Seasonal and management effects on the composition and availability of herbage, steer diet and live-weight gains in a Themeda triandra grassland in Kenya. I. Methods and study of techniques

1971 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. D. McKay
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Techniques ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Correction Factors ◽  
Feeding Trial ◽  
Themeda Triandra ◽  
Precise Estimation ◽  
Weight Gains ◽  
Weight Correction ◽  
Management Effects

SUMMARYA 2·year grazing trial was carried out on an equatorial Themeda triandra range grassland in the Rift Valley of Kenya, at 1890 m altitude with a bimodal rainfall of 700 mm p.a., to characterize seasonal changes in the pasture and to determine the influence of climatic and management factors on forage availability and composition, grazing selection and live-weight gains on Boran steers (Bos indicus).Fourteen categories of sampling and measurement techniques used in this work are described and some methodology problems in rangeland evaluation discussed.For precise estimation of herbage yields in large paddocks unacceptably large plotsizes and numbers were required so an arbitrary sample of twelve 10 yd x 1 yd plots per paddock was adopted giving c.v.s of 16–50%. Subsequent sampling was limited to three contrasting treatments in the most uniform block. A ‘forceps point’ method was developed for botanical estimation of oesophageal fistula samples and provisional weight correction factors calculated. In a parallel feeding trial regressions were calculated for relating the chemical composition of oesophageal fistula samples to that of the herbage ingested.

Seasonal and management effects on the composition and availability of herbage, steer diet and live-weight gains in a Themeda triandra grassland in Kenya. II. Results of herbage studies, diet selected and live-weight gains

1971 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. D. Mckay
Keyword(s):  
Rift Valley ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Treatment Effects ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Environment Design ◽  
Themeda Triandra ◽  
Weight Gains ◽  
Average Treatment Effects ◽  
Design And Methods ◽  
Management Effects

SUMMARYThe environment, design and methods of this 2-year Kedong grazing trial in the Rift Valley of Kenya were described in Part I.Crude protein of grasses varied seasonally, usually between 3 and 6 %, while most shrubs and herbs, leguminous and non-leguminous, were in the 10–20 % range, although contributing only about 3 % by weight of the total sward, excluding large bushes and trees. Steers selected herbage of 2–3 % units higher C. P., more Themeda leaf and more herbs than the sward average. Treatment effects on sward and diet C. P., and their relationships, were generally small and inconsistent. Higher C. P. in post-burning ro-growth declined to average levels after 2–3 months, except when grazed at one steer to 4–4 acres, rotational (i.e. 1–5 acres available). At this pressure available herbage fell below 1000 lb D.M./acre (1120 kg/ha). In all other treatments 2500–4500 lb D.M./acre wore available at all times. Estimated herbage production varied from almost nil to 320 lb D. M./acre/month. Burning removed 3000 lb D.M./acre. Relationships between herbage C. P., diet c. p. (oesophageal fistula samples) and faeces N were determined.

Further studies on the fattening value of grass silage and on the effect of the dry-matter percentage of the diet on dry-matter intake in ruminants

1954 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 383-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. L. Dodsworth
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
The Other ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Dry Matter Content ◽  
Feeding Trial ◽  
Grass Silage ◽  
Weight Gains

1. A feeding trial is described including four groups of cattle fed on silage only, two mixtures of silage and roots, and roots, straw, hay and oats.2. The live-weight gains made are recorded together with the rate of dry-matter intake.3. The efficiency of the dry matter of the diets was calculated.4. Silage fed alone produced a significantly greater rate of fattening than the other three diets.5. Cattle receiving roots in the morning and silage at night consumed 10·78% more dry matter and made greater live-weight gains than cattle fed on silage in the morning and roots at night.6. Calculation of the starch values of the roots and silage showed that these are higher when fed together than when silage is fed alone or when roots are fed with straw, hay and oats.7. An experiment is described designed to determine the effect of the dry-matter percentage of the diet on dry-matter intake in ruminants and of sudden changes in dry-matter content on digestibility.8. Sheep receiving 19·46% dry-matter silage consumed 16·7% more dry matter and 19·8% more starch equivalent than sheep eating 15·85% dry-matter silage.9. When the dry-matter percentage of the silage fell from 19·46 to 15·77 the digestibility of the dry matter fell by over 10%.10. The starch equivalent of the silage when fed alone was determined from the results of a digestibility trial and according to the performance of the cattle in the feeding trial. The values found were 65·88 and 66·15% respectively.11. The losses suffered in silage-making in twentyfive silos are recorded and discussed. The loss of dry matter and crude protein both average approximately 40% of that ensiled. The need for finding methods of reducing these losses is again stressed.

Physiological reasons for heterosis in growth of Bos indicus × Bos taurus

1987 ◽  
Vol 109 (2) ◽  
pp. 213-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. E. Frisch
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Maturity ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
High Growth ◽  
Environmental Stresses ◽  
Growth Potential ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Resistant Parent ◽  
Weight Gains

SummaryBy comparing growth rates of Brahman (B), Hereford × Shorthorn (HS), their reciprocal F1, hybrid (F1BX), their Fn hybrid (FnBX) and an F1 Charolais × Brahman hybrid (Fl CH x B) in environments that differed in their levels of stresses that affected growth, it was shown that heterosis for growth realized in any environment arose because of heterosis in its underlying determinants, namely growth potential and resistance to environmental stresses. Growth potential of the F1 BX was similar to that of the better parent (HS) whilst resistance to environmental stresses was similar to or approached that of the more resistant parent (B). This combination of high growth potential and high resistance to environmental stresses enabled the F1 BX to outgain both parents at all levels of environmental stress above zero. However, some or all of the heterosis in both growth potential and resistance to environmental stresses was lost in the Fn BX. Thus, although previous selection for increased live-weight gain should have favoured the Fn BX, they realized lower live-weight gains than the Fl BX in all environments and lower live-weight gains than the parental breeds in all but intermediate environments.Because the breeds differed in both determinants of growth, the magnitude of estimates of heterosis for realized growth was dependent on the environment in which it was measured. A figure depicting this interaction was constructed.Comparative estimates were also made of the rate of approach to sexual maturity of bulls of each breed. The F1 BX had similar values to the better parent (HS) for both scrotal circumference and plasma testosterone concentrations. However, the Fn BX had values that were intermediate to those of the parental breeds.Generally, gains of the -F, CH × B exceeded those of all other breeds in all environments but their rate of approach to sexual maturity was slower than that of the F1 BX.

Report on an experiment to compare the fattening values, for beef cattle, of silages made from grass cut at different stages of growth

1952 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. L. Dodsworth ◽  
W. H. McK. Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Feeding Trial ◽  
Stages Of Growth ◽  
Weight Gains ◽  
Rumen Microflora ◽  
Gut Fill ◽  
Grade Iii

1. The method adopted for making three different grades of silage, from grass cut at different stages of maturity, is described.2. A feeding trial is described including four groups of cattle fed on grades I–III silages and on swedes and straw respectively.3. The live-weight gains made are recorded together with the rate of dry-matter intake.4. A digestibility trial was carried out on the three grades of silage. The digestibility coefficients found are recorded.5. It is shown that cattle fed solely on silage build up a bigger ‘gut fill’, to the extent of 40 lb. (± 11), than similar cattle fed on swedes and straw.6. When an allowance had been made for a 40 lb. greater ‘gut fill’ in silage-fed cattle it was found that grades I and II silages produced a significantly greater rate of fattening than grade III silage and than swedes and straw.7. It was found that the rate of total daily drymatter intake rose to a peak at the eighth week and then fell; it did not continue to rise beyond that point but the cattle continued to gain in live weight.8. The efficiency of utilization of the dry matter of the rations fed increased during the latter part of the trial.9. It is suggested that the increase in efficiency of utilization of the dry matter consumed may be attributed to an adaptation in the rumen microflora of the cattle which proceeded for up to 8 weeks after the cattle were put on to the experimental diets.

scholarly journals The Role of Grasslands in the Diet of Geese

2003 ◽  
pp. 19-21
Author(s):  
Péter Gyüre ◽  
Géza Nagy ◽  
Sándor Mihók
Keyword(s):  
Live Weight ◽  
Feeding Trial ◽  
Weight Gains ◽  
Good For ◽  
Chopped Grass

A feeding trial was conducted with 4 weeks old growing geese. Feeding treatments were different proportion of chopped grass and grain pellets. Daily DM intake, weekly live weight gains and final live weight was measured. It is concluded that 25% of chopped grass in the diet has similar result as only grain pellet diet. This is good for the economy of goose production.

Weaning Weight Correction Factors from Angus Field Data

1978 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. H. Anderson ◽  
R. L. Wilham
Keyword(s):  
Field Data ◽  
Correction Factors ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Weight Correction

The prediction of voluntary intake of grazing dairy cows

1986 ◽  
Vol 107 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsey Caird ◽  
W. Holmes
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Measurement Techniques ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Simple Equation ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Farm Planning ◽  
Sward Height ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Grazing Dairy Cows

SUMMARYInformation on the total organic matter intake, concentrates supplied (C), live weight (LW), week of lactation (WL), milk yield (MY), herbage organic matter digestibility (HOMD), herbage mass, sward height (SHT) or herbage allowance (HAL) measured individually for 357 cows at one of three sites was assembled. Observed intake was compared with intakes predicted by existing intake equations and new prediction equations based on regression models or regression and least-squares constants were developed. Major factors affecting intake were MY, LW, WL, C and HAL or SHT. Although HOMD was correlated with intake, better predictions were obtained when HOMD was omitted. There were differences between sites possibly associated with differences in measurement techniques.The predictive value of some existing equations and new equations were tested against independent sets of data. A simple equation (A) based on MY and LW (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, 1975) gave satisfactory average predictions but the mean square prediction error (MSPE) was high. The equations of Vadiveloo & Holmes (1979) adjusted for bias gave a relatively low MSPE. The preferred new equations for grazing cattle included MY, LW, WL, C and HAL or SHT, and their MSPE were similar to or lower than for indoor equations.The discussion indicates that a simple equation (A) would give adequate predictions for farm planning. The more detailed equations illustrate the inter-relations of animal with sward conditions and concentrate allowances. Predicted intakes may deviate from actual intakes because of short-term changes in body reserves.

Effect of supplementary Aspergillus niger phytase in diets for piglets on their performance and apparent digestibility of phosphorus

1992 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 425-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Beers ◽  
A. W. Jongbloed
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Niger ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Apparent Digestibility ◽  
Feeding Trial ◽  
Daily Food ◽  
Microbial Phytase ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Aspergillus Niger Phytase

AbstractA total of 384 piglets from a three-way cross Yorkshire ♂ × (Finnish Landrace ♂ × Dutch Landrace♀) ♀ in the live-weight range of 11 to 25 kg were used in a feeding trial. The effect of supplementary microbial phytase from Aspergillus niger var. Van Tieghem on performance (average daily gain (ADG), average daily food intake (ADFI) and food conversion ratio (FCR)) and apparent digestibility of total phosphorus (P), in comparison with a non-supplemented basal diet or a diet supplemented with one or two levels of monocalcium phosphate (MCP), were studied.The piglets were allotted to 12 blocks. Within each block, four experimental diets were offered ad libitum for a period of 4 weeks i.e. (1) basal diet; (2) basal diet + 1·0 g P, from MCP per kg diet; (3) basal diet + 1·9 g P, from MCP per kg diet; and (4) basal diet + 1450 phytase units (PTU) per kg diet. The diets, with added chromium III oxide as a marker, were cold pelleted without steam at a temperature not above 60°C to avoid a possible inactivation of the phytase. In all diets the ratio calcium: digestible P was intended to be constant.Adding 1450 PTU of Aspergillus niger phytase enhanced the apparent digestibility of P by proportionately 0·216 when compared with diet 1 and by proportionately 0·100 compared with diet 3. In addition, significantly higher ADG and ADFI and better FCR were noted in pigs receiving supplementary microbial phytase than in pigs on any other treatment. The content of digestible P of the diet with added phytase, however, zvas between the two levels of the diets with added MCP.

The effect of winter food level on compensatory growth of weaned, suckled calves grazed at two sward heights

1986 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. A. Wright ◽  
A. J. F. Russel ◽  
E. A. Hunter
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Compensatory Growth ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Food Level ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Subsequent Performance ◽  
Herbage Intake ◽  
Winter Food ◽  
Weight Gains ◽  
Winter Feeding

ABSTRACTTwo experiments were conducted with weaned, suckled calves to investigate the effect of feeding level during the post-weaning winter on their subsequent performance when continuously grazed on pasture maintained at two sward heights. Low, medium and high levels of winter feeding resulted in winter live-weight gains of 0·31, 0·58 and 0·79 (s.e. 0·027) kg/day (P < 0·001) during the 152-day winter in experiment 1 and 0·44, 0·69 and 0·84 (s.e. 0·029) kg/day (P < 0·001) for 189 days in experiment 2. During summer (93 days in experiment 1 and 87 days in experiment 2) there was a significant effect of winter food level on performance when live-weight gains were 1·10, 1·02, 0·87 and 1·35, 1·23 and 1·19 (s.e. 0·060) kg/day for the low, medium and high winter food levels on the short and tall swards respectively in experiment 1 (P < 0·01) and 0·86, 0·66, 0·51 and 1·26, 1·18 and 0·91 (s.e. 0090) kg/day in experiment 2 (P < 0·001). The cattle showing compensatory growth had higher herbage intakes and it is postulated that this occurred because of a negative association between body fat and herbage intake. Sward height had a large positive effect on herbage intake and live-weight gain and it is concluded that for maximum intake on ryegrass swards, herbage height should be at least 8 cm. Lower levels of winter live-weight gain delayed the time to slaughter, but allowed cattle to achieve heavier carcass weights at a fixed level of fatness.It is concluded that there is no single optimum winter food level for weaned, suckled calves but that the choice will depend upon several factors, including availability of winter and summer food resources, the length of the winter feeding period, the desired date of slaughter and type of carcass to be produced.

An evaluation of beef carcass quality 1. The influence of cereal feeding on the growth and carcass quality of Friesian steers

1972 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 215-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. E. Hinks ◽  
J. H. D. Prescott
Keyword(s):  
Meat Quality ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Carcass Composition ◽  
Factorial Experiment ◽  
Carcass Quality ◽  
Grazing Cattle ◽  
Weight Gains ◽  
Second Period ◽  
Tasting Panel

SUMMARYTwenty-four Friesian steers, initially 5 months of age, were involved in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment which spanned grazing and silage feeding periods of 22 weeks' duration. In the first period, cattle were stocked at a uniformly high density, with half of the group being fed 1·25 kg/head per day of supplementary barley. In the second period, the cattle were subdivided into four groups and fed varying levels of barley with silage. Finally all the animals received 3·65 kg/head per day of barley. Replicates of the four treatments were slaughtered at random after 5 to 11 weeks on this treatment. Whilst supplementary cereal feeding significantly increased the live-weight gains of steers at grass by 11%, this live-weight advantage was offset by their slower gains in the final weeks before slaughter. Feeding cereals to grazing cattle had little effect on carcass composition or the proportions of carcass joints, but their beef was considered, by a tasting panel, to be more tender than the meat from the control steers.Increasing the level of barley fed with silage only increased live-weight gains by 2%, and had little effect on carcass or meat quality.

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