scholarly journals 65 On-farm demonstrations improve producer understanding of using metsulfuron for tall fescue seedhead suppression

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 5-6
Author(s):  
Johnny R Rogers ◽  
Matthew H Poore ◽  
Sam Ingram ◽  
Deidre Harmon
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Fescue Toxicosis ◽  
New Production ◽  
Boot Stage ◽  
Production Practices ◽  
Workshop Evaluation ◽  
On Farm

Abstract In 2018, a series of 4 on-farm demonstrations were conducted using a metsulfuron herbicide for tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) seedhead suppression to increase producer awareness of this practice. Chaparral© herbicide was applied prior to the boot stage (April 5–April 21, 2018) and the design was an unreplicated field with side by side treated and untreated areas. Forage samples were taken to determine yield, nutritive value, species composition and ergovaline level. Treatment with Chaparral© increased crude protein (12.1 vs. 14.2%) while reducing yield (5477 vs. 3738 kg/ha) and tall fescue seedhead proportion (42.8 vs. 25.4%) (P < 0.05). Total digestible nutrients tended to be higher (57.2 vs 59.2%, P = 0.08) and ergovaline level tended to be lower (901 vs. 491 ppb, P = 0.11) with treatment. Workshops were held to report the demonstration results. Total workshop registration was 147 with 91 evaluations completed. Participants were 78% male and 22% female with 65% being over the age 50. The pasture hectares grazed by participants was 4253 with 1415 ha as hay. Attendee’s livestock inventories were 6357 beef cattle, 105 sheep, 66 goats and 70 horses. Post-workshop evaluation indicated that 100% of attendees increased understanding of fescue toxicosis, management strategies to reduce fescue toxicity and of using metsulfuron for seedhead suppression. Evaluations completed at the conclusion of each workshop (n = 90) indicated satisfaction with (scale of 1 = not satisfied to 4 = very satisfied, mean ± SD): instructors’ knowledge (3.86 ± 0.34), workshop environment/format (3.83 ± 0.37), and overall quality (3.82 ± 0.41). One hundred percent indicated that this workshop met their expectations and they would recommend it to others. Producer interest and responses indicate that on farm demonstrations are an effective method for education of new production practices

Seasonal changes in forage nutritive value of common weeds encountered in Missouri pastures

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-171
Author(s):  
Gatlin Bunton ◽  
Zach Trower ◽  
Craig Roberts ◽  
Kevin W. Bradley
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Quality Parameter ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Weed Species ◽  
Growing Seasons

AbstractDuring the 2015, 2016, and 2017 growing seasons, weed and weed-free mixed tall fescue and legume forage samples were harvested from 29 pastures throughout Missouri for investigation of the nutritive value of 20 common pasture weed species throughout the season. At certain times during the growing season, many broadleaf weed species had greater nutritive values for a given quality parameter as compared with the available weed-free, mixed tall fescue and legume forage harvested from the same location. There were no significant differences in crude protein concentration between the weed-free forage and many weeds throughout the growing season. However, crude protein content of common burdock, common cocklebur, common ragweed, dandelion, horsenettle, and lanceleaf ragweed was greater than that of the corresponding forage sample at multiple collection periods. The digestible neutral detergent fiber (dNDF) content of all broadleaf weeds except lanceleaf ragweed was significantly lower than that of the weed-free forage at all collection periods. Conversely, large crabgrass had significantly greater digestible neutral detergent fiber levels than did the mixed tall fescue forage at all sampling dates. Dandelion and spiny amaranth had greater in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) content than did the forage for the entire growing season. Three perennial weeds—horsenettle, vervains, and late boneset—did not differ in IVTD levels as compared with the mixed tall fescue and legume forage at any collection date. For most summer annual weeds, the trend was toward greater digestibility earlier in the season, with a gradual decline and often lower IVTD by the late summer or early fall. The results of this study will enable producers to make more informed management decisions about the potential benefit or detriment a weed may provide to the overall nutritive value of the pasture system.

scholarly journals Nutritive value of on-farm common vetch-oat hays. II. Ruminal degradability of dry matter and crude protein

2000 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 391-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madiha Haj-Ayed ◽  
Javier González ◽  
Rafael Caballero ◽  
María Remedios Alvir
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Common Vetch ◽  
Ruminal Degradability ◽  
On Farm

scholarly journals Response of simple grass-white clover and multi-species pastures to gibberellic acid or nitrogen fertiliser in autumn

2013 ◽  
pp. 145-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.H. Van Rossum ◽  
R.H. Bryant ◽  
G.R. Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Gibberellic Acid ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Festuca Arundinacea ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Plantago Lanceolata ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
Nitrogen Fertiliser

Herbage dry matter (DM) production, botanical composition and nutritive value of pastures were measured in response to the application of 24 g/ ha gibberellic acid (GA; 60 g ProGibb®/ha) and 50 kg N/ha nitrogen fertiliser (N; 106 kg urea/ha) in autumn. Responses were compared for simple two species grass (perennial ryegrass or tall fescue)-white clover pastures and multi-species pastures where herbs (chicory and plantain), legumes (red clover and lucerne) and prairie grass were sown with the simple mixtures. Four weeks after application, the increase in DM yield averaged across pasture mixtures relative to untreated plots was 273, 104, and 493 kg DM/ha for GA alone, N fertiliser alone, and GA and N combined, respectively. Application of GA increased the white clover percentage in all pastures except simple tall fescue pastures. The percentage of herbs in multispecies pastures was increased by application of N but not GA. Crude protein concentration was decreased by GA application in all pastures except simple ryegrass pastures. The results from this study show that it is important to consider the botanical composition of pastures when determining the effect of GA on DM yield and nutritive value. Keywords: crude protein, Cichorium intybus, Festuca arundinacea, gibberellins, Lolium perenne, Plantago lanceolata, nutritive value

scholarly journals Effects of endophyte-infected tall fescue seed and protein supplementation on stocker steers: II. Adaptive and innate immune function

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (10) ◽  
pp. 4160-4170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca K Poole ◽  
Alecia R Brown ◽  
Matthew H Poore ◽  
Carrie L Pickworth ◽  
Daniel H Poole
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Protein Supplementation ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Fescue Toxicosis ◽  
Diarrhea Virus ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Abstract Fescue toxicosis is a multifaceted syndrome common in cattle grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue that affects performance; however, little information is available pertaining to its effects on immunity. Recently, it has been shown that supplemental CP can improve performance in weaned steers postvaccination. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplemental CP on innate and adaptive immune responses in stocker steers chronically exposed to ergovaline. Angus steers (n = 12 pens; 3 steers/pen) were stratified by weight and assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to examine crude protein levels of supplement (14% or 18%) and ergovaline exposure (0 or 185 μg ergovaline/kg BW/d via ground endophyte-free (EF) or endophyte-infected (EI) tall fescue seed, respectively) on immune response. Consumption of low to moderate concentration of ergovaline from EI tall fescue seed was sufficient to induce mild symptoms associated with fescue toxicosis. Blood samples were collected at day 0, 42, and 56 to evaluate infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) type 1b titers following vaccine challenge. Additionally, serum cytokine concentrations were evaluated using Quantibody Bovine Cytokine Arrays on day 0, 28, and 42. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS with repeated measures. Regardless of treatment, no differences were observed in IBR and BVDV-1b seroconversion following vaccine challenge (P > 0.05). Regardless of crude protein concentration, EI steers had greater concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1α), chemokines (CCL2, CCL4, MIG), anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, -13, -15, -21), and various growth factors (FGF-1, IGF-1, VEGF-A) when compared to EF steers (P < 0.05). Furthermore, VEGF-A and IGF-1 concentrations were greater in EI-14 steers on day 28 compared to EI-18, EF-14, and EF-18 steers (P < 0.05), however, this difference was not observed on day 0 or 42 (P > 0.05). Based on these data, steers exposed to ergovaline have an increase in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and supplemental CP had minimal impact to mitigate this response. However, in the current study, exposure to ergovaline had little to no effect on adaptive immunity and response to vaccination. Together, chronic exposure to ergovaline results in a hyperactive innate immune response, which may lead to an immuno-compromised animal.

Influence of Metsulfuron-Containing Herbicides and Application Timings on Tall Fescue Seedhead Production and Forage Yield

2013 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan C. Sather ◽  
Craig A. Roberts ◽  
Kevin W. Bradley
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Vegetative Stage ◽  
Application Timing ◽  
Boot Stage ◽  
Reduced Height

Field trials were conducted in 2009 and 2010 to investigate the effects of metsulfuron-containing herbicides on tall fescue growth, seedhead production, yield, and forage nutritive value. Several rates of metsulfuron-containing products and picloram plus 2,4-D were applied to a weed-free tall fescue hay field in the early spring vegetative, late spring boot, and late summer dormancy stages of growth. Compared to the nontreated control, applying metsulfuron-containing herbicides to vegetative tall fescue reduced plant height by 13 to 40% whereas boot-stage applications of these same herbicides reduced height by 28 to 45%. Metsulfuron-containing herbicides reduced seedhead density from 14 to 61% when applied to vegetative tall fescue, and from 53 to 88% when applied at the boot stage. Metsulfuron plus 2,4-D plus dicamba (0.01 + 0.40 + 0.14 kg ai ha−1) was the only metsulfuron-containing treatment applied at the vegetative application timing that did not reduce tall fescue seedheads or yield when compared to the nontreated control. Vegetative-stage applications of metsulfuron-containing herbicides reduced tall fescue yields by 33 to 63%, whereas boot-stage applications reduced yields by 15 to 35%. Picloram plus 2,4-D did not reduce tall fescue height, seedhead density, or yield when applied at either timing. Tall fescue crude protein (CP) concentration was greater in response to the vegetative compared to boot-stage herbicide applications, and vegetative-stage applications of metsulfuron-containing herbicides increased CP concentration of tall fescue by 1.5 to 3.4% compared to the nontreated control. Results from these experiments indicate that spring applications of metsulfuron-containing herbicides can be utilized to reduce tall fescue seedhead production and increase CP content of tall fescue pastures and hay fields, but summer applications of these same herbicide treatments will have only limited effects on yield, nutritive values, or seedhead density of tall fescue harvested in the fall or the spring following treatment.

scholarly journals Influence of toxic enophyte-infected tall fescue on the prevalence of E. coli 0157:H7 from ruminants, a review

2007 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 87-89
Author(s):  
M.L. Looper ◽  
T.S. Edrington ◽  
T.R. Callaway ◽  
R. Flores ◽  
G.E. Aiken ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Ergot Alkaloids ◽  
Fescue Toxicosis ◽  
Infected Cattle ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Pathogen Control

Ruminants consuming toxic endophyte-infected (E+) tall fescue are exposed to ergot alkaloids that usually result in a malady of problems identified as fescue toxicosis. Grazing studies investigating the effects of E+ tall fescue on the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 from naturally-infected cattle have not been consistent. Further, in vitro studies with selected ergot alkaloids did not affect growth of E. coli O157:H7. Dietary stressors usually associated with E+ tall fescue consumption did result in increased faecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7 from sheep experimentally-inoculated. Animal species, animal model (naturally vs experimentally-infected), environmental conditions, type of diet, and length of exposure to E+ tall fescue may influence the association between grazing E+ tall fescue and E. coli O157:H7 shedding. A better understanding of how E+ tall fescue influences shedding of E. coli O157:H7 from ruminants will aid in the development of management strategies for onfarm pathogen control. Keywords: cattle, E. coli O157:H7, sheep, tall fescue

Effects of Aminocyclopyrachlor Plus Metsulfuron on Tall Fescue Yield, Forage Quality, and Ergot Alkaloid Concentration

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 171-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor D. Israel ◽  
Gary E. Bates ◽  
Thomas C. Mueller ◽  
John C. Waller ◽  
G. Neil Rhodes
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Ergot Alkaloid ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Ergot Alkaloids ◽  
Forage Quality ◽  
The United States ◽  
Fungal Endophyte ◽  
Fescue Toxicosis ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Spring Harvest

Most tall fescue in the United States is infected with a fungal endophyte which imparts certain advantages to the plant, such as drought tolerance, insect feeding deterrence, and enhanced mineral uptake. However, the endophyte also produces ergot alkaloids that are harmful to livestock and contribute to fescue toxicosis. Because the alkaloids are concentrated in seed and stems, a potential way to reduce the likelihood of fescue toxicosis is by suppressing seedhead formation with herbicides. Research was conducted from 2012 to 2014 using metsulfuron applied alone and in combination with other herbicides in spring to determine the growth response of tall fescue, effects on forage quality, and ergot alkaloid concentration. Clipping or metsulfuron applied alone or in combination with aminocyclopyrachlor or aminopyralid reduced seedhead density by 36 to 55% compared to the nontreated control. Treatments containing metsulfuron reduced spring harvest yield 35 to 61%, but no differences were observed in the summer or year-after harvests. The same treatments increased crude protein levels by 1.03 to 2.14% and reduced acid detergent fiber levels by 1.60 to 2.76% compared to the nontreated control at spring harvest. Treatments containing metsulfuron reduced ergot alkaloid concentration 26 to 34% at the spring harvest, but no differences were observed in summer-harvested forage. Results from this study indicate metsulfuron applied alone or in combination with aminocyclopyrachlor or aminopyralid can potentially reduce the severity of fescue toxicosis and improve forage quality.

Addressing on-farm management to enhance pasture productivity and persistence

2013 ◽  
pp. 241-244
Author(s):  
W.N. Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Pasture Management ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Operating Profit ◽  
The North ◽  
The Cost ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Attention To Detail

Following the 2007/08 drought, we experienced poor pasture production and persistence on our dairy farm in north Waikato, leading to decreased milksolids production and a greater reliance on bought-in feed. It is estimated that the cost of this to our farming operation was about $1300 per hectare per year in lost operating profit. While climate and black beetle were factors, they did not explain everything, and other factors were also involved. In the last 3 years we have changed our management strategies to better withstand dry summers, the catalyst for which was becoming the DairyNZ Pasture Improvement Focus Farm for the north Waikato. The major changes we made were to reduce stocking rate, actively manage pastures in summer to reduce over-grazing, and pay more attention to detail in our pasture renewal programme. To date the result has been a reduced need for pasture renewal, a lift in whole farm performance and increased profitability. Keywords: Focus farm, over-grazing, pasture management, pasture persistence, profitability

Concepts and Practices for Improving Nitrogen Management for Vegetables

1992 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
George J. Hochmuth
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Nitrogen Management ◽  
Land Grant ◽  
Land Grant Universities ◽  
Production Practices ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
N Management

Efficient N management practices usually involve many potential strategies, but always involve choosing the correct amount of N and the coupling of N management to efficient water management. Nitrogen management strategies are integral parts of improved production practices recommended by land-grant universities such as the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Univ. of Florida. This paper, which draws heavily on research and experience in Florida, outlines the concepts and technologies for managing vegetable N fertilization to minimize negative impacts on the environment.

scholarly journals 111 Metsulfuron and variable nitrogen application rates on infected tall fescue: effects on stocker performance, forage yield, nutritive value, ergovaline concentration and botanical composition

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 31-31
Author(s):  
Kevin R Meng ◽  
Eric Bailey ◽  
Josh Zeltwanger ◽  
Hannah Allen ◽  
Mikaela Adams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Ergot Alkaloids ◽  
Fertilization Rate ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Nitrogen Application ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Seed Head ◽  
Application Rates

Abstract Chemical seed-head suppression of endophyte infected tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) improves stocker cattle performance but may decrease forage yield. Spring nitrogen application increases tall fescue growth with a concomitant increase in ergot alkaloids, produced by the symbiotic endophyte Epichloë coenophiala. We hypothesized that greater amounts of nitrogen applied to tall fescue would increase forage yield and offset losses in forage production from chemical suppression of seed-heads with metsulfuron without effect on alkaloid concentration. Ninety-six steers (270 ± 20 kg) were randomly assigned to one of sixteen paddocks (1.8 ha) on April 18 and continuously grazed for 57 d. Paddocks were blocked by previous use (n = 4) and randomly assigned to one of four treatments; no metsulfuron, no nitrogen (NEGCON), metsulfuron with 0 (MET0), 67 (MET67), or 134 (MET134) kg/ha of ammonium nitrate, applied March 11. Steers grazing MET0 paddocks were removed 17 d early due to insufficient forage availability. Steer weight, forage yield, forage nutritive value and ergot alkaloids in forage samples were measured monthly. Seed-head frequency and species composition were determined in June. Metsulfuron application reduced (P &lt; 0.01) tall fescue seed-heads by 80%. Metsulfuron decreased (P = 0.03) ergovaline but ergovaline increased (P &lt; 0.01) at each monthly sampling across treatments. Nitrogen had no impact on ergovaline concentration (P = 0.50). Forage yield tended to be least (P = 0.07) for MET0, intermediate for NEGCON and MET67, and tended to be greatest for MET134 (P = 0.08). Steer ADG was not affected by treatment (P &lt; 0.80). Metsulfuron decreased NDF (P=0.02) regardless of fertilization rate. Forage CP increased with fertilization (P &lt; 0.01) and no differences were detected between NEGCON and MET0 (P = 0.45). Species composition was not impacted (P &gt;0.07) by treatment. Metsulfuron decreased seed-head growth and ergovaline concentration in tall fescue. Additional nitrogen fertilizer ameliorated forage yield lost to metsulfuron application but did not impact steer gain.

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