Fresh Forage Research Articles

Modelling feed energy and protein values for ruminants

This study aimed to estimate feed metabolizable energy (ME) and metabolizable protein (MP) contents by their chemical composition. A total of 134 feeds from various categories (dry forage, fresh forage, silage, concentrate rich in energy, concentrate rich in protein and by-product) were integrated into a database. Values of TDN and CP were regressed against ME and MP, respectively. The value of ME was predicted from neutral detergent fiber (NDF), non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC), ether extract (EE) and CP whereas MP was predicted from rumen degradable protein (RDP) and rumen undegradable protein (RUP). The RDP to RUP ratio was regressed to MP in order to obtain optimum value of the ratio. Results showed that TDN and CP could predict quite accurately ME and MP by explaining 78.2% and 92.7% of their total variations, respectively. The ME was accurately predicted by NFC, NDF, EE and CP, whereas MP was accurately predicted by RDP and RUP. Lower RDP/RUP led to a higher MP percentage to CP. It can be concluded that TDN, CP and other feed chemical constituents could predict quite accurately ME and MP. This indicates that the old system is still valid to be used for formulating ruminant diets.

Determination of proximate and phytochemical composition of African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) forage

Browse plants is one of the cheapest sources of feed for ruminants and other farm animals. The leaf of African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa), a tree belonging to the family leguminoceae was studied. The Locust bean foliage (LBF) was evaluated for the proximate and antinutritional factors. The proximate analysis showed that LBF had high crude protein (16.23%), dry matter DM (90.05%), crude fibre CF (21.36%), low fats (0.68%), ash (6.11) and soluble carbohydrate (55.62%). Anti–nutrients contents included oxalates (4.02 mg/100g), phytate (0.06 mg/100g), trypsin (0.44g/100g), saponin (2.80 mg/100g), cyanide (1.60 mg/100g), tannin (24.15 mg/100g) and alkaloid (6.70 mg/100g). The values obtained for the proximate composition may be an indication that LBF is a promising browse plants which could be fed to the grazing animals during the dry season, when fresh forages are scarce.

Evaluation of meliloti rhizobium activity effectiveness on quantitative properties of alfalfa by bacterial inoculation in the south-east of Iran

In order to investigate the effect of bacterial inoculation on yield, chlorophyll and protein content of alfalfa to obtain economically experimental products in Shahid Zande Rouh Agricultural Training Center in Kerman as a split plot in time based on a completely randomized block design with four replications on the ground Which had not been done before, was done. Bacterial inoculation was at three levels (Rhizobium meliluti, Rhizobium leguminasarum and no inoculation as a control). Bacterial inoculation had a significant effect on all studied traits and caused an increase in chlorophyll content, yield and protein percentage. In terms of fresh forage weight, the first and third crops had the highest yield with the application of Rhizobium meliloti (6 tons per hectare). The highest percentage of protein related to inoculation of Rhizobium meliloti was observed in the second Picking. According to the results of this study, inoculation with Rhizobium meliloti bacteria increases the ability of nitrogen fixation 3 to 4 times compared to the control and improved the alfalfa traits of Bami cultivar in southeastern Iran.

PENERAPAN TEKNOLOGI SILASE JERAMI JAGUNG SEBAGAI PAKAN TERAK DI OPHIR NAGARI KOTO BARU KABUPATEN PASAMAN BARAT

Pakan merupakan suatu kebutuhan yang mutlak harus diperhatikan dalam pemeliharaan ternak. Umumnya di musim kemarau, peternak terkendala dalam ketersediaan pakan sulit didapatkan. Disisi lain, Pada saat musim panen jagung di Jorong Ophir Nagari Koto Baru Kabupaten Pasaman Barat ketersediaan jerami jagung sangat melimpah. Jerami jagung sangat berpotensi sebagai sumber pakan, namun pemanfaatannya belum optimal dikarenakan kualitasnya masih rendah. Untuk peningkatan kualitas dan manfaat jerami jagung ini maka diperlukan petani sebuah teknologi yang mudah dan sederhana untuk peningkatan kualitas pakan diantaranya teknologi silase jerami jagung. Tujuan kegiatan ini yaitu untuk peningkatan pengetahuan dan keterampilan peternak dan petani atau masyarakat Jorong Ophir Nagari Koto Baru dalam penerapan teknologi pembuatan silase jerami jagung sebagai pakan ternak. Kegiatan pelatihan dilakukan Jorong Ophir yang melibatkan petani peternak dan masyarakat. Metode kegiatan berupa penyuluhan, pelatihan dan evaluasi. Pada kegiatan ini terlihat peserta antusias mengikuti pelaksanaan kegiatan. Setelah pelaksanaan kegiatan ini terlihat adanya peningkatan pengetahuan dan pemahaman masyarakat dalam penerapan pembuatan silase jerami jagung sebagai pengolahan pakan ternak. Hal ini tentunya peternak dapat mengotimalisasi limbah sebagai pakan ternak yang harga yang relatif murah. Berharap dari kegiatan ini adanya keberlanjutan program yang dilakukan peternak agar optimalisasi pakan yang berkualitas untuk peningkatan produktivitas ternak.

Effect of maturity stage and processing on chemical composition, in vitro gas production and preference of Panicum maximum and Pennisetum purpureum

The trials arranged in 2 x 2 x 2 factorial completely randomized design to evaluated the selection preference of Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) and Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum ) of four and eight weeks regrowth served either fresh green chop or pelleted using 12 intact Muturu calves in a 15 min cafeteria. The diets were served to animals either individual or in group. The CP content of the grasses ranged from 105 to 133 g/kg DM with pelleted panicum at 8 weeks old having the highest CP. Pelleted grasses of 4 week old had the lowest (P<0.05) NDF in the trial. Panicum pelleted at 4 weeks old recorded the highest (P < 0.05) sequential in vitro gas volume of 5.25 ml/200g while the volume of gas produced by pelleted grasses was higher (P < 0.01) than the fresh grasses. Pennisetum pelleted at 8 weeks old had the highest (P<0.05) ME of 6.18 MJ/kg DM. Age at harvest influenced preference as forages harvested at 4 weeks old had higher intake. Group feeding also influenced forage preference. Correlation analysis showed that DM, SCFA, and ash contents have poor (P> 0.01) capacity to preference of forages. Forage preference considered in terms of intake rate indicated that growing calves preferred fresh P. maximum 4 week old to the other samples used in this study. It is concluded that in order to optimize DM intake farmers should consider the type of grasses and their age at harvest particularly for Muturu. Pelleting improves acceptability of forages when rejected by animal as fresh forage form due to advanced age.

Nutritional evaluation of mixed forages (Panicum maximum and Calopogonium mucunoid) as feed resources on the haematological indices of pigs

A feed trial was conducted with a total of 30 pigs to evaluate the potential of mixed fresh forages (Panicum maximum and Calopogonium mucunoids) on pigs. The trial lasted for 63 days. Five diets were formulated which contains 0, 10, 15, 20 and 25% level of grass and legume forage. Each diet formed a treatment which was offered to the pigs. Each treatment was replicated thrice with 2 pigs per replicate, arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD). The pigs were fed 4% of their body weight and water was given ad-libitum. The blood composition of the pigs in terms of packed cell volume, haemoglobin, white blood cell, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular concentration. Results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in white blood cell (17.70 – 23.30) and mean corpuscular heamoglobin (15.83 – 18.03) and mean corpuscular volume (48.00 – 53.16(mg/100ml) and there is no treatment effect on observed in packed cell volume (36.00 – 42.00%), haemoglobin (12.00 – 14.00) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (33.25 – 33.41%). Recommended level of inclusion of the mixed forage (Panicum maximum and Calopogonium mucunoids) in the diet of pigs should not exceed 20%.

Productivity and Nutrient Content of the Second Regrowth Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.) with Different Photoperiod and Dolomite

The study was conducted to identify the effect of lighting duration and dolomite addition on the vegetative growth of alfalfa plants in second regrowth phase. The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse of the Laboratory of Forage and Pasture Science, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada. It used a completely randomized design with 3x3-factorial using two factors and three replications. The first factor was lighting duration (C) with 3 levels (C0 = 12 hours, C1 = 14 hours, and C2 = 16 hours). The second factor was dolomite addition (D) with 3 levels (D0 = 0 ton/ha, D1 = 6 ton /ha, and D2 = 12 ton/ha). The results showed a significant effect so Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) followed at 5% and 1% levels. The observed variables were plant height, the number of plant branches, the number of plant leaves, fresh forage production, and the chemical content of the plants in the form of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM). The addition of dolomite significantly affected the number of the plant branches, the number of plant leaves and the dry matter of the plants. A significant correlation was found between the two treatments and the number of leaves (C2D2) and a correlation was between the treatment and dry matter (C1D2).

Boot Stage Forage Yield and Quality of Pearl Millet as Influenced by Organo-mineral Fertilizer Rates in Humid Rainforest Zone of Nigeria

An experiment was conducted at the experimental site of Federal College of Agriculture, Akure to investigate the effects of different levels of organo-mineral fertilizer (OMF) on forage yield and quality of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L) R.Br). The experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. Five levels of OMF at 0 (control), 1, 2, 3, 4t/ha and 100 kg/ha N.P.K. 15:15:15 were used. Pearl millet seeds were sown at the rate of 10 kg/ha. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the plant height, fresh and dry forage yield obtained at boot stage. The following ranges were obtained in the investigated traits among the fertilizer applications; plant height 1.08-2.54 m, fresh forage yield 24.37-59.10t/ha and dry matter yield of 4.25-10.67 t/ha. Quality parameters (CP, CF, EE, NFE and Ash) showed significant increase with higher levels of OMF applied. The ranges obtained were: CP 8.56-13.32%, EE 15.82-16.1%, EE 7.14-8.69%, Ash 11.46-16.07%, NFE 33.38-44.48 and moisture content 9.49-11.58%. The study concludes that organo-mineral fertilizer application at 4t/ha is particularly effective in improving the forage yield and quality of pearl millet.

Evaluation partial substitution of fresh forage with silage on dairy milk production in Kunak which added palm kernel meal and Gracilaria sp on daily feed

Kunak is the biggest community for a traditional dairy cattle farmer in West of Java. Providing good qualities and quantities of forage continuously in a year for ruminants, still be one problem in this community caused by different forage production between the dry season and rainy season. High forage production in the rainy season could be stored as silage to provide forage requirement in the dry season. These research examined in 2 experiments. The first experiment aimed to determine the effect partial-substitute of fresh forage uses grass silage on the quantities and qualities of daily milk production. The second experiment aimed to determine the quantities and qualities of dairy cattle milk production, affected by adding Gracilaria sp (GS) on partial-substitute of fresh forage uses grass silage and palm kernel-meal (S-PKM) on daily feed. These research uses complete randomized design divided into two treatments (to substitute as much as 0% and 10.08% Dry matter of fresh forage with grass silage) with five replications on the first experiment and three treatments (0%S-PKM-0%GS; 19.51%S-PKM-0%GS; 15.03%S-PKM-2.03%GS) with three replications on the second experiment. The results showed that substituting as much as 10.08% DM of fresh forage uses grass silage does not affect the feed intake (11.56-11.98 Kg DM/head/day), Feed Digestibility (59.37-63.45%), milk protein-production (0.36-0.37 Kg/head/day), milk fat-production (0.54-0.58 Kg/head/day), daily milk production (12.36-12.67 Kg/head/day) in the first experiment. Feed intake (Kg DM /head/day), milk protein-production (Kg/head/day), milk fat-production (Kg/head/day), and daily milk production (Kg/head/day) increase with added 15.03%S-PKM-2.03%GS in the second experiment.

Incorporating a Fresh Mixed Annual Ryegrass and Berseem Clover Forage Into the Winter Diet of Dairy Cows Resulted in Reduced Milk Yield, but Reduced Nitrogen Excretion and Reduced Methane Yield.

The winter diet of dairy cows in Mediterranean climate regions is usually a total mixed ration with a base of conserved summer crops such as corn silage and alfalfa hay. However, there is increased labor and financial cost related to this kind of feeding, which could be reduced if fresh forages were used in place of some of the conserved forage in the cow diet. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effect of including fresh mixed annual ryegrass and berseem clover into the diet of dairy cows on milk, nitrogen utilization, and methane emission. Twenty-four lactating dairy cows were split into two groups and offered either a diet similar to that usually offered to the cows (CON) or one where a mixture of fresh annual ryegrass and berseem clover was used to partially substitute the corn silage and alfalfa hay in the diet (MIX). Milk yield was recorded automatically, and methane emissions were estimated using the SF6 tracer technique. The MIX diet had lower crude protein concentration (148 vs. 170 g/kg DM) but higher DM digestibility (81.6 vs. 78.6%) than the CON diet. Compared to the cows offered the CON diet, milk yield was reduced when cows were fed the MIX diet (36.4 vs. 31.9 kg/d), but methane emissions (381 vs. 332 g/d) and nitrogen excretion were also reduced (238 vs. 180 g/d). Nitrogen use efficiency was unaffected (30.8%). In addition, milk from cows fed the MIX diet had a fatty acid profile considered to be more beneficial to human health than that of the milk from cows fed the CON diet. Increasing the protein concentration in the MIX diet, either by direct supplementation or increasing the proportion of legume in the mixed herbage, could overcome the reduction on milk and positively affect methane emission and N use efficiency.

Quantitative and Qualitative Evaluation of Sorghum bicolor L. under Intercropping with Legumes and Different Weed Control Methods

In order to evaluate the quantity and quality of forage when intercropping forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) with lathyrus (Lathyrus sativus) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), and using different weed management methods such as double cropping, a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications was carried out at the research station of the University of Zanjan over two growing seasons (2015 and 2016). In this experiment, the intercropping of forage sorghum with lathyrus and hairy vetch at six levels with single cropping of forage sorghum, lathyrus, and hairy vetch, and three weed management strategies (no weed control, full weed control, and single weed control) was evaluated. The results showed that most forage sorghum traits were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affected by different sowing ratios. The highest fresh forage yield of sorghum (77.9 ton/ha) and lowest (49.0 ton/ha) were obtained with sorghum + 33% hairy vetch and sorghum + 100% lathyrus, respectively. Forage qualitative traits were also affected by intercropping and weed management. The highest average acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and total ash percentage (ASH) were obtained with 100% sorghum + 66% lathyrus and 33% hairy vetch. The results showed that sorghum intercropping with 33% lathyrus led to a significant reduction in dry matter intake and relative feed value with no weed control and single weed control. This study demonstrated that, by selecting the appropriate intercropping ratios and forage legumes, we could largely control sorghum weeds in addition to improving the quantitative and qualitative yield of sorghum forage.

Physiological Response and Productivity of Alfalfa to Potassium Foliar and Soil Applications under Saline Calcareous Soil Conditions

A field experiment was conducted at Nubaria Agricultural Research Station, El-Behira Government, Egypt along the duration of 2015 to 2017 to study the physiological response and productivity of alfalfa (cv., Nubaria1) to seven potassium fertilization treatment of 0, 28.6, 57.14Kg/ha as soil dressing, spraying with 1%K2O and 2% K2O alone or in combination with adding 28.6Kg K2O/ha under saline calcareous soil conditions. Experimental design was Randomized Complete Block design with four replications. Eighteen successive cuts were taken (Nine cuts /year), to estimate growth and physiological parameters, and alfalfa productivity. Potassium fertilization treatments had significant effects on all studied traits in individual cuts except the 1st and 9th cuts in the first year and 2nd cut in the second year for plant height, the 2nd and 7th cuts in the two years for dry matter%, the 2nd cut in the second year for dry forage Kg/m2 and 1st, 4th and 5th cuts for protein content in the first year. In general, plant height, leaf steam ratio, green forage yield Kg/m2, dry matter%, dry forage yield Kg/m2, relative water content, K+ content, K+/Na+ ratio and protein content increased significantly when plants received 28.6 K2O/ha + 2%K2O and 57Kg K2O/ ha with insignificant difference as compared with other potassium treatments. Also, a significant increase was recorded in Na+ content in leaves under control K+ treatment (0 K2O/ha). Linear relationship was found between potassium fertilization rates (soil dressing, foliar application as well as 28.6KgK2O/ha +foliar1 and 2% applications) and fresh forage weight t/ha. The linear regression equation showed that as potassium fertilizer rate (soil dressing) increased by one unite/ha, fresh forage weight/ha increased by 1.139t/ha and as potassium fertilizer rate (foliar application) increased by one unite/ha, fresh forage weight/ha increased by 3.112t/ha. In addition, the highest fresh forage weight/ha (125.850 t/ha) was produced under treatment of 28.6KgK2O/ha + 2%K2O. Highly positive significant correlation coefficients were found for all traits except the relation between Na+ content and other traits which was a highly significant negative relationship. Profitability assessment results revealed that addition of 28.6KgK2O/ha with foliar application of 2%K2O as potassin 30%K2O followed by addition of 57.14KgK2O/ha markedly obtained the highest values of alfalfa yield with insignificant difference. These results were incorporated with the highest values of output, net income and the investment ratio. Results indicated that controlling soil fertility, especially K+ as soil application, in addition to foliar application under saline calcareous soil condition is considered to be one of the most important factors to overcome the negative effects of salinity stress.

The Pruning Effect on the Storage Root Yield and Starch Content of Sweet Potato Clones Planted at Dry Land

Sweet potato is a dual-purpose crop, which could produce both food and feed. The vine pruning prior to storage root harvesting was intended to increase the quantity and quality of fresh forage for animal feed. This study aims to evaluate whether periodic pruning can affect the storage root yield and its starch content. This experiment employed split-plot design with two factors and three replications. The first factor as main plot was vine pruning which consisted of four distinct pruning times (four times, three times, twice and once). The second factor as sub-plot was cultivars which consisted of six dual-purpose cultivars and two controls. The storage root yields, vine yields, starch yields and the reduction in storage root yields were observed. The results showed that the vine pruning decreased the storage root yields, with small increases the vine yields. The percentage of the reduction in storage root yields were 4-58%, while the decrease vine yields are relatively inconsistent. The starch yield of the cultivars with one pruning time were in the range of 2.34-6.67 ton ha<sup>-1</sup>. On the contrary, the three times pruning or more since 80 days after transplanted can reduce the starch yields for more than 50%. The slight increase in vines yield due to pruning was followed by the decrease in storage root yields and starch content of the sweet potato.

Study of Pasture Productivity for Semi-Intensive Cattle System during Dry Season in the South Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi

This study was aimed to evaluate the characteristics and productivity of pasture for semi-intensive cattle system in South Konawe Regency during dry season. The study was conducted in August-September 2019 as dry season based on the weather condition and was determine by Department of Statistics Center of South Konawe Regency. A total of 55 selected smallholder farmers in two areas in South Konawe Regency, namely West Ranomento (30) and Konda (25) Districts. Data were obtained by interview to find out the farmers profile and pasture characteristics. Production was measured by forage sampling (1x1m) to calculate annual production. Samples were proximately analyzed to calculate dry matter production and the carrying capacity. Data were analyzed descriptively and statistically with an independent sample t-test. The botanical composition in both locations was highly dominated (>90%) by field grasses. The grassland ownership was not different between two areas. Grassland ownership at West Ranomento and Konda were 0.78±0.14 and 0.21±0.04 Ha/farmer, respectively. The pasture production between West Ranomento (2.27±0.10 ton/ha) and Konda District (1.76±0.05 ton/ha) was significantly different (p<0.05),. Pasture production and carrying capacity indicated that conditions in West Ranomento were significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to Konda District. The fresh forages production was 10.98±2.26 vs. 2.17±0.51 ton/year, forages that can be consumed was 3.30±0.67 vs. 3.30±0.67ton/year, dry matter production was 0.72±0.15 vs. 0.18±0.04 ton/year and carrying capacity was 0.22±0.04 vs. 0.05±0.01 AU/year respectively. It was concluded that the pasture productivity at the study area during dry season was very low based on productivity and carrying capacity.

MicroRNA and regulation of auxin and cytokinin signalling during post-mowing regeneration of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Winter wheat not only provides adequate fresh forage grass in winter, but also ensures ample grain production in summer. The mechanisms underlying the regeneration of winter wheat after mowing or grazing are not well understood. In this study, the miRNA expression profile of winter wheat was determined using RNA sequencing and the endogenous auxin and cis-zeatin concentrations, as well as the expression of related miRNA-targeted genes, were measured. During the post-mowing regeneration of winter wheat, the concentrations of endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), methyl indole-3-acetate (ME-IAA), and indole-3-carboxaldehyde (ICA) decreased, while those of cis-zeatin (cZ) increased. Moreover, 15 novel miRNAs and three known miRNAs were found to be involved in the synthesis and signalling transduction of auxins and cytokinins (CKs). Among these miRNAs, miR1153-y, miR5059-x, miR2916-x, novel-miR1532–3p, novel-miR1060–3p, and novel-miR0890–3p, were found to be negatively correlated with the expression of their target genes including auxin response GH3.7, auxin response factor (ARF), type-A two-component response regulator (A-ARR), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), and O-glucosyltransferase (CISZOG). Furthermore, miR1153-y was identified as mediating the cleavage of GH3.7 by RACE assay. In turn, these genes inhibited the biosynthesis and signalling of IAA and activated CK signal transduction, resulting in the rapid regeneration of mowed winter wheat. This study revealed that some miRNAs exert a positive regulatory effect on the post-mowing regeneration of winter wheat by controlling the synthesis and signal transduction of IAA and CK, and our founding will aid developments in biotechnology aimed at improving the post-mowing regeneration ability of winter wheat.

The Effects of Gibberellic Acid and Emasculation Treatments on Seed and Fruit Production in the Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.) cv. “Gialla”

Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. 1768) is cultivated in several dry and semi-dry areas of the world to produce fresh fruit, bioenergy, cosmetics, medicine, and forage. One of the main production constraints is the presence of many seeds within the fruit, which can negatively influence both the fresh-fruit market price and industrial transformation processes. In this study, different gibberellic acid (GA3) concentrations were tested for their ability to produce well-formed and seedless fruits. Different application methods (injection and spraying) and concentrations of GA3 (0, 100, 200, 250, and 500 ppm) combined with floral-bud emasculation were applied to a commercial plantation in southern Italy to evaluate their effects on the weight, length, and diameter of the fruits, total seed number, hard-coated viable seed number, and seed weight per fruit. The results indicated that the application of 500 ppm GA3 sprayed on emasculated floral buds was the most effective method for reducing seed numbers of prickly pear fruits (−46.0%). The injection method resulted in a very low number of seeds (−50.7%) but produced unmarketable fruit. Observed trends suggest the need to investigate the impact of higher GA3 concentrations and the applicability of a maximum threshold. Further studies are needed to increase our understanding of the physiological effects of the gibberellic acid pathway through productive tissue in terms of organoleptic and fruit quality.

Effects of a chemical additive on the fermentation, microbial communities, and aerobic stability of corn silage with or without air stress during storage

We evaluated the effects of a chemical additive on the microbial communities, fermentation profile, and aerobic stability of whole-plant corn silage with or without air stress during storage. Whole-plant corn was either untreated or treated with a chemical additive containing sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and sodium nitrite at 2 or 3 liters/t of fresh forage weight. Ten individually treated and replicated silos (7.5 liters) were made for each treatment. Half of the silos remained sealed throughout a 63-d storage period, and the other half was subjected to air stress for 2 h/wk. The composition of the bacterial and fungal communities of fresh forage and silages untreated or treated with 2 liters/t of fresh forage weight was analyzed by Illumina Miseq sequencing. Treated silage had greater (P < 0.05) aerobic stability than untreated, even when subjected to air stress during storage, but the numbers of yeasts culturable on selective agar were not affected. However, the additive reduced the relative abundance (RA) of the lactating-assimilating yeast Candida tropicalis (P < 0.01). In air-stressed silages, untreated silage had a greater (P < 0.05) RA of Pichia kudriavzevii (also a lactate assimilator) than treated silage, whereas treated silage was dominated by Candida humilis, which is usually unable to assimilate lactate or assimilates it slowly. The additive improved the aerobic stability by specifically preventing the dominance of yeast species that can consume lactate and initiate aerobic spoilage. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that identifies the specific action of this additive on shifting the microbial communities in corn silage.

Effect of Traditional Market Liquid Organic Fertilizer on Production and Nutritional Quality of Setaria Splendida Stapf Defoliation

The amount of organic waste from traditional markets is high in number and has the potential to pollute the environment. The waste is generally made into compost, but through simple technology liquid organic fertilizer can be made that can be applied to feed plants. Setaria splendida Stapf grass is one of the superior feed plants. The purpose of this study was to determine the quality of forage Setaria splendida Stapf which is fertilized with liquid organic fertilizer from traditional market waste at various harvest ages. The treatment is in the form of 3 (three) doses of liquid organic fertilizer mixed with water namely 1: 1, 1: 2 and 1: 3 (liquid organic fertilizer: water) and the harvest age is 35, 40 and 45 days. Repeat 3 times. The plot size is 1 x 2 square meters. The study design was a Complete Random Design. The variables studied were the production of fresh forages, dry matter content, crude protein content, crude fat content and crude fiber content. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance, if there is an effect followed by a regression test. The results showed that the harvest age was getting older, more fresh forage production and the nutritional quality of Setaria splendida Stapf decreased while the dose of liquid organic fertilizer was more concentrated, fresh forage production and the quality was getting better. Most fresh forage production is obtained at 45 days of harvest and 1: 1 dilution rate, while the best forage quality is obtained at a younger age (35 days) with a dose of liquid organic fertilizer at a ratio of 1: 1.

Farklı Zamanlarda Ekilen Maş Fasulyesinin (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) Bazı Tarımsal Özellikleri ve Ot Kalitesi Üzerine Bir Araştırma

Bu çalışma Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi, Ziraat Fakültesi, Tarla Bitkileri Bölümüne ait araştırma alanında yürütülmüştür. Araştırma Kahramanmaraş ekolojik koşullarında maş fasulyesi (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) bitkisinin en uygun ekim zamanını tespit etmek üzere gerçekleşmiştir. Deneme tesadüf blokları deneme desenine göre üç tekerrürlü olarak kurulmuştur. Beş farklı zamanda (30 Mart, 15 Nisan, 30 Nisan, 15 Mayıs ve 30 Mayıs) ekim yapılmıştır. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre bitki boyu, bakladaki tohum sayısı ve NDF oranı değerleri haricindeki tüm özelliklere ait ortalamalar arasındaki farkın önemli olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Çalışmada; çıkış süresi 6,33-14,67 gün, %50 çiçeklenme dönemi 50,00-67,33 gün, %50 bakla bağlama 57-70 gün, %50 olgunlaşma dönemi 73,67-99,00 gün, bitki boyu 36,43-41,70 cm arasında tespit edilmiştir. Bakla oluşumu ile ilgili değerler incelendiğinde; ilk bakla bağlama yüksekliğinin 11,82-21,70 cm, bakla boyunun 9,06-10,63 cm, bakla sayısının 9,43-23,93 adet/bitki, bakladaki tohum sayısının 9,90-10,27 adet/bakla ve tane veriminin 25,00-74,21 kg/da arasında değiştiği bulunmuştur. Ayrıca yaprak sayısının 47,30-73,77 adet/bitki, yeşil ot veriminin 960,00-1512,38 kg/da, kuru ot veriminin 232,35-316,59 kg/da, ham kül oranının %13,03-16,91, ADF oranının %22,17-29,12 ve NDF oranının %55,06-56,05 değerleri arasında olduğu bulunmuştur.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle for Food Waste: A Second Life for Fresh-Cut Leafy Salad Crops in Animal Diets.

Simple SummaryThere is a historical link between co/by-products and animal feed, however innovative options are now available. Adopting the principles of the circular economy guarantees further progress for the food–feed chain. By-products and biomasses, such as former foodstuffs or plant by-products (PBPs) from the food processing industries, could be recycled as feedstuff for farms. This review focuses on the biomass derived from the processing of vegetables, and in particular on fresh-cut leafy salad crops as potential ruminant feedstuff. The chemical composition of this class of PBPs makes them comparable to other traditional feeds, such as fresh forage, and suggests that they could be considered for ruminant nutrition. Although at a very early stage, the potential of this new biomass seems high. These products can be used to reduce the environmental impact of both the food and livestock sectors.The world’s population is growing rapidly, which means that the environmental impact of food production needs to be reduced and that food should be considered as something precious and not wasted. Moreover, an urgent challenge facing the planet is the competition between the food produced for humans and the feed for animals. There are various solutions such as the use of plant/vegetable by-products (PBPs) and former foodstuffs, which are the co/by-products of processing industries, or the food losses generated by the food production chain for human consumption. This paper reviews the by-co-products derived from the transformation of fresh-cut leafy salad crops. A preliminary nutritional evaluation of these materials is thus proposed. Based on their composition and nutritional features, in some cases similar to fresh forage and grasses, this biomass seems to be a suitable feedstuff for selected farm animals, such as ruminants. In conclusion, although the present data are not exhaustive and further studies are needed to weigh up the possible advantages and disadvantages of these materials, fresh-cut leafy salad crops represent a potential unconventional feed ingredient that could help in exploiting the circular economy in livestock production, thereby improving sustainability.