Forage Quality Research Articles

Автоматическая система позиционирования колёсных роботизированных технических средств, обслуживающих кормовой стол

The quality and availability of forage on the feed table increase cow productivity. Feed availability can be ensured by increasing the length of the feed table and using robotic tools. The use of a wheeled robotized device in feed distribution increases labour productivity and reduces the influence of the human factor on the feeding process. To improve the efficiency of the feed distribution process, the author has developed and tested an automatic positioning system and a robotic device for servicing the feed table. The article presents a mathematical description of the kinematic relationships of movement of wheeled robotic devices. The author has developed an algorithm of the automatic positioning system operation, which takes into account the algorithmic connection between the electric drive actuators of the driving wheels and the vision system, where the image is processed according to the intellectual algorithm of the feeding area recognition. The author has developed the principle of constructing the route travelled by the robotic device along the feed table. Tests have confirmed the conformity of output reactions of the robotic device actuators to the input commands of the automatic positioning system.

Influence of intercropping sweet sorghum with climbing bean on forage yield and quality

Influence of intercropping sweet sorghum with climbing bean on forage yield and quality

Succession and climatic stochasticity induce long-term decline of a forest browser.

Removal of predators and creation of early seral habitat have, in many systems, caused substantial population growth of herbivores. Hyperabundant herbivores, in turn, induce cascading ecosystem effects, but few studies have investigated long-term browser density trends in relation to succession and stochastic climate events. Here, we use annual, empirical population estimates of a forest browser to relate forest succession to long-term decline of an herbivore that prefers early seral habitat. From 2007-2021, concurrent with reduced timber harvest, we used line-transect distance sampling to document annual changes in Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) density on a mid-sized (17.3km2) predator-free island. We documented successional changes associated with forest aggradation and decreased forage quality for deer: early successional shrub/scrub habitat declined 3.8%/year; timber volume increased 4.5%/year; and canopy coverage increased 2.5%. In 2007-2008, deer densities were the greatest observed (~44/km2), but then an historic snowstorm reduced deer density by 39%. From 2010-2021, as forests continued to mature, deer density decreased 4.0%/year, declining to 20 deer/km2. Using a multivariate approach to combine habitat variables (i.e., early seral coverage, timber volume, and canopy closure) into a measure of forest maturation, we found a significant negative relationship between deer density and forest aggradation. Thus, consistent with predictions for bottom-up limited browsers, we observed significant annual declines in a deer population throughout an extended period of forest regrowth. Despite declines, deer density on the island exceeds mainland densities, and overbrowsing likely continues to disrupt ecosystem processes.

Effects of Different Harvest Stages on Forage Yield and Quality of Soybean Cultivars Grown as Second Crops

In this study, the effect of three different harvesting stages [full bloom stage (R2), full pod stage (R4), and full seed stage (R6)] on forage yield and quality of three soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cultivars (Adasoy, Derry and Yeşilsoy) were evaluated under Mediterranean climate conditions in Adana, Türkiye in second crop seasons. Plant height, green herbage yield, dry matter yield, crude protein (CP), crude protein yield (CPY), leaf and stem ratio, dry matter intake (DMI), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), digestible dry matter (DDM) and relative feed value (RFV) were determined. The results showed that the average plant height of three soybean cultivars was 106.5-203.5 cm and green herbage yield was 190 42-603 50 kg ha-1. The highest values were obtained from cv. Derry at R4 and R6 harvest stages. In both years, the highest CPY values were determined from the R6 harvest stages. Obtained ADF, NDF, DMI, DDM, and RFV values were found to be between 32.8-47.1%, 41.1-59.3%, 2.0-3.6%, 52.1-63.3%, 83.0-180.2%, respectively, and the best results were obtained from the R6 harvest stage of cv. Yeşilsoy. According to these results, in second crop conditions, while cv. Derry came to the fore of soybean yield, cv. Yeşilsoy stands out in terms of quality. As a result, it is thought that it is appropriate to harvest soybean in the R6 harvest period, the use of soybean as a green herbage should be expanded and its addition to feed rations can provide positive contributions.

Impact of Bio-Fertilizers under Supplementary Irrigation and Rain-fed Conditions on Some Physiological Responses and Forage Quality of Smooth Vetch (Vicia dasycarpa L.)

The purpose of this study was the evaluate use of bio-fertilizers to adjustment water shortage stress and improved smooth vetch (Vicia dasycarpa L.) yield under water deficit stress conditions. Thus, A 2-year experiment were performed in an agrisilviculture system of plum orchard in 2016 and 2017. In this study, the single, double and triple combined of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi- Rhizophagus intraradices (AMF), Azotobacter chroococcum (Az) and Thiobacillus spp. (Th) on smooth vetch plants were evaluated under rain-fed and supplemental irrigation. The results indicated that irrigated plants had more Fe and Zn nutrients than rain-fed plants. Combined use of AMF + A. chroococcum more improved the forage dry matter digestibility (DMD), total digestible nutrient (TDN), net energy for lactation (NEL), dry matter intake (DMI) and relative feed value (RFV) than plants with single inoculation. In irrigated plants, double and triple combination of AMF with A. chroococcum and/or Thiobacillus spp. improved chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll, RWC, TSS, AsA, and GSH while lowering proline and MDA. Rain-fed condition reduced grain yield. In conclusion, synthesis non-enzymatic antioxidant because of the combined use of bio-fertilizers (AMF, Az and Th) can reduce ROS damage and improve water deficit resistance and yield in smooth vetch rain-fed plants.

Daily weight gain of goats until weaning receiving two schemes of mineral supplementation

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of commercial mineral supplementation and selective mineral supplements in which only elements known to be deficient in the animal's diet. In an experiment conducted in Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were analyzed: daily weight gain, nutritional and economic aspects of goats mixed breed receiving two types of mineral supplements. The sixteen animals were divided into two groups. For one group a commercial mineral mixture was used, and to the other group selective mineral mixture containing only sodium (Na) and copper (Cu) was offered. There was no difference in daily weight gain when the selective or commercial mixture was given. The selective mineral supplementation was 4,8 times more economic than conventional supplementation with a commercial mineral mix. The animals showed an increase of hair pigmentation around the eyes, attributed to the correction of copper deficiency. Thus, when an adequate concentrate and good quality forage is given, only the deficient mineral element(s) should be supplemented. The result of this experiment confirms the hypothesis that selective mineral supplementation is correct and can result in reduction of the cost with mineral supplementation of a herd.

FORAGE YIELD AND QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF WINTER LEGUME / GRASS MIXTURES HARVESTED AT DIFFERENT PHENOLOGICAL STAGES

Winter forage crop mixtures are very important sources of quality forage as well as the benefits they bring to the soil and the main crop. In areas where year-round production is carried out, leaving the soil fallow during the winter months and producing maize-maize or cotton-cotton causes fatigue in the soil and facilitates the increase of pests. For this purpose, forage yield and quality characteristics of 12 different winter forage crop applications (4 pure and 8 mixtures) were investigated between 2014-2016 in Büyük Menderes basin. The experiment was designed according to the split-plot experimental design in randomized blocks and mowing operations were carried out in 2 different phenological periods with 4 replications. Hay yield (kg da-1), ADF (%), NDF (%), ADL (%), crude protein ratio (%), crude protein yield (kg da-1) and relative feed value averages were measured. According to the results obtained from the experiment, there are differences between crude protein ratio and relative feed values. When analyzed in line with the production purpose, 75% forage pea + 25% oat mixtures stand out in terms of crude protein yield, while 55% forage pea + 45% annual ryegrass stands out in terms of relative feed value. Due to the changes in mowing times depending on the characteristics, it is thought that it would be ideal to perform mowing operations between 50%-100% flowering.

Production and forage quality of two oats (Avena sativa) varieties under cutting conditions

En el altiplano boliviano la avena forrajera (Avena sativa L.), es importante en la alimentación pecuaria, y pese a los factores climáticos adversos (sequia y helada) la superficie de producción va en aumento; sin embargo, hay deficiencias en rendimiento y calidad nutricional por el uso de semilla local y manejo inadecuado, una alternativa es el manejo de variedades mejoradas, por sus mejores cualidades. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la producción y calidad forrajera de dos variedades de avena en corte, en la Estación Experimental Choquenaira, Viacha, La Paz, Bolivia, durante la campaña 2020/21. Las variedades de avena evaluadas fueron Águila y Texas (SEFO - Cochabamba). Se midieron las variables: rendimiento, calidad nutritiva y costos de producción. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó la prueba t Student (error ≤ 5 %). Los resultados en rendimiento, fue 18 % menos que la campaña 2019/20, influyendo el factor sequia, las variedades (Águila y Texas) tuvieron similitud estadística, con rendimientos de MV (38.05 y 39.81 t ha-1) y MS (10.99 y 10.98 t ha-1). La calidad nutritiva también presentó poca variación con parámetros de buena calidad en %CZ (7.19 y 6.01), %PB (7.71 y 7.33), %FB (26.07 y 24.98), %FDA (31.58 y 29.66) y %FDN (54.76 y 53.78) y regular calidad en %EE (1.94 y 1.80). Los costos de producción en las variedades manifestaron, costo unitario de MV (0.26 y 0.25 Bs kg-1), rentabilidad (90.29 y 98.73 %) y B/C (1.90 y 1.99). En conclusión, se encontró un rendimiento similar, la calidad nutritiva con poca variación, y bajo costo de producción, mostrando un balance positivo.

On‐farm evaluations of overhead irrigation sprinkler packages at full and reduced rates

AbstractIrrigation is a critical resource in meeting the global demand for food, feed, fiber, and fuel. One water optimization method with high potential and interest is the use of more efficient irrigation systems. In many areas where pivots are used, the most common sprinkler package is mid‐elevation sprinkler application (MESA), which typically has application efficiencies near 80%. Low‐energy precision application (LEPA) and mobile drip irrigation (MDI) can have greater than 95% application efficiency. The objective of this research was to evaluate the ability of LEPA and MDI to maintain crop yield and quality in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and silage corn (Zea mays L.), at similar and reduced irrigation rates as MESA. The intent of the reduced rate was to determine if the decreased application losses with LEPA and MDI could result in sustained crop production with a 20% irrigation rate reduction. Actual reductions ranged from 5% to 55% depending on system and site due to equipment constraints. Data from two farms in Utah during 2018–2020 provided evidence that these systems can often maintain yield and forage quality with 5%–55% less applied water. However, there were also many instances where yield was reduced by LEPA and MDI, even with similar application rates to MESA. This indicates that the two higher efficiency systems will not save water in all cases and that the application system must be carefully evaluated in small on‐farm trials over multiple years for its ability to succeed in specific field conditions.

Effect of Different Levels and Times of Nitrogen Application on Grain and Forage Quality of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. saccharata)

This field experiment conducted during the rabi season of 2017-18 at N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Gujarat, aimed to investigate the response of sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) to different levels and times of nitrogen application under the south Gujarat conditions. The factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications was employed, considering four nitrogen levels (90 kg/ha, 120 kg/ha, 150 kg/ha, and 180 kg/ha) and four split application treatments (½ basal + ½ at knee height, ½ basal + ¼ knee height + ¼ tasseling, 1/3 basal + 1/3 knee height + 1/3 tasseling, and ¼ basal + ½ at knee height + ¼ tasseling). The results of the study demonstrated that the application of 180 kg/ha nitrogen significantly increased the protein content in grain and fodder (10.51% and 3.88% respectively) and total sugar content (14.96). Additionally, higher NPK uptake and available nitrogen (197.25 kg/ha) and phosphorus (47.53 kg/ha) levels were observed with a 180 kg/ha nitrogen application rate. When nitrogen was applied in three splits, specifically at ¼ basal + ½ at knee height + ¼ tasseling, it resulted in significantly higher protein content in grain and fodder (9.89% and 3.54% respectively), total sugar content (13.65), as well as NPK uptake in grain and fodder and available nitrogen and phosphorus (189.95 kg/ha and 45.84 kg/ha). These findings highlight the importance of nitrogen management in sweet corn cultivation to enhance the nutritional quality and productivity of both grain and fodder. Implementing the optimal nitrogen levels (180 kg/ha) and split application timings (¼ basal + ½ at knee height + ¼ tasseling) can contribute to achieving desirable protein and sugar content, as well as improving NPK uptake and availability of nitrogen and phosphorus.

Enhancing rumen microbial diversity and its impact on energy and protein metabolism in forage-fed goats.

This study explores if promoting a complex rumen microbiota represents an advantage or a handicap in the current dairy production systems in which ruminants are artificially reared in absence of contact with adult animals and fed preserved monophyte forage. In order to promote a different rumen microbial diversity, a total of 36 newborn goat kids were artificially reared, divided in 4 groups and daily inoculated during 10 weeks with autoclaved rumen fluid (AUT), fresh rumen fluid from adult goats adapted to forage (RFF) or concentrate (RFC) diets, or absence of inoculation (CTL). At 6 months of age all animals were shifted to an oats hay diet to determine their ability to digest a low quality forage. Early life inoculation with fresh rumen fluid promoted an increase in the rumen overall microbial diversity which was detected later in life. As a result, at 6 months of age RFF and RFC animals had higher bacterial (+50 OTUs) and methanogens diversity (+4 OTUs) and the presence of a complex rumen protozoal community (+32 OTUs), whereas CTL animals remained protozoa-free. This superior rumen diversity and presence of rumen protozoa had beneficial effects on the energy metabolism allowing a faster adaptation to the forage diet, a higher forage digestion (+21% NDF digestibility) and an energetically favourable shift of the rumen fermentation pattern from acetate to butyrate (+92%) and propionate (+19%) production. These effects were associated with the presence of certain rumen bacterial taxa and a diverse protozoal community. On the contrary, the presence of rumen protozoa (mostly Entodinium) had a negative impact on the N metabolism leading to a higher bacterial protein breakdown in the rumen and lower microbial protein flow to the host based on purine derivatives urinary excretion (-17% to -54%). The inoculation with autoclaved rumen fluid, as source of fermentation products but not viable microbes, had smaller effects than using fresh inoculum. These findings suggest that enhancing rumen microbial diversity represents a desirable attribute when ruminants are fed forages in which the N supply does not represent a limiting factor for the rumen microbiota.

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

Quality Production of Sainfoin Swards Challenged by Global Change in Mountain Areas in the Western Mediterranean

Legume-based livestock forage systems are widespread and socially relevant agroecosystems that are essential for delivering high-quality forage. Therefore, it is critical to determine how climate change and management might affect the functioning of forage agroecosystems. The objective of this study was to explore the potential of sainfoin swards under different management regimes by combining results from an experiment on species diversity effects on yield developed under extreme climatic conditions and a survey of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) swards and nutritive value in mountain regions in Catalonia, Western Mediterranean. Our results show that 12–59% of the variability in forage nutritive value parameters was accounted for by management. Young cattle-grazed swards showed higher nutrition quality that decreased faster than sheep-grazed or only mown swards. Mixing sainfoin with orchardgrass increased fiber content (e.g., +22% neutral detergent fiber) and decreased protein (−26%) and lignin (−11%) compared to sainfoin monocultures. However, under the extreme climatic conditions of the last three years, the only diversity effect found on yield was the identity of the species present. We propose that a combination of different sainfoin management regimes might be beneficial regionally for both quality forage production and overall biodiversity conservation, whereas traditional systems may be vulnerable to changing climatic conditions.

Utjecaj konsocijacije kukuruza s grahom na kakvoću i prinos krme

Corn silage is a high-yielding, voluminous forage rich in energy but with insufficient protein content for ighproducing cattle. Since legumes have a low dry matter yield, low forage yield and unsatisfactory quality, they are often used in intercropping with cereals, which contributes to a higher yield and better forage quality than in pure culture. In this research, corn (Zea mays L.) and climbing beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were sown in different sowing densities in order to determine the best ratio in the intercropping system of corn and beans to achieve high yield and good nutritional value of forage. A pure maize crop (75000 grains ha-1) and maize in intercropping with beans were sown: 75000 grains ha-1 of maize and 37000 grains ha-1 of beans, 75000 grains ha-1 of maize and 50000 grains ha-1 of beans and 75000 grains ha-1 of corn and 75000 grains ha-1 of beans. The highest yield of dry matter was determined with the highest proportion of beans (19.0 t ha-1), and the lowest yield with 75000 plants ha-1 of corn and 37000 plants ha-1 of beans (17.2 t ha-1). The intercropping of corn and beans reduced the proportion of neutral detergent fibers, which could result in an increase in the digestibility of voluminous forage. Based on the nutritional value and forage yield, we can conclude that the intercropping with the highest proportion of beans had the highest yield and the best nutritional value.

The application of a plant community model to evaluate adaptation strategies for alleviating climate change impacts on grassland productivity, biodiversity and forage quality

Grasslands are environments characterized by an elevated biodiversity in plant species, which dynamically evolves over time as a function of management practices, soil properties, and climate conditions. Climate change can locally affect grassland growth and floristic composition and, in turn, the quality and quantity of provided ecosystem services. We show how the use of the plant community model CoSMo allows to explicitly account for the dynamics of floristic composition as response to environmental variables. This, in turn, allows quantifying climate change impacts on grasslands growth and composition and evaluating alternative strategies to improve adaptation in the mid-term. As a case study, we focused on mountain areas in the northern Apennines (Italy), where temporary alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)-dominated grasslands are sown for the production of Parmesan cheese. Five sites and four alternative climate scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 projections as provided by the HadGEM2 and GISS general circulation models) were considered, to explore a wide range of agro-environmental conditions. Results showed that the observed dynamics of floristic composition and biomass accumulation were successfully simulated, with a mean absolute error lower than 10% for floristic composition and less than 1 t ha−1 for total biomass. Climate change impacts were globally negative, with a clear decrease of forage production as compared to the baseline (from -3.6% to -14.3% according to the climate scenario). The biodiversity of the plant community also declined (12.5% average decrease in the inverse Simpson index) due to the increase in alfalfa dominance. The latter, however, led to preserve the forage crude protein content (+0.9% on average). Guidelines for optimizing grassland productivity and forage protein under future climate were defined, mainly focused on reducing the alfalfa field duration, sowing grass-legume mixtures, and delaying the last cut of the season. These practices can be easily adopted under operational farming conditions to support the adaptation of temporary grasslands to climate change. According to our knowledge, this is one of the first study of climate change impact that uses a plant community model to explicitly considers phytocoenosis dynamics, biodiversity, and their effect on forage production (quantity and quality). Considering the role of grasslands as providers of key ecosystem services ‒ especially in marginal areas ‒ we believe that our modelling approach can support the identification of effective adaptation strategies to address future climate challenges.

Forage yield and nutritive value of summer legumes as affected by row spacing and harvest timing

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an essential, high-quality forage used for grazing stocker cattle from fall to spring in the US Southern Great Plains (SGP). However, the lack of nutritious forages during summers limits grazing by stocker cattle. To fill this quality gap, a short season species capable of producing significant yield and quality of forage is necessary. A two-year experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of three legumes: tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray), mothbean [Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal], and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] as a control, at different harvest dates, in response to different row spacing (38 ​cm and 76 ​cm) and moisture levels (rainfed and irrigated). Results showed forage yield by all legumes planted at 38 ​cm spacing (4.5 and 3.9 ​Mg ​ha−1) was higher than at 76 ​cm spacing (3.4 and 2.4 ​Mg ​ha−1) in 2018 and 2019. Soybean was the most productive while mothbean had the highest relative feed value (RFV) in both 2018 and 2019 (160 and 118, respectively). Although soybean produced more forage, mothbean and tepary bean provided high quality forage in terms of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and in-vitro true digestibility (IVTD). The results indicate that no single legume species stands out as the unequivocal leader in delivering both high-quality and abundant forage. Consequently, the choice of which species to utilize should be tailored to the specific forage requirements and management goals. Future research should explore mothbean genotypes to identify cultivars with greater yield potential and develop agronomic practices that effectively utilize those cultivars.

Intercropping Forage Sorghum with Sunnhemp at Different Seeding Rates to Improve Forage Production

Forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is well established in the Texas High Plains as a drought-tolerant forage that often requires additional feed to provide adequate protein for livestock. Intercropping sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), a legume, with forage sorghum, may increase crude protein. However, the optimal intercrop seeding ratio of sunnhemp to sorghum to improve crude protein content and maintain sufficient biomass is unknown. A two-year field experiment was conducted near Canyon, TX, USA, in 2020 and 2021 using sunnhemp intercropped at three seeding rates (16.8, 33.6, and 50.4 kg ha−1) with forage sorghum at four seeding rates (0, 2.8, 5.6, and 11.2 kg ha−1) under drip irrigation. This study was conducted to (1) evaluate growth potential for sunnhemp in a semiarid environment, (2) find a seeding ratio that can maintain forage sorghum dry matter production and improve forage quality, and (3) determine if a midseason harvest can be supported and further improve quality of the forage produced. Midseason, full-season, regrowth biomass, and forage quality were evaluated. Results indicated that a sunnhemp–forage-sorghum intercrop produced dry matter comparable to forage sorghum when sufficient heat units were obtained in the growing season. Forage with higher nutritive value was produced when the intercrop was harvested twice.

The Effects of Harvesting Heights at Different Stubble Heights on Forage Yield and Quality in Sorghum Sudangrass Hybrid Cultivars

The Effects of Harvesting Heights at Different Stubble Heights on Forage Yield and Quality in Sorghum Sudangrass Hybrid Cultivars

Determination of Optimum Level of Seeding Rate of Silver Leaf Desmodim Intercropping with Desho Grass for Dry Matter Yield and Yield-Related Components in Western Ethiopia

Compatible production of forage grasses and legumes through intercropping is one of the best options to achieve higher biomass yield and forage quality for animal production in areas where land and other resources are scarce. This study was conducted in 2017 and 2018 with the aim of evaluating the best-match level of seeding rate of silverleaf desmodium (SLD) intercropped with desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum) in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatment consists of three levels of seeding rate of SLD (2, 4, and 6 kg ha−1) and one pure plot of each species. The result of this study showed that the intercropping of 6 kg ha−1 SLD with 100% of desho’s recommended plant population (50,000 plants ha−1) produced the highest forage dry matter yield and maximum plant height. The total dry matter yield (TDMY) of the intercrops was also significantly varied for the tested treatments. Accordingly, 6 kg ha−1 of SLD intercropped with 100% recommended seed rate of desho ha−1 gave the highest forage TDMY, which surpasses both the grass and legume yields in monoculture. The total land equivalent ratio (LER), which shows system productivity, was also different among the treatments. About 6 kg ha−1 of SLD intercropped with 100% recommended seed rate of desho also produced the highest LER (1.51). Thus, in Bako and similar agro-climatic conditions, where arable land is heavily covered with food crops, desho grass intercropping with SLD can be used as one of the best strategic options for producing feeds of energy and protein sources simultaneously on the same area of land.

Alimentación de rumiantes a pastoreo y producción de metano

Climate change limits the release of radiation from the earth's atmosphere, a product of the accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHG) such as CO2, methane, ammonia, among others. Ruminants contribute methane to the atmosphere when fed with low quality forage diets, which in the light of different conservationist organizations, qualifies them as major pollutants. When Venezuela signed the Kyoto Protocol in 2004, it undertook to establish a GHG measurement system, as well as scientific research on the subject; however, there are still no research groups in the country dedicated to the permanent measurement of GHG contributions from these production systems. Grazing pastures and forages of medium to low quality, with high contents of cell wall of low degradability, produce a positive balance towards the generation of methane of enteric origin, which could be mitigated if these feeding schemes are improved, tending to improve the digestibility of basic diets. Methane production by these production systems in the state of Zulia is calculated at 209 Gg, 7.1 % of the total inventoried at the national level; however, the lack of research in this area, as well as of systematic inventories of local herds, prevents obtaining accurate data in this regard.