Seasonal patterns of forage quality in six native forb species

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy Vera-Velez ◽  
Eric G Lamb
Keyword(s):  
General Pattern ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Good Choice ◽  
Fiber Content ◽  
Fiber Concentration ◽  
Physiological Stage ◽  
Canadian Native ◽  
Grazing Systems ◽  
Forage Value ◽  
Pulsatilla Patens

The forage value of native forbs is rarely considered in pasture mixtures, even though such species can make up a substantial proportion of the diet of cattle on native rangelands. Incorporating non-leguminous forbs into pasture grazing systems can provide additional ecosystem services such as pollination habitat, and ideally those forbs would also provide some forage value. We therefore assessed the seasonal variation in protein and fiber (NDF and ADF) content of six common Western Canadian native forb and sub-shrub species: yarrow (Achillea millefolium), smooth aster (Symphyotricum laeve), prairie crocus (Pulsatilla patens), prairie rose (Rosa arkansana), Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), and American vetch (Vicia americana). The legume V. americana displayed the highest protein followed by S. canadensis and S. laeve. V. americana also has the highest fiber concentration through the growing season. S. canadensis and S. laeve had lower fiber content; thus, making them a good choice for addition in seed mixes to meet the energy and nutrient requirements of cattle. Forb protein and fiber content showed opposite trends during the growing season. Crude protein decreased while NDF and ADF increased as a general pattern tied to physiological stage and degree of senescence. The promising nutritional profile of some forb species suggests that these species should be considered in pasture mixes.

scholarly journals Diverse Developmental Responses to Warming Temperatures Underlie Changes in Flowering Phenologies

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 559-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela K Diggle ◽  
Christa P H Mulder
Keyword(s):  
Flower Development ◽  
Developmental Process ◽  
General Pattern ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Flower Primordia ◽  
Woody Perennials ◽  
Precocious Flowering ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Developmental Responses

Abstract Climate change has resulted in increased temperature means across the globe. Many angiosperms flower earlier in response to rising temperature and the phenologies of these species are reasonably well predicted by models that account for spring (early growing season) and winter temperatures. Surprisingly, however, exceptions to the general pattern of precocious flowering are common. Many species either do not appear to respond or even delay flowering in, or following, warm growing seasons. Existing phenological models have not fully addressed such exceptions to the common association of advancing phenologies with warming temperatures. The phenological events that are typically recorded (e.g., onset of flowering) are but one phase in a complex developmental process that often begins one or more years previously, and flowering time may be strongly influenced by temperature over the entire multi-year course of flower development. We propose a series of models that explore effects of growing-season temperature increase on the multiple processes of flower development and how changes in development may impact the timing of anthesis. We focus on temperate forest trees, which are characterized by preformation, the initiation of flower primordia one or more years prior to anthesis. We then synthesize the literature on flower development to evaluate the models. Although fragmentary, the existing data suggest the potential for temperature to affect all aspects of flower development in woody perennials. But, even for relatively well studied taxa, the critical developmental responses that underlie phenological patterns are difficult to identify. Our proposed models explain the seemingly counter-intuitive observations that warmer growing-season temperatures delay flowering in many species. Future research might concentrate on taxa that do not appear to respond to temperature, or delay flowering in response to warm temperatures, to understand what processes contribute to this pattern.

scholarly journals Critical Factors in Determining Fiber Content of Feeds and Foods and Their Ingredients

2019 ◽  
Vol 102 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
George C Fahey ◽  
Lawrence Novotny ◽  
Brian Layton ◽  
David R Mertens
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Fiber ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Fiber Content ◽  
Nutrition Labeling ◽  
Dietary Fibers ◽  
Fiber Concentration ◽  
Total Dietary Fiber ◽  
Food Ingredients ◽  
Chemical Complexity

Abstract Background: Because of its chemical complexity, the estimation of dietary fiber content of feed and food materials is a difficult analytical challenge. Three major fiber analyses are conducted routinely in the United States including crude fiber (CF), detergent fiber, and total dietary fiber (TDF). Objective: Factors crucial to the successful measurement of dietary fibers are described and suggestions provided as to how to overcome potential analytical problems within assays. Methods: An accounting of methodological details that result in variation in fiber concentration values is presented along with suggestions as to how to decrease the variation. Results: CF analysis remains in use in the livestock feed and pet food industries for nutrition labeling purposes in spite of the fact that the analysis does not separate mammalian enzyme-digestible from indigestible carbohydrate components, and values obtained are usually 30–50% of the actual dietary fiber concentration. Detergent fiber methods quantify the insoluble dietary fibers (IDF) accurately, but not the soluble dietary fiber (SDF) components. TDF methods account for intrinsic and intact fibers, isolated and extracted fibers, and synthetic fibers found in feed and food ingredients and complete diet matrixes. Conclusions: The CF procedure should be abandoned as it fails to quantify fiber properly. Detergent analyses quantify IDF. TDF methods quantify both IDF and SDF. Highlights: Accurate dietary fiber quantification is essential given the role of fiber in health and well-being of animals and humans.

Nitrogen Release from Weed Residue

Weed Science ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 334-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura E. Lindsey ◽  
Kurt Steinke ◽  
Darryl D. Warncke ◽  
Wesley J. Everman
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Weed Control ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Nitrogen Release ◽  
Fiber Concentration ◽  
N Application ◽  
Total N ◽  
Giant Foxtail ◽  
N Release

Weed residues can impact nitrogen (N) cycling in agro-ecosystems that primarily utilize POST weed control. Quantifying this potential N source or sink may influence weed control and fertilization practices. A laboratory experiment measured the rate and quantity of N release from common lambsquarters, common ragweed, and giant foxtail. Weeds were grown in the field at four N rates (0, 67, 134, or 202 kg N ha−1) and collected at two weed heights (10 or 20 cm) to give a range of residue chemical composition. Residue chemical composition parameters of carbon : N (C : N) ratio and total N, nitrate-N, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber concentration were measured and correlated with N release. Nitrogen release from weed residue mixed with soil was determined over a 12-wk period. Nitrogen was released from all weed residues at 12 wk. Prior to 12 wk, N was immobilized by giant foxtail grown with no N application. Prior to 4 wk, N was immobilized by 20-cm weeds grown with no N application. Nitrogen release from weed residue was negatively correlated with C : N ratio. Weed residue with a C : N ratio of < 19 (weeds grown with N application and 10-cm weeds) released 25 to 45% total N concentration within 2 wk and may contribute N within the growing season. Weed residue with a C : N ratio > 19 (giant foxtail and 20-cm weeds grown with no N) initially immobilized N and may not contribute N within the growing season.

scholarly journals Flowering of siberian peashrub (Caragana arborescens Lam.) and its forage value to pollinating insects

2014 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 13-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernest Stawiarz ◽  
Anna Wróblewska
Keyword(s):  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Pollen Production ◽  
Flowering Period ◽  
Caragana Arborescens ◽  
Pollinating Insects ◽  
Nectar Sugar ◽  
Single Flower ◽  
Forage Value

<p class="abstracttekst">Under the conditions of Lublin (central-eastern Poland), observations were conducted on the flowering of <em>Caragana arborescens </em>shrubs for two growth seasons as well as nectar and pollen production by the flowers of this species was investigated.</p><p class="abstracttekst">The flowering period of <em>Caragana arborescens </em>began at the turn of April and May and lasted for 24 days, while for a single flower it was 6.30 ± 0.79 days. The average weight of nectar, sugars and pollen produced by 10 Siberian peashrub flowers was, respectively: 46.70 ± 8.39 mg, 22.79 ± 6.10 mg, and 4.45 ± 0.34 mg. The nectar sugar concentration amounted 49.60 ± 10.08%. Pollen grains reached average dimensions of 21.94 ± 0.76 µm x 21.52 ± 0.71 µm. During a growing season, one <em>Caragana arborescens</em> shrub can provide on average 101.8 g of nectar, 49.7 g of sugars, and 9.7 g of pollen.</p>

scholarly journals The Potential of Deep Roots to Mitigate Impacts of Heatwaves and Declining Rainfall on Pastures in Southeast Australia

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1641
Author(s):  
Rachelle Meyer ◽  
Alexandria Sinnett ◽  
Ruchika Perera ◽  
Brendan Cullen ◽  
Bill Malcolm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growing Season ◽  
Economic Modelling ◽  
Climate Scenarios ◽  
Deep Roots ◽  
Summer Dormancy ◽  
Grazing Systems ◽  
Metabolisable Energy ◽  
Sustainable Grazing ◽  
Adaptation Options ◽  
Short Growing Season

Declines in growing-season rainfall and increases in the frequency of heatwaves in southern Australia necessitate effective adaptation. The Sustainable Grazing Systems Pasture Model (SGS) was used to model the growth of three pasture species differing in root depth and root distribution under three different climate scenarios at two sites. The modelled metabolisable energy intake (in MJ) was used in a partial discounted net cash flow budget. Both the biophysical and economic modelling suggest that deep roots were advantageous in all climate scenarios at the long growing season site but provided no to little advantage at the short growing season site, likely due to the deep-rooted species drying out the soil profile earlier. In scenarios including climate change, the DM production of the deep-rooted species at the long growing season site averaged 386 kg/ha/year more than the more shallow-rooted species, while at the site with a shorter growing season it averaged 205 kg/ha/year less than the shallower-rooted species. The timing of the extra growth and pasture persistence strongly influenced the extent of the benefit. At the short growing season site other adaptation options such as summer dormancy will likely be necessary.

scholarly journals Climate Effects on Tallgrass Prairie Responses to Continuous and Rotational Grazing

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuting Zhou ◽  
Prasanna H. Gowda ◽  
Pradeep Wagle ◽  
Shengfang Ma ◽  
James P. S. Neel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tallgrass Prairie ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
The United States ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Rotational Grazing ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Continuous Grazing ◽  
Grazing Systems

Cattle grazing is an important economic activity in the tallgrass prairie systems in the Great Plains of the United States. Tallgrass prairie may respond differently to grazing management (e.g., high and low grazing intensity) under variable climate conditions. This study investigated the responses of two replicated (rep a and rep b) tallgrass prairie systems to continuous (C) and rotational (R) grazing under different climate conditions over a decade (2008–2017). The enhanced vegetation index (EVI) and gross primary productivity (GPP) were compared between grazing systems (C vs. R), while EVI was compared among paddocks under rotational grazing to show the impacts of time since grazing. The average EVI in rep a was usually higher than that in rep b which could be explained by different land characteristics (e.g., soil types) associated with different landscape positions. Similar to EVI, GPP was usually higher in rep a than rep b. The average growing season EVI and GPP were higher in rotational grazing than continuous grazing in rep b but not in rep a. The average EVI of paddocks in rotational grazing systems only converged in the growing season-long drought year (2011). In other years, EVI values varied from year to year and no paddock consistently outperformed others. The variations in EVI among rotational grazing paddocks in both reps were relatively small, indicating that rotational grazing generated an even grazing pressure on vegetation at annual scale. Overall, climate and inherent pasture conditions were the major drivers of plant productivity. However, the stocking rate in continuous grazing systems were reduced over years because of deteriorating pasture conditions. Thus, the results indirectly indicate that rotational grazing improved grassland productivity and had higher stocking capacity than continuous grazing systems under variable climate conditions. Adaptive grazing management (adjustment in stocking rates and season of use to adapt to changing climatic conditions) instead of a fixed management system might be better for farmers to cooperate with changing climatic conditions.

scholarly journals Nutritive Value of Alfalfa Harvested with a Modified Flail Chopper

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 690 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jadwiga Andrzejewska ◽  
Stanisław Ignaczak ◽  
Kenneth A. Albrecht
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Protein Concentration ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Fiber Concentration ◽  
Plant Maturity ◽  
Forage Value ◽  
Early Flower

The leaves of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) are a valuable source of protein, and the stems a source of fiber. Harvest methods are sought that would allow separation of different plant fractions for agricultural or industrial functions. A solution is proposed, consisting of collecting leaves together with upper, fine stem fragments, while leaving most of the stem standing in the field. For this purpose, a modified flail chopper (MFC), typically used for harvesting green forage, was employed. The objective of this study was to assess the forage value of alfalfa biomass harvested at various development stages using an MFC, and stem stubble remaining after harvest. Alfalfa was harvested with a sickle-bar mower or MFC in the first and second cuts at bud, early flower and late flower stages of development. Using the MFC, 60% to 74% of the potential dry matter yield of alfalfa was harvested, in which the proportion of leaves was, on average, 22% greater than the proportion of leaves in forage harvested with a mower. Crude protein concentration was, on average, 16% greater and neutral detergent fiber concentration 13% less in alfalfa harvested with the MFC than with a mower. In alfalfa harvested with the MFC at early flower, crude protein concentration and in vitro true digestibility were similar or greater than, with neutral and acid detergent fiber at a similar or lower level as in forage harvested with a mower at bud stage. The forage nutritive value of alfalfa harvested with an MFC at late flower was similar to the forage value of alfalfa cut with a mower at early flower. The chemical composition of the 20 to 50 cm tall residual stubble was affected little by plant maturity or harvest method, and the quality parameters also indicate the possibility of its forage use.

Effect of gender on meat quality in lamb from extensive and intensive grazing systems when slaughtered at the end of the growing season

Meat Science ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 305-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vibeke Lind ◽  
Jan Berg ◽  
Svein Morten Eilertsen ◽  
Margrethe Hersleth ◽  
Lars Olav Eik
Keyword(s):  
Meat Quality ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Grazing Systems

scholarly journals Effect of Harvesting Corn after Frost in Alberta (Canada) on Whole-Plant Yield, Nutritive Value, and Kernel Properties

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 459
Author(s):  
Jessie Guyader ◽  
Vern S. Baron ◽  
Karen A. Beauchemin
Keyword(s):  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Corn Hybrids ◽  
Fiber Concentration ◽  
Starch Concentration ◽  
Whole Plant ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Short Growing Season

This study compares yield, nutritive value, and kernel properties of whole plant corn (WPC) harvested before and after a light frost in short growing season areas. Six corn hybrids grown in two years at three locations within Alberta (Canada) were harvested before or after the first frost. Samples of WPC were analyzed for dry matter (DM) content, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration, starch concentration, and 48-h in vitro DM and NDF digestibility (DMD and NDFD, respectively). Cob samples were analyzed for DM, and kernels were analyzed for DM, hardness, particle size distribution, density, and stage of maturity. Delaying harvest to after frost increased DM content of WPC at all locations but exceeded the recommended range (32–38%) in the two warmest locations. Whatever the year and hybrid, DM yield was either not affected or decreased after frost. Postfrost harvest increased starch concentration and modified kernel characteristics only if these were less than expected before frost. Fiber concentration was not affected by harvesting time. Frost had either no impact or increased DMD or NDFD of WPC. We conclude that delaying harvest until after frost in short growing season areas can be beneficial when whole-plant DM content is low before frost.

Quantitative Reconstruction of Younger Dryas to Mid-Holocene Paleoclimates at Le Locle, Swiss Jura, Using Pollen and Lake-Level Data

2001 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel Magny ◽  
Joël Guiot ◽  
Patrick Schoellammer
Keyword(s):  
Lake Level ◽  
General Pattern ◽  
Younger Dryas ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Summer Temperature ◽  
Annual Precipitation ◽  
Climatic Parameters ◽  
Cold Event ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Swiss Jura

AbstractPollen and lake-level data from Le Locle in the Swiss Jura were used to quantitatively reconstruct climatic parameters for the Younger Dryas event and the first half of the Holocene period. The Younger Dryas cold event at Le Locle was characterized by (i) a general trend toward a slight increase in summer temperature and a decrease in annual precipitation and (ii) a marked drying phase at ca. 11,900 cal yr B.P. that occurred between two wetter ones. Further phases of major deficit in moisture occured at ca. 11,500 cal yr B.P. (Younger Dryas-Holocene transition), 10,800 cal yr B.P., 8700 cal yr B.P., and 6500 cal yr B.P. Climatic parameters reconstructed here suggest that phases of higher lake level developing at ca. 12,500–12,000, 11,750–11,600, 11,200–10,900 (synchronous with the Preboreal oscillation), 10,400–8900, 8400–8300 (possibly related to the 8200 yr event), and 7800–7000 cal yr B.P. coincided with an increase in annual precipitation, a decrease in summer temperature, and a shorter growing season. Conversely, periods of low lake level corresponded to a decrease in annual precipitation, an increase in summer temperature, and a longer growing season. This general pattern could have resulted from alternate southward-northward displacements of the Atlantic Westerly Jet.

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