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Reduced reliance on inputs such as fertilizer is fundamental to sustainable grazing systems. This two‐year study compared four sward types, including multispecies swards (MSS), for herbage dry matter (DM) production, species contribution to DM, and herbage nutritive value under grazing. The systems were: (1) Lolium perenne L. monoculture (PRG; 170 kg N ha−1 year−1); (2) permanent pasture (PP; 135 kg N ha−1 year−1), (3) six species sward consisting of two grasses, two legumes and two herbs (6S; 70 kg N ha−1 year−1), (4) twelve species sward consisting of three grasses, four legumes and five herbs (12S; 70 kg N ha−1 year−1). Herbage samples were collected for DM yield, botanical composition, and nutritive value. Mean annual DM production for PRG, PP, 6S, and 12S was 11,374, 8526, 13,783, and 13,338 kg DM ha−1 respectively. Herb proportions decreased in 6S and 12S from 2020 to 2021 while grass proportions increased. Mean crude protein levels were similar across all systems (p > 0.05), with higher ash content in 6S and 12S compared to PRG (p < 0.001). Organic matter digestibility was lowest in PP compared to PRG (p < 0.001) while neutral detergent fibre content of PP and PRG were greater than 6S and 12S (p < 0.001). Water soluble carbohydrate content was highest in PRG (p < 0.0001). Over 2 years, MSS delivered increased herbage DM yield and nutritive quality relative to PRG and PP swards, from reduced N inputs. However, maintenance of the herb component of MSS is a challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: Society is increasingly concerned over the environmental impact of diets. Much of this concern is over the environmentally destructive nature of meat production, especially beef and especially in the Amazon. This article aims to understand the production of beef in Brazil through the understudied perspective of forage grasses. In doing so, the article traces who was involved in the importation and improvement of forage grasses in Brazil, why they were involved, and what the consequences of their actions were. By centering forage grasses, we can better understand the potential consequences of seemingly unimportant plant breeding efforts. Summary: Beef is viewed by many as one of the more environmentally destructive foods today. Whether it is deforestation in the Amazon or concentrated feedlots, the rancher and the cow have come to epitomize the dangers of a global industrial food system. This article looks at the industrialization of beef cattle from another angle, a bit closer to the ground. It looks at the role and circulation of plants and plant breeders in the expansion of beef cattle in the Brazilian tropics.The article draws on documents collected from the institutional archives of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, known by its Portuguese acronym Embrapa and the Rockefeller Archive Center. Additional archival documents were acquired by a personal contact. Embrapa was established in 1973, but its archives contain documents from Brazilian agricultural research agencies from as far back as 1952. Documents from the Rockefeller Archive Center include research bulletins and reports from Nelson Rockefeller's IBEC Research Institute (IRI), which conducted research on forage grasses from the 1950s until the 1970s.The article puts forth the argument that imported and improved forage grasses made large‐scale cattle ranching environmentally viable and economically profitable in Brazil. One type of grass in particular, Brachiaria, was central in propelling Brazil as the world's largest producer of beef and underpinning perhaps the most environmentally and socially destructive cattle ranching system in the world. Brachiaria was a key biological and technological input to further entrench longstanding structural inequalities of land ownership.One of the key conclusions of this article is that perspectives from the margins can be illustrative of how seemingly unimportant research (forage grass breeding) can have massive consequences as part of a broader socio‐environmental system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violation of nomadic forms of pasture use leads to vegetation degradation, periodic large-scale outbreaks of deflation and desertification, and transformation of the physicochemical properties of sandy soils in the arid zone. Practice has shown that an effective means of restoring their production potential is the creation of multi-tiered vegetation cover—forest and pasture lands. The purpose of this study is to assess the current state, feed productivity, attractiveness, and sustainability of forest pastures and to develop proposals for their optimization. This research was carried out through a comprehensive study of natural objects on temporary trial plots using standard methods of agroforestry, geobotanical and soil research, and statistical data processing. It has been established that on the thick blown sands of the Nogai steppe in forest pastures with a tree layer of Robiniapseudoacacia and Ulmuspumila, the forage yield increases to 2–3 t/ha (in terms of hay) and, depending on the seasons of the year, is 1.5–3.5 times higher than that on natural pastures. On the fine sands of the Black Lands, there are forest pastures formed by plantings of Krascheninnikovia ceratoides and Calligonum aphyllum. At the age of 30–40 years, they produce 1.5–3 t/ha of dry food, which is 1.4–2 times higher than in the surrounding steppe. On weakly and unwinnowed sands of the Astrakhan Trans-Volga region, in 20- to 60-year-old forest–pastures with protective fodder plantings of Haloxylon aphyllum, C. aphyllum, and K. ceratoides, the consumed mass of shrubs is 0.1–4 t/ha, while the grass stand is 0.3–1 t/ha, which is 20% more than in the open steppe. Pastures with tree and shrub layers attract animals and are more resistant to deflation. The functional durability of silvopastures depends on the technology of their creation, maintenance, and operation regime. The most important measures are fire protection and rationing of the pasture load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Grasslands are essential for providing vital resources in the livestock sector and delivering invaluable ecosystem services such as biodiversity and soil carbon (C) sequestration. Despite their critical importance, these ecosystems face escalating threats from human disturbances, human degradation, and climate change, compromising their ability to effectively stock C. Restoring degraded grasslands emerges as a pragmatic and cost-effective approach to tackling climate change. However, the successful implementation of grassland management toward this goal, faces significant challenges. A systematic mapping approach will help to compile a comprehensive global inventory of studies investigating the impact of differing grassland management practices on soil carbon. In addition, the potential for trade-offs with other greenhouse gas emissions further underlines the value of a systematic assessment. This approach aims to identify knowledge clusters (i.e., well-represented subtopics that are amenable to full synthesis) for potential systematic reviews and pinpoint knowledge gaps requiring further primary research efforts, all contributing to a better understanding of the evidence surrounding this topic. Methods: Following systematic evidence synthesis standards, we developed the question to address in the systematic map protocol using the PICO framework. We established a preliminary search string by combining search terms for the Population (Grasslands), Intervention (management) and Outcome (soil carbon) categories, as well as with one additional group (Study types—to focus on farm and field experiments). We will conduct a comprehensive literature search of relevant peer-reviewed and grey literature using Web of Science, Scopus, CABI platforms, Google Scholar, and specialised websites (e.g., Agrotrop). Searches will be conducted in the English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, and Mongolian languages, as per the linguistic capabilities of the research team. The comprehensiveness of the search will be assessed by comparing the literature collected to a test-list of forty relevant articles. The repeatability of the literature screening process will be ensured by a list of inclusion/exclusion criteria and inter-reviewer consistency statistical tests. Data extraction will be organised into four complementary sections (article information, PICO categories, study characteristics, measurable parameters), on which we will perform queries to produce the tables, figures and evidence maps that will compose the systematic map. The results will identify and describe knowledge gaps and clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimating the latent heat flux (λET) accurately is important for water-saving irrigation in arid regions of Northwest China. The Penman-Monteith model is a commonly used method for estimating λET, but the parameterization of canopy resistance in the model has been a difficulty in research. In this study, continuous observation of λET during the growing period of maize and grassland in Northwest China was conducted based on the Bowen ratio energy balance (BREB) method and the Eddy covariance system (ECS). Two methods, Katerji-Perrier (K-P) and Garcıá-Santos (G-A), were used to determine the canopy resistance in the Penman-Monteith model and the estimation errors and causes of the two sub-models were explored. The results indicated that both models underestimated the λET of grassland and maize. The K-P model performed relatively well (R² > 0.94), with the root mean square errors (RMSE) equaled 37.3 and 28.1 W/m² for grass and maize, respectively. The accuracy of the G-A model was slightly lower than that of the K-P model, with the determination coefficient (R²) equaled 0.90 and 0.92, and the RMSE equaled 46.2 W/m² (grass) and 42.1 W/m² (maize). The vapor pressure deficit (VPD) was the main factor affecting the accuracy of K-P and G-A sub-models. The error of two models increased with the increasing in VPD for both crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated rumen degradation kinetics of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) in compound feed with different tannin extract inclusions and Acacia mearnsi forage (AMF) relative to dairy feeds (perennial ryegrass+white clover mixture pasture, maize silage, lucerne hay and Themeda triandra hay). The compound feed had 0.75%, 1.5% and 3% tannins extract inclusions while the control was a commercial compound feed. Triplicates of each feed per incubation period were incubated in two fistulated Jersey cows for 0, 6, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h, resulting in six replicates per feed. Tannin extract inclusions in compound feed only affected (p < 0.05) the (a) fraction, degradation rate and potential degradability (PD) for DM degradation, and affected (p < 0.05) the (a) and (b) fractions, as well as PD for CP degradation. The (a) fraction and degradation rate for DM degradation changed linearly (p < 0.05). The (a) fraction, PD and effective degradability (ED) of DM degradation changed quadratically (p < 0.05). Except for the degradation rate, the feed type affected (p < 0.05) the degradation parameters in both DM and CP degradations. For DM and CP degradations, (a) fraction was similarly the least in Themeda triandra hay and AMF but similarly the highest in maize silage, perennial ryegrass+white clover mixture pasture and lucerne hay. The (b) fraction was the least in AMF for both DM and CP degradations but the highest for pasture's DM degradation and similarly the highest in maize silage, lucerne hay and T. triandra hay for CP degradation. The PD was the least in AMF for both DM and CP degradations and similarly the highest in pasture DM but similarly the highest in perennial ryegrass+white clover mixture pasture, maize silage and lucerne hay for CP degradation. Furthermore, the ED was the lowest in AMF and the highest for perrenial ryegrass + white clover mixture pasture for DM degradation and same trend was observed for CP degradation whereby perrenial ryegrass + white clover mixture pasture, maize silage and lucerne had the highest ED. Digestible undegraded protein was the highest in AMF and similarly the least in dairy feeds. Tannin source inclusion in ruminant diets should be moderate to prevent rumen DM or CP degradation limitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degradation of lands (and pastures) is the deterioration of the properties, fertility and productivity of lands as a result of economic activity. Summer pastures are usually represented by cereals and cereal-wormwood types. The vegetation of summer pastures develops more slowly than on spring pastures and reaches its maximum development in the early summer. Summer pastures are most productive and their feed is more nutritious in the first half of summer (May-June). By mid-summer, the vegetation on the pastures dries up and in the second half of summer, cattle use the dried feed mass to a large extent. The productivity of summer pastures is usually high and averages 3.1 c/ha of dry matter, or 1.8 c/ha of feed units (Dobrovolsky, 1997, p. 313-321). Summer pastures in the mountainous areas and winter pastures in the plains ofAzerbaijan are rich in biodiversity. Summer mountain pastures are complex coupled ecological and human systems. They provide vital forage for livestock during summer, and their traditional use is decisive for the maintenance of biodiversity, ecosystem services, and open landscapes, which benefit local populations and tourists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Norwegian sheep farming system relies on forages, such as grass silage during winter and grazing cultivated leys and rangeland pastures during summer. Sheep and other ruminants produce enteric methane (CH4), a greenhouse gas of interest, and there is a need for reliable data on gas emissions from sheep capturing both the indoor feeding period and the grazing season. This study utilized an in vitro gas technique (with standard cow rumen fluid) and modeling approach to estimate CH4 production and fermentation patterns based on two different qualities of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) pasture under sheep grazing. Results: Herbage quality was examined for two 10‐day periods, in July and August. Differences in chemical composition of the herbage during these periods had an impact on herbage digestibility and CH4 production. Total gas production and CH4 levels were significantly higher for lower quality herbage grazed in July than for higher quality herbage grazed in August (p < 0.005). Production of volatile fatty acids in the rumen remained constant between the two periods, but the higher acetate to propionate (A/P) ratio correlated with the higher CH4 production. Conclusion: These findings suggest that pasture quality is an important factor to consider when implementing grazing strategies to reduce enteric CH4 production in sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eurasian woodcock prefers habitats where its main prey, earthworms, can be found in higher densities. Although they are forest‐dwelling birds, they regularly visit pastures and natural grasslands at night, where earthworm abundance is generally higher. However, there is little information on fine‐scale habitat use in relation to variation in habitat characteristics and prey availability, particularly beyond the breeding season. In our study, we investigated if the nocturnal occurrence of woodcocks during migratory stopover periods differed between two neighbouring fields, or management units, with similar vegetation structure, and if within‐field variation in the spatial patterns of woodcock sightings were associated with fine‐scale earthworm densities and soil parameters. Specifically, we used GPS tracking data of two tagged woodcocks and direct observation data to study patterns of occurrence of birds in a mixed forest‐pasture landscape in Hungary during pre‐ and post‐breeding periods. We compared these patterns with fine‐scale soil characteristics and earthworm abundance, acquired by field sampling. We found that the field with higher earthworm abundance was visited by woodcocks more frequently, and this correlation was similarly observed at the intra‐field level. Our results demonstrate that woodcocks select foraging sites with higher earthworm densities at multiple spatial scales, both between fields (coarse scale), and within fields (fine‐scale). Considering that woodcocks tended to return to the same field to forage at night, the strong associations between occupancy and resources provide a basis for developing habitat management strategies at the field level for conservation. As earthworm densities and soil parameters are good indicators of woodcock foraging habitat, measuring those variables, at least at a coarse scale, could aid in predicting important habitats for the species across the landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to investigate the effects of increasing levels of extruded urea (EU) in the supplementation of lambs grazing. Crossbred Texel lambs (n = 45) were used and kept in continuous grazing in paddocks with Brachiaria spp. The design used was completely randomised, with five of EU replacing soybean meal (0; 6; 12; 18 and 24 g/kg) and two sexes (male and female). The animals were slaughtered, and qualitative and quantitative evaluations of the carcass, non-carcass components, meat quality and chemical composition were carried out. There was an interaction between level*sex for ether extract (EE) and crude protein (CP), so than the meat of the females from the treatment without EU had a higher content of EE than that used EU and the meat of the males from the treatments with 12 g and 24 g 100 kg−1 LW higher levels of CP than other treatments. For all measurements performed up to 18 g 100 kg−1 LW of EU replacing bran and soy, the results were promising, and can be fed to finishing lambs under grazing, without negatively influencing most of the carcass characteristics, components non-carcass, meat quality and chemical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. Virtual fencing technology provides an opportunity to rethink the management of intensive grazing systems in general, yet most studies have used products developed and applied to more extensive livestock systems. This research aimed to assess the application of a virtual fencing technology developed for the intensive pastoral dairy industry. The Halter system uses 2 primary cues (sound and vibration) and one aversive secondary cue (a low-energy electrical pulse) to confine cows to a pasture allocation and remotely herd cows. We studied 2 groups of 40 mid-lactation multiparous dairy cows (Bos taurus , predominantly Friesian and Friesian × Jersey, parity 1–8). Cows were milked twice per day and provided 9 kg of pasture DM/d in a 24-h allocation, supplemented with 7 kg of silage and 6 kg of grain DM/d. Training to the Halter system occurred over 10 d, after which cows were managed with the technology for a further 28 d. The type and time of cues delivered were recorded by each collar and communicated via a base station to cloud data storage. Cows took less than a day to start responding to the sound cues delivered while held on a pasture allocation and were moving to the milking parlor without human intervention by d 4 of training. On training d 1, at least 60% of sound cues resulted in an electrical pulse. Across training d 2 to 10, 6.4% of sound cues resulted in a pulse. After the 10-d training period, 2.6% of sound cues resulted in a pulse. During the management period, 90% of cows spent ≤1.7 min/d beyond the virtual fence, received ≤0.71 pulses/d in the paddock and received ≤1 pulse/d during virtual herding to the parlor. By the final week of the management period, 50% of cows received 0 pulses/week in the paddock and 35% received 0 pulses/week during virtual herding. The number of pulses delivered per day and the pulse/sound cue ratio was lower in this study than that previously reported using other virtual fencing technologies. We conclude that the Halter technology is successful at containing lactating dairy cows in an intensive grazing system as well as at remotely herding animals to the milking parlor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. There is an increasing consumer desire for pasture-derived dairy products, as outdoor pasture-based feeding systems are perceived as a natural environment for animals. Despite this, the number of grazing animals globally has declined as a result of the higher milk yields achieved by indoor TMR feeding systems, in addition to the changing climatic conditions and lower grazing knowledge and infrastructure. This has led to the development of pasture-fed standards, stipulating the necessity of pasture and its minimum requirements as the primary feed source for products advertising such claims, with various requirements depending on the region for which it was produced. This work investigates the differences in the composition and techno-functional properties of butters produced from high, medium and no pasture allowance diets during early, mid, and late lactation. Butters were produced using milks collected from 3 feeding systems: outdoor pasture grazing (high pasture allowance); indoor TMR (no pasture allowance); and a partial mixed ration (medium pasture allowance) system, which involved outdoor pasture grazing during the day and indoor TMR feeding at night. Butters were manufactured during early, mid, and late lactation. Creams derived from TMR feeding systems exhibited the highest milk fat globule size. The fatty acid profiles of butters also differed significantly as a function of diet and could be readily discriminated by partial least squares analysis. The most important fatty acids in such an analysis, as indicated by their highest variable importance projection scores, were CLA C18:2 cis -9, trans -11 (rumenic acid), C16:1n-7 trans (trans -palmitoleic acid), C18:1 trans (elaidic acid), C18:3n-3 (α-linolenic acid), and C18:2n-6 (linoleic acid). Increasing pasture allowances resulted in reduced crystallization temperatures and hardness of butters and concurrently increasing the "yellow" color. Yellow color was strongly correlated with Raman peaks commonly associated with carotenoids. The milk fat globule size of cream decreased with advancing stage of lactation and churning time of cream was lowest in early lactation. Differences in the fatty acid and triglyceride contents of butter as a result of lactation and dietary effects demonstrated significant correlations with the hardness, rheological, melting, and crystallization profiles of the butters. This work highlighted the improved nutritional profile and functional properties of butter with increasing dietary pasture allowance, primarily as a result of increasing proportions of unsaturated fatty acids. Biomarkers of pasture feeding (response in milk proportionate to the pasture allowance) associated with the pasture-fed status of butters were also identified as a result of the significant changes in the fatty acid profile with increasing pasture allowance. This was achieved through the use of 3 authentic feeding systems with varying pasture allowances, commonly operated by farmers around the world and conducted across 3 stages of lactation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intensification of cattle post-weaning phase in tropical pastures depends on supplementation strategies. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of increasing levels of concentrate supplement on the intake, apparent digestibility of nutrients, feeding behavior, and performance of Girolando steers on tropical pasture during the post-weaning phase in the rainy season. Forty uncastrated male Girolando steers, initially weighing 266.62 ± 32.95 kg and aged 11 mo, were allocated into four concentrate supplement levels: 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5% body weight. The steers grazed on Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R.D. Webster 'Marandu' pasture. The intakes of supplement DM, non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC), and total digestible nutrients increased linearly (P < 0.05) with the level of supplement offered to the steers. In a similar response, the apparent digestibility of DM and NFC from the diet also rose linearly (P < 0.05). Grazing time, total feeding time, and total chewing time decreased (P < 0.05) with the increasing levels of concentrate supplementation. In contrast, the time expended on feeding at the trough, biting rate, and the time taken to ruminate each cud increased (P < 0.05) with the supplementation level. Final body weight and average daily gain increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing concentrate supplementation. We recommend supplying concentrate supplement at a level of 0.5% of the body weight of steers on tropical pasture during the post-weaning phase in the rainy season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microorganisms living in the soil of arid rangelands play a key role in maintaining their health. These tiny creatures are agents of organic matter decomposition on which soil fertility depends. Species and quantitative composition of microorganisms is an indicator reflecting the direction of biological processes in the soil. In natural conditions, the ratio of different groups of microorganisms shows whether decomposition or synthesis of organic compounds, including humus, prevails. In agrocenoses where humans use organic and inorganic fertilizers, the study of microorganisms helps to assess the availability of nutrient elements to plants. Analysis of the soil microbial community also allows direct assessment of the effectiveness of biostimulant application, i.e. how well plants assimilate the applied macronutrients. The purpose of our study was to determine the health of the soil by the number and ratio of different groups of microorganisms, to identify whether the processes of decomposition (mineralization) or synthesis (immobilization) of nutrients prevail in the soil and to obtain reliable information on the availability of nutrients for plants. The study of microorganisms in the soil of arid pastures is a valuable tool for assessing their ecological state, as well as for developing more efficient and environmentally friendly farming methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental 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.)

Precision in grazing management is highly dependent on accurate pasture monitoring. Typically, this is often overlooked because existing approaches are labour-intensive, need calibration, and are commonly perceived as inaccurate. Machine-learning processes harnessing big data, including remote sensing, can offer a new era of decision-support tools (DST) for pasture monitoring. Its application on-farm remains poor because of a lack of evidence about its accuracy. This study aimed at evaluating and quantifying the minimum data required to train a machine-learning satellite-based DST focusing on accurate pasture biomass prediction using this approach. Management data from 14 farms in New South Wales, Australia and measured pasture biomass throughout 12 consecutive months using a calibrated rising plate meter (RPM) as well as pasture biomass estimated using a DST based on high temporal/spatial resolution satellite images were available. Data were balanced according to farm and week of each month and randomly allocated for model evaluation (20%) and for progressive training (80%) as follows: 25% training subset (1W: week 1 in each month); 50% (2W: week 1 and 3); 75% (3W: week 1, 3, and 4); and 100% (4W: week 1 to 4). Pasture biomass estimates using the DST across all training datasets were evaluated against a calibrated rising plate meter (RPM) using mean-absolute error (MAE, kg DM/ha) among other statistics. Tukey's HSD test was used to determine the differences between MAE across all training datasets. Relative to the control (no training, MAE: 498 kg DM ha−1) 1W did not improve the prediction accuracy of the DST (P > 0.05). With the 2W training dataset, the MAE decreased to 342 kg DM ha−1 (P < 0.001), while for the other training datasets, MAE decreased marginally (P > 0.05). This study accounts for minimal training data for a machine-learning DST to monitor pastures from satellites with comparable accuracy to a calibrated RPM which is considered the 'gold standard' for pasture biomass monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) has recently been thrust into the limelight as a potential tool for mitigating nitrogen losses from the New Zealand pastoral environment. It is claimed to possess characteristics to reduce nitrogen leaching through both animal and soil-based mechanisms. This review examines the use of plantain in New Zealand pastures and the research that has led to these claims. The focus is on the evaluation of scientific evidence for the mechanisms through which plantain is proposed to reduce nitrate leaching, as well as the research on the implementation of plantain into pastoral farm systems. Plantain clearly increases the urination of grazing animals; a trait not unique to plantain. This review concludes that many research studies supporting the beneficial impact of plantain do not stand up against scientific scrutiny associated with methodology and interpretation of data. It is recommended more research should be undertaken on other pasture species and management tools, that may be more effective alternatives to plantain for nitrogen mitigation in pastures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Full inversion tillage (FIT) at pasture renewal is a management option aiming to increase carbon stocks in long-term pasture, to achieve carbon neutrality. This study investigated the effects of FIT on carbon and nutrient distribution in the soil profile (0–7.5, 7.5–15, 15–22.5 and 22.5–30 cm depths) as well as nutrient uptake, and subsequent fodder crop and/or pasture yields across three pasture renewal trials (Trials 1 and 3: Alfisol; Trial 2: Andisol). These effects of FIT were assessed against standard tillage treatments (no till, shallow till), and non-renewed pasture within 8–18 months post-tillage. FIT changed soil carbon stratification, causing 16%–46% reduction in topsoil (0–7.5 cm) cation exchange capacity across the three trials. However, nutrient levels after FIT remained within recommended ranges for crop and/or pasture growth, avoiding any yield reductions. Topsoil fertility post-FIT depended on original degree of nutrient stratification in the soil profile. At Trial 1, temporary deficiencies caused by low subsoil P and K soil tests pre-FIT were anticipated and corrected with fertiliser nutrients for the following break crop and resown pasture. We conclude that soil testing the cultivation depth prior to FIT at pasture renewal provides the necessary soil test information to manage yield expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate information about the amount of standing biomass is important in pasture management for monitoring forage growth patterns, minimizing the risk of overgrazing, and ensuring the necessary feed requirements of livestock. The morphological features of plants, like crop height and density, have been proven to be prominent predictors of crop yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of stereovision-based crop height and vegetation coverage measurements in predicting the aboveground biomass yield of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) in a pasture. Data were collected from 136 experimental plots within a 0.81 ha bermudagrass pasture using an RGB-depth camera mounted on a ground rover. The crop height was determined based on the disparity between images captured by two stereo cameras of the depth camera. The vegetation coverage was extracted from the RGB images using a machine learning algorithm by segmenting vegetative and non-vegetative pixels. After camera measurements, the plots were harvested and sub-sampled to measure the wet and dry biomass yields for each plot. The wet biomass yield prediction function based on crop height and vegetation coverage was generated using a linear regression analysis. The results indicated that the combination of crop height and vegetation coverage showed a promising correlation with aboveground wet biomass yield. However, the prediction function based only on the crop height showed less residuals at the extremes compared to the combined prediction function (crop height and vegetation coverage) and was thus declared the recommended approach (R2 = 0.91; SeY= 1824 kg-wet/ha). The crop height-based prediction function was used to estimate the dry biomass yield using the mean dry matter fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pasture degradation poses significant economic, social, and environmental impacts in the Brazilian savanna ecosystem. Despite these impacts, effectively detecting varying intensities of agronomic and biological degradation through remote sensing remains challenging. This study explores the potential of the eight-band PlanetScope SuperDove satellite constellation to discriminate between five classes of pasture degradation: non-degraded pasture (NDP); pastures with low- (LID) and moderate-intensity degradation (MID); severe agronomic degradation (SAD); and severe biological degradation (SBD). Using a set of 259 cloud-free images acquired in 2022 across five sites located in central Brazil, the study aims to: (i) identify the most suitable period for discriminating between various degradation classes; (ii) evaluate the Random Forest (RF) classification performance of different SuperDove attributes; and (iii) compare metrics of accuracy derived from two predicted scenarios of pasture degradation: a more challenging one involving five classes (NDP, LID, MID, SAD, and SBD), and another considering only non-degraded and severely degraded pastures (NDP, SAD, and SBD). The study assessed individual and combined sets of SuperDove attributes, including band reflectance, vegetation indices, endmember fractions from spectral mixture analysis (SMA), and image texture variables from Gray-level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM). The results highlighted the effectiveness of the transition from the rainy to the dry season and the period towards the beginning of a new seasonal rainy cycle in October for discriminating pasture degradation. In comparison to the dry season, more favorable discrimination scenarios were observed during the rainy season. In the dry season, increased amounts of non-photosynthetic vegetation (NPV) complicate the differentiation between NDP and SBD, which is characterized by high soil exposure. Pastures exhibiting severe biological degradation showed greater sensitivity to water stress, manifesting earlier reflectance changes in the visible and near-infrared bands of SuperDove compared to other classes. Reflectance-based classification yielded higher overall accuracy (OA) than the approaches using endmember fractions, vegetation indices, or texture metrics. Classifications using combined attributes achieved an OA of 0.69 and 0.88 for the five-class and three-class scenarios, respectively. In the five-class scenario, the highest F1-scores were observed for NDP (0.61) and classes of agronomic (0.71) and biological (0.88) degradation, indicating the challenges in separating low and moderate stages of pasture degradation. An initial comparison of RF classification results for the five categories of degraded pastures, utilizing reflectance data from MultiSpectral Instrument (MSI)/Sentinel-2 (400–2500 nm) and SuperDove (400–900 nm), demonstrated an enhanced OA (0.79 versus 0.66) with Sentinel-2 data. This enhancement is likely to be attributed to the inclusion of shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectral bands in the data analysis. Our findings highlight the potential of satellite constellation data, acquired at high spatial resolution, for remote identification of pasture degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate and land management affect nutrient cycling in grassland ecosystems. We aimed to understand whether temperate and tropical grasslands differ in terms of soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) concentrations, and their C:N:P stoichiometric ratios in grazed and ungrazed natural grasslands and pastures. For this, we used a meta-analysis approach (1296 records, 241 papers), and regression models to explain the observed patterns in terms of mean annual precipitation (MAP), mean annual temperature (MAT), altitude, and latitude. SOC, N, and P concentrations were higher in temperate regions than in tropical ones, and they negatively correlated with MAT and MAP. The grassland type effect was more significant for tropical regions. In tropical regions, soil C:N ratios were higher in ungrazed than in grazed pastures, and soil N:P ratios in ungrazed sites were higher in pastures than in natural grasslands. Grazing increases soil N and SOC for natural grasslands in temperate regions. Our findings suggest that soil stoichiometric C:N:P stoichiometric signatures in grasslands differed between tropical and temperate regions on a global scale. P is a key element in regulation and restriction on soil C and N cycling in tropical regions but less in the temperate ones. Our findings suggest the direction of effects of grazing or grassland type on C:N:P stoichiometric signature. Since imbalances in soil stoichiometric ratios may have implications for ecosystem functioning, the assessment of these patterns could serve as a valuable tool for management and conservation of grasslands and pastures in both tropical and temperate regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A line of 25 cull cows were all found to have ulcerative lesions of the tongue at post-mortem inspection in a New Zealand slaughter plant. A further 9 of 10 cows inspected at the farm of origin had similar oral lesions. There were no other clinical signs or indicators of ill-health observed at ante-mortem inspection in the abattoir or on the farm. The cows had been fed baleage for 3 weeks prior to slaughter, made from pasture in paddocks heavily contaminated with yellow bristle grass (Setaria pumila). There was extensive and deep transverse linear ulceration in the lingual fossa immediately rostral to the torus linguae. At histological examination, full-thickness ulceration of the stratified squamous epithelium was observed with a bed of disorganised collagenous tissue and extensive mixed inflammatory infiltrate extending into the sub-epithelial connective tissue and skeletal muscle. Barbed plant fragments were embedded in both the superficial and deeper areas of inflammation. Detailed examination of the baleage also found that yellow bristle grass seedheads were present. Based on the presence of barbed plant material in the tongue and yellow bristle grass seeds in the baleage, a diagnosis of ulcerative stomatitis associated with yellow bristle grass was made. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for hay or baleage contaminated with yellow bristle grass to cause oral lesions in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grazed pastures supporting ruminant livestock have not been well characterized for soil health condition. However, growing interest in holistic management of compromised watersheds suggests that grazing lands deserve more attention for their capacity to provide ecosystem services. Relatively little is known about how grazing management affects soil aggregation and other surface‐soil properties on private lands in the eastern United States. This study investigated the effects of land use (conventional‐till cropland, no‐till cropland, grassland, and woodland) and pasture management characteristics on soil aggregation, bulk density, sieved soil density, total soil N, and soil‐test biological activity on 31 private farms distributed across the western half of Virginia. Soil stability index followed the order (p < 0.05): conventional‐till cropland (0.60 mm mm−1) < no‐till cropland (0.78 mm mm−1) < woodland (0.85 mm mm−1) = grassland (0.89 mm mm−1). Surface soil characteristics improved with pasture age due to organic matter recycling from residual forage mass and animal excreta. Increases in total soil N and soil‐test biological activity helped create water‐stable aggregation and reduce soil bulk density. Soil stability index was optimized with moderate stocking rate of 0.5–1.1 Mg live weight ha−1. Stocking method did not affect soil aggregation or bulk density. Soil stability index declined with increasing N fertilization rate. Soil aggregation characteristics were generally not affected by organic amendment, quantity of hay fed on farm, or occasional hay harvest from pastures, likely because aggregation was high across management variables. Well‐managed grazed pastures in Virginia are creating desirable conservation agricultural land uses to protect watershed quality. Core Ideas: Soil aggregation under grazed pastures was stable and at a higher level than under cropland.Soil bulk density at 0‐ to 10‐cm depth declined with increasing level of conservation land use.Water‐stable mean‐weight diameter of soil aggregates had stronger association with soil‐test biological activity than with sand fraction.High soil stability index under mature grazed pastures may help mitigate against soil erosion and nutrient loss.Evidence was not supportive of rotational stocking as a practice to improve surface‐soil characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Grasslands are essential for providing vital resources in the livestock sector and delivering invaluable ecosystem services such as biodiversity and soil carbon (C) sequestration. Despite their critical importance, these ecosystems face escalating threats from human disturbances, human degradation, and climate change, compromising their ability to effectively stock C. Restoring degraded grasslands emerges as a pragmatic and cost-effective approach to tackling climate change. However, the successful implementation of grassland management toward this goal, faces significant challenges. A systematic mapping approach will help to compile a comprehensive global inventory of studies investigating the impact of differing grassland management practices on soil carbon. In addition, the potential for trade-offs with other greenhouse gas emissions further underlines the value of a systematic assessment. This approach aims to identify knowledge clusters (i.e., well-represented subtopics that are amenable to full synthesis) for potential systematic reviews and pinpoint knowledge gaps requiring further primary research efforts, all contributing to a better understanding of the evidence surrounding this topic. Methods Following systematic evidence synthesis standards, we developed the question to address in the systematic map protocol using the PICO framework. We established a preliminary search string by combining search terms for the Population (Grasslands), Intervention (management) and Outcome (soil carbon) categories, as well as with one additional group (Study types—to focus on farm and field experiments). We will conduct a comprehensive literature search of relevant peer-reviewed and grey literature using Web of Science, Scopus, CABI platforms, Google Scholar, and specialised websites (e.g., Agrotrop). Searches will be conducted in the English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, and Mongolian languages, as per the linguistic capabilities of the research team. The comprehensiveness of the search will be assessed by comparing the literature collected to a test-list of forty relevant articles. The repeatability of the literature screening process will be ensured by a list of inclusion/exclusion criteria and inter-reviewer consistency statistical tests. Data extraction will be organised into four complementary sections (article information, PICO categories, study characteristics, measurable parameters), on which we will perform queries to produce the tables, figures and evidence maps that will compose the systematic map. The results will identify and describe knowledge gaps and clusters.

The beef is one of the main sources of nutrients for a balanced diet. In this context, several authors have reported that grass-fed beef presents low levels of intramuscular fat and high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Some studies have noted that forage fatty acid content is variable between species and their varieties, and that can affect fatty acid profile in beef. The aim of this study was to evaluate beef quality from three different types of pastures in southern Chile. A group of 45 Holstein Friesian steers were finished in the spring months with three different types of pastures from temperate rainy climate: Improved pasture (P), Lolium perenne L.-based pasture (LT), and Lolium multiflorum Lam.-based pasture (LM). The steers were separated into groups of 15 for treatment. Nonsignificant differences were found in carcass measurements and P treatment showed a higher intramuscular content than LM treatment (2.26% vs. 1.42%) and greater presence of SFA: 42.4% vs. 40.3% reported in LM treatment. While LM presented a higher n-6 fatty acids: 4.42% related to P treatment: 3.13%. Regardless of the type of pasture, it can be confirmed that meat from pasture systems presents low intramuscular fat and a better ratio of n-6/n-3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytocoenotic conditions of growth and anthropogenic management of natural phytocoenoses have a significant impact on the population characteristics and stocks/reserves of medicinal plant raw material. The article presents the results of the peculiarities of the response of spatial, dimensional, ontogenetic and vitality structures of populations of the official species - Hypericum perforatum L., and establishes a dependence that allows predicting the reserves of medicinal plant material Hyperci herba by the height of individuals. With the aim of forecasting the dynamics of the resource potential of this species, geobotanical descriptions were conducted, and classical population methods were applied: morphometric, ontogenetic and vitality analyses, as well as a number of statistical methods (correlation, factorial, dispersion, and regression analyses). It was established that the population density of H. perforatum averaged from 3 to 12, but sometimes reached 20 to 30 individuals/m2, with the maximum observed under conditions of random mowing. The minimum indicators of the vegetative sphere: height of generative individuals (h, cm), aboveground phytomass (W, g), photosynthetic effort (LWR, %) were noted in populations used as hayfields, pastures, and in agrophytocenosis. The maximum indicators were in populations that were generally or almost unaffected by anthropogenic influences. Research on the dynamics of the main morphological parameters showed that while the maximum and minimum parameters of vegetative structures differed by approximately 2.1 times, generative parameters differed by 4.6 times. Statistically significant differences were observed among H. perforatum populations in terms of the number, mass of generative organs, and the reproductive effort of plants. A statistically significant correlation was found between plant height (h, cm) and the productivity of aboveground dry phytomass, which forms the herbal raw materials (HRM, g). It is described by the Equation: HRM = 0.167h – 3.28. In hayfield-pasture areas and in agrophytocenosis, up to 60–75% of individuals were of small size and low vitality, their contribution to the production of medicinal plant raw material was insignificant. Overall, the conducted research showed that Hypericum perforatum L. exhibited significant phytocenotic diversity, which depended on a complex of ecologo-cenotic factors and types of anthropogenic management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lameness in dairy cows is an expression of pain most likely originating from a claw disorder, causing impaired animal wellbeing and substantial economic losses for farmers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of access to pasture, time spent on pasture, and season on farm level lameness prevalence. The survey was part of a cross-sectional observational study, in which farms in three regions of Germany (North, East and South) were visited by study veterinarians. On each farm (total: 659, N: 240, E: 247, S: 172), management data were recorded, and cows were scored for locomotion, according to Sprecher. Median farm-level lameness prevalence (Score 3/5 or higher) was 29.4% (IQR: 18.7% - 42.0%), and 8.2% (IQR: 3.7% - 14.0%) for severe lameness (Score 4/5 or higher). Farm-level lameness prevalence continuously decreased with increasing time spent on pasture (up to approximately 10 hours per cow per day). On farms that did not offer their cows access to pasture lameness prevalence did not show a seasonal variation. On farms where cows had pasture access for up to three hours per day lameness prevalence peaked in autumn. In contrast, on farms offering their cows access to pasture beyond three hours per day the peak of lameness was observed in spring. Our results revealed that even short periods of pasture access of at least two hours per cow and day (on average per year) are beneficial for the locomotion of dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article takes an ethnographic look at grass in the Italian Eastern Alps. The relationships between the grass of semi-natural grasslands and more-than-grass actors such as humans and animals unfold through ethnographic walking on high-Alpine pastures. The transformation of grasslands into scrub and forest landscapes is revealed through the relationship of grass to dairy monocultures and cereal feed for ruminants. The vulnerability, thriving and dying of grass is closely intertwined with the lives of small farmers and the global agricultural industry. As the history of grass unfolds through its dependence on human practices and ruminants, I propose to speak of grass socialities which extend ecologically defined grass societies as well as correct the calculation of agronomic costs. As a multifaceted actor in a society of humans and animals, grass can serve as an ethnographic compass that tells us not only of destruction but also of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the double pressures of economic growth and ecological environment protection, sea green transformation and the sustainable development of mariculture are critical. This paper constructs an evolutionary game model with the government as the main body and mariculture farmers (enterprises) as the main body and puts forward the research hypothesis. Based on 2006–2019 longitudinal data of nine provinces along China's coast, using multi-period Difference-in-Difference (DID) and dual robust estimation, we empirically investigate the national oceanic ranch demonstration zones for the influence of the green sea aquaculture and their mechanism of action. The results showed that (1) the efficiency of green level of mariculture industry in China is not high, and the establishment of national marine pasture demonstration zone has not effectively promoted the improvement of green level of mariculture industry; (2) the institutional environment, unreasonable industrial structure, and lack of scientific and technological innovation have an effect on the national oceanic ranch demonstration area as the main causes of failure to effectively promote marine green farming; (3) the establishment of the national multi-period demonstration area in the north significantly hindered the growth of the green level of mariculture and fell into the "policy trap", while the establishment of the national multi-period demonstration area in the south significantly promoted the growth of the green level of mariculture. The conclusions of this paper provide an empirical basis and reference for the improvement of the national marine pasture demonstration zone policy and the green transformation of mariculture to a certain extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the suckling behaviour of triplet-rearing ewes for three days post-parturition. Twenty-six ewes were enrolled with 11 being observed for the entire 3-days post-lambing. The behaviour of the ewe, number of lambs present at the end of the event and the behaviour that terminated the event were recorded for each suckling event. The mean suckling event duration increased when additional lambs were present at the end of the suckling event. Ewes that had observations across all three days showed no change in the number of suckling events over time, but suckling events tended to be shorter on day 3 than on days 1 or 2. On day 1 more suckling events were terminated by the ewe walking away from her lambs than on days 2 and 3. The odds of a ewe walking away to terminate the suckling event were greater when three lambs were present compared with two. Ewes showed more inactive behaviours when more lambs were present at the end of the suckling event. The results partially supported the hypothesis that the ewe would be more likely to terminate a suckling event when three lambs were attempting to suck compared with one or two lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important source of greenhouse gases in Brazil is the nitrous oxide (N2O) emission from pasture, and microorganisms play an important role in nitrogen transformations in the soil. This study aimed to evaluate N2O emission and NH3 volatilization from bovine excreta in pasture in an integrated crop–livestock system (ICL) in the Brazilian Cerrado. Three treatments (urine, dung and control) were performed in two pastures (Area 1—three-year pasture of Urochloa ruziziensis and Area 2—one-year pasture of Urochloa brizantha cv. Piatã), with two application times of the excreta (dry and rainy season), during two successive years of application. Compared to the control, the excreta deposition on ICL increased soil N2O and NH3 fluxes. In the dry season, N2O fluxes were associated with higher ammonium (NH4+) availability. In the rainy season, these fluxes were related to NO3− availability and water-filled pore space (WFPS). In both areas, NH3 volatilization was higher after urine than dung application, especially in the dry season. The highest N2O emission factors were obtained for urine (0.32%), the rainy season (0.36%), and older pasture (Area 1: 0.24%). All these values were below the mean IPCC default values (0.77%). These results indicate that N2O emissions in pasture should be evaluated in regional conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring periodic dry–wet changes is an important topic in climate change research due to its impact on drought and flood disasters. The purpose of this research was to determine the occurrence law of dry–wet changes in China on a scale of several hundred years, using the example of transitional zones. In this study, we analyzed typical areas of the ecotone between agricultural land and pasture along the Great Wall of China. The ring width index of Carya cathayensis was fitted with the March–August Palmer drought severity index (PDSI38). The PDSI38 was divided into different periods using the stepwise function fitting method. The results indicated that there were two dry periods and one wet period in the region from 1543 to 2019. In each dry and wet period, there were also different temporal periods, including long (decades), intermediate (ten years), and short periods (several years). Drought represents a significant threat to agricultural production in China. In the first dry period (1543–1756), four periods with low PDSI38 values (1633–1635, PDSI38 = −1.71; 1636–1939, PDSI38 = −3.35; 1640–1642, PDSI38 = −4.68; and 1643–1645, PDSI38 = −2.92) occurred, during which severe droughts (PDSI38 < −4) lasted for 13 years. The dry–wet change showed the characteristics of a 12-year or multiple 12-year cycle. The results can be used to prepare to effectively address extreme drought scenarios worldwide in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grazing management and nitrogen fertilisation may affect forage accumulation (FA), nutritive value, and grazing efficiency (GE) of the highly productive 'Zuri' guineagrass [Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B.K.Simon & S.W.L. Jacobs syn. Panicum maximum Jacq.]. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of pre‐graze canopy heights [55 and 75 cm (H55 and H75, respectively)] and N fertilisation rates [150 and 300 kg N ha−1 year−1 (N150 and N300, respectively)] on FA, GE, grazing losses (GL), and nutritive value of Zuri under rotational stocking. The stubble height was 50% of the pre‐graze canopy height. The total FA was 20% greater under H75 than H55 (22,120 vs. 18,370 kg DM ha−1 year−1), as well as the GL was greater under H75 (85%) than under H55 (79%). Regardless of pre‐graze height, the upper stratum of the canopy was composed mostly of leaves contributing to similar crude protein (CP) (142 g kg−1) and in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) (559 g kg−1) concentrations. Greater N rate (N300) increased FA (23,500 vs. 16,980 kg DM ha−1 year−1) and resulted in greater GE (84% vs. 80%) compared to N150. The CP and IVDOM concentrations under N300 (157 and 571 g kg−1, respectively) were greater than under N150 (128 and 547 g kg−1). Zuri guineagrass grazed at H75 has great FA and GE, maintaining a similar forage nutritive value compared to H55. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have reported improvements in soil quality in integrated crop‐livestock systems (ICLS) when compared to conventional systems. The hypothesis of this study was that ICLS improve Oxisol quality due to the use of intercropping, adding pasture and cattle to the systems. The aim of the study was to evaluate the chemical and physical characteristics of an Oxisol and pasture production in the integrated system versus conventional system. We compared two conventional systems: crop system (maize grain production) and livestock system (beef cattle on single pasture) and, four ICLS: maize plus Marandu palisade grass sown simultaneously without herbicide (ICLS‐1); maize plus Marandu palisade grass sown simultaneously with herbicide (ICLS‐2); maize plus Marandu palisade grass in lagged sowing (ICLS‐3); and maize plus Marandu palisade grass sown simultaneously in maize rows and inter‐rows with herbicide (ICLS‐4). A randomized block design with six treatments and three replicates was used. The results suggest improvements in soil quality, including soil organic carbon (ICLS‐4), total nitrogen, and nitrogen stocks (ICLS‐1, ICLS‐2, and ICLS‐4). The intercropping technique influenced pasture production and soil quality during the implementation of integrated systems. The lowest soil strength was obtained for the crop system compared to systems with grazing animals but there were no changes in the soil physical characteristics that could compromise the production system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agrivoltaic systems combine solar energy and agriculture, promoting dual land use. Although grazing sheep in these systems is common, research on intentionally designed pastures to increase production is lacking. This study seeks to compare the herbage growth and lamb production in simple, diverse, and legume pastures in an agrivoltaic system over 2 years in Oregon. Annual herbage production in diverse pastures (4583 kg DM ha−1) was comparable to simple pastures (4457 kg DM ha−1), but higher than legume pastures (p <.05; 4023 kg DM ha−1) for the 2020/2021 growing season. In the 2021/2022 growing season, diverse pastures had a higher yield (4660 kg DM ha−1, p <.05) than simple pastures (4052 kg DM ha−1), which were similar to legume pastures (3955 kg DM ha−1). Liveweight gain (LWG; g head−1 d−1) tended (p =.06) to be higher from lambs in diverse and legume pastures compared to simple pastures in spring 2021. Liveweight production (LWP; kg ha−1 d−1) of legume pasture were greater (P < 0.05) than other pasture types, while simple pastures had the lowest LWP during this period. In summer 2021, LWG tended to be greater in lambs grazing diverse versus simple pastures. No difference was detected (all p >.05) in LWG or LWP at any grazing period in 2022. Overall, efficiency of pasture production was greatly reduced by lower light availability in all pasture types. Diversification of pastures using forbs in agrivoltaics was a good strategy for greater herbage production, while the legume pastures had poor persistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporating native forbs within native warm‐season grass (NWSG) pastures has the potential to benefit cattle, pollinators, and wildlife beyond that of NWSG monocultures. However, when grazing NWSG pastures, rotational stocking is recommended as opposed to continuous stocking. Therefore, to evaluate whether within‐season rest is needed for native pasture sustainability, two NWSG grazing experiments were conducted near Greeneville, TN, 2017–2020, to assess the persistence of native forbs when an 11‐species native forb blend was interseeded into established switchgrass (SG; Panicum virgatum L.) and big bluestem/indiangrass (BBIG; Andropogon gerardii Vitman and Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash) pastures. Each experiment was a completely randomized design with four replicates of each within‐season rest grazing treatment (no rest, early rest, middle rest, late rest, and no graze). Within‐season rest was not influential for NWSG tiller density or total forb plant density thus indicating persistence of forbs may not require rotational stocking. Purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea Vent.) did not establish while Illinois bundleflower (Desmanthus illinoensis (Michx.) MacMill. ex B.L. Rob. & Fernald) was only observed flowering once despite having the greatest seeding rate among forbs. Based on establishment and flowering of the 11 species in the current mixture, interseeding a 6‐species polyculture of black‐eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta L.), dixie ticktrefoil (Desmodium tortuosum (Sw.) DC.), eastern purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench), lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata L.), Maximilian sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani Schrad.), and oxeye sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides (L.) Sweet) could allow for plant biodiversity while offering floral resources for pollinators during the NWSG grazing season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ability to finish livestock on pasture over the summer–autumn period could improve the profitability of red meat enterprises in drought‐prone temperate regions. In south‐eastern Australia, traditional perennial options are limited by poor warm‐season performance (phalaris, Phalaris aquatica L.) and widespread environmental constraints (lucerne, Medicago sativa L.). We aimed to identify perennial species suitable for summer–autumn finishing. Methods: We tested pure swards of summer‐active perennial grasses and herbs (20 cultivars across 14 species) in replicated small‐plot experiments at two sites on the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. We assessed early persistence, productivity and warm‐season nutritive characteristics over 2–3 years. Results: Lucerne and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) persisted well through drought and produced herbage of high quantity and quality through summer–autumn. Digit grass (Digitaria eriantha Steud.) was highly persistent and productive but nutritive values were generally poor. Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), prairie grass (Bromus willdenowii Kunth.) and plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) were productive but less persistent through drought, while nutritive values were sometimes inadequate. Conclusions: Chicory is a good alternative to lucerne, given its excellent summer–autumn performance, ability to survive droughts and superior acid soil tolerance. If appropriate management resolves issues with persistence and nutritive value, several of the other species could also be used to close the warm‐season feed gap in drought‐prone temperate environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) in New Zealand pastures is typically infected with the mutualist Epichloë fungal endophyte. This endophyte assists the plant in resisting biotic and abiotic stresses, but the standard strain of endophyte is toxic to livestock. Elite ryegrasses with selected endophytes have been developed to provide protective properties to the grass plant and lessen or eliminate the negative impacts on livestock. Methods: Using immunology and molecular techniques, the presence of endophyte infection and endophyte strain in ryegrass tillers was determined for 24 dairy pastures sampled for up to 7 years in regions of the North and South Islands. Results: In general, infection levels were high and showed small increases over time. Some pastures failed to reach 70% infection. The sown, selected endophytes were the dominant endophyte strains present and these were stable over time. Standard endophyte was the primary nonsown endophyte, and while generally low and so of little importance, it increased over time and for some pastures, this would have been detrimental to livestock. Pasture establishment technique influenced the level of contamination. Conclusions: Results reinforce the importance of following best practice procedures in the seed industry and on‐farm. Researchers should monitor trials for contaminating nonsown standard endophyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to assess the effects of water medication technology on beef cattle behaviour and performance in tropical conditions. Experiment 1 involved 30 Droughtmaster yearling steers monitored over seven days in a controlled environment. Feed and water consumptions were monitored with Smart Feed Pro® systems, with three water treatments administered via uDOSE® technology. The results indicated an average water intake of 13.6 L/head/d. Experiment 2 had 120 yearling steers from four genetic groups grazing on an extensive pasture system. Throughout four 24-day periods, forage availability and chemical composition were measured once monthly. Experiment 2 revealed a variation in water intake, ranging from 16.2 L/head/d down to 4.75 L/head/d. Notably, the lower intake coincided with a rainfall event documented during the fourth experimental period. Overall, results from both experiments indicated that water medication did not alter cattle water preference. There was no preference for treated water sources in Experiment 1, while differences in Experiment 2 appeared to be influenced by external factors like weather and prior habits. These experiments demonstrate the feasibility of water medication for beef cattle without disruption of their natural behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improvements in nitrogen use efficiency can be achieved through fertilizer management strategies that capitalize on nutrient synergies. However, limited research on synergies between nitrogen, sulfur, and calcium complicates understanding causal links and developing sustainable management. In this regard, the effects of different nitrogen sources on productivity and nitrogen use efficiency in Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.)), along with their impacts on forage quality and secondary production, were investigated. Treatments included: Urea (46% N), ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3; 32% N), ammonium nitrate supplemented with calcium and sulfur (NH4NO3 (+), 27% N + 5% Ca + 3.7% S), and control treatment with no N application. The application of fertilizers that combine nitrogen with calcium and sulfur enhances primary production in both winter and summer pastures. Fertilization with NH4NO3 (+) increased nitrogen use efficiency by 125% in Italian ryegrass compared to NH4NO3. However, within the framework of rotatinuous grazing management principles, optimizing plant nitrogen use efficiency does not necessarily lead to a better forage quality or animal performance. These findings highlight that using fertilizers that promote synergies among nutrients, such as the combination of nitrogen with calcium and sulfur, can bring benefits to the sustainability of pasture-based livestock production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the chemical and microbiological soil attributes in a silvopastoral system compared to well-managed pasture, degraded pasture, and Cerrado vegetation in Brazil. A randomized design with four replications was employed to collect soil samples at seven depths. These samples were analyzed for carbon (C), nitrogen (N), pH, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Soil microbial attributes were also evaluated at three depths during the dry and wet seasons. Carbon stocks in the evaluated systems varied (0–100 cm), with the highest stocks found in well-managed pasture (MP) (129.5 Mg C ha−1), followed by the silvopastoral system (SPS) (106.6 Mg C ha−1), and the lowest values in native vegetation (NV) (84.8 Mg C ha−1) and degraded pasture (DP) (63.4 Mg C ha−1). Higher pH and base sum were observed in MP. Soil microbial biomass (Cmic) did not differ between treatments during the wet season but was generally higher in MP and lower in DP during the dry season. MP effectively regulated the chemical and biological quality of the soil. The SPS demonstrated that it is possible to combine the cultivation of trees and pastures in the same area, contributing to the improvement of the chemical and biological attributes of the soil in the Brazilian Cerrado. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial and temporal climate variability dictate herd mobility of transhumant communities, and therefore understanding this interrelationship is key to sustainable management of rangelands, especially in the face of the changing climate. This study was undertaken in Samburu county in Kenya, an area characterised by varying climatic conditions, land uses and agro-ecological zones, to determine the interrelationship between rainfall and temperature variability and the mobility of herds. To achieve the research objectives, 20 years of data for temperature, rainfall, normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and georeferenced data (GIS) together with field data obtained through household interviews and community participatory mapping were utilised. Only Samburu Central is endowed with good rainfall and the pastoralists graze their animals around their homes all year round. Rarely does livestock in Samburu East graze around homesteads due to low rainfall and degraded pastures. The spatial distribution patterns of the herds followed pasture availability as shown by vegetation NDVI patterns. Areas with higher NDVI of over 0.3 attracted herd concentration but with high in situ mobility to maximise on grazing of the most nutritious pastures. This study proposes grazing management embedded in observed herd mobility and grazing resource use patterns as a strategy towards adapting the pastoral communities to the changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of botanical composition calibration on the accuracy of undisturbed sward height and comparative yield method (CYM) techniques for herbage mass estimation in tropical heterogeneous pastures. Two studies were conducted using two grazing systems based on heterogeneous pastures. Herbage mass was estimated using CYM and undisturbed sward height techniques within quadrats (SHQ) or at a set of standard points in the paddocks (SHP). SHQ had a higher adjusted R2 when calibrated with the Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandú (U. brizantha) proportion compared to the simple SHQ model (0.75 vs 0.68), while RSE was lower (0.18 vs 0.21). The R2 increased (0.63 to 0.68), while both residual means and RSE decreased (−2.30 to –0.05 and 0.22 to 0.20, respectively) when SHP was calibrated with U. brizantha. It also resulted in a reduction of mean squared prediction error (MSPE) to CYM, SHQ, and SHP, respectively. The CYM allows for higher accuracy of herbage mass estimation in tropical heterogeneous pastures than undisturbed sward height, irrespective of botanical calibration. However, the botanical composition calibration had positive effects on the models from undisturbed sward height, and the calibration with U. brizantha increased the accuracy of herbage mass prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil fertility is essential for maintaining pastures. For this reason, fertilizer alternatives are being sought for more sustainable production, such as using wood ash, which has potential as a fertilizer alternative. The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the use of wood ash as a liming material associated with two application strategies to the soil. The experiment was carried out at the Federal University of Rondonópolis, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil, and conducted in two consecutive years (2021 and 2022) corresponding to maintenance periods of grass pasture. The experimental design was a strip-plot design with randomized blocks. Treatments were five rates of wood ash (0, 8, 16, 24, and 32 t ha−1) and two application strategies of wood ash (incorporated and not incorporated into the soil), with four replications. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and regression (p ≤.05). The increment of wood ash doses positively affected the soil pH. In the second maintenance period (2021) a dry mass (DM) yield was found the highest for the incorporated application of 15.49 t DM ha−1, while the not-incorporated application strategy provided a productivity of 14.02 t DM ha−1. The wood ash doses that provided the highest yield of pasture ranged from 16 to 32 t ha−1. In the evaluated period (2021–2022), the grass pasture was more affected by wood ash doses than by application strategies to the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many cool-season pastures in the southeastern U.S. are dominated by a competitive cool-season grass, tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), and lack substantial plant diversity. Planting native warm-season grasses (NWSGs) and wildflowers (WFs) into these pastures could provide summer forage for cattle and more floral resources for pollinators. This paper summarizes field experiments designed to evaluate different spatiotemporal planting arrangements of NWSGs and WFs to improve their establishment success. The study was conducted from April 2021 to October 2023 in central Virginia (USA). Planting treatments included NWSG and WF mixtures planted: (1) together in the same space, (2) spatially separated in space (i.e., side by side), or (3) temporally separated where NWSGs and WFs were planted in difference sequences. Results showed few differences in forage mass, floral production, and botanical composition as well as stand density in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, NWSG abundance was greater where grasses were planted first or mixed with WFs. Similarly, the WF component was favored when they were planted before NWSGs. Overall, planting NWSG and WF mixes separately, either spatially or temporally, favors successful establishment and could offer more flexibility for using selective herbicides to suppress the heavy weed pressure that often accompanies these plantings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]