Native Pasture Research Articles

Balancing nutrition for successful reproduction in ruminants

AbstractProper nutrition is essential for sustaining optimal reproductive function in both humans and ruminants. Studies have shown that both undernutrition and overnutrition can negatively impact human reproductive processes. However, the Mediterranean diet, with its balanced and nutrient‐rich composition, is recognised for its positive effects on human reproduction. In the context of ruminants, a well‐balanced and nutrient‐rich diet is equally crucial for achieving peak reproductive performance. Grazing, which allows ruminants to feed on natural pasture in open environments, contrasts with indoor feeding, which is conducted in more controlled settings. A balanced dietary approach is vital for the successful reproduction of ruminant animals, and a combination of grazing and indoor feeding has been identified as an effective strategy to enhance their reproductive success. This review emphasises the impact of nutrition on reproductive outcomes in both human and ruminant populations, advocating for balanced dietary practices to improve reproductive success across species. A thorough understanding of the complex relationship between nutrition and reproductive health can offer valuable insights into enhancing fertility and reproductive efficiency in various contexts.

Supplementation during pregnancy on the production and metabolic profile of Polwarth sheep

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation during different stages of pregnancy on the development and productive performance of Polwarth sheep. Fifty-three adult ewes under synchronised pregnancy were submitted to a supplement of 1.5% body weight with commercial feed during the different stages of pregnancy on natural pasture: NS - no supplementation, SIG - supplemented during the initial third of pregnancy, SMG - supplemented during the middle third of pregnancy, SFG - supplemented during the final third of pregnancy, and STG - supplemented throughout pregnancy. The ewes were weighed at the time of laparoscopic insemination, at every third stage of the pregnancy, and two days before the expected lambing date, at which time the body condition score and metabolic markers were evaluated. The pre-lambing weight of the STG ewes was greater than that of the SFG and SMG ewes, which were, in turn, greater than the SIG and NS ewes. Body condition was superior in the STG and SFG ewes. Lamb survival was greater in the STG and SFG ewes, and lower in the SMG, SIG and NS ewes. Beta-hydroxybutyrate was lower in the SFG and STG ewes. Supplementation during the final third and throughout pregnancy increases the rates of survival and production in the lambs, with supplementation only during the final third of gestation being less costly for the production system.

Exploring Phosphate Solubilizing Bacterial Communities in Rhizospheres of Native and Exotic Forage Grasses in Alkaline-Sodic Soils of the Flooding Pampa.

The flooding pampa is one of the most important cattle-raising regions in Argentina. In this region, natural pastures are dominated by low-productivity native grass species, which are the main feed for livestock. In this context, previous studies in the region with the subtropical exotic grass Panicum coloratum highlight it as a promising species to improve pasture productivity. Cultivable phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) communities associated to native (Sporobolus indicus) and exotic (Panicum coloratum) forage grasses adapted to alkaline-sodic soils of the flooding pampa were analyzed. PSB represented 2-14% of cultivable rhizobacteria and Box-PCR fingerprinting revealed a high genetic diversity in both rhizospheres. Taxonomic identification by MALDI-TOF showed that PSB populations of P. coloratum and S. indicus rhizospheres are dominated by the phylum Proteobacteria (92,51% and 96,60% respectively) and to a lesser extent (< 10%), by the phyla Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. At the genus level, both PSB populations were dominated by Enterobacter and Pseudomonas. Siderophore production, nitrogen fixation, and indoleacetic acid production were detected in a variety of PSB genera of both plant species. A higher proportion of siderophore and IAA producers were associated to P. coloratum than S. indicus, probably reflecting a greater dependence of the exotic species on rhizospheric microorganisms to satisfy its nutritional requirements in the soils of the flooding pampa. This work provides a novel knowledge about functional groups of bacteria associated to plants given that there are no previous reports dedicated to the characterization of PSB rhizosphere communities of S indicus and P coloratum. Finally, it should be noted that the collection obtained in this study can be useful for the development of bioinputs that allow reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, providing sustainability to pasture production systems for livestock.

Climatic Variations and Challenges to Socio-economic Development amongst Mbororo Communities in Mbum Plateau, North West Region of Cameroon

This study sets out to investigate the challenges hindering Mbororo sources of livelihood in Mbum Plateau, North West Region of Cameroon. Explanatory research was used where it specify the nature and direction of the relationships between the studied variables. The study used mixed methods of qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study employed the primary and secondary data sources to bring out realistic results. Rainfall Seasonality Index (SI) and Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) were employed to assess the vulnerability of the agro-hydrological system to climate variation. The major primary data sources used were field survey, interviews and questionnaires. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed using stratified random and snow ball sampling techniques. The data obtained was complemented by secondary sources from published and unpublished materials. Data collected during the field survey were analyzed through two statistical techniques. The qualitative data obtained was analyzed through the content analysis whereas themes and codes were given to the different opinions and perceptions of the informants and their frequencies and percentages were being determined from there. Data were presented in tables, charts, maps, and graphs with some attempted interpretations. Data were analyzed using the chi-square and multiple regression models. The findings revealed that climate variability, dwindling pasture and low streams discharge are having negative effects on Mbororo communities. It was observed from satellite images that, land use over the years has been changing with reducing aerial extent and quality of pasture, reducing water points in Mbum Plateau. In order to adapt the decreasing cattle numbers on the side of the Mborroro, they have taken farming, diving, hawking arm rubbery, and schooling as new livelihoods sustenance. The study recommends a sustainable pastoral activity by encouraging the introduction of drought resistant cattle species, Bracharia and Guatemala grass to supplement the natural pasture. MINEPAI should regularly control herd size so as to ensure ecosystem balance and avoid overgrazing. Transhumance tracts and areas should be well demarcated to avoid frequent farmer-grazers’ conflicts and frequent cattle theft observed in the region.

Porojen talviruokinta ja sen vaikutukset porojen käyttäytymiseen, poronhoitokäytäntöihin ja ympäristöön

This report is based on the results from a Nordic network project funded by The Nordic Joint Committee for Agricultural and Food Research (NKJ) during the years 2021-2022. This network was created to encourage further cross-border discussions about the prospects of winter feeding of reindeer. In reindeer husbandry winter feeding has increased during the last decades due to competing land use activities and climate change. Herders in Norway, Sweden and Finland have previously raised concerns about the benefits and risks associated to the increasing need of winter feeding of reindeer in all three countries. The report, published in Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish and North Sámi, and covers the main findings from a series of preparatory workshops within each country and a main workshop in Arvidsjaur 8-9 June 2022. During the network activities, reindeer herders, researchers and managers discussed the effects of feeding on reindeer behaviour, herding practices and the environment. The two main topics discussed at the preparatory workshops were 1) the short- and long-term effects of winter feeding on reindeer behaviour, and 2) local to large scale effects of feeding on the environment and the natural pastures. During the main workshop, discussions were held about reasons for feeding of reindeer, the preconditions of feeding in the three countries, how winter feeding is usually performed, and best practices in relation to reindeer behaviour and the environment. The work aimed at promoting knowledge exchange on winter feeding of reindeer among all participants to help find solutions and mitigation actions to avoid changes in reindeer behaviour and negative effects of feeding on reindeer, reindeer herding and the environment. The report is aimed at herders, managers, as well as other land users, authorities and policymakers to give information on what was discussed and a summary of the challenges related to winter feeding and effects on reindeer behaviour and reindeer husbandry, and the environment. Rangifer Report No 19 is the Finnish version of the report. The Swedish version has been published (Rangifer Report No 18) and reports in Norwegian and North Sámi are published as following numbers of Rangifer Report.

Impact of Production Systems on the Levels of Vitamin E, β-Carotene, and Cholesterol in the Liver of Cattle Raised in the Eastern Amazon.

The nutritional composition of bovine liver, particularly in terms of vitamins E, β-carotene, and cholesterol concentration, is significantly influenced by the cattle-rearing system and diet. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of four predominant cattle-rearing systems in the Eastern Amazon region on the vitamin E, β-carotene content, and cholesterol levels in bovine liver during the rainy season. Liver-tissue samples were collected from 48 cattle, with twelve specimens representing each rearing system. The systems encompassed two native pastures located in flood-prone areas, cultivated pastures on upland terrain and a confinement-rearing system. Our findings indicate that, when considering all rearing systems collectively, there were no significant differences in the levels of vitamins and cholesterol in the liver tissues (p > 0.05). However, a marked disparity in cholesterol levels emerged when comparing intensive rearing systems to extensive ones, with the former demonstrating notably higher concentrations (p = 0.01). Additionally, the intensive rearing system was associated with elevated levels of β-carotene (p < 0.01), α-tocopherol (p = 0.01), and β-tocopherol (p = 0.01) relative to the extensive systems. No significant variations were observed amongst the different extensive systems (p > 0.05). These results suggest that, while all rearing systems yielded liver tissues with typical concentrations of vitamins and cholesterol, the intensive rearing system led to a higher accumulation of certain vitamin compounds. This study highlights the substantial nutritional implications of different cattle-rearing systems in the Eastern Amazon and provides valuable insights for developing dietary strategies to optimize the nutritional quality of bovine liver. Therefore, the generated results are groundbreaking in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil, and inspire the development of new research projects to address other demands in this field and achieve additional outcomes.

Herbage Quality of Eight Native Hordeum Ecotypes Collected From Natural Grassland &amp; Pasture Ecology of Southeastern Anatolia

In this study, plant samples of eight different ecotypes of three distinct species of the genus Hordeum were collected at the anthesis stage of the plants in the 2023 spring in Southeastern Anatolia's natural grassland and pasture ecology. The quality analyses of the herbage samples of Hordeum bulbosum, H. murinum, and H. spontaneum ecotypes collected from five different locations (Karacadag-I, Batman-1, Diyarbakır-6, Diyarbakır-8, and Diyarbakır-13) were determined by NIRS analyzer. Crude protein (CP), dry matter (DM), acid detergent insoluble fiber (ADF), neutral detergent insoluble fiber (NDF), acid detergent insoluble protein (ADP), Ca, K, Mg, P, Ca/P, K/(Ca+Mg), digestible dry matter (DDM), dry matter intake (DMI) and relative feed values (RFV) were determined. The values were determined between 8.2-23.4% for CP; 92.1-93.4% for DM; 19.3-36.2% for ADF; 26.2-71.9% for NDF; 0.16-0.71% for ADP; 60.7-73.9% for DDM; 1.67-4.58% for DMI; 78.6-262.8 for RFV; 0.30-0.42% for P; 1.72-2.84% for K; 0.12-1.62% for Ca; 0.17-0.30% for Mg; 0.33-3.84 for Ca/P; 2.76-4.77 for K/(Ca+Mg). In conclusion, the CP, ADF, NDF, DMI, RFV, and Ca/P values were found very variable in collected ecotypes and can be used for forage barley breeding purposes.

Impact of rearing systems in the Eastern Amazon on cholesterol, β-carotene and vitamin E homologues in steer.

The quality of meat, with a focus on compounds important for human health, is directly related to the rearing systems in which the animals are produced. The search for a balanced diet, with an emphasis on low cholesterol and adequate levels of vitamins, aligns with society's emphasis on healthy eating, directly correlated with the importance of the offer made by producers for the cattle's diet. The objective was to verify the impact of different rearing systems, in the Eastern Amazon, during the rainy season, on the concentrations of vitamins (A, E) and cholesterol in the muscle (Longissimus lumborum) of crossbred Nelore cattle, castrated, aged between 24 and 36 months, and weighing between 410 and 628 kg. Twelve animals, from each of the three pasture rearing systems: native pasture in flooded areas of Monte Alegre; native pasture in a flooded area of Santa Cruz do Arari; and pasture cultivated on dry land in São Miguel do Guamá, all located in Pará, Brazil-were sampled in commercial slaughterhouses. A notable influence was observed in the concentrations of β-carotene (p < 0.01), α-Tocopherol (p = 0.02), β-Tocopherol (p < 0.01) and the combined sum of β-Tocotrienol and γ-Tocopherol (p < 0.01), as well as δ-Tocopherol (p < 0.01) when contrasting extensive with intensive systems (confinement). However, there was a difference in the content of vitamins and cholesterol between the isolated extensive systems, or between the four rearing systems (p > 0.05). Extensive systems, mainly in Monte Alegre, demonstrated greater amounts of α-Tocopherol and δ-Tocopherol. On the other hand, the intensive system exhibited higher levels of other investigated compounds, clarifying the nutritional variations generated by different livestock rearing practices in the region. Therefore, the results obtained are innovative in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil, in addition to inspiring the development of new research to meet other demands in this field, and achieve additional results, such as determining which meat, coming from cattle in production systems in the country, presents the better compositional quality of vitamins and lipids.

The Dynamics and Couses of Changes in Meadow and Natural Pasture Area in Klaipeda County

The comparative investigation utilized data from the Land Fund of the Republic of Lithuania spanning the years 2003 to 2023. In 2023, these areas in Klaipeda County encompassed 41,050.04 ha, accounting for 7.86 percent of the county's area. Over the period from 2003 to 2023, there was a decline of 141.05 ha or 0.34 percent in the overall area of meadows and natural pastures. After analyzing alterations in the meadows and natural pasture areas within the municipalities of Klaipeda County, it was found that, over the span of two decades, the scrutinized areas expanded in four of the seven municipalities. Conversely, the remaining three experienced a decrease in their respective areas. Skuodas municipality experienced the most substantial decrease (1860,79 ha or 34.76 percent). In Silute municipality, the analyzed area decreased by 3,515.93 ha or 15.58 percent. The largest expansion was identified in the municipalities of Klaipeda city (754.28 ha or 159.02 percent) and Klaipeda district (4,620.13 ha or 73.37 percent).

Tall wheatgrass response toward phosphorus deficiency: a constraint to its use as a forage resource in marginal soils

Tall wheatgrass is cultivated for pasture in marginal areas around the world due to its tolerance to abiotic stress including seasonal droughts and floods, as well as saline and alkaline soils. However, there is concern about its biomass productivity, which often does not exceed that of natural pastures. In this work we hypothesize that tall wheatgrass is a plant more sensitive to low P availability than commonly assumed. A glasshouse sand culture experiment was conducted to analyze morpho-physiological responses of tall wheatgrass to different P availability levels: 1 µmol L−1 phosphorus (severe deficiency, P1), 10 µmol L−1 phosphorus (representative value of soil solution in the region, P10) and 500 µmol L−1 phosphorus (full P supply, P500). Our results show that both limiting P conditions strongly decreased plant development and biomass accumulation, and altered above- and below-ground morphology, in comparison with P500 plants. The latter, in turn, had relative growth rate values comparable to those of other cultivated grasses under non-limiting conditions. In both P-deficient treatments, plant development was severely delayed starting from leaf number 3, even when P concentration in the pseudostem at early stages was similar or even higher than that of P500 plants. Our results suggest that developmental inhibition of tall wheatgrass at low P supply may be the consequence of a specific plant response to P concentration in soil solution, rather than to direct P starvation in plant tissues, and underlines the need of improvement of this species to enhance productivity in this environment.

Changes in body weight and condition of female llamas and alpacas throughout the year

The yearly time course of body weight and body condition was evaluated in female llamas and alpacas. One hundred and twenty lactating females, 60 llamas, and 60 alpacas maintained grazing natural pastures were assessed monthly for body weight and body condition. Body weight was registered using a scale to the nearest 1 kg. Body condition was evaluated behind the shoulder, and dorsal protrusion of the thoracic vertebrae was detected. Body weight was analyzed using analysis of variance and body condition using the Chi-square test. Body weight, kg, was different (P≤ 0.05) by species and breeds, 97.6 and 56.2 for llama and alpaca, respectively. Chaku llamas, 94.3; Kcara llamas, 100.9, Huacaya alpacas 56.3, and Suri alpacas 55.9 kg. Body condition varied significantly (P≤ 0.05) between llamas and alpacas. Twelve percent of animals presented good body condition compared to 46% of regular and 42% with poor body condition. More llamas and alpacas were in good body condition, and 82 animals, during the rainy season, December, were also pregnant, more than 15 females with poor body condition and nonpregnant during the same period. Body weight and body condition improved during the rainy than the dry season.

Cow age, resilience and productivity of cow–calf systems

Context The energy availability for cow–calf systems is related to climate disturbances, and energy use is influenced by the age of the cows. Both factors determine the productivity and resilience of herds after climate disruption. Aims Identify the time needed for the herds composed of cows of a varying age to achieve resilience after energy restriction in the pre- and postpartum. Methods The resilience of systems was compared by deterministic dynamic simulation and herds were considered initially stable but different in (1) energy availability for all herd in the first year of production, namely at 50% (low, L), 75% (medium, M) of 100% (high, H) of the requirements according to the NRC (2000, 2016), with these energy levels being restricted to 60 days before and 60 days after the birth, and (2) the maximum age of the cull cow (lifetime, LT), namely 4 (LT4L, LT4M, LT4H), 6 (LT6L, LT6M, LT6H) of 11 (LT11L, LT11M, LT11H) years. From the second year, availability returned to meet the energy requirements of all animals. The availability of energy for the herd was simulated in natural and cultivated pasture. The productivity was determined as the relation between the kilograms of animals sold and the area used for production over a productive cycle. The system model was considered resilient when 95% of the standard productivity was reached (prior to energy restriction). Key results The time required to return to stability was 2 years in the LT6 and LT11, whereas LT4 required 3 years. Furthermore, LT6 had a higher productivity than did the other herds. The older the culled cow was, the greater was the change in the composition of the product commercialised. Conclusions Cows with an intermediate culling age allowed a sustainable intensification of the system, because they showed better productivity than did older cull cows. Furthermore, after climate disturbance, they presented more resilience than did younger cull cows. The level of energy restriction did not directly influence the time to resilience within each evaluated discard-age group. Implications Herds that culled females before reaching adult age are less resilient after disturbances, such as changes in climate or changes of any nature that interfere with reproductive rates.

Endophytic entomopathogenic fungi isolates as growth promoters of the grass Urochloa brizantha

This study evaluated the growth-promoting action of 16 isolates of the entomopathogenic fungal genus Metarhizium spp., representing 14 from the native pastures and two commercial isolates, on the forage grass Urochloa brizantha, via drench application to seeds. Multivariate analysis of plant height, length of the longest leaf and root, and dry and fresh weight of leaves and roots indicated the most promising isolates, five from native pastures (CEPAF_ENT25, CEPAF_ENT26, CEPAF_ENT27, CEPAF_ENT42, and CEPAF_ENT59) and one commercial (IBCB 425), all isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae. Except for isolate CEPAF_ENT59, there was a positive correlation between growth parameters of U. brizantha with the contents of chlorophyll a and b and carotenoids and with the contents of N, P, and Zn in the leaves. Endophytic colonization tests indicated the presence of Metarhizium spp. in all plant parts, most frequently in the stems. Furthermore, the selected isolates of Metarhizium spp. were recovered from the cultivation substrate and positively affected the germination and initial growth of U. brizantha. Thus, the most promising isolates have potential for application to seeds of U. brizantha.

Vinterutfodring av renar - effekter på renarnas beteende, renskötseln och miljön

This report is based on the results from a Nordic network project funded by The Nordic Joint Committee for Agricultural and Food Research (NKJ) during the years 2021-2022. This network was created to encourage further cross-border discussions about the prospects of winter feeding of reindeer. In reindeer husbandry winter feeding has increased during the last decades due to competing land use activities and climate change. Herders in Norway, Sweden and Finland have previously raised concerns about the benefits and risks associated to the increasing need of winter feeding of reindeer in all three countries. The report, published in Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish and North Sámi, and covers the main findings from a series of preparatory workshops within each country and a main workshop in Arvidsjaur 8-9 June 2022. During the network activities, reindeer herders, researchers and managers discussed the effects of feeding on reindeer behaviour, herding practices and the environment. The two main topics discussed at the preparatory workshops were 1) the short- and long-term effects of winter feeding on reindeer behaviour, and 2) local to large scale effects of feeding on the environment and the natural pastures. During the main workshop, discussions were held about reasons for feeding of reindeer, the preconditions of feeding in the three countries, how winter feeding is usually performed, and best practices in relation to reindeer behaviour and the environment. The work aimed at promoting knowledge exchange on winter feeding of reindeer among all participants to help find solutions and mitigation actions to avoid changes in reindeer behaviour and negative effects of feeding on reindeer, reindeer herding and the environment. The report is aimed at herders, managers, as well as other land users, authorities and policymakers to give information on what was discussed and a summary of the challenges related to winter feeding and effects on reindeer behaviour and reindeer husbandry, and the environment. Rangifer Report No 18 is the Swedish version of the report. Reports in Norwegian, Finnish and North Sámi are published as following numbers of Rangifer Report.

Sustainability in Natural Grassland in the Brazilian Pampa Biome: Livestock Production with CO2 Absorption

The Brazilian Pampa biome has natural pastures that have been used for centuries for cattle grazing. This is considered a sustainable system because it combines the conservation of natural vegetation and high-quality meat production, protecting the biome from commercial agriculture’s advances. However, whether it is a source or a sink of carbon dioxide (CO2) has yet to be evaluated. Hence, this study aimed to quantify the net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of the CO2 of a natural pasture of the Pampa biome used for livestock production. The experimental area is located in a subtropical region of southern Brazil, where eddy covariance (EC) measurements were conducted from 2015 to 2021 in a rotational cattle grazing system. The seven months of the warm season (September to March) were characterized as CO2 absorbers, while the five months of the cold season (April to August) were CO2 emitters. Throughout the six years and with complete data, the ecosystem was an absorber of atmospheric CO2, with an average value of −207.6 g C m−2 year−1. However, the significant interannual variability in NEE was observed, with cumulative values ranging from −82.0 to −385.3 g C m−2 year−1. The results suggest the coupling of climatic conditions to pasture management can be the factor that modulated the NEE interannual variability. The cattle raising system on the natural pastures of the Pampa absorbs CO2, which is further evidence of its sustainability and need for conservation.

EFFECT OF MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND HARVESTING STAGE ON BOTANICAL COMPOSITION, BIOMASS YIELD, AND NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF NATURAL PASTURE UNDER TRADITIONAL LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION SYSTEM IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF ETHIOPIA

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;Natural pasture is an essential source of livestock feed worldwide, particularly in Ethiopia. Though pastureland coverage and management practices are changing over time, studies are limited in addressing the status under the dynamics of smallholder management conditions. &lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; To evaluate natural pasture botanical composition, biomass yield, and nutritional value under different management and stages of harvesting in the central highlands of Ethiopia. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology:&lt;/strong&gt; The pasture was harvested at three stages (pre-flowering, mid-flowering, and after full flowering) under different management (extensive, semi-intensive where urea was used as a fertilizer, and seasonal grazing). Quadrats of 0.25 m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; were used for herbaceous species identification, biomass yield estimation and nutritive value analysis. Chemical composition of the samples were analyzed using Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy&lt;/em&gt;. &lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Thirty-one herbaceous species were identified (38.71% grasses, 19.35% legumes, 9.67% sedges, and 32.26% forbs), which belong to 11 families.&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;The total biomass yield under semi-intensive management practice at full maturity stage was greater than seasonally grazed and extensively managed pasture. The species richness, species evenness Shannon-Wiener diversity (H’ max) and maximum possible diversity (H’max) were similar (P&amp;gt;0.05) under all management practices. &lt;em&gt;Natural pasture &lt;/em&gt;condition score was fair under seasonal grazing, while the score was excellent under extensive and semi-intensive management. Metabolizable energy (ME), and &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) were higher (P&amp;lt;0.5) under extensive management compared to the semi-intensive management. The pasture harvested at the pre-flowering stage had higher (P&amp;lt;0.05) CP content, IVOMD, and ME, but low neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and acid detergent lignin values. &lt;strong&gt;Implications:&lt;/strong&gt; The findings provide new insights into improving the biomass yield and quality of the pasture in semi-intensive pastureland management, and harvesting after the full flowering stage. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;em&gt;This study recommended&lt;/em&gt; semi-intensive management and harvesting after the full flowering stage for higher pasture biomass yield, pasture condition, and nutritional value in the highlands of Ethiopia. Further study is required to investigate the combined effects of fertilizer (organic, inorganic) application and other management on biomass yield and quality of natural pasture in similar and other areas in the highlands of Ethiopia. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;iframe class="ginger-extension-synonympopup" style="left: 134.956px; top: 88.8px; z-index: 56; padding: 0px; visibility: hidden; height: 152px;" src="chrome-extension://kdfieneakcjfaiglcfcgkidlkmlijjnh/ginger-popup/index.html"&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;

Composition tissue of the rib of goats F1 (Boer x SRD) finished in native pasture with different supplemantation levels

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of the supplementation in the composition tissue rib of the goats F1 (Boer x SRD), finished in native pasture. Twenty-four goats, non-castrated, with 15 kg of mean live weight (LW) and 120 days of age were used. The experimental diets were constituted by pasture native "ad libitum" and growing levels of concentrated (0, 0,5, 1,0 and 1,5% LW in dry matter). The concentrate went to the base corn milled, bran, soy crumb, cotton pie, limestone, mineral nucleus and soy oil, seeking to assist daily earnings of 200 g for the largest supplementation level. The animals were depressed and the carcass was split up to the middle, being removed the neck, that was dissected in bone, muscle and fat. The weights of the rib, muscle, bone, total fat, fat intermuscular and yield of total fat, intermuscular fat increased lineally with the supplementation. However, the subcutaneous fat weights, of the relationship muscle-bone and the muscle yield, bone and subcutaneous fat, didn't suffer effect of the supplementation levels. Lineal reduction was observed for the relation muscle-fat. If the objective will obtain rib with larger fat yield, it is recommended supplemental the goats ones with 1,0% of the LW. However, considering the muscular income, any one of the studied levels can be indicated.

Soil Carbon Storage, Enzymatic Stoichiometry, and Ecosystem Functions in Indian Himalayan Legume-Diversified Pastures

The influences of legume diversification on soil carbon (C) pools and sequestration, particularly in Himalayan pastureland, remain poorly understood. Moreover, the impact of legume diversification activities and the stoichiometry of soil enzymes in C biogeochemistry at the ecosystem level remains largely overlooked. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influences of legume diversification on activities and the stoichiometry of soil enzymes and their control of C sequestration in pasturelands. Four experimental fertilized species combinations, namely, SG (50% Festuca arundinacea + 50% Dactylis glomerata), SGL1 (25% Festuca arundinacea + 25% Dactylis glomerata + 50% Onobrychis viciifolia), SGL2 (25% Festuca arundinacea + 25% Dactylis glomerata + 50% Trifolium pratense), SGL12 (25% Festuca arundinacea + 25% Dactylis glomerata + 25% Onobrychis viciifolia + 25% Trifolium pratense), and natural pasture (NG) were compared. Soils under SGL1, SGL2, and SG12 had ~18, 36, and 22% greater soil C than SG, respectively. Among the pastures with fertilization, the C mineralization was suppressed by legume diversification. C sequestration under SGL1, SGL2, and SG12 was ~27, 22, and 38% higher than SG, respectively, at the 0–30 cm soil layer. The ratios of DHA are as follows: for PhOX and DHA, PerOX significantly decreased with an increasing grass–legume mixture, suggesting greater C sequestration. PCA analysis revealed that C sequestration under legume diversification and enzymatic stoichiometry had an indirect but substantial impact on C sequestration. The increasing C sequestration under SGL12 was complemented by higher productivity. Data suggested that increasing legumes in pastureland might greatly enhance ecosystem functions such as soil C storage, productivity, ecorestoration efficiency, and biological activity in Indian Himalayan pastureland.

Botanical Composition and Yields of Forages in Natural Pastures Using Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Dendrogram in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Botanical Composition and Yields of Forages in Natural Pastures Using Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Dendrogram in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Forest cover and environment type shape functional diversity of insectivorous birds within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

SummaryTropical insectivorous birds comprise a diverse group that has a distinct response to habitat degradation. However, knowledge on birds’ ecological functions and their large-scale functional responses to human impacts across various habitats is scarce. We sampled 22 1-km-radius buffer landscapes within the Cantareira-Mantiqueira region (south-east Brazil), including native forests, pastures and marshes, to assess how landscape and habitat characteristics might affect insectivorous birds within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We studied whether bird species and functional diversity might respond to habitat turnover and nestedness and to native forest cover using generalized linear mixed models. We found negative effects of increased native forest cover on functional diversity indices. Bird communities in pastures show more nestedness, whereas marsh areas exhibit higher turnover. Forest areas receive a balanced contribution from both nestedness and turnover. These results are attributable to the predominantly secondary growth and early successional stages of the native forest fragments in the region, emphasizing the connection between landscape characteristics, habitat types and bird functional diversity in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.