectiveness of using compound feed with the introduction of sunflower meal of increased feed value and a different structure of the grain group on the slaughter and meat quality of pigs. Our research has proven the preservation of the level of productivity of pigs and obtaining a sufficiently high level of profitability of pork production when feeding compound feed based on barley and sunflower meal of increased feed value with or without wheat. In the control group, which received barley-corn-wheat compound feed, the average daily gains during the scientific and economic experiment amounted to 683 g. The maximum deviation in the experimental groups was +2.8 %. The difference was statistically improbable. At the same time, a slight increase in feed consumption per 1 kg of growth was observed in the experimental group, which was fed combined feed based on barley and sunflower meal. A tendency to increase the slaughter yield of piglets of the research groups and a probable increase in the meat yield from the carcass in animals whose combined feed was injected with 15 % by mass of sunflower meal of increased fodder value was noted. Feeding young pigs with two-component combined feed with barley grit + 15 % sunflower meal of increased forage value contributes to a decrease in lard thickness by 2.5 %. The longest back muscle of these animals is characterized by a 1.0% higher content of adipose tissue, an 8.3 % intensity of muscle fiber staining, as well as a 6.1 % lower caloric content, an amount of calcium (P ≤ 0.05), active acidity (P < 0.01). At the same time, a tendency to a slight increase in the moisture content of lard by 0.9 % and a decrease in the melting temperature of lard by 1.5 °C was noted. The research results on the chemical composition of animal meat during the transition to low-component compound feed indicate that the dry matter content was practically at the same level. Protein was found the most in the meat of the second group of guinea pigs (20.64 %), which is 0.76 % higher than the control analogs. At the same time, the fat content in muscle tissue samples decreased in the second and third groups relative to the control by 0.17 % and 0.70 %, respectively. Specific changes in the chemical composition of animal meat in the third experimental group, compared to the control group, resulted in a 6.5 % decrease in its caloric content, coinciding with recent trends regarding the production of leaner pork. When switching to low-component compound feed with sunflower meal of increased fodder value, there is a tendency to an inevitable increase in losses during the culinary processing of pig meat, with a simultaneous decrease in its tenderness. The change in these indicators occurred due to the reduction in the moisture-retaining capacity of muscle tissue in the second and third experimental groups.

Modelling the effects of potential climate change on the dynamics of multi-species mountain pastures: A case study in Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy

CONTEXTPasture dynamics of Alpine areas are linked to the complex cryospheric hydrology of Alpine catchment and to the interspecies competition, which are in turn expected to change remarkably under prospective global warming scenarios. OBJECTIVEThis study aimed at assessing the impact of climate change on the productivity of mountain pastures in the Gran Paradiso National Park (Italy). METHODSThe hydrological model Poli-Hydro was used, coupled with the Poli-Pasture model, able to simulate pasture growth, which was further integrated with CoSMo model to consider interspecific competition. Two (competing) species were chosen for low altitude LowAlt areas (below 1800 m asl), Trifolium alpinum and Dactylis glomerata, and two for high altitude HighAlt areas (above 1800 m asl), Festuca rubra and Nardus stricta. Model tuning and evaluation were performed against estimates of leaf area index (LAI), derived from satellite imagery during 2005–2019. Then, climate change impacts were projected until 2100 by considering four IPCC AR6 scenarios and six GCMs. Target variables included a set of agroclimatic indices, LAI and pasture yield. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSDue to the projected increase in temperatures during the XXI century, a measurable potential increase in productivity would be expected, especially in the highest areas (up to +97% by 2050, and + 123% by 2100 for the SSP5–8.5 scenario). The relative abundance of pasture species appears to remain mostly stable; at most, the species with higher fodder value even increases slightly. This suggests that a loss in the overall quality of biomass should not occur. These results provide preliminary evidence for the potential development of livestock farming, and thus of a relevant part of the economy in the valleys, at higher altitudes than now. However, to a certain extent pasture performance could be threatened by the projected reduction in summer rainfall, and possibly spreading of pests with increasing temperature. SIGNIFICANCEThe results obtained here could be useful for policy makers, and scientists in the field of pasture/grasslands management, to depict scenarios of future productivity, and to support redefinition of periods, and areas designated for grazing activities in the mountains.

Szemléletváltás a gyepelemzésben, háromdimenziós termésbecslési és minősítési módszer - Előtanulmány

From the point of view of the lawns' current existence, use and their existence for the future, but the tasks, goals and challenges of grassland management have changed, and in line with this, we have carried out surveys and developed and modified a method for fast and efficient application.
 In practice, it is very important to know the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the forage found in the pasture, as well as the exact economic value of the pasture. The purpose of this study is to present a cheap, fast, reliable and easy-to-apply estimation method.
 We took the previous methods into account and corrected and further developed them with the help of recent lawn management research results. Based on our tests, the corrected Balázs method can be used well to estimate the yield of grasslands and to determine the fodder value of the grassland. This method is cheap and requires no technical background. It also has the advantage, based on experience, that it takes into account the preference of species by animals.
 The data from the cenological survey and the height measurement of the plant stock can be used to estimate the yield, fodder value and economic value. Being a non-destructive method involving minimal trampling, it is also particularly suitable for monitoring the grassland habitat of protected plants and animals. The method is also presented on a sample example, which proves its applicability.

Influence of cultivation techniques on productivity and quality of meadow clover

Meadow clover (red clover) is the most important fodder plant in most parts of Russia. Positive characteristics of this plant are the presence of a significant amount of reserve nutrients (crude protein, protein, nitrogenfree extractive substances) in the composition of plant tissues, which provides high fodder value. As a legume, meadow clover accumulates in the soil organically bound nitrogen, a large amount of organic mass of crop root residues, enriching the soil with nutrients and contributing to the increase of its physical and mechanical properties. The disadvantage of this crop is its short productive life. In this regard, it is necessary to intensify the cultivation methods for a short period of use in order to obtain the greatest return from the crop in the fodder and agronomic aspect. Intensification of cultivation methods means everything that contributes to the increase of plant productivity: application of mineral and organic fertilizers to improve mineral nutrition, inoculation of seeds before sowing to mobilize and activate soil microflora and productive symbiosis between plants and microbiota, use of growth regulators to optimize photosynthesis processes. The study of the influence of these intensification methods was the purpose of our research. It was found that the use of estimated doses of mineral fertilizers contributed most optimally to the processes of yield formation and final productivity of clover grass. Among all the strains of nodule bacteria studied, inoculant strain 348a was the most effective because it is speciesspecific for meadow clover. The use of growth regulators Ribav Extra and Root Super is a positive technique that provides optimal growth and development of plants during vegetation. The methods studied also had a positive effect on the seed productivity of the clover plants, increasing yield and seed quality.

Assessment of Use Values and Propagation Methods of Native Fodder and Fruit Species in Merhabete District, Ethiopia

Native fodder and fruit species provide various products and services to local communities besides their fruit (food) and fodder supply in our country including in the study area. Although, there is rich traditional knowledge on propagation methods of native fodder and fruit species and their local use, but little recognition has been given by forestry research and extension efforts to enhance them. The general objective of the study was to investigate the use value and propagation methods of native fodder and fruit species in the Merhabete district, Ethiopia. A total of 127 households were randomly selected and interviewed about local use and propagation methods of native fodder and fruit species. The study indicated that the majority of native fodder and fruit species were used for firewood (23.9%) followed by charcoal (10.9%), timber, and construction wood (10.6%), fencing (9.3%), soil fertility improvement (9.1%), farm tool (7.1%), and medicine (3.3%). Native fodder and fruit species (42.7%) were propagated through wilding (natural regeneration) and the remainder were propagated through seedlings (7.2%), seed (6.06%), and stem cutting (4.8%). Overgrazing (46.5%) followed by overexploitation (22%), climate change/drought (20.5%), and disease and pest (11%) were the major regeneration constraints to native fodder and fruit trees/shrubs species in the study area. Therefore, proper involvement either through research or development works are essential to reduce the propagation constraint of studied species. Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf. followed by Faidherbia albida (Delile) A. Chev., Cordia africana Lam., Ximenia americana L., and Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. were the most preferred species for planting by farmers in the study area. Domestication should focus on the preferred top five species to promote species conservation and sustainable use.

Бобовият компонент на горски садинови ливади в условията на „детелинова година“

A study of the species composition, biological, morphological and productive characteristics of the legume component of forest Chrysopogon gryllus meadows a year with high spring moisture availability was conducted. A very high species diversity of leguminous grasses was found - 17 species from 7 genera. Until the mowing of the meadows, a distinct turnover of species and an almost equal total productivity of dry mass from the legume component per ten-day period was observed. Thus, the productivity of fresh and dry mass of the legume component and, accordingly, the nitrogen fixation levels in the orchard meadows have a stable high level until mowing. The annual clovers can be identified as the legume with the strongest response to increasing moisture availability. A high productivity of mesophytic perennial clover species has also been reported, which significantly increase the fodder value of the grasslands. The species Dorycnium herbaceum and Medicago falcata have the highest productivity of fresh and dry mass when mowing the Chrysopogon gryllus meadows and have the greatest contribution to the forage value of the harvested hay. According to the morphological analysis, the legume component is characterized by a very high variability, both in plant height and in the relative share of leaves and flowers in the formed biomass, which determines its importance for the functional and biological diversity in the studied meadow type. The results are indicative of a great self-recovery potential of the Chrysopogon gryllus meadows in the the foothills of the Central Balkan, as well as a lack of degradation processes under their current mode of use.

Fodder Galega—Persistence as a Special Asset in Sustainable Agriculture

Perennial crops, especially legumes, have a crucial role in the development of sustainable agriculture. One such species may be fodder galega (Galega orientalis Lam.), whose utility values, including persistence and multi-directional use, are still not sufficiently known and appreciated. The aim of this study was to evaluate fodder galega yield dynamics, taking into account some indices of fodder value and the accumulation of mineral components in long-term use in light soil under moderate climate conditions with periodic shortages of precipitation. The results of six long-term experiments conducted at the Mochełek Research Station (53°120′ N, 17°510′ E) were evaluated. The dynamics of dry matter, total protein yield, and accumulation of minerals were best reflected by trend lines in the form of logarithmic functions, where during the first 4–5 years of use, a significant increase in the assessed values was noted, and in subsequent years, the increase continued but at a lower rate. The advancement in plant development in the establishment year had a significant impact on yields in the first production year. On average, during 10 production years, the dry matter yield obtained was 936 g m2, and the total protein yield was 177 g m2. Between 50% and 60% of the yield was determined by herbage accumulation in the first cut. Among minerals, the highest accumulation level was achieved for potassium. The height of shoots and the content of crude fiber in the plants increased linearly in the following years. The shoot density, leafiness, and content of minerals did not depend on the age of the galega stand, and their values were different among growth periods within a season. The number of shoots per 1 m2 in successive cuts was 170, 139, and 92, and their height was 79, 67, and 31 cm, respectively. The share of leaves in the first cut yield was 50%, and in the second and third cuts, it was 65% on average. In these conditions, over 10 years of use, galega turned out to be a valuable, persistent, and reliably yielding fodder crop.

Characterizing sorghum genotypes for forage yield, hydrocyanic acid and sugar contents under arid climate conditions

AbstractSorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a dual nature crop, which is used for food as well as fodder, depending on plant ideotype. Sorghum forage is important for ruminants, but a major constraint is the anti-nutritional factor dhurrin, a hydrocyanic acid (HCN) producing glucoside. There are several additional effects of dhurrin, which reduce the nutritional value of sorghum fodder for livestock. This two-year study was aimed to evaluate the variation among diverse sorghum varieties, specifically for HCN content, forage yield and stem sugar content (brix value) under arid climate in Pakistan. Nine sorghum varieties were used for this experiment: JS-2002, Chakwal sorghum, Lines CS-17, Super late, PAK SS-2, Johar, JS-263, Sargodha-2011 and YSS-98. Results reveal that Sargodha-2011 had superior morphological traits for fresh forage and dry biomass yield, and stem brix value, compared to other varieties. Higher HCN contents were recorded in Super late compared to other varieties. Significant negative correlation of HCN with yield showed that improvement in yield will reduce the HCN content of sorghum. In conclusion, sorghum variety SGD-11 was shown best performing for higher biomass yield and brix value, and lower HCN content compared to other tested varieties under arid climate of Thal, Pakistan.

Development of productive pseudocapsulated compound feeds for rainbow trout grown in the Central Federal District of the Russian Federation

The decrease in catch of valuable fish species from natural water bodies is compensated by their intensive cultivation in artificial conditions. In order to realize the main task of trout farms associated with obtaining marketable products in the shortest possible period of time, artificial feed is used as a source of food. A economically feasible alternative source of raw materials is the products of plant origin. In the process of production of oil and fat products at various stages, numerous fat wastes and by-products are formed, wich have fodder value and are not used as feeding facilities in industrial scale. This is especially frue for fat processing (soapstock of Light oil, fatty bleaching clays, dezodoration chases, phosphatides, calcium salts of fatty acids), as well as waste oils in combination with fat processing waste. On the base of studying the classical technology of producing mixed fodders for valuable fish species and eliminating its drawbacks the technology of pseudocapsulated mixed fodders for salmon fish grown in the CFD of Russia Federation with given fodder value and a line for its realization is suggested. The best way to bring fats and vitamins contained in them to valuable fish species is to feed them as a part of mixed fodders. At present, however, it is difficult to increase the level of fat in feed on the existing Russian fats supply lines, since most plants can include up to 10% of fat in the bulk feed line. Therefore, the development of mixing formulations and techniques for valuable fish breeds using sturgeon fish with more than 10% fat in it as an addition of fat oily wastes such as epaulettes and phosphates is not only of scientific interest. In the course of studies optimization encapsulated optimal feeds for program "Feed Optima Expert" pseudorainbow trout were also developed. As a result, close results were obtained in terms of the rate of growth of trout, the development, conversion of feed and viability in comparison with the best feed counterparts on the Russian market.

Feed Characteristics and State of <i>Medicago Falcata</i> L. Cenopopulations in Siberia

The article presents the results of a comprehensive study of Medicago falcat L. – a widespread fodder plant of the natural flora of Siberia. The aim of the research is to find out the fodder value of the species, its adaptability to different botanical and geographical zones of Siberia, as well as its stability and self-restoration ability under anthropogenic influence. To this end, the ontogenetic structure, morphometric parameters, and seed production of 15‑25 middle-aged generative individuals, as well as the chemical composition of fodder samples, were studied in 13 cenopopulations of M. falcata. The study of the fodder value of M. falcata in a wide ecological and geographical range showed that the protein content in air-dry matterdiffered from region to region: in Khakassia – on average 22.9%, in the Altai Republic – up to 15.9%, in the Novosibirsk region – up to 14.33%. One kilogram of alfalfahay contains from 0.47 to 0.67 feed units. It was found that the long life cycle of M. falcata in different botanical-geographical zones can take place in different variants, depending on the level of anthropogenic influence. Taproot plants are more common in undisturbed phytocenoses, whereas in phytocenoses exposed to anthropogenic impacts, rootstock taproot plants are predominant. Consequently, anthropogenic factors influence the number and biomass of species, the mode of seed regeneration and the ontogenetic structure of M. falcata conopopulations.

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.

Some Physiological Responses of Native Sheep Breeds to Environmental Conditions during Grazing in Natura 2000 Habitats

The calcareous xerothermic grasslands of the Festuco-Brometea class are among the most endangered Natura 2000 sites in Europe. The greatest threats include a lack of grazing, secondary succession, and invasive alien and expansive native species. The abandonment of such grasslands is caused by the low nutritional value of biomass, as well as by difficult habitat conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the physiological responses of native sheep breeds to hard environmental conditions when grazing in Natura 2000 habitats and to confirm the hypothesis that native sheep of the Świniarka and Uhruska breeds can be used to protect valuable natural habitats. The analysed grasslands were characterised by very difficult climatic and edaphic conditions and a low fodder value for sheep. Grazing in environmentally valuable areas, sometimes poor in fodder, did not adversely affect the welfare of grazed sheep. In both the Uhruska and Świniarka breeds, there were no indicators for heat or nutritional stress, but physiological changes were observed in the animals’ adaptation to new environmental conditions. Despite poor fodder positions, Świniarka sheep improved their condition and body weight. Fluctuations in indicators showing an adaptation process were also visible.

Convolutional Neural Network Maps Plant Communities in Semi-Natural Grasslands Using Multispectral Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Imagery

Semi-natural grasslands (SNGs) are an essential part of European cultural landscapes. They are an important habitat for many animal and plant species and offer a variety of ecological functions. Diverse plant communities have evolved over time depending on environmental and management factors in grasslands. These different plant communities offer multiple ecosystem services and also have an effect on the forage value of fodder for domestic livestock. However, with increasing intensification in agriculture and the loss of SNGs, the biodiversity of grasslands continues to decline. In this paper, we present a method to spatially classify plant communities in grasslands in order to identify and map plant communities and weed species that occur in a semi-natural meadow. For this, high-resolution multispectral remote sensing data were captured by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in regular intervals and classified by a convolutional neural network (CNN). As the study area, a heterogeneous semi-natural hay meadow with first- and second-growth vegetation was chosen. Botanical relevés of fixed plots were used as ground truth and independent test data. Accuracies up to 88% on these independent test data were achieved, showing the great potential of the usage of CNNs for plant community mapping in high-resolution UAV data for ecological and agricultural applications.

ASSESSMENT OF HIGH-PROTEIN QUALITY FEED ADDITIVES FROM BY-PRODUCTS MANUFACTURE OF SUNFLOWER OIL

The article states that until 2022, Ukraine will occupy the first place in the world food market in the production of sunflower, sunflower oil and export of sunflower oil. The production of sunflower has always been sufficiently profitable, and the products of its processing competitive on the domestic and world markets. They are also an important component of food and feed protein resources. The production of complete ration compound feed for farm animals and poultry is restrained by a shortage of protein components, a low level of sanitary and hygienic safety of protein raw materials of animal origin. This leads to a decrease in the efficiency of feed, their costs and, as it should be, a shortage of livestock products. Cake and meal are high-protein raw materials, which are obtained in the amount of 1/3 of the mass of processed seeds during the production of sunflower oil. The fodder value of sunflower cake and meal is given. Factors that negatively affect the nutritional value and availability of nutrients of sunflower meal in the feed of farm animals and poultry were analyzed. The choice of components for the production of high-protein feed additive is theoretically justified. The indicators of the quality of sunflower seeds and by-products of their processing, which meet the requirements of DSTU, have been determined. On the basis of theoretical and experimental data, a structural scheme for the production of a high-protein feed supplement based on sunflower cake and meal is proposed, which involves the preliminary preparation of the by-products of sunflower oil production - cake and meal, with the following dosage in the amount: 75% sunflower meal, 10% sunflower cake and 15% limestone flour. The physical properties and microbiological indicators of the quality of a highprotein feed additive were experimentally determined, and it was determined that, compared to a loose, granular high-protein feed additive, it has the following advantages: increased nutritional value, has a greater volumetric weight, sanitary quality, which leads to saving space during transportation and better storage.

Studies on Resource Potential of Tree Taxa in Forest Area of Alluri Sitaramaraju District, Andhra Pradesh, India

The present paper deals with about 170 plant species of 117 genera belong to 95 families have been recorded which are potentially used by the 13 tribal groups in Paderu division, Alluri Sitaramaraju District, Andhra pradesh. Of the 170 tree taxa, 85 taxa (51.07%) yield edible fruits (eaten both by humans and animals), 124 (76.70%) have timber value, 120 (73.86%) are with medicinal value, 24 (16.48%) with fiber value, 122 (12.14%) with fuel wood value, 98 (58.52%) with fodder value and 109 taxa (63.64%) of miscellaneous uses. The tribal people of this division largely depend on herbal medicines, plants products for primary health care and their daily life.