Forage Treatments Research Articles

Agronomic and economic productivity of summer annual forage systems under different poultry litter application methods

AbstractPoultry litter (litter) is a nutrient dense fertilizer that increases nutritive value and yield in pastures in the mid‐southern US. Nutrient losses due to runoff and nitrogen volatilization are common when broadcasting litter. As such, incorporating litter below the soil surface (subsurface) was evaluated in comparison to broadcasting in 2021 and 2022 by quantifying yield and nutritive value of annual forages. The study was a randomized complete block design with three forage treatments—sorghum‐sudangrass only (Sorghum bicolor L.), cowpea only (Vigna unguiculata L.), and their mixture, and three litter application methods (broadcast, subsurface, and a no litter control). Litter was applied in 2021 only as biennial application is common to save on application cost. Nutritive analyses included neutral detergent fiber and crude protein (CP). Partial budgeting led to relative profitability estimates by accounting for yield and cost differences across treatments. In comparison to the second‐highest yielding forage mixture, sorghum‐sudangrass yielded 4.5%–18.4% more regardless of litter application method. The forage mixture did not improve forage nutritive value, as cowpea were vastly outcompeted and did not average more than 5% of the total forage harvested in mixtures. Cowpea yields did not benefit from litter application. Subsurface application resulted in 8%–10% greater CP content compared to no litter and broadcast litter, respectively, across all forage species. Sorghum‐sudangrass with subsurface applied litter earned nearly $70/acre more than sorghum‐sudangrass with broadcast litter, the next highest treatment combination, and, with lesser nutrient loss.

Functional and clinical results of arthroscopic forage treatment in stage 1 Kienböch s patients

Functional and clinical results of arthroscopic forage treatment in stage 1 Kienböch s patients

233 Fermentation Characteristics of Brassica and Wheat Mixed Silages

Abstract Winter feed management in the temperate regions of the U.S. primarily consists of stored or stockpiled grasses. Recently, forage brassica species have become popular additions to fall and winter grazing programs as an alternative feed source. Most all brassicas incorporated into forage systems are grazed; however, there may be more feeding options, such as fermenting them as silage or baleage. The objective of this project was to determine, utilizing a laboratory scale process, the feasibility and quality characteristics of two different brassica species alone or mixed with winter wheat. Forages were planted in 25.4 cm pots at a seeding rate comparable with field application. Three separate forage varieties were used: a hybrid forage rapeseed (RAPE), a forage turnip (TURNIP) and winter wheat (WHEAT). Along with these 3 varieties, two mixed forage treatments were utilized; a 3-way mix spaced and covered mimicking the effect of being planted with a drill (DRILL) and a 3-way mix randomly sprinkled and left uncovered mimicking a more random application (BROADCAST). Each of these 5 treatments were replicated 5 times and grown in the greenhouse for 76 d. At the conclusion of this growing period, forages were harvested 3 cm above the soil and immediately placed into vacuum-sealed bags. Bags were placed in a dark room and incubated for a total of 83 d. Following incubation, samples were analyzed for fermentation characteristics to determine quality of the ensiling process. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedures of SAS. There was a treatment effect (P < 0.01) on the DM of the ensiled product whereby WHEAT (31.8%) was the greatest and BROADCAST (7.1%) was the least. The BROADCAST treatment had significantly (P < 0.01) greater ammonia concentration, as well as acetic acid (P < 0.05) concentration compared with all other treatments. No differences (P = 0.26) in pH were observed within the ensiled treatments. Overall, results of this trial suggest that it might be possible to use these brassica species as an ensiled feedstuff, though further testing is necessary to elucidate possible complications or limitations.

204 Evaluation of the Chemical Composition and Animal Performance of Intermediate Wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) Regrowth for Potential Fall Grazing of Beef Cattle

Abstract This study assessed forage yield and chemical composition, feed intake, and performance of beef heifers grazing intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) regrowth post-grain harvest compared with a stockpiled grass/legume control in the late fall. Pastures were established in 2020 at Glenlea, MB, Canada and treatments were: 1) Courtenay tall fescue/Algonquin alfalfa/Oxley II cicer milkvetch (50:25:25; FORCON); 2) IWG, pure stand, no fertilizer post establishment (NFERT); 3) IWG, pure stand+50 kg N· ha-1 post-grain harvest (FERT); 4) IWG with Alsike clover (50:50; AL). The FORCON and IWG treatments were harvested in June (hay) and August (grain) 2021, respectively. Thirty-two beef heifers were assigned to eight paddocks, four heifers per paddock in a randomized complete block design with two blocks. Each block had four paddocks, each paddock receiving one of the four treatments. Heifers began grazing on Oct 6 for a 14-d adaptation period and a 22-d experimental period. Forage samples were obtained once every 2 weeks and analyzed for CP and TDN. Individual feed intake was estimated using the titanium oxide method with fecal samples collected on d 21 and 22 and pooled. Bodyweight and blood samples (blood urea nitrogen, BUN) were obtained on d 1 and d 22. Data were analyzed using a mixed model in R studio, with the fixed effect of forage treatment and the random effects of block and paddock. Forage yield and CP were greater for FORCON (3,515 kg· ha-1 and 14.9% DM, respectively) than the IWG treatments (mean 2778 kg· ha-1 and 12.83% DM, respectively), which did not differ (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.150, respectively). The TDN was less for FORCON (60.6% DM) than IWG treatments (mean 61.5% DM), which did not differ (P = 0.394). Dry matter, CP and TDN intake were lower for FORCON (7.91 kg· DM d-1, 1.15 kg· DM d-1, 4.98 kg· DM d-1, respectively) than IWG treatments (mean 8.54 kg· DM d-1, 1.16 kg· DM d-1, 5.44 kg DM d-1), which did not differ (P = 0.237, P = 0.218, P = 0.137, respectively). The ADG was less for FORCON (0.53 kg· d-1) than IWG treatments (mean 0.77 kg· d-1), with the greatest gains observed in IWG AL (0.90 kg d-1; P = 0.046). Blood urea nitrogen was greater for FORCON (3.95 mmol· L-1) than IWG treatments (mean 3.78 mmol· L-1), which did not differ (P = 0.203) on d 1. However, on d 22 the opposite response was observed with decreased BUN in FORCON (2.97 mmol ·L-1) than in IWG treatments (mean 3.51 mmol· L-1), which did not differ (P = 0.350). In conclusion, IWG offered comparable performance as a feed alternative to the conventional perennial grass/legume mix commonly used for extended grazing. However, the effects of fertilizer or legume on IWG may differ under different soil conditions due to high fertility at the experimental site.

Cool semi‐arid cropping treatments alter Avena fatua's performance and competitive intensity

AbstractIntroductionMultiple herbicide‐resistant Avena fatua L. is common in the Northern Great Plains, USA. This prevalence and the ecological impacts of tillage in this semi‐arid agricultural region have created a need for integrated weed management, with a specific knowledge gap in using annual forage crops and targeted grazing for A. fatua suppression.Materials and MethodsA 2‐year study in central Montana, USA, assessed A. fatua performance (aboveground biomass, stem density and seed production) in response to seven cropping treatments: (1–4) tall and short spring wheat cultivars crossed with high and low seeding rates, (5–6) annual forage mixture terminated using sheep grazing and simulated haying and (7) tilled fallow. Avena fatua's competitive intensity in wheat and the annual forage mixture was determined using a relative competition intensity index.ResultsAvena fatua performance was lowest in tilled fallow, although stem density and seed production did not differ from the grazed annual forage treatment. Response variables were lower in the forage treatments compared with the wheat treatments, and there were no differences among the four fully crossed wheat treatments. Separate analysis of the wheat treatments indicated lower A. fatua biomass and stem density when wheat was sown at a higher rate with no impact of wheat height. Avena fatua competition impacted wheat and forage crops but was more intense for wheat.ConclusionTillage was the most effective treatment at reducing A. fatua performance, but annual forage mixtures can be used to resist A. fatua invasion (reduced A. fatua competitive intensity) and limit its performance after invasion. We conclude that crop sequences that combine higher cash crop (wheat) seeding rates and competitive annual forage mixtures may be utilized to manage A. fatua invaded systems, thereby reducing heavy reliance on tillage in the US Northern Great Plains and similar semi‐arid regions.

Effect of Fermented Feed on Cattle Weight at Pondok Rawa Village, Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatera

Abstract: Cattle farming in Indonesia, especially in North Sumatra, is still a secondary livelihood for breeders. Treatment and processing of beef are generally done in the traditional way. The success of the beef cattle business is very dependent on the fulfillment of nutrients that affect livestock health. Therefore, quality and sustainable feed is an important factor in livestock cultivation technology. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of fermented feed on cattle weight at a small cattle farm in Pondok Rawa Village, Deli Serdang Regency, Sumatera Utara. Fermented feed is formulated by mixing corn ash and palm oil cake (5:1), coarse salt, molasses, and EM4 into chlorine-free water. The feed was stored in PP plastic and incubated for 7 days. Five cows chosen randomly were given fermented feed every day for 1 month while the other 5 cows were only given forage. All test cattle were about 4 years old and weighed weekly and the data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA in JASP 0.16.4. The results showed that the average weight gain of one cattle fed with fermented feed (1.54 kg/week) was higher than forage treatment (0.69 kg/week). This result was validated and substantiated by ANOVA test result showing that value of p < 0.05.

Effects of forage type on the rumen microbiota, growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality in fattening goats.

Forages fed to goats influence ruminal microbiota, and further contribute to affect growth performance, meat quality and its nutritional composition. Our objective for current study was to investigate the effects of different forages on growth performance, carcass traits, meat nutritional composition, rumen microflora, and the relationships between key bacteria and amino acids and fatty acids in the longissimus dorsi and semimembranosus muscles of goats. Boer crossbred goats were separately fed commercial concentrate diet supplemented with Hemarthria altissima (HA), Pennisetum sinese (PS), or forage maize (FG), and then slaughtered 90 days after the beginning of the experiment. Growth performances did not vary but carcass traits of dressing percentage, semi-eviscerated slaughter percentage, and eviscerated slaughter percentage displayed significant difference with the treatment studied. Meats from goats fed forage maize, especially semimembranosus muscles are rich in essential amino acids, as well as an increase in the amount of beneficial fatty acids. Our 16S rRNA gene sequencing results showed that the Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria were the most dominant phyla in all groups but different in relative abundance. Further, the taxonomic analysis and linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) identified the specific taxa that were differentially represented among three forage treatments. The spearman's correlation analysis showed that rumen microbiota was significantly associated with the goat meat nutritional composition, and more significant positive correlations were identified in semimembranosus muscles when compared with longissimus dorsi muscles. More specifically, the lipid metabolism-related bacteria Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group showed positively correlated with meat amino acid profile, while genera Oscillospiraceae_UCG-005 were positively correlated with fatty acid composition. These bacteria genera might have the potential to improve nutritional value and meat quality. Collectively, our results showed that different forages alter the carcass traits, meat nutritional composition, and rumen microflora in fattening goats, and forage maize induced an improvement in its nutritional value.

The effect of a zero-grazed perennial ryegrass, perennial ryegrass and white clover, or multispecies forage on the dry matter intake, milk production and nitrogen utilization of dairy cows in mid-late lactation

The objective of this experiment was to assess the impact of forage type on the DMI and milk production of mid-late lactation dairy cows. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) (PRG), PRG and white clover (Trilfolium repens) (PRGWC) and multispecies forage containing PRG, timothy (Phleum pratense), WC, red clover (Trifolium pratense), chicory (Cichorium intybus), and plantain (Plantago lanceolata) (MULTI), were compared using 24 cows in a three-period Latin square changeover design experiment. Cows were acclimatized to dietary treatments for 14 days, before entering a 21-day sampling period. Animals were housed indoors throughout the experiment, with access to forage treatments via computerized feeding boxes that recorded daily forage fresh weight intake and feeding behavior. Forage was harvested using a zero-grazer and feed boxes filled throughout the day. Forage dry matter was determined daily and forage DMI subsequently calculated. Milk yield (MY) was recorded daily, with milk composition (fat, protein, lactose) measured weekly. Once per sampling period, blood and rumen samples were collected. The partitioning of dietary nitrogen into milk, feces and urine was assessed for 6-days in each sampling period. Data was analyzed in SAS using PROC MIXED and checked for normality using UNIVARIATE. Forage botanical composition changed from period 1 to period 2 and 3, leading to significant differences in chemical composition between periods. Despite this, dry matter intake was consistently higher (P <0.05) for MULTI (20.14 kg DM) and PRGWC (18.30 kg DM) compared to PRG (17.06 kg DM). Offering cows MULTI increased daily MY (21.20 kg/d; P <0.001) compared to PRG (20.28 kg/d) and PRGWC (20.19 kg/d). Cows offered PRG made fewer visits to the feed box (P <0.001) and had a reduced meal size (kg/visit) (P <0.001) compared to PRGWC and MULTI. Offering cows MULTI reduced UN concentration (%) by 20% compared to either PRG or PRGWC. Perennial ryegrass resulted in higher dietary nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) compared to PRGWC or MULTI, though this effect was not consistent between periods. These results show that multispecies forages can increase milk production when offered to cows housed indoors. However, despite MULTI resulting in a lower UN concentration, cows offered PRG had a higher dietary NUE, likely due to a lower N intake.

Effect of Hydroponically Grown Forages on Growth Performance of Rabbit

An experiment was carried out on weaned rabbits at Swine and Avian Research Program, Khumaltar from 11 June 2020 to July 29, 2020 after adjustment period of seven days. The objective to evaluate the effect of hydroponically grown forages on growth performance of rabbit. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with three treatments viz. control without inclusion of hydroponic forage (T1), combination of pea and wheat hydroponic forage (T2), concentrate mixture with pea hydroponic forage (T3) and concentrate mixture with wheat hydroponic forage (T4) in rabbit feeding diet. A total of 60 rabbits each treatment containing 5 rabbits kept for 8th weeks’ period. The data on feed intake was recorded daily and body weight was measure in weekly basis. Combination of pea and wheat hydroponic forage treatment showed the significant results on feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio(FCR). The experiment revealed that the highest forage hydroponic forage intake (177.48 g) and weight gain (158.67g) was observed in T2 (combination of pea and wheat in hydroponics system) and lowest in T1 (46.67g). The highest FCR was found in T1 (3.75) and lowest in T2 (2.28). The results of this study showed that growth performance of rabbits on combination of pea and wheat hydroponically grown forage feeding practices at intensive system found better than without hydroponically grown forage feeding practices. Further study should be carried out to precise the appropriate hydroponic forage recommending this practices to the rabbit growers.

Rumen fermentation and forage degradability in dairy cows offered perennial ryegrass, perennial ryegrass and white clover, or a multispecies forage

An experiment was conducted to compare the rumen fermentation and degradability of three forage treatments. A perennial ryegrass (PRG; Lolium perenne), perennial ryegrass and white clover (Trifolium pratense) (PRGWC) and multispecies forage (MULTI), containing two grass species; perennial ryegrass and timothy (Phleum pratense); two clover species; white clover and red clover (Trifolium repens); and two herb species; chicory (Cichorium intybus) and plantain (Plantago lanceolata), were compared. Six rumen fistulated lactating dairy cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square experiment consisting of 3 periods lasting 21-days. Cows were allowed ad libitum access to fresh forage and offered 2.71 kg DM concentrate each day. During days 1 – 14 of each period, cows were acclimatized to dietary treatments before entering a 7 – day sampling period. Indwelling rumen pH probes were inserted into the rumen of each cow on day 15 and 16. Rumen fluid samples were taken on day 18 every 2 h for rumen volatile fatty acid and ammonia nitrogen (NH3N) analysis. Forage dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradability was assessed via in sacco incubation beginning on day 19 of each period. Treatment had no effect on dry matter intake (DMI) or milk yield. There was no difference in mean rumen pH between treatments. The rumen pH of cows offered MULTI was below pH 6.0 for a higher percentage of time than the other treatments, however the concentration of acetic acid in the rumen of cows was similar between treatments. Effective degradability (ED) of DM was higher (P = 0.003) for MULTI (0.77) compared to PRG (0.68) and PRGWC (0.66). The soluble CP fraction of MULTI and PRGWC was significantly lower than that of PRG (P = 0.007), though PRGWC had the highest rumen ammonia concentration of all treatments (P = 0.002). MULTI had the highest ED and rate of DM degradation in the rumen, and lowest soluble CP of all treatments. Multispecies forages can support milk production in lactating dairy cows; however, care must be taken to ensure adequate dietary NDF due to the low fiber concentration and highly degradable nature of the forage.

Potato and soil 15N recoveries from different labelled forage root and shoot

An improved understanding of the contribution of a preceding forage crop to a subsequent potato crop can improve nitrogen (N) utilization in potato production. This study used two rotation experiments to estimate the N contribution from labelled shoot and root of red clover (RC, Trifolium pratense), timothy (T, Phleum pratense) and a red clover/timothy mixture (M) to a subsequent potato crop using microplots in the field. Forage crops were grown with 14NH414NO3 and 15NH415NO3 (98 atom %). The residue exchange technique was used to compare residue treatments of (i) whole plant labelled; (ii) labelled shoot only; and (iii) labelled root only in Experiment 1, and residue treatments of (i) whole plant labelled; (ii) labelled shoot/unlabelled root; and (iii) labelled root/unlabelled shoot in Experiment 2. Averaged across forage treatments, recoverable root biomass represented 64 and 37% of total forage biomass, and the total 15N recovery from labelled roots was 52 and 62% of the total 15N recovery from shoots, in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. Therefore, forage roots represented a substantial source of N for the subsequent crop. However, less than 5% of the 15N from crop residues was recovered in the potato vines plus tubers, and most of the 15N was recovered in the soil, regardless of the forage or residue treatments. Potato tuber and vine dry matter was greater for the RC than the T treatment for all residue treatments, a finding attributed to greater potato N accumulation for the RC treatment. It is therefore important to consider the contribution of forage roots when studying N cycling in potato systems. Potato N requirements were satisfied more by soil-derived N rather than from fall incorporated forage residues.

Soil fertility characteristics in North Carolina pastures as affected by spatial separation and renovation with annual forages

AbstractSpatial variation in soil properties is often considered significant across broad geographical regions due to soil formation factors. However, fine‐scale variations might also be significant. This study was conducted with the original intent of assessing how simple and complex mixtures of annual forages might be used to renovate perennial pastures. Private farmers in the Flatwoods, Piedmont, and Blue Ridge Major Land Resource Areas of North Carolina tested annual forages to renovate tall fescue pastures. Soil was sampled in multiple random locations in each field at depths of 0–6, 6–12, and 12–20 cm at the beginning and ending of a 3‐yr annual forage evaluation. Relative variation among five components (year of sampling [n = 2], physiographic region [n = 3], annual forage treatment [n = 2], soil depth [n = 3], and random variation from pseudoreplicates [n = 3 in 2015 and n = 5 in 2018]) was assessed for four soil physical, 10 soil biological, and 16 soil chemical properties. Soil chemical properties were mostly affected by physiographic region (47 ± 26% of total variation) and soil depth (33 ± 18%), soil biological properties were mostly affected by soil depth (63 ± 25%) and random pseudoreplication (14 ± 6%), and soil physical properties were equally affected by pseudoreplication (35 ± 21%), physiographic region (32 ± 18%), and soil depth (29 ± 22%). The type of annual forage had no discernible effect on soil properties, even the most biologically active. A diversity of spatial variations was important, suggesting that regional‐level ecological investigations require careful attention to an appropriate sampling design considering multiple factors.

Effects of intake-based weaning and forage type on feeding behavior and growth of dairy calves fed by automated feeders.

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of intake-based weaning methods and forage type on feeding behavior and growth of dairy calves. Holstein dairy calves (n = 108), housed in 12 groups of 9, were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 weaning treatments: milk reduction based on age (wean-by-age), individual dry matter intake (DMI; wean-by-intake), or a combination of individual DMI and age (wean-by-combination). Groups of calves were alternately assigned to 1 of 2 forage treatments: grass hay or a silage-based total mix ration (TMR; n = 6 groups per treatment). Until 30 d of age, all calves were offered 12 L/d of whole milk. Starting on d 31, milk was gradually reduced by 25% of the individual's average milk intake. For wean-by-age calves (n = 31), the milk allowance remained stable until d 62 when milk was again reduced gradually until weaning at d 70. For wean-by-intake calves (n = 35), milk allowance was reduced by a further 25% once calves consumed on average 200, 600, and (finally) 1,150 g of dry matter (DM) per day of calf starter and forage. For wean-by-combination calves (n = 35), milk intake remained stable until calves consumed on average 200 g of DM/d, at which point milk was reduced linearly until weaning at d 70. If calves failed to reach DMI targets by d 62 (n = 10), milk was then reduced gradually until weaning at d 70. Of the 35 wean-by-intake calves, 27 met all 3 DMI targets (successful-intake), and 33 of the 35 calves in the wean-by-combination treatment met the 200 g of DM/d target (successful-combination). Successful-intake and successful-combination calves had greater final body weight (BW) at 12 wk of age than wean-by-age calves (123.7 vs. 122.3 vs. 117.7 ± 3.1 kg, respectively). During weaning, successful-intake calves ate more starter and consumed less milk than successful-combination and wean-by-age calves (starter: 1.19 vs. 0.89 vs. 0.49 ± 0.07 kg of DM/d, respectively; milk: 2.7 vs. 4.2 vs. 5.9 ± 0.17 L/d, respectively). After weaning, successful-combination and successful-intake calves consumed similar amounts of starter; however, wean-by-age calves continued to consume less starter (2.85 vs. 2.78 vs. 2.44 ± 0.10 kg of DM/d, respectively). During weaning, hay and TMR calves ate similar amounts of forage, but hay calves consumed more starter (0.96 vs. 0.75 ± 0.07 kg of DM/d, respectively). After weaning, hay calves continued to consume more starter (2.88 vs. 2.50 ± 0.10 kg of DM/d, respectively), whereas TMR calves consumed more forage (0.33 vs. 0.15 ± 0.02 kg of DM/d, respectively). Hay calves had greater final BW at 84 d compared with TMR calves (124.0 vs. 119.0 ± 1.6 kg, respectively). These results show that the inclusion of a DMI target can improve starter intake and BW for calves that successfully wean, and that forage type can influence the transition onto solid feed. We also found that approximately 10% of calves failed to consume even 200 g of DM/d by 9 wk of age; more research is needed to better understand why some calves struggle to transition onto solid feed.

150 Effects of Annual and Perennial Forage Systems on Forage Biomass and Quality, Grazing Animal Performance, and Enteric Methane Emissions

Abstract The effects of perennial and annual forage systems on forage biomass and quality, grazing animal performance, and enteric methane emissions were evaluated over two summer grazing seasons in 2020 and 2021. Forage systems (treatments) included (1) AC Success hybrid bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehm. × Bromus inermis Leyss.) + PS30006 alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) (HBG-ALF), (2) AC Armada meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehm.) + AAC Mountainview sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) (MBG-SF), (3) AC Hazlet fall rye (Secale cereale L.) + Frosty berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) (FR-CLOV) and (4) Winfred forage brassica (Brassica oleracea L.× Brassica rapa L.) + Gorilla forage brassica (Brassica napus L.) + 4010 pea (Pisum sativum L.) + CDC Austenson barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) (BAR-PEA-BRASS). Yearling beef steers (n=156, body weight = 364 ± 14 kg) were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 replicated (n=3) forage systems for an average of 54 d grazing period each year. Dry matter yield (DMY) was greatest (P=0.006) for HBG-ALF (3036 kg/ha) and lowest for FR-CLOV (993 kg/ha) (P=0.005). Dry matter yield of BAR-PEA-BRASS (2123 kg/ha) and MBG-SF (1950 kg/ha) was similar (P=0.57). Total digestible nutrients (TDN) of BAR-PEA-BRASS (63.0%) and FR-CLOV (62.0%) was greater (P=0.001) than HBG-ALF (53.8%) and MBG-SF (54.7%). Crude protein (CP) was greatest (P=0.001) in FR-CLOV (13%). Crude protein of BAR-PEA-BRASS (9.6%) was greater (P=0.003) than HBG-ALF (6.6%) and MBG-SF (5.3%). Steer performance was greatest (P=0.03) on HBG-ALF (124 kg/ha). Steer performance on FR-CLOV (82 kg/ha), MBG-SF (76 kg/ha) and BAR-PEA-BRASS (74 kg/ha) was similar (P=0.92). Enteric methane emissions from beef steers did not differ between forage treatments (P=0.08). In summary, HBG-ALF forage system provided greater DMY, and grazing animal performance compared to the other forage systems, however TDN and CP content was lower than other forage systems and enteric methane emissions did not differ among treatments.

Introduction of Superior Feed Forage to Improve Feed Nutrition and Livestock Productivity in the “Sekar Pasti Wangi” Livestock Farmer Group, Petiga Village, Marga District, Tabanan Regency

The partner in implementing this PKM (Community service) is the Sekar Pasti Wangi Livestock Group located in Banjar Seminyak Petiga Village, Marga District, Tabanan Regency. This group raises 20 cows with 19 members. Partners have problems not having information about superior types of animal feed forage, understanding and skills regarding feed forage cultivation technology and how to feed livestock. With this understanding and skills, it will be able to increase the nutritional content contained in the feed both in quality and quantity which has an impact on increasing livestock production. The goal to be achieved is to provide an understanding of nutrition in applying forage cultivation technology as animal feed that can take place evenly throughout the year. The Sekar Pasti Wangi Livestock Farmer Group already knows some superior forage, mastering its cultivation technology, ration formulation and understanding and understanding the nutritional needs of cows. Mastery of technology is almost 80%, so it is necessary to provide assistance again to the group at the time of the first, second slaughter and forage treatment of feed and serving techniques so that forage remains of good quality. From the community partnership program that we carry out, it can be concluded that partners know the types of feed forage by 80%. In addition, there is an increase in livestock productivity of 0.3-0.4 kg / head / day can be seen from the growth performance, so it is expected that partner income will increase.

The effect of supplemented chestnut tannin to grass silage either at ensiling or at feeding on lamb performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality

This study was designed to investigate the effect of supplemented chestnut hydrolysable tannin (HT) both at ensiling and at feeding on lamb growth, carcass characteristic, and meat quality. Twenty tons of ryegrass (Lolium perenne) were used to produce silage. The ryegrass was treated at ensiling with one of three additives: 30 g kg-1 DM chestnut HT (GET), an inoculant as a positive control (GI), or water as a negative control (G). Another two treatments were made from ensiled grass by adding the 30 g kg-1 DM of chestnut HT to either positive (GI+T) or negative (GT) control. Forty Suffolk cross Mule lambs were used in this experiment and allocated to receive one of five experimental forage treatments with eight lambs per treatment. The diet consisted of two parts: concentrate and silage. Lambs were fed 215 g DM day-1 lamb of concentrate diet and ad libitum grass silage for seven weeks and then slaughtered. Back fat thickness tended to be lower (p= 0.07) for lambs fed the GT and GI+T treatments compared to lambs in the other experimental groups’ (10.0, 10.1, 9.8, 10.0, and 9.8 mm for GET, G, GT, GI, and GI+T, respectively). Feeding lambs GET tended to reduce (p= 0.06) meat lightness (L*) compared to the other treatments. Ammonia nitrogen concentration in rumen fluid was reduced significantly (p&lt; 0.05) when lambs consumed diets treated with tannin both at ensiling and at feeding (0.14, 0.19, 0.17, 0.17 and 0.14g l-1 GET G, GT, GI, and GI+T, respectively). The experimental treatments had no effect (p&gt; 0.05) on voluntary feed intake (914, 916, 899, 928, or 914 g day-1 for GET, G, GT, GI, and GI+T, respectively) or lamb performance.

Effects of annual small grain–brassica forage mixtures during the last 70 days of the forage-finishing period on: I. Forage production, beef steer performance, and carcass characteristics

Our objective was to determine the effects of grazing annual forage mixtures on forage, animal, and carcass performance of steers compared with cool-season perennial pasture during the finishing period. Red Angus–influenced steers (n = 24/year over 3 yr) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 forage treatments: mixed pasture (control; MIX); 2-species small grain–brassica mixture (simple, SIMP); or 5-species small grain–brassica mixture (complex, COMP). Steers grazed their respective treatment for 64, 76, and 70 d in 2014 (yr 1), 2015 (yr 2), and 2016 (yr 3), respectively. Initial and final fasted BW were measured. Carcass data were collected 48 h postmortem. Forage biomass (kg of DM/ha) was greater ( P = 0.02) for SIMP (5,909) and COMP (5,984) than for MIX (4,000). There was a treatment-by-year interaction for most of the forage chemical composition components, with higher quality forage observed for SIMP, COMP, or both. Final BW and overall ADG were greater ( P < 0.01) for steers grazing MIX (518 kg and 1.16 kg/d) than for those grazing COMP (504 kg and 0.97 kg/d), which were greater than for those grazing SIMP (496 kg and 0.85 kg/d). However, total gain (kg/ha) was lower ( P < 0.001) for MIX (99.9) than SIMP (138.3) and was greatest for COMP (167.1). Hot carcass weight was greater ( P < 0.01) for COMP (+9%) than SIMP and MIX in yr 1, and no differences were observed in yr 2 and yr 3. Dressing percentage was greater ( P < 0.01) for carcasses from steers grazing COMP compared with SIMP, which were both greater than MIX. Annual forage mixtures of SIMP and COMP can provide considerably greater amounts of DM later in the grazing season and support greater gain per hectare. Steers grazing these mixtures have similar or greater hot carcass weight compared with traditional cool-season perennial mixed pasture.

Economic outcomes for transitioning to organic forage production

AbstractResearch on the use of forages to transition cropland to organic production is limited. Our objective was to determine the cost of transitioning from conventional to organic production using perennial and annual forage systems. The study was conducted at the Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, in Spring Hill, TN. Five forage treatments were compared: tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.] monoculture, bermudagrass [Cynodon dactlyon (L.) Pers.] monoculture, tall fescue and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) mixture, bermudagrass and alfalfa mixture, and an annual rotation of a cool‐season mixture, including winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and winter pea (Pisum sativum L.), and a warm‐season mixture of sorghum–sudangrass [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench × S.orghum sudanese (Piper) Stapf] and cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]. Perennial forages were established in 2017 and 2018 following orchard removal and a fallow period. Regular production measurements began in 2019 when the plots achieved full organic certification status. Tall fescue had the lowest cost for the overall transition period. However, on a cost per unit of dry matter (DM) forage mass and on a cost per unit of crude protein (CP) basis, all treatments were similar, with a range between US$0.02 and $0.03 lb–1 for DM forage mass and between $0.15 and $0.20 lb–1 for CP, except for the more costly bermudagrass monoculture that was $0.06 lb–1 DM forage mass and $0.40 lb–1 CP. Given the lack of a premium during the transition period, tall fescue was the most cost‐effective transition forage.

PSXIII-2 Effect of varying proportions of cereal rye and turnip on ruminal fermentation and methane output through in vitro batch culture

Abstract Ruminant animal performance has been variable in studies grazing annual cool-season grass and brassica monocultures and mixtures. There is little understanding of the fermentation mechanisms causing variation. The aim of this study was to determine apparent dry matter (DM) digestibility, methane, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration from different proportions of cereal rye (Secale cereal; R) and turnip (Brassica rapa L.; T) (0R:100T, 40R:60T, 60R:40T, and 100R:0T) via in vitro batch fermentation. Freeze-dried forage samples from an integrated crop-livestock study was assembled into the four treatments with a 50:50 leaf to root ratio for turnip. Measurements were made following a 48 hr fermentation with 2:1 buffer and ruminal fluid inoculum. Data were analyzed using Mixed Procedure of SAS with batch (replicate) and treatment (main effect) in the model; differences were declared at P ≤ 0.05, with tendencies declared at &amp;gt; 0.05 but &amp;lt; 0.10. Rumen apparent DM digestibility (26.8%; overall mean) was not different among treatments. Methane production was less (P &amp;lt; 0.01) with inclusion of turnip ranging from 774 nmol/ml for 0R:100T to 1416 nmol/ml for 100R:0T. Total VFA production, acetate to propionate ratio, acetate, and valerate were not affected by forage treatments (117 mM, 1.45, 39.84 mol/100 mol, and 7.86 mol/100 mol, respectively; overall mean). Propionate, isobutyrate, and isovalerate concentrations were greater and butyrate concentration less with greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) proportions of rye in the mixture. No effect of R:T ratio on digestibility or total VFA production along with the observed differences in individual VFA concentration do not explain variable response in grazing animals. Additionally, methane production results indicate that grazing turnips could potentially reduce methane production and thus reduce ruminant livestock’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.

Influence of Maternal Carbohydrate Source (Concentrate-Based vs. Forage-Based) on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality of Progeny.

The objective of this research was to investigate the influence of maternal prepartum dietary carbohydrate source on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of offspring. Angus-based cows were assigned to either a concentrate-based diet or forage-based diet during mid- and late-gestation. A subset of calves was selected for evaluation of progeny performance. Dry matter intake (DMI), body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), gain to feed (G:F), and ultrasound measurements (muscle depth, back fat thickness, and intramuscular fat) were assessed during the feeding period. Carcass measurements were recorded, and striploins were collected for Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), trained sensory panel, crude fat determination and fatty acid profile. Maternal dietary treatment did not influence (p > 0.05) offspring BW, DMI, ultrasound measurements, percent moisture, crude fat, WBSF, or consumer sensory responses. The forage treatment tended to have decreased (p = 0.06) 12th rib backfat compared to the concentrate treatment and tended to have lower (p = 0.08) yield grades. The concentrate treatment had increased (p < 0.05) a* and b* values compared to the forage treatment. These data suggest variation in maternal diets applied in this study during mid- and late-gestation has limited influence on progeny performance.