Apparent digestibility and microbial protein yield of Desmodium uncinatum,Mucuna pruriens and Vigna unguiculata forage legumes in goats

This study examined the effects of adding forage legumes as protein supplements to poor-quality natural pasture (veld) hay offered to goats on microbial protein yield and nitrogen metabolism. Four indigenous Nguni-type goats were used in a 4×4 Latin cross-over design experiment. Goats were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments comprising commercial goat feed (GF), veld hay supplemented with cowpea (CW), velvetbean (VB) or silverleaf desmodium (SD). Microbial protein yields were determined using the purine derivatives technique and nitrogen retention was calculated from the digestible organic matter intake. Total nitrogen intake was significantly higher in the GF followed by CW, SD and VB, respectively. Microbial protein supply, calculated microbial true protein and digestible microbial true protein were affected (P<0.05) by legume supplementation. Animals on poor-quality forages had the most efficient microbial protein synthesis. However, supplementation of hay failed to meet the maintenance requirements of animals as evidenced by negative nitrogen balances in VB and SD. The efficiency of utilisation of nitrogen in the supplements could have been limited by unavailable fermentable metabolisable energy in the diets. Supplementation of poor-quality veld hay with legume forages could improve utilisation, especially in the dry season.     

Degradability of amino acids in selected legume forages using the in situ nylon-bag technique

This study was conducted to determine the amino acid profiles and rumen degradability of amino acids of three cultivated forage legumes – velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and silverleaf desmodium (Desmodium uncinatum) – using the in situ nylon-bag technique. Two Friesian cows fitted with 10-cm-diameter rumen cannulae on a complete dairy feed ration (19% crude-protein dairy meal and maize silage) were used. Silverleaf desmodium had significantly (p < 0.05) higher concentration of amino acids compared with cowpea and velvet bean. Aspartic acid showed the highest (p < 0.05) concentration in all legumes and cysteine showed the lowest concentration. Legume forage of cowpea showed the highest (p < 0.05) level of degradability of amino acid followed by silverleaf desmodium and then velvet bean. Readily and slowly degradable components in all amino acids were highest (p < 0.05) in cowpea followed by silverleaf desmodium and then velvet bean. Moreover, silverleaf and cowpea showed higher (p < 0.05) levels of effective degradability of amino acids (at outflow rates p = 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06 h^?1) than velvet bean. Total amino acid disappearance was the least in velvet bean, which suggests that it can be used to supply bypass protein to the duodenum of the ruminant animal.     

The effect feeding forage legumes as nitrogen supplement on growth performance of sheep

The effect of feeding forage legumes, Cowpea, Silverleaf desmodium and Oxley fine stem stylo, as protein supplements to natural pasture (veld) hay on intake, growth rate and nitrogen metabolism in growing lambs was evaluated. Thirty growing lambs were stratified according to body weight and randomly assigned, within a stratum, to five diets in a completely randomised design. The diets were veld hay alone (V), veld hay supplemented with either 10 g/kg of urea (VU), veld hay supplemented with 250 g/kg Cowpea (VC), 250 g/kg Silverleaf desmodium (VS) or 250 g/kg Oxley fine stem stylo (VF) forage legume hays. The V and the VU groups were used as control diets. Animals supplemented with either urea or the forage legume had higher (P < 0.01) total dry matter intake compared with the animals on V. The animals supplemented with the forage legumes had higher (P < 0.01) nitrogen intake and faecal nitrogen output than the non-supplemented group. All animals, across the treatments, lost body weight; lambs on V had higher (P < 0.01) body weight losses than those in the other treatments. The forage legume supplemented groups lost less (P < 0.01) body weight than those on the V and VU diets. Although supplementation with forage legumes enhanced feed intake and reduced weight losses it did not maintain body weights of lambs fed a basal diet of poor quality roughages.     

The effect of supplementation on productive performance of Boer goat bucks fed winter veld hay

Fifteen Boer goat bucks, (6–8 months old), were allocated into two groups and fed ad libitum for a period of 29 days. The WH group (winter hay; n = 8) received a chopped diet consisting of grass hay, predominantly Themeda trianda grass (cut during the winter) from a natural pasture (veld). The WH+S group (winter hay plus supplement; n = 7) received a chopped diet consisting of Themeda trianda veld hay, supplemented with maize meal, molasses meal and urea. Body weights and feed consumption were recorded. Animals were slaughtered and carcass characteristics (weight and percentages of selected carcass cuts) and the carcass chemical composition were determined. The WH+S animals showed a higher live weight and cumulated feed intake. Carcass cuts from WH animals represented a higher percentage of the total carcass, especially cuts where muscle depots are higher (legs, best end chops and prime cuts). There is an attempt by non-supplemented animals to preserve the body's nitrogen reserves under prolonged nutritional stress conditions, and there is consequently a necessity to supplement feeding of small ruminants fed winter veld hay, especially if the animals are to be used in subsequent breeding seasons.     

The effect of veld condition on the quality of diet selected by cattle grazing the Natal Sour Sandveld

The quality of diet selected by steers fistulated at the oesophagous was related to veld condition in a simulated rotational grazing system on the Natal Sour Sandveld. Six camps, ranging in veld condition score from 8,5 to 53%, were grazed simultaneously for a two‐week period in spring, summer, autumn and winter. Fistula samples were collected on the first, middle and last day of a period of occupation in a camp. Samples were analysed in terms of crude protein (CP), in vitro digestibility (IVD) and plant‐part (% leaf, % stem and % dead material) composition. Dietary quality in terms of CP, IVD and plant‐part composition was not related to veld condition but was dependent largely (P≤0,01) upon season and to a lesser extent upon period of occupation in a camp. It was concluded that in sourveld areas, where dietary quality may be limiting, the veld condition score may be a poor index of potential animal production.     

Proanthocyanadin (condensed tannin) content of Brachystegia spiciformis browse harvested at different stages of growth from three sites in Zimbabwe

The extractable and insoluble (bound to protein or neutral detergent fibre [NDF] proanthocyanadin (PA) of the tree species Brachystegia spiciformis (Musasa) harvested at different stages of growth from three sites with different soil types in Zimbabwe was analysed by the n-butanol-HCl method. Brachystegia spiciformis samples from one site showed significantly lower (P < 0.05) PA values than those from the other two sites. Higher (P < 0.01) proportions of insoluble PA (insoluble PA/total PA) were observed in leaves than in twigs. Substantial levels of PA were detected as bound tannins, ranging from 470–804g kg^?1. These results suggest that measurement of bound condensed tannin is necessary when identifying forages containing condensed tannins. The higher contents of PA in the leaves that were harvested when mature than in young leaves could explain why animals prefer eating young rather than mature leaves of B. spiciformis.     

Veld improvement in Swaziland through the introduction of a tropical legume

Stylosanthes guyanensis was successfully sod‐sown in natural grassland in Swaziland's subtropical Middle‐veld. Introduction of the legume considerably improved yields and protein‐content of the herbage. A new strain of Stylosanthes has recently been obtained which is better adapted to heavy grazing and trampling than the common type.     

Long term nitrogen and phosphorus application to veld

Abstract

The long term effects of a 5N x 3P factorial fertilizer application trial on hay yields, botanical composition and soil properties of veld are presented. Significant increases in hay yields were recorded during most years. There was a strong correlation (r = 0,757) between mean (over all 15 treatment combinations) annual hay yields and annual rainfall.

N and N + P fertilizer lowered the percentage basal cover of the tribe Andropogoneae. A notable exception of this tribe was Heteropogon contortus which increased significantly at the lower fertilizer levels. The basal cover of the tribe Paniceae generally increased with N and P fertilizer application. The reaction of the basal cover of the tribe Eragrosteae showed little by way of definite tendencies.

Increasing N and P levels generally resulted in decreases in soil pH, Ca, Mg, K and an increase in compaction of the soil surface layer. However, higher levels of N x P resulted in higher water infiltration rates than occurred in control plots, although initial infiltration rates were greatest in control plots. Despite certain undesirable effects of fertilizers on basal cover and certain chemical and physical properties of the soil, the fertilized plots maintained a high level of production.     

Establishment of stylosanthes guyanensis in marandellas sandveld

The feasibility of establishing perennial forage legumes in veld has been investigated at Grasslands Research Station, Marandellas. Of the species tested, Stylosanthes guyanensis (stylo) appeared most suitable.

Reduction of competition from veld grasses was essential for satisfactory establishment of the legume; this was best achieved by shallow discing which also produced a suitable seedbed.

The density of stylo seedlings was affected by seeding rate and degree of soil preparation. More plants established from 4,5 kg/ha of seed broadcast onto disced soil than from 18,0 kg/ha sown onto undisturbed ground. Periodic grazing during the season of establishment had no effect on seedling density. Herbage yields followed the same trends as stylo density. Yields from the plots with the greatest density of stylo plants were more than twice those from the plots with the lowest density.

Seeding stylo into disced veld raised dry matter yields 50% and crude protein yields 300%, although yields of grass were reduced by the addition of the legume. Annual applications of 112 kg superphosphate/ ha had no effect on yields.     

13份柱花草品系生产性能比较

为筛选出性状优良的柱花草(Stylosanthes)品种,2011-2014年对13份柱花草品种(系)的株高、存活率、茎叶比、抗炭疽病能力、干草产量、种子千粒重和产量及养分进行测定分析,并采用隶属函数法对其综合生产性能进行评价。结果表明,13份柱花草品系初花期在9~(-1)1月;TPRC2001-84柱花草植株存活率最高(72.6%),TPRC 2001-81其次(56.6%);13份柱花草品系均较抗柱花草炭疽病;TPRC 2001-84柱花草年均干草产量最高(15 968kg·hm-2),TPRC2001-81和热研20号其次(12 206和12 724kg·hm-2);TPRC 2001-85柱花草种子产量最高(56.7kg·hm-2);热研21号柱花草粗蛋白含量最高(21.57%),热研20号和热研21号柱花草粗脂肪和磷含量较高,热研20号(CK)柱花草钙含量最高,TPRC 2001-85柱花草钾含量最高。TPRC 2001-84、热研21号、TPRC 2001-85和TPRC 2001~(-1)柱花草的综合生产性能较优,适于在热带亚热带地区推广种植。     

柱花草低落粒种质筛选及农艺性状综合评价

为发掘柱花草(Stylosanthes guianensis)优异种质资源及其抗落粒品种选育,本研究以68份柱花草种质为试验材料,在2020—2021年间对落粒率等共9项农艺性状进行田间观测,采用SPSS 20.0数据分析软件对观测数据进行主成分、相关性和聚类分析,并运用隶属函数法对农艺性状进行综合评价.结果表明:9个...     

柱花草种质资源表型性状的多样性分析

为研究柱花草(Stylosanthes)遗传多样性分布情况及其遗传背景,本研究采用表型性状遗传多样性聚类分析和主成分分析,对来自6个不同种的60份柱花草种质资源的17个表型性状进行评价。结果表明,不同性状中多样性指数最高的是旗瓣条斑,其次是茎生长习性和茎毛类型;数量性状中变异系数最高的是自然株高,其次是小叶宽和叶柄长;通过聚类分析将60份柱花草种质分为两大类,其中7份头状柱花草(Stylosanthes capitata)、10份大头柱花草(S.Macrocephala)、7份有钩柱花草(S.hamata)和11份矮柱花草(S.humilis)为一类,8份细茎柱花草(S.gracilis)、17份圭亚那柱花草(S.guianensis)为一类。本研究将为柱花草筛选优良种质及提高育种效率提供依据。     

Ruminal distribution of the cellulolytic bacterium Fibrobacter succinogenes in relation to its phylogenetic grouping

To investigate the ecological importance of the cellulolytic bacterium Fibrobacter succinogenes in fiber digestion, ruminal distribution of F. succinogenes was determined in relation to its phylogenetic grouping. Rumen digesta from wethers and steers fed orchardgrass hay, rice straw or fresh orchardgrass were employed as the materials for the analyses. Orchardgrass hay stem incubated in the rumen was also used. By using total DNA extracted from these materials, population sizes of total F. succinogenes and of four different phylogenetic groups of this species were quantitated through competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of PCR products targeted the bacterial 16S rDNA. Rumen digesta and ruminally incubated hay stems had a reasonably high population size of F. succinogenes (×10^7?8/g) that was composed of strains belonging to the phylogenetic groups 1 and 3. The relative abundance of each group was different among the samples; group 1 dominated on the ruminally incubated hay stem and in the rumen of wethers fed fresh orchardgrass, while group 3 was major in the rumen of wethers and steers on hay diet. These results suggest that there could be phenotypic differences among the phylogenetic groups of F. succinogenes, and group 1 dominating on hay stem might contribute to rumen fiber digestion more than the other groups.     

Production and economic performance of F1-crossbred dairy cattle fed non-conventional protein supplements in Zimbabwe

The effects of supplementing crossbred cows with non-conventional protein sources on dry matter intake, milk yield parameters and economic returns were investigated. Twenty-five lactating F₁ Holstein-Mashona crossbreds averaging 115?±?24 days in milk were used. Five treatments, total mixed ration (TMR), urea-treated maize stover, untreated maize stover, Macroptilium atropurpureum (Siratro) hay and veld hay, were randomly assigned to cows and replicated five times in a completely randomised design. Nutrient composition, intake, milk yield and economic returns were determined. M. atropurpureum hay, urea-treated maize stover and TMR had equal crude protein content. Daily dry matter intake and yield differed significantly among the treatment diets (P?<?0.05). Cows on TMR, urea-treated maize stover and M. atropurpureum consumed more (P?<?0.05) than cows on untreated maize stover and veld hay. Supplementing with TMR, urea-treated maize stover and M. atropurpureum hay increased (P?<?0.05) milk yields. Mean daily milk yield was highest for cows supplemented with urea-treated maize stover. Percent fat, protein and total solids in milk from cows fed urea-treated stover compared favourably to that of milk for cows supplemented with TMR. Income over supplement cost was highest for cows supplemented with M. atropurpureum hay and urea-treated maize stover. Urea-treated maize stover and M. atropurpureum can therefore be used as a replacer protein supplements for dairy cattle in Zimbabwe.     

Feeding value of hays of tropical forage legumes in pigs: Vigna unguiculata,Psophocarpus scandens,Pueraria phaseoloides and Stylosanthes guianensis

The effects of four tropical forage legume hays (Vigna unguiculata, Psophocarpus scandens, Pueraria phaseoloides and Stylosanthes guianensis) on voluntary feed intake (VFI) and their nutritive value were studied in growing pigs using a corn-soybean meal-based diet containing varying proportions of forage legume hays (0, 10, 20 and 40 % or 0, 12.5 and 25 % for VFI and nutritive value determination, respectively). There was no difference in VFI between species (P?>?0.20), but a linear response to forage inclusion level (P?V. unguiculata, where the response was quadratic (P?=?0.01). All four forage species linearly decreased the total tract apparent digestibility (TTAD) from 0.76 to 0.61, 0.80 to 0.68, 0.54 to 0.40 and 0.58 to 0.31 except for S. guianensis (0.44) for DM, N, NDF and N retention, respectively. Differences in digestibility (P?S. guianensis, in which N retention remained quite high (0.44) at the highest inclusion level (25 %). P. phaseoloides hay should be avoided in pigs as it combines the lowest VFI with the lowest nutrient digestibility.     

TOXICITY OF LEUCAENA LEUCOCEPHALA

SUMMARY Steers fed a sole diet of Leucaena leucocephala cv. Peru (leucaena), rapidly developed a hypothyroid condition. Total serum thyroxine (T⁴) levels declined from c 120 n mol litre^-1 to 13 n mol litre^-1 within six weeks of full leucaena feeding. Associated with the hypothyroidism was a decline in feed intake, poor weight gain, hair loss, excessive salivation and the development of lesions on the oesophagus of some animals. Light steers (119 kg) were more severely affected than heavy steers (220 kg) and two light steers died. During the eight week period of full leucaena feeding animals gained only 0.18 kg head^-1 day^-1 compared with 0.73 kg head^-1day^-1 for steers fed cowpea (Vigna sinensis) hay. Supplementation with minerals (Fe, Cu, Zn) significantly increased mean daily intake (85.4 v 68.9 g/kg^0.75), daily liveweight gain, (334 v 14 g), and serum T₃ resin uptake (42.5 v 39.6%); decreased hair loss and skin lesions but did not alleviate the low serum T₄ levels. lodine supplementation did not affect intake, bodyweight gain, serum T₄ levels, serum T₃ uptake or toxicity scores compared with unsupplemented leucaena fed steers. When the leucaena fed animals were subsequently fed cowpea hay, appetite improved and the serum T₄ levels returned to normal within two weeks. For the heavy steers over this period, weight gain was similar to the controls; however, the light steers continued to gain poorly.     

Interrelationships between veld condition,herbage mass,stocking rate and animal performance in the Tall Grassland of Natal

Grazing trials were established at three sites in the Tall Grassveld of Natal. The objectives were to determine (a) patterns in herbage mass in relation to veld condition, stocking rate and commencement of spring grazing, and (b) animal performance in relation to herbage availability and stocking rate for the period November 1986 to September 1987. Rainfall exceeded the mean annual rainfall and, for moderate condition veld in particular, was very favourably distributed. Distinct patterns in herbage availability were seen during the season. A multiple linear regression model was developed for determining peak herbage mass (HM) in April from veld condition (VCI), stocking rate (SR) and time that grazing commenced in spring (T) (r=0,71; P<0,01). HM was positively related to VCI and delayed T and negatively related to SR. Seasonal growth phases in cattle were similar for different sites despite their spatial separation and differences in veld condition. It was essentially only the magnitude of mass loss or gain that varied. No linear relationships existed between SR and average daily gain (ADG). A multiple linear regression model was developed for determining ADG from SR, HM and the initial mass of the animals (IM) (r=0,93; P<0,01). ADG was positively related to IM and negatively related to SR and HM.     

Diversity of chemical composition, dry matter intake, in vivo digestibility and in situ dry matter degradability of oat hay (Avena sativa)

Diversity of chemical composition, in vivo digestibility and in situ dry matter degradability of oat hay (Avena sativa) were studied. Oat hay samples obtained from 22 batches imported were analyzed for chemical composition. The result showed a wide range of variations in crude protein (3.9–8.8%, on a dry matter basis), crude fiber (22.1–35.2%), nitrogen free extract (50.0–66.0%), organic cellular contents (23.4–40.0%), organic cell wall (53.1–70.8%), organic a (4.1–9.8%), organic b (49.0–63.8%) fractions and the estimated total digestible nutrients (50.3–63.8%) from the organic components. Of these, four oat hay samples were used for the measurement of dry matter intake, in vivo digestibility and in situ dry matter degradability in sheep. Significant differences were observed for the dry matter intake, in vivo digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber and nitrogen free extract, dry matter disappearance at 48 h and effective degradability at k = 0.05 h^?1 of the samples (P < 0.05). The results revealed a wide range of diversity of nutritional quality of the imported oat hay that could have an affect on production potential in animals.     

Effect of Cowpea Hay,Groundnut Hay,Cotton Seed Meal and Maize Meal Supplementation to Maize Stover on Intake,Digestibility, Microbial Protein Supply and Acetate Kinetics in Weaner Lambs

Ten weaner lambs were used in a double 5×5 Latin square design to evaluate the effect of supplementing maize stover (MS) with cowpea hay (CW), groundnut hay (GN), cotton seed meal (CSM) or maize meal (MM) on the intake, digestion kinetics and acetate clearance rate. CW and GN were offered at 30% w/w to MS, while CSM and MM were given at 15 g/kg^0.75 per day. Supplementation reduced (p<0.01) MS intake but enhanced (p<0.01) total dry matter intake. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in digestibility. However, the estimated ME intake was significantly (p<0.05) improved by supplementation. The estimated microbial protein supply was almost significantly (p<0.06) improved by 22.68%, 5.35%, 17.58% and 47.90% on the CW-, GN-, CSM- and MM-supplemented diets, compared to the control (7.85 g/day). Microbial protein synthesis efficiency was not significantly affected (p>0.05) by diet, and nor were the acetate clearance rates (p>0.05), which averaged 0.0475±0.0078/min. The improvement in ME intake may have been due to a faster flow rate of digesta and a better balance of nutrients in the end-products of digestion. These results demonstrate that small amounts of forage supplements can improve nutrient intake when animals consume low-quality forages and provide a basis for comparing such supplements with bought-in protein and energy supplements.     

添加乳酸菌和菠萝皮对柱花草青贮品质的影响

柱花草是热带、亚热带的优质豆科牧草,蛋白含量高、营养品质好,为促进柱花草的加工利用,本试验研究了添加不同乳酸菌和菠萝皮对其青贮发酵品质和有氧稳定性的影响。青贮处理为CK(对照)、LQ(青贮宝)、LF(发酵乳杆菌)、LP(植物乳杆菌)、LS(鼠李糖乳杆菌)、B(20%菠萝皮)、BLQ(B+LQ)、BLF(B+LF)、BLP(B+LP)、BLS(B+LS)。添加处理后青贮60 d进行分析。结果表明,柱花草含有较少的可溶性碳水化合物和乳酸菌,自然青贮其pH超过5.0,发酵品质差;所有添加物都显著降低pH、增加乳酸含量(P＜0.05),明显改善了柱花草青贮料的发酵品质。单独添加菠萝皮的丁酸和NH₃-N含量显著高于所有单独添加乳酸菌(P＜0.05),pH与LP以外的其他3种乳酸菌差异不显著(P＞0.05)。除LP的乙酸含量较高,丁酸含量较低外,4种乳酸菌对其他各个发酵指标的影响没有显著差异(P＞0.05)。本试验所用4种乳酸菌与菠萝皮混合添加,都进一步改善了柱花草青贮料的发酵品质,特别是BLP的青贮效果最佳,其pH值、乙酸和NH₃-N含量低,乳酸含量及乳酸与乙酸比高。青贮袋开封后,包括对照在内的所有青贮料的有氧稳定性均较佳。