Dry Matter Percentage Research Articles

Response of Growth Characteristics and Yield of Broccoli Hybrids to Foliar Spraying with Copper Nanoparticles

The field experiment was conducted during the agricultural season 2021-2022 at the research station of the Department of Horticulture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, University of Diyala to study the effect of foliar feeding with nano and chelated copper for five broccoli hybrids. The study included two factors; The first factor is five broccoli hybrids: Jassmine (V1), 2004 (V2), Zen (V3), Matsuri (V4) and Danar (V5). The second factor has four application treatments of spraying copper: these are, zero concentration, which is spraying with distilled water only (F0), the second is chelated copper 40 mg L-1 (F2), the third is nano-copper 10 mg L-1 (F3) and the fourth is nano-copper 20 mg L-1. The experiment was performed at a split plot system and according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The data were collected and analysed statistically using the statistical program (SAS) and the averages were compared with Duncan’s polynomial test at the 0.05 probability level. The number of leaves, the percentage of dry matter in the leaves, the plant yield per square meter, the early appearance of the curd, the percentage of total soluble solids in the curd, and the concentration of vitamin C in the broccoli were examined. The results of the experiment showed the superiority of the Danar hybrid in the number of leaves, while the Zen hybrid was superior in the diameter of the stem and the 2004 hybrid was distinguished in the percentage of dry matter in the leaves, the early appearance of the curd, the highest yield per square meter, the best total soluble solids ratio, and the highest concentration of vitamin C in the curd. The results also showed that foliar spraying with nano-copper had a positive effect on most vegetative growth characteristics and yield, as the spraying with a concentration of 20 mg L-1 of nano-copper outperformed the percentage of dry matter in the leaves as for the number of leaves and stem diameter, the highest values were recorded in the plant yield per square meter, in the percentage of total soluble solids, and the concentration of vitamin C in the crop.

Response of Date Palm Trees Phoenix dactylifera L. Khastawi Cultivar to Chemical, Organic and Biological Fertilization

The study was conducted in one of the own palm orchards located in the area of the village of Albu Assaf - Al-Dawwar, which is 10 km west of Ramadi city / Anbar Governorate, during the 2020-2021 season to know the effect of three levels of fertilizer combinations F0:0, F1: 600 g of urea (N 276) + 350 g of triple superphosphate (P2O5 168 ) + 500 g of potassium sulfate (K2O 240), 1200 g urea (552 N) + 700 g triple superphosphate (P2O5 336) + 1000 g potassium sulfate (K2O 480) and three levels of humic acid H0:0, H1:15, H2:30 ml. L-1 and two levels of a combination of biofertilizers, Trichoderma(Trichoderma harzianum) and Mycorrhizal(Glomus mosseae) B0:0, B1:300 ml Trichoderma + 400 g Mycorrhizal, with three replications for each treatment, To find out the effect of three levels of fertilizer combinations, three levels of humic acid and two levels of bio-fertilizer combination on the vegetative growth characteristics of date palm trees of the Khastawi cultivar. The results indicated the superiority of the level of F2 chemical fertilization in vegetative traits, including the dry matter of leaves, leaflet length, leaflet width, leaf length and increase in the leaves number of gave47.6372 %, 0.7128cm, 0.2436cm, 22.1039cm, 8.5000 leaves, respectively. The H2 of humic acid achieved the best values in the characteristics of the leaves dry matter percentage (%), the length and width of the leaflet, leaf length, and increased leaves number gave 48.1889 %, 0.6872cm, 0.2132cm, 21.8745cm, 8.5556 leaves, respectively, results also indicated the superiority of level B1 of the biofertilizer mixture in the characteristics of leaf dry matter percentage, leaflet width, leaf length and increase in leaf number, 45.5852%, 0.2122cm, 21.6867cm, 8.4444 leaves, respectively. The triple interaction F2H2B1 treatment achieved high averages in the characteristics of the dry matter percentage of leaves, leaflet length, leaf length and the increase in the number of leaves, 50.6900 %, 0.7400cm, 24.0662cm, 9.3333 leaves.

Effect of Planting Date and Nitrogen Fertilizer in Growth, Yield Components and Oil Content of some Fatty Acids in Borage Seeds

The experiment was conducted at winter season 2019/2020 in private vegetable farm in Babylon Governorate to study the effect of three planting dates (Sept1, Sept15 and Oct1st) and three levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 40 and 80 Kg N ha-1) on growth indicators (number of leaves, plant height, number of secondary branches, total chlorophyll and percentage of dry matter) and yields indicators (number of inflorescences, plant yield, 1000 seed weight, seed yield and oil) for Borage, the treats were distributed in a factorial experiment with a randomized complete block design with three replicates, means were compared by using Duncan’s multiple range test at probability level 0.05. The results showed a significant effect of planting date at Sept1st for all growth, yield and oil content of some fatty acids indicators, the percentage increase in yields of seeds and oil was 38.7 and 51.8 % respectively. While, nitrogen fertilizer at level 80 Kg N ha-1 relative increased seeds and oil yield about 40.2 and 50.4 % respectively, and interaction treat between planting date on Sept1st × 80 Kg N ha-1 gave the highest means in all measured indicators, and the percentage of palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids were 11.63, 7.22, 17.58, 37.21 and 20.48 % respectively.

Effect of Foliar Spray with Nano-NPK Fertilizer and Yeast Extract on Growth of Orange (C. sinensis L. Osb.) Washington Navel Variety

The factorial experiment was conducted in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Gardening Design, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, Iraq through the growing season 2020 to investigate the vegetative growth response of navel orange seedlings grafted on the Citrus stocks to the spraying with balanced Nano-NPK (20-20-20) at four concentrations of (0,1,2 and 3) g. l-1 and yeast extract the following concentrations (0, 1.5, 3 and 4.5) g.l-1. The results in the two seasons showed a superiority effects of the interaction treatments at the highest concentrations of both of Nano-Fertilizer and yeast extract which it reached to the characters plant high, stem diameter, leaves number, leaf area, leaves area, branches number and chlorophyll (26.253cm.seedling-1,1.6867 mm.seedling-1,42.80leaf.seedling-1,33.267cm2.leaf-1,46.25cm2.seedling-1,8.8067 branch.seedling-1 and 273.93 mg.100g-1fw) in the first season and (27.233cm.seedling-1,2.41 mm.seedling-1, 54.67leaf.seedling-1,34.400 cm2.leaf1-,53.40 cm2.seedling-8.8073 branch.seedling-1 and 268.0mg.100 g-1 fw) in the second season for the studied characters respectively. Also, the interaction treatment (N3Y3) at the highest level of both of Nano-NPK and yeast extract showed the best results in the percentage of dry matter, N, P and K leaves content while the control treatment was the least for all the studied characters.

Effect of Foliar Application of Calcium and Nano-Chitosan on the Growth of Rose Seedlings

During 2021-2022 growing season atAl-Rafidain private nursery in Zayouna, Baghdad, researchers examined the impact of spraying calciumand nano-chitosan on the development, flowering, and storability of the rose variety Anglina. The experiment was set up as a factorial experiment with three replicates, testing foliar sprays of calcium at concentrations of 0, 150, and 200 mg. L-1 and nano-chitosan at concentrations of 0, 50, 100, and 150mg.Liter-1. In particular, the number of leaves per plant increased to 75.70, the chlorophyll content increased to167.3 mg 100g -1 fresh weight, the dry matter percentage in the leaves increased to 41.45%, the total carbohydrate content in the leaves increased to 20,093 mg 100 g -1 fresh weight, the percentage of calcium in the leaves increased to1.108, and the vase life of the stored flowers increased to w days. When compared to the control treatment, which resulted in the lowest averages for the aforementioned traits, foliar spraying of nano-chitosan at a concentration of150 mg.l-1 resulted in superior vegetative and floral characteristics, including an increase in leaf number (66.70 leaves), leaf total carbohydrates (17.567% mg.100 g-1. Fresh weight), leaf percentage of calcium (1.1121%), and vase life after storage (8.18) days.

Effect of Plant Biostimulants on Growth, Yield and Some Mineral Composition of Broccoli Plants (Brassica oleracea var. Italica)

By offering biostimulants as substitutes for conventional chemical fertilization, increasing consumer awareness has helped to raise issues related to food safety and the environment. Creating a suitable plan for the deployment of conventional chemical fertilization alternatives in agriculture. So, this investigation was conducted at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region-Iraq to study the effect of two plant biostimulants, algae extract (Algaton-20) and plant bio-cozyme, on broccoli which was under greenhouse conditions. After two weeks from transplanting the biostimulants were applied through soil at different concentrations (0 ml.L-1, 1ml.L-1 and 2 ml.L-1). The experiment was laid out according to Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The results revealed that algae extract and bio-cozyme at 2 ml.L-1 gave the maximum number lateral head, lateral head weight, plant yield, total marketable yield, phosphorus and iron. The interaction effect of algae extracts and bio-cozyme showed that number of leaves per plant and head diameter at 1 ml.L-1 algae extract and bio-cozyme, percentage of dry matter at 1 ml.L-1 algae extract without bio-cozyme, content of chlorophyll in leaves and number lateral head at 1 ml.L-1 algae extract and 2 ml.L-1 bio-cozyme, and head diameter at 1 ml.L-1 of both algae extract and bio-cozyme were the best. Also, main head weight, lateral head weight, plant yield, total marketable yield and iron (674.46 g, 208.58 g, 883.04 g, 42.05 ton.ha-1, 5.36 ppm, respectively) were the highest at 2 ml.L-1 combination of the two biostimulants. Moreover, nitrate and potassium (134.67 ppm, 336.13 ppm, respectively) were maximum at 2 ml.L-1 algae extract and 1 ml.L-1 bio-cozyme. Individually, 2 ml.L-1 of the two biostimulants were the best concentrations, but there was no a big difference between 1 and 2 ml.L-1 of the two biostimulants when they interacted together in most study measurements.
 

Performance of Perennial Grass Species under Supplemental Irrigation

The study was conducted at Agricultural Research Centre with the objective of identifying the best-performing perennial grass species under supplemental irrigation and advising the promising cultivated fodder grass for smallholder livestock producers. Randomized Complete Block Design of six perennial grass species with three replications was employed. The six perennial grass species used were T1 (Brachiaria mutica_18659), T2 (Cynodon aethiopicus), T3 (Pennisetum sphacelatum), T4 (Brachiaria decumbense), T5 (Chloris gayana cv. Masaba), and T6 (Brachiaria mutica_6964). The result revealed that agronomic performance of cover, vigor, and height was varied (P<0.001) among perennial grass species. Furthermore, effects of cover (P<0.05), vigor (P<0.05) and height (P<0.001), and dry matter contents (P<0.05) of perennial species over years were found. The dry matter yields and contents of P. sphacelatum (22.85 ton ha-1 and 41.7%) followed by C. aethiopicus (12.53 ton ha-1 and 40.6%) of perennial grass species performed better (P<0.001) than others. The highest (P<0.001) dry matter yield (20.3 ton ha-1) was obtained during the second year of harvest than the first (12.65 ton ha-1) and third (11.36 ton ha-1) year harvests. Similarly, the highest (P<0.001) dry matter percent of the perennial grass species was also found during the second year harvest (50.1%) than the first (25.8%) and third (40.0%) year harvests. The lowest dry matter yield was recorded by C. gayana at the first year (8.5 ton ha-1) and third year (8 ton ha-1) harvests. Likewise, B. mutica_18659 provided the lowest dry matter yield (12.9 tons ha-1) during the second harvest period. Hence, smallholder farmers can preferably be advised to use P. sphacelatum and C. aethiopicus perennial grass fodder crops resources under supplemental irrigation.

Infl uences of Nitrogen, Magnesium and Soil Moisture Contents and their Interactions on Yield Quality and Tolerance Indices of Rosemary (Rosmarinus offi cinalis L.)

The present study was carried out in the glasshouse of the Department of Biology, College of Science, Salahaddin University- Erbil, and laboratories of Research Center in Erbil Polytechnic University, from April 21st, 2019 to July 26th, 2020, to determine the eff ects of foliar application of nitrogen (N1:100, N2:200, and N3:300 kg. h-1) and magnesium (Mg1:0.0, Mg 2:30, and Mg3:60 kg. h-1) applied under two diff erent soil moisture contents (SM1:100% fi eld capacity (FC) and SM2: 60% FC) on some physiological properties and yield quality of rosemary plants (Rosmarinus offi cinalis L.). A factorial experiment was laid out according to a completely randomized design with four replications. Two cuttings were taken from the rosemary shoots (in March, and July, 2020). Results showed that SM2 decreased phenolic compounds in cut 1 (cut 1), dry matter percent in leaves in cut 2 and relative nitrogen yield in cut 1, cut 2 & cut 1+2. N3 increased dry matter in leaves shoots in cut2 signifi cantly, proline, phenolic compounds in leaves, stress tolerance index (STI), modifi ed stress tolerance index 1(MSTIK1), & modifi ed stress tolerance index 2 (MSTIK2). The interaction treatment SM2Mg2 increased the proline content in dry leaves. The proline content was increased by the triple interactions SM2N3Mg2 and SM2N3Mg3.

Ammonia Volatilization and Marandu Grass Production in Response to Enhanced-Efficiency Nitrogen Fertilizers

The objective of this study was to evaluate dry matter (DM) production of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu and ammonia volatilization in response to rates and sources of enhanced-efficiency N fertilizers. The experiment was took place in a pasture area, two growing seasons. A randomized block design with four replications was used, in a 4 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement, consisting of four N sources (Urea—UrConv; Ammonium nitrate—AN; Urea + NBPT—UrNBPT; Urea + Duromide—UrDuromide) and two nitrogen rates (100 and 200 kg ha−1 year), plus a treatment without nitrogen fertilization (control). At both N rates, ammonia volatilization from UrConv100/200 was greatest. Ammonia volatilization was less after UrNBPT and UrDuromide application, with values similar to AN. Ammonia losses from UrDuromide tend to be lower than from UrNBPT. The N use efficiency in dry matter production of Marandu was influenced by the N sources and rates. At both N rates, the efficiency of UrDuromide and UrNBPT was greater than that of UrConv. With regard to total DM and leaf percentage in response to N rates, DM production increased after 200 kg N ha−1 rates in response to all sources, in both years. The UrDuromide reduce N losses by volatilization compared to UrNBPT and Urconv, and resulted in greater total DM production and relative leaf production of Marandu, in comparison to UrNBPT, AN and Urconv.

Vitamin C biofortification of broccoli microgreens and resulting effects on nutrient composition.

The consumption of plants plays an important role in human health. In addition to providing macro and micronutrients, plants are the sole sources of several phytonutrients that play a major role in disease prevention. However, in modern diets, increased consumption of cheaper, processed foods with poor nutritional value over fruits and vegetables leads to insufficient consumption of essential nutrients such as vitamin C. Taking supplements can address some of the insufficient nutrients in a diet. However, supplements are not as diverse or bioavailable as the nutrients in plants. Improving the abundance of nutrients in plants will reduce the amounts that need to be consumed, thereby reducing the price barrier and use of supplements. In this study, broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) microgreens grown in a controlled environment were biofortified for increased vitamin C content. The microgreens grown on growing pads were treated with supplemental nutrient solutions. Treatments were applied four to five days after germination and included four different concentrations of ascorbic acid specifically, 0% (control), 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.25% and 0.5%, added to the nutrient solution. Microgreens with turgid cotyledons and appearance of tip of first true leaves were harvested about 14 days after germination and were analyzed for biomass, chlorophylls, carotenoids, vitamin C and other minerals content. The ascorbic acid improved the microgreens' fresh biomass, percent dry matter, chlorophylls, carotenoids, vitamin C, and potassium content. Moreover, this study also mapped out the correlation between ascorbic acid, phytochemicals, and broccoli microgreens' mineral composition. The total vitamin C was positively correlated to K and negatively correlated to chlorophylls, N, P, Mg, Ca, S, and B (p < 0.01). These relationships can be applied in future vitamin C biofortification research across different microgreens. In conclusion, vitamin C was increased up to 222% by supplemental ascorbic acid without being detrimental to plant health and mineral composition.

Influence of Minimum Energy and Protein Levels in the Diet on Growth, Yield, and Meat Quality of Sin Cheng Duck Raised for Meat at 1-12 Weeks of Age

Research evaluating the effect of energy levels and minimum dietary protein on growth, performance, and meat quality of Sin Cheng ducks reared for meat at 1-12 weeks of age to find out energy and minimal protein levels for raising Sin Cheng ducks. The study was conducted on 450 Sin Cheng ducks from 1 day old to 12 weeks old arranged in 3 groups with different levels of protein and energy in the diet, corresponding to 3 age stages (0-3 weeks old)., 4-7 weeks old, 8-12 weeks old) respectively: Control group (DC): 2267 - 2329 - 2372Kcal, 17 - 15 - 14% protein; Experimental group one (TN1): 2533 – 2640 – 2711Kcal, 19 – 17 -16% protein; Experimental group two (TN2): 2001 - 2019 - 2033Kcal, 15 - 13 - 12% protein. Research results at week 12 showed that: With the energy and protein levels in the TN1 group giving the highest survival rate, the cumulative growth reached 2403.15 g/individual (duck), equivalent to the DC (2402.02 g/individual (duck) and higher than TN2 group (2303.03 g/individual). The percentage of carcass, breast, and thigh meat in the DC (69.73%, 16.62%, and 14.14%, respectively) was similar to that of the TN1 group (70.00%, 16.64% and 14.13% respectively) and much higher than TN2 group (66.3%, 15.62%, and 13.23%, respectively). The percentage of dry matter and protein in Sin Cheng duck's breast meat and thigh meat in the DC and TN1 groups was similar and significantly higher than in the TN2 group. The energy and protein levels in the TN1 group (2533 – 2640 – 2711Kcal, 19 – 17 -16%) are the minimum energy and protein levels suitable for raising Sin Cheng ducks.

Chemical Composition of Earthworm (Dendrobaena veneta Rosa) Biomass Is Suitable as an Alternative Protein Source.

The selected chemical composition (dry matter, ash, total protein, and crude fat) of the integumentary muscles of Dendrobaena veneta were determined, plus the dry matter (DM) percentage content of 17 amino acids and the profile (%) of fatty acids. Results were compared with a more fully studied earthworm, Eisenia fetida. In addition, the composition of exogenous amino acids was compared to the WHO standard for pork, beef, and chicken eggs. Both earthworm species were grown on the same kitchen waste, and protein composition was analyzed using the same methods. Studies indicated that the muscle of D. veneta was characterized by a high level of protein (76.82% DM). A similar content of exogenous amino acids was observed in the protein of both earthworms, but for phenylalanine and isoleucine, slightly higher levels were recorded for E. fetida. More histidine, lysine, threonine, isoleucine, and arginine were found in earthworms compared with chicken egg white. Fatty acids play an essential role in balancing human or animal feed and their content determines the dietary and nutritional value of the food. Both earthworm species contained the appropriate content of saturated and unsaturated acids. In D. veneta, a higher content of arachidonic acid was found, and in E. fetida, lauric, tridecanoic, and palmitic acids were present. Future issues of food security may force us to seriously consider earthworm protein for indirect or even direct human consumption.

Effect of Chelate Iron addition And Cyanobacteria on growth and active substances of Celery Plant (Apium graveolens L.)

Pot experiment was conducted in the season of 2014 to study the effect of three levels of iron chelate (0, 0.5, 0.75) gm/pot and inoculated with cyanobacteria (Nostoc sp.) in two levels: T0 without inoculated, T1 with inoculated on vegetative growth characters for celery plant. The results of interactions between iron chelate and cyanobacteria showed significant differences with treatments and The treatment T1F2 gave the highest plant height (15.747 cm/plant), highest branches (4.9400 branch.plant), highest percent of dry matter of vegetative group (19.953%), biggest leaf area (6.5333 cm2/plant) and (1.2033 mg/g) of total chlorophyll in compare with lowest values of control treatment which gave the shortest plant (12.648 cm.plant), lowest branches number (3.9367 branch/plant), lowest dry matter (17.577%), smaller leaf area (4.7178 cm2/plant), and lowest total chlorophyll (0.8089 mg/g). as well as The treatment T1F2 gave the highest concentration of N، P، K، Fe &amp; Cu That amounted to: 1.78%, 0.37200%, 1.9667%, 151.80 mg/kg &amp; 30.967 mg/kg respectively. these were compare to the lowest concentration with control treatment as: N concentration was (1.0967%), P (0.29200%), K (1.4300%), Fe (106.3 mg/kg) and Cu (18.033 mg/kg).

Evaluation of Some Grass Pea Genotypes (Lathyrus sativus L.) for Forage, Seed Yield and Its Components Under Rainfed Conditions in Sulaimani Region

A field experiment was conducted at the College of Agricultural Sciences Engineering/University of Sulaimani, during the winter season of 2016-2017 to study the evaluation of some grass pea genotypes for forage, seed yield and its components under rainfed conditions. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates was used. Six genotypes of Lathyrus sativus L., one of these is local named (Marble) and the fifth other (IF1344, IF1953, IF1346, IF1332, and IF1347) obtained from ICARDA, were included in this study. Means comparison were carried out using least significant difference test (LSD) at 0.05 significant levels. The results showed that the effect of genotypes on forage yield characters was significant for the character’s fresh forage yield and dry matter percent but the effects was not significant for the character dry forage yield. Marble (Local) genotype gave maximum yield of green forage, while genotype IF1953 recorded minimum green forage yield. But concerning dry matter percent, the highest value exhibited by IF1346 genotype, in which IF1332 gave the lowest value of dry matter. Concerning the effect of genotypes on forage yield components, which was significantly affected all characters with the exception of the character leaves/stem ratio was found to be not significant, IF1346 genotype recorded maximum values of plant height and dry leaf percent, while minimum value of plant height recorded by IF1332 genotype but minimum percent of dry leaf was exhibited by Marble genotype. Regarding the characters No. of branches.plant-1, fresh stem percent and dry stem percent, Marble genotype gave the highest values for these traits, in which the lowest value of the trait No. of branches.plant-1 recorded by IF1346 genotype, but minimum values of fresh stem and dry stem percent exhibited by IF1347 genotype respectively. a cluster analysis results of all grass pea genotypes based on forage yield and its components, showed that there were two major (K= 2) groups for studied grass pea genotypes, the first group consist of five genotypes were (IF1344, IF1953 , IF1346,IF1332 and IF1347) and the second group was one genotype (Marble). But regarding seed yield and its components, the highest values of these traits (biological yield, pods number.m-2, pod yield, and seed yield) were exhibited by genotype IF1344. Maximum values of (plant height, average of pod length and 100 seeds weight) acquired by genotype IF1332, on the other hand genotype IF1953 gave the highest values of (no. of branches. plant-1, pods weight.plant-1 and seeds number.plant-1), but concerning the both traits (pods number.plant-1 and seeds weight.plant-1), maximum values were recorded by genotype IF1346. These results indicate the presence of variability between genotypes used in this study.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Is the Integration between Corn and Grass under Different Sowing Modalities a Viable Alternative for Silage?

This study aimed to evaluate the fermentation pattern and dry-matter losses in corn (Zea mays L.) silage intercropped with Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu and Megathyrsus maximus cv. Mombasa grasses in different sowing modalities through crop-livestock integration. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, which were arranged in a 2 × 5 factorial scheme with four repetitions. The first factor consisted of the grass cultivars Marandu and Mombasa. The second factor was the sowing modalities of grasses intercropped with corn: (1) simultaneous row sowing and inter-row corn sowing (no fertilizer); (2) simultaneous row sowing and inter-row corn sowing (with fertilizer); (3) simultaneous sowing with double grass row in the corn inter-row; (4) delayed sowing inter-row at 7 days after corn emergence; and (5) delayed sowing inter-row at 14 days after corn emergence. The forage buffer capacity (BC), silage pH and ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) content, forage (FORDM) and silage dry-matter (SILDM) percentages, gas losses (GL), effluent losses (EL), and dry-matter recovery (DMR) parameters on the ensilage were evaluated. Only forage BC, silage NH3-N, and silage DMR variables differed (p < 0.05) from the control silage (monocropped corn) when the integration was carried out. The grass cultivar factors and sowing modalities for BC and NH3-N variables had an effect. The intercropping of corn and Marandu grass or Mombasa grass, in any grass sowing modality, did not affect the quality of the silage.

Relationships among total mixed ration nutritional components and reproductive performance in high-producing dairy herds

The main objective of the present study was to determine whether composition of total mixed ration influences reproductive performance in high-producing commercial dairy farms. Dairy producers and nutritional consultants from 48 dairy farms located in Wisconsin agreed to provide reproductive data and dietary information on high milk production pens during the main breeding period for the previous 12 mo. Dietary components (percentage of dry matter) were crude protein (CP), rumen degradable (RDP) and undegradable (RUP) protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), nonfiber carbohydrates (NFC), starch, and fat. Reproductive data were service rate (SR), overall pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) and P/AI at the first service, 21-d pregnancy rate (PR), days open, and percentage of cows pregnant by 150 d in milk (PREG150). Participating herds had lactating Holstein cows (range = 143 to 2,717) housed in freestall facilities. Statistical analyses were performed with CORR and GLIMMIX of SAS (SAS Institute Inc.). Daily average milk production of herds was 38.9 ± 0.60 kg/d (30.0 to 50.4 kg/d). Overall SR was 58.5% (39–73) and P/AI was 36.1% (22–49). Overall 21-d PR was 20.3% (10–42%). Correlation between SR and PR was 0.59, whereas correlation of overall P/AI and P/AI at first service with PR were both 0.72. Similarly, for PREG150, correlation with overall P/AI (0.63) and P/AI at first service (0.66) were greater than with SR (0.48). There was large variation in diet composition, with CP varying from 16.0 to 18.7%, NDF from 24.9 to 35.1%, NFC from 31.7 to 46.6%, starch from 20.1 to 30.8%, and fat from 3.1 to 6.7%. Overall, there were no detectable associations of CP, RDP, and RUP with reproductive measures. The strongest relationship was a decrease in reproductive performance with increasing dietary NFC including overall P/AI (−0.48), P/AI at first service (−0.51), and PREG150 (−0.33). Starch also had a negative relationship with P/AI at first service (−0.35). Conversely, greater NDF was positively associated with P/AI at first service (0.34). Fat content was also positively associated with P/AI at first service (0.34). When NFC was divided in tertiles (<40, 40 to 42.2, and >42.2% NFC), the highest tertile had lower overall P/AI (39 vs. 36 vs. 31%), P/AI at first service (43 vs. 40 vs. 33%), and PREG150 (54 vs. 53 vs. 47%). In conclusion, farms with greater dietary NFC may have compromised reproductive performance. Correspondingly, herds with greater NDF content may achieve high milk production with potentially positive associations with reproduction. Other relationships of dietary components on reproduction were not as obvious in this herd-level analysis.

Apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility of mildly cooked human-grade vegan dog foods and their effects on the blood metabolites and fecal characteristics, microbiota, and metabolites of adult dogs.

Vegan, mildly cooked, and human-grade dog foods are becoming more popular, as beliefs and views of pet owners change. To our knowledge, however, dog studies have not examined the digestibility of commercial vegan diets. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of mildly cooked human-grade vegan dog foods and their effects on blood metabolites and fecal microbiota, characteristics, and metabolites of adult dogs consuming them. Three commercial dog foods were tested. Two were mildly cooked human-grade vegan dog diets, while the third was a chicken-based extruded dog diet. Twelve healthy adult female beagles (7.81 ± 0.65 kg; 7.73 ± 1.65 yr) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin Square design. The study consisted of three experimental periods, with each composed of a 7 d diet adaptation phase, 15 d of consuming 100% of the diet, a 5 d phase for fecal collection for ATTD measurement, and 1 d for blood collection for serum chemistry and hematology. During the fecal collection period, a fresh sample was collected for fecal scoring and dry matter, pH, metabolite, and microbiota measurements. All data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS (version 9.4). All three diets were shown to be highly digestible, with all macronutrients having digestibility values above 80%. The vegan diets had higher (P < 0.001) ATTD of fat, but lower (P < 0.05) ATTD of organic matter than the extruded diet. Dogs consuming the vegan diets had lower circulating cholesterol (P < 0.001), triglyceride (P < 0.001), and platelet (P < 0.009) concentrations and lower (P < 0.010) blood neutrophil percentages than dogs consuming the extruded diet. Dogs consuming vegan diets had lower (P < 0.001) fecal dry matter percentages, lower (P < 0.001) fecal phenol and indole concentrations, and higher (P = 0.05) fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations than those consuming the extruded diet. Fecal bacterial alpha and beta diversities were not different (P > 0.05) among diets, but dogs consuming vegan diets had altered (P < 0.05) relative abundances of nearly 20 bacterial genera when compared with those consuming the extruded diet. In conclusion, the mildly cooked human-grade vegan dog foods tested in this study performed well, resulting in desirable fecal characteristics, ATTD, and serum chemistries. The vegan diets tested also led to positive changes to serum lipids and fecal metabolites, and interesting changes to the fecal microbial community.

Comparison of methods for the effective evaluation of the energy content of poultry byproduct meal for beagles.

The objectives of this study were to compare the energy values of poultry byproduct meal (PBM) as feed for adult beagle dogs using the direct, difference, and regression methods to examine dogs' nitrogen metabolism, energy utilization, gaseous metabolism, and body health. Five groups of six 12 mo old female beagles with an average body weight of 9.67 ± 0.52 kg were tested in a 5 × 6 incomplete Latin square design, with six repetitions in each group. Five experimental diets were tested consisting of 100% PBM; three substitution diets containing either 15%, 30%, or 45% PBM (termed 15PBM, 30PBM, and 45PBM, respectively); and a basal diet (included 6.90% PBM). Each experimental period lasted for 10 d, comprising 4 d of dietary acclimation followed by 6 d of testing (including 3 d feeding period and 3 d fasting period), during which the heat production (HP) was determined and feces and urine were collected. Results showed that, in the feeding state, the nitrogen intake, urinary nitrogen, apparent nitrogen digestibility, retained nitrogen, andHP increased significantly (P < 0.05) as the PBM level increased. The net protein utilization, biological value of protein, and total apparent digestibility of amino acids did not differ between the 30PBM and 45PBM diets (P > 0.05). The O2 consumption and CO2 production of beagles during the fasting period were not influenced by the PBM level (P > 0.05). The digestible energy and metabolizable energy values of the PBM estimated by the regression method were 20.16 and 18.18 MJ/kg dry matter (DM), respectively, and did not differ from those determined by the direct method (P > 0.05). The fecal DM percentages and fecal PBM scores were significantly higher in the PBM diet than in the difference method groups (P < 0.05). The direct method group had a significantly higher fecal score (4.63) than the other groups (P < 0.05), The fecal score of the 45PBM diet (3.50) was significantly higher than the 30PBM diet (2.90; P < 0.05). In summary, the direct and difference methods of determining the effective energy value of PBM for beagles, produce significantly different results. Under the conditions of this test, the best proportion of PBM in beagle feed for optimum energy provision is 30%.

Estimativa da diversidade genética em famílias de irmãos completos de capim-elefante Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone

ABSTRACT One of the challenges of the energy sector is the identification of renewable resources with less impact on the environment and that are economically viable. This study aimed to estimate the genetic diversity of eleven full-sib families of elephant grass, using quantitative traits associated with bioenergy production. The trial followed a randomized blocks design, with four replications and each plot (family) consisting of five plants, totaling 220 genotypes. Five quantitative traits were measured: dry matter yield, dry matter percentage, plant height, stem diameter and number of tillers. The genetic diversity was estimated using multivariate methods (principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering). The analysis revealed a significant genetic diversity among the full-sib of elephant grass, with a greater variability observed for dry matter yield and number of tillers. The families 1, 2, 5, 7 and 8 exhibited superior genotypes for bioenergy production-related traits. The grouping analysis generated twenty clusters, enabling the differentiation of genotypes. Eight clusters comprised genotypes with a high dry matter yield and plant height, simultaneously, surpassing the overall mean for number of tillers.

Effects of eustress induced by low concentrations of salinity on broccoli (&lt;i&gt;Brassica oleracea&lt;/i&gt;) and purslane (&lt;i&gt;Portulaca oleracea&lt;/i&gt;) microgreens

Most controlled environments utilize municipal water for crop irrigation. Many of these sources exceed the EPA guidelines of &lt;500 mg L⁻¹ total dissolved salts. Issues can arise when tap water with above limit salt concentrations is used for irrigation. Eustress is defined as the use of slight stress (from stressors such as salinity, temperature, or light) to induce positive effects without distress. While eustress is commonly used on mature plants, the effects on early growth stages of plants, such as microgreens, are not well documented. As microgreens are typically more stress sensitive, the concentrations of salinity to induce eustress may be lower than for mature plants. To identify how eustress affects microgreens, salinity concentrations commonly found in tap water were used in these experiments. <italic>Brassica oleracae</italic> (moderately salt tolerant) and <italic>Portulaca oleracea</italic> (highly salt tolerant) microgreens were evaluated. Both species of microgreens were cultivated using salinity irrigation treatments ranging from 0 dS m⁻¹ to 1.5 dS m⁻¹. Plants were analyzed for microgreen yield (fresh weight and dry weight), percent moisture content (%MC), percent dry matter (%DM), vitamin C (T-AsA, AsA) and proline concentrations. The results indicate that yields of both variety remained unaffected by the salinity treatments. However, %MC and proline significantly increased under 1 dS m⁻¹ and 1.5 dS m⁻¹ NaCl in broccoli. Vitamin C also decreased as salinity increased in broccoli microgreens. Purslane microgreen vitamin C and proline remained unaffected by salinity. In conclusion, while low salinity levels had no negative impacts on microgreen yields, there were varied impacts on the phytochemistry between each variety.