Cut Forage Research Articles

Vertical rhizome disking to reduce Elymus repens (quackgrass) abundance in grass-clover leys

Elymus repens is a problematic perennial weed in annual crops, grasslands and leys. Rhizome fragmentation by vertical disking can potentially reduce E. repens abundance with minimal tillage, but data are lacking on its efficiency in forage production. In a two-year study (2017–2018, 2018–2019) conducted in two forage grass-clover leys that were mostly weed-free except for large E. repens populations, this study examined effects on forage yield, botanical composition, and E. repens rhizome biomass of rhizome fragmentation at significant growth initiation in spring (early rhizome fragmentation, ERF) and/or when conditions allowed after the first forage cut (late rhizome fragmentation, LRF). Cold, wet springs and hard, dry soil in summer delayed treatment in both treatment years, to late spring (ERF) and late summer/early autumn (LRF). In the treatment year, ERF reduced first-cut forage yield by 44% compared with no rhizome fragmentation, while LRF decreased second- and third-cut yield by 24% and 53%, respectively. In the year after treatment, ERF increased total forage yield by on average 10%, while LRF had no effect. Over both years, combined forage yield was reduced by 11% by ERF and 4% by LRF. Both treatments reduced E. repens rhizome biomass, but inconsistently (ERF by 25% in one year only, LRF by 24% at one of two sites). ERF reduced E. repens incidence in forage by 10% in the treatment year, but had no effect in the following year. Thus, rhizome fragmentation by vertical disking can reduce E. repens abundance in grass-clover leys, but the effect is inconsistent and forage yield can be impaired, especially in swards with much E. repens. Moreover, disking is hampered by hard, dry soil conditions.

Effect of Nitrogen Application and Cutting Frequency on the Yield and Forage Quality of Alfalfa in Seasonal Cultivation

Although nitrogen application and cutting frequency (CF) are two important factors affecting forage productivity and quality, their effects on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), particularly in humid areas, remain less understood. Here, we investigated the fertilization and cutting regimes for seasonal alfalfa cultivation in humid areas in southern China. Treatments performed over a 2-year period were of a split-plot design with four N application rates (60, 120, 180, and 240 kg N ha−1) and three CFs (five, four, and three times.). After cutting, forage components, yield, and quality were measured. In both 2-year cutting cycles, the effects of N application × CF interactions on forage yield and quality were non-significant. N application and CFs influenced plant height, mass shoot−1, leaf area shoot−1, and shoots plant−1. CF had remarkable effects on forage quality under different N applications, with forage cut five times having the best nutritive value and quality. However, neutral and acid detergent fiber contents were lower than when cutting three times, and produced the lowest yields. Forage cut four times had the highest in vitro digestible dry matter. In conclusion, to obtain high yields and desirable quality, the application of 180 kg N ha−1 and cutting three to four times in spring could be a suitable strategy for alfalfa forage production during seasonal cultivation in humid areas of southern China.

Effects of Amount and Chemical Form of Selenium Amendments on Forage Selenium Concentrations and Species Profiles.

Selenium (Se) agronomic biofortification of plants is effective for alleviating Se deficiencies in human and livestock populations. Less is known about how higher selenate amendment rates, or how foliar compared with granular selenate amendments affect forage Se concentrations. Therefore, we compared the effects of a higher sodium selenate foliar amendment rate (900 vs. 90g Se ha-1), and two selenate amendment methods (liquid foliar sodium selenate vs. granular slow-release Selcote Ultra® at 0, 45, and 90g Se ha-1) on Se concentrations and Se species in forages across Oregon. The 10 × amendment rate (900g Se ha-1) resulted in 6.4 × higher forage Se concentrations in the first cut (49.19 vs. 7.61mg Se kg-1 plant DM, respectively) compared with the 90gha-1 amendment rate, indicating that forages can tolerate higher selenate amendment rates. Most Se was incorporated as SeMet (75%) in the harvested portion of the forage (37mg Se kg-1 forage DM of the first cut) and only a limited amount was stored in the selenate reserve pool in the leaves (~ 5mg Se kg-1 forage DM). Higher application rates of selenate amendment increased forage Se concentrations in first and second cuts, but carry over in subsequent years was negligible. Application of foliar selenate vs. granular Selcote Ultra® amendments, between 0 and 90g Se ha-1, both resulted in a linear, dose-dependent increase in forage Se concentration. Amendments differed in their Se incorporation pattern (Se%), in that, first cut forage Se concentrations were higher with foliar selenate amendment and second, third, and residual (following spring) cut forage Se concentrations were higher with granular Selcote Ultra® amendment. Given the linear relationship between forage Se concentrations and whole-blood Se concentrations in livestock consuming Se-biofortified forage, we conclude that targeted grazing or other forage feeding strategies will allow producers to adapt to either selenate-amendment form.

Yield and Chemical Composition of Marandu Grass Fertilized with Macro-and Micronutrients at Planting and for Pasture Maintenance

ABSTRACT The conditions in tropical regions are favorable for growth of Urochloa brizantha, but inadequate management can make the forage highly susceptible to degradation, so that the pasture quantity and quality are very poor. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of fertilization at planting and for maintenance of U. brizantha cv. “Marandu” pasture, consisting of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) associated with sulfur (S), boron (B) and zinc (Zn) on forage yield and the morphological and chemical composition. The experiment was carried out in a Typic Ultisol, and the experiment was arranged in a randomized block design, with four replicates and eight treatments. In the PK treatments, rates of 80 kg ha−1 P2O5 plus 50 kg ha−1 of K2O were applied. In all treatments, 120 kg ha1 of N was applied as ammonium nitrate split in four (4 × 30 kg). In the treatment with N fertilization only, the dry weight of U. brizantha was in the lowest yield group in all evaluations of the 2-year period. The total dry weight and leaf yield of U. brizantha was strongly and positively correlated with P, K, and S application, moderately correlated with B, and weakly with Zn supply. The soil and fertilization, climate and management conditions of forage cuts were favorable for the U. brizantha yield, with a high leaf/stem + sheath ratio (>1.94), i.e, an indicator of high leaf yield. The contents of neutral and acid detergent fiber did not vary according to the type of fertilization and that of crude protein varied only slightly in the first year in forage samples of the dry period.

Appropriate Fodder Last Cut Date to Enhance Forage, Seed Production and Benefit Cost Ratio of Alfalfa Crop

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) due to its palatable, nutritious and multicut nature achieved most importance in forage crops. In Pakistan, the demand of alfalfa fodder and grain is increasing day by day, present scientific research was conducted to observe the impact of last forage cut date on fresh forage and grain yield with maximum income and benefit cost ratio (BCR) of “Sargodha Lucern, 2002” alfalfa cultivar. The research trial was cultivated at research area of FRI (Fodder Research Institute) Sargodha, Pakistan during 2016-17 and 2017-18. Nine alfalfa last forage cutting dates 1st March, 10th March, 20th March, 30th March, 10th April, 20th April, 30th April, 10th May and 20th May were randomized in RCBD (Randomized Complete Block Design) having four replicates. The findings indicated statistically considerable differences in forage, grain production and components of yield with gross income and benefit cost ratio. It is concluded that both fodder and grain yield enhanced upto last forage cut date 20th April. After that seed yield reduced for each cut and fodder yield enhanced continuously upto last fodder cut date 20th May. Last cut date (20th May) for fodder produced statistically higher forage yield (54.5 t ha-1) and seed tonnage (229.75 kg ha-1). Lowest forage yield (20.5 t ha-1) was observed in 1st March last cut date. Maximum seed tonnage was obtained by 20th April last cut date with maximum net return (Rs. 452500) and BCR (3.66). As considering yield components, when fodder last cut was taken on 20th April, alfalfa cultivar Sargodha Lucern, 2002 produced significantly maximum pods per raceme (58.25), 1000 grain weight (2.11 g), number of raceme (285.75 m-2), seed per pod (3.91) and also average grain tonnage (298.75 kg ha-1). It was considered that Sargodha Lucern, 2002 produced higher grain yield with higher income return when fodder last cutting was taken on 10th to 20th April and also temperature remained between minimum 17°C to maximum 40°C with relative humidity below 50%.

Daya Suka Kalkun terhadap Hijauan, Dedak Padi dan Ransum Komersial dengan Free Choice Feeding

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the consumption of feed ingredients (forage, rice bran and commercial rations) in adult local turkeys using free choice feeding. A total of seven adult male turkeys were used in this study, fed with forage (Musa paradisiaca, Ipomea spp, and Indigofera sp leaves), rice brand and commercial ration. Five kinds of feed ingredients were placed in different feeders in each turkey cage. The fresh cut forage was prepared into small pieces of 1-2 cm. Each feed ingredient was analyzed for nutrient content (moisture content, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, NFE (Nitrogen Free Extract), ash and gross energy). The data obtained were analyzed descriptively. The results showed that the most palatability forage by adult native turkeys was ipomea spp, indigofera spp and Musa paradisiaca leaves respectively. The commercial ration was the most preferred feed ingredient of all the feed ingredients tested and was followed by rice bran. Adult local turkeys consumed fresh forage was 62 % and total rice bran and commercial feeds was 38%, resp. Consumption of dry matter forage was 17.59% and total rice bran and commercial rations was 82.41%. It can be concluded that turkey feed can consist of forage, rice bran and commercial ration.
 Key words: free choice feeding, Indigofera sp, Ipomea sp, Musa paradisiaca, native turkey, rice bran

Management Systems for Biannual Seed Crop of Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) Grown at Various Nitrogen Fertilization: II. Second-Production Year Characterized by Considerable Crop Lodging and Limited Seed Shattering before Direct Combine-Harvesting

Multiyear production of Italian ryegrass seed crop is of interest. The impact of management systems on the second-production year of biannual crop was evaluated at various nitrogen fertilization (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg ha−1). Management systems of single-purpose crops were with (SeedPGR-crop) and without (Seed-crop) plant growth regulator (PGR) application. The dual-purpose crops incorporated early (EF-seed-crop) and late (LF-seed-crop) spring forage cut followed by seed harvest. The Seed-crop obtained a maximum yield (1631 kg ha−1) at 120 kg N ha−1, which decreased by 23% at the highest fertilization. This yield loss was associated with early (before heading) and severe lodging that brought about reduced aboveground biomass and lower harvest index due to the increased growth of vegetative tillers. The single-purpose crops had a similar number of reproductive tillers, seed weight, and seed shed; however, the SeedPGR-crops produced larger yields than the Seed-crops at all fertilization levels indicating the positive impact of PGR application on harvest index regardless of lodging intensity. Despite less lodging and lower seed shattering, the dual-purpose crops yielded less than the single-purpose crops primarily due to the reduction in the number of spikelets per ear and florets per spikelet in various ear sections of early- and late-formed ears. Seed yields of the dual-purpose crops were maximized (around 1200 kg ha−1) at 180 kg N ha−1. The LF-seed-crop had the lightest seeds and the smallest seed germination, but fertilization tended to improve these quality traits. The SeedPGR-crop was the best performing management system yielding above 2200 kg ha−1 at the two highest N levels, allowing greater flexibility in fertilization.

Management Systems for Biannual Seed Crop of Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) Grown at Various Nitrogen Fertilization: I. First-Production Year Characterized by Limited Crop Lodging and High Seed Shattering before Direct Combine-Harvesting

Little is known about the best management systems for seed production of Italian ryegrass. The main objective of this study was to determine the influence of management systems on the first-year seed crop grown under various nitrogen fertilization (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha−1). Management systems of single-purpose crops were with (SeedPGR-crop) and without (Seed-crop) plant growth regulator application. The dual-purpose crops incorporated early spring forage cut during stem elongation (EF-seed-crop) and late cut at the onset of heading (LF-seed-crop) followed by seed harvest. Compared to the single-purpose crops, the dual purpose-crops shattered much less seeds but still yielded less because their plants had lower number of visible nodes on stems, shorter ears, fewer spikelets per ear, fewer flowers per spikelet in various ear sections and lighter seeds. Despite similar lodging incidence, the SeedPGR-crop produced relatively small, but significantly larger seed yield than the Seed-crop because plants in the SeedPGR-crop had shorter stems with fewer vegetative tillers, and shattered seeds slightly less. Nitrogen fertilization consistently improved seed yields in all management systems regardless of associated increases in lodging and seed shedding. These yield increments were mainly associated with the increased number of early- and late-formed reproductive tillers, and partly due to improved number of florets per spikelet and slightly heavier seed in early-formed reproductive ears. In spite of larger seed losses through shattering, the single-purpose crops largely out-yielded and had higher seed germination than the dual-purpose crops at all nitrogen fertilization rates, with maximized yields produced in the SeedPGR-crop.

Poultry Litter and Inorganic Fertilization: Effects on Biomass Yield, Metal and Nutrient Concentration of Three Mixed-Season Perennial Forages

Poultry litter and fertilizers are normally added as soil amendments. The effects of poultry litter and inorganic fertilizers on three mixed-season perennial forages were studied for two years in the field to understand growth dynamics, metals, and nutrient uptake. The primary objective was to investigate the heavy metal and nutrient concentrations, biomass yield and forage potential of a cool-season forage, stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.), relative to warm-season forages, bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). Forage cuttings and soil samples were analyzed for heavy metals and nutrients using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Total biomass yield was higher by 66% and 50% in switchgrass and bermudagrass, respectively, compared with stinging nettle for the first year. While the warm-season forages yielded more biomass over the cool-season forage, metal concentrations were significantly higher for all elements in the cool-season forage. Stinging nettle showed greater macro-nutrient uptake with 103.20 kg ha−1, 0.87 kg ha−1, 27.49 kg ha−1 and 32.08 kg ha−1 for Ca, Fe, Mg, and P, except for K with 223.51 kg ha−1 compared with 267.29 kg ha−1 and 283.96 kg ha−1 for switchgrass and bermudagrass, respectively. Heavy metals were also higher in stinging nettle but were within the allowable limits for forages, indicating its potential as a resource for forages and nutrient cycling, particularly when double-cropped with warm-season forages.

Production of Preserved Forage for Horses under Water Scarcity Conditions: A Case Study

The Mediterranean region is one of the areas most affected by climate change, which influences the production of forages. This has led producers to change from one to several forage cuttings, aiming to maintain crop productivity in increasingly water-scarce conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the nutrient content and productivity of forage produced for horses when subjected to variable water availability conditions at a Lusitano stud farm located in the central region of Portugal. The soil water content was evaluated throughout the growing season, using the gravimetric method, with soil samples collected every 15 days. Forage samples were collected from three grass cuttings (two for haylage and one for hay production), harvested from the same sward during the 2018/2019 growing season. The nutrient content of the forage samples was determined by chemical analysis. The global productivity throughout the crop-growing season was 8.3 t DM·ha−1, with the second harvest presenting the highest productivity (3.42 t DM·ha−1), corresponding to an adequate water supply, whereas the last cut, produced under water deficit conditions, presented the lowest productivity (2.1 t DM·ha−1). The estimated nutritive value by chemical composition analysis for both haylage and hay fell within the range reported in the literature for preserved forages for horses.

Gender dynamics around introduction of improved forages in Kenya and Ethiopia

AbstractImproved forages of genus Brachiaria and Panicum grasses were introduced to men and women farmers in western Kenya and southern Ethiopia. To provide an understanding of the social and demographic characteristics of farming systems, a household survey was implemented in 2018/2019. In 2020, a complementary qualitative study was conducted to understand: (a) gender dynamics in accessing forage planting materials: (b) role of forage trait preferences, and (c) how the introduction of forage varieties influences gender relations in households. Forage seed/splits were accessed through women's groups. In Kenya, men and women were advised to source more forage seeds from private seed companies for scaling. In Ethiopia, men prioritized “fast regrowth” and women “nutritious biomass” traits; in Kenya, men prioritized “nutritious biomass” and women “how fast forage splits could be established” traits. The sale of the forage cuttings appeared to provide promising marketing opportunities for women, who were able to control the income generated. The introduction of improved forages, which are grown close to homesteads, reduced the time men and boys spent grazing livestock while increasing the time women and girls spent harvesting fodder. Following gender sensitivity training provided alongside forage introductions, Ethiopian men reported being involved in forage harvesting, chopping, and feeding against prevailing norms while the Kenyan women took on greater decision‐making roles. These positive outcomes in gender equity suggest that the integration of gender and forage technology trainings can secure significant gains not only for women, but also for the men in the households.

PSXI-15 Evaluation of low-lignin alfalfa ‘Hi-Gest® 360’ on the Canadian prairies: productivity, nutrient profile, and rumen degradation kinetics

Abstract The study was conducted at Saskatoon, SK, Canada in the Dark Brown soil zone (52°07′N,106°38′W), to compare low-lignin Hi-Gest®360 alfalfa (Hi-Gest; Medicago sativa L.) to a conventional alfalfa (AC Grazeland) under two cutting regimes. Each cultivar was seeded in 2017 as both a monoculture and binary mixture (binary; Hi-Gest+HB and Grazeland+HB) with AC Success hybrid bromegrass (HB). Plot size was 1.2m×6m with 4 rows. Three years (2018–2020) result suggested that the first cut DMY was 1695±241 and 2151±276 kg/ha for the Hi-Gest and Grazeland, respectively. Hi-Gest had greater (P < 0.05) TDN (68.4 vs. 66.6%, DM basis), NEm (1.7 vs. 1.6 Mcal/kg), IVNDFD48: (42.9 vs. 37.8%), but lower second cut DMY (1288 vs. 1560 kg/ha), ADF (26.3 vs. 28.7%), NDF (34.7 vs. 36.6%), compared to AC Grazeland. Under two cutting, Hi-Gest was numerically lower in total DMY (2983 vs. 3712 kg/ha; P = 0.114) relative to Grazeland. In first cut forage, Hi-Gest also was numerically lower in ADL (5.9 vs. 6.5%; P = 0.57) relative to AC Grazeland. Hi-Gest was similar (P = 0.15) with AC Grazeland in effectively degradable dry matter (EDDM; 622 g/kg DM), effectively degradable CP (EDCP; 689 g/kg CP). Hi-Gest alfalfa had greater (P = 0.05) effectively degradable neutral detergent fiber (EDNDF; 19% more; 340 vs. 285 g/kg NDF) relative to AC Grazeland alfalfa. In binary system, Hi-Gest+HB had (P = 0.02) greater EDCP (12% more; 526 vs. 468 g/kg CP), and numerically greater EDNDF (4.4% more; 259 vs. 248 g/kg NDF; P = 0.10) but had similar EDDM (409 g/kg DM) relative to Grazeland+HB mixture. Each percentage unit increase in alfalfa ADL concentration decreased EDNDF by 2.3 percentage units (EDNDF, % NDF = 46.0–2.93×ADL, % DM, r2=0.26, P < 0.01). Although Hi-Gest yielded less (~25% less) than AC Grazeland, Hi-Gest had greater nutritive value compared to AC Grazeland; differed little for yield and quality in binary mixture, suggesting Hi-Gest can be a viable alternative legume for western Canadian prairies.

Silicon Application Induced Alleviation of Aluminum Toxicity in Xaraés Palisadegrass

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a major abiotic constraint for agricultural production in acidic soils that needs a sustainable solution to deal with plant tolerance. Silicon (Si) plays important roles in alleviating the harmful effects of Al in plants. The genus Urochloa includes most important grasses and hybrids, and it is currently used as pastures in the tropical regions. Xaraés palisadegrass (Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraés) is a forage that is relatively tolerant to Al toxicity under field-grown conditions, which might be explained by the great uptake and accumulation of Si. However, studies are needed to access the benefits of Si application to alleviate Al toxicity on Xaraés palisadegrass nutritional status, production, and chemical–bromatological composition. The study was conducted under greenhouse conditions with the effect of five Si concentrations evaluated (0, 0.3, 0.6, 1.2, and 2.4 mM) as well as with nutrient solutions containing 1 mM Al in two sampling dates (two forage cuts). The following evaluations were performed: number of tillers and leaves, shoot biomass, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Al, and Si concentration in leaf tissue, Al and Si concentration in root tissue, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content in Xaraés palisadegrass shoot. Silicon supply affected the relation between Si and Al uptake by increasing root Al concentration in detriment to Al transport to the leaves, thereby alleviating Al toxicity in Xaraés palisadegrass. The concentrations between 1.4 and 1.6 mM Si in solution decreased roots to shoots Al translocation by 259% (from 3.26 to 1.26%), which contributed to a higher number of leaves per plot and led to a greater shoot dry mass without affecting tillering. Xaraés palisadegrass could be considered one of the greatest Si accumulator plants with Si content in leaves above 4.7% of dry mass. In addition, Si supply may benefit nutrient-use efficiency with enhanced plant growth and without compromising the chemical–bromatological content of Xaraés palisadegrass.

Determining the Rate of Ergot-alkaloid Degradation in Toxic Endophyte-infected Tall Fescue Hay and Haylage During Long Term Storage

Abstract The objectives of this experiment were to determine changes in the nutritive value and ergot alkaloid concentrations of endophyte-infected tall fescue hay and haylage during a 180-d storage period. Forage from a single field of Kentucky-31 tall fescue was cut for hay in late June and allowed to dry in the field. The dry matter (DM) of the windrow of cut forage was measured every 2 h after clipping. Forage was sampled from the windrow in 6 location blocks once forage DM reached target levels for haylage and hay treatments. Haylage and hay samples were taken when the DM of the windrow reached 50% and 80%, respectively. Seven subsamples of each treatment within block were chopped to 1.91 cm in length with a lettuce chopper and vacuum sealed in oxygen-excluding bags. Sample bags were stored indoors and opened at 30 d intervals over the 180-d storage period. Samples were analyzed for pH, nutritive value, and individual ergot alkaloid concentrations using high-performance liquid chromatography. Within each storage day, treatment within block was considered the experimental unit. Data were analyzed in SAS using the MIXED procedure with fixed effects of treatment, day, and the treatment by day interaction. Location block was considered a random effect. As expected, pH was decreased for haylage compared to hay at all time points (P < 0.01) and DM was greater (P < 0.01) for hay compared to haylage. Neutral detergent fiber values were greater (P < 0.01) for hay compared to haylage and declined during storage (P < 0.01). Total ergot alkaloid concentrations did not differ by treatment (P = 0.61), but ergovaline concentrations declined (P < 0.01) during storage. Collectively, these results indicate minimal differences in nutritive value and ergot alkaloid concentrations between hay and haylage during storage, and that ergovaline concentrations decline during storage.

Effects of springtime sodium selenate foliar application and NPKS fertilization on selenium concentrations and selenium species in forages across Oregon

Selenium (Se) concentrations in soils and plants are low in the Pacific Northwest, and consequently, in livestock consuming locally-grown forages. Applying sodium selenate with traditional nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium-sulfur (NPKS) fertilizers provides a cost-effective Se agronomic biofortification method for increasing forage Se concentrations and maintaining optimum health and productivity of livestock. This 2-year study was conducted across Oregon on four representative forage fields: orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) in Terrebonne (central Oregon), grass-clover mixture in Roseburg (southwestern Oregon), and both grass mixture and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) fields in Union (eastern Oregon). Using a split plot design with double-repeated measures (2017 and 2018 with first, second, third, and residual harvest cuts each year), we determined the effect of springtime Se foliar application rate (0, 45, or 90 g Se ha−1 from sodium selenate; whole plot) and NPKS fertilization (none, NPK/PK fertilization, or NPKS/PKS fertilization; subplot; NPKS amounts adapted to meet forage and soil requirements) on total Se concentration and beneficial Se species in forages. Forage Se concentrations increased linearly with foliar sodium selenate application, doubling with each additional 45 g Se ha−1 application (first cut median: 0.11, 2.06, and 4.15 mg kg−1 dry matter, respectively). Nearly all incorporated Se was contained in the first two cuts (87 % and 9 % in first and second cuts, respectively) and most applied selenate was metabolized to selenomethionine. NPK/PK fertilization decreased Se concentrations in second and latter cut forages from Se-amended fields, whereas sulfur fertilization decreased forage Se concentrations from non-Se amended fields. Among forages, alfalfa had greater Se concentrations under low soil Se conditions, whereas grass-dominated forages had higher Se concentrations after Se-amendment. In conclusion, springtime sodium selenate foliar application is an effective management strategy to increase forage total Se concentrations and highly bioavailable selenomethionine concentrations across Oregon, and should be implemented to meet local forage and livestock requirements.

Matocompetição em pastagem de Panicum maximum BRS Tamani

Para a adoção de estratégias de manejo de plantas daninhas torna-se imprescindível o conhecimento dos períodos de interferência entre a comunidade infestante e a cultura de interesse econômico. Nesta pesquisa objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da matocompetição na implantação da pastagem de Panicum maximum BRS Tamani e na rebrotação desta após o corte. Dois ensaios foram conduzidos em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. No primeiro ensaio, a forrageira foi mantida em convivência com as plantas daninhas pelos períodos de 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56 e 63 dias após a emergência (DAE) da pastagem, e no segundo ensaio, a forrageira foi mantida sem a convivência das plantas daninhas pelos mesmos períodos até o corte da forrageira, aos 63 DAE. As parcelas foram mantidas livres da convivência de plantas daninhas por capinas manuais, conforme tratamento. A matocompetição se estabeleceu logo após a emergência da forrageira e reduziu o rendimento de forragem. O período crítico de prevenção da interferência de plantas daninhas na pastagem de P. maximum BRS Tamani situou-se entre 1(um) e se estendeu até aos 42 DAE. A interferência de plantas daninhas diminuiu a produção da forragem, bem como a porcentagem de cobertura vegetal, altura do dossel e perfilhamento da forrageira.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SMALLHOLDER SHEEP AND GOAT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA: OBSERVATIONS FROM ANAMBRA STATE

This paper presents the results of a survey of sheep and goat producers in Anambra State, (present day Enugu and Anambra State), Nigeria. The sampled areas represent the agroclimatic and administrative zones of the oid Anambra State. A total sample size of 310 spread over 5 LGAS and 25 village areas was drawn. Only households which kept sheep and/or goats at the time of the study were sampled. Data generated included demographic characteristics of small stock owners, sheep and goat distribution by household, management practices and problems associated with current management systems, sources of feed by season and livestock disease profile. Results of analyses showed that ownership distribution of animals was skewed in favour of goats. The mean flock size per household was 2.4 and 6.2 sheep and goats respectively. About 22% of the households interviewed kept sheep alone, another 62% kept goats alone. Over 85% of respondents acquired their foundation stock from the open market, while others came from neighbours flocks. Most respondents expressed the desire to increase their holdings with more wishing to expand their goat herd size than sheep. However, feeding was most frequently mentioned as a limiting factor in increasing sheep or goat herd size. Household wastes and cut forages were the major sources of animal feed. There was a very low awareness level of agroforestry practices, Only 5.2% and 2.3% of the respondents had any knowledge of Intensive Feed Gardening (IFG) and Alley farming (AF) respectively. Reported Smallholder Sheep and Goats Management mortality was low less than 3.5% in all herds studied). Implications for improved small ruminant production in Nigeria's humid zone are drawn.

Biomass harvesting leads to soil acidification: a study of mixed crop–livestock farming systems in Madagascar

Soil acidification and declining fertility are widespread in sub‐Saharan Africa. Nutrient depletion is mainly related to nutrient mining driven by biomass removal without replenishment of nutrients through use of fertilisers. Concomitant acidification is due to the high ash alkalinity of harvested biomass. We determined the nutrient content and ash alkalinity of biomass of the main crops produced in smallholder mixed crop–livestock farming systems in the Malagasy Highlands of Madagascar and calculated the soil acidification/alkalinisation occurring through biomass transfer. Samples of rice and forage were collected from 70 rice plots and 91 cultivated forage plots, and 70 manure samples were collected from farms. Nutrient exports induced by crop harvesting resulted in annual losses of 57 kg nitrogen (N), 6 kg (phosphorus) P and 33 kg potassium (K) ha–1 for rice (grain + straw), and 31–51 kg N, 8–9 kg P and 29–57 kg K ha–1 for each forage cut (with three cuts per year on average). The ash alkalinity of samples, calculated as the difference between cation and anion contents, was 49–100 cmolc kg–1 for forage crops, 31 cmolc kg–1 for rice straw, and only 4 cmolc kg–1 for rice grains. Biomass removal caused a loss of nutrients and an increase in soil acidity. Owing to low nutrient retention efficiency during the handling and storage of manure, the traditional input of manure at 5 t fresh matter ha–1 is insufficient to balance nutrient and alkalinity losses in Malagasy mixed crop–livestock farming systems. Maintaining productive and sustainable mixed crop–livestock farming systems requires greater attention to ensuring a nutrient balance at both plot and farm levels.

Doses de nitrogênio na forrageira consorciada com milho sob efeito residual da co-inoculação na cultura da soja

Produtos a base de Azospirillum brasilense são preconizados para co-inoculação na cultua da soja, juntamente com Bradyrhizobium, podendo apresentar efeito residual para as culturas subsequentes. Objetivou-se verificar a resposta da forrageira em relação ao efeito residual da inoculação e co-inoculação na cultura da soja, juntamente com a aplicação de doses de nitrogênio em cobertura no consórcio milho + braquiária. Avaliou-se massa seca de dois cortes, produção de palhada, relação folha:colmo, índice spad, teor de N e as taxas de recuperação e eficiência de utilização do N. A co-inoculação na cultura da soja proporcionou efeito residual no primeiro corte da forrageira; obtendo-se melhores resultados para massa seca. Para relação folha: colmo, a inoculação apresentou melhor índice. A eficiência de utilização de N pela braquiária (Urochloa ruziziensis) aumentou enquanto que a recuperação do N aplicado, a eficiência agronômica e a eficiência fisiológica diminuíram com o aumento das doses de N aplicadas.

Effect of harvesting frequency and maturity stage of Jerusalem artichoke forage on yield, chemical composition and in vitro fermentation of the tubers and forage

Aim of study: To evaluate the effect of maturity stage and harvesting frequency of Jerusalem artichoke (JA) forage on the nutritional quality of the tubers and forages.Area of study: The plant cultivation and laboratory experiments were carried out in Karaj (Alborz, Iran) and Tehran (Tehran, Iran), respectively.Material and methods: Forages were harvested every 60, 90 and 120 days during the growing season (four, three and two harvests per year, respectively). Tubers were harvested just once, at the end of the growing season, from plots with four, three and two forage cuts per year. Biomass production, chemical composition and in vitro ruminal fermentation of the forages and tubers were assessed.Main results: Compared to 90 and 120 days, the forages harvested every 60 days contained the highest (p<0.05) yearly dry matter (DM) biomass (27.16 t/ha), crude protein (98.6 to 145 g/kg DM), organic matter digestibility (0.607 to 0.691) and microbial biomass production (350 to 369 g/kg DM). Compared to 60 and 90 days, harvesting JA forage every 120 days caused the tubers with the higher (p<0.05) water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), in vitro digestibility and DM yield (7.63 t/ha). Jerusalem artichoke forages and tubers contained the low phenolics (4.93 to 13.2 g/kg DM) and nitrate (1.12 to 3.19 g/kg DM). Overall, the best harvesting interval of JA forage to achieve tubers with the highest yearly yield, WSC and digestibility was every 120 days, while the highest nutritive value and yield of the forages were observed with harvesting JA every 60 days.Research highlights: The best harvesting interval of JA forage to obtain the highest yearly DM, protein and energy biomass from both tubers and forage was every 60 days.