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The continuous assessment of grassland biomass during the growth season plays a vital role in making informed, location-specific management choices. The implementation of precision agriculture techniques can facilitate and enhance these decision-making processes. Nonetheless, precision agriculture depends on the availability of prompt and precise data pertaining to plant characteristics, necessitating both high spatial and temporal resolutions. Utilizing structural and spectral attributes extracted from low-cost sensors on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) presents a promising non-invasive method to evaluate plant traits, including above-ground biomass and plant height. Therefore, the main objective was to develop an artificial neural network capable of estimating pasture biomass by using UAV RGB images and the canopy height models (CHM) during the growing season over three common types of paddocks: Rest, bale grazing, and sacrifice. Subsequently, this study first explored the variation of structural and color-related features derived from statistics of CHM and RGB image values under different levels of plant growth. Then, an ANN model was trained for accurate biomass volume estimation based on a rigorous assessment employing statistical criteria and ground observations. The model demonstrated a high level of precision, yielding a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.94 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 62 (g/m2). The evaluation underscores the critical role of ultra-high-resolution photogrammetric CHMs and red, green, and blue (RGB) values in capturing meaningful variations and enhancing the model's accuracy across diverse paddock types, including bale grazing, rest, and sacrifice paddocks. Furthermore, the model's sensitivity to areas with minimal or virtually absent biomass during the plant growth period is visually demonstrated in the generated maps. Notably, it effectively discerned low-biomass regions in bale grazing paddocks and areas with reduced biomass impact in sacrifice paddocks compared to other types. These findings highlight the model's versatility in estimating biomass across a range of scenarios, making it well suited for deployment across various paddock types and environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intensification of pasture degradation in the southern part of European Russia, which is caused by unfavorable hydrothermal conditions and unregulated livestock numbers, requires the development of approaches to assess the capacity of forage lands using Earth remote sensing methods. The spectral reflectance properties of vegetation are determined by its taxonomic, structural, phenological, biophysical, and biochemical characteristics. However, the patterns of how these parameters affect the spectral response are region-specific and heavily influenced by soil cover. Therefore, it is essential to expand the regional scope of studies on the spectral reflectance properties of various vegetation types. This research is devoted to determining the spectral reflectance properties of natural zonal pastures in southern European Russia, based on geobotanical investigations and field spectrometry using the PSR-1100f instrument within the 320–1100 nm range. Groundwork was carried out in May (the period of maximum green mass of vegetation) 2020–2022 in the territories of natural zonal pastures in Astrakhan and Volgograd oblasts, Stavropol krai, and the Republics of Dagestan and Kalmykia. Significant differences were found between feather grasses, semishrubs, and annuals in the visible and near-ultraviolet spectral regions. Changes in the projective cover, under other equal conditions, have the most significant impact on spectral properties in the 660–670 nm range, which is consistent with the results of other researchers. Vegetation indices were identified that are best suited for determining projective cover and above-ground biomass of pastures with various dominant species. Further research will enable transitioning from point measurements of spectral reflectance and structural vegetation characteristics to satellite data with different spatial resolutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurement and prediction of pasture intake in extensive grazing systems, typical of northern Australia, remain elusive after 50 years of research. The aim of this paper is to review research conducted over the past 50 years, highlight advances in understanding, discuss remaining challenges and consider future developments with digital technologies. While the fundamental components of voluntary intake are well understood, their measurement is difficult, particularly in extensive grazing systems, which has limited the development of predictive models that adequately address the interplay of factors influencing intake from the bite to the landscape scale. Ongoing research by the authors is used as an example to highlight the potential application of digital technologies to overcome limitations in measurement and prediction. Digital technologies offer the opportunity for monitoring factors that control voluntary pasture intake at scale and under commercial conditions. However, our ability to ground-truth novel indices of intake remains limited without ongoing development of physical methods. This will limit the accuracy and precision of predictive models incorporating digital technologies that can be applied to the extensive grazing conditions of northern Australia. The advent of precision livestock management for extensive cattle production is essential if the industry is to remain viable in the future where production is transparent, ethically sound and environmentally defensible as well as profitable. Feed intake is fundamental to animal performance and efficiency. Yet, for the cattle industry of northern Australia, our understanding of pasture intake is limited. While much is known about the components of feed intake, it remains difficult to integrate this knowledge into a dynamic and responsive estimation of voluntary intake under typical grazing conditions. This paper reviews the state of understanding, highlights gaps in knowledge and discusses the potential impact of digital technologies that will offer new solutions to old challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The requirement for molybdenum (Mo) for legume and pasture growth on New Zealand soils was first identified in the 1950s and most of the research was carried out up to the 1980s. This resulted in a recommendation to apply 56–70 g/ha of sodium molybdate every 4–5 years that was later modified to 50 g/ha every five years. On most soils, the availability of Mo increased with soil pH but the rates of lime required were uneconomic on hill country pastures so Mo was applied as the most cost-effective option. Measuring available soil Mo was a poor predictor of pasture yield responses to Mo compared with the Mo content of clover. More recent research showed that the Mo content of clover had to be less than 0.1 ppm and nitrogen (N) content less than about 4.5% for a definite response in yield to applied Mo to occur. High natural levels of soil Mo elevating pasture Mo content above 0.5–1 ppm or overuse of fertiliser Mo where pasture copper (Cu) is low (<5 ppm for sheep, <10 ppm for cattle and deer) can cause less Cu to be adsorbed from the rumen and reduce animal growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pastures represent about half of the global agricultural area and productivity losses from weeds are significant. The complex interactions between them and other pasture plants, livestock and the environment imply a need for innovative research that transforms pasture management. To this end, a horizon scan was conducted to identify relevant issues, questions, opportunities, and drivers. The drivers were ranked using three criteria: (1) is this a horizon (is the driver likely to become important in 10–20 years?); (2) will the research require stretchy science (is it currently not well addressed by the science community?); (3) is the research transformative (will successful scientific research in this area lead to significant changes to weed management in pastures?). We identified 11 major issues and 46 subordinate ones. The three highest ranked major issues were: (1) anticipated reductions in access to herbicides; (2) rethinking weed management under an ecosystem services paradigm; (3) responding to shifts in best practice and the regulations that are altering farm system planning to reduce farming's environmental impacts. We conclude that fundamental interdisciplinary research is needed that addresses biosecurity and weed management issues, while reducing the environmental footprint of farming and maintaining productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used GPS tracking to monitor the grazing patterns of Brown Swiss and Alpine grey lactating cows on an alpine summer pasture (2038 m a.s.l.; SD = 146) in the Dolomites. The pasture (171 ha) was managed with a continuous grazing system (0.52 LU/ha) with morning and evening milking in the barn, guided grazing during the 'day', and free grazing at 'night'. GPS positions were collected from 8 Brown Swiss multiparous and 9 Alpine Grey (4 primiparous and 5 multiparous) cows every two minutes. We inferred behaviours (grazing, resting, walking) from movement metrics, activity sensors and direct behavioural observations. After excluding milking periods, the cows grazed for 8 h/d, rested 10–11 h/d, and walked for 1.5/d. Grazing extended into late evening after milking, and resting prevailed throughout the 'night' until the morning milking. When grazing and resting, cows mainly used grasslands as the preferred habitat, but forest and sparse shrub were also used remarkably without consistent negative or positive selection. The pasture use was highly heterogeneous, with higher animal loads close to the barn, especially at night, and in areas with gentler slopes. Alpine Grey primiparous cows were less limited by slope and distance from the barn in their movement but were more selective in habitat use than multiparous cows. Differences between multiparous cows of the two breeds were less marked. Further studies should help understand the internal and external drivers of cattle grazing patterns to devise management practices combining animals' productivity and welfare with the conservation of the grassland ecosystem services. Lactating cows in Alpine summer pastures spent daily 8 hours grazing, 10–11 hours resting, and 1.5 hours walking. The pasture was used unevenly. Grassland was the habitat most used and preferred by the cows, but forest and sparse forest were also used remarkably. Activity budget and pasture use differed more between primiparous and multiparous cows within breed than between multiparous cows of different breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical pasture legumes such as Desmanthus are expected to improve pasture productivity in the extensive grazing systems of Northern Australia. However, the soils in these areas are often hostile (e.g., hard-setting and nutrient-deficient), which reduces legume emergence and establishment. Furthermore, these soils are often not ameliorated with amendments such as gypsum or starter fertilisers before planting. A pot trial was conducted to investigate differences in the emergence and early growth of four Desmanthus species. The legumes were grown in three alkaline clay soils that were unamended or amended with either gypsum (1 t CaSO4.2H2O ha−1 equivalent), a starter MAP fertiliser (12 kg P ha−1 equivalent), or both gypsum and the starter fertiliser. Seedling emergence was recorded daily and shoot yield was determined after six weeks' growth. Final seedling emergence (as a percentage of viable seeds) varied among the Desmanthus species (c.f. D. leptophyllus = 63%, D. pernambucanus = 68%, D. bicornutus = 85%, and D. virgatus = 86%). On average, across the treatments, gypsum increased seedling emergence by 15%, whereas the starter fertiliser had no effect. The shoot yields and shoot phosphorus content of the Desmanthus species generally increased in response to the starter fertiliser. The collective results demonstrated that there were differences in emergence and early growth among the four Desmanthus species, which indicates that Desmanthus cultivar selection may be important in the relatively hostile soils of Northern Australia. Gypsum was an effective amendment for seedling emergence, whereas the starter fertiliser was an effective amendment to increase legume productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This research addresses the challenge of understanding the nutritional value of 16 Indian legume plants (5 annual and 11 perennial) for animal feed. The lack of comprehensive knowledge on their specific contributions and potential combinations for optimal animal nutrition poses a problem. The main objective is to assess the nutritive value, dry matter, mineral content and fermentation characteristics of these legumes. The study aims to fill the gaps in our understanding, exploring differences in protein, fibre and energy content among legumes. Additionally, it investigates gas and methane production to identify environmentally friendly options. The goal is to provide insights into how these legumes can be effectively combined, offering a scientific foundation for improving animal feeding practices in a sustainable and efficient manner. This study evaluated 5 annual and 11 perennial Indian pasture legumes species for their nutritive value, dry matter and mineral contents and in vitro fermentation parameters. Legume species differed significantly (p < 0.05) in various nutritional aspects such as organic matter, crude protein (CP), ether extract, fibres and protein fractions. Perennial Clitoria ternateaa had higher (p < 0.05) buffer soluble protein (477), while neutral detergent soluble protein was highest in annually grown Lablab purpureus (420 g/kg CP). Atylosia scarabaeoides (AS) had higher levels of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) (392 g/kg dry matter (DM)) than structural carbohydrates (SC) (367 g/kg DM). Its rapidly degradable fraction (51.7 g/kg (total carbohydrate) tCHO) was lower (p < 0.05) than other fractions of carbohydrates. Total digestible nutrients, digestible energy and metabolisable energy varied, with Desmodium virgatus (DV) having higher values and Stylosanthas seabrana (SSe) having the lowest. Predicted dry matter intake, digestible dry matter and relative feed value also showed significant differences (p < 0.05). Annual grasses such as Dolichos biflorus, Macroptilium atropurpureum, Rhynchosia minima (RM) were found to be better balanced with micro minerals. In vitro dry matter degradability, partition factor, short-chain fatty acids and microbial protein production of legumes varied significantly (p < 0.05). Gas and CH4 production (mL/g and mL/g (digestible DM) DDM) also varied, with Clitoria ternatea-blue having the highest gas production and C. ternatea -white (CT-w) and AS having lower CH4 production. Methane in total gas was low for DV, RM and CT-w (8.99%, 9.72% and 9.51%). Loss of DE and ME as CH4 varied (p < 0.05) among the legumes. Each legume offers unique benefits, potentially allowing for tailored combinations of annual and perennial legumes to optimize rumen feed efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Dairy pasture production is reliant on fertiliser to supply nitrogen (N); however, fertiliser N-use efficiency (FNUE) is low and N can be lost to the environment. Aims: The aim of this study was to track the fate of N fertiliser applied in a pasture system of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum , temperate grass) oversown into kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum , tropical grass). Methods: We used 15N-labelled urea to track the residual plant uptake of a one-off application of 15N over three pasture cuts subsequent to the first cut in the kikuyu growing season from February 2018 to April 2018 (Experiment 1), followed by total soil and plant recoveries of 15N over a 12-month period (Experiment 2). Total N treatment rates were 0, 120, 240 and 480 kg N ha−1 year−1, consisting of application events of 40 kg N ha−1. In Experiment 1, 15N was applied only at the first fertilisation, whereas in Experiment 2, 15N-labelled urea was applied at each fertilisation event. Key results: In Experiment 1, uptake of residual 15N fertiliser in the pasture biomass was <6%. In Experiment 2, FNUE was 29–32% and unaccounted 15N fertiliser was 22–142 kg N ha−1, across the 120, 240 and 480 kg N ha−1 year−1 treatments. Conclusions: Recovery of 15N residual fertiliser did not increase with N rate and was attributed to the mass increase in soil 15N recovery. FNUE in the pasture did not decrease with N rate. Unaccounted 15N increased with N rate. Implications: Existing and alternative N and pasture management strategies such as clover and multi-species pasture need to be implemented and explored to reduce the amount of unaccounted N in dairy pasture production. The Australian pasture-based dairy sector is reliant on application of fertiliser nitrogen, which is not used efficiently by the pasture system. We used 15N-labelled fertiliser to track residual plant uptake and total soil and plant recoveries of 15N. Existing and alternative nitrogen and pasture management strategies need to be implemented and explored to reduce nitrogen loss; however, this must be achieved in a manner that does not impact farmer net profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Biological nitrogen (N) fixation through the rhizobia–legume symbiosis is a sustainable and cost-effective source of N for agriculture. In New Zealand (NZ), white clover (Trifolium repens) is a key component of pastures and rhizobial inoculation of clover is widely used. The current commercial inoculant for white clover, TA1, was isolated in Australia in the 1950s and may not be the best partner for modern white clover cultivars. Aims: To identify Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii (Rlt) isolates suitable for use in NZ pastures. Methods: The symbiotic potential of >230 isolates collected from throughout NZ was evaluated in plant bioassays. Selected isolates were further evaluated in pot and field trials. Key results: Approximately 40% of NZ isolates supported better clover growth than TA1 under N-limited conditions in vitro. Of 24 Rlt isolates evaluated in a glasshouse trial, five produced significantly higher clover biomass than TA1. Three (S11N9, S20N7, S4N6) of nine isolates evaluated in two field trials in 2018–2019 significantly increased clover growth (12–38%) compared with paired uninoculated clover at several harvests, whereas inoculation with TA1 did not improve yield. In a third trial in 2020, S11N9 and S20N7 increased clover growth compared with the uninoculated control at two of three harvests; S4N6 performed better than TA1 at one harvest. When tested with four white clover cultivars, five Rlt isolates had higher symbiotic potential than TA1. Conclusions: Inoculating white clover would be beneficial if improved inoculant isolates were available. Implications: We recommend some NZ Rlt isolates could be developed into commercial inoculants to improve white clover performance in NZ. Enhancing biological nitrogen fixation through the rhizobia–legume symbiosis is urgent, as concerns over environmental impacts of intensive agriculture increase. Despite the importance of legumes in New Zealand's pastures, there has been little emphasis placed on rhizobium, and modern white clover cultivars still rely on a commercial inoculant TA1 isolated from 1950s. A few rhizobial isolates identified in this study performed better than TA1 and could be developed into commercial inoculants to improve white clover performance in New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Tagasaste (Cytisus proliferus), a fast-growing leguminous tree, has potential to supplement pasture production in steep-hill country and to increase pasture resilience. Aims: In the companion paper, we quantified tagasaste production characteristics. Here, we determine the effect of proximity of 10-year-old tagasaste trees on productivity of eight pasture species including grasses (perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne ; cocksfoot, Dactylis glomerata ; prairie grass, Bromus willdenowii ; microlaena, Microlaena stipoides), perennial legumes (white clover, Trifolium repens ; red clover, T. pratense ; lotus, Lotus pedunculatus), and an annual legume (subterranean clover, T. subterraneum). Methods: A site was established in the East Coast region of the North Island of New Zealand on steep-hill country (>20° slope). Herbage production, nutritive value and survival of pasture species established as spaced transplants were measured over 3 years. Results: Cocksfoot had high survival, herbage production and metabolisable energy content but was negatively affected by proximity to tagasaste. Microlaena was not significantly affected by proximity to tagasaste; however, it was much less productive and had lower nutritive values than the other grasses. Only 40% of perennial ryegrass transplants survived 3 years, and survival of perennial legumes was negligible. Subterranean clover was able to set seed in the open and in shade. Conclusions: Cocksfoot was the most productive grass species, and microlaena was least affected by proximity to tagasaste. Given the poor persistence of perennial clovers, annual clovers may be better suited to a tagasaste silvopasture on steep, dry hillsides. Implications: Mixtures of cocksfoot and subterranean clover may be well suited to summer-dry hillsides, between and under trees in a tagasaste silvopasture. Microlaena may provide some forage and can maintain groundcover despite shade. Growth and survival of eight pasture species in proximity to the forage shrub tagasaste were quantified in drought-prone hill country. Cocksfoot and subterranean clover were highly productive only in lightly shaded areas, whereas microlaena, although less productive than other grasses, was not significantly affected by shade treatment, and perennial legumes showed negligible survival. Cocksfoot and subterranean clover could be established between trees in a tagasaste silvopasture, with naturalised microlaena maintained beneath the canopy to provide groundcover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dried and boiled sheep meat products made according to traditional technologies are highly valued by the people of the Middle East, Central Asia and the Balkan countries. In recent years, the industry's interest in the production of these products has been growing by applying traditional production technologies in industrial conditions while meeting high levels of hygiene requirements and producing products with standardized characteristics. The acceptability of these products by consumers accustomed to certain properties of traditional products mostly depends on the sensory characteristics of industrially produced products. Therefore, in this work, the goal is to examine the sensory properties of dried and boiled sheep meat products, during the production of which eight different treatments were used. As said before, materials for this research were dried and boiled sheep meat products produced by eight different treatments. For research in this work, meat obtained from the Pramenka breed sheep, which were raised in a rural household, was used. Goats moved freely and fed on mountain pastures. The slaughtering and bleeding of the sheep was done in the local meat industry. After bleeding, the carcasses were cooled for 24 hours at a temperature of 1°C, and after being separated from the carcasses, the thigh meat was cut into pieces of equal size. After brining, the pieces of meat are heat-treated at boiling temperature or smoked and dried. Meat samples taken from pieces of finished products were used for chemical and sensory analysis. Sensory evaluation was conducted in the sensory evaluation laboratory by six trained evaluators (professors and faculty assistants). During the evaluation, a test of descriptive analysis was used. The obtained results were processed statistically. ANOVA was used to examine significant differences between treatments, and statistically significant differences between treatments were examined with the Tukey test (a = 0.05, p < 0.05 and a = 0.01, p < 0.01). The impact of different heat treatment procedures on the health safety of products was determined based on the content of heavy metals (ICP OES was used for the analysis), and PAHs (GC-MS was used for the analysis) in the finished products. Based on the overall score for sensor quality, the boiled and dried products met the evaluator's requirements. Average scores for boiled products were slightly higher than for dried products, although the difference was small. The overall sensory score influenced the selection of some experimental groups as treatments in which the products received the highest scores. Four out of 6 evaluators gave the highest rating (92.33 - 96.33%) to the samples of boiled sheep meat products obtained under the following conditions: time 1 hour and 47 minutes and temperature 65 - 75 °C. The majority of evaluators (4 out of 6) gave the highest score to sheep meat samples (89 - 95.33%), which were obtained by the drying process under the following conditions: drying time 2 hours at a temperature of 14 - 15 °C, smoking time 5 hours at temperature 14 - 15 °C, air circulation 40 - 50 m³/min. and air humidity 85 - 88%. The concentrations of detected heavy metals were within the permitted limit values. The obtained values were not statistically significant, which means that the temperature and time values in the processing had no significant influence on their content. The following PAH compounds were detected in sheep meat products: acenaphthylene (Acy), fluorene (Fln), phenanthrene (Phe), anthracene (Ant) and pyrene (Pyr), while the content of compound considered as toxicity indicator (benzo(a)pyrene) was not detected in the products in any of the experimental groups of boiled and dried products. The results obtained during the conducted research showed that sheep meat products made in industrial conditions according to traditional technologies have a high sensory quality, which indicates their acceptability by consumers. In addition, these products are completely safe for consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the rational use of degraded pastures and the fight against desertification, it is necessary to apply phytomelioration of territories more widely. The most effective will be the use of communities consisting of shrubs, semi-shrubs and perennial grasses. To identify on this further, the study was conducted at the experimental sites of the Agroecology Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the period from 2019 to 2022. In this study, artificially created models of long-term pasture ecosystems were utilized. In the arid conditions of the south of Russia, weather conditions had the greatest impact on the productivity of the created pasture models (share of influence is 81-85%), while the yield of dry fodder mass of the herbaceous-semi-shrub layer varied from 1.2 to 3.9 t/ha, depending on the seasonality of the pasture and the composition of the soil substrate. The highest yield of phytomass is formed on pastures created on a chernozem-like sandy loam substrate (humus horizon of chernozem-like sandy loam soil) on spring-summer pastures, the yield increase is 33% higher compared to springsummer pastures on a light chestnut sandy substrate (a product of Aeolian processing of light chestnut soil). On all types of pastures, groups of cereals were leading in terms of biomass. Analysis of the multiple regression equation between the phytomass yield of model pastures (y3), temperature (x1) and precipitation of the warm period (x2) on pastures with a chernozem-like soil substrate showed that the multiple correlation coefficient R = 0.96 - this states a close relationship between the effective indicator and two factors. The multiple determination coefficient R2 = 0.98 means that 98% of the variation in the phytomass yield level is taken into account by the regression equation and 2% is accounted for by unaccounted factors on a light chestnut sandy substrate. The moderate correlation dependence of the yield of the fodder mass of model pastures (y3) on a plot with a light chestnut sandy substrate on the temperature in the warm period (x1), the component (r=0.52) indicates a significant effect on the yield of precipitation of the warm period (x2) with r=0.94. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological–phytocenotic characteristic of the Halocnemum strobilaceum (Pall.) Bieb. grasslands is given on the basis of observation data obtained by the authors in 2020–2021 on the Ustyurt Plateau in Karakalpakstan (Uzbekistan). The biotopes, the total projective cover, the species composition, the yield of pasture varieties, and the change in the eaten phytomass during the growing season are characterized, and the seasonality of pasture use is recommended. The Halocnemum strobilaceum type of grassland is located in the Barsakel'mes, Sarykamysh, and Churuk regions of the Karakalpakstan Ustyurt and occupies 76 492 ha. This type of pasture consists of three varieties: Halocnеmum strobilaceum, Halocnеmum strobilaceum–Kalidium capsicum, and Halocnеmum strobilaceum–Haloxylon ammodendron as wet and puff solonchaks with highly mineralized groundwater very close to the surface, as well as to loamy and sandy loamy solonchakous soils. The plant cover is thin and predominated by shrubs and semi-shrubs, its species composition is poor, and the communities are monodominant and are assigned to the Halocnemum pasture variety. This is explained by the high salt content in the soil, which can be tolerated by a limited number of species. The seasonal yield of the forage mass ranges from 90 to 430 kg/ha. The eaten mass becomes reaches its maximum on all pasture varieties at the end of the growing season, thus, it is recommended to use pastures in the autumn–winter period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen is the second limited factor in arid regions. Little information is available on soil N cycling and availability under grazing in arid regions, which is required to evaluate land‐use management with respect to soil N availability and dynamics. In 2011, we established a rotational grazing field experiment in arid grassland. We conducted experiments to explore the effects of herbivores grazing on soil net N mineralization and N processes via changes in soil temperature, moisture, pH, and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) in 2016 and 2017. Our results showed that grazing did not alter soil N mineralization because higher soil moisture and soil MBN under grazing had positive and negative effects on soil N mineralization, thereby balancing soil N mineralization. Plant N uptake at the grazing plots was, nevertheless, 23% higher than that at the non‐grazing plots. These demonstrated that grazing potentially improved soil inorganic N availability and alleviated soil N limitation in arid regions. Soil nitrification was main pathway of N transformation in arid regions. Grazing improved soil accumulation of NO3− content, resulting in environmental problems (such as N2O emission and N leaching); however, grazing had a little effect (~15% increase) on soil N leaching and (~7% decrease) on N2O emission. These N processes reflect important mechanisms of resilience and ecosystem stability under grazing in an N‐limited environment. Our results provide an important perspective for grassland management, aiming to maintain soil N supplying capacity in annual pasture sustainably. Overall, our study suggests that grazing is an effective management practice for the sustainable usage of local grasslands, as it improves soil physicochemical and biological properties, which, in turn, increases N supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grazing and hay forage crops reduce erosion compared to annual crops, but few studies have compared soil and nutrient loss among grazing systems compared to a control. We evaluated runoff water quality and nutrient loss among three grazing systems and a hay crop production field with manure application (control) using a paired watershed design. Four edge-of-field sites at a research farm in central Wisconsin were managed as hay during calibration (2013–2018) followed by a grazing treatment phase (2018–2020). Grazing treatments of different stocking methods included continuous stocking (CS), primary paddock stocking (PPS), and adaptive multi-paddock stocking (AMPS). Runoff, sediment, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) loads were monitored year-round. Grazing increased average runoff volume by as much as 1.7-fold depending on stocking method and tended to decrease event mean N and P concentrations. CS had larger mean sediment (2.0-fold), total N (1.9-fold), and total P loads (1.2-fold) compared to the control and had the lowest average pasture forage mass. AMPS had lower N and P loss as a percentage of that applied from manure application/livestock excretion (1.3 and 1.6%, respectively) compared to the control (2.5 and 2.1%), PPS (2.5 and 2.6%), and CS (3.2 and 3.0%). Stocking method had a marked impact on nutrient loss in runoff from these systems, suggesting water quality models should account for pasture management, but nutrient losses from all perennial forage systems were small relative to previous data from annual cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An on-farm participatory study was undertaken to assess changes over seasons on the availability, botanical and morphological composition, and nutritive value of herbage from two pastures in small-scale dairy systems in the highlands of central Mexico. One pasture (TF-33) was originally sown with tall fescue, while the second pasture (KY) was naturally invaded by Kikuyu grass; both associated with white clover and over-sown in winter with annual ryegrass. Sampling was every 28 days for a year. Variables were sward height, net herbage accumulation, soil cover, tiller density, chemical composition, and in vitro digestibility. A split-plot design was used. Sward height was greater for KY. There were no differences (p > 0.05) for herbage accumulation. TF-33 was 53% live tissue, 30% dead tissue, and 17% other plant material, whilst KY was 50% live tissue, 30% dead tissue, and 18% other plant material. TF-33 showed a higher leaf to stem proportion, while stem was higher in KY. Kikuyu grass and annual ryegrass performed better when associated with TF-33 than in KY pasture. Seasonal changes significantly affected sward height, herbage mass and net herbage accumulation, whereby TF-33 performed better than KY in winter. The multispecies association of diverse grasses and legumes may be complementary at different times of the year due to plasticity among species, and is a feasible option for small-scale dairy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sown biodiverse pastures (SBP) are a pasture system developed in Portugal. Until 2014, farmers were supported in installing and maintaining SBP, but tracking their locations has been lacking. To survey the country, remote sensing tools with machine learning were used. Here, we developed the first algorithm that combines remote sensing data with machine learning algorithms to identify SBP areas. The algorithm combines Landsat-7 and night-light spectral data with terrain and bioclimatic data. Remotely sensed data offer higher spatial resolution compared to bioclimatic data and also cover interannual variability. Gradient-boosted decision trees (XGB) and artificial neural networks (ANN) were the machine learning methods used. The overall classification accuracy, on an independent validation dataset, was 94%, with 82% producer accuracy and 85% user accuracy. The total estimated area of SBP in the Portuguese region of Alentejo region was 1300 km2 in 2013, which is similar to the total known installed area (approximately 1000 km2). The estimated spatial distribution is in accordance with the known distribution at the municipal level. These results are a critical first step towards the future development of remote systems for assessing the state of SBP and for compliance checks of farmer commitments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Concentrate supplementation at high rates represents a method used to improve the productive efficiency of the beef cattle grazing system. Further, the use of additives increases the nutrient-use efficiency of diets. In this sense, it is important to determine the impact of additives in grazing beef cattle fed with high-concentrate supplements to determine the appropriate management practices of the system. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the feeding behaviour of Nellore beef cattle (Bos taurus indicus) in intensive finishing on pasture and fed with different additives. Methods: Twenty-eight Nellore cattle [with initial bodyweight (BW) of 480 ± 5 kg and age of 24 ± 2 months] were finished on Urochloa brizantha cv. BRS Piatã pastures. The animals were assigned to a completely randomised design with four experimental supplements: U (urea as non-protein nitrogen source), UO (slow-release urea partially replacing urea), UOL (supplement UO + Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast), and UOLP (supplement UOL + multi-strain probiotics). Key results: Supplement intake and idleness time were most affected by the season (P < 0.001). The total dry-matter intake was higher in UOLP (P < 0.004), and this supplement also produced the least effects on feeding behaviour. Conclusion: The beginning of the rains affected the feeding behaviour. The additive combination in intensive finishing on pasture, such as UOL and UOLP, improved the intake and did not affect the feeding behaviour during the day. Implications: These results indicate that the use of additives in intensive finishing on pasture improves productive efficiency and does not change the animal's behaviour, resulting in an important technology to be disseminated and applied by grazing beef cattle producers. High-concentrate supplementation and additives are used to improve the productive efficiency of beef cattle grazing system. In this sense, it is important to determine the effects of additives in supplements for beef cattle in intensive finishing on pasture to determine appropriate management practices. In this trial, the additives can promote changes on intake and affect the feeding behaviour of grazing beef cattle. This knowledge allows us to make decisions about strategies to improve the productive efficiency in an intensive system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite advancements in remote sensing applications for grassland management, studies following the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster have often been constrained by limited satellite imagery with insufficient focus on pasture changes. Utilizing different resolutions of optical satellite data is essential for monitoring spatiotemporal changes in grasslands. High resolutions provide detailed spatial information, whereas medium-resolution satellites offer an increased frequency and wider availability over time. This study had two objectives. First, we investigated the temporal changes in a mountainous pasture in Japan from 2007 to 2022 using high-resolution data from QuickBird, WorldView-2, and SPOT-6/7, along with readily available medium-resolution data from Sentinel-2 and Landsat-5/7/8. Second, we assessed the efficacy of different satellite image resolutions in capturing these changes. Grazing ceased in the target area after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident owing to radiation. We categorized the images as grasses, broadleaf trees, and conifers. The results showed a 36% decline using high-resolution satellite image analysis and 35% using Landsat image analysis in the unused pasture area since grazing suspension in 2011, transitioning primarily to broadleaf trees, and relative stabilization by 2018. Tree encroachment was prominent at the eastern site, which has a lower elevation and steeper slope facing north, east, and south. WorldView-2 consistently outperformed Landsat-8 in accuracy. Landsat-8's classification variation impedes its ability to capture subtle distinctions, particularly in zones with overlapping or neighboring land covers. However, Landsat effectively detected area reductions, similar to high-resolution satellites. Combining high- and medium-resolution satellite data leverages their respective strengths, compensates for their individual limitations, and provides a holistic perspective for analysis and decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The present study investigated the role of pasture in ameliorating LPS-ROS-induced gut barrier dysfunction and systemic inflammation in geese. In this study, we found that the pasture was effective in influencing alkaline phosphatase, which, on the one hand, dephosphorylates LPS and, on the other hand, regulates Nrf2 signaling pathway-induced antioxidant enzymes in liver tissues. The ALP and Nrf2 signaling pathways altogether lower the diverse impacts of endotoxemia and oxidative stress by averting systemic inflammation in geese. Introduction. Geese can naturally obtain dietary fiber from pasture, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory impacts of pasture on ameliorating LPS-ROS-induced gut barrier dysfunction and liver inflammation in geese. Materials and methods. The lipopolysaccharides (LPS), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), tight junction proteins, antioxidant enzymes, immunoglobulins, and metabolic syndrome were determined using ELISA kits. The Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1-Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Keap1-Nrf2) and inflammatory cytokines were determined using the quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) method. The intestinal morphology was examined using the Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining method in ileal tissues. Results. Pasture significantly influences nutrient absorption (p < 0.001) by ameliorating LPS and ROS-facilitated ileal permeability (p < 0.05) and systemic inflammation (p < 0.01). Herein, the gut permeability was paralleled by liver inflammation, which was significantly mimicked by ALP-dependent Nrf2 (p < 0.0001) and antioxidant enzyme activation (p < 0.05). Indeed, the correlation analysis of host markers signifies the importance of pasture in augmenting geese's health and production by averting gut and liver inflammation. Conclusions. Our results provide new insight into the mechanism of the pasture-induced ALP-dependent Nrf2 signaling pathway in limiting systemic inflammation in geese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We hypothesized that the protein source in supplements and the insolation and ambient temperature changes in different seasons could cause changes in the skin of Nellore steers during the rearing phase on warm-climate pasture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing true protein (soybean meal) with NPN (extruded urea) in the supplement on the skin characteristics of steers grazing on Marandu grass pastures. Thirty-six Nellore steers with an average initial weight of 250.0 kg and 15 months of age were used. Skin biopsies were performed at three different times: summer, autumn, and winter. The protein source has effects on the length of the glandular portion, number of follicles, and gland area in steers during the rearing phase at different seasons of the year. In the summer, the skin presented a higher compact structure, while in the autumn and winter, the skin presented a sparser arrangement. Skin from steers that received soybean meal in supplement had a more significant number of follicles in the summer and a smaller area and length of sweat glands. The dermis thickness of steers supplemented with soybean meal was greater than that of urea supplemented. The epidermis thickness and dermis of the steers' skin were greater at the autumn (April). Sweat gland depth was greater in autumn (April) and winter (July) than in summer (December). The protein source in the supplement alters the skin characteristics by increasing of dermis thickness of Nellore steers during the growth phase. The insolation and ambient temperature changes in different seasons alter the skin structure by increasing the epidermis and dermis thickness, sweat glands depth, and glands area of the skin of steers during the growth phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allowing dairy cattle to access pasture or outdoor areas is known to be beneficial for cows' welfare and is considered important by the general public. However, in confinement-based operations with high-yielding cows, pasture access may be difficult to implement, especially for lactating animals. Providing pasture access to heifers and dry cows seems a more feasible option for most farms. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of providing high-yielding dairy cows with free-choice pasture access during the dry period on their health, behavior, and milk production. Over the study period, a total of 78 Holstein cows were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments during the dry period (51 ± 8 d): housing with free-choice access to the pasture (PAST) or housing continuously without any access to the outdoors (CTRL). After calving, all cows from both treatments were mixed and housed continuously. To assess the effects of the treatment on cows' performance, all animals enrolled were monitored both before calving and during the first 100 d in milk of the following lactation. The behavior of all cows involved was monitored continuously during the whole observation period using collar-based sensors. All cows were inspected monthly to assess lameness, hock lesions, cleanliness, and body condition score. During the period after calving (0–100 d in milk), milk production and composition were also monitored. Results showed that free-choice pasture access affected cows' feeding behavior. Before calving, the animals in PAST spent more time feeding than in CTRL and, interestingly, this difference tended to persist for several weeks after calving. During the dry period, cows in PAST were cleaner than in CTRL but no differences in locomotion and body condition score were found between the 2 groups. Free-choice pasture access during the dry period also affected milk production during the following lactation. The cows that spent the dry period in PAST produced more milk than CTRL counterparts, particularly for the animals that calved during summer. In the current study we have found that providing free-choice pasture access during the dry period can positively affect the performance of dairy cattle and represents a desirable practice in confinement-based dairy production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pasture legume Trifolium subterraneum ssp. yanninicum L. is waterlogging tolerant, but water‐deficit (WD) susceptible. The interactive effect of waterlogged (WL) and WD (soil moisture fluctuation [SMF]) results in a severe stress impact. We studied three diverse ecotypes to identify traits associated with adaptation to SMF. Ecotypes were established in a glasshouse with two treatments imposed at 21 days: well‐watered (WW–WW; 80% field capacity [FC]) and WL to WD (WL–WD). For WL–WD, pots were WL for 28 days (Harvest I), and then transitioned to WD (drained to 40% FC) and maintained for 10 days (Harvest II). For shoot relative growth rates (RGR) at Harvest I, WL had relatively little impact, although there was a greater reduction for Ecotype A (80% of WW) than Ecotypes B (92%) and C (87%). However, between Harvests I and II, the impact of WL–WD varied among ecotypes with Ecotype A being less affected (75% of WW–WW) than Ecotypes B (57%) and C (63%). For root RGR at Harvest I, WL resulted in a greater reduction for Ecotype A (52% of WW) than Ecotypes B (77%) and C (74%), while for WL–WD between Harvests I and II, Ecotype A showed a large increase (117% of WW–WW) compared to Ecotypes B (95%) and C (87%). In conclusion, the response to WD following WL varied among ecotypes, which demonstrates contrasting adaptation responses to SMF unrelated to WL tolerance. High yield under WL together with capacity for rapid growth post‐WL in a drying soil profile could enhance adaptation to SMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: An economical livestock production model in which all the needs of the lambs can be met and they reach the optimal slaughter weight in the shortest possible time is the primary goal of all production models. Since the production system is an important factor for carcass and meat quality, different production systems have been developed. In intensive systems with concentrates, carcasses tend to be fatter and reach optimal slaughter weight faster, whereas pasture-fed animals have a better fatty acid profile and redder colour due to higher physical activity. In our study, we investigated the effects of feeding system, birth type, gender, and birth year on the carcass and meat quality of Karacabey Merino lambs. The effects of gender and birth type on Karacabey Merino lambs showed the expected results: single-borns have more muscle tissue than multiples, males have more muscle tissue than females, and females have higher carcass fatness. In conclusion, a pasture-based feeding system is more suitable for Karacabey Merino lambs than a stall feeding system, if lean and tender meat is preferred. However, it should not be ignored that lambs fed in stalls showed better fattening performance in terms of conformation and fatness, during the same period. Fifty-eight Karacabey Merino lambs were used to study the effects of feeding system (triticale pasture, oat pasture, or stall-fed), birth type (single or multiple), gender (male or female), and birth year (2016 or 2017) on various carcass and meat quality characteristics. Stall lambs had higher conformation (CS) and fatness (FS) scores, and higher meat L* and h* values than the two pasture groups, possibly due to higher fat content, while oat pasture lambs had the most tender meat. Single-born lambs had higher CS, FS, and Longissimus thoracis muscle section area, while females had higher subcutaneous and non-carcass fat deposits than their counterparts. Both single-born lambs and 2016-born lambs had higher meat a* and C* values than their counterparts. In conclusion, a pasture-based feeding system is more suitable for Karacabey Merino lambs than a stall feeding system, if lean meat and/or meat products are preferred. However, it should not be ignored that stall-fed lambs showed a better fattening performance in terms of conformation and fatness, during the same period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic feasibility of integrating Jamnapari goats into underutilized pasture lands under coconut cultivations managed by the Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka. Naturally grown and improved pasture samples were collected from coconut estates in the intermediate zone of Sri Lanka. Samples were taken randomly using a quadrant, and analyzed for dry matter (DM) yield (kg/ha), crude protein (CP), and crude fiber (CF) contents. An economic feasibility analysis was carried out based on average DM yields and respective carrying capacities of pastures and related production and economics data. The mean DM yield of natural and improved pastures ranged from 2141 ± 193 kg/ha to 3314 ± 212 kg/ha and 4231 ± 407 kg/ha to 9152 ± 531 kg/ha, respectively. Accordingly, CP and CF of natural and improved pastures ranged from 6.3 ± 0.2% to 18.5 ± 0.2% and 30.0 ± 0.4% to 33 ± 0.3%, respectively. Estimated Jamnapari goat carrying capacities for natural and improved pastures were 8 heads/ha and 24 heads/ha, respectively, including does, kids, and a buck. At a 15% discount rate for 10 years, the net present value (NPV) for the coconut monoculture system was approximately 0.45 million rupees, and for integrated systems with natural and improved pastures, it was 1.4 and 4.7 million rupees, respectively. This study concluded that, when goats are integrated with improved and natural pastures rather than maintaining a monoculture, the economic feasibility and profitability will be higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managing soil fertility is vital for agriculture. However, modern farming excessively relies on mineral fertilizers, which lessens profit and endangers ecosystem health. Grasslands made up of Poaceae and Fabaceae, including woody species, offer feed for livestock, lowers farmers' economic risks, and conserve resources. Grassland crops can enhance soil fertility in a more sustainable way than mineral fertilization. To counter fertilizer-driven soil decline, permanent grasslands or crop rotations are effective. Also, grassland soils generally contain more nitrogen, potassium and organic matter and less phosphorus than cropland soils. They additionally enhance soil's physical and biological parameters, limiting erosion while elevating biodiversity. This work focuses on the benefits of grasslands towards crop production, reviewing their influence on soil fertility parameters that boost soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study evaluated the spatial variability of pastures, in the area of Sânpetru Mare, Timis County, Romania. The analyzed area included 80 plots in six size categories in relation to the surface: 0.01-1.0 ha (25 plots), 1.01-2.0 ha (21 plots), 2.01-5.0 ha (19 plots), 5.01-25.0 ha (5 plots), 25.01-50.0 ha (6 plots), and 50.01-100.0 ha (4 plots). Soil pH, humus (H, %), phosphorus (P, ppm), and potassium (K, ppm) were determined, and the values for V (%) and NI (%) were calculated. The series of values presented normal distribution (r=0.854 for pH, r=0.956 for P, r=0.986 for K and r=0.829 for H). Very strong correlation was recorded between pH and V (r=0.962) and between NI and H (r=0.969), p<0.001. Strong correlation was recorded between NI and pH (r=0.838), p<0.001) and moderate correlations between H and pH (r=0.757) and between NI and H (r=0.748), p<0.001. Based on PCA, PC1 explained 62.723% of variance, and PC2 23.247% of variance, in relation to pH, H, P and K, as soil quality indices. Spline models described pH and H content variation in relation to the plots size category (Psc), under statistical safety conditions (ε = 2.0722E-05; ε = 6.06E-05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much of deforested Amazonia is dominated by pastures planted with exotic Urochloa (syn Brachiaria) grass, containing interspersed, ruderal Babassu palm (Attalea speciosa). This two‐species system offers the opportunity to investigate how two very competitive species interact. We investigated three monospecific Urochloa pastures containing dispersed Babassu palm clusters in the eastern periphery of Amazonia. We mapped 0‐ to 50‐cm Babassu and Urochloa root profiles at three distances representing contrasting relative dominance: "within clusters" (0.4–0.6 m from adult palm, Babassu‐dominated), "close" (2.5–4.0 m), and "far" (>8.0–10.0 m, Urochloa‐dominated). Total Babassu root share count was 76.0% within Babassu clusters, as opposed to Urochloa root share count (80.0%) far from clusters, confirming our experimental dominance gradient. Babassu and Urochloa root diameter composition differed strongly, whereas 44.6% of all Babassu roots were mid‐diameter or coarse; 83.0% of all Urochloa roots were fine graminoid. Vertical root profiles likewise differed: Babassu coarse and mid‐diameter roots concentrated within clusters at 20–50 cm depth, well protected against disturbance, though Babassu mid‐diameter roots did extend up to 10 m, indicating active foraging at long distances. By contrast, Urochloa mid‐diameter and coarse roots concentrated in the topsoil (70.4% in top 20 cm). Notably, 45.0% of all Urochloa fine roots but only 29.3% of deeper rooting Babassu concentrated in the top 0–10 cm. Both Urochloa mid‐diameter (R = 0.49) and fine roots (R = 0.40) correlated positively with Urochloa aboveground biomass. Fine‐root fine‐scale variability was high, with high‐density hotspots of both species in the topsoil. Babassu vertical root profiles were unaffected by the degree of interspecific competitive confrontation, whereas Urochloa fine roots were significantly shallower within than outside of Babassu clusters. Though differing Babassu and Urochloa vertical root profiles do support the notion of niche expansion caused by Babassu clusters within the vast Urochloa pastures throughout Amazonia, we also find a strong horizontal and vertical niche overlap with no indication of fine‐scale root segregation, indicating direct competition between both species, possibly in a dynamic state of "mutual invasability." In practical terms, our findings call for the diversification of Amazonian pastures beyond this two‐species system in order to increase productivity and ecological efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation of forests into degraded pastures in the Amazon region has caused alterations in the soil components. Likewise, the use of organic fertilizers as an alternative to enhance soil quality and plant biomass accumulation have been poorly studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of organic fertilization on biomass production using three specific forage grasses (Urochloa decumbens, Urochloa humidicola, and Urochloa brizantha) aged 3 years in a hilly landscape. For each crop, an area of 5005 m² was delimited with a randomized complete block design consisting of four treatments and three replications. Biomass production of Urochloa spp. and the physical and biological soil properties were assessed under the influence of different fertilization treatments. The results revealed significant differences (p < 0.0001) in the biomass production of Urochloa spp., with 1920.94 ± 155.44 kg of dry matter per hectare (kg DM ha−1) of forage at the end of the study, compared to 992.19 ± 97.66 kg DM ha−1 of forage at the beginning of the organic fertilizations. Overall, the application of organic fertilizers had a significant and positive effect on Urochloa spp. forage biomass and on the physical and biological properties of soils that had historically been affected by extensive livestock farming in a deforested hill landscape in the Colombian Amazon region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Management and design affect systems' ability to deliver ecosystem services and meet sustainable intensification needs for a growing population. Soil–plant–animal health evaluations at the systems level for conventional and silvopastoral environments are lacking and challenge adoption across temperate regions. Impacts of silvopasture on soil quality, microclimate, cattle heat stress, forage quality and yield, and cattle weight gain were compared to a conventional pasture in the mid-southern US. Here, we illustrate silvopastures have greater soil organic carbon, water content, and overall quality, with lower temperatures (soil and cattle) than conventional pastures. Forage production and cattle weight gains were similar across systems; yet, conventional pasture systems would need approximately four times more land area to yield equivalent net productivity (tree, nuts, forage, and animal weight) of one ha of silvopasture. Temperate silvopastures enhanced delivery of ecosystem services by improving soil quality and promoting animal welfare without productivity losses, thus allowing sustainable production under a changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to characterize adaptations of hepatic metabolism of dairy cows of two Holstein strains with varying proportions of grazing in the feeding strategy. Multiparous autumn calving Holstein cows of New Zealand (NZH) and North American (NAH) strains were assigned to a randomized complete block design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with two feeding strategies that varied in the proportions of pasture and supplementation: maximum pasture and supplementation with a pelleted concentrate (MaxP) or fixed pasture and supplementation with a total mixed ration (FixP) from May through November of 2018. Hepatic biopsies were taken at ‐ 45 ± 17, 21 ± 7, 100 ± 23 and 180 ± 23 days in milk (DIM), representing prepartum, early lactation, early mid-lactation and late mid-lactation. The effects of DIM, feeding strategy (FS), strain and their interactions were analyzed with mixed models using repeated measures. Cows of both strains had similar triglyceride levels, mitochondrial function and carnitine palmitoyltransferase activity in liver during lactation. However, there was an effect of DIM and FS as liver triglyceride was higher for the MaxP strategy at 21 DIM and both mitochondrial function and carnitine palmitoyltransferase activity in liver were lower for the MaxP strategy at 21 DIM. Hepatic mitochondrial function and acetylation levels were affected by the interaction between strain and feeding strategy as both variables were higher for NAH cows in the MaxP strategy. Mid-lactation hepatic gene expression of enzymes related to fatty acid metabolism and nuclear receptors was higher for NZH than NAH cows. This work confirms the association between liver triglyceride, decreased hepatic mitochondrial function and greater mitochondrial acetylation levels in cows with a higher inclusion of pasture and suggests differential adaptative mechanisms between NAH and NZH cows to strategies with varying proportions of grazing in the feeding strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive sheep pasturing in alpine regions has a long tradition and fulfils numerous sociological, economic and ecological functions. The effects of sheep grazing on the floristic composition and vice versa depend on various factors. Knowledge of potential interrelations is crucial to developing adequate management systems to maintain pasture productivity and its unique biodiversity. The aim of the present study was to discuss the potential interrelations between movement and selective grazing behaviour of free-ranging unherded sheep and the botanical composition of high-altitude mountain pastures in northern Italy. General movement patterns were determined by using GPS tracking. The floristic composition of areas roamed by the sheep was analysed by collecting physical data during the summer of 2022. The energy content of ingested herbage biomass was determined based on faecal samples. Ranging between 2296 and 3015 m above sea level (a.s.l.), the average altitude used by the sheep was 2654 m a.s.l. Correlation analyses showed that the sheep used significantly higher altitudes with increasing temperature and sunshine duration and with decreasing air humidity and rainfall. A clear selective grazing behaviour was revealed, namely a preference for species with better nutritional attributes. Poa alpina was the most preferred species, while areas dominated by Nardus stricta were avoided. Furthermore, the sheep showed an uphill migration over the season, possibly caused by the delayed start of grassland growth at higher altitudes. Analyses of faecal samples revealed sufficient energy contents, presumably as a result of the targeted selection of nutritious plant species. Future studies should evaluate the feeding value of herbage on offer in order to validate the current results. The study highlights the opportunity of animal tracking in remote areas and provides indications for selective grazing of sheep under conditions of free choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beef cattle breeding in Ukraine is considered to be a promising and socially important livestock sector, which is experiencing a systemic decline in production. The purpose of the study was to find the most effective options for organizing production in beef cattle breeding. The analysis was based on the production data of an agricultural enterprise with more than 4.5 thousand heads of meat cattle, including more than 1.7 thousand cows. Taking into account the company's development strategy, which provided for the expanded reproduction and sale of bull-calves and culled breeding stock, the production indicators of the farm's operation under the cow-calf system and the complete cycle with the rearing of young animals to slaughter conditions were analysed. The analysis of these production options was carried out for the conditions of using year-round and seasonal (from February to April) calving on the farm. It was found that when calving throughout the year, the number of cattle places in the premises and pens will be relatively constant. In the case of seasonal calving, the structure of the herd changes significantly during the year. Sales of finished products during seasonal calving should take place in relatively short periods of time and in large groups. In particular, the monthly sales of bull-calves for fattening in the cow-calf system during seasonal calving will be on average 11 times higher than during year-round reproduction in the herd. With a full breeding cycle, the batches of bull-calves for slaughter will differ less, but will occur only in the spring months. Seasonal calving during the complete production cycle resulted in a 1% reduction in silage and 3% reduction in hay consumption and a 10% increase in pasture grass consumption. The full cycle of raising bull-calves for meat makes it possible to increase the total live weight of cattle sold by 59%, increase sales revenue by 54% and reduce total feed costs per 1 tonne of live weight by 20%. The practical significance of this study is to obtain results that can be used in the Ukrainian beef cattle industry to plan efficient production organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ants disperse seeds of many plant species adapted to myrmecochory. While advantages of this ant–plant mutualism for myrmecochorous plants (myrmecochores) have been previously studied in temperate region mostly in forests, our study system was a pasture. Moreover, we used a unique combination of observing the effect of ant‐activity suppression on ant dispersal and comparison of the contribution of ant and unassisted dispersal to the distance from mother plant. We established plots without and with ant‐activity suppression (enclosures). We offered diaspores of a myrmecochorous (Knautia arvensis), and a non‐myrmecochorous (Plantago lanceolata) species in a choice test and followed ants carrying diaspores during days and nights (focus of previous studies was on diurnal dispersal). We measured frequency and distances of ant dispersal and compared them with unassisted dispersal recorded using sticky trap method. The dispersal frequency was lower in enclosures (3.16 times). Ants strongly preferred diaspores of the myrmecochore to non‐myrmecochore with 586 and 42 dispersal events, respectively (out of 6400 diaspores of each species offered). Ant dispersal resulted in more even and on average longer distances (maximum almost tenfold longer, 994 cm) in comparison to unassisted dispersal. Ant dispersal altered the distribution of distances of the myrmecochore from roughly symmetric for unassisted dispersal to positively skewed. Ants dispersed heavier diaspores farther. Ants dropped the majority of diaspores during the dispersal (which reduces clustering of seeds), while several (11%) were carried into anthills. Anthills are disturbed microsites presumably favorable for germination in competitive habitats. Ants provided non‐negligible dispersal services to myrmecochorous K. arvensis but also, to a lesser extent, of non‐myrmecochorous P. lanceolata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The timely and accurate quantification of grassland biomass is a prerequisite for sustainable grazing management. With advances in artificial intelligence, the launch of new satellites, and perceived efficiency gains in the time and cost of the quantification of remote methods, there has been growing interest in using satellite imagery and machine learning to quantify pastures at the field scale. Here, we systematically reviewed 214 journal articles published between 1991 to 2021 to determine how vegetation indices derived from satellite imagery impacted the type and quantification of pasture indicators. We reveal that previous studies have been limited by highly spatiotemporal satellite imagery and prognostic analytics. While the number of studies on pasture classification, degradation, productivity, and management has increased exponentially over the last five years, the majority of vegetation parameters have been derived from satellite imagery using simple linear regression approaches, which, as a corollary, often result in site-specific parameterization that become spurious when extrapolated to new sites or production systems. Few studies have successfully invoked machine learning as retrievals to understand the relationship between image patterns and accurately quantify the biophysical variables, although many studies have purported to do so. Satellite imagery has contributed to the ability to quantify pasture indicators but has faced the barrier of monitoring at the paddock/field scale (20 hectares or less) due to (1) low sensor (coarse pixel) resolution, (2) infrequent satellite passes, with visibility in many locations often constrained by cloud cover, and (3) the prohibitive cost of accessing fine-resolution imagery. These issues are perhaps a reflection of historical efforts, which have been directed at the continental or global scales, rather than at the field level. Indeed, we found less than 20 studies that quantified pasture biomass at pixel resolutions of less than 50 hectares. As such, the use of remote sensing technologies by agricultural practitioners has been relatively low compared with the adoption of physical agronomic interventions (such as 'no-till' practices). We contend that (1) considerable opportunity for advancement may lie in fusing optical and radar imagery or hybrid imagery through the combination of optical sensors, (2) there is a greater accessibility of satellite imagery for research, teaching, and education, and (3) developers who understand the value proposition of satellite imagery to end users will collectively fast track the advancement and uptake of remote sensing applications in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of increasing proportions of grazed pasture in the diet on the composition, quality, and functionality of bovine milk across a full lactation. Fifty-four spring-calving cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups (n = 18), blocked on the basis of mean calving date (February 15, 2020 ± 0.8 d), pre-experimental daily milk yield (24.70 ± 3.70 kg), milk solids yield (2.30 ± 0.27 kg), lactation number (3.10 ± 0.13), and economic breeding index (182 ± 19). Raw milk samples were obtained weekly from each group between March and November 2020. Group 1 (GRS) consumed perennial ryegrass and was supplemented with 5% concentrates (dry matter basis); group 2 was maintained indoors and consumed a total mixed ration (TMR) diet consisting of maize silage, grass silage, and concentrates; and group 3 consumed a partial mixed ration diet (PMR), rotating between perennial ryegrass during the day and indoor TMR feeding at night. Raw milk samples consisted of a pooled morning and evening milking and were analyzed for gross composition, free amino acids, fatty acid composition, heat coagulation time, color, fat globule size, and pH. The TMR milks had a significantly higher total solids, lactose, protein, and whey protein as a proportion of protein content compared with both GRS and PMR milks. The GRS milks demonstrated a significantly lower somatic cell count (SCC), but a significantly higher pH and b*-value than both TMR and PMR milks. The PMR milks exhibited significantly lower total solids and fat content, but also demonstrated significantly higher SCC and total free amino acid content compared with GRS and TMR. Partial least squares discriminant analysis of fatty acid profiles displayed a distinct separation between GRS and TMR samples, while PMR displayed an overlap between both GRS and TMR groupings. Variable importance in projection analysis identified conjugated linoleic acid cis -9, trans -11, C18:2n-6 cis , C18:3n-3, C11:0, and C18:2n-6 trans as the largest contributors to the variation between the diets. Milk fats derived from GRS diets exhibited the highest proportion of unsaturated fats and higher unsaturation, health-promoting, and desaturase indices. The lowest proportions of saturated fats and the lowest atherogenic index were also exhibited by GRS-derived milk fats. This work highlights the positive influence of grass-fed milk for human consumption through its more nutritionally beneficial fatty acid profile, despite the highest milk solid percentages derived from TMR feeding systems. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the proportional response of previously highlighted biomarkers of pasture feeding to the proportion of pasture in the cow's diet. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The root traits of many warm-season pasture species have not been characterised thoroughly. Depending on the nature of legume root architecture, alternative phosphorus (P) application strategies may improve the success of legume establishment and persistence, particularly if legumes exhibit a spatially responsive root system. The purpose of the present experiment was to investigate the root morphology of several warm-season pasture species and to determine the response of these species to a subsurface application of P fertiliser. Monocultures of two grasses (Panicum coloratum and Digitaria eriantha) and two legumes (Medicago sativa and Desmanthus spp.) were established in pots to investigate root morphology and P acquisition in response to three soil-P distribution treatments. The P fertiliser that was applied to the subsurface 'band' layer was labelled with 32P-radioisotope to determine P recovery. There were significant differences in shoot yield and root morphology among the species. The largest shoot yields were usually produced by plants grown in the uniform high-P treatment, while the grasses generally produced longer roots more efficiently than the legumes across the three soil-P distribution treatments. Nevertheless, each species responded to the banded high-P treatment by acquiring more P from the zone of P enrichment (banded high-P = 31% cf., uniform low-P = 3%, and uniform high-P = 9%). This result suggests that a subsurface application of P fertiliser at the planting stage will benefit warm-season pasture species, particularly grasses that are highly responsive to fertiliser placement. Nevertheless, preferential placement of fertiliser below legumes may improve the productivity of this component if their root systems have more time to respond spatially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to evaluate the animal response and the chemical and physical changes of free-choice mineral mixtures fed to grazing cattle. Growing beef cattle were fed either powder (POW) or agglomerated (AGL) mineral mixtures in three different experiments (Exp.), carried out in pastures of Brachiaria grass. In Exp. 1 and 2, the mineral mixtures were disposed in unsheltered troughs (POWun vs. AGLun), being delivered once (D0, Exp.1) or twice (D0 and D8, Exp. 2), throughout 14-day periods. In Exp. 3, POWun and AGLun were additionally compared to POW in sheltered troughs (POWshe), and the mineral mixtures were disposed in D0, throughout 21-day periods. Non-consumed supplement was removed and sampled on D14 (Exp. 1 and 2) or D21 (Exp. 3). Evaluations included average daily body weight gain (ADG), daily disappearance of the supplement (DSD), penetration force of the supplement mass, faecal chemical composition and serum levels of Ca, P and Mg. In Exp. 1, no effects were observed on ADG and faecal mineral concentrations, however, changes in mineral concentrations and a 40% reduction in Na concentration in the supplement were observed, compared to the initial concentration. AGLun had a lower penetration force. In Exp. 2, there were no effects on DSD and faecal mineral concentrations. POWun showed a smaller reduction in Na content compared to AGLun, and AGLun showed lower penetration force. In Exp. 3, the treatments did not affect ADG, but there was a trend towards higher DSD and serum phosphorus (P) concentration for AGLun (p = 0.08). Higher faecal Na concentration was observed for AGLun and higher Na concentration occurred in non-consumed mixture of POWshe. Mineral supplements offered in uncovered troughs showed altered chemical and physical characteristics, with possible effects on supplement intake. However, the general changes are unlikely to alter animal performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the work is the accumulation of knowledge regarding the characteristics of the natural environment and its zonal peculiarities, as elements that define the structure of the land fund and the state of soil quality, in order to establish the ecological specificity of land productivity and the possible pressures on them. The importance of the research theme derives from the fact that the properties of the land are extremely differentiated in the territory, due to the variation of environmental factors and conditions. Meadows are an essential element of sustainable agriculture systems represented by: providing fodder, animal welfare, soil quality and optimal use of poorly productive land, especially for the production of biomass, a renewable energy source. Due to the fact that meadows are located in very varied seasonal conditions occupying, as a rule, surfaces unsuitable for other crops, either due to the deficient physico-chemical properties of the soil, or due to the orography of the land or other causes, their productivity is closely related to both environmental conditions in which they are found, as well as human and animal activities. The knowledge of the natural conditions and especially of the ecological potential of the land for the main categories of use and crops is of particular importance in carrying out the qualitative evaluation of the land, based on the assessment notes and the analysis of the limiting factors, being able to constitute an effective tool for the choice the set of ameliorative measures that favor an efficient use of land resources within the researched space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degree of knowledge of the pastoral behavior of the breeders studied and its impact on the development or deterioration of natural pastures and some of the independent variables studied. To collect data, reliance was placed on personal interviews of the breeders studied, who numbered 40 breeders who were selected from, the total number of 200 educators is 20%. To analyze the data, used tabular display with frequency and percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, weighted average, simple correlation coefficient, and the Chi-Mar's test, and used the social sciences program SPSS.The most important results were as follows:- The majority of the educators surveyed are middle-aged (44-62 years) (75%), their education is secondary, university, or post-university (55%). Their sources of information about pastoral behavior are derived from the Ministry of Agriculture, audio and video radio, and the agricultural extension, and that expatriate workers are a component of Main for shepherds by 63%.- The main sources of information for the respondents about improving vegetation cover were the Ministry of Agriculture, the audio-visual radio, and then the agricultural guide.Most of the pastoral areas consist of vegetation cover of either shrubs or trees at a rate of 47.50%, or grass and weeds at a rate of 37.50%.The most important reasons for the deterioration of vegetation cover were due to human activities such as land consumption and overgrazing, which led to the decline of trees and shrubs and their production.The degree of breeders’ knowledge is moderate regarding the impact of grazing on the condition of pastures and their productivity, observing the hooves of grazing animals on pasture land, the shallowness of the soil, the failure to apply the correct methods in exploiting and managing natural resources, the increase in the number of animals, especially small ones, which reduces the quality of pastures, and harmful daily activities. And affecting the condition of pastures, as shown by the low degree of knowledge about the adequacy of the load of natural pastures.- It was found that the degree of knowledge of the breeders in question on how to improve and preserve pastures was low, and that increasing soil fertility leads to increasing plant cover, protecting areas by creating a fence around pastures, reforesting degraded pasture lands, scattering seeds as a means of improving pastures, and the consistent use of local pastures.-The most important obstacles to the process of improving and preserving pastures are grazing in pastures that are not fully prepared for grazing, the lack of a sufficient number of local guides and technicians specialized in following up on the condition of pastures, and the lack of commitment to the duration and period of grazing allocated to herders.-It was found that there is no correlation between age, type of employment, the degree of breeders’ knowledge of pastoral behavior and its impact on the development or deterioration of natural pastures, and the degree of breeders’ knowledge of methods for improving and preserving pastures.- It was found that there is a correlation at the level of 0.01 between the educational level, the sources of educators’ information about pastoral behavior, and the degree of educators’ knowledge of pastoral behavior and its impact on the development or deterioration of natural pastures, and the degree of educators’ knowledge of methods for improving and preserving pastures, while it was found that there is no relationship. There is a correlation between the degree of breeders’ knowledge of pastoral behavior and the degree of breeders’ knowledge of methods for improving and preserving pastures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cool temperatures can limit productivity of temperate grazing systems as poor pasture growth rates in winter create feed shortages for livestock. Ornithopus spp. (serradella) are broadly adapted annual pasture legumes that produce high-quality forage in soil types considered marginal for other temperate legume species. However, serradella establishment is perceived to be difficult in cool-season environments. We used survival analysis to compare germination rate and seedling emergence for two serradella species (yellow serradella and French serradella) against three reference species (Medicago sativa, M. polymorpha and Trifolium subterraneum) in four temperature treatments (10/5, 15/10, 20/15 and 25/20°C; max/min). We also compared shoot relative growth rate and photosynthetic rate at 15/10°C (cool) and 23/18°C (warm). Cool temperatures (10/5, 15/10°C) did not slow germination rates for serradella relative to the reference species, but warm temperatures (20/15, 25/20°C) delayed emergence and reduced post-emergent shoot growth rates. Once established, Ornithopus spp. had similar mean photosynthetic rates and stomatal conductance at cool temperatures to the reference species.We conclude that, contrary to common perception, cool temperatures did not adversely influence germination, emergence, or early growth of Ornithopus spp. relative to the reference species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study is to study the process of colonization of the Kazakh land by the example of a Soviet-era artwork, revealing the allegorical nature of the dilogy. Having made the definition of the author's position the main direction, the authors put forward the idea of the need to consider and interpret them in a new way. The relevance of the research is to remove the historical layers of our traditions and national identity that have been distorted for many years, carefully study them, celebrate the value of tradition, give them a proper and at the same time independent assessment. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that the authors express their independent point of view about the novel, written in a metaphorical sense, reveal the historical layer, show the main purpose of the writer when writing the novel, his loyalty to his people, his patriotism. The subject of the study was the dilogy of the writer Saken Zhunisov "Akan seri". The scientific significance of the study was determined by the author's decision to explain to the reader the intentions and goals of the colonizers. The author wrote this work based on historical facts, in order to clearly show the atmosphere, breathing and life of the society of that time. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that the authors express their independent point of view about the novel, written in a metaphorical sense, reveal the historical layer, show the main purpose of the writer when writing the novel, his loyalty to his people, his patriotism. The subject of the study was the dilogy of the writer Saken Zhunisov "Akan seri". The scientific significance of the study was determined by the author's decision to explain to the reader the intentions and goals of the colonizers. The author wrote this work based on historical facts, in order to clearly show the atmosphere, breathing and life of the society of that time. In the study, based on scientific works, it was analyzed and determined that the process of colonization of the Kazakh land took place in difficult conditions due to geopolitical conditions, and made great changes in the life of the Kazakh people, had a negative impact on the psychology of the entire people. Through the analysis of the life of society, the harmful consequences of the tsarist empire are considered, such as colonization, discrimination, humiliation of the Kazakh intelligentsia and nobility, seizure of Kazakh fertile lands, settlement of foreigners on fertile lands, drunkenness, imprisonment. Among them is the question of weakening the spirit of the Kazakh people by depriving steppe horses and horses, which were the main source of people's life. The value of the research lies in the fact that by delving into the tragedy of Akan Seri, the knowledge necessary in the field of culture, history, ethnography, and law was systematized. The practical significance of the work lies in the historical value of the novel by S. Zhunisov, a patriot who, contrary to the totalitarian system, openly showed colonizing intentions and its significance for the spirituality of the nation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated changes in the regrowth patterns of two grass species on the Mongolian steppe, Agropyron cristatum and Stipa krylovii, in response to repeated clipping and used a growth analysis to identify the factors responsible for differences in their regrowth patterns. Plants grown in pots were clipped every 3 weeks, and leaf area, dry mass, and N and crude fiber contents were measured. Aboveground biomass recovered to the same level as that before clipping in both species even after 3 clipping–regrowth cycles, but their regrowth patterns differed. In A. cristatum, a decrease in biomass allocation to aboveground parts with repeated clipping was fully compensated by the positive effect derived from the increase in growth rate due to increased leaf area expansion associated with an increase in specific leaf area (SLA). In S. krylovii, a decrease in SLA reduced leaf area but at the same time increased N content per unit leaf area and consequently photosynthetic ability, leaving the growth rate unchanged. The values of growth parameters involved in regrowth after clipping changed with repeated clipping and those changes differed between species. In particular, the difference in the response of SLA to repeated clipping contributed greatly to the difference in regrowth patterns. As SLA reflects leaf toughness and grazing tolerance as well as leaf thickness and density, our results imply that the leaf morphological change at regrowth as plant strategies against grazing contribute to plants' regrowth patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background The dataset presented here is an achievement of the H2020 European project "Integrated Pest Management of the Invasive Japanese Beetle, Popillia japonica (IPM-Popillia)". This project addresses the challenge of a new risk to plant health in Europe, the invasion of the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica (Newman, 1838) (Coleoptera, Rutelidae) and provides an environmentally friendly IPM Toolbox to control the expanding pest populations across Europe. This study aims to present the records of terrestrial arthropod diversity with a special focus on four groups belonging to Carabids and Staphylinid beetles (Coleoptera), Opiliones and Anisolabididae (Dermaptera), collected with the potential to be used as biocontrol agents against P. japonica in future Integrated Pest Management programmes. A thorough sampling programme was conducted in maize and pasture fields in two Islands of the Azores (São Miguel and São Jorge) in the summer of 2022. New information We provided an inventory of the arthropods recorded in two Azorean agroecosystems (maize and pasture fields) from São Miguel and São Jorge Islands. A total of ten maize and ten pasture fields were sampled and a total of 360 pitfall traps were installed, 216 in São Miguel and 144 in São Jorge, for seven consecutive days in August and September of 2022. We collected 18559 specimens belonging to the phylum Arthropoda, four classes, twelve orders, twenty-six families and forty morphospecies (two identified at the family level as carabid and Staphylinid larvae and 38 identified at the species level). We identified 38 taxa at the species level (n = 18281). Of the 38 identified taxa, 18 species were predators, 15 were plant feeders and five were omnivores. The 18 predators belong to the following families: 10 species were Carabidae, two Staphylinidae, one Anisolabididae, one Chrysopidae, one Leiobunidae, one Nabidae, one Phalangiidae and one Scathophagidae. Concerning the origin of the predators, we recorded five native species: two Carabidae, one Leiobunidae, one Scathophagidae and one Nabidae. The other 13 predator species were introduced or indeterminate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forage kochia, Kochia prostrata is used in agriculture as a high-quality pasture plant, however, it has not shown itself to be a stable pasture-haymaking plant. Therefore, in this study, a new direction was chosen for using forage kochia as fodder, i.e., using it for the production of fruit and fodder products that are more nutritious than its hay. The study aimed to determine the influence of soil and climatic conditions on the alteration in the chemical composition and nutritional value of fruit and fodder products, hay, and straw of the forage kochia. The study was carried out in the desert zone of the Atyrau region, Western Kazakhstan with annual precipitation of 130.2 mm. Experiments in 2016 and 2017 were established on meadow-brown soils, and in 2020 on alluvial-meadow soils. The conducted studies have shown that the content of fodder units and protein in fruit and fodder products is much higher than that of hay (0.88 versus 0.65 fodder units and 21.80 g versus 17.25 g protein), and also much higher than those of its straw, which are 0.39 fodder units and 11.21 g, respectively. Natural forage plants of the desert of Western Kazakhstan are unproductive (2-3 kg ha-1) and nutritionally poor. As an alternative, it is proposed to produce fruit-based fodder of forage kochia, a new type of high-quality, nutritionally balanced feed, 10 or more times (39 kg ha-1) superior in productivity to natural hayfields and pastures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]