Forage Corn Research Articles

Inoculation of corn silage with Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis associated with amylolytic enzyme supply at feeding. 2. Growth performance and carcass and meat traits of lambs

The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of inoculation of corn silage and dietary supplementation of amylolytic enzymes, and their interaction, on lamb growth performance and carcass and meat traits. Whole-crop corn forage was treated either with water (untreated) or with Lactobacillus plantarum MA 18/5U at 1 × 105 cfu/g fresh forage combined with Bacillus subtilis AT553098 at 1 × 105 cfu/g fresh forage (inoculated) and ensiled for 170 d. Forty non-castrated Texel × Dorper male lambs were arranged in a randomized block design (n = 10) and then assigned to one of four diets, as follows: 1) untreated corn silage with no amylolytic enzyme supply (NI-NA); 2) untreated corn silage with amylolytic enzyme supply (NI-WA); 3) inoculated corn silage with no amylolytic enzyme supply (WI-NA); and 4) inoculated corn silage with amylolytic enzyme supply (WI-WA). α-Amylase (602 dextrinizing units/kg of dry matter (DM)) was supplied to the lambs at total mixed ration delivery. Inoculation of corn silage increased (P = 0.003) both digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) intake by 1.4 and 1.2 MJ/kg DM, respectively, and also resulted in higher average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.023) of lambs (233 vs. 212 g/d in lambs fed NI diet). In contrast, dietary supplementation with amylolytic enzymes had no effect on the DM intake (P = 0.90) or ADG (P = 0.15) of lambs. Moreover, inoculation, enzyme supplementation, and their interaction had no significant effects on carcass traits (P ≥ 0.06), commercial cut yield (P ≥ 0.26), chemical composition of meat (P ≥ 0.13), and meat tenderness and color (P ≥ 0.11). In terms of the fatty acid composition of longissimus muscle, inoculation of corn silage increased concentrations of saturated fatty acids (SFA; P = 0.035) from 46.2% to 47.6%, and reduced concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA; P = 0.035) from 53.8% to 52.5%, compared to the NI diet. Inoculation also reduced the UFA:SFA ratio (P = 0.031) from 1.17 to 1.11, a small but significant difference. Dietary supplementation with amylolytic enzymes did not alter (P ≥ 0.09) SFA, UFA, and polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations, or their ratios. In conclusion, our results indicated that the silage inoculant examined in the present study is recommended for use in improving lamb production at the farm scale, whereas inclusion of amylolytic enzymes is not required under our experimental conditions.

Inoculation of corn silage with Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis associated with amylolytic enzyme supply at feeding. 1. Feed intake, apparent digestibility, and microbial protein synthesis in wethers

The current study aimed to investigate the effects of corn silage inoculation and dietary supplementation with amylolytic enzymes, and their interactions, on feed intake, apparent digestibility, and microbial protein synthesis in wethers. Whole-crop corn forage was ensiled either with water (untreated) or with Lactobacillus plantarum MA 18/5U at 1 × 105 cfu/g fresh forage combined with Bacillus subtilis AT553098 at 1 × 105 cfu/g fresh forage (inoculated). Eight ruminally cannulated Dorper × Santa Inês crossbred wethers were used in a double 4 × 4 Latin square design. Wethers were assigned to one of four diets, as follows: 1) untreated corn silage with no amylolytic enzyme supply (US-NE); 2) untreated corn silage with amylolytic enzyme supply (US-WE); 3) inoculated corn silage with no amylolytic enzyme supply (IS-NE); and 4) inoculated corn silage with amylolytic enzyme supply (IS-WE). α-Amylase (602 dextrinizing units/kg of dry matter (DM)) was supplied to the wethers at total mixed ration delivery. Dietary supplementation with amylolytic enzyme increased (P = 0.045) DM and starch (P = 0.014) intake in wethers fed the US diet (+245 and +136 g/d, respectively), but not in those fed the IS diet. Inoculation of corn silage (P = 0.026) improved organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (aNDFom), and gross energy (GE) digestibility by 5.3%, 11.5%, 25.8%, and 7.1%, respectively. Likewise, enzyme supply increased (P = 0.042) the apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, aNDFom, and GE by 5.1%, 4.7%, 9.4%, 20.7%, and 6.2%, respectively. Enzyme supply increased the molar proportion of propionic acid (P = 0.002; 24.1 vs. 19.6 mM / 100 mM) in wethers fed the US diet, but not in those fed the IS diet. Enzyme supply decreased microbial N synthesis (P = 0.025; 6.33 vs. 8.05 g/d) when the wethers were fed the IS diet, but not the US diet. In conclusion, despite the improved OM digestibility, dietary supplementation with amylolytic enzyme yielded inconsistent results with respect to feed intake and microbial protein synthesis in wethers fed diets differing in the use of silage inoculant.

Productividad de genotipos de maíz forrajero bajo fertilización orgánica y propiedades físico-químicas del suelo

La comarca lagunera es la principal región de explotación ganadera de bovino de leche en todo el país, proceso que demanda grandes cantidades de forraje de la mayor calidad. Por ello, el presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar la producción de forraje en base seca de tres híbridos de maíz forrajero, utilizando diferentes cantidades de vermicomposta y estiércol bovino para su fertilización, así como evaluar el efecto de estos tratamientos en las propiedades físico-químicas del suelo. Bajo fertilización orgánica, se probaron los híbridos HT 6806Y, de ABT; DAS2306, de Dow Agrosciences y RX717, de Asgrow. El experimento se estableció en la Facultad de Agricultura y Zootecnia de la Universidad Juárez del estado de Durango. Se usó un diseño Bloques al Azar en parcelas divididas, con tres repeticiones. El experimento se realizó en el ciclo de primavera-verano de 2014. En el análisis de comparación de medias el híbrido HT6806Y demostró ser superior (p≤ 0.05) con una producción de 69.91 t ha-1 de forraje verde, bajo el tratamiento T3 (160 t ha-1 de estiércol solarizado con 3 t ha-1 de vermicomposta); por otro lado, los tres híbridos mostraron buena respuesta a la fertilización orgánica, ya que todos obtuvieron producciones aceptables de materia seca de 25.89 t ha-1 (HT6806Y), 26.04 t ha-1 (RX717) y 25.33 t ha-1 (DAS2306). Las mezclas de fuentes de nitrógeno probadas en este estudio resultaron ser una buena alternativa que compiten con las fuentes sintéticas de nitrógeno, mejorando algunas variables de rendimiento y calidad de los forrajes.
 

Effects of homolactic bacterial inoculant on the performance of lactating dairy cows

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of applying a homofermentative bacterial inoculant to corn silage on the performance of dairy cows. After harvesting, corn forage was treated with nothing (CON) or with an inoculant containing a mixture of Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Enterococcus faecium at 1.5 × 105 cfu/g of fresh forage (MC; SiloSolve MC, Chr. Hansen A/S, Hørsholm, Denmark). After 186 d of storage in Ag-Bags (A Miller-St. Nazianz Inc., St. Nazianz, WI), silages were fed as part of a total mixed ration containing 55% concentrates, 10% alfalfa hay, and 35% CON or MC corn silage. Sixty early-lactation Holstein dairy cows (30 multiparous and 30 primiparous) housed in a freestall barn with Calan gates (American Calan Inc., Northwood, NH) were assigned to the dietary treatments from 20 to 100 d in milk. Silage inoculated with MC had a more homofermentative pattern evidenced by greater lactic acid concentration (3.83 vs. 4.48% of DM) and lower concentrations of acetic (2.34 vs. 1.68% of DM) and propionic (0.37 vs. 0.10% of DM) acids and ammonia (9.11 vs. 7.82% of N) for CON and MC, respectively. Dry matter intake (23.1 vs. 23.2 kg/d) did not differ among treatments, but the MC silage had greater apparent digestibility of DM (68.8 vs. 70.8%), which led to greater yields of milk (37.7 vs. 38.5 kg/d), fat-corrected milk (37.6 vs. 38.4 kg/d), milk fat (1.30 vs. 1.33 kg/d), and lactose (1.83 vs. 1.92 kg/d) for CON and MC cows, respectively. Milk from cows fed MC silage had higher lactose (4.86 vs. 4.93%), lower protein (2.93 vs. 2.83%), and similar contents of fat (3.47 vs. 3.44%) compared with CON cows. Feed efficiency (fat-corrected milk/dry matter intake) was not affected by treatment (1.69 vs. 1.72 for CON and MC, respectively). Inoculation of corn silage with the homofermentative inoculant increased digestibility of the total mixed ration and increased milk yield by lactating dairy cows.

Effects of nitrogen fertilizer and corn cultivars on corn silage yield

A split plot experiment using the randomized complete block design with three replications was carried out at the Gharakheil Agronomic Research Station of Iran in the crop year 2014 to evaluate the effects of nitrogen fertilizer and cultivar on forage corn yield and yield components. The main-plot factor included three corn cultivars (SC704, SC677 and SC400) and the sub-plot factor, four application rates of urea (100, 200, 300 and 400 kg/ha). Analysis of the data showed that the effects of cultivar and rate of urea application and their mutual effects on most of the studied traits were significant (α=5%). The mean comparison, using the Least Significant Range (LSR) test indicated the maximum forage and dry matter yields (40.95 and 12.90 t/ha, respectively) were obtained in the treatment of SC704 and urea at 200 kg/ha.

Study and Determination of the Best Plant Density and Planting Patterns of Silage Corn (Zea mays L.), H.S.C. 704 Cultivar

1. Summary To examine the effect of plant densities and sowing patterns on yield and agronomical characteristics of corn (hybrid S.C.704), a field experiment was conducted at agricultural research station of Gorgan. This experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design arranged in a factorial with four replications. Forage corn experiment had four levels of plant densities (D1=65000, D2=75000, D3=85000, D4=95000) and with two planting arrangements (p1=single row and p2=double row 15 cm space apart). The results showed; there was significant difference between planting arrangement for total dry matter, number of kernel per ear, kernel per row, ear length and double row produced higher amount for all above characters. In addition, plant density had a significant effect on total dry weight, number of kernel per ear, number of row per year, total fresh weight, ear length at 0.01 probability level and with an increase in plant density amount of biomass increased. The highest forage yield was produced by 95000 plant density and 15-centimeter double row at 5% significant (93.31-ton ha -1 ). It might be concluded that by using double row planting pattern the inter plant competition could be decreased and higher yield might be produced. 2. Keywords: Forage; Hybrid S.C.704; Planting Arrangement; Sowing Density

Determination of Optimal Cropping Pattern with an Emphasis on Farmers' Incomes Increase (Case Study: Villages of Chenaran County)

Determination of Optimal Cropping Pattern with an Emphasis on Farmers' Incomes Increase (Case Study: Villages of Chenaran County)

Influence of Maturity Stages on Nutritional Quality of Corn Forage and Corn Silage

Influence of Maturity Stages on Nutritional Quality of Corn Forage and Corn Silage

Growth and yield of corn forage intercropped with marandu grass in an agrosilvopastoral system with eucalyptus

Corn and grass intercropping is an interesting practice, and forage plants belonging to the genus Urochloa are the most commonly used in these situations. These plants show excellent adaptation to low-fertility soil, easy establishment, considerable biomass production, as well as being an important competitor with weeds. In agrosilvopastoral systems, the yield of corn crops grown together with trees is hindered due to the reduced radiation incidence caused by tree shading. This study aimed to evaluate corn growth, light interception, and chlorophyll content when intercropped with marandu grass in an agrosilvopastoral system with one and three eucalyptus rows, and compare them with plants under full sun. The experiment was conducted in Andradina - SP (Brazil). Treatments consisted of intercropping with no eucalyptus (plants under full sun: control), one system with one eucalyptus row and another with three rows. We also assessed the effect of five distances between corn plants and eucalyptus trees (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 m). Between eucalyptus rows, corn plants were intercropped with marandu grass. The analyzed variables were corn plant height, ear height, chlorophyll content index, light interception, dry matter, and fresh and dry forage weights. The experimental design was a randomized block in a factorial scheme plus a control, with four repetitions. Tree arrangements had no influence on corn forage, dry matter, plant height, or ear height. Lower results of yield, dry matter, plant height, and ear height were observed for plants spaced 2 m from trees. In the first two evaluations, significant differences of light interception were found for the different distances. Neither tree arrangements (one and three rows) nor the distances from the trees had any impact on corn heights, with no difference between control and the agrosilvopastoral systems. Neither plant distances from trees nor tree arrangements had an influence on chlorophyll content index of corn plants, with no difference between control and the treatments. As a result, corn growth and forage yield under agroforestry systems are similar in arrangements of 1 and 3 eucalyptus rows (15-month-old trees) and under full sun. However, corn dry matter contents were lower in systems containing trees. Intercropping corn and marandu grass in a system without trees increased light interception at harvest time, indicating a larger soil coverage. Corn forage yield and dry matter content were lower when plants were 2 m apart from eucalyptus trees since this condition provided a lower amount of light and greater competition for water and nutrients.

Yield and Economic Potential of Spring‐Planted, Pea–Barley Forage in Short‐Season Corn Double‐Crop Systems

Core Ideas Biomass yield is similar between sole‐crop grain corn forage–silage corn double‐crop systems. Nitrogen fertilizer does not increase net economic return from forage–silage corn double‐crop systems. Double‐cro pea–barley forage–silage corn is not a profitable alternative to sole‐crop corn in the upper Midwest. Double cropping with forages can increase dry matter (DM) yield and N‐use efficiency over sole‐crop (SC) systems, but reductions in primary crop yield can limit economic return. This study assessed whether a double‐crop (DC) system coupling a legume–cereal biculture forage with early maturing corn can reduce fertilizer N input and compete economically with SC corn. Biomass yield, N uptake, residual soil NO3–N, and economic net return were measured in two DC and one SC systems in four experiments conducted in Minnesota between 2014 and 2016. In DC systems, a field pea (Pisum sativum L.)–barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) forage biculture was double cropped with a dual‐purpose hybrid (DP) or semidwarf (SD) corn (Zea mays L.) variety. In SC systems, full‐season hybrid corn (HC) was planted without preceding forage. Six fertilizer N rates (0–224 kg N ha−1) were applied to corn. Averaged across N rates, DP and SD corn yielded less (8.2 and 1.8 Mg DM ha−1, respectively) compared to SC (16.4 Mg DM ha−1). Total system DM yield was similar for the DC–DP and SC–HC systems, averaging 16.6 Mg ha−1. Economic return for the SC system was greater than that for the DC–DP system, and was maximized with 134 to 224 kg N ha−1, while return for the DC–DP system was unaffected by N rate. Due to low corn yield and greater production cost, double cropping spring forage with short‐season corn is not a profitable alternative to SC corn.

Relationship between protein molecular structural makeup and metabolizable protein supply to dairy cattle from new cool-season forage corn cultivars

Protein solubility, ruminal degradation and intestinal digestibility are strongly related to their inherent molecular makeup. This study was designed to quantitatively evaluate protein digestion in the rumen and intestine of dairy cattle, and estimate the content of truly metabolizable protein (MP) in newly developed cool-season forage corn cultivars. The second objective was to quantify protein inherent molecular structural characteristics using advance molecular spectroscopic technique (FT/IR-ATR) and correlate it to protein metabolic characteristics. Six new cool-season corn cultivars, including 3 Pioneer (PNR) and 3 Hyland (HL), coded as PNR-7443R, PNR-P7213R, PNR-7535R, HL-SR06, HL-SR22, HL-BAXXOS-RR, were evaluated in the present study. The metabolic characteristics, MP supply to dairy cattle, and energy synchronization properties were modeled by two protein evaluation models, namely, the Dutch DVE/OEB system and the NRC-2001 model. Both models estimated significant (P<0.05) differences in contents of microbial protein (MCP) synthesis and truly absorbable rumen undegraded protein (ARUP) among the cultivars. The NRC-2001 model estimated significant (P<0.05) differences in MP content and degraded protein balance (DPB) among the cultivars. The contents MCP, ARUP and MP were higher (P<0.05) for cultivar HL-SR06, resulting in the lowest (P<0.05) DPB. However, none of the cultivars reached the optimal target hourly effective degradability ratio [25gNg/kg organic matter (OM)], demonstrating N deficiency in the rumen. There were non-significant differences among the cultivars in molecular-spectral intensities of protein. The amide I/II ratio had a significant correlation with ARUP (r=−0.469; P<0.001) and absorbable endogenous protein (AECPNRC) (P<0.001; r=0.612). Similarly, amide-II area had a weak but significant correlation (r=0.299; P<0.001) with RUP and ARUP, and with AECPNRC (P<0.001; r=0.411). Except total digestible nutrients and AECPNRC, the amide-I area did not show significant correlations with DVE/OEB and NRC predicted protein fractions. This study shows that molecular spectroscopy can be potentially used as a rapid tool to quantify protein molecular makeup and screen the protein nutritive value of forage corn.

The capacity of silage inoculant bacteria to bind aflatoxin B1 in vitro and in artificially contaminated corn silage

The objectives were to examine the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-binding capacity of silage bacteria and factors affecting the responses. Experiments 1 and 2 examined the effects of bacterial strain and population on the AFB1-binding capacity of 10 bacteria. When applied at 106 cfu/mL to an in vitro medium, only Lactobacillus plantarum PT5B bound the AFB1 and the binding capacity was low (4%). When applied at 109 cfu/mL, all 10 bacteria bound AFB1, but L. plantarum R2014 (Lp) and EQ12, Lactobacillus buchneri R1102 (Lb), and Pediococcus acidilactici R2142 and EQ01 (Pa) had the greatest capacity (23.9 to 33%). Experiment 3 examined the AFB1-binding capacity of viable and nonviable (HCl-treated) forms of Lp, Lb, and Pa at different pH. Nonviable Lb and Lp, but not Pa, increased AFB1 binding. Binding of AFB1 was greatest at pH 2.5 and least at pH 8. As the nonviable Lb and Lp that bound AFB1 in experiment 3 would not be effective silage inoculants, experiment 4 examined effects of benign versus severe treatments (85 vs. 100°C; pH 2.5 vs. <1) on the viability of Lp, Lb, and Pa. The population of bacteria was reduced from 9 to 4 log cfu/mL by treatment with HCl at pH 2.5 and to 2 log cfu/mL by 85 or 100°C, whereas acidification at pH <1 eliminated the bacteria. Experiment 5 determined the effect of the ensiling duration and benign treatment methods [37 (viable cells) or 85°C (heated cells) or acidification with HCl at pH 2.5 (acid-treated cells)] on binding of AFB1 and silage quality during the fermentation of corn forage. Corn forage was ensiled after treatment with only deionized water (control), AFB1 (30 µg/kg of fresh forage), or a mixture of AFB1 and 109 cfu/g of each of the treated bacteria. Adding AFB1 alone to corn forage reduced the pH decline during the first 3 d of ensiling and increased or tended to increase butyric acid concentration and final pH after ensiling for 21 d. Bacterial inoculation inhibited these negative effects. The fermentation profile of silage treated with Lb and Pa did not differ from those of the control silage. In all silages treated with the toxin, the AFB1 concentration decreased linearly (from 30 to ≤0.35 µg/kg) within 3 d of ensiling. Certain silage bacteria can bind AFB1 but the efficacy depends on several factors.

The Effects of Nitrogen Source on Nutritive Value of Irrigated Silage Corn

Nitrogen is considered one of the most important nutrients affecting yield and quality of maize forage (Zea mays L.). A two-year field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of broiler litter and mineral fertilizer on dry matter production and silage quality of corn. The applied treatments were: unfertilized (control), 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1 in the form of urea fertilizer (217, 434, and 651 kg urea ha-1, respectively) and 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1 in the form of broiler litter (7142, 14284, and 21426 kg broiler litter ha-1, respectively). The present findings showed that Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn concentrations in forage corn were not affected by urea application; however, broiler litter application significantly increased Fe, Mn and Cu concentrations of corn stover in a linear trend. The broiler litter and urea fertilizer significantly increased both dry matter and protein content of forage corn but no significant differences on those components were obtained between broiler litter and urea fertilizer at each N application rate. The results suggested that N applied to forage corn by broiler litter, at the recommended rate for inorganic N fertilization, is almost more effective in terms of forage nutritive value response than urea fertilizer. The profitability of forage corn production could be enhanced by replacing chemical fertilizers with broiler litter.

Silage production of corn intercropped with tropical forages in an integrated crop-livestock system with lambs

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of intercropping systems between corn and tropical forages, at different cutting heights, on silage production, light interception, land use efficiency, intercropping competition factors, and pasture production. In the 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 crop seasons, two cultivation modalities were evaluated in the summer/autumn - monocropped corn with residual regrowth of signal grass (Urochloa decumbens) from the soil seed bank and corn intercropped with palisade grass (U. brizantha 'Marandu') -, in a factorial arrangement with two cutting heights for silage production - 0.20 and 0.45 m. After corn silage harvest, the forages were grazed by lambs in a semi-feedlot system, in the winter/spring. Monocropped corn and 0.45-m cutting height both reduced dry matter yield for silage. Corn intercropped with palisade grass improved land use efficiency from 13 to 31% compared with monocropped crop, with land equivalent ratio greater than 1. Palisade grass showed higher light interception than signal grass over the intercrop period with corn and provided greater forage yield for lambs to graze during winter/spring. Corn intercropped with palisade grass, compared with monocropped corn, especially at the cutting height of 0.45 m, is a viable option for improving silage and pasture production, as well as land use efficiency in the integrated crop-livestock system.

Energy Values of Registered Corn Forage Hybrids in France over the Last 20 Years Rose in a Context of Maintained Yield Increase

The cultivation of corn silage has developed in France since the 1970s to reach 1.5 million of hectares nowadays. Since 1998, a feeding value criterion (namely UFL for “Unite Fourrage Laitiere”) has been taken into account to register forage varieties in the French forage maize hybrids catalog in addition to other criteria related to plant agronomical performances such as yield, earliness and lodging resistance. It is frequently stated that the improvement of plant’s agronomic performances would led to a decline in forage energy value. Decline of “Unite Fourrage Laitiere” values has been repeatedly reported and the expected increase was not yet visible in 2002. In the present study, a set 47 early and mid-early hybrids commercialized in France between 1958 and 2015 has been cultivated in 3 locations in France. “Unite Fourrage Laitiere” values and yield have been estimated in order to shed light on the evolution of feeding value criteria during this period and to conclude on the evolution of “Unite Fourrage Laitiere” values since the introduction of this criterion for registration. Results obtained in our study demonstrated a recent rise in “Unite Fourrage Laitiere” value in a context of strong yield increase. This increase was not necessarily attributable to high cob proportion in the harvested silage. Breeder’s work since the 2000’s has succeeded to offer hybrids that recover “Unite Fourrage Laitiere” values similar to the ones of hybrids from the 1960’s (Royal, 1960, 91 UFL/100 kg DM). We propose to accentuate this effort targeting the enhancement of lignocellulosic cell wall digestibility to breed for future forage maize hybrids.

Yield and nutritive value of the silage of corn intercropped with tropical perennial grasses

Abstract: The objective of this work was to compare the yield and nutritive value of the silage of corn intercropped with palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha 'Marandu') or guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus 'Tanzânia') with those of the silage of monocropped corn, as well as to evaluate the pasture established in the intercropping systems during two growing seasons (2010-2011 and 2011-2012), in low-altitude Brazilian Cerrado. The treatments consisted of three cropping systems: monocropped corn, corn intercropped with palisade grass, and corn intercropped with guinea grass, with four replicates. Intercropping decreased corn forage dry matter yield for silage; however, due to the addition of grass, total dry matter yield (corn + grass) was similar between treatments. Intercropping also did not negatively affect corn production components and morphological characteristics. The cropping systems provided silages with good nutritive values, and the inclusion of tropical forages increased the silage fiber contents. Intercropping corn with tropical perennial grasses is a viable option for producing large quantities of silage with good nutritive value. The forage yield (silage + pasture) of these intercropping systems is similar to that of monocropped corn in tropical regions and has the advantage of providing a pasture in the off-season.

Evaluation of yield and some physiological traits of forage corn affected by chemical and biological nitrogen fertilizers intercropped with sweet basil

In order to evaluate yield and some physiological traits of forage corn under nitrogen fertilizers (biological, chemical and integrated) in additive intercropping with basil a field experiment was carried out in the Experimental Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Lorestan University during 2014-2015 growing seasons. Treatments were arranged in a factorial experiment based on randomized complete blocks design with three replications. Experimental treatments were 100% chemical fertilizer (N), bio-fertilizer (nitroxin), integration of bio-fertilizer + 50% chemical fertilizer and control in different intercropping systems consisted of sole cropping corn and the additive intercropping of corn + 25% sweet basil, corn + 50% sweet basil, corn + 75% sweet basil and corn + 100% sweet basil. The results showed that integration of bio-fertilizer + 50% chemical fertilizer had the highest number of green leaves per plant (11.72) and leaf area index (LAI) (3.75) and there was no significant difference between this treatment and using 100% chemical fertilizer (N) in plant height, stem dry weight, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids contents. Among different intercropping systems the highest plant height (179.25 cm), number of green leaves per plant (11.4), leaf dry weight (5.64 ton*ha-1), ear dry weight (7.19 ton*ha-1), stem dry weight (6.11 ton*ha-1), total dry weight (19.22 ton*ha-1), chlorophyll a (0.62 mg*g-1 FW), chlorophyll b (0.42 mg*g-1 FW), and total chlorophyll (1.04 mg*g-1 FW) were obtained from sole cropping pattern. However, sole cropping pattern in terms of mentioned traits except for number of green leaves per plant, ear dry weight and total dry weight had no significant difference with corn + 25% sweet basil and corn + 50% sweet basil treatments The results showed that integration of bio-fertilizer + 50% chemical fertilizer could be considered as an approach to reduce the consumption of chemical fertilizers for sustainable agriculture

Fate of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and bacterial diversity in corn silage contaminated with the pathogen and treated with chemical or microbial additives

Inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EC) in feeds may prevent the transmission or cycling of the pathogen on farms. The first objective of this study was to examine if addition of propionic acid or microbial inoculants would inhibit the growth of EC during ensiling, at silo opening, or after aerobic exposure. The second objective was to examine how additives affected the bacterial community composition in corn silage. Corn forage was harvested at approximately 35% dry matter, chopped to a theoretical length of cut of 10 mm, and ensiled after treatment with one of the following: (1) distilled water (control); (2) 1 × 105 cfu/g of EC (ECCH); (3) EC and 1 × 106 cfu/g of Lactobacillus plantarum (ECLP); (4) EC and 1 × 106 cfu/g of Lactobacillus buchneri (ECLB); and (5) EC and 2.2 g/kg (fresh weight basis) of propionic acid, containing 99.5% of the acid (ECA). Each treatment was ensiled in quadruplicate in laboratory silos for 0, 3, 7, and 120 d and analyzed for EC, pH, and organic acids. Samples from d 0 and 120 were also analyzed for chemical composition. Furthermore, samples from d 120 were analyzed for ammonia N, yeasts and molds, lactic acid bacteria, bacterial community composition, and aerobic stability. The pH of silages from all treatments decreased below 4 within 3 d of ensiling. Escherichia coli O157:H7 counts were below the detection limit in all silages after 7 d of ensiling. Treatment with L. buchneri and propionic acid resulted in fewer yeasts and greater aerobic stability compared with control, ECCH, and ECLP silages. Compared with the control, the diversity analysis revealed a less diverse bacterial community in the ECLP silage and greater abundance of Lactobacillus in the ECLP and ECA silages. The ECLB silage also contained greater abundance of Acinetobacter and Weissella than other silages. Subsamples of silages were reinoculated with 5 × 105 cfu/g of EC either immediately after silo opening or after 168 h of aerobic exposure, and EC were enumerated after 6 or 24 h, respectively. All silages reinoculated with EC immediately after silo opening (120 h) had similar low pH values (<4.0) and EC counts were below the detection limit. The ECCH and ECLP silages reinoculated with EC after 168 h of aerobic exposure had relatively high pH values (>5.0) and EC counts (5.39 and 5.30 log cfu/g, respectively) 24 h later. However, those treated with L. buchneri or propionic acid had lower pH values (4.24 or 3.96, respectively) and lower EC counts (1.32 log cfu/g or none, respectively). During ensiling, EC was eliminated from all silages at pH below 4.0. During aerobic exposure, the growth of EC was reduced or prevented in silages that had been treated with L. buchneri or propionic acid at ensiling, respectively.

Effect of intercropping of corn and soybean on dry matteryield and nutritive value of forage corn

Cereal-based forage production could be considered to have potential to supply great deal of energy-rich feed in animal diets. Experiment was conducted to evaluate effect of corn-soybean combinations of 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75 in addition to monocrops of corn and soybean to detremine forage dry matter (DM) yield and quality in corn-soybean intercropping. The crop combination ratio had significant effects on dry matter yield and nutritive quality of forage. The ratio of 75:25 and 50:50 recorded DM yields similar to those of monocropped corn (14.77 t/ha). Forage quality in terms of crude protein (CP) (75:25 ratio 12.75%, 50:50 ratio 13.73% and 25:75 ratio 14.68%) was improved by intercropping due to higher nitrogen availability for corn in intercropping compared with its sole crop (10.83% CP). Increase ratio of corn in corn-soybean mixture, negatively affectd neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) of forage and declined with increasing ratio of soybean plants. Combination ratio of 50:50 gave higher protein yield (1886.45 kg/ha) than other crop combination ratio. Among all the combination ratios, the 50:50 corn-soybean ratio was the optimum giving highest forage yield, protein content as well as protein yield.

Evaluasi Biofermentasi Rumen Sapi Peranakan Ongole yang Diberi Pakan Berserat

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The experiment was conducted to evaluat&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;e the nutritional value of ground peanut straw, king grass and corn forage &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;and their ability &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;to provid&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;e nutrients for livestock in terms of rumen fermentation. Three rumen&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;-fistulated &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;PO &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;cattles were used &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;to investigate rumen fermentation parameter (pH,&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; NH&lt;sub&gt;3,&lt;/sub&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;VFA). The cattle&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;s were fed ground peanut straw (PS), king grass (KG) and corn forage (CF) ad libitum as single f&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;eed. The values of rumen fermentation parameters were analy&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;zed using&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; Analysis of Variance of Completely &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;Randomized Design.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; The result showed that rumen pH,&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; and of cattle fed with PS,&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; KG and CF were 6.94, 6.68 and 6.71&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;, NH&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;concentrations 13.71, 6.85 and 4.37mg/100ml&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;, and total VFA concentrations 48.99, 70.17 and 51.59 mmol/l, respectively. Values of pH and NH&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; concentration were significantly different (p&amp;lt;0.05) among &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;treatments, meanwhile VFA concentration were not significantly different. Ground peanut straw &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;resulted the highest rumen fermentation parameters.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Key &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;words&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt; : &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;Peranakan Onggole cattle, &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;fibrous &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;feed, &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;nutritive value, rumen &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;fermentation &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;