Seasonal changes in quality and botanical composition of a rotationally grazed grass-legume pasture in southern Ontario

1998 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Marshall ◽  
C. P. Campbell ◽  
J. G. Buchanan-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
System A ◽  
Sward Height ◽  
Pasture Quality ◽  
Acid Detergent Fibre ◽  
Dead Material ◽  
Degradable Protein

Seasonal changes in quality and botanical composition of a grass-legume pasture were investigated under a controlled rotationally grazed system. A 19.2-ha area divided into sixteen 1.2-ha fields, each subdivided into eight paddocks, was grazed by 40 cows with calves over three consecutive summers. Grazing was managed by setting target sward heights for exit of each paddock between 8 and 10 cm and allowing at least 25 to 30 d for regrowth. Herbage growth in those paddocks not grazed by cow-calf pairs was consumed by yearling heifers on a "put and take" basis. Paddocks were topclipped at 10 cm and fertilized with 34 kg ha−1 of N immediately following the second grazing cycle. Botanical composition changed both within and among the grazing seasons. Legume content of the pasture increased (P < 0.05) throughout the grazing season, while grass content declined (P < 0.05) across all 3 yr. The amount of weeds and dead material averaged 8.9 and 3.8%, respectively, over the 3 yr. Crude protein (CP), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), soluble protein (% total CP), rumen degradable protein (RDP) (%total CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) decreased (P < 0.05) from May to June in each season and then increased (P < 0.05) to or surpassed levels seen at the beginning of the grazing seasons (May). Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) content increased (P < 0.05) during June and July and were lowest in the spring and the fall across all 3 yr. Mean entry sward heights were 24.8, 30.3 and 28.1 cm for years 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Pre-grazing sward height was negatively correlated to CP (n = 786, r = −0.38, P < 0.0001) and IVOMD (n = 786, r = −045, P < 0.0001), but positively related to NDF (n = 786, r = 0.43, P < 0.0001) and ADF (n = 786, r = 0.68, P < 0.0001) across all 3 yr. The highest CP and IVOMD of the pasture were measured at a sward height of between 12 and 15 cm. Pasture quality varied both within and across all three grazing seasons but remained relatively high and was influenced by botanical composition and sward surface height. Key words: Pasture, quality, botanical composition, grass-legume

Palatability,in situandin vitronutritive value of dried sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia)

2010 ◽  
Vol 148 (6) ◽  
pp. 723-733 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. KHALILVANDI-BEHROOZYAR ◽  
M. DEHGHAN-BANADAKY ◽  
K. REZAYAZDI
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Acid Detergent Fibre

SUMMARYThe current study was conducted to determine chemical composition, nutrient content and availability, metabolizable energy (ME) content and nutritive value of sainfoin hay for ruminants. Three ruminally cannulated Holstein cows were used forin situandin vivoexperiments, to determine rumen degradability and digestibility of sainfoin hay. Apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients was determined with feeding of sainfoin hay as the sole diet to achieve 10% more than maintenance energy requirements. Six Zandi ewes were used in the palatability experiment. Means for dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and condensed tannins (CTs) of sainfoin hay were: 940·4 g/kg and 93·43, 12·13, 47·87, 43·33 and 2·13 g/kg DM, respectively.In situeffective degradability of CP and DM were 0·38 and 0·54 g/g with a ruminal outflow rate of 0·05/h, respectively. OM apparent digestibility was in the range of 0·592–0·689, respectively, for Tilley & Terry and total faecal collection assays. ME content of sainfoin hay, according to different methods (gas production,in vitroandin vivodetermined digestible organic matter in dry matter (DOMD)) was in the range 6·87–10·11 MJ/kg DM. Metabolizable protein (MP) content was 483·4 g/kg CP. Sainfoin was more palatable than alfalfa for sheep. It was concluded that sainfoin has a potential use in ruminant rations, especially if environmental conditions are not suitable for alfalfa production.

An evaluation of pasture quality with young grazing sheep. II. Chemical composition, botanical composition and in vitro digestibility of herbage selected by oesophageal-fistulated sheep

1966 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. C. Grimes ◽  
B. R. Watkin ◽  
J. R. Gallagher
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
In Vitro Digestibility ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
Pasture Quality ◽  
Quadrat Method ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Point Quadrat

1. In a grazing experiment with sheep, cocksfoot, rye-grass and tall fescue were grown with and without white clover, under ‘short’ and ‘long’ management systems.2. One sheep on each plot was fitted with an oesophageal fistula, from which herbage samples were collected at fortnightly intervals. The botanical composition of samples from the mixed swards was estimated by an optical point quadrat method. Samples were analysed for crude protein and cellulose, and digestibility was estimated in vitro.3. Treatment difference within the mixed swards were not significant in terms of botanical composition. The mean proportions selected were 73% grass, 9% clover and 18% dead matter. The proportion of clover selected did not differ significantly between sample collections.

scholarly journals Forage Availability and Quality, and Feeding Behaviour of Indigenous Goats Grazing in a Mediterranean Silvopastoral System

Ruminants ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-89
Author(s):  
Youssef Chebli ◽  
Samira El Otmani ◽  
Jean-Luc Hornick ◽  
Abdelhafid Keli ◽  
Jérôme Bindelle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Feeding Behaviour ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Silvopastoral System ◽  
Forage Availability ◽  
Grazing Systems ◽  
Indigenous Goats

The aim of this study was to study the feeding behaviour of indigenous goats and the selection drivers of different plant species in a Mediterranean forest rangeland. To achieve this goal, the seasonal variations in terms of forage availability and quality of ingested plant species were studied during three grazing seasons. In the same period, eight indigenous goats of Beni Arouss breed were selected to explore the seasonal changes in their browsing behaviour. Forage quality was determined by the hand-plucking technique. The results showed a wide seasonal variation in forage availability and quality, and feeding behaviour. Woody species were more selected independently of the season (p < 0.001). The crude protein content varied from 53.3 g/kg of dry mater (DM) for Erica arborea in summer to 197 g/kg DM for Calicotome villosa in autumn (p < 0.001). Despite the high condensed tannins content in selected shrubs, they were highly consumed. In vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and metabolizable energy (ME) had recorded the highest contents in herbaceous during spring. Shrubs and trees contain the lowest levels of IVOMD (<500 g/kg) and ME (<7.2 MJ/kg) during autumn and summer. It is concluded that seasonal changes in forage availability and quality did not necessarily affect the indigenous goats’ preference. These findings could help goat herders to develop feeding and grazing systems while increasing the performance of goats in the Mediterranean silvopastoral system.

Nutritive characteristics of irrigated perennial pastures in northern Victoria and the selection of nutrients by grazing dairy cows

2001 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 601 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. R. Stockdale ◽  
D. C. Cohen ◽  
P. T. Doyle
Keyword(s):  
Decision Support ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Decision Support Tools ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
Selection Differential ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Support Tools ◽  
Dead Material ◽  
Selection Differentials

The aims of the work reported here were, first, to summarise the available information on nutritive characteristics of perennial pastures in northern Victoria and to examine factors that affected these characteristics. Second, in order for farmers to use such information, we needed to confirm that estimates of nutritive characteristics and selection differentials (the ratio of the concentration of a nutrient in herbage consumed relative to that in herbage on offer) defined in research with irrigated pastures in northern Victoria could be applied to commercial dairy farm situations. Finally, regression models were used to relate selection differentials for in vitro dry matter digestibility (DMD), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) to pasture conditions at different times of the year. It was hypothesised that pre- and post-grazing pasture height (or mass), botanical composition and season are the factors most likely to affect the nutritive characteristics of irrigated perennial pastures and the prediction of selection differentials. Research and on-farm data were generally consistent. On average, DMD of the pasture on offer was highest in August at 80%, declining to 65% in March before starting to rise again. The trends in NDF tended to be the inverse of those for DMD although NDF peaked in late summer (at 63.6%), rather than early autumn. Crude protein was highest in July (21.3%), declining to 13.4% at the start of autumn. Except for winter, increases in herbage mass generally had a significant (P<0.05) negative effect on DMD and CP, and a significant (P&lt;0.05) positive influence on NDF. Of the species variables, weeds and paspalum influenced all nutritive characteristics in summer and autumn, while the proportion of dead material was generally important at most times of the year. Increases in weeds, paspalum and dead material significantly (P<0.05) decreased DMD and CP, and significantly (P<0.05) increased NDF. Selection differentials for summer were closer to unity for DMD and NDF than at other times of the year (P<0.05). Selection differentials for CP in summer were the same (P<0.05) as the mean values recorded in all other seasons. Significant (P<0.05) factors that accounted for variation in the selection differential data included botanical composition and seasonal variables, with the clover and dead components being the most consistent. In addition, post-grazing height and/or the amount of herbage removed at grazing significantly (P<0.05) affected selection differentials of all the nutritive characteristics. For DMD and CP, the greater the amount of herbage removed, the lower the selection differential; the reverse was true for NDF and ADF. It is concluded that regressions generated from the data collated here could be used in decision support tools to help inform farmers about the nutrients their cows obtain from the pasture they graze. This means that, when feeding supplements, farmers can make better decisions about the provision of the most appropriate feeds to meet cow requirements. In the absence of decision support tools that have incorporated the information generated in this study, we suggest that the same average selection differentials could be applied in all dairying areas of Victoria to perennial ryegrass–white clover-based pastures during spring. These are 1.1, 1.3 and 0.8 for DMD, CP and NDF, respectively. These values might also be used in autumn, but with less certainty because of differences in the timing of the autumn break and greater variations in species composition.

scholarly journals EVALUATING THE POTENTIAL OF TRIDAX PROCUMBENS FOR LIVESTOCK FEED

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 23-28
Author(s):  
B. A. Kalu ◽  
M.C. Njike ◽  
S. A. Ikurior
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
The Other ◽  
Livestock Feed ◽  
Harvest Dates ◽  
Tridax Procumbens ◽  
True Digestibility ◽  
Acid Detergent Fibre

Seasonal changes in chemical composition represented by crude protein (CP), In vitro true digestibility (IVTD), and fibre components measured by neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid-detergent fibre (ADF) and lignin were evaluated at specified cano­py ages and stages of maturity in Tridax procumb ens. Samples were selected from five harvest dates in April, June, August, October, and December. Chemical com­position was: highly responsive to dates of harvest. The stage of maturity of canopies reached significantly higher values in August than in the other months of the year. Asso­ciated with these were-lower CP and IVTD and high NDF, ADF and lignin. The poten­tial value of Tridax prOcumbens lies in a pro­perly structured management system that optimises its quality attributes.

scholarly journals In vitro Fermentation Profile and Methane Production of Kikuyu Grass Harvested at Different Sward Heights

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandra Marín ◽  
Jérôme Bindelle ◽  
Ángel S. Zubieta ◽  
Guillermo Correa ◽  
Jacobo Arango ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Methane Production ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Sward Height ◽  
Fermentation Profile ◽  
Kikuyu Grass

Highly digestible forages are associated with an in vitro low-methane (CH4) rumen fermentation profile and thus the possibility of reducing CH4 emissions from forage-based systems. We aimed to assess the in vitro ruminal fermentation profile, including CH4 production, of the top stratum of Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus - Hochst. ex Chiov) harvested at different sward heights (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 cm). Herbage samples (incubating substrate) were analyzed for their chemical composition, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and morphological components. In vitro incubations were performed under a randomized complete block design with four independent runs of each treatment. Gas production (GP), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), CH4 production, total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, and their acetate, propionate, and butyrate proportions were measured following 24 and 48 h of incubation. Herbage samples had similar contents of organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, and crude protein for all treatments. However, a higher acid detergent fiber (ADF) content in taller sward heights than in smaller sward heights and a tendency for metabolizable energy (ME) and IVOMD to decrease as sward height increased were found. Similarly, the stem + sheath mass tended to increase with increasing sward height. Amongst the nutrients, ME (r = −0.65) and IVDMD (r = −0.64) were negatively correlated with sward height (p &lt; 0.001) and ADF was positively correlated with sward height (r = 0.73, p &lt; 0.001). Both the GP and IVDMD were negatively related to the sward height at both incubation times. Sward heights of Kikuyu grass below 30 cm display an in vitro profile of VFAs high in propionate and low in acetate, with a trend toward lower methane production of CH4 per unit of IVDMD. These findings are important to aid decision-making on the optimal sward height of Kikuyu grass and manage animal grazing with the opportunity to reduce CH4 production.

scholarly journals Chemical, nutritive, fermentation profile and gas production of citrus pulp silages, alone or combined with maize silage

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 161-169
Author(s):  
İ Ülger ◽  
S.B. Beyzi ◽  
M Kaliber ◽  
Y Konca
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Maize Silage ◽  
Crude Fibre ◽  
Citrus Pulp ◽  
Acid Detergent Fibre ◽  
Organic Matter Digestibility

Quality attributes of citrus pulp silages that were ensiled alone and combined with maize silage were determined. Fresh samples of lemon, orange and tangerine pulps, maize plants and their combinations were fermented in glass jars for 90 days at about 20 - 25 °C. Treatments included i) 100% maize silage as control (MS); ii) 100% lemon pulp silage (LPS); iii) 100% orange pulp silage (OPS); iv) 100% tangerine pulp silage (TPS); v) 50% LPS and 50% maize silage (LPS + MS); vi) 50% OPS and 50% MS; and vii) 50% TPS and 50% maize silage (TPS + MS). The pH differed among treatment groups. The highest and lowest pH values were recorded for MS group and the OPS + MS group, respectively (3.84 vs. 3.51). The highest dry matter (DM), crude fibre (CF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and hemicellulose (HEM) were observed for MS (P <0.01). Citrus pulp silages alone had significantly greater total digestible nutrients (TDN), organic matter (OM) and non-fibre carbohydrate (NFC) values than MS and the combined silages (P <0.01). Maize silage had higher lactic acid (LA) (101.2 g/kg DM) and acetic acid (AA) (49.3 g/kg DM) concentrations than the citrus groups (P <0.05). In vitro gas production (TG), methane (CH4), metabolizable energy (ME) and organic matter digestibility (OMD) of the silages were similar (P >0.05). Thus, citrus pulps can be ensiled in spite of their moisture content. However, to increased DM and nutrient content, the citrus pulps should be ensiled with 50% maize. Keywords: fermentation metabolites, methane production, organic matter digestibility

scholarly journals Chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of some selected under-utilized tropical seeds as protein sources in ruminants’ diet

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluwatosin Bode Omotoso ◽  
Mary Oluwafunmilayo Adeduntan ◽  
Adebowale Noah Fajemisin
Keyword(s):  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Nutritional Composition ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
In Vitro Digestibility ◽  
Protein Sources ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Supplementary Feed ◽  
Monodora Myristica

Abstract Background The study highlighted the potential of three common and under-utilized tropical leguminous seeds (Tomentosa nilotica, Dioclea reflexa and Monodora myristica) to be used as supplementary feed to ruminant livestock. These seeds (their plants inclusive) are valuable sources of food and medicine for the prevention of illness and maintenance of human health. The medicinal properties of these seeds include antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immuno-stimulant. Trypsin inhibitors, which are common anti-nutritional factors in legumes and for monogastric animals, do not exert adverse effects in ruminants because they are degraded in the rumen. Hence, the crux of this study is to examine the effect of processing methods on the nutritional composition (proximate, fibre fractions, minerals, anti-nutrients) and in vitro digestibility of Tomentosa nilotica, Dioclea reflexa and Monodora myristica seeds and their suitability as feedstuff (protein sources) in small ruminant feed, particularly during off-season. Results From the results, raw Tomentosa nilotica and Monodora myristica have the highest crude protein (30.35% CP) and fat (22.40% EE), respectively. It is noteworthy that roasting best improve the mineral and significantly reduce the anti-nutrients observed in this study better compared to boiling and soaking methods. The highest organic matter digestibility, short-chain fatty acids, metabolizable energy and in vitro dry matter digestibility values were obtained in Dioclea reflexa compared to other test seeds. Roasting best improved the nutritive values, while Dioclea reflexa seed was rated highest for all the nutritional attributes and in vitro digestibility. Conclusions Dioclea reflexa could be incorporated in ruminants’ diet as protein source, particularly during the off-season, for improved ruminant production in Nigeria. However, in vivo study is therefore recommended to validate this report.

scholarly journals Temporal Variations in Chemical Composition, In Vitro Digestibility, and Metabolizable Energy of Plant Species Browsed by Goats in Southern Mediterranean Forest Rangeland

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1441
Author(s):  
Youssef Chebli ◽  
Samira El Otmani ◽  
Mouad Chentouf ◽  
Jean-Luc Hornick ◽  
Jean-François Cabaraux
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Condensed Tannin ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Mediterranean Forest ◽  
In Vitro Digestibility ◽  
Large Variability ◽  
Southern Mediterranean

Forest rangelands contribute largely to goat diets in the Mediterranean area. Information about browsed plant quality is essential for adequate feeding management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the temporal changes in chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of the main plant species selected by goats in the Southern Mediterranean forest rangeland during two consecutive years; these were very contrasted (dry and wet). The browsed species were composed of herbaceous, eleven shrubs, and four tree species. Overall, large variability in chemical composition, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and metabolizable energy (ME) was observed among species, grazing season (spring, summer, and autumn), and years within each species. Crude protein (CP) content varied from 60 to 240 g/kg dry matter (DM). The fiber fractions, except for Quercus suber, increased significantly by advancing maturity. Due to the water stress, the lignin level presented a higher value during the spring of the dry year. Condensed tannin (CT) content varied from 2 to 184 g/kg DM. CP, IVOMD, and ME showed a negative correlation with lignin and CT. Based on the results presented herein, it is concluded that the nutritive value of the browsed plant species was highest in the spring and lowest during the summer and autumn of both studied years. With a good grazing management strategy, the selected plant species by goats could guarantee high-quality feeding resources throughout the year.

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