Grass Hay Research Articles

Impact of Providing Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Hay, Wheat Bran, and Their Mixes on Begait Lambs' Skin and Leather Quality

Aims: To evaluate the impact of adding wheat bran (WB), cowpea hay (CPH), or mixes of the two on the chemical and physico-mechanical properties of leather. To determine the ideal ratio for supplementing wheat bran and cowpea hay on the chemical and physico-mechanical properties of leather. Study Design: The study employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five treatments and blocks. Place and Duration of Study: Northern Ethiopia, Humera Agricultural Research Center farm, starting from December 2016 until November 2017. Methodology: 25 intact male Begait lambs were bought from the local market, weighing an average of 28.02 ± 1.49 kg (mean ± SD) at 5 to 6 months of age. Based on their starting body weight, they were split into five groups and assigned randomly to each of the five treatments. The standard diet for T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 consisted of giving natural grass hay ad libitum plus supplements of 300 g CPH, 225 g CPH + 75 g WB, 150 g CPH + 150 g WB, 75 g CPH + 225 g WB, and 300 g WB DM day-1. Three lambs per treatment were randomly chosen, slaughtered, and dressed down using standard commercial techniques at the end of the feeding trial to assess the quality of skin and leather. Results: Compared to the other treatment groups, the Begait lambs in T2 and T3 exhibited increased tensile strength, elongation strength, and thickness. However, the chemical makeup of skin was comparable between treatment groups. Conclusion: Therefore, this study concluded that all test diets generated skin and leather that largely complied with the chemical and physico-mechanical quality standards demanded by the leather industry.

Oral history methods can reveal drivers of landscape transformation: Understanding land‐use legacies with local and traditional knowledge in Central Europe

Abstract Ecosystems and landscapes shaped by the intricate relationship between people and their natural environment embody the impact of many different past land‐use practices and historical events. However, in some regions, classical historical records of landscape change do not exist or are insufficiently detailed. Local communities' ecological memory can play an important role in filling this gap by reconstructing the socio‐ecologically relevant indirect drivers and their interactions, as well as identifying vegetation characteristics that are legacies of previous land‐use practices. We studied a rapidly transforming cultural landscape in Transylvania (Romania) by conducting 144 oral history interviews covering the last 70 years (before, during and after collective farming). The interviews revealed complex interactions of indirect drivers. Country‐scale political and economic changes affected the landscape with crop outflow during the collective system (1962–1989), resulting in labour outflow to cities from the 1960s. The latter reduced the time and attention devoted to haymaking and affected population ageing. Together with other drivers, this demographic change led to a major transformation of the traditional landscape by the 2010s. We identified 47 vegetation characteristics as land‐use legacies related to grasslands and classified them into general legacy types. Our results support that there was an opportunity to innovatively revive the traditional cultural landscape after the fall of communism, when local knowledge, and willingness to manage the landscape were still present, but financial assets and government support were lacking. The indirect driver interactions led to the abandonment of traditional hay meadow management, resulting in a homogenising landscape with simplified land use dominated by sheep grazing and increasingly dependent on agricultural subsidies. We found that many vegetation characteristics of the studied species‐rich grasslands are only legacies of former land‐use activities, still known by locals but no longer applied. By creating knowledge partnerships, we can still learn about the past management and the functioning of such biodiversity‐rich cultural landscapes from the people who actively maintained them. We argue that this type of knowledge is essential to revive and adapt practices for protecting and managing species‐rich habitats across European cultural landscapes and for supporting the planning of appropriate conservation management and subsidy schemes. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Agricultural legacy shapes plant diversity patterns in mountain grasslands of Maramureș and Bukovina: A cross‐border perspective (Ukraine, Romania)

Abstract We investigated farming practices and grassland plant diversity patterns in the historical regions of Maramureș and Bukovina, located in the central Eastern Carpathians of Romania and Ukraine. We explored the influence of social and historical factors on recent grassland plant diversity, including changes and modifications in land use and grassland management practices. We used stratified random sampling to select 48 grassland parcels in eight villages on the Ukrainian‐Romanian borderlands. We identified the factors that affect the composition and diversity of grassland vascular plants and bryophytes at multiple spatial scales and compared the frequency and timing of historical and recent grassland management practices to distinguish between preserved and modified agricultural traditions. In most of the grassland parcels studied (83% in Romania and 78% in Ukraine), traditional land use persisted. Local plant species richness was primarily influenced by management practices, outweighing the impact of topography and soil factors. Regular mowing at appropriate intensity increased the richness of vascular plants, while grazing promoted the richness of bryophyte species. Modifications to farming systems, observed in all studied villages, were mainly due to declining population and livestock numbers. Although the timing of spring and autumn grazing in hay meadows still adhered to tradition, mowing schedules shifted earlier, especially for the first cut of two‐cut hay meadows. Traditional corralling, fertilization and hayseed application have become rare or discontinued in certain villages, while controlled burning has increased. Past use of mineral fertilizers in Ukrainian villages during the Soviet era influenced the recent diversity and composition of vascular plant species, favouring nutrient‐demanding species. Social factors and agricultural policies indirectly affect biodiversity in semi‐natural grasslands, leaving a tangible footprint even in the most remote areas of the Carpathian Mountains. We provide basic recommendations to preserve the remarkable biodiversity of the region. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

The Effects of Concentrate Supplement Levels on Feed Utilization and Red Meat Production of Blackhead Somali Sheep Fed Natural Pasture Grass Hay as a Basal Diet.

In recent years, consumers have become aware of their health, and their preference has been rapidly changing to consume less fatty meat. Therefore, devising a strategy to produce lean meat is a concern in this study. One of the strategies, among others, for lean meat production is controlling the amount of supplements given to sheep. Hence, muscle (lean) and adipose tissue (fat) require different amounts of energy to lie down. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of concentrate supplementation levels on feed utilization and red meat production in Blackhead Somali sheep (BHS) fed natural pasture grass hay as a basal diet. A total of 16 BHS sheep weighing 19.5±0.2kg (mean±SE) at the beginning of the experiment were kept for 90 days by feeding two levels (1% [T1] and 1.75% [T2] body weight [BW] of sheep) of supplement. The sheep were blocked according to their initial BW (IBW), and the supplements were randomly assigned within a block. At the end of the feeding period, all sheep were slaughtered, and carcass and non-carcass data were recorded. Data were analysed using the SAS software version 9.1 of PROC GLM programme. Sheep fed T1 and T2 consumed 6.1 and 8.2MJ/day metabolizable energy (ME), respectively, and 73.1 and 93.6g/day crude protein (CP), in that order. Consequently, sheep fed T2 produced 1.37kg extra BW by growing an average rate of 15g/day greater (p<0.0001) over their counterpart fed T1. They also produced 0.9kg, 0.8 cm2 and 2.64% heavier carcasses, a wider rib eye area and a higher intramuscular fat content (p<0.0001), respectively, over the sheep fed T1. On the other hand, the lean-to-fat ratio was significantly lower in sheep fed T2 than T1. In most parameters considered in this study, sheep fed T2 (1.75% BW) were superior, but its intramuscular fat (IMF) content was much higher than the limit that the consumers needed. Therefore, it can be concluded that 1% BW supplementation is enough for BHS to produce lean meat containing the optimal fat content in stall feeding condition.

The essential oil blend Agolin Ruminant L reduces methane production in vitro and in vivo when included in the drinking water of cattle.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the potential for the essential oil blend Agolin Ruminant L (Agolin) to reduce enteric methane (CH4) emissions from beef cattle when delivered via the drinking water. Experiment 1 evaluated aqueous solutions of Agolin (50mg/L) and a non-protein nitrogen and mineral solution (uPRO ORANGE [uPRO]; 1.7mL/L) individually and in combination, where Agolin was added to concentrated uPRO at 3, 4.5, 6% Agolin (w/w) prior to dilution with water at 1.7mL/L, for a total of five treatments. These were incubated for 48h with a medium-quality Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay substrate, with gas production, CH4 concentration in gas, and digestibility measured in vitro. In Exp. 2, Droughtmaster steers (n = 24) were fed a basal diet of Rhodes grass hay and were allocated to one of three water treatments (n = 8/treatment) supplemented with either uPRO (2.27mL uPRO/L water), or one of two inclusion rates of Agolin in combination with uPRO (2.27mL uPRO and 6 µL Agolin/L water or 2.27mL uPRO and 24 µL Agolin/L water) with enteric CH4 emissions, feed and water intake, and live weight gain (LWG) measured over 56 d. In Exp. 1, the inclusion of Agolin in uPRO at 6% w/w resulted in a reduction in CH4 production (15.8%; P = 0.003) and the proportion of CH4 in the gas produced (24.5%; P < 0.001). In Exp. 2, steers consuming the lower quantity of Agolin via drinking water had a 16.4% (P = 0.0027) reduction in CH4 production over the experiment, declining from 140g/d during week 1 to 117g/d in week 8. This inclusion rate of Agolin in the drinking water also resulted in a 25g (17.6%) CH4/d decrease in emissions by steers compared to control steers (P = 0.0205). However, no significant differences in CH4 yield (g CH4/kg dry matter intake), or CH4 intensity (g CH4/kg LWG) by steers was observed between treatments. These results demonstrate that Agolin reduces CH4 emissions when mixed in aqueous solution under in vitro and in vivo conditions, providing a potential method to reduce enteric CH4 emissions from cattle in extensive production systems.

Palaeoenvironmental Analysis of the Southern Part of the Danube–Tisza Interfluve (Hungary): The Northern Loess Wall of Katymár and the Hay Meadows and Loess Banks of Hajós

This study presents a comprehensive palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the southern part of the Danube–Tisza interfluve in the Carpathian Basin from the Late Pleistocene to Early Holocene, addressing the region’s response to global climate forcings and local environmental factors based on multi-proxy analyses of two key protected areas: the Katymár brickyard and the hay meadows and loess banks of Hajós. By integrating radiocarbon-dated malacological, macrobotanical, pollen, phytolith, geochemical, and sedimentological analyses, it was possible to provide a picture of past climate–ecosystem interactions. The Katymár North sequence provides an extended chronology from Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS3, ca. 36,000 cal BP) through the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and into the Early Holocene, while the Hajós sequence offers high-resolution data for the LGM–Holocene transition. By the late Ice Age, humidity and surface moisture superseded temperature as primary palaeoecological limiting factors, promoting ecotone-like forest–steppe environments during cooling periods.

Effect of supplementation of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladodes, Acacia saligna, wheat bran and cotton seed cake on feed intake, digestibility, growth and carcass characteristics of goats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladodes, Acacia saligna, wheat bran and cotton seed cake on growth, digestibility, intake and carcass characteristics of goats. A randomized complete block design was used in the experiment with 24 yearling central highland goats with an initial body weight of 15.6 - 16.1kg. The same amount of grass hay (GH) + 150 gDM/head/day wheat bran (WB) was given to all animals. The experimental diets consisted of 80 cotton seed cake (CSC) as treatment 1 (T1), 45CSC +160 cactus cladodes (CC) as T2, 45CSC+ 80 Acacia saligna (AS) as T3, and 45CSC+80CC+40AS as T4 (gram dry matter: DM, per day per goat), Data were gathered on the goats' growth, digestibility, intake, and carcass of major organs, edible and nonedible organs. The consumption of dry matter and organic matter was higher in goats fed T2 and T4 than in the T1 group. The DM, organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) digestibility, average daily body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency were higher in T4 and T3 goats when compared to T2 goats. Goats fed on T4 had higher hot carcass weight and dressing percentage on slaughter body weight basis than T2, T3, and T1 supplemented goats. Generally, the experimental diets improved goats’ performance in descending order (T4 &gt; T3 &gt;T1 &gt;T2). Supplementation of T4 (replacement of 35 g DM of cotton seed cake per day by 40g of Acacia saligna and 80g of cactus cladodes on dry matter bases) could be recommended to improve goat performance.

Exploring microbial diversity and function in companion planting systems of white clover and orchard grass

Companion planting of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) with orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.), a famous hay grass, improves the forage quality of orchard grass. Microbiome profiling techniques can reveal the specific role of white clover companion planting with orchard grass. This study aimed to explore the microbiome distribution and gene functions of rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil via companion planting systems of white clover and orchard grass. From metagenomics sequencing analysis, we confirmed the significant role of white clover on soil environment modeling during companion planting with orchard grass. Twenty-eight biomarkers of rhizosphere soil organisms were identified during companion planting, including Proteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Flavobacteriia, and Caulobacterales. The number of gene functions of nitrogen and carbon fixation in companion planting was higher than that in single plants, indicating new functional flora for companion planting. We characterized specific rhizosphere effects, typical biomarker flora, and potential regulatory mechanisms for white clover-related companion planting by metagenomics analyses.

PSLBII-3 Influence of iron supplementation on insulin and glucose dynamics in horses

Abstract Iron is an essential micromineral involved in various physiological functions such as oxygen transport. The National Research Council’s Nutrient Requirements of Horses has iron requirements set at 400 mg iron daily for a 500 kg horse at maintenance; however, a survey found that Thoroughbreds consumed well over the daily requirement at 3,900 mg of iron from hay and grain alone. Additionally, a previous study has found a correlation between hyperinsulinemia and increased ferritin, an indicator of iron body stores. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the effects of iron supplementation on body iron stores as well as insulin and glucose dynamics. It was hypothesized that iron supplementation would influence body iron stores and insulin and glucose responses. Mixed-breed geldings [n = 12; 558.9 ± 74.4 kg body weight (BW)] were housed individually for the study. Horses were fed 2% of their BW in grass hay and an iron-free vitamin mineral supplement, consuming an average of 600 mg of iron daily for the first 28 d (Hay Phase). Horses were then assigned to continue on the hay diet (CTRL; n = 4) or an iron-supplemented diet (IRON; n = 8), in which an oral iron supplement was given daily in the form of ferrous sulfate, with IRON horses consuming an average of 4,000 mg of iron daily for 28 d (Supplement Phase). Oral sugar tests (OSTs) were performed at the beginning of the study as well as the end of each phase, using a 0.45 mL/kg of BW Karo Light Syrup dose to determine insulin response, with jugular venous samples taken prior to the dose and 60 min after. All statistical analysis was performed in GraphPadPrism Version 10.2.0 (GraphPad Software, Boston, MA), using analysis of variance for repeated measures and correlation analysis. All OSTs throughout the study had a significant time effect (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for both insulin and glucose. There was a time X treatment trend (P = 0.1) for insulin during the Supplement Phase and when using multiple comparisons, insulin response was significantly greater (P &amp;lt; 0.0007) at 0 versus 60 min in IRON horses. Although there was no correlation found between 60-min insulin and ferritin concentrations in both IRON and CTRL horses, mean ± SD insulin and ferritin in the IRON group were 23.6 ± 10 uU/mL and 570 ± 195.8 ng/mL, respectively, while in the CTRL group these were 12.7 ± 2.9 uU/mL and 453 ± 31.1 ng/mL, respectively. In conclusion, iron supplementation with an inorganic form at 10 times the daily requirement appears to result in increased insulin responses as well as body iron stores. Further research needs to determine if feeds naturally enriched in iron impact glucose metabolism.

PSX-25 Performance, carcass, wholesale, and retail cuts yield of genetically improved entire or castrated crossbred lambs fed total rations under heat stress conditions

Abstract Lamb production in tropical areas is generally conducted with native animals in extensive grazing conditions on naturalized pastures under heat stress. Strategies to enhance productivity using genetically improved intact or castrated crossbred lambs fed with total ratios (TR) need to be evaluated. The performance of intact Dorset-Criollo (n = 10, EDSC, 20.48 kg), intact Dorper-Criollo (n = 8, EDPC, 20.58 kg) and castrated Dorper-Criollo (n = 4, CDPC, 18.40 kg) lambs fed a TR during the growing-finishing phase was evaluated. The TR contained 70% concentrate and 30% grass hay and was fed at 4% of lamb body weight (DMB) until slaughter (SBW, 38 to 40kg). During the trial lambs dry matter intake was recorded daily while weekly weights were taken to determine days on feed (DOF) to reach SBW, average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion (FC). At slaughter, yields of hot (HCY) and cold (CCY) carcass, wholesale cuts (WSC) including neck (N), shoulder (SL), ribs 5-12 (RIBS), loin (LN) and leg (LG), and retail cuts (RTC) including shoulder chops (SCH), French chops (FCH), ribs (RS), back leg (BL) and shanks (SH) of lambs were determined. The WSC and RTC yield were determined as percentage of cold carcass weight. Performance data were analyzed as a randomized experimental (CRD) design over time. Carcass and cut yields data were analyzed as a CRD. LS-means were using for mean separation. Days on feed to reach SBW was less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in EDSC (107 d) and EDPC (102 d) than CDPC (123 d). The ADG was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in EDSC (215.0 g) and EDPC (189.0 g) than CDPC (167.6 g), but FC was similar (EDSC = 5.2, EDPC = 5.8, CDPC = 6.0). HCY and CCY were similar for EDSC (44.2% and 41.7%), EDPC (45.5% and 43.2%) and CDPC (46.1% and 43.2%). For WSC, N yield was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in EDSC (4.3%) than EDPC (3.8%) and CDPC (3.5%), but RIBS was less (18.9% vs 20.9% and 20.9%, respectively). Yields of SL, LN, and LG were similar for EDSC (31.9%, 12.5% and 33.5%), EDPC (30.7%, 12.2% and 33.9%) and CDPC (31.1%, 13.0% and 33.9%). For RTC, the yield of SCH was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in CDPC (26.6%) than EDPC (24.4%), but similar to EDSC (25.9%). FCH was less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in EDSP (11.8%) than EDPC (14.4%) and CDPC (15.2%). No differences in RS (EDSC 6.5%, EDPC 6.3%, CDPC 5.5%), BL (EDSC 28.9%, EDPC 29.2%, CDPC 29.0%), and SH (EDSC 7.0%, EDPC 7.3%, CDPC 7.4%) were detected. In summary, castration decreases performance of genetically improved lambs as evidenced by longer DOF to reach SBW and lower ADG than intact animals, but did not influence carcass yield. Differences in WSC and RTC yield were observed among genetic groups and animal type.

PSVII-20 Effect of starch content in the concentrate of finishing bison on meat nutritional composition, quality, and palatability

Abstract According to the Saskatchewan Bison Association, in the last few years producers have not been able to fill the increasing demand for bison meat. Indeed, one of the main challenges faced by the bison industry is their ability to produce a consistent product in a relatively short period of time. Hence, it is necessary to optimize the productivity and profitability of feeding bison calves while ensuring the quality of the end product. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different starch contents in the concentrate of finishing bison on meat nutritional composition, quality, and palatability. Yearling bison bulls [n = 48; commercial Wood × Plains, 435 ± 13.4 kg body weight (BW)] were homogenously distributed into 12 pens (4 bulls/pen) based on BW, and each pen randomly assigned (n = 6) to receive either a high- [51.4% dry matter basis (DM); n = 24 bison bulls) or moderate-starch (25.8% DM; n = 24 bison bulls) concentrate, alongside free access to water and grass hay bales. After 156 d of feeding, bison bulls were slaughtered in a commercial abattoir in AB, Canada. At 3 d postmortem, color values were measured at the ribeye between the 11 and 12th ribs. Subsequently, striploins from the left carcass sides were collected, weighed, vacuum packaged, and transported under refrigeration conditions to the AAFC-Lacombe Research and Development Centre, AB, Canada. On d 6 of ageing, striploins were unpacked and weighed to measure purge losses, and pH was collected. Subsequently, six 2.5-cm thick steaks were obtained for further nutritional analyses (minerals, cholesterol, vitamin B3, protein, fat, moisture, and fatty acids), shear force, color in retail display for 4 d, and descriptive sensory and flavor profile analyses performed by trained panelists. The dietary starch content did not affect the nutritional composition as well as the pH, 3-d color values, moisture losses, and shear force value of the bison meat (P &amp;gt; 0.1). However, the high-starch concentrate increased the meat luminosity (L*) after 4 d in retail display (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and initial and overall tenderness (P &amp;lt; 0.001), and decreased the amount of perceived connective tissue (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Additionally, spongy and rubbery textures were less frequently found by trained panelists in meat from bison fed a high-starch than a moderate-starch concentrate (P &amp;lt; 0.01 and 0.05, respectively). Regarding meat flavor, the high-starch concentrate decreased salty taste (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and burnt and livery aromas (P = 0.071 and 0.069, respectively) but increased metallic flavor (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and bitter taste (P = 0.076). In conclusion, the starch content in the concentrate of finishing bison did not affect the meat nutritional value. However, some positive effects on meat color and palatability were found when feeding bison a high-starch concentrate.

402 The effect of supplemental protein degradability and frequency of supplementation on nitrogen metabolism of beef cattle consuming low-quality forage

Abstract Rumen degradable protein (RDP) is required for cattle consuming low-quality forage to ensure adequate fiber digestion. However, in situations where cattle are not supplemented daily, supplementing RDP could overwhelm the nitrogen recycling mechanisms, leading to increased nitrogen excretion. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of rumen degradability and frequency of supplemental protein in beef cattle consuming low-quality forage. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with protein degradability (68.5% or 32.8% RDP) and supplementation frequency (daily or biweekly) as the two factors. Ruminally cannulated Angus steers [n = 8; body weight (BW) = 328 ± 12.2 kg] were used in a Latin rectangle. The low RDP treatment was composed of 50% soybean hulls and 50% corn gluten meal (40.3% CP; 32.8% RDP), and the high RDP treatment consisted of 45.4% soybean hulls, 41.4% soybean meal, 4.1% urea, and 9.1% molasses (40% CP; 68.5% RDP). The biweekly steers were supplemented on d 0, 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, and 21 of each period. Steers were given ad libitum access to low-quality (7.4% CP) native grass hay. Daily blood samples were collected from d 14 to 17 at 0630 h and d 21 at -2, 3, and 7 h relative to supplementation. Rumen fluid samples were collected every 4 h on d 18 to 21. Daily NEFA concentrations decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.001) post-supplementation in the biweekly supplemented steers and then returned to baseline values, while the daily supplemented steers had no change. Hourly NEFA concentrations in steers supplemented with high RDP biweekly increased from 2 h pre-supplementation to 3 h post-supplementation (P &amp;lt; 0.001), then decreased at 7 h post-supplementation back to pre-supplementation concentrations. Plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) increased in biweekly high RDP supplemented steers 1 d after supplementation (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and decreased from d 15 to d 17. PUN concentrations increased from 2 h pre-supplementation through 7 h post-supplementation in both high RDP treatments, while low RDP treatments did not change (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Rumen fluid lactate and ammonia concentrations rapidly increased in the biweekly high RDP-supplemented steers in response to each supplementation (P &amp;lt; 0.001). There were spikes in ammonia concentrations for the daily high RDP treatment post-supplementation; however, they were smaller in magnitude compared with the biweekly high RDP. The low RDP treatments remained steady across all hours of ammonia sampling, where daily and biweekly supplemented steers decreased slightly in the time points following supplementation and then gradually increased. Rumen pH displayed drastic changes in the biweekly high RDP-supplemented group with values ranging from 6.99 to 5.97 (P &amp;lt; 0.001), but the low RDP treatments remained consistent. Supplementing biweekly with high RDP resulted in fluctuations in metabolites not observed in the other treatments, which could reduce forage utilization and increase nitrogen excretion.

288 Maternal fatty acid supplementation and its impact on dam and offspring performance

Abstract Fatty acid supplementation has multiple benefits to the offspring when supplemented to the dam during pregnancy; limited to no benefits to the dam have been documented. We hypothesized that maternal fatty acid supplementation during pregnancy would result in improved body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) in the ewes and improve lamb growth until weaning and male offspring growth following weaning when ewes were supplemented fatty acids. On d -8 of the study (35 d of gestation), all ewes were weighed, BCS was collected, and pregnancy status determined. Pregnant Targhee ewes (n = 83) were assigned to a treatment group based on age, BW, and BCS, to one of four treatment gr: 1) 22 g/ewe daily of Ca salts of saturated and monosaturated fatty acids based on palmitic and oleic acids (CON; EnerGII, Virtus Nutrition, LLC, Corcoran, CA); 2) 22 g/ewe daily of Ca salts of PUFA based on eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids (ɷ-3, Strata; Virtus Nutrition LLC); 3) 22 g/ewe daily of Ca salts of PUFA based on linoleic acids (ɷ-6, Prequel; Virtus Nutrition LLC); or 4) 11 g/ewe of Ca-salts enriched with EPA+DHA (Strata) and 11 g/ewe of Ca-salts enriched with linoleic acid (Strata) daily (ɷ-3 + 6; Virtus Nutrition LLC). Fatty acid supplementation occurred from d 0 until d 88 of the study, and all ewes were fed grass hay. Ewe BW and BCS were recorded at d -8, 51, 93, and 240 of the study. Twenty-four hours after birth, lamb sex was identified and weighed (n = 136 lamb; CON = 33; ɷ-3 = 32; ɷ-6 = 36; ɷ-3 + 6 = 35). Lambs were weighed at d 175 and 240 (weaning) of the study (n = 86; CON = 22; ɷ-3 = 22; ɷ-6 = 21; ɷ-3 + 6 = 21). Body weight, BCS, and scrotal circumference (SC) were collected on all ram lambs at d 352, 380, and 408. No differences were observed in ewe BW or BCS at d -8, 51, or 93 of the study (P ≥ 0.26) between the treatment groups (Table 1). A treatment × day interaction was observed at d 240 of the study when ɷ-6 ewes had a greater (P = 0.03) BCS compared with group cohorts. No differences in lamb birth weight, lamb weight or average daily gain at d 175 or 240 of the study between treatment groups (P ≥ 0.25; Table 2). No differences were reported in ram lamb BW, BCS, or SC at d 352, 380, and 408 (P ≥ 0.31; Table 3). These results indicate that maternal fatty acid supplementation alters ewe BCS at the time of weaning; however, supplementation does not impact lamb growth from birth until weaning or ram lamb growth and scrotal circumference.

195 Effect of selection for growth and maternal influence on crossbred Angus heifer development

Abstract This multiyear experiment was designed to determine the effects of sire yearling weight (YW) and maternal influence (MILK) expected progeny differences (EPD) on production and fertility of beef replacement heifers. Sires were classified as moderate (&amp;lt; 50th percentile) or high for YW EPD (122 ± 29; from 79 to 172) and as low (&amp;lt; 50th percentile) or high for MILK EPD (27 ± 8; from 5 to 40). Fall-born (n = 214) and spring-born (n = 207) heifers were enrolled in the study. Birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), and YW of the heifers were measured. In addition, reproductive tract score (RTS), dry matter intake (DMI), and average daily gain (ADG) while consuming an unprocessed grass hay diet were determined in a subsample of enrolled heifers. Neogen Igenity Beef scores (NIBS) were also run on this subset. Pregnancy rate and conception rate at fixed timed artificial insemination (FTAI) were also determined. Adjusted BW, WW and YW and RTS were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (9.4, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC), with YW and MILK EPD as fixed effects and year of birth as random effect. Effects of sire YW and MILK classification on the likelihood of pregnancy and successful FTAI were also analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Pearson correlation coefficients between independent and dependent variables were obtained using the CORR procedure of SAS. Sire MILK EPD had no effect (P ≥ 0.13) on the body weight of fall- or spring-born heifers. However, fall-born heifers were 0.12 kg and 0.34 kg heavier (P = 0.06 and 0.001, respectively) per unit increase in sire YW EPD at weaning and yearling time, respectively. There was no effect of sire YW EPD on fall-born heifer DMI as percentage of body weight (DMI % BOW; P = 0.74) nor ADG (P = 0.90) while consuming the low-energy diet. Spring-born heifers had significantly greater (all, P ≤ 0.001) adjusted BW, WW, and YW (0.02, 0.23 and 0.37 kg per unit increase in sire YW EPD, respectively. Reproductive tract score was strong and negatively correlated (P ≤ 0.001) with DMI % BOW. Heifer YW NIBS were moderate and positively correlated (P &amp;lt; 0.001) with ADG. There was a tendency (P = 0.09) for a weak and negative correlation between residual feed intake genetic scores and DMI % BOW. Sire genetic merit for yearling growth was transmitted to replacement heifers. However, neither ADG, nor unprocessed forage DMI % BOW was influenced by genetic potential for growth during this study. Further research is needed to assess the benefits of using genomic profile of heifers for maternal, performance and carcass traits, alongside sire EPDs, when selecting and developing beef replacement heifers.

96 Using greenhouse gas flux to estimate forage dry matter intake in ad libitum fed replacement heifers

Abstract An accurate estimate of feed intake is a critical component in determining individual animal feed efficiency. However, existing feed intake measurement systems are not designed for unprocessed, dry forage diets. Open-circuit gas flux technology measures enteric gas emissions for cattle in a pasture-based setting. If a significant relationship exists between feed intake and gas emissions, this system could be used to rank grazing cattle for forage intake and forage utilization efficiency. Our objective was to develop prediction equations to estimate forage dry matter intake using gas flux and performance data. Angus and Angus x Hereford heifers [n = 71; initial body weight (BW) 329.5 ± 31.1 kg] were used over 3 yr to measure intake, gain, and gas flux. All heifers were subject to a 21-d adaptation and 71-d intake test using individual intake technology (SmartFeed; C-Lock Rapid City, SD) with a stocking rate of 3.3 heifers per feeder. Throughout the study, heifers were fed a long-stem, unprocessed, grass hay diet (≥ 10.8% CP, 2.0 Mcal ME, and 56% TDN) with ad libitum access to a salt/mineral supplement. The GreenFeed system (C-Lock Rapid City, SD) was used to monitor oxygen (O2) consumption (means ± SD; 3364.4 ± 374.8 g/d), methane (CH4; 181.4 ± 24.3 g/d) and carbon dioxide (CO2) production (4,965.3 ± 494.5 g/d). Body weights were collected every 14 d, and average daily gain (ADG) was calculated by regressing BW on day of study. The phenotypic correlations of forage DMI with CO2, CH4, O2, and heat production (HP) were 0.72, 0.66, 0.74, and 0.74, respectively. Average daily gain and midpoint metabolic BW combined with the estimate of daily HP, O2, or CO2 accounted for 60% of the variation in forage DMI. These results suggest that forage intake can be predicted using performance data in conjunction with the GreenFeed gas quantification system.

476 Induced hindgut acidosis in sheep affected gut permeability and ruminal fermentation

Abstract Leaky gut may be caused by acidotic conditions in the hindgut and lead to systemic inflammation and negative effects on the gastrointestinal tract. The objective was to determine the effects of induced hindgut acidosis in sheep on cecal pH, ruminal fermentation, and gut permeability. Ruminally and cecally cannulated ewes [n = 11; body weight (BW) = 49 ± 4 kg] were assigned to one of two treatments: control (CON; n = 5) or induced hindgut acidosis (HGA; n = 6). To induce hindgut acidosis, 3 g wheat starch/kg BW per 24 h was continuously infused via the cecal cannula for 4 d. Control ewes received a constant infusion of deionized water. The diet contained 40% grass hay pellets, 35% whole shelled corn, 15% dried distillers grains, and 10% alfalfa cubes. Chromium EDTA was dosed once daily via the cecal cannula as a marker of gut permeability. Rumen, cecal, and fecal samples were collected to determine pH and volatile fatty acids (VFA). Rumen fluid was collected on d 4 for an ex vivo fermentation. Flasks were incubated for 24 h to determine pH, VFA, ammonia and in vitro dry matter digestibility. Tissue samples from the ileum, cecum, and colon were mounted in Ussing chambers to measure transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). There was a treatment × time effect (P = 0.05) for cecal pH with HGA ewes having lesser cecal pH after d 1. By d 4, cecal pH had declined to 5.07 for HGA ewes compared with CON ewes which remained above 6.40 throughout the experiment. A treatment × time interaction was also observed (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for fecal pH and followed the same trend as cecal pH. Rumen pH was not affected (P = 0.87) by the interaction of treatment and time but was affected (P &amp;lt; 0.01) by treatment as ewes on the HGA treatment had a lesser rumen pH than CON ewes. Control ewes had lesser ruminal VFA and ammonia concentrations than HGA ewes (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Urinary Cr recovery was not affected by the interaction of treatment and time, or treatment (P ≥ 0.13). In vitro dry matter disappearance was not affected by cecal infusion treatment (P = 0.60). There was no effect (P = 0.78) of treatment on ex vivo pH. There were no effects (P ≥ 0.11) of treatment, time, or their interaction on ex vivo ammonia or total VFA concentration. In cecal tissue, TEER tended (P = 0.09) to be greater in CON ewes than HGA ewes. In contrast, TEER was not different (P ≥ 0.83) in ileal or colonic tissues between treatments. Induced hindgut acidosis in sheep altered rumen fermentation and tended to increase ex vivo measures of cecal permeability, but did not affect ex vivo rumen fermentation.

Undegradable dietary protein limits growth and carcass yields in crossbred Boer kids fed Desmanthus hay or Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay supplemented with urea and/or cottonseed meal

Context Low-protein tropical forages required protein supplementation, which might affect growth of meat goats. Aims This study was aimed to compare liveweight gain, carcass/non-carcass yields and meat quality in crossbred Boer kids fed isonitrogenous diets varying in undegradable (UDP) and rumen-degradable (RDP) dietary protein sources. Methods Twenty-five female crossbred Boer kids were randomly allocated into the following five dietary treatments: Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay supplemented with urea (U), urea plus cottonseed meal (UCSM), cottonseed meal (CSM), gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) (Gliri) or Desmanthus (Desmanthus leptophyllus) only (Desman). The diets were formulated to supply 135 and 195 g crude protein/kg DM for the two experiments. Experiment 1 lasted 78 days and the dietary UDP:RDP ratio (g/kg DM) was 35:102 (U), 37:100 (UCSM), 40:97 (CSM), 55:82 (Desman) and 46:91 (Gliri). Experiment 2 lasted 138 days and the dietary UDP:RDP ratio (g/kg DM) was 45:150 (U), 52:143 (UCSM), 58:137 (CSM), 83:112 (Desman) and 71:124 (Gliri) respectively. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA and general linear model. Key results After 138 days of supplementation, the Desman goats had the highest liveweight gain (83 g/day) and heaviest cold carcass weight (12.1 kg) in Experiment 2. This was followed, in descending order, by CSM (58 g/day and 9.6 kg), UCSM (48 g/day and 7.8 kg), Gliri (41 g/day and 7.6 kg) and U (6 g/day and 6.0 kg). Heavier carcass weight was associated with larger eye-muscle area and fat depth at the 12th rib. Aus-meat Beef Colour Standard scores of 3–4 for the eye muscle of the Desman and CSM goats compared with scores of 1C-2 in the other goats meant that the darker meat in Desman and CSM diets was associated with heavier carcass weight and a more rapid rate of decline in carcass pH. Conclusions Crossbred Boer kids fed high dietary UDP had higher intakes of UDP, RDP, metabolisable protein (MP) and metabolisable energy (ME), even though an isonitrogenous diet was offered. The Desman kids had higher liveweight gain, heavier carcass yield, greater eye-muscle area, thicker fat depth and heavier mass of non-carcass components. Implications The higher liveweight gain and carcass/non-carcass yields for Desman goats than for others was associated with increased DM, UDP, RDP, MP and ME intakes.

Effects of protein grass hay as alternative feed resource on lamb's fattening performance and meat quality

Protein grass hay (PGH) was used as a new feed source for lambs to study its effect on fattening performance and meat quality. Fifty-six male lambs were allotted to four experimental groups and fed for eight weeks either alfalfa hay (AH)-based diet (control) or diets in which AH was replaced with 33 %, 66 %, or 99 % PGH. The inclusion of PGH did not affect final body weight, dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, or carcass weight. Moreover, substituting AH with PGH at any level did not influence the ruminal fermentation or serum biochemical parameters, meat color, water holding capacity, shear force, or amino acid profile. However, relative liver weight was increased with 66 % substitutions. Furthermore, replacing 99 % AH with PGH decreased the meat's pH at 24 h. Higher levels of C18:3n-3, C20:5n-3, and total n-3 PUFA and a lower ratio of n-6: n-3 PUFA were also observed in meat from lambs fed PGH at 99 %. These findings suggest that PGH could be incorporated into the lamb's diet up to 99 % without compromising fattening performance and body health while improving their meat n-3 PUFA deposition.

Tracing the fate of hay meadows with haylofts in Slovakia: A geographical perspective

Abstract The paper focuses on the historical distribution of haylofts in Slovakia, geographical conditions related to hay meadows with haylofts, and land cover changes of former hayloft localities. Moreover, the current state of preserved haylofts and the land use of their surrounding area were documented at a regional scale, during the field research. A map of the historical occurrence of haylofts was digitised based on the Czechoslovakian military topographic maps from 1952–1957 (1:25,000). Altogether, 9,742 haylofts were recorded. The haylofts were usually built in mountain and sub-mountain areas on places with low soil quality, mostly at higher elevations, on moderate or moderately steep slopes and in more distant and isolated areas. About half of former hayloft meadows now exist as meadows or pastures with different intensity of grassland management. Forest or shrubs already cover the other 38% of the sites. To a lesser extent, the areas have been converted into arable land or recreational areas. Only a few haylofts have survived to this day; for example, in Upper Liptov Region, it is only 1% of their former abundance in this area (48 haylofts). Apart from a few positive cases where they have been restored or preserved, those that have survived continue to decay.

Assessing supplementing strategies for beef cattle in a bale grazing system using grass hay during variable winter conditions

IntroductionBeef cattle in the Northern Great Plains of the United States of America are normally kept in open dry lot pens in winter. Practices such as bale grazing, swath grazing, stockpiling, and corn residue grazing, can be used to extend the grazing season and minimize dry lot use. Extending the grazing season has several advantages over dry lot use but arguably the most important benefit is cost savings due to lower labor and input costs. Strategies selected to supplement cattle in extended grazing systems should maintain cost savings while providing required nutrients to cattle. This study was conducted to evaluate supplementing strategies for beef cattle in a bale grazing system using grass hay during variable winter conditions. The study was conducted across variable winter conditions that are encountered in winters in the US Northern Great Plains.MethodsThe study extended over four years. Each year, non-lactating pregnant beef cows (n = 64, year 1; n = 80, year 2, 3, 4) were divided into eight groups of similar average body weight and randomly assigned to one of four bale grazing treatments as follows: a) bale grazing grass hay, b) bale grazing grass hay treated with a liquid supplement, c) bale grazing grass hay and alfalfa hay, and d) bale grazing grass hay and plus 1.8 kg corn DDGS/head/day. Animal performance was assessed from two-day body weights and body condition scores taken at the start and end of the study. Data analysis considered the fixed effects of treatment, year, and treatment x year interaction.ResultsFinal BW tended (P = 0.09) to be greatest following corn DDGS supplementation and lowest when grass hay was offered. The treatment strategy x year interaction (P = 0.026) for ADG showed that corn DDGS supplementation resulted in positive ADG across the years regardless of environmental conditions. Liquid or alfalfa hay supplementation resulted in positive ADG when environmental conditions were favorable. Final BCS (P = 0.005) and BCS change (P = 0.004) were greater following corn DDGS supplementation, intermediate following alfalfa hay or liquid supplementation and lowest when grass hay was fed. Supplementation costs ranged from $1.33 to $1.90/head/day, the highest cost occurred with corn DDGS supplementation mainly due to cost of corn DDGS and labor required to deliver corn DDGS to cattle on pasture.DiscussionAlfalfa hay or molasses-based liquids increased diet CP content but did not supply adequate energy in severely cold winters. Despite relatively higher supplement costs, high energy supplements such as corn DDGS may be required in severely cold winters where cattle require extra energy. Supplement selection should consider supplement effectiveness to meet animal nutrient requirements particularly in adverse winter conditions such as those encountered in the US Northern Great Plains.