Seasonal and Diurnal Changes in Starch Content and Sugar Profiles of Bermudagrass in the Piedmont Region of the United States

Seasonal and diurnal patterns of sugar accumulation in bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) pastures were monitored to evaluate risk factors for pasture-associated laminitis of ponies and horses. Bermudagrass was collected from four plots in the morning and afternoon on a weekly basis, from mid-July until late August. Tissue was air-dried to simulate hay, or frozen to retain the sugar profiles of fresh pasture. Samples were analyzed colorimetrically for total water-soluble and ethanol-soluble carbohydrates, and electrochemically for starch. In addition, sugars were separated and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to pulsed amperometric detection. The dominant sugars in extracts were glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Some minor peaks, corresponding to tri- and tetrasaccharides, were also detected in some extracts. Starch increased over time in fresh and dried tissue, and concentrations varied diurnally in fresh, but not in dried tissue (P = .021). Sucrose in dried tissue decreased and then increased, with higher concentrations than in fresh tissue on all sampling dates (P = .024). Glucose and fructose exhibited diurnal variation on one and two dates, respectively (P = .034 and .0028, respectively). These results reveal trends in carbohydrate concentrations and profiles that may help to evaluate the likelihood of equine laminitis outbreaks on bermudagrass.     

Seasonal and Diurnal Variation in Water-Soluble Carbohydrate Concentrations of Repeatedly Defoliated Red and White Clovers in Central Kentucky

Nonstructural carbohydrates of pasture plants, comprising water-soluble carbohydrates (WSCs) and starch, may contribute to excessive consumption of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates by grazing horses. Seasonal and diurnal variation in WSCs were studied in red (Trifolium pratense L.) and white clovers (Trifolium repens L.) subjected to a typical management regime of rotationally grazed horse pastures. Two red and two white clover cultivars from monoculture plots were harvested after 4 weeks of growth from April to October of 2015, in the morning and afternoon of each harvest date. Water-soluble carbohydrates were quantified for each harvest, and starch was quantified for two harvests. Mean monthly WSC concentrations ranged from 80 to 99 mg/g (freeze-dried weight basis), whereas mean starch concentrations were 31 and 40 mg/g. In September, white clover had 14% more WSCs than red clover (P < .0001). Water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations were 10% higher in the afternoon than in the morning (P < .0001). Starch concentrations were 290% higher in the afternoon than in the morning (P < .0001), and nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations in the afternoon averaged 150 mg/g. Further studies are needed to determine whether the mixed grass-legume pastures of central Kentucky accumulate enough nonstructural carbohydrates to present risk factors for equine metabolic or digestive dysfunction.     

Effect of water‐soluble carbohydrate content in orchardgrass pasture on grazing time and rumen fermentation in dairy cows

Two experiments were conducted to clarify the effect of water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content in orchardgrass pasture on the diurnal distribution of grazing time. Six ruminally cannulated, non‐lactating dairy cows were grazed on either of two pastures with different orchardgrass cultivars containing low WSC (LWSC; cultivar: ‘Hokkai 28’) or high WSC (HWSC; cultivar: ‘Harunemidori’). The cows were grazed in morning and evening sessions in experiment 1, whereas the cows were grazed throughout the day in experiment 2. In experiment 1, grazing time of the cows on HWSC was longer than that of the cows on LWSC (P < 0.01). This difference was larger in the morning session than in the evening session (pasture × grazing session: P < 0.05). Effects on herbage intake were similar to those on grazing time. In experiment 2, daily total grazing time was longer for the cows on HWSC than for those on LWSC (P < 0.05). The cows on HWSC spent a longer time grazing than those on LWSC in the morning between 03.00 and 09.00 hours (P < 0.01). The results indicated that prolonged grazing time in the period between dawn and early morning could increase daily herbage intake in cows grazed on pastures of orchardgrass cultivars with high‐WSC content.     

龙眼干果与鲜果的糖组分分析

利用高效液相色谱法 (HPLC) 分析了石硖、储良、东壁、青壳宝圆、冬宝9号、公妈本、九月乌、施冲浦、晚香等9个龙眼品种干果和鲜果的糖组分含量。结果表明,9个龙眼品种干果和鲜果中的可溶性糖主要有果糖、葡萄糖和蔗糖;鲜果中的果糖含量16.4 ~ 36.0 mg/g,葡萄糖含量14.9 ~ 33.7 mg/g,蔗糖含量87.5 ~ 161.7 mg/g,总糖含量135.7 ~ 193.0 mg/g,甜度值144.5 ~ 200.8;干果中的果糖含量84.5 ~ 160.7 mg/g、葡萄糖含量67.5 ~ 125.8 mg/g、蔗糖含量169.0 ~ 356.8 mg/g、总糖含量444.6 ~ 538.2 mg/g、甜度值497.2 ~ 590.7;龙眼干果和鲜果中均以蔗糖含量最高;与鲜果相比,干果中的果糖、葡萄糖占比提高,蔗糖占比降低。     

Water-Soluble Carbohydrates of Cool-Season Grasses: Prediction of Concentrations by Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy and Evaluation of Effects of Genetics,Management, and Environment

An excess of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSCs) can present a risk for horses prone to pasture-associated laminitis or some other metabolic conditions. Determining WSC concentrations in commonly grazed cool-season grasses, at different times of day and under different fertilization treatments, can help optimize grazing times and management strategies. The goals of this study were to develop a near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) calibration curve for WSC and to apply it to four cool-season grass species. Tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass, and perennial ryegrass (10 cultivars) were sampled every two to four weeks from plots with or without added nitrogen, in the morning and afternoon. WSCs were quantified colorimetrically for a sample subset, and these values were used to develop an NIRS calibration predicting WSC concentrations with 90% accuracy. An interaction of species, nitrogen treatment, time of day, and harvest date influenced WSC concentrations in 10 harvests (P = .040). A modest positive relationship was observed between photosynthetically active radiation and WSC concentration when morning and afternoon samples were included (r = 0.503; P = .024). On nine harvest dates, perennial ryegrass or tall fescue were highest in WSC. High-WSC cultivars included “Aberzest” and “Calibra” perennial ryegrass, “Ginger” Kentucky bluegrass, and “Bronson” and “Cajun II” tall fescue. Water-soluble carbohydrates did not exceed 150 g/kg freeze-dried weight, possibly due to assay method, sampling times, or defoliation. The results suggest that minimizing WSC intake for horses may be possible by cultivar choice, grazing time, or mowing frequency.     

The Effect of Soaking on Carbohydrate Removal and Dry Matter Loss in Orchardgrass and Alfalfa Hays

The objective of this research was to determine the impact of water temperature and soaking length on removal of nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) fractions and dry matter (DM) from legume and cool-season grass hays. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with six replications. Hay types included bud and flowering alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and vegetative and flowering orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.). Flakes were submerged for 15, 30, and 60 minutes in 25 L of cold (22°C) water, warm (39°C) water, and 12 hours in cold water, respectively. Water temperature at each soaking duration did not affect residual NSC fractions in alfalfa hays. Flowering and vegetative orchardgrass hays soaked for 30 and 60 minutes, respectively, in warm water had greater (P < .001) amounts of NSC fraction removal compared with soaking in cold water. Soaking bud and flowering alfalfa and vegetative orchardgrass hays for ≥15 minutes removed more NSC fractions compared with the control (P ≤ .005); however, soaking for 15-60 minutes resulted in similar NSC fraction removal. Conversely, in flowering orchardgrass hay, longer soaking times resulted in greater (P < .001) NSC fraction removal. Fructan removal in orchardgrass hay was greatest (P < .001) after soaking for 12 hours. DM losses were similar among hays after soaking for 15-60 minutes, but were greatest after soaking for 12 hours (P < .001). Soaking grass hay for 15-30 minutes is recommended to remove sufficient NSC fractions while minimizing DM losses.     

The Effect of Soaking on Protein and Mineral Loss in Orchardgrass and Alfalfa Hay

Nonstructural carbohydrates are usually targeted for reduction during hay soaking, however, other essential nutrients may also be lost. The objectives of this research were to determine the impact of water temperature and time of soaking on reduction of protein and minerals from alfalfa and orchardgrass hay. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with six replications (n = 192). Hay types included bud and flowering alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) and vegetative and flowering orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L). Flakes were soaked for 15, 30, and 60 minutes in 25 L of cold (22°C) and warm (39°C) water, and for 12 hours in cold water. Changes in crude protein concentration after soaking had no effect (P > .05) on alfalfa-bud or flowering orchardgrass hay. However, crude protein concentration increased (P = .02) as soaking length increased in vegetative orchardgrass, and decreased as soaking length increased (P < .001) in flowering alfalfa hay. Soaking did not affect (P > .05) calcium (Ca) concentrations in flowering alfalfa and orchardgrass; however, Ca (P < .001) was reduced as soaking length increased in alfalfa-bud and vegetative orchardgrass hay. Reductions in phosphorus (P), potassium, and magnesium concentrations occurred with longer soaking times, resulting in high Ca:P ratios after 12 hours of soaking (P < .001). Soaking for 15-60 minutes did not result in nutrient deficiencies based on the requirements of a 500-kg horse in light work. However, supplementation of P after feeding hay soaked for 12 hours would be necessary to address high Ca:P ratios.     

Effect of Sward Height on Pasture Nonstructural Carbohydrate Concentrations and Blood Glucose/Insulin Profiles in Grazing Horses

Six mature stock-type geldings with maintenance only requirements were used in a randomized cross-over design to determine the effect of sward height on pasture plant nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) concentrations and blood glucose and insulin concentrations. Horses were randomly assigned to one of two tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum Schreb cv Max-Q, Pennington Seed, Madison, GA) grazing cells (0.37 ha) having two different sward heights for a period of 7 days: (1) short (approximately 15 cm; n = 3) or tall (between 30 and 40 cm; n = 3). After the first 7-day period, treatment groups were reversed by moving horses to ungrazed cells having similar characteristics to those used in the first 7 days, so that all horses receive all treatments resulting in six observations per treatment. Both short and tall grazing cells were mowed to a height of approximately 15 cm 32 days before the experiment starts. The short grazing cells were removed to approximately 15 cm at 11 days before the start of the first 7-day period and again 1 day before the start of each 7-day period. All horses had access to pasture for 10 h/d beginning at 8 AM and ending at 6 PM. Although not at pasture, all horses were individually housed in 3.7 × 12.2 m partially covered pens containing automatic water troughs and a crushed stone surface. Herbage mass (kg DM/ha) was determined by use of a falling plate meter for each pasture to ensure that both groups of horses had adequate dry matter to provide grazing for at least 7 days. On day 7 of each period, jugular venous blood samples were collected from each horse before being turned out to pasture, and then at 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours after turn-out. Pasture samples were also collected from each grazing cell at the same time blood samples were taken. Serum and plasma from blood samples were harvested and analyzed for insulin and glucose concentrations, respectively. Pasture samples were analyzed for water soluble carbohydrate (WSC), ethanol soluble carbohydrate (ESC), and starch. The sum of WSC and starch were used as an estimate of NSC. Area under the curve (AUC) and peak concentration were calculated for both plasma glucose (PPG) and serum insulin (PSI) concentration and were analyzed using analysis of variance for randomized cross-over designs. Pasture WSC, ESC, starch, and NSC concentrations were analyzed using analysis of variance for randomized complete block design. A P value of < .05 was considered significant. Mean pasture plant NSC, WSC, and ESC concentrations were lower (P < .001) in short as compared with tall. Pasture plant starch concentration was not different between treatments. Mean pregrazing plasma glucose concentrations, PPG concentrations, and plasma glucose AUC were not affected by treatment. Mean pregrazing serum insulin concentrations were not affected by treatment. Mean PSI and insulin AUC were greater (P < .01) when horses grazed tall, as compared with short. In conclusion, decreasing the sward height by mowing pasture decreased NSC, WSC, and ESC concentrations and subsequently decreased the postprandial insulin response of horses grazing the pasture. These findings may be important in developing strategies aimed at preventing insulin resistance in grazing horses.     

施磷对不同收获时期青贮玉米碳水化合物积累的影响

为探讨磷肥对不同收获时期青贮玉米中碳水化合物积累的影响,试验以青贮玉米品种东青1号(Zea mays Dongqing No.1)为材料,设4个不同施磷水平,其P₂O₅施用量分别为P0(不施P₂O₅,CK)、P1(施P₂O₅ 50 kg/hm²)、P2(施P₂O₅ 100 kg/hm²)和P3(施P₂O₅ 150 kg/hm²)水平,分别于乳熟初期(8月21日)、乳熟中期(8月28日)、乳熟末期(9月4日)、蜡熟初期(9月10日)、蜡熟中期(9月15日)和蜡熟末期(9月20日)收割取样,测定磷肥(P₂O₅)对碳水化合物含量的影响。结果显示,在乳熟初期至蜡熟末期,各施磷水平间果糖和可溶性总糖含量均表现为P2＞P3＞P1＞P0,淀粉含量表现为P2＞P1＞P3＞P0,且各施磷水平间差异显著(P<0.05)。随着施磷量的增加,各水平蔗糖含量显著增加,P2和P3水平间差异不显著,但均显著高于其他水平(P<0.05);P0水平NDF和ADF含量最高,P2水平最低,且显著低于其他水平(P<0.05)。施磷(P₂O₅)可显著提高青贮玉米中果糖、蔗糖、可溶性总糖和淀粉含量(P<0.05),降低NDF和ADF含量(P<0.05),其中以施磷(P₂O₅)100 kg/hm²并于蜡熟初期收获时,东青1号青贮玉米的可溶性总糖含量最高,NDF和ADF含量最低,是较适宜的栽培利用方式。     

添加剂对不同茬次混播苜蓿青贮营养品质和发酵特性的影响

本研究旨在探索不同添加剂对不同茬次混播苜蓿(Medicago sativa)青贮品质的影响。以不同茬次(第1茬、第2茬、第3茬)的混播苜蓿(金皇后?3010=4?1)为材料,刈割后用Sila-Max(宜生贮宝)、Sila-Mix(宜生贮康)、亚芯生物、百奥民、台湾鲜得利5种添加剂进行桶装青贮,以不添加任何添加剂为对照(CK),青贮发酵60 d后进行实验室评定。结果表明:随着茬次的递增,青贮苜蓿粗蛋白(crude protein,CP)、乳酸(lactic acid,LA)及乙酸(acetic acid,AA)含量均呈先上升后下降的趋势,pH和干物质(dry matter,DM)含量呈上升趋势,酸性洗涤纤维(acid detergent fiber,ADF)、中性洗涤纤维(neutral detergent fiber,NDF)以及粗灰分(crude ash,Ash)含量第3茬最低(P>0.05),而水溶性碳水化合物(water soluble carbohydrates,WSC)和单糖(monosaccharide,ESC)含量在第3茬显著高于其他茬次(P<0.05)。添加剂对混播苜蓿青贮品质有显著(P<0.05)或极显著(P<0.01)影响。其中,添加亚芯生物提高了第1茬青贮苜蓿的CP、WSC、磷(P)和钾(K)含量,分别比对照提高了1.00%、32.94%、2.44%和0.99%,LA和AA含量也均有所提高;百奥明处理下第3茬青贮苜蓿的CP、可溶性蛋白/总蛋白(soluble protein/total protein,SP/CP)和WSC含量分别较CK提高了1.37%、6.39%和10.72%;台湾鲜得利处理下中性洗涤不溶蛋白(neutral detergent insoluble protein,NDIP)和酸性洗涤不溶蛋白(acid detergent insoluble protein,ADIP)含量有所增加,与其他处理差异显著(P<0.05)。灰色关联度分析结果表明,第2茬次的苜蓿青贮品质相对较好,且所有添加剂中亚芯生物处理的苜蓿青贮品质最好,可在生产实践中推广使用。     

结缕草的抗寒性与体内碳水化合物、脯氨酸、可溶性蛋白季节动态变化的关系

为了阐述结缕草抗寒性与碳水化合物、脯氨酸含量及可溶性蛋白含量季节动态变化的关系,在2008年10月-2009年5月期间,以‘兰引3号’结缕草(Zoysia japonica ‘Lanyin No.3’)为材料,研究在自然温度变化过程中,‘兰引3号’结缕草地下根茎碳水化合物、脯氨酸含量、可溶性蛋白含量的季节性动态变化及其与LT₅₀变化的关系。结果表明,在越冬前后,‘兰引3号’结缕草地下根茎LT₅₀呈先降低后升高的季节变化趋势,可溶性总糖含量、蔗糖含量、果糖含量及可溶性总糖/淀粉、脯氨酸含量、可溶性蛋白含量伴随田间气温变化均呈先升高后又降低的趋势,淀粉含量则呈先降低后又升高的趋势;‘兰引3号’结缕草地下根茎LT₅₀季节变化与可溶性总糖含量、果糖含量、可溶性总糖/淀粉、可溶性蛋白含量季节变化之间显著负相关,而与蔗糖含量、淀粉含量、脯氨酸含量的季节变化间不存在显著的相关性。     

Relationship of rumen fill and fermentation to diurnal and seasonal variation of herbage intake in dairy cows grazed on perennial ryegrass pasture

To clarify the effect of digesta weight in the reticulorumen on diurnal and seasonal fluctuations in herbage intake, six ruminally cannulated, non‐lactating dairy cows were grazed on perennial ryegrass/white clover pasture during morning and evening sessions in spring and autumn. The digesta weight of fresh matter, dry matter (DM) and fiber in the reticulorumen at the beginning and the end of each grazing session was lower in spring than in autumn (P < 0.01). Although the digesta weight was similar between the sessions at the beginning of grazing, it was greater for the evening than for the morning at the end of grazing (P < 0.01). The large particles proportion in the digesta was lower for the morning than the evening (P < 0.01), and it was lower in spring than in autumn (P < 0.01). The concentrations of volatile fatty acids in rumen fluid were generally higher in spring compared with autumn. The herbage DM intake during the evening was greater compared with the morning in both seasons (P < 0.01). However, there was no difference in herbage DM intake between seasons. The results showed that the rumen digesta fill was not the sole factor explaining diurnal and seasonal variation of herbage intake in grazing dairy cows.     

不同越冬饲料对蜜蜂中肠消化酶活性、组织发育状态以及抗氧化酶基因表达的影响

本试验旨在研究不同越冬饲料对蜜蜂中肠消化酶活性、组织发育状态以及抗氧化酶基因表达的影响,以便为广大蜂农选择越冬饲料提供参考。在2015年10月底选取群势相当的本地意大利蜜蜂(Apis mellifera L.)越冬蜂群(群内无储备越冬饲料脾)9群(5框蜂/群),随机分为3个试验组(3群/组),从11月2号开始分别以蜂蜜(蜂蜜组)、果葡糖浆(果葡糖浆组)和白砂糖水(白砂糖∶水=2∶1,蔗糖组)为越冬饲料进行饲喂,饲喂至11月下旬蜂群进入越冬期。整个试验期为2015年10月底至2016年3月初。分别于越冬前(11月初)、越冬中期(1月初)和越冬后(3月初)采集蜜蜂中肠,测定中肠消化酶(淀粉酶、蔗糖酶和蛋白酶)活性,在越冬中期采集蜜蜂中肠用于中肠组织发育状态和抗氧化酶基因[超氧化物歧化酶1(Sod1)、超氧化物歧化酶2(Sod2)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)]相对表达量等指标的检测。结果表明:在越冬中期,果葡糖浆组和蜂蜜组的蜜蜂中肠内淀粉酶活性显著高于蔗糖组(P0.05)。在越冬中期和越冬后,饲喂不同越冬饲料的蜜蜂中肠内蔗糖酶活性差异不显著(P0.05)。在越冬中期,果葡糖浆组的蜜蜂中肠内蛋白酶活性显著高于蔗糖组和蜂蜜组(P0.05)。蜂蜜组和蔗糖组的蜜蜂中肠肠壁厚度极显著大于果葡糖浆组(P0.01),且蜂蜜组和蔗糖组的蜜蜂中肠隐窝深度也极显著大于果葡糖浆组(P0.01)。在越冬中期,蔗糖组的蜜蜂中肠Sod1基因的相对表达量显著高于蜂蜜组和果葡糖浆组(P0.05)。由此得出,蜂蜜能够提高越冬蜂中肠消化酶活性,蜂蜜和白砂糖有利于越冬蜂中肠组织的发育,而且白砂糖能够提高越冬蜂中肠抗氧化酶基因的表达。因此,蜂蜜和白砂糖比果葡糖浆更适合作为蜜蜂的越冬饲料。     

The Effect of Harvest Moisture and Bale Wrapping on Forage Quality, Temperature, and Mold in Orchardgrass Hay

Effects of harvest moisture and bale wrapping on forage quality and mold formation in orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) hay have not been investigated. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of initial bale moisture and plastic wrapping on temperature, forage quality (protein, fiber components, and digestible energy), and mold formation in large round-baled orchardgrass hay. In all, 40 round bales of mature orchardgrass hay measuring 1.2 × 1.5 m² were baled at three different moisture ranges (eight bales per treatment): 124 to 166 g/kg (low moisture); 180 to 232 g/kg (intermediate moisture); and 259 to 337 g/kg (high moisture). Selected bales within each moisture range were individually wrapped in plastic (16 bales), and temperature sensors were placed in each bale for up to 10 weeks. The lowest (P ≤ .01) maximum temperature and heating degree-day accumulations were observed when initial bale moisture content was 124 g/kg or when hay was wrapped, regardless of initial moisture content. In 2008 and 2009, all wrapped hays resulted in similar forage quality (P ≤ .14) and mold counts (P = .94) compared with 124 g/kg moisture hay. Hay baled at 166 g/kg resulted in fiber (P ≥ .82) and mold (P = .21) components similar to higher moisture bales. Mold counts for hay baled at 166 g/kg and 124 g/kg moisture were 24.8 × 10⁶ and 2.7 × 10⁴ CFU/g, respectively, demonstrating that large round bales are prone to molding at relatively low moisture concentrations. Maintenance of forage quality and reduction in mold growth were achieved by baling dry (124 g/kg moisture) or wrapping round bales of orchardgrass hay up to 337 g/kg moisture.     

Horse Preference,Forage Yield,and Species Persistence of 12 Perennial Cool-Season Grass Mixtures Under Horse Grazing

Cool-season grass mixtures are rarely evaluated for preference, yield, and persistence under horse grazing. The objectives of this research were to evaluate horse preference, forage yield, and persistence of cool-season grass mixtures under horse grazing. Eight commercially marketed and four experimental perennial cool-season grass mixtures were planted in 2009 in a randomized complete block with five replicates and grazed by four adult horses during 2010, 2011, and 2012. All mixtures contained four to six cool-season perennial grass species. Specie density measurements were taken in each spring and fall, and yield was mechanically measured before each grazing period. After grazing, preference was determined by visually assessing percentage of forage removal on a scale of 0 (no grazing) to 100 (100% of vegetation removed). Data were analyzed using a mixed-model analysis of variance and liner regression. Horses preferred mixtures containing tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and timothy (P < .001). Horses had less preference for mixtures containing ≥30% orchardgrass (P < .001). Mixtures had similar (P = .11) forage yields that ranged from 6,100 to 7,082 kg ha⁻¹. After 2 years of grazing, orchardgrass and tall fescue increased; Kentucky bluegrass remained stable; and festulolium, meadow fescue, and perennial ryegrass had the greatest rate of decline in mixtures. Orchardgrass became the dominate species, regardless of initial percentage in the mixture. Mixtures containing tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and timothy should be planted in midwestern US horse pastures; however, mixtures will likely transition to tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass–dominated pastures.     

The effect of strategic anthelmintic treatment on the breeding performance of hill ewes

A series of field trials involving 3500 Scottish hill ewes was carried out to determine the effect of different worming routines on subsequent flock performance. Combinations of the following seasonal dosings were examined in April lambing flocks: “early winter” (November/early December); “winter” (mid-January to early February) and “spring” (mid-March to early April). The effects upon numbers of barren ewes and on rearing percentages in comparison with untreated control sheep were evaluated.Barrenness was significantly reduced by the following treatments: “early winter” by 70% (P<0.10); “winter” by 7.8% (P<0.05); “early winter and winter” by 4.3% (P<0.05). Rearing percentages were significantly increased by the following treatments: “early winter and winter” by 10.7% (P<0.01); “early winter and spring” by 9.2% (P<0.01); “spring” by 7.9% (P<0.05).The increased rearing percentages indicated that a strategic dosing programme for breeding ewes between mating and parturition is worthwhile, with the routines involving two doses — either ”early winter and winter” and “early winter and spring” giving the greatest benefit.Attention is drawn to the high incidence of barrenness and low rearing percentages which was a constant feature in all the flocks used in the trial.     

Energetic utilization of sugar beets, dried shreds, sucrose and apple pectin by growing swine. 1. Study overview and composition and digestibility of feed and rations

Total metabolism experiments with a basic ration were carried out over two measuring periods and with a basic ration plus supplements of raw sugar beets, steamed sugar beets, dried sugar beet pulp, sucrose and apple pectin resp. with 4 pigs per test group and 4 test groups (LW 40-135 kg). Live weight gain was approximately equal after the feeding of raw and steamed sugar beets. It amounted to 650 g/animal and day in the first experimental period and to 715 g in the second. After feeding dried sugar beet pulp as supplement the corresponding weight gain was 525 and 565 g/animal and day. In the course of the ontogenetic development up to a live weight of about 70 kg an increase of digestibility could be observed. Adaptation cannot be excluded. This question will be pursued in the following experiments, so that consequences for energetic feed evaluation have to be postponed. For both raw and steamed sugar beets the digestibility of the organic matter was 88%, of NFE 95% and of water soluble carbohydrates 95%.     

Feeding value of wood sugar concentrate for feedlot cattle

Six crossbred steers (344 kg) with "T" cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum (6 cm from the pyloric sphincter) were used in a crossover experiment to evaluate the feeding value of wood sugar concentrate (WSC) in a finishing diet for feedlot steers. Composition of WSC was as follows: DM, 49.5%; ash, 19.2%; N, .1%; hydrolyzable sugars, 38.9% and lignosulfonate, 28.8%. Dietary treatments consisted of a finishing diet based on steam-flaked corn supplemented or not supplemented with 10.5% WSC (DM basis). Adding WSC to the diet increased (P less than .10) passage of OM to the small intestine. However, passage of N constituents (non-ammonia N, microbial N and feed N) was not affected (P greater than .10). Postruminal digestion of OM and N was depressed (P less than .05) 11.5% and 6.7%, respectively, with WSC supplementation. Total tract digestibilities of OM and GE were depressed (P less than .01) 4.1 and 4.2%, respectively. Adjusting for constituent passage of the basal diet, estimated digestible OM and DE values for WSC used in this trial were 42.7% and 2.02 Mcal/kg. WSC (DM basis) had 76% and 64%, respectively, of the energy value of hemicellulose extract (masonex) and cane sugar molasses. Because a high level (10% of diet DM) of WSC depressed postruminal N digestion, WSC levels of feedlot diets that are marginal in protein should not exceed 5% of diet DM.     

C4牧草饲用成分在植株中的分布规律及其适宜刈割高度

在收获期将高丹草(Sorghum bicolor×Sorghumsudanese)、玉米(Zea mays)和象草(Penn isetum purpureum)3种C4禾本科牧草不同节位的茎秆、叶片和叶鞘分离,分别测定其粗蛋白(CP)、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)、非结构性碳水化合物(NSC)含量以及...     

盐胁迫对菊芋糖组分含量和分配的影响

本研究以菊芋品种南芋一号(NY-1)为试材,在温室进行全生育期土培盆栽试验,研究了盐胁迫对糖分积累与分配的影响。通过HPLC-ELSD(高效液相色谱-蒸发光检测仪)检测发现,盐胁迫对NY-1块茎、茎和叶中各种糖的含量有不同影响。对于单糖和二糖来说,与对照相比,盐处理140 DAP (days after planting)时茎中的果糖、葡萄糖和蔗糖含量分别降低了72.67%,78.31%和39.40%;块茎中果糖、葡萄糖和蔗糖含量分别降低了67.08%,60.91%和30.07%;叶中果糖、葡萄糖和蔗糖含量与对照相比无显著性变化。盐处理220 DAP时,块茎中这些糖的含量无明显降低,茎中的葡萄糖含量与对照相比降低了139.22%;而叶中这些糖已检测不出。低聚合度果聚糖主要集中分布在菊芋块茎和茎中。与对照相比,盐处理140 DAP 时茎与块茎中蔗果三糖、蔗果四糖和蔗果五糖的含量没有显著差异,叶中这些糖分布很少,与对照相比变化很小。盐处理220 DAP,块茎中这些糖含量与对照相比无显著性差异,而茎与对照相比,蔗果三糖、蔗果四糖和蔗果五糖含量几乎为0,表明随块茎的形成,茎和叶中的果聚糖逐步向块茎转运,盐胁迫产生渗透机制,增加了果聚糖在块茎中的积累。以上结果表明盐胁迫影响了糖分的积累转运,微调了植物体内的果聚糖组成,但极其严重地减少了果聚糖在地上部分(尤其是茎)的积累。