scholarly journals Retrieval of Crude Protein in Perennial Ryegrass Using Spectral Data at the Canopy Level

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (18) ◽  
pp. 2958
Author(s):  
Gustavo Togeiro de Alckmin ◽  
Arko Lucieer ◽  
Gerbert Roerink ◽  
Richard Rawnsley ◽  
Idse Hoving ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Infrared Range ◽  
Canopy Reflectance ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Protein Estimation ◽  
Area Basis

Crude protein estimation is an important parameter for perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) management. This study aims to establish an effective and affordable approach for a non-destructive, near-real-time crude protein retrieval based solely on top-of-canopy reflectance. The study contrasts different spectral ranges while selecting a minimal number of bands and analyzing achievable accuracies for crude protein expressed as a dry matter fraction or on a weight-per-area basis. In addition, the model’s prediction performance in known and new locations is compared. This data collection comprised 266 full-range (350–2500 nm) proximal spectral measurements and corresponding ground truth observations in Australia and the Netherlands from May to November 2018. An exhaustive-search (based on a genetic algorithm) successfully selected band subsets within different regions and across the full spectral range, minimizing both the number of bands and an error metric. For field conditions, our results indicate that the best approach for crude protein estimation relies on the use of the visible to near-infrared range (400–1100 nm). Within this range, eleven sparse broad bands (of 10 nm bandwidth) provide performance better than or equivalent to those of previous studies that used a higher number of bands and narrower bandwidths. Additionally, when using top-of-canopy reflectance, our results demonstrate that the highest accuracy is achievable when estimating crude protein on its weight-per-area basis (RMSEP 80 kg.ha−1). These models can be employed in new unseen locations, resulting in a minor decrease in accuracy (RMSEP 85.5 kg.ha−1). Crude protein as a dry matter fraction presents a bottom-line accuracy (RMSEP) ranging from 2.5–3.0 percent dry matter in optimal models (requiring ten bands). However, these models display a low explanatory ability for the observed variability (R2 > 0.5), rendering them only suitable for qualitative grading.

scholarly journals The Effect of Spent Mushroom Substrate and Cow Slurry on Sugar Content and Digestibility of Alfalfa Grass Mixtures

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
E. Malinowska ◽  
K. Jankowski
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Soluble Sugar ◽  
Spent Mushroom Substrate ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Orchard Grass ◽  
Cow Slurry ◽  
Different Doses

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effect of different doses of spent mushroom substrate and cow slurry on sugar content and digestibility of hybrid alfalfa and grass mixtures. The main factors were different doses of organic material: mushroom substrate and slurry, and the following legume grass mixtures: M1-orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), and hybrid alfalfa (Medicago x varia T. Martyn); M2-orchard grass, hybrid alfalfa; M3-perennial ryegrass, hybrid alfalfa. In each growing season, the mixtures were harvested three times during three years of their full use. Sugar content and dry matter digestibility were determined with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) using the NIRFlex N-500 spectrometer. Of all fertilizer treatments, the application of mushroom substrate at a dose of 20 t·ha−1 in combination with 40 m3 of slurry resulted in the best forage quality with its highest digestibility. In the mixture of perennial ryegrass and hybrid alfalfa increasing doses of mushroom substrate with decreasing doses of slurry lowered soluble sugar content and digestibility.

The seasonal distribution of nitrogen fertilizer dressings on pure perennial ryegrass swards

1984 ◽  
Vol 103 (3) ◽  
pp. 659-669 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Reid
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizer ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Seasonal Distribution ◽  
Experimental Designs ◽  
Residual Effects ◽  
Nitrogen Application ◽  
Yield Distribution

SummaryIn studies of the seasonal distribution of nitrogen fertilizer dressings on grassland using conventional experimental designs it is usually not possible to separate the true effects of an individual fertilizer dressing on the yield at a particular cut from the residual effects of previous dressings. An experiment is described which was designed to allow separation of the direct and residual effects, with certain restrictions, for a system involving five cuts and five possible fertilizer dressings per season on perennial ryegrass swards. From the results obtained over two harvest years on swards on two adjacent sites equations were derived relating the dry-matter and crude-protein yields of herbage to the rate of nitrogen application at five dressings in the season. Predictions of yield distribution patterns from the equations are compared with observed yields from various sequences of nitrogen dressings included in previous experiments at this Institute. Examples are also given of the prediction of sequences of nitrogen dressings required to obtain certain patterns of yield distribution.

scholarly journals Methanogenic potential of forages consumed throughout the year by cattle in a Sahelian pastoral area

2016 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 613 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Doreau ◽  
H. Benhissi ◽  
Y. E. Thior ◽  
B. Bois ◽  
C. Leydet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Pastoral Systems ◽  
Ch4 Production ◽  
Pastoral Area ◽  
Acid Detergent Fibre ◽  
Dry Seasons ◽  
Plant Components

Methane (CH4) emission from ruminants in African pastoral systems may be affected by intake and type of plants, which vary highly between rainy and dry seasons. In each of two sites located in the semiarid Sahelian area of Senegal, three Gobra zebus were monitored throughout 1 year. A representative sample of their diet was obtained once every month. Diet was mainly composed of grasses, herbaceous legumes, tree and shrub foliage and pods, and dried forage residues. CH4 production and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, which reflects VFA production, were determined in vitro. Crude protein, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre were measured by near-infrared spectrophotometry. CH4 production varied between 24.6 and 35.2 mL/g forage dry matter (DM), being minimal in August (rainy season) and maximal in February (dry season). Seasonal difference disappeared when CH4 was expressed in mL/g NDF. The acetate : propionate ratio varied in the same way as CH4 (3.2 and 4.6 in August and February, respectively); VFA concentration was minimum in March and maximum in September (69.2 and 77.4 mmol/L, respectively). CH4 production was closely related to dietary NDF content (r = 0.82) and to acetate : propionate ratio (r = 0.96). For six successive periods (February to July), plant categories constituting the diet were incubated separately. Reconstituting the CH4 production and VFA concentration in the diet on the basis of the proportion of plant components gave values similar to those of the global diet (33.4 and 34.2 mL CH4/g DM and 75.9 and 70.9 mmol VFA/L, respectively). This result suggests the absence of interaction among plant components on rumen fermentation.

scholarly journals Grazing Preference of Dairy Cows and Pasture Productivity for Different Cultivars of Perennial Ryegrass under Contrasting Managements

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 253 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Jordana Rivero ◽  
Oscar L. Balocchi ◽  
Fabián L. Neumann ◽  
Juan A. Siebald
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Fertilization Rate ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Sugar Concentration ◽  
Soluble Carbohydrates ◽  
High Sugar

The objective of this study was to evaluate the pasture performance of different cultivars of perennial ryegrass, two “high sugar” and two standard cultivars, under two contrasting agronomic managements (aimed at either decreasing or increasing water soluble carbohydrates concentration), and their effects on the grazing preference of dairy cows. Eight treatments arising from the factorial combination of four cultivars and two managements were randomly applied to 31-m2 plots in three blocks. Pasture dry matter production and growth rate were measured for one year. Three grazing assessments were performed to establish the grazing preferences of six dairy cows in spring, summer and autumn. High sugar cultivars produced less dry matter per hectare than the standard cultivars. Cows consumed more grass and harvested a greater proportion of the pasture under the agronomic management aimed at decreasing sugar concentration, i.e., with a greater nitrogen fertilization rate and under a more frequent defoliation regime, which could be explained by the greater crude protein concentration achieved under this management. The results suggest that the genetic selection for greater levels of sugars was at the expense of herbage yield, and that cows preferred to graze herbage with a greater crude protein level instead of a greater sugar concentration.

scholarly journals Effect of Herbage Density, Height and Age on Nutrient and Invertebrate Generalist Predator Abundance in Permanent and Temporary Pastures

Land ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 164
Author(s):  
Rémi Toupet ◽  
Alastair T. Gibbons ◽  
Sara L. Goodacre ◽  
Matt J. Bell
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Generalist Predator ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Predator Abundance

The aim of this research was to assess differences in the quantity and quality of herbage and invertebrate generalist predator abundance among permanent and temporary pastures. Two permanent pastures and four temporary ley pastures (either one year or two years since being sown) were monitored weekly for 10 weeks in the spring. Permanent pastures included a diverse range of native UK grass species, and temporary ley pastures were predominantly perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) with or without white clover (Trifolium repens). Weekly measurements of herbage height (in centimeters), herbage cover (fresh and dry matter in kg per hectare) and herbage density (fresh and dry matter in kg per hectare per centimeter) were obtained for each field, along with lycosid spider and carabid beetle abundance. Weekly pasture samples were used to obtain nutrient concentrations of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), ash, oil, sugars, digestible organic matter in the dry matter (DOMD) and metabolisable energy (ME) in the herbage as a measure of forage quality for grazing or harvesting. A linear mixed model was used to assess the effect of sward age, herbage density and height on herbage production, nutrient concentrations and invertebrate abundance. Although this study showed that permanent pastures were associated with lower nutrient concentrations of crude protein, ash, oil and ME compared to younger and predominantly perennial ryegrass pastures, the older pastures were associated with higher carabid numbers. Furthermore, permanent pastures had a higher density of dry matter herbage compared to younger pastures, and more dense and taller swards were associated with higher lycosid numbers. The study suggests that within pastures of 3 to 20 cm height, increasing the height and density of swards increases both ME and oil concentrations in herbage, therefore enhancing forage nutrient quality. Older and more permanent pastures can be beneficial for plant and invertebrate generalist predator populations, and still provide a useful source of nutrients for forage production.

Nitrogen fertiliser effects on nutritive characteristics of perennial ryegrass during late autumn, and mid- and late winter in western Victoria

2002 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 541 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Jacobs ◽  
F. R. McKenzie ◽  
G. A. Kearney
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Nitrate Content ◽  
Crude Protein Content ◽  
Nitrogen Fertiliser ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fibre ◽  
Metabolisable Energy

A study determined the effects of differing rates of nitrogen fertiliser [0 (N0), 25 (N1), 50 (N2) and 75�kg N/ha (N3)] during late autumn (T1) and mid- (T2) and late (T3) winter on the nutritive characteristics of perennial ryegrass over a 28-day period after each application. All nitrogen applications were made to pastures with a post-grazed residual mass (dry matter) of 1400 kg/ha. Changes in metabolisable energy followed similar patterns for all treatments within a given period. Metabolisable energy was highest in T1, ranging from 11.8 to 13.1 MJ/kg dry matter, followed by T2 (11.5-12.3 MJ/kg dry matter) and T3 (10.6-11.5 MJ/kg dry matter). Changes in crude protein for all treatments at each application time were similar, irrespective of rate of nitrogen application. At the commencement of treatment application times, the existing crude protein content (%DM) was highest in N3 (T1�19, T2 23, T3 22), followed by N2 (T1 18, T2 21, T3 21), N1 (T1 17, T2 20, T3 20) and N0 (T1 16, T2 17, T3 18). During both T1 and T2, neutral detergent fibre content decreased by 4 percentage units and increased by a similar amount during T3. Generally, neutral detergent fibre content (%DM) was highest during T3 (53-58%), followed by T2 (45-54%) and T1 (43-49%). Water-soluble carbohydrate content (%DM) increased during all treatment periods with the highest level observed during T1 (18-31%) followed by T2 (3-14%) and T3 (1-6%). Nitrate content (measured as nitrate-nitrogen) decreased throughout T1, primarily due to dry conditions, while during T2, levels for N3 and N2 were significantly (P<0.05) higher than for N1 and N0 following nitrogen fertiliser application. During T3, nitrate content increased for all treatments throughout the 28-day period, with highest nitrate levels being observed during T3. The effect of applied nitrogen on mineral content was variable within and across treatment periods. The study indicates that nitrogen fertiliser did not affect metabolisable (apart from N3 elevating metabolisable energy during T3), neutral detergent fibre or water-soluble carbohydrate contents of perennial ryegrass during the 28 days after nitrogen application, but increased crude protein content. Also, nitrogen fertiliser elevated nitrate content in perennial ryegrass. While the elevated nitrate content observed may result in subclinical effects, these levels are not considered fatal for dairy cows. Crude protein content was generally above 20% of dry matter throughout the study and close to 30% of dry matter for short periods during T2. Minimising the effect of excess nitrogen ingested by the grazing animal may require appropriate supplementation of low crude protein containing feeds such as cereal grains. It is argued that the effects of rain and temperature, which impact on soil nitrogen mineralisation, may have a greater influence on perennial ryegrass nitrate content than nitrogen fertiliser.

The effects of a wide range of nitrogen application rates on the yields from a perennial ryegrass sward with and without white clover

1970 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Reid
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizer ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Growth Curves ◽  
Nitrogen Rate ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Grass Sward ◽  
Nitrogen Rates

SUMMARYA series of twenty-one nitrogen fertilizer rates ranging from 0 to 800 lb nitrogen/acre (897 kg/ha)/annum was applied on a pure S. 23 perennial ryegrass sward and on an S. 23 ryegrass sward containing S. 100 white clover. Total yields of herbage dry matter and crude protein from both swards at all the nitrogen rates were determined each year by cutting the herbage five times at approximately the same stage of growth on each occasion. Four-parameter growth curves relating herbage yield to nitrogen rate were fitted to the data, and are presented for the first 3 years of the experiment. On the pure-grass sward the response of dry-matter yield to nitrogen rate was almost linear between the 0 and 300 lb nitrogen/acre (336 kg/ha) rates, then it decreased steadily, becoming non-significant about the 500 lb/acre (560 kg/ha) rate. In contrast the response of crude-protein yield was virtually linear from the 0 to the 600–700 lb nitrogen/acre (673–785 kg/ha) rates. The inclusion of white clover in the sward increased the yields of dry matter and crude protein at the low nitrogen rates, but decreased the responses, with the result that the yields and responses of the grass + clover sward were not significantly different from those of the pure-grass sward at nitrogen rates above about 300 lb/ acre (336 kg/ha). In terms of profitability at present fertilizer prices the optimum nitrogen rate for dry-matter production on both swards was estimated to be 400–450 lb/ acre (448–504 kg/ha), whereas that for crude-protein production was greater than 600 lb/acre (673 kg/ha). The value of clover in a sward receiving nitrogen fertilizer is discussed.

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