scholarly journals Improving the nutritive value of timothy through management and breeding

2001 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. 577-585 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Bélanger ◽  
R. Michaud ◽  
P. G. Jefferson ◽  
G. F. Tremblay ◽  
A. Brégard
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Growth Cycle ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Phleum Pratense ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Metabolic Component

Timothy (Phleum pratense L.) is a widely grown fo rage grass species in cool and humid regions of the world including northeastern and northwestern North America, Nordic countries, Russia, and Japan. The nutritive value of timothy decreases with time, phenological development, and increasing forage yield. This review paper summarizes methods of controlling or improving the nutritive value of timothy through management practices and genetic selection, while keeping in mind the importance of forage yield. Consequently, the nutritive value of timothy is considered in relation to the accumulation of forage yield. The ecophysiological basis for the decrease in nutritive value with increasing forage yield during a growth cycle is presented with the assumption that the forage is made of two components: metabolic and structural. The decrease in the proportion of the metabolic component with increasing forage yield reduces the nutritive value of timothy. The nutritive value is also affected by the N concentration of the metabolic component, and by the digestibility of the structural component. Harvest dates, growing seasons, N fertilization, and cultivars have an indirect effect on the nutritive value of timothy through increased forage yield and the change in the proportion of the metabolic and structural components, but they also have a direct effect on each component. The results presented demonstrate the possibility of dissociating yield and nutritive value by plant breeding and, therefore, to improve the nutritive value of timothy while maintaining forage yield. Key words: Yield, cultivar, nitrogen, digestibility

Leaf and stem nutritive value of timothy genotypes under varying N fertilization

2004 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 1101-1104 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Bélanger ◽  
A. Brégard ◽  
R. Michaud ◽  
G. F. Tremblay
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Phleum Pratense ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Acid Detergent Fiber ◽  
True Digestibility ◽  
Sib Families ◽  
Phleum Pratense L

Populations and half-sib families of timothy (Phleum pratense L.), contrasting in forage N concentration, were studied in two experiments conducted in growth rooms with varying N applications. They differed in leaf and stem in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) of DM and in vitro cell wall digestibility (IVCWD), and in stem neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration; this confirms the presence of genetic variability for leaf and stem nutritive value in timothy under both limiting and non-limiting N conditions. Key words: Digestibility, grasses, Phleum pratense, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber

scholarly journals 28 Three-year evaluation of yield and nutritive value of tifton-85 bermudagrass and tifton-85 bermudagrass-alfalfa mixtures produced as baleage in the southeast

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 21-22
Author(s):  
Taylor J Hendricks ◽  
Jennifer J Tucker ◽  
Dennis W Hancock ◽  
Lawton Stewart ◽  
Jacob R Segers
Keyword(s):  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Cynodon Dactylon ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
Value Analysis ◽  
University Of Georgia ◽  
The University

Abstract Interseeding a legume, such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa), into bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) for baleage production can improve forage quality, reduce supplementation needs, and minimize production losses. The objective of this research was to compare the nutritive value and yield of bermudagrass with and without interseeded alfalfa when produced as baleage. This study was conducted at the University of Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton, GA, on an established field of ‘Tifton 85’ (T85) bermudagrass. Ten 0.2-ha plots were randomly assigned to either T85+N or T85 interseeded with ‘Bulldog 805’ alfalfa (T85+Alf). T85+N received N fertilization (84 kg N/ ha) four times each growing season. Plots were harvested at early bloom stage every 28 to 35 days from 2016 to 2018, baled at 40–60% moisture, and individually wrapped. At each harvest, plots were evaluated for botanical composition and forage yield, and bales were sampled prior to wrapping for nutritive value analysis. Plots were also evaluated for botanical composition using the point-transect method 10 days post-harvest. Data were analyzed using mixed models and least significant differences at α = 0.05. Although seasonal yields were greater in the T85+N during year 1, alfalfa-bermudagrass plots produced at least one additional harvest each season of the study, and on average 8 cuttings per season each year following establishment. Ultimately this contributed to greater (P < 0.0001) cumulative yield in the alfalfa-bermudagrass treatment (34,783 vs. 25,608 kg/ha, respectively). Analyses of nutritive value through near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) show that CP and in-vitro true digestibility (IVTD) were greater (P = 0.005 and P = 0.034, respectively) in the alfalfa-bermudagrass treatment than the bermudagrass-only treatment (14.0 vs 11.4% CP and 66.7 vs. 60.2% IVTD, respectively). Improvements in seasonal yield and nutritive value makes bermudagrass interseeded with alfalfa a viable option for baleage producers in the Southeast.

scholarly journals Nitrogen and Sulfur Fertilization in Kale and Swede for Grazing

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 619
Author(s):  
Osvaldo Teuber ◽  
Dulan Samarappuli ◽  
Marisol Berti
Keyword(s):  
Great Plains ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Northern Great Plains ◽  
Nitrogen Accumulation ◽  
Study Results ◽  
N Rates ◽  
Edible Root ◽  
Brassicaceae Family

Species in the Brassicaceae family, hence forth brassicas, such as forage kale [Brassica. oleracea L. convar acephala (DC)], swede (B. napus L. var. napobrassica), turnip [Brassica rapa L. var. rapa (L.) Thell], and hybrids (B. rapa L. × B. pekinensis L. or B. rapa L. × B. oleracea L.), have become an important source of forage for grazing worldwide. One of the limitations of forage brassicas is the relatively higher water content and low forage yield in rain-fed environments. The objective of this study was to determine swede and kale forage yield and nutritive value response to various nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) fertilization rates. The study was conducted at two experimental field sites in North Dakota in 2012 and 2014. Kale cv. Maris Kestrel and swede cv. Major Plus and five N rates (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg N ha−1) and two rates of S (0 and 40 kg S ha−1) were evaluated. Swede total forage yield was greater than kale across all nitrogen and sulfur rates. Compared with no N fertilization, N fertilization increased total leaf and root/stems yield and nitrogen accumulation in leaves, roots, and stems. Sulfur did not affect forage yield. Forage nutritive value was greater in swede than kale due to a higher proportion of edible root compared with kale’s higher proportion of fibrous stems. Nitrogen and sulfur interacted with some forage nutritive components. This study results suggest that growers will benefit from greater forage yield in kale and swede if they fertilize with N up to 200 kg N ha−1. Forage yield and nutritive value of swede and kale in the northern Great Plains are novel results, since these crops are not grown for forage and represent an interesting and valuable new alternative for beef cattle growers.

scholarly journals Yield and nutritive value of the silage of corn intercropped with tropical perennial grasses

2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nídia Raquel Costa ◽  
Marcelo Andreotti ◽  
Carlos Alexandre Costa Crusciol ◽  
César Gustavo da Rocha Lima ◽  
André Michel de Castilhos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Guinea Grass

Abstract: The objective of this work was to compare the yield and nutritive value of the silage of corn intercropped with palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha 'Marandu') or guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus 'Tanzânia') with those of the silage of monocropped corn, as well as to evaluate the pasture established in the intercropping systems during two growing seasons (2010-2011 and 2011-2012), in low-altitude Brazilian Cerrado. The treatments consisted of three cropping systems: monocropped corn, corn intercropped with palisade grass, and corn intercropped with guinea grass, with four replicates. Intercropping decreased corn forage dry matter yield for silage; however, due to the addition of grass, total dry matter yield (corn + grass) was similar between treatments. Intercropping also did not negatively affect corn production components and morphological characteristics. The cropping systems provided silages with good nutritive values, and the inclusion of tropical forages increased the silage fiber contents. Intercropping corn with tropical perennial grasses is a viable option for producing large quantities of silage with good nutritive value. The forage yield (silage + pasture) of these intercropping systems is similar to that of monocropped corn in tropical regions and has the advantage of providing a pasture in the off-season.

Leaf and stem nutritive value of timothy cultivars of different maturity at an irrigated site in southwestern Saskatchewan

2005 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 377-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul G. Jefferson
Keyword(s):  
Nutritive Value ◽  
P Uptake ◽  
Phleum Pratense ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Acid Detergent Fiber ◽  
Days To Maturity ◽  
Fertilizer Rates ◽  
Phleum Pratense L ◽  
Or Modelling

Leaf and stem structural components contribute to variation in nutritive value among timothy (Phleum pratense L.) cultivars. Modelling timothy growth and nutritive value requires a better understanding of this variation. A trial of 11 timothy cultivars was conducted on irrigation at Swift Current, Saskatchewan from 1995 to 1997. Leaf:stem ratio, forage yield, days to maturity, N, P, acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentrations, N/P ratio and P uptake of leaf and stem components were determined for spring growth forage. Two N fertilizer rates (100 and 150 kg N ha-1) did not consistently affect leaf and stem nutritive value. Cultivars differed in maturity, stem P, stem N, stem NDF, leaf NDF and leaf ADF in all 3 yr. Days to maturity was correlated to stem P concentration (r = 0.59, P < 0.05, to 0.77, P < 0.01) and leaf ADF concentration (r = 0.59, P < 0.05, to 0.82, P < 0.01) in all 3 yr but not to stem NDF concentration. Days to maturity was correlated to stem N concentration and leaf NDF concentration in 1995 and 1997 but not in 1996. However, days to maturity did not explain the observed variation among cultivars for stem NDF concentration and several other variables. While maturity differences among timothy cultivars must be taken into account when selecting for improved nutritive value or modelling growth and quality, additional variation for these traits was evident. Key words: Forage quality, Phleum pratense L., maturity, forage yield

Yield and nutritive value of the spring growth of an ageing timothy sward

2008 ◽  
Vol 88 (3) ◽  
pp. 457-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilles Bélanger ◽  
Gaëtan F Tremblay ◽  
Danielle Mongrain
Keyword(s):  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Stem Elongation ◽  
Growth Cycle ◽  
Phleum Pratense ◽  
Early Flowering ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Yield Reduction ◽  
In Vitro Digestibility

The decline in productivity of forage grasses with age since establishment has been recognised for several years, but this yield reduction and its consequences on nutritive value have not been studied in timothy (Phleum pratense L.). Our objective was to characterize the dry matter (DM) yield and nutritive value during spring growth of an ageing timothy sward grown under non-limiting N conditions. A timothy sward, seeded in 1998, was harvested at four developmental stages (stem elongation, early heading, late heading, and early flowering) during spring growth from 1999 to 2005. The average DM yield observed in production years 5, 6, and 7 was 43% of that measured in the first 4 production years when timothy was harvested at stem elongation or early heading, 52% when harvested at late heading, and 74% when harvested at early flowering. The yield potential of timothy during spring growth decreased with ageing at a rate of 0.66 and 0.91 Mg DM ha-1 yr-1 with harvests at early and late heading, respectively. The nutritive value of timothy harvested at stem elongation was greater in older (production years 5, 6, and 7) than in younger (first 4 production years) swards as indicated by in vitro true digestibility of DM (+ 48 g kg-1 DM), in vitro digestibility of NDF (+ 77 g kg-1 NDF), and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) concentration (-62 g kg-1 DM); this difference, explained mostly by the lower DM yield of older swards, disappeared when timothy was harvested later on in the growth cycle. Rates of change in nutritive value observed during the phase of reproductive development in spring growth were, therefore, greater in older than in younger swards. Our results demonstrate clearly the decline in timothy productivity with age and its consequences on nutritive value. Key words: Phleum pratense, harvesting year, stages of development, yield, digestibility

scholarly journals Stem Density, Productivity, and Weed Community Dynamics in Corn-Alfalfa Intercropping

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1696
Author(s):  
Swetabh Patel ◽  
Cynthia A. Bartel ◽  
Andrew W. Lenssen ◽  
Kenneth J. Moore ◽  
Marisol T. Berti
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Community Dynamics ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Stem Density ◽  
Corn Yield ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
System Productivity

Intercropping legumes with cereals for forage production is a practical multi-cropping technique to increase yield and improve land use efficiency. In a 3-year cropping sequence, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) intercropped with corn (Zea mays L.) may increase overall economic yield and land sustainability over either crop alone. The objective of this study was to assess overall productivity of a corn-alfalfa intercropping system and its effect on weed community. The study was conducted near Boone, IA, USA, from 2016 to 2018 and repeated from 2017 to 2019 to assess the effect of five treatments: alfalfa only, corn only, corn intercropped with alfalfa, corn intercropped with alfalfa with prohexadione (PHX) applied to alfalfa at the V8 corn stage, and spring-seeded alfalfa (corn in the seeding year followed by planting alfalfa the following year) on system productivity. Corn grain yield decreased by 23 to 26% when intercropped with alfalfa; PHX application did not affect corn or alfalfa yield. Alfalfa stand density under corn was reduced by 36 to 68% compared with alfalfa alone in the seeding year. Alfalfa forage yield in the first production year was the same among intercropped treatments and sole alfalfa. However, spring-seeded alfalfa had two to three times less yield than other treatments. Alfalfa stem density was greater in sole alfalfa than the intercropped studies in the seeding year, with fewer stems in successive production years. Alfalfa forage yield strongly correlated with stem density, stem height, and stage at harvest in the seeding year and first harvest of the first production year. Weed density inconsistently correlated with alfalfa biomass. In conclusion, establishing alfalfa in intercropping with corn can skip alfalfa low-yielding seeding year. Based on the findings of our experiment, future research on corn-alfalfa intercropping should focus on screening drought tolerant corn hybrids with vigorous root systems. Using an early-maturing corn hybrid, coupled with management practices such as appropriate N fertilization, may improve corn yield and the chances of success for this intercropping system.

FORAGE YIELD AND QUALITY OF CULTIVATED PERENNIAL GRASSES HARVESTED AT THE EARLY HEADING STAGE

1975 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 271-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. N. TINGLE ◽  
C. R. ELLIOTT
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Poa Pratensis ◽  
Kentucky Bluegrass ◽  
Phleum Pratense ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Cultivar Differences ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Heading Stage

Fifteen grass species harvested at the early heading stage varied in dry matter yield and contents of crude protein, dry matter digestibility, Ca, K, Mg, Zn, Mn and Cu. Each parameter except Mg and Cu concentrations exhibited differences between cultivars within certain of eight species. Only timothy (Phleum pratense L.) had cultivar differences in dry matter digestibility. Crude protein contents varied between cultivars of meadow fescue (Festuca elatior L.) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). Differences between species were greater than between cultivars within species.

INFLUENCE DE LA FERTILISATION AZOTEE SUR LE RENDEMENT, LA VALEUR NUTRITIVE ET LA TENEUR EN DIVERSES FRACTIONS AZOTEES DE TROIS CULTIVARS DE LA FLEOLE DES PRES

1979 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 839-846 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. P. GUERTIN ◽  
J. C. ST-PIERRE ◽  
P. GERVAIS
Keyword(s):  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Nitrate Nitrogen ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Phleum Pratense ◽  
N Fertilizer ◽  
Protein Nitrogen ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Nitrogen Contents ◽  
Phleum Pratense L

A 3-yr study on rates of nitgoren fertilization of timothy (Phleum pratense L.) showed that dry matter yield increased significantly with each increment of N fertilizer up to 448 kg/ha. Bounty outyielded Climax and Clair cultivars. Forage nutritive value index (NVI) was reduced by N fertilization but no significant difference was found among cultivars over the three growth cycles. Third cut forage had the highest and first cut forage the lowest NVI. Total, protein and non-protein nitrogen contents reached their highest values in first and second growth at highest rates of N fertilizer. Potentially toxic levels of nitrate-nitrogen were attained at each harvest only at rates of 448 and 896 kg/ha of N. On average over the season, Climax had the highest and Clair the lowest percentages of total and protein nitrogen while there was no significant difference among cultivars in the non-protein and nitrate nitrogen contents.

Benefits of mixing timothy with alfalfa for forage yield, nutritive value, and weed suppression in northern environments

2014 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilles Bélanger ◽  
Yves Castonguay ◽  
Julie Lajeunesse
Keyword(s):  
Freezing Tolerance ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Phleum Pratense ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Seasonal Effect ◽  
Yield Increase ◽  
Forage Digestibility ◽  
Positive Effect

Bélanger, G., Castonguay, Y. and Lajeunesse, J. 2014. Benefits of mixing timothy with alfalfa for forage yield, nutritive value, and weed suppression in northern environments. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 51–60. Alfalfa can be grown alone or with a grass, but little information exists on the benefits of mixing alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) with a grass in northern environments. Our objectives were (1) to determine the benefits in terms of forage yield, nutritive value, and weed suppression of mixing timothy (Phleum pratense L.) with alfalfa and (2) to evaluate the persistence of alfalfa cultivars of varied adaptation to cold and of alfalfa populations selectively improved for superior freezing tolerance in a grass–legume mixture and in monoculture. This study was conducted in a region with 1700 degree-days (5°C basis) with one harvest in the seeding year (2008), three harvests in each of two post-seeding years, and one harvest in the third post-seeding year. Adding timothy to alfalfa increased the seasonal total dry matter (DM) yield by an average of 0.57 Mg DM ha−1 yr−1 in the first 2 post-seeding years and this seasonal effect was due mostly to a DM yield increase at the first harvest. The weed contribution to total DM yield in the three harvests of the first 2 post-seeding years was greater in the alfalfa monoculture (16 to 47%) than in the alfalfa–timothy mixture (12 to 36%). Mixing timothy with alfalfa also increased neutral detergent fibre concentration and digestibility, decreased N concentration, and tended to increase water soluble concentration, but had little effect on forage DM digestibility. Cultivars and populations recurrently selected for superior freezing tolerance did not differ in persistence and had a limited effect on DM yield and nutritive value attributes. The positive effect on DM yield of mixing timothy with alfalfa was not accompanied by a reduction in forage digestibility that is usually observed with increased DM yield.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document