Forage Supply Research Articles

High variability in the attractiveness of municipally-planted decorative plants to insects.

Insect populations are declining globally. A major driver of this decline is land use change, including urbanisation. However, urban environments can also offer a wide range of floral resources to pollinators, through ornamental plantings, but these can vary widely in their attractiveness to insects. Often, the largest single planter of ornamental plants in an urban area is the municipality. Here we evaluated the decorative plantings carried out by the city municipality of Regensburg, Germany, by systematically surveying insect visitations on different plant types in late summer, when forage is often limited for pollinators. We found a 130-fold difference from the least to the most attractive plants, and high variation in which insect groups were attracted to which plants. While honey bees, which are not a conservation concern, were the most common insect visitors, some decorative plants attracted a very large proportion of wild bees, flies, and wasps. Our results demonstrate that there is great scope for increasing the supply of urban forage to pollinators in general, and specific groups in particular, without requiring new decorative plant types to be sourced or planted. We argue that providing local evidence-based guidance to municipalities offers a quick and potentially cost-neutral method for supporting urban insect populations.

Local Perception of The Effects of Climate Uncertainty on Cattle Farming in Burkina Faso: A Case Study of The Mouhoun Province

Climate change represents a threat to pastoralists in the Mouhoun Province, whose main source of income is the exploitation of natural and animal resources. The problem of this study is based on the good perception of breeders which was necessary for them to adapt to the climatic crises that have already occurred. The objective of this study is to analyze the perception of the effects of climate uncertainty on ruminant breeding in the Mouhoun province. For this purpose, 286 breeders, including agro-breeders and agro-breeders, or 22 breeders per village, were surveyed. In addition, a focus group was organized in each village, for a total of thirteen (13). Phinks software was used to process the individual survey data. The results indicate a deterioration in the forage supply of natural rangelands (100%), an increase in the mobility of animals (69.31%), an increase in morbidity (69.3%) and a drop in the frequency of twin births (56.0%). In summary, it appears that the population has a good perception of the effects of the local climate on animals and forage resources. Furthermore, although it is difficult to integrate research evidence into development policies and practices, the results of this research could guide policy decision-making. This study leads to the conclusion that the changes perceived by breeders are relevant for the development of adaptation strategies to climate change.

The LpHsfA2-molecular module confers thermotolerance via fine tuning of its transcription in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.).

Temperature sensitivity and tolerance play a key role in plant survival and production. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), widely cultivated in cool-season for forage supply and turfgrass, is extremely susceptible to high temperatures, therefore serving as an excellent grass for dissecting the genomic and genetic basis of high-temperature adaptation. In this study, expression analysis revealed that LpHsfA2, an important gene associated with high-temperature tolerance in perennial ryegrass, is rapidly and substantially induced under heat stress. Additionally, heat-tolerant varieties consistently display elevated expression levels of LpHsfA2 compared with heat-sensitive ones. Comparative haplotype analysis of the LpHsfA2 promoter indicated an uneven distribution of two haplotypes (HsfA2Hap1 and HsfA2Hap2) across varieties with differing heat tolerance. Specifically, the HsfA2Hap1 allele is predominantly present in heat-tolerant varieties, while the HsfA2Hap2 allele exhibits the opposite pattern. Overexpression of LpHsfA2 confers enhanced thermotolerance, whereas silencing of LpHsfA2 compromises heat tolerance. Furthermore, LpHsfA2 orchestrates its protective effects by directly binding to the promoters of LpHSP18.2 and LpAPX1 to activate their expression, preventing the non-specific misfolding of intracellular protein and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in cells. Additionally, LpHsfA4 and LpHsfA5 were shown to engage directly with the promoter of LpHsfA2, upregulating its expression as well as the expression of LpHSP18.2 and LpAPX1, thus contributing to enhanced heat tolerance. Markedly, LpHsfA2 possesses autoregulatory ability by directly binding to its own promoter to modulate the self-transcription. Based on these findings, we propose a model for modulating the thermotolerance of perennial ryegrass by precisely regulating the expression of LpHsfA2. Collectively, these findings provide a scientific basis for the development of thermotolerant perennial ryegrass cultivars.

Significance of honeybee pollination in increasing seed yield of Trifolium alexandrinum (Fabales: Fabaceae)and its impact on economic sustainability of smallholder farmers.

A major limitation to producing high seed yields in berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) is failure to set seed, predominantly due to lack of pollination. Despite the importance of berseem clover as a leading forage legume, the contribution of pollinators to seed set is scarce. In Pakistan, the honeybee population is declining mainly because of the extensive use of neonicotinoid pesticides and habitat fragmentation. This, combined with the region's harsh environment and the use of inferior, locally bred genotypes, has resulted in low seed yields. Insufficient seed availability leads to limited forage supply, resulting in poor livestock nutrition, which subsequently impacts livestock health and productivity, and reduces farmers' income. The present study estimated the seed production of 3 berseem clover genotypes resulting from honeybees [Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae)] pollination in 2 growing seasons (2012-2014) in the central Punjab region of Pakistan. Experiments had 2 pollination treatments (open pollination and honeybee inclusion) and 3 seed genotypes, viz. farmer own-saved, market, and the improved variety cultivars. For both growing seasons, honeybee pollination resulted in significant increases in seed yields ranging from 35% to 67%, regardless of seed genotype. With the exception of the number of seed heads/m2, all seed yield parameters also increased significantly in response to honeybee inclusion. The combination of improved variety and honeybee inclusion resulted in the production of a maximum number of seeds per head (45.3), 1,000-seed weight (3.7g), and estimated seed yield (375.5kg/ha). In addition, the increase in estimated net income of seed ranged from PKR 82,485 Rs/ha (US$844/ha) to PKR 168,975 Rs/ha (US$1728/ha) with the use of honeybees as an insect pollinator across all the seed genotypes. Honeybee pollination has broader implications for mixed farming systems by playing a key role in preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable agriculture. It also enhances the quality and quantity of berseem crops by increasing the production of high-quality seeds and forage leading to improved livestock productivity and family food security which strengthens the economic resilience of rural communities.

Typology of Camel Breeding in the Wilaya of El-Oued: Feeding Practices Characterization

Background: Dromedary farming is crucial in El-Oued’s agricultural systems, but challenges such as drought and land expansion are reducing grazing areas and affecting herd management. The research surveyed 102 camel breeders, representing 4592 dromedaries, representing approximately 09% of the total estimated camel herd in this wilaya, regarding herd organization, structure and feeding practices. Three breeder groups were identified: pure pastoral (54.9%), mixed grazing in summer (16.7%) and urban breeders focused on fattening (28.4%). Methods: This study involved a survey of camel breeders from six (06) municipalities in El-Oued to analyze herd organization, structure and feeding practices. Data collection and analysis were aimed at understanding the functioning of camel herders and their integration into the meat market system. Result: The results highlighted significant changes in herd management and operation, showing variable integration of camel production into the meat market system influenced by forage supply variability in Saharan grazing lands. Feeding practices revealed integration with locally produced forage resources, frequent supplementation during grazing and the use of highly energetic concentrated feed as the primary ration for fattening young camels. This study provides valuable insights into camel farming practices in El-Oued, shedding light on the challenges and adaptations of this essential agricultural sector.

Effects of forage feeding to calves on performance, rumen fermentation and nutrient digestibility: A meta-analysis

The literature on whether or not to feed forage is marked by inconsistencies, largely due to various factors associated with forage inclusion in calf diets. To elucidate these factors, we conducted a 3-level meta-analysis to comprehensively investigate the overall effects of forage provision in young calves. We searched for studies published between 2000 and 2023 in Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and X-Mol. Moderator analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of different forage sources, forage provision methods, starter forms, milk levels and forage levels on the heterogeneity of growth performance, rumen fermentation and nutrient digestibility outcomes in studies feeding forage to calves. Mixed-effect model was used to predict the relationship between forage level and performance. Funnel plot and Egger's test were used to determine publication bias. A total of 86 treatment comparisons from 36 articles were included in the final data set. The weighted mean difference (WMD) was used to evaluate the effect size, and the statistical heterogeneity of the effect size was estimated using Cochrane's Q test. The results showed that forage supplementation improved growth performance, structural growth, and development of rumen fermentation in calves. However, moderator analyses revealed that several factors, including forage source, feeding method, physical form of starter, milk feeding level and forage feeding level might contribute considerably to variability, resulting in significant heterogeneity in the effects of forage provision in calves. Larger effect sizes were found for oat hay (OH) supplementation rather than alfalfa hay (AH) or straw, feeding forage as a free-choice (FC) compared with a total mixed ration (TMR; defined as a mixture of calf starter and forage), especially when forage was fed as a FC resulting in higher total dry matter intake (TDMI) and body barrel. Forage supplementation was more effective in boosting calf growth in calves provided ground starter than in calves fed pelleted and textured starter. Greater effects were shown for AH supplementation than OH or straw in improving rumen fermentation parameters. Furthermore, compared with the preweaning period, the effect of providing forage on calves was more noticeable in the postweaning period. The results of the mixed-effects model analysis indicated that calves can be efficiently fed 12% of dry matter as forage during the preweaning period to support their growth and development. Meanwhile, 9% of dry matter might be the optimal level for feeding OH and straw to preweaning calves. More studies are essential to explore how different levels of AH dietary supplementation affects calves during the preweaning period, to improve the consistency and accuracy of the dose-response curve predictions. Overall, growth performance and rumen fermentation of dairy calves were affected by forage inclusion. Moreover, forage source, feeding method, physical form of starter, milk feeding level, and forage level are essential factors that result in different degrees of effect on the calf's performance and rumen fermentation.

Quantifying impacts of livestock production on ecosystem services: Insights into grazing management under vegetation restoration

Recent decades, vegetation restoration initiatives and land institutional reforms have profoundly altered practices of livestock husbandry in China. However, the understanding of how livestock production affects restoration effectiveness remains limited, impeding the advancement of sustainable grazing management. Taking the Loess Plateau as a case area, this study aims to examine the impacts of livestock production on key ecosystem services (ESs) under the Grain-to-Green Program (GTGP). Based on an improved estimation of available biomass for livestock, grazing intensity across the study area in 2015 was quantified. Then, by linking grazing intensity with associated livestock economies, a comprehensive framework reflecting livestock production was constructed to analyze its overall impacts on three ESs (water yield, erosion control, and forage provision). Finally, spatial effects of each component within livestock production on the ESs were discussed to inform grazing managements under the GTGP. The results indicated that the three ESs still suffered widespread negative impacts from grazing intensity, with 9.82% of the region experiencing high-level grazing in 2015. Although grazing had potential to mitigate water consumption due to vegetation growth, livestock density of most areas has exceeded its threshold (0.52 sheep or goat per ha, or 0.30 cattle per ha) for maintaining available water resource. Livestock economies demonstrated positive effects on the ESs to varying degrees. Nevertheless, as the positive externalities from ecological compensation are on the wane, challenges in livestock management have surfaced in both poverty-stricken and large livestock-intensive regions. This study offers insights into assessing regional grazing intensity, and enriches understanding of impacts of livestock production under vegetation restoration.

Spatio-Temporal Transferability of Drone-Based Models to Predict Forage Supply in Drier Rangelands

Unmanned aerial systems offer a cost-effective and reproducible method for monitoring natural resources in expansive areas. But the transferability of developed models, which are often based on single snapshots, is rarely tested. This is particularly relevant in rangelands where forage resources are inherently patchy in space and time, which may limit model transfer. Here, we investigated the accuracy of drone-based models in estimating key proxies of forage provision across two land tenure systems and between two periods of the growing season in semi-arid rangelands. We tested case-specific models and a landscape model, with the expectation that the landscape model performs better than the case-specific models as it captures the highest variability expected in the rangeland system. The landscape model did achieve the lowest error when predicting herbaceous biomass and predicted land cover with better or similar accuracy to the case-specific models. This reinforces the importance of incorporating the widest variation of conditions in predictive models. This study contributes to understanding model transferability in drier rangeland systems characterized by spatial and temporal heterogeneity. By advancing the integration of drone technology for accurate monitoring of such dynamic ecosystems, this research contributes to sustainable rangeland management practices.

Vegetation diversity based on peat hydrological units for supporting cattle production in West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract. Setiawan D, Jayanegara A, Nahrowi, Kumalasari NR. 2024. Vegetation diversity based on peat hydrological units for supporting cattle production in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2011-2019. This study determined the characteristics of forage supply, composition, and diversity in various West Kalimantan Peat Hydrological Units (PHU) and the capacity for livestock development. The methods used were a combination of surveys, direct observations, and measurements of samples of peat hydrological units commonly used as pasture by farmers. The results showed that the pattern of providing forage for livestock is that the majority of farmers are in the productive age category (41-60 years), the education level was only elementary school, livestock farming was only a side business (78.33-81.67%), and the mowing capacity was still above livestock feed requirements. Important Value Index (IVI) in Mempawah Ageratum conyzoides (32.34%), Pontianak IVI Digitaria sanguinalis (27.17%), Kubu Raya IVI Cyperus brevifolius (22.43%). The forage species diversity index (H) of the three districts in West Kalimantan was classified as moderate or high. The species Richness Indices (R') for Mempawah, Pontianak, and Kubu Raya were 5.01, 6.22, and 6.41, respectively. The carrying capacity index in Kubu Raya (2.01) and Mempawah (5.19) was included in the safety criteria because it has a CCI above 2. In conclusion, The West Kalimantan livestock population can be increased by utilizing land in rice fields, dry fields, community forests, and plantations as a source of diverse forage vegetation.

6 Identifying research gaps and opportunities to enhance sustainable beef production

Abstract Sustainability has evolved and extended its influence across diverse sectors of the economy, including those in the beef supply chain. Public-facing companies predominantly emphasize environmental sustainability, especially climate-associated features, while beef producers continue to prioritize economic sustainability, hoping to to ensure their operation thrives into the next generation. Diversifying revenue and improving productivity are pivotal for safeguarding economic sustainability and fostering resilient production systems. Diversification is not new to beef producers; many have integrated ecosystem services into their operations to generate non-production revenue. The most valuable asset of a beef producer is the productivity of the land. Decision support tools need to be enhanced to allow producers to either capitalize on above average forage production to generate additional income, or to plan for alternative strategies when forage supply is forecast to be reduced. Because downstream beef supply chain participants prioritize environmental sustainability or reduction of scope 3 emissions, an emerging diversification opportunity for beef producers is to address this opportunity. While soil carbon initiatives have received attention, companies with substantial scope 3 emissions from beef production may value greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from cattle more highly. Incentives for practices that reduce GHG emission from cattle can simultaneously reduce environmental impact associated with beef production and generate an additional revenue stream adjacent to beef production. Current opportunities to participate in these incentive programs are limited. Research can address the creation of functional protocols, and their intrinsic value. Clear targets, for gross emissions or emissions intensity, must be set but are not equivalent. In particular, research on effective/acceptable monitoring, reporting, and verification of emissions claims is imperative to functional markets. Innovation in emissions management and productivity gains can be integrated, so that goals of economic and environmental sustainability among value chain participants can be achieved. Maintaining a comprehensive perspective on sustainability solutions is essential to meeting the needs of humanity.

A set of ecosystem service indicators for European grasslands based on botanical surveys

AbstractBackgroundGrasslands provide a wide range of ecosystem services (ESs). However, there is currently no method for easily diagnosing the level of ESs produced. Our aim was to develop ES indicators based on botanical surveys, which are readily available data and integrative of grassland spatiotemporal variability.MethodsBased on academic knowledge and expertise, we identified several simple vegetation criteria that we aggregated using a multicriteria analysis tool to construct indicators of the level of ESs provided by grasslands. In this study, the indicators were calculated from over 2000 botanical surveys spread over a wide biogeographical gradient.ResultsAnalyses of correlation between the various indicators show that “forage supply” and “diversity conservation” were not correlated. “Forage availability” and “nitrogen availability for the vegetation” were positively linked together and negatively linked to the robustness of the plant community to extreme events. A temporal approach highlights that the “biodiversity conservation” score decreased from 1970 to 2010 and that “nitrogen availability for the vegetation” was lower in 1970 and 1980 than in 2000 and 2010.ConclusionsThese results show that our aggregation method based on a large data set of botanical surveys could be appropriate for studying temporal dynamics of ESs.

Forage Plants for Small Ruminant Feeding at Rural and Peri-Urban Sites in the Warm Humid Tropical Environment of Southeastern Nigeria

Summary This study aimed at determining the diversity of forage plants utilized for small ruminant feeding in rural and peri-urban sites in Imo state, Nigeria. The survey was carried out at rural and peri-urban sites in Aboh Mbaise and Mbaitoli Local Government Areas (LGAs), respectively. Ten small ruminant farmers were purposively selected from each LGA across the study communities. Data on fodder diversity, proximate composition, and mineral concentration were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviation. It was observed that a higher diversity of fodder plants existed at the rural sites compared to the peri-urban sites and 43.4% of the fodder plants were common to both sites. Respondents identified 60.8% of the fodder plants also as food-bearing plants, with 55.6% and 80% of these found at the rural and peri-urban sites, respectively. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the relative proximate or mineral supplies to the animals at the two sites. It was, therefore, concluded that despite the diversity and differences in forage selection at the two sites, the relative nutrient supplies to small ruminants will be similar if the cafeteria system of forage provision practiced at the sites is adhered to.

Moving from ecological impacts to social vulnerability in data-scarce places

Managers need to trace social impacts and vulnerability caused by environmental change all the way to its driving forces to target key system components for intervention. However, most available scientific evidence deals with either the ecological impacts of direct drivers or the value of ecosystem benefits to people. Our matrix-based tool combines these types of evidence to make environmental management problems traceable through a structured yet flexible procedure. The tool consists of a series of matrices that sequentially link direct drivers of environmental change, landscapes, ecological conditions, benefits to people, and stakeholder types. Qualitative matrices result from the integration and synthesis of available evidence from literature reviews, and where data is scarce, these are used to elicit quantitative scores from expert opinion. Expert scoring of links and multiplication of matrices allow for estimating the impacts of each driver of environmental change on each stakeholder type and using this information as input to assess stakeholders’ vulnerability through impact-influence diagrams. Applying the tool to the Argentine Gran Chaco, a globally threatened ecoregion, yielded a transparent and reliable picture of this data-scarce place, with important management implications. Tracing stakeholder impacts back to direct drivers confirmed that further encroachment of cleared areas around indigenous lands will increase the vulnerability of this social group. Also, assessing confidence levels for every social-ecological link suggested that incentivizing peasant farmers to restore natural forage supply represents a management opportunity to reverse degradation. Our tool makes interdisciplinary frameworks of linked ecological and social systems operational so managers can use the best available knowledge of a place and account for uncertainty to make environmental management decisions.

Should Pre-Weaning Calf Diets Include Forage?

The present review article aimed to update and address the biological consequences of forage supply to pre-weaned dairy calves. Early growth and development of a calf play a great role in lifelong performance of the animal. Comprehension of these stages is an important progress achieved in calf nutrition today. Health, milk-solid feed intake and rumen development are the most important factors related to calf growth in pre- and post-weaning periods. It is well understood that fermentation by-products of grain-based starter feeds are essential for increased growth and absorptive capacity of the rumen papillae. In pre-weaned calves, two major hypotheses exist regarding forage feeding. The first hypothesis describes that the rumen was not completely developed in pre-weaned calves and forage supply during this period might increase gut fill and hence, decrease starter intake. It is believed that depressed starter intake may limit energy intake and finally suppress calf growth rate. The second hypothesis indicates that rumen pH may decline as calf age and starter intake increases. Accordingly, forage supplementation into calf starter diets could prevent further rumen pH decline and subsequent negative consequences while improving starter intake and calf growth. Because research data regarding these hypotheses are controversial, there is no universally accepted standard for feeding calves with forage as a part of starter diets. Many factors, such as milk feeding method, grain, forage type and experimental conditions, could affect calf response to dietary forage. However, there is an evidence that limited consumption of forage may be beneficial on rumen health and behavior of calves consuming highly processed (pelleted or finely ground) starter feed in pre-weaning period.
 Keywords: Forage; Growth performance; Pre-weaned calf; Rumen development

Responses of microbial community dynamics, co-occurrences, functional shifts, and natural fermentation profiles of Elymus nutans silage to altitudinal gradients.

On the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), feed shortages are common due to cold environmental conditions and the short growing season of crops. Therefore, effective preservation, such as the ensiling of local forage, is becoming increasingly important to balance the seasonal imbalance between the forage supply and the nutritional needs of domestic animals in this area. However, the structure of the microbial community of the forage, which is influenced by climatic conditions such as altitude differences, has a major impact on the fermentation quality and microbial succession of the ensiled forage. Therefore, we investigated microbial community dynamics, co-occurrence, functional shifts, and natural fermentation profiles of Elymus nutans silage as a function of altitudinal gradients. Results show that silage from Chenduo at higher elevations has better fermentation quality and higher abundance of Lacticaseibacillus and Levilactobacillus than ensiled forage from other regions. This work may contribute to guiding for silage production in QTP.

Nitrogen rate and harvesting time based on growing degree days influenced winter cereal rye morphological traits, forage yield, quality, and farm profit in poorly drained Alfisols

AbstractWinter cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) (WCR) is often double cropped with maize for silage (Zea mays L.) to increase farm forage supply and profit. Spring nitrogen (N) fertilization to WCR could influence its production and quality at different harvesting times. Therefore, two on‐farm trials were conducted in the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 growing seasons to evaluate the effect of harvesting time (late‐March to end‐of‐April considering the growth stage) and spring N fertilization (0, 23, 47, and 71 kg N ha−1) on WCR morphology, forage yield, nutrient removal, quality, and farm profit. Only two N treatments (0 and 47 kg N ha−1) were evaluated for each harvesting time in trial 1. A quadratic model best explained an increase in WCR dry matter (DM) yield in response to growing degree days (GDD) accumulation (R2 = 0.81). An increase in GDD linearly decreased WCR relative forage quality (RFQ). Benchmarking RFQ at 150 for dairy milk production indicates WCR should be harvested at a GDD of 543, at which WCR plant height was 31.8 cm and DM yield was 0.77 Mg ha−1. This resulted in loss of profit in both study years compared to later harvesting dates at higher GDDs. Benchmarking RFQ at 125 for heifer production indicated that harvest should occur at a GDD of 668, at which the WCR was 71 cm tall, and its DM yield was 2.25 Mg ha−1. Nitrogen balances were negative at the N0 treatment (0 kg N ha−1), indicating a need for some N to maximize WCR yield. We found that a rate between 21 and 47 kg N ha−1 maximizes yields reflecting slightly positive balances, in which the highest profits occur. Our results suggest that the harvesting time can be predicted by GDD and should be adjusted for RFQ. We conclude that less than 47 kg N ha−1 N fertilizer is required for WCR production in soils with manure history and high soil organic matter (>30 g kg−1).

Influence of Forage Supply, Concentrate Provision, and Farmer Characteristics with the Number of Cattle in Breeding Village

This study aimed to investigate the influence of forage supply, concentrate provision, and farmers’ characteristics on the number of cattle in the breeding village. One hundred and three farmers were selected, in interviews were carried out aiming to characterize the management practices related to forage supply, concentrate supply, and farm labour. A linear model was performed to analyze the significant variables. The result showed that the number of cattle was influenced by forage stock, farmers’ experience, and occupation. the correlation analysis showed a weak correlation between forage stock and farmer experience with the number of cattle. The clustering showed the direction effect of forage stock to the right side while the farmers’ experience to the bottom of the cluster. It concluded that the forage supply and farmers’ experience have influenced the number of cattle.

Analysis of rotational grazing management for sheep in mixed grassland.

Sown mixed grassland is rarely used for livestock raising and grazing; however, different forages can provide various nutrients for livestock, which may be beneficial to animal health and welfare. We established a sown mixed grassland and adopted a rotational grazing system, monitored the changes in aboveground biomass and sheep weights during the summer grazing period, measured the nutrients of forage by near-infrared spectroscopy, tested the contents of medium- and long-chain fatty acids by gas chromatography, and explored an efficient sheep fattening system that is suitable for agro-pastoral interlacing areas. The results showed that the maximum forage supply in a single grazing paddock was 4.6 kg DM/d, the highest dry matter intake (DMI) was 1.80 kg DM/ewe/d, the average daily weight gain (ADG) was 193.3 g, the DMI and ADG were significantly correlated (P<0.05), and the average feed weight gain ratio (F/G) reached 8.02. The average crude protein and metabolizable energy intake by sheep were 286 g/ewe/d and 18.5 MJ/ewe/d respectively, and the n-6/n-3 ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids in mutton was 2.84. The results indicated that the sheep fattening system had high feed conversion efficiency, could improve the yield and quality of sheep, and could be promoted in suitable regions.

Benefits of fire in shrub control in the grasslands of the monte province, Rio Negro, Argentina

In the grasslands in the NE of Río Negro province, Argentina controlled burning or mechanical clearing are common practices to reduce the shrub layer and improve the forage supply of the grasslands that constitute the basis of extensive livestock breeding. In one area of the region, we estimated the Aerial Net Primary Productivity (ANPP) and evaluated the quality of the dominant grasses over three years in grasslands subjected to mechanical clearing and burning, through seasonal cuts of biomass and laboratory analysis. We also recorded the phenology of the dominant grasses and shrubs. We obtained higher values of Crude Protein and Dry Matter Digestibility of the grasses in spring, since they were mainly in the vegetative stage, and the differences were significantly greater in the burned site. This effect of fire would be due both to the regrowth and to the increase in the proportion of vegetative material generated by this disturbance. Mechanical clearing had no significant effects on quality, although it increased the ANPP. When analyzing phenological behavior, our results showed better conditions for livestock production in the disturbed sites, with a higher proportion of vegetative growth of the grasses and greater senescence of the shrubs.

Effects of corn processing index and forage source on performance, blood parameters, and ruminal fermentation of dairy calves

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of corn processing index (CPI)—particularly at 70% and 85%—in starter feed in combination with the provision of forage, either alfalfa hay (AH) or wheat straw (WS), on feed intake, growth performance, rumen pH, and blood metabolites of dairy calves. Forty-eight male Holstein calves (43.0 ± 1.5 kg body weight) were randomly assigned (n = 12 calves per treatment) to one of four dietary treatments: (1) a textured starter diet containing 70% CPI and AH (70CPIAH), (2) a textured starter feed containing 70% CPI combined with WS (70CPIWS), (3) a textured starter feed containing 85% CPI and AH (85CPIAH), (4) a textured starter feed containing 85% CPI combined with WS (85CPIWS). Intake of starter feed (TMR) and milk was individually monitored and recorded daily, while body weight was measured weekly. On days 30 and 65, blood samples were collected from all calves 3 h after morning feeding. No interaction was detected between the CPI of starter feed diets and forage provision for starter intake, dry matter intake (DMI), metabolizable energy intake (MEI), feed efficiency (FE), average daily gain (ADG), and body weight (BW). The preweaning and overall DMI, preweaning, postweaning and overall FE and ADG, preweaning and overall starter intake, preweaning and overall ME intake, and postweaning and overall BW were greater for calves fed 85CPI than those fed 70CPI starter diets. Postweaning and overall ADG and postweaning FE were greater in calves fed WS than those fed AH. Body length and hip width were greater for calves offered 85CPI than in fed 70CPI. Wheat straw supplementation increased rumen pH at day 65 in calves fed 70CPI, but not in those fed 85CPI. No interaction was found between the CPI in the starter feed diet and the forage source for starter intake and DMI, MEI, FE, and BW. The results showed that including corn with 85% processing index in dairy calf starters improved their growth performance.