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The study aimed to investigate the effects of different proportions of passion fruit peel on the fermentation quality and the dry matter digestibility of fermented total mixed ration (FTMR). The experiment set the ratio of roughage to concentrate in FTMR at 7∶3, with a theoretical crude protein content of 13%. In each treatment group, passion fruit peel was used to replace King grass by 0 (control group, T0), 5% (T1), 10% (T2), and 15% (T3). After 60 days of sealed fermentation, the dry matter digestibility and ruminal fermentation parameters were determined using in vitro ruminal fluid culture methods. The results showed that there were no significant differences in pH values, acetic acid, and the ratio of ammonia nitrogen to total nitrogen among the treatment groups (P>0.05). The lactic acid content in FTMR with the addition of 5%, 10%, and 15% passion fruit peel was significantly increased (P<0.05). After 6 hours of in vitro culture, the ruminal fluid pH values of all groups were between 6.970 and 6.997 (P>0.05). When the addition amount of passion fruit peel is 15% (T3), the rumen gas production and dry matter digestion rate reach the highest level. The study suggests that passion fruit peel can be used as a high-quality raw material in fermented total mixed rations, which has the effect of promoting fermentation and improving dry matter digestibility, with the maximum addition amount reaching up to 15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to explore the potential application of the functional indigenous grass Carotae fructus in livestock production, investigate the influence of inclusion ratios of Carotae fructus on the in vitro digestive characteristics of pasture. A single-factor completely randomized design was employed, with Carotae fructus added at proportions of 0, 4%, 8%, and 12% to four types of aboveground mixed pasture: Elymus sibiricus, Agropyron cristatum, Elymus nutans, and Medicago sativa. The results showed that after 72 h of fermentation, compared to the group without Carotae fructus, the addition of 4% Carotae fructus increased the IVDMD of Elymus sibiricus by 19.92% (P<0.05). Compared to the group without Carotae fructus, the addition of 8% Carotae fructus increased the IVDMD of Agropyron cristatum, Elymus nutans, and Medicago sativa by 16.76%, 16.35%, and 1.83%, respectively (P<0.05). The study indicates that Carotae fructus, as a functional indigenous grass, can be used as a roughage for ruminants, improving the digestibility when added at a dosage of 4% to 8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted as a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the breeding center of buffalo in the northwest of Iran in 2020-2021 growing season. Experimental treatments included different irrigation conditions at three levels (irrigation after depleting of 40, 60, and 80% of available water) as the first factor and application of different fertilizer sources at five levels (chemical, biological, organic, nano fertilizer, and control) as the second factor. Crude protein, dry matter digestibility, water-soluble carbohydrates, and protein yield were improved under different fertilizer sources and different irrigation conditions compared to the control treatment. With delay in irrigation, dry matter, forage ash and relative feed value decreased, while water stress increased the amount of ADF and NDF. Also, the highest amount of dry matter, ash and the relative feed value were obtained in the nano fertilizer. Irrigation after depleting of 40% caused 24, 14, and 18% increase in dry weight of leaves, stems and forage yield, respectively, compared to 80% of available water. The highest dry weight of leaves, stems, and forage yield were obtained with 11738, 16764, and 27938 kg/ha in nano fertilizer, respectively. In conclusion, the results showed that nano-fertilizers and organic fertilizers were more effective in improving the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of fodder sorghum under water stress conditions compared to other fertilizer sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThe quantity and quality of forage plants are beneficial and useful due to their role in animal husbandry, reproduction and other livestock products. Due to the limitation of water resources, water-deficit as a significant biotic stress is the most severe threat to world food security and is responsible for many yield losses. Plants constantly modify their physiological processes in response to various biotic and abiotic stress to regulate the balance between plant growth and defense response. Many researchers have documented that plant nutrients are involved in biological processes of plants. It has been stated that the use of silicon by increasing the ability to absorb water can be useful to improve drought tolerance of sorghum, sorghum can with the help of silicon extract more water from dry soil and maintain more stomatal conductance.Materials and MethodsIn order to evaluate the effect of silicon fertilizer on the quantitative and qualitative yield of forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) under water-deficit stress, a split-plot experiment was performed in a randomized complete block design in at the research farm of Varamin, Iran in 2017-2018. The treatments included irrigation in three levels irrigation in field capacity and irrigation at 60% and 45% of field capacity (which were named as full irrigation, moderate and severe water-deficit stress, respectively) as the main plot and silicon fertilizer (Potassium Silicate) in three levels, non-use (control), silicon foliar spraying (three per thousand), and silicon fertigation (10 L ha-1) as the subplot. Silicon spraying with a ratio of three per thousand and silicon irrigation fertilizer at the rate of 10 liters per hectare were considered in three stages.Results and DiscussionThe highest (4.51) and lowest (2.88) leaf area index were achieved in silicon fertigation treatment under full irrigation and none fertilizer treatment and severe water-deficit conditions, respectively. Based on the obtained results, the highest total chlorophyll content (1.73 mg g-1 FW), relative water content of leave (88.08%), stomatal conductance (2.46 cm s-1) were achieved in fertigation treatment under full irrigation conditions. The results show that the amount of electrolyte leakage increased due to water-deficit stress, but silicon fertilizer decreased the adverse effect of stress conditions. The lowest level of electrolyte leakage (341.3 µS cm-1) was obtained from the full irrigation and fertigation treatment. The highest crude protein (11.41%) which was higher than full irrigation condition by 1.39% related to severe water-deficit stress. Water-deficit stress caused the increase of cyanuric acid in shoot and increased the content of cyanuric acid by 41.8% compared to full irrigation conditions. Silicon fertilizer led to a decrease in digestible dry matter under water stress conditions, but on the other hand, it led to an increase in the amount of crude protein and also a decrease in the amount of toxic cyanide acid in the shoot production. The results of this study show that the use of silicon fertilizer in all irrigation regimes increased the auxin content compared to the non-use of silicon fertilizer. The highest content of auxin was achieved in the conditions of full irrigation and fertigation treatment (131.4 nmol g-1 of protein) followed by foliar fertilizer treatment (128.2 nmol g-1 of protein). The highest sorghum dry matter production was obtained from the full irrigation treatment with an average of 23.7 ton ha-1, which was 20 and 54% higher than the treatment of moderate and severe water-deficit treatment, respectively.ConclosionIn general, it can be concluded that silicon fertilizer in the form of foliar spraying should be considered by farmers to maintain the natural growth and development of sorghum plant, especially in areas arid and semi-arid. However, its widespread use in other farm crops needs to be investigated.

This study aimed to compare the nutritional fractions of a newly developed blended fat stimulated feed product (BFSFP) with traditional feed sources as barley grain and canola meal in terms of DM digestibility, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility, and volatile fatty acids (VFA) using the in vitro batch culture method. Data were analyzed using “Mixed Procedure” of SAS software (SAS Institute, Inc., 2004) using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The CRD model assumption test was carried out using Proc Univariate with Normal and Plot option. Multi treatment comparison was carried out using Tukey’s method. Significance was declared at P < 0.05 and tendency at 0.05 < P < 0.10. In terms of NDF digestibility, the newly developed BFSFP was not significantly different from the commercial protein feed [i.e., canola meal and energy feeds (barley)]. At 6 h of incubation the NDF digestibility was 4.98% while the NDF digestibility of barley was 15.32% and canola meal was 9.70%. Similarly at 48 h of incubation NDF digestibility of BPSFP was 45.95% which was not significantly different from barley feed having digestibility 47.22% and canola meal 45.68%. Moreover, in terms of dry matter digestibility (DMD) the BFSFP was significantly different from commercial barley and canola meal. At 6 h of incubation the dry matter digestibility of BFSFP was 46.31% which was greater than canola meal (42.13%) but less than barley (55.19%) at P > 0.05. However, at 48 h of incubation the BFSFP (73.98%) was significantly less from both canola meal (80.04) and barely (90%) at P > 0.05. In terms of VFA, BFSF had an intermediate acetate proportion (48.89 mol/100 mol) compared with canola meal and barley feed (50.35 and 45.90 mol/100 mol), respectively P > 0.05. Propionate was greater for barley feed (29.39 mol/100 mol) than BFSF and canola meal (25.43 and 23.19), respectively P > 0.05. Butyrate was similar for BFSFP and barley feed 13.00 mol/100 mol) and greater than canola meal (10.97 mol/100 mol) at P > 0.05. BFSFP showed an intermediate total VFA concentration (60.12 mMol/L) compared with barley feed (65.69 mMol/L) and canola meal (56.15 mMol/L) at P > 0.05. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: White-rot fungi are known to selectively degrade lignin in biomass but were reported to require a longer fermentation period to complete the process. However, choosing an effective strain and knowing the optimum fermentation conditions could increase feeding quality and minimize nutrient loss in herbaceous biomass. The current study evaluated the effects of different periods of solid-state fermentation on the feed value and quality of corn stover. The results show that a 2 wk incubation period is sufficient to improve the nutritive value of P. ostreatus-treated corn stover. The current study aimed to optimize and improve the feeding value of Pleurotus ostreatus-fermented corn stover by evaluating the effects of five solid-state fermentation times and three in vitro fermentation periods on the chemical composition, dry matter disappearance (DMD), microbial mass and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production of treated and untreated corn stover. The study utilized a 3 × 5 factorial design, with eight replicates per treatment. Dry matter, crude protein (CP), ash and non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) contents increased quadratically (p < 0.05) with increases in the solid-state fermentation time. Increases of 44.4–59.1%, 20.6–78.6% and 40.5–121% were noted for the CP, ash and NFC contents, respectively. Organic matter, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber and hemicellulose contents decreased quadratically (p < 0.05) across the treatments. Similar trends were noted for DM and fiber disappearance in the treatments. The total gas production and in vitro true dry matter digestibility (IVTDMD) increased quadratically, while microbial mass and in vitro apparent DMD increased in a linear manner. The total VFA, propionate and butyrate contents increased linearly. Both the acetate content and the A:P ratio decreased in a linear manner. The results show that the rumen fermentation pathway favors the production of propionate, with increases in propionate production of 7.46 and 8.30% after 2 and 4 wk, respectively. The study showed that a 2 wk period of solid-state fermentation is sufficient to provide a bio-transformed cow–calf feed resource from P. ostreatus-treated corn stover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals are inherently tied to nutritional resources of the landscape. Added cost of coping with environmental stressors, like disease, can exacerbate nutritional limitations. Pneumonia, a respiratory disease caused primarily by bacterial pathogens, has caused massive declines in populations of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) throughout western North America. Nevertheless, population dynamics following a pneumonia epizootic vary across populations, which has spawned the idea that ecological conditions may play a role in regulating populations after a die‐off. We used 2 bighorn sheep populations with contrasting dynamics to test the hypothesis that habitat quality on summer range affects population dynamics following a pneumonia epizootic. We sampled over 700 vegetation transects and quantified nutrient content of 2,093 forage samples of 127 genera on summer ranges to compare habitat quality (macro‐ and micronutrients in forage, biomass, plant cover, and species diversity) between the ranges. The population exhibiting growth, higher recruitment, and better nutritional condition had over double the herbaceous biomass in their core foraging areas in summer than the population exhibiting decline, lower recruitment, and poorer nutritional status. The population experiencing growth also had more macro‐ and micronutrients available on their summer range as a function of higher biomass along with higher species diversity. Although winter range often is considered the nutritional bottleneck for ungulates, we demonstrate that the conditions of summer range can have consequences for population dynamics. Habitat quality should be incorporated when considering management objectives and population recovery of large herbivores in the presence of disease; interactions between habitat quality and population dynamics still apply and likely are amplified with additional stressors like disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of different levels of probiotic in the diets of lambs, on ruminal characteristics, intake and digestibility of nutrients. The treatments were 0 (control group), 2, 4 and 6 g/day of probiotic doses, supplied orally and individually to the lambs. Four crossbred Santa Inês X Texel lambs were used, and the experimental design was a Latin square, with four treatments and four periods. Samples of diet, orts, feces, and ruminal fluid were collected from each animal. Intake and apparent digestibility variables were not different (p > 0.05) among the levels of probiotic evaluated. The average daily feed intake of lambs ranged from 1.27 to 1.28 kg of DM/day, and no significant differences (p > 0.05) were obtained between the levels of probiotics used in the diet. The percentage distribution of protozoa was not significant according to the different doses of probiotics used. A positive linear effect was obtained between the pH of the rumen fluid and the probiotic used, indicating that the highest pH values were obtained when the animals received the higher dose of 6 g probiotic; indicative that its use provides a ruminal environment closer to neutrality. The methylene blue reduction test in ruminal fluid samples did not differ between the different doses of probiotics used. The increasing levels of the probiotic in the diet of lambs are related to an increase in ruminal pH, without changing the levels of intake and digestibility of nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionMung bean (Vigna radiata L.) is native to India and its seeds are rich in phosphorus and protein. Drought is one of the most important limiting agents of plant production. Carbohydrate metabolism and the process of dry matter distribution is disrupted by limitation of carbon stabilization due to stomata closure and reduction of photosynthesis under drought stress. Potassium is an essential nutrient and the most abundant cation that it has a major role in plant growth and almost all related activities. The presence of potassium enhanced the synthesis of hydrocarbons and proteins, which results in amplification of plant tolerance to drought stress.Materials and MethodsExperiment was performed at Agricultural Research Institute, in 2017-2018 to study the yield and nutritive value of mung bean. This research was conducted as split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Main plot was drought stress consist of 60, 90 and 120 mm evaporation from the A class pan and sub plot was including 0, 85, 170 and 255 kg.ha-1 potassium sulfate fertilizer. The characteristics plant height, biological yield, seed yield, insoluble fiber in neutral detergent, insoluble fiber in acid detergent, water soluble carbohydrate, crude protein and dry matter digestibility were measured. The samples nitrogen content was estimated by Kjeldahl set and it was multiplied by the protein coefficient 6.25 and the crude protein percentage was calculated. Van Soest method was used for measuring of insoluble fiber in neutral detergent and insoluble fiber in acid detergent. Ethanol was utilized to measure soluble sugars by sulfuric acid method. The percentage of digestible dry matter was estimated according to Equation (1).DMD= 88.9 - (0.779×ADF%) (1) Variance analysis of data was carried out by MSTAT-C software and the comparison of the means was done with Duncan's multiple range test at the 5% probability level.Results and DiscussionThe results showed that drought stress treatment on all mung bean plant characteristics was significance at 1% level. The effect of sulfate potassium fertilizer on plant height, biological yield, seed yield, insoluble fiber in acid detergent, water soluble carbohydrate, crude protein and dry matter digestibility at 1% significance level and on insoluble fiber in neutral detergent were significant at 5% level. The interaction effect of drought stress and potassium sulfate fertilizer on Plant height, biological yield, insoluble fiber in neutral detergent, insoluble fiber in acid detergent, water soluble carbohydrate, crude protein and dry matter digestibility at 1% significance level and on seed yield were significant at 5% level. The results showed that in the control irrigation + application of potassium sulfate fertilizer (170 kg.ha-1) compared to the control potassium treatment, plant height and biological yield increased by 37.9% and 89.6%, respectively. In the control irrigation + application of potassium sulfate fertilizer (170 kg.ha-1) compared to the control potassium treatment, dry matter digestibility increased by 30.12% and insoluble fiber in neutral detergent and insoluble fiber in acid detergent decreased by 44.3% and 43.8%, respectively. The most amount of water soluble carbohydrate (18.3%) in 120 mm evaporation from A class pan and the highest value of crude protein (22.8%) in 90 mm evaporation from A class pan and in both characteristic application were effective 170 kg.ha-1 of potassium sulfate.ConclusionThe result showed that interaction of drought stress and potassium sulfate fertilizer on quantitative and qualitative of mung bean traits was significant. Plant height and biological yield increased 37.9% and 89.6% by addition of sulfate potassium consumption from 0 to 170 kg.ha-1, respectively. Seed yield enhanced compared to control treatment (33.8%) by using of 255 kg.ha-1 potassium sulfate. Drought stress decreased dry matter digestibility and it increased crude protein, water soluble carbohydrate, insoluble fiber in neutral detergent and insoluble fiber in acid detergent. Potassium sulfate fertilizer amount 170 and 255 kg.ha-1 recommend for maintaining of yield and qualitative of mung bean in Sistan region in non-stress and drought stress conditions.

Phytoliths are intra and extracellular siliceous deposits present in different plant tissues. Si uptake and transport are mediated by Lsi genes and its concentration is associated with forage quality. Our objective was to determine the phytolith content in seven Eragrostis curvula genotypes at the outbreak and re-growth stages to assess its relationship with the forage quality parameters and perform a genome-wide analysis to detect the presence/absence of Lsi genes. The mean values of the phytolith content of dry matter varied between 1.94–2.26% and 2.72–4.71% at the outbreak and re-growth stages, respectively, with highly significant differences among the genotypes and phenological stages. A highly negative correlation was observed in the phytolith content and in vitro dry matter digestibility and crude protein, revealing its importance as a selection parameter in breeding programs. A positive correlation was obtained between the phytolith content and lignin, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber. The main morphotypes of the phytoliths included saddle-shaped, bulliform, and acicular cells. Genes Lsi1, Lsi2, Lsi3, and Lsi6, previously reported in silica uptake, were identified and compared with related species, being the gene sequences highly conserved, meaning that its accumulation is probably due to differences in the gene expression or different allelic variants among cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effects of adding molasses on the physicochemical and silage fermentation characteristics, and in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters of fresh and ensiled lime pulps. This research was conducted in the form of a completely randomized design with four treatments including fresh lime pulp without additives (FLP), fresh lime pulp mixed with molasses; (FLPM), fresh lime pulp silage (LPS), and fresh lime pulp silage mixed with molasses (LPMS). Three replications were performed in each treatment Digestibility and gas production were determined using rumen liquid taken from two male Ghezel sheep. The results revealed that the application of molasses had no significant impact on the amount of dry matter. However, a marked distinction (P<0.05) was observed between the treatments regarding neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ash, pH, and water holding capacity (WHC). The potential of gas production for FLPM was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of other treatments. The addition of molasses to fresh lime pulp enhanced (P<0.05) the digestibility of dry matter in the rumen and total digestive tract. However, the presence of molasses in lime pulp silage reduced (P<0.05) the digestibility of dry matter in the rumen and total digestive tract. The results of this study suggested that the use of molasses would enhance fermentation and digestion by altering the composition of pectin in fresh lime pulp. While the lime pulp can be ensiled without molasses, the addition of molasses boosts the nutritive value and digestibility of silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to evaluate the fermentation effect and the effect of in vitro culture on dry matter digestibility and rumen volatile fatty acid changes by mixing different proportions of Agaricus blazei Murillon in King grass under high water fermentation condition. Six groups were set up in experiment, the control group was King grass silage alone, treatment 1 was King grass and the ratio of King grass and Agaricus blazei Murillon was 9∶1, treatment 2 was King grass and Agaricus blazei Murillon ratio of 8∶ 2 silage, treatment 3 was King grass and Agaricus blazei Murillon ratio of 7∶3 silage, treatment 4 was King grass and Agaricus blazei Murillon ratio of 6∶4 silage, treatment 5 was King grass and Agaricus blazei Murillon ratio of 5∶5 silage, the adjusted water content was about 80%. Ferment at room temperature for 60 d. The results showed that the pH value of silage in treatment group 5 was the lowest (4.78), and significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). The highest propionic acid content was found in treatment group 1 (0.53 g/kg), which was significantly higher than that in other groups (P<0.05). The ammonia nitrogen/total nitrogen of silage in control group was the lowest (4.52%), and the ammonia nitrogen/total nitrogen of silage in treatment groups was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). The gas production of treatment group 5 was the highest, and the dry matter digestibility of treatment group 3, treatment group 4 and treatment group 5 was significantly lower than that of treatment group 1, treatment group 2 and control group (P<0.05). The experiment indicates that the nutrient value of mycobacterium bran is relatively low, and it has feed chemical value. After mixing with King grass, it can improve the fermentation quality and dry matter digestibility. The mixing ratio of King grass and mycobacterium bran at 9∶ 1 is suitable for silage, which has application potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this pilot study was to examine the impact of diet type on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics using rumen fluid collected from grainfed and grass-fed American Bison (Bison bison). Rumen fluid was collected from 6 farmed American Bison at a commercial slaughter facility. At the time of slaughter, 3 grain-fed heifers (< 3 yr) were randomly selected for rumen fluid collection. On a separate day, 3 grass-fed cows (>3 yr) were randomly selected for rumen fluid collection. Rumen fluid was collected from each animal by obtaining rumen contents and filtering the rumen fluid from the digesta. For a given collection day, rumen fluid from the 3 animals was combined with McDougall’s buffering solution to generate rumen fluid buffer solution (RFB). The RFB was added to each pre-weighed digestion vessels (DV) containing no substrate (blanks) or 0.5 g of ground substrate (grain-based diet or forage- based diet). After filling, the DV were capped with one-way valves and incubated for 0, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. At the end of each incubation period, DV were centrifuged, and supernatant was removed and analyzed for VFA concentrations. The remaining pellet was dried at 60°C for 24 h to determine dry matter digestibility (DMD). Descriptive statistics were used to describe DMD characteristics for rumen fluid collected from bison from each production system. Linear, quadratic, and cubic responses were analyzed for DMD. Linear, quadratic, and cubic contrasts were used to examine DMD over time. In vitro DMD increased quadratically (P < 0.05) for grain-fed bison and linearly (P < 0.05) for grass-fed bison over time. Final 72 h DMD was 84.5% ± 0.05 and 70.0% ± 0.11 for grain-fed and grass-fed bison, respectively. Final molar proportions of acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, and butyrate were 55.3% ± 0.01, 25.8% ± 0.002, 1.9% ± 0.01, and 17.0% ± 0.001 for grain-fed bison and 31.0% ± 0.02, 41.2 ± 0.02, 3.9% ± 0.01, and 23.2% ± 0.01 for grass-fed bison. Molar proportions of all VFA exhibited a cubic response (P < 0.05) over time for rumen fluid collected from both grain-fed and grass- fed bison. These data provide a preliminary insight into in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics of bison from different production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of binahong flour used in concentrate feed on dry matter digestibility (DMD), organic matter digestibility (OMD), VFA and NH3 concentrations in vitro. The design used was a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 4 replications. The treatments studied were: R0; concentrate feed without binahong flour, R1; concentrate feed contains 10% binahong flour, R2; concentrate feed containing 20% binahong flour, R3; concentrate feed contains 30% binahong flour. Based on the results of the study, the average DMD (%) R0 73.56±0.75, R1 74.50 ±0.61, R2 74.98±0.70, R3 76.65±0.90, OMD (%) R0 69.50±1.10, R1 69.82±1.00, R2 70.07±0.88, R3 72.61±0.99, VFA concentration (mM) R0 108.53±8.52, R1 110.75±6.51, R2 111.40±2.35, R3 112.77 ±14.76, NH3 concentration (mM) R0 9.74±0.74, R1 10.61±0.44, R2 11.55±0.41, R3 11.55±0.33. The results of statistical analysis confirmed that the treatment had a very significant effect on the increase in DMD, OMD, NH3 (P

This study investigates the effective factors in land-holders use of 4 tree species including: Acer velutinum, Quercus castaneifolia, Carpinus betulus, Diospyrus lotus and 4 species of shrubs including Mespilus germanica, Prunus cerasifera, Celtis australis and ALbizia julibrissin to feed livestock and determine their nutritional value in livestock places of forest regions around Javaherdeh village in Ramsar city of Mazandaran province at the end of leaf growth stage. In order to perform sampling in a stage vegetative growth was done randomly. Then the green leaves which were dried in the open air and sized were transferred to the laboratory. The aim was to determine forage quality including: parameters of crude protein (CP), phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), potassium (K), insoluble fibers in acidic detergent (ADF), insoluble fibers in neutral detergent (NDF), Dry matter content (DMD), metabolic energy (ME). This research was conducted in a completely randomized design and the analysis of laboratory data in SPSS software and the analysis of information obtained from the questionnaire using Friedman test was used to perform statistical analysis of collected data. The results showed that the Albizia julibrissin species due to the amount of metabolic energy (11.25), dry matter digestibility (77.97), crude protein (22.77), crude fat (5.26), insoluble fibers in neutral detergent (52.44), have a higher forage quality than the other seven species. The findings indicate that the local information of the users is consistent with the qualitative characteristics determined in some species used. Considering that the nutritional value of Albizia julibissin has been associated with its greater utilization by ranchers, it shows the importance of local knowledge in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The Fusarium head blight (FHB) pathogen Fusarium graminearum produces the trichothecene mycotoxin deoxynivalenol and reduces wheat yield and grain quality. Spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) genotype CB037 was transformed with constitutive expression (CE) constructs containing sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor ) genes encoding monolignol biosynthetic enzymes caffeoyl coenzyme A (CoA) 3- O -methyltransferase ( SbCCoAOMT ), 4-coumarate-CoA ligase ( Sb4CL ), or coumaroyl shikimate 3-hydroxylase ( SbC3'H ) or monolignol pathway transcriptional activator SbMyb60 . Spring wheats were screened for type I (resistance to initial infection, using spray inoculations) and type II (resistance to spread within the spike, using single-floret inoculations) resistances in the field (spray) and greenhouse (spray and single floret). Following field inoculations, disease index, percentage of Fusarium -damaged kernels (FDK), and deoxynivalenol measurements of CE plants were similar to or greater than those of CB037. For greenhouse inoculations, the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) and FDK were determined. Following screens, focus was placed on two each of SbC3'H and SbCCoAOMT CE lines because of trends toward a decreased AUDPC and FDK observed following single-floret inoculations. These four lines were as susceptible as CB037 following spray inoculations. However, single-floret inoculations showed that these CE lines had a significantly reduced AUDPC ( P < 0.01) and FDK ( P ≤ 0.02) compared with CB037, indicating improved type II resistance. None of these CE lines had increased acid detergent lignin compared with CB037, indicating that lignin concentration may not be a major factor in FHB resistance. The SbC3'H and SbCCoAOMT CE lines are valuable for investigating phenylpropanoid-based resistance to FHB., Competing Interests: The author(s) declare no conflict of interest.

The current study aimed to optimize and improve the feeding value of Pleurotus ostreatus-fermented corn stover by evaluating the effects of five solid-state fermentation times and three in vitro fermentation periods on the chemical composition, dry matter disappearance (DMD), microbial mass and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production of treated and untreated corn stover. The study utilized a 3 × 5 factorial design, with eight replicates per treatment. Dry matter, crude protein (CP), ash and non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) contents increased quadratically (p < 0.05) with increases in the solid-state fermentation time. Increases of 44.4–59.1%, 20.6–78.6% and 40.5–121% were noted for the CP, ash and NFC contents, respectively. Organic matter, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber and hemicellulose contents decreased quadratically (p < 0.05) across the treatments. Similar trends were noted for DM and fiber disappearance in the treatments. The total gas production and in vitro true dry matter digestibility (IVTDMD) increased quadratically, while microbial mass and in vitro apparent DMD increased in a linear manner. The total VFA, propionate and butyrate contents increased linearly. Both the acetate content and the A:P ratio decreased in a linear manner. The results show that the rumen fermentation pathway favors the production of propionate, with increases in propionate production of 7.46 and 8.30% after 2 and 4 wk, respectively. The study showed that a 2 wk period of solid-state fermentation is sufficient to provide a bio-transformed cow–calf feed resource from P. ostreatus-treated corn stover.

Copyright of Journal of Crops Improvement / Majallah-i Bih/zirā̒ī-i Kishāvarzī is the property of University of Tehran and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction[1] Intercropping agriculture is one of the pillars of sustainable agriculture that it has become popular in many countries for reasons such as increasing in the quantity and quality of agricultural products (Pakgohar & Ghanbari, 2014). Currently in Iran, because of the lack quality fodder, the development of the livestock industry requires a serious approach to animal feed, which seems to be very important planting of these crops with intercropping in sustainable agriculture (Nasiri et al., 2015). Intercropping cereals and legumes is one of the kind intercropping that based on the results, it can increase the quality of forage produced (Javanmard et al., 2015). The purpose of this study was determination the total yield and forage quality obtained from intercropped Tepary bean and two millet cultivars. Materials and Methods The field experiment was done in a randomized complete blocks design with 30 treatment and three replications in Jiroft during 2015-2016 growth season. The treatments included combination of Tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolus L. Gray) and two cultivars of millet (cv. Pishahang and cv. Bastan) and replacement intercropping ratio 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 Tepary bean- Bastan millet, sole cropping of Tepary bean, Bastan millet and the same intercropping ratio of Tepary bean and Pishahang millet. The two plants were cultivated simultaneously and manually. The intra rows and inter rows were 50 and 10 cm2 respectively. The traits evaluated were dry forage yield, fresh forage, ash percentage, dry matter digestibility, water soluble carbohydrates, percentage of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. The total dry matter yield per plot was calculated from 1 m2 and the forage quality traites of the dried and milled samples in each plot was measured using infrared spectrometer such as Acid detergent fiber (ADF), Dry matter digestibility (DMD) and Water soluble carbohydrate (WSC). The amount of Na and K of forage was determined in the extracts prepared from samples of each treatment by flame Photometer and The amount of Ca and Mg in the extracts was read by atomic absorption. Data analyses were conducted using SAS ver. 12 and analysis of means was done with the Duncan’s test in significant at 5% probability level. Results and Discussion The results of this study showed that the highest total dry matter yield was obtained from 50:50 t of Tepary bean- Bastan millet (with 87.57 and 12.59% increasement than sole cropping of Bastan millet and Tepary bean, respectively) and the same ratio of Tepary bean and Pishahang millet. It seems that the better utilization of resources, morphological differences of plants and type of cultivar in intercropping system produced more dry matter yield than sole cropping.The most of Ash, DMD, WSC, Na, K, Ca and Mg, was obtained from intercropping treatments. Also the highest Relative Yield Total (RYT) in evaluation of total dry forage yield was obtained from 50:50 Tepary bean- millet treatment (2.16). Highest level of competition was observed in the relative yield of total dry forage from 75:25 Tepary bean- millet (1.36). In evaluating the benefits of sorghum and bean mung bean intercropping, the researchers reported more than one relative yield total in all intercropping treatments (Shaker- Koohi et al., 2014). Conclusion According to the results of this study the highest total forage yield obtained from 50:50 Tepary bean- millet treatment. Also the quality traits of forage such as Ash, DMD, WSC and amount of Na, K, Ca and Mg were increased in intercropping treatments. Total RYT increased in 50:50 Tepary bean+ millet. Totally this result showed inter cropping of bean and millet was better than sole cropping and Therefore, it is possible to introduce intercropping of cereals and legumes as one of the effective methods for producing high quality forage.

Phytoliths are intra and extracellular siliceous deposits present in different plant tissues. Si uptake and transport are mediated by Lsi genes and its concentration is associated with forage quality. Our objective was to determine the phytolith content in seven Eragrostis curvula genotypes at the outbreak and re-growth stages to assess its relationship with the forage quality parameters and perform a genome-wide analysis to detect the presence/absence of Lsi genes. The mean values of the phytolith content of dry matter varied between 1.94–2.26% and 2.72–4.71% at the outbreak and re-growth stages, respectively, with highly significant differences among the genotypes and phenological stages. A highly negative correlation was observed in the phytolith content and in vitro dry matter digestibility and crude protein, revealing its importance as a selection parameter in breeding programs. A positive correlation was obtained between the phytolith content and lignin, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber. The main morphotypes of the phytoliths included saddle-shaped, bulliform, and acicular cells. Genes Lsi1, Lsi2, Lsi3, and Lsi6, previously reported in silica uptake, were identified and compared with related species, being the gene sequences highly conserved, meaning that its accumulation is probably due to differences in the gene expression or different allelic variants among cultivars.

Background: Alternative feed ingredients are widely used in swine diets to lower feed costs, but these ingredients contain a large quantity of non-starch polysaccharides. Supplemental xylanase is known to break down non-starch polysaccharides. However, the effects of exogenous xylanase from Bacillus subtilis on various feed ingredients have rarely been compared. Objective: To evaluate the effects of supplemental xylanase on in vitro disappearance of dry matter (DM) in various feed ingredients for pigs. Methods: Nine feed ingredients were used to measure in vitro ileal disappearance and in vitro total tract disappearance of DM. Each ground ingredient was supplemented with either supplemental xylanase (9,000 U/g) or cornstarch at 1.0%. Results: Supplemental xylanase increased in vitro ileal disappearance of DM in wheat, barley, wheat flour, and wheat bran (p

The nutritive value of sown binary- and multi-species grassland mixtures may differ from the values expected based on single-species swards of their constituent species. Field plots were established in a split-plot design to assess the nutritive value of binary- and multi-species mixtures compared to single-species swards of three grass species and red clover (RC) (Trifolium pratense L.) managed for intensive silage production. The nutritive value of grass–legume binary mixtures reflected the values of the constituent species grown on their own, and thus may be predicted from monoculture values. The relatively low digestibility (dry matter digestibility [DMD]) and crude protein (CP) content of the Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) sward compared to perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and timothy (Phleum pratense L.) suggests that it may have a limited role in binary- or multi-species swards. Herbage nutritive value in the multi-species swards (Mix 1: perennial ryegrass, timothy, RC and white clover [Trifolium repens L.]; Mix 2: perennial ryegrass, timothy, RC, ribwort plantain [Plantago lanceolata L.] and chicory [Cichorium intybus L.]) appeared to be influenced more by the presence of legumes than herbs. Compared to perennial ryegrass, the multi-species swards had a slower rate of DMD decline prior to Cut 1, but subsequently had lower DMD values at the mid-season harvests. Both multi-species mixtures exhibited DMD, water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and CP values that would not have been predicted from their constituent species and thus need to be measured on herbage from field plots growing these mixtures.

Objective The 3×3 factorial arrangement was used to investigate if either high water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) cultivars or suitable time of day that the grass cut could improve nutrient values and in vitro fermentation characteristics. Methods The 3 cultivars were mowed at 3 diurnal time points and included a benchmark WSC ryegrass cultivar ‘Premium’, and 2 high WSC cultivars AberAvon and AberMagic, which contained, on average, 157, 173, and 193 g/kg dry matter (DM) of WSC, and 36.0, 36.5, and 34.1 g/kg DM of N during 7th regrowth stage, respectively. The fermentation jars were run at 39°C with gas production recorded and sampled at 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 22, 28, 36, and 48 h. The rumen liquid was collected from 3 rumen fistulated cows grazing on ryegrass pasture. Results High WSC cultivars had significantly greater WSC content, in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD) and total gas production (TGP), and lower lag time than Premium cultivar. Methane production for AberMagic cultivar containing lower N concentration was marginally lower than that for AberAvon and Premium cultivars. Grass cut at Noon or PM contained greater WSC concentration, IVDMD and TGP, and lower N and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents, but CH4 production was also increased, compared to grass cut in AM. Meanwhile, the effects of diurnal cutting time were influenced by cultivars, such as in vitro CH4 production for AberMagic was not affected by cutting time. The IVDMD and gas production per unit of DM incubated were positively related to WSC concentration, WSC/N and WSC/NDF, respectively, and negatively related to N and NDF concentrations. Conclusion These results imply either grass cut in Noon or PM or high WSC cultivars could improve nutrient values, IVDMD and in vitro TGP, and that AberMagic cultivar has a slightly lower CH4 production compared to AberAvon and Premium. Further study is necessary to determine whether the increase of CH4 production response incurred by shifting from AM cutting to Noon and/or PM cutting could be compensated for by high daily gain from increased WSC concentration and DM digestibility.

Aim: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of variable levels of silkworm pupae oil and roughage: concentrate ratio on in vitro methane production, fermentation characteristics, and rumen protozoa population. Materials and Methods: In vitro gas production study (24 h) was performed with graded levels of silkworm pupae oil, namely, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 5% of the basal diet and four variable dietary regimes consisting roughage and concentrate in different proportions (70:30, 60:40, 50:50, and 40:60). At the end of incubation, gas samples were analyzed for methane, while fermented rumen liquor was used for protozoa enumeration. A separate set of incubations was carried out for the determination of in vitro dry matter digestibility. Results: Results from the in vitro studies revealed no adverse impact of the silkworm pupae oil supplementation up to 2% level on total gas production. However, supplementation beyond 2% has shown a reduction in total gas production. Incubation with variable levels (0.5-5%) of silkworm pupae oil with different dietary regimes indicated negligible (3-5%) to a substantial reduction (25-30%) on methane production. A graded decrement in methane production was recorded with increasing levels of silkworm pupae oil. Similarly, the protozoal populations were decreased from 10 to 51.5% with graded levels of silkworm pupae oil in different dietary regimes as studies did not reveal any significant (p>0.05) variation between 2 and 4% of oil supplementation. Conclusion: The silkworm pupae oil supplementation at 2% level decreases methane production by 12-15% without any adverse impact on feed fermentation. Oil supplementation may have a more pronounced effect on methane reduction if added to high roughage diet at in vitro conditions. However, in vivo, studies in ruminants are warranted to confirm the methane reduction with silkworm pupae oil supplementation.

Efforts were made to obtain forage cultivars with high production capacity and quality and to determine the ideal time to start animal grazing, respecting the morphological characteristics of the grasses. For this purpose, the nutritional value, digestibility and characteristics of the forage canopy of Aries and Aruana (Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) or Panicum maximum) cultivars kept under rotational stocking with sheep were evaluated and the management height was determined based on 95% light interception (LI). The experiment was evaluated with repeated measures over time (grazing cycles by season, in 2 years) with a treatment factor (grass cultivar) in a completely randomized block design with eight replicates, using 800 m2 paddocks. The height of the forage canopy before grazing (pre-grazing) determined by 95% LI stabilized around 29 cm. The highest proportion of Aruana leaf blades was observed in winter. Aries grass presented similar leaf blade percentages in summer, autumn and spring. Similar forage accumulation (FA) was observed for both cultivars, decreasing in spring, autumn and winter. Higher crude protein and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) were seen in Aries grass, while Aruana grass presented higher neutral and acid detergent fibre and cellulose and lower IVDMD. The nutritional quality of the grasses was maintained throughout the year. The height of the forage canopy of Aries and Aruana recommended for entry into the paddock is 29 cm to maintain nutritional quality. The successful management strategy adopted for grasses combined with nitrogen fertilization provided a greater forage mass quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of different types of sealing on the physical losses of dry matter, chemical and fermentation characteristics and in situ digestibility of the dry matter of corn silage stored in the feed out face (ramp) of trench silos. The experimental design used randomized blocks, composed of three treatments, namely: T1 - corn silage preserved with double-sided polyethylene of 110 µm thickness (conventional seal); T2 - corn silage preserved with double-sided polyethylene of 200 µm thickness (double-sided); and T3 - corn silage preserved with oxygen-impermeable film composed of double-sided polyethylene of 80 µm thickness on a translucent vacuum polyamide film of 20 µm thickness (double sealing), with four repetitions each. The use of double-sided polyethylene with 200 µm thickness (double-sided) and oxygen impermeable film composed of double-sided polyethylene and polyamide (double sealing), were effective in preserving the chemical composition, fermentation profile, raw protein composition and fiber quality, in addition, the use of these polymers resulted in greater ruminal digestibility of dry matter and reduced the pH, temperature, temperature gradient and physical losses of corn silage from the feed out face (ramp) of trench silos compared to the conventional sealing.

Copyright of Cientifica is the property of Fundacao de Apoio a Pesquisa e Extensao and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate performance, apparent digestibility, blood parameters, and quantitative characteristics of carcass and internal organs of crossbred dairy calves fed different levels of crude glycerin in corn grain-based diets. Twenty-four calves of three months of age and average initial weight of 95.5±11.8 kg were used. The experimental design was completely randomized with four treatments (0, 80, 160, and 240 g kg−1 of crude glycerin of DM of diets). The calves were fed in feedlot until six months of age (195.68±2.38 kg of BW). Dry matter (4.14, 4.11, 3.80, and 3.49 kg day−1) and apparent digestible energy intake (0.43, 0.41, 0.37, and 0.35 MJ kg−1 BW) decreased with increasing levels of glycerin in the diets. There was no effect on the apparent digestibility of nutrients, average daily gain, feed efficiency, carcass characteristics, and blood parameters. The diets did not influence the weights [g kg−1 of empty body weight (EBW)] of lungs, heart, kidneys, liver, omasum, abomasum, and large intestine. The reticulorumen weight (g kg−1 EBW) increased, whereas the small intestine weight decreased with increased levels of glycerin in the diets. The area, height, and width of the rumen papillae were not changed with increasing levels of glycerin. The rumen wall thickness increased with increasing levels of glycerin in the diets. The inclusion up to 240 g kg−1 DM of crude glycerin of in corn grain-based diets for the production of dairy calves does not alter animal performance, carcass characteristics, and weights of internal organs.

Forage quantity and quality in simultaneous cropping of maize with vetch (Vicia villosa), grass pea (Lathyrus sativus), sainfoin (Onobrychis vicifolia), berseem clover (Trifolium alexanderinum L.), studied by experiment as randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 14 treatments and three replications at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh during 2015. The treatments were monocultures of maize (SC 704), Vetch, Grass pea, Sainfoin, Berseem clover and intercropping maize with each legume in inoculated and non-inoculated with nitroxin biofertilizer. The results showed that the highest and lowest forage yield were obtained in maize (inoculation)+ vetch intercropping and sainfoin monoculture, respectively. Also, the highest (277.5 g.kgDM-1) and the lowest (60.60 g.kgDM-1) crude protein were achieved in vetch and maize monoculture (without inoculation), respectively. In addition to, the highest acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) values were obtained in monoculture of maize (no -inoculation). The lowest ADF and NDF values were obtained in vetch monoculture and intercropping of maize (inoculation) + vetch. The highest values of DMI, DDM, RFV, NEL and TDN was observed in vetch monocultures. Also, between intercropping patterns, the highest values of these indices were obtained in intercropping of maize (inoculation) + vetch. Generally, the results of this study exhibited that the effects of vetch on the quality and quantity of forages was higher than other legumes in intercropping patterns.

The aim of this paper is to determine the effect of selected soil conditioners, applied separately and with mineral fertilizers, on the intake, digestibility, and feed value of cocksfoot and perennial ryegrass. The main experimental factors were three soil conditioners with the following trade names: UGmax, Eko-Użyźniacz, and Humus Active Papka, each used on its own or together with NPK fertilizers. They were applied to the soil with two forage grasses: the Bora variety of cocksfoot and perennial ryegrass of the Info variety. In the case of cocksfoot the Humus Active Papka and UGmax soil conditioners, when both used with mineral fertilizers, had the highest impact on dry matter digestibility, but for the biomass of perennial ryegrass this parameter was the highest when Humus Active Papka was used on its own, or when UGmax was applied together with mineral fertilizers. As an average effect of fertilizer combinations, perennial ryegrass had higher digestibility, dry matter content, and relative feed value than cocksfoot. Combinations of mineral fertilizers with soil conditioners, particularly with UGmax and Humus Active Papka, resulted in the highest relative feed value of perennial ryegrass. This forage met requirements of high productive dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of variable levels of silkworm pupae oil and roughage: concentrate ratio on in vitro methane production, fermentation characteristics, and rumen protozoa population. Materials and Methods: In vitro gas production study (24 h) was performed with graded levels of silkworm pupae oil, namely, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 5% of the basal diet and four variable dietary regimes consisting roughage and concentrate in different proportions (70:30, 60:40, 50:50, and 40:60). At the end of incubation, gas samples were analyzed for methane, while fermented rumen liquor was used for protozoa enumeration. A separate set of incubations was carried out for the determination of in vitro dry matter digestibility. Results: Results from the in vitro studies revealed no adverse impact of the silkworm pupae oil supplementation up to 2% level on total gas production. However, supplementation beyond 2% has shown a reduction in total gas production. Incubation with variable levels (0.5-5%) of silkworm pupae oil with different dietary regimes indicated negligible (3-5%) to a substantial reduction (25-30%) on methane production. A graded decrement in methane production was recorded with increasing levels of silkworm pupae oil. Similarly, the protozoal populations were decreased from 10 to 51.5% with graded levels of silkworm pupae oil in different dietary regimes as studies did not reveal any significant (p>0.05) variation between 2 and 4% of oil supplementation. Conclusion: The silkworm pupae oil supplementation at 2% level decreases methane production by 12-15% without any adverse impact on feed fermentation. Oil supplementation may have a more pronounced effect on methane reduction if added to high roughage diet at in vitro conditions. However, in vivo, studies in ruminants are warranted to confirm the methane reduction with silkworm pupae oil supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moose (Alces alces americana), a large-bodied and cold-adapted forest herbivore, may be vulnerable to environmental change especially along their southern range in the northeastern United States. Better understanding of moose foraging patterns and resource constraints in this region, which moose recolonized over the past several decades, is needed to anticipate factors that may influence the long-term viability of the regional moose population. We quantified browse selection, intensity and nutritional quality, and the impact of other vegetation potentially interfering with browse availability for moose within the Adirondack Park, New York. We backtracked GPS-collared female moose (n = 23) to assess the seasonal composition of selected browse from 2016 to 2017, compared browse selection to plant nutritional quality, and modeled local browsing intensity. Moose demonstrated a generalist feeding strategy in summer, but in winter selected browse species largely in order of digestible dry matter. Red maple (Acer rubrum) was the most heavily used species in both seasons. Areas having a high proportion of beech (Fagus grandifolia), which in this region regenerates in dense thickets in the aftermath of beech bark disease and thwarts timber regeneration, were associated with reduced browsing intensity by moose in both seasons. Given the limited amount of timber harvest within the Adirondack Park, thoughtful management of harvested stands may increase marketable timber while also benefitting moose and ensuring the longevity of the New York population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The study explored the dynamics of shearing force and its correlation with chemical compositions and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of stylo. Methods The shearing force, diameter, linear density, chemical composition, and IVDMD of different height stylo stem were investigated. Linear regression analysis was done to determine the relationships between the shearing force and cut height, diameter, chemical composition, or IVDMD. Results The results showed that shearing force of stylo stem increased with plant height increasing and the crude protein (CP) content and IVDMD decreased but fiber content increased over time, resulting in decreased forage value. In addition, tall stem had greater shearing force than short stem. Moreover, shearing force is positively correlated with stem diameter, linear density and fiber fraction, but negatively correlated with CP content and IVDMD. Conclusion Overall, shearing force is an indicator more direct, easier and faster to measure than chemical composition and digestibility for evaluation of forage nutritive value related to animal performance. Therefore, it can be used to evaluate the nutritive value of stylo.

This research was conducted to investigate the effect of growth-promoting bacteria on yield and some traits of maize. This experiment was performed as a factorial randomized complete block design with three replications at research farm of Islamic Azad University, Izeh branch, Iran. The experimental factors included four strains of plant growth-promoting bacteria: Pseudomonas fluorescent 169 (B1), Pseudomonas fluorescent 79 (B2), Pseudomonas putida 108 (B3), Pseudomonas putida 159 (B4) and without bacteria (control, B5) and two corn varieties namely sc 704 (A1) and Bolson (A2). Before planting corn seeds were soaked with liquid inoculation. Plant height, number of leaves per plant and ear, forage yield, dry matter and dry matter digestibility of leaf, stem and ear, crude protein and cell wall without hemicellulose in the leaf, stem and ear were evaluated. Analysis of variances showed that the effects of varieties, bacteria and their interaction on all traits were significant. Plant height, number of leaves per plant and ear, forage yield, dry matter and stem dry matter digestibility were higher in Bolson. Moreover, dry matter digestibility of leaf and ear, crude protein and cell wall without hemicellulose in the leaf, stem and ear of sc 704 were greater, compared to hybrid Bolson. Plant height, number of leaves per plant and ear, forage yield, dry matter and dry matter digestibility of stem and ear were greater in at the presence of fluorescent strains than those of putida strains. The results revealed that bacterial inoculation enhances the grain yield, yield components and quality of forage maize. Bolson seemed potent to outperform sc 704, though this proposition needs further examination in future field trials.

ABSTRACT In this study, we examined the effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculant and beet pulp (BP) on the quality of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) residue silage. Yacon silage was prepared using a small-scale system of silage fermentation, and the treatments were as follows: control silage without any additive and silages with LAB inoculant Chikuso-1 (Lactobacillus plantarum, 5 mg/kg, fresh matter basis), BP (30% fresh matter basis), and LAB+BP. Silages were opened on days 3, 5, 7, 15, 30, and 60 of fermentation. The chemical composition, organic acid content, and in vitro ruminal digestion of the 60-day silage were determined. The pH of LAB-treated silage was lower than that of the silage without LAB. Furthermore, the LAB-treated silage presented the lowest ammonia-N concentration among the four types of silages, and it inhibited the growth of harmful bacteria including molds and clostridia during the early stages of fermentation. The BP-treated silage had lower contents of crude protein and ether extract than the silage without BP. The 60-day silage inoculated with LAB had the highest in vitro dry matter (DM) digestibility among the four silages, and the production of methane was lower than that of the silage treated with BP. The pH showed a tendency toward stabilization after 30 days of fermentation, although the concentration of lactic acid exhibited fluctuations during fermentation. The results suggest that the addition of LAB and BP can improve the fermentation quality of yacon silage, and the yacon silage with LAB might increase in vitro DM digestibility, but decrease in vitro ruminal methane production.

National greenhouse-gas (GHG) inventories in most developing countries, and in countries in Sub-Saharan Africa in particular, use default (Tier I) GHG emission factors (EFs) provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to estimate enteric methane (CH4) emissions from livestock. Because these EFs are based on data primarily from developed countries, there is a high degree of uncertainty associated with CH4 emission estimates from African livestock systems. Accurate Tier II GHG emission reporting from developing countries becomes particularly important following the Paris Climate agreement made at COP21, which encourages countries to mitigate GHG emissions from agricultural sources. In light of this, the present study provides improved enteric CH4 emission estimates for cattle in Nandi County, Western Kenya, representing a common livestock production system found in East Africa. Using the data from measurements of liveweight and liveweight change, milk production and locomotion collected from 1143 cattle in 127 households across 36 villages over three major agro-ecological zones covering a full year, we estimated total metabolic energy requirements. From this and assessments of digestibility from seasonally available feeds, we estimated feed intake and used this to calculate daily CH4 production by season, and, subsequently, created new EFs. Mean EFs were 50.6, 45.5, 28.5, 33.2 and 29.0 kg CH4/head.year for females (>2 years), males (>2 years), heifers (1–2 years), young males (1–2 years) and calves (<1 year) respectively, and were lower than the IPCC Tier I estimates for unspecified African adult cattle, but higher for calves and young males. Thus, using IPCC Tier 1 EFs may overestimate current enteric CH4 emissions in some African livestock systems. IPCC estimates enteric methane on the basis of feed digestibility and a presumption of ad libitum intake. We derived energy expenditure from individual animals' production parameters to produce more reliable enteric methane estimates. We found that emission factors for Kenyan cattle under smallholder system are mainly higher than previously thought, which has clear implications for assessment of mitigation options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In order to investigate the effect of nitrogen fertilizer, manure and integrate fertilizer on quantitative and qualitative yield of two forage sorghum cultivars (Pegha and Esphidfid) under Guilan climatological conditions a field study was conducted in 2010 cropping season at Rasht. Treatment consisted of four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 46, 92 and 138 kg N.ha-1) and organic Farm Yard Manure (5, 10 and 15 ton.ha-1 FYM) and integrated N of chemical and biological (23 kg N.ha-1 + 2.5 ton.ha-1 farm yard manure (FYM), 46 kg N.ha-1 + 5 ton.ha-1 FYM and 69 kg N.ha-1 +7.5 ton.ha-1 FYM). A randomized complete block design with factorial arrangement in three replications was used. Traits included plant height, stem diameter, plant dry weight, forage yield, protein percent, dry matter digestibility and ash. Stem diameter, protein percent, dry matter digestibility, water soluble carbohydrates percentage, NDF, total ash effected by Nitrogen significanty, and maximum traits was obtained with 69 kg N.ha-1 + 7.5 ton.ha-1. Based on the results obtained from this study integrated treatment was best and Pagha cultivar with 69 kg N.ha-1 + 7.5 ton.ha-1 suggested in Rasht reign conditions.

In order to assess the effects of fertilizer management and return method of cover crops on quantity and quality of yield in forage sorghum (cv. Speed feed), an experiment was conducted as split plot in time based on randomized complete block design with three replications during 2012-2013 and 2013-2014, at Agriculture Research station University of Kerman. Method of return of cover crops including low tillage (disk) and no tillage (herbicides glyphosate + cut) were assigned to main plots and fertilizer management of cover crops including cover crops (wheat, canola and peas) without the use of urea, cover crops with 25 tons per hectare farmyard manure (alternative farmyard manure with urea) and 75 kg.ha-1 urea (fertilizer partitioning between cover crop and main crop) and fallow (without cover crops) treatments were as the subplot. Amount of urea fertilizer decreased to half recommended amount for sorghum. Results showed that total green and dry forage yields of sorghum affected by fertilizer management and method of return for cover crops.Exception of protein percent, all of qualitative traits affected by fertilizer management and interaction between fertilizer management and method of return. The lowest quantity and quality yield of forage sorghum was related to cover crops without the use of urea treatments, but using of cover crops combined with farmyard manure or urea fertilizer partitioning can retain quantity and quality of yield of forage sorghum in spite of decreased urea fertilizer to half recommended amount for sorghum.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lignin is a complex, phenolic polymer found in plant cell walls that is essential for mechanical support, water and mineral transport, and defense in vascular plants. Over ten different enzymes play a role in the synthesis of lignin in plants. Suppression of any one enzyme or combinations of these enzymes may change the concentration and composition of lignin in the genetically transformed plants. Two lines of alfalfa that were downregulated for caffeoyl coenzyme A O‐methyltransferase were used to assess the impact of lignin downregulation on chemical composition and fermentation rate and extent using an in vitro gas production technique. A total of 64 samples consisting of two reduced lignin (RL) and two controls (CL), four field replicates, two cutting intervals (CIs; 28 and 35 days), and two cuts (Cut‐1 and Cut‐3) were used. RESULTS: No differences were detected in yield, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (aNDF), and acid detergent fiber between the lines when harvested at the 28‐day CI. The acid detergent lignin (ADL) concentration in RL alfalfa lines was significantly ( P < 0.001) lower than in the CL. In alfalfa harvested at the 35‐day CI, the RL alfalfa resulted in lower ( P < 0.001) yield than CL. RL alfalfa lines had 24% and 22% lower ( P < 0.001) ADL in Cut‐1 and Cut‐3 respectively than CL lines. The in vitro dry matter digestibility and aNDF digestibility (both as determined by the near‐infrared reflectance method) were greater ( P < 0.001) in RL than in CL lines harvested at the 35‐day CI. In alfalfa harvested at the 35‐day CI, extent of in vitro gas production and metabolizable energy content were greater in RL than in CL alfalfa. RL lines had 3.8% indigestible aNDF per unit ADL, whereas CL had 3.4% ( P < 0.01). The positive effect of lignin downregulation was more pronounced when intervals between harvests were longer (35‐day CI compared with the 28‐day CI). CONCLUSION: Lignin downregulation in alfalfa offers an opportunity to extend harvesting time (CI) for higher yield without compromising the nutritional quality of the alfalfa forage for dairy and livestock feeding. However, the in vitro results reported here warrant further study using in vivo methods. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of bed planting on the quantity and quality of forage yield of vetch and barley in different crop mixing ratios. The field experiment was conducted in 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 on the paddy fields of the North of Iran (Rasht, Guilan Province) as a factorial analysis in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The experimental treatments included bed planting at 2 levels (1. rice bran with bed planting and 2. without bed planting as control) and crop mixing at 6 levels (1. Sole vetch, 2. Sole barley, 3. 20% vetch to 80% of barley, 4. 40% vetch to 60% of barley, 5. 60% vetch to 40 % of barley, 6.25% vetch to75% barley as replacement ratio of crop mixing). The recorded data were the followings: forage yield, crude protein yield and quality traits like crude protein (CP), dry matter digestibility (DMD), and acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Mixed cropping indices were calculated by means of land equivalent ratio (LER) and Money advantages index (MAI). Results showed that rice bran with bed planting affects some quantity and quality traits of forage. Among mixing ratios, planting of 40% barley and 60% additive vetch had highest forage yield. Additive mixing ratios +had the highest crude protein yield among mixing ratios. According to the results, in the North of Iran the highest LER and forage yield was obtained from rice bran with bed planting and 40% additive of vetch to barley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forage quality is an important regulator of livestock performance also determining the grazing capacity in grasslands and pastures. The objective of this work was to develop spectral normalized indices to accurately predict canopy nitrogen (N), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), and acid detergent fibre (ADF) concentrations and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) in three forage species, at two phenological stages and under two fertilization conditions. To select indices with the highest possible independence from canopy structure, we prioritized the selection of indices that were stable at both leaf and canopy scales and evaluated if the best selected indices were correlated with selected leaf and canopy structural traits and leaf water content. All possible normalized indices, based on the reflectance and the first difference reflectance, for the 400–2400 nm spectral range were related through simple regression models with N, NDF, and ADF concentrations and IVDMD. The index that combined the first difference reflectance in the 685 and 1770 nm wavelengths was found to be a potentially useful index to predict canopy N concentration under different field conditions. The best indices selected to predict canopy NDF and ADF concentration and IVDMD, based on the reflectance around 2120–2145 and 2250–2260 nm, had limited application and appeared to be suitable only to identify gross differences in fibre and IVDMD. Future studies should analyse how the best selected indices behave under field lighting conditions and for a wide range of species, phenological stages, and variations in canopy structural traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied species of plants foraged by red deer in the Muling forest region of northeastern China during January 2014 and 2015. We focused on nutritional composition, energy content, and the digestibility of these plants. Crude protein content varied by plant species. Average crude protein content was 7.5 ± 1.7% of dry matter, ranging from 4.5 to 10.3%. Crude lipid content did not vary by species and averaged 7 ± 1.5% (range 5.4-9.8%). Non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content varied broadly with average values being 20.1 ± 4.8% (range 13.5-28.8%) and 64.7 ± 5.9% (range 53.5-71.8%), respectively. Energy content ranged from 16.7 to 19.7 kJ/g. Average dry matter digestibility (DMD) was 46.1 ± 4.8%, with a range from 38.7 to 54.6%. Only three plants, Saussurea manshurica, Aralia elata and Equisetum hyemale exhibited DMD > 50%. NFC content explained most of the variation in energy content (r = 0.451). In contrast, energy content was inversely related to NDF (r = −0.443). There was no correlation between crude protein, crude lipid, and energy content (rprotein = 0.004, rlipid = −0.190). S. manshurica, A. elata and E. hyemale had higher NFC and lower NDF content. Thus, these species offered the greatest nutritional value for wintering red deer in the study area. Along with high CP and NFC content, Taxus cuspidate also had high lignin content, and was thus, considered a good forage species for red deer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]