Straw Feed Research Articles

Multi-Omics Insights into Variety-Driven Differences in Rice Straw Feed Utilization: An In Vitro Fermentation Study

Multi-Omics Insights into Variety-Driven Differences in Rice Straw Feed Utilization: An In Vitro Fermentation Study

Effects of Ginger Straw Silage with Enzymes on Growth Performance, Digestion and Metabolism, Meat Quality and Rumen Microflora Diversity of Laiwu Black Goat.

Laiwu black goats comprise an excellent local germplasm resource; however, a shortage of feed resources has led to the application of unconventional feed. Ginger straw feed has good physiological effects, but research on this feed source for ruminant animals is lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of enzymatic silage ginger straw on Laiwu black goat performance. The experiment used an independent sample t-test analysis method; 24 healthy Laiwu black goats with a body weight of 20.05 ± 1.15 kg and age of 5.67 ± 0.25 months were randomly divided into two groups with three replicates (bars) per group and four goats per replicate. The experimental diet was composed of mixed concentrate, silage, and garlic peel at a 2:7:1 ratio. The silage used in the two groups was whole corn silage (CON group) and 60% whole corn silage plus 40% enzymatic silage ginger straw (SG group), and the other components were identical. Daily feed intake/daily gain (F/G) was significantly higher in the SG group than in the CON group (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences in dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility between the groups. The shear force, cooking loss, centrifugal loss, and pressure loss of the longissimus dorsi muscle group were significantly lower in the SG than in the CON group (p < 0.05). Compared with those in the CON group, the serum and liver total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased in the SG group, and in the liver, the O2·-, malondialdehyde, and OH· contents were significantly decreased. Collectively, the rumen fluid microbial diversity was changed in the SG group. It was concluded that enzymatic silage ginger straw usage instead of 40% whole silage corn as feed for Laiwu black goats can significantly improve the muscle quality, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal flora, with no adverse effects on production performance. In conclusion, our study provides a basis for ginger straw processing and storage and its rational application in the Laiwu black goat diet.

New wheat straw fermentation feed: recombinant Schizosaccharomyces pombe efficient degradation of lignocellulose and increase feed protein

Wheat straw contains a high amount of lignin, hindering the action of cellulase and hemicellulase enzymes, leading to difficulties in nutrient absorption by animals from straw feed. However, currently, the biological treatment of straw relies primarily on fungal degradation and cannot be directly utilized for the preparation of livestock feed. This study focuses on enzymatic co-fermentation of wheat straw to produce high-protein, low-cellulose biological feed, integrating lignin degradation with feed manufacturing, thereby simplifying the feed production process. After the optimization using Box-Behnken Design for the feed formulation, with a glucose oxidase addition of 2.46%, laccase addition of 3.4%, and malonic acid addition of 0.6%, the wheat straw feed prepared in this experiment exhibited a true protein content of 9.35%. This represented a fourfold increase compared to the non-fermented state, and the lignocellulose degradation rate of wheat straw reached 45.42%. These results not only highlight the substantial enhancement in protein content but also underscore the significant advancement in lignocellulose breakdown. This formulation significantly enhanced the palatability and nutritional value of the straw feed, contributing to the industrial development of straw feed.

Optimization design and experiment of double-helix total mixed rations preparation mixer for silage straw feed

Aiming at the problems of uneven mixing and low production efficiency of domestic silage mixer, a double- helix TMR (Total Mixed Rations) preparation mixer for silage straw feed was designed to replace the traditional vertical single-helix mixer. The performance tests and parameter optimization were carried out on this preparation machine. By analyzing the mixing process and mechanism of the diets in the mixing chamber, the key factors affecting the mixing performance and the range were determined. It was found that the greater the stirring speed of the churn, the greater the angle of material lift, the more conducive to improving the material lifting capacity of the churn device. The mixing characteristics of the preparation machine and the movement of material were numerically simulated using EDEM simulation software, and the mixing effect of the preparation machine was verified. The three-factor and five-level CCD center combination orthogonal rotary test in the prototype was carried out with stirring speed of the churn, mixing time and filling coefficient as influencing factors, mixing uniformity, roughage particle size and ton material energy consumption as evaluation indexes. The test results showed that the contribution of each factor to the mixing uniformity in descending order was filling coefficient, stirring speed and mixing time, to the roughage particle size was stirring speed, mixing time and filling coefficient, and to the ton material energy consumption was filling coefficient, mixing time and stirring speed. The optimal working parameters for mixing performance by comprehensive optimization could be concluded as stirring speed of 48.59 r/min, mixing time of 14.98 min, and filling coefficient of 70%. In addition, the mixing uniformity, roughage particle size and ton material energy consumption were obtained as 91.11%, 72.13% and 2.99 kW·h/t. The relative error for all evaluation indexes between the experimental results with round parameter combination and the predicted value was verified to be less than 3%. It can be seen the double-helix TMR preparation mixer can meet the demand for efficient mixing of silage straw feed, which obviously provides data reference and technical support for the design and selection of operating parameters of TMR preparation machines.

Evaluating Yield, Nutritional Quality, and Environmental Impact of Quinoa Straws across Mediterranean Water Environments.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a promising and versatile crop due to its remarkable adaptability to diverse environments and the exceptional nutritional value of its seeds. Nevertheless, despite the recent extensive research on quinoa seeds, the straw associated with this crop has received comparatively little attention. The valorisation of this by-product provides an opportunity to improve the overall outcomes of quinoa cultivation. In this work, three quinoa varieties were evaluated for two years (2019 and 2020) under three different Mediterranean water environments (irrigation, fresh rainfed, and hard rainfed), aiming to assess the straw yield and nutritional quality and to study the changes in the crop nutritional uptake associated with different water environmental conditions. The nutritional analysis included the quantification of the ash, crude protein, crude fat, minerals (P, K, Ca, Mg), and fibre (gross fibre (GF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), hemicellulose, cellulose) contents. As the results reveal, most of the parameters evaluated were susceptible to change mainly with the water environment but also with the genotype (or their interaction), including the yield, crude protein, relative feed value (RFV), and mineral content, which generally decreased under water-limiting conditions. Moreover, a comparative analysis revealed that straw Ca, Mg, and K contents were generally higher than in seeds. Overall, this study demonstrates that quinoa straw quality is genotypic and environmentally dependent, and these factors should be considered when aiming at improving straw feed value for livestock nutrition.

Display of Lignin Peroxidase on the Surface of Bacillus subtilis.

Lignin peroxidase (LiP) has a good application prospect in lignin degradation, environmental treatment, straw feed, and other industries. However, its application is constrained by the high price and low stability of enzyme preparation. In this study, the Escherichia coli-Bacillus subtilis (E. coli-B. subtilis) shuttle expression vector pHS-cotG-lip was constructed and displayed on the surface of Bacillus subtilis spores. The analysis of enzymatic properties showed that the optimal catalytic temperature and pH of the immobilized LiP were 55°C and 4.5, respectively. Compared with free LiP (42°C and pH4.0), the optimal reaction temperature increased by 13°C. After incubation at 70°C for 1h, its activity remained above 30%, while the free LiP completely lost its activity under the same conditions. Adding Mn2+, DL-lactic acid, and PEG-4000 increased the CotG-LiP enzyme activity to 313%, 146%, and 265%, respectively. The recyclability of spore display made the fusion protein CotG-LiP retain more than 50% enzyme activity after four cycles. The excellent recycling rate indicated that LiP displayed on the spore surface had a good application prospect in sewage treatment and other fields, and also provided a reference for the rapid and low-cost immobilized production of enzyme preparations.

Simulation and Prediction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Beef Cattle

Greenhouse gas emission is a key issue in the sustainable development of agriculture. To effectively predict the greenhouse gas emissions of beef cattle, a model is proposed based on system dynamics and greenhouse gas emission calculation methods, and a scenario is set as a ‘Straw to Beef’ project in Jilin Province. The model was built on a baseline emission scenario (feed precision: 60%, breeding environment: dry fattening farm, corn straw utilization: burning straw), with single- and comprehensive emission reduction scenarios considered, predicting trends and reduction potentials in greenhouse gas emissions from cattle breeding and straw burning in Jilin Province from 2013 to 2028, measured in CO2-eq (CO2 equivalent). The model also explored the impact of 11 controllable variables on greenhouse gas emissions. Results showed that (1) From 2013 to 2022, greenhouse gas emissions from straw burning and cattle breeding in Jilin Province increased significantly and had an annual growth rate of 6.51% in 2020. (2) Single emission reduction scenarios showed an increasing trend in greenhouse gas emissions, while comprehensive emission reduction scenarios showed a decreasing trend. Among them, the S2.2.1 scenario (feed precision: 80%, breeding environment: livestock barn manure pit, corn straw utilization: burning straw) had the strongest emission reduction ability in the single reduction scenario, the S3.2.2 scenario (feed precision: 80%, breeding environment: livestock barn manure pit, corn straw utilization: Feed-processing straw) had the strongest emission reduction ability in the comprehensive reduction scenario, reducing emissions by 5.10% and 69.24%, respectively, compared to the baseline scenario. This suggests that the comprehensive emission reduction scenarios which utilized straw resources reasonably can greatly reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. (3) The optimal emission reduction scenario indicated that the higher the proportion of digestible energy in beef cattle’s total energy intake, the more perfect the fecal treatment process, and the higher the utilization rate of straw feed, the lower the greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cattle breeding and straw burning in Jilin Province, it is important to implement comprehensive emission reduction scenarios prioritizing the efficient utilization of straw resources and improving beef cattle management practices.

Screening the Carbon Source Type in Solid-State Fermentation with Phanerochaete chrysosporium to Improve the Forage Value of Corn Straw and Rice Straw.

Poor quality straw can be made more digestible and palatable through delignification using white rot fungi as a biological treatment in SSF. The decomposition of organic matter by white rot fungi is improved when a carbon source is added. Reducing the fermentation cycle can also help retain more nutrients in straw feed. To increase rumen digestibility and nutrient utilization, corn straw and rice straw were subjected to SSF with white rot fungi (Phanerochaete chrysosporium) for 21 days. The type of carbon source (glucose, sucrose, molasses, or soluble starch) was optimized, and the nutrient composition and in vitro fermentation parameters of the fermented straw were assessed. In the fermented corn straw and rice straw supplemented with different carbon sources, the results showed a decrease in lignin content, dry matter, cellulose, and hemicellulose loss, and an increase in crude protein content after 21 days. Total volatile fatty acid and ammonium nitrogen concentrations increased significantly (p < 0.01) during in vitro fermentation. Overall, the most enhanced nutritional values for corn straw and rice straw were observed after 14 days of SSF in the groups using molasses or glucose as a carbon source.

Optimizing Straw Management to Enhance Carbon and Nitrogen Efficiency and Economic Benefit of Wheat-Maize Double Cropping System

The optimization of annual straw management can improve the yield, income, and carbon and nitrogen efficiency of wheat-maize double cropping systems. Based on a long-term positioning trial started in 2012, five straw management methods were considered, C100 (100% return), C75 (75% return+25% harvest), C50 (50% return+50% harvest), C25 (25% return+75% harvest), and C0 (100% harvest). We analyzed the effects of farmland carbon and nitrogen inputs and their ratios on crop yield, carbon and nitrogen use efficiency, and economic benefits in wheat and maize anniversaries with different straw managements. The results showed that: ① the amount of straw returning to the field resulted in a significant difference in carbon and nitrogen input. The annual carbon and nitrogen inputs from crop residues decreased by 1.76 t·hm-2 and 34.28 kg·hm-2, respectively, with a 25% reduction in straw returning. The C/N ratios under the C100-C0 treatment were 18.62, 17.03, 15.64, 12.54, and 9.61, respectively. ② Grain yield first increased and then decreased with the decrease in the C/N input ratio, and the effect of straw management on wheat yield was greater than that on maize. Compared with that under C100 and C0, the average grain yield of wheat and maize under the C50 treatment increased by 13.34%-13.67% and 16.10%-17.71%, respectively, and the total grain yield of wheat and maize increased by 14.98% and 15.68%. ③ The annual grain yield and carbon agronomy efficiency were the best with the C/N input ratio of 15.64 (in the C50 treatment), which were 15.71% and 0.29 kg·kg-1, respectively. The carbon production efficiency continued to increase with the decrease in the C/N input ratio, and there was a significant negative correlation between them. The nitrogen production efficiency increased first and then decreased with the decrease in the C/N input ratio. The nitrogen production efficiency of the C50 treatment was the highest (0.64 kg·kg-1), which was significantly higher than that of C100 by 32.63%. ④ The C50 treatment had the highest economic income and net income, which were 46200 yuan·hm-2 and 33400 yuan·hm-2, respectively. Compared with that of C100, the economic income of grain and straw feed increased by 5600 yuan·hm-2 and 3200 yuan·hm-2, respectively. In conclusion, the optimal C/N input ratio can be achieved by optimized straw management; 50% straw returning and 50% harvest in a wheat-maize double-cropping intensive production system can promote carbon agricultural efficiency and nitrogen production efficiency and obtain the maximum grain yield and economic benefits.

Experimental and influencing factors of corn stalk pulling force

The harvesting of straw by the flail knife type straw cutting device will cause loose contacts between straw roots and soil, affecting the straw feed's impurity content. In this study, a theoretical analysis of the straw cutting process was conducted to explore the factors influencing the root-soil disturbance. A pulling force test device was designed to test the pulling force of the corn stalk. The response surface method was used to study the effects of various factors on the straw pulling force under different conditions of draft angles (20°, 30°, 40°), soil moisture content (15.23%, 17.62%, 20.47%), and different straw root diameters. The test results showed that the straw pulling force was directly proportional to the straw root diameter and inversely proportional to the soil moisture content. The straw pulling force decreased first and then increased with the increase of the draft angle. According to the established second-order regression model, when the draft angle was 28.5°, the soil moisture content was 20.47%, the root diameter was 22 mm, the minimum pulling force of straw was 189.635N. The test results can provide a reference for the design of straw feed harvester.

Proximate, microbial and mineral compositions of Millet Pennisetum gluacuum L. and sorghum bicolor compounded straw feed for ruminant

The study was aimed for the production and determination of the proximate, microbiological and mineral compositions of Millet Pennisetum gluacuum L. and Sorghum bicolor compounded straw feed for ruminant production. The result revealed a pH 5.791 which is suitable for fibre in the feed and promote chewing and rumination processes in the rumen, low percentage moisture content of 1.37 was recorded due to high drying in the field, high percentage fat and crude protein of 4.67 and 6.97 respectively this was as a result of the inclusion of groundnut cake as source of protein and fat in the feed, percentage digestible protein was 3.58, crude fibre value of 27.56 which satisfied the 18% requirement in the diet of ruminants, percentage carbohydrate was 54.2, and estimated energy value (Kcal) 286.95. Microbiological analysis showed a total plate count of 5 x10-4 cfu/g, Mould count of 1 x10-3 cfu/g, while Yeast, Staphylococcus, Coliform, Shigella, Salmonella and Escherichia coli count were not detected respectively. Mineral composition of sorghum and millet Pennisetum gluacuum compounded straw feed showed the presence of Fe, Na, K, Mg, Zn, Cu Mn, and Cr as 120.4189mg/kg, 570.9844 mg/kg, 227.1493 mg/kg, 568.2669 mg/kg, 12.9195mg/kg, 14.0666mg/kg, 62.9926mg/kg respectively and 18.584 mg/kg while Ni and Pb were not detected in the formulated ruminant feed.

Design and experiment of self-propelled straw forage crop harvester

The harvesting straw feed crops (silage corn, alfalfa, herbaceous mulberry, etc.) was tedious, high-labor-cost, and large-nutrient-loss. A self-propelled straw forage crop harvester, which could realize the integration of cutting, flattening and modulating, chopping, and throwing straw forage crops, was designed. The cutting angle could freely be adjusted between 0° and 8°. The max rotation speed of the flattening roller could reach 590 r/min and could be adjusted consecutively by the hydraulic control device. To verify the performance of this machine, several harvesting experiments of alfalfa, silage corn, and herbaceous mulberry with different moisture, were carried out on this machine. During the experiment, the average working speed of the machine was 1.6 m/s, the cutting height was 40–80 mm, and the flattening rate was 97.14%. It is determined that the suitable cutting speed for harvesting alfalfa is 2131 r/min; the suitable cutting speed for harvesting silage corn is 836 r/min; the suitable cutting speed for harvesting herb mulberry is 1045 r/min. The design of the machine can not only improve labor productivity and reduce the nutrient loss of forage crop but also support the silage harvesting machinery and equipment for forage crop.

Analysis of Telematics Data of Combine Harvesters and Evaluation of Potential to Reduce Environmental Pollution

The combine harvester (CH) is one of the most important machines with the most powerful engine used in the agricultural sector. It consumes significant amounts of diesel fuel and harms ambient air by releasing emissions. This study examines the telematics data of CHs (models with axial threshing apparatus) collected between 2017 and 2020. The time spent in various operating modes of CH, the fuel consumption, and the negative impact on the ambient air (expressed in global warming potential–(GWP)) were calculated. Field tests using the same CH model were also performed to confirm the collected telematics data’s values. Possibilities to minimize fuel consumption and air pollution by selecting the correct use of technological operations are evaluated. Telematics data analysis results showed that the CH spends ~18% and ~13% of the time in the idle and transport modes, respectively. It was also found that ~12% of diesel fuel was consumed outside the direct harvesting mode, amounting to 4.7 t year−1 of GWP per machine. Dual telematics/field studies showed that the optimal use of the CH in idle and transport modes could reduce the amount of pollutants released into the environment in terms of GWP by 1.3 t year−1 for one machine. Field tests have also shown that the GWP per ton of wheat harvest highly depended on the CH driving speed during harvesting. The optimum speed was determined as 4 km h−1, and the wheat grain and straw feed rate was determined as 24 kg s−1.

IDENTIFICATION OF LOCAL FEED POTENTIAL IN BALI CATTLE BREEDING AREA IN KONAWE SELATAN REGENCY

This study was aimed to identify and inventory the availability potentiation of local feed in the South Konawe Bali Cattle Development Area. The material and methods in this study were types of Forage and agricultural waste that potential as animal feed sources. This research was conducted in 2018 in Tinanggea, Palangga, Buke, and Baito Districts, South Konawe Region. Local Forage was feed material that used for the development of cattle in the South Konawe District. The forage potential was calculated based on the feed production of ingredients according to the harvested area and expressed in dry matter (BK). The Forage and agricultural waste types in Konawe Selatan Regency were a) Forage feed, among others; Pennisetum purpureum (Elephant Grass), Apluda mutica (Field grass), Acconopus compresses (pait grass), Cenchrus salaries (foxtail grass), Chrisopogon articulates (Needlegrass); b) Agricultural crop agricultural waste, among others; Rice Straw, Corn straw, Cassava leaves, Sweet potato leaves, Peanut straw, and Soybean straw. The results showed that the production of Forage in South Konawe Bali Cattle Development Area was dominated by field grass (Apluda mutica), namely (a) Tinanggea Subdistrict as much as 23,706.67 tons/year (b) Palangga District as much as 4,128.72 tons/year; (c) Baito Subdistrict as much as 8,077.26 tons/year, and (d) Buke SubDistrict as much as 10,712.95 tons/year. Whereas food crop agricultural waste was rice straw feed namely (1) Tinanggea Subdistrict as much as 3,272,780 BK/kg/year; (2) Palangga District as much as 2,982,875 BK/kg/year; (3) Baito Subdistrict as much as 2,756,250 BK/kg/year and (4) Buke Subdistrict with 945,000 BK/kg/year, while corn straw, peanut straw, and cassava leaves cannot be determined.

Modeling and simulation of heat production in a local heating installation including a batch-fired straw boiler with a buffer tank

The paper presents the problem of modeling and simulation of thermal energy generation in a batch-fired straw boiler combined with a buffer tank. The batch-fired straw boiler in concern have a combustion chamber and a water jacket. During the combustion process, the combustion chamber heats up and from it the water jacket. Within the boiler, water circulates between the water jacket and the buffer tank.The author proposes a thermal model of the heating installation and a method of identifying the parameters of this model.This model has been simulated in the MATLAB/Simulink environment and presented as an electric analogue.The model of the system has been validated, which means that system parameters have been identified. This identification was based on the results of measurements of the straw combustion processes which were conducted using a laboratory installation. Finally, a model consistent with actual experiments was obtained. The presented model allows for the observation of changes in heating power consumption variations occurring during the straw feed combustion, which depend on the operating parameters of the system. The results of the model can be applied in the optimization of the configuration of the installation.

PENERAPAN TEKNOLOGI AMONIASI JERAMI SEBAGAI PAKAN ALTERNATIF SAPI POTONG DI KENAGARIAN SUNGAI KUNYIT, SOLOK SELATAN

The feed is an essential requirement in cattle farming. The need for cattle feed reaches 80% of the cost of raising livestock. To reduce the cost of this feed, we need an alternative feed at a low price. Ammonia straw is one way to process agricultural waste products into alternative feed used for beef cattle feed. This ammonia feed technology is an efficient method for improving the quality of straw as animal feed. The objectives of this activity are 1. to increase the knowledge and understanding of cattle breeders in the use of straw waste as an alternative feed for cattle for feed cost efficiency, 2. to increase the productivity of cattle through straw ammonia feed technology, and 3. to increase the welfare of breeders by utilizing rice straw waste as feed. Livestock. The method used in this activity is counseling, demonstration of straw ammonia, and evaluating the application of straw ammonia technology as an alternative feed source for breeders. The extension method is carried out by giving lectures on the use and processing of straw waste as animal feed. Meanwhile, a demonstration of processing straw waste as ammoniated feed. The targets of this activity are farmers and the community in Kenagarian Sungai Kunyit. The results obtained from this activity, activity participants can gain knowledge and understanding in processing ammonia feed as an alternative feed. The use of ammonia feed can overcome the shortage of animal feed in the dry season/famine, overcoming environmental pollution from agricultural waste/straw. Ammoniated straw feed can also increase the digestibility of livestock so that it can increase livestock productivity. Cattle farmers in Kenagarian Sungai Kunyit can make their straw ammonia feed. Ammoniated feed can reduce feed costs, and livestock is more profitable.

TEKNOLOGI PENGOLAHAN PAKAN AMONIASE PADA SAPI DI DESA NGGORANG, KECAMATAN KOMODO MANGGARAI BARAT, NTT

Nggorang Village, Komodo District, West Maggarai is an area that is quite ideal for the development of cattle and agricultural waste utilization because it is supported by several factors, among others, the carrying capacity of the region where existing water sources can meet the community's water needs throughout the year and the availability of rice straw agricultural waste. The purpose of implementing amoniase feed processing training is to maximize the productivity of cattle farms by utilizing the availability of natural resources while empowering rice straw agricultural waste as the main source of feed by utilizing feed processing technology. therefore, training in rice straw feed processing technology has become the largest agricultural waste in Nggorang Village. Based on the results of existing activities, there is an increase in farmers' understanding that is achieved. Thus the Nggorang village is expected to be able to increase the independence of the village community through partner farmer groups that are able to optimize livestock productivity through the independence and adequacy of animal feed in Nggorang Village, Komodo District, West Manggarai, NTT.

Regional environment, family's endowment and straw disposal behavior: A case study of dry farming areas in Gansu Province, China

Understanding the treatment and influencing factors of straw is important to improve the utilization efficiency of straw resources and alleviate the negative external effects of the environment. Here, we proposed an analysis framework of farmers' straw disposal behavior based on ecological rationality. The Logit model was used to analyze the farmers' willingness and influencing factors for the selection of straw burning and feed utilization with a dataset of 424 valid questionnaires in dry farming areas of Gansu Province. The results showed that the straw disposal behavior of farmers was the result of decision-making cognition formed in the process of long-term adaptation and co-evolution between farmers and the surrounding environment. In dry farming area, the straw treatment methods were diversified, with feed utilization and fuel as the two main forms and straw incineration and discard being ubiquitous. Among the factors that affect farmers' straw burning behavior, householder age (P＜0.1), education level (P＜0.01), the scale of livestock raising (P＜0.05), the proportion of agricultural income (P＜0.1), and government policy propaganda (P＜0.01) had significant inhibitory effect. The gender of householder (P＜0.1) and cognition level (P＜0.01) helped farmers to choose the non-pro-environmental behavior, and the environmental awareness of farmers was weak. In terms of straw feed utilization behavior, householder age (P＜0.1), education level (P＜0.05), the situation of family members serving as village cadres (P＜0.05), feed proces-sing technical guidance (P＜0.01) and subsidy for prohibition of straw burning (P＜0.1) had positive effect on straw forage utilization, while the topography (P＜0.1) had a negative effect. Some policy recommendations were given to promote utilization of straw resources: constructing a combination mechanism of "prohibition of burning and subsidies", strengthening the extension of straw feed utilization technology, and accelerating the improvement of straw collection-store-transportation service system.

Optimization of a downdraft furnace for rice straw-based heat generation

Open-field burning, a widely used treatment and disposal method for rice straw, poses severe health and environmental problems due to the release of toxic gases and loss of significant soil nutrients. Hence, alternative techniques must be explored. In this study, the use of rice straw as feedstock for a downdraft small-scale furnace to produce heated air for paddy drying was investigated. A two-level factorial experiment was initially implemented using differently conditioned rice straw types, rice straw feed rates, and drying airflow rates. Optimization results using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) showed there is no significant difference in the drying air efficiency using either loose or baled straw. The optimum conditions found were at a rice straw feed rate of 20.67 kg h−1 and drying airflow rate of 3.03 m3 s−1, resulting in a drying air efficiency of 86.1%, and an increase in drying air temperature of 18.41 °C which was sufficient for paddy drying applications. At the optimum conditions, the average CO and NOx concentrations measured inside the dryer simulator were 76.57 and 2.93 ppm, respectively. The results of this research can be used for pilot studies in actual agricultural cooperatives, as well as provide inputs to life cycle analysis.

Pemberdayaan masyarakat dalam meningkatkan produktivitas sapi pesisir di Nagari Taratak - Sutera Kabupaten Pesisir Selatan

Sapi Pesisir merupakan sapi lokal Sumatera Barat yang mempunyai keunggulan tahan terhadap penyakit dan dapat bertahan hidup dengan mengkonsumsi makanan yang tidak unggul. Kecamatan Sutera adalah salah satu sentra peternakan sapi pesisir di Kabupaten Pesisir Selatan Sumatera Barat. Keberadaan sapi pesisir ini mulai menurun karena banyaknya betina bunting yang dipotong serta banyaknya peternak yang meninggalkan usaha beternak sapi ini. Salah satu penyebabnya adalah pemelihaharaan sapi yang tidak efektif dengan pola makan yang tidak bagus mengakibatkan performa dan produktivitasnya rendah padahal kalau ditingkatkan manajemen pemeliharaannya seperti disediakan ransum yang baik tentu produktivitas sapi tersebut dapat ditingkatkan. Berdasarkan hal tersebut perlu dilakukan pemberdayaan pada masyarakat untuk memelihara ternak dengan menyediakan ransum yang dapat memenuhi kebutuhan sehingga produktivitas sapi dapat ditingkatkan. Tujuan dari KKN–PPM tematik ini adalah diharapkan mahasiswa mampu memotivasi dan memberdayakan masyarakat disana. Metode yang digunakan dalam pencapaian tersebut adalah metode penyuluhan dan dilanjutkan dengan demonstrasi dan terjun langsung ke lapangan. Kegiatan yang dilakukan adalah alih teknologi dalam penyediaan ransum untuk sapi pesisir, membuat formulasi ransum sapi pesisir sesuai kebutuhan. Hasil yang didapatkan terbukanya wawasan masyarakat untuk memelihara ternak dengan semi intensif dengan cara dikandangkan dan ransumnya disediakan sesuai dengan formulasi ransum sapi pesisir yang dibuat. Ransum yang disediakan untuk sapi pesisir adalah dalam bentuk silase ransum komplit dengan memanfaatkan sumber bahan baku pakan yang banyak tersedia disana yaitu rumput lapang, jerami padi, dedak padi dan sumber pakan lainnya. Dengan silase ransum komplit tersebut membantu peternak lebih efektif dalam penyediaan ransum dan dapat meningkatkan produktivitas sapi pesisir.