Forage Nutritive Value Research Articles

Spectral Sensing for Forage Nutritive Value Determination of Cool Season, Grass Pastures During the Grazing Season.

Management surveys suggest that few cow-calf producers in the Southeastern U.S. submit forage samples for laboratory analysis due to time and labor constraints. Although tools like near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) have helped reduce costs associated with nutritive value determination in stored feeds, their performance for pasture analysis has been limited. Our objective was to explore the efficacy of spectral sensing in predicting the dry matter (DM), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and crude protein (CP) of fresh forages during the growing season. Weekly from May through October, two random samples were collected from each of 12 fields. Spectral readings were taken above canopy level in-field and again in-lab, followed by bench chemistry analyses of DM, ADF, NDF, and CP. Chemistry results and spectral readings were aligned by field, sample, and date. The 18 individual light spectra and lidar-measured distance were used as features in a random forest regression fit to predict each nutrient and separate models were developed for in-field and in-lab spectral readings. Data were randomly split for hyperparameter tuning (15%), model training (55%), and independent evaluation (30%). The root mean squared prediction error (RMSPE), calculated on the independent evaluation data, was used to explore the viability of this system to predict forage nutritive value. The in-field and in-lab models performed similarly for each forage nutritive value. To evaluate the prediction capability of the system under various atmospheric conditions, cloud cover was added as a feature in each in-field regression. The RMSPE of DM, ADF, NDF, and CP with cloud cover were 21.8%, 9.88%, 10.1%, and 21.9%, respectively. These models were also evaluated on new, unseen data from nine subplots and used to explore the implications of the prediction errors. The NASEM (2018) Beef Cattle Nutrient Requirements model was used to simulate diet nutritional adequacy using forage nutritive value estimated from the spectral sensor compared with forage nutritive value measured by bench chemistry. These forage nutritive value estimation methods resulted in a 4.48% and 3.03% difference in metabolizable energy (ME) and metabolizable protein (MP) allowable gain, respectively. Considerable future data collection and model refinement efforts are necessary to determine the value of the spectral sensing system in supporting low-cost, in-field nutritive value monitoring.

Cropping potential of forage soybean as a summer forage in Midwest U.S. rainfed systems

Rising feed and fertilizer costs, climatic uncertainties, and the summer slump in forage production are key challenges for livestock farmers in the Midwest region of the United States. Therefore, this study evaluated the dry matter yield (DMY), forage nutritive value (FNV), water use efficiency (WUE), and economic viability of forage soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) for the Midwest rainfed cropping system. The research aimed to assess the suitability of forage soybean as an alternative summer forage crop that is drought-resilient, require lower inputs, and provide higher yield and forage quality compared to traditional forages. A three-year field experiment (2020-2022) using a randomized complete block design with four replications assessed two planting dates (mid-May, early July) and four growth stages (V2, V3, R1, R3). DMY was significantly influenced by planting dates and growth stages, with optimum planting (mid-May) yielding an average of 13.9 ± 0.5 Mg ha-¹ at the R3 stage, surpassing late planting (early July) by 51%. Significant variations in FNV parameters were observed between optimum and late planting dates and across different growth stages. Late planting improved forage nutritive value (FNV), with lower acid detergent fiber (ADF) (26% vs. 31%), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (30% vs. 35%), and lignin (6% vs. 7%), alongside higher in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) (84% vs. 79%) and relative forage quality (RFQ) (237 vs. 197) when harvested at the R3 stage. Crude protein remained stable (19–21%) across growth stages. Overall forage quality (RFV and RFQ) remained stable across growth stages (from V2 to R3), ensuring consistent quality and flexible harvest timing. The forage soybean demonstrated a WUE of 20 kg ha-¹ mm-¹ and a net profit of $336 with 32% return on investment per hectare. These results position forage soybean as a drought-resilient, high-yielding, high-quality, and economically viable alternative to traditional forages, addressing seasonal shortages and enhancing sustainability in rainfed systems. Further research, particularly animal feeding trials and long-term soil health impacts, is recommended to validate its potential for widespread adoption.

Herbage Responses and Grazing Performance of Mature Horses in Warm-Season Perennial Grass–Legume Mixed Pastures

The pasture–animal interface of warm-season perennial grass–legume mixed pastures has never been investigated in forage-based equine systems. Therefore, this 2-year study investigated the herbage and animal responses under 84-day continuous stocking in mixed pastures of rhizoma peanut (RP, Arachis glabrata Benth) and bahiagrass (BG, Paspalum notatum Flüggé) with 30 kg nitrogen (N) ha−1 (BG-RP) compared to BG pastures fertilized with 120 kg N ha−1 (BG-N120) and no N (BG-N0). Measurements were taken every 14 days, except for intake and in vivo digestibility, which were measured every 28 days. BG-N120 had the highest stocking rate (p = 0.01; 3.7 AU ha−1) in 2019, while BG-N0 had the lowest (p = 0.01; 2.6 AU ha−1) in 2020. Crude protein and digestible energy were greatest (p < 0.05) for BG-N120 and BG-RP in some of the evaluation days in 2019 but similar across pastures in 2020. Crude protein digestibility was greatest (p < 0.05) for BG-RP in the late season. Intake was less (p = 0.03) for horses grazing BG-RP (3.2%BW) compared to BG-N0 (5.0%BW). Nonetheless, no differences (p > 0.05) were observed among pastures for body measurements. The results indicate that BG-RP pastures can improve forage nutritive value and maintain horse body condition while maintaining similar stocking rate to monoculture bahiagrass with high N fertilizer rates.

Morphological characteristics and kinetics of in vitro gas production of tall and dwarf elephant grass genotypes as affected by harvest frequencies

AbstractElephant grass [Cenchrus purpureus (Schum.) Morrone] is a tropical forage grass widely used in ruminant feeding in tropical and subtropical areas, mainly in cut-and-carry systems due to is high potential for herbage accumulation. However, most common genotypes (tall genotypes) generally show an early stem elongation, which contributes to a rapid decline in the forage nutritive value. Dwarf elephant grass types usually present less stem elongation and may be considered an option for the production of high nutritive value forage in cut-and-carry systems. The aims of this study were to evaluate and explain variations in herbage characteristics and kinetics of in vitro gas production of irrigated elephant grass genotypes (two tall-types – Elephant B and IRI-381 – and two dwarf-types genotypes – Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37) under two harvest frequencies (60 and 90 days) in the dry and rainy seasons of two years. Herbage characteristics varied among genotypes, harvest frequency and seasons. Dwarf genotypes showed better in vitro fermentation parameters with the advancement of maturity compared to the tall size genotypes. Harvesting tall genotypes at a higher frequency (60-day) contributed to improving the fermentation, while dwarf elephant grass maintained greater fermentation when less frequent harvests were adopted (90-day).

Production and nutritional value of forage from Rhodes grass genotypes in the semiarid region of Brazil

ABSTRACT The production of ruminants in pastures depends on plants that are well adapted to the conditions of the cultivation area. In regions with low rainfall and high temperature, desirable traits include drought tolerance, high biomass production, and good nutritional value. The objective was to evaluate the yield, structure, and nutritional value of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth) genotypes in the northern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The experiment followed a randomized block design with four genotypes (Callide, Mariner, KG2, and Sabre) and six replications. Callide (6169.7 kg/ha), Mariner (6096.2 kg/ha), and Sabre (5575.1 kg/ha) exhibited higher leaf dry mass compared to KG2 (4207.3 kg/ha). Crude protein content did not differ among genotypes, averaging 84.9 g/kg in the rainy season and 49.1 g/kg in the dry season. Neutral detergent fiber levels were similar across genotypes, with mean values of 648.3 g/kg and 654.9 g/kg in the rainy and dry seasons. In vitro dry matter digestibility of KG2 (606.7 g/kg) was lower than that of Sabre (654.9 g/kg) and Callide (649.9 g/kg) during the rainy season. Based on higher leaf mass production and superior digestibility, Callide, Mariner, and Sabre are the most suitable genotypes for pasture establishment in the region.

Tar spot impacts silage corn yield and forage nutritive value

AbstractSilage corn (Zea mays L.) in Michigan and the Great Lakes region is prone to an emerging foliar disease called tar spot (caused by Phyllachora maydis). When corn is infected with Phyllochora maydis, stromata develop on the leaves resulting in early senescence and drying. Therefore, to understand the effect of tar spot on forage yield, nutritive value, and predicted milk yield, field trials were conducted at multiple Michigan locations from 2021–2023. Field trials were arranged in randomized complete block design with four replications. Treatments included hybrid resistance (one susceptible and one partially resistant hybrid) and three fungicide treatments using Delaro 325 SC at 8 oz acre−1 (non‐treated, one application at silking [R1], and two applications [one at R1 and second at dough stage]). Results showed that tar spot severity increased over time in silage corn. Fungicide application in susceptible hybrid had the lowest tar spot severity across all hybrids and fungicide treatments. Hybrid disease resistance resulted in 50% reduction of tar spot severity and contributed to a lower yield penalty. Reduction of tar spot severity due to hybrid disease resistance also minimized decline in neutral detergent fiber digestibility and predicted milk yield. Fungicide application reduced tar spot severity but did not affect dry yield and forage nutritive value. Overall, our study shows that tar spot reduces forage yield and nutritive value and requires an integrated approach to disease management.

Effect of Experimental Warming on Forage Nutritive Value and Storage in Alpine Meadows at Three Different Altitudes of Nianqing Tanggula Mountain, Northern Tibet: A Long-Term Experience

Effects of climate warming on nutrition quality and storage of alpine grasslands are still controversial, which is not conducive to the management and utilization of alpine grasslands. A long-term warming experiment (with open-top chambers used to elevate temperature) was conducted at three elevations (relatively low, mid-, and high elevations with 4313, 4513, and 4693 m) of Northern Tibet in 2010 to compare the differences in forage nutritional quality and storage response to warming among three elevations and to explore the relationships between forage nutritional quality and production. In 2019, community surveys, observations of forage biomass and nutrition quality, and soil physicochemical properties were carried out. Forage nutrition quality included crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), ether extract (EE), crude ash (Ash), and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content. Warming did not affect community aboveground biomass (AGB) at the three elevations. Warming improved community nutrition quality by increasing community CP content by 25.80% and decreasing community NDF content by 15.51% at the low elevation. In contrast, warming reduced community nutrition quality by increasing community CP, ADF, and NDF contents by 13.45%, 23.68%, and 17.43%, respectively, and decreasing Ash content by 39.50% at the high elevation. Warming did not affect community CP, ADF, NDF, EE, Ash, or WSC contents at the mid-elevation. Warming increased community nutrition storage by increasing community CP, ADF, and NDF storges by 74.69%, 88.18%, and 79.71%, respectively, at the high elevation. Warming did not affect community nutrition storages at the low or mid-elevations. Overall, forbs had higher CP, EE, Ash, and WSC contents and lower ADF and NDF contents compared with graminoids. Community EE content increased with community AGB, but community CP, ADF, NDF, EE, Ash, and WSC contents were not related to community AGB. Therefore, from the low to high elevation, the effects of warming on forage nutrition quality gradually changed from improving to inhibiting. Warming altered rangeland quality by affecting forage nutrition quality rather than forage production. There were no trade-offs between forage nutrition quality and forage production.

Genomic prediction of forage nutritive value in perennial ryegrass

AbstractBackgroundDespite its importance to animal production potential, genetic gain for forage nutritive value has been limited in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) breeding. The objective of this study was to phenotype a training population and develop prediction models to assess the potential of predicting organic matter digestibility (OMD) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) with genotyping‐by‐sequencing data.MethodsNear infra‐red reflectance spectroscopy calibrations for OMD and NDF were developed and used to phenotype a spaced plant training population of n = 1606, with matching genotype‐by‐sequencing data, for developing genomic selection models. families derived from the training population were also evaluated for OMD and NDF in sward plots and used to empirically validate prediction models.ResultsSufficient genotypic variation exists in breeding populations to improve forage nutritive value, and spectral bands contributing to calibrations were identified. OMD and NDF can be predicted from genomic data with moderate accuracy (predictive ability in the range of 0.51–0.59 and 0.33–0.57, respectively) and models developed on individual plants outperform those developed from family means. Encouragingly, genomic prediction models developed on parental plants can predict OMD in subsequent generations grown as competitive swards.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that genetic improvement in forage nutritive value can be accelerated through the application of genomic prediction models.

Sowing Rates and Methods Affect Yield and Forage Quality of American Jointvetch in the Southwestern Area of Japan

This research aimed to assess how different sowing methods and seeding rates influenced the growth, yield characteristics, and forage nutritional value for establishing American jointvetch, a tropical forage legume known for its high productivity and quality, in grasslands in southwestern Japan. The experimental treatments involved two sowing methods, row sowing (RS) and broadcast sowing (BS), and combinations of four different seeding rates (SR, 5, 10, 20, or 30 kg ha−1). The sowing methods affected dry matter yield (DMY): BS resulted in higher DMY (11.3 vs. 8.7 t DM ha−1) and leaf area index (LAI, 7.2 vs. 5.3) than RS, respectively. However, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and crude protein (CP) concentrations were not influenced by the sowing methods. The SR affected LAI, particularly RS, and LAI increased with increasing SR. Contrary to expectations, SR did not affect DMY, IVDMD, CP, digestible DMY, or CP yield. The findings of this investigation indicate that broadcast sowing is the superior method for planting, and even when using a reduced seeding rate of 5 kg ha−1 of seed-in-pod, there was no significant impact on the yield or forage quality of American jointvetch under the conditions examined in this study. This information will contribute to the proper management of its cultivation to ensure higher productivity for use as livestock fodder.

Forage accumulation and nutritive value of ‘Wrangler’ bermudagrass hayfield in response to nitrogen and harvesting management

AbstractInterest in seeded bermudagrass cultivars has increased, but there is still a lack of information on management strategies combining nitrogen (N) fertilization and harvest frequency to support producer's decision‐making process in a hayfield. In this study, we evaluated how combinations of N fertilization and harvesting management affect total forage accumulation (TFA) and nutritive value in ‘Wrangler’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] for 2 years. Management strategies were combinations of N fertilization (without N, one application, or three applications) and harvesting management (once or three times). Harvesting once or three times did not affect the TFA without N fertilization (H1 and H3) or with one application (H1N1 and H3N1). However, harvesting three times with three N applications (H3N3) presented the greatest TFA (7795 lbs dry matter [DM]/acre) and greater crude protein (CP), net energy gain, total digestible nutrients, and phosphorus (P) concentration, and lesser acid detergent fiber. Consequently, the greatest CP accumulation (CPA) was found in the H3N3 as well. Therefore, associating N fertilization with more frequent harvesting can increase the TFA and CPA, and improve the forage nutritive value, which can significantly affect winter feeding costs.

A pathway for decreasing the water footprint from grazing-based beef production systems in the Tropics

CONTEXTWater availability shapes agricultural land use patterns, which in turn impacts water supplies. Beef cattle production is one of the most water-intensive food production activities. Therefore, it is fundamental to identify pathways to reduce water consumption and to determine suitable producing-regions to mitigate the current pressures on water resources. OBJECTIVEOur objectives were to assess the water footprint of beef cattle in different land use systems and investigate the potential of alternative production strategies to reduce the environmental impacts associated with water resources use. METHODSThe water footprint of beef produced in conventional pasture system (CON), agropastoral (ICL), and agro-silvopastoral (ICLF) systems was analysed from cradle-to-farm gate using a life cycle assessment approach, which included a complementary analysis of the environmental impacts of the rainfall water consumption in the Brazilian Cerrado. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSIncreases in the efficiency of the systems (e.g., greater feed conversion efficiency, stocking rates, reduced slaughter age of animals, amongst others) resulted in a lower water footprint and water scarcity footprint in ICL (18,332 L and 1526 L/kg carcass weight), followed by ICLF (31,024 L and 1846 L/kg carcass weight) compared to CON (60,023 L and 2446 L/kg carcass weight). The impact of rainfall water consumption (i.e., green water scarcity) was lowest in ICL (182–328 Lworld equivalents/kg carcass weight). Although the tree presence in ICLF systems can limit the productivity, it improves the thermal environment as well as the canopy structure and nutritional value of forage on pastures for grazing animals, thereby reducing the water footprint indicators compared to CON systems. The environmental impacts of rainfall water consumed should not be neglected in water footprint studies due to its importance for restoring water cycles, which is particularly complex in diversified land uses, such as ICL and ICLF. In conclusion, ICL and ICLF are viable production strategies for reducing the environmental impacts of water consumption in grazing-based systems. SIGNIFICANCEThe research was carried out in the Brazilian Cerrado, a major region for producing and exporting beef cattle in the world and a biome of strategic importance in the water resources dynamics. The region faces significant water consumption challenges because of the accelerated agricultural development disassociated from long-term planning and monitoring of its water resources use. Therefore, our findings are critical in supporting ecosystem resilience and production of beef by also providing insights into the environmental impacts of water consumption in agropastoral and agro-silvopastoral systems, which have been underrepresented in scientific literature.

394 Cover crops for efficient grazing systems

Abstract Grazing of cool-season cover crops provides a sustainable solution for extending the grazing season while potentially reducing the environmental impact of conventional row-crop farming practices. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate how different mixtures of cover crops affect stocker performance when grazed. The study was conducted across 18 paddocks that were sown with grass [‘Coker’ oat (Avena sativa)], grass + legume [‘Dixie’ crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum)], or grass + legume + brassica [‘Turnip’ brassica (Brassica rapa subsp.; rapa)] at the Wiregrass Research and Extension Center in Headland, AL. These paddocks were randomly assigned to either grazed or un-grazed conditions (n = 3). In this study, yearling beef steers with an average body weight (BW) of 266 ± 44 kg were grazed in paddocks using the put and take method to maintain a forage allowance of 1 kg dry matter per kilogram of BW. Forage samples were collected biweekly to analyze biomass, botanical composition, and forage nutritive value. Grazing occurred from January 17 to March 22, 2023 (65 d). Steer BW were recorded at the beginning and end of the grazing season to calculate average daily gain. The data were subjected to analysis as a two-way ANOVA using Glimmix in SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC), harvest date was considered a repeated measure. No treatment × grazing interaction was observed on forage yield performance [average (AVG) forage yield kg DM/ha; P = 0.460]. In addition, no difference was observed among the different cover crop mixtures (AVG forage yield kg DM/ha; P = 0.670). Grazed paddocks had a greater crude protein when compared with ungrazed paddocks (Grazed vs. Ungrazed %; P = 0. 017). However, there was no effect of cover crop mixture on crude protein (CP) concentration (AVG CP %; P = 0.670 for treatment effect). These results indicate that cool-season annual cover crops can provide sufficient forage yield and quality to support sufficient animal gains, even during the relatively short grazing season. Incorporating cover crops not only improves agricultural sustainability but can also enhance the resilience and long-term health of the agroecosystem.

Can we identify tipping points of resilience loss in Mediterranean rangelands under increased summer drought?

Mediterranean ecosystems are predicted to undergo longer and more intense summer droughts. The mechanisms underlying the response of herbaceous communities to such drier environments should be investigated to identify the resilience thresholds of Mediterranean rangelands. A 5-year experiment was conducted in deep and shallow soil rangelands of southern France. A rainout shelter for 75 days in summer imposed drier and warmer conditions. Total soil water content was measured monthly to model available daily soil water. Aboveground net primary production (ANPP), forage quality, and the proportion of graminoids in ANPP were measured in spring and autumn. Plant senescence and plant cover were assessed in summer and spring, respectively. The experimental years were among the driest ever recorded at the site. Therefore, manipulated summer droughts were drier than long-term ambient conditions. Interactions between treatment, community type, and experimental year were found for most variables. In shallow soil communities, spring plant cover decreased markedly with time. This legacy effect, driven by summer plant mortality and the loss of perennial graminoids, led to an abrupt loss of resilience when the extreme water stress index exceeded 37 mm 10 day-1, characterized by a reduction of spring plant cover below 50% and a decreased ANPP in rainy years. Conversely, the ANPP of deep soil communities remained unaffected by increased summer drought, although the presence of graminoids increased and forage nutritive value decreased. This study highlights the role of the soil water reserve of Mediterranean plant communities in modulating ecosystem responses to chronically intensified summer drought. Communities on deep soils were resilient, but communities on shallow soils showed a progressive, rapid, and intense degradation associated with a loss of resilience capacity. Notably, indexes of extreme stress were a better indicator of tipping points than indexes of integrated annual stress. Considering the role of soil water availability in other herbaceous ecosystems should improve the ability to predict the resilience of plant communities under climate change.

Botanical composition gradients in silvopastoral systems on temperate native grasslands of Uruguay

Silvopastoral systems may provide important production and environmental benefits. The loss of cool-season (C3) grasses from temperate grazed native grasslands is associated with selective grazing and excessive solar radiation that limit their survival. Silvopastoral systems integrate trees with grasslands that provide shade to both cattle and herbaceous plants, potentially favoring C3 species. There is limited information about the effect of trees on the species and functional composition of native grasslands in the Campos biome in South America. The objective of this study was to detect gradients in the botanical composition of grasslands as affected by changes in the shade associated with distance to the trees and cardinal orientation in three situations defined by the combination of soil and tree species (Prosopis on Solonetz, Acacia on Brunisols, and Eucalyptus on Brunisols). Soil cover of the herbaceous species under trees was recorded in double transects located in the four cardinal directions. In all situations there were changes in pasture composition in the different shaded regions (total shade, partial shade, or full sun). Under the canopy, there was an increase of cool-season grasses such as Bromus catharticus Vahl, Lolium multiflorum Lam., Stipa hyalina (Nees) Barkworth, and S. setigera J.Presl. At greater distances from trees, cover of warm-season grasses, such as Axonopus affinis Chase and Paspalum notatum Flueggé increased. These gradients suggest that trees in silvopastoral systems can increase the abundance of cool-season species and potentially improve the forage nutritive value of the native pasture.

Adaptación de leguminosas arbóreas en un sistema silvopastoril para ovinos en clima templado

The objective was to evaluate, over a one-year period, the survival, production, and nutritional value of forage from tree legumes as well as grasses and weeds in a silvopastoral system. A mixed protein bank was established, consisting of two plots: in the first plot, planting orientation was East to West, and in the second, North to South. The planted tree species were leguminous: pata de vaca (Bauhinia forficata), albizia (Albizia lebbeck), leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala), and palo dulce (Eysenhardtia polystachya). Three planting densities were used, with tree spacings of 70x70, 90x90, and 110x110 cm. Survival was assessed visually and manually by identifying the species and recording their condition as either alive (1) or dead (0). A three-way classification model with an unequal number of repetitions was used, employing the Generalized Linear Models procedure of the statistical analysis system under a fixed effects model. The nutritional value of thetree legumes ranged from 11% to 18% protein. Differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed between treatments and orientation regarding height. There was a significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) of treatment, orientation, period, and species on foliage production. Differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found in species survival, with albizia (Albizia lebbeck) being notable. The period also significantly influenced (p ≤ 0.05) tree survival. It is concluded that the survival rate of forage tree legume species determines their capacity to establish silvopastoral systems in a subhumid temperate climate in mixed protein bank arrangements

Floral diversity and nutritional value of forages in Pulikulam cattle breeding tract

Documenting the floral diversity in the Pulikulam cattle breeding tract (Sivaganga, Madurai and Virudhunagar districts in Tamil Nadu) and the nutrient content of predominant forages were important for maintaining Pulikulam cattle under zero input grazing system of management. Hence, a study was carried out to document the forage biomass, botanical composition, and nutritional profile of the forages present in the Pulikulam cattle breeding tract. The number of edible forage species other than shrubs and trees documented in the grazing tract at Sivaganga, Madurai and Virudhunagar districts was 10, 8 and 9, respectively. Pennisetum clandestinum recorded significantly (p <0.05) highest biomass (133.25, 148.25 and 115 g/m2) and botanical composition (31.32, 34.99, and 26.31%) in all the districts. Variability was observed in proximate principles, fiber fractions and mineral contents between forages. Zinc was not detectable in Aristida setacea and both zinc and copper were not in detectable levels in Echinochloa colona.

Planting time and seeding rate impact insect feeding, ear rots, and forage nutritive value in silage corn

AbstractPlanting date and seeding rate affect the microclimate within a crop field. They can influence lepidopteran insect infestation and fungal infections and are an important part of crop management strategy. Altering planting date and seeding rate can also influence yield and quality of silage corn (Zea mays L.). Field research was conducted to identify optimum planting time and seeding rate to minimize insect feeding, ear rot infections, and mycotoxin accumulation in silage corn without compromising yield and quality. Replicated field trials were conducted across multiple site‐years in Michigan with three planting dates (early: April 25–May 10; mid: May 11–25; and late: May 26–June 10) and/or four seeding rates (ranging from 69,160 to 113,620 seeds ha−1, in increments of 14,800 seeds ha−1). Mid‐planting yielded 12%–15% less forage than early and late plantings, partly due to greater insect feeding injury and fungal infections observed in the former. Neutral detergent fiber digestibility, starch, and crude protein concentration were greatest for early planting. Greater predicted milk per hectare and milk per megagram for early planting also indicated superior silage quality. Increasing seeding rate increased insect feeding and ear rot injury only when severity was >5% and >15%, respectively. The impact of increasing seeding rate on dry forage yield was specific to each site‐year. Overall, results showed that early planting of silage corn helps to escape insect and disease pressure and provides better yield and quality, while seeding rate response is variable and dependent on the field environment.

Inter-row cover crops influencing the development of conilon coffee

The use of forage as a cover crop is an alternative for the sustainable management of conilon coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre ex Froehner) crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate the herbage accumulation and nutritive value of forages used as cover crops and their effect on the productivity and physiology of conilon coffee plants. The inter-row management assessed were 1- Congo grass [Urochloa ruziziensis (R. Germ. & C.M. Evrard) Crins], 2- Mombaça guineagrass [Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B.K. Simon & S.W.L. Jacobs], 3- Marandu palisadegrass [Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) R.D.Webster], 4- weeds, 5- weeding and herbicide application. The experiment was conducted in 2020 and 2021 using a randomized block design (split-plot) with four replications and a plot size of 24 m2. Herbage accumulation of Congo grass, Mombaça guineagrass and Marandu palisadegrass (1.12 to 3.81 t/ha) were higher than weeds (0.18 to 1.95 t/ha) in seven periods evaluated. Mombaça guineagrass had the highest average herbage accumulation (1.47 to 3.81 t/ha). The forage cover crops did not differ among themselves for dry matter concentration, crude protein and C:N ratio in three periods evaluated. The inter-rows management with cover crops did not reduce productivity, grain/fruit ratio, grain size, vegetative vigour and physiology of the coffee plants compared to the management with weeding and herbicide in 2021. In 2022, they stagnated or reduced productivity by up to 49%, with changes in plant physiology. Adjustments in the management of cover crops are needed for the development of competitive and sustainable coffee crops.

Feeding programme in captive working elephants of Myanmar

Nutrition is important for a variety of reasons. Animals need the proper nutrition for growth, maintenance, reproduction and for providing energy. For animals used for draught purposes, their nutritional requirements are higher than those of non-working animals. Extensively kept elephants seem to thrive well on the jungle forages, tree fodders, shrubs, herbs and other natural vegetation. However, the nutritional value of forages in natural habitat is closely associated with the preservation of forest, climatic variation and season of the year. This manuscript will focus on the feeding programmes practiced in extensively kept captive working Asian elephants of Myanmar

Temporal variation in nutritive value of forage in kermes oak shrublands

Temporal variation in nutritive value of forage in kermes oak shrublands