Effects of supplement or fertiliser on forage quality, and performance of stocker cattle grazing warm-season pastures

Crossbred (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) beef steers (BW = 232.8 ± 14.6 kg; n = 90) were used over 3 years to examine the efficacy of N fertiliser compared with feed supplementation on forage quality, and animal production. Each year a new group of steers were weighed (unshrunk), and assigned to graze mixed warm-season perennial pastures (Cynodon dactylon and Paspalum notatum Flugge). Paddocks were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: no fertiliser and no supplement (NONE); supplement of 1.1 kg of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) per steer (DM basis) and no fertiliser (DDGS); or fertiliser (134 kg/ha of N applied in split applications) and no supplement (FERT). Cattle were individually weighed at Days 0, 56, 84, and at Day 126, Day 140, Day 93 for Years 1, 2 and 3, respectively). Data were analysed as a mixed model, treatment being used as a fixed effect, year and block as random effects and pasture as the experimental unit. No differences were noted in BW at any point of the study. Greater total average daily gain (ADG) for the grazing period was noted with FERT and DDGS having greatest ADG compared with NONE. Input costs differed (P = 0.001) among all treatments with FERT having the highest input costs, followed by DDGS and NONE. A tendency (P = 0.11) for lowest return was noted with steers in the FERT group returning the least amount of money. No differences (P > 0.10) were noted in forage biomass (kg/ha) at any point of the study. At Day 56, FERT had least ADF (P = 0.03), greatest (P = 0.01) crude protein, and the greatest (P = 0.01) total digestible nutrients (TDN) compared with DDGS and NONE. At Day 84, similar effects existed with FERT having greater crude protein and TDN compared with DDGS and NONE (P ≤ 0.04). No effects (P > 0.10) existed for the last day of sampling for ADF and TDN, however there was a tendency increase in final crude protein (P = 0.07) associated with FERT and DDGS compared with NONE. Results indicate that similar beef cattle performance might be expected if either DDGS or FERT were used, with FERT increasing forage quality at variable points within the study.

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Reducing calcium and phosphorus in crossbred beef cattle diets: impacts on productive performance during the growing and finishing phase

Animal Production Science ◽

10.1071/an14781 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 56 (10) ◽

pp. 1643 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

L. F. Prados ◽

S. C. Valadares Filho ◽

S. A. Santos ◽

D. Zanetti ◽

A. N. Nunes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Crude Protein ◽

Bos Taurus ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Bos Indicus ◽

Nutrient Digestibility ◽

Corn Silage ◽

Productive Performance ◽

Crossbred Cattle ◽

Maintenance Requirements ◽

Daily Gain

Forty 3/4 Bos indicus × 1/4 Bos taurus bulls (initial bodyweight = 214 ± 4 kg; 11 ± 0.2 months) were used in the study. Four bulls were slaughtered as reference and the other 36 bulls were allowed ad libitum consumption of treatment diets following a completely randomised 3 × 3 factorial design. The design included three diet concentrations of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P): standard, 50% of standard, and 75% of standard and three periods of feedlot confinement: 8, 16, and 24 weeks with four bulls per treatment combination. The diets were isonitrogenous and consisted of 60 : 40 corn silage to concentrate. Dry matter intake, crude protein, ether extract, organic matter, non-fibrous carbohydrates, Ca, and P, expressed as kg/day, were greater (P < 0.05) for bulls confined for longer periods. Nutrient digestibility and average daily gain was not affected (P > 0.05) by Ca and P concentration of diet or by feedlot phase. Dressing were decreased (P < 0.05) for bulls that remained in confinement for a shorter period. The daily maintenance requirements of Ca and P were 13.66 and 21.51 mg/kg empty bodyweight, respectively, and the absorption coefficients of Ca and P were 0.70 and 0.67, respectively. We concluded that for crossbred cattle in the feedlot, dietary levels of Ca and P recommended by BR-CORTE (2010), NRC (2000), and AFRC (1991) could be reduced by 62%, 66%, and 57%, respectively, for Ca and by 14%, 15%, and 43%, respectively, for P with significant savings in costs. This study shows that Ca and P can be reduced to 1.8 and 2.2 g/kg DM respectively, in the diets for crossbred cattle in feedlot.

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21 Performance of growing beef cattle consuming bahiagrass hay treated with calcium oxide and molasses and supplemented with cottonseed meal

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz053.042 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 19-19

Author(s):

Francine M Ciriaco ◽

Darren D Henry ◽

Luara B Canal ◽

Carla D Sanford ◽

Gonzalo Barreneche ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Beef Cattle ◽

Cottonseed Meal ◽

Calcium Oxide ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Bos Taurus ◽

Block Design ◽

Bos Indicus ◽

Paspalum Notatum ◽

Experimental Unit ◽

Feed Withdrawal

Abstract An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) hay treated with calcium oxide (CaO) and molasses, offered ad libitum, on performance of growing beef cattle supplemented with cottonseed meal. Sixty-four growing Bos taurus and Bos indicus influenced heifers (249 ± 26 kg of BW) and steers (249 ± 20 kg of BW) were used in a randomized complete block design. The experiment consisted of a 56 d period in which animals were weighed every 14 d. On d 0, animals were weighed after 16-h water and feed withdrawal, stratified by sex, breed, and BW, and blocked by initial BW. Cattle were then allotted to 16 dormant bahiagrass pastures (1.34 ha each; 4 animals/pasture), which were located in 2 different areas within 0.52 km of each other. Pastures were stratified by location and randomly assigned (n = 8 pastures/treatment) to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) hay treated with 10% molasses (DM basis) + water (to 35% DM; MOL) or 2) hay treated with 5% CaO (DM basis) + 10% molasses (DM basis) + water (to 35% DM; CAO). Cottonseed meal was provided at a rate of 0.3% of cattle BW/d (as fed basis). Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS and pasture was the experimental unit. The model included the fixed effects of treatment and sex. Location and block were included as random effects. Initial and final BW were not affected by treatment (P = 0.573, P = 0.453; initial and final BW, respectively) or sex (P = 0.512, P = 0.670; initial and final BW, respectively). Additionally, no effects of treatment (P = 0.767) or sex (P = 0.285) were observed on ADG (average of 0.537 kg). In conclusion, bahiagrass hay treated with molasses alone or in combination with CaO failed to improve performance of growing beef cattle

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94 Performance of growing beef cattle consuming bahiagrass hay treated with calcium oxide and molasses and supplemented with cottonseed meal

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz053.076 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 34-34

Author(s):

Francine M Ciriaco ◽

Darren D Henry ◽

Luara B Canal ◽

Carla D Sanford ◽

Gonzalo Barreneche ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Beef Cattle ◽

Cottonseed Meal ◽

Calcium Oxide ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Bos Taurus ◽

Block Design ◽

Bos Indicus ◽

Paspalum Notatum ◽

Experimental Unit ◽

Feed Withdrawal

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Performance of growing beef cattle consuming bahiagrass hay treated with calcium oxide and molasses

Translational Animal Science ◽

10.1093/tas/txab195 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Francine M Ciriaco ◽

Darren D Henry ◽

Carla D Sanford ◽

Luara B Canal ◽

Jose C B Dubeux Jr ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Beef Cattle ◽

Cottonseed Meal ◽

Calcium Oxide ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Bos Indicus ◽

Protein Supplementation ◽

Paspalum Notatum ◽

Experimental Unit ◽

Block Designs

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of Pensacola bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) hay treated with calcium oxide (CaO) and molasses on performance of growing beef cattle supplemented or not with cottonseed meal. In Exp. 1, growing Bos indicus influenced heifers [n = 59; 250 ± 29 kg body weight (BW)] and steers (n = 37; 256 ± 45 kg BW) were used. In Exp. 2, heifers (n = 56; 249 ± 26 kg BW) and steers (n = 8; 249 ± 20 kg BW) from Exp. 1 were used. Both experiments were randomized complete block designs and consisted of 56-d periods in which cattle were weighed every 14 d. On d 0, cattle were weighed after a 16-h water and feed withdrawal, stratified by sex, breed, and BW, and blocked by initial BW. Cattle were allotted to 24 and 16 dormant bahiagrass pastures (1.34 ha each) in Exp. 1 and Exp. 2, respectively. Pastures were located in two different areas within 0.52 km of each other and were stratified by location and randomly assigned (n = 8 pastures/treatment) to treatment. In Exp. 1 treatments were: 1) untreated dry hay (DH); 2) hay treated with 10% molasses [dry matter (DM) basis] + water (to 65% DM; MOL); or 3) hay treated with 5% CaO (DM basis) + 10% molasses (DM basis) + water (to 65% DM; CAO). In Exp. 2 only treatments MOL and CAO were applied, and cottonseed meal was provided at 0.3% of cattle BW/d (as fed basis). In both experiments, data were analyzed using pasture as the experimental unit. The model included the fixed effects of treatment, sex, and their interaction (Exp. 1). Location and block were included as random effects. In both experiments, initial and final BW were not affected by treatment (P ≥ 0.362 and P ≥ 0.283, respectively) or sex (P ≥ 0.512 and P ≥ 0.495, respectively) and no treatment × sex interaction was observed in Exp. 1 (P > 0.05). Additionally, no effects of treatment (P ≥ 0.515), sex (P ≥ 0.285), or treatment × sex interaction (Exp. 1; P = 0.582) were observed on average daily gain (average of -0.03 kg in Exp. 1 and 0.537 kg in Exp.2). Bahiagrass hay treated with molasses alone or in combination with CaO failed to improve performance of growing beef cattle. However, when protein supplementation via cottonseed meal was provided, cattle did not experience weight loss.

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152 Effects of mineral supplementation on performance and serum mineral status in beef steers grazing annual ryegrass

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz258.306 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 149-149

Author(s):

J D Rivera ◽

Rhonda C Vann

Keyword(s):

Blood Sample ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Random Effect ◽

Warm Season ◽

Paspalum Notatum ◽

Experimental Unit ◽

Beef Steers ◽

Annual Ryegrass ◽

Mineral Status ◽

Mineral Supplementation

Abstract Thirty six crossbred (predominantly English with some Bos indicus influence) beef steers (initial BW 264.8 + 35.8 kg) were blocked by BW and used in a completely random design to examine the effects of mineral supplementation on performance and serum mineral status in beef cattle grazing annual ryegrass pastures for 84 d. All cattle were withheld from mineral for approximately 60 d prior to the initiation of the study and were allowed to graze dormant bahiagrass pastures (Paspalum notatum), and also had access to bahiagrass hay. On d -1, cattle were weighed and stratified by BW into Light (n = 6 pastures) and Heavy (n = 4 pastures) blocks and returned to their dormant warm season pasture. On d 0, cattle were weighed, a 10 mL blood sample was collected for serum mineral status and cattle were moved to their respective 1.2 ha annual ryegrass treatment pastures. Treatments were randomly assigned to pasture and consisted of CON (no complete mineral supplementation), or MIN (free choice access to a complete beef mineral.) Cattle grazed annual ryegrass for 84 d, after which a final BW was collected as well as a second 10 mL blood sample. Data were analyzed as a mixed model with weight block a random effect and treatment a fixed effect and pasture was the experimental unit. Supplementing MIN tended (P = 0.06) to increase total weight gain at d 84 and increased (P = 0.01) ADG (1.61 vs. 1.67 kg/d for CON and MIN, respectively). Additionally, feeding MIN resulted in increased serum Co, Zn, and Se (P = 0.01) but resulted in no differences in serum Fe and Cu (P > 0.10). Feeding MIN resulted in greater performance and increased some serum mineral levels, however the lack of response in serum Cu to MIN bears further examination.

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Differences in copper and selenium metabolism between Angus (Bos taurus) and Brahman (Bos indicus) cattle

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab048 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

J Ranches ◽

R Alves ◽

M Vedovatto ◽

E Anne Palmer ◽

P Moriel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bos Taurus ◽

Bos Indicus ◽

First Trimester ◽

Beef Cows ◽

Experimental Unit ◽

University Of Florida ◽

Brahman Cattle ◽

Research And Education ◽

The University ◽

Se Status

Abstract A two-year study was conducted at the University of Florida – IFAS, Range Cattle Research and Education Center (Ona, FL) to evaluate differences in the metabolism of Cu and Se of Angus (Bos taurus) and Brahman (Bos indicus) cattle. Thirty-two pregnant beef cows (n = 8 Brahman and 8 Angus/year) were enrolled in the study in the first trimester of gestation. The study consisted of 3 phases: (1) restriction (d 0 to d 90); (2) supplementation (d 91 to 150), and (3) calving. During all 3 phases, cows were individually fed and housed in partially covered drylot pens. During the restriction and supplementation phases cows were provided a 1.5 kg/d of a grain-based concentrate supplement, which was fortified with flowers of S (50 g of supplemental S/cow daily; restriction phase) or Cu and Se (100 and 3 mg/d of Cu and Se, respectively; supplementation phase). Blood and liver samples were collected from all cows on 30 d intervals and from both cows and calves within 24 h of calving. Colostrum and milk samples were collected at calving and 7 d after birth. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS, where cow and calf were the experimental unit. During the restriction phase, a breed × day effect (P = 0.03) was observed where Brahman had greater liver Cu concentration than Angus cows in all sampling days. For liver Se concentration, a tendency (P = 0.07) for a breed effect was observed where Angus cows tended to have greater liver Se concentration than Brahman. During the supplementation phase, breed (P < 0.001) and day (P < 0.01) effects were observed, where Brahman cows had greater liver Cu concentration than Angus. For liver Se concentration, a day effect (P < 0.001) was observed, where liver Se concentration increased (P < 0.001) from d 90 to 120 and remained unchanged (P = 0.86) until d 150. At calving no effects of breed (P = 0.34) were observed for liver Cu concentration of cows, however, Brahman calves tended (P = 0.09) to have greater liver Cu concentration than Angus calves. For Se liver concentration at calving, Angus cows tended (P = 0.07) to have greater liver Se concentration than Brahman cows, however no breed differences (P = 0.70) were observed for liver Se concentration of calves at birth. In summary substantial differences in multiple indicators of Cu and Se status were observed between Angus and Brahman cattle, implying that Angus and Brahman cattle possibly have different mechanisms to maintain adequate Cu and Se status.

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273 OVUM PICKUP AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF A SYNCHRONIZED FOLLICULAR WAVE DID NOT AFFECT IVP IN BOS INDICUS, BOS TAURUS, OR BUBALUS BUBALIS

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv22n1ab273 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

pp. 293 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

L. U. Gimenes ◽

M. L. Ferraz ◽

A. Araujo ◽

P. Fantinato Neto ◽

M. R. Chiarati ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mixed Model ◽

Bos Taurus ◽

Bos Indicus ◽

Cumulus Cell ◽

Bubalus Bubalis ◽

Genetic Group ◽

Cleavage Rate ◽

Follicular Wave ◽

Counting Data ◽

Initial Hypothesis

One important factor in the success of ovum pickup (OPU)/IVP in Bos taurus is the follicular status at OPU concerning the dominance period (Hendriksen et al. 2000 Theriogenology 53, 11-20). The hypothesis of the present study is that OPU performed after follicle deviation, when follicles show a mild level of atresia, improves competence for IVP in Nelore (NE), Holstein (HO), and buffaloes (BU). Objectives were to determine effects of OPU done at different times of synchronized follicular wave (1, 3, or 5 d after expected emergence) and of genetic group (NE, HO, and BU) on IVP. A total of 27 heifers (9 of each genetic group) were maintained in contemporary nutritional and environmental conditions during experiment, in a cross-over design, performed in 6 replicates. Recovered oocytes with at least one cumulus cell layer were matured in TCM-199 supplemented with 10% of FCS plus 50 μM of cysteamin and 0.3 mM of cystine, at 38.5°C with 5% CO2 in air for 24 h. IVF was done with 2 × 106 spermatozoa per mL of NE (for bovine oocytes) or BU semen (for BU oocytes), for 20 h at the same incubator conditions of IVM. After IVF, presumptive zygotes were denuded and cultured in SOF under the same previous atmosphere conditions. Medium was changed 3 d after IVF when cleavage rate (CR) was assessed. Blastocyst (BR) and hatching rates (HR) were evaluated 7 and 9 days after IVF, respectively. About 50% of hatched blastocysts were fixed until nuclei counting. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using the Proc Mixed model. No effects of interaction or time of synchronization were observed in any of the variables. Concerning genetic group, NE had better results than HO and BU (mean ± SEM / heifer / replicate), respectively, for visualized follicles (41.0a ± 2.1, 22.1b ± 1.3, 18.8b ± 0.9), total oocytes (37.1a ± 2.5, 15.4b ± 1.2, 14.8b ± 1.0), oocytes at IVM (30.8a ± 2.4, 10.7b ± 1.0, 7.9b ± 0.7), oocytes at IVC (18.7a ± 0.8, 8.0b ± 0.5, 7.5b ± 0.4), cleaved embryos (15.4a ± 0.7, 4.6b ± 0.4, 4.4b ± 0.3),CR(81.8a, 59.1b, 62.3b), blastocysts on Day 7 (5.1a ± 0.6, 1.0b ± 0.2, 0.6b ± 0.1), BR (25.8a, 13.6b, 9.1b), and hatched blastocysts on Day 9 (2.6a ± 0.4, 0.3b ± 0.1, 0.3b ± 0.1). Recovery rate and HR were greater for NE (89.4 and 50.6%, respectively) than for HO (73.3 and 23.2%), but neither differed from BU (82.8 and 31.9%). Also, the percentage of viable was greater for NE (83.0) than for HO (66.9) and BU (53.1). No effects were observed for nuclei counting (NE = 176.6 ± 5.3, HO = 168.9 ± 13.7 and BU = 206.1 ± 23.1). Results demonstrate that Nelore had a better efficiency for IVP than Holstein and buffaloes. OPU performed at different times of synchronized follicular wave did not influence IVP, conversely to the initial hypothesis of this study. FAPESP (06/59550-6, 07/04782-2), Tortuga Cia Zootecnica®, Santa Adele and São Caetano Farms, LMMD, PCAPS, HOVET (Dr. Ubiraem Schalch), VRA, VNP (Prof. Dr. Francisco de Palma Rennó).

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Standardized ileal digestible (SID) isoleucine requirement of barrows (15- to 30- kg) fed low crude protein diets

Semina Ciências Agrárias ◽

10.5433/1679-0359.2017v38n5p3283 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 38 (5) ◽

pp. 3283

Author(s):

Doglas Batista Lazzeri ◽

Leandro Dalcin Castilha ◽

Patrícia Barcellos Costa ◽

Ricardo Vianna Nunes ◽

Magali Soares dos Santos Pozza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Crude Protein ◽

Block Design ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Basal Diet ◽

Experimental Unit ◽

Optimum Level ◽

Initial Weight ◽

Protein Deposition ◽

Randomized Block Design ◽

Protein Diets

This study aimed to determine the SID isoleucine (Ile) requirement of starting barrows fed low crude protein. Two experiments were carried out. Experiment 1: Ten crossbred barrows were used in order to determine the SID AA of the basal diet (treatment with the lowest SID Ile level used in the growth performance experiment), averaging 15.00 ± 0.27 kg of initial weight, individually housed in metabolic cages and allotted in a complete randomized design, with two treatments, five replicates and one animal per experimental unit. Treatments consisted of a basal (14.13% CP and 0.450% of SID Ile) and a free protein diet. Experiment 2: A performance experiment was carried out to determine the SID Ile requirement when using low crude protein diets. Forty crossbred barrows were used, averaging 15.00 ± 0.87 kg of initial weight and distributed in a randomized block design with five treatments (0.450, 0.520, 0.590, 0.660 and 0.730% of SID Ile) and two animals per experimental unit. The average daily gain (ADG) (P=0.049) and protein deposition (P=0.01) were affected by the studied SID Ile levels. The daily need of SID Ile was estimated at 5.9 g when considering 0.61% as the optimum level of SID Ile in the diet for an improved ADG and protein deposition.

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Effects of Sub-Optimal Temperatures on Seed Germination of Three Warm-Season Turfgrasses with Perspectives of Cultivation in Transition Zone

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy9080421 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 421 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Maurizio Giolo ◽

Paolo Benincasa ◽

Giuseppe Anastasi ◽

Stefano Macolino ◽

Andrea Onofri

Keyword(s):

Transition Zone ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

Cynodon Dactylon ◽

Warm Season ◽

Petri Dish ◽

Thermal Time ◽

Inspection Time ◽

Time Model ◽

Turfgrass Establishment

Warm-season turfgrass species prevail in tropical and subtropical areas, but can also be grown in the transition zone. In this case, cold tolerance is a key aspect for germination and successful turfgrass establishment. The germination response to sub-optimal temperatures was investigated for Cynodon dactylon (cvs Jackpot, La Paloma, Transcontinental, Yukon, Riviera), Buchloe dactyloides (cv SWI 2000) and Paspalum vaginatum (cv Pure Dynasty). Four temperature regimes were applied, i.e., 20/30 °C, 15/25 °C, 10/20 °C and 5/15 °C, with a 12:12 h (light:dark) photoperiod. Germination assays were performed twice, with six replicates (Petri dishes) per treatment in each experiment, fifty seeds per dish. The final germinated percentages at last inspection time (FGP) were obtained for each Petri dish and processed by using a generalized linear mixed model (binomial error and logit link). Germination curves were fitted to each Petri dish by using time-to-event methods and germination rates (GR) for the 10th, 20th and 30th percentiles were derived and used to fit a linear thermal-time model. For all cultivars, FGP decreased with decreasing mean daily temperatures. Base temperatures (Tb) ranged between 11.4 °C and 17.0 °C, while the thermal time to obtain 30% germination ranged from 51.3 °C day for SWI 2000 to 144.0 °C day for Pure Dynasty. The estimated parameters were used to predict germination time in the field, considering the observed soil temperatures in Legnaro. The estimated date for the beginning of germination in the field would range from early April for SWI 2000 and Transcontinental to mid-May for Riviera. These results might be used as a practical support for planning spring sowing, which is crucial for successful turfgrass establishment, especially without irrigation.

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Comparing Seeded Organicfiber Mat with Direct Soil Seeding for Warm-season Turfgrass Establishment

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech.11.2.243 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 243-248 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

K.L. Hensler ◽

B.S. Baldwin ◽

J.M. Goatley

Keyword(s):

Cynodon Dactylon ◽

Warm Season ◽

Paspalum Notatum ◽

Stenotaphrum Secundatum ◽

Weed Population ◽

Planting Methods ◽

Eremochloa Ophiuroides ◽

Direct Seeded ◽

Turfgrass Establishment ◽

Viable Method

A bioorganic fiber seeding mat was compared to traditional seeding into a prepared soil to ascertain any advantages or disadvantages in turfgrass establishment between the planting methods. Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum), bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), carpetgrass (Axonopus affinis), centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides), st. augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), and zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica) were seeded at recommended levels in May 1995 and July 1996. The seeding methods were evaluated under both irrigated and nonirrigated conditions. Plots were periodically rated for percent turf coverage; weed counts were taken about 4 weeks after study initiation. Percent coverage ratings for all grasses tended to be higher for direct-seeded plots under irrigated conditions in both years. Bermudagrass and bahiagrass established rapidly for both planting methods under either irrigated or nonirrigated conditions. Only carpetgrass and zoysiagrass tended to have greater coverage ratings in nonirrigated, mat-seeded plots in both years, although the percent plot coverage ratings never reached the minimum desired level of 80%. In both years, weed counts in mat-seeded plots were lower than in direct-seeded plots. A bioorganic fiber seeding mat is a viable method of establishing warm-season turfgrasses, with its biggest advantage being a reduction in weed population as compared to direct seeding into a prepared soil.

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