Lower Neutral Detergent Fiber Content Research Articles

Integrated management strategies increased silage maize yield and quality with lower nitrogen losses in cold regions.

High-yield and high-quality production of silage maize in cold regions is crucial for ensuring the sustainable development of livestock industry. This study first conducted an experiment to select the optimized silage maize varieties and densities using a split-plot design. The tested maize varieties were Xuntian 3171, Xuntian 16, Xunqing 858, and Fengtian 12, with each variety planted at densities of 67,500, 79,500, and 90,000 plants ha-1. Following the variety and density selection, another experiment on optimizing nitrogen management for silage maize was carried out using a completely randomized design: no nitrogen fertilizer (T1), applying urea-N 320 kg ha-1 (T2), applying urea-N 240 kg ha-1 (T3), applying polymer-coated urea-N 240 kg N ha-1 (T4), and ratios of polymer-coated urea-N to urea-N at 9:1 (T5), 8:2 (T6), 7:3 (T7), and 6:4 (T8). T5-T8 all applied 240 kg N ha-1. The yield and quality of silage maize, nitrogen use efficiency and balance, and economic benefits were evaluated. Results showed that Xunqing 858 had significantly higher plant height (8.7%-22.6% taller than the other three varieties) and leaf area (30.9% larger than Xuntian 3171), resulting in yield 11.5%-51.6% higher than the other three varieties. All varieties achieved maximum yields at a planting density of 79,500 plants ha-1. Integrated management strategy 7 (T7: Xunqing 858, 79,500 plants ha-1, polymer-coated urea-N to urea-N ratio of 7:3) achieved the highest yield of 73.1 t ha-1, a 6.1%-58.1% increase over other treatments. This strategy also produced the highest crude protein (11.1%) and starch (19.1%) contents, and the lowest neutral detergent fiber content (50.6%), with economic benefits improved by 10.3%-97.8% compared to other strategies. Additionally, T7 improved nitrogen use efficiency by 15.4%-94.5%, reduced soil nitrate leaching by 4.4%-36.5%, and decreased nitrogen surplus by 7.0%-46.6%. Comprehensive analysis revealed that the integrated management strategy 7 significantly improved silage maize yield and quality in cold regions while enhancing nitrogen use efficiency and reducing the risk of nitrate leaching, aligning with green agriculture development requirements. These findings will provide vital theoretical insights and practical guidance for high-yield and high-quality silage maize production in cold regions worldwide.

In Vitro Evaluation of Potentially Edible Brazilian Trees and Shrubs in Ruminant Nutrition

The present study aims to evaluate the nutritional value of different tree and shrub leaves in Brazilian ruminant production systems. Eight potentially edible trees and shrubs were identified from interviews with 30 ruminant producers: Aroeira (ARO; Lithraea molleoides), Black Mulberry (BMU; Morus nigra), Candeia (CAN; Eremanthus erythropappus), Jatobá (JAT; Hymenaea courbaril), Gliricídia (GLI; Gliricidia sepium), Santa Bárbara tree (SBT; Mélia azedarach), Tithonia (TIT; Tithonia diversifolia), and White Mulberry (WMU; Morus alba). Four leaf samples of each edible tree were sampled, and chemical analyses and in vitro assays were performed. Edible trees (except CAN and JAT) had lower neutral detergent fiber content than Mombasa grass. In addition, SBT, BMU, WMU, and TIT had lower fiber content than the other evaluated edible trees. Consequently, SBT, TIT, BMU, and WMU had improved dry matter degradation. Among the edible trees and shrubs, SMW and WMU increased the potential for gas production (a parameter). On the other hand, CAN decreased the estimated gas production 48 h after incubation. Furthermore, TIT decreased methane production up to 24 h after in vitro fermentation. Thus, except ARO, CAN, and JAT, the edible trees evaluated in the present study are potential feeds in moderate- to high-producing animals. Additionally, TIT fermentation reduces in vitro methane production.

Sonbaharda Dökülen Ağaç Yapraklarının Kimyasal Kompozisyonu ve Metan Üretim Kapasiteleri

Bu çalışmanın amacı, sonbahar aylarıda dökülen ağaç yapraklarının kimyasal kompozisyonun, Metabolik Enerji (ME), Organik Madde Sindirim Dereceleri (OMSD) ve metan üretim kapasitelerinin belirlenmesidir. Çalışmada şeftali, erik, kiraz, kayısı, elma, kara erik, armut ağacı yaprakları incelenmiştir. Kuru madde (KM) içerikleri %26.79 ile 43.43 arasında değişmiştir. KM içeriği en yüksek şeftali yaprağında bulunmuştur. Ham kül (HK) içeriği en düşük %9.09 ile armut yaprağında, %20.55 ile en yüksek kayısı yaprağında tespit edilmiştir. Ağaç yapraklarının Nötral Deterjan Fiber (NDF) içerikleri %28.67 ile 44.48 arasında değişmiştir. En düşük NDF içeriği kiraz yaprağında bulunurken en yüksek şeftali yaprağında bulunmuştur. En yüksek Asit Deterjan Fiber (ADF) değeri %26.07 ile armut yaprağında görülürken en düşük %21.52 ile kayısı yaprağında görülmüştür. Ham protein (HP) içeriği en düşük %5.43 ile armut yaprağında bulunurken en yüksek %9.27 ile erik yaprağında tespit edilmiştir. Ağaç yapraklarının gaz üretim değerleri ve net metan üretim değerleri sırasıyla 84.53 ile 113.86 ml ve 10.52 ile 15.63 ml arasında değişmiştir. Ağaç yapraklarının yüzdelik metan üretim değerleri % 12.09 ile 14.56 arasında değişirken en düşük armut yaprağında görülmüştür. OMSD içerikleri %70.31-81.42 arasında bulunmuştur. En yüksek OMSD içeriği kayısı yaprağında, en düşük ise armut yaprağında bulunmuştur. ME değerleri 7.67-9.13 arasında tespit edilmiştir.

FORAGE YIELD AND COMPOSITION OF Avena strigosa Schreb AT DIFFERENT HARVESTING FREQUENCIES AND INTENSITIES

Harvesting frequency and intensity are management criteria in forage plants and their choices affect herbage yield and quality. The objectives of the study were to evaluate herbage yields of morphological components and chemical composition (crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber) of Saia oats (Avena strigosa Schreb) at three harvest frequencies (40, 50 and 60 cm sward height) and three harvest intensities (8, 14 and 20 cm residual foliage). The design was completely randomized with a factorial arrangement (3 × 3) of treatments and four replications. The factors were sward height (AD) and harvest intensity (IC). The experimental units were 36 plots of 12 m2. Forage yield increased linearly (p = 0.007) with the increase in sward height (35 kg DM cm-1, R2 = 0.91). Leaf blade yield decreased (-33 kg DM cm-1, R2 = 0.99, p = 0.001) and pseudo stem plus stem yield increased (46 kg DM cm-1, R2 = 0.98, p = 0.001) with increasing sward height. Harvest intensity did not affect foliage yield (p > 0.05); however, leaf blade yield was higher at high harvest intensity (8 cm residual herbage, p < 0.05). Crude protein (CP) showed linear decrease (p = 0.001) as sward height increased (-0.22 % cm-1, R2 = 0.99), and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was higher (51.2 %) at 60-14 and lower (41.9 %) at 40-8. Forage with higher proportion of leaf blades and lower NDF content was harvested at 40 cm sward height, in combination with moderate harvest intensities (8 and 14 cm residual foliage height).

Dietary neutral detergent fibre and lignin contents affect intake, digestibility and digesta retention in captive sloths (Bradypus variegatus).

We evaluated food intake, digestibility, digesta retention and digestible energy (DE) intake in four three-toed sloths (Bradypus variegatus, body mass 2.86 ± 0.10 kg) fed two leaf-based diets containing different neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and lignin contents. Total dry matter intake (DMI), and intake in relation to body mass and metabolic body weight were higher for the mixed diet with lower NDF content based on Pterondon sp. + Inga sp. (47 g day-1 , 16 g kg-1 day-1 and 21 g kg-0.75 day-1 ) compared to the treatment with higher content of NDF from only Cecropia pachystachya leaves (37 g day-1 , 14 g kg-1 day-1 and 18 g kg-0.75 day-1 ). The digestibility of dry matter (dDM) and neutral detergent fibre (dNDF) were higher in the mixed diet (60% and 61%respectively). There was a higher supply of DEand metabolisable energy (ME) on the mixed diet, at 221 and 199 kJ kg-0.75 day-1 , meeting the average energy requirement of 185 kJ ME kg-0.75 day-1 ME estimated for sloths in this study. In contrast, the diet with C. pachystachya generated a deficit of 31 kJ ME kg-0.75 day-1 . There was a correlation between DMI and dNDF (r2 = 0.89), and between dNDF and dDM (r2 = 0.98) across treatments. The mean retention times for a liquid and a particle marker were lower on the mixed diet with the higher intake at 133 h (passage rate = 0.75% h-1 ) and 181 h (0.55% h-1 ), and longer on the single-species diet with lower intake at 204 h (0.49% h-1 ) and 261 h (0.38% h-1 ). The results suggest that it may be beneficial for sloths to be offered a variety of browse from which they can choose low-NDF components. Further, we suggest that these sloths perform 'digesta washing'to increase the microbial yield in the stomach to maximise the digestion of NDF and dry matter.

Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers Improve Growth and Leaf Nutrient Composition of Moringa oleifera

Establishing the appropriate agronomic practices like fertilizer application is important for maximizing yield and improving nutritional quality of moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves. The objective of the presented study was to determine the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer rates on plant growth performance and leaf nutrient composition of moringa. The experiment was a 4 × 3 factorial, with four nitrogen levels (100, 200, 300, and 400 kg ha−1) and three levels of phosphorus (40, 80 and 120 kg ha−1). The experiment was laid out as randomized complete block design (RCBD), treatments were replicated four times. Twelve weeks after planting, the moringa trees treated with 100 kg N ha−1 and 80 kg P ha−1 were significantly taller by 46.8% than trees supplied with 400 kg N ha−1 and 120 kg P ha−1. Similarly, trees that received 100 kg N ha−1 and 80 kg P ha−1, and those treated with 200 kg N ha−1 and 80 kg P ha−1 had significantly greater stem diameter (>36%) compared to moringa trees that received 400 kg N ha−1 and 40 kg P ha−1. Crude protein was significantly higher by 26.3% in the 400 kg N ha−1 and 120 kg P ha−1 treatment combination than that of the 100 kg N ha−1 and 40 kg P ha−1 treatment combinations. Moringa trees that received 100 kg N ha−1 and 40 kg P ha−1 had the highest neutral detergent fiber content (30.71%), while the trees that received 400 kg N ha−1 and 120 kg P ha−1 had the lower neutral detergent fiber content of 22.77%. Based on the study, the combination of 100 kg N ha−1 and 80 kg P ha−1 can be recommended for maximum yield and nutritional content of moringa leaves.

Growth, Forage Production, and Quality of <i>Medicago sativa</i> in the Northern Part of South Korea

A three-year study was conducted in the Pyeongchang area, South Korea, to evaluate the growth and productivity of 26 alfalfa varieties and to select those with superior feed values. We employed a randomized block design with three replications. HybriForce-2410 presented the highest dry matter yield (28.87 t/ha) among the cultivars and the highest three-year average fresh matter yield (118.78 t/ha). The three-year average dry matter yield of Alfalfa-short (26.55 t/ha) and Shockwave BR (26.21 t/ha) were also significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of the other cultivars. The acid detergent fiber content of HybriForce-2410 was the lowest, although not significantly different from that of the other cultivars. Burgaltai had the lowest neutral detergent fiber content, whereas A Er Gang Jin had the highest. The crude protein (CP) content ranged from 16.90% to 21.33% at mowing during early flowering; Burgaltai had the highest CP among the cultivars. Digestibility differed significantly among the cultivars compared with other feed value items. Although Burgaltai presented the best feed value, HybriForce-2410 showed the best results for both productivity and feed value.

Cultivation of ruziziensis grass (Urochloa ruziziensis) using swine liquid manure fertilization

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of liquid swine manure (LSM) as fertilization in the implantation of Urochloa ruziziensis. The experimental design was randomized blocks with five treatments and four replications, with the treatments being four doses of LSM (0; 100; 200 and 300 m3 ha-1) and one dose of mineral fertilization. Seven cuts were carried out uniformly, after which plant height (PH), total dry mass yield (TDMY), crude protein content (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF), macromineral extraction (N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S) and microminerals (Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu) of plants were evaluated every 30 days. Mineral fertilization provided higher PH, CP content and extraction of N and S, but lower NDF content. For ADF variable, there was no difference between treatments. The results of dry mass yield (DMY) and extractions of P, K, Ca and Mn showed that the effect of 300 m3 ha-1 LSM was statistically equal to mineral fertilization. For extractions of Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu doses of 200 and 300 m3 ha-1 did not differ statistically from mineral fertilization. Among the doses of LSM, there was increasing linear effect, with increases in the variables DMY (30.89%), PH (14.94%), CP (17%), N (53.01%), P (40.79%), K (27.84%), Ca (35.17%), Mg (29.6%), S (47.13%), Fe (31.2%), Zn (31.6%) and Mn (23.04%). For Cu extraction, there was a quadratic effect with the highest extraction in the dose of 26.36 m3, obtaining an increase of 19.94% in relation to treatment without application. It is important to study different LSM dosages to avoid risk of heavy metal toxicity. The LSM is an alternative in place of mineral fertilization for Urochloa ruziziensis grass.

Microalgal biomass as a biofertilizer for pasture cultivation: Plant productivity and chemical composition

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of fertilization of a marandu grass pasture with microalgae biomass produced during the treatment of a wastewater from a dairy farm as a nitrogen source. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with three treatments (C - without fertilization, Q - chemical fertilization, and B - biological fertilization) with seven replications. The microalgae biomass considered in biological fertilization showed 1,992 mgL−1 of phosphorus, 1,657 mgL−1 of nitrogen and pH 8.4. The accumulated dry mass productivity was highest in chemical treatment Q (15,551 kgha−1), followed by B (14,857 kgha−1). Regarding the dry matter content, B stood out, with 23%, followed by C (21%). For crude protein (CP) and ash contents, Q presented the highest values (12.81 and 8.71%, respectively), followed by B (10.27 and 7.17%, respectively for CP and mineral matter content). The lowest neutral detergent fiber content was observed in Q (62.55%), followed by B (62.85%). The biological treatment had similar plant productivity compared to the treatment with chemical conventional fertilizer. Regarding nitrogen utilization efficiency and nitrogen recovery, chemical treatment showed statistical difference compared to microalgae biomass. Using microalgae biomass as biological fertilizer proved to be an interesting alternative for pasture fertilization in the context of a green circular economy.

Looking for high-production and sustainable diets for lactating cows: A survey in Italy

The aim of the present study was to evaluate, through a survey conducted on commercial farms, the global warming potential (GWP) of different lactating cow total mixed rations (TMR) and to identify the best dietary strategies to increase feed efficiency (FE) and reduce enteric CH4 emission. A total of 171 dairy herds were selected: data about dry matter intake (DMI), lactating cow TMR composition, and milk production and composition were provided by farmers. Diet GWP (kg of CO2 equivalents; CO2eq) was calculated as sum of GWP (kg of CO2eq) of each included ingredient, considering inputs needed at field level, feed processing, and transport. For soybean solvent meal, land use change was included in the assessment. Enteric methane production (g/d) was estimated [using the equation CH4 (g/d) = 2.54 + 19.14 × DMI] to calculate CH4 emission for kilograms of fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM). The data set was analyzed by generalized linear model and logistic analysis using SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). The frequency distribution showed wide variation among farms for GWP (kg of CO2eq) of TMR: approximately 25% of the surveyed farms showed a diet GWP of 15 kg of CO2eq, 20% showed a GWP of 13 kg of CO2eq, and 16.7% showed a GWP of 17 kg of CO2eq. The variation among farms was due to the feedstuffs used. Among feedstuffs, soybean meal (SBM) had the highest correlation with the GWP of the TMR as shown by the following equation: TMR GWP (kg of CO2eq) = 2.49 × kg of SBM + 6.9 (R2 = 0.547). Moreover, diets with inclusion of SBM >15% of dry matter (DM) did not result in higher milk production than diets with a lower inclusion of SBM (≤15%). Average daily milk production of cows was 29.8 [standard deviation (SD) 4.83] kg with fat and protein contents of 3.86% (SD 0.22) and 3.40% (SD 0.14), respectively. The average DMI (kg/d) of lactating cows was 22.3 (SD 2.23). Logistic analysis demonstrated that corn silage ≤30% of diet DM was associated with higher FE. Almost 50% of farms had an average value of 15.0 g of CH4/kg of FPCM and about 30% of farms had an average of 12.5 g of CH4/kg of FPCM. The results demonstrated that lower enteric CH4 production was related to inclusion (% of diet DM) of ≤12% alfalfa hay and >30% corn silage. Diets with >34% neutral detergent fiber had higher CH4 production (>14.0 g/kg of FPCM) than those with lower neutral detergent fiber content. In contrast, lower enteric CH4 production (≤14.0 g/kg of FPCM) was related to diets characterized by net energy of lactation (NEL) >1.61 Mcal/kg and >4% ether extract. The variability in TMR GWP shows significant potential for reducing the GWP of a diet through choice and inclusion levels of ingredients (mainly SBM) and the possibility of decreasing methane enteric emission associated with milk production on a commercial scale.

Effect of Tedding Time and Frequency on the Feed Value and Drying Rate of Rye(&lt;i&gt;Secale cereale&lt;/i&gt; L.) Hay

Hay-making is one of the most common way for forage preservation in livestock industry. The quality and production of hay could be affected by various factors. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of tedding time and frequency on drying rate and feed value of forage rye (Secale cereale L.) hay. Rye was harvested on heading stage using mower conditioner. Hay was tedded at each set hour(09:00, 13:00 and 17:00) and sampled at each set hour to determine dry matter (DM) content. After two months’ preservation, CP (crude protein), ADF (acid detergent fiber), NDF (neutral detergent fiber), IVDMD (in vitro dry matter digestibility), TDN (total digestible nutrient), RFV (relative feed value), DM loss, visual scores and total fungi count were determined for estimation of hay quality. Tedding was necessary for both speeding up drying rate and improving forage quality. Tedding at 17:00 showed lower NDF content (p<0.05), and also higher RFV value was found compared with tedding at 9:00 and 13:00 (p<0.05). On the other hand, it was observed that more DM losses would be found when tedding later (p<0.05). Tedding in 1~3 times per day were lower in ADF and NDF content (p<0.05), increased CP, TDN and RFV (p<0.05), got less DM loss (p<0.05), and contained less fungi during conservation compared with no tedding (p<0.05). On the other hand, tedding too frequent caused more DM loss (p<0.05). In conclusion, for shorter drying process and higher quality of forage rye hay, tedding at 13:00∼17:00 for 1∼2 times per day was recommended in this study.

Comparing Yield, Quality, Water Use Efficiency, and Value between Fodder and Grain Produced Using Ridge‐Furrow Rainwater Harvesting in a Semiarid Region

Agriculture production in study areas benefits from the use of ridge‐furrow rainwater harvesting (RFRH) to supplement rainfall in the absence of irrigation from imported sources. However, it is necessary to select suitable fodder plants for use with RFRH in this climate. In this paper, 10 treatments (3 ridge widths × 3 ridge‐mulching materials + flat planting [FP] as control) in a complete random design were applied in a 3‐yr field experiment for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and oat (Avena sativa L.) production, respectively. Ridges mulched with plastic film (PF) and ridges mulched with biodegradable film (BF) had positive effects on fodder, grain yields, and water use efficiency (WUE), but ridges with manually compacted soil (MCS) had a negative effect on yield and WUE in the most cases. Fodder, grain yields, and WUE decreased as ridge width increased. For oats, the decrease of WUE of MCS was 1.31 kg ha−1 mm−1, but the increase of WUE of BF and PF was 0.83 and 1.25 kg ha−1 mm−1, respectively, compared with that of FP over 3 yr. For alfalfa, the increase of WUE of MCS, BF, and PF was, respectively, 0.22, 5.62, and 6.33 kg ha−1 mm−1. The RFRH systems, especially PF and BF, produced oat and alfalfa fodders with increased crude protein content and decreased acid and neutral detergent fiber content. The average alfalfa fodder yield was 1.37 times greater than that of oats, whereas the average WUE of alfalfa was 2.62 times greater than that of oats. Alfalfa fodder contained higher crude proteins and lower neutral detergent fiber content than oat fodder and had similar acid detergent fiber. It is more economic to harvest oat fodder than to harvest oat grain, and it is more economic to produce alfalfa than to produce oats.

Chemical composition and in situ degradability of silages from dual-purpose sorghum hybrids

The objective was to determine chemical composition and in situ degradability for silages of dual-purpose sorghum hybrids. Twenty-five hybrids of double-purpose sorghum were investigated in a randomized block design with three replicates. Ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), pH, chemical composition of the silage and in situ degradability were determined. Silage of the hybrids 9929012, 947216, 947030, 947254, 947072, 947252, 12F042066, 1141570 and 1141562 presented greater dry matter content, ranging from 402.9 to 470.7 g kg-1. The greatest crude protein content was presented by silages from the hybrids 9929036, 9929030, 12F042224, FEPAGRO19, FEPAGRO11, 9929026, 947030, 947072, 947252, 12F042226 and BRS Ponta Negra. The silage of hybrid 1141562 exhibited the lowest neutral detergent fiber content (588 g kg-1). The highest values of dry matter and crude protein degradability were observed in the silages of the hybrids 9929030, 947252, 947072, 12F042066 and 12F042226. The use of ensilage of the 9929030 and 12F042226 hybrids is recommended because these silages present a better chemical composition of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber and better dry matter and crude protein degradability.

Effects of fermented corn gluten meal on growth performance, serum parameters, intestinal morphology, and immunity performance of three-yellow broilers

A study was conducted to determine the effects of a diet containing solid-state fermented corn gluten meal (FCGM) with Bacillus natto and Lactobacillus on the growth performance, serum parameters, immune indices, and intestinal morphology of three-yellow broilers. A total of 450 one-d-old three-yellow male broilers were randomly allocated into three dietary treatment groups: control (without FCGM), T1, and T2 [5% and 10% replacement with corn gluten meal (CGM) and FCGM, respectively]. Ten replications per treatment and 15 birds per repeat were utilized. The results showed that the FCGM had a lower neutral detergent fiber content and higher small peptide content than the CGM. The average daily gain values, globulin content, the thymus and spleen indices of three-yellow broilers fed 5% and 10% FCGM were significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) than those of the control group, and the three-yellow broilers that were fed 10% FCGM increased more than those that were fed 5% FCGM (P &lt; 0.05). The villus lengths and the ratios of the villus height to crypt depth (V:C) of the duodenum of three-yellow broilers fed 5% and 10% FCGM were significantly higher than those of the control group (P &lt; 0.05). From this study, it can be concluded that the productivity performances of three-yellow broilers fed with 5% FCGM and 10% FCGM increased, and with the additive level increase in the diet, increases of the productivity performance were observed.

Fertilization of Tifton 85 with Swine Liquid Manure

The objective was to verify the possibility of supplying the nutritional requirement of Tifton 85 grass with swine liquid manure in an intensive management system. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design, with four treatments of swine liquid manure doses: 0, 70, 140 and 210 m3·ha-1, divided into seven applications and a treatment of mineral fertilization of 200 kg of nitrogen ha-1·year-1. Samples of the collected plant material were weighed to obtain fresh mass taken for drying and then ground for bromatological determination. The dry mass production data were obtained by dry matter accumulation during the cuts and averages were made for the variables; plant height, crude protein, NDF, ADF, neutral detergent insoluble protein (NDIP) and acid detergent insoluble protein (ADIP). The data were subjected to variance analysis, performing regression for swine liquid manure doses and averages test (Dunnett test) to compare the doses with the mineral fertilization. Higher plant heights, dry mass production, crude protein content, neutral detergent insoluble protein content and lower neutral detergent fiber content in Tifton 85 grass were observed with mineral fertilization. In the variables, acid detergent fiber and acid detergent insoluble protein there was no difference (P = 0.05) between the mineral fertilization and the swine liquid manure doses. There was a linear increase (P = 0.05) of swine liquid manure doses only in dry matter production. Swine liquid manure doses up to 210 m3·ha-1·year-1 do not meet the entire nutritional requirement of Tifton 85 grass, recommending the evaluation of higher swine liquid manure doses or complementation with mineral fertilization.

Nutritive value of forage biomass from sainfoin mixtures.

Forage quality characteristics of field-grown mixtures of sainfoin with cocksfoot (50:50%), sainfoin with tall fescue (50:50%), and the same with the addition of subterranean clover in their composition (33:33:33%) were measured. Forage biomass from the mixtures of sainfoin with cocksfoot had generally higher forage quality than mixtures with tall fescue. It had higher crude protein content (11.52% of dry matter (with 1.07% units), significantly higher digestibility (61.74%) (with 6.51% units), higher neutral detergent fiber content (53.42%) (with 3.22% units), higher nutritive value (Unité Fourragère Viande – Unité Fourragère Lait, 0.690–0.583) and higher protein feeding value (Total Digestible Protein – Protein digestible dans l’intestine in dependence of nitrogen – Protein digestible dans l’intestine in dependence of energy), 72–70–79 g/kg of dry matter. Forage biomass showed more balanced basic chemical composition after the addition of subterranean clover, i.e.: higher crude protein content (with 0.30% units) and lower crude fiber content (with 0.14% units) for mixtures with cocksfoot; higher digestibility (with 0.29% units) for mixtures with cocksfoot; lower neutral detergent fiber content (with 0.45% units) for mixtures with cocksfoot and with 3.15% units for mixtures with tall fescue, higher energy feeding value (Unité Fourragère Viande – Unité Fourragère Lait) (with 0.007–0.012 for mixtures with cocksfoot and with 0.009–0.014 for mixtures with tall fescue), higher protein feeding value for both mixtures with cocksfoot and tall fescue. Forage biomass from mixtures of sainfoin with cocksfoot and Trifolium subterraneum ssp. brachycalicinum had the highest crude protein (11.89% of dry matter), the lowest crude fiber content (27.07% of dry matter) and the highest digestibility (62.81% of dry matter).

The nutritional composition and digestion of plants foraged by red deer (Cervus elaphus xanthopygus) in northeast China

We studied species of plants foraged by red deer in the Muling forest region of northeastern China during January 2014 and 2015. We focused on nutritional composition, energy content, and the digestibility of these plants. Crude protein content varied by plant species. Average crude protein content was 7.5 ± 1.7% of dry matter, ranging from 4.5 to 10.3%. Crude lipid content did not vary by species and averaged 7 ± 1.5% (range 5.4–9.8%). Non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content varied broadly with average values being 20.1 ± 4.8% (range 13.5–28.8%) and 64.7 ± 5.9% (range 53.5–71.8%), respectively. Energy content ranged from 16.7 to 19.7 kJ/g. Average dry matter digestibility (DMD) was 46.1 ± 4.8%, with a range from 38.7 to 54.6%. Only three plants, Saussurea manshurica, Aralia elata and Equisetum hyemale exhibited DMD > 50%. NFC content explained most of the variation in energy content (r = 0.451). In contrast, energy content was inversely related to NDF (r = −0.443). There was no correlation between crude protein, crude lipid, and energy content (r protein = 0.004, r lipid = −0.190). S. manshurica, A. elata and E. hyemale had higher NFC and lower NDF content. Thus, these species offered the greatest nutritional value for wintering red deer in the study area. Along with high CP and NFC content, Taxus cuspidate also had high lignin content, and was thus, considered a good forage species for red deer.

Caracterização química da silagem de rama de cultivares de mandioca com ou sem pré-secagem

O objetivo foi avaliar a qualidade de conservação e nutricional da silagem de rama de mandioca das cultivares Pão e IAC 7650 e a influência da pré-secagem. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: SPSD - silagem de rama de mandioca cv. Pão; SPD - silagem de rama de mandioca cv. Pão desidratada; SISD - silagem de rama de mandioca cv. IAC 7650 e SID - silagem de rama de mandioca cv. IAC 7650 desidratada. O delineamento foi interamente casualisado, com ou sem desidratação e quatro repetições. Na avaliação da conservação da silagem foi avaliado o pH e&#x0D; capacidade tampão, e na determinação da qualidade nutricional foram estimados os teores de matéria seca, matéria orgânica, matéria mineral, proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) e fibra em detergente neutro (FDN). Ambas as cultivares apresentaram características para a utilização da rama como silagem após a secagem prévia. Na avaliação da rama de mandioca, os maiores teores de matéria parcialmente seca (MPS) e matéria seca total (MST) foram encontrados&#x0D; para a cultivar IAC 7650, após o tempo de secagem, e não foi observada diferença significativa (P

Steer performance on deferred pastures of Brachiaria brizantha and Brachiaria decumbens

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to compare structural, morphological and bromatological characteristics of forage as well as performance of Caracu beef cattle (200 ± 9 kg of initial body weight) supplemented with a multi-mineral mixture (0.25% of body weight) on deferred pastures of Brachiaria brizantha 'Marandu' and Brachiaria decumbens 'Basilisk' under continuous grazing. After the pasture was grazed to 10 cm of height, in March 2014, both grasses were left to rest and subjected to a 126-day deferment period. The experimental period lasted from July to October 2014; the sward characteristics and the animal's weight were evaluated every 28 days. The highest forage mass was recorded in 'Marandu' grass, whereas the highest leaves percentage and lowest dead material percentage were observed in 'Basilisk' pastures. Similarly, the highest crude protein content (8.1 vs. 7.0 ± 0.2%), in vitro organic matter digestibility (57.7 vs. 53.9 ± 0.4%), lowest neutral detergent fiber content (69.2 vs. 72.7 ± 0.4%), and; consequently, the highest average daily gain (680 vs. 530 ± 0.04g animal-1) were recorded for 'Basilisk' pastures. 'Marandu' and 'Basilisk' deferment was associated with a multi-mineral mixture supplementation as a management alternative for rearing beef cattle during the drought periods. Because of the duration of the pasture recovery period in this study, B. decumbens pastures were more likely to achieve the highest animal performance.

Valor nutricional de híbridos de sorgo para corte e pastejo (Sorghum bicolor x Sorghum sudanense) em diferentes fases fenológicas

The aim of this work was to evaluate the nutritional value of four sorghum-sudangrass hybrids harvested at four different stages of maturity. The hybrids evaluated were BR800, BRS810 (bmr), BRS802 and 156x2784. Hybrids were harvested at 52, 61, 67 and 74 days after seeding. BRS802 and BRS810 (bmr) are sorghum-sudangrass hybrids isogenic pairs that are distinguished only by the presence of bmr-6 mutation on BRS810. Samples were analyzed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) content and in vitro DM and NDF digestibility (IVDMD and IVNDFD). Interaction between hybrid and stage of maturity was observed for NDF, ADF, IVDMD and IVNDFD. A linear increase in DM content was observed with increasing stage of maturity. A quadratic effect was observed for CP content with increasing stage of maturity, and the maximum CP value was estimated to be with 55.8 days. The hybrid BR800 had the highest CP content (12.5%) and the hybrids BRS 802 and 156x2784 the lowest CP content (9.7 and 10.3%, respectively) for all stages of maturity evaluated. A quadratic effect in NDF content was observed with increasing stage of maturity for the hybrids BR800, BRS810 (bmr) and BRS802 with the maximum values estimated to be with 62.0, 61.7 and 60.4 days after seeding respectively. With 52 and 67 days after seeding the hybrid BRS810 (bmr) had the lowest NDF content (64.2 and 66.4%, respectively). The isogenic pair, hybrids BRS802 and BRS810 (bmr), had a linear decrease in ADF ontent with increasing stage of maturity, and with 52, 61 and 67 days after seeding the bmr hybrid had lower ADF content compared to its counter pair (BRS802). No linear or quadratic effect with increasing stage of maturity was observed for ADL content. The hybrids BRS802 and 156x2784 had the highest ADL content (4.42 and 4.16%, respectively) regardless of the stage of maturity. BRS810 (bmr) had the lowest ADL content (2.49%) and intermediate value was observed for BR800 (3.69%). The hybrid BRS810 (bmr) had higher IVDMD and IVNDFD than its isogenic pair (BRS802) for all stages of maturity evaluated. The bmr-6 mutation increased the nutritional value of the sorghum-sudangrass hybrid through reduction in the NDF, ADF and ADL content and increases in CP, IVDMD and IVNDFD. Comparing the normal hybrids (non bmr), the hybrid BR800 stood out because of its lower ADF and ADL content and higher IVNDFD.