45 Effects of Grazing Management Systems on Forage Quality, Forage Availability, and Cow Performance

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 150-150
Author(s):  
Meghan Jurak ◽  
Michelle Johnson ◽  
Lucas T Neira ◽  
Joshua C McCann ◽  
Daniel W Shike

Abstract The objectives were to compare the effects of two rotational grazing systems on forage quality, forage availability, and cow performance. Multiparous, fall-calving beef cows (n = 360; BW = 597±62 kg) were stratified by body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), age, and sire and allotted to 6 groups. Groups were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: 8-paddock system rotated every 5 d or 6-paddock system rotated every 7 d. All paddocks (6.1 ha) contained endophyte-infected tall fescue and were grazed in two rounds. Cow BW and BCS were obtained on d 0, 28, 56, and 84. Forage heights were measured using a rising plate meter upon the groups entering and exiting each paddock. Forage samples were clipped from each paddock for proximate analysis. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. During the first and second grazing rounds, grazing management system had no effects (P ≥ 0.11) on dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and crude protein of the forage. The 8-paddock system tended (P = 0.09) to have greater forage availability than the 6-paddock system at the end of each rotation in the first round with 3,665 and 3,263 kg DM/ha, respectively. However, grazing system did not affect (P = 0.13) forage availability at the end of the rotation in the second round. Cow BW was not affected (P ≥ 0.63) by grazing system on d 0, 28, or 56. On d 84, cows rotationally grazed through an 8-paddock system had greater (P = 0.04) BW than those who grazed the 6-paddock system. Treatment had no effect (P ≥ 0.37) on BCS at any time point. In conclusion, grazing management system did not affect forage quality; however, the 8-paddock system resulted in greater forage availability which led to greater cow BW.

Author(s):  
R. Caballero ◽  
M. Arauzo ◽  
P.J. Hernaíz

A three years field experiment in practical management conditions was carried out at La Poveda Field Station with the aim of establishing the relationship between allowance and intake and estimating the overall efficiency of the grazing system.A paddock grazing management system was implemented with grazing time restricted to eight hours per day. 90, 98 and 98 lactating ewes of the Hanchega breed in its spring lambing season were used in 1985, 1986 and 1987 respectively.


2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 147-148
Author(s):  
Lucas Hofer ◽  
Megan Myerscough ◽  
Wes Chapple ◽  
Travis T Meteer ◽  
Keela Trennepohl ◽  
...  

Abstract The objective was to compare the performance of cows housed in drylots or on pasture. Spring-calving, Simmental × Angus cow-calf pairs (n = 108; 77 ± 18 days postpartum) were stratified by age, body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), calving date, and calf sex. Cows were allotted into six groups which were randomly assigned to drylot or pasture. Drylot cows were limit-fed a ration consisting of corn silage, dried distillers grain, corn stalks, cracked corn, and a corn-based supplement to meet protein and energy requirements. Cows on pasture were rotationally grazed with access to free-choice mineral. Cows were artificially inseminated on day 0. Cow BW, BCS, hair coat scores, locomotion scores, and lameness treatments were evaluated throughout the 110-day experiment. Milk production and composition were evaluated on day 56. Data were analyzed using the MIXED and GLIMMIX (binary data) procedures of SAS. Artificial insemination and overall pregnancy rates did not differ (P ≥ 0.79) between groups. Drylot cows were 22 and 51 kg heavier (P ≤ 0.02) than pasture cows on days 83 and 110, respectively. Drylot cow BCS was greater (P = 0.03) on day 110. Hair coat scores were more desirable (P = 0.03) in drylot cows than pasture cows on day 110. Drylot cows had greater (P = 0.04) milk production than pasture cows. Pasture cows had greater (P ≤ 0.03) milk protein content and milk urea nitrogen. Although locomotion scores did not differ (P ≥ 0.45) on days 0 and 34, they were less desirable (P = 0.02) for the drylot cows on day 110. A greater (P = 0.02) percentage of drylot cows (33%) were treated for lameness than pasture cows (7%). Housing cows in drylots increased BW, BCS, and milk production, but resulted in poorer locomotion scores and increased lameness treatments.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 3545
Author(s):  
Shital Poudyal ◽  
Valtcho D. Zheljazkov

The extraction of coalbed methane produces a significant amount of coalbed methane co-produced water (CBMW). Coalbed methane co-produced water is often characterized by high levels of pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium (Na) and bicarbonate (HCO−3) and if used for irrigation without treatment, it may be detrimental to the surrounding soil, plants and environment. CBMW ideally should be disposed of by reinjection into the ground, but because of the significant cost associated, CBMW is commonly discharged onto soil or water surfaces. This study was conducted to elucidate the effect of the CBMW (with TDS value of <1500 ppm) at various blending ratios with fresh water on the yield and quality of representative forage crops [i.e., oat (Avena sativa) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa)]. Various blends of CBMW with fresh water reduced fresh and dry weight of alfalfa by 21.5–32% and 13–30%, respectively and fresh and dry weight of oat by 0–17% and 0–14%, respectively. Irrigation with various blends of CBMW and fresh water increased soil pH and soil sodium adsorption ratio. However, forage quality parameters such as crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), total digestible nutrients (TDN) and relative feed value (RFV) of both forage crops remained unaffected.


1968 ◽  
Vol 8 (30) ◽  
pp. 40 ◽  
Author(s):  
FHW Morley

Growth curves, published by Brougham (1956), of pastures growing in winter at Palmerston North, New Zealand, were analysed. The mathematical models were examined by computer runs in which the various parameters were varied within likely limits. The results obtained suggest that the following principles may be applied to the management of pastures similar to those studied. The average rate of regrowth increases to a maximum after removal of grazing animals, but this maximum is not sharply defined. The optimum number of subdivisions in a rotational grazing system is probably less than ten, unless considerations other than pasture growth are important. The optimum length of intervals between grazings, and of grazing periods, for a given level of subdivision, are not sharply defined. Following dry autumns, management should generally aim at maximum pasture production rather than most rapid relief of present stress, provided this policy does not endanger animal or financial survival. Systems of grazing management may therefore vary within fairly wide limits, without serious loss of pasture production, provided pasture stability and animal welfare are not jeopardized.


2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 544-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandra Saffe ◽  
Anabel Fernandez ◽  
Germán Mazza ◽  
Rosa Rodriguez

The use of energy from biomass is becoming more common worldwide. This energy source has several benefits that promote its acceptance; it is bio-renewable, non-toxic and biodegradable. To predict its behavior as a fuel during thermal treatment, its characterization is necessary. The experimental determination of ultimate analysis data requires special instrumentation, while proximate analysis data can be obtained easily by using common equipment but, the required time is high. In this work, a methodology is applied based on thermogravimetric analysis, curves deconvolution and empirical correlations for characterizing different regional agro-industrial wastes to determine the high heating value, the contents of moisture, volatiles matter, fixed carbon, ash, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose. The obtained results are similar to those using standard techniques, showing the accuracy of proposed method and its wide application range. This methodology allows to determine the main parameters required for industrial operation in only in one step, saving time.


1969 ◽  
Vol 98 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-177
Author(s):  
Rafael Ramos-Santana ◽  
Yamil Quijano-Cabrera ◽  
Raúl Macchiavelli

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the dry matter yield and quality performance of Maralfalfa forage obtained at six harvest intervals (HI; 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 d) on three dairies in northern Puerto Rico during the long day season. The 40-day harvest interval was significantly (P < 0.05) inferior in dry matter yield to those of 60, 80, and 90 days; no significant (P < 0.05) differences in yield were observed among intervals of 40, 50 and 70 days. The 40-day interval showed the highest forage quality as indicated by crude protein content, digestibility in vitro of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber, and estimated net energy, index of relative forage quality and theoretical milk production. Although significant (P < 0.05) differences were observed in some of these criteria between 40- and 50-day harvest intervals, the latter maintained a good nutritional value in contrast to drastic losses in quality observed with the longer harvest intervals under study. The simple regression equations between digestibility in vitro of dry matter and of neutral detergent fiber versus harvest interval showed a decrease in digestibility of 2.7 and 3.0 percentage points for each additional 10 days of harvest interval, respectively.


2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 226-226
Author(s):  
Michelle Johnson ◽  
Meghan Jurak ◽  
Lucas T Neira ◽  
Joshua C McCann ◽  
Daniel W Shike

Abstract The objective was to determine how mowing date affected forage availability and quality. Cool season grass plots were randomly assigned to 4 treatments (n=2): mowed on day 1 (M1), mowed on day 15 (M15), mowed on day 29 (M29), and not mowed (NM). During the 56-day experiment, forage heights were measured using a rising plate meter to determine forage availability and samples were clipped for proximate analysis. The MIXED procedure of SAS was used to analyze data. On day 14, CP in M1 was 37.5% greater (P = 0.05) than the composite of M15, M29, and NM. However, the composite of M15, M29, and NM had greater (P = 0.02) forage availability than M1 on day 14. On day 28, M15 had greater (P = 0.02) ADF than M1, while the composite of M29 and NM was intermediate and not different than other treatments. There was also a treatment effect (P &lt; 0.01) on forage availability on day 28; the composite of M29 and NM was greatest followed by M1 and M15, respectively. On day 42, the NDF of M29 was greater (P = 0.01) than M1, M15, and NM. Decreased CP was observed (P = 0.05) for NM compared with M1, M15, and M29 on day 42. Forage availability was different (P &lt; 0.01) for all treatments on day 42 with NM being the greatest followed by M1, M15, M29, respectively. On day 56, NM tended (P = 0.08) to have the greatest DM, but there was no difference (P ≥ 0.31) in NDF, ADF, and CP. Forage availability was different (P &lt; 0.01) for all treatments on day 56 with NM being the greatest followed by M1, M15, M29, respectively. In conclusion, mowing reduced forage availability as expected, but it also increased CP on day 14 and 42.


Author(s):  
Megan E Myerscough ◽  
Lucas T Neira ◽  
Keifer H Sexton ◽  
Lucas S Hofer ◽  
Keela M Trennepohl ◽  
...  

Abstract The objectives were to analyze the effects of housing cow-calf pairs in drylots (DL) or pasture (PAST) on cow performance and reproduction as well as calf performance and behavior through feedlot receiving. Simmental × Angus (2 yr; 108/yr; 81 ± 15.3 d postpartum) spring-calving cows were stratified by age, body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), and calf sex and allotted to 6 groups/yr. Groups were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: DL or PAST. Cows in DL were limit-fed at maintenance and calves had ad libitum access to the cow diet in an adjacent pen. Pairs on PAST were rotationally grazed and calves received creep ad libitum three weeks prior to weaning. On d 110 calves were fence-line weaned and behavior was observed on d 111 and 112. On d 116 calves were transported 272 kilometers to a feedlot for a 42-d receiving period. Behavior was evaluated again on d 117 and 118. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS except reproductive data which was analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure. Cows on DL had greater (P ≤ 0.01) BW and BCS at weaning. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.42) detected in reproductive data. Cows on DL had greater (P = 0.02) milk production. Calves on DL had greater BW (P ≤ 0.01) on d 55 and at weaning and greater preweaning average daily gain (ADG). There were treatment × time effects (P = 0.01) for lying and eating on d 111 and 112. More DL calves were eating in the morning and lying in the evening. More (P &lt; 0.01) PAST calves were walking on d 111. Pasture calves vocalized more (P ≤ 0.01) on d 112. On d 117, more (P ≤ 0.05) pasture calves were lying and eating, and DL vocalized more. On d 118, treatment × time and treatment effects were detected (P ≤ 0.02) for lying and walking. More PAST calves were lying and more DL calves were walking. Drylot calves had greater (P ≤ 0.02) BW at the beginning and end of the receiving phase. Pasture calves had greater (P &lt; 0.01) ADG and tended (P = 0.10) to have greater gain efficiency during feedlot receiving phase. In conclusion, housing cow-calf pairs in drylots improved BW, BCS, and milk production of cows but did not affect reproductive performance. Drylot calves had increased BW and ADG during the preweaning phase. Calf behavior at weaning and receiving was influenced by preweaning housing. Pasture calves had improved receiving phase ADG and feed efficiency but were still lighter than drylot calves after 42 d receiving phase.


2020 ◽  
Vol 94 (5) ◽  
pp. 1701-1711 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iván Azuara-Morales ◽  
Silvia López-Ortiz ◽  
Jesús Jarillo-Rodríguez ◽  
Ponciano Pérez-Hernández ◽  
Eusebio Ortega-Jiménez ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (9) ◽  
pp. 1615 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martín Claramunt ◽  
Andrea Fernández-Foren ◽  
Pablo Soca

The effects of two levels of herbage allowance (HA, kg DM/kg liveweight (LW)) on forage mass and chemical composition, cow body condition score, cow LW, stocking rate, productive and reproductive responses were evaluated during two consecutive years. Eighty primiparous spring-calving beef cows were allocated to a completely randomised block design of two HA that had an annual average of 2.5 (low) and 4.0 kg DM/kg LW (high) from –150 to 195 days postpartum. The grazing system was continuous, and the put-and-take method was employed to adjust HA. At 86 ± 12 days postpartum, all cows were submitted to calf suckling restrictions with nose plates (12 days) and dietary flushing (2 kg/cow.day of whole-rice bran for 22 days), 6 days before bull introduction. Forage mass was affected by HA (P = 0.004) and year (P = 0.014); the high HA had a greater forage mass than the low HA (1474 vs 1212 ± 86 kg DM/ha; P < 0.05), and Year 2 had a greater forage mass than Year 1 (1545 vs 1134 ± 78 kg DM/ha; P < 0.05). Stocking rate was affected by HA and season (P = 0.0004) interaction. The stocking rate during autumn and spring was greater in low than high HA, and no differences were identified in winter and summer. The body condition score was improved in high HA during autumn and resulted in a greater winter (mid-gestation) body condition score than the low HA without differences during spring-summer (postpartum). Cow LW was lower during autumn, winter and early postpartum (16 days postpartum) in low HA in Year 1 than high HA of Year 1 and high and low HA cows in Year 2. Furthermore, the probability of total pregnancies (0.88 vs 0.59 ± 0.07; P = 0.01) and the calf weight adjusted to 205 days (194 vs 175 ± 16 kg; P < 0.05) were greater in high HA. Calf weight adjusted to 205 days (Year 1: 192 vs Year 2: 177 ± 16 kg; P < 0.05) and survival curves of postpartum anoestrus (P = 0.01) were affected by year but did not affect the probability of conception, early or total pregnancies. In conclusion, the reproductive and productive responses of primiparous beef cows grazing Campos grasslands were improved in high HA and could contribute to alleviating adverse climatic conditions effects.


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