Herbaceous Forage Research Articles

Comportamiento forrajero del estrato herbáceo en diferentes densidades arbóreas de selva baja caducifolia

La sombra de los árboles proyectada sobre el estrato herbáceo que crece bajo el dosel representa para los ganaderos un efecto no deseado para la producción de forrajes en el sistema silvopastoril. Con el objetivo de determinar la producción de materia seca y la composición florística del estrato herbáceo con diferente cantidad de radiación fotosintéticamente activa, se seleccionaron tres parcelas con baja densidad arbórea (BDA; 50 a 200), moderada densidad arbórea (MDA; 201 a 350) y alta densidad arbórea (ADA; 350 a 500) árboles ha-1. En cada parcela se estimó la radiación fotosintéticamente activa (RFA) que incide en el estrato herbáceo y se determinó la producción de materia seca (MS) de las herbáceas forrajeras presentes durante 15 semanas de la estación lluviosa. La intensidad de luz bajo el dosel y la producción de biomasa forrajera herbácea en BDA, MDA y ADA fue 8 594, 6 437 y 3 801 MJ m2 año-1 y 2 859, 1 988 y 1 679 kg de MS ha-1, respectivamente. El número de especies herbáceas en BDA, MDA y ADA fue 38, 48 y 27, respectivamente, aunque las especies dominantes, con más de 80% de la composición botánica, fueron solo seis. Se concluye que la densidad arbórea modifica la cantidad de luz que incide en el estrato herbáceo, afectando la producción de biomasa y la composición florística de las herbáceas forrajeras que crecen bajo el dosel arbóreo en un sistema silvopastoril tradicional en la selva baja caducifolia.

Evaluation of forage quantity and quality in the semi-arid Borana Lowlands, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia

This study was conducted with the aim of determining herbaceous biomass during different seasons, plus nutritive value of herbaceous species and forage on selected woody plants and documenting pastoralists’ perceptions of the value of various forage species in Borana Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Data were collected from a total of 92 main plots of 500 m2 during rainy and dry seasons located across different functional Land Use Units called Kalo (enclosed areas), Worra (grazed by lactating stock) and Foora (more remote and grazed by dry and non-lactating stock). Total herbage and leaves of woody plants were analyzed for concentrations of crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and ash. Perceptions of farmers were determined through group discussions. Herbage biomass plus chemical composition of both herbaceous and woody forage species varied significantly across seasons and Land Use Units. Mean herbaceous biomass in all Land Use Units was poor (876‒1,469 kg DM/ha). Mean CP, NDF and ADF concentrations of the herbaceous samples were 62, 749 and 444 g/kg DM, respectively. Mean CP% of leaves from woody plants was higher (11%) than from herbage (6%). In both groups, crude protein concentrations were highest during the wet season and lowest during the dry season, whereas fiber concentrations were highest in the dry season. Mean CP% of herbaceous forage species was below the critical level recommended for both beef cattle (7%) and small ruminants (9%) but forage from woody species should provide a reliable supply of supplementary nitrogen. Management of rangelands should be designed to ensure that desirable herbaceous species are preserved, while desirable woody species are also a valuable asset. Determination of management strategies to ensure that the desirable mix of species is maintained is imperative if sustainable production is to continue.

Herbage responses of signalgrass under full sun or shade in a silvopasture system using tree legumes

AbstractSilvopasture systems enhance the use efficiency of natural resources by diversifying vegetation structure and function. However, shading from trees may affect the production and quality of herbaceous forages and, consequently, the animal performance. The objective of this research was to evaluate regrowth and development of tree legumes as well as productivity and nutritive value of signalgrass [Brachiaria decumbens (Stapf) R.D. Webster] subjected to shading from the tree legumes gliricidia [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud] and sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth.). Herbage responses were evaluated every 56 d. Trees were evaluated every 120 d to assess morphological responses and forage nutritive value. Response variables included in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM), concentrations of N, and stable isotopes (δ15N) in grass and legume leaves. Greater herbage accumulation occurred for signalgrass submitted to full sun (57 kg ha–1 d–1) than under shade (27 kg ha–1 d–1) (p = .0006). Morphometric measurements of tree regrowth did not show differences for total leaf mass (p = .8603) and mass of thick stems (p = .6157) between tree legume species. Gliricidia leaf IVDOM was greater (504 g kg–1) than sabiá leaf IVDOM (315 g kg–1) (p < .0001). Nitrogen concentration was greater in leaves (p = .0007), fine stems (p = .0050), and thick stems (p = .0333) of gliricidia throughout the evaluated period when compared to the same fractions of sabiá. Both tree species, at the densities employed in this study, affected negatively and to a similar extent the herbage accumulation of signalgrass.

Produção de lenha e forragem de <i>Poincianella pyramidalis</i> (Tul.) L. P. Queiroz submetida à poda anual

Algumas espécies lenhosas da caatinga possuem potencial para produzir forragem de qualidade a baixo custo. Suas folhas e ramas finas podem ser consumidas no campo ou fornecidas como feno, se forem coletadas na estação chuvosa, período de abundância, para suplementar a dieta dos animais no período seco do ano. Poincianella pyramidalis (Tul.) L. P. Queiroz (catingueira) aparece com bom potencial para a produção de forragem. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produção de forragem de catingueira em função da intensidade de poda de suas ramas em dois anos consecutivos, e o efeito desta no DAP e acúmulo de biomassa lenhosa, e na forragem herbácea produzida sob e fora da projeção da copa. O trabalho foi desenvolvido na Fazenda Lameirão, Santa Terezinha-PB, Brasil. As ramas foram coletadas de 20 catingueiras adultas, de acordo com 5 intensidades de poda: T1 = 0%, T2 = 25%, T3 = 50%, T4 = 75% e T5 = 100% de poda. A produção média de forragem variou entre os tratamentos de 2,19 a 7,07 kg. árvore-1 (MS) em 2016 e de 1,33 a 2,41 kg. árvore-1 (MS) em 2017. A produção de forragem herbácea foi maior sob (1,60 t. ha-1) (MS) do que fora (1,07 t. ha-1) (MS) da copa. O corte das ramas não afeta o acúmulo de biomassa lenhosa e nem a produção herbácea. A composição química das forragens é satisfatória à alimentação animal.

Comparative Analysis of Different Treatments Effects on Stylosanthes Guianensis Production Parameters in Imbo,Natural region of Burundi

In Burundi, the major problem for livestock is the lack of sufficient nutrients needed for its growth and development due to Burundi higher population growth rate which put a pressure on arable lands and pastures leading to grass pastures reduction. However the concentrates that can be used alternatively are not only insufficient, but also very expensive under the local farmer conditions. In the Burundi, livestock reduction was recorded while it occupies an important place in Burundian life, especially for smallholders to whom it plays a major role in terms of social life, health and income generation. Fortunately, stylosanthes Guianensis has been identified as an herbaceous forage legume with potential protein supplements of better impacts on livestock growth, development and production. It is more accessible to smallholder, whence this study has been carried out to improve stylosanthes production for better livestock feeding. The experiment has considered six seedling spacing as treatments to analyze the treatment which could effectively improve the stylosanthes production parameters in Imbo natural region. These treatments (T1 (40cm X 5 cm); T2 (40cm X 10 cm), T3 (50cm X 5 cm), T4 (50cm X 10 cm), T5 (60cm X 5 cm), T6 (60cm X 10 cm)) were ranged in three blocs completely randomized with three replications. Data were sampled at the 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 18th, and the 21st weeks after germination by recording as parameters: plant height, ramifications number, plant water content, green and dry matters. All data were analyzed through SPSS at P<0.05 for significative difference. The results showed no significant difference among treatments for plant height but highlighted treatments T2 as the effective treatments in increasing plant growth especially in developing period. This treatment T2 also showed positively effects on ramifications number comparatively to others. Moreover, T2 treatment significantly improved plant water content, green matter and dry matter. This study suggested treatment T2 (40cm X 10 cm) as the effective treatment which could be used for improving stylosanthes production parameters and productivity as well in the Imbo region.

Phenological changes in the nutritive value of honey mesquite leaves, pods, and flowers in the Chihuahuan Desert

AbstractHoney mesquite [Prosopis glandulosa (Torr.) glandulosa] is a potential foraging resource in southwestern United States rangelands and in other semi‐arid rangelands. Yet, intake by ruminants is limited. We conducted an in vitro digestion experiment to assess phenological changes in nutrient value and relative digestibility of honey mesquite leaves, pods, and flowers throughout the 2012 growing season. Crude protein (CP) content of leaves decreased (P &lt; .001) during the year, while acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) increased (P &lt; .05). Crude protein content of pods decreased (P = .009) over time, but we did not detect (P &gt; .10) any phenological changes in ADF or NDF levels during the study. A cubic response was observed with in vitro gas production and Julian date for both leaves and pods (P ≤ .01). Gas production from leaves collected in spring and early summer were lower than during late summer and early fall. Gas production and nutrient content values suggest that concentration of secondary compounds of mesquite leaves may decrease in late summer. Gas production values of mesquite leaves were lowest in early and mid‐summer when CP levels were high and fiber levels were low. Mesquite flowers and pods can be valuable forage resources for cattle. Although mesquite leaves contain nutrients, secondary compounds likely limit intake, especially in late spring and early summer when the CP in mesquite leaves would be most beneficial because quality of herbaceous forages in southwestern United States rangelands at that time is usually low.

Dose-response effects of woody and herbaceous forage plants on in vitro ruminal methane and ammonia formation, and their short-term palatability in lactating cows

Plant secondary compounds (PSC) are prevalent in many woody, temperate-climate plant species and play a crucial role in dietary attempts to mitigate methane emissions in ruminants. However, their application requires sufficient palatability and feeding value. In the present study, leaves from silver birch (Betula pendula), hazel (Corylus avellana), blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum), green grape vine (Vitis vinifera) and the herbs rosebay willow (Epilobium angustifolium) and wood avens (Geum urbanum) were tested in various doses with the Hohenheim gas test method in vitro and their short-term palatability in dairy cows. For the palatability experiment, the plants were pelleted with lucerne in different proportions to obtain the same phenol content, but realised contents differed from expected contents. The pellets were provided separately from a mixed basal ration (0.4 : 0.6) to each cow, in a randomised order, for 3 days per plant. All plants mitigated in vitro methane and ammonia formation, often in a linear dose response. These levels of effects differed among plants. Significant effects were observed at 100 (hazel, rosebay willow) to 400 g/kg of plant material. The test plants had a lower feeding value than the high-quality basal diet. This was indicated by in vitro organic matter digestibility, short-chain fatty acid formation and calculated contents of net energy of lactation. Simultaneously, the linear depression of ammonia formation indicated a dose-dependent increase of utilisable CP. Only blackcurrant and birch were less preferred to lucerne. However, this aversion subsided on day 3 of offer. The rosebay willow pellets had the highest phenol content but were not the least palatable. Accordingly, PSC may not be the main determinants of palatability for the plants tested. Plants did not differ significantly in their short-term effects on milk yield and composition, and all of the plants substantially reduced milk urea content. Overall, the results suggest that hazel and vine leaves, and rosebay willow and wood avens herbs should be tested for their potential to mitigate methane and N emissions in vivo.

Deer‐mediated ecosystem service versus disservice depends on forest management intensity

Abstract As global terrestrial biodiversity declines via land‐use change, society has placed increasing value on non‐commercial species as providers of ecosystem services. Yet, many deer species and non‐crop plants are perceived negatively when they decrease crop productivity, leading to reduced economic gains and human‐wildlife conflict. We hypothesized that deer provide an ecosystem service in forest plantations by controlling competition and promoting crop‐tree growth, although the effects of herbivory may depend on forest management intensity. If management negatively affects foraging habitat at local and landscape scales, then we expected browsing to shift to less nutritious crop trees. To test these hypotheses, we established a 5‐year experiment that manipulated early forest management intensity via herbicide treatments and access of two deer species to vegetation via exclosures. Contrary to our hypothesis, deer provided an ecosystem service at high management intensities and a disservice occurred with low‐intensity management. Crop‐tree growth and survival was greatest when herbivory and herbicides suppressed broadleaf regeneration. In contrast, crop‐tree growth was lowest when broadleaf vegetation was retained and crop trees were subject to both browse damage and competition. We found a positive, yet variable, association between deer detections and stand – and landscape‐scale broadleaf habitat, and despite initial reductions in forage, herbivory pressure was similar among management intensities. When broadleaf vegetation was suppressed by herbicides and herbivory, selection of herbaceous forage by deer intensified, likely aiding in the service. Overall, our findings indicate that the effects of vegetation management for promoting timber production are highly dependent on the presence of large herbivores. Synthesis and applications. Although deer are thought to reduce crop productivity in many systems, we found that herbivory switched from reducing crop‐tree growth where non‐crop vegetation was retained, to promoting crop‐tree growth when both herbivory and herbicides suppressed competing vegetation. However, the provision of this ecosystem service is likely contingent on the amount of forage available in the landscape and subsequent foraging pressure. We conclude that nature's capacity to provide ecosystem services depends on the intensity of management at local and landscape scales.

FORAGE PRODUCTION AND PRESERVATION OF SPECIES BY ENRICHING CAATINGA WITH GRASSES AND THINNING AREAS INTO STRIPS

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the thinning into strips and the enrichment with exotic grasses in a Caatinga area in order to maintain and increase the biodiversity of native vegetable species and forage production. Two studies were carried out-one in an area of Caatinga thinned into strips and one in an unmanipulated Caatinga area-during the rainy and rainy-dry season transition periods in 2016. The production of herbaceous biomass was evaluated, and the diversity and equability of the two areas were assessed through Shannon-Weaver (H’) and Pielou (J’) indexes. The establishment of massai and buffel grasses at the center and edges of the area thinned into strips was also evaluated. During the rainy season, the production of herbaceous biomass in the area thinned into strips and the unmanipulated area was 1,228 kg ha-1 and 833.33 kg ha-1, while during the rainy-dry transition period, it was 1,973 kg ha-1 and 836.00 kg ha-1, respectively. The indexes remained similar: H’ (1.86) and J’ (0.74) for the area thinned into strips, and H’ (1.77) and J’ (0.85) for the unmanipulated area. The massai grass presented better establishment and development than that by the buffel grass in the center and edges of the area thinned into strips. Thus, thinning into strips increases the biodiversity of an area, and this combined with enrichment through grasses increases the biomass of herbaceous forage.

Old School and High Tech: A Comparison of Methods to Quantify Ashe Juniper Biomass as Fuel or Forage

• Ashe juniper invasion is a widespread issue on Texas and Oklahoma rangelands. Increased densities of Ashe juniper trees increase the risk of wildfire and decrease herbaceous forage production. • Browsing animals, such as goats, are one tool that can be used to effectively reduce juniper fuel. • In order to estimate the available biomass, allometric measurements were compared against three-dimensional Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scans of whole juniper plants. • Accurate measurements of standing juniper browse and fuel load can be vital information for decision support of grazing management and wildland fire mitigation, especially in the ever-growing wildland-urban interface.

Forest restoration, wildfire, and habitat selection by female mule deer

Decades of fire suppression, logging, and overgrazing have led to increased densities of small diameter trees which have been associated with decreases in biodiversity, reduced habitat quality for wildlife species, degraded foraging conditions for ungulates, and more frequent and severe wildfires. In response, land managers are implementing forest restoration treatments using prescribed fire and thinning to mitigate the risk of catastrophic wildfires and improve habitat conditions for a variety of wildlife species. We monitored habitat selection by female mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in relation to forest restoration treatments and wildfires in northern New Mexico in 2015. Our specific objectives were to assess changes in forage abundance and determine habitat selection patterns of mule deer in relation to recent wildfires, forest restoration treatments, including duration of the post-treatment recovery, and other habitat characteristics. Herbaceous forage biomass was greater in wildfire-burned areas than in untreated areas or those treated with prescribed burns or thinning. Oak forage biomass was greater in wildfire-burned areas compared to prescribed burns, forest thinning, and untreated areas. However, thinned areas tended to have higher oak forage biomass than untreated areas. Mule deer selected for areas burned by prescribed fire and generally avoided wildfire-burned and thinned areas <5 years old. Mule deer strongly selected for thinned areas ≥5 years old. At both the landscape and home-range scale, grasslands were avoided during most seasons, pinyon-juniper woodlands were selected in winter, and oak vegetation and mixed-conifer forests were selected during summer. Our data suggests that mule deer may benefit from recent prescribed burns and older forest thinning, but the duration of post-treatment vegetation recovery influences the strength and direction of selection. Knowledge of the short- and long-term effects of restoration treatments will provide managers with the means to make more informed decisions regarding implementation of forest restoration and other vegetation treatments intended to benefit mule deer.

Management of natural pasture increases native and exotic herbaceous biomass and biodiversity in the Caatinga of Brazil

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of savanna thinning and enrichment with grasses to maintain local biodiversity and intensify biomass production in an area of Caatinga. The study was carried out in a Caatinga area thinned into savanna and an unmanipulated area during the rainy and rainy-dry transition seasons of 2016. The herbaceous biomass production, diversity, and equability of the thinned and unmanipulated areas were evaluated by calculating values of the Shannon-Weaver (H?) and Pielou (J?) indices. The establishment of massai and buffel grasses in the savanna-thinned area was also evaluated. The area thinned into savanna produced more native herbaceous forage biomass in both the rainy (1,940.55 kg ha-1) and rainy-dry transition seasons (1,918.55 kg ha-1) than that in the unmanipulated area in the same periods (78.42 and 37.40 kg ha-1, respectively), without compromising biodiversity, as the Shannon-Weaver and Pielou indices for the savanna-thinned area (H? = 1.48 and J? = 0.62, respectively) and for the unmanipulated area (H? = 1.29 and J? = 0.72) were comparable. The frequency of species with a known forage value in the area thinned into savanna was still able to increase by 141% in the rainy season and 1,700% in the rainy-dry transition season. Massai grass became better-established in the savanna-thinned area that buffel grass, where it produced up to 3 t of dry matter ha-1. The thinning and enrichment treatments promoted an increase in the biodiversity of the area, and moreover contributed to increases in forage biomass in the Caatinga.

Effects of supplementing herbaceous forage legume pellets on growth indices and blood profile of West African dwarf sheep fed Guinea grass.

Twenty West African dwarf (WAD) rams with average body weight of 12.43 ± 0.5kg were used for the experiment that lasted 84days to investigate the effects of supplementing herbaceous forage legume pellets on weight change and blood profile of animals fed Panicum maximum basal diet. Sole Panicum maximum served as the control diet and three other experimental diets were P. maximum supplemented with Lablab purpureus pellets, P. maximum supplemented with Calopogonium mucunoides pellets and P. maximum supplemented with Mucuna pruriens pellets constituted the four treatments which were arranged in a completely randomised design. The rams were divided into four groups of five animals each and were balanced for variation in live weight before they were assigned the experimental diets. Panicum maximum was offered to the animals ad libitum and legume pellets were supplemented. Significant differences (P <0.05) were observed in weight gain of the rams. Those fed the control diet had the lowest value of 41.88g/day while rams supplemented L. purpureus pellets had the highest value (83.66g/day). Haematological parameters, leucocyte values and serum biochemical indices of WAD rams were significantly (P <0.05) different across the dietary treatments at the final stage of the trial. The values for red blood cells, haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin decreased slightly in rams supplemented with M. pruriens pellets. Reduction of serum biochemical parameters was also noticed in rams supplemented with M. pruriens pellets. It can be concluded that L. purpureus pellets ranked the best among the herbaceous legume pellets as supplemental feed for West African dwarf sheep resulting in higher weight gain and better feed conversion efficiency with no deleterious effect on blood profile.

Investigating criteria for valuation of forage resources by local agro-pastoralists in West Africa: using quantitative ethnoecological approach

BackgroundThis paper provides an insightful quantitative ethnoecological analysis and affirms that agro-pastoralists have a multiplicity of criteria for valuating their natural forage resources. Rural households in West Africa are not only confronted with water resource scarcity but also have to cope with limited forage resources to feed livestock in both wet and dry seasons based on local knowledge. Local agro-pastoral social-ecological systems (SESs) in the study areas stem from the daily utilization of available forage resources by dominant domestic livestock (cattle, goats, and sheep) over the years. However, there is very little systematic knowledge documentation on forage-related valuation criteria in this part of the world. Hence, this study aimed at examining (1) forage resources used for different seasons and livestock types, (2) explicit forage-related valuation criteria and associated salience, and (3) effects of socio-demographic and climatic aridity on local valuation criteria.MethodsTo address these aims, a total of 526 individual ethnoecological interviews (encompassing Dagbani, Gurunsi, and Mossi ethnic groups) were conducted in 16 villages coupled with vegetation sampling of 144 plots in Ghana and Burkina Faso. Rigorous model selection, generalized linear mixed-effects models, cognitive salience indices, and descriptive statistics were applied.ResultsThe results revealed that majority (73%) of the agro-pastoralists regarded herbaceous forage plants to be very palatable for livestock consumption in the rainy season and for cattle while woody vegetation and crop-related forage plants were rather perceived to be more important in the dry season and for goats and sheep. The findings also indicated that climatic aridity significantly influenced the number of forage-related valuation criteria cited by agro-pastoralists for different seasonal and livestock types (p < 0.001). It was also found out that agro-pastoralists did not only judge forage plants based on their availability but also on other criteria such as palatability, stimulation of milk production, and healthy growth of livestock.ConclusionLocal agro-pastoralists’ knowledge on natural forage resources and their valuation criteria is geared towards sustainable domestic livestock production. This study is thus interesting and crucially important for fellow scientists, policy-makers, and other stakeholders in the agricultural production sector in local farming landscapes within West Africa and beyond.

Intermediate foraging large herbivores maintain semi-open habitats in wilderness landscape simulations

In the context of the rewilding Europe debate, the German national strategy on biodiversity aims to dedicate two percent of the German state area to wilderness development until 2020. Many of these potential large wilderness reserves harbor open habitats that require protection according to the Flora-Fauna-Habitat-directive of the European Union. As forests prevail in potential natural vegetation, research is required, to which extent wild large herbivores and natural disturbances may create semi-open landscape patterns in the long-term. We used the spatially explicit process-based model of pasture-woodland ecosystem dynamics WoodPaM, to analyze the long-term interactions between intermediate foraging large wild herbivores and vegetation dynamics in edaphically heterogeneous forest-grassland mosaic landscapes. We newly implemented a routine for intermediate foraging herbivores. We determined herbivore impact on vegetation from the quantitative balance between the demand and supply of herbaceous forage and woody browse. In abstract landscapes that represent the conditions in the established German wilderness area "Döberitzer Heide", we simulated potential future landscape dynamics on open land, in forest and along forest edges with and without intermediate foraging large herbivores and for a climate change scenario.In our simulations the currently open landscape was conserved and even more the opening of current oak and beech forest was promoted. Canopy thinning and patch-mosaics of oak, birch, poplar and pine stands increased the overall nature conservation value in the long-term. To the contrary, open habitats were lost in simulations without herbivores. Moreover, our simulations suggested that intermediate foraging herbivores are especially suitable to maintain semi-open landscapes in wilderness areas, because (i) no additional winter forage was required, the natural availability of browse was sufficient. (ii) Their grazing maintained open land and their browsing thinned tree canopies even on poor sites that were unattractive for foraging. Here, habitat was maintained for threatened species from dry grasslands.

Prediction of browse nutritive attributes in a Pinus radiata D. Don silvopastoral system based on visible-near infrared spectroscopy

Browse is an important source of food for rustic livestock, particularly when herbaceous forage is scarce. The Atlantic Basque Country (Northern Spain) forest landscape is dominated by Pinus radiata D. Don plantations where Rubus sp. and Ulex gallii are understorey dominant species. Knowledge of the nutritive value of these species is needed in the context of silvopastoralism, primarily because do not always meet livestock requirements. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of Visible-Near Infrared Spectroscopy to determine the quality attributes of Rubus sp. and U. gallii, using a Sample Turn Table probe to acquire spectra on non-dried samples. VIS–NIRS calibrations were developed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and ashes. Spectra were pre-treated and Partial Least Squares Regression models were constructed. Calibration models were accurate for most of the considered variables, both for Rubus sp. (DM: Rc2 = 0.95, RPD = 2.53; CP: Rc2 = 0.90, RPD = 2.39; CF: Rc2 = 0.86, RPD = 2.30; NDF: Rc2 = 0.93, RPD = 2.80; ADF: Rc2 = 0.95, RPD = 3.12; Ashes: Rc2 = 0.91, RPD = 2.15) and for U. gallii (DM: Rc2 = 0.98, RPD = 3.67; CP: Rc2 = 0.94, RPD = 1.84; CF: Rc2 = 0.98, RPD = 4.74; NDF: Rc2 = 0.94, RPD = 3.91; ADF: Rc2 = 0.98, RPD = 3.62; Ashes: Rc2 = 0.82, RPD = 1.65). In general, ADF and DM were the most accurately predictable variables and ash content, the least predictable one. The results showed VIS–NIRS potential for the rapid and accurate prediction of quality attributes in non-dried samples and proved as a useful tool for making decisions in silvopastoral systems.

First Report of the Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) on Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) in the Southern United States

Lotus corniculatus L. (birdsfoot trefoil) is a perennial herbaceous forage plant grown for hay as an alternative to alfalfa on poor soils. A NIFA grant (No. 2013-67013-21408) was awarded to Auburn University to breed a birdsfoot trefoil cultivar to extend the forage’s geographic adaptation across the United States. As part of this project, birdsfoot trefoil cultivars and breeding lines were observed indicating a potential problem at the Plant Breeding Unit of the Auburn University in Tallassee, AL (32.49073 latitude and -85.88717 longitude). Birdsfoot trefoil plants, which were six months old, exhibited stunting, foliar symptoms including chlorosis and marginal leaf necrosis with root symptoms including galling of the tap and fine lateral roots. Galls varied in number and size (1-3 mm dia) and tended to coalesce along the length of the root covering over 50% of the root tissue. Symptomatic plants were collected and root systems exhibiting numerous galls, typical of Meloidogyne infection were subjected to ...

Habitat selection differs across hierarchical behaviors: selection of patches and intensity of patch use

AbstractWhen animals select habitats, they integrate a suite of behaviors that are influenced by multiple competing resource requirements. Resources that influence decisions about habitat use are likely to differ across spatial scales and hierarchical behaviors. At coarser scales, animals are expected to select resources that are critical to fitness, and at finer scales, to intensively use resources that enhance fitness. Our goal was to contrast habitat selection at two hierarchical behavioral levels (patch selection and intensity of patch use) to test hypotheses about how resources shape habitat use. We applied a two‐stage hurdle model to quantify both initial selection and intensity of use of resource patches by a burrowing herbivore, the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis). We expected security from predation to influence initial selection of patches, and forage availability to influence intensity of use of selected patches. We monitored locations of adults fitted with radio‐collars during winter and summer. We measured vegetation, burrow characteristics, and concealment cover within patches that were used and unused by rabbits, and we quantified burrow densities surrounding patches in a GIS. Selection of used patches from available patches was largely influenced by security resources (presence and proximity of burrows, shrub height, and woody ground cover) during both seasons. Intensity of patch use was also influenced by forage availability and, consequently, differed between seasons. During winter, sagebrush is the primary forage, and greater sagebrush canopy within a patch was associated with increased intensity of use. During summer, rabbits more intensively used patches with greater availability of herbaceous forage. Elucidating how animals make choices about habitats across a diversity of spatial and temporal scales will continue to increase our understanding of the factors that govern distribution of populations and movements of individuals. By extending these concepts to hierarchical behaviors, we can enhance insights into the processes that shape the patterns of habitat use we observe.

Insights into Seasonal Dormancy of Perennial Herbaceous Forages

Seasonal dormancy is an adaptive mechanism where plants suspend growth and become physiologically inactive to avoid extreme environmental conditions. Environmental factors like temperature, photoperiod, nutrients, and soil moisture control plant growth and development through various complex molecular mechanisms. Crown and seed dormancy of plants are mostly influenced by day length and temperature. Genes and physiological pathways triggered by these two factors along with genotype variability are some targets to manipulate seasonal dormancy. There is genetic variation in the depth and duration of seasonal dormancy. Therefore, their genetic manipulation is possible. Manipulations of summer and fall dormancy are relatively easier compared to winter dormancy because plants require protection of their apical meristem from freezing temperatures and limited water supply. Genetic factors that regulate seed dormancy may also have regulatory role for seasonal dormancy of the maternal plants. Limited genetic and genomic information are available for seasonal dormancy in herbaceous perennial species. Knowledge of genes controlling seasonal dormancy of eudicots, forest trees, and horticultural crops could be interpolated to explore possible dormancy mechanisms in perennial forages. This study reviews current knowledge of seasonal dormancy of herbaceous forages emphasizing the genetic and physiological context that would be valuable to breeders and plant biologists to expand the production season of perennial species by developing non-dormant and semi-dormant cultivars.

Belowground Carbon and Nitrogen on a Thinned and Un-Thinned Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest

The aim of this study was to quantify the dynamics of herbaceous biomass and fine root productivity, and their relationship to stocks of carbon and nitrogen, in the Vertisols of two adjacent watersheds of a seasonally dry tropical forest (SDTF) under two different types of ground cover. The two watersheds are located in the county of Iguatu in the State of Ceará, Brazil. The control watershed of 2.1 ha, has been under regeneration for 35 years (RC35), while the second watershed (1.1 ha) was subjected to thinning for a period of 5 years (TC5). The sampled variables were herbaceous shoot biomass, fine roots, gravimetric moisture, the isotope δ13C (‰), total soil carbon (TSC) and total nitrogen (TN) in the 0 - 20, 20 - 40 and 40 - 60 cm layers, between April 2013 and March 2014. To quantify herbaceous shoot biomass, samples were taken monthly. For TSC and TN, the campaigns were held every two months. The data underwent analysis of means and were compared by t-test (p 5, there was an increase in the stocks of TSC and TN of 151 and 137% respectively in the 40 - 60 cm layer, in relation to RC35. The implementation of thinning in a SDFT is seen as a management alternative to be considered in sustainability programs in the semi-arid region, contributing to maximising the production of herbaceous forage for feeding large and small ruminants, and for bee pasture, in addition to increasing the stock of carbon in the soil of SDFT and reducing global warming.