Proportion Of Alfalfa Research Articles

Optimizing water use strategies in arid coal mining areas: the synergistic effects of layered soil profiles and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on plant growth and water use efficiency

In arid coal mining areas, plants face significant soil moisture deficiency and inadequate water use strategies, hindering the ecological recovery process in the region. Through indoor soil column and growth chamber experiments, we investigated the effects of two homogeneous (S, a profile with entirely sand from 0 to 100 cm; L, a profile with entirely loess from 0 to 100 cm) and three layered soil profiles (SLS1, loess from 20 to 40 cm, with the rest being sand; SLS2, loess from 40 to 60 cm, with the rest being sand; SLS3, loess from 60 to 80 cm, with the rest being sand) on plant growth and root development. Additionally, we compared the impact of inoculating arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF, Funneliformis mosseae) in homogeneous soil (S) and layered soil profile (SLS1) on soil moisture at different depths, plant root distribution, and water use strategies. The research results indicate that the layered soil profile (SLS1) exhibits favorable infiltration and evaporation characteristics, leading to a significant increase in plant biomass. Furthermore, both the layered soil profile (SLS1) and the inoculation of AMF can reduce the moisture absorption proportion of alfalfa in the shallow soil (0–20 cm) (>10%), increase the utilization proportion of water in the intermediate-deep soil, and enhance plant water use efficiency. Implementing the layered soil profile (SLS1) and AMF treatment proves effective in addressing soil moisture deficiency, improving plant water use strategies, and enhancing water use efficiency. The combined application of these two approaches is more suitable for the growth of plants in arid coal mining areas.

Influence on the fermentation quality, microbial diversity, and metabolomics in the ensiling of sunflower stalks and alfalfa.

With the rapid development of the livestock industry, finding new sources of feed has become a critical issue that needs to be addressed urgently. China is one of the top five sunflower producers in the world and generates a massive amount of sunflower stalks annually, yet this resource has not been effectively utilized. Therefore, in order to tap into the potential of sunflower stalks for animal feed, it is essential to explore and develop efficient methods for their utilization.In this study, various proportions of alfalfa and sunflower straw were co-ensiled with the following mixing ratios: 0:10, 2:8, 4:6, 5:5, 6:4, and 8:2, denoted as A0S10, A2S8, A4S6, A5S5, A6S4, and A8S2, respectively. The nutrient composition, fermentation quality, microbial quantity, microbial diversity, and broad-spectrum metabolomics on the 60th day were assessed. The results showed that the treatment groups with more sunflower straw added (A2S8, A4S6) could start fermentation earlier. On the first day of fermentation, Weissella spp.dominated overwhelmingly in these two groups. At the same time, in the early stage of fermentation, the pH in these two groups dropped rapidly, which could effectively reduce the loss of nutrients in the early stage of fermentation.In the later fermentation period, a declining trend in acetic acid levels was observed in A0S10, A2S8, and A4S6, while no butyric acid production was detected in A0S10 and A2S8 throughout the process. In A4S6, butyric acid production was observed only after 30 days of fermentation. From the perspective of metabolites, compared with sunflower ensiling alone, many bioactive substances such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenes are upregulated in mixed ensiling.

Interspecific competition and productivity in a dryland silage maize/alfalfa intercropping system

AbstractCereal–legume intercropping has the potential to reduce the use of nitrogen (N) fertilizer and increase forage yield and quality, however, how to optimize system design to fully realize interspecific complementary and enhance crop production in an annual and perennial crops intercropping was not well understood. This study was conducted to evaluate the interspecific interaction and yield performance of silage maize (Zea mays L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) intercropping in response to N management and row arrangement under the rain‐fed conditions on the Chinese Loess Plateau. Five planting arrangements, namely, sole maize, sole alfalfa, and maize and alfalfa intercropping in rows of 1:2 (I12), 2:2 (I22), and 2:4 (I24), were compared over a period of 4 years (2018–2021). Two N‐levels (150 and 90 kg N ha−1) were applied to maize in each planting arrangement. Our results show that maize was the dominant species in 2018. In the next 3 years (2019–2021), maize was outcompeted by alfalfa during the first and second cuts of alfalfa, and complete recovery growth of maize was recorded at the third cut. The interspecific competition of I24 was less severe, resulting in a higher yield than I12 and I22. Although the reduction of N application reduced the biomass and crude protein (CP) yield, it weakened the interspecific competition and substantially increased the land equivalent ratio (LER). I24 under low N yielded more than sole cropping, with the LER based on biomass and CP yield of 1.01–1.12 and 1.08–1.18, respectively. In addition, I24 had the highest net revenue of 24,251 ¥ ha−1 on average. Therefore, maize/alfalfa intercrop with a higher alfalfa proportion and a wide strip arrangement (I24) in combination with low N application could alleviate interspecific competition and improve forage production, which is suggested for our study region and similar dryland farming areas worldwide. Maize/alfalfa intercropping provides a basis for grain and livestock mixed farming and helps to improve food supply and resilience of the farming system.

Agronomic and structural responses of stockpiled alfalfa–bermudagrass mixtures

AbstractThe incorporation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) into bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] forage systems in the southern United States has increased. Stockpiling this mixture may extend the grazing season into the fall and winter months with high‐quality forage. The objective of this 2‐year study was to evaluate agronomic and structural responses of alfalfa–bermudagrass mixtures managed under five stockpiling periods (6, 8, 10, 12, or 14 weeks) in two locations (Shorter, AL, and Tifton, GA). Across locations, stockpiling mixtures for 8 weeks or longer (2400 lb DM ac−1, on average) resulted in greater (P = 0.001) herbage accumulation than 6 weeks (3185 lb DM ac−1). The alfalfa proportion was similar among stockpiling periods in Shorter but greater (P = 0.043) at 10 and 14 weeks than 6, 8, and 12 weeks in Tifton. A location × year × stockpiling interaction was observed for crude protein (CP, P < 0.001) and in vitro true dry matter digestibility over 48 h (IVTDMD48, P < 0.001). Crude protein concentrations were similar among stockpiling periods in 2020 in both locations. In 2019, however, CP concentrations reduced with increasing stockpiling period length in Shorter and were similar among treatments in Tifton, except for the lesser CP at 8 than at 10, 12, and 14, weeks. Forage IVTDMD48 concentrations declined with increasing stockpiling period length at both locations, with a more pronounced decline in Shorter in 2019. Results suggest that stockpiling alfalfa–bermudagrass mixtures for up to 8 weeks is a viable option to supply high nutritive value forage and lower lodging losses into the early winter months.

Defoliation management affects performance of alfalfa–bermudagrass mixtures in the southeastern United States

AbstractOverseeding alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) into grass swards increases forage nutritive value and reduces N fertilizer requirement. In warm climates, establishing and maintaining alfalfa in mixtures with vigorous C4 grasses is challenging, which makes adjustment of defoliation management critical. The objective of this 2‐year study was to determine optimal harvest stubble height (SH; 5, 10, and 15 cm) and cutting interval (CI; 2, 4, and 6 weeks) for two alfalfa genotypes (“Bulldog 805,” and breeding line UF Alf Pers 2015 [UF 2015‐AP]) in mixture with “Tifton 85” bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.). When statistical differences occurred, shorter SH resulted in greater mixture forage accumulation (FA), with this effect generally more pronounced for UF 2015‐AP than Bulldog 805, and for CI of 6 weeks than 2 or 4 weeks. Genotype did not affect alfalfa FA, but alfalfa FA was least for the 2‐week CI for all SH levels, and greatest for the 5‐cm SH when CI was 4 weeks, and for the 5‐ and 10‐cm SH when CI was 6 weeks. Alfalfa percent cover was generally greater for longer CI, regardless of SH. Mixture crude protein and digestibility were minimally affected by treatments because the expected negative effects of long CI on nutritive value were offset by greater alfalfa proportion in the mixture for these treatments. In this environment, CI was generally the most important factor affecting alfalfa persistence in alfalfa–bermudagrass mixtures. A short SH in combination with longer CI (4–6 weeks) resulted in the greatest mixture and alfalfa FA.

Intercropping of orchardgrass and alfalfa improves soil fertility, forage yield, feeding values and land use efficiency while limiting ruminal greenhouse gas emissions

AbstractIntercropping has been a globally accepted practice for forage production, however, consideration of multiple performance criteria for intercropping including forage production, feed use efficiency and ruminal greenhouse gas emissions needs to be further investigated. A two‐year field study was conducted to evaluate forage dry matter (DM) yield, nutritive value, feeding values and land‐use efficiency as well as ruminal carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) emissions of intercropped orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) sown in five intercropping ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100, based on seed weight) and three nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels (0, 50, and 100 kg ha−1). Increasing alfalfa proportion and N fertilizer level increased soil nutrients and the two‐year total DM yield. Intercropping increased both land and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) compared with monocultures. Greater NUE was obtained when N fertilizer was applied at 50 kg ha−1, compared with 100 kg ha−1. Increasing the proportion of alfalfa in intercrops increased the crude protein yield and rumen undegraded protein yield. Harvested forage intercrops were incubated with ruminal fluid for 48 h. Degraded DM yield, CO2 and CH4 emissions increased with increasing alfalfa proportion in intercrops. Overall, the 75:25 of orchardgrass‐alfalfa intercrops was recommended as the best compromise between high forage productivity, superior feed use efficiency and low ruminal greenhouse gas emissions through complementary effects. The results indicate that the appropriate N fertilization level would be 50 kg ha−1 for acquiring higher nitrogen use efficiency and forage productivity.

The effects of native lactic acid bacteria on the microbiome, fermentation profile, and nutritive value of Napier grass silage prepared with different legume ratios.

Mixing grass with legumes before ensiling is beneficial for improving dry matter and crude protein yield, but additional information is needed to balance nutrient content and fermentation quality. In this study, the microbial community, fermentation characteristics, and nutrient content of Napier grass mixed with alfalfa at different proportions were assessed. Tested proportions included: 100:0 (M0), 70:30 (M3), 50:50 (M5), 30:70 (M7), and 0:100 (MF). Treatments included: (CK) sterilized deionized water; (IN) selected lactic acid bacteria: Lactobacillus plantarum CGMCC 23166 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CGMCC 18233 (1.5 × 105 cfu/g of fresh weight for each inoculant); and (CO) commercial lactic acid bacteria: L. plantarum (1 × 105 cfu/g of fresh weight). All mixtures were ensiled for 60 days. Data analysis was used as a completely randomized design with a 5-by-3 factorial arrangement of treatments. The results showed that with increasing alfalfa mixing ratio, dry matter, and crude protein increased, while neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber decreased both before and after ensiling (p < 0.05), which was not influenced by fermentation. Inoculation with IN and CO decreased pH and increased the lactic acid content compared to CK (p < 0.05), especially in silages M7 and MF. The highest Shannon index (6.24) and Simpson index (0.93) were observed in the MF silage CK treatment (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Lactiplantibacillus decreased with increasing alfalfa mixing ratio, while the abundance of Lactiplantibacillus was significantly higher in the IN-treated group than in other treatment groups (p < 0.05). A higher alfalfa mixing ratio improved the nutrient value, but also made fermentation more difficult. Inoculants improved the fermentation quality by increasing the abundance of Lactiplantibacillus. In conclusion, the groups M3 and M5 achieved the optimal balance of nutrients and fermentation. If a higher proportion of alfalfa needs to be used, it is recommended to use inoculants to ensure sufficient fermentation.

Mixed oats and alfalfa improved the antioxidant activity of mutton and the performance of goats by affecting intestinal microbiota.

Oat hay and alfalfa hay are important roughage resources in livestock production. However, the effect of the mixture of oat hay and alfalfa hay on the meat quality of Albas goats is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of feeding different proportions of oat hay and alfalfa hay on the growth performance and meat quality of Albas goats. Therefore, 32 goats were fed for 70 days and randomly divided into four treatment groups on the principle of similar weight: whole oat group (OAT), oat alfalfa ratio 3:7 group (OA73), oat alfalfa ratio 7:3 group (OA37) and whole alfalfa group (Alfalfa), with eight goats in each group. Daily feed intake records, feces, feed samples, and rumen fluid collection were made throughout the trial. The goats were weighed on the last day of the trial, and four goats per group were randomly selected for slaughter. Cecum contents, meat samples, and hot carcass weight were collected, and data were recorded. Furthermore, the relationship between the rumen and cecal microbes on performance and meat quality was clarified by analyzing the rumen and hindgut microbiomes. The results showed that feeding alfalfa could significantly reduce the daily weight gain of fattening goats. Compared with the highest group (OA37), the daily weight gain decreased by 19.21%. Although there was no significant change in feed intake in the four treatments, the feed conversion rate of the alfalfa group significantly decreased by 30.24-36.47% compared to the other groups. However, with the increased alfalfa content, MDA decreased significantly, T-AOC was up-regulated, and the antioxidant activity of the fattened goat meat fed with the high alfalfa group was significantly higher than that of the low alfalfa group. Notably, the abundance of Bacteroidales_unclassified and Clostridium were strongly correlated with T-AOC and MDA. Therefore, increasing the proportion of alfalfa in the diet can affect the antioxidant activity of goat meat by improving the gut microbiota, while an oat-hay mixture can improve the growth performance of livestock.

Dynamics of the species composition of alfalfa-grass agrophytocenosis depending on technological methods of growing

Goal.To highlight the features of the formation of the species composition of the alfalfa-grass mixture, depending on the liming of the soil and the application of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. Methods. System analysis, field, laboratory, comparative calculation. Results. In the first year of using the herbage during chemical soil reclamation, the alfalfa-grass grass mixture contained 50.4-52.0% of the legume component, without liming - 40.8-42.1%. In the third year of use on the produced plots, alfalfa also dominated the botanical composition of the herbage and occupied 50-53.1%. In areas without chemical soil reclamation, the share of sowing alfalfa has sharply decreased - to 10.5-13.4%. Among the sown cereals in the herbage, tall fescue prevailed. The share of this species grew, reaching a maximum of 41.9-42.4% in the third year of use. The species composition of the herbage significantly changed depending on the mowing. Thus, grasses dominated in the first mowing on non-deoxidized areas, the share of which was 53.9-54.5%, including tall fescue 31.4- 32.2%, timothy grass 15.4-16.8%. The share of alfalfa in the first cut was 25.1-27.3%. Soil liming increased the share of the legume component in the first cut to 46.1-47.4%. The share of grass was also high and amounted to 42.1-42.2%. In the second cut, the proportion of alfalfa increased to 26.1-30.2% in the variants without soil deoxidation and to 65.3-68.0% in the variants with limestone flour. Conclusions.The introduction of limestone flour was the most effective factor in changing the species composition of the studied agrophytocenosis. In the limed areas, the share of alfalfa was high during all three years of grass stand use and amounted to 50.0-59.2%. Of the studied perennial grasses, tall fescue was noted to have high coenotic activity, the dominance of which increased in the second and, especially, the third cuttings.

Modeled performance of forage mixtures and annual crops grown in eastern Canada under climate change

AbstractTimothy (Phleum pratense L.) is expected to be more affected by climate change than other forage grasses. Therefore, alternatives to timothy, such as tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Shreb.) Dumort.], meadow fescue [S. pratensis (Huds.) P. Beauv.], or meadow bromegrass (Bromus biebersteinii Roem. &amp; Schult.) should be explored. Our objective was to simulate and compare the yield and nutritive value of four alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)–grass mixtures and annual crops grown on two virtual dairy farms representative of eastern Canada under future climate conditions. The Integrated Farm System Model (IFSM) was used for these projections under the reference (1971–2000), near future (2020–2049), and distant future (2050–2079) climates for two climatically contrasting agricultural areas in eastern Canada (eastern Quebec; southwestern Quebec). In both future periods, annual forage dry matter (DM) yields of the four alfalfa–grass mixtures are projected to increase because of additional harvests, with greater DM yield increases projected in the colder area than in the warmer area. In both areas, the highest yield increase is projected for alfalfa–tall fescue mixture and the lowest for alfalfa–timothy mixture. The nutritive value of all mixtures should increase due to a greater proportion of alfalfa. In both areas, yields of silage and grain corn (Zea mays L.), and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] are projected to increase, but not those of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Tall fescue, meadow bromegrass, and meadow fescue are adequate alternatives to timothy grown in association with alfalfa under future climate conditions.

Establishment and productivity of cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.) in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) or alfalfa–hybrid bromegrass mixtures

Cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.) (CMV) is a non-bloating, perennial legume that has shown persistence under grazing. Limited information is available on its seedling establishment and subsequent forage yield and nutritive value in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) mixtures. Field plots were seeded in May 2013 at Melfort, SK, Canada, to evaluate ‘Oxley II’ cicer milkvetch performance in ‘AC Grazeland’ alfalfa or alfalfa and ‘AC Success’ hybrid bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehmann× Bromus inermis Leyss.) mixtures from 2014 to 2017. Two controlled environment tests were also conducted by treating seeds of CMV using alfalfa root aqueous extract. Seed germination and seedling height of CMV were significantly reduced in aqueous extract. In the field, establishment of CMV in a mixture containing alfalfa was reduced, and CMV dry matter proportion in the mixture increased only 3.5% over three years. Increasing CMV seeding rate did not increase its dry matter (DM) percent in the mixtures, indicating a high allelopathic effect of alfalfa. Forage DM yield of all mixtures was linearly correlated to the proportion of alfalfa, and adding hybrid brome did not increase the DM yield. Forage DM yield was higher for the three-cut than the two-cut treatments for CMV–alfalfa mixtures, but there was no difference between the cutting frequency for CMV–alfalfa–hybrid brome mixtures. Fiber concentrations decreased linearly with increased CMV seeding rate in the mixtures. This study showed that CMV establishment in alfalfa mixtures was reduced in a same-row seeding, and the allelopathic effect was not reduced by lower alfalfa seeding rates or adding a grass.

Herbage responses and nitrogen agronomic efficiency of bahiagrass–legume mixtures

AbstractBahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) is the most utilized forage in Florida and requires N fertilization to optimize production. Integrating legumes into bahiagrass pastures may reduce N fertilizer inputs and improve forage nutritive value. This 2‐yr, 2‐location, on‐farm study established two legumes, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) or rhizoma peanut (RP; Arachis glabrata Benth.), in mixtures with bahiagrass. We compared bahiagrass–legume mixtures + 45 kg N ha−1 harvest−1 with their non‐N fertilized monocultures and with bahiagrass + 90 kg N ha−1 harvest−1 (N‐fertilized bahiagrass). Treatments were bahiagrass, N‐fertilized bahiagrass, bahiagrass–alfalfa, bahiagrass–RP, alfalfa, and RP. Variables analyzed included herbage accumulation (HA), botanical composition, forage N concentration, forage total N aboveground (TNAG), and N agronomic efficiency. Mixtures and N‐fertilized bahiagrass resulted in similar cumulative HA (10,400 kg dry matter [DM] ha−1 yr−1, on average) and they were greater than all other treatments (4,190 kg DM ha−1 yr−1, on average). Alfalfa and RP represented low proportions of the mixed swards, with alfalfa proportion being as high as 16.1% and as low as 1.6%. Rhizoma peanut greatest proportion was 2.1% and the lowest was 0.5%. Mixtures and N‐fertilized bahiagrass maintained similar N concentrations, but they were consistently lower than legume monocultures. The N‐fertilized bahiagrass and mixture treatments resulted in the greatest TNAG in four out of the six sampling dates. The AEN of mixtures was typically greater than N‐fertilized bahiagrass. Since legumes had low proportion in mixtures, 45 kg N ha−1 harvest−1 was the upper limit for reaching maximum HA in bahiagrass.

Silage Fermentation and In Vitro Degradation Characteristics of Orchardgrass and Alfalfa Intercrop Mixtures as Influenced by Forage Ratios and Nitrogen Fertilizing Levels

Intercropping is a globally accepted method of forage production and its effect on silage quality depends not only on forage combination but also fertilization strategy. In the present study, field intercropping of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) at five seed ratios (100:0, 75:25: 50:50, 25:75, 0:100 in %, based on seed weight) was applied under three N fertilizing levels (0, 50, and 100 kg/ha), and harvested for silage making and in vitro rumen degradation. As a result of intercropping, the actual proportions (based on dry matter) of alfalfa in mixtures were much closer to seed proportion of alfalfa in field, except 75:25 orchardgrass-alfalfa intercrops with no fertilization. The actual proportions of alfalfa in mixtures decreased by 3–13% with the increase of N level. Increases of alfalfa proportion in mixtures increased silage quality, nutrients degradability and CH4 emissions. Increasing N levels increased silage pH, concentration of butyric acid, and fiber fractions. In summary, inclusion of alfalfa at around 50% in orchardgrass-alfalfa silage mixtures were selected for favorable ensiling and higher forage use efficiency while also limiting CH4 emissions, compared to monocultures. The silage quality and feeding values of mixtures were influenced more by forage ratios than by N levels.

Changes in landscape composition influence the abundance of insects on maize: The role of fruit orchards and alfalfa crops

The traditional agricultural landscape of Ebro Basin (NE Spain), which is mainly composed of alfalfa and cereal crops, has undergone changes in recent years, mainly consisting of an increase in the area occupied by intensively managed irrigated orchards. Recently, it has been reported that the presence of a higher proportion of orchards in the landscape and their management negatively affect the abundance and diversity of natural enemies. Two hypotheses are tested in this study: (1) the increased orchard surface has led to a reduction in natural enemies in neighbouring maize crops, and (2) the higher alfalfa proportion of agricultural land enhances the predatory fauna on maize. Maize fields were selected across a landscape gradient created by orchards and field crops (alfalfa and maize) in a buffer of 500 m. The abundance of 17 insect taxa in each maize field was estimated by means of 3 yellow sticky traps per season over three years. The insect abundance was related to the landscape structure (proportions of landscape elements and landscape diversity) and local variables (maize phenology, perimeter/area, weed diversity of the maize edges and abundance of the potential predators or potential prey). Our results show that the proportion of orchards in the landscape had negative effects on the main predators, and alfalfa had positive effects on herbivores and their predators. Semi-natural habitats (non-crop habitats and forest) and landscape diversity had low effects on insect abundance. However, variables at the local level included more significant effects than landscape structure; maize growth stages and abundance of potential prey or predators on the crop were the most influential variables at a local level. Here we show the interplay between different land uses types and local management and their impact on natural enemies and herbivores in maize crops in the Mediterranean area.

Combining Orchardgrass and Alfalfa: Effects of Forage Ratios on In Vitro Rumen Degradation and Fermentation Characteristics of Silage Compared with Hay.

Simple SummaryForages are an essential portion of ruminant rations to maintain rumen function. Exploring how orchardgrass and alfalfa interact in the rumen is necessary to better understand their feed use potential as both hay and silage. This study evaluated in vitro rumen degradation, fermentation characteristics, and methane production responses to different forage ratios of alfalfa and orchardgrass. The results indicate that dry matter and organic matter degradability and methane production were greater for mixed silages compared to mixed hays. A forage ratio of 50:50 for orchardgrass and alfalfa favor the growth of rumen microorganisms without compromising nutrient digestion and rumen fermentation.This study aimed to investigate the effects of different forage ratios of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) on in vitro rumen degradation and fermentation characteristics. Orchardgrass and alfalfa were harvested separately and prepared as hay and silage mixtures at ratios of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100 (w/w on a dry matter basis) and anaerobically incubated for 48 h with rumen fluid obtained from lactating dairy cows. Fermented residues and cultured fluids were used to determine nutrient degradability, fermentation parameters, and associative effect indices. Increasing the proportion of alfalfa in hay and silage mixtures quadratically increased in vitro organic matter disappearance (IVOMD, up +5.14%) and marginally decreased in vitro neutral detergent fiber disappearance (NDFD, down −1.79%). Meanwhile, increasing the proportion of alfalfa accelerated the rumen fermentation process (e.g., gas production) and remarkably enhanced the growth of rumen microbes as indicated by microbial protein production (MCP, 13.4% increase). Increments of rumen degradability and methane production were more pronounced in silage mixtures than hay mixtures. In combination, a forage ratio of 50:50 for orchardgrass and alfalfa is recommended for both hay and silage in order to improve the feed use potential in ruminants.

Predicting Pre‐harvest Forage Nutritive Value of Spring and Summer Growth of Alfalfa–Grass Mixtures

Currently available regression equations developed to predict pre‐harvest nutritive attributes from simple field measurements taken in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)–grass mixtures can help producers determine when to best harvest their forages but they are applicable to only spring growth. Our objective was to develop and validate predictive equations of pre‐harvest forage nutritive attributes of mixed alfalfa–grass stands for the spring and first summer growth cycles. Forage samples (n = 1856) were collected in 2015 and 2016 from three research sites in Quebec, Canada, and used to develop predictive equations that were then validated using samples (n = 315) collected on commercial farms across Quebec and compared to equations previously developed in New York State for use during spring growth. For newly developed equations with two to four field measurements, R2 ranged from 0.70 to 0.84. The best equation developed to estimate a neutral detergent fiber assayed with a heat stable α‐amylase and corrected for the ash content of the residue (aNDFom) had an R2 of 0.82 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 29.3 g kg−1 dry matter (DM). Some equations can be used to predict aNDFom concentration and the relative feed value of samples from commercial farms, but only if alfalfa proportion can be precisely determined. Locally developed equations resulted in better predictions than equations developed only for spring growth in New York State. Forage producers now have access to a tool to predict the pre‐harvest nutritive value of their forages for two growth cycles.Core Ideas Predictive equations can help producers determine when to harvest their forage fields. Equations developed can predict nutritive value of alfalfa‐grass stands for the spring and first summer growth cycles. Alfalfa proportion must be precisely determined for equations to yield reliable results.

99 Managing alfalfa-bermudagrass mixtures in the Southeastern U.S. to establish livestock grazing recommendations

Abstract Recently there has been interest in interseeding high-quality legumes, like alfalfa, into existing bermudagrass stands as a step towards improving forage, animal, and ecosystem stability in the Southeast. Current work evaluating these mixtures has been focused on management and production of stored forages (i.e. dry hay/baleage), and limited work has evaluated the use of alfalfa-bermudagrass mixtures under grazing conditions. It has been noted that both grazing intensity and frequency impact overall stand production over time. The objective of this research is to evaluate the effect of harvest height and frequency of newly established alfalfa interseeded into an existing bermudagrass stand, and begin to develop grazing recommendations for management of these mixtures. In 2018, 36 alfalfa-bermudagrass plots were established at 4 locations across Alabama (Crossville, Shorter) and Georgia (Watkinsville, Tifton), using a randomized complete block design with four replications at each location. Alfalfa varieties were selected for suitability to location and were either ‘Bulldog 505’ or ‘Bulldog 805’ interseeded into existing hybrid bermudagrass sods. Treatments included combinations of harvest frequency (2, 4, or 6 wk) and harvest height (2, 4, 6 inches), and plots were evaluated for their influence on sward yield, persistence, stand density, botanical composition, nutritive value, and change over time. In Georgia, the ‘Bulldog 805’ treatment harvested every 6 weeks at 6 inches had the greatest yield on average (2,453 kg/ha), while ‘Bulldog 505’ treatment harvested every 2 weeks at 6 inches had the lowest yield on average (382 kg/ha) during the 2018 growing season. Additionally, botanical compositions showed that the 6 week, 4-inch had the greatest proportion of alfalfa throughout the growing season, while alfalfa proportions decreased across the growing season in the 2 week, 2-inch harvest treatment. This study is supported by funding from the USDANIFA-Alfalfa Forage Research Program (2017)

Temporal Composition of Alfalfa–Grass Pastures and Productivity Response of Holstein Steers

Core Ideas Bloat incidence was less when grass proportion was 40% or more of grass–alfalfa sward. Alfalfa masked differences among grasses in grazed forage amount and nutritive value. Holstein steer growth rate was highest when sward alfalfa proportions were greatest. Alfalfa–meadow fescue maintained the greatest alfalfa proportion after three seasons. This study compared forage productivity and animal performance in three alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)–grass mixtures: alfalfa–meadow fescue [Schedonorus pratensis (Huds.) P. Beauv] (A–MF), alfalfa–orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) (A–OG), and alfalfa–tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort] (A–TF). Mixtures were rotationally grazed with Holstein (Bos taurus, initial weight 242 kg, annually n = 180) steers from 2014 to 2016. Steer performance data from 2014 were excluded due to several incidences of bloat. Grass proportions increased over the 3‐yr study from 23% in 2014 to 40% in 2015 to 71% in 2016 (P &lt; 0.01). Relationships (P &lt; 0.001) between grass proportion and nutritive variables were detected with neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (R2 = 0.40) and NDF digestibility (R2 = 0.13) increasing with grass proportion, and crude protein (CP) decreasing (R2 = 0.29) with grass proportion. No relationship (P = 0.82) existed for in vitro true digestibility (IVTD). Grass proportions were lower, 60% grass, (P &lt; 0.05) in A–MF pastures in 2016, compared to 77% for A–TF and A–OG causing higher average daily gain (ADG) for A–MF (P &lt; 0.01) (0.81, 0.56, and 0.57 kg d−1 for A–MF, A–OG, and A–TF, respectively) and a tendency (P = 0.10) for greater gain per hectare for A–MF (P = 0.08) (994, 752, and 765 kg ha−1 for A–MF, A–TF, and A–OG, respectively). Cattle ADG was greatest when alfalfa sward proportions were high. By 2016, A–MF pastures had the highest alfalfa proportion, and therefore, the highest levels of ADG and gain per hectare.

Botanical structure and features of forming lucerne-cereal herbage depending on fertilizing in environments of Right-Bank Forest-Steppe

Purpose. To determine the influence of meteorological and soil conditions, fertilizing and component ratio of crop on the formation of botanical composition of lucerne-cereal and cereal grass mixtures in environments of Right-Bank Forest-Steppe. Methods. Field, laboratory, morphological analysis, mathematical and statistical (correlation, ANOVA) with the use of programs MS Excel and Statistica. The research was conducted in 2014–2016 in environments of Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine on the basis of separated subdivision of NULES of Ukraine «Agronomical Research Station» (Pshenychne village, Vasylkiv district, Kyiv region). Field experiment was laid by spring pure sowing on the scheme. Results. On average, in the years of the research (2014–2016) in the one-species crop of lucerne, the lucerne was dominated with its part in the harvest being 88–94 %, and the part of motley grass being 5–12 %. In the lucerne-cereal grass mixtures, the proportion of lucerne was less (within 41–50 %). The total part of cereals in lucerne-cereals was ranged within 47–52 % being on the same level as part of lucerne. A detailed analysis showed that nitrogen fertilizers in the dose of N60 changed the ratio of species in the composition of lucerne-cereal herbage. The number of species that react well to the nitrogen was increased, and the number of less reacting to it was decreased. In the most part it was due to increase of part of cereals, i.e. perennial ryegrass, smooth bromegrass, and, especially, cocksfoot, its part in mixture with lucerne and tall fescue increased to 26 %. At the same time, the part of tall fescue decreased noticeably. Conclusions. For the first three years of using there are formed herbages with domination of components with portion of lucerne in one-species sowing being 85–98 % and in lucerne-cereal mixtures being 30–58 %. For the period from the first to the third years of using lucerne-cereal herbages, the proportion of lucerne is reduced by 11–24 % and more significantly when fertilizing N60. Addition of growth stimulator Fumar to N60P60K90 increases portion of lucerne in the third year of using by 6–8 %.

Effect of dietary neutral detergent fibre source on lambs growth, meat quality and biohydrogenation intermediates

With this trial we have tested the effects of structural and chemical composition of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) of the diet on lamb fatty acid composition of meat and subcutaneous fat. Twenty lambs, were fed complete diets with low starch and similar NDF content of different origin (ground alfalfa or soybean hulls). Animal performance and product quality were not affected by treatments. Rumen pH increased and parakeratosis intensity decreased with the level of alfalfa in the diet. Increasing the alfalfa proportion in the diet decreased t10–18:1 (P = .023), increased t11–18:1 (P = .003) and decreased the t10/t11 ratio according to a quadratic pattern (P = .020). Chemical composition and structure of the diet's fibrous fraction influenced the BI pattern of the final product. Forty percent of alfalfa in diet reduced the severity of t10-shift, but for its full resolution, other factors should be considered including forage particle size and buffering capacity of the diet.