Nutritive Value Index Research Articles

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT DIETARY SELENIUM SOURCES SUPPLEMENTATION ON NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY, PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND SOME SERUM BIOCHEMICAL INDICES IN SHEEP

A total number of 32 of Ossimi lambs averaged 29.25 ± 2.02 kg and 4 months old were used in this experiment to compare the effects of dietary supplementation of inorganic selenium (sodium selenite), organic selenium (Se-yeast) and Nano-Se particles on nutrients digestibility, nutritive value, productive performance and serum biochemical indices of lambs. The animals were allocated into four equal groups (8 lambs each). The lambs of control group were fed on basal diet containing 0.17 mg Se/kg dry matter (DM). The treated lamb groups fed on the same basal diet, in which Se at 0.30 mg/kg DM was provided as sodium selenite (SS), selenium yeast (SY) and Nano-Se particles (NS). The results showed that digestibility of DM was higher (P<0.05) for lambs fed SS, SY and NS than those fed control. Digestibility of OM, CP, CF, EE, NFE and the values of digestible crude protein (DCP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) were increased (P<0.05) for lambs fed SY and NS compared with those fed SS or control. Averages of final body weight (FBW) were increased (P<0.05) for lambs fed SY and NS compared with those fed SS and control. Average of FBW was greater (P<0.05) for lambs fed NS than those fed SY. The averages of daily gain (ADG) were increased (P<0.05) for lambs fed SS, SY and NS vs. those fed control with significant (P<0.05) differences among treatments. No significant differences were detected in averages of feed intakes of Alfalfa, DM and total DM (TDM) for lambs fed SS, SY and NS vs. control. While, the intakes of DCP and TDN were greater (P<0.05) for lambs fed SS, SY and NS vs. those fed control with significant (P<0.05) differences among treatments. The averages of feed conversion (FC) of DM (FC-DM), DCP (FC-DCP) and TDN (FC-TDN) were improved (P<0.05) for lambs fed SS, SY and NS vs. those fed control. The highest values of productive performance parameters (FBW, ADG, DCPI, TDNI, FC-DCP and FC-TDN) were noticed for lambs fed NS followed by those fed SY and then SS and control. Lambs fed SY and NS had higher (P<0.05) values of serum total protein and globulin than those fed SS or control. Also, there was an increase (P<0.05) in serum glucose concentrations for lambs fed diets SS, SY and NS vs. control, with higher levels (P<0.05) in NS than in SS and SY. No significant differences were noticed in serum concentrations of albumin, cholesterol, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) enzyme activities. Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) concentrations, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and testosterone levels were increased (P<0.05) for lambs fed SS, SY and NS vs. control. Higher (P<0.05) levels of TAC, GSH-Px and testosterone levels were observed for lambs fed NS than those fed SS and SY. It could be concluded that dietary supplementation of Nano-Se was more effective than sodium selenite and Se-yeast to improve nutrients digestibility, feeding values, growth performance, some serum metabolic indices, antioxidant status and reproductive efficiency of male lambs.

Evaluasi Dedak Padi Kukus dan Suplementasi MHA (Methionine Hidroxy Analog) terhadap Kecernaan Nutrien Ransum Domba Lokal Jantan

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The research aimed to know the effect of rice bran steaming and MHA supplementation on the increasing of nutrient digestibility of local male sheep. This research used 12 local male sheeps with average of body weight 10.32 ± 1.02 kg. Treatment of rations were for P0 (60 % king grass + 40 % bran), P1 (60 % king grass +40 % steamed bran), P2 (60 % king grass + 40 % steamed bran + 1 g MHA). Design used in research was Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in one-way pattern using 3 treatments. Each treatment consisted of 4 replications. Parameters observed were dry matter intake, organic matter intake, dry matter nutritive value index and organic matter nutritive value index.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; The result of treatment P0, P1, and P2 for dry matter intake were 960.024; 909.426; and 926.399 g/head/day respectively, organic matter intake were 825.036; 772.665; and 796.225 g/head/day, organic matter digestibility in percent were 72.424; 73.050; and 73.068, organic matter digestibility in percent were 75.989; 76.306; and 76.239, dry matter nutritive value index were 695.396; 664.392; and 677.654 g/head/day and organic matter nutritive value index were 626.894; 589.985; and 607.649 g/head/day.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; The variance Analysis showed that the usage of steamed rice bran and adding of MHA given non significantly effect (P&amp;gt;0.5) on dry matter intake, organic matter intake, dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility, dry matter nutritive value index, and organic matter nutritive value index.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; It can be concluded that the treatments did not affect variables that were measured.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Keyword : &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;local male sheep, steamed bran, MHA, digestibility&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Evaluasi Dedak Padi Kukus dan Suplementasi MHA (Methionine Hidroxy Analog) terhadap Kecernaan Nutrien Ransum Domba Lokal Jantan

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The research aimed to know the effect of rice bran steaming and MHA supplementation on the increasing of nutrient digestibility of local male sheep. This research used 12 local male sheeps with average of body weight 10.32 ± 1.02 kg. Treatment of rations were for P0 (60 % king grass + 40 % bran), P1 (60 % king grass +40 % steamed bran), P2 (60 % king grass + 40 % steamed bran + 1 g MHA). Design used in research was Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in one-way pattern using 3 treatments. Each treatment consisted of 4 replications. Parameters observed were dry matter intake, organic matter intake, dry matter nutritive value index and organic matter nutritive value index.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; The result of treatment P0, P1, and P2 for dry matter intake were 960.024; 909.426; and 926.399 g/head/day respectively, organic matter intake were 825.036; 772.665; and 796.225 g/head/day, organic matter digestibility in percent were 72.424; 73.050; and 73.068, organic matter digestibility in percent were 75.989; 76.306; and 76.239, dry matter nutritive value index were 695.396; 664.392; and 677.654 g/head/day and organic matter nutritive value index were 626.894; 589.985; and 607.649 g/head/day.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; The variance Analysis showed that the usage of steamed rice bran and adding of MHA given non significantly effect (P&amp;gt;0.5) on dry matter intake, organic matter intake, dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility, dry matter nutritive value index, and organic matter nutritive value index.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; It can be concluded that the treatments did not affect variables that were measured.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Keyword : &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;local male sheep, steamed bran, MHA, digestibility&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Photoelectrochemical device based on Mo-doped BiVO4 enables smart analysis of the global antioxidant capacity in food.

For a healthy diet, which is an extension of a high quality lifestyle, tremendous attention has been focused on using antioxidant capacity indicators for food inspections and health guides. Although photoelectrochemical transducers have broadened our horizons for global antioxidant activity analysis, a growing body of foods and beverages needs to be quantified in the visible region and the necessary photoelectrochemical instrumentalization is still in its infancy. Generally, BiVO4 is considered as an ideal starting material for antioxidant surveillance under visible light irradiation. However, it is subjected to unsatisfied charge collection and utilization in practical applications. Herein, we studied the effects of successive molybdenum substitution of vanadium on the photocatalytic behavior of BiMo x V(1-x)O4 under visible light illumination. A superior photocurrent density was obtained for BiMo0.015V0.985O4 due to the flower-like architecture and favorable crystalline form. At the same time, this superhybrid BiMo0.015V0.985O4 composite successfully acted as a sensing unit in a photoelectrochemical platform for antioxidant capacity evaluation in foodstuffs. The related mechanism was further unearthed and discussed in-depth. Such a straightforward yet cogent principle was also applied to our integrated device for the "smart" analysis of the global antioxidant capacity, whereby collected data can be treated as a nutritive value index for routine quality control in the food industry. On the basis of this achievement, it is anticipated that mobile app-based quantitative antioxidant capacity detection will soon be realized.

Determination of nutritive value of date palm by-products using in vitro and in situ measurements

In this research, the nutritive values of three date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) by-products (DPB) called Lerd, Pit and Pulp in South-east of Iran were evaluated. The chemical compositions of all DPB samples were evaluated by laboratory analysis. An in vitro digestibility study was done to determine digestibility coefficients of dry matter (DMD), organic matter (OMD), and also digestible organic matter in dry matter (DOMD) to estimate the metabolizable energy (ME) content of DPB samples. In addition, dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) disappearance of samples were determined by an in situ method at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72h and their kinetics were described using the equation p=a+b(1−e−ct). The nutritive value index (NIV) of DPB samples was calculated using the equation: NIV=a+0.4b+200c. The mean values of the DM, OM, CP, ADF and NDF were 948.8, 909.7, 80.04, 590.0 and 800.0g/kg DM for Lerd; 960.4, 933.9, 61.6, 529.7 and 640.0g/kg DM for Pit; 964.7, 929.4, 78.2, 494.3 and 625.0g/kg DM for Pulp respectively. In this study the average DMD, OMD, DOMD and metabolizable energy of DPB differed significantly (P<0.05) was higher for Pulp in comparison to Lerd and Pit. The effective DM degradability (EDMD) and effective CP degradability (ECPD) of Lerd, Pit and Pulp ranged from 19.29 to 32.83 and from 33.67 to 46.51% respectively. The average NIV of DM and CP for Pulp (59.25 and 76.47%) was higher than Pit (55.40 and 66.27%) and Lerd (34.46 and 56.82% respectively). Our results showed that DPB samples in particular Pulp can be used as proper source of feed for small ruminants to overcome the shortage of animal feedstuffs.

Changes in the herbage nutritive value and yield associated with threshold responses of vegetation to grazing in Mongolian rangelands

AbstractWe examined the changes in the nutritive value and yield of herbage along a grazing gradient, where abrupt changes in community composition occurred, at multiple ecological sites in Mongolian rangelands. At grassland sites, changes in the herbage nutritive value could be attributed to rapid replacement of perennial grasses or forbs with weedy annual forbs along a grazing gradient. Crude protein (CP) concentration increased sharply in approaching the source of grazing gradient, whereas neutral detergent fibre and metabolizable energy (ME) concentrations decreased sharply. As ME can be utilized as a main index of herbage nutritive value, these results indicated its overall loss with severe grazing. Consequently, gradual increases in the yields of CP and ME in the direction of the gradient source at the grassland sites did not necessarily indicate the improvement of rangeland condition. In contrast, at shrubland sites, we could not generally detect any significant trends in the herbage nutritive value. The yield of ME gradually decreased in the direction of gradient source, suggesting that grazing affects herbage yield rather than herbage feed value at shrubland sites. Thus, the nutritive value and yield of herbage can be modified greatly in association with nonlinear responses of vegetation to livestock grazing.

Evaluation of finger millet incorporated noodles for nutritive value and glycemic index.

The present study was undertaken to develop finger millet incorporated noodles for diabetic patients. Finger millet variety VL-149 was taken. The finger millet flour and refined wheat flour (RWF) were evaluated for nutrient composition. The finger millet flour (FMF) was blended in various proportions (30 to 50%) in refined wheat flour and used for the preparation of noodles. Control consisted of RWF noodles. Sensory quality and nutrient composition of finger millet noodles was evaluated. The 30% finger millet incorporated noodles were selected best on the basis of sensory evaluation. Noodles in that proportion along with control were evaluated for glycemic response. Nutrient composition of noodles showed that 50% finger millet incorporated noodles contained highest amount of crude fat (1.15%), total ash (1.40%), crude fiber (1.28%), carbohydrate (78.54%), physiological energy (351.36kcal), insoluble dietary fiber (5.45%), soluble dietary fiber (3.71%), iron (5.58%) and calcium (88.39%), respectively. However, control RWF noodles contained highest amount of starch (63.02%), amylose (8.72%) and amylopectin (54.29%). The glycemic index (GI) of 30% finger millet incorporated noodles (best selected by sensory evaluation) was observed significantly lower (45.13) than control noodles (62.59). It was found that finger millet flour incorporated noodles were found nutritious and showed hypoglycemic effect.

Carbon isotope discrimination as an index of tall fescue–endophyte association response to light availability and defoliation

Tall fescue [ Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire] is adapted to the diverse growing conditions of humid, temperate agro-ecosystems. A mutualistic endophytic symbiont ( Neotyphodium coenophialum, [Morgan-Jones et Gams] Glenn, Bacon, and Hanlin) contributes to this resilience, but at the same time compromises grazing livestock health. Novel endophytes that do not produce ergo-alkaloids were developed to circumvent livestock health issues, but the response of novel associations to site conditions and management practices, such as partial shade and repeated defoliation, is unclear. We conducted a field experiment with tall fescue to determine if carbon isotope discrimination ( Δ) could be used to characterize host–endophyte association responses to site and management. Plants infected with either the native or novel non-ergogenic endophyte, or that were endophyte free were clipped to typical pasture (5 cm) or silvopasture (10 cm) residual sward heights each time mean canopy height reached 20 cm. The Δ of tall fescue was inversely related to light availability. Greater variation in Δ occurred when plants were clipped to a 5 rather than a 10 cm residue height. This trend persisted throughout the growing season and was similar whether Δ was expressed relative to potential evapotranspiration (ET o), leaf dry matter content (LDMC) or an index of herbage nutritive value (expressed as energy relative to crude protein). Host–endophyte association did not affect Δ. This might be attributable to relatively mild growing conditions occurring in the central Appalachian region of the USA, irrespective of site conditions, or the minimal cost of hosting endophyte. Carbon isotope discrimination responses for tall fescue agree with previous observations on Δ and light availability, and might be a useful means to assess silvopastoral management practices.

Nutrient composition of mistletoe (Viscum album) and its nutritive value for ruminant animals

Mistletoe (Viscum album L. subsp. album) is known as an obligatory hemiparasite of trees and is consumed by herbivores in some places, especially during periods of forage shortage and drought. This experiment was conducted to determine nutrient composition and nutritive value of mistletoe with respect to vegetation stage. Mistletoe samples were collected from three different tree species [almond (Amygdalus communis L.), plum (Prunus domestica L.), and willow (Salix alba L.)] at three different vegetation stages (April, July, October) naturally growing in Central Turkey. Five samples were taken at each vegetation stage for each tree species. The samples were incubated in rumens of two 2-year old fistulated Holstein cows. Nutrient data and nutritive value indices were subjected to 2-way ANOVA using the GLM procedure. Crude protein and NDF concentrations and metabolisable energy level of the samples were in the ranges of 52.5–68.6, 291–330, and 7.8–8.4 MJ kg−1 DM, respectively. There were also significant differences in DM, crude ash, Fe, Cu, and Zn levels among trees. As the vegetation progressed, there were linear decreases in DM, CP, and NDF and linear increases in ADF, Ca, Cu, and Zn levels. There were significant interaction effects for tree species by vegetation stage in terms of DM, ADF, and Zn. In vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility coefficients were between 0.84 and 0.87 and between 0.52 and 0.55, respectively. It was also observed that degradation of V. album was almost completed after the first 48 h. The soluble and readily degraded portion of DM (fraction “a”) increased, whereas the insoluble but degradable portion of DM (fraction “b”) decreased with advancing vegetation stage. Effective degradability of dry matter (EDDM) also increased significantly as the vegetation progressed. Gas production from fraction “b” varied by tree species and the stage of vegetation. A significant interaction of tree species by vegetation effects on EDDM and gas production was also noted. After 48 h, cumulative gas production and fraction “b” ranged from 52.71 ml to 58.85 ml and from 48.8 ml to 75.4 ml, respectively. In general, the mistletoe was low in protein, moderate in fibre, and high in minerals. In conclusion, as long as a lack of deleterious effects on health and performance is shown in feeding trials, mistletoe has potential to be used as a dietary component in ruminant feeding.

Nutritive value index of treated wheat straw with Pleurotus fungi fed to cow

Biological de-lignification of straw by white-rot fungi seems a promising way of improving its nutritive value. The bio-conversion of lignocellulosic materials is circumscribed to the group of white-rot fungi, of which some species of Pleurotus are capable of producing upgraded spent-straws as ruminant feed (Fazaeli et al., 2004). Treating of cereal straw with white-rot fungi as animal feed was studied by several workers (Gupta et al., 1993; Zadrazil, 1997). However, most of the trials were conducted at in vitro stage and used cell wall degradation and in vitro digestibility as an index to evaluate the biological treatments. This experiment was conducted to study the effect of fungal treatment on the voluntary intake, in vivo digestibility and nutritive value index of wheat straw obtained from short-term and long-term solid state fermentation (SSF).

Nutritive value index of treated wheat straw with Pleurotus fungi

Wheat straw was inoculated with spawns of two species of Pleurotus fungi (coded: PF and PO) and incubated in a fermentation room at 22?5?C and 70?5, relative humidity. After 17 days of spawning, when the substrate was completely covered by fungal mycelia, half of the bags were removed from the fermentation room, sun dried and used for in vitro measurements and in vivo study as well, using of sheep. For the remainder of the bags, fermentation was allowed for seven weeks during which the fruiting mushroom was harvested two times, and then spent straw was collected and dried under the sun. In a feeding trial, in vivo digestibility and voluntary intake of treated straw was compared with initial straw in cattle, when the dietary treatments were: 1) Initial wheat straw (IWS); 2) Fungal (PF) treated wheat straw before mushroom formation (FTWS); 3) Fungal (PF) spent wheat straw (SPWS) after mushroom was harvested. Results showed that, the fungal treatments significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected the nutrient composition of wheat straw by increasing the CP and ash, but decreasing the OM, NDF, ADF, ADL, cellulose (CL) and hemi cellulose (HCL) contents. The in vitro digestibility of DM and OM were significantly (P&lt;0.05) the highest for PF treated straw but the lowest for the initial straw. The in vivo digestibility of most components were significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased, in sheep, however treatment PF showed the higher amounts of digestibility than that of the PO with exception for crude protein CP and HCL. Regarding the feeding trial by cow, results indicated that, the highest amount of DM and OM digestibility were found in FTWS followed by SPWS, but the initial straw had the lowest digestibility (P&lt;0.05). Average daily intake of DM, OM, as well as the digestible DM and OM intake were significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected by the treatments. In comparison to the IWS, PO inoculated straw increased the voluntary intake of digestible DM and OM, at the stage of mycellial running, however, the digestibility and intake of SPWS were significantly (P&lt;0.05) reduced to the level of initial straw. In conclusion, fermentation of wheat straw by Pleurotus florida and P. ostreatus, improved the nutritive value of straw although the effect of P.F. was more than that of the P.O. In addition, fungal treatment of straw before mushroom formation, improved the nutritive value index, but no enhancement was found in SPWS comparing with the initial straw.

Pasture and Cattle Responses in Rotationally Stocked Grazing Systems Sown with Differing Levels of Species Richness

Increasing species richness of temperate pastures beyond one or two forage species could improve grazing system productivity. An experiment in western Illinois, USA, was initiated in August 2001 to test this idea. The main study objective was to determine how pastures sown with increasing levels of species richness would affect herbage yield and cow‐calf performance. Three seed mixtures that contained three, five, or eight forage species were sown into 3‐ to 6‐ha pastures. Mixtures were replicated three times and rotationally stocked with beef cow–calf groups. Herbage mass and accumulation were estimated by a rising plate meter method and weight gain evaluated cow–calf performance. We also evaluated forage nutritive value indices and changes in forage species composition. After pasture establishment in 2001, herbage mass was marginally higher (P= 0.15) in eight‐species mixtures (98 g m−2) compared with three‐species mixes (43 g m−2). Once grazing started, pasture mix had no effect on herbage responses or stocking rate (P&gt; 0.05). Cow–calf performance was also unaffected by pasture mix, although average daily gain (ADG) was higher in 2003 (P&lt; 0.05). Cow and calf ADG averaged 0.33 and 1.17 kg d−1, respectively, in 2003 compared with 0.05 and 1.01 kg d−1in other years. Overall, species richness in pastures had minimal effects on forage yield and cattle performance. Grazing management (e.g., stocking rate) and climatic conditions more strongly influence grazing system productivity.

Nutritive Value Index of Treated Wheat Straw with Pleurotus Fungi Fed to Sheep

Nutritive Value Index of Treated Wheat Straw with Pleurotus Fungi Fed to Sheep

Cultivar and Cultivar ✕ Environment Effects on Relative Feed Value of Temperate Perennial Grasses

Cultivar evaluation trials for perennial forage grasses traditionally have emphasized forage yield and adaptation characteristics, such as maturity, pest resistances, and stress resistances. The objectives of this study were to evaluate cultivar effects and cultivar ✕ environmental factor interactions for relative feed value (RFV) of several grass cultivars grown in binary mixtures with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Grass species were ryegrass (Lolium spp., including perennial [L. perenne L.], intermediate [L. hybridum], and festulolium [Festulolium braunii K.A.]), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), timothy .(Phleum pratense L.), and tall fescue (Festuca arundlnacea Schreb.). Relative feed value was computed, as an index of forage nutritive value, from neutral and acid detergent fiber (NDF and ADF). Cluster analysis revealed that environments based on similar cuttings and from the same year tended to cluster together. Only cultivars of orchardgrass, ryegrass, and timothy varied in RFV. Cultivar ✕ environment interactions were species‐specific. In orchardgrass and timothy, much of the variation was due to differences in cultivar maturity at first cutting. These maturity effects also carried over into second‐cutting RFV for timothy. For perennial ryegrass, tetraploids ranked higher in Cut‐I RFV than diploids, but did not differ in Cut‐2 RFV. Cultivars in at least three perennial forage grass species can be separated according to their RFV by replicated testing in multiple environments. Replication over at least eight environments is necessary to develop broad cultivar inferences. It was possible to discern consistent tendencies across environments only in orchardgrass and timothy, the species for which RFV was related closely to maturity.

Genetic, Morphological, and Agronomic Characteristics of Lolium‐Festuca Amphiploids1

Lolium‐Festuca hybridization provides a wide range of genetic variability when breeding for improved forage quality of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Crosses were made among Italian ryegrass (a) (Lolium multifiorum Lam.) and tall fescue (t) amphiploids (2n = 56 chromosomes) and giant fescue (g) [F. gigantea (L). Vill.] and (t) hybrids (tg) with amphiploids (2n = 56) of Italian ryegrass and tall fescue (AT) with the objectives of determining the effect of cytoplasm on restoration of meiotic stability and fertility and of comparing the nutritive and agronomic performance and amphiploids with ryegrass and tall fescue cultivars. Parents and polycross progenies (pcp) of (tg)AT ✕ (at)AT[F1(tg), tall fescue ✕ giant fescue, 2n=42 ✕ AT, Italian ryegrass ✕ tall fescue amphiploid, 2n = 56] ✕ [F1, (at), Italian ryegrass ✕ tall fescue, 2n = 28 ✕ AT, Italian ryegrass ✕ tall fescue amphiploid, 2n=56] and their reciprocal (at)AT X (tg)AT amphiploids; and of (tg) AT ✕ (tg) AT parents and pep were evaluated in spaced plant rows in separate tests but in close proximity. Plants containing (t) and (a) cytoplasms had 92.3 and 61.9% 2n=56 chromosomes, respectively. Thus, the approach to meiotic stability was more rapid in (t) cytoplasm; however, cytoplasm appeared to have little effect on percent fertile florets and seed yield. All amphiploids had 79% less seed than the (t) check. Narrow sense heritability estimates for fertile florets were higher for (tg)AT ✕ (tg)AT (0.82) than for the (tg)AT ✕ (at)AT (0.38) materials. A correlation coefficient of 0.58 (P&lt;0.05) was obtained for association of parents and pep for seed/panicle. Thus, the data suggest that further improvement for meiotic stability and fertility may be realized through selection within both groups of amphiploids. The amphiploid synthetic when compared in solid stands to (t) cultivars and ‘Grimalda’ perennial ryegrass (L. Perenne L) had significantly lower seed yields than all cultivars except ‘Missouri 96’ (t) and Grimalda, were intermediate in forage quality, and had dry matter yields significantly lower than (t) cultivars but equal to Grimalda. Nutritive value index (NVI) of 68 or above was obtained consistently for the amphiploids during the August environmental stress period. Thus, NVI values of 70 or above possibly could be obtained through selection within these hybrids.

Influence of Hoary Alyssum (Berteroa incana) on Quality of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Forage and Its Utilization by Goats

The chemical composition and the utilization by domestic goats (Capra hircusL. ‘Saanen’) of alfalfa (Medicago sativaL.) hay and silage that contained or did not contain hoary alyssum [Berteroa incana(L.) DC. ♯ BEFIN] was studied. Alfalfa was higher in quality than hoary alyssum; crude protein (CP) was 38% higher, and the neutral- and acid-detergent fiber (NDF and ADF) were 18 and 29% lower, respectively. Less CP and more ADF were found in weedy hay than in other forages. Animal utilization, as measured by the dry-matter intake, digestible dry-matter intake, relative intake, and nutritive value index were greater for weed-free than for weedy forages. Hoary alyssum was more deleterious in chopped silage than in long hay, because of selective refusal of the weed by goats that were fed hay. The presence of hoary alyssum in alfalfa decreased its utilization by ruminants.

Feed Quality of Hay Containing Perennial Broadleaf Weeds1

AbstractMany studies have been conducted to determine how to control perennial broadleaf weeds in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) swards, but little information is available on the effects of these weeds on forage utilization by ruminant animals. Therefore, alfalfa or alfalfa‐grass mixtures infested with yellow rocket (Barbarea vulgaris R. Br.), white cockle (Lychnis alba Mill.), and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber.) were treated with herbicides to provide differences in weed composition of harvested forage. Differences in intake, digestibility, and nutrituve value index between weedy and weed‐free forages were determined by feeding hay from the various herbicide treatments to goats in stall trials. Observations indicated that dandelion and white cockle were palatable and yellow rocket was unpalatable.Animal intake, in vivo digestibility, and nutritive value index werereduced by an infestation of yellow rocket but not by white cockle in alfalfa‐grass mixtures. Crude protein concentration and in vitro digestibility were highest in dandelion, intermediate in white cockle, and lowest in yellow rocket. Based on the small differences in quality observed between most of the weedy and weed‐free forages, we concluded that only yellow rocket would reduce the feed value of hay for ruminant animals.

Prediction of Silage Digestibility and Intake by Chemical Analyses or In Vitro Fermentation Techniques

Chemical analyses and in vitro fermentations were on three corn silages, four legume-grass silages, and four corn-hay crop silage mixtures which had been fed to sheep for 21 days. In vivo data were collected for voluntary silage intake and apparent digestibility of energy. Forage nutritive value was expressed as digestible energy intake. Multiple regression equations were developed to determine the more reliable methods to evaluate voluntary intake, digestibility, and nutritive value of silage. Equations for quadratic response surfaces accounted for 71 to 79% of variation in in vivo data compared to 54 to 70% of variability accountable by simple linear regression equations. Dry matter, crude protein, cell wall, acid-detergent fiber, and acid-detergent lignin contents of silage accounted for greater variability in silage intake, digestibility, and nutritive value than did any in vitro method either alone or in combination with chemical analysis. The results support Crampton's concept of nutritive value index, which is now expressed in the relative feed value system proposed by the American Forage and Grassland Council for differences between forages.

INFLUENCE DE LA FERTILISATION AZOTEE SUR LE RENDEMENT, LA VALEUR NUTRITIVE ET LA TENEUR EN DIVERSES FRACTIONS AZOTEES DE TROIS CULTIVARS DE LA FLEOLE DES PRES

A 3-yr study on rates of nitgoren fertilization of timothy (Phleum pratense L.) showed that dry matter yield increased significantly with each increment of N fertilizer up to 448 kg/ha. Bounty outyielded Climax and Clair cultivars. Forage nutritive value index (NVI) was reduced by N fertilization but no significant difference was found among cultivars over the three growth cycles. Third cut forage had the highest and first cut forage the lowest NVI. Total, protein and non-protein nitrogen contents reached their highest values in first and second growth at highest rates of N fertilizer. Potentially toxic levels of nitrate-nitrogen were attained at each harvest only at rates of 448 and 896 kg/ha of N. On average over the season, Climax had the highest and Clair the lowest percentages of total and protein nitrogen while there was no significant difference among cultivars in the non-protein and nitrate nitrogen contents.

Evaluation of relative nutritive value in cultivars of triticale with shrivelled grain characteristics, using Aspergillus flavus

AbstractAspergillus flavus Link ex Fr., was used to evaluate the Relative Nutritive Value (RNV) in a set of triticale cultivars having shrivelled grain characteristics. The protein content in these samples ranged from 11.8 to 24.0%. The milled material was tested at 3 mg nitrogen level. Biomass of the fungus was measured as the total dry weight of the mycelium produced after 72 h of shaking and taken as the index of Relative Nutritive Value. The fungal biomass was negatively correlated with protein content and dye binding capacity while a positive correlation existed with protein index. With the use of glucose as an extra energy source, the basic pattern of response remained the same but the magnitude of correlation decreased.