Economics of backgrounding calves on Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) pastures in the Aspen Parkland

2008 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. H. McCartney ◽  
H. A. Lardner ◽  
F. C. Stevenson
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Lolium Multiflorum ◽  
Italian Ryegrass ◽  
Western Canada ◽  
Annual Ryegrass ◽  
Aspen Parkland ◽  
Feed Costs ◽  
The Cost

Annual ryegrass or Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) can be used to improve pasture productivity through extension of the grazing season in the Aspen parkland of western Canada. A study conducted at Agriculture and Agri Food Canada Melfort, SK. and Lacombe, AB, showed that weaned calves could successfully graze Italian ryegrass late into the fall as part of the overall backgrounding system. Spring-seeded annual Italian ryegrass produced between 4300 and 6700 kg total dry matter per hectare across all sites and had an average crude protein content of 184 g kg-1 and in vitro DM digestibility of 640 g kg-1. Spring calves were early weaned in late August or conventionally weaned in October and backgrounded on Italian ryegrass pasture or a silage-based ration in drylot pens. The cost of growing Italian ryegrass was $339 ha-1 resulting in a grazing cost per day of $0.31–$0.68 depending upon the number of grazing days per ha. There were no differences in performance of animals backgrounded on Italian ryegrass pasture compared with those backgrounded in the feedlot. The total cost per head for backgrounding early-weaned calves on Italian ryegrass and finished in a feedlot was $398 compared with $429 for early-weaned calves backgrounded and finished in a feedlot, while conventionally weaned calves backgrounded and finished in a feedlot cost $418. Backgrounding calves on Italian ryegrass pasture reduced the number of days in the feedlot along with the associated cost of yardage and stored feed. Backgrounding calves in a feedlot had a yardage charge of $0.40 or higher, which added a cost in addition to stored feed costs of the ration. Backgrounding calves on extended season grazing of Italian ryegrass reduced health problems due to elimination of mixing animals in feedlot pens, less need for stored feed including storage and feeding losses and less labour to feed the cattle and haul manure in the spring. Backgrounding calves on high-quality fall pasture was more economical than backgrounding in a feedlot system. Key words: Background, steer, pasture, economics

Prediction of Digestibility and Intake of Sheep Fed Leguminosae or GRAMINAE Hays: Comparison Between the in Vitro Digestibility, Kinetics of Gas Production or Dry Matter Degradation

1994 ◽  
Vol 1994 ◽  
pp. 103-103
Author(s):  
M.T. Dentinho ◽  
K. Khazaal ◽  
J.M. Ribeiro ◽  
E.R. Ørskov
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Lolium Multiflorum ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Italian Ryegrass ◽  
In Vitro Digestibility ◽  
Kinetics Of

By using separated values of kinetics of in situ dry matter (DM) degradation or in vitro gas production (Menke and Steingass, 1988) of leguminosae hays, Khazaal et al, (1993) reported high correlation with intake (r= 0.88; r= 0.79) and in vivo DM digestibility (DMD) (r= 0.94; r= 0.88). The aim of the present study was to extend the range of samples used and compare the ability of the 2 stages in vitro digestibility (Tilley and Terry, 1963), the in situ DM degradation or the gas production techniques to predict daily intake (g DM/ kgW0.75) and in vivo DM digestibility (DMD) of 19 leguminous and graminaceous hays fed to sheep.Three harvesting stages (early bloom EB, mid bloom MB or in seed IS) made from lucerne (Medicago sativa), sweet clover (Melilotus segetalis), Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum), Rye (Secale cereale), Triticale (Triticale hexaploid), oat (Avena stativa) and a pre-bloom (PB) Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum ). Each hay was fed ad libitum to 4 Merino male sheep and their intake and in vivo DMD recorded. Gas production (ml/ 200 mg DM) or in situ DM degradation (g/ 100 g DM) were determined as described by Khazaal et al, (1993) after 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 or 96 h incubation. Measured gas production or DM degradation values were fitted to the equation p=a+b(l-e-ct)(McDonald, 1981) where p is gas production or DM degradation at time t and a, b and c are constants. For nylon bag the washing loss (soluble fraction) was defined as A, the insoluble but fermentable matter was defined as B=(a+b)-A, and c is the rate of fermentation or degradation (Ørskov and Ryle, 1990).

EFFECTS OF RATES OF N AND REGROWTH INTERVALS ON YIELDS AND QUALITY OF ITALIAN RYEGRASS GROWN AS A SUMMER ANNUAL

1978 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 691-697 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. T. KUNELIUS ◽  
F. W. CALDER
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Lolium Multiflorum ◽  
Italian Ryegrass ◽  
Total N ◽  
Harvest Intervals ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Suitable System

Italian ryegrass (IRG) (Lolium multiflorum Lam. cv. Lemtal) was grown on a sandy loam and/or on a fine sandy loam in 1974, 1975, and 1976. IRG was fertilized three times each year with 40, 80, or 120 kg N/ha/application and harvested at 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-wk intervals starting in July. Dry matter (DM) yield increased with the rate of applied N. Four-week harvest intervals generally resulted in the greatest DM yields ranging from 4.32 to 7.11 t/ha. Droughty conditions in 1975 reduced the growth and resulted in small DM yields particularly on sandy loam. The mean total N concentrations of IRG ranged from 2.40 to 3.68% and was approximately proportional to applied N. Longer regrowth intervals decreased total N concentrations by. 12–.56% units per week. Applied N did not influence the in vitro disappearance of DM (IVDDM), whereas longer regrowth intervals reduced IVDDM in 1975. The harvest system with a 4-wk regrowth interval and 80 kg N/ha/apphcation resulted in satisfactory DM, N, and digestible DM yields and appeared to be a suitable system for IRG grown as a summer annual.

scholarly journals Yields and Quality of Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) and Common Vetch (Vicia sativa) Grown in Monocultures and Mixed Cultures under Irrigated Conditions in the Highlands of Madagascar

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Volatsara B. Rahetlah ◽  
Jean M. Randrianaivoarivony ◽  
Blandine Andrianarisoa ◽  
Lucile H. Razafimpamoa ◽  
Vololoniaina L. Ramalanjaona
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Lolium Multiflorum ◽  
Italian Ryegrass ◽  
Pure Stand ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Common Vetch ◽  
Land Equivalent Ratio ◽  
Yield And Quality

<p>A field experiment was conducted under irrigated conditions in the highlands of Madagascar to assess the potential of intercropping Italian ryegrass with common vetch for improving yield and quality of forage. Seed proportions studied were ryegrass-vetch 100:0; 0:100; 50:33; 50:50; 50:66; 75:33 and 75:66. Mixtures were sown in alternate rows and the sowing rates of pure stands of ryegrass and vetch were 20 and 60 kg per hectare, respectively. The results showed that all mixtures achieved yield advantage over pure stands with the highest land equivalent ratio value for dry matter yield obtained from the mixture of 75:66 (1.47) followed by 50:50 (1.35). Slight increase of crude protein content and protein digested in the small intestine when rumen-fermentable nitrogen is limiting (PDIN) content were obtained from mixtures compared with pure stand of ryegrass. Vetch rate in dry matter yield of mixtures increased with the increase of vetch seed proportion and ranged from 31 to 44%. Agressivity and competitive ratio indices showed that ryegrass was slightly competitive than vetch. Intercropping Italian ryegrass with common vetch at the seed proportions of 75:66 or 50:50 could be a more sustainable alternative cropping to alleviate dry season feed shortages of dairy livestock in the highlands of Madagascar.</p>

IN VIVO UTILIZATION OF WILTED GRASS SILAGES PREPARED IN THE MARITIME PROVINCES OF CANADA

1982 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 391-397
Author(s):  
P. NARASIMHALU ◽  
K. A. WINTER ◽  
H. T. KUNELIUS
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Lolium Multiflorum ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Italian Ryegrass ◽  
Maritime Provinces ◽  
Meadow Fescue ◽  
Digestible Energy ◽  
Dactylis Glomerata L

Voluntary intakes and apparent digestibilities of wilted grass silages produced under humid climatic conditions of the Maritime Provinces of Canada were determined from feeding trials with wether lambs during two 24-day periods. The silages included seeding year Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam. ’Lemtal’), and first-cut perennial ryegrass (L. perenne L. ’Norlea’), meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds. ’Trader’), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L. ’Tardus’), and quack-grass (Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv.). Second-cut quackgrass was also included. Dry matter and digestibile energy intakes were not different among the first-cut silages (58.8–65.7 g and 746–848 KJ/kg.75BW, respectively) but were higher (P < 0.05) in comparison to the intakes of the nutrients contained in the second-cut quackgrass silage (49.6 g and 467 KJ/kg.75BW). The two-stage in vitro dry matter disappearance, but not the acid-pepsin solubility determinations on the silage samples dried at 55 °C, were closely correlated with the intakes of silage dry matter (r = 0.90, P < 0.05) and digestible energy (r = 0.98, P < 0.01), and with the apparent digestibilities of these respective nutrients (r = 0.92 and 0.96, P < 0.01). Silage content of acid detergent fiber, in comparison with in vitro dry matter disappearance, was less closely correlated with the apparent digestibilities of dry matter (r = −0.82, P < 0.05) and digestible energy (r = -0.75, P < 0.10).

Influence of annual ryegrass and barley seeding rates on intercrop forage yield and quality

1992 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 1199-1206 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Thompson ◽  
D. G. Stout
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Lolium Multiflorum ◽  
Spring Barley ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Annual Ryegrass ◽  
Seeding Rate ◽  
Hordeum Vulgare L ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
Forage Yields

Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam. ’Maris Ledger’) was seeded at rates ranging from 5 to 30 kg ha−1 as either a monocrop or an intercrop with 50, 100 or 150 kg ha−1 of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L. ’Diamond’). When ryegrass is intercropped with barley, cuts 1 and 2 are usually ensiled and the remainder of seasonal production is pastured (the equivalent of two forage cuts). Monocropped annual ryegrass produced 91% as much dry matter (DM) in the silage cuts as intercropped annual ryegrass and barley but produced 105% as much pasture. Over the season, monocropped ryegrass produced 11.1 t ha−1 of forage compared with 11.7 t ha−1 for intercropped annual ryegrass and barley. Among the intercropping treatments, increased barley seeding rate resulted in greater cut 1 yields, but this was offset by reduced cut 2 yields, so barley seeding rate did not affect the yield of DM for silage. Only 50 kg ha−1 of barley seed was required to obtain maximum yearly forage yields when intercropping with annual ryegrass. No more than 10 kg ha−1 of ryegrass seed was required for optimal yield when monocropping, and no more than 15 kg ha−1 when ryegrass was intercropped with barley. Monocropped ryegrass produced superior quality forage for silage. When quality was weighted for the relative yields of cuts 1 and 2, the monocrop averaged 16% protein and 72% in vitro disappearance of dry matter (IVDDM) compared with 12% protein and 58% IVDDM for the intercrops. Among the intercrops, increasing barley seeding rate from 50 kg ha−1 to 150 kg ha−1 did not affect the protein content of silage cuts, but it decreased IVDDM from 60% to 56%. Pasture forage quality was not affected by barley seeding rate.Key words: Intercropping, annual ryegrass, barley, seeding rate, yield

scholarly journals Comparison of herbage yield, nutritive value and ensilability traits of three ryegrass species evaluated for the Irish Recommended List

2015 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. A. Burns ◽  
P. O’Kiely ◽  
D. Grogan ◽  
S. Watson ◽  
T. J. Gilliland
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Italian Ryegrass ◽  
Soluble Carbohydrate ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Water Soluble Carbohydrate

Abstract This study examined 169 of the newest varieties of three ryegrass species, perennial (Lolium perenne L.), Italian (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and hybrid (Lolium boucheanum Kunth), from Recommended List trials in Ireland. The traits examined were yield, dry matter concentration, three nutritive value traits (in vitro dry matter digestibility, water-soluble carbohydrate on a dry matter basis and crude protein concentration) and two ensilability traits (buffering capacity and water soluble carbohydrate concentration on an aqueous phase basis). Varietal monocultures of each species underwent a six cut combined simulated grazing and silage management in each of two years following sowing. Perennial ryegrass yielded less than both other species in one-year-old swards, but less than only Italian ryegrass in two-year-old swards, but generally had the higher in vitro dry matter digestibility and crude protein values. Italian ryegrass displayed the most favourable ensilability characteristics of the three species with perennial ryegrass less favourable and hybrid ryegrass intermediate. Overall, despite the high yields and favourable nutritive value and ensilability traits recorded, the general differences between the three ryegrass species studied were in line with industry expectations. These findings justify assessing the nutritive value and ensilability of ryegrass species, in addition to yield, to allow farmers select species that match farming enterprise requirements.

Responses to the renovation of an irrigated perennial pasture in northern Victoria. 1. Pasture consumption and nutritive characteristics

2007 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 149 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. Lawson ◽  
K. B. Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Italian Ryegrass ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Spring Period ◽  
Summer Pasture ◽  
The Cost

A field experiment was established in northern Victoria in the autumn of 1999 to quantify the effects of renovating a 15-year-old irrigated perennial pasture which had a high paspalum content [>40% dry matter (DM)] in summer. The treatments were: (i) control, the existing pasture; (ii) oversown, in which the existing pasture was grazed, topped and direct drilled; and (iii) resown, in which the existing pasture was sprayed, cultivated and sown with a new pasture. The grass species used in both renovation treatments were perennial ryegrass, Italian ryegrass and tall fescue. The treatments were grazed by dairy cows when the perennial ryegrass had reached the 2.5–3 leaf stage. Grazing of the resown tall fescue coincided with the resown ryegrass in years 1 and 2, but in subsequent years, resown tall fescue was grazed at a rising plate meter height of 80 mm. All treatments were grazed to a residual pasture height of 40–45 mm, as measured with a rising plate meter. Pasture consumption (measured as DM removed by dairy cows), in vitro DM digestibility (in vitro DMD) and crude protein (CP) contents were measured. Oversowing increased pasture consumption over the 4-year period, compared with the control, by an average of 1.1 t DM/ha.year when oversown once with perennial ryegrass and by 1.6 t DM/ha.year when oversown annually with Italian ryegrass. This increase occurred principally during the winter–spring period for pastures oversown with both perennial (0.7 t DM/ha) and Italian (1.6 t DM/ha) ryegrass. Oversowing with perennial or Italian ryegrass did not affect the in vitro DMD or CP content of the pasture on offer. These results show that oversowing with either perennial or Italian ryegrass is a viable means of increasing pasture availability over winter and spring from perennial pastures consisting of a mixture of perennial ryegrass, white clover and paspalum. Pasture consumption in the first 12 months after resowing was 3.5–4.1 t DM/ha lower from the resown than from the control pasture. This was because of two fewer grazings in autumn–winter and to reductions in pasture consumption of 20% in spring and of 40% in summer. These reductions would add considerably to the cost of resowing through increasing the need for supplementary feeding. Pasture consumption from the resown perennial ryegrass pasture in years 2–4 was, on average, the same as the control, although it was higher during winter and spring and lower during summer. Pasture consumption from the resown tall fescue pasture in years 2–4 was, on average, 2.5 t DM/ha.year higher than that of the resown perennial ryegrass pasture, with most of this increase occurring in summer and autumn. The resown pastures had higher in vitro DMD and CP contents than the control with little difference between the resown perennial ryegrass and tall fescue pastures. These findings show that tall fescue is a viable alternative to perennial ryegrass when resowing pastures. The use of nitrogen fertiliser did not affect the in vitro DMD or CP contents of the pasture on offer but allowed an increase in DM consumption, with this increase being greater for the control and oversown pastures than for the resown pasture.

scholarly journals Short Communication: Performance of steers fed on pasture receiving different seeding rates of vetch in an integrated crop-livestock system

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. e06SC01
Author(s):  
Douglas Vonz ◽  
Luis F. G. Menezes ◽  
Wagner Paris ◽  
Fernando Kuss ◽  
Magali F. Silveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Lolium Multiflorum ◽  
Italian Ryegrass ◽  
In Vitro Digestibility ◽  
Individual Animal ◽  
Common Vetch ◽  
Communication Performance ◽  
Beef Calves ◽  
Seed Mixture

Aim of study: To evaluate the performance of beef calves fed black oat and Italian ryegrass pasture seeded with several different seeding rates (SR) of common vetch in a crop-livestock integrated system.Area of study: The experiment was carried out in Dois Vizinhos city, Paraná, Brazil.Material and methods: An area of 8.3 ha was used, which was divided into 11 paddocks, 0.75 ha each. Nellore calves (n = 22), 7 ± 2 months old and with initial body weight of 134 ± 27 kg were used for the tests. The experimental design was completely randomised. Vetch (Vicia sativa L., ‘Amethyst’) SR treatments included 0, 15, 30, and 45 kg ha-1, in a mixture with black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb. ‘IPR 61’ and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) pastures.Main results: There was no effect of SR on pasture productivity parameters. The increase in vetch seed in the seed mixture resulted in an increase in crude protein and neutral detergent fibre, but decreased in vitro digestibility of vetch. However, these changes did not affect the nutritional value of the pasture. Vetch SR of 30 kg ha-1 or higher allowed greater share of the legume in the pasture, thereby enhancing greater individual animal performanceResearch highlights: Vetch SR of 30 kg ha-1 or higher allowed greater share of the legume in the pasture, thereby enhancing greater individual animal performance.

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.

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