Forage Quality Characteristics Research Articles

Effects of Different Harvesting Practices on Forage Yield and Quality Characteristics in some Sweet Sorghum Cultivars

Effects of Different Harvesting Practices on Forage Yield and Quality Characteristics in some Sweet Sorghum Cultivars

Irrigation and Phosphorus Management of Alfalfa Under Semi-Arid Conditions

The frequency of irrigation and deficit irrigation management are drawing attention because water resources are becoming limited year by year, especially in the last decade. Besides, the rate and application time of P fertilization gained more importance just after the researchers found out it is more effective than N-fertilizing for alfalfa cultivation. This study aimed to determine the effects of different irrigation managements (seasonal deficit, intervals of 5, 7, and 9 days), phosphorus application season (autumn and spring), and the rate of P fertilizer (0, 30, 60, 90 kg ha-1) on the yield and forage quality of alfalfa. The experiment was conducted in the 2019-2020 years, which was the 3rd and the 4th years of alfalfa respectively, under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions. The stand height and fiber content (NDF) were higher in the autumn application. However, forage contained more nitrogen in the spring application. A higher amount of water (800 mm) with higher irrigation frequency (5 days – I5d) caused a reduction in yield due to water excess. The yield was the highest (21.34 t ha-1) and the forage quality was better in 448 mm water application with 9 days intervals (I9d). Seasonal deficit water management caused a significant loss in yield and quality. Nevertheless, 18.04 t ha-1 dry matter yield with 24.05 % CP content was recorded at seasonal deficit water management. P fertilization increased the yield and forage quality. The yield was the highest (20.23 t ha-1) at the rate of 90 kg ha-1 P fertilizer, but yield and forage quality characteristics were similar between 30, 60, and 90 kg ha-1 P. The results showed that P fertilization could be done in both autumn and spring at the rate of 30 kg ha-1 and 448 mm water could be applied at 9 days intervals for fulfilling performance under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions. When water resources are very scarce, the seasonal water deficit should be applied, especially in late summer.

Forage potential of several halophytic species grown on saline soil in arid environments

This study was carried out to evaluate the forage quantity and quality of several halophyte species grown in arid-saline environments. After identifying 44 halophytic species in the region and considering the potential of quantitative and qualitative forage production, 13 species from four families, i.e. Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, Leguminosae and Convolvulaceae, and eight genera were selected for further evaluation. These species differed significantly in terms of both forage quantity, measured in terms of fresh (FW) and dry weight (DW), and forage quality assessed in terms of tissue water content (TWC), ash, nitrogen content (N), crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), dry matter digestibility and metabolizable energy (ME). The highest fresh and dry weights were obtained from Suaeda ferticosa (1006.3 g and 306.3 g, respectively) and Noaea mucronata (909.3 g and 309 g, respectively). However, based on forage quality characteristics, Alhagi maurorum, Bassia scoparia, Noaea mucronata, Halostachys belangriana and Cressa cretica showed the best forage potential. Values of ash, CP, ADF, NDF and ME measured in the halophytes species ranged between 7.9% and 33.2%, 6.2% and 15.8%, 30.0% and 50.3%, 33.2% and 56.4%, 5.6 and 8.7 MJ kg−1, respectively. The forage quality of the evaluated halophytic plants was influenced by unfavorable environmental conditions such as high soil salinity and low rainfall, however, these species can be considered as new sources of forage. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to improve the quality of such halophytic species by reducing the ash content and increasing the ME.

Evaluation of three varieties of Buffel grass, in the North of Tamaulipas

Objective: To evaluate the vegetative, reproductive, production, and forage quality characteristics of three Buffel grass varieties from northern Tamaulipas. Design/Methodology/Approach: A pot trial was established under open field conditions, at CERIB-CIRNE-INIFAP in Río Bravo, Tamaulipas, on 04/15/2016 and 03/10/2017; the experiment was carried out with a completely randomized design, with 30 replications per material. The morphological, reproductive, production, and chemical composition characteristics of the Milenio, Regio, and Titán Buffel grass varieties forage were evaluated. Results: The year accounted for 62.3% of the variation in the stem and leaf characteristics. The genotype contributed 35.4% and G*Y interaction, less than 2%. Regarding the reproductive variables, the genotype accounted for 62% of the results, the G*Y interaction, 25%, and the year, 13%. The genotype and the year accounted for 44% and 47% of the variance in forage production and quality, respectively. The G*Y interaction had no statistical effect. Limitations/Implications: The evaluation was carried out under pot conditions, which implies that the roots of the plants have limited growth and that the expression of some of the characteristics of the material may be restricted. Findings/Conclusions: The major differences between the three varieties were found in their morphological characteristics: duration of the flowering stage, reproductive stems proportion, panicle length, exertion of the panicle from the main stem, number of florets per panicle, and seed weight.

PSI-8 Exploring the Relationship Between Soil Composition and Forage Characteristics in Cool Season Grass/Legume Pastures

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the relationship between soil nutrient composition and forage characteristics in cool-season grass/legume pastures in June. Forage and soil samples were collected from a total of 15 distinct locations with varying topography and forage species. Forage samples (0.25 m2) were clipped at the crown and weighed to determine total biomass production. Forage samples were sorted by species. Soil samples were collected utilizing either a manual probe or drill auger (Oakfield Apparatus, Oakfield, WI) depending on soil compaction. Forage and soil samples were analyzed for chemical composition at a commercial laboratory. Percent legume was positively correlated (r ≥ 0.51; P ≤ 0.05) with forage crude protein (CP), total digestible nutrients, Mg, Cu and B and negatively correlated (r ≤ -0.81; P < 0.01) with total forage biomass, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. Soil organic matter and N release both had positive, strong correlations (r ≥ 0.53, P ≤ 0.04) with soil S, B, Fe, Cu and NO3-N. Soil pH was negatively correlated (r = -0.63; P ≤ 0.01) with soil H, but positively correlated (r ≥ 0.60, P ≤ 0.02) with forage Al and Fe. Soil P was not only positively correlated (r ≥ 0.73, P ≤ 0.01) with soil S, B and Zn but also positively correlated (r ≥ 0.73, P ≤ 0.01) with forage CP, P, and K. Soil K base saturation percent was positively correlated (r ≥ 0.55, P ≤ 0.04) with forage CP, P, K, Fe, Zn, Al, and B. Additionally, forage Fe was positively correlated (r ≥ 0.56, P ≤ 0.03) with forage P, K, and Zn, as well as soil Zn, B, P, and S. In conclusion, percent legume in forage was related to several forage quality characteristics, and multiple relationships exist between and among forage and soil characteristics.

Assesment of Biochemical Forage Quality of Sweet Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench ssp. saccharatum

In this study, it was aimed to determine some forage quality characteristics of sweet sorghum genotypes in semi-arid climatic conditions. The experiment was set up in randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. Research was carried out in 2016 and 2017 under Harran Plain second crop conditions, Sanliurfa, Turkey. In the study 21 genotypes of sweet sorghum were used. Crude protein content, crude ash, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), dry matter digestibility, dry matter consumption, were determined in the study. Significant differences were found between the genotypes for tested characteristics (P≤0.01). According to average of two years, crude protein content ranged from 4.20% (Tracy) to 5.90% (USDA S.Africa), crude ash from 4.44% (Theis) to 6.90% (Topper 76), acid detergent fiber (ADF) from 27.84% (Nebraska sugar) to 36.30% (USDA-Zaire). The highest NDF value was obtained from USDA-Zaire genotype (56.49%) whereas the lowest values were seen at N98 genotype (43.11%). Dry matter digestibility values were between 60.62% (USDA-Zaire) and 67.21% (Nebraska sugar), dry matter consumption between 2.14% and 2.85%. The highest relative feed value was obtained from N98 genotype (148.95) whereas the lowest values were seen at USDA-Zaire genotype (101.00). Net energy values ranged from 1.38 Mcal kg-1 (USDA-Zaire) to 1.50 Mcal kg-1 (Nebraska sugar). Considering the properties examined in terms of feed quality, it was seen that the crude protein content and net energy value was low. But ADF, NDF, digestible dry matter, dry matter consumption and relative feed values were within acceptable levels. Nebraska sugar, Topper 76, N98, Roma, M81E, Tracy and Corina genotypes were found as the best for forage quality in sweet sorghum. It was determined that sweet sorghum can be used as a forage source.

EFFECTS OF ANİMAL GRAZİNG ON FAVORABLE FORAGE YİELD AND QUALİTY OF RANGELANDS WİTH DİFFERENT SLOPE

This study conducted between 2016 and 2017 in the Kosk Village of Yakutiye District of Erzurum Province on rangeland sites with 4 different slopes (0-10%, 10-30%, 30-60 and 60% and above). In the research, current favorable forage yield and some forage quality characteristics of rangeland sites with different slope degrees were investigated. It was determined that the forage yield of rangeland sites decreased in steep slope rangeland sites and increased in slightly sloping rangeland sites. It was determined that the effect of different sloping degrees on some forage quality was important. Slightly slope rangeland sites, forages had higher crude protein content, while steep slope rangeland sites had higher ADF and NDF ratio. Also, it was calculated that the Relative Feed Value (RFV) in the rangelands decreased due to the increase in slope. According to the obtained results, it reveals the necessity to practice appropriate management such as the proper intensity of grazing, especially in sloping areas to ensure sustainable rangeland use.

Kadmiyum (Cd) Uygulamasının Bazı Tane Sorgum Çeşitlerinin Yem Kalite Özellikleri Üzerine Etkisinin Araştırılması

Bu araştırma, bazı tane sorgum (Sorghum bicolor L.) çeşitlerinde kadmiyum (Cd) uygulamasının (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 mg kg-1) yem kalite özelliklerine olan etkisini incelemek amacıyla sera koşullarında yürütülmüştür. Araştırmada; Batı Akdeniz Tarımsal Araştırma Enstitüsü’nden temin edilen üç farklı tane sorgum çeşidi (Akdarı, Beydarı ve Öğretmenoğlu) bitkisel materyal olarak kullanılmıştır. Deneme bölünmüş parseller deneme desenine (3 çeşit x 1 element x 6 doz x 3 tekerrür) göre kurulmuştur. 130 günlük büyüme periyodu sonunda bitkilerin tanelerinde; tanen oranı, ham protein oranı, yağ oranı, ADF (asit deterjanda çözünmeyen lif), NDF (nötral deterjanda çözünmeyen lif), SKM (sindirilebilir kuru madde), KMT (kuru madde tüketimi) oranları ve NYD (nispi yem değeri) incelenmiştir. Tanen, yağ, NDF (nötral deterjanda çözünmeyen lif), KMT (kuru madde tüketimi) oranları ve NYD (nispi yem değeri) (P<0.01); ham protein oranı, ADF (asit deterjanda çözünmeyen lif), SKM (sindirilebilir kuru madde) oranları (P<0.05) özelliklerinde çeşit x doz interaksiyonu istatistiki olarak farklı bulunmuştur. Tane sorgum çeşitleri uygulanan kadmiyum stresinden etkilenmiş ve doz artışına bağlı olarak yem kalite özelliklerinde değişimler gözlemlenmiştir.

Effects of saline irrigated water on forage quality of globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus L.)

Salinity is a major abiotic stress for crop production in many parts of the world. To evaluate the effects of irrigation with saline water on growth parameters and forage quality of globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus), a field experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications at Isfahan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Iran during 2013-2015. The treatments were four irrigation levels with saline water (4, 8, 12 and 16 dS.m-1). Plant fresh weight (FW), plant dry weight (DW), crude protein (CP), water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), dry matter digestibility (DMD), total tannins (TT) and ash content were measured in the second year of growth season. The results showed that the maximum fresh weight (51551 kg ha-1) and dry weight (9000 kg ha-1) were obtained at EC=4 dS.m−1. Increasing salinity levels caused a significant reduction in NDF and ADF contents, while ash, CP, DMD and TT contents were increased. The treatments of EC=12 and EC=16 dS.m−1 produced the highest amount of CP (178.3, 185.1 g/kg DM), DMD (613.2, 636.2g/kg DM) and the lowest content of NDF (598, 585.1g/kg DM) and ADF (393, 3778g/kg DM), respectively. The lowest tannin content (28.2g/kg DM) was observed in EC=4 dS.m−1 and there was no significant difference between the treatments of EC=8 and EC=12 dS.m−1. Generally, results showed that although increasing salinity decreased plant yield, it could increase forage quality characteristics.

Effects of water stress on growth parameters and forage quality of globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus L.).

Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus L. is a herbaceous perennial plant that could be drought tolerant once established after the first year. To evaluate the effects of water stress on growth parametersand forage quality of this plant, a field experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications in Isfahan, Iran during 2013-2015. Treatments were irrigation at 20 % (non-stress), 50 % (moderate stress) and 80 % (severe stress) depletion of the soil available water. Plant fresh weight (FW), plant dry weight (DW) and some forage quality characteristics such as crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF), water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), dry matter digestibility (DMD), total tannins (TT) and ash content were determined at the heading stage. Results indicated that growth and forage quality were significantly affected by water stress. The highest rates of FW, DW, NDF, ADF, CF and ash contents were recorded at non-stress conditions which were decreased over increasing stress severity by 40.67, 51.71, 6.54, 18.23, 8.83 and 21.81 %, respectively, while the highest rates of CP, DMD, WSC, and TT contents were observed at the severe water stress conditions. Generally, although water stress decreased forage yield, it had a positive role in qualitative characteristics of Cynara forage due to the increase in CP, DMD and WSC along with the decrease in NDF, ADF and ash content.

Effects of Different Growing Stages on The Yield and Some Forage Quality Characteristics of Sunn Hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) Grown As Second Crop In Mediterranean Climate Condition

Bu araştırma; Akdeniz iklim koşullarında yazlık ikinci ürün olarak yetiştirilen Krotalarya (Crotalaria juncea L.) bitkisinde farklı gelişme dönemlerinin, verim ve bazı yem kalite özelliklerine etkilerini belirlemek amacıyla, Ege Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Tarla Bitkileri Bölümü’nün İzmir’de yer alan deneme alanlarında 2 yıl süreyle (2016-2017) yürütülmüştür. Amerika Birleşik Devletleri’nden temin edilen Tillage Sun çeşidi bitkisel materyal olarak kullanılmıştır. Bitkiler, farklı gelişme dönemlerinde (ekimden sonra 8-10-12-14-16. hafta) hasat edilerek verim ve bazı yem kalite özellikleri (bitki boyu, sap çapı, yaprak sayısı, yaprak oranı, yeşil ot verimi, kuru madde verimi, ham protein oranı, ham kül oranı, NDF, ADF) incelenmiştir. Elde edilen iki yıl ortalama sonuçlarına göre; gelişme döneminin ilerlemesiyle; bitki boyu, sap çapı, yaprak sayısı, yeşil ot verimi, kuru madde oranı, NDF ve ADF değerlerinde artış kaydedilirken; yaprak oranı, ham protein ve ham kül oranlarında düşüş gözlemlenmiştir. Krotalarya bitkisinin NDF değerleri %60.82-66.61, ADF değerleri %51.65-58.23, yeşil ot verimleri 2.917-11.312 kg/da, kuru madde verimleri 693-3.563 kg/da ve ham protein oranlarının %15.07-20.06 arasında değişim gösterdiği saptanmıştır. Sonuç olarak; ülkemizde Akdeniz iklim koşulları altındaki yörelerde yazlık ikinci ürün olarak Krotalarya bitkisinin başarıyla yetiştirilebileceği kanaatine varılmıştır.

Agronomic Performance and Lignin Content of HCT Down-Regulated Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

Lignin is a cell wall polymer that reduces the enzymatic digestibility and conversion efficiency of lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol. Down-regulation of the hydroxycinnamoyl CoA: shikimate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HCT) gene reduces lignin content in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). The objective of this study was to evaluate HCT down-regulated alfalfa plants for their forage composition and agronomic performance in the greenhouse and under field conditions. Individual plants with two separate T0HCT down-regulation events 3a and 30a were used to make crosses with a common male sterile line to generate T1 progenies (3A and 30A, respectively). The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications per line and ten individuals per replication. Two-row plots with full-sib progeny rows with (+) and without (−) the transgene were planted along with commercial cultivars used as checks. Most differential responses in forage quality and agronomic characteristics between full-sib down-regulated and non-down-regulated progenies were event-specific and found mainly between the HCT30A+ and HCT30A− progenies. Variation between HCT− and HCT+ alfalfa plants was observed in the HCT gene transcript levels, acid detergent lignin (ADL), relative feed value (RFV), and saccharification efficiency. Although differential responses in agronomic performance of field-grown HCT down-regulated alfalfa plants were identified for biomass yield and plant height, HCT+ and HCT− progenies had similar spring growth and fall dormancy. The reduction in lignin content of alfalfa plants via modification of HCT transcript levels increased forage quality and efficiency of sugar release of plants grown under greenhouse and field conditions.

Nutritive value of forage biomass from sainfoin mixtures.

Forage quality characteristics of field-grown mixtures of sainfoin with cocksfoot (50:50%), sainfoin with tall fescue (50:50%), and the same with the addition of subterranean clover in their composition (33:33:33%) were measured. Forage biomass from the mixtures of sainfoin with cocksfoot had generally higher forage quality than mixtures with tall fescue. It had higher crude protein content (11.52% of dry matter (with 1.07% units), significantly higher digestibility (61.74%) (with 6.51% units), higher neutral detergent fiber content (53.42%) (with 3.22% units), higher nutritive value (Unité Fourragère Viande – Unité Fourragère Lait, 0.690–0.583) and higher protein feeding value (Total Digestible Protein – Protein digestible dans l’intestine in dependence of nitrogen – Protein digestible dans l’intestine in dependence of energy), 72–70–79 g/kg of dry matter. Forage biomass showed more balanced basic chemical composition after the addition of subterranean clover, i.e.: higher crude protein content (with 0.30% units) and lower crude fiber content (with 0.14% units) for mixtures with cocksfoot; higher digestibility (with 0.29% units) for mixtures with cocksfoot; lower neutral detergent fiber content (with 0.45% units) for mixtures with cocksfoot and with 3.15% units for mixtures with tall fescue, higher energy feeding value (Unité Fourragère Viande – Unité Fourragère Lait) (with 0.007–0.012 for mixtures with cocksfoot and with 0.009–0.014 for mixtures with tall fescue), higher protein feeding value for both mixtures with cocksfoot and tall fescue. Forage biomass from mixtures of sainfoin with cocksfoot and Trifolium subterraneum ssp. brachycalicinum had the highest crude protein (11.89% of dry matter), the lowest crude fiber content (27.07% of dry matter) and the highest digestibility (62.81% of dry matter).

Applying a dryland degradation framework for rangelands: the case of Mongolia.

Livestock-caused rangeland degradation remains a major policy concern globally and the subject of widespread scientific study. This concern persists in part because it is difficult to isolate the effects of livestock from climate and other factors that influence ecosystem conditions. Further, degradation studies seldom use multiple plant and soil indicators linked to a clear definition of and ecologically grounded framework for degradation assessment that distinguishes different levels of degradation. Here, we integrate two globally applicable rangeland degradation frameworks and apply them to a broad-scale empirical data set for the country of Mongolia. We compare our assessment results with two other recent national rangeland degradation assessments in Mongolia to gauge consistency of findings across assessments and evaluate the utility of our framework. We measured livestock-use impacts across Mongolia's major ecological zones: mountain and forest steppe, eastern steppe, steppe, and desert steppe. At 143 sites in 36 counties, we measured livestock-use and degradation indicators at increasing distances from livestock corrals in winter-grazed pastures. At each site, we measured multiple indicators linked to our degradation framework, including plant cover, standing biomass, palatability, species richness, forage quality, vegetation gaps, and soil surface characteristics. Livestock use had no effect on soils, plant species richness, or standing crop biomass in any ecological zone, but subtly affected plant cover and palatable plant abundance. Livestock effects were strongest in the steppe zone, moderate in the desert steppe, and limited in the mountain/forest and eastern steppes. Our results aligned closely with those of two other recent country-wide assessments, suggesting that our framework may have widespread application. All three assessments found that very severe and irreversible degradation is rare in Mongolia (1-18% of land area), with most rangelands slightly (33-53%) or moderately (25-40%) degraded. We conclude that very severe livestock-induced rangeland degradation is overstated in Mongolia. However, targeted rangeland restoration coupled with monitoring, adaptive management and stronger rangeland governance are needed to prevent further degradation where heavy grazing could cause irreversible change. Given the broad applicability of our degradation framework for Mongolia, we suggest it be tested for application in other temperate grasslands throughout Central Asia and North America.

Experimental warming alters migratory caribou forage quality.

Global declines in caribou and reindeer (Rangifer) populations have drawn attention to the myriad of stressors that these Arctic and boreal forest herbivores currently face. Arctic warming has resulted in increased tundra shrub growth and therefore Rangifer forage quantity. However, its effects on forage quality have not yet been addressed although they may be critical to Rangifer body condition and fecundity. We investigated the impact of 8yrs of summer warming on the quality of forage available to the Bathurst caribou herd using experimental greenhouses (n=5) located in mesic birch hummock tundra in the central Canadian Low Arctic. Leaf forage quality and digestibility characteristics associated with nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), phenolics, and fiber were measured on the deciduous shrub Betula glandulosa (an important Rangifer diet component) at six time points through the growing season, and on five other very common vascular plant and lichen species in late summer. Experimental warming reduced B.glandulosa leaf nitrogen concentrations by ~10% in both late June and mid-July, but not afterwards. It also reduced late summer forage quality of the graminoid Eriophorum vaginatum by increasing phenolic concentrations 38%. Warming had mixed effects on forage quality of the lichen Cetraria cucullata in that it increased nutrient concentrations and tended to decrease fiber contents, but it also increased phenolics. Altogether, these warming-induced changes in forage quality over the growing season, and response differences among species, highlight the importance of Rangifer adaptability in diet selection. Furthermore, the early season reduction in B.glandulosa nitrogen content is a particular concern given the importance of this time for calf growth. Overall, our demonstration of the potential for significant warming impacts on forage quality at critical times for these animals underscores the importance of effective Rangifer range conservation to ensure sufficient appropriate habitat to support adaptability in forage selection in a rapidly changing environment.

Intermediate Wheatgrass Grain and Forage Yield Responses to Nitrogen Fertilization

Core Ideas Intermediate wheatgrass is being bred as a perennial grain crop. Optimum N fertilizer rates for intermediate wheatgrass grain yields are reported. Intermediate wheatgrass biomass yield and quality is comparable to other biomass crops. Intermediate wheatgrass grain yields declined after two years of production. Lodging occurred at high N rates, which reduced grain yields. Perennial crops have fewer environmental impacts compared to annual crops, but there are no perennial grains available to replace the annual grains that occupy a majority of U.S. cropland. Here we report grain and biomass yields from an improved breeding population of intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) [Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Buckworth & Dewey], a perennial grass being domesticated to serve as the first widely grown perennial grain crop. Our objective was to measure grain and biomass yields of this improved grain‐type IWG (TLI‐C2), a forage variety of IWG (cultivar Rush), and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) in response to N fertilization rates ranging from 0 to 200 kg N ha−1. TLI‐C2 grain yields responded quadratically to increasing N rates in all but one environment, but yields declined at high N rates due to lodging. TLI‐C2 grain yields were highest during the first year of fertilization, yielding 961 and 893 kg ha−1 when fertilized at agronomically optimum nitrogen rates (AONRs) of 61 and 96 kg N ha−1 for stands seeded in fall of 2011 and spring of 2012, respectively. Grain yields declined with stand age. When fertilized with AONRs for grain, biomass yields of TLI‐C2 harvested after grain ranged from 9.2 to 12.3 Mg ha−1 and had similar forage and bioenergy quality characteristics compared to Rush, which demonstrates the potential to manage TLI‐C2 as a dual‐use cropping system for both grain and forage.

Production and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Oat Forages Receiving Slurry or Urea

Although fall‐grown oat (Avena sativa L.) has potential for use as supplementary fall forage throughout the north‐central United States, one additional benefit is the option for summer manure distribution that is not possible within a conventional corn (Zea mays L.) cropping program. ‘ForagePlus’ oat was seeded into replicated plots fertilized with urea at rates of 0, 20, 40, 60, or 100 kg N ha−1 or with dairy slurry applied at approximately 42,300 and 84,600 L ha−1 (105 and 209 kg N ha−1, respectively). Apparent N recovery from fall‐grown oat plots fertilized with urea ranged from 65.8 to 89.8%. This suggested aggressive scavenging of N, but calculation of these high apparent N recovery rates was dependent on relatively low preplanting soil NO3–N concentrations, as well as a good dry matter (DM) yield response to N fertilization (y = −0.114x2 + 29.9x + 2130; R2 = 0.982). For this study, applications of high and low rates of dairy slurry yielded respective N fertilizer equivalencies of 38 and 45 kg N ha−1 for fall‐grown oat, which are roughly equivalent to Wisconsin recommendations for cereal grains (45 kg N ha−1). Apparent N recovery following application of the high and low rates of dairy slurry was 18.1 and 25.5%, respectively; however, when expressed on the basis of NH4–N applied, apparent N recovery for fall‐grown oat averaged 53.5% and did not differ among slurry application rate treatments. Fall‐grown oat appears to be an effective scavenger of N applied as NH4–N from dairy slurry.Core Ideas Fall‐grown oat possesses unique forage quality characteristics. Fall‐grown oat can serve as attractive emergency fall forage. Use of fall‐grown oat allows for summer manure application that is decoupled from corn production. Fall‐grown oat is an effective scavenger of NH4–N applied from dairy slurry. Fall‐grown oat may be a useful tool in managing N from dairy manures.

QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MIXTURES OF SOME WARM SEASON PERENNIAL GRASSES WITH ALFALFA (Medicago sativa L.) UNDER IRRIGATED CONDITIONS OF CUKUROVA

ABSTRACT This research was conducted to determine forage quality characteristics of duo (alfalfa + one grass) and trio ( alfalfa + two grasses) mixtures of some warm season perennial grass species such as dallis grass ( Paspalum dilatatum Poir.), Rhodes grass ( Chloris gayana L.) and Bermuda grass ( Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) with alfalfa as well as their pure sowings under irrigated conditions of Cukurova during the years of 2009-2011. In the study, crude protein contents, crude protein yields, acid detergent fiber contents (ADF), neutral detergent fiber contents (NDF) and relative feed values (RFV) of the mixtures and pure sowings were determined. The experimental design was completely randomized block design with three replications. The results of the study showed that there were significant differences among mixtures and pure sowings in the forage quality characteristics. The highest crude protein yield (2.32 t ha -1 ) was obtained from the mixture of dallis grass + alfalfa. The highest crude protein ratio (20.6 %) and RFV (164.8) was obtained from the pure alfalfa. The highest ADF (40.2 %) and NDF (70.9 %) was obtained from the pure dallis grass. The result of the study indicated that duo mixture of alfalfa with dallis grass may be used to establish artificial pastures under irrigated conditions of Cukurova or of similar ecologies owing to its high forage quality and high crude protein yield. Key words: Warm season perennial grasses, alfalfa, mixture, quality

Prediction of the Ym factor for livestock from on-farm accessible data

Methane emission factor (Ym) is directly involved to calculate the worldwide livestock methane inventories, hence it is important to refine the estimation of this parameter for different livestock production systems. The purpose of this work was to generate refined mathematical models to predict CH4 emissions from an extensive compilated database at on-farm level and to compare them with different models already available in the literature. Methane emission predictive models (expressed as Ym, % gross energy intake; and methane production, CH4p, gan−1d−1) where fitted taken into account the production system, the livestock type and the feed characteristics available at on-farm level within a reasonable uncertainty range. In order to develop the models, only easy available parameters were selected to fit new mathematical models. Hence, the full model included: ruminant types (beef cattle, dairy cattle, and sheep), fibre sources (fresh forage, conserved forage, and straw) and concentrate levels (DM basis) in the diet (Low, <35%; Intermediate, 35–65%; High, >65%). Full models were assessed by the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) and terms that did not reach significance level (P≤0.05) were dropped from the model. Furthermore, predicted results were assessed through correlation and regression analyses considering the model significance. Models developed in this study were compared by the degree of adjustment of a simple regression. Additive and technique terms were initially dropped from the full model used to predict Ym because they did not have effect in the prediction (P>0.10). Therefore, the final equation for Model 1 was: Ym(a)=Intercept−0.243(±0.051)×DMI (kgd−1)+5.9×10−3(±1.17×10−3)×NDF (gkg−1DM−1)+5.7×10−3(±1.63×10−3)×DMD (gkg−1MS−1) (BIC=559). All terms of this model, intercept factor (type of cattle×source of fibre×level of concentrate), DMI, NDF, and DMD were significant (P<0.0001). DMI was the term with the greatest weight in the model. The predicted Ym value decreased about 0.243 percentage units (P<0.0001) per each additional kg in DMI. When the equation was compared with previous publicated models, our model showed a satisfactory degree of fitting.In conclusion, this new model improved the estimation of the Ym factor from beef and dairy production systems, using different forage quality characteristics from on-farm level to increase precision.

Influence of Stocking Rate on Forage Quality and Diversity in Pyrenean Subalpine Grasslands: Can They Recover if Abandoned?

Can subalpine grasslands recover their pristine conditions if they are abandoned? Since the mid-20th Century, the process of abandonment in European subalpine grasslands due to the decrease in the stocking rate has triggered changes in the forage quality and ecological characteristics of pastures. In this paper we explain the changes (and tendencies) in forage quality and biodiversity in grasslands of Festuca eskia Ramond ex DC from the Aiguestortes National Park (Spanish Pyrenees) that were quasi-abandoned for some years and regained their stocking rate at the beginning of the 21st Century without great changes in climatic and edaphic conditions during the period. Results show a decrease in forage quality (measured as the content of crude protein, phosphorous, fat and pastoral value) and in specific richness at the beginning of abandonment and a regain when the stocking rate was restored. The changes in the variables studied over the period of loss and recovery of grazing show a direct relation to the changes in the functional groups.