Winter Feeding Research Articles

White-throated Treecreeper Cormobates leucophaea feeding on bracket fungus

White-throated Treecreepers Cormobates leucophaea are generally considered strict insectivores. This paper provides observational data of a female Treecreeper during winter feeding on a White Punk Laetiporus portentosus bracket fungus occurring in Victorian heathy dry forest.

Comparison of wet brewers’ grains or dried distillers’ grains as supplements to conserved bermudagrass forage as winter feeding options for beef cows

Comparison of wet brewers’ grains or dried distillers’ grains as supplements to conserved bermudagrass forage as winter feeding options for beef cows

Comparison of wet brewers' grains or dried distillers' grains as supplements to conserved bermudagrass forage as winter feeding options for beef cows

The objective of this study was to examine the use of 2 byproduct supplements and conserved warm-season forage as winter feeding options for primiparous beef cows. Gestating Angus ( = 48) and Brangus ( = 24) 2-yr-old cows were stratified by BW and breed to 1 of 12 pens. Pens were randomly assigned 1 of 2 supplements, wet brewers' grains (WBG) or dried distillers' grains (DDG). Coastal bermudagrass hay or round bale silage (RBS) was fed free choice (6 pens each) and cows received WBG or DDG supplements at a daily rate of 0.05% BW (DM basis) prorated for feeding 3 d/wk. Total BW and BCS changes did not differ ( = 0.65 and = 0.93, respectively) between DDG- and WBG-supplemented cows. Total amount of forage DM offered and mean calculated daily forage DM offered did not differ ( = 0.59 and = 0.20, respectively) between supplement treatments. Estimated daily mean and total supplement DM offered was greater ( < 0.001) for WBG than for DDG treatments. The same 2 supplements and forage sources were used in an unbalanced 6 × 4 design to measure intake, digestibility, and rumen parameters in ruminally fistulated steers. Supplement did not affect forage DMI of hay ( = 0.31) or RBS ( = 0.63). Total DMI was not different ( = 0.37 and = 0.73) for hay-based and RBS-based diets, respectively. Total tract digestibility tended to be greater ( = 0.06) for DDG than for WBG in hay diets but was not different ( = 0.76) for RBS diets. Daily mean ruminal pH was greater ( = 0.03) for WBG than for DDG when supplemented to hay-based diets. In RBS diets, a supplement × hour interaction ( = 0.05) existed for ruminal pH. Daily mean ruminal ammonia N concentration was greater ( < 0.001) for WBG-supplemented diets compared with DDG-supplemented diets. A supplement × hour interaction existed for ruminal ammonia in hay- ( < 0.001) and RBS- ( = 0.09) based diets. Ruminal pH and ammonia N concentrations stayed in ranges adequate to support ruminal metabolism and cattle performance. Marginal differences in ruminal measures between high-moisture and dry byproduct supplements resulted in no differences in cow performance when offered with hay or high-moisture forage. High-moisture forage sources can be coupled with high-moisture byproduct supplements.

Biomass yield and feeding value of rye, triticale, and wheat straw produced under a dual-purpose management system.

Dual-purpose management of winter cereals for grazing and grain production provides highly nutritive forage for ruminants in the spring and may positively affect straw feeding value. A 2-yr study investigated the effect of spring defoliation of triticale, wheat, and rye at the tillering and stem elongation stages on total biomass, grain yields, and straw quality. Furthermore, straws of spring-defoliated and undefoliated (control) cereal crops were evaluated for nutritional value and voluntary intake as a means of assessing the efficiency of dual-purpose management systems from the winter feeding context as well. The feeding study consisted of 9 total mixed rations (TMR), each containing 35% triticale, rye, or wheat straw obtained under 3 spring-defoliation regimens. The TMR were individually fed to fifty-four 1-yr-old Anatolian Merino ewes for 28 d. Defoliation of the crops at tillering did not affect the total biomass production or grain yields. However, biomass and grain yields were reduced ( < 0.01) by 55 and 52%, respectively, in crops defoliated at stem elongation. Straw of spring-defoliated cereals had less NDF and ADF concentrations ( < 0.01) but greater CP ( < 0.01), nonfiber carbohydrates ( < 0.01), and ME concentrations ( < 0.01) compared with straw from undefoliated crops. The increase in the nutritive value of straw led to greater nutrient digestion ( < 0.01) and intake of DM and OM of ewes ( < 0.01). However, sheep live weight gain did not differ among treatments ( > 0.77). This study indicated that straw feeding value and digestibility can be increased through spring defoliation.

Sediment and nutrient losses under winter cropping on two Manawatu hill country soils

Abstract Aerial spraying and surface seeding of winter crops in uncultivable hill country areas is rapidly being adopted as a method of increasing winter feed supply and as a precursor to regrassing. However, there is little research on the sediment and nutrient losses that may result from this practice. In the current study, winter swede crops were established on an imperfectly and on a welldrained soil and these crops were grazed by beef cattle. Soil damage caused by the winter grazing of the swedes generated sediment losses that were 5.5 times greater on the imperfectly drained soil than the well-drained soil. Surface runoff over 3 months (which included crop grazing and the non-grazed crop stubble period) resulted in losses of 1.1 t/ha of sediment, 0.85 kg of phosphorus (P)/ha and 5.4 kg of nitrogen (N)/ha from the poorly drained soil. This key risk period contributed between 88 and 99% of the total annual sediment and total N and P losses, compared to the pre-crop (pasture) and crop establishment phase. A simple comparison with two other sediment and nutrient loss studies located on the same farm as the current study, suggested that the losses associated with winter cropping in this landscape may be extreme. The current study highlights the need for targeted mitigation strategies and/or strategic grazing management to reduce soil and nutrient losses and to minimise the impacts on waterways of winter grazing of hill country crops. Keywords: winter cropping, hill country, surface runoff, sediment losses, nutrient losses

CHANGES OF BLOOD ACID-BASE INDICATORS IN ALPINE GOATS DURING PREGNANCY

The aim of the present paper was to determine the changes of acid-base indicators in the blood of Alpine goats during pregnancy. The research included 21 French Alpine goats during winter feeding season. Goats were divided per 7 in the group according to stage of pregnancy (up to 3 months, from 3 to 4 months, and more than 4 months). Feeding of goats was with a mixture of grains and meadow hay. In the blood of goats concentrations acid-base indicators (blood pH, BE(efc), blood gas analysis: pCO2, pO2, tCO2 as well as electrolytes: Na+, K+, Cl- and bicarbonate) were determined. Afterwards, anion gap (AG), SID (strong ion differences) and z-values were estimated. Comparing determined acid-base indicators in the blood of Alpine goats during various stages of pregnancy significant differences were not evident. Acid-base indicators in blood of Alpine goats did not differ compared to reference values, except AG in blood of Alpine goat during 4 month) which can be associated with an increased load of animals because of intensive development of the foetus. Mentioned minor changes of acid-base indicators in the blood of Alpine goats showed a significant resistance on the occurrence metabolic disease.

Winter rotation length effect on pasture production and animal performance

Abstract Data comparing pasture production in winter pastures subject to 16, 48 or 72-day rotation lengths were recovered from experiments at Massey University to support teaching of grazing management. 'Farmlets' with 16 breeding ewes on 0.8 ha were run from 2011- 2016, and herbage production estimated from metabolic energy budgeting (MEB). The data illustrate: the roles of pasture cover and animal body weight as buffers to neutralise the impact of weather variability, the use of controlled cover release via the grazing rotation to partially meet winter feed deficit, and the potential value of MEB in systems research. Grass grown from May to September (early pregnancy to mid-lactation) was 3850, 4220 and 4840 kg DM/ha for 16, 48 and 72- day rotations, respectively. As a result of a reduction in herbage accumulation and the premature release of autumn-saved pasture to animals, the 16-day rotation failed to overwinter the animals in five of the 6 years, the exception being a winter with high pasture growth. Keywords: winter rotation length, pasture growth rate, teaching pedagogy

Elk management and policy in southern Greater Yellowstone: Assessing the constitutive process

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, USA, is recognized globally as a model for land and wildlife conservation, management, and policy. A major policy problem in the region is the highly contentious winter feeding of elk (Cervus elaphus) on 23 government feed grounds in western Wyoming through cooperative management under several state and federal agencies. Numerous non-governmental groups and concerned citizens are also affected by elk management or seek to contribute to management policies. The long-term controversy shows that this issue centers on how management and policy should be made and who should be involved in decision-making—the constitutive policy process. This paper examines and appraises the constitutive process in this case, including how competency, authority, and control are allocated. It also looks at how institutions, analytic techniques, procedures, and people are structured, selected, and included or excluded in decision-making processes. Our data come from a multi-method approach over the past decade, including participant-observation, historical literature, interviews, media analysis, and technical reports. Our analysis shows that institutional dynamics severely constrain the scope of deliberations, the production of practical problem definitions, and the search for improvements in elk management. We recommend that participants focus on the constitutive level of policy making, i.e., the underlying structure and functioning of policy processes, learn how these elements function and affect processes and outcomes, and learn to configure them in ways that embody democratic principles, serve common interests, and resolve policy problems.

Suitability of Starch Syrups for Winter Feeding of Honeybee Colonies

Abstract Three different starch syrups available on the Polish market for winter feeding of bees were evaluated for two consecutive beekeeping seasons (2012/2013 and 2013/2014). Sugar syrup and inverted sucrose syrup were used as the control. Winter feeding was conducted at two times: earlier and later in the season. After supplementation of winter feeding was stopped, we measured colony strength (number of combs covered by bees) and brood area. After overwintering (spring 2013 and 2014), we estimated the influence of these foods on: bee mortality during overwintering (number of dead bees in winter debris), food consumption, colony strength and brood area in spring (two measurements in three-week intervals), development dynamics and honey yield from spring flow. An analysis of the results for the parameters assessed before overwintering, after its end and during spring development did not show significant differences between bee colonies fed with different types of food. No relevant difficulties concerning food crystallisation were encountered. The analysed syrups turned out to be as suitable for winter feeding of bees as sugar and inverted sucrose syrups.

Winter feeding of ptarmigan (Lacopus lacopus, Galliformes, Tetraonidae) in Yakutia

This paper presents the results of long-term studies on winter feeding of ptarmigan in Yakutia. This territory of the species habitat is characterized by the longest snow period and low ambient temperatures. Like in the predominant part of the range, the basis of winter feeding of birds is made up here of the vegetative parts of willow and birch. The period of winter feeding lasts 230–250 days in individuals of the northern populations and 170–180 days in individuals of the southern population. It was found that the preference for birch by ptarmigan changed to a preference for willow with advancement to the north and to the mountains. In addition to birch and willow, the diet of the birds includes up to 23 plant species. Among them, horsetail, chosenia, and larch can serve as the main food due to both biotic factors (the presence of animal excavations) and abiotic factors (thin snow cover, long-term severe frosts). In severe frosts, ptarmigans mainly feed on the ground using almost all the plants including those they do not prefer in warmer days. Two peaks of the craw fullness were observed in birds at average daily air temperatures below–50°C, and four peaks were noted in warmer days. The first peak is obviously due to the need to be in shelter for most of the daytime.

Enhanced dietary formulation to mitigate winter thermal stress in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata): a 2D-DIGE plasma proteome study.

Low water temperatures during winter are common in farming of gilthead sea bream in the Mediterranean. This causes metabolic disorders that in extreme cases can lead to a syndrome called "winter disease." An improved immunostimulatory nutritional status might mitigate the effects of this thermal metabolic stress. A trial was set up to assess the effects of two different diets on gilthead sea bream physiology and nutritional state through plasma proteome and metabolites. Four groups of 25 adult gilthead sea bream were reared during winter months, being fed either with a control diet (CTRL) or with a diet called "winter feed" (WF). Proteome results show a slightly higher number of proteins upregulated in plasma of fish fed the WF. These proteins are mostly involved in the immune system and cell protection mechanisms. Lipid metabolism was also affected, as shown both by plasma proteome and by the cholesterol plasma levels. Overall, the winter feed diet tested seems to have positive effects in terms of fish condition and nutritional status, reducing the metabolic effects of thermal stress.

Changes in terpenoid composition of milk and cheese from commercial sheep flocks associated with seasonal feeding regimens throughout lactation

Changes in the terpenoid content of milk and cheese from commercial sheep flocks monitored throughout lactation in the Cantabrian area of northern Spain were investigated. The flocks followed the same seasonal feeding strategy during lactation: indoor feeding in winter (early lactation) based on concentrate and forage; part-time grazing in the valley in early spring (mid lactation); and from mid spring on (late lactation), flocks were managed under extensive mountain grazing. In the present study design, seasonal feeding and lactation stage were intrinsically linked and could not be considered in isolation, and a holistic approach was necessary to consider the whole production management of the commercial flocks studied. Furthermore, the study focused on the identification of sesquiterpenoid ratios to differentiate milks and cheeses produced under extensive mountain grazing from those produced under other seasonal feeding regimens. Total abundance of mono- and sesquiterpenoids and that of individual compounds such as α-pinene, β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, α-amorphene, and γ-cadinene significantly increased in milk and cheese from indoor feeding to mountain extensive grazing. Sesquiterpenoid ratios such as γ-cadinene/α-muurolene, γ-cadinene/δ-cadinene, β-caryophyllene/α-muurolene, and (β-caryophyllene + γ-cadinene)/α-muurolene were used to differentiate mountain milks and cheeses from those from indoor feeding and part-time grazing in the valley. Multivariate discriminant analysis applied to individual terpenoids and sesquiterpenoid ratios showed milk and cheese samples classified into 2 groups: samples from indoor feeding and part-time grazing in the valley were classified together, and clearly separated from mountain milks and cheeses. The results of the present study showed that the sesquiterpenoid ratios approach could help to differentiate mountain dairy products from others obtained under other specific feeding regimens in a local environment.

0265 Effects of summer and winter feeding of endophyte infected tall fescue seeds on average daily gain and activity of hepatic cytochrome P450 1A, 2C, 3A, aldo-keto reductase 1C, and uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase in beef steers

0265 Effects of summer and winter feeding of endophyte infected tall fescue seeds on average daily gain and activity of hepatic cytochrome P450 1A, 2C, 3A, aldo-keto reductase 1C, and uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase in beef steers

0023 Utilization of wet brewers grain as a winter feed supplement for beef cows grazing native annual grasslands

0023 Utilization of wet brewers grain as a winter feed supplement for beef cows grazing native annual grasslands

1202 Winter feeding systems and farm greenhouse gas emissions

1202 Winter feeding systems and farm greenhouse gas emissions

The effect of an herb mixture supplement on the performance of milking sheep during the winter feeding period

An experiment was conducted on 75 coloured Polish Merino ewes, milked from February to April. The ewes were housed indoors and fed on dried or ensiled bulky feed and a concentrate feed mixture. Three feeding groups were formed: group I – the control, with no herbs added to the concentrate feed, and groups II and III, in which an herb mixture was added (in place of wheat bran) to the concentrate feed in the amount of 10 or 20 g/sheep/day. The study analysed the effect of the herb supplement on the level of feed consumption, the body weight and body condition of the sheep, their milk performance, and the chemical composition of the milk. Better intake of bulky feed was noted in the experimental groups. The herb mixture was not found to influence the body weight and condition of the sheep or the basic chemical composition of the milk. The sheep that received the herb mixture exhibited better lactation persistency and higher daily milk yield, which led to greater milk production over the entire milking period, by 10.9% in group II and 20.4% in group III. These results, however, were not confirmed statistically due to high variation within groups.

Using an “Index of Merit” to Evaluate Winterhardy Pea Lines

&lt;p&gt;Winter feed pea (&lt;em&gt;Pisum sativum&lt;/em&gt; ssp. arvense) might serve as a partial or complete replacement for fallow in the winter wheat-summer fallow (WW-SF) system with potential to integrate cereal and livestock production in the Central Great Plains (CGP). The objective of this study was to evaluate advanced winter pea lines bred in the Wyoming environment in comparison with existing winter feed pea cultivars that were bred elsewhere. Six elite lines, one a blend of two lines, and three check cultivars were compared for overall merit, based on yield for forage and seed, and in two different production systems, dryland and irrigated, and at two locations (Lingle WY and Laramie WY) during the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 growing seasons. Indices of merit, calculated in two ways: a mean-adjusted index and a standardized index, were used to simultaneously evaluate lines/cultivars for forage and seed yield. Based on the results from both indices, five Wyoming-bred elite lines (one a blend of two lines) ranked in the top five lines of 10 lines/cultivars tested. Importantly, three Wyoming-bred lines (Wyo#11, Wyo#11 +Wyo#13, and Wyo#13) all ranked significantly higher for overall merit than any existing winter feed pea cultivar tested in this study: ‘Common’, ‘Specter’ and ‘Windham’. Because four measures of merit in the both indices are positively correlated no serious compromises or “trade-offs” are manifested among these four traits. This research shows that winter pea has potential value for forage and seed yield, mostly depending on growing season precipitation in the CGP.&lt;/p&gt;

Grazing winter and spring wheat crops improves the profitability of prime lamb production in mixed farming systems of Western Australia

Grazing immature cereal crops, particularly different varieties of wheat, has become widely adopted in the high rainfall areas of southern Australia. Recently, there has been growing interest in applying this technology in drier parts of the mixed farming zones of Western Australia. A modelling study was conducted to examine farm business returns with or without the grazing of immature wheat (winter and spring varieties) in different locations of Western Australia (Merredin, Wickepin and Kojonup), representing the low to high rainfall (319–528 mm) cropping regions, respectively. A combination of APSIM (crop simulation model) and GrassGro (pasture and livestock simulation model), were used to evaluate the changes in farm gross margins with the grazing of cereal crops at three locations of Western Australia. The results of the study showed that grazing the two wheat varieties (dual-purpose winter and spring) at the high rainfall location increased the profitability of the livestock enterprise by 2.5 times more than grazing crops at both low rainfall locations (P &lt; 0.05). Across all years and sites, the average supplementary feeding costs were reduced by the inclusion of grazed winter (12%) and spring (2%) wheat crops in the lamb production system. The comparative reduction in the cost of supplementary feeding varied between locations and by crop variety within locations, due to both the frequency and average duration of the grazing of wheat crops in these regions, and the farm-stocking rate that was chosen. Both wheat varieties were grazed frequently at the lowest rainfall site (68% and 30% of years for winter and spring wheat varieties respectively), whereas grazing spring wheat was less frequent at the higher rainfall location and averaged 16% of years due to a greater difference in the relative availability of wheat crops versus pasture for grazing among regions. The grazing model assumed that there were abundant productive mixed ryegrass and subterranean clover pasture in the farming system. Overall, this study suggests that both winter and spring wheat crops are likely to supply green feed during the winter feed shortage (April–July) and reduce supplementary feed requirements for a short period of time in some seasons. The value of grazing crops is likely to be higher on farms with poorer soils and less productive pastures.

Effects of stocking rate, forage management, and grazing management on performance and economics of cow-calf production in Southwest Arkansas.

The objective this research was to determine the effect of application of multiple grazing management practices at 2 stocking rates (SR) on the productivity and economics of the cow-calf enterprise in the Southeastern United States over a 4-yr period. Pasture management systems included: continuous grazing management at a moderate SR (0.8 ha/cow; CG) without additional forage management, rotational grazing management at a moderate SR (0.8 ha/cow (MR) with addition of stockpiled bermudagrass [ (L.) Pers.] and complementary cool season annuals, and rotational grazing management similar to MR but with a high SR (0.4 ha/cow; HR). Stockpiling in MR and HR was managed by fertilization of 0.2 ha/cow of bermudagrass in early August with 168 kg ammonium nitrate and deferring grazing until November. Wheat (; 112 kg/ha) and annual ryegrass ( Lam.; 28 kg/ha) were interseeded (0.2 ha/cow) in HR and MR with a no-till drill in the fall. Cow and calf performance and economics data were analyzed by ANOVA using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) and pregnancy percentage was analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS; pasture was the experimental unit and year was the random block. Hay feeding days decreased ( < 0.01) from 107 ± 10.9 d for CG to 37 ± 10.9 d for HR, which was further reduced ( = 0.01) to 15 ± 10.9 d for MR. Pregnancy percentage did not differ ( = 0.20) among treatments. Weaning BW in CG (237 ± 7.3 kg) tended ( = 0.09) to be greater than in MR (227 ± 7.3 kg) and were greater ( < 0.01) than in HR (219 ± 7.3 kg). However, total weaning BW per hectare was 89% greater ( < 0.01) for HR compared with CG and MR, which did not differ ( = 0.31). With rotational stocking, there was the opportunity to harvest excess forage as hay in both MR and HR with a net value of US$52.90/ha ± 25.73 and $15.50/ha ± 25.73, respectively. Net returns per hectare did not differ ( = 0.30) between CG ($429 ± 63.0/ha) and MR ($479 ± 63.0/ha) but were increased ( < 0.01) by 107% by HR ($1,024 ± 63.0/ha). Using rotational grazing, stockpiled bermudagrass, and complementary cool-season annual grasses can drastically reduce winter feed requirements and simultaneously increase carrying capacity and net return.

Feeding periodicity, diet composition, and food consumption of subyearling rainbow trout in winter

Although winter is a critically important period for stream salmonids, aspects of the ecology of several species are poorly understood. Consequently, we examined the diel feeding ecology of subyearling rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during winter in a central New York stream. Rainbow trout diet was significantly different during each 4-h interval and also differed from the drift and benthos. Feeding was significantly greater during darkness (i.e. 20:00 h – 04:00 h) than during daylight hours (i.e. 08:00 h – 16:00 h), peaking at 20:00 h. Daily food consumption (1.9 mg) and daily ration (3.4 %) during winter were substantially lower than previously reported for subyearling rainbow trout in the same stream during summer. These findings provide important new insights into the winter feeding ecology of juvenile rainbow trout in streams.