Lower Acid Detergent Fiber Research Articles

Nutritive value of fall‐stockpiled tall fescue pastures on southeastern U.S. farms

AbstractStockpiling of tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.] may be a useful strategy to avoid fescue toxicosis in autumn and to reduce winter hay feeding costs of beef cattle grazing systems. Typical recommendations are to fertilize with N prior to fall growth. However, little information is available on how soil and pasture conditions affect forage nutritive value responses to fall fertilization. We analyzed the nutritive value of fall‐stockpiled forage in response to N fertilization on 92 fields in North Carolina and neighboring states from 2015 to 2018. We hypothesized that inherent soil nutrient cycling might minimize the need for exogenous N fertilizer inputs. Increasing N fertilization led to (a) greater crude protein, macronutrient concentrations (i.e., K, Ca, and P), and relative feed value and (b) lower acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and lignin. However, changes were small, and effects were modified by surface soil properties. For example, crude protein increased from an average of 114 g kg–1 without N fertilization to 131 g kg–1 with 100 kg N ha–1, but this significant N fertilization effect diminished with increasing total organic C and inorganic N of a field. Small changes in nutritive value may have been a consequence of trials conducted on well‐managed farms with relatively high soil‐test biological activity and net N mineralization potential. Therefore, a single recommendation for fall N fertilization may not always be appropriate for enhancing nutritive value. Stockpiled tall fescue had sufficient nutritive value for pregnant cows, and N fertilization may not always be necessary.

Evaluation of Biomass Yield, Seed Yield and Chemical Composition of Different Varieties of Vetch and Oats Grown in Pure Stand and Mixture in Mareka District, Southern Ethiopia

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of variety on biomass yield, seed yield, forage quality, and biological compatibility of oats and vetch grown in the pure stand and mixtures. The experiment was conducted during the main cropping season on 16th May 2020 at Gozo Bamush farmers training center in Mareka district, Dawuro zone, Southern Ethiopia. Eight treatments were formulated using two recently released vetch and oat varieties in sole and mixed stands. The experiment was employed in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Data on agronomic parameters, biomass and seed yield as well as chemical compositions were recorded and analyzed by SAS version 9.3 (32). Significant treatment effects were separated by the least significant difference test at p 0.05). Among vetch species, Vicia vilosa 6792 gave higher crude protein content (20.14%) and lower grain yield (1.19t/ha) and acid detergent fiber (40.35) compared to Vicia sativa which had a crude protein content (19.4%), grain yield (1.92t/ha) and neutral detergent fiber content (49.35%). In nutrient, indices showed that the highest TCPY (1.51t/ha) and TNDFY (4.04 t/ha) were obtained from the mixture of Vicia vilosa 6792 + Avena sativa 15153A. Relative yield total of oats and vetch varieties were greater than one in all mixed treatments indicating that the yield obtained in mixed stands was more productive than the same species grown as sole crops. Thus, the relative yield total was higher by 70% in Vicia vilosa 6792 + Avena sativa 15153A mixture. The greatest acceptability in terms of the test was high for grains from pure stands of Avena sativa 5431A Oat and Vicia sativa. For dry matter yield, the best acceptable tasted varieties were Vicia vilosa 6792 and Avena sativa 15153A in both pure stand and mixture. This study highlights the positive potential of Vicia vilosa 6792 + Avena sativa 15153A in forage yield, quality and also could enhance soil fertility to complement forage production at the experiment site. However, the experiment was conducted in only one location over a single season, therefore, repeating the trial at a different location and over seasons would be important to draw a more concrete recommendation.

Produção e valor nutritivo de forragem de cultivares de capim-elefante em diferentes períodos de rebrotação

Com o presente trabalho objetivou-se avaliar a produtividade de massa seca e o valor nutritivo de cultivares de capim elefante nas épocas da seca (sob irrigação) e das águas. O experimento foi implantado no IF Goiano – Campus Ceres em delineamento em blocos ao acaso em parcelas subdivididas com 4 repetições. Os tratamentos corresponderam as cultivares de capim elefante Cameroon Comum, Cameroon Roxo, BRS Capiaçu, BRS Canará, BRS Kurumi e Napier e três períodos de rebrotação (45, 60 e 75 dias). Foram avaliadas a relação folha:colmo (F:C), produtividades de massa verde (PMV) e de massa seca (PMS), fibras em detergente ácido (FDA) e neutro (FDN) e proteína bruta (PB). A cultivar Napier apresentou menor FDN na época das águas, maior PMV aos 75 dias e maior PMS, juntamente com BRS Capiaçu na época da seca, enquanto a Cameron, apresentou a maior PMS nas águas. A PB não diferiu entre os tratamentos. BRS Kurumi possui maior relação F:C e maior qualidade bromatológica indicada por maior PB, menor FDA e FDN. O aumento da idade de corte reduz a qualidade das cultivares, sendo em menor magnitude para a cultivar BRS Kurumi. A irrigação na época da seca mantém a qualidade nutricional do capim elefante.

Selection of Lactic Acid Bacteria from Alfalfa Silage and Its Effects as Inoculant on Silage Fermentation

The first part of the study aimed to isolate, characterize, and identify wild lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains from alfalfa silage produced in a tropical area. LAB strains were isolated from alfalfa silage ensiled for 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56 days (d) and were identified by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. The second part aimed to investigate the effects of wild LAB strains on the nutritive and fermentative characteristics of alfalfa silage. This trial was conducted according to a completely randomized design in a 4 × 2 factorial scheme [four inoculants (I) × two harvests (H)], (n = 4). The inoculants were: (1) no inoculant (CTRL), (2) Lactobacillus pentosus (AV 14.17); (3) L. pentosus + Lactobacillus brevis + Pediococcus acidilactici (Combo); and (4) commercial inoculant (CI). Alfalfa forage (7 kg) was ensiled in 10 L buckets and opened after 90 d. Seventy-seven strains were isolated. Pediococcus, Lactobacillus, and Weissella represented 52.0, 24.7, and 20.8% of the isolates, respectively. For the first harvest, Combo, CI, and all inoculated silages showed lower acid detergent fiber ADF, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), respectively. Silage fermented with AV14.17 presented greater residual water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) in the second harvest and showed the lowest pH in both harvests. AV14.17 strain has potential as an inoculant for alfalfa silage production.

Hay Yield, Quality and Competition of Hungarian Vetch (Vicia pannonica) and Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) Intercropping

A 2-year field study was carried out to determine the hay yield, quality, and competition of Hungarian vetch (Vicia pannonica Crantz) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) mixtures at various ratios (100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60; 30:70, 20:80, 10:90, 0:100) in the coastal region of the Black Sea (Ordu, Turkey). The plots were harvested during the filling period of the lower beans in Hungarian vetch. The field experiment was arranged as a randomized complete block design with 4 replications for each year. Hay yield, crude protein ratio and yield, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and interspecies competition of the mixtures were determined. It was determined that sole Hungarian vetch planting and Hungarian vetch-Italian ryegrass mixtures had higher hay yield and quality scores compared to sole Italian ryegrass planting. The highest hay and crude protein yield (respectively; 4026 and 732.6 kg ha-1) was obtained from 90% Hungarian vetch + 10% Italian ryegrass mixture and it revealed lower ADF and NDF ratios than any other mixtures. There was no statistical difference between the land equivalent ratio (LER) values of the mixtures; however, Italian ryegrass was found to be more aggressive in the mixtures. These results suggest that, in temperate and rainy regions, 90% Hungarian vetch + 10% Italian ryegrass mixture for winter sowing could be cultured.

Nutritive value and herbage mass in hybrids of Paspalum plicatulum × Paspalum guenoarum fertilized with nitrogen or in mixture with temperate legumes

AbstractRecent efforts placed on breeding Paspalum species made available novel genetic resources for livestock production systems. Nitrogen (N) is an important factor to increase warm‐season grass nutritive value and production, either as anthropogenic supply or in mixture with legumes. Dry matter yield (DMY) and nutritive value in Paspalum plicatulum Michx. × Paspalum guenoarum Arechav. hybrids in response to different rates of N or in mixture with temperate legumes were evaluated for two years. The experiment was a randomized complete block design in split‐plot arrangement with three replications. Treatments were six N supply systems: 0, 60, 120, 240, 480 kg N/ha and grass–legume mixture [white clover (Trifolium repens L.) + birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.)] as whole plots, and six genotypes (hybrids: 1020133, 102069, 103084, 103061, P. guenoarum ecotype ‘Azulão’ and Megathyrsus maximus cv. ‘Aruana’ used as controls) as subplots. Higher N rates increased DMY and provided variability among genotypes. In general, grass–legume mixture showed greater crude protein and digestibility, and lower neutral and acid detergent fiber than N fertilized grass (p < .05). Hybrid 1020133 had DMY similar to Aruana and Azulão in years 1 and 2. Hybrids 103084 and 103061 exhibited higher nutritive value than Aruana and Azulão in year 1 (p < .05), and similarly in year 2. These three hybrids were identified as potential releases. Supplying N by fertilization or mixture with legumes increased DMY and improved nutritive value in Paspalum pastures.

Effects of LAB inoculant and cellulase on the fermentation quality and chemical composition of forage soybean silage prepared with corn stover

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to evaluate the silage quality of forage soybean‐corn stover silage in the south of China. Forage soybean were combined manually with corn stover by ratios of R1 (25:75), R2 (50:50) and R3 (75:25) in fresh weight (FM) and ensiled in bag silos for 60 days at room temperature (20–25°C). All silages were treated without (control) or with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculant (G, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus buchneri, 105 cfu/g, of FM), cellulase (C, 0.02% of FM) and C + G. R1 silage had appropriate V‐score value with high lactic acid content and low pH value and ammonia‐N (NH3‐N) content, undetectable levels of propionic acid (PA) and butyric acid (BA). C and C + G reduced undesirable microorganisms of aerobic bacteria, yeasts and molds, resulting in improved nutritive value of R2 silage, as indicated by lower neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber contents, and higher crude protein content, in vitro ruminal dry matter digestibility, gross energy and metabolizable energy values as compared to the control. Additives did not improve the quality of R3 silage with high pH value and NH3‐N content, BA and PA contents and undesirable microorganism counts. These results confirmed that high‐quality silage produced from mixtures (25:75) of forage soybean and corn stover in the south of China; additives (especially for C + G) could enhance the silage quality of forage soybean‐corn stover (50:50); and high proportion (>75%) of forage soybean was difficult to ensile.

Seasonal herbage accumulation, plant-part composition and nutritive value of signal grass <i>(Urochloa decumbens)</i> pastures under simulated continuous stocking

In order to optimize the regrowth and harvest of signal grass (Urochloa decumbens) cv. Basilisk pastures it is necessary to establish more precise grazing management guidelines. The objective of this study was to evaluate herbage accumulation, plant-part composition and nutritive value of signal grass managed under contrasting levels of steady-state canopy heights. Treatments included 3 canopy height targets, i.e. 10 (S-short), 17.5 (M-medium) and 25 cm (T-tall), in a completely randomized design with 4 replications. Experimental units were 144-m2 plots which were grazed by groups of steers for short periods in an endeavor to keep canopy heights at the 3 desired targets. On average, herbage accumulation rate (HAR) in T pastures was greater than in M and S pastures, including the dry-wet season transition period in spring (September‒November). The S pastures had higher crude protein and lower acid detergent fiber concentrations than M and T pastures, especially in the first half of the calendar year. However, in vitro organic matter digestibility was similar for all treatments (612 g/kg). As S and M pastures had lower HARs than T pastures in the spring, it appears advantageous to maintain the signal grass canopy at ~25 cm in order to ensure quick regrowth with the return of the wet season. However, longer-term studies are needed with recording of animal performance before these initial findings can be promoted widely.

Management factors associated with perinatal lamb mortality in Prince Edward Island flocks

The objective of this observational cohort study was to identify management factors associated with lamb mortality risk for sheep flocks in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Data were collected from 50 lambing groups from 36 sheep flocks during 3 farm visits before, during and after the lambing seasons in 2014−15. Variables of interest included flock management practices, ewe health indicators, ewe nutrition, litter size and lamb birth weight. Principal component analysis was performed and resulting component scores were used for further analysis using a mixed Poisson regression model with lamb mortality risk as the outcome. The median group-level lamb mortality in the first 8 weeks of life was 10.0 % (0 %–30.3 %), with 25 groups having lamb mortality greater than 10 %, which is considered higher than the standard productivity goal. Four principal component scores were retained in the final model identifying generalized factors associated with lamb mortality: 1) flock factors, 2) forage factors, 3) lamb health factors, and 4) general health factors. Specifically, the following management factors were indirectly through the 4 principal components associated with lower lamb mortality: using goal setting; having a strong working relationship with a veterinarian; seeking veterinary advice for animal treatment; using benzimidazole-class anthelmintics; feeding forage with high crude protein, digestible energy, and net energy for maintenance and low acid detergent fiber to late-gestation ewes; applying visual lamb identification methods; using anti-coccidial prophylactic medication to lambs; administering clostridial vaccines to lambs; avoiding separation of hypothermic lambs from their dams; and treatment/prevention of neurological and/or wasting disease. Although this study is exploratory, and confirmation is required, the results should help sheep farmers and researchers direct attention to management variables that could reduce lamb mortality in sheep flocks.

Correlation Analysis of Alfalfa Varieties Based on Production Performances, Winter Survival Rates and Fall Dormancies

Selection for fall dormancy (FD) in alfalfa can impact other traits, such as dry matter yield (DMY), winter survival rate (WSR) and chemical compositions. Nine alfalfa varieties were mowed during the early flowering stage from 2015 to 2018. The results showed that the WSRs of both Zhongmu No. 2 and Caoyuan No. 3 exceeded 95% and there was a significant negative correlation between the FD rating and WSR (-0.988; P less than 0.01). The four-year average DMY of Zhongmu No. 2 was the highest (11,912 kg ha-1). The crude protein contents of Caoyuan No. 3 and Zhongmu No. 2 were both greater than 20%. Zhongmu No. 2 had the lowest acid detergent fiber (30.2%) and neutral detergent fiber (48.4%) contents as well as the highest relative feed values (126). Zhongmu No. 2, Adrenalin, Gold Empress and Caoyuan No. 3 (FD 1-4) were the optimum alfalfa varieties for planting in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China.

Nutritional qualities, chemical compositions, and yield of chicory genotypes

AbstractChicory (Cichorium intybus L.) has been used as a forage crop in some parts of the world. Forage chicory is a highly digestible, nonbloating feed source which is characterized by high nutritive and mineral contents. However, limited information is available on nutritional qualities, chemical compositions, and yield of different genotypes of chicory. Therefore, a 2‐yr study was conducted to evaluate the qualitative traits and forage yield of chicory genotypes. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications using eight chicory genotypes (‘Ardestan,’ ‘Hamadan,’ ‘Shiraz,’ ‘Mazandaran,’ ‘Sanandaj,’ ‘Kashan,’ ‘Yazd,’ and ‘Mashhad’). The crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ash content (ASH), non‐fibrous carbohydrates (NFC), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and dry herbage yield (DHY) were significantly influenced by genotypes. Yazd was the superior chicory genotype compared to tested genotypes in terms of high CP, ASH, NFC, N, K, Cu, and Zn and low NDF and ADF contents, while Sanandaj showed the highest forage yield. Our results indicate that chicory can be considered as a promising forage crop in a semi‐arid environment and also allows for the selection of better genotype for direct cultivation or breeding purpose.

Browse potential of bristly locust, smooth sumac, and sericea lespedeza for small ruminants

Temperate grass and legume yield and quality are markedly reduced during hot, dry summer months in the southern USA; therefore, browse species could add feed options for small ruminants during this season. Our objective was to compare total biomass yield and forage nutritive value of two browse species, leguminous bristly locust (Robinia hispida) and smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), as well as a leguminous shrub known as sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneate), during summer months (June, July, August and September). Plants were sampled monthly during growing-seasons in 2012 and 2013 to determine biomass yield (foliar, shoot, and total above ground) and foliar nutritive value [crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and condensed tannins (CT)]. There was a species × harvest time interaction for foliar biomass yield (P = 0.0125). This interaction was likely due to low yield in June for bristly locust compared with sericea lespedeza and smooth sumac, but in all other months (July, August, and September) yields were similar for each species. Bristly locust had the highest CP (16.9%), followed by sericea lespedeza (14.8%), and smooth sumac (12.3%). Acid detergent fiber and ADL were similar between bristly locust (ADF 38.5%; ADL 24.1%) and sericea lespedeza (ADF 38.4%; ADL 23.1%), but was lower for smooth sumac (ADF 22.1%, ADL 6.3%; P < 0.05). Condensed tannins, an anti-nutritive yet anti-parasitic phenolic compounds, were highest in smooth sumac, intermediate in bristly locust, and lowest in sericea lespedeza. Plant foliar percentage (ratio of foliar to shoot mass), was highest in smooth sumac (55.1%), followed by sericea lespedeza (47.7%), and bristly locust (42.6%). Overall, smooth sumac had the highest foliar biomass and lowest ADF and ADL; however, this species had the lowest CP and highest CT. Consequently, average foliar biomass yield of all three browse species in our study far exceeded forage yield from dominant forage species [tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus) and bermudagrass (Cyanodon dactylon)] in this region and may provide high-yielding, low input, anti-parasitic fodder for small ruminants during this period in the Southeastern U.S.

Nutritive value and morphological characteristics of Mombaça grass managed with different rotational grazing strategies

AbstractLight competition increases and plants’ growth pattern change to optimize light utilization when the leaf area index increases. It has been previously shown that using 95% canopy light interception (LI) as a grazing frequency criterion resulted in a greater proportion of leaves and a lower proportion of stem. The objective of the study was to characterize the forage production, morphological composition and nutritive value of Panicum maximum cv Mombaça. The experiment was carried out during summer, autumn–winter and spring. Treatments corresponded to combinations of two pre-grazing conditions (95% and maximum LI at pre-grazing; LI95% and LIMax, respectively) and two post-grazing heights (PGHs; 30 and 50 cm). The statistical design was a randomized complete block, with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Swards managed with LI95% had greater proportions of leaves and lower proportions of stems compared to LIMax. Leaf proportion was lower during autumn–winter compared to summer and spring. The LI95% had greater crude protein (CP) and digestibility (IVOMD), and lower acid detergent fibre (ADF) concentrations than LIMax. The 50 cm PGH pastures had greater CP content and IVOMD, and lower ADF content than 30 cm PGH pastures. Lower IVOMD was observed during autumn–winter than summer and spring. The variability observed on morphological characteristics was primarily associated with seasonality, whilst the nutritive value was primarily affected by grazing management. The pre-grazing target of LI95% combined with 50 cm PGH was the combination that resulted in an increased proportion of leaves, decreased stems in basal stratum and the greatest nutritive value of the produced forage.

Influence of Farming Conditions on the Rumen of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus).

Simple SummaryThe diet offered to an animal in captivity may considerably differ from the natural one; this can affect the development of the digestive system, with connected influence on the health condition and welfare of the animal. Through a comparison of morphological and environmental characteristics of the rumen of red deer, we found out that, during autumn season, farmed deer have a limited choice of diet compared to wild ones living in the forest; this condition affected the morphology of the rumen wall and the composition of the rumen microbial population in the farmed animals. We recommend increasing the diversity of food offered to animals in captivity, with the aim of minimizing the negative effects of a poor variety of the diet on the digestive system.The red deer is an intermediate feeder, showing a marked degree of forage selectivity, with seasonal morphological adaptations due to changes in food quality and availability. In captivity, deer have a limited choice of habitat and food, and we hypothesize that this condition affects the rumen environment. Rumen samples were collected from 20 farmed and 11 wild red deer in autumn 2018 in Poland, and analyzed for chemical composition, food residues, microbial population, and rumen papillation. Farmed deer had the highest Campylobacter spp., and total anaerobic bacteria, but lower Clostridium spp. Moreover, they showed a decrease in Diplodininae protozoa, and the presence of holotrichs that were absent in the wild animals. The rumen digesta of farmed animals had lower dry matter and acid detergent fiber than the wild ones. The analysis of food residues underlined the poor variety of the diet for animals in the farm. This apparently affected the papillation of the rumen, with animals of the farm having the shortest papillae of the Atrium ruminis. Overall, results suggest that red deer kept in farms, with a diet based mainly on grass, tree leaves, and some concentrate supplements, undergo a small modification of the rumen compared to the wild conspecifics.

Efficacy of pyraclostrobin on the production and chemical composition of forage and silage of wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. BRS Umbu) and oats (Avena strigosa cv. Embrapa 139) preceded by successive cuts in the hard dough grain stage

The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the productivity, nutritional value and degradability of forage and silage of wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. BRS Umbu) and black oats (Avena strigosa cv. Embrapa 139), preceded by successive cuts, harvested at the hard dough stage, subjected or not to treatment with pyraclostrobin fungicide. Plants were harvested manually with a height of 0.08 m from the ground surface, at the hard dough stage, after two cuts at the vegetative stage; two applications of pyraclostrobin, 0.6 L ha-1 were made, before the first and the second cut. Pyraclostobin decreased the dry matter losses from 21.1% of the control system to 7.7% for the system with pyraclostrobin, reduced the neutral detergent fiber from 70.05% to 66.73%, decreased detergent fiber acid from 43.37% to 39.96%, decreased lignin from 14.37% to 10.13% and increased the relative value of the food from 75.27% to 82.72%, all in the forage, which resulted in changes in silage, with a decrease in neutral detergent fiber from 64.00% to 58.46%, acid detergent fiber from 38.76% to 35.87%, lignin from 10.11% to 6.78% and an increase in the relative value of the food from 85.87 to 97.26. In the evaluation of the forages, wheat presented the best productivity, with 10,068 kg ha-1 vs. 8,238 kg ha-1 black oats, lower neutral detergent fiber (60.32% vs. 76.46%), lower acid detergent fiber (34.49% vs. 48.84%) and higher relative value of the food (96.04 vs. 61.95), these data were from the forage, which were reflected in the resulting silage. It is recommended to use pyraclostrobin as it reduces losses during fermentation, changes fiber composition and improves the degradability of the food. Among the forages, the wheat was more promising, than black oats, due to its productivity, combined with its better chemical composition and degradability.

Chemical composition and spine occurrence in cactus pear genotypes

The spineless cactus 'Orelha de Elefante Mexicana' (Opuntia sp.) is a genotype resistant to cochineal carmine pest (Dactylopius opuntiae Cockerell). However, this clone has many spines, making it difficult to grasp and chew as forage, limiting animal consumption. In addition, the spines cause difficulty in harvesting and cultivation. The objective of this work was to evaluate the chemical composition, digestibility and occurrence of spines of genotypes of 'Orelha de Elefante Mexicana' (Opuntia sp.), and the correlation between chemical composition and digestibility with occurrence of spines. The experiment was carried out at the Experimental Research Station of Agricultural Institute of Pernambuco, located in Arcoverde, Brazil from January 2014 to June 2015. The genotypes Lisa 1, Lisa 2, Seg CV, Seg 1, Seg 2, Seg 3, Seg 4, Seg 5, and Seg 6 were produced in previous selections from seeds of the 'mother-plant'. Soil of the experimental area is classified as Regosol, and rainfall during the experimental period was 771 mm. Fertilization was performed with 20 t organic matter ha(‑1) year(‑1) using cattle manure. Planting was done in January 2014, using spacing of 1.4×0.5 m and a completely randomized design with 10 replications of one plant each. Variables analyzed were chemical composition, digestibility, and occurrence of spines. Evaluations were performed on secondary cladodes of 18-month-old plants. Lisa 1 and Lisa 2 presented greater dry matter (DM) concentration than other genotypes. When compared with Seg CV, the genotypes Lisa 1 and Lisa 2 presented greater DM and in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Genotypes showed variability in chemical composition, digestibility, and the presence of spines. The presence of spines and glochids showed positive correlation with NDF and ADF concentration and negative correlation with IVDMD and DM, but did not affect crude protein concentration.

Utilization of Biourine and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi as Biotechnological Agents for Improving Land Productivity of Ex-Coal Mines and Testing Their Effects on the Content of Forage Fiber Fractions [Hymenachne amplexicaulis (Rudge) Nees

Abstract Background and Objective: Liquid biourine organic fertilizer can affect the physical, chemical and biological fertility of soil. Mycorrhizal biofertilizers can help plants to supply and absorb nutrients, especially phosphorus, which is low in availability in acidic/critical soils. The aim of this study was to characterize, test and prove that the administration of biourine liquid organic fertilizer and Arbuscular mycorrhizal Fungi biofertilizer (AMF) as a biotechnology agent, was able to improve the productivity of ex-coal mine lands and also affect the content of forage fiber feed fractions. Materials and Methods: An experiment using a completely randomized design with 4 types of treatment and 5 repetitions was conducted. The treatments consisted of: (1) Biourine concentration of 0%+AMF 20 g potG1, (2) Biourine concentration of 15%+AMF 20 g potG1, (3) Biourine concentration of 30%+AMF 20 g potG1 and (4) Biourine concentration of 45%+AMF 20 g potG1. Variables observed were Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin. Results: The results of various analyses showed that the treatment had a highly significant effect (p<0.01) on all variables observed. The treatment with 45% biourine+AMF 20 g potG1 resulted in lower ADF, NDF and lignin contents and produced higher cellulose and hemicellulose content than the treatments with 30% biourine+AMF 20 g potG1, 15% biourine+AMF 20 g potG1 and 0% biourine+AMF 20 g potG1. Conclusion: Biourine liquid organic fertilizer and Arbuscular mycorrhizal Fungi biofertilizer (AMF) are biotechnology agents that improve the productivity of ex-coal mine land and also affect the content of forage fiber feed fractions. Key words: ADF, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, biourine, fiber fraction, hymenachne amplexicaulis (Rudge) nees., lignin, NDF Received: Accepted:

Potential of Ensiling Sorghum without Grain Pretreated with Enzymes or Bacterial Inoculants

Silage is an alternative product from sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] that does not make grain due to drought, disease, or pests. The objective of this experiment was to determine nutritive value and fermentation characteristics of silage made from sorghum without grain and evaluate the impact of pretreatment with fibrolytic enzymes or lactic acid bacterial inoculants. Triplicate plots (4 rows ×12.2 m) of four sorghum cultivars (Dairy Master, PS 747, Silo 700D, and MMR 381/73 [MMR]) were planted in a completely randomized block design field trial at three locations (Beeville, College Station, and Kingsville, TX). At the mid‐dough stage, sorghum was harvested and inflorescences were removed, chopped, and separated into three (5 kg) subsamples. Each subsample was treated with either distilled water (control), fibrolytic enzyme, or bacterial inoculant and ensiled for 120 d. Pre‐ensiled sorghum without grain had similar nutritive value, except Dairy Master had 25% lower crude protein and 30% lower lignin concentrations. After ensiling, water‐soluble carbohydrate concentration was lowest and crude protein concentration was greatest for MMR silage, which also had the greatest acetate concentration and lactate/acetate ratio. Silage treated with either lactic acid bacterial inoculant or fibrolytic enzyme had 40% greater water‐soluble carbohydrate concentration. Silage treated with fibrolytic enzyme had 8% lower neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber concentrations than untreated silage, and treated silage had lower pH than untreated silage. The pH of all silage was &lt;4.0, and pretreatment did not improve silage fermentation characteristics or increase aerobic stability. The cultivar was more influential to the resulting silage product than pretreatment in this experiment.

Impact of field fungal contamination of barley on ensiling properties, nutritional quality and the microbiome of barley silage

AbstractBarley varieties of differing fungal disease resistance were grown in triplicate plots at Lacombe and Lethbridge, Alberta with the disease resistant variety (FR) sprayed with a foliar fungicide to maximize differences in field fungal disease. Both varieties were harvested at soft dough and ensiled in minisilos to assess differences in fungal contamination on ensiling properties, nutritional quality, aerobic stability and associated bacterial and fungal microbiomes. Data were analysed as repeated measures with the effect of treatment × time (duration of ensiling or aerobic exposure) included in the model. The percentage leaf area diseased by net form net blotch was higher (p &lt; 0.05) in the untreated barley cv. Sundre (UN, 59.1% leaf area affected at Lacombe and 25.2% at Lethbridge) than in the FR barley cv. Chigwell (0.7% leaf area affected at Lacombe and 0.1% at Lethbridge). Fungal resistant barley had a lower (p &lt; 0.01) acid and neutral detergent fibre content. Relative abundance of Xanthomonadales was higher (p = 0.02) for FR than UN, while Lactobacillales dominated the bacterial microbiome after 60 day of ensiling in both silages. Bacillales dominated both FR and UN after 21 day of aerobic exposure. Fungal resistant fresh barley forage had a tendency (p = 0.10) for a greater relative abundance of Pleosporales, while UN had higher (p &lt; 0.01) Hypocreales. Mould counts were lower (p = 0.01) for FR than UN after 7 day of ensiling. Fungal resistant barley had minimal influence on the fungal community that contributed to the aerobic deterioration of barley silage.

Nutrient composition and in vitro fermentability of corn grain and stover harvested at different periods in Goesan, a mountainous area.

With South Korea’s limited capability of feed production because of its relatively small cultivable area, the country is pushed to depend on foreign feed imports despite the immensely fluctuating price of corn. Hence, intensive efforts to increase the total cultivable area in Korea like extending of farming to mountainous area is being practiced. Corn was planted in Goesan County, a mountainous area in the country. Grain and stover were harvested separately in three harvest periods: early-harvest (Aug 8), mid-harvest (Aug 18), and late-harvest (Aug 28). The nutrient composition such as dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fat (EE), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) was determined after harvest. Effective degradability (ED) of the major nutrients (DM, NDF, ADF, and CP) were measured through in vitro fermentation of rumen fluid from Hanwoo (Korean cattle). pH, ammonia-N concentration, volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, and gas production were periodically measured at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. Corn grain showed higher nutrient content and ED than stover. It also had higher gas production but its pH, ammonia-N, and total VFA concentration were lower than corn stover. The best nutrient composition of corn grain was observed in early-harvest (high CP, EE, NDF, OM, NFC, and low ADF). Early-harvest of corn grain also had high effective degradability of dry matter (EDDM), effective degradability of neutral detergent fiber (EDNDF), effective degradability of acid detergent fiber (EDADF), and total VFA concentration. On the other hand, the best nutrient composition of stover was observed in mid-harvest (high DM, CP, NDF, and low ADF). EDDM, EDNDF, and EDADF were pronounced in early-harvest and mid-harvest of stover but the latter showed high total VFA concentration. Hence, early and mid-harvested corn stover and grain in a mountainous area preserved their nutrients, which led to the effective degradation of major nutrients and high VFA production.