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Copyright of Tropical Grasslands / Forrajes Tropicales is the property of International Centre for Tropical Agriculture - CIAT and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this study was to select and evaluate promising potential indigenous fodder trees and shrubs (IFTS) as supplemental feeds for ruminant animals. Through interviews with farmers and field inventories, 107 IFTS species were identified as ruminant feeds, from which 37 potential IFTS species were selected. The chemical composition and anti-nutritional factors of the selected IFTS were analysed. Among the 37 selected IFTS species, crude protein (CP) ranged from 83.3 to 230.5 (mean, 134.3) g kg−1 dry matter (DM); CP was greater than 80 g kg−1 DM in all selected species. Condensed tannin (CT) content varied from 2.57 to 210.91 g kg−1 (p < 0.05) among the selected species, of which 72% had < 40 g kg−1 DM, an amount that is tolerable for ruminants. Farmers' preferences and the nutritive value of the selected fodder species were positively correlated (p < 0.05) for CP (0.61), organic matter digestibility (0.303) and metabolisable energy (0.25). Farmers' preference ranking and the nutritive value of the plants were considered to select the top 14 IFTS, all of which had CP > 110 g kg−1, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) < 350 g kg−1, and CT < 40 g kg−1. Thus, the selected potential IFTS need further evaluation for their agronomic practice, biomass production and animal performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Ethiopia, the dairy cows' major feed resources are natural pasture and crop residues, both of which are nutritionally low and do not even satisfy the maintenance requirement. Consequently, dairy productivity per head is low in the country. This paper reviews the existing knowledge of negative energy balance (NEB) and summarizes its implication on production and reproduction parameters, as well as the monitoring tools as a means of intervention in minimizing the effect on dairy cows. The presence of NEB in late gestation and early lactation of dairy cows could contribute to both short and long-term negative effects on production and reproduction ability. Lower body condition, reduced milk production, a change in the milk fat to protein ratio, an increasing incidence of health problems, a late time to become estrus, delayed ovarian cycle, and a lower conception rate are the common implications. Through the knowledge created so far, it can be concluded that NEB is almost a common phenomenon in transitional high milking dairy animals, but there is a possibility to shorten its persistence through strategic supplementation using the NEB monitoring tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Ethiopia, locally available feed resources are commendable in livestock production to make the sector sustainable and productive. Objectives: This on‐farm evaluation was conducted to evaluate the effect of urea‐molasses‐treated highland bamboo (Yushania alpina) leaves (UMTHBL) in lactating crossbred dairy cows' nutrient utilization, body performance, milk yield and quality and economic performance. Methods: On‐farm feeding trial was conducted using 12 lactating cows with initial body weight (328.08 ± 0.98 kg), initial milk yield (3.14 ± 0.78 L) of uniform parity (2) and stage of lactation (early) using a Randomized Complete Block Design. Three dietary treatments, namely, 6 h grazing (control) + concentrate (T1), control + UMTHBL ad lib (T2), control + untreated BL adlib (T3) with three replications were used. Analysis of variance was employed for the feeding trial data analysis. Results: The UMTHBL increased more dry matter and nutrients intake than untreated. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was recorded between UMTHBL feeding (T2) and T1 and T3 in terms of increased milk yield. The highest (6.26 L) and the lowest (3.27 L) mean milk yield per day were recorded for cows fed UMTHBL and the control group, respectively. Urea‐molasses treatment improved the crude protein (CP) and reduced fibres content than untreated. Treatment effects were not‐significant (p > 0.05) for milk compositions. Similar to milk yield, dairy cows in T2 consumed more CP which is also reflected in higher body weight and economic benefit. Conclusion: It can be concluded that employing treatment technology for highland bamboo leaves could support the crossbred dairy cows' production in smallholder farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Models have been presented to evaluate the link between dairy farm production factors and their degree of association with production determinants. Studies have found causal relationships between production parameters (dairy farm facility, farm hygiene and waste management, feed and nutrition, reproduction performance, health and extension services, mode of transportation, education level and gross revenue) as well as farm efficiency parameters. Furthermore, structural equation modelling (SEM) allows for the estimation of parameters that are not directly quantifiable, known as latent variables. Objective: The research was designed to identify the dairy management determinants and evaluate farm production performance using an SEM approach in the selected areas of the Amhara region, Ethiopia. Methodology: In‐person survey using a semi‐structured pre‐tested questionnaire was employed in 2021 to collect primary data on 117 randomly selected commercial dairy producers keeping cross‐breed Holstein Frisian cows in the Amhara region. SEM was used to study the complexity of influences on efficiency measures in milk production utilizing the combined data. Results: The model result revealed that the relationship between construct reliabilities and farm facilities was significantly varied (p < 0.01). The model analysis showed that the level of education has also a positive and statistically significant correlation with the reproduction performance of the dairy farms, (ρ = 0.337) and the gross revenue of the farm showed as (p = 0.849). Farm gross revenue articulated a positive, strong statistically significant association with feed and nutrition values (ρ = 0.906), dairy farm facilities (ρ = 0.934), and hygiene and waste management (ρ = 0.921). Consequently, the predictors of dairy farm facility's feed and nutrition and hygiene and waste management explained 93.40%, 84.0%, 80.20%, and 88.50% of the variance. Conclusion: The proposed model was scientifically valid, and training and education have an effect on management practices, subsequently affecting the production performance of the dairy farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of harvesting age at 6, 8, 10, and 12 days and four barley varieties HB-1307, Debark-1, Tila, and local varieties on morphological characteristics, biomass yield, chemical composition, and economic benefits under hydroponics in the Fogera district at Fogera National Rice Research and Training Center of Amhara Region, Ethiopia. The interaction effects of harvesting age and barley variety significantly influenced growth parameters of plant height, shoot length, leaf length, and overall chemical composition (P < 0.05). All morphological characteristics were significantly different (P < 0.01) among harvesting ages, and the stem weight, leaf to stem ratio (LSR), and number of leaves per plant were not significantly influenced (P > 0.05) by the different barley varieties. The highest plant height (21.26 cm) and crude protein (CP) content (21.39%) were obtained from Debark-1 at 12 days of harvesting. The highest fresh fodder biomass yield, 203.50 t/ha, and dry matter (DM) yield, 36.21 t/ha, were obtained at 12 days of harvesting. In the case of harvesting age, all morphological parameters increased with the progress harvesting age, except for the LSR and DM content. The highest net return of 2,923,002.25 ETB/ha was obtained from Debark-1 at the 12 days harvesting age, and the lowest 941,201.13 ETB/ha was obtained for the Tila variety at the six days of harvesting age. From the study, it can be concluded that based on fresh fodder biomass yield, DM yield, CP, and economic benefits, Debark-1 was the recommended barley variety on the 12-day harvesting age, followed by HB-1307, local, and Tila barley varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the field experiment was to evaluate the agronomic performance and nutritive values of brachiaria grass in response to cultivars, soil type, and fertilizer application. A randomized complete block design containing three replications with three factors (fertilizer, cultivars, and soil types) was used. The cultivars were Brachiaria mutica, Brachiaria hybrid Mulato-II, Brachiaria hybrid Mulato-I, Brachiaria birzantha Marandu, and Brachiaria birzantha La liberated. The root splits were means of propagation for all cultivars. The spacing between blocks and plots was 1 meter while between plants and rows was 0.5 meter. Agronomic performance such as plant height (PH), number of tillers (NT), number and length of leaves, forage dry matter (DM) yield, and nutritive values of the cultivars were measured and analyzed. Forage samples were taken at 90 days harvesting age. A general linear model of statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.0 is used as a statistical method. The results revealed that all three factors interaction was highly significant (p < 0.001) on all agronomic and nutritive values of Brachiaria grass cultivars. The agronomic performance and most of its nutritive values of brachiaria cultivars were higher (p < 0.05) at black soil than in red soil; except for crude protein. The Brachiria mutica cultivar had a higher agronomic performance at both soil types than hybrid Mulato-II and hybrid Mulato-I. Based on the response recorded, it can be concluded that hybrid Mulato-II, B. mutica, and hybrid Mulato-I cultivars were performing better in the study areas. As a recommendation, farmers should consider cultivar, soil type, and presence of fertilizer in establishing brachiaria grass in the production system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Protein feed resources for ruminant animal productions are deficit in Ethiopia. Objectives: To evaluate the supplementation effects of dried Dodonaea angustifolia leaves (DDL), dried traditional brewery by‐product locally called atella and their mixtures on nutrient utilization and growth performance of Farta sheep fed natural pasture hay (NPH) as basal diet. Methods: Twenty‐five yearling intact male Farta sheep with average initial body weight of 14.53 ± 1.35 kg (mean ± SD) were used for the study. The experimental sheep were allocated into five blocks of five animals based on their initial body weight. The experiment lasted for 90 days of feeding trial followed by 7 days of digestibility trial. The experimental feeds were NPH ad libitum + 100% DDL + 100 g wheat bran (WB; T1), NPH ad libitum + 75% DDL + 25% dried atella + 100 g WB(T2), NPH ad libitum + 50% DDL + 50% deried atella + 100 g WB (T3), NPH ad libitum + 25% DDL +75% dried atella +100 g WB (T4) and NPH ad libitum + 100% dried atella + 100 g WB (T5). Results: NPH, DDL and dried atella contained 7.42, 15.39, 21.13% crude protein (CP) and 66, 36, 34% neutral detergent fiber, respectively. Sheep supplemented with increasing level of atella had more dry matter intake (DMI) and crude protein intake (CPI) and the highest of these DMI and CPI were in T5 (868 g/d for dry matter and 113 g/d for CP). This progressive increased CPI from T1 up to T5 was reflected in a significant (p < 0.001) fibers and estimated metabolizable energy intake in the order of T5 > T4 > T3 > T2 > T1. Significant difference (p < 0.001) was recorded on nutrient utilization and the highest was for T5 and lowest for T1. Average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) were significantly (p < 0.001) increased as the atella inclusion level increased. Sheep in T4 and T5 had the highest ADG and FCE with the order of T5 = T4 > T3 > T2 > T1. ADG was correlated positively and highly significant with nutrients intake and digestibility. Conclusion: Atella supplementation better than DDL and then their mixture (T2–T4) supplementation could be recommended in sheep fattening in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating farmyard manure (FYM) and legume intercropping improves soil chemical and microbial properties, thereby increasing forage productivity and nutritional value. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how fertilizer treatments affected the chemical composition, in vitro gas production and organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and volatile fatty acid production (VFA) of Napier and desho grasses in the upper Blue Nile basin of Ethiopia. Apart from ether extract content, the chemical composition of the fertilizer treatments in the Aba Gerima watershed did not differ significantly, whereas significant differences were observed in acid detergent fiber and crude protein contents at the Guder watershed. In both watersheds, Napier grass had significantly higher crude protein levels than desho grass. In Aba Gerima, ash content was significantly higher in 2018 than in 2019, but not in Guder. For Napier and desho grasses, there were an increment in IVOMD (6.7 vs 4.7%), metabolizable energy (5.5 vs 4.5%), and VFA production (23.1 vs 3.0%) in the Desmodium intortum plus FYM treatment than in the control in Aba Gerima. In Guder, however, IVOMD (13.7 vs 4.6%), metabolizable energy (13.3 vs 3.3%), and VFA production (11.2 vs 5.6%) increased in the same treatment for Napier and desho grasses than in the control. This study suggests that the Desmodium intortum plus FYM improves the nutritional value, IVOMD, and VFA production of Napier and desho grasses in dryland areas of the upper Blue Nile basin, facilitating their growth as alternative livestock feed for better production in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted with the objective of evaluating the effects of intercropping vetch species and harvesting age on the morphological characteristics, forage yield, and chemical composition of sole and intercropped forages. The experiment was laid out using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a factorial arrangement consisting of two factors ((five forage varieties (four vetches & one desho) ∗ two harvesting ages)) for a total of ten treatments with three replications. The experimental treatments were sole desho (Var-Kulumsa), desho+V. villosa (Var-Lalisa), desho+V. villosa (Var-Gebisa), desho+V. sativa, and desho+V. dasycarpa (Var-Lana) at 90 and 120 harvesting days. All morphological characteristics forage yield and chemical composition data were collected from two middle rows by excluding the border rows. The result showed that the interaction (P < 0.001) effect of harvesting age and intercropping of vetch species and varieties with desho grass was observed on the morphological characteristics, dry matter yield, and chemical composition of intercropped forage. Intercropping of vetch species/varieties with desho grass had shown significantly (P < 0.001) higher dry matter yield than sole desho except desho with V. sativa. The highest crude protein (CP) content was obtained from desho grass intercropped with two V. villosa (Var-Lalisa and Var-Gebisa) at 90 days of harvesting age. This CP content of intercropped desho+Vetch species/varieties was double in amount than the CP obtained from sole desho in these species at 90 days of harvesting age. Moreover, the highest CPY was recorded from two V. villosa varieties (Var-Lalisa and Var-Gebisa). Hence, for the intercropping of vetch with desho grasses, the two V. villosa varieties (Var-Lalisa and Var-Gebisa) are recommended for on-farm evaluation and demonstration in the study area and similar agro-ecologies during the establishment phase at 90 days of harvesting age. It is possible to conclude that the intercropping of desho with these selected vetch species could be better than sole desho grass in terms of forage yield and quality in the highlands of northwestern Ethiopia to maximize ruminant livestock production. Hence, for the intercropping of vetch with desho grasses, the two V. villosa varieties (Var-Lalisa and Var-Gebisa) are recommended for on-farm evaluation and demonstration in the study area and similar agro-ecologies during the establishment phase at 90 days of harvesting age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to determine the effect of different grass species (Brachiaria mutica, Desho, and Napier) and harvesting stages on agronomic performance, forage dry matter yield, and chemical composition. The grass species used were Desho (Pennisetum pedicellatum), Brachiaria (Brachiaria mutica), and Napier (Pennisetum purpureum), and the harvesting stages considered were 60, 90, and 120 days after establishment of grasses, respectively. The data collected included the following: percent plant survival (PS), plant height (PH), number of tillers per plant (NTPP), number of leaves per plant (NLPP), leaf length per plant (LLPP), leaf width per plant (LWPP), number of nodes per plant (NNPP), leaf-to-stem ratio (LSR), dry matter yield (DMY), and chemical composition of the grass species. Samples of grass species were harvested at different ages after establishment, weighed, and dried, and then, ground subsamples were taken for determination of dry matter (DM), ash, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude protein yield (CPY), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL). Results showed that morphological characteristics, forage dry matter yield, and chemical composition of the forage grasses were significantly affected by interactions of species (P < 0.001) and harvesting dates. The highest mean PH (115.2 cm), DMY (11.8 t/ha), and %CP (11.6) were recorded from Brachiaria mutica grass which was followed by Napier grass with mean PH of 87.25 cm and mean DMY of 9.8 t/ha. The %CP content of Desho and Napier grasses declined by 24%, while %CP content of Brachiaria grass declined by 26% with increased harvesting stages. Therefore, among tested grass species, Brachiaria mutica grass was recommended followed by Napier and Desho grass for on-farm evaluation and demonstration in the study area at all harvesting ages. Farmers engaged in forage grass production could seriously consider the harvesting stage as the grasses responded differently to the chemical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to determine the effects of fertilizer types on plant characteristics, forage yield, seed yield and chemical composition of Rhodes grass at Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. The experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The treatments were: no fertilizer (T1), Bio-slurry compost (T2), NPS fertilizer (T3) and mixture of bio-slurry and NPS (T4) with four replications. Data collected were morphological characteristics such as plant height (PH), number of tillers per plant (NTPP), leaf length per plant (LLPP), leaf to stem ratio (LSR), number of leaves per plant (NLPP), forage dry matter yield and forage qualities harvested at 90 days (50% of blooming stage) except seed yield at three weeks after full flowering stage. Samples of forages were weighed, dried and then ground subsamples taken for analyses of crude protein (CP), ash, dry matter (DM), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL). All data were subjected to two way ANOVA procedures of SAS version 9.0. The results showed that the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizer had a significant (p<0.01) effect on all of morphological characteristics were better result with mixing of NPS and bioslurry fertilizer application than other treatments, but a lone of bioslurry and NPS fertilizers also almost similar result but less than in some extent from combined fertilizer treatment. Combining chemical fertilizers with bioslurry gave the highest DM yield (12.63 t/ha) of forage than sole bioslurry (11.8 t/ha) and sole chemical fertilizer (12.03 t/ha). Combined chemical fertilizers with bioslurry gave the highest CP contents (11.25%) of forage than other treatments. In contrast control plot obtained lowest result in all morphological parameters. DMY, seed yield and lowest nutritive value with higher fiber contents. Therefore, the application of combination of bio-slurry and inorganic fertilizer shown the best result in terms of morphological, nutritive value, forage dry matter and seed yield followed by either of fertilizers. Hence, based on the current result, it can be concluded that use of combination of organic and inorganic fertilizer is the best fertilizer as far as Rhodes grass production is concerned in the current study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tropical Grasslands / Forrajes Tropicales is the property of International Centre for Tropical Agriculture - CIAT and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of tree lucerne dried leaves (TLDL) as a substituting supplement for noug seed cake, and wheat bran concentrate mixtures (CM) on feed intake, digestibility, growth, carcass characteristics and economic benefits using Washera sheep fed desho grass hay as a basal diet. Methods: Twenty‐five male Washera sheep with an initial body weight of 16 ± 4.01 kg (mean ± SD) were used for both growth and digestibility trials which lasted for 90 and 10 days, respectively The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design having five blocks with five treatments (T1 = 0% TLDL + 100% CM; T2 = 25% TLDL + 75% CM; T3 = 50% TLDL + 50% CM; T4 = 75% TLDL + 25% CM and T5 = 100% TLDL + 0% CM). Results: Significant (p <.05) differences were observed among treatments in total dry matter (DM), nutrients and metabolizable energy (ME) intake; as the level of TLDL increases total DM and nutrient intake decreased (p <.05) except neutral detergent fibre intake (NDFI) and acid detergent fibre intake (ADFI). Digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) were significantly reduced (p <.001) among the treatments increasing the substitution level of TLDL for local concentrate mixture, but non‐significant for fibre fractions digestibility. Similarly, body weight, average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency were significantly different (p <.01) and highest in T1 than other treatments, whereas lowest values of the same parameters were observed for T5. Non‐significant difference among treatments was observed in almost all of the carcass characteristics except for rib‐eye area that showed significant difference among treatment and was highest in T1 and T2 (low level of TLDL inclusion). The economic analysis showed that supplementation TLDL was economically feasible in which the net return of the treatments were 31.66 (T1), 30.68 (T2) and 30.34 (T3), 27.88 (T4) and 26.32 (T5) USD (United States Dollar). Conclusions: It was concluded that TLDL could be used as alternative feed source by replacing concentrate mixture up to 75% (T4) which enhanced nutrient intake, digestibility and growth performance of Washera sheep. Finally, TLDL supplementation is recommended as replacement of CM up to 75% for its biological and economic feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Still food security has not been attained fully in many tropical African countries including Ethiopia. However, the issue of food security achievement has been able to realize due to various setbacks among which low productivity of crops and livestock take the lion share. Among the various constraints the parasitic weed Striga, and Stemborer pests are responsible for lower crop yields in the region. Regarding livestock feed, shortage in terms of quantity and quality are the major impediment to the livestock sector. To achieve food security, increasing crop yield and livestock production is vital in Ethiopia and other tropical countries. Crop yields can be enhanced through the control of weeds using biological systems to increase food crop yield apart from chemical inputs. In case of livestock, full production and reproduction potential of animals can be met through fulfilling nutritional requirements of livestock. The major livestock feed resources in Ethiopia are natural pasture and crop residues. Both feed resources; however, are poor in nutritional value and they are listed as low maintenance feed category. Therefore, it is vital to intensify integrated croplivestock production systems for sustainable economy and environment. Introducing forage grasses in the crop production system has been practiced in the tropics as push pull technology. In Ethiopia, Brachiaria grass is an emerging forage for integrated agricultural production that has been getting considerable recognition as an option to overcome the pests in crop production in the tropics due to its high adaptive and yielding as well as climate smart forages. In the country, Brachiaria is recently introduced by different organization in different agro-ecology of the country mainly as push-pull integrated agricultural system and considering its fodder potential for the livestock feed. Therefore, this review paper aimed to looking for the available research knowledge in Ethiopia and somewhere else in the glob for better utilization of Brachiaria grass in the integrated agricultural system. All available information regarding the research and utilization of Brachiaria grass were reviewed in the published papers. The review reveal that Brachiaria has many advantages over other grass species in terms of adaptation to drought and low fertility soils, ability to sequester carbon; increase nitrogen use efficiency through biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) and arrest greenhouse gas emissions. The knowledge has been established in quantifying the multiple contributions of Brachiaria grass inclusion as push pull technology in different parts of the world (South America, Kenya, Rwanda). Limited report showed that cut-and-carry system is the utilization practice of brachiaria grass grown the push pull integration. The potential of improved Brachiaria grass in Ethiopia to address the challenge of livestock feed scarcity and other environmental managements; however, remain unexploited/limited which calls researchers to work on. The review concluded that B. cultivars could have a significant contribution on both animal and cereal production in the tropics but limited research and utilization in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of fertilizer type and oat accessions on agronomic performance, forage yield and chemical composition under acidic soil condition in Ethiopia. This study employed randomized complete block design (RCBD) using 3 by 3 factorial with three replications. The forage oat accessions used in the study were: CI8251, CI8237 and Jassari and the three fertilizer types used were inorganic (NPK), organic (compost) and without fertilizer. The data collected from the study includes: plant morphological parameters such as plant height (PH), leaf length (LL), number of leaves per plant (LNPP), number of tillers per plant (NTPP), forage dry matter (DM) yield and chemical composition of the forage. The collected data were analyzed with general linear model (GLM) of statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.4. The result indicated most of the morphological parameters were not significantly affected by the effects of fertilizer type while oat accession had also effect on these factors. Regarding fertilizer application, there was significant different (p<0.0001) among fertilizer types in all morphological parameters. Among chemical composition parameters dry matter (DM), DM yield, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), CP yield, ASH, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) were significantly different (p<0.0001), for both fertilizer and oat accessions. The highest CP content was observed for the treatments received chemical fertilizer (NPK) which was 11%. It can be concluded, that the addition of inorganic and organic fertilizer with the grass species in the present study improved oat accession morphological characteristics which could be a reflection of biomass yield and also the nutritional value of oat grass in this experiment. Of the oat accessions assessed, CI825 was selected in terms of DM yield and CP contents followed by plant CI8237 and Jassari in the current study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the supplementary effect of Faba bean hull (FBH), noug seed cake (NSC), wheat bran (WB) and their mixtures on biological performance and economic benefits of s in Farta sheep fed grass hay as basal diet. The treatments were grass hay (GH) ad libitum+200g NSC+100 g WB (T1); GH ad libitum +200g NSC+75 g WB+25g FBH (T2); GH ad libitum+200g NSC+50g WB+50g FBH (T3); GH ad libitum+200g NSC+25 g WB+75g FBH (T4) and GH ad libitum+200g NSC+100g FBH (T5). The feeding and digestibility trials were conducted for ninety and seven days, respectively. Data on composition of feeds and feces, dry matter (DM) and nutrient intake, DM and nutrients digestibility, BW changes and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) were collected. The basal DM intakes were 393.32, 393.85, 394.95, 396.04 and 396.98 g/day for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively, which were not significant (P >0.05) among treatments. Total intake of DM, organic matter (OM) and CP were not significantly different among treatments (P>0.05). The CP and DM intake of experimental sheep were in the order of T10.05). The partial budget analysis showed that sheep offered with relatively the highest level of CP (T4) and (T5) returned a higher net income (296.05 and 304.35ETB/head), respectively. The current experiment reveals that FBH could be an alternative supplement which may substitute WB in the diets of sheep in the highlands of Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the experiment was to evaluate effects of fertilizer level on lablab accessions (Lablab purpureus, (L.) Sweet) agronomic performance, forage yield and chemical composition under irrigation condition. The field study conducted in factorial arrangement of randomized complete block design (RCBD) using two factors (three lablab accessions and four fertilizer levels) with three replications. The three lablab accessions were accession 147, 11640 and Tulu combined with four fertilizer levels of NPS (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha). All levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur (NPS) were applied at time of planting for all lablab accessions. The agronomic characteristics and forage yield data were collected at 50% flowering stage, weighed (for yield estimation), dried and then ground subsamples taken for analysis of crude protein, ash, dry matter, fiber contents, in vitro dry matter digestibility and total digestible nutrients. The collected data were subjected to general linear model for statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.0. The result indicated that there was significant interaction (P < 0.05) effect in the fertilizer level and accession only in the length and number of leaves per plant, but not for all chemical compositions of lablab. The three accessions showed significant difference (P < 0.001) in the majority of agronomic characteristics. Also fertilizer level showed significant effect (P < 0.001) on the majority of agronomic characteristics. The lablab accessions grown in higher level of NPS fertilizer (150 and 100 kg/ha) had better agronomic performance and dry matter yield than those grown in lower fertilizer levels. Overall, significantly (P < 0.001) maximum dry matter yield (19.6 t/ha) was recorded from Tulu varieties while the lowest dry matter yield (11.21 t/ha) was from lablab accession 147. Regarding fertilizer levels, maximum dry matter yield was recorded from 150 kg fertilizer NPS application (17.03 t/ha) while the lowest (13.5 t/ha) was recorded from control treatment group. The highest CP content (21.6%) was recorded from 11640 lablab accession while the lowest (20.5%) was from Tulu lablab accession. With regard to fertilizer levels, the highest CP content was recorded from 150 kg/ha fertilizer (22.9%) while the lowest (19.4%) CP was recorded from control. Therefore, among tested lablab (Tulu and 11640) accessions with the 100 kg/ha fertilizer rate given priority in terms of their yield and chemical composition and are recommended for wider utilization under smallholder farmers condition in the farming system with similar agro-ecologies using irrigation season. Further research on the economic analysis of cultivars under different systems of production is required to increase viability of this finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural pasture in Ethiopia is typically low in forage botanical composition, biomass yield nutritive value because of overgrazing and lack of alternative improved forage plants. The field experiment was conducted to determine the effects of plant spacing and harvesting age on agronomic performance and chemical composition of Para grass (Brachiaria mutica) at Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. The experiment was a 3x3 factorial layout in a RCBD with three replications giving a total of 27 plots. The between plant spacing were 15, 30 and 45 cm and the harvesting ages were 60, 90 and 120 days. The data collected were morphological characteristics such as plant height(PH), number of tillers per plant (NTPP), leaf length per plant (LLPP), number of roots per plant (NRPP), root length per plant (RLPP), leaf to stem ratio (LSR), number of leaves per plant (NLPP), dry matter yield (DMY) and chemical composition of the forage. Forage samples were taken for chemical composition analyses. All data were subjected to GLM ANOVA procedures of SAS version 9.0. Results showed that the interaction between plant spacing and harvesting age had a significant (p<0.05) effect on plant characteristics, DMY and chemical composition of Para grass except CP yield (p>0.05). Plant characteristics were significantly (p<0.05) increased as the plant spacing and age of harvesting raised and PH, OM and ADF were increased as maturity of the plant at all plant spacing. DMY and DM content were significantly (p<0.05) increased with narrow plant spacing and advanced maturity. Therefore it could be concluded that both harvesting age and between plant spacing are critical in the forage production parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted using twenty four Gumuz ram lambs with an initial body weight of 19.05±2.29 kg (mean±SD) to investigate the response to supplementations on feed intake, body weigh change and carcass characteristics of Gumuz sheep. The sheep were treated against endo- and ecto- parasites before commencing the study. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six replications. The treatments were: natural pasture hay alone (T1), natural pasture hay+ 1noug seed cake (NSC):1 wheat bran (WB) (T2), natural pasture hay + 2NSC: 1WB (T3) and natural pasture hay + 3NSC:1WB (T4). The supplements were offered at the rate of 400 g/day, which were offered twice per day at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m hours in equal portions. The feeding trial was carried out for 90 days after 15 days of adaptation period to the experimental feeds and conditions, which were then followed by carcass evaluation at the end of the study. Supplemented treatments had higher (P<0. 01) total DMI (712.53-724.92 g/d) than the control (672.55 g/d). Supplemented sheep gained BW within the range of 44.26-86.67g/sheep/day with significantly higher (p<0.001) differences among the supplemented groups. Better (p<0.001) FCE was observed in the supplemented treatments than the control, but no significant differences (p>0.001) were recorded among the supplemented treatments. Sheep fed natural pasture hay alone had the lowest net return (-114.46 ETB) and had lowest (p<0.001) values for carcass parameters than the supplemented treatments. The possible reason might be because of the relatively less body condition which could not attract prime price in the market. The highest (p<0.01) dressing percentage (44.22%) as a proportion of slaughter weight was recorded in T4. Supplemented treatments had rib-eye muscle area in a range of 6.37-10.12 cm² and the lowest rib-eye muscle area (4.71cm²) was recorded in the control treatment. Sheep supplemented with 3NSC:1WB (T4) had the highest net return (287.78 ETB and highest MRR (4.96) compared to the other supplemented treatments. Thus, it is recommended that supplementation of hay with 400 g/head/day concentrate mixture at 3NSC:1WB proportion is biologically efficient and potentially profitable in the feeding of growing Gumuz sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of fertilizer types and plant spacings on plant morphology, biomass yield and chemical composition of brachiaria hybrid mulato II grass grown using irrigation in lowlands of northwest Ethiopia. The experimental design used was a 3×3 factorial layout in a randomized complete block design with three replications which had a total of 27 plots, each measuring 2×2 m2. The plant spacings were 15, 30 and 45cm between plants and fertilizer types were commercial fertilizer (NPS), cattle manure and control (without fertilizer). Morphological parameters such as plant height (PH), leaf length per plant (LLPP), number of leaves per plant (NLPP), number of tillers per plant (NTPP), leaf to stem ratio (LSR), number of roots per plant (NRPP),root length per plant (RLPP), root circumference(RC), leaf area index (LAI), biomass yield and chemical composition were collected. All the data were subjected to GLM ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) following the procedures of SAS (Statistical Analysis System). The result showed that most of the morphological parameters were significantly (P<0.05) affected by fertilizer and plant spacings. Similarly, significant (P<0.05) differences were observed in most of chemical composition of the grass by fertilizer type; but not by plant spacing except for DM (Dry matter) and CP (Crude protein). In the current study it can be concluded that fertilizer types had significant contribution on the brachiaria grass morphology and chemical composition grown in the lowland area of Ethiopia. The commercial fertilizer (NPS) fertilizer is recommendable for brachiaria hybrid grass production if it is accessible by smallholder farmers; otherwise, the use of manure could be the next option in the study area and in similar environments. Regarding plant spacing, for better biomass production intermediate plant spacing (30 cm x 50 cm) is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tropical Grasslands / Forrajes Tropicales is the property of International Centre for Tropical Agriculture - CIAT and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Tropical Grasslands / Forrajes Tropicales is the property of International Centre for Tropical Agriculture - CIAT and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Simple Summary: In tropical regions, it is common practice to feed dairy cows poor-quality roughage, but this diet has been shown to decrease animal productivity and increase methane emissions. For these reasons, introducing alternative roughage feeds, such as nutritionally improved forages or bio-chemically treated straw, is essential for improving milk yield, dietary nitrogen utilization, and reducing enteric methane emission from dairy cows. Thus, we evaluated the effects of natural pasture hay, two improved grass hays (Napier and Brachiaria hybrid grasses), and treated teff straw silage feeding as basal diets on nutrient digestibility, milk yield, nitrogen utilization efficiency, and enteric methane emissions using lactating Fogera dairy cows. Our results showed that improved grass hays and treated teff straw silage diet feeding increased milk yield, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen utilization efficiency as compared to natural pasture hay. Moreover, the cows fed with improved grass hays and treated teff straw resulted in changing the nitrogen excretion pathway from urine to feces, as well as reduction of the methane production per daily milk yield. Hence, these results provide a novel feeding regimen through feeding nutritionally upgraded forages as a basal diet, which improves milk yield, nutrient utilization efficiency, and reduction of methane emission for sustainable dairy production in tropical regions. The nutritionally imbalanced poor-quality diet feeding is the major constraint of dairy production in tropical regions. Hence, alternative high-quality roughage-based diets are required to improve milk yield and reduce methane emission (CH4). Thus, we tested the effects of feeding natural pasture hay, improved forage grass hays (Napier and Brachiaria Hybrid), and treated crop residues (Eragrostis tef straw) on nutrient digestibility, milk yield, nitrogen balance, and methane emission. The eight lactating Fogera cows selected for the experiment were assigned randomly to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Cows were housed in well-ventilated individual pens and fed a total mixed ration (TMR) comprising 70% roughage and 30% concentrate. The four roughage-based basal dietary treatments supplemented with formulated concentrate were: Control (natural pasture hay (NPH)); treated teff straw silage (TTS); Napier grass hay (NGH); and Brachiaria hybrid grass hay (BhH). Compared with the control diet, the daily milk yield increased (p < 0.01) by 31.9%, 52.9%, and 71.6% with TTS, NGH, and BhH diets, respectively. Cows fed BhH had the highest dry matter intake (8.84 kg/d), followed by NGH (8.10 kg/d) and TTS (7.71 kg/d); all of these intakes were greater (p = 0.01) than that of NPH (6.21 kg/d). Nitrogen digestibility increased (p < 0.01) from the NPH diet to TTS (by 27.7%), NGH (21.7%), and BhH (39.5%). The concentration of ruminal ammonia nitrogen was higher for cows fed NGH than other diets (p = 0.01) and positively correlated with plasma urea nitrogen concentration (R² = 0.45). Feeding TTS, NGH, and BhH hay as a basal diet changed the nitrogen excretion pathway from urine to feces, which can help protect against environmental pollution. Estimated methane yields per dry matter intake and milk yield were decreased in dairy cows fed BhH, NGH, and TTS diets when compared to cows fed an NPH diet (p < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding of TTS, NGH, and BhH roughages as a basal diet to lactating dairy cows in tropical regions improved nutrient intake and digestibility, milk yield, nitrogen utilization efficiency, and reduced enteric methane emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]