Alfalfa Grass Research Articles

Trade‐off between nutritive value improvement and crop water use for an alfalfa–grass system

AbstractAlfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) can enhance the supply of nutritious forage when interseeded into semiarid native grassland. Alfalfa is a high water‐using species; therefore, a possible trade‐off between soil water depletion and nutritive value merits study. We determined the effects of interseeding three alfalfa cultivars at two densities on crude protein (CP) and digestible organic matter (DOM) accumulations, the water footprint (WF, m3 evapotranspiration kg−1) of CP and DOM accumulation at two row spacings, and the marginal cost (MC) of such trade‐offs. Nutritive values and accumulation of CP and DOM for mixtures with alfalfa planted at 36‐ or 71‐cm row spacing did not differ in 2018 (P > .05), as both spacings reduced the WF over grass only (P < .0001). Alfalfa presence reduced the WF (P < .001) with respect to CP and DOM accumulation from 20.17 and 3.07 m3 kg−1 in the grass‐only control to 10.14 and 2.22 m3 kg−1 in alfalfa–grass mixtures, respectively. Interseeding alfalfa in wide rows had 23 and 26% less MC of revenue increment than interseeding in narrow rows, relative to grass only in Years 2 and 3, respectively (P < .01). Hay‐type cultivars NuMex Bill Melton and WL 440HQ enhanced the forage mixture nutritive value more than the grazing‐type Falcata–Rhizoma blend, mainly driven by greater alfalfa growth. Interseeding alfalfa into native grasses in wide rows can increase the efficiency of water use (lower WF) by enhancing forage nutritive value at low MC, thereby inducing a minimal trade‐off in soil water consumption.

Runoff water quality after low-disturbance manure application in an alfalfa-grass hay crop forage system.

The impacts of low-disturbance manure application (LDMA) on runoff water quality in hay crop forages are not well known. Our objective in this study was to determine surface runoff losses of total nitrogen (TN), ammonium N (NH4 -N), nitrate N (NO3 -N), total phosphorus (TP), dissolved reactive P (DRP), and suspended sediment from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)-grass plots in central Wisconsin after surface broadcasting manure and LDMA compared with no application. Treatments were (a) surface banding (BAND), (b) surface banding with aeration (A/B), (c) shallow disk injection (INJECT), (d) surface broadcast (BCAST), and (e) a no-manure control (CONT). Runoff events were generated (n=7) from replicated plots following a standardized rainfall simulation protocol. Although runoff was variable across plots and within treatments, mean runoff concentrations of TN (P=.03), NH4 -N (P=.03), TP (P=.001), and DRP (P<.0001) were lower for incorporated (INJECT and A/B) vs. unincorporated (BCAST and BAND) treatments. INJECT had lower mean DRP concentration (P=.02) than A/B and was similar to CONT and had lower cumulative TN (P=.05), TP (P=.07), and DRP (P=.01) loads than A/B. Additionally, TP, TN, DRP, and NH4 -N loads and concentrations were strongly related with soil surface manure coverage extent (R2 = 0.50-0.84; P<.0001), suggesting that manure was a main source of N and P losses. Although INJECT appeared to be the most effective in mitigating nutrient loss in surface runoff, more research is needed to determine LDMA impacts on farm economics, soil properties, and runoff water quality.

Interseeding alfalfa into native grassland for enhanced yield and water use efficiency

AbstractLivestock productivity of semiarid, native grassland is potentially enhanced by interseeding alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), but little is known of the impact on forage and N yield and water use. Two hay‐type cultivars, ‘WL 440HQ’ (WL), ‘NuMex Bill Melton’ (NuMex), and grazing‐type ‘Falcata’–‘Rhizoma’ blend (FR) were interseeded into mixtures of four native‐grass species in fall of 2015, at 36‐ and 71‐cm row spacing as high‐ and low‐density plantings, respectively. Plots were harvested periodically over 3 yr. Evapotranspiration (ET) was estimated based on rainfall and changes in soil water volume and used to calculate water use efficiency (WUE, kg of forage mass m−3 of ET). Alfalfa–grass mixtures produced 35% more forage mass and 96% greater N yield than the grass‐only stands. Narrow‐row alfalfa produced greater total forage mass than wide‐row for the first 2 yr (P &lt; .05), but no difference between row spacings occurred by Year 3. Cultivars NuMex and WL produced greater forage mass than the short‐statured FR, especially at high density (P &lt; .05). Alfalfa–grass mixtures increased WUE by a mean of 25% over the grass‐only stands. There was no difference between row spacings for WUE, weed biomass, and weed N mass (P &gt; .05). The alfalfa–grass mixtures reduced weed biomass by 43% over the grass‐only stands. Interseeding alfalfa at wide row spacing enhanced forage productivity, WUE, and weed suppression relative to grass‐only stands at lower seed cost than at narrow row spacing. Adapted hay‐type alfalfa cultivars can be used to improve native‐grass pastures in rainfed, semiarid environments.

The Effect of Spent Mushroom Substrate and Cow Slurry on Sugar Content and Digestibility of Alfalfa Grass Mixtures

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effect of different doses of spent mushroom substrate and cow slurry on sugar content and digestibility of hybrid alfalfa and grass mixtures. The main factors were different doses of organic material: mushroom substrate and slurry, and the following legume grass mixtures: M1-orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), and hybrid alfalfa (Medicago x varia T. Martyn); M2-orchard grass, hybrid alfalfa; M3-perennial ryegrass, hybrid alfalfa. In each growing season, the mixtures were harvested three times during three years of their full use. Sugar content and dry matter digestibility were determined with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) using the NIRFlex N-500 spectrometer. Of all fertilizer treatments, the application of mushroom substrate at a dose of 20 t·ha−1 in combination with 40 m3 of slurry resulted in the best forage quality with its highest digestibility. In the mixture of perennial ryegrass and hybrid alfalfa increasing doses of mushroom substrate with decreasing doses of slurry lowered soluble sugar content and digestibility.

Cutting management of alfalfa‐based mixtures in contrasting agroclimatic regions

AbstractCutting schedules affect forage yield, nutritive value, and persistence but few studies have recently assessed the effect of intensive cutting schedules on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)‐based mixtures. We determined the effects of (a) cutting at early bud vs. early bloom of alfalfa, (b) a fall cut, (c) alfalfa–grass mixture vs. pure alfalfa, (d) one vs. two grasses, and (e) tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinacea [Schreb.] Dumort.) vs. timothy (Phleum pratense L.) in an experiment over four post‐seeding years at four sites with four cutting schedules on four alfalfa‐based mixtures. Cutting alfalfa at early bud rather than early bloom reduced annual forage dry matter (DM) yield by 2.03 Mg ha−1 and alfalfa contribution to DM yield by 17 percentage units, increased forage total digestible nutrient (TDN) concentration by 44 g kg−1 DM but did not increase estimated annual milk production per hectare. A fall cut did not improve annual forage DM yield and estimated annual milk production per hectare but reduced alfalfa contribution to DM yield. Pure alfalfa resulted in 1.09 Mg DM ha−1 less annual forage DM yield than alfalfa grown with one or two grasses. Two forage grasses with alfalfa compared with just one grass had no effect on forage DM yield and estimated annual milk production per hectare. The response of forage DM yield and estimated annual milk production per hectare to timothy or tall fescue with alfalfa varied with site but forage TDN concentration and alfalfa contribution to DM yield were generally greater with timothy than tall fescue.

Harvest interval effects on the persistence and productivity of alfalfa grown as a monoculture or in mixtures in the southeastern United States

AbstractFor alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) to be profitable in the southeastern United States, enhanced persistence is required. However, studies assessing alfalfa's persistence in monoculture or mixtures in the region are limited. We aimed to determine the persistence and productivity of alfalfa and alfalfa–grass mixtures subjected to different harvest intervals. Three species combinations were established in 2015: alfalfa (A), alfalfa–tall fescue [Schenodorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort] (ATF), and alfalfa–bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] (AB). These were subjected to four harvest intervals (21, 28, 35, and 42 d) during the 2016, 2017, and 2018 growing seasons. Total forage accumulation (FA) was quantified during 2017 and 2018 and nutritive value and stem density were measured at the first and last harvests in those years. Forage accumulation decreased in all species combinations after 2 yr of management (A: 21 d, –63%; 28 d, –66%; 35 d, –50%; 42 d, –31%; AB: 21 d, –22%; 28 d, –59%; 35 d, –34%; 42 d, –19%; ATF: 21 d, –41%; 28 d, –62%; 35 d, –64%; 42 d, –41%), reflecting decreased alfalfa stem density, especially for A and AB. The differences in alfalfa stem density between the first and last harvests depended on the species. No differences were observed in ATF mixtures but for AB and A, longer harvest intervals had up to 90% fewer stems, thus decreasing alfalfa's persistence in the field. Lower stem density was observed for the 21‐d harvest interval; therefore, longer intervals could result in better field performance.

Predicting Pre‐harvest Forage Nutritive Value of Spring and Summer Growth of Alfalfa–Grass Mixtures

Currently available regression equations developed to predict pre‐harvest nutritive attributes from simple field measurements taken in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)–grass mixtures can help producers determine when to best harvest their forages but they are applicable to only spring growth. Our objective was to develop and validate predictive equations of pre‐harvest forage nutritive attributes of mixed alfalfa–grass stands for the spring and first summer growth cycles. Forage samples (n = 1856) were collected in 2015 and 2016 from three research sites in Quebec, Canada, and used to develop predictive equations that were then validated using samples (n = 315) collected on commercial farms across Quebec and compared to equations previously developed in New York State for use during spring growth. For newly developed equations with two to four field measurements, R2 ranged from 0.70 to 0.84. The best equation developed to estimate a neutral detergent fiber assayed with a heat stable α‐amylase and corrected for the ash content of the residue (aNDFom) had an R2 of 0.82 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 29.3 g kg−1 dry matter (DM). Some equations can be used to predict aNDFom concentration and the relative feed value of samples from commercial farms, but only if alfalfa proportion can be precisely determined. Locally developed equations resulted in better predictions than equations developed only for spring growth in New York State. Forage producers now have access to a tool to predict the pre‐harvest nutritive value of their forages for two growth cycles.Core Ideas Predictive equations can help producers determine when to harvest their forage fields. Equations developed can predict nutritive value of alfalfa‐grass stands for the spring and first summer growth cycles. Alfalfa proportion must be precisely determined for equations to yield reliable results.

Tillage System Comparison in Organic Farming: Effects on N Mineralization, Soil Microbial Biomass, and Yield

The nitrogen supply can be a yield-limiting factor in organic farming, especially when reduced tillage is applied. An organic field experiment was conducted from 2007 to 2013 to analyse the potential of the nitrogen supply through the efficient use of green manure crops in different tillage systems. Three farming systems were compared: a stubble cleaner system (SC) and a plough system (PL), both in a cereal-based crop rotation, and another plough system in a crop rotation that included alfalfa grass ley (PLALF). In the fifth year of the experiment, the experimental design was extended into a split plot design, and seven green manure treatments ( Lolium perenne , Phacelia tanacetifolia , Sinapis alba , a mixture of Sinapis alba and Trifolium resupinatum , Trifolium resupinatum , Vicia sativa , and bare fallow as the control) were integrated into each of the three systems. The effects of the three systems and the green manure treatments on N mineralization, the soil microbial biomass and the yield of the main crops of oats and field beans in the sixth and seventh years of the experiment were analysed. The results showed that the choice of green manure species was of minor importance in the PLALF system. This system generally success- fully supplied N to the oats with oat yields from 3.6 to 5.1 t per ha. Vicia sativa was the most promising green manure crop in the SC and PL systems, with the N min values and oat yields (4.0 and 4.6 t per ha) being similar to those in the PLALF system. In the subsequent year, the PLALF system again was more successful in most of the N min assessments than the PL and SC systems, which often had rather similar results. In addition, a main crop of field beans was able to compensate for the differences in the N min content, and the yields were similar in all three systems (3.1 to 3.7 t per ha). The microbial biomass in the top soil was significantly increased in the reduced tillage system compared to the plough systems. In conclusion, reduced tillage in organic farming can promote soil microorganisms and be competitive if the nitrogen supply is improved through the efficient use of green manure or an adequate leguminous main crop.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF FEED OF ALFALUM-CEREAL GRASSES DEPENDING ON FERTILIZATION IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE RIGHT BANK

The results of research on the influence of mineral fertilizers on the nutritional value of forage of alfalfa grasses are presented. It was found that the application of nitrogen fertilizers significantly improves the supply of feed to digestible protein

The role of perennial grasses in creating a sustainable feed base by conveyor use

Currently, the most urgent task in improving the industry of feed production is the creation of green and raw materials conveyors, which will allow an uninterrupted supply of vegetable raw materials from early spring to late autumn for feeding farm animals and preparing high-quality feed. The research has shown that the most optimal time for mowing alfalfaclover-cereals mixtures with high fodder values is the budding phase - the start of flowering of legume grasses in the conveyor system with 10.6-15.2% of raw protein content in the crop. It was noted that the cultivation of meadow clover varieties of various ripening time mixed with a wide range of alfalfa and cereal grasses lead to the decrease in the effect of unfavorable weather conditions and to 15-20% increase in grass mixtures productivity. The article presents recommendations for the extension of the productive longevity of grass stands up to five years using mixtures with different ripening varieties of meadow clover and alfalfa with grass components of a new generation with productivity up to 32.8 t / ha of green mass. According to the field test of 2013-2017, the article provides data on the green mass productivity of alfalfa-clover-cereals grass stands with the addition of early ripening varieties of grasses, which for two mowings averaged 29.4 t / ha in 2013-2014 and 30.1 t / ha in 2015-2017. The methods of creating and using grass mixtures have been indicated, the best time for mowing has been defined by conveyor use of them in the Upper Volga region. The scheme of the green and raw materials conveyor with the use of differently ripening grass mixtures, consisting of new species and varieties of forage grasses of different periods of ripening, is given. It has been established that the use of legume-grass mixtures allows to obtain high-quality raw material for the production of bulk feed within 110-120 days, which acts as the way to increase the efficiency of fodder production. An expanded range of fodder grasses creates the conditions for improving the sustainability of fodder production in less dependence on extreme weather conditions.

Alfalfa–Grass Mixtures in Comparison to Grass and Alfalfa Monocultures

Core Ideas Alfalfa–grass mixtures are good alternative to alfalfa and grass monocultures. In the establishment year, alfalfa dominated the mixture, whereas as stands got older, grasses increased their contribution to the biomass. Alfalfa had higher crude protein, whereas grasses had higher fiber digestibility. Alfalfa–grass mixtures improved forage seasonal distribution. The most common binary mixture in the northern Great Plains is smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis L.) (SBG) with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). However, other mixtures might have advantages over SBG–alfalfa. The objective was to compare forage yield, nutritive value, seasonal distribution, and persistence of grasses in monoculture or binary mixtures with alfalfa. A field experiment was established in 2010 in Fargo, Prosper, and Carrington, ND, and results were evaluated until 2013. Several wheatgrass species not commonly used in alfalfa–grass mixtures were tested. All grass species produced higher forage yield in binary mixtures with alfalfa than in monoculture. Binary mixtures had higher persistence in normal rainfall conditions and improved forage nutritive value. Alfalfa contributed with higher crude protein, whereas grasses had higher digestibility of the fiber. Intermediate wheatgrass [Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth &amp; D.R. Dewey], not commonly included in mixtures with alfalfa, had greater biomass yield than many of the grasses in mixture with alfalfa, although not significantly different from SBG–alfalfa mixture. In the establishment year, alfalfa dominated the mixture (77–99% of total biomass), whereas as stands got older, grasses increased their contribution to the harvested biomass. In the third production year, grass in the mixtures was, on average, 50% of the total biomass. Alfalfa–grass mixtures with grasses other than SBG had similar or greater yield than SBG–alfalfa, increasing the number of potential grass choices that can be used in mixtures. In general, alfalfa–grass mixtures had greater forage yield and nutritive value than grass monocultures.

Temporal Composition of Alfalfa–Grass Pastures and Productivity Response of Holstein Steers

Core Ideas Bloat incidence was less when grass proportion was 40% or more of grass–alfalfa sward. Alfalfa masked differences among grasses in grazed forage amount and nutritive value. Holstein steer growth rate was highest when sward alfalfa proportions were greatest. Alfalfa–meadow fescue maintained the greatest alfalfa proportion after three seasons. This study compared forage productivity and animal performance in three alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)–grass mixtures: alfalfa–meadow fescue [Schedonorus pratensis (Huds.) P. Beauv] (A–MF), alfalfa–orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) (A–OG), and alfalfa–tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort] (A–TF). Mixtures were rotationally grazed with Holstein (Bos taurus, initial weight 242 kg, annually n = 180) steers from 2014 to 2016. Steer performance data from 2014 were excluded due to several incidences of bloat. Grass proportions increased over the 3‐yr study from 23% in 2014 to 40% in 2015 to 71% in 2016 (P &lt; 0.01). Relationships (P &lt; 0.001) between grass proportion and nutritive variables were detected with neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (R2 = 0.40) and NDF digestibility (R2 = 0.13) increasing with grass proportion, and crude protein (CP) decreasing (R2 = 0.29) with grass proportion. No relationship (P = 0.82) existed for in vitro true digestibility (IVTD). Grass proportions were lower, 60% grass, (P &lt; 0.05) in A–MF pastures in 2016, compared to 77% for A–TF and A–OG causing higher average daily gain (ADG) for A–MF (P &lt; 0.01) (0.81, 0.56, and 0.57 kg d−1 for A–MF, A–OG, and A–TF, respectively) and a tendency (P = 0.10) for greater gain per hectare for A–MF (P = 0.08) (994, 752, and 765 kg ha−1 for A–MF, A–TF, and A–OG, respectively). Cattle ADG was greatest when alfalfa sward proportions were high. By 2016, A–MF pastures had the highest alfalfa proportion, and therefore, the highest levels of ADG and gain per hectare.

Alternatives to Timothy Grown in Mixture with Alfalfa in Eastern Canada

Core Ideas Mixtures of alfalfa with meadow fescue, tall fescue, or meadow bromegrass have comparable yields and persistence to alfalfa‐timothy. Mixtures with festulolium or perennial ryegrass had lower total seasonal DM yields than the alfalfa‐timothy mixture. Harvesting mixtures at the alfalfa early flower stage maximizes the estimated milk production per ha. Timothy (Phleum pratense L.) is the main forage grass species cultivated with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in eastern Canada, yet its regrowth under dry and warm conditions is poor. Air temperature and water stress are predicted to increase in the near future, which could further reduce timothy’s regrowth. We evaluated six alfalfa–grass binary mixtures at three contrasted sites in eastern Canada to find potential alternatives to the alfalfa–timothy mixture under current climatic conditions. Timothy, tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus [Schreb.] Dumort.), meadow fescue (Schedonorus pratensis [Huds.] P. Beauv.), festulolium (× Festulolium Asch. &amp; Graebn), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and meadow bromegrass (Bromus biebersteinii Roem. &amp; Schult.) were evaluated with harvests either at the early bud or early flower stage of alfalfa. Dry matter yield, nutritive attributes, and the yield contribution of each species were determined. Alfalfa mixtures with festulolium (cv. Spring Green) and perennial ryegrass (cv. Remington) had inferior grass yield contributions due to winter damages, as well as inferior forage yield and estimated milk production per hectare; these cultivars are not currently viable alternatives to timothy in eastern Canada. In contrast, alfalfa–meadow fescue and alfalfa–meadow bromegrass mixtures produced comparable yields, nutritive value, and estimated milk production per hectare and they are, therefore, possible alternatives to the alfalfa‐timothy mixture. The alfalfa–tall fescue mixture also represents a possible alternative; its lower nutritive value was compensated by its slightly greater yield. Timothy, tall fescue, meadow fescue, and meadow bromegrass remained productive over the first three production years when cultivated in mixture with alfalfa.

INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS ON THE NUTRITIONAL FEED OF LUCERAL-CEREAL GRASS MIXTURES

The results of research on the impact of mineral fertilizers on the nutritional value of alfalfa grass forage are presented. It was found that the introduction of alfalfa into cereal grasslands promotes the growth of protein and crude fat in the feed and

Validation of Predictive Equations of Pre‐Harvest Forage Nutritive Value for Alfalfa–Grass Mixtures

Core Ideas Predictive equations can help producers determine when to harvest their forage fields.Equations developed in New York State could be used to predict aNDFom, ADFom, RFV, and RFQ in Quebec.Equations developed in New York State cannot be used to predict NDFdom in Quebec. Predictive equations of pre‐harvest nutritive attributes of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)–grass mixtures using simple plant or climate data were developed in New York State for the spring growth, but they must be validated before being used outside their development area. Our objective was to validate these predictive equations for their use in Quebec, Canada. Samples (n = 679) of alfalfa–grass mixtures were collected during spring growth at three sites for 2 consecutive years and analyzed for several nutritive attributes. Alfalfa maximum height, the most mature stage of development of alfalfa, growing degree days, grass proportion, and grass maximum height were also measured and used as input in several existing predictive equations. Predicted values were then compared with laboratory‐determined values using several validation statistics. The most promising predictive equations of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber concentrations, relative feed value, and relative forage quality had coefficients of determination (r2) of the linear regression between observed and predicted values between 0.74 and 0.81, and an index of agreement (d) between 0.87 and 0.93. Several equations were, however, significantly biased as indicated by slopes and intercepts of the regressions. The NDF digestibility was not predicted satisfactorily with the New York State equations. Among all equations evaluated, an equation for NDF concentration has the most potential for use to predict the spring growth pre‐harvest nutritive value of alfalfa–grass mixtures in Quebec.

Supplementing Ca salts of soybean oil after artificial insemination increases pregnancy success in Bos taurus beef cows.

Two experiments investigated the effects of supplementing Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) during early gestation on reproductive function and pregnancy rates to AI in Bos taurus beef cows. In Exp. 1, 771 suckled, lactating, multiparous Angus cows were divided into 22 groups of approximately 35 cows per group and timed inseminated on day 0. After AI, groups were assigned randomly to receive (as-fed basis) 100 g of ground corn + 100 g of soybean meal per cow/d, in addition to 1) 100 g/cow daily of CSSO (n = 11) or 2) 87 g of prilled saturated fat + 13 g of limestone per cow/d (CON; n = 11). Groups were maintained in individual tall fescue-dominated pastures and offered treatments from day 0 to 21. Pregnancy status was determined between days 45 and 55 via transrectal ultrasonography. Cows receiving CSSO had greater (P = 0.01) pregnancy rates to timed AI compared with CON (60.2 vs. 51.7%; SEM = 4.2). In Exp. 2, 90 suckled, lactating, multiparous Angus × Hereford cows housed in 18 drylot pens (5 cows per pen) were assigned to the same timed AI program and treatments from Exp. 1 (9 pens per treatment) and received 20 kg/d (DM basis) of grass-alfalfa hay. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed to verify ovulation and corpus luteum (CL) volume before AI (day 0), on days 7 and 15. After ultrasonography on day 15, cows diagnosed without a CL on day 0, but with a CL greater than 0.38 cm3 in volume on days 7 and 15 (2 or 3 cows per pen; CSSO, n = 20; CON, n = 24), were assigned to conceptus collection via transcervical flushing and endometrial biopsy in the uterine horn ipsilateral to the CL. Blood samples were collected for FA analysis on days 0, 7, and 15. Blood was collected from cows not assigned to conceptus collection for whole-blood RNA extraction on day 20 and for pregnancy diagnosis on day 30 by measuring concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins. Cows receiving CSSO had greater (P ≤ 0.04) mean plasma concentrations of linoleic acid and ω-6 FA compared with CON on days 7 and 15. Moreover, CSSO supplementation increased (P = 0.05) mRNA expression of interferon-tau by the conceptus and blood mRNA expression of interferon-stimulated gene 15 and 20,50-oligoadenylate synthetase on day 20 in gestating cows. Hence, post-AI CSSO supplementation to B. taurus beef cows improved pregnancy rates to timed AI, which can be associated with increased mRNA expression of interferon-tau by the conceptus when CSSO is supplemented during early gestation.

Productivity of growing rabbits at different levels of methionine in the diet

The article presents the results of experimental studies on the influence of various levels of methionine in feed on the productivity of growing rabbits. The research was conducted in the conditions of the problematic research laboratory of feed additives of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine. Experiment was carried out on young rabbits HYLA hybrids of the French company EUROLAP, of which, on the principle of analogues, four groups were formed – control and 3 experimental, with 20 heads (10 females and 10 males) in each. The experiment lasted 42 days. Every week we conducted individual weighings of the experimental animals, calculation of weight gains and feed costs. For feeding of the experimental rabbits were used diets, which were balanced by energy and main nutritional elements, but differed in the content of methionine – the rabbits of the control group consumed feed containing methionine 0.29%, the second – 0.41%, the third – 0.54%, the fourth – 0.66%. Diet consisted of wheat bran, sunflower meal, sunflower hulls, alfalfa grass meal, premix and bone concentrate. At the 84th day of age, the largest body weight was in rabbits, which consumed feed containing methionine 0.41% – 3005.4 g, which is on 3.2% (P &lt; 0.01) more than in the control. Over the entire period of the experiment largest absolute increase was observed in rabbits of second group (0.41% of methionine) and preponderated the indicator of animals of control group at 5.7% (P &lt; 0.001). The average daily gain for the entire period of the experiment was the highest in rabbits of the second group, which was on 5.8% (P &lt; 0.001) more than in control. Calculations of feed costs for the period of growth 42–84 days indicate that the rabbits that consumed a feed containing 0.66% methionine per 1 kg of body weight gain consumed it by 2.3% less than control, and those who consumed feed with contents 0.54% methionine – by 1.5% less, 0.41% methionine – by 1.2% less. According to experimental results, we can conclude that for maximum increases in body weight with moderate cost of feed per unit of weight must use diet containing methionine 0.41%.

Impacts of Irrigation with Reclaimed Wastewater on Forages Production, Nutrients, and Heavy Metals Content

In order to investigate the effect of reclaimed wastewater (RWW) on soil chemical properties and heavy metal uptake of selected forages, an experiment was carried out at Dhaid Research Station, UAE during three growing seasons (2014-2016). Alfalfa, Rhodes and Buffel grass were irrigated by RWW and grown in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Composite soil samples were collected from the experimental site before starting the study and every six months from planting date to test the macro and heavy elements concentration in soil and forages tissues. Chemical analysis for soil, crops and wastewater were analyzed. RWW irrigation has significantly increased the soil salinity (1 to 8 dSm-1) in 2014 but soon these values were declined in 2015 and 2016 growing seasons due to the enhanced irrigation water quality and the use of good water management.Results revealed that UAE (Sharjah) domestic RWW is suitable to be reused for irrigate forages as its quality match international standards for RWW irrigation except its Na and Cl content. The results of the plants tissues analysis during 2014 season indicated a rise in the nutrients concentration, particularly nitrogen, potash, iron and boron, compared with the critical limits. While, the results have also shown a significant increase of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu), especially in Buffel grass and Alfalfa tissues during the third season (2016) which exceeded the critical limits.The highest mean yearly dry weight yield during the study period were recorded for Buffel grass (50.5 ton ha-1) followed by Rhodes (44.5 ton ha-1) and Alfalfa (11.1 ton ha-1). It can be concluded that regular monitoring of recycled wastewater, soil and appropriate management are needed to mitigate the negative impacts of sodium and salts accumulations.

Plant root morphology and soil biological indicators under primary development of various swards

ABSTRACTPlant nutrition conditions are limited in naturally acidic soil due to harmful hydrogen and aluminium ions. More favourable conditions for plant nutrition (soil liming) will affect root qualitative and quantitative parameters and influence ecosystem stability. Four legume–grass swards were cultivated. The swards were a combination of one species of legume and two species of grasses: Trifolium pratense L., Trifolium repens L., Trifolium hybridum L., Medicago sativa L. (each of 50%) with Phleum pratense L. (35%) and Poa pratensis L. (15%). The aim of this study is to evaluate the root morphological and soil biological indicators of legume–grass swards under the first two years of development in soils with different pH levels.Sward ecosystem development depends on the pH of the soil, sward species composition and soil biota. During the first year of sward development, soil pH had a significant influence on the morphology of root system. Sward‘s root mass and total root length was 2.4 and 2.2 times bigger in naturally acidic soil. This resulted in a change of biological parameters.In the second year of sward development, soil pH had no significant influence on sward‘s root mass. However, under the impact of different soil pH, various sward‘s root systems were formed and the root C:N ratio had changed. It is observed that, regardless of the sward species composition and the year of development, at higher root C:N ratio soil microbial biomass was higher and CO2 emissions were lower in swards in naturally acidic soils.Regardless of soil pH, different types of clover–grass swards promoted organic carbon immobilization in microbial biomass and, at the same time, stabilized the sward ecosystem in the top soil layer (soil respiration in 0–10 and 10–20 cm layers was lower) more effectively than the alfalfa–grass sward.

New applications of near‐infrared spectroscopy in crop and soil analysis

New applications of near‐infrared spectroscopy in crop and soil analysis