Supply Of Hay Research Articles

Ruminal and Fecal Bacteriome of Dairy Calves Fed Different Levels and Sources of NDF.

Simple SummaryThe present study aimed to characterize and understand how the gastrointestinal microbiome (in rumen and feces) of pre-weaning dairy calves is affected by feeding a starter concentrate with two levels of fiber and the inclusion of hay in the diet. Another study objective was to verify if the effects on the microbiome remained after weaning. The ruminal bacteriome was not affected by levels or sources of fiber. The fecal bacteriome was affected by age and diet. The inclusion of hay affected the fecal microbial diversity.A starter concentrate containing different levels and sources of NDF can modify the gastrointestinal bacteriome. This study evaluated 18 Holstein calves housed in un-bedded suspended individual cages, fed one of three treatments: 22NDF: a conventional starter containing 22% NDF (n = 7); 31NDF: a starter with 31% NDF, replacing part of the corn by soybean hull (n = 6); and 22Hay: diet 22NDF plus coast-cross hay ad libitum (n = 5). All animals received 4 L of milk replacer daily, weaned at 8th week of age, and housed in wood shelters until week 10. To evaluate the bacteriome, the bacterial community of ruminal fluid and fecal samples was determined by sequencing V3 and V4 region amplicons of the 16S rRNA gene. Bacterial diversity in rumen was not affected by diet or age. The phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidota, and Prevotella’ genus were the most abundant in ruminal fluid and fecal samples. In feces, the α-diversity indices were higher for 22Hay. All indices were significantly affected by age. We believe that the ruminal bacteriome was affected by basal diet components, but not affected by NDF levels or sources. The supply of hay was effective in modifying the fecal bacteriome of dairy calves due to hind gut fermentation.

Analysis of Hay Demand from Pastoralism Systems on Viability of Hay Production as a Climate Adaptation Strategy in Kajiado County, Kenya

Hay production is a flagship project under drought risk reduction and climate change adaptation programs in pastoralism livestock systems in Kenya. For decision-makers to plan and evaluate their projects, they need localized data on hay production and supply and to understand what attitudes influence demand for hay by pastoralists. A cost-benefit analysis on 23 hay farms and a questionnaire knowledge, attitude and practice survey on 340 pastoralists in Kajiado Central were undertaken. This study provides the hay production versus hay deficit figures in Kajiado Central County. The study also measures the financial losses livestock keepers incur during drought migration and correlates these losses against livestock keeper’s decision to buy hay for their animals. The study established that the drought in 2017, Kajiado Central County had a 48% hay deficit (2,580,000 hay bales) worth about KES 902 million needed to cover three months of the severest period of the drought. At the same time, hay production and supply were 49,138 grown hay and 3292 purchased hay bales and 6177 bags of commercial feeds and forage. The study also found that 86% of livestock keepers buy hay only when their animals started dying at the severest period of the drought. Hay buying mainly occurs in drought years, and averagely for three months only. From 2005 to 2020, there have been five years of severe drought. Because hay production is a critical climate change adaptation and mitigation strategy for droughts, Kajiado needs to reduce the hay deficit by 67% (average of 2015 & 2017), disaster management planners need to align the hay supply to hay purchasing practices. In addition, decision-makers need to address the low hay supply by tackling the challenges of hay production. Furthermore, disaster management planners could use the study to determine the trigger points to start disaster response for livestock feed.

PSIX-6 Gastrointestinal microbiome of calves fed solid diets containing different levels and sources of NDF

Abstract Different levels and sources of NDF can modify the gastrointestinal microbiome. This study evaluated 18 Holstein calves housed in not-bedded suspended individual cages and fed one of three treatments: 22NDF - conventional starter containing 22% NDF (n = 7); 31NDF - starter with 31% NDF, replacing part of the corn by soybean hull (n = 6); and 22NDF+H - conventional starter with 22% NDF plus coast-cross hay ad libitum (n = 5). All animals received 4 L of milk replacer daily (24% CP; 18.5% fat; diluted to 12.5% solids), divided into two meals, being weaned at 8th week of age. After weaning, animals were housed in tropical shelters, fed with the respective solid diet and coast-cross hay ad libitum for all treatments. To evaluate the microbiome, ruminal fluid samples were collected using a modified Geishauser oral probe at weeks 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10, two hours after the morning feeding, and fecal samples were collected at birth (0) and at weeks 1, 2, 4, 8 and 10. The microbial community was determined by sequencing V3 and V4 region amplicons of the 16S rRNA gene that was amplified by PCR and sequenced by the Illumina MiSeq platform. Ruminal microbiome had no differences in diversity for the effects of weeks, treatments or interaction of both factors (Table 1). In feces, the diversity indices and evenness were higher for 22NDF+H when compared to 22NDF, with no difference for 31NDF. All indices were significantly affected by calves age. At birth, calves had the greatest diversity and richness. Week 1 and 2 had less evenness and diversity. Bacteroidota, Firmicutes_A and Firmicutes_C were the most abundant phylum in rumen and feces. The supply of hay was only effective in modifying the fecal microbiome of dairy calves, suggesting a resilience in the ruminal microbiome.

Impact of husbandry on the welfare of pet guinea pigs in the UK

Based on pet ownership statistics, an estimated 0.4 million guinea pigs are currently owned in the UK.1 While the number of guinea pigs kept as pets is only slightly lower...

Plant Species Diversity of Naturalized Roughs as Affected by Conversion Strategies

Core Ideas Natural rough areas on a golf course contained 131 plant species. The botanical composition of the naturalized areas is dominated by only a few species. Cultural practices can improve species richness and botanical composition. The efficacy of cultural practices in naturalized roughs depends on the dominant species. A single cut can improve biodiversity, but can not reduce dominant species. Golf courses can be characterized as plant communities with a simplified botanical composition. Improving roughs to achieve more naturalized areas can help to enhance the botanical biodiversity on golf courses. A 3‐yr study was conducted in a Mediterranean climate zone with the objectives of investigating the botanical composition of naturalized roughs by analyzing species richness and effective species number, and assessing the effectiveness of different cultural practices to increase biodiversity. Two sites dominated by either Elytrigia repens (L.) Nevski (Site 1) or by Festuca rubra L. (Site 2) were selected for the study. Three management practices were randomly assigned to plots within each site in May 2013: (i) mowing followed by biomass removal and verticutting, and subsequent supply of hay to provide seeds of local species; (ii) mowing followed by biomass removal and verticutting; and (iii) areas left unmowed (control). Cultural practices had a significant effect on biodiversity in the short‐term. The number of plant species at Site 1 was higher in plots receiving Management Practices A and B, and at Site 2 in plots receiving Management Practice A. In contrast, management practice had no effect on the percentages of dominant species. The principal component analysis (PCA) indicated a shift in botanical composition in plots receiving treatments A and B in the second year, while in the last year of the study, the botanical composition of all plots returned to its original state. A single cut in spring was not sufficient to counteract the dominance of highly competitive species.

THE DAIRY VALUE CHAIN AND FACTORS AFFECTING CHOICE OF MILK CHANNELS IN HARAR AND DIRE DAWA AREAS, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

The study was aimed at mapping the dairy value chain, assessing constraints and opportunities in the sector, and identifying factors affecting channel choices of producers in Harar and Dire Dawa milkshed areas. Data were collected from 93 producers, six collectors, seven wholesalers, seven retailers, and ten consumers. Both descriptive and econometric analysis were employed. The study revealed that the channel choices available to producers include selling to collectors, wholesalers, retailers, and directly to consumers. The multinomial model output indicated that being in rural areas, breed type, separate milking place, and supply of hay negatively determined the choice to sell to wholesalers, retailers, and consumers. In contrast, education status and milk storage duration positively determined producers’ choice not to sell to collectors. The major recommendations include provision of training, disseminating dairy technologies, encouraging value chain actors to add values; and enhancing collective actions of producers.

Matching Nutrient Requirements to Hay Produced in Tennessee: A Modeling Study

Winter hay feeding is generally the most expensive cost of maintaining a cow for the year. Because of this it is beneficial for a producer to maximize the use of their hay supply. A modeling study was completed that compared the nutrient requirements of three fall calving herds and three spring calving herds to determine differences in nutrient requirements between the herds. Hay feeding should be tailored to the operation and the calving season for the most efficient use of hay.

Effect of hay on performance of Holstein calves at suckling and post-weaning

The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of Holstein calves in suckling and post-weaning phases, intensively managed during suckling in the absence or presence of hay. Twenty-four male Holstein calves, at an average age of 15 days and initial weight of 43 kg were used in the experiment. The experimental design was completely randomized, consisting of two treatments and six replications. The treatments were as follows: 1) suckling with milk substitute + initial concentrate for calves, ad libitum + temperate grass hay (oat/ryegrass), ad libitum; 2) suckling with milk substitute + initial concentrate for calves, ad libitum. No significant difference was found between treatments for weight gain and feed conversion. However, the supply of hay caused an increase in daily dry matter intake (2.127 vs 1.894 kg). The intake of hay promoted greater stimulus to consumption of concentrate and greater weight at weaning.

Desempenho de bezerros leiteiros lactentes alimentados com feno

The experiment aimed to evaluate the influence of time of supply of hay in the performance of dairy calves Girolando breed submitted to early weaning at 90 days of life. Sixteen sucking calves were distributed in a completely randomized design. The diets tested were: T1- Concentrate; T2- Concentrate plus hay supplied at 15o day of life; T3- Concentrate plus hay supplied at 30o day of life; T4- Concentrate plus hay supplied at 60o day of life. An alfalfa (Medicago sativa) hay was offered without any grinding. All animals received 4 liters of milk daily, plus water and concentrate ad libitum. Concentrate was available from the 10o day of life. The observed variables were the initial (birth) and weaning body weights; daily weight gain, heights at withers and rump; thoracic perimeter; intake of the dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber; and feed:gain ratio were also measured. A diet containing only concentrate provided similar performance to diets containing ration plus hay. However, the diet containing ration plus hay from the 15o day of life provided the best ratio revenue/cost.

Effect of feed restriction with voluntary hay intake on the performance and quality of laying hen eggs - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v34i2.12451

The objective was to evaluate the effect of a quantitative feed restriction on the voluntary intake of hay, the performance of laying hens, and on egg quality. A total of 150 Hisex Brown laying hens at 51-weeks old were distributed into five treatments and five replications of six hens each. The treatments consisted of control, with supply of 100 g of feed bird -1 day -1 without hay; and the others consisting of a feed restriction of 5, 10, 15 and 20% of the diet offered to the birds in the control treatment, along with an ad libitum supply of cunha hay (CH), leucaena leaf meal (LLM) and tifton hay (TH). A linear increase was found in the hay intake with increasing level of dietary restriction. However, egg production, egg weight, egg mass and feed conversion decreased linearly. Yolk color was affected by the treatments. Birds with 20% feed restriction presented the greatest yolk pigmentation. In conclusion, laying hens can be subjected to a 5% feed restriction with supply of hay ad libitum.

Hepatogenous photosensitization in cattle fed a grass hay.

In fall of 1990, 5 pregnant cows with excessive dental wear were removed from a pastured cow-calf herd in central Iowa for supplemental feeding. One Hereford and 4 Angus x Hereford cows were moved to a paddock housing 1 Longhorn and 2 Simmental bulls. The 15x 30-m dirt lot was exposed to the elements and equipped with a circular metal hay rack, wooden grain rack, and water tank. Late in February 1991, the previous hay supply was depleted and feeding of a foxtail (Setaria sp.)-orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) hay commenced. The 8 cattle received hay and water ad libitum and 40 kg/day of a corn-based grain supplement. Four days after changing hay sources, reduced grain intake and increased water consumption was observed. During the following days, the owner noticed erythematous muzzles and copious clear nasal and oral discharges. Conjunctiva and periocular tissues were reddened and edematous, with obvious ocular discomfort. Animals were frequently seen rubbing against objects in the paddock. Three days later, the attending veterinarian confirmed the previous clinical signs, to some extent, in all 8 cows and bulls. In addition, the animals refused both grain and hay. Cattle were depressed, ataxic, and icteric. Epithelium on the muzzle was erythematous and fissured with serous exudate, later becoming a sloughing crusty black layer. Some voided urine observed was reddish-brown. Temperatures of the cattle physically examined were normal. During the following 5-7 days, subsequent evaluations revealed the muzzle and nasal epithelium sloughed exposing

放牧牛の異常寒波による被害とその対策

At the end of May, 1981, extraordinary cold weather attacked the Soya district, Hokkaido, causing great damage on grazing cattle which had been placed on pasture just before. For the prevention of such damage, the following steps should be taken in future: to increase shelter belt, windbreak, and shed of refuge in the pasture, additional supply of hay, and careful supervision and health management especially at the beginning of grazing. A period of acclimatization should be set up for cattle before the placement on pasture. It should be one month for cattle which have never been on pasture before and 2 weeks for cattle experienced in grazing. A paddock may be used for acclimatization.

The farming system in the pyrenees: A model of the constitution and utilisation of hay stocks

In the Pyrenees Mountains, the climatic constraints of all the seasons of the year contribute to the difficulties of wintering. The variables concerning hay stocks and cattle needs are classified according to their invariance level in time. By this means, studying the different ways of fitting hay supply and demand becomes easier. Therefore, we have, on the one hand, the more stable variables (farming system structures, strategic decisions) and, on the other, the less stable variables (tactical decisions). This classification allows us to characterise the variables and to discuss the results of the model. The aims of the model are, first, research into the reliability of technical management rules taking into account the seasonal climatic variations and, secondly, evaluation of the impact of tactical regulations, according to several assumptions about farming system structures and strategies. The variables relating to cattle are purposely simplified. Except for the climatic data, the other variables have been estimated by investigation. In this paper, we describe the conception and building of the model and show only some of the results. A complete analysis of the results will be presented later.

Previous Diet of Deer, Cattle, and Sheep and Ability to Digest Alfalfa Hay

The capacity of rumen microorganisms of deer, cattle, and sheep on different diets to digest alfalfa hay was tested in an artificial rumen system by measuring the production of gas and short chain fatty acids. Inocula were obtained from the rumens of (1) four wild deer on a natural winter browse diet, (2) one captive deer fed a starvation diet of sagebrush, (3) a cow on a hay diet, (4) the same cow on hay and concentrate, and (5) two sheep on hay and concentrate. Production of short chain fatty acids by the inoculum of the deer fed sagebrush was significantly lower than that from all other animals. Except for appreciably smaller percentages of butyrate and iso-valerate plus valerate by the inoculum of the deer fed sagebrush, the composition of short chain fatty acids produced was very similar among all inoculum sources. Production of gas by the inoculum of the deer fed sagebrush was significantly less than that from all other animals. Inocula from the sheep and the cow fed concentrate and hay produced more gas, and those from the deer on browse and the cow on hay produced similar but progressively larger amounts. These results indicate that normal wild deer, like domestic ruminants, have a microflora capable of digesting hay and converting it to volatile fatty acids. However, by the time that starving deer arrive at a hay supply, the rumen microorganisms may be completely dead or contain low energy

Early Land Holding Practices in Utah, and Problems Arising from Them

Whether property in land should be public or private was frequently a problem with the early settlers in Utah. Conflict between the religious and ethical idealism of the group and the traditional idea of private ownership of natural resources was common. That the institution of private property should be challenged at all was due, of course, to the intense religious motivation of the group, which emphasized altruism and deprecated selfish aggrandisement. Sacrifice of the satisfaction arising from individual ownership was looked upon as a wholesome spiritual discipline. Consequently there were a number of settlements which were wholly communistic, the land, as well as other property, being held in common. While these purely communistic efforts suffered the usual fate of such ventures, the germ idea back of them has influenced the evolution of land holding policies in the State to no small degree. The evolution of land ownership in Utah is well typified in the experience of the community of Ephraim. There never was any effort to establish in Ephraim a communistic order with respect to the ownership of farm lands. In the very beginning the suitable land was cut into 20-acre plots, the plots numbered and drawn by lot by the settlers. This suitable land was in one great field, and the whole was surrounded by a common fence. No effort was made to fence the individual plots until a later period. There was, however, an extensive natural meadow in the vicinity of the town, and this meadow was the only source of hay. At first it was not divided, and anyone who wished could go down and mow his supply of hay for the year, as far as the supply would permit. As the demand for the hay increased with the increasing population, it became necessary to apportion the hay land in the same manner. Not only must it be apportioned in the community itself, but it happened that there were two other communities interested in the land. To settle the boundaries as between communities, recourse was taken to the general authorities of the Mormon church.