Forage Source Research Articles

Economic Comparison of Stocker Cattle Performance on Winter Wheat vs Summer-Dormant Tall Fescue with Nitrogen or Interseeded Alfalfa in the Southern Great Plains

Abstract Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a significant forage source for livestock grazing in the Southern Great Plains (SGP). However, increasing input costs and changing climate conditions compel producers and researchers to search for alternative forage systems, such as cool-season perennials. Specifically, cool-season perennials with summer dormancy traits can survive droughts in the SGP. This paper aimed to determine the net returns of three different types of cool-season perennial summer-dormant tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., nom. cons.] systems either with N fertilizer or interseeded with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and the traditional graze-out annual winter wheat forage system. The data were from a 5-year experiment conducted in south-central Oklahoma. Animal performance results indicated that the traditional graze-out winter annual wheat forage system provided more total gains at 434 kg ha-1 than the three tall fescue variety systems at 326 kg ha-1 (p = 0.006) due to more grazing days. Thus, the gross revenue estimated at a cost of gain of $1.60 kg-1 gain for wheat at $694 ha-1 was greater than the average gross revenue of $521 ha-1 for the tall fescue systems. However, the average total cost for the perennial tall fescue systems ($374 ha-1) was lesser than the total cost ($594 ha-1) of the wheat system. Overall, the average net returns were similar for all grazing systems at about $145 ha-1.

Targeted metabolomics analysis of fatty acids in lamb meat for the authentication of paper mulberry silage as a substitute for alfalfa silage

BackgroundThe paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera L.) is a valuable source of woody forage that can be used for ruminants, such as goat and lambs. However, there is limited knowledge about how paper mulberry silage affects carcass characteristics, meat physicochemical attributes, amino acid and unsaturated fatty acids in Hu lambs compared to alfalfa silage. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the impact of substituting alfalfa silage with paper mulberry silage on the slaughter performance, meat quality, free amino acid and fatty acid composition in muscles of Hu lambs.ResultsThirty 60-day-old male Hu lambs with 17.13 ± 0.26 kg body weight were randomly allocated into paper mulberry silage (30% of total mixed ration) and alfalfa silage (30% of total mixed ration) treatment, and the feeding trial lasted 70 days. The results indicated no significant differences in all measurements (P > 0.05). However, compared to the group fed with alfalfa silage, the group fed with paper mulberry silage exhibited a reduction in meat drip loss (P < 0.05) without any notable effect on meat nutrients (P > 0.05). Targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that feeding paper mulberry silage led to decreased levels of certain bitter amino acids, such as valine, leucine, isoleucine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the consumption of paper mulberry silage significantly augmented the levels of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly n6-polyunsaturated fatty acids (C18:2n6, C20:3n6, C20:4n6, etc.), in meat.ConclusionsSubstituting paper mulberry silage for alfalfa in the daily diet of Hu lambs not only has no detrimental effect on animal performance but also improves meat unsaturated fatty acid composition.Graphical

Evaluation of Associative Effects on Degradability, Fermentation Parameters, and In Vitro Methane Production as a Result of Variation in the Ruminants Diets Constituents

This study aimed to investigate the effect of different forage sources and forage-to-concentrate ratios on digestibility, energy concentration, fermentation parameters, and in vitro estimate of methane. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design using a 3 × 6 factorial arrangement with three forages varying the chemical composition (pineapple crop waste silage [PS], corn silage [CS], and Tifton hay [TH]) associated with concentrate feed (C) in six combinations, using triplicates for each ratio. We evaluated in vitro digestibility, metabolizable and net energy, pH, redox potential, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and methane production. The in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD) decreased (p = 0.0011) with the inclusion of concentrate. It was also affected by the forage source, but this fact was only observed in CS up to the 50:50 ratio. In TH, this fact occurred from the 80:20 ratio, and this behavior was not observed in the PS. Data on methane production, VFA, and fermentation parameters varied according to forage source and concentrate inclusion. In conclusion, the inclusion of concentrate reduces methane production, increasing the system’s energy contribution. Overall, the different forage sources and the inclusion of concentrate change digestion and fermentation parameters.

Impact of Forage Sources on Ruminal Bacteriome and Carcass Traits in Hanwoo Steers During the Late Fattening Stages.

This study examined the effects of different forage sources on the ruminal bacteriome, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of Hanwoo steers during the fattening stage. In Korea, where high-concentrate feeding is common, selecting suitable forage is crucial for sustainable beef production. Fifteen 23-month-old Hanwoo steers, weighing an average of 679.27 ± 43.60 kg, were fed the following five different forage sources: oat hay (OAT), rye silage (RYE), Italian ryegrass (IRS), barley forage (BAR), and rice straw silage (RSS), alongside 1.5 kg of dry matter concentrate daily for five months. Carcass traits were evaluated post-slaughter, and rumen fluid samples were analyzed using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing to determine the bacteriome composition. The forage source significantly affected the alpha-diversity indices and bacteriome biomarkers linked to the feed efficiency and ruminal fermentation. Differences in the backfat thickness and meat yield index were noted, with alpha-diversity indices correlating with carcass traits. The phylum Planctomycetota, especially the family Thermoguttaceae, was linked to nitrogen fixation in high-protein diets like IRS, while the genus Limimorpha emerged as a biomarker for the meat yield. These findings highlight the importance of forage selection during late fattening to optimize beef production, considering diet and bacteriome shifts.

Relationship between pyrimidines, purines and fatty acids in milk of dairy cows fed distinct carbohydrate types: a metabolomic approach

The aim of this research was to evaluate changes in the milk metabolome of dairy cows fed different carbohydrate types from silages and concentrates, with special focus on purines and pyrimidines, likely associated with the microbial activity in the rumen. Furthermore, the relationship between the milk fatty acids and pyrimidine and purine metabolism retrieved in milk was investigated for potential correlations between these 2 groups of potential milk biomarkers. Twenty-four lactating dairy cows were used in a crossover design, where each cow received 2 of 4 diets. Diets were formulated based on a 2 by 2 factorial arrangement, using either grass-clover or corn silage as a forage source, and barley or dried beet pulp in the concentrate fraction. Fatty acids and LC-MS metabolome of the milk were analyzed. The milk metabolome and fatty acid concentration could differentiate the 4 diets used in the trial, while the milk metabolome alone could only differentiate the 2 silage types. Milk odd-chain fatty acids (C17:1 and C17:0) were correlated with pyrimidine and purine derivatives, with uric acid being significantly higher in milk samples associated with corn silage diets. Therefore, the results indicate potential differences in microbial protein synthesis between the diets, but a validation with actual ruminal microbial protein synthesis and investigation in digestive biofluids are necessary for further confirmation.

Evaluation of Proximate Composition, Multielement, and Bioactive Phenolics Contents of Different Coix Seed Varieties using Multivariate Analysis Techniques

Coix lacryma-jobi L. is a plant that serves as a source of food, medicine, cosmetics, and forage in Asian countries. Due to the distinct geographic environments, Coix seed germplasm resources are extremely diverse. In this study, we evaluated the proximate composition, multi-elemental content by ICP-OES, and phenolic bioactives by UPLC-QTOF/MS of five varieties of Coix seeds from different Asian countries, including China, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) were used to classify the different varieties of Coix seeds. The C. lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen seeds from Origin 1 (China) and Origin 2 (Thailand) contained high levels of energy, total fat, and calcium, while C. lacryma-jobi var. agrotis (Indonesia) and C. lacryma-jobi var. lacryma-jobi (Malaysia) had high levels of crude fiber and carbohydrates. Twenty-three phenolic compounds were identified. Protein, carbohydrate, crude fiber, magnesium, zinc, meliadanoside, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside were the dominant variables and contributed the most to data variability in PCA. The HCA results were consistent with the PCA, classifying the samples into three groups: those rich in nutrients, those rich in phenolics, and those with a mixture of nutrients and phenolics. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the nutritional and bioactive composition of Coix seed varieties, with potential applications in nutrition, food science, and pharmaceuticals.

126 The inclusion of Aspergillus oryzae prebiotic counteracts the decline on neutral detergent fiber digestibility associated with increased intake level, on corn silage and sorghum silage-based diets

Abstract The inclusion of Aspergillus oryzae prebiotic (AOP; Amaferm, Biozyme Inc., St Joseph, MO) in ruminant diets has been proven to stimulate cellulolytic ruminal microorganisms, although, its positive effect on nutrient digestibility seems to be diet dependent. Our objective was to evaluate how AOP influences the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) at varying levels of intake, for diets with different forage sources and inclusion levels. Data were compiled from 3 experiments containing 4 diets for backgrounding cattle, assessing the use of AOP as a feed additive. The studies were Exp. 1): corn silage-based diet (CS; n = 24 steers), Exp. 2-A): sorghum silage-based diet (SS; n = 20 heifers), Exp. 2-B): citrus pulp and cotton gin byproducts-based diet (BP; n = 20 heifers), and Exp. 3): bermudagrass hay-based diet (BH; n = 24 steers). Separate ANCOVA analyses by diet were conducted using SAS, including in the model the effect of treatment (TRT; AOP vs. No AOP) and the interaction between TRT and level of intake (dry matter intake; DMI). Level of intake was calculated as percentage of body weight (DMI/BW). Least square mean differences between treatments were conducted at different levels of intake at which both treatments were represented. For apparent total tract digestibility of DM and NDF (NDFD), the TRT × DMI/BW interaction was significant (P ≤ 0.05) in the case of the CS and SS diets, but not in the BP and BH diets (P ≥ 0.10). For both silage diets, NDF and DM digestibility decreased as the level of intake increased. Consequently, the positive effect of AOP on NDFD was greater at increased levels of intake (3.3 and 3.5% of the BW for CS and SS, respectively), resulting in 9.8% improvement on NDFD for the CS diet (P = 0.04, 37.9 vs. 41.6% for No AOP vs. AOP, respectively) and 25% improvement in the SS diet (P = 0.01, 42.5 vs. 53.2% for No AOP vs. AOP, respectively). At a moderate intake (2.5% of the BW), AOP improved NDFD by 6.0 and 14.1% for the CS and SS diets, respectively (P ≤ 0.05). While at reduced intake (1.8 and 1.7% of BW, for CS and SS), NDFD did not differ (P ≥ 0.10) between treatments for either CS (47.9%) or SS (56.5%) diets. In conclusion, the inclusion of AOP in silage-based diets attenuates the decline on apparent total tract digestibility of NDF associated with increased feed intake, helping to maintain digestibility closer to its maximum potential. Whereas, at reduced levels of intake, it is more unlikely to observe a positive effect of AOP on fiber digestibility.

157 Microbial inoculant effects on limpograss silage

Abstract Warm-season perennial grasses are the main forage sources preserved as silage or haylage by livestock producers in subtropical and tropical regions; however, the nutritive value and silage fermentation parameters are often less than desirable. Microbial inoculants have been used to improve grass silage nutritive value and fermentation characteristics with inconsistent results. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a microbial inoculant on nutritive value and fermentation parameters of ‘Gibtuck’ limpograss (Hemarthria altissima) silage. Treatments were silage treated with SiloSolve FC (68.1 billion CFU/g, Lactobacillus lactis and Lactobacillus buchneri) or control (no microbial inoculant) distributed in a complete randomized design with 10 replicates. The inoculant level used was 0.5 g/Mg of forage. The experiment was conducted in Ona, FL in May 2023. Twenty 4 × 4 m plots of established limpograss were harvested at 15-cm stubble height with 58-d regrowth interval. The forage was chopped to a particle size ranging from 10 to 18 mm, placed into mini-silos (PVC pipes with rubber), and sealed immediately. The inoculant was applied with a hand sprayer before ensiling. The silos were opened after 60 d for analysis. There was no difference (P &amp;gt; 0.05) between the inoculant and control treatments on DM concentration (25%), DM recovery (96%), NDF (67%), and NFC concentrations (14%); however, silage treated with inoculant had greater CP (8.5 vs. 8.0%; P = 0.03), IVTD (56 vs. 54%; P = 0.01), and NDFD (53 vs. 51%, P = 0.02) and lesser ADF concentrations (38 vs. 40%; P = 0.02) than control. The inoculant did not affect (P &amp;gt; 0.05) silage pH (4.2) and lactic acid concentrations (1.5%) but resulted in greater acetic acid (2.5 vs. 2.0%; P = 0.01), propionic acid (1.6 vs. 1.0%, P &amp;lt; 0.01), and total acid concentrations (5.6 vs. 5.0%; P = 0.04), and decreased butyric acid (0 vs. 0.2%; P &amp;lt; 0.01), isobutyric acid (0.1 vs. 0.4%; P &amp;lt; 0.01), and NH3-N concentrations (4.4 vs. 5.3% N; P &amp;lt; 0.01). Aerobic stability (140 h), mold (1.1 log cfu/g) and yeast (2.2 log cfu/g) count were not affected (P &amp;gt; 0.05) by the inoculant treatment. At the genus level, there was no difference (P &amp;gt; 0.05) in relative abundance of Lactobacillus (85%), Enterobacter (4.0%), Enterococcus (1.8%), and Weissella (0.2%) between inoculant and control, but silage treated with inoculant had less Clostridium (1.0 vs. 2.3%, P = 0.04), Pediococcus (0.2 vs. 0.3%, P = 0.03) and greater relative abundance of Lactococcus (2.8 vs. 0.5%, P &amp;lt; 0.01) and Bacillus (0.2 vs. 0.1%, P = 0.01). At the species level, the inoculant was effective to increase the relative abundance of Lactococcus lactis (from 0.02 to 0.48, P = 0.002) and Lactobacillus buchneri (from 1.4 to 1.9, P = 0.03). SiloSolve FC is a promising microbial inoculant to be used in warm-season grass silage in subtropical and tropical regions.

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.

Accuracy and precision of diets fed to close-up cows on dairy farms and its association with early lactation performance

Ensuring a consistent ration is critical for maximizing lactating cow performance, but this is not known for dry cows. The objectives of this cohort observational study were to: 1) characterize close-up dry cow diets fed on commercial farms in Ontario, Canada, 2) describe the accuracy of the nutrient composition between the formulated close-up diet and the diet offered to the cows, 3) describe the precision of the close-up diets across time, and 4) explore potential associations of that accuracy and precision with blood metabolic parameters and milk yield of cows in early lactation. Forty free-stall dairy farms were visited once every 4 wk, for a total of 6 visits to each farm, from April to October 2022. At each visit, samples of the close-up diet were collected and analyzed for dry matter (DM) content and chemical composition. Close-up diet formulations were also obtained by each farm's nutritionists. During each visit, fresh cows (0 to 14 d in milk [DIM]) had blood samples taken for blood metabolites. The same cows were also monitored for milk yield up to 120 DIM. Multivariable models were used to analyze associations between variability (in relation to the formulated diet and across time) of nutrients in the close-up diet, as measured by coefficient of variation (CV), and outcomes in fresh cows. Corn silage (67.6% of farms) and straw (24.3% of farms) were the predominant primary forage sources used in the close-up dry cow diets. Soybean meal (37.8% of farms) and canola meal (18.9% of farms) were the main ingredients used as primary concentrate sources. Overall, the diets offered did not accurately represent the formulated diets. With the exception of net energy for lactation (NEL), the CVs for the other nutrients were all greater than 5%. Diet variability, both between fed and formulated diets and from visit to visit during the close-up period, was associated with metabolic markers and dairy cow production. Lower variability in non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) between the fed and formulated diets was associated with better liver health index scores. Visit-to-visit variability in fat% and NFC% were associated with blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations, while NFC% variability was associated with blood glucose levels. Serum nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations were associated with visit-to-visit variability in DM% and CP%. These results underscore the importance of maintaining consistency between diet formulations and feeding practices over time to optimize early-lactation dairy herd performance and health, granted that these diets are correctly formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cows in the close-up period and applied with recommended feeding practices.

Fine‐scale phenotypic variation of a large herbivore in a pulsed environment

AbstractThe resource rule hypothesis predicts that geographic differences in body size among populations of organisms are due to the amount, availability, and quality of food resources. For instance, the body size of large herbivores is often correlated with soil characteristics because better soils produce better forage. In semiarid environments, rainfall variation is an important driver of forage availability, especially highly nutritious annual forbs. Thus, in such pulsed‐resource environments, it is unclear whether the body size of large herbivores is influenced by fixed resources correlated with soil characteristics, irregular resource pulses correlated with rainfall, or both. Furthermore, it is not clear whether phenotypic expression is a function of forage quality or quantity. During the early autumns of 2011–2018, we captured 4554 white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on seven rangeland sites in the semiarid climate of South Texas, USA. The sites range from coastal to 140 km inland and represent gradients in both soil texture and annual rainfall. We recorded age‐ and sex‐specific indices of skeletal size, antler size, and body mass. Site‐specific soil characteristics explained most of the variation in skeletal size; percent sand was inversely related to skeletal size. For environmentally sensitive phenotypes (antler size and body mass), both soil characteristics and rainfall were influencers; increases in rainfall reduced the negative effect of sand. Percent sand and rainfall were positively correlated with annual biomass of preferred forbs, yet all phenotypic traits declined with increases in forb quantity. Increases in percent shrub cover increased all phenotype sizes. Our data suggest that the phenotypic expression of large herbivores in semiarid environments is driven by forage quality via edaphic characteristics rather than forage quantity via rainfall. Specifically, less sand in the soil allows for the development of shrub communities, which in turn provide a consistent source of forage in a variable, pulsed‐rainfall environment. Although forbs are of higher quality, they are highly ephemeral. The availability of a consistent source of forage may enable white‐tailed deer to extend time invested in body growth, which results in greater phenotype size. Our findings align with the resource rule hypothesis that identifies resource availability as a fundamental element explaining geographical variation in phenotypic expression.

Impact of the annular solar eclipse on December 26, 2019 on the foraging visits of bees

Solar eclipse has remarkable effect on behavior of animals. South India experienced a 97% magnitude annular eclipse on December 26, 2019 during 08:04–11:04 h with the totality phase appeared during 09:25–09:30 h. We investigated whether the foraging activity of the bees was limited by the eclipse, what bees are affected most, and which part of the eclipse was critical for bee activities to understand how a group of insects that rely the Sun, the sunlight, and the sun rays for their navigation and vision behaves to the eclipse. We opted to watch the bees in their foraging ground, and selected the natural flower populations of Cleome rutidosperma, Hygrophila schulli, Mimosa pudica, and Urena sinuata—some of the bee-friendly plants—to record the visitor richness and visitation rate on the flowers on eclipse and non-eclipse days and during the hour of totality phase and partial phase of the eclipse. Fewer flower-visiting species were recorded on the eclipse day than on the non-eclipse days, but in the period of totality, very few bee species were active, and limited their activity to only one population of C. rutidosperma. Visits of honey bees and stingless bees were affected most, but not that badly of solitary bees and carpenter bees. Bees, particularly the social bees use Sun for navigation and deciphering information on forage sources to fellow workers. The eclipse, like for many other animals, might hamper bees’ orientation, vision, and flight.

Multi-objective optimization for minimize cutting force and power consumption in corn stalk chopping processes

This study was on optimization of the cutting processes for corn stalks, which serve as significant sources of biomass and forage. The reduction of cutting force is crucial for enhancing energy efficiency. Cutting velocity rises, which can lead to significant power usage with minimal shear forces. Therefore, the objective is to minimize both the cutting force and power consumption. To address this multi-objective optimization problem, a modified Taguchi method was employed. Chauvenet's criterion was used to assess the validity of statistical scatter in repeated test data. The test samples had an 81 % moisture content. Through analysis of variance (ANOVA), the optimal chopping process parameters were identified as velocity of 4.4 m/s, approach angle of 30°, and feeding angle of 50°. The refined empirical relationships indicated that the cutting force ranges from 180.55 N to 393.37 N, while the cutting power ranges from 16.81 W to 44.05 W. In a single test, the output responses for the optimal parameter set were 26.32 W for power consumption and 242.60 N for cutting force, both are within the estimated range. The considerable scatter observed in repeated test data is likely due to variations in corn stalk thickness. These findings are valuable for the operation of chopping machines, ensuring minimal cutting force and power consumption when handling corn stalks residues.

Modelling of the above-ground biomass and ecological composition of semi-natural grasslands on the strenght of remote sensing data and machine learning algorithms

Semi-natural grasslands represent a vital source of forage and fodder for livestock farming, fulfilling an essential ecological function.This study upholded the efficacy of Sentinel-2 time series data in conjunction with ground data on aboveground biomass (AGB), ecological composition, and floristic composition for the development of a prediction model to determine AGB yield and species distribution in a semi-natural grassland. Two machine learning (ML) approaches, namely K-means clustering, and Random Forest (RF) classification were employed in a semi-natural grassland in Southern Europe. The study was subjected to a qualitative ground survey that identified two main groups. The first group (Cluster 1) was composed of nitrophilous species or nitrophilous species combined with xerophilous species and some hygrophilous species.The second group, on the other hand, consisted of only hygrophilous species or hygrophilous species associated with Ranunculus acris, Bromus hordeaceus, Brassica nigra, Lolium perenne and Trifolium sp. (Cluster 2).Using the above-mentioned algorithms, the study identified thetwo distinctive areas based on AGB estimates in the period beginning in March (vegetative growth) and extending to the first half of May. The R2 value for K-means classification was 0.59, with a root mean square error (RMSE) value of 1 t ha−1.The R2 value for the RF classification was 0.69, with an RMSE value of 0.59 t ha−1. The integration of ground-based data and ML classification techniques enables the generation of accurate, dynamic information on grassland, core attributes that play an integral role in sustainable ecosystem management and conservation.

Herbage accumulation and nutritive value of new bermudagrass accessions and cultivars

AbstractBermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] is an important forage source for ruminants in tropical and subtropical regions of the world; nevertheless, little is known about the productive and nutritional characteristics of new accessions and cultivars originating from breeding programs. Five bermudagrass cultivars (Tifton 85, Jiggs, Florida 44, Callie, and Newell) and five accessions (276, 282, 323, 286, and Missouri) were tested during the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons. Genotype × harvest interactions were detected for herbage accumulation (HA), crude protein (CP), and nitrogen yield (p &lt; 0.05). In June, all bermudagrass genotypes showed significant variation in HA, with accession 286 being more productive than Jiggs (4.42 vs. 3.24 Mg DM ha−1 harvest−1, respectively, where DM is dry matter). In October, however, accession 323 had greater CP than Callie, accession 286, Newell, and Tifton 85, with average CP values of 155, 128, 136, and 137 g kg−1 DM, respectively. Average in vitro digestible organic matter for accession 323 (450 g kg−1 DM) was similar to that of Tifton 85 and Newell but greater than that of Missouri (393 g kg−1 DM). Genotypes displayed unique responses to all traits across harvest dates. According to the principal component analysis, the accession Missouri exhibited low productive and nutritive value properties. The accession 286 showed greater CP concentration while still productive; thus, this accession will be further examined for future release to livestock or hay producers in subtropical regions worldwide.

Identification and functional analysis of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and metabolites response to mowing in hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare L. var. nudum hook. f.)

BackgroundHulless barley (Hordeum vulgare L. var. nudum Hook. f.) is a significant cereal crop and a substantial source of forage for livestock. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and metabolites play crucial roles in the nutrient accumulation and regeneration of hulless barley plants following mowing. The study aimed to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs and metabolites in hulless barley plants by analyzing transcriptomic and metabolomic datasets at 2 h, 24 h, and 72 h following mowing.ResultsThe study revealed that 190, 90, and 438 lncRNA genes were differentially expressed at the 2 h, 24 h, and 72 h time points compared to the non-mowing control. We identified 14 lncRNA genes—11 downregulated and 3 upregulated—showing consistently significant differential expression across all time points after mowing. These differentially expressed lncRNAs target genes involved in critical processes such as cytokinin signaling, cell wall degradation, storage protein accumulation, and biomass increase. In addition, we identified ten differentially expressed metabolites targeting diverse metabolic pathways, including plant hormones, alkaloids, and flavonoids, before and after mowing at various time points. Endogenous hormone analysis revealed that cytokinin most likely played a crucial role in the regeneration of hulless barley after mowing.ConclusionsThis study created a comprehensive dataset of lncRNAs, metabolites, and hormones in hulless barley after mowing, revealing valuable insights into the functional characteristics of lncRNAs, metabolites, and hormones in regulating plant regeneration. The results indicated that cytokinin plays a significant role in facilitating the regeneration process of hulless barley after mowing. This comprehensive dataset is an invaluable resource for better understanding the complex mechanisms that underlie plant regeneration, with significant implications for crop improvement.

Effects of protein and forage source on performance and splanchnic and mammary net fluxes of nutrients in lactating dairy cows

This study was conducted to determine if the decreased MP supply predicted by the NRC (2001) when canola meal (CM) substitutes soybean meal (SBM) was supported by direct measurement of net portal absorption of AA or energy-yielding nutrients, plus the effect of the type of forage in CM-based rations. Nine Holstein cows with indwelling catheters in splanchnic blood vessels, 8 also with a ruminal cannula, were used to examine the effects of protein source in corn silage-based diets, comparing SBM versus CM, and forage source in CM-based diets, comparing corn versus grass silage. The cows were allocated to a triple 3 × 3 Latin square design with 21-d periods. The 3 experimental diets, formulated to be isoenergetic and isonitrogenous, were based on: (1) SBM and corn silage (SoCo); (2) CM and corn silage (CaCo) and (3) CM and cool-season grass silage (CaGr). Averages of intake, milk yield, and milk composition of the last 3 d of each period were used for statistical analyses. On d 21 of each period, 6 sets of arterial, portal, hepatic, and mammary blood samples and 2 ruminal fluid samples were collected. On d 12 of period 2, the protein sources were incubated in nylon bags to determine 16-h ruminal disappearance of DM and N and to obtain 16-h residues. Finally, 5 d after the completion of the Latin square design, the mobile bag technique was used to determine DM and N intestinal disappearance of the 16-h residues of SBM and CM. Pre-planned contrasts were used to compare the effect of the protein source in cows fed corn silage (i.e., SoCo vs. CaCo) and the effect of forage in cows fed CM (i.e., CaCo vs. CaGr). Data of the cow without a rumen canula could not be used because of health problem. In corn silage-based diets, substitution of SBM by CM tended to increase milk (6%) and milk fat (7%) yields. The 8% higher ruminal N disappearance and the 19% decreased MP supply from RUP predicted by NRC (2001) were not supported by the 25% decrease in ruminal ammonia concentration, similar net portal absorption of AA (except 22% higher for Met), and the 14% decrease in urea hepatic removal when CM substituted SBM. Ruminal incubation of CM in nylon bags does not appear suitable for adequate determination of the rumen by-pass of a protein source such as CM. Inclusion of grass silage rather than corn silage in CM-based diets tended to increase milk (6%) and increased milk lactose (8%) yields. Neither protein nor forage source resulted in variations of metabolism of energy-yielding nutrients that could explain observed increments in cow performance. The present study indicates no decreased AA availability when CM substitutes SBM. Therefore, substitution of SBM by CM in diets based on corn silage and CM in corn- or grass silage diets can be used successfully in high producing dairy cows.

Seasonal monitoring of biochemical variables in natural rangelands using Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data

ABSTRACT Rangelands are natural ecosystems that serve as essential sources of forage for domesticated livestock and wildlife. Therefore, accurately mapping nutrient levels in rangelands is crucial for sustainable development and effective management of grazing animals. Remote sensing tools offer a reliable means to explore nutrient concentrations across large spatial areas. This study aimed to estimate and map seasonal foliar concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus, and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) in mesic tropical rangelands of Limpopo using Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, and the integration of S1 and S2 data. Fieldwork was conducted to collect samples for seasonal foliar nutrients (N, P, and NDF) during early-summer (November-January 2020), winter (July-August 2021), and late-summer (February-March 2022). Various conventional and red-edge-based vegetation indices were computed. The results demonstrate that integration data from S1 and S2 can effectively estimate and predict foliar concentrations of N, P, and NDF in mesic rangelands throughout the seasons, achieving R2 values of 0.76, 0.78, and 0.71, with corresponding RMSE values of 0.13, 0.04, and 2.52. Notably, red-edge variables emerged as the most significant parameters for predicting seasonal N, P, and NDF concentrations. Additionally, factors such as season and slope significantly influenced the distribution and occurrence of these foliage nutrients, with higher foliage production observed during late-summer and on steeper slopes. The study concludes that the integration of S1 and S2 data can effectively monitor the seasonal dynamics of biochemical parameters. This finding holds significant implications for policymakers and rangeland users, offering a comprehensive understanding of the intricate variations within rangeland ecosystems. Further research could expand on these findings by applying the knowledge to various datasets, exploring different rangelands, and examining additional ecological factors such as slope altitude to detect foliar fibre biochemicals. Finally, the applications of this research extend beyond individual properties, providing practical tools for sustainable rangeland management and informed decision-making in resource utilization and conservation.

Bisifusarium lunatum causing cladode soft rot in pear cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera L. Salm-Dyck) in Brazil.

Cactus pear var. miúda (Nopalea cochenillifera L. Salm-Dyck) is an important crop for the Northeast region of Brazil, composing one of the main sources of animal feed. By April 2021, cladode rot caused death of several cactus pear plants in a production area located in Itaporanga, Paraíba state, Brazil (7°21'55.35" S and 38°11'38.68" W). The infected cladodes showed brown circular necrotic spots, and soft rot with perforations that extended throughout the cladode, followed by tipping over and death of the infected plants. The incidence of the disease ranged from 10 to 30% of the plants. Bisifusarium strains were isolated and cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and syntetic-nutrient-poor-agar (SNA). The colonies showed purple color on PDA. On SNA, macroconidia (n = 100) were abundant, hyaline, slightly falcate, three-septate, measuring 11.0-23.1 x 2.3-4.1 μm. Microconidia (n = 100) were oval, generally aseptate, measuring 4.1-8.7 x 2.3-3.0 μm. Conidiogenic cells formed into short monophialides. Chlamydospores were not observed. According to these morphological features, the pathogen was initially identified as Bisifusarium lunatum (Gryzenhoutm et al. 2017). For further confirmation of the identification, the partial sequences of translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α) and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2) genes were sequenced for a representative isolate (CMA 34: GenBank accession no: TEF1-α: OR536502; and RPB2: OR553509) and compared to other Bisifusarium species from GenBank database. Subsequently, it was subjected to a phylogenetic analysis of maximum likelihood including previously published sequences. According to BLAST searches, the TEF1-α and RPB2 sequences were 99% (637/640 nt) and 100% (312/312 nt) similar to B. lunatum (COUFAL0213: TEF1-α (MK640219), and RPB2 (MK301291)), respectively. The isolate was also clustered in a clade containing the ex-type of B. lunatum with 100% support (SH-aLRT and UFboot), being confidently assigned to this species. The pathogenicity test was performed after Medeiros et al. (2015), by using healthy two months old cactus pear seedlings (n = 10) cultivated in a greenhouse. Sterile toothpicks were distributed over colonies of the representative isolate grown on PDA at 25 ± 2 °C for seven days. Seedling cladodes were stuck with the toothpicks, moistened with sterile water and covered with transparent plastic bags for 24h, thus simulating a humid chamber. Following three months, all control plants (stuck with sterile toothpicks) remained healthy, while those inoculated with the representative isolate exhibited rot symptoms. This test was performed twice. B. lunatum was reisolated from symptomatic cladodes and identified as previously described, thus fulfilling the Koch's postulates. To our best knowledge, this is the first report of B. lunatum causing soft rot on N. cochenillifera in Brazil. Besides N. cochenillifera, this species was also reported on Opuntia ficus-indica in India (Gryzenhoutm et al., 2017), which raises concern regarding its ability to infect other forage sources for cattle feed in Brazilian semiarid regions. The present study highlights that the precise identification of B. lunatum is a key factor to adjust control strategies and management of the disease to prevent the spread of this disease to prevent its spread to other crops.

Formic acid enhances whole-plant mulberry silage fermentation by boosting lactic acid production and inhibiting harmful bacteria.

Mulberry has also been regarded as a valuable source of forage for ruminants. This study was developed to investigate the impact of four additives and combinations thereof on fermentation quality and bacterial communities associated with whole-plant mulberry silage. Control fresh material (FM) was left untreated, while other groups were treated with glucose (G, 20 g/kg FM), a mixture of Lactobacillus plantarum and L. buchneri (L, 106 CFU/g FM), formic acid (A, 5 mL/kg FM), salts including sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate (S, 1.5 g/kg FM), a combination of G and L (GL), a combination of G and A (GA), or a combination of G and S (GS), followed by ensiling for 90 days. Dry matter content in the A, S, GA, and GS groups was elevated relative to the other groups (p < 0.01). Relative to the C group, all additives and combinations thereof were associated with reductions in pH and NH3-N content (p < 0.01). The A groups exhibited the lowest pH and NH3-N content at 4.23 and 3.27 g/kg DM, respectively (p < 0.01), whereas the C groups demonstrated the highest values at 4.43 and 4.44 g/kg DM, respectively (p < 0.01). The highest levels of lactic acid were observed in the GA and A groups (70.99 and 69.14 g/kg DM, respectively; p < 0.01), followed by the GL, L, and GS groups (66.88, 64.17 and 63.68 g/kg DM, respectively), with all of these values being higher than those for the C group (53.27 g/kg DM; p < 0.01). Lactobacillus were the predominant bacteria associated with each of these samples, but the overall composition of the bacterial community was significantly impacted by different additives. For example, Lactobacillus levels were higher in the G, A, and GA groups (p < 0.01), while those of Weissella levels were raised in the L, GL, and GS groups (p < 0.01), Pediococcus levels were higher in the A and GA groups (p < 0.01), Enterococcus levels were higher in the G and S groups (p < 0.01), and Lactococcus levels were raised in the S group (p < 0.01). Relative to the C group, a reduction in the levels of undesirable Enterobacter was evident in all groups treated with additives (p < 0.01), with the greatest reductions being evident in the A, S, GA, and GS groups. The additives utilized in this study can thus improve the quality of whole-plant mulberry silage to varying extents through the modification of the associated bacterial community, with A and GA addition achieving the most efficient reductions in pH together with increases in lactic acid content and the suppression of undesirable bacterial growth.