Fresh Grass Research Articles

PENGARUH FORTIFIKASI KANDUNGAN BAHAN ORGANIK DARI PUPUK ORGANIK BERBAHAN BAKU FESES SAPI POTONG DAN FESES AYAM NIAGA PEDAGING TERHADAP PRODUKSI SEGAR RUMPUT GAJAH(Pennisetum purpureum)

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of commercial broiler chicken feces as mixing beef cattle feces to raw material organic fertilizer from organic material aspects of the content and determine the effect of fertilizer results fortification against the total production of fresh grass. The material used is beef cattle feces as much as 930 kg, the commercial broiler chicken feces 270 kg, 2.4 liter EM4. This research method using a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments (R), namely: R0: 100% beef cattle feces (50 kg), R1: beef cattle feces 85% (42.5 kg) of commercial broiler chicken feces + 15% (7.5 kg), R2: beef cattle feces 70% (35 kg) + commercial broiler chicken feces 30% (15 kg), R3: beef cattle feces 55% (27.5 kg) + commercial broiler chicken feces 45 ( 22.5 kg) with six replications. The results showed that the average content of organic material of R0, R1, R2, and R3, respectively 43 071% 34 075%, 27.815%, and 36 098%. Analysis of variance results showed that the average organic material are not using a commercial broiler chicken manure (R0) is higher than using each treatment compost. Results of the analysis showed uniform administration of composting grass effect is not significant (P> 0.05) on the production of fresh forage grass, presumably because it is not yet decomposed compost perfectly and the nutrient content of compost so low that has not quite provide additional nutrients needed by plants.

Beating treatment to enhance digestibility of fresh grass

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is one of the most popular biomass conversion technologies. AD can be further divided into four stages: pre–treatment, digestion, gas upgrading and digestate. The main goal of pre–treatment is to improve degradability of the material in order to enhance gas production and anaerobic digester performance. Beating treatment as a new mechanical treatment technique has been applied in this work. Laboratory scale mesophilic AD was operated to determine the methane yield from fresh grass and the potential efficiency increase in methane production. Fresh grass as main substrate has been treated in three deferent levels of beating treatment (5–min, 15–min treatment, and 40–min treatment). Many experiments have been carried out according to these levels of treatment and the amount of biogas was measured for each treatment. The average amount of biogas produced before and after beating treatment was compared. Composition analyses of different chemical compounds in biogas have been measured. Significant improvements were achieved in the degradability during the AD and in the biogas production from the pre–treated fresh grass.

Chemical composition and in vitro ruminal degradation of hay and silage from tropical grasses

Arroquy, J. I., Cornacchione, M. V., Colombatto, D. and Kunst, Jr., C. 2014. Chemical composition and in vitro ruminal degradation of hay and silage from tropical grasses. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 705–715. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of preservation type on chemical composition and in vitro ruminal degradation of warm-season grasses (WSG). Treatments consisted of two factors (6×2): the first factor was tropical grasses: Cenchrus ciliaris (cv. Biloela, and cv. Molopo), Chloris gayana (cv. Callide and cv. Finecut), Panicum maximum, and Brachiaria bryzanta; and the second factor was preservation type (hay vs. silage). Cell wall, hemicellulose, cellulose, and water-soluble carbohydrate (P<0.05) concentrations were different among WSG. In general, hay or silage altered fiber content compared with fresh. For instance, hemicellulose and cellulose contents were lower in silage than in hay and fresh grass (P<0.05). Gas production rates were higher in silage from 0 to 24 h of fermentation, except at 4 h of incubation. After 24 h, gas production (GP) rate was similar for both preservation types, whilst potential GP was similar between preservation types. However, silage had decreased lag time compared with hay (P<0.01). Silage had greater dry matter disappearance than hay (P<0.05), and gas production yield was similar for grass species and preservation type. Our results indicate that WSG conserved as silage showed beneficial changes in chemical composition and dry matter degradation compared with hay.

Bulk synthesis of green carbon nanomaterials from Desmostachya bipinnata for the development of functional polyurethane hybrid coatings

Abstract Carbon nanomaterials have been the focal point of intense study in the past few decades owing to its molecularly defined structure, high aspect ratio and extortionate electrical, mechanical and physical properties. In the present study, we report an easy synthesis of carbon nanomaterials from the grass Desmostachya bipinnata . Fresh grass was collected and dried completely under the sun and was subjected to complete incineration in atmospheric oxygen. Scanning electron microscope image reveal the presence of carbon micro- and nanorods in the ash of the burnt grass. Then the ash was treated with piranha solution to obtain carboxyl group on the surface. The surface treatment of the obtained ash was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and by thermogravimetric analysis. Following the acid treatment, the obtained carboxyl terminated carbon nanomaterials were then reacted with diisocyanate to form amide linkages, which was utilized in the formation of polyurethane films. Minuscle incorporation of ash containing carbon nanomaterial was found to enormously increase the physico-chemical properties of the obtained polyurethane nanocomposite. As compared to the neat polyurethane, the composite material showed a substantial increase in the thermal and mechanical properties.

Pembuatan Alat Pemotong, Pencampur dan Pengaduk Pakan Ternak Sapi dengan Metode Logika Fuzzy untuk Meningkatkan Efisiensi Pakan Ternak

The growth of cattle majorly affected by the type of fodder and its digestion system. To gain the healthy growth, cattle fed green grass and additional concentrate in form of mixed agricultural wastes such as rice straw, corn straw, etc and tofu residues in cattle fodder. Since cattle have no upper incisor, (insisivus), it use combination of its molar and its tongue to cut the grass or rice straw or corn straw, as the result more fodder like fresh grass, rice straws or corn scraws are wasted. If the wasted re-use by giving it back to cattle, it will not eat it, so it will cause inefficiency in feeding livestock. In order to solve that problem a chopping and mixing tool is needed, by using fuzzy method to control a dc motor constant speed to chopping grass, rice straws and corn straws, and then mixing with additional concentrate such as tofu wasted. Rice straws, corn straws and fresh grass are chopped in chopping section and mixed with tofu residues in the mixing section. When all the food material mixed and stired, the weight will be measures using a current sensor ACS712-20A. This sensor is used to measure the motor load. Furtheremore, if the more food materials place into this device, so, the faster the dc motor will rotate. When this device loaded 3000gr, the current measure is 4.53 ampere. The load position is not smooth will result the reading of the sensor always fluctuated. As the result, the fuzzy method applied will be optimal when the current is 4.22 ampere and the PWM fuzzy is higher than 252-mark is legible

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Efisiensi dan Kecernaan Ransum Domba yang Diberi Silase Ransum Komplit Eceng Gondok Ditambahkan Starter Lactobacillus plantarum

(Efficiency and digestibility feed of sheep given silage complete feed water hyacinth added starter lactobacillus plantarum)ABSTRACT. This study aims to determine the effect of a complete ration of silage made from water hyacinth on feed efficiency and digestibility. This study uses fifteen rams (12 months old with an average body weight of 19 ± 3.98 kg). The experimental was designed completely random. The sheeps were randomly divided into 3 treatments, and 4 replications. The sheeps wereted concentrate and fresh elephant grass (T0), silage-based rations complete without the addition of starter hyacinth L. plantarum (T1), and a complete ration silage made from water hyacinth by the addition of L. plantarum starter (T2). Feed structured treatment isoenergi and isoprotein (PK 13% and 65% TDN). Feed treatment was given for 12 weeks with a 2-week adaptation period. The results showed that feed intake, ADG, feed conversion, and feed efficiency were not significantly different (P 0.05), but it can improve feed digestibility (P 0.05) between treatments. Feed intake data, digestibility, ADG, feed conversion and feed efficiency at T0, T1 and T2 as follows: 678.27, 811.43, 701.21 g / day; 70.51, 71.74, 69.82%; 94.09, 106.34, 97.28 g / day; 7.22, 7.66, and 7.18; 14.09, 13.23 and 14.02% use a complete ration silage with L. plantarum starter better than the control treatment in the form of concentrates with elephant grass but not better than silage without a starter.

Microbial succession of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) filets during storage at 4 °C and its contribution to biogenic amines' formation

Investigation on the microbial succession of grass carp filets during storage at 4°C was carried out. For identification, 16S rRNA genes of the isolated pure strains were sequenced and analyzed. Acinetobacter was dominant in fresh grass carp. Species from the genera Brevundimonas, Empedobacter, Pseudomonas, Microbacterium, Flavobacterium, Moraxella, Shewanella and Soonwooa were also detected at the initial day. The communities were dominated by Aeromonas and Acinetobacter after 6days. Aeromonas followed by Pseudomonas was the predominant genera at the end of shelf-life of grass carp, while other genera such as Shewanella, Acinetobacter, Flavobacteriaceae and Psychrobacter were present in smaller numbers. We investigated biogenic amines' (BAs) production by six strains isolated from spoiled grass carp filets. Shewanella putrefaciens showed significantly higher abilities to produce putrescine, than those from other genera. Aeromonas veronii revealed a strong ability to produce putrescine and cadaverine. However, Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter showed little ability to produce BAs.

Ensiling and hydrothermal pretreatment of grass: consequences for enzymatic biomass conversion and total monosaccharide yields

BackgroundEnsiling may act as a pretreatment of fresh grass biomass and increase the enzymatic conversion of structural carbohydrates to fermentable sugars. However, ensiling does not provide sufficient severity to be a standalone pretreatment method. Here, ensiling of grass is combined with hydrothermal treatment (HTT) with the aim of improving the enzymatic biomass convertibility and decrease the required temperature of the HTT.ResultsGrass silage (Festulolium Hykor) was hydrothermally treated at temperatures of 170, 180, and 190°C for 10 minutes. Relative to HTT treated dry grass, ensiling increased the solubilization of dry matter (DM) during HTT and gave increased glucan content, but lower lignin in the insoluble fiber fraction. Ensiling improved glucose yields in the enzymatic hydrolysis of the washed solid fiber fraction at the lower HTT temperatures. At 170°C glucose yield improved from 17 to 24 (w/w)% (45 to 57% cellulose convertibility), and at 180°C glucose yield improved from 22 to 29 (w/w)% (54 to 69% cellulose convertibility). Direct HTT of grass at 190°C gave the same high glucose yield as for grass silage (35 (w/w)% (77% cellulose convertibility)) and improved xylan yields (27% xylan convertibility). The effect of ensiling of grass prior to HTT improved the enzymatic conversion of cellulose for HTT at 170 and 180°C, but the increased glucose release did not make up for the loss of water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) during ensiling. Overall, sugar yields (C6 + C5) were similar for HTT of grass and grass silage at both 170 and 180°C, but at 190°C the overall sugar yield was better for HTT of dry grass.ConclusionsThis study unequivocally establishes that ensiling of grass as a biomass pretreatment method comes with a loss of WSC. The loss of WSC by ensiling is not necessarily compensated for by providing a lower temperature requirement for HTT for high enzymatic monosaccharide release. However, ensiling can be an advantageous storage method prior to grass processing.

POTENSI LIMBAH KULIT KOPI SEBAGAI COMPLETE FEED YANG SESUAI UNTUK PAKAN TERNAK DOMBA

Temanggung Regency is a center of coffee production with waste that has not been utilized to the optimum. In addition there are agricultural wastes that have the opportunity to be processed into animal feed. The experiment was conducted for 3 months in the village of Waterford County Tlahap Kledung Subdistrict. Objective: To analyze the potential of coffee as a complete feed leather feed. Methods : The study experiments using animal ram + 1 year of age with a body weight of 22-25 kg beginning with number 12 tails, fed complete feed 3 lambs and cattle fed a conventional form of fresh grass and tofu. The study design was completely randomized design ( CRD ) consisting of 4 treatments ( levels 0, 10, 20,30 % leather coffee fermentation in complete feed) were repeated 3 times. The results showed that coffee skin potential as animal feed in the form of complete feed formulated with pretreatment through fermentation to increase the crude protein, crude fat and lower fiber content, tannin and NDF her skin so that waste coffee can be done in the long term to feed livestock. The composition of the ration used was : 30 % Caucasian fermented coffee, corn Tebon 1 % , 1 % corn cobs, corn klobot 1 %, corn bran 11 %, 37 % weeds, remujung 1 %, red skin peanut pods 3 % and drops 15 %. The results of the study showed no significant differences ( P > 0.05 ) on feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion and efficiency. Preparation of rations which provide improved daily body weight and feed efficiency in the use of the highest in the treatment of skin coffee as much as 30 % ( T3 ). The highest body weight gain in the treatment of skin use coffee as much as 30 % ( T3 ).

Effect of graded levels of saccharum officinarum as an additive to Panicum maximum (JACQ) silage.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of graded levels of sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) as an additive to Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) silage. A previously established guinea grass plot, totaling an area of 625m2 was cut back and fertilized with urea at the rate of 200 kgN/ha. The pasture was then harvested at 6-weeks regrowth, chopped (5-10cm long), mixed with chopped sugar cane (1-3cm long) and ensiled in stack silos. Four treatments were formulated as follows: Treatment A = 10%w/w Sugar cane with Panicum maximum; Treatment B = 20%w/w sugar cane with Panicum maximum; Treatment C = 30%w/w sugar cane with Panicum maximum; Treatment D = Panicum maximum without additive; with the fresh Panicum maximum serving as Control. The yield values of 6,169 and 4,850 Kg DM/ha was observed for the fresh and ensiled P. maximum, respectively. The pH values of the ensiled forage were significantly (P< 0.05) highest in Treatment D (5.72) and least in Treatment C (4.20), while Treatments A and B were similar. Results showed significant (P<0.05) reduction in the pH value of the ensiled grass as the content of sugar cane increased. Total cell wall (NDF) contents were similar and significantly reduced in ensiled guinea grass. Crude protein (CP) level was highest (P<0.05) in 30% sugarcane additive silage (Treatment C) but similar in Treatments A, B, D and Control. The Crude fibre (CF) content was highest (P<0.05) in the 10% sugarcane additive silage and lowest (P<0.05) in the fresh un-ensiled guinea grass forage. Nitrogen Detergent Fibre (NDF) of the Control was higher (P<0.05) than the ensiled grass across the treatments, while Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF) values of the ensiled grass increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing sugarcane inclusion with highest (P<0.05) value recorded for the 30% sugarcane additive silage (Treatment C). It can, therefore, be concluded from this study that sugarcane can serve as an additive in ensiling guinea grass up to the rate of 30% w/w.

Verification of fresh grass feeding, pasture grazing and organic farming by cows farm milk fatty acid profile

The present study investigated the use of fatty acid (FA) profiling in combination with chemometric modelling to verify claims for cow milk in terms of fresh grass feeding, pasture grazing and organic/biodynamic farming. The FA profile was determined for 113 tank milk samples collected in the Netherlands from 30 farms over four different months, and used to develop classification models based on the PLS-DA algorithm. Milk from cows with daily rations of fresh grass could be successfully distinguished from milk from cows with no fresh grass in their diet. Milk from cows at pasture could easily be distinguished from milk from stabled cows without fresh grass in the diet, but the correct prediction of milk from stabled cows fed fresh grass indoors proved difficult. The FA profile of organic/biodynamic milk was different compared to conventional milk but an unequivocal discrimination was not possible either in summer or in winter.

Effect of oxygen reduction during malaxation on the quality of extra virgin olive oil (Cv. Carboncella) extracted through “two-phase” and “three-phase” centrifugal decanters

Quality and composition of virgin olive oil (VOO) are strictly dependent on complex processes that take place during the olive fruit crushing and malaxation of the olive paste. In this work, modulation of O2 levels within malaxation chambers (R1: unmodified atmosphere; R2: oxygen: 12.73–4.64 kPa from the beginning to the end of malaxation; R3: 10.46–2.27 kPa; R4: 9.87–0.69 kPa) in two continuous “two-phase” and “three-phase” oil extraction plants was performed. Combined effects on the biosynthesis of nutritionally bioactive molecules and aroma volatiles and on the resulting sensory properties of the produced oils were investigated. Results showed that the type of oil extraction plant markedly affected the level of the phenolic compounds in the oil (and the related sensory attributes of bitter, pungency, astringency and bitter and pungency persistence). Reduction of O2 concentration in the malaxing chamber, while having a minor impact on the presence of phenolic compounds, significantly affected the formation of all the examined volatiles. Particularly, lowered levels of oxygen hindered the formation of lipoxygenase derived volatiles weakening odours and flavours of artichoke, fresh fruity, and fresh cut grass.

Fatty Acid Profiles of Supraspinatus, Longissimus lumborum and Semitendinosus Muscles and Serum in Kacang Goats Supplemented with Inorganic Selenium and Iodine.

Fat and fatty acids in muscle and adipose tissues are among the major factors influencing meat quality particularly nutritional value and palatability. The present study was carried out to examine the effects of supplementing inorganic selenium (Se), iodine (I) and a combination of both on fatty acid compositions in serum, and supraspinatus (SS), longissimus lumborum (LL), and semitendinosus (ST) muscles in goats. Twenty-four, 7 to 8 months old, Kacang male goats with a mean live weight of 22.00±1.17 kg were individually and randomly assigned into four groups of six animals each for 100 d of feeding prior to slaughter. The animals were offered the same concentrate (basal) diet as 1% of body weight with ad libitum amount of fresh guinea grass. The four groups were as follows: T1 (control) - basal diet without supplementation; T2 - basal diet with 0.6 mg Se/kg DM; T3 - basal diet with 0.6 mg I/kg DM; T4 - basal diet with combination of 0.6 mg Se/kg DM and 0.6 mg I/kg DM. The major fatty acids (FAs) detected in the serum were palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), oleic (C18:1n9) and linoleic (C18:2n-6), while the major FAs in the selected muscles were C16:0, C18:0 and C18:1n9 acids. The main polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) detected in muscles and serum were (CI8:2n-6), linolenic acid (C18:3n-3), and arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6). No significant differences (p>0.05) were observed in the concentration of total saturated fatty acids (SFA) among the four groups. PUFA concentrations in the goats supplemented with Se (T2) were significantly higher (p<0.05) than the goats of the control group (T1). The PUFA: SFA ratio was significantly higher in the animals supplemented with dietary Se (T2) than those of control ones (T1). It is concluded that dietary supplementation of inorganic Se increased the unsaturated fatty acids in muscle. The supplementation of iodine with or without Se had negligible effects on muscle fatty acid content of Kacang crossbred male goats.

Climate change and contrasting plasticity in timing of a two-step migration episode of an Arctic-nesting avian herbivore

Abstract Greenland white-fronted geese Anser albifrons flavirostris wintering in Britain and Ireland migrate over the sea for 700–1200 km to stage 3–5 weeks in Iceland in spring, continuing a similar distance over the sea and Greenland Ice Cap to West Greenland breeding grounds. During 1969 to 2012, the geese advanced the mean departure date from Ireland by 15 days, during which time also they attained threshold fat stores earlier as well as departing in fatter condition. Over that period, Iceland spring-staging geese shifted from consuming underground plant storage organs to grazing managed hayfields, which provide fresh grass growth despite sub-zero temperatures, when traditional natural foods are inaccessible in frozen substrates. In 2012 and 2013, geese arrived three weeks earlier to Iceland, in fatter condition and accumulated fat significantly slower than in 1997–1999 and 2007. Although geese accumulated sufficient fat stores earlier in Iceland in 2007, 2012 and 2013, they departed around the same date as in 1997–1999, prolonging spring staging by three weeks. Plasticity in winter departure dates is likely due to improved winter feeding conditions (enabling earlier departure in better condition) and a novel predictable food resource in Iceland. Greenland white-fronted geese attained threshold fat stores in Iceland earlier, but remained rather than departing earlier to Greenland. Despite arriving earlier in Iceland, arrival dates on the breeding areas have not changed since the 1880s, presumably because of relatively constant cool springs and heavy snowfall in West Greenland during recent years.

The growth performance and the characteristics of immune organ of grass carp under different feeding conditions

To study the growth and immune performance in grass carp under three different feeding conditions, the grass carp were divided into 3 groups(group A, group B and group C), group A fed with fodder, group B fed with Guimu No. 1 hybrid grass in the morning and fodder in the afternoon, group C fed with Guimu No. 1 hybrid grass for 8 months. The results showed that grass carp fed with fodder has grown fast, of which the weight is significantly higher than those were fed with fresh grass(P0.05); their body length was also greater than those fed with fresh grass, of which the difference showed statistical significance compared to grass carp only fed with grass(P0.05), but no statistical significance compared to grass carp fed with fodder combined with fresh grass(P0.05). The development of immune organs of grass carp fed with fresh grass was better than those in other groups, their head–kidney index was significantly higher than those of grass carp only fed with fodder(P0.05), their spleen index was higher than those of grass carp fed with fodder or fodder combined with fresh grass, and the difference reached significant level(P0.05) compared to the grass carp fed with fodder. The histological features of immune organ showed that the development of the thymus, head kidney, spleen of the fresh group is the best among all groups. In conclusion feeding fodder promotes the growth of the grass carp, but inhibits the development of the immune organ.

Determination and comparison of volatile aroma compounds in fresh and dried leaves samples of citronella grass, lemongrass, and citronella incense products by micro-hydrodistillation

Summary In this study, micro-hydrodistillation (MHD) was conducted for the determination of volatile aroma compounds (VACs) in fresh and dried leaves of citronella grass, lemongrass, and citronella incense products. Optimum extraction of VACs was achieved when extractions were performed at 100°C with 0.5 g of sample in 3 mL of water for 60 min. Maximum recovery of VACs was achieved using hexane (2 mL) as extraction solvent. Six major VACs extracted from citronella grass were identified as citronellal, citronellol, neral, geranial, geraniol, and eugenol. Geraniol was the predominant VAC in citronella grass and neral was the major VAC extracted from the lemongrass leaves. Eugenol was not detected in lemongrass leaves extract. The validated method provided good recoveries of VACs ranging from 83.6 to 105.3% with the relative standard deviations of 6.2 to 11.0%. The results presented in this paper show that the amount of essential oils extracted from the fresh citronella grass and lemongrass leaves was significantly higher as compared to those extracted from leaves dried at the ambient room temperature for 3 days. Quantities of geraniol, eugenol, and neral extracted from leaves using MHD can be used as marker compounds to differentiate citronella grass from lemongrass leaves extracts. Both storage time and conditions significantly influenced the amount of VACs extracted from citronella incense products.

Feasibility of Biogas Production from Napier Grass

The current study focused on the feasibility of biogas production from Napier grass. Napier grass, a tropical plant, can grow up in drought and dry conditions. Napier grass contains 30.9% total carbohydrates, 27% protein, lipid 14.8%, total ash 18.2%, fiber 9.1% (dry weight). Its organic compositions are an ideal feedstock for biogas production. The fresh grass was harvested after 5 week plantation, grounded in 0.5 to 1 mm diameter size before fermentation in mesophilic batch reactors, with varying solid concentrations of 5 - 15%. The optimum condition for the biogas production was found at 5% solid concentration. Methane content, yield and production rate were 53%, 122.4 mL CH4/g TVS remove, 4.8 mL/hr at the optimum condition. Economic analysis of biogas obtained from the experiment with liquid petroleum gas (LPG) with benefit/cost ratio (B/C ratio) greater than 1 suggested that the Napier grass is considered as a potential energy crop.

Decreasing methane emissions from ruminants grazing forages: a fit with productive and financial realities?

Ruminants contribute to human food supply and also anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. An understanding of production systems and information on animal populations has enabled global inventories of ruminant GHG emissions (methane and nitrous oxide), and dietary strategies are being developed to reduce GHG emissions from ruminants. Mitigation strategies need to consider the management/feeding systems used to ensure that these strategies will be readily accepted and adopted by farmers. Housed systems allow diets to be formulated in ways that may reduce GHG production, but the challenge is much greater for systems where animals graze outdoors for long periods. A methane mitigation option in the form of fresh forage would be desirable in livestock production systems with high reliance on grazing. A brief summary of New Zealand research, carried out on fresh grasses, legumes, herbs and crops, suggest that we have an incomplete understanding of the feed characteristics that define a ‘high’ or a ‘low’ methane feed. The variation in methane emissions measured between feeds, individual animals and experiment is large, even in controlled conditions, and the dynamic nature of sward-animal interactions will only exacerbate this variation, creating challenges beyond the identification of mitigants. Furthermore, implementation of knowledge gained from controlled studies requires validation under grazing systems to identify any trade-offs between methane reduction and animal productivity or emission of other pollutants. Therefore, investment and research should be targeted at mitigation options that can and will be adopted on-farm, and the characteristics of temperate grasslands farming suggest that these options may differ from those for intensive (high input/output) or extensive (low input/output) systems.

Verification of fresh grass feeding, pasture grazing and organic farming by FTIR spectroscopy analysis of bovine milk

In the present study, a total of 116 tank milk samples were collected from 30 farms located in The Netherlands and analysed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Samples were collected in April, May and June 2011 and in February 2012. The samples differed in the time spent by the cows on pasture, presence/absence of fresh grass in the daily ration and the farming system (organic/biodynamic or conventional). Classification models based on partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) of FTIR spectra were developed for the prediction of fresh grass feeding, pasture grazing and organic farming. The PLS-DA model discriminated between milk from cows that had fresh grass in the daily ration and milk from cows that had not fresh grass with sensitivity and specificity values of 88% and 83% in external validation and all the samples from cows that had no fresh grass collected in spring were correctly classified. The PLS-DA model developed for the authentication of pasture grazing showed comparable accuracy when the whole sample set is considered but was less accurate on the spring samples (75% of samples from cows indoors in spring correctly classified). Discrimination of organic and conventional milk was also accomplished with acceptable accuracy with % correct classification of 80% and 94% respectively in external validation. The results suggest that milk FTIR spectra contain valuable information on cows' diet that can be used for authentication purposes.