scholarly journals 175 The Suitability of Autoclave and Pressure Cooker Washing Methods in Comparison to ANKOM200 to Determine Neutral Detergent Fiber Using Different Feedstuffs and Washing Solutions

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 79-79
Author(s):  
Jordan Adams ◽  
Aaron B Norris ◽  
Madeline E Rivera ◽  
Luiz Fernando Dias Batista ◽  
Luis O Tedeschi
Keyword(s):  
Accurate Determination ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Random Coefficients ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Detergent Solution ◽  
Standard Methodology ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Factor Combination ◽  
High Forage

Abstract The use of the in vitro gas production (IVGP) technique requires accurate determination of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) residue. However, the NDF determination using standard procedures are not always feasible for IVGP; thus requiring micro-NDF methods, which need autoclave (AC) and pressure cooker (PC) to boil the solution. A complete randomized design using a 3×3 factorial arrangement was implemented to investigate the effect of washing methods (WM: AC, PC, or ANKOM200) and solution ratios (WS: 100 mL neutral detergent solution (ND), 150 mL ND, or 100 mL H2O/g sample) to determine NDF residues, assuming ANKOM200 and 100 mL ND/g as the standard methodology. Each factor combination was performed in triplicate with a replicate being comprised of 12 bottles or bags (two blanks and five feedstuffs in duplicate). Feedstuffs were: alfalfa hay (AH), bermudagrass hay (BH), two high-forage rations (G1 and G2), and a high-concentrate ration (FR). Following each run, bottles were filtered to obtain the NDF. Data were analyzed by diet using a random coefficients model. An interaction of WM ′ WS was present for AH and G1 (P < 0.01), G2 and FR had tendencies (P = 0.08 and 0.06, respectively), whereas BH demonstrated no interaction (P = 0.37). The PC with 100 mL or 150 mL did not differ from the standard methodology for AH, G1, G2, and FR. The BH demonstrated differences between WM and WS (P < 0.01). The PC had lower NDF residue compared to the AC and ANKOM200, whereas H2O had substantially greater NDF residue relative to both ND ratios. We concluded that H2O is not a suitable substitute for ND solution regardless of the feedstuff. Both micro-NDF washing methods may be satisfactory depending on the type of feedstuff used but further investigation is required.

scholarly journals 176 The Suitability of Autoclave and Pressure Cooker Washing Methods in Comparison to ANKOM200 to Determine Neutral Detergent Fiber Using Different Feedstuffs and Washing Solutions

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 24-24
Author(s):  
Jordan Adams ◽  
Aaron B Norris ◽  
Madeline E Rivera ◽  
Luiz Fernando Dias Batista ◽  
Luis O Tedeschi
Keyword(s):  
Accurate Determination ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Random Coefficients ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Detergent Solution ◽  
Standard Methodology ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Factor Combination ◽  
High Forage

Abstract The use of the in vitro gas production (IVGP) technique requires accurate determination of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) residue. However, the NDF determination using standard procedures are not always feasible for IVGP; thus requiring micro-NDF methods, which need autoclave (AC) and pressure cooker (PC) to boil the solution. A complete randomized design using a 3×3 factorial arrangement was implemented to investigate the effect of washing methods (WM: AC, PC, or ANKOM200) and solution ratios (WS: 100 mL neutral detergent solution (ND), 150 mL ND, or 100 mL H2O/g sample) to determine NDF residues, assuming ANKOM200 and 100 mL ND/g as the standard methodology. Each factor combination was performed in triplicate with a replicate being comprised of 12 bottles or bags (two blanks and five feedstuffs in duplicate). Feedstuffs were: alfalfa hay (AH), bermudagrass hay (BH), two high-forage rations (G1 and G2), and a high-concentrate ration (FR). Following each run, bottles were filtered to obtain the NDF. Data were analyzed by diet using a random coefficients model. An interaction of WM ′ WS was present for AH and G1 (P < 0.01), G2 and FR had tendencies (P = 0.08 and 0.06, respectively), whereas BH demonstrated no interaction (P = 0.37). The PC with 100 mL or 150 mL did not differ from the standard methodology for AH, G1, G2, and FR. The BH demonstrated differences between WM and WS (P < 0.01). The PC had lower NDF residue compared to the AC and ANKOM200, whereas H2O had substantially greater NDF residue relative to both ND ratios. We concluded that H2O is not a suitable substitute for ND solution regardless of the feedstuff. Both micro-NDF washing methods may be satisfactory depending on the type of feedstuff used, but further investigation is required.

scholarly journals Inclusion of Red Osier Dogwood in High-Forage and High-Grain Diets Affected in Vitro Rumen Fermentation

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 453-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lingyun Y. Wei ◽  
Peixin X. Jiao ◽  
Trevor W. Alexander ◽  
Wen Zhu Yang
Keyword(s):  
Positive Control ◽  
Barley Grain ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Additional Treatment ◽  
Starch Digestion ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Rumen Acidosis ◽  
High Forage ◽  
Barley Silage

Abstract Red osier dogwood (ROD) is an abundant shrub plant in Canada and other places in the world. It is rich in antioxidants such as quercetin, gallic acid and tyrosol. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of substituting barley silage with ROD in high-forage (HF) or high-grain (HG) diets on gas production (GP), dry matter (DM) disappearance (DMD) and fermentation characteristics in ruminal batch cultures. The study was a randomized design with 2 media pH (5.8 vs. 6.5) × 4 doses of ROD. An additional treatment of monensin and tylosin was added as a positive control for each pH level. The basic diet consisted of 60% barley silage and 40% barley grain for HF or 15% silage and 85% grain for HG diet. The barley silage was partly replaced with ROD at 0, 3, 6 or 12% in both diets (DM basis). Each diet was incubated for 24 h in culture bottles with three replicates for each treatment combination, and three runs on different days. The GP and DMD were greater (P<0.01) with media pH 6.5 vs. pH 5.8. The DMD linearly (P<0.01) decreased at pH 5.8 with increasing levels of ROD. Increasing ROD levels also linearly (P<0.01) decreased total VFA concentration and the proportion of propionate, and increased (P<0.01) the acetate to propionate ratio (A:P) at pH 5.8. Compared to the antibiotic treatment, the inclusion of ROD resulted in lower (P<0.02) DMD at pH 5.8, and a greater (P<0.01) proportion of acetate but a lower (P<0.01) proportion of propionate. These results indicated that the DMD of diets and the fermentation pattern were adversely affected by ROD at pH 5.8. However, the increased A:P along with the decreased DMD at pH 5.8, suggested a lower impact on fibre digestion than on starch digestion by ROD. Feeding ROD may therefore potentially reduce the incidence of rumen acidosis resulting from feeding HG diets to ruminants by decreasing starch digestion in the rumen.

scholarly journals EXTRATO DE MAMONA COMO MANIPULADOR DA FERMENTAÇÃO RUMINAL

Nativa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 289
Author(s):  
Pâmella Moraes Franco ◽  
Márcia Rodrigues Carvalho Oliveira ◽  
Joao Rafael de Assis ◽  
Jurandy Gouveira Junior ◽  
Rodrigo Nazare Santos Torres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gas Production ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Energetic Efficiency ◽  
Ruminal Fermentation ◽  
Ruminal Ph ◽  
Dietary Condition ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Completely Randomized Design ◽  
High Forage

Objetivou-se investigar os efeitos da adição do extrato de farelo de mamona (EFM) sobre o perfil da fermentação ruminal in vitro em dietas com alto e baixo teor de forragem. Utilizou-se ensaio de incubação ruminal in vitro com dois controles, um negativo (sem aditivo) e um positivo (monensina sódica) e EFM liofilizado (20, 40 e 60 mg/frasco). Em condições de alto teor de forragem na dieta, a adição do EFM aumentou o pH do meio e a concentração de acetato, reduziu a produção de gás, mas não afetou a produção de gás por unidade de matéria seca (MS) digerida em relação ao tratamento controle. Em comparação com monensina sódica, o EFM reduziu as concentrações de propionato e amônia e aumentou a produção de gás por unidade de MS digerida. Em condições de baixo teor de forragem, a adição do EFM reduziu o pH e potencial redox do meio em relação ao tratamento controle. Em comparação com a monensina sódica, o EFM reduziu o pH do meio e a produção total de gás, mas não afetou a produção de gás por unidade de MS digerida. O extrato de farelo de mamona destoxificado não apresenta potencial como manipulador da fermentação ruminal.Palavras-chave: amônia; digestibilidade; eficiência; metano. CASTOR BEAN EXTRACT AS A MANIPULATOR OF RUMINAL FERMENTATION ABSTRACT: Effects of the castorbean meal extract (CME) on ruminal in vitro were investigate in high and low forage diet conditions. For each dietary condition, one in vitro ruminal incubation experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with nine repetitions per treatment (three animal inoculum donators and three 48 hors-incubations). In high forage diet, CME increased ruminal pH acetate concentration, reduced gas production, but it did not affect the gas production per unit of digested dry matter (DM), in relation to control treatment. Compare to monensin sodium, CME reduced propionate and ammonia concentrations and increased gas production per unit of digested DM, indicating that CME reduces ruminal energetic efficiency. In low forage diet, CME reduced pH and redox potential compare to control. Compare to monensin sodium, CME reduced pH and gas production, but it did not affect gas production per unit of digested DM. Castorbean meal extract does not present potential as manipulator of the ruminal fermentation.Keywords: ammonia; digestibility; efficiency; methane.

Effect of mixed live yeast and lactic acid bacteria on in vitro fermentation with varying media pH using a high-grain or high-forage diet

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peixin Jiao ◽  
Fengchun Ma ◽  
Karen A. Beauchemin ◽  
Ousama AlZahal ◽  
Xiaolai Xie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Lactic Acid Bacteria ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
In Vitro Fermentation ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Effects Of Media ◽  
High Forage ◽  
Live Yeast

Two experiments were conducted to assess the effects of media pH and mixtures (SCEF) of live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae; SC) and lactic acid bacteria (Enterococcus faecium; EF) on gas production (GP), dry matter disappearance (DMD) and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations in batch culture using either high-forage (HF) or high-grain (HG) diets. Diets were evaluated in separate experiments, each as a complete randomized design with 2 (media pH, 5.8 and 6.5) × 5 (control, 3 SCEF, monensin) factorial arrangement of treatments. The SCEF had varying ratios of SC:EF: 0:0 (control), 1.18:1 (SCEF1), 1.25:1 (SCEF2) and 1.32:1 (SCEF3), added on a log10 basis. For the HF diet, supplementation of SCEF had greater GP (P = 0.03) at pH 6.5, and greater DMD (P = 0.03) and VFA concentration (P < 0.01) at pH 5.8 and 6.5 than control. For the HG diet, acetate:propionate (A:P) ratio at pH 6.5 was greater (P = 0.05) for SCEF than control. Increasing ratio of SC to EF in SCEF linearly (P < 0.01) decreased GP and DMD and linearly increased acetate percentage at pH 6.5. These results suggest that optimizing the SC:EF ratio in a mixture of SCEF can help improve rumen fermentation.

PSX-B-8 Effect of supplementing red osier dogwood extract on in vitro gas production, feed digestibility and fermentation characteristics of high-forage diet

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 458-458
Author(s):  
Wenzhu Yang ◽  
Walaa Gomaa ◽  
Atef Mohamed Saleem ◽  
Emma McGeough ◽  
Kim Ominski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Culture Bottle ◽  
Feed Digestibility ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
In Vitro Gas Production ◽  
High Forage ◽  
Barley Silage

Abstract Red osier dogwood (ROD) is native shrub plant in Canada and rich in bioactive compounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ROD extract supplementation in a high-forage (HF) diet on gas production (GP), dry matter (DM) disappearance (DMD) and fermentation characteristics in batch cultures with varying media pH. The study was a completely randomized design with 4 levels of ROD extract (0, 1, 3 and 5% of substrate) × 2 media pH (5.8 and 6.5) factorial arrangement. The study was conducted in three replicate experiments. Substrate contained 60% barley silage and 40% barley concentrate (DM basis). Inoculum was obtained from 2 ruminally fistulated beef heifers offered the HF diet. Substrate (0.5 g DM) ground (1 mm) was incubated for 48 h in a culture bottle. Data were analyzed using Mixed procedure of SAS with fixed effects of treatments and random effect of experiment. There was no interaction between media pH and level of ROD on GP, DMD and fermentation characteristics. Increased media pH (5.8 vs. 6.5) increased (P &lt; 0.01) GP (averaged 164 vs. 275 ml/g substrate), DMD (50.6 vs. 60.6%), and total VFA production (63 vs. 71 mM). Increasing ROD extract levels did not affect GP but linearly (P = 0.05) decreased DMD from 62.1 to 58.9% at pH 6.5. Although total VFA production was not affected, increasing ROD extract linearly (P &lt; 0.01) increased the proportion of acetate (47.9 to 49.7%) and propionate (20.5 to 22.3%) at pH 5.8; whereas at pH 6.5, acetate to propionate ratio quadratically (P = 0.04) changed to be lower with 3% ROD extract (2.08) than other treatments (2.21). These results indicated that supplementation of HF diet with ROD extract may improve fibre digestion at low media pH, and improve fermentation efficiency at high media pH.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Nutrient Composition, In Vitro Fermentation Characteristics, and In Situ Degradability of Amaranthus caudatus, Amaranthus cruentus, and Amaranthus hypochondriacus in Cattle

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Kim Margarette C. Nogoy ◽  
Jia Yu ◽  
Young Gyu Song ◽  
Shida Li ◽  
Jong-Wook Chung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Nutrient Composition ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Amaranthus Cruentus ◽  
Amaranthus Caudatus ◽  
Amaranthus Hypochondriacus

The amaranth plants showed high potential feed value as forage for ruminants. An in-depth study of this plant, particularly in cattle, will help extend its utilization as an alternative protein and fiber feed source in cattle feeding. In this study, the nutrient compositions of three different species of amaranth, Amaranthus caudatus L., Amaranthus cruentus L., and Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.—two varieties for each species, A.ca 74, A.ca 91, A.cu 62, A.cu 66, A. hy 30, and A. hy 48—were evaluated. The in vitro technique was used to evaluate the fermentation characteristics such as total gas production, total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration, pH, and ammonia concentration of the rumen fluid. Moreover, the effective degradabilities of dry matter (EDDM) and crude protein (EDCP) of the amaranth forages were determined through in situ bag technique. The amaranth forages: A. caudatus, A. cruentus, and A. hypochondriacus showed better nutritive value than the locally produced forages in Chungcheong province of Korea. The CP of the amaranth ranged from 11.95% to 14.19%, and the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents ranged from 45.53% to 70.88% and 34.17% to 49.83%, respectively. Among the amaranth varieties, A. hypochondriacus 48 showed the most excellent ruminant feed nutrient quality (CP, 14.19%; NDF, 45.53%; and ADF, 34.17%). The effective degradabilities of dry matter (EDDM; 33–56%) and crude protein EDCP (27–59%) of the amaranth were lower compared to other studies, which could be due to the maturity stage at which the forages were harvested. Nonetheless, A. hypochondriacus 48 showed the highest EDDM (56.73%) and EDCP (59.09%). The different amaranth species did not differ greatly in terms of total VFA concentration or molar proportions, total gas production, or ammonia-N concentration. The high nutrient composition, and highly effective degradability of dry matter and crude protein, coupled with the favorable fermentation characteristics, suggest that the amaranth forages showed good to excellent feed quality for cattle.

scholarly journals Improving ensiling characteristics by adding lactic acid bacteria modifies in vitro digestibility and methane production of forage-sorghum mixture silage

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chatchai Kaewpila ◽  
Pongsatorn Gunun ◽  
Piyawit Kesorn ◽  
Sayan Subepang ◽  
Suwit Thip-uten ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Lactic Acid Bacteria ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
In Vitro Digestibility ◽  
Acid Fermentation ◽  
Design Factor ◽  
Forage Sorghum ◽  
Randomized Design

AbstractImproving the nutrition of livestock is an important aspect of global food production sustainability. This study verified whether lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculant could promote ensiling characteristics, nutritive value, and in vitro enteric methane (CH4) mitigation of forage sorghum (FS) mixture silage in attacking malnutrition in Zebu beef cattle. The FS at the soft dough stage, Cavalcade hay (CH), and cassava chip (CC) were obtained. The treatments were designed as a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. Factor A was FS prepared without or with CH, CC, and CH + CC. Factor B was untreated or treated with Lactobacillus casei TH14. The results showed that all FS mixture silages preserved well with lower pH values below 4.0 and higher lactic acid contents above 56.4 g/kg dry matter (DM). Adding LAB boosted the lactic acid content of silages. After 24 h and 48 h of in vitro rumen incubation, the CC-treated silage increased in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD) with increased total gas production and CH4 production. The LAB-treated silage increased IVDMD but decreased CH4 production. Thus, the addition of L. casei TH14 inoculant could improve lactic acid fermentation, in vitro digestibility, and CH4 mitigation in the FS mixture silages.

PSXIV-14 Supplementation of high-grain diet with red osier dogwood affects in vitro digestibility and fermentation characteristics

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 477-477
Author(s):  
Wenzhu Yang
Keyword(s):  
Control Diet ◽  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
In Vitro Digestibility ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Rumen Acidosis ◽  
Barley Silage ◽  
And Control

Abstract Red osier dogwood (ROD) is a native shrub plant rich in phenolic compounds with antimicrobial properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of substituting barley silage with either raw ROD or ROD extract (RODE) in high-grain (HG) diet under a low media pH (5.8) on gas production (GP), dry matter (DM) disappearance (DMD) and fermentation characteristics in batch cultures. The study was a completely randomized design with 4 treatments: 1) control diet (10% barley silage and 90% barley concentrate, DM basis), control diet supplemented with 2) monensin (30 mg/kg diet DM; positive control), 3) substitution of 3% ROD or 4) 3% RODE for an equal portion of silage. Inoculum was obtained from 2 ruminally fistulated beef heifers offered the HG diet. Substrate ground (1 mm) was incubated for 24 h and the experiment repeated twice. The GP did not differ among treatments (147 ml/g DM), but the DMD differed (P &lt; 0.02) at highest for control (69.4%), lowest for ROD (58.4%) and intermediate for other treatments (64.1%). Total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration (mM) tended (P&lt; 0.08) to be lower with ROD (80.5) and monensin (80.1) than control (83.9). Acetate proportion was greater (P = 0.02) with ROD (46.2%) and RODE (46.9%) than control (42.4%) and monensin (42.3%). However, the propionate proportion was greater (P = 0.05) with monensin (32.1%) than other treatments (averaged 30.1%). Consequently, acetate to propionate ratio (A:P) of ROD (1.52) and RODE (1.56) was higher than monensin (1.32; P &lt; 0.01) and control (1.44; P &lt; 0.08). Differences in variables measured between ROD and RODE were minimal. These results indicated that the decreased DMD along with increased A:P with addition of ROD or RODE suggests that both ROD and RODE may be beneficial to HG fed cattle for reducing risk of rumen acidosis without negatively impacting fibre digestion.

Condensed tannins extracted from Quebracho affect the fermentation profile, nutritional quality and in vitro gas production of pornunça (Manihot spp.) silages

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
D. T. Q. Carvalho ◽  
A. R. F. Lucena ◽  
T. V. C. Nascimento ◽  
L. M. L. Moura ◽  
P. D. R. Marcelino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Condensed Tannin ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Rapid Decline ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
In Vitro Gas Production ◽  
Acid Detergent Fibre ◽  
Fermentation Profile

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the fermentation profile, in vitro gas production and nutritional quality of pornunça (Manihot spp.) silages containing levels of condensed tannin (CT; 0, 4, 8 and 12% on dry matter (DM) basis), at five opening times (0, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 56 days). A completely randomized design in a 4 × 5 factorial arrangement was adopted, with four replications, totalling 80 experimental silos. The pH and NH3-N analyses were performed at all opening times of the silos. The other analyses were performed only with silages opened at 56 days of storage. There was an interaction effect between CT levels and silo opening times for pH and NH3-N. Tannin levels in pornunça silages after 56 days ensiling increased the pH and DM and reduced crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF). There was a quadratic effect for NH3-N, acetic acid, butyric acid, gas losses, dry matter recovery (DMR), hemicellulose and acid detergent fibre. Inclusion of 4 and 8% CT in pornunça silage promotes a rapid decline in pH, being within the acceptable limit for adequate fermentation at 3 days of ensiling. Silages with 4% CT establish the pH at 28 days of opening the silos, with reduced NH3-N. Silages with 4% CT present higher concentrations of acetic and butyric acids and greater DMR. Inclusion of CT in pornunça silage after 56 days ensiling increases DM and reduces CP and NDF, directly affecting the in vitro degradability and reducing gas production.

scholarly journals Production and quality of Tifton 85 pastures overseeded with black oat: effects of irrigation and nitrogen fertilization

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 2071
Author(s):  
João De Assis Farias Filho ◽  
Fabiana Luiza Matielo de Paula ◽  
Adalberto Luiz de Paula ◽  
Wagner Paris ◽  
Fabrício Ghinzelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Fertilization ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Irrigation System ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Dead Material

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of irrigation and nitrogen fertilization on the bromatological quality, forage production, and botanical and structural composition of Tifton 85 (Cynodon sp.) pastures overseeded with black oat (Avena strigosa). Four treatments were evaluated in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme (irrigated and non-irrigated × fertilized and non-fertilized), with three replicates, in a completely randomized design. In irrigated paddocks, the irrigation system was activated when the soil matric potential reached a value equal to, or higher than, 10 kPa and 135 kg N ha-1 was applied to fertilized paddocks, divided into four applications. The forage mass pre- and post-grazing, total forage production, and the botanical, structural, and bromatological composition of the pastures were evaluated. No interaction was observed between the irrigation and nitrogen fertilization factors for any of the variables and no significant differences were observed in forage mass between pre- and post-grazing or in Tifton leaf and stem percentages. Nitrogen fertilization had a significant effect on forage production, which was 2626.41 kg dry matter (DM) ha-1 higher in fertilized pastures than in unfertilized pastures. In addition, fertilization resulted in a lower percentage of dead material (6.66%), higher percentage of oat leaves (30.84%), higher leaf:stem ratio (1:45), higher crude protein content (24.13%), lower levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (64.57%) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (32.86%), and higher in vitro dry matter digestibility (73.01%) than in unfertilized pastures. The use of irrigation did not influence total forage production, however, it resulted in pastures with lower NDF (65.97%) and ADF (33.54%), and higher in vitro dry matter digestibility (73.48%) than unirrigated pastures. Nitrogen fertilization produced improvements in pasture structure, associated with higher dry matter yield and bromatological quality, while irrigation only produced pastures with lower fiber content and greater digestibility.

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