Forage Nutritive Value Research Articles

Plant and animal responses of elephant grass pasture-based systems mixed with pinto peanut

AbstractThe effects of growing pinto peanut mixed with elephant grass-based pastures are still little known. The aim of the current research was to evaluate the performance of herbage yield, nutritive value of forage and animal responses to levels of pinto peanut forage mass mixed with elephant grass in low-input systems. Three grazing systems were evaluated: (i) elephant grass-based (control); (ii) pinto peanut, low-density forage yield (63 g/kg of dry matter – DM) + elephant grass; and (iii) pinto peanut, high-density dry matter forage yield (206 g/kg DM) + elephant grass. The experimental design was completely randomized with the three treatments (grazing systems) and three replicates (paddocks) in split-plot grazing cycles. Forage samples were collected to evaluate the pasture and animal responses. Leaf blades of elephant grass and the other companion grasses of pinto peanut were collected to analyse the crude protein, in vitro digestible organic matter and total digestible nutrients. The pinto peanut, high-density dry matter forage yield + elephant grass treatment was found to give the best results in terms of herbage yield, forage intake and stocking rate, as well as having higher crude protein contents for both elephant grass and the other grasses, followed by pinto peanut with low-density forage yield + elephant grass and finally elephant grass alone. Better results were found with the grass–legume system for pasture and animal responses.

PRODUCTION AND NUTRITIVE VALUE OF CANARANA ERECTA LISA (Echinocloa piramidalis Lam.) IN RESPONSE TO HARVEST INTERVALS

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare and explain the variations in the production and nutritive value of canarana erecta lisa grass (Echinocloa pyramidalis Lam.) at different harvest intervals. The treatments corresponded to the cut intervals of 20, 27, 34, 41, 48, 55, 62, and 69 days. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with three replications. Each experimental unit had 6m2 (3m ×2m). The variables studied included forage production, canopy height, and nutritive value o harvested forage. Forage production varied from 11517 to 12324 kg ha-1; Plant heights from 48.8 to 234 cm; Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) from 68.8% to 71.13%; Acid detergent fiber (ADF) from 36.20% to 44.15%; Crude protein (CP) from 11.43% to 5.85% and in “in vitro” dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) from 63.30% to 47.42%. These values indicated that the nutritive value of canarana erecta lisa was reduced at longer harvest intervals. It is recommended to harvest the grass at 35 days of regrowth favoring productivity, nutritive value and forage digestibility.

Canopy structure and forage nutritive value of elephantgrass subjected to different stocking rate and N fertilization in the “Mata Seca” ecoregion of Pernambuco

ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate the effect of three stocking rates (2, 3.9, and 5.8 animal units ha−1) and three fertilization levels (0, 150, and 300 kg N ha−1 yr−1) on herbage mass and nutritive value of elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) cv. IRI-381. The experiment was conducted from May to August of 2009 and 2010 in Itambe, PE, Brazil, during the rainy season. Treatments were allocated in a split-plot arrangement in a completely randomized block design. The variables measured [...]

Evaluation of a long-established silvopastoral Brachiaria decumbens system: plant characteristics and feeding value for cattle

One of the main challenges of using a silvopastoral system (SPS) is maintaining pasture and animal productivity over time. Our objective was to compare the productive characteristics and nutritive value of signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk) and the liveweight gain of dairy heifers in a SPS and open pasture (OP, signal grass under full sunlight) during the rainy seasons of four experiments between 2003 and 2016, which characterised systems from their 6th to 19th years after establishment in south-eastern Brazil when analysed together. The experimental design was a randomised complete block in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme (two production systems (SPS and OP) and four experiments (2003–2004, 2004–2007, 2011–2014 and 2014–2016)). From the 7th year onwards, the progressive reduction of photosynthetically active radiation negatively impacted the productive characteristics of the SPS pasture. Total forage mass was reduced by 19% in SPS compared with the OP in 2004–2007, 38% in 2011–2014 and 31% in 2014–2016. Crude protein content was 23% and 30% higher in the SPS than in the OP in 2011–2014 and 2014–2016, respectively. However, during the study period (until the 19th year), the liveweight gain of heifers was similar between systems since the higher crude protein content available in SPS contributed to improved forage nutritional value. From the 17th to the 19th year, weight gain per area was lower in the SPS compared with the OP (169 vs 199 kg ha–1), although the difference between systems was small. Signal grass presents a high degree of phenotypic plasticity in response to changes in shade levels, which gives this species a high potential for use in SPS.

Performance of oat (Avena sativa L.) sown in late summer for autumn forage production in Central Europe

AbstractSpring‐sown oat (Avena sativa L.) is well adapted for forage production in Central Europe; however, environmental conditions make this crop susceptible to crown rust disease (Puccinia coronata) when grown in summer. The objective of this study was to assess oat cultivars sown in late summer, when conditions for crown rust are less favourable, and harvest in autumn for forage with potential use for feeding lactating dairy cows. Three oat cultivars: Berdysz, Zuch and ForagePlus, the first two from Poland and the latter from United States, were sown 1 and 15 August, and 1 September, over three consecutive years, and harvested for forage in late October. The two Polish cultivars had 61% leaf area affected by rust with 1 August sowing, but ForagePlus was not affected by rust with any sowing date. Sowing 15 August significantly reduced crown rust incidence and increased DM yield of the Polish cultivars 21% relative to the 1 August sowing date, but decreased ForagePlus DM yield by 35%. Sowing 1 September resulted in best forage nutritive value, but the lowest DM yields for all cultivars. Calculated milk production per ton of forage for all cultivars was lowest with the 1 August sowing date. Calculated milk production per hectare was greatest for Berdysz sown in mid‐August. Oat can be sown 15 August and harvested in autumn for forage production, avoiding crown rust disease during summer in Poland. Nutritive value of autumn oat forage is adequate to meet forage requirements of lactating dairy cows.

Winter grazing stockpiled native warm‐season grasses in the Southeastern United States

AbstractIn the Southeastern United States, native warm‐season grasses (NWSG) are not harvested during autumn to rebuild root reserves, resulting in de facto stockpiled winter forage. Senesced NWSG forage is considered nutritionally inadequate by temperate livestock managers, but comparable forage is regularly utilized in rangeland systems. This experiment compared the forage characteristics of two NWSG pastures: switchgrass [Panicum virgatum L. (SG)] and a two species mixture of big bluestem/indiangrass [Andropogon gerardii Vitman/Sorghastrum nutans L. (BBIG)] to tall fescue [Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (TF)]. During two winter periods (January‐April), monthly samples were collected and measured for dry‐matter herbage mass (HM), crude protein (CP), in‐vitro true dry‐matter digestibility (48 hr; IVTDMD), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), NDF digestibility (dNDF) and lignin. Across sampling dates, TF provided adequate forage for low‐input animal maintenance (90.3 CP g/kg; 488 g IVTDMD/kg; 4,040 kg DM/ha), while SG had lowest nutritive values and greatest DM (21.0 g CP/kg; 366 g IVTDMD/kg; 7,670 kg DM/ha). Samples of BBIG had results intermediate to SG and TF (32.1 g CP/kg; 410 g IVTDMD/kg; 5,160 kg DM/ha). Leaf sub‐samples of NWSG indicated greater forage nutritive value compared to whole plant samples (e.g., SG: 65 vs 27 g CP/kg respectively). This indicates that selective grazing could allow superior outcomes to those expected from whole plant NWSG nutritive values. Although consistently nutritionally inferior to TF, further research could reveal strategies to make stockpiled NWSG economically useful to livestock managers.

PSXI-42 Assessment of the inclusion of prairie clovers in native cool-season grass pastures on the nutritive value of forage using in vitro ruminal incubation.

PSXI-42 Assessment of the inclusion of prairie clovers in native cool-season grass pastures on the nutritive value of forage using in vitro ruminal incubation.

Time to move beef cattle to a new paddock: forage quality and grazing behaviour

AbstractDifferences in forage nutritive value between morning and afternoon are related to patterns of dehydration and carbohydrate accumulation throughout the day. In this way, management strategies that maximize grazing time during the afternoon could increase forage nutritive value and consequently nutrient intake. The aim of the current experiment was to evaluate the effect of the time of day (06.00 h [designated AM] or 15.00 h [PM]) that cattle are moved to a new paddock on forage nutritive value, grazing behaviour and animal performance of beef cattle on rotationally stocked Marandu palisadegrass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu Syn. Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu) pastures. A spring and summer study was conducted in Pirassununga, SP, Brazil from October 2012 to March 2013 (182 days). Treatments were distributed in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Herbage mass, morphological composition, herbage allowance and stocking rates were similar between treatments during spring and summer. Moving animals to a new paddock, regardless of the time of day – 06.00 h (AM) or 15.00 h (PM) – stimulated grazing, modifying the distribution of meals throughout the day. However, compensatory mechanisms among grazing time, bite rate and forage nutritive value throughout the day operated in order to generate similar performance between animals offered a new paddock in the morning or in the afternoon.

Agro-morphology and forage nutritive value of white prairie clover [Dalea candida(Michx.) Willd.] populations native to the Canadian prairies

White prairie clover [Dalea candida (Michx.) Willd.] is native to the dry prairies and hillsides of the Northern Great Plains. A study was initiated in 2012 with six white prairie clover populations collected from the Canadian Prairies. Plant growth characteristics, forage biomass, seed yield, and forage nutritive values were evaluated using a randomized complete block design in a field near Swift Current, SK. Three populations from Argyle, Carlowrie, and Big Grass Marsh (NCP588) in Manitoba displayed erect-type growth while those from Douglas Provincial Park and Stewart Valley in Saskatchewan and Writing on Stone Provincial Park in Alberta exhibited prostrate growth. The populations did not differ for mean biomass yield (79–104 g plant−1, p = 0.54) and mean seed yield (6.6–9.1 g plant−1, p = 0.69); however, they differed for bloom stage nutritional parameters such as acid detergent fibre (25%–30%, p = 0.04), neutral detergent fibre (34%–41%, p < 0.01), crude proteins (15%–18%, p < 0.01), phosphorus (0.24%–0.29%, p = 0.02), and iron content (144–360 ppm, p = 0.01). To our knowledge, this is the first report of comparative phenotypic, nutritional, and propagation study of native white prairie clover populations of Canada. The constraints and opportunities for successful domestication of white prairie clover as a forage crop are discussed.

Grazing effects on the nutritive value of dominant species in steppe grasslands of northern China

BackgroundForage nutritive value plays an important role in livestock nutrition and maintaining sustainable grassland ecosystems, and grazing management can affect the quality of forage. In this study, we investigated the effects of different grazing intensities on the nutritive values of Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvelev, Artemisia spp. and Carex duriuscula C. A. Mey in the steppes of China during the growing seasons from 2011 to 2013. Five grazing management treatments were implemented: (1) rest grazing in spring, heavy grazing in summer and moderate grazing in autumn (RHM), (2) rest grazing in spring, moderate grazing in summer and heavy grazing in autumn (RMH), (3) heavy grazing though all seasons (HHH), (4) heavy grazing in spring and summer and moderate grazing in autumn (HHM) and (5) continuous moderate grazing in all seasons (MMM).ResultsThere were significant effects of year, season, treatment, and year × season and year × treatment interactions only on the crude protein of L. chinensis (P < 0.05). The crude protein concentrations of L. chinensis in the plots of constant high grazing pressure (HHH) and reduced grazing pressure in the last grazing stage (HHM) were higher than with deferred grazing (RMH and RHM, P < 0.05) in spring from 2011 to 2012. For Artemisia spp. and C. duriuscula, the crude protein concentration in HHH was higher than that in RMH (P < 0.05) in the summer of 2011. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) for ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and Ca concentration for any of the grasses in spring and summer from 2011 to 2013 under the different grazing management treatments.ConclusionsThe nutritive value of L. chinensis was more responsive to grazing disturbance than Artemisia spp. and C. duriuscula, and heavy grazing maintained a relatively high crude protein content in all species. Seasonal and interannual seasonal differences in grazing management combinations were two of the most important factors in determining the variability of forage nutritive value, including crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and calcium, for L. chinensis, Artemisia spp. and C. duriuscula. We suggest that moderate grazing should be adopted to ensure the quality and yield of forage and promote the sustainable development of animal husbandry.

Improving Nutritive Value of Native Warm‐Season Grasses with the Plant Growth Regulator Trinexapac‐Ethyl

Core Ideas Gibberellin inhibitors may decrease stem growth, improving late fall forage nutritive value during late summer and fall. Examining the short‐ and long‐term impacts of suppressed stem growth or altered tiller number could result in improved forage nutritive traits. Warm‐season grasses are characterized by high forage mass but low nutritive value, especially when mature. Livestock producers in the southeastern United States utilize native warm‐season grasses (NWSG), however, the best management practice to not harvest during late‐summer and fall results in large quantities of low quality forage. Gibberellin inhibitors can alter plant regrowth and forage value. This study assessed the impact of trinexapac‐ethyl [TE; ethyl 4‐(cyclopropyl‐hydroxy‐methylene)‐3,5‐dioxo‐cyclohexane‐1‐carboxylate] on fall NWSG forage. Application of TE occurred in late July at four levels (0, 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 kg a.i. ha−1) to switchgrass (SG; Panicum virgatum L.) and a mixed sward (BBIG) of big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) and indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans L.) during 2016 and 2017. Forage mass (FM) and nutritive value [crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), in vitro true dry matter digestibility (IVTDMD)] were evaluated monthly. Application reduced fall FM (SG: 37%; BBIG: 42%). Switchgrass nutritive value did respond to TE application. Application of TE reduced BBIG NDF overall, but strong annual variation occurred due to a drought (2016). Analyzed separately, 2017 treated BBIG samples (1.2 kg a.i. ha−1) exhibited altered FM (−57%), CP (up to 54%), NDF (−9.2%), and IVTDMD (11%). Further analysis provided tentative evidence that TE improved leaf nutritive value and increased leaf proportion, although overall leaf yield was not improved. Overall, TE improved BBIG nutritive value but at a substantial FM loss. Since poor nutritive content forage has negligible value regardless of quantity, growth regulators could improve outcomes of fall NWSG management by adding value to an unutilized resource.

How Does Sowing Rate Affect Plant and Stem Density, Forage Yield, and Nutritive Value in Glyphosate-Tolerant Alfalfa?

The recommended sowing rate of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is about 10 kg pure live seed ha−1, but it is debated if increasing the sowing rate enhances forage yield and quality in the sowing year. This study was conducted to: (i) determine the optimal sowing rate to maximize forage yield; and (ii) determine the relationship between plant and stem density with forage yield and nutritive value. Experiments were conducted at three sites in North Dakota between 2013 and 2016. Six sowing rates [1, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 kg ha−1 pure live seed (PLS)] were evaluated. Results indicated that total forage yield in the sowing year was lower only with the lowest sowing rate. Maximum total forage yield in the sowing, first, second, and third production years was obtained with 73, 52, 37, and 36 plants m−2 and 575, 495, 435, and 427 stems m−2, respectively. In the sowing and first production year, both plant and stem density predicted forage yield similarly. In older stands, stem density predicted forage yield slightly better. Forage nutritive value was similar among sowing rates indicating an increase in sowing rate does not enhance forage nutritive value. In conclusion, increasing the sowing rate above the recommended rate (10 kg PLS ha−1) does not increase forage yield or quality.

Forage Mass Production, Forage Nutritive Value, and Cost Comparisons of Three‐Way Cover Crop Mixes

Core Ideas Oat/radish/clover and oat/turnip/clover are the lowest cost for tonnage and energy. Cover crop mixes differ in protein but exceed requirements for cattle needs. Cover crop mixes differ in fiber, but no effect on cattle intake is expected. Biomass production in wetter and hotter environments results in slightly more tonnage. The use of annual forage mixtures as a fall–winter cover crop offers multiple benefits for both livestock and the environment. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the quantity, quality, and cost of 16 three‐way cover crop mixtures for use as a fall cattle feed. The cover crop mixes were grown for 2 years (2014 and 2015) in a randomized complete block design where every mixture had one species of each: grass, brassica, and legume. Seeds were sown in August each year, and forages were clipped at approximately 45, 74, and 92 days after planting (DAP) and analyzed for nutritive value, forage mass production, and cost to produce a pound of forage, pound of protein, and pound of energy based on seed cost. Averaged across years and sampling dates, total forage mass production and crude protein (CP) varied by treatment (P = 0.001) with a range of ∼1,400 lb/acre from high to low forage mass production, and CP concentrations ranging from 18.6 to 24.7%. As plants matured, the forage nutritive value declined as indicated by increasing neutral detergent fiber (NDF), decreasing total digestible nutrients (TDN), and lower CP (P &lt; 0.05). Cost per pound dry matter (DM) and energy produced per acre were different by treatments (P &lt; 0.001) while the cost of producing each pound of protein was not (P = 0.44). Mixtures that included oat (Avena sativa) or the mix of barley (Hordeum vulgare)/turnip (Brassica rapa)/clover (Trifolium alexandrinum) were the most economical forage option for fall grazing by cattle.

Estimation of dry‐matter intake in lambs via field‐based NIR proximal sensing

AbstractDry‐matter intake (DMI) is difficult to measure. The potential of field‐based near‐infrared (NIR) proximal sensing as a means to quantify DMI is a logical extension of the findings of several researchers who demonstrated that benchtop NIR spectroscopy could be used to predict animal intake. Our objectives were to predict DMI from the relative feed value and the Relative Forage Quality equations and to compare these estimates to that measured in lambs. Proximally, sensed spectra of live forage were used to develop predictions of neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and crude protein which were used as inputs to the DMI equations. These prediction equations accounted for 68%, 87%, 84% and 71% of the variation in their measured counterparts, and when used in the DMI equations, accounted for about 80% and 79%, respectively, of the variation of that calculated using laboratory‐measured values. However, neither the laboratory‐ nor proximally sensed estimates of DMI were correlated with that measured DMI in the lambs. Proximally sensed IVTD was incorporated into a sheep‐based intake model where from 7% to 36% of the variability in measured DMI, depending on breed, was explained. This improvement in estimated DMI suggests: 1) that DMI equations based only on forage nutritive values are unlikely to provide acceptable estimates, and 2) that proximally sensed forage nutritive values incorporated into a more comprehensive model, such as that described by Freer, et al. (1997, Agric Syst, 54, 77) may provide a timely grazing decision support system.

Grass-Legume Mixtures for Improved Soil Health in Cultivated Agroecosystem

Planting grass-legume mixtures may be a good option to improve soil health in addition to increased forage productivity, improved forage nutritive value, and net farm profit in a hay production system. A field experiment was conducted from 2011 to 2014 at Lingle, Wyoming to evaluate soil microbial biomass under different seeding proportions of two forage grasses (meadow bromegrass, Bromus biebersteinii Roem. &amp; Schult.; and orchardgrass, Dactylis glomerata L.) and one legume (alfalfa, Medicago sativa L.). Nine treatments included monoculture grass, monoculture legume, one grass and one legume mixture, two grasses and one legume mixture, and a control (not seeded with grass or legume). Monoculture grass received either no nitrogen (N) or N fertilizer (150 kg N ha−1 year−1 as urea) whereas monoculture legume, grass-legume mixtures, and control plots received no N fertilizer. The study was laid out as a randomized complete block design with three replications. The plots were harvested 3–4 times each year after the establishment year. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for microbial biomass using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis at the end of May in 2013 and 2014. Soil samples were also analyzed for mineralizable carbon (C) and N in 2013 and 2014. The total above-ground plant biomass was higher in 50–50% mixture of grass and alfalfa than monoculture alfalfa and monoculture grass (with and without N fertilizer) during the entire study period. The application of N fertilizer to the grass hay production system had little effect on improving mineralizable soil C, N, and soil microbial biomass. However, grass-legume mixture without N fertilizer had great effect on improvement of mineralizable soil C and N, and total, bacterial, and actinomycetes microbial biomass in soil. The 50–50% mixture of grass and alfalfa performed consistently well and can be considered to use in Wyoming conditions for improving soil health and forage productivity.

Comparison of Virginia wildrye, annual ryegrass, and wheat for weaned beef steers grazing and confinement feeding

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2> Virginia wildrye (<i>Elymus virginicus</i> L.; VWR) was compared with Marshall annual ryegrass (<i>Lolium multiflorum</i>; ARG) and EK102 wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i>; WHT) as pasture and with ARG for confinement feeding. Replicated (n = 3) 2.17-ha pastures were continuously stocked with 4 British crossbred steers (initial BW=233 ± 28.5 kg) per pasture during spring in 2 yr to evaluate ADG and forage nutritive value. Forage TDN (<i>P</i> = 0.87), NDF treated with amylase and sodium sulfite (<i>P</i> = 0.83), and ADF (<i>P</i> = 0.17) were comparable among species. No CP concentration differences (<i>P</i> = 0.12) were observed in 2015; however, CP concentration of VWR (10.1 ± 0.5) was greater (<i>P</i> = 0.01) than that of WHT (8.7 ± 0.5) in 2016. At d 0, ARG relative feed value concentration (133.8 ± 5.4) was greater (<i>P</i> < 0.05) than that of VWR (111.2 ± 5.4) or WHT (117.7 ± 5.4). At d 28 (<i>P</i> = 0.08) and d 56 (<i>P</i> = 0.56), relative feed value was not different among species. Steer ADG was greater on ARG (1.40±0.05 kg/steer per day) than on WHT (1.20±0.05 kg/steer per day; <i>P</i> < 0.01) or VWR (1.26±0.05 kg/steer per day; <i>P</i> = 0.03). Penned steers had comparable (<i>P</i> = 0.90) daily DMI of ensiled ARG (7.99±0.14 kg/d) and VWR (7.88±0.14 kg/d) in 2015 but more (<i>P</i> < 0.0001) daily DMI of VWR (7.42±0.14 kg/d) than of ARG (6.19±0.14 kg/d) in 2016. Further research is needed to explore forage persistence and economics of VWR for grazing.

Herbage Responses and Biological N2 Fixation of Bahiagrass and Rhizoma Peanut Monocultures Compared with their Binary Mixtures

Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) and rhizoma peanut (RP, Arachis glabrata Benth.) are widely used in Florida, and growing them in association may decrease the need for N fertilization. This study evaluated herbage responses of mixed RP–bahiagrass swards in comparison with their monocultures. The eight treatments were two bahiagrass entries (‘Argentine’ and DF9, receiving 90 kg N ha−1 harvest−1) and two RP entries (Ecoturf and Q6B) in monoculture and the combinations of each bahiagrass with each RP (Argentine–Ecoturf, Argentine–Q6B, DF9–Ecoturf, and DF9–Q6B). There was no difference in total herbage accumulation (HA) in 2015. In 2016, total HA was greatest for Argentine + N (9630 kg dry matter [DM] ha−1), followed by the mixture Q6B–DF9 (5910 kg DM ha−1). Mixtures produced as much biomass as RP monocultures and DF9 + N. In mixtures, Argentine was the most competitive bahiagrass, whereas Q6B was the most competitive RP. Crude protein concentration of DF9 in the mixture with Q6B was similar to that of N‐fertilized DF9. The total aboveground N was usually greatest in RP monocultures (50–53 kg N ha−1 harvest−1). Percentage of N derived from the atmosphere increased by 22% in Q6B from 2015 to 2016. Biological N2 fixation ranged from 11 (Ecoturf–Argentine) to 44 kg N ha−1 harvest−1 (Ecoturf and Q6B). Entry growth habit affected the proportion of each component in the sward, and this information is crucial when combining warm season grasses and legumes. Rhizoma peanut will add N to bahiagrass systems and improve forage nutritive value but have less HA than heavily fertilized grass.

Conserved forage-based systems for backgrounding weaned beef calves.

A 45-d backgrounding study was conducted to compare animal performance, forage nutritive value, digestion dynamics, and diet costs of conserved forage systems for weaned beef calves. One hundred and eight weaned Angus × Simmental beef calves (initial BW 279 ± 34 kg) were randomly assigned to one of three diets (n = 3 pens/treatment): 1) free-choice annual ryegrass (RB; cv. ‘Marshall’) baleage and 4 kg of a 50/50 mixture of pelleted soybean hulls and corn gluten feed, 2) free-choice Tifton 85 bermudagrass (BH) and 3 kg of a 50/50 mixture of pelleted soybean hulls and corn gluten feed, or 3) free-choice corn silage (CS; cv. Pioneer P1662YHR) and 2 kg of a 85% cracked corn and 15% cottonseed meal mixture. Diets were formulated to achieve a target gain of 0.9 kg/d based on the NRC (2000) requirement for a 270 kg growing calf. Animal performance (initial BW, final BW, and ADG) was measured on days 0 and 45 of the study. Forage nutritive value and an in vitro digestion trial were conducted to evaluate supplementation effects on forage diet digestion dynamics. Data were analyzed using PROC Mixed in SAS 9.4 as a completely randomized design. Pen was the experimental unit. Mean initial and final BW of the animals did not differ (P = 0.50 and P = 0.99, respectively) across treatments. Calf ADG for RB, BH, and CS diets were 0.61, 0.72, and 0.72 kg/d, respectively, and did not differ across treatments (P = 0.57). Based on these results, these forage options supported a similar level of gain when used for backgrounding beef calves. Forage in vitro DM digestibility differed 48 h after digestion, and BH + 50:50 had greater 48-h digestibility than when unsupplemented, which may be related to complementary forage-supplement interactions. In diets containing RB and CS, digestibility was greater with no supplementation at the 48-h time point. These data support the observation that supplementation type and level influence conserved forage diet digestibility compared with forage alone. The cost of feeding a baleage-based diet in this system was higher ($1.37/d) than CS or BH diets ($1.02 and $0.95/d, respectively). Results suggest that RB baleage-based diets may support a similar level of gain to BH or CS diets in growing beef calves, but supplement type, level, and ration costs should be evaluated when determining cost-effective backgrounding options in the Southeastern United States.

POTENSI PENGEMBANGAN TERNAK SAPI POTONG DENGAN POLA INTEGRASI KELAPA-SAPI DI KECAMATAN TABARU KABUPATEN HALMAHERA BARAT

This study aims to (1) Analyzing Potential of Beef Cattle Development with Pattern of Integration of Coconuts in Tabaru Subdistrict of West Halmahera Regency (2) fresh forage production coconut plant area in Tabaru Subdistrict of West Halmahera Regency (3) the nutrional content of forage the coconut plant area in Tabaru Subdistrict of West Halmahera Regency (4) potential population of cattle and animal unit (AU) in Tabaru Subdistrict of West Halmahera Regency (5) revenue through integration and non integration in Tabaru Subdistrict of West Halmahera Regency. The research was conducted in Tabaru district of West Halmahera district since Desember 2017 to February 2018. The determination of respondents was performed using simple random sampling method. Criteria of respondents involved in this study were household farmers running a coco-beef integration, at least animal maintenance of more than one year and they had sold cattle. The results showed the particular characteristics of household farmers including coconut plantation ownership of 3.8 ha with the average number of animals of 10.2 heads, the average education level of primary school, the animal breeding experience of 12,7 years and animal maintenance purposes as beef production and animal labor. Management aspects of farm animals were still under the traditional maintenance systems, animals were resistant to disease, and house hold farmer knowledge on animal reproduction was still limited. Aspects of feed resources were positively supporting in the development of beef cattle under integration pattern, especially the nutritional value of forage and land carrying capacities and Livestock productivity aspects had quite well potential.

Harvest Management Effects on ‘Tifton 44’ Bermudagrass Phosphorus Removal and Nutritive Value

Core Ideas The impact of harvest management on forage nutritive value is vital to farm income.Results validate management practices commonly used but heretofore without statistical basis.Bermudagrass P removal maximized with prolonged harvest interval and short stubble height.Forage nutritive value was similar between stubble heights when harvested every 35 d. Haying bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] to maximize recovery of P applied in broiler litter may adversely affect forage quality. This 3‐yr study (2005–2007) determined harvest management effects on dry matter (DM) yield, P removal, and forage nutritive value in ‘Tifton 44’ bermudagrass at Noxapater and South Farm, MS. Fertilization annually comprised 8.96 Mg ha−1 broiler litter (as‐is basis) that provided 243 and 122 kg ha−1 of N and P, respectively, supplemented with 67–110 kg ha−1 N (as ammonium nitrate). After an initial harvest in May, forage was harvested at 28‐, 35‐, and 49‐d intervals and at 3‐ and 9‐cm residual cutting heights. Seasonal trends in P removal closely followed those observed for DM yield and short stubble increased yields of DM and P by approximately 31%. Prolonged regrowth and 3‐cm stubble height resulted in the greatest yields of DM and P. Annual P removal at Noxapater did not differ between 35‐ and 49‐d harvest intervals (21.3 vs. 23.0 kg ha−1); whereas it was greatest (P &lt; 0.05) at South Farm for 49‐d intervals (23.9 vs. 25.8 kg ha−1). Prolonged regrowth resulted in crude protein (CP) and in vitro true DM digestibility (IVTDMD) below 95 and 610 g kg−1, respectively, suggesting less forage could be consumed by ruminant livestock. In 2007, CP and IVTDMD levels were greatest for 9‐cm stubble. Tifton 44 bermudagrass receiving litter should be harvested every 35 d and at 3‐cm stubble height to provide the best compromise between DM yield, nutrient removal, and forage nutritive value.