Sorghum Sudan Research Articles

PSIV-A-4 Effect of late gestational nutrient restriction on locomotor activity of beef heifers

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effects of nutrient restriction on locomotor behavior during late gestation. Fall-calving crossbred beef heifers were moved to 3.7 × 15.8 m partially-covered pens and individually-fed 100% (control; n = 13) or 70% (nutrient restricted; n = 13) of NASEM metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance, pregnancy, and growth from d 160 of gestation to calving. Diets were based on chopped sorghum sudan hay fed in Calan gates and supplemented to meet targeted nutritional planes. IceQube accelerometers (iceRobotics, Edinburgh, UK) were placed on the left hind fetlock between d 158 and 168 of gestation to determine standing time, lying time, step count, number of lying bouts, and motion index. Daily behavior data were averaged for 5 distinct periods (period 1: IceQube placement to d 180 of gestation; period 2: d 181 to 201 of gestation; period 3: d 202 to 222 of gestation; period 4: d 223 to 243 of gestation; and period 5: 244 to 264 of gestation). Days in which animals were moved from their pens were excluded from the data set, resulting in an average of 17.2 ± 2.35 d per period. Data were analyzed with fixed effects of nutritional plane, period, and their interaction in the model. Maternal sire and day of treatment initiation were included as covariates. The number of lying bouts was affected (P = 0.02) by the nutritional plane × period interaction. Within period, there was no effect (P ≥ 0.20) of nutritional plane on lying bouts. Lying bouts in control heifers decreased (P = 0.008) from period 1 to 2, whereas lying bouts in nutrient restricted heifers decreased (P = 0.002) from period 1 to 2 before increasing (P = 0.02) again from period 2 to 3. Motion index and step count were affected (P ≤ 0.05) by nutritional plane, where both were greater in control heifers. Motion index and step count were affected (P < 0.001) by period, while standing time and lying time tended to be affected (P ≤ 0.09) by period. Motion index and step count decreased (P < 0.001) between periods 1 and 2 and periods 3 and 4 but increased (P ≤ 0.004) between periods 2 and 3 and periods 4 and 5. Standing time decreased (P = 0.02), while lying time increased (P = 0.02), between periods 3 and 4. These data suggest that nutrient restricted heifers may have reduced locomotor behavior in late gestation compared with control heifers. Throughout all periods of gestation, control heifers took more daily steps and had a greater motion index, suggesting that nutrient availability in late gestation may directly impact locomotor behavior of beef heifers.

Действие биопрепаратов на ростовые параметры Sorghum sudanense (Рiper) Stapf

Abstract. The purpose of the study was to study the effectiveness of microbiological preparations on the growth characteristics of Sudan sorghum under the conditions of the Vologda region on the background with and without fertilizers. Methodology and methods. Research work was first carried out in the Vologda region in the experimental field of FSBSI “Vologda Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences” in 2022. Biopreparations based on living cells of microorganisms were used, the basis of the drug “Naturost-Aktiv” consists of cell culture Lactobacillus buchneri, “Naturost-M” – Bacillus megaterium. The object of the study was Sudanese sorghum variety Zemlyachka. Small-scale field experiment included the following variants: control (1 var.), control + fertilizer (2 var.), biopreparation (3 var.), biopreparation 1 + fertilizer (4 var.), biopreparation 2 + fertilizer (5 var.). Repetition of the experiment – 3 times, the area of recording plot 5 m2. Indicators are presented by 4 counts per season. Results. The total bushiness in the variant with the “Naturost-Aktiv” increases by 35.3 %, an increase of 29.4 % to the control is noted in the variant “Naturost-Aktiv” + fertilizer. Productive bushiness was fixed in each variant, the maximum increase to the control was 45.5 % in the variant control + fertilizer. The greatest gain to the control of 42.5 % in the average area of the leaf surface was determined in the variant with the use of the drug “Naturost-M” and fertilization. Scientific novelty. For the first time a study on Sudan sorghum variety Zemlyachka in the conditions of the Vologda region using the biopreparation “Naturost-Aktiv” based on the cell culture Lactobacillus buchneri and “Naturost-M” – Bacillus megaterium on the background with and without fertilizers, which then can be recommended to increase the adaptation of plants and increase productivity, in turn Sudan sorghum can be recommended as a basic or auxiliary element of crop rotation.

PSIV-14 Effects of Maternal Nutrient Restriction During Late Gestation on Expelled Cotyledonary Mrna Expression in Primiparous Beef Females

Abstract To determine the effects of late gestational nutrient restriction on expelled cotyledonary mRNA expression, fall-calving Hereford × Simmental-Angus heifers [single-sired; BW: 451 ± 28 (SD) kg; BCS: 5.4 ± 0.7] bred to a single sire were allocated by fetal sex and expected calving date to receive either 100% (control; CON; n = 12) or 70% (nutrient restricted; NR; n = 11) of NASEM metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance, pregnancy, and growth. Beginning on d 160 of gestation, heifers were individually fed chopped sorghum sudan hay (1.74 Mcal ME/kg, 6.69% CP, 72.0% NDF; DM basis) and based on individual intakes, supplemented to meet targeted nutritional planes. Calving was observed for all females and placentas were collected at natural expulsion. Immediately after collection (average: 4.5 h post-calving; range: 2.3 to 12.1 h post-calving), 2 representative cotyledons on the ipsilateral side were cleaned with phosphate buffered saline, and cotyledonary tissue was flash frozen. Total RNA was extracted, and RT-qPCR was performed for mRNA expression of glucose transporters (SLC2A1, SLC2A3, SLC2A4), a fructose transporter (SLC2A5), amino acid transporters (SLC1A1, SLC3A2, SLC7A1, SLC7A5, SLC7A8, SLC38A2), angiogenic factors/receptors (VEGFA, NOS3, FLT1, KDR, GUCY1B3), and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein 2 (PAG2). Relative mRNA expression was analyzed with nutritional plane, treatment initiation date, time to cotyledon sampling, and calf sex (when P < 0.25) as fixed effects. We have previously reported that total uterine blood flow during late gestation was not affected (P ≥ 0.20) by nutritional plane or the nutritional plane × day of gestation interaction. Post-calving, NR dams were 64 kg BW less (P < 0.001) and 2.0 BCS less (P < 0.001), but calf birth weight was not affected (P = 0.72) by nutritional plane. Contralateral placental dry weight tended to be less (P = 0.07) in NR dams, but total placental weight was not affected (P = 0.86) by late gestational nutritional plane. Cotyledonary relative mRNA expression of SLC2A3 and SLC38A2 was greater (P ≤ 0.05) and relative expression of SLC2A1, SLC2A4, and NOS3 tended to be greater (P ≤ 0.07) in NR dams compared with CON. Late gestational nutritional plane did not affect (P ≥ 0.13) cotyledonary relative mRNA expression of FLT1, GUCY1B3, KDR, PAG2, SLC1A1, SLC2A5, SLC3A2, SLC7A1, SLC7A5, SLC7A8, and VEGFA. In summary, first parity beef females who experienced late gestational nutrient restriction maintained uterine blood flow and placental mass and had 4 nutrient transporters and 1 angiogenic factor upregulated in cotyledons, all which likely contributed to their conservation of fetal growth.

70 Nutrient Restriction During Late Gestation Alters Maternal Circulating Amino Acid Concentrations in Primiparous Beef Females

Abstract We hypothesized that maternal circulating AA concentrations would be reduced by late gestational nutrient restriction, indicating less available nutrients for transport by the uteroplacenta to the growing fetus. Fall-calving Hereford-SimAngus heifers [single-sired; BW: 451 ± 28 (SD) kg; BCS: 5.4 ± 0.7] bred to a single sire were allocated by fetal sex and expected calving date to receive either 100% (control; CON; n = 12) or 70% (NR; n = 13) of NASEM metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance, pregnancy, and growth from day 160 of gestation to calving. Heifers were individually fed chopped sorghum sudan hay (1.74 Mcal ME, 6.66% CP, 72.0% NDF; DM basis) and based on individual intakes, supplemented to meet targeted nutritional planes. Jugular blood samples were obtained on days 159 (Pre-treatment), 202, and 244 of gestation, and 1 h post-calving to determine serum concentrations of the 20 common AA (except cysteine), 1-methyl histidine, and 3-methyl histidine. Gestational and post-calving AA were analyzed separately with nutritional plane, treatment initiation date, and calf sex (when P < 0.25) as fixed effects. Gestational AA included day and nutritional plane x day using repeated measures. We have previously reported that dam BCS was less (P ≤ 0.04) by day 202 of gestation and dam BW was less (P ≤ 0.01) by day 223 of gestation for NR dams. Post-calving, NR dams were 64 kg BW and 2.0 BCS lless (P < 0.001), but calf birth weight was not affected (P = 0.72) by nutritional plane. Histidine, lysine, and methionine were greater (P ≤ 0.03) in NR dams on day 202 of gestation. Tryptophan and valine were less (P ≤ 0.05) while methionine and total AA tended to be less (P ≤ 0.08) on day 244 of gestation in NR dams. Aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and tyrosine were less (P ≤ 0.03), but 3-methyl histidine was greater (P ≤ 0.01) on days 202 and 244 of gestation in NR dams. 1-methyl histidine was greater (P ≤ 0.05) at all 3 gestational timepoints but leucine was less (P = 0.03) in NR dams during gestation. Post-calving, glutamic acid, leucine, and valine were less (P ≤ 0.04), and methionine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and total AA tended to be less (P ≤ 0.10) in NR dams. Histidine, 1-methyl histidine, 3-methyl histidine, and serine were greater (P ≤ 0.03) in NR dams post-calving. In summary, late gestational nutrient restriction reduced total maternal circulating AA and altered the maternal serum AA profile, but calf birth weight was not affected. Individual AA that were greater or unaffected in NR dams were likely indicative of body protein catabolism occurring to meet nutrient requirements.

Determination of the Effects of Grape Pomace Addition to Sorghum Sudan Grass on Silage Quality

The aim of this study was to determine the silage quality and in situ degradability of silages prepared with addition of grape pomace into variety of sorghum-sudan grass as rapid fermentable carbohydrate source. Grape pomace obtained at the region was ensiled with sorghum- sudan grass grown at Keskin Fodder Plants Production and Processing Facility at same period at the levels of 0, 10, 20 and 40%. Glass jars (1L) were used for ensiling of silages. Four silage samples were prepared for each treatment groups. After 45 days of ensiling, silage samples were opened and pH, organic acid, nutrient contents, and in situ degradation levels were determined. Among silage fermentation parameters, pH and volatile fatty acid concentrations did not differ among silage prepared from different sorghum-sudan grass varieties (P>0.05), grape pomace significantly increased the pH of sorghum-sudan grass silages and decreased lactic acid concentrations of sorghum-sudan grass silages (P<0.05). Nutrient contents, except CP content, significantly differed between sorghum-sudan grass varieties, addition of grape pomace into sorghum-sudan grass significantly alter the nutrient contents of silages (P<0.05). While in situ OM, NDF and ADF degradabilities were similar between sorghum-sudan grass varieties, addition of grape pomace significantly decreased OM degradability in both sorghum-sudan grass varieties (P<0.05). In conclusion, addition of grape pomace into sorghum-sudan grass up to 40% had some negative effects on silage quality, but it was taught that grape pomace can be utilized as alternatve feedstuffs for ruminants by adding sorghum-sudan grass up to 20%.

Increasing potato profitability through rotation systems and winter cover, nitrogen fertilizer, and supplemental irrigation in Atlantic Canada

AbstractAverage potato yield in Prince Edward Island, Canada, has been stagnant since 2006. Two field studies were conducted on Charlottetown fine sandy loam soil to address this concern. In the first experiment, two alternative crop rotations, grain corn (Zea mays L.)–sorghum sudan grass (Sorghum × drummondii)–potato (C–SS–P) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)–mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.)–potato (Soy–M–P), were compared to a conventional barley (Hordeum jubatum L.) (under seeded with red clover)–red clover (Trifolium pratense L.)–potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) (B–RedCl–P) rotation. This experiment was conducted for two 3‐year cycles comparing the effects of potato rotation, nitrogen fertilizer, and supplemental irrigation. The second experiment evaluated the inclusion of winter cover crops in a 3‐year potato crop rotation. The profitability of potatoes in each rotation was assessed using a stochastic budget of yields and fertilizer and crop prices. The effects of supplemental irrigation were not significant; however, nitrogen fertilization increased potato yields by 48%. Potato yields and net revenues in C–SS–P increased by 10.5% and 32.6% and in Soy–M–P by 6.7% and 20.5%, respectively, compared to potato in B–RedCl–P rotation. The use of winter rape cover increased potato yields by 18.6% compared to a system without winter covers, although some of these increases could be due to the use of sudan grass instead of red clover in B–RedCl–P rotation. It is recommended that potato producers implement the alternative rotation with additional fertilization and winter cover crops to increase yields and profits.

Effect Of Nitrogen Fertilizer on The Growth of Hybrid Sorghum Sudan Grass

A pot experiment was conducted at Experimental area, Agronomy Department PMAS- University of Arid Agriculture Rawalpindi to see the effect of different levels of nitrogen fertilizer on the growth and physiological traits of Sorghum Sudan Grass during March, 2022. Completely randomized designed was applied along with three replications. Seeds of Sorghum Sudan grass were collected from NARC Islamabad. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied in pots on 30th March, 2022, according to the treatments. Nitrogen played a significant role in the growth and physiology of Sorghum Sudan Grass. Nitrogen @ 150 kgha-1 is the best among other four treatments and attained the highest plant heights in three times (21.355, 65. 153 and 100.620 cm) respectively. However, results of nitrogen @ 200kgha-1 are approximately statistically at par with NPK. Nitrogen @ 150 kgha-1 gained the highest position in two times data (0.7050 and 1.4250) respectively. Nitrogen @ 200 kgha-1 gained less value than nitrogen @150kgha-1 might be excessive dose. Nitrogen nutrition played a key role in the enhancement of leaf area values; however nitrogen @150kgha-1nutrition had the top position (1.140 and 1.950) during two times respectively. Leaf area index data had statistically significant results but among the nutrition treatments nitrogen @150kgha-1nutrition is the best option attaining the highest values (91.475 and 152.550) respectively in two times. Nitrogen fertilizer at different levels had statistically significant effect on crop growth rate of sorghum plants; however nitrogen @150kgha-1nutrition treatment attained the highest value (0.5333) which was statically at par @200kgha-1nutrition treatment. Nitrogen @150kgha-1nutrition treatment had the top position (4061.9) but other three doses of nitrogen values having minute difference with nitrogen @150kgha-1 and higher than control. Four doses of nitrogen fertilizer produced more net assimilation rates than control and nitrogen @150kgha-1gained the highest value (45.653) which was statistically at par with nitrogen @200kgha-1(43.521).Nitrogen fertilizer is an inorganic fertilizer provides the nutrition the plant fastly and provides better performance at nitrogen @150kgha-1. Nitrogen @200kgha-1 showed better performance than control but less than nitrogen @150kgha-1, therefore this finding improves the economics of the study.

Short-Term Biochar Impacts on Crop Performance and Soil Quality in Arid Sandy Loam Soil

A two-year field study was conducted in sandy loam soil to evaluate the impacts of biochar on soil quality and the growth and yields of pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and sorghum–Sudan (Sorghum × drummondii). A wood-derived commercial biochar was applied at three rates to pinto bean (PB) and sorghum–Sudan (SS) plots. The biochar application rates applied annually for two years to PB plots were 0, 2.2, and 11.2 Mg ha−1, whereas the rates for SS plots were 0, 3.4, and 6.7 Mg ha−1. Crop growth and harvest parameters were evaluated. Assessed soil measurements included pH, electrical conductivity, available nutrients, soil organic matter (SOM), permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC), soil aggregates, and volumetric soil moisture content. The results showed no significant differences in plant growth parameters and yields over the two growing seasons for both PB and SS. Compared to the control treatment, the biochar at 11.2 Mg ha−1 in PB plots improved soil moisture retention after irrigation by 19% in the first year and 25% in the second year. The SOM in the SS plot at 6.7 Mg ha−1 biochar rate was higher (1.02%) compared to the control plot (0.82%), whereas a similar increase was not observed in the PB plot. Although biochar rates did not affect most of the soil measurements, there were significant changes in soil properties over time, regardless of biochar treatments: POXC increased in the PB and SS plots; SOM increased in the SS plot; and electrical conductivity, sodium adsorption ratio, and most soil micronutrients decreased. This research was conducted over two years; the effects of biochar can persist for much longer, indicating the need for longer-term biochar field studies in arid agroecosystems.

First Record of Pachnoda interrupta Olivier Outbreak on Sorghum, Pearl Millet and Sunflower in Sudan

During the autumn season of 2011, an outbreak of the sorghumchafer Pachnoda interrupta Olivier (Coleoptera: Cetoniidae) occurred forthe first time in Sudan on four genotypes of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor),four of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and eight of sunflower(Helianthus annuus) in the Gezira Research Station Farm. The objectiveof this study was to quantify the damage caused by the sorghum chafer tothese crops. The percentage of infested panicles (PIP), infested discs(PID), panicle damage (PPD) and disc damage (PDD) and number ofbeetles per panicle/disc were determined. Two sorghum genotypes(Jumbo and Pannar) showed tolerance to the beetle, as they scored thelowest PIP and PPD, whereas the other two (Kambal and Sugar graze)were highly susceptible. All pearl millet genotypes showed highsusceptibility, scoring a range of 92.9-94.2 PIP and 98.2-98.8 PPD.Alexandra sunflower genotype showed high tolerance, securing "zero"PID and PDD; Pac 361, Pan 7033, Pan 7351 and Hysun 33 genotypesshowed tolerance; Sirena and ARC 310 had comparatively high discattraction and grains sensitivity, and Pac 317 showed the highest discattraction and seed sensitivity to the beetle. The study concluded that P.interrupta has become a new potential serious pest of sorghum, pearlmillet and sunflower in Sudan. Infestation is variety/hybrid dependentwith sorghum and sunflower hybrids, and all tested pearl millet genotypeswere highly sensitive to the beetle.

Nitrogen fertilizer promoting salt tolerance of two sorghum varieties under different salt compositions

Soil salinization is more aggravating than ever before and techniques are needed to mitigate this problem; understanding salinity-fertilizer relationship is of considerable economic importance for promoting crop growth and productivity in saline soil. A pot experiment was done in a greenhouse to determine whether the N could alleviate the negative effect of different salts compositions on the growth, and physiological attributes of the two most used Sudan sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) cultivars (Wadahmed and Tabat). The plant was subjected to the salt stress at 0, 0.3419 M NaCl, and 0.1408 M Na2SO4, and four levels of N application 0, 4, 8, and 12 g N kg-1 soil, designated as N0, N1, N2, and N3, respectively. Results showed that Na2SO4 was reduced plant height, leaf area index, number of leaves, dry weight (DW), chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll content, and increased soluble protein content, activities of peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities by 16.4%, 29.7%, 61.5%, 28.7%, 39.6%, 12.7%, 99.7%, 34.3%, 51.8%, respectively, when compared with the non-saline treatment. The Na2SO4 salt had a more harmful effect than NaCl. This study revealed that N fertilizer was successful for alleviating the adverse impacts of both types of salt. In this study, 12 g N kg-1 soil was most effective on most of the measured parameters of two sorghum cultivars. These findings demonstrated that the N soil amendment application could alleviate the harmful impact of salinity. ‘Wadahmed’ was more tolerant to salinity stress than ‘Tabat’ during the boot stage of sorghum plant.

ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF BIOCHAR ON THE PROCESS OF THERMOLISIS OF BIOMASS OF PLANTS GROWN ON RECLAIMED LANDS

Samples of soil contaminated with heavy metals for pot experiments with annual crops (maize, sweet and sudan sorghum) were taken near the mines "Pavlogradska" and "Blagodatna" in the coal-mining region of Western Donbass. The basis of the reclaimed areas was an 8-10 m thick mine rock (MR) dump, covered with different layers of black soil or red-brown clay by creating two types of soil artificial profiles with the addition of 30 cm of black soil (30 cm of BS +MR) and 50 cm red-brown clay (50 cm RBC + MR). Experimental soil samples were treated with 3.0% (w/w) biochar. The purpose of the study was to study the effect of the addition of biochar on the process of thermal destruction of the biomass of maize, sweet and sudan sorghum, grown on different substrates - components of artificial reclaimed profiles (upper layers of chernozem mass and red-brown clay). The process of thermolysis of biomass components of three agricultural crops was studied by the method of thermogravimetric analysis. Thermal destruction of the biomass of the three studied plant species occurred in two stages: evaporation of water and volatile compounds (stage 1) and decomposition of the main components: hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin (stage 2). The first stage took place in the temperature range of 50-180°С. The process was slow, the maximum speed did not exceed 5-8%/min, the extreme point was observed at a temperature of 100-110°C. Loss of body weight is insignificant, 4.5–7.5%. The second stage is divided into two phases: the decomposition of holocellulose with the beginning of lignin decomposition (phase 1) and the cessation of lignin decomposition, and the formation of non-combustible residue (phase 2). Destruction of holocellulose occurred in the temperature range of 190-390°С. Due to the large amount of hemicellulose in the biomass of the studied plants, its decomposition was shifted to the region of higher temperatures. Therefore, the degradation ranges of hemicellulose and cellulose overlapped, and only one extreme point was observed in the DTG curves. The process proceeded at high speeds with the peak of destruction in the temperature range of 280-310°C. Weight loss was also the most significant and was between 50 and 55%. Decomposition of lignin occurred rather slowly, with one insignificant peak in the temperature range of 420-440°C. A weight loss of 26-30% has been established. At the first stage, the process proceeded mainly with heat absorption; the reactions of the second stage were exothermic with noticeable thermal effects in the zones of cellulose and lignin decomposition. Differences in thermal characteristics of sugar sorghum biomass grown on different substrates and with the addition of biochar were determined in the process of thermolysis. Degradation of holocellulose occurred more slowly in biomass collected from a vessel with red-brown clay, in contrast to lignin, which decomposed faster than in the experiment where the substrate was a loose layer of chernozem. The share of non-combustible residues was almost 2 times smaller. A slight increase in the rate of the cellulose decomposition reaction (1,2 times) and a significant increase in the rate of the lignin destruction reaction (5 times) was observed. In the treatment with biochar, a more complete combustion of biomass was observed. The rate of cellulose decomposition in the experiment with red-brown clay became somewhat higher, although the decomposition of lignin occurred more slowly. The share of non-combustible residues increased by 1,8 times. Thermal destruction of Sudan grass biomass on both substrates occurred in a similar manner. The addition of biochar did not reveal significant deviations in the thermal behavior of biomass grown on chernozem, in contrast to the experiment with red-brown clay, where the addition of biochar contributed to a significant reduction in the duration of thermolysis. The first stage of thermolysis of corn biomass was somewhat shorter in the experiment with a bulk layer of chernozem compared to red-brown clay and was accompanied by a lower mass loss. The same trend was observed in the decomposition of holocellulose. At the same time, the destruction of lignin in the version with chernozem lasted longer, the extremum point was shifted to the region of higher temperatures, the speed of the process was almost twice as low as in the version with clay, and the proportion of non-combustible residue was 1,7. times higher. More complete combustion of corn biomass was also observed in the version with biochar.

PSI-1 Effects of Pre-Transit Diets and Road Transportation on Plasma, Salivary Cortisol, and Rumen Environment of Beef Heifers

Abstract Increased salivary cortisol in cattle may be detrimental to rumen bacterial diversity. Effects of transportation and diet before transportation on plasma and salivary cortisol and on rumen conditions of 20 ruminal-cannulated heifers (346 ± 16 kg BW) were evaluated. Heifers were fed ad libitum 40% Sorghum Sudan grass hay and 60% commercial pellet (64% TDN, 12.4% CP, DM basis) for 13 d before study initiation. Heifers were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of 8-h transportation (TR) vs. no transportation (NT) and 100% Sorghum Sudan grass hay (HAY) vs. 30% hay and 70% pellets (H+P) fed ad libitum for 3 d before transportation. All groups were fasted during the 8-h transit period. Upon feedlot arrival at 8 h, cattle were fasted an additional 4 h. At 12 h, cattle were fed 30% wheat hay and 70% commercial feed (69% TDN, 16.6% CP, DM basis). Blood and ruminal fluid were sampled at 0, 8, 12, 24, 28 and 72 h. No diet × transport interactions were observed for any variable. Plasma cortisol was decreased for HAY vs. H+P heifers at 72 h (P < 0.05, diet × hour). Rumen pH and total volatile fatty acid concentrations did not differ between groups. Molar percentages of acetate increased, molar percentages of propionate decreased, and acetate-to-propionate ratios increased at 0 and 12 h for HAY compared to H+P (P < 0.05, diet × hour). At 0 h, molar percentages of butyrate were less for HAY vs. H+P (P < 0.05, diet × hour). Bacterial phyla richness was decreased for NT/HAY compared to NT/H+P and was increased for TR/HAY compared to TR/H+P heifers (P < 0.05, diet × transport). Proteobacteria relative abundances were less at 0 h for heifers fed HAY vs H+P (P < 0.05, diet × hour). Genera evenness was increased at 8 h for TR compared to NT cattle (P < 0.05, transport × hour). Genera Shannon-wiener indices were greater at 0 and 8 h for cattle consuming HAY compared to H+P (P < 0.05, diet × hour). Genera richness was increased at 0 h for cattle fed HAY compared to H+P (P < 0.05, diet × hour). Prevotella relative abundances were less for cattle fed HAY compared to H+P at 0 and 8 h (P < 0.05, diet × hour). In summary, due to negligible response to transportation, salivary cortisol effect on bacteria population and diversity were presumably minimal.

298 Late Gestational Nutrient Restriction of Primiparous Beef Heifers Decreases Neonatal Calf Body Weight and Organ Mass

Abstract We hypothesized that late gestational nutrient restriction (NR) would decrease organ mass in neonatal calves. Fall-calving crossbred beef heifers (BW: 466 ± 30 [SD] kg; BCS: 5.4 ± 0.5) bred to a single sire were individually fed 100% (control; n = 10) or 70% (nutrient restricted; NR; n = 12) of NASEM metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance, pregnancy, and growth from d 160 of gestation to calving. Diets were based on chopped sorghum sudan hay and supplemented to meet targeted nutritional planes. Calves were removed immediately post-calving and fed colostrum and milk replacer relative to BW until euthanasia (48.7 ± 0.4 h of age) for organ mass determination. Nutritional plane was a fixed effect, and maternal sire, calf sex (when P < 0.25), and date of study initiation were covariates. Post-calving, NR dams were 62 kg BW and 2.1 BCS less (P < 0.001) than controls. Calf BW, liver, large intestine, omental/mesenteric fat, kidney, and heart weights were less (P ≤ 0.05) and carcass, rumen/reticulum/omasum, stomach complex, and total gastrointestinal tract weights tended to be less (P ≤ 0.09) in offspring from NR dams. Maternal nutrient restriction did not affect (P ≥ 0.11) weights of the small intestine, pancreas, abomasum, spleen, perirenal fat, adrenals, lungs, femur, and brain. Expressed per BW, lung weight was greater (P = 0.05), and brain and femur weight tended to be greater (P ≤ 0.10) in calves from NR dams, but other organ masses were unaffected (P ≥ 0.15). Expressed relative to brain weight, liver and large intestine weights were less (P ≤ 0.04) and carcass, total gastrointestinal tract, omental/mesenteric fat, and kidney weights tended to be less (P ≤ 0.08) in NR. In summary, late gestational NR decreased some organ masses in neonatal calves while sparing other tissues via asymmetric growth.

PSXII-16 Intercropped Sorghum Sudan Grass and Cowpea for Improved Summer Pasture

Abstract Pastures in the southeastern United States are dominated primarily by warm season perennials such as bermudagrass which can be low in energy. Assessment of stocker cattle performance on bermudagrass pastures overseeded with alternative warm-season forages, such as sorghum Sudan grass and cowpea, are scarce. A study was conducted during the summer of 2021 with crossbred steers (n = 72; 305 ± 2.8 kg initial BW) to investigate growth performance when grazing sorghum Sudan grass and sorghum Sudan grass intercropped with cowpea as alternatives to bermudagrass. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with 3 treatments and 3 replicates (2 ha each) per treatment. Treatments were bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers) (CON), CON overseeded with brown mid-rib sorghum Sudan grass (Sorghum bicolor L.) (SS), and SS with cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) (SSCP) planted in alternate planting passes. Forage samples were collected from 3, 0.25m2 quadrats placed randomly in the next available paddock just prior to grazing. The SSCP pastures had 3 additional randomly placed quadrats, 3 in SS and 3 in CP. Forage crude protein and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) did not differ (P >0.96 and 0.19, respectively) among treatments and averaged 9.1% and 65.6%. Pre-grazing forage mass was greater in SS and SSCP (P< 0.01) averaging 4,925, 3,460, and 1,590, in SS, SSCP, and CON, respectively. Animal gains were 1.04 in SSCP and 0.96 in SS, greater than 0.78 in CON (P< 0.01). Grazing days were greatest (P< 0.01) in CON (91 d) followed by SS (68 d), with the fewest grazing days in SSCP (60 d). Despite differences in grazing days, gain per ha, did not differ (P=0.39) among treatments, and averaged 261 kg/ha. Although SSCP and SS had fewer grazing days, gain per ha were similar among treatments due to greater ADG on SS and SSCP pastures.

208 Nutrient Restriction During Late Gestation Alters Beef Heifer Colostrum Composition

Abstract We hypothesized that late gestational nutrient restriction of beef heifers would decrease nutrient partitioning to the mammary gland, resulting in less colostrum nutrient availability for neonatal calves. Fall-calving Hereford-SimAngus heifers (single-sired; BW: 451 ± 28 [SD] kg; BCS: 5.4 ± 0.7) bred to a single sire were individually fed 100% (control; n = 12) or 70% (nutrient restricted; NR; n = 13) of NASEM net energy and metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance, pregnancy, and growth from d 160 of gestation to calving. Diets were based on chopped sorghum sudan hay (1.74 Mcal ME, 6.66% CP, 72.0% NDF; DM basis) supplemented to meet targeted nutritional planes. Calving was observed for all females, and total colostrum from one rear quarter was collected pre-suckling (50.5 ± 17 min [SD] postpartum). Colostrum nutrient composition was determined by colorimetric assays run on a UV-visible light microplate reader. Data were analyzed with treatment, calving date, and calf sex (when P < 0.25) as fixed effects. We have previously reported that single-quarter colostrum weight and volume were 40% less (P = 0.04) in NR compared with control heifers. Colostrum lactose concentration was not affected (P = 0.32) by treatment, but yield differences resulted in 46% less (P = 0.03) total single-quarter colostrum lactose in NR than control. Colostrum from NR heifers had 36% greater (P = 0.004) protein concentration than control, but greater colostrum yield of control heifers allowed for total protein to be unaffected (P = 0.57) by treatment. Nutrient restricted heifers had 23% less (P = 0.04) colostrum urea N concentration and 60% less (P = 0.01) total colostrum urea N than control. Late gestational nutrient restriction (P ≥ 0.59) did not affect colostrum triglyceride concentration or total. In summary, energy and protein restriction had disparate effects on nutrient partitioning to colostrum in primiparous beef females.

Перспективи вирощування біоенергетичних культур на осушуваних торфових ґрунтах Західного Полісся в умовах кліматичних змін

Goal. To identify the most promising types of bioenergy crops, and explore the potential of their productivity on drained peat soils of Western Polissia in climate change. Methods. Field — to monitor the growth and development of plants, the formation of their yields, laboratory — to determine the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of agrochemical and physicochemical properties of peat soils, measuring and weighing — to determine yields, soil water regime, gamma-spectrometric – to determine the content of radionuclides in soil and crop products, calculation and comparison — to determine the energy efficiency of growing bioenergy crops on drained peat soils of Western Polissia. Results. The productivity potential of the most common species of woody, annual and perennial herbaceous bioenergy crops in the conditions of drained peat soils of Western Polissia was determined. The possibility of obtaining the own seed and planting material of the main types of bioenergy crops in the area of Western Polissia was studied. Conclusions. It is proved that the most promising and technological wood bioenergy crop for growing on drained lands of Polissia is a violet willow of Swedish selection, which under optimal conditions can provide up to 28–30 t/ha of wood biomass annually, which is 10–14 times higher than traditional productivity of forest plantations. Among herbaceous perennial bioenergy crops, the most promising ones are miscanthus and sedge, which provide up to 25 t/ha of dry biomass, and among herbaceous annual crops — sugar sorghum, broom sorghum, and corn, which provide up to 20 t/ha of dry tables. It is proved that on the drained peat soils of Western Polissia, with proper agricultural techniques, it is possible to successfully engage in seed production of most of the studied bioenergy crops, including heat-loving ones such as corn, sugar sorghum, broom sorghum, Sudan sorghum, paise. Due to the high rate of seed propagation, these crops can be quickly introduced into production in a certain area.

342 Effects of Maternal Nutrient Restriction During Late Gestation on Primiparous Dam Performance and Fetal Growth

Abstract To determine the effects of late gestational nutrient restriction (NR) on heifer performance, fetal growth, and calving difficulty, single-sired fall-calving Hereford-SimAngus heifers (BW: 451 ± 28 [SD] kg; BCS: 5.4 ± 0.7) bred to a single sire were allocated by fetal sex and expected calving date to either 100% (control; CON; n = 12) or 70% (n = 13) of NASEM net energy and metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance, pregnancy, and growth. Beginning on d 160 of gestation, heifers were individually fed chopped sorghum sudan hay (1.74 Mcal ME, 6.66% CP, 72.0% NDF; DM basis) and based on individual intakes, supplemented to meet targeted nutritional planes. Dam BW, BCS, and backfat (BF) were determined pre-treatment, every 21 d (BW) or 42 d (BCS and BF) during treatments, and post-calving. At birth, calf BW and size (length, heart girth, abdominal girth, flank girth, cannon circumference, cannon length, shoulder height, and ribeye area) were measured. Data were analyzed with treatment, treatment initiation date, and calf sex (when P < 0.25) as fixed effects. Dam BW tended to be less (P = 0.09) and BCS was less (P = 0.04) at d 202 of gestation for NR dams. Dam BW, BCS, and BF were less (P ≤ 0.01) in NR dams for the remainder of gestation. Post-calving, NR dams weighed 64 kg less (P ≤ 0.01) than CON, with a BCS of 3.6 ± 0.1. Nutrient restriction did not affect (P ≥ 0.27) calf gestation length, BW, or size. Calf BW as % post-calving dam BW tended to be greater (P = 0.09) for NR calves. Fetal presentation was normal for all CON births, while 23.1% of NR dams had fetal malpresentation (P = 0.12). In the current study, NR dam BW and BCS were sacrificed during late gestation without altering fetal growth trajectory.

Evaluation of ameliorative efficiency of vitamin E and Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast on arsenic toxicity in Black Bengal kids

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the mitigation strategy of the arsenic toxicity induced in Black Bengal kids through dietary supplementation of vitamin E or yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) or combination of both. Thirty number of Black Bengal kids (6.15 ± 0.32 kg, 142.87 ± 9.28 days) were divided into equal five groups. Kids under control group (T0) and other treatment groups (T1, T2, T3 and T4) were fed with similar type of basal diet containing concentrate mixture and sorghum sudan grass. Kids under T1, T2, T3 and T4 were fed with 50 ppm arsenic (As)/kg DM of feed in the form of sodium arsenite (NaAsO2). Kids under T2, T3 and T4 were supplemented with Vitamin E (250 IU/kg DM of feed), yeast culture (S. cerevisiae) (4 × 109 CFU/kid/d) and combination of vitamin E and S. cerevisiae with same doses, respectively. The feeding experiment was continued for 20 weeks. Challenge feeding of arsenic (As) significantly (P < 0.001) reduced body weight gain in kids under T1 (only As fed) than control T0 (without As); however, weight gain in T2, T3 and T4 was replenished due to supplementation of vitamin E or yeast culture (S. cerevisiae) or combination of both vitamin E and yeast culture. Similarly, ADG (g/d) was decreased (P < 0.01) in kids under T1 than other treatments (T0, T2, T3 and T4). Induction of arsenic toxicity decreased (P < 0.001) intakes of DM (g/d/kg W0.75) and CP (g/d/kg W0.75) in kids. Feed conversion efficiency (growth as percentage of DMI) was lowest (P < 0.01) in arsenic fed kids (T1). The values ranged from 8.38 (T1) to 9.31 (T0). However, comparable FCE was observed among T0, T2, T3 and T4. Supplementation of vitamin E or S. cerevisiae or combination of both have compensated the DMI, CPI, weight gain and ADG; consequently increased feed conversion efficiency in kids as compared to As fed kids (T1). Arsenic load was significantly (P < 0.01) greater in faeces, hair and urine of As fed group (T1); which was reduced (P < 0.01) by supplementation of vitamin E alone (T2) or combination of vitamin E and S. cerevisiae (T4). Supplementation of S. cerevisiae alone was not much effective in reducing the arsenic load in faeces or urine or hair in arsenic intoxicated animals. Challenge feeding of As for 140 days exhibited some clinical signs; like "raindrops on the dusty road” like symptom on skin, mouth lesions, rough skin, alopecia, visible pathological changes in some internal organs (like liver, lungs etc.) and diarrhoea. However, such symptoms were less pronounced in the kids supplemented with vitamin E or combination of vitamin E and yeast culture. Therefore, supplementation of vitamin E (@ 250 IU/kg DM of feed) either alone or along with S. cerevisiae (@ 4 × 109 CFU/kid/d) was partially effective in ameliorating the voluntary feed intake, growth and arsenic load in faeces, urine and hair of Black Bengal kids induced with toxic dose of arsenic @ 50 mg/kg DM of feed as sodium arsenite.

A novel strategy for microbial conversion of dairy wastewater into biofertilizer

Dairy industry generates copious amount of wastewater from its milk processing unit (1–10 m3 of wastewater per m3 of processed milk) which needs to be treated before getting discharged. The conventional treatment processes are tedious, energy intensive, and an additional burden for the dairy industry. This study attempts to develop an alternative strategy to convert the dairy wastewater into liquid biofertilizer. A tailor-made microbial consortium-based biofilm reactor with 8.64 m3 d−1 processing capacity, within 16 h of hydraulic retention time (HRT) at ambient temperature produced biofertilizer containing 96.01 mg L−1 ammonia from dairy wastewater at a flow rate of 360 L h−1 with associated 73.72% nitrate, 72.46% phosphate, 61.30% Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and 57.23% Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) reduction. A similar system of 10.94 m3 d−1 processing capacity at 456 L h−1 flow rate produced 298.79 mg L−1 ammonia with nitrate, phosphate, BOD and COD reduction of 42.71%, 84.80%, 89.55% and 76.68% respectively. This liquid biofertilizer could enhance grain yield in maize (Zea mays var. Vijay) by 1.19-fold. It increased biomass yield in Sorghum Sudan grass (Sorghum sudanense) by 3.5-folds and Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus var. Dhanitri and var. Krishna) by 2.1 and 2.64 folds respectively. It enhanced gel content in Aloe vera (Aloe elongata var. Ghikuari) by 1.63-folds when compared to chemical fertilizer treatment. This single-step dairy wastewater treatment system requires ten times less energy with the development of a value-added product (biofertilizer). It could make the dairy wastewater management a revenue earning (USD 10.28 d−1 for 600 m3 d−1 processing capacity reactor), eco-friendly, zero discharge process preventing the use of freshwater and chemical fertilizer in agriculture, and saving 89.99% carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 eq.) gas emission leading to environmental protection.

Growth Characteristics of Summer Cover Crop Grasses and their Relation to Soil Aggregate Stability and Wind Erosion Control in Arid Southwest

HighlightsFour summer cover crops under two irrigation regimes were tested for soil wind erosion control.Soil aggregate stability and wind erosion losses were improved with plant cover in the peak summer.Sorghum sudan is a prominent summer species for wind erosion control in the arid southwest. Abstract. Cover crops can have significant impacts on minimizing soil erosion by wind, which is a common problem in the arid southwest. A study was conducted at NMSU Leyendecker Plant Science Center, Las Cruces, New Mexico, to evaluate the impacts of selected summer cover crops on soil loss during wind erosion events. Four summer grass species [Japanese millet (Echinochloa esculenta), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), brown top millet (Urochloa ramosa (L.) Nguyen), and sorghum sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor × S. bicolor var. Sudanese)] were randomly assigned to four blocks under two irrigation regimes (full-irrigation and deficit-irrigation). Results showed significant effect of grasses on horizontal soil flux compared to control under both irrigation regimes. When comparing the grasses, sorghum sudan grass performed better than the other tested summer cover crops for soil surface protection from wind erosion with its higher ground coverage, higher plant density, taller plant height and higher amount of biomass, while brown top millet was least effective in terms of plant and erosion control characteristics (P=0.05). Pearl millet and Japanese millet performed better than brown top millet, but was as effective as sorghum sudan as barriers against the wind erosion. Therefore, sorghum sudan is a prominent cover crop for summer in the arid zones of desert southwest. Producers of this region can be significantly benefited from the current research recommendations about cover crops choices for summer season. Keywords: Arid climates, Cover cropping, Summer grasses, Wind erosion control.