Pangola Grass Research Articles

Effect of Feeding Roughage Hay on Production Efficiency and Economic Return in Crossbred Sheep

This study aimed to investigate the effect of feeding roughage hay on production efficiency and economic return in crossbred sheep. A completely randomized design was employed on Santa Ines crossbred sheep from 16 animals and divided into 4 groups. The average initial body weights of all animals were 16.87±0.97 kilograms and the average final weight were 23.25±1.07 kilograms under 60 days feeding period. Four groups were fed with fresh grass (para grass) at 3.5 kg/head/day (T1; Control group), para grass hay at 1.5 kg/head/day (T2), ruzi grass hay at 1.5 kg/head/day (T3), and pangola grass hay at 1.5 kg/head/day (T4). All animals received concentrate with 14 %CP 0.2 kg/head/day throughout the period of the study. The results showed that animals in the 4 groups had no difference in weight gain and average daily gain (P>0.05). Total dry matter intakes of groups 1-4 were found to be 2.86±0.08, 1.28±0.09, 1.27±0.09 and 1.34±0.08 kgDM/head/day (P<0.01), respectively. Total dry matter intakes of protein were 0.09±0.01, 0.07±0.01, 0.08±0.01 and 0.10±0.01 kgDM/head/day, respectively (P<0.01). Total dry matter intake per body weight of group 1 was 16.99% of body weight, which was significantly higher than other groups (P<0.01). Blood metabolites such as blood glucose in range 63.94-70.04 mg/dl, and blood urea nitrogen in the range 13.44-17.13 mg/dl were found to be in the normal range (P>0.05). The total production costs per head of the four groups averaged 224.78±3.72, 240.42±3.73, 240.13±3.73 and 245.71±3.72 baht/head (P<0.01) and total production costs per weight gain were found to be 38.78±7.90, 37.93±7.92, 38.85±7.92 and 48.79±7.90 baht/head, respectively.

Bicontrol of Pythium aphanidermatum and Damping-off Disease of Papaya Seedlings (Carica papaya cv. Tainung No.2) by Different Smoke-water

Two key trends of sustainable agriculture are reducing the amount of inputs such as pesticides, fungicides, or fertilizer and finding ways to reduce or reuse agricultural waste. Leafy plant waste can be burned to produced smoke-water extracts that have effective antimicrobial and germination properties. Damping-off disease caused by Pythium spp. leads to significant losses at the papaya seedling stage and is usually managed with fungicides. Five smoke-water extracts derived from burning different plant residues—namely, rice straw smoke-water (R-SW), wheat straw smoke-water (W-SW), pangola grass smoke-water (P-SW), cornstalk smoke-water (C-SW), and bamboo leave smoke-water (B-SW)—were prepared. These were mixed into the V8 media used for culture of Pythium aphanidermatum. In vitro treatment with 5% P-SW, C-SW, or B-SW reduced mycelial growth rate significantly, whereas 5% B-SW inhibited mycelial growth completely. All 1% smoke-water preparations reduced zoospore production significantly, but the inhibition rate of 3% R-SW, 3% W-SW, 1% P-SW, 1% C-SW, and 1% B-SW reached 100%. For in vivo experiments, P. aphanidermatum was inoculated in 1 kg of potting soil and mixed with B-SW in concentrations of 1% to 5%. The papaya seedlings treated with 2% to 5% B-SW maintained the growth parameter without damping-off symptoms.

Vegetative Flow Resistance for Erosion Control Using Grass Species from the Caribbean Region

Vegetative channels convey runoff effectively, prevent flooding, protect soil against erosion, avoid the formation of gullies, maintain adequate water quality, and reduce the generation of sediments. The degree of retardance as a measure of the drag force on the vegetation cover is a crucial parameter for determining resistance to water flow in these channels. This research developed a new procedure to assess Manning’s coefficient and retardance index for vegetation using four Caribbean Area grass species: Bahía Grass (Paspalum notatum), Zoysia Grass (Zoysia sp.), Pangola Grass (Digitaria eriantha), and Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon). The USDA-NRCS Caribbean Area identified 16 species as vegetative lining for waterways and proposed a classification according to the degree of vegetative retardance. The category for these species was developed for use in the Western Gulf Region and required validation for the Caribbean region. A modified universal log law fitted the velocity distributions above the vegetative lining in the experiments. The energy equation for a gradually varied flow, the momentum equation, and Manning’s equation provided a solution for Manning’s coefficient. The procedure allowed us to assign a degree of retardance to the species obtained by comparing Manning’s coefficients with those from USDA-NRCS. Results show that retardance degrees published in the Puerto Rico Erosion and Sedimentation Control Handbook for Developing Areas apply to the species tested in this project. This research identified a new retardance degree for Pangola grass when the plant height is less than 0.15 m. The experimental values for Manning’s coefficient are also recommended for use in overland flow conditions.

Effect of waste mango silage on the in vitro gas production, in situ digestibility, intake, apparent digestibility, and ruminal characteristics in calf diets.

Mexico is the fifth largest producer of mangoes in the world. For the conservation of agro-industrial waste and crop residues, the ensiling technique has shown good results. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing the level of mango silage (86% waste mango and 14% pangola grass hay) in calf diets on in vitro gas production, in situ digestibility, intake, apparent digestibility, and ruminal characteristics. The diets contained 0 (T0), 30 (T1), 45 (T2), and 60% (T3) mango silage. The partial (24, 48, and 72 h) and cumulative (72 h) biogas, CH4 production, and degradation were determined in the in vitro evaluation. In situ digestibility and estimators of fermentation kinetics of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) were determined. Intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, and rumen parameters of calves (200 kg) were evaluated in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Response to increased mango silage was calculated by linear and quadratic orthogonal contrasts. In vitro partial and cumulative biogas production decreased linearly (p < 0.05), and the partial and cumulative CH4 production did not show linear or quadratic contrast (p > 0.05); in vitro DM degradation, in vitro neutral detergent fiber degradation, and in vitro acid detergent fiber degradation showed a linear increase (p < 0.05). In situ dry matter digestibility (DMDis), in situ organic matter digestibility (OMDis), b, a + b, c, and effective digestibility (ED) of DMDis, a, a + b, c, and ED of OMDis increased linearly (p < 0.05). Dry matter intake, OM intake, and crude protein intake showed a linear increase (p < 0.05); NDF intake and ADF intake presented a quadratic behavior (p < 0.05). Apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, and hemicellulose, pH, N-NH3, total bacterial count, acetate, propionate, butyrate, volatile fatty acids, acetate: propionate ratio, cellulolytic bacteria, and protozoa did not present a linear or quadratic orthogonal effect (p > 0.05). The in vitro, in situ, and in vivo variables demonstrated that up to 60% mango silage can be used for the intensive fattening of calves in confinement.

The twolined spittlebug (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) invades Hawaiʻi: establishment, biology, and management of a destructive forage grass pest

Abstract The twolined spittlebug, Prosapia bicincta (Say) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae), is a major economic pest of turfgrass, forage grass, and sugarcane. Native to the southeast United States, it impacts rangelands and the landscape trade by damaging pastures, golf courses, urban landscapes, and lawns. This insect pest was reported and confirmed in Hawaiʻi for the first time in 2016, the first species in the family Cercopidae to invade Hawaiʻi. On Hawaiʻi Island, P. bicincta is severely devastating Hawaiʻi’s beef cattle industry. Since its initial detection, P. bicincta has rapidly expanded its range across an estimated 72,183 ha area on Hawaiʻi Island, and it continues to disperse to new locations. In areas of high infestation, this pest has caused 100% dieback of key pasture grasses for livestock forage, including kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. Ex Chiov) and pangola (Digitaria eriantha Steud) grasses, leading to the establishment of low-quality forage grasses and weeds. Additionally, this pest may affect the Hawaiʻi landscape trade and impact golf courses, urban landscapes, and homeowners. The taxonomy, detection history, range, biology, ecology, economic damage, and management strategies for P. bicincta are discussed.

KAPASITAS TAMPUNG DAN LEGUMINOSA PADANG PENGGEMBALAAN DIKECAMATAN BULA KABUPATEN SERAM BAGIAN TIMUR

Background:This study aims to determine the botanical composition of forages and legumes and the capacity of livestock in grazing fields in Bula sub-district, East Seram Regency. Research methods:This research was conducted in May 2009 with research locations in 2 villages, Jembatan Basa and Bula villages and using a survey method conducted in the grasslands. Determination of sample villages and grazing locations based on purposive sampling based on village area and number of ruminants. This method uses dry weigh rank to determine the botanical composition of forage by using cluster sampling, while in measuring the capacity of the capacity is measured based on the formula voisin (Y-1) S = r. Results :The study showed the botanical composition as follows: Pangola grass (Digitaria decumbens) 22.36 percent, donated pasture. Leguminosa found in Bula Sub-district, East Seram Regency, Arachis Nuts (Arachis glabarata) 5.37 percent, Asu beans (Kalopogonium mucunoides) 4.11 percent. The results of the study showed that the carrying capacity (KT) for ruminants in Bula District was 1.39 ha/UT/year or 0.58 UT/ha/year. Conclusion: The botanical composition of legumes in pastures in Bula sub-district does not meet the 9.84 percent standard, besides that there are tree legumes such as gamal (Gliisida sepium), and Chinese petai (Lamtorogun).

Effects of Hydrolysable Tannin Supplementation on Nutrient Intake, Milk Production and Milk Somatic Cell Count in On-farm Dairy Cows

This study examined the effects of hydrolysable tannin (HT) supplementation on nutrient intake, milk production and milk somatic cell count in on-farm dairy cows. Fifty-four Holstein Friesian crossbred cows weighing 450 to 500 kg and were subjected to an experiment for 49 days. Dairy cows were divided into 3 groups, which were 1) the control group without HT supplementation and the HT supplementation groups, which received HT products (15 g/day), 2) one contains 3.15 g/day of HT and 3) another contains 6.30 g/day of HT. Hydrolysable tannin was extracted from sweet chestnut wood (Castanea Sativa Mill.). Dairy cows received HT products on the top of concentrate (22 % CP) in the morning after milking. Total mixed ration (TMR), pangola grass (Digitaria eriantha) hay and concentrate were offered according to animal nutrient requirements. The results showed that supplementation of HT has no influence (p &gt; 0.05) on the nutrient intake, milk yield and milk composition when compared to the control group. In addition, the increased levels of HT caused quadratic increases in fat:protein at pre-treatment and treatment periods (p &lt; 0.05; p = 0.06, respectively), while differential somatic cell count (DSCC) at treatment and post-treatment periods showed a quadratic decrease (p &lt; 0.05; p &lt; 0.05, respectively), with supplementation of HT product containing 6.30 g HT/day (p &lt; 0.05) being the lowest. Therefore, it can be concluded that supplementation with HT product does not affect nutrient intake, milk yield, however, it could reduce DSCC and probably improve udder health in on-farm dairy cows.&#x0D; HIGHLIGHTS&#x0D; &#x0D; A quantitative performance comparison of Radio over Free Space Optical links&#x0D; WDM increases the capacity while the MIMO links help to maintain the transmission range&#x0D; A combination of WDM and MIMO RoFSO links is identified to be the best&#x0D;

Stability of milk from dual purpose cows with different types of feeding

Objective: To establish milk stability using the alcohol test in cows with different feeding strategies in the tropical dairy system. Design/methodology/approach: Ten crossbred Holstein x Zebu cows whose milk frequently tested positive to the alcohol test were housed in individual yards and distributed into two groups. Experiment 1. T1: cows consumed dry Pangola grass (Digitaria eriantha); T2: cows consumed green Maralfalfa grass (Pennisetum violaceum). Forage was provided ad libitum. Experiment 2. T1 cows were supplemented with a concentrate with higher crude protein and metabolizable energy percentage than T2 cows; this percentage was gradually increased up to 4.0 kg. Milk was subjected to alcohol testing. Variance analyzes were performed under categorical data models. Results: Higher percentages of cases that tested positive for alcohol were observed in cows that consumed dry grass than in cows that consumed green grass (P&lt;0.05). The concentrate addition to diets based on dry or green forage reduced the positive case percentage. Implications: A balanced diet improves milk stability. Findings/conclusions: The improvement in the cows’ nutritional value decreases the percentage of milk with positive results in the alcohol test.

Individual and integrated methods on tough lovegrass control

ABSTRACT: The current study evaluated the efficiency of mechanical, physical, chemical and cultural methods, used exclusively or integrated, to control tough lovegrass. The experimental design was completely randomized, with 15 treatments and four repetitions. Physical control of tough lovegrass was based on the application of fire, whereas mechanical controls consisted in mowing and harrowing/plowing procedures. The herbicide clethodim and different glyphosate salts were evaluated for chemical control. Glyphosate and soil fertility correction were applied as cultural and integrated methods, in addition to isopropylamine + potassium salts combination, soil fertility correction and implantation of one of the following forage plants: Elephant grass, Pangola grass, Forage peanut and Birdsfoot trefoil. The effect of treatments on the incidence of tough lovegrass and on its botanical composition was evaluated one year after their applications. Isolated control methods, except for glyphosate using, did not present efficient tough lovegrass control. Glyphosate salts could control tough lovegrass plants, but their association with improved soil fertility and Pangola grass implantation was the best strategy to control the invasive plant.

Productive Response of Pelibuey Sheep to Supplementation in the Stretching Season in the Dry Tropic

Sheep meat production in the dry tropics of Mexico is low in the dry season, due to lack of forage, therefore, strategic supplementation is important to avoid weight loss in animals; The research was carried out from August 15 to December 15, 2020 in order to evaluate the productive response of pelibuey sheep in confinement, fed with pangola grass hay (GH), plains grass silage (PGS) and supplemented with commercial feed (CF) in the dry season. 16 sheep of the same weight and age were used, four treatments were evaluated in them, in a completely random design; the treatments were four levels of supplement 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 kg of AC fed with HP and PGS. Sheep were dewormed at the beginning of the experiment and housed in individual cages. The variables were: dry matter intake, daily weight gain (DWG) and DM digestibility. DM consumption was different (P -1 in T1 and a higher value of 0.112 kg in T4. The apparent digestibility of the dry matter showed a difference (P

Contenido de materia orgánica en suelos de sistemas silvopastoriles establecidos en el Chaco Central paraguayo

El sistema silvopastoril se caracteriza por asociación de ganadería, árboles y pastura, la interacción entre estos componentes aporta beneficios tanto al suelo, como a la pastura, al ganado y a los árboles y permite un aumento en la productividad y la diversificación de la producción. Para conocer la influencia del componente arbóreo del sistema silvopastoril sobre el contenido de materia orgánica del suelo se llevó a cabo un estudio exploratorio en propiedades privadas ubicadas en los Departamento de Boquerón y Presidente Hayes del Chaco Central paraguayo. Se instalaron 8 parcelas permanentes de 1 ha cada una en las que se midieron y registraron todos los individuos de algarrobo (Prosopis spp), se identificaron y extrajeron muestras de pastura de subparcelas de 1m2 que se ubicaron bajo la copa de los árboles y fuera de la copa para comparar la biomasa de la pastura, se extrajeron muestras de suelo bajo las condiciones mencionadas y a dos profundidades, de 0 a 10 cm y de 10 a 30 cm, para comparar el contenido de materia orgánica, carbono y nitrógeno. El componente arbóreo estaba integrado por algarrobo blanco (Prosopis alba) y algarrobo negro (Prosopis nigra) asociados a pastura implantada, Gatton panic (Panicum máximum cv Gatton panic) pasto Pangola (Digitaria decumbens) y pasto Buffel (Cenchrus ciliaris) mayoritariamente. No se registraron diferencias significativas en el contenido de materia orgánica, carbono y nitrógeno entre condiciones de sol y de sombra, pero sí al variar la profundidad. Bajo las condiciones del presente estudio no se registró una influencia significativa del componente arbóreo sobre el contenido de materia orgánica.

Effect of forage source and dietary rumen-undegradable protein on nutrient use and growth in dairy heifers

Thirty-two Holstein heifers with mean (± standard error of the mean) age of 6.5 months (±0.12) and live weight (LW) of 166 kg (±1.6) were divided into four groups of eight animals to evaluate the effect of forage source and the concentrations of rumen-undegradable crude protein (RUP) in the diet with a 2 × 2 factorial design. As forage sources cowpea hay (Vigna sinensis L.) or pangola grass hay (Digitaria decumbens Stend) were added to the diet at 250 g/kg dry matter (DM). Also, 350 g/kg DM of chopped fresh King grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) was included in all diets. The RUP proportions were 260 or 360 g/kg of total crude protein (CP). Heifers were housed in metabolism cages. The trial lasted ten weeks, with the first two weeks used for adaptation and the last week for data collection and sampling. Diets had a forage to concentrate ratio of 60:40 (on DM basis), and were offered as total mixed rations ad libitum. Fish meal or urea were used to produce varying concentrations of RUP at similar dietary CP content. Diet ingredients (i.e., hay, grass, and concentrate) and feces were sampled for nutrient analysis. Total collection of feces was performed to estimate apparent total tract nutrient digestibility (ATTD). Urinary purine derivative excretions were determined from urine spot samples to estimate rumen microbial protein synthesis. The effects of forage source, RUP, and its interactions were determined by general linear model analysis. Replacing dietary pangola grass hay with cowpea hay increased daily intakes of DM, organic matter, CP, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and digestible organic matter, and ATTD of DM, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, and ADF (P < 0.05). Duodenal flow of RUP also increased when substituting cowpea hay for pangola grass hay (P < 0.01). Similarly, inclusion of cowpea hay in the diet improved live weight gain (LWG; P < 0.05), and decreased feed costs per kg of LWG (P < 0.01). The increase in RUP decreased rumen microbial protein synthesis (P < 0.01), but tended to increase LWG, feed conversion and nitrogen use efficiency, and feed costs per unit of LWG (P < 0.10). The use of cowpea hay in the diet of dairy heifers increases nutrient intake and ATTD, leading to improved LWG and lower feed costs per kilogram of LWG. Increasing RUP proportions may reduce rumen microbial protein synthesis, but may enhance LWG, feed conversion efficiency, and nitrogen use efficiency. There were no interactions between forage source and RUP proportion on intake and ATTD, but some synergistic effects were observed for the performance parameters.

Nitrate supplementation of rations based on rice straw but not Pangola hay, improves growth performance in meat goats.

ObjectiveSupplemental nitrate is known to be an effective tool to mitigate methane emission by ruminants. Based on theoretical considerations, supplemental nitrate can improve but also deteriorate the growth performance. The overall effect of supplemental nitrate on growth performance, however, is not yet known. The objective of the current study was therefore to evaluate the effect of a higher dose of NO3− on overall growth performance when feeding either Pangola grass hay or rice straw.MethodsThirty-two crossbred, 3-month-old Thai native×Anglo-Nubian crossbred male goats were used. The experiment had a 2×2 factorial design with an experimental period of 60 days. Eight goats were randomly allocated to each dietary treatment, i.e. a ration containing either Pangola hay (Digitaria eriantha Steud) or rice straw (Oryza Sativa) as a source of roughage, supplemented with a concentrate containing either 3.2% or 4.8% potassium nitrate. The rations were formulated to be isonitrogenous. The animals were weighed at the start of the experiment and at days 30 and 60. Feces were collected during the last five days of each 30-day period.ResultsHigh-nitrate increased overall DM intake by approximately 3%, irrespective the source of roughage, but only the goats fed a rice straw-based ration responded with an increase in body weight (BW). Thus, the overall feed conversion ratio (kg feed/kg BW gain) was influenced by roughage source ×nitrate and decreased by almost 60% when the goats were fed rice straw in combination with a high versus a low dietary nitrate content. The digestibility of macronutrients was only affected by the source of roughage and the digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fibre was greater when the goats were fed Pangola hay.ConclusionIt was concluded that the replacement of soybean meal by nitrate improves the growth performance of meat goats fed rations based on rice straw, but not Pangola hay.

Growth-promoting thermophilic microorganisms in self-heating pasteurized substrate improve Agaricus bisporus mycelial growth

Background: Certain microorganisms during the preparation of substrate for growing Agaricus bisporus are of great interest for the conversion of organic material and for the excretion of a wide range of metabolites with growth regulation activities that may affect the mycelial growth processes and mushroom yield. Adding beneficial microorganisms in the substrate may be a biotechnological alternative to optimize A. bisporus cultivation. &#x0D; Objective: Isolate and evaluate thermophilic microorganisms from self-heating pasteurized substrate with growth-promoting effects on A. bisporus cultivation. &#x0D; Methods: Different microorganisms were isolated and selected at 45 and 55 °C. They were tested for siderophore production, 1-octen-3-ol consumption, and phosphate solubilization in coculture with A. bisporus to determine their growth effects on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and on sterile pangola grass (Digitaria eriantha).&#x0D; Results: Of the 106 microorganisms isolated, 88 % were able to grow in the presence of 1-octen-3-ol, while 1 % had the capacity to produce siderophores, and 55 % had the ability to solubilize phosphate. The strains Bacillus hisashii ECS-B-65, B. licheniformis ECS-B-78, Rhizomucor pusillus ECS-710 and ECS-712, Aspergillus fumigatus ECS-709, and Thermomyces sp. ECS-711 were found to have a positive effect on A. bisporus mycelial growth.

EVALUACIÓN DE LAS CARACTERÍSTICAS DE CALIDAD Y BROMATOLÓGICAS DE ENSILADOS ELABORADOS CON RESIDUOS DE CALABAZA (Cucurbita argyrosperma)

Pumpkin pulp shell (PPS) is an agricultural by-product with contaminating potential that can be used to ensile. The objective of this study was to determine the quality and bromatological characteristics of ensilages made with PPS, pangola grass hay, urea and two percentages of fermented molasses during 14 and 21 days. Ensilage types (2 kg) were E1 (72.5% PPS, 22.5% grass, 3% molasses and 2% urea) and E2 (72.5% PPS, 19.5% grass, 6% molasses and 2% urea). Both ensilages were fermented for 14 and 21 days. The pH was evaluated, along with dry matter (DM), lactic acid, ash (As), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and hemicellulose content. The statistical analysis was a completely randomized 2 × 2 design with ensilage types and fermentation time as factors. The pH of E2 did not vary (p > 0.05) at 14 and 21 days of fermentation, averaging 3.85. A higher production of lactic acid was quantified with E1 at 14 days, and it also presented a higher DM than E2 (p ≤ 0.05). The content of CP, NDF, ADF, As and hemicellulose did not show differences (p > 0.05) by ensilage type or fermentation times. It is concluded that PPS can be ensiled with pangola grass hay, urea and up to 6% sugarcane molasses fermented for 14 or 21 days without affecting its quality and bromatological characteristics.

Chemical composition, and in vitro fermentation of ripe mango silage with molasses

The objective was to evaluate the in vitro fermentation in silage of ripe mango with pangola grass hay and levels of sugar cane molasses as additive. The treatments were: 0 (T0%), 3 (T3%), 6 (T6%) and 9% (T9%) molasses. The ensilage was fermented for 21 days. Dry matter (DM), pH values, lactic acid, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and ashes (As), partial and the accumulated biogas and methane production, DM degradation (DMD) and NDF degradation (NDFD) were determined in the ensilages. Variables were analyzed in a completely random design. T0% showed lower DM and As content, as well as a higher lactic acid concentration. T3% and T6% had different CP content. The higher NDF and ADF content was found in T0% and T3%. With regard to partial biogas production, T0% had the higher partial biogas production at 6 h, while T3% and T6% had the higher production at 9 and 48 h; meanwhile, T0% and T3% had the higher production at 24 h, and T9% at 72 h. The higher partial methane production happened in T0% at 48 h and in T3% and T9% at 72 h. T0% and T3% had a higher DMD and NDFD. The lower accumulated biogas production took place in T3% and T6% (p < 0.05). Therefore, ripe mango ensilages (using pangola grass) do not require an additive (such as molasses) to improve the bromatological and fermented quality of the ensilage.

Relación carbono-nitrógeno en suelos de sistemas silvopastoriles del Chaco paraguayo

El sistema silvopastoril permite que la producción ganadera sea más sustentable, porque la interacción entre sus componentes aporta beneficios al suelo, a la pastura, al ganado y a los árboles; además de, un aumento en la productividad y la diversificación de la producción. Para conocer las características de dichos sistemas, se llevó a cabo un estudio en propiedades privadas ubicadas en el Chaco Paraguayo, donde se instalaron ocho parcelas permanentes de 1 ha cada una, en las que se midieron todos los individuos de Prosopis spp. (algarrobo), se identificaron y extrajeron muestras de pastura de subparcelas situadas bajo la copa de los árboles y fuera de ella para comparar su biomasa; también se obtuvieron muestras de suelo en las mismas condiciones, a dos profundidades: de 0 a 10 cm y de 10 a 30 cm, con el propósito de comparar el contenido de materia orgánica y la Relación Carbono/Nitrógeno (C/N). El componente arbóreo estaba integrado por Prosopis alba (algarrobo blanco) y Prosopis nigra (algarrobo negro) asociados a pastura cultivada compuesta en forma mayoritaria por Panicum maximum cv Gatton panic (Gatton panic), Digitaria decumbens (pasto pangola) y Cenchrus ciliaris (pasto buffel). La presencia de los algarrobos influyó sobre la biomasa de la pastura, pues sus registros fueron mayores bajo las copas que fuera de estas. La materia orgánica en el suelo no presentó diferencias significativas entre condición de sol y de sombra, pero sí al variar la profundidad; en cambio, la Relación C/N no varió en ninguna de las condiciones.

Agaricus bisporus production on substrates pasteurized by self-heating

The aim of this work was to determine if the self-heating pasteurization procedure is technically applicable to the cultivation of Agaricus bisporus. Firstly the substrates alone (corncob, Pangola grass and a mixture of both ingredients with wood shavings) were tested. Two supplementation trials were then undertaken using soybean, wheat bran, sheep manure, sesame seed, black bean and chia. Highest production values (BE = 176.3% and Y = 26.6 kg/m2) were obtained using a 9% supplement, with a formula consisting of 25% each of soybean, black bean, wheat bran and chia, added at spawning and at casing. These results were comparable to those obtained with the Phase II compost traditionally used for A. bisporus cultivation.

In vitro gas production and in vivo nutrient digestibility and growth performance of Thai indigenous cattle fed fresh and conserved pangola grass

Fresh and conserved pangola grass (Digitaria eriantha Steud., synonym D. decumbens) were compared in terms of in vitro gas production and in vivo nutrient digestibility, metabolisable energy (ME) concentration and average daily gain (ADG) of Thai indigenous cattle. The study was designed as a completely randomised design with Ruzi grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis) as a control and pangola grass in fresh, hay and silage forms at the same age at harvest (45 days regrowth) as treatments. As intended, the dry matter (DM) intake of forages supplemented with concentrate and a protein block was not different (p > .05) among treatments. All forms of pangola ranked higher in crude protein and ME concentrations than Ruzi grass. Pangola silage, to which 5% sugarcane molasses was added at ensiling to minimise the risk of bad fermentation, produced more gas in vitro after 96 hours of incubation and had greater (p < .05) in vivo DM, organic matter and crude protein apparent digestibility and ME concentrations and resulted in higher ADG of cattle. In conclusion, the form of pangola grass had a direct effect on digestibility, ME and ADG of Thai indigenous cattle. Pangola silage ranked higher than its fresh and hay forms as well as Ruzi grass which was the control. Pangola grass is a feasible alternative as forage source for cattle in tropical countries and can be recommended as a grass species for feeding especially during dry season.

Evaluasi Proteksi Sabun Kalsium Sebagai Pakan Suplemen Berdasarkan Kecernaan Bahan Kering, Kecernaan Bahan Organik dan pH In Vitro di dalam Rumen dan Pasca Rumen

The research aims to evaluate calsium soap protection as feed supplement based on dry matter&lt;br /&gt;digestibility, organic matter digestibility and pH in vitro in the rumen and post rumen. Calsium soap&lt;br /&gt;was produced from sardine fish oil and soybean meal, through two protection methods. It was&lt;br /&gt;saponification and microencapsulation. This research used Split Subject Repeated Measurement&lt;br /&gt;Design with 3 treatments (calcium soap, soybean meal and pangola grass) which each treatment was&lt;br /&gt;repeated 5 times. The observation kinetics of dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility, and&lt;br /&gt;pH rumen fluid were done in incubation times (2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 hours respectively). The first&lt;br /&gt;results of the research showed that in the first step (rumen) has dry matter digestibility of calcium&lt;br /&gt;soaps: 38.65; 40.00; 42.66; 46.32; 54.40 and 51.40% respectively; organic matter digestibility: 39.44;&lt;br /&gt;41.27; 44, 31; 46.32; 56.62 and 52.50% respectively. Kinetics of pH rumen fluid: 6.89; 6.79; 6.78;&lt;br /&gt;6.74; 6.71, and 6.88 respectively. In the second step (post rumen), the digestibility of calsium soap&lt;br /&gt;production has dry matter digestibility of 74.85% and organic matter of digestibilty of 72.94%. The&lt;br /&gt;results could be concluded that in the rumen, calcium soap is the most microbial degradation resistant&lt;br /&gt;compared the others and it can be degraded and digested in the abomasum to the small intestine.&lt;br /&gt;Therefore pH of rumen fluid is optimal, so it does not interfere with the fermentation in the rumen.&lt;br /&gt;Keywords: calsium soap, in vitro, dry matter digestibily, organic matter digestibility, pH value