Mixture Of Alfalfa Research Articles

Энергетическая и питательная ценность различных многолетних трав и их смесей на дерново-подзолистых почвах Верхневолжья

As a result of many years of research on the energy and nutritional value of various perennial herbs and their mixtures on soddy-podzolic soil in the Upper Volga region, as well as the calculation of the possible gross milk yield when fed, it has been established that festulolium in a single-species sowing is superior to timothy grass both in control and on the background of mineral nutrition. On average, over five years, its green mass yield was 2.7 more, dry matter by 0.41 t/ha, fodder units and metabolic energy yield by 0.54 thousand/ha and 5.6 GJ/ha in control and 3.7, 0.58 t/ha, 0.75 thousand/ha, 7.3 GJ/ha, respectively, against the background with mineral fertilizers. The productivity of variable alfalfa was higher than that of red clover. In mixed crops, the most productive on both agricultural backgrounds was the grass mixture of alfalfa and festulolium, which surpassed the clover-festulolium mixture in the collection of fodder units by 2.48 thousand/ha, exchange energy — by 31.1 GJ/ha in control, by 2.68 thousand/ha and 12.3 GJ/ha, respectively, against the background of mineral nutrition. Mixtures of alfalfa and clover with festulolium are the most balanced in terms of sugar and protein. Their sugar-protein ratio was 1.63 and 1.04 in the control and 1.60 and 1.30 in the presence of mineral nutrition, and the provision of the feed unit with digestible protein corresponded to the zootechnical norm or was close to it. The highest yield of milk, both in terms of exchange energy and sugar, is provided by a mixture of alfalfa with festulolium — 10750 and 12050 liters in the control and 12287 and 13910 liters against the background of mineral nutrition, the smallest is timothy meadow in a single-species sowing.

The use of silos of legume-cereal grass mixtures in the diets of cows as a factor of better use of feed nutrients

Relevance. Silage of the green mass of perennial legumes remains a difficult task due to the high protein and water content. It is possible to obtain from them a feed slightly inferior to the original green mass in terms of energy nutrition and protein content, as well as biologically active substances, only by siloing them in a slightly dried form (30–40% dry matter) using effective preservatives.Methods. To study the digestibility of nutrients of silos of legume-cereal grass mixtures in the conditions of LLC “Garant” of the Belebeyevsky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan, two physiological studies were conducted. According to the principle of pairs of analogues (breed, age at calving, live weight, lactation phase, productivity level), 6 groups of cows of the Bestuzhev breed were selected at the beginning of lactation, 10 heads each. In the first experiment, 20 kg of corn silage was received as part of the diet of cows of the 1st control group, and animals from the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups were fed with silage from a mixture of alfalfa and boneless stalk in the amount of 20 and 25 kg, respectively. In the second experiment, animals of the 1st control group received 20 kg of corn silage, and in the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups, 20 and 25 kg of silage of a mixture of clover and boneless stalk were included in the feeding diet. In the third group of each experiment, the proportion of compound feeds in the rations was reduced by 1 kg per head per day.Results. Studies have shown that the use of silos from legume-cereal grass mixtures in the diets of dairy cows in the amount of 20 and 25 kg instead of the same amount of similar feed from corn increases the digestibility and digestibility of feed nutrients. At the same time, the use of compound feeds in the diets of dairy cows is reduced by 1 kg per head per day, which is of great practical importance in the conditions of a modern market economy.

The Influence of Calcium Sulfate and Different Doses of Potassium on the Soil Enzyme Activity and the Yield of the Sward with a Mixture of Alfalfa and Grasses

Between 2012 and 2015, a field experiment was conducted at the Brody Experimental Farm, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poland. The following two experimental factors were used in duplicate: calcium sulfate (CaSO4) fertilization—two levels (0 and 500 kg ha−1); and potassium (K) fertilization—four levels (0, 30, 60, and 120 kg ha−1). The soil pH (in H2O) and enzyme activity (dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase) were determined. The potassium fertilizer had a significant influence only on the dehydrogenase activity, which increased with the dose of potassium. The research showed that the fertilization of the sward mixture of alfalfa and grasses with potassium doses of 60 and 120 kg ha−1 in the K 60 and K 120 combinations resulted in higher yields of fresh matter than in the combination without the potassium fertilizer (K 0). In the last year of the research, the additional CaSO4 fertilization resulted in the highest increase in the yield of the mixture of alfalfa and grasses, as compared with the variant without this fertilizer. The application of this fertilizer in the first years of the research also increased the yield of fresh matter.

Transitional organic forage systems in the southeastern U.S.: Production and nutritive value

AbstractLimited work has been done to develop organic forage programs in humid subtropical regions despite growing demand for high‐value forage and organic products. Alternative crops were compared for optimizing forage production and nutritive value under organic conditions in the southeastern United States. The study was conducted at the Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Forage treatments consisted of (a) monoculture tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.], (b) monoculture bermudagrass [Cynodon dactlyon (L.) Pers.], (c) tall fescue and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) mixture, (d) bermudagrass and alfalfa mixture, and (e) an annual rotation of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) mixed with winter pea (Pisum sativum L.) followed by sorghum–sudangrass [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench x S. sudanese (Piper) Stapf.] mixed with cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] mixture. Perennial treatments were established during the 2017–2018 growing season. Monthly production was measured in the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 growing seasons. Botanical composition of forage mass fluctuated due to establishment dynamics and weed competition, affecting forage quantity and quality. The annual rotation was the highest‐yielding treatment, producing more than 6,000 kg−1, though each tall fescue and tall fescue–alfalfa treatments produced ∼4,000 kg ha−1. Nutritive value was sufficient for most livestock operations, with forage crude protein concentration averaging ∼150 g kg−1 across treatments and growing seasons. For transitioning organic producers, a perennial forage will likely favor long‐term sustainability, whereas the annual rotation may be useful during the transition period to reduce weed pressure before transitioning to a perennial forage system.

DEPENDENCE OF CROP ROTATION EFFICIENCY ON PHOSPHOGYPSE AND FERTILIZERS APPLICATION

The article is devoted to the study of the energy nutritional value of forage from perennial legumes and cereals grown on the drained lands of the Non-Chernozem zone (Tver region). The objects of research are highly productive grass stands based on variable alfalfa variety Vega 87, meadow clover variety Shans, and intensive types of cereal grasses meadow timothy variety VIK 9, meadow fescue variety Sakharovskaya. The objects of research are high-yielding grass stands based on alfalfa variety Vega 87, meadow clover variety Shans, and intensive types of cereal grasses meadow timothy variety VIK 9, meadow fescue variety Sakharovskaya. The studies were carried out in 2018-2020 on the experimental field of the All-Russian Research Institute of Reclaimed Lands - Branch of the Federal Research Centre V.V. Dokuchaev Soil Science Institute (VNIIMZ) on sod-podzolic light loamy soil, drained by closed pottery drainage. It is noted that under conditions of waterlogged soil and low average daily temperatures, grass mixtures of alfalfa and meadow clover with perennial grasses often have unstable productivity. The botanical composition of grass mixtures on average over the years of research showed the participation of legumes - 45-50 %, cereals - 50-55 %. Of the cereal components during the period of crop formation, more active development was noted in meadow fescue, on average, 54 % in the composition of mixtures, versus 46 % of meadow timothy. Analysis of samples of green mass and voluminous forage (silage) from alfalfa, meadow clover and cereal grasses harvested for the winter stall period showed a high protein content in silage prepared from the plant mass of alfalfa-clover-cereal grass mixture. These feeds contain protein 128.3-138.5 g per feed unit, metabolic energy 9.18-10.08 MJ per 1 kg of dry feed.

ENERGY NUTRITION OF PERENNIAL LEGUMES AND CEREALS ON DRIED LANDS OF THE UPPER VOLGA

The article is devoted to the study of the energy nutritional value of forage from perennial legumes and cereals grown on the drained lands of the Non-Chernozem zone (Tver region). The objects of research are highly productive grass stands based on variable alfalfa variety Vega 87, meadow clover variety Shans, and intensive types of cereal grasses meadow timothy variety VIK 9, meadow fescue variety Sakharovskaya. The objects of research are high-yielding grass stands based on alfalfa variety Vega 87, meadow clover variety Shans, and intensive types of cereal grasses meadow timothy variety VIK 9, meadow fescue variety Sakharovskaya. The studies were carried out in 2018-2020 on the experimental field of the All-Russian Research Institute of Reclaimed Lands - Branch of the Federal Research Centre V.V. Dokuchaev Soil Science Institute (VNIIMZ) on sod-podzolic light loamy soil, drained by closed pottery drainage. It is noted that under conditions of waterlogged soil and low average daily temperatures, grass mixtures of alfalfa and meadow clover with perennial grasses often have unstable productivity. The botanical composition of grass mixtures on average over the years of research showed the participation of legumes - 45-50 %, cereals - 50-55 %. Of the cereal components during the period of crop formation, more active development was noted in meadow fescue, on average, 54 % in the composition of mixtures, versus 46 % of meadow timothy. Analysis of samples of green mass and voluminous forage (silage) from alfalfa, meadow clover and cereal grasses harvested for the winter stall period showed a high protein content in silage prepared from the plant mass of alfalfa-clover-cereal grass mixture. These feeds contain protein 128.3-138.5 g per feed unit, metabolic energy 9.18-10.08 MJ per 1 kg of dry feed.

Economic outcomes for transitioning to organic forage production

AbstractResearch on the use of forages to transition cropland to organic production is limited. Our objective was to determine the cost of transitioning from conventional to organic production using perennial and annual forage systems. The study was conducted at the Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, in Spring Hill, TN. Five forage treatments were compared: tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.] monoculture, bermudagrass [Cynodon dactlyon (L.) Pers.] monoculture, tall fescue and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) mixture, bermudagrass and alfalfa mixture, and an annual rotation of a cool‐season mixture, including winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and winter pea (Pisum sativum L.), and a warm‐season mixture of sorghum–sudangrass [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench × S.orghum sudanese (Piper) Stapf] and cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]. Perennial forages were established in 2017 and 2018 following orchard removal and a fallow period. Regular production measurements began in 2019 when the plots achieved full organic certification status. Tall fescue had the lowest cost for the overall transition period. However, on a cost per unit of dry matter (DM) forage mass and on a cost per unit of crude protein (CP) basis, all treatments were similar, with a range between US$0.02 and $0.03 lb–1 for DM forage mass and between $0.15 and $0.20 lb–1 for CP, except for the more costly bermudagrass monoculture that was $0.06 lb–1 DM forage mass and $0.40 lb–1 CP. Given the lack of a premium during the transition period, tall fescue was the most cost‐effective transition forage.

The effect of mineral fertilizers on the yield and quality of hay of leguminous grasses

The article presents the results obtained in the stationary experiment of the Novozybkovskaya SHOS. In the experiment, single-species crops of yellow alfalfa, boneless stalk and grass mixtures based on them were studied against the background of various doses of potash fertilizers (K120-180). The influence of potash fertilizers on the yield and quality of legumes and cereals, their mixed crops and a decrease in the content of 137Cs in hay is considered. It was found that the highest yield of hay of perennial grasses in both the first and second mowing was obtained in the P60K180 variant. The highest level of hay yield among the studied crops was noted in a grass mixture of yellow alfalfa with a boneless stalk. In terms of the yield of feed units and exchange energy per hectare, the alfalfa + stalk grass mixture exceeded single-species crops. Studies have established that the guaranteed receipt of normatively clean feeds based on yellow alfalfa, boneless stalk and grass mixtures based on them is provided by the use of phosphorus-potassium fertilizer in a dose P60K120.

Effects of an array of dietary treatments and length of feeding on ruminal methane emission and other variables in hair sheep

Eighteen Katahdin sheep ewes (initial body weight [BW] = 73.7 ± 1.76 kg and age = 5.2 ± 0.56 yr) and 18 St. Croix ewes (54.7 ± 1.33 kg BW and 4.1 ± 0.42 yr) were used in an experiment to determine effects of dietary level of Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata; 5.8% condensed tannins and 10.3 % crude protein, dry matter [DM] basis) and other supplemental ingredients on BW, feed intake, digestion, energy metabolism, ruminal methane emission, and levels of blood and ruminal fluid constituents. Diets were consumed ad libitum and included a concentrate supplement at approximately 0.45 % BW (DM). Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) was the basal forage for control (CON), ionophore (ION; lasalocid at 33 mg/kg DM), coconut oil (3%; CCO), and soybean oil (3%; SBO) diets, and forage in moderate- and high-lespedeza diets was a 1:1 mixture of alfalfa and lespedeza and all lespedeza, respectively (ALF:LES and LES, respectively). There were four 6-wk periods, with digestion assessed in wk 4 and measures with a respiration calorimetry system in wk 5. Although there was a three-way interaction involving dietary treatment, breed, and period, average forage intake was greater for LES than for CON, ION, CCO, SBO (P < 0.05), and ALF:LES (P = 0.062; 988, 1072, 1265, 987, 951, and 1057 g/day for CON, ALF:LES, LES, ION, CCO, and SBO, respectively; standard error of the mean [SEM] = 69.4). Dietary level of lespedeza had marked effects (P < 0.05) on digestion of organic matter [OM] (69.2, 57.6, 50.3, 66.3, 66.0, and 68.7 %; SEM = 1.57) and nitrogen (78.3, 65.3, 46.8, 71.4, 73.9, and 75.7 %; SEM = 1.81), with digestible OM intake numerically lower (P > 0.05) for diets with lespedeza and for ION (697, 607, 589, 598, 635, and 690 g/day for CON, ALF:LES, LES, ION, CCO, and SBO, respectively; SEM = 50.4). There was a treatment by period interaction (P < 0.05) in ruminal methane emission relative to digestible energy intake, but overall, emission was greatest among treatments (P < 0.05) for CON (12.33, 9.92, 10.24, 10.41, 8.91, and 8.66 % for CON, ALF:LES, LES, ION, CCO, and SBO, respectively; SEM = 0.730). Average daily gain (ADG) was greatest among treatments (P < 0.05) for SBO (54, 28, 18, 40, 56, and 98 g; SEM = 13.2). Many findings are not closely aligned with those of previous studies with goats. For example, effects of lespedeza on feed intake and ruminal methane emission were greater in the first than second half of the experiment, though interactions observed could not be clearly attributed to factors such as microbial adaptation. The effect of the SBO diet on ADG with the alfalfa-based diet deserves future research attention.

Оrganization of a green conveyor of zoned perennial grasses in the Far North

Relevance. The aim of the work is to create a green conveyor belt of perennial zoned grasses in floodplain meadows. For the first time in the Far North on the basis of field experience were studied species composition and mode of use of perennial grasses and legumes for green belt.Methods. The research was conducted in 2018–2020 in field conditions in the experimental field laboratory of horticulture of Yakut Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture named after M.G. Safronov in the Khangalassky ulus of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). The soil of the experimental site is permafrost floodplain turf light loamy. Sowing was carried out in summer in the first decade of July.Results. The article includes data on the yield, chemical composition and nutritional value, and economic efficiency of perennial grasses. Over the years of research, the maximum yield was obtained from the grass mixtures of rumps (20)+ wheatgrass (16) — 4.0 t/ha of green mass, which is higher than the natural herbage by 2.4 t/ha of green mass. The yield of net sowing of sickle alfalfa (8 kg/ha) was 4.5 t/ha of green mass. The maximum yield from leguminous grass mixtures was provided by a two-component mixture of alfalfa (8 kg/ha) + stalk (10 kg/ha) — 4.9 t/ha of green mass. The highest content of crude protein when creating a green conveyor from single-species cereal crops is observed in red oatmeal — 18.2%, while the content of exchange energy is 9.1 MJ, feed units — 0.66, digestible protein — 122 g in 1 kg of dry matter. Of legumes and cereals the highest content of raw protein is provided by alfalfa (8 kg/ha) — 19.0%, while the content of exchange energy is 9.3 MJ, feed units — 0.70, digestible protein is 120 g per 1 kg of dry matter. When creating a green conveyor from grass stands, a high conditional net income is obtained when sowing boneless stalk (20 kg/ha) +w heatgrass (16 kg/ha) — 5688 rubles/ha, while the cost of production is 12,000 rubles/ha, the profitability is 90%.

Forage potential of winter‐hardy perennial ryegrass populations in monoculture and binary alfalfa mixture

AbstractPerennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is a cool‐season grass valued for its grazing characteristics and nutritive value. MSP3984 and MSP4029, breeding populations selected for winter‐hardiness, were evaluated for biomass and nutritive value in monoculture and grass–alfalfa mixtures (Medicago sativa L.). Plots were sampled at conventional hay harvest intervals at three Minnesota locations for two production years, 2017 and 2018. Persistence was evaluated in the spring of the 3rd year, 2019. MSP3984 and MSP4029 were compared to commercial cultivars of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.), tall fescue (F. arundinacea Schreb.), and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.). Location and year × location effects largely influenced grass monoculture yields (p &lt; .001) and botanical composition of mixtures (p &lt; .001). In general, perennial ryegrass monocultures yielded less and were less persistent (p &lt; .05) compared to the other cool‐season grasses. Biomass, nutritive value, and persistence did not differ among MSP3984, MSP4029, and the perennial ryegrass check ‘Remington’. However, MSP4029 was less competitive in grass–alfalfa mixtures than ‘Remington’ (p = .01). Perennial ryegrasses had lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentrations than meadow fescue (p = .001) and orchardgrass (p &lt; .001). Perennial ryegrasses also had lower acid detergent fiber (ADF) values on average than the other grasses, but cultivar effects were influenced by a year × location interaction (p = .02). This research reinforces (a) the importance of evaluating cool‐season forage grasses across latitudinal and precipitation gradients, (b) the value of grass–legume mixtures for yield stability compared to monocultures across locations and production years, and (c) the sustained need to improve forage production and persistence of perennial ryegrass for cold environments.

Effects of fatty acid salts on fermentation characteristics, bacterial diversity and aerobic stability of mixed silage prepared with alfalfa, rice straw and wheat bran.

The objective was to determine effects of potassium diformate (PD), sodium diacetate (SD) and calcium propionate (CAP) on dynamics of microbial community, fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability of silage comprised of a mixture of alfalfa (AF), rice straw (RS) and wheat bran (MF). Treatments included control (C), PD [5.5g kg-1 fresh weight (FW)], SD (7g kg-1 FW), and CAP (10g kg-1 FW), which were ensiled for 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, 30 and 45 days in vacuum-sealed polythene bags. After day 1 of ensiling, the most dominant bacterial species in all silages was Weissella cibaria, whereas Lactobacillus parabrevis, L. nodensis, L. plantarum and L. paralimentarius were dominant species after 5 and 15 days of ensiling, and ultimately Pseudomonas putida and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia became dominant after 45 days. The positive correlation between PD and L. plantarum supported the lowest pH, butyric acid, ammonia nitrogen, neutral and acid detergent fiber, and hemicellulose content, and high water-soluble carbohydrates and crude protein content in PD silage. In addition, SD and CAP enriched the abundance of L. parabrevis and mainly increased lactic acid (LA) and acetic acid (AA). CAP increased abundance of L. acetotolerans after 45 days of ensiling with more LA and AA than other treatments. The succession of the bacterial community of mixed silage was modulated by the three fatty acid salts; furthermore, PD and CAP further improved fermentation quality by accelerating the decrease in pH and the increase in LA. The chemical additives prolonged the aerobic stability more than 16 days. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of incorporating plantain, chicory, and alfalfa into a ryegrass-based diet on in vitro gas production and fermentation characteristics

The objective of these experiments was to determine how altering the proportion of ryegrass ( Lolium perenne L.) to chicory ( Cichorium intybus L.), alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.), or plantain ( Plantago lanceolata L.) or a mixture (equal parts DM of chicory, alfalfa, and plantain) affects the in vitro fermentation rates and formation of fermentation products. In vitro experiments were conducted using the ANKOM RF gas production modules (ANKOM). Experiment 1 examined increasing inclusion level (0, 50, 100%) of chicory, plantain, or alfalfa with ryegrass, and Exp. 2 examined increasing inclusion level (0, 25, 50, 75, 100%) of ryegrass to a mixture (equal parts DM of chicory, plantain, and alfalfa). In Exp. 1, there was a positive linear effect for 24-h gas production per gram of DM as inclusion increased for chicory ( P < 0.01) and plantain ( P < 0.01). A negative linear relationship was detected for ammonia (NH 3 ) and branched-chain VFA with increased level of inclusion of plantain ( P < 0.01) and chicory ( P < 0.01). In Exp. 2, there were linear ( P < 0.01), quadratic ( P < 0.01), and cubic ( P < 0.01) effects on both the asymptote of the gas production curve (mL/g of DM) and the fractional rate of gas production (%/h) with increasing mixture inclusion. There was a linear decrease in the total VFA composed of iso-butyrate ( P < 0.01) and iso-valerate ( P < 0.01) as the level of chicory, plantain, and alfalfa inclusion increased. Incorporating greater levels of chicory; plantain; or a mixture of chicory, plantain, and alfalfa with ryegrass increased gas production and reduced NH 3 and branched-chain VFA in rumen fluid, which could imply a greater nutrient supply from the rumen to the host animal. Further research is required to evaluate whether these results translate to in vivo benefits on animal performance and reductions of urinary N excretion.

Evaluation of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) for forage yield and persistence in sainfoin–alfalfa (Medicago sativa) mixtures and under different harvest frequencies

Condensed tannins in sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) improve forage digestion and reduce the risk of ruminant bloat caused by grazing alfalfa (Medicago sativa). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the forage dry matter yield (DMY) and persistence of newer sainfoin cultivars in mixtures with alfalfa, and to determine the impact of harvest frequency on the persistence of sainfoin. Sainfoin cultivars ‘AAC Mountainview’, ‘AAC Glenview’, ‘Delaney’, ‘Shoshone’, and six experimental populations were compared with ‘Nova’ and ‘Melrose’ at Lanigan, SK, from 2016 to 2018. Field plots were seeded in either monocultures of sainfoin at 33 kg·ha−1 or sainfoin–‘AC Grazeland’ alfalfa mixtures at 16:9 kg·ha−1 in alternate rows. Forage DMY was greater (P = 0.001) in mixtures than in sainfoin monocultures in all harvests. The proportion of sainfoin in mixtures at Cut 1 declined from 4.1% to 1.3% of total DMY from 2016 to 2018, and 19.0% to 4.8% in Cut 2, which was less than the recommended level to eliminate ruminant bloat risk. A second field trial was established in 2017 to compare responses of ‘AAC Mountainview’, ‘Nova’, and ‘Shoshone’ sainfoin under one-, two- or three-harvest frequencies in 2018 and 2019. The increase of harvest frequency did not reduce sainfoin stand (%). Stand percentage of ‘AAC Mountainview’ (91%) was greater (P = 0.01) than ‘Nova’ sainfoin (62%). Further agronomic studies focusing on weed control in sainfoin stands and the optimum seeding ratios of sainfoin–alfalfa within the Parkland region of Saskatchewan are needed.

Effects of Sericea Lespedeza on Feed Intake, Digestion, and Ruminal Methane Emission in Hair Sheep

Abstract Eighteen Katahdin (initial body weight of 74 kg; SEM=1.8) and 18 St. Croix ewes (55 kg; SEM=1.3) were used in an experiment with four 6-wk periods to determine effects of dietary level of Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) containing 5.8% condensed tannins (dry matter; DM) and other supplemental ingredients on feed intake, digestion, and ruminal methane emission. Diets were consumed ad libitum and included a concentrate supplement at 0.45% BW (DM). Alfalfa was the basal forage for control (CON), ionophore (ION; lasalocid at 33 mg/kg DM), coconut oil (3%; CCO), and soybean oil (3%; SBO) diets, and forage in moderate- and high-lespedeza diets was a 1:1 mixture of alfalfa and lespedeza and all lespedeza, respectively (MSL and HSL, respectively). Data were analyzed with a 2 x 6 factorial arrangement of treatments, period as a repeated measure, and a mixed effects model. Digestion and methane emission were determined in weeks 4, 10, 16, and 22. Total DM intake was similar among treatments (P = 0.070) but numerically greatest for HSL (1,197, 1,297, 1,491, 1,203, 1,195, and 1,207 g/d; SEM=81.1), OM digestibility ranked (P &amp;lt; 0.05) CON, ION, CCO, and SBO &amp;gt; MSL &amp;gt; HSL (69.2, 57.6, 50.3, 66.3, 66.0, and 68.7%; SEM=1.57), and digestible OM intake was similar among treatments (P = 0.517; 697, 607, 589, 598, 635, and 690 g/d for CON, MSL, HSL, ION, CCO, and SBO, respectively; SEM=50.4). There were no interactions involving time in ruminal methane emission, which was greatest among treatments for CON (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in MJ/d (1.39, 0.93, 0.90, 0.92, 0.85, and 0.96; SEM=0.069) and relative to digestible energy intake (20.6, 15.7, 16.8, 16.1, 13.7, and 13.9% for CON, MSL, HSL, ION, CCO, and SBO, respectively; SEM=1.223). In conclusion, dietary inclusion of Sericea lespedeza may offer a natural and sustainable means of decreasing ruminal methane emission by hair sheep as previously shown in goats, with a magnitude of impact similar to that of some other supplemental dietary ingredients.

Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Sericea Lespedeza Hay on Behavior, Heat Energy, and Ruminal Methane Emission by Growing Alpine Doelings and Katahdin Ewe Lambs

Abstract Twenty-four Alpine doelings (initial body weight (BW) and age of 25.3±0.55 kg and 10.4±0.11 mo, respectively) and 24 Katahdin ewe lambs (28.3±1.02 kg and 9.6±0.04 mo, respectively) were used to determine effects of dietary level of Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata; 10% condensed tannins) on heat energy and ruminal emission of the greenhouse gas methane determined with an open-circuit calorimetry system. Pens with Calan feeding gates were used in the study with four 6–7-wk periods. Diets (i.e., treatments) consumed ad libitum were 75% ground hay, alfalfa, a 1:1 mixture of alfalfa and lespedeza (AL), and lespedeza. Data were analyzed with a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments, repeated measure of period, and a mixed effects model. Feeders were open 195 and 205 min/d for Alpine and Katahdin (SEM=9.8) and longer (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for diets with lespedeza (159, 209, and 231 min/d for alfalfa, AL, and lespedeza, respectively). Rate of dry matter intake (DMI) was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for Katahdin vs. Alpine (10.2 and 6.1 g/min) and for alfalfa than for AL and lespedeza (11.1, 8.1, and 6.7 g/min, respectively). Heat energy was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in MJ/d for Katahdin than for Alpine (10.19 vs. 7.90) and similar among diets (9.20, 9.40, and 8.53; SEM=0.266), but values in kJ/kg BW0.75 were similar between animal types (560 and 579; SEM=8.4) and greatest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) among diets for AL (563, 592, and 553 for alfalfa, AL, and lespedeza, respectively). Ruminal methane emission differed (P &amp;lt; 0.05) between animal types in MJ/d (1.17 and 1.44), kJ/g DMI (1.39 and 1.23), and kJ/g average daily gain (ADG; 18.1 and 9.8 for Alpine and Katahdin, respectively). Regardless of period, diet did not impact methane emission in MJ/d or relative to DMI, BW, or ADG. In conclusion, it is unclear why dietary inclusion of lespedeza did not reduce ruminal methane emission as in previous studies. Species differences in methane relative to DMI and ADG (i.e., lower for sheep than for goats) deserve further attention.

Фотосинтетическая деятельность смешанных посевов трав, их продуктивность и влияние на плодородие дерново-подзолистой почвы в условиях Верхневолжья

The results of long-term research on the photosynthetic activity of mixed crops of perennial grasses are presented, their productivity and the effect on the fertility of potentially poor soddy-podzolic soils are studied. It was found that in herbage based on clover, the maximum area (68.8 thousand m2/ha) and the photosynthetic potential of leaves (718 thousand m2/ha × day) on the control were formed by mixed crops of clover and festulolium, and against the background of mineral nutrition – mixtures clover with timothy (68.4 thousand m2/ha and 718) and festulolium (66.6 thousand m2/ha and 704 thousand m2/ha × day). In mixed crops with alfalfa mixtures with timothy and ryegrass, they had the highest leaf area – 57.9 and 57.5 thousand m2/ha and FP of 620 and 611 thousand m2/ha × day, respectively. A high leaf surface index was found in clover herbage with festulolium in control (6.88), timothy (6.84) and festulolium (6.66) against the background of mineral nutrition. Grass mixtures of alfalfa in productivity exceeded clover ones, the most productive on both backgrounds in terms of the yield of fodder units and protein collection turned out to be a grass mixture of alfalfa with festulolium – 7.19 in the control and 8.53 thousand / ha of fodder units when applying mineral fertilizers, 1069 and 1194 kg/ha of protein, respectively, sugar – festulolium on the control and festulolium and ryegrass on the background of mineral nutrition. The smallest amount of stubble-root residues (SRR) – 7.99, 8.32 in the control and 11.9, 14.5 t/ha against the background of mineral nutrition, respectively, accumulated grass stands of meadow clover with ryegrass and fescue due to a weak root system. The application of mineral fertilizers increased the amount of SRR in clover mixtures more strongly (by 55% on average) than in alfalfa (only by 26%), although in terms of the total amount of accumulated bio-residues, mixed crops of alfalfa exceeded clover crops – their maximum amount is 13.7 and 12.6 t/hectares on the control and 17.2, and 15.8 t/ha against the background of mineral nutrition accumulated mixtures of alfalfa with timothy and festulolium. Herbal mixtures with alfalfa accumulated more symbiotic nitrogen – from 54 to 58 kg/ha on the control and 56–74 kg/ha on the background of mineral nutrition. Mineral fertilizers significantly affected the symbiotic activity of only clover grass stands, increasing the amount of nitrogen fixed by them by 56%, and their effect on alfalfa mixtures was insignificant.

Establishment and productivity of cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.) in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) or alfalfa–hybrid bromegrass mixtures

Cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.) (CMV) is a non-bloating, perennial legume that has shown persistence under grazing. Limited information is available on its seedling establishment and subsequent forage yield and nutritive value in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) mixtures. Field plots were seeded in May 2013 at Melfort, SK, Canada, to evaluate ‘Oxley II’ cicer milkvetch performance in ‘AC Grazeland’ alfalfa or alfalfa and ‘AC Success’ hybrid bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehmann× Bromus inermis Leyss.) mixtures from 2014 to 2017. Two controlled environment tests were also conducted by treating seeds of CMV using alfalfa root aqueous extract. Seed germination and seedling height of CMV were significantly reduced in aqueous extract. In the field, establishment of CMV in a mixture containing alfalfa was reduced, and CMV dry matter proportion in the mixture increased only 3.5% over three years. Increasing CMV seeding rate did not increase its dry matter (DM) percent in the mixtures, indicating a high allelopathic effect of alfalfa. Forage DM yield of all mixtures was linearly correlated to the proportion of alfalfa, and adding hybrid brome did not increase the DM yield. Forage DM yield was higher for the three-cut than the two-cut treatments for CMV–alfalfa mixtures, but there was no difference between the cutting frequency for CMV–alfalfa–hybrid brome mixtures. Fiber concentrations decreased linearly with increased CMV seeding rate in the mixtures. This study showed that CMV establishment in alfalfa mixtures was reduced in a same-row seeding, and the allelopathic effect was not reduced by lower alfalfa seeding rates or adding a grass.

Harvest Time and Fertility Effects on Yield and Quality of Forage from Alfalfa, Hybrid Bromegrass and Their Mixture

A field experiment with 24 treatments consisting of three perennial forage crops [alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv. AC Longview), hybrid bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehm & Bromus inermis Leyss. cv. AC Success) and their mixture], four Cut 1 dates (approximately June 20, July 10, July 30 or August 20), and two fertilizer levels (unfertilized and fertilized) was established in late May 2014, on a Black Chernozem [Udic Boroll] silty clay soil. Forage dry matter yield [DMY], and concentration (g·kg−1 DM) of crude protein [CP], total digestible nutrients [TDN] and acid detergent fiber [ADF] data were collected over 3 years from 2015 to 2017. The fertilizer treatments were imposed in 2016 and 2017. Forage crops were initially cut at four Cut 1 dates, and again cut [Cut 2] in autumn (September 2 in 2015, November 7 in 2016 and October 5 in 2017). For all three forage crops, forage DMY usually increased when Cut 1 was delayed. Delaying Cut 1 reduced forage DMY for Cut 2. Total DMY (Cut 1 + Cut 2) for all three forage crops was highest from the combination of July 10 and late Autumn cuts. Alfalfa-bromegrass mixture produced higher DMY than bromegrass or alfalfa alone. Fertilizer application resulted in a significant increase in Cut 1 and total DMY for bromegrass. The CP concentration in Cut 1 forage usually declined as the forage crops matured. The CP concentration was highest for alfalfa, followed by alfalfa-bromegrass mixture, and much lower for bromegrass. There was little or no effect of forage crop maturity on the TDN and ADF concentrations in forage. The TDN concentration was higher and ADF concentration was lower in forage from alfalfa or alfalfa-bromegrass mixture than bromegrass. Fertilizer application significantly increased CP concentration for alfalfa-bromegrass mixture. Delaying harvesting for Cut 1 increased ADF yield and TDN yield until Late July, but CP yield generally decreased with crop maturity. The ADF yield and TDN yield were higher for alfalfa-bromegrass mixture than bromegrass or alfalfa alone, and CP yield was similar for alfalfa and alfalfa-bromegrass mixture but considerably higher than bromegrass. Fertilizer application increased CP yield and ADF yield for bromegrass and alfalfa-bromegrass mixture, and TDN yield only for bromegrass. In conclusion, total DMY (Cut 1 + Cut 2) was highest for a combination of Early July and Autumn cuts. Forage yield was highest for alfalfa-bromegrass mixture, followed by alfalfa and lowest for bromegrass. The CP and TDN concentrations were higher, and ADF concentrations were lower in forage from alfalfa or alfalfa-bromegrass mixture than bromegrass.

Efficiency of use in the feeding of first-calf heifers hay and haylage of legume-grass mixtures

Increasing the protein nutritional value of rations through the use of legume-grass crops, press-cakes and oil-cakes, complete provision of high-quality animal feed, balanced in protein and other components, is the leading direction of solving the protein problem in animal husbandry and remains an urgent topic for research. The purpose of the research was to study the use of hay and haylage from the mixture of Eastern galega and awnless brome in the rations of first-calf heifers instead of the same feed from the mixture of alfalfa and awnless brome. For carrying out scientific and economic experiments in LLC Kushul in the Dyurtyulinsky district in the Republic of Bashkortostan on the principle of pairs-analogs (breed, live weight, age, level of productivity) four groups of first-calf heifers of Black-and-White breed per 10 heads in each have been selected. The inclusion of 4 kg of hay and 10 kg of haylage in the rations of first-calf heifers of the mixture of Eastern galega and awnless brome has a positive effect on increasing the protein content in milk by 3,1 and 3,4 %, sugar by 0,6 and 0,9 abs.%. There was a steady increase in the milk of cows of the experimental groups: carotene, total calcium and inorganic phosphorus compared to the control group where the animals received 4 kg of hay and 10 kg of haylage of the mixture of alfalfa and awnless brome. Thus, studies have shown that the use in rations of first-calf heifers hay and haylage of mixtures of Eastern galega and awnless brome promotes not only productivity, but also improve milk quality.