Factors affecting the voluntary feed intake of sheep grazing Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu) pastures: Observations from forage analysis

Abstract

Sheep were used in two investigations to study factors which could limit voluntary intake of Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu) pasture. Possible reasons for the low intakes were found in the high soluble nitrogen and nitrate content of the pasture, its high oxalate content, and its considerable potential for foaming, the latter suggesting the presence of sapbnins. The high fibre content of the material could also have limited intake in wilted, dry or stemmy kikuyu. The relative importance of these factors appears to change with growth stage, the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied, stocking rate and moisture supply. The factors which are detrimental to forage quality such as oxalates and nitrates are higher in the young and actively growing material than in older material, while the in vitro production of foam seems unrelated to forage quality and remained high, despite changes in other factors which detrimentally affected forage quality.     

Salinity Reduces the Forage Quality of Forage Kochia: A Halophytic Chenopodiaceae Shrub

Forage kochia (Bassia prostrata [L.] A.J. Scott) is a perennial, halophytic Chenopodiaceae shrub adapted to semiarid rangelands and steppes. It is noted for its ability to produce edible forage in saline environments, but the effect of salinity on its nutritive value has not been determined. Therefore, this study evaluated the dose-response of increasing salinity on the forage quality of forage kochia and Gardner’s saltbush (Atriplex gardneri [Moq.] D. Dietr., a chenopod forage shrub indigenous to the United States). Individual plants were evaluated in hydroponics for 28 days at 0, 150, 300, and 600 mM NaCl. Salt from accumulated ions, minerals, and forage nutritive value were determined using ground shoot samples. Analysis of forage nutritive value is problematic in plants with high salt concentrations, so neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) were also predicted on an ash-corrected dry matter (DM) basis (NDF_corrected and IVTD_corrected). Forage kochia exhibited a dose-response for salt concentration, IVTD_corrected, and crude protein (CP) as salinity increased. Salt concentrations increased to 19% of DM at 600 mM NaCl, which may reduce voluntary intake by ruminants grazing forage kochia. Results indicated that uncorrected IVTD estimates were inflated as forage kochia IVTD_corrected decreased from 65% to 56% with the major change between 300 and 600 mM NaCl. Crude protein did not differ between two forage kochia cultivars but decreased from 26% to 15% between 0 and 600 mM NaCl, whereas Gardner’s saltbush CP decreased by only five percentage points as salinity increased. Nonetheless, despite the greater CP sensitivity to salinity level, forage kochia salt concentration was less and digestibility and metabolizable energy (ME) were greater than Gardner’s saltbush. Overall, salinity reduced the forage quality of forage kochia, though not as dramatically as for Gardner’s saltbush, thus supporting use of forage kochia to improve the forage base of saline rangelands.     

Effect of cutting height and frequency on Leucaena leucocephala forage and wood production

Abstract

Leucaena leucocephala is a fast‐growing tree that can provide both high quality forage and firewood. The objective of this trial was to determine the optimum height and frequency of cutting for both wood and forage production. Cutting heights at 0.3 m, 0.6 m and 1.0 m were superimposed on 3‐month and 6‐month cutting frequencies on mature rows of L. leucocephala for three years. Effects of year or its interaction with the other factors were not significant (P≥0.10). There was an increase (P=0.07) in wood production but not forage production (P≥0.10) with the longer interval. Cutting height had an effect on forage (P<0.001) production, with 5.47 t ha^?1 a^?1 for the 0.3‐m height, 7.62 t ha^?1 a^?1 for the 0.7‐m height, and 8.71 t ha^?1 a^?1 for the 1.0‐m height. Cutting height also had an effect on wood production (P<0.001), with 7.22 t hd^?1 a^?1 for the 0.3‐m height, 9.33 t ha^?1 a^?1 for the 0.7‐mheight, and 11.55 t hd^?1 a^?1 for the 1.0‐m height. In this experiment, the six‐month interval produced more wood than the three‐month interval, but there were no differences in quantity of forage dry matter in L. leucocephala; there were advantages in both wood and forage production with the taller trunk base.     

Effect of Yeast Culture Supplementation on Digestibility of Varying Forage Quality in Mature Horses

Supplementation of yeast culture to equine diets has improved digestion of nutrients in some studies but not others. Improving the digestibility of lower-quality forages could be advantageous both for the producer and for the horse's health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of yeast culture on digestibility of high- and low-quality forage in mature horses. Sixteen geldings (483.6 ± 25.5 kg and 6.8 ± 3.2 years), of Quarter Horse (n = 14) and Thoroughbred (n = 2) breeding, were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with 28-day treatment periods. Russell Bermuda grass hay of either high (13.1% crude protein (CP), 73.1% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 35.3% acid detergent fiber (ADF), and 6.0% ash) or low (8.1% CP, 75.3% NDF, 37.6% ADF, and 4.3% ash) quality was offered at 1.35% of body weight (BW, dry matter [DM] basis). Diets consisted of high-quality forage with the addition of yeast culture (HY), high-quality forage without yeast culture (HC), low-quality forage with the addition of yeast culture (LY), and low-quality forage without yeast culture (LC). All horses were fed a commercial grain mix (12.6% CP, 25.4% NDF, 12.1% ADF, and 4.0% ash) offered at 0.45% of BW (DM basis) daily. Yeast culture was added to the grain mix during the morning feeding at a rate of 56 g per horse. Body weight was measured weekly and feed intake was adjusted accordingly. Fecal samples were obtained every 6 hours on the last 3 days of each treatment period. Horses receiving low-quality hay (LY and LC) had greater (P < .01) intake expressed as a percentage of BW compared with horses receiving high-quality hay (HY and HC). No influence of yeast culture supplementation was seen on intake of grain or forage (P < .23 and P < .62, respectively). Digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM), CP, and NDF were greater (P < .01, P < .01, P < .01, and P < .01, respectively) for the diets with high-quality forage compared with the diets with low-quality forage. Dry matter, CP, and NDF digestibilities were greater (P < .09, P < .03, and P < .05, respectively) for horses receiving LY compared with LC. Supplementation of yeast culture to mature horses improved digestibility of lower-quality Bermuda grass hay.     

Short-term effects on productivity and egg quality in nutrient-restricted versus non-restricted organic layers with access to different forage crops

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to study the effects of different forage crops on productivity and some egg quality parameters of small flocks of organic laying hens fed whole wheat or concentrates. Each experiment was carried out in a split plot design with two different forage crops and two types of supplementary feed (typical concentrate for organic layers versus whole wheat) with three replications. In the first experiment the tested forage crops were of a well-established grass/clover and a mixture of forbs (Fagopyrum esculentum, Phacelia tanacetifolia and Linum usitatissimum). In the second experiment the tested forage crops were a well-established grass/clover and chicory (Cichorium intybus cv. Grassland Puna). The results on productivity and egg quality suggest that laying hens consume large amounts of foraging material when accessible. In nutrient restricted hens (wheat-fed) the forage may yield a substantial contribution to the requirements of amino acids and metabolizable energy although productivity parameters and measurements on dry matter in albumen showed that wheat-fed hens, on a short-term basis, were not able to fully compensate for the lack of protein and amino acids by increased foraging. Of the forage crops investigated especially chicory seems to contribute to the nutrition of the hens. Measurements on eggshell parameters showed that oyster shells together with foraging material were sufficient to meet the hens’ calcium requirements. Yolk colour clearly revealed that laying hens consume large quantities of green fodder irrespective of the type of supplementary feed. Yolk colour from hens with access to chicory tended to be darker, of a redder and less yellow hue compared with grass/clover fed hens, which is considered a positive quality.     

Airborne dust and aeroallergen concentrations in different sources of feed and bedding for horses

Summary

Standardized methods were used to make quantitative and qualitative assessments of respirable dust and aeroallergens in feed and bedding for horses. Concentrations of airborne dust were measured by using a Rion particle counter, and levels of major aeroallergens implicated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were measured by using an Andersen sampler. Laboratory conditions allowed comparison of the different sources of forage, supplements, and bedding without external influences such as ventilation, external temperature and horse activity affecting the result. Crass silages of approximately 50 % dry matter and alfalfa pellets appeared to be very good sources of forage with low levels of dust and aeroallergens. The studied good quality straw was significantly less dusty with fewer allergens than the wood shavings. Supplements, such as whole grains and molassed concentrates, contained many respirable particles and aeroallergens. Rolled grains were significantly more dusty than good hay.     

Effect of Supplementation of a Basal Diet of Maize Stover with Erythrina variegata,Gliricidia sepium or Leucaena leucocephala on Feed Intake and Digestibility by Goats

Two 4 x 4 Latin square design experiments were carried out. In experiment 1, four mature Anglo-Nubian x Fiji local goats, pre-experimental body weight 25.0 +/- 0.6 kg, 22-24 months old, were used to study the effect of supplementation of a basal diet of maize stover with Erythrina variegata (EV), Gliricidia sepium (GS) and Leucaena leucocephala (LL) on dry matter intake (DMI) and nutrient digestibility. Maize stover treated with urea was used as a control diet. E. variegata was higher in crude protein content than LL or GS. The DMI of the urea treated stover diet was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that of the diets of untreated stover supplemented with forage legumes. The DMI was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the GS diet than in the EV or LL diets. Significant (p < 0.05) differences existed between the urea-treated stover and the diets of stover supplemented with forage legumes in the digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), organic matter (OM) and energy. In experiment 2, four mature goats, pre-experimental body weight 27.0 +/- 0.3 kg, 24-28 months old, were used to measure their response when the urea-treated maize stover and the maize stover and forage legume diets were sprayed with molasses. The intake of the urea-treated stover diet sprayed with molasses was significantly lower (p < 0.05) that that of the maize stover/forage legume diets sprayed with molasses. The DMI of the diets improved with the addition of molasses. The DMI among the goats offered the maize stover/forage legume diets + molasses did not differ significantly. (p > 0.05). Statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences were obtained in this second study between the urea-treated stover and the stover supplemented with forage legumes in the digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, OM and energy. The stover supplemented with forage legumes had a higher (p < 0.05) nutrient digestibility. The present studies demonstrated that the use of forage legumes as protein supplements improved the feed quality of maize stover in the diets of mature goats. It is suggested that molasses should be sprayed on fresh leaves of Gliricicia sepium and other forage legumes that are initially rejected, in order to improve acceptance and DMI when fed to ruminant animals in confinement or in a cut-and-carry system of production.     

Forage availability and its quality in the dry season on smallholder dairy farms in Tanzania

Abstract

The study was conducted on smallholder dairy farmers in Tanzania. A number of forage species and feed supplements were collected and analysed. Panicum maximum and P. purpureum constituted the bulky forage in about 20 and 11 households, respectively. The crude protein (CP) content of P. maximum and P. purpureum ranged from 6.5 to 8.5% and 7.8 to 10.2% while in vitro dry matter digestibility ranged from 44 to 50 and 48 to 51%, respectively. The mineral content of these two grasses were adequate for Ca but 95% of the forages were deficient in Cu and Zn and 84% in P. The CP content of multipurpose tree leaf was 3–4 times higher than that of grasses. In conclusion, the study revealed that dairy farmers depended solely on natural grasses and crop residues, which are low in CP, digestibility and mineral content.     

Forage production of some grass species in the false Thornveld of the Eastern Cape

Abstract

The most commonly occurring grass species in the False Thornveld (Acocks, 1953; veld type no. 21) were clipped before and after grazing on veld in good and poor condition at different times of the year. Herbage yield per species was expressed per unit basal tuft area, and the difference in yield before and after grazing was considered to reflect the production of available forage. Themeda triandra produced more forage than any other species at all times of the year. Sporobolus fimbriatus generally produced the second highest amount of available forage. Cymbopogon plurinodis, despite having the second highest herbage yield before grazing, was not grazed to a significant extent. On the basis of the results, Themeda triandra and Sporobolus fimbriatus were identified as key grass species in the False Thornveld of the Eastern Cape.     

Managing Grazing Intensity Linked to Forage Quantity and Quality Trade-off in Semiarid Rangelands

Knowledge of herbivory tolerance of dominant plant species and their responses to varying grazing intensity is required for sustainable grazing management in semiarid rangeland ecosystems. In a field experiment, we studied the effects of simulated grazing 0%, 30%, 50%, and 80% leaf removal (control, partial, intermediate, and heavy leaf removal) of three dominant perennial legumes: Astragalus cyclophyllon, Astragalus effuses, and Hedysarum criniferum in semiarid rangelands of southwestern Iran for 2 yr and tested 1) differential herbivory tolerance in terms of regrowth ability of belowground and aboveground biomass (AGB), fecundity, and nonstructural carbohydrate reserves; and 2) trade-off between forage quantity and quality—less defoliated plants produce larger amount of biomass with less forage quality and vice versa. The results showed a reduction in AGB and reproduction in each of the three plants. However, three forbs exhibited some sort of variations in shoot and root growth, reproduction and forage quality under intermediate and heavy leaf removal. Leaf removal in individuals of A. effusus and H. criniferum are more likely to compensate for tissue loss by allocating the available resources to the expansion of root biomass, at the cost of AGB and reproductive effort. Leaf removal also led to an increase in forage quality in each of the three forb species, depending on the level of height removal. The control plant had a higher amount of biomass production and lower amount of crude protein compared with heavy leaf removal treatments (i.e., 80%), by contrasting responses of acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber, indicating a trade-off between forage quality and forage quantity. The results indicate that there is a balance among forage quantity, quality, and regrowth ability of belowground and aboveground tissues in intermediate leaf removal treatments of these forb species. This balance is used to develop principles for grazing management of steppe rangelands because such a regime meets different criteria including forage quantity, quality, and nonstructural carbohydrate reserves.     

Feeding value of pastures for ruminants

Perennial ryegrass is the primary forage component of ruminant diets in New Zealand. It is persistent and palatable, and immature ryegrass has a high nutritive value (NV). However, seed-head development substantially lowers its feeding value (FV) as fibre concentration increases, the rate and extent of digestibility decreases, and voluntary intake declines. Ryegrass pastures are susceptible to accumulation of endophytic and saprophytic fungi in dead material at the base of the sward, especially when mature and laxly grazed. Feeding forage legumes to ruminants grazing grass-dominant pastures will improve animal performance and lessen the reliance on a single species to meet all nutritional requirements.

The FV of forage is a function of intake and NV, measured by chemical analyses and animal feeding trials. Performance of individual animals grazing forages is usually limited by energy intake because structural fibre can slow digestion and clearance from the rumen and because of competition between individuals for available feed. The use of metabolisable energy (ME) content of forage to signify FV can give a reasonable indication of animal performance, but it should be used in conjunction with chemical analyses to improve the accuracy of predictions.

The relationship between FV, pasture production, animal performance and profitability is complex. The importance of skilled management to maintain pasture quality and optimise animal performance under inconsistent climatic conditions should not be underestimated. Acceptable animal performance with minimal veterinary intervention requires good nutrition, but the genetic potential of livestock in New Zealand cannot be met solely by grazing pasture, especially when a high utilisation of pasture is required to maintain quality and profitability.

Producers are responding to industry demands to reduce the seasonality in supply of milk and meat by changing lambing and calving dates, and extending lactation length in dairy cows. Social changes include adoption of once-daily milking in the dairy industry. Some changes have necessitated increased use of supplements and others can be met by feeding forages with a higher FV than ryegrass, all of which require an improved knowledge of feed quality. This information is available through rapid and inexpensive near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) analysis, enabling animal nutritional needs to be balanced by appropriate nutrient supply. It is essential that producers continue to improve animal welfare, limit excessive use of fertilisers and meet the demands of overseas consumers. Good nutrition, with an increased use of legumes and other forages to complement ryegrass pastures, will enable these objectives to be achieved.     

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.     

Suitability of live yeast addition to alleviate the adverse effects due to the restriction of the time of access to feed in sheep fed only pasture

The effect of yeast addition on intake and digestive utilization of pasture was studied in ovines under restricted time of access to forage. Eighteen wethers housed in metabolic cages and fed fresh forage (predominantly Lotus corniculatus) were randomly assigned to three treatments: forage available all day (AD); forage available only 6 h/day (R) and forage available only 6 h/day plus live Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (RY). Feed intake and digestibility, feeding behaviour, kinetics of passage, ruminal pH and ammonia concentration, nitrogen balance and microbial nitrogen synthesis (MNS) were determined in vivo, and ruminal liquor activity of animals was evaluated in vitro. Restricted animals consumed less than those fed all day but achieved more than 75% of the intake and spent less time ruminating (p = 0.014). Although animals without restriction consumed more feed, they had a lower rate of passage (p = 0.030). The addition of yeast did affect neither intake nor feeding behaviour, but increased digestibility. Organic matter digestibility tended to increase 11% by yeast addition (p = 0.051), mainly by a rise in NDF (27%, p = 0.032) and ADF digestibility (37%, p = 0.051). Ingested and retained N was lower in restricted animals, as MNS (p ≤ 0.045). The use of yeasts did not significantly change the N balance or MNS, but retained N tended to be higher in supplemented animals (p = 0.090). Neither ruminal pH nor ammonia concentrations were affected by the restriction, but restricted animals had a lower ruminal activity evidenced by a lower volume of gas (p = 0.020). The addition of yeast overcame this limitation, noted by a higher volume of gas of inocula from supplemented animals (p = 0.015). Yeast addition emerged as a useful tool to improve digestibility of forage cell walls in ovines under restricted time of access to forage.     

Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) Influence on Forage Quantity and Quality in a Grazed Grassland-Shrubland Ecotone

Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) have high dietary overlap with livestock, which can cause forage-centric conflicts between agriculture and conservation. Research suggests prairie dogs can enhance forage quality, but trade-offs between quality and quantity throughout the growing season remain unclear, as well as the degree to which increased forage quality is caused by altered species composition versus altered plant physiology. To assess the effects of prairie dog herbivory on forage in a northern mixed-grass prairie, we collected samples on prairie dog colonies and at sites without prairie dogs during June, July, and August 2016 - 2017 for forage quality, and August 2015 - 2017 for herbaceous biomass. To isolate mechanisms affecting forage quality, we collected both composite samples of all herbaceous species and samples of western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii [Rydb.] Á. Löve). Across years and plant sample types, crude protein, phosphorus, and fat were 12-44% greater and neutral detergent fiber was 6-10% lower on prairie dog colonies than at sites without prairie dogs. The effects of prairie dogs on forage quality persisted throughout the season for western wheatgrass samples (all treatment*time p-values ≥ 0.4). Across years, aboveground herbaceous biomass did not differ significantly between prairie dog colonies and sites without prairie dogs (on-colony: 933 ± 156 kg/ha, off-colony: 982 ± 117 kg/ha). The effects of prairie dogs on herbaceous biomass were significantly influenced by spring precipitation. In years with dry springs, herbaceous biomass was lower on colonies than sites without prairie dogs and this pattern was reversed in years with wet springs. Our results demonstrate season-long enhanced forage quality on prairie dog colonies, indicating that multiple mechanisms are shaping forage quality in this system, including altered species composition, phenological growth stage, and soil condition. Across years, enhanced forage quality may help to offset reductions in forage quantity for agricultural producers.     

Seasonal variation in forage quality and mimosine contents of two varieties of Leucaena leucocephala

Seasonal variation in forage quality and mimosine contents of two varieties (cultivars Cunningham and Spectra) of Leucaena leucocepha/a were evaluated. Cultivar (cv.) Cunningham was available throughout summer, autumn, winter and spring seasons while cv. Spectra was available during summer, winter and spring seasons. Differences in crude protein (CP) and mimosine contents of young Cunningham and Spectra leaves were not significant. Also, difference in mimosine contents of mature leaves of both cultivars were not significantly different. But mean CP content of mature Spectra leaves was significantly higher (24.9 vs 18.7%, p = 0.023) than that of leaves of mature Cunningham. Mean P content of young Spectra leaves was significantly higher (1.6 vs 2.10gkg^?1, p = 0.046) than that of young Cunningham leaves but mean Cu content of young Cunningham leaves was higher (10.5 vs 9.0mgkg^?1, p = 0.06) than that of young Spectra leaves. Mature leaves of cv. Spectra also had higher P content (2.3 vs 1.6gkg^?1, p = 0.06), but lower Ca (20.8 vs 30.5gkg^?1, p = 0.06) and Mg (5.6 vs 7.6gkg^?1, p = 0.06) contents than those of mature Cunningham leaves, Apart from CP, fat and mimosine, other analysed constituents increased with plant maturity.     

Fermentation quality and nutritive value of total mixed ration silages based on desert wormwood (Artemisia desertorum Spreng.) combining with early stage corn

This study aimed to investigate the fermentation quality and nutritive value of total mixed ration (TMR) silages based on desert wormwood (DW) combined with early stage corn (ESC) as forage and determine an optimum formula. Desert wormwood and ESC were harvested, chopped, and mixed with other ingredients according to a formula, packed into laboratory silos at densities of 500–550 g/L, and stored in the dark for 60 days. The DW proportions in the forage of TMR were 1, 0.75, 0.50, 0.25 and 0, based on fresh weight. As the proportion of DW decreased, the pH also decreased (P < 0.05), while lactic acid, lactic acid/acetic acid, crude protein, starch, and the in vitro digestibility of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber increased (P < 0.05). Ammonia nitrogen/total nitrogen in the TMR silages with DW proportions of 0.75, 0.25 and 0 in the forage was more than 10%. These results indicated that the quality of the TMR silage containing DW alone as forage was poor, TMR silages containing DW proportions of 0.75 and 0.25, and ESC alone, in the forage were not well preserved. The optimum TMR silage formula contained a DW proportion of 0.5 in the forage.     

Interactions between supplement energy source and tall fescue hay maturity on forage utilization by beef steers

This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of tall fescue hay maturity on intake, digestion, and ruminal fermentation responses to different supplemental energy sources fed to beef steers. Twelve ruminally cannulated, crossbred steers (initial BW = 228 +/- 21 kg) were used in a split-plot experiment with a 3 x 4 factorial treatment arrangement. Steers were assigned randomly to three supplement treatments: 1) no supplement, 2) pelleted soybean hulls, or 3) coarse cracked corn. The second treatment factor was fescue hay maturity: 1) vegetative (VEG), 2) boot-stage (BOOT), 3) heading-stage (HEAD), and 4) mature (MAT). Supplements were fed once daily at 0.67% of BW (OM basis) and tall fescue hay was offered once daily at 150% of average intake. Supplement type x forage maturity interactions were not detected (P > or = 0.25) for forage, total, or digestible OM intake, which generally decreased (P < 0.01) with advancing forage maturity. Supplementation decreased (P < 0.01) forage and increased (P < 0.01) total OM intake. Supplement type had no effect (P = 0.56) on substitution ratio (unit change in forage intake per unit of supplement intake). Digestible OM intake was increased (P < 0.01) by supplementation and was greater (P = 0.05) with soybean hulls than with corn. Supplement type x forage maturity interactions (P < or = 0.10) were observed for OM and NDF digestibilities and N retention. Increases in digestibility with soybean hulls relative to corn were greater and supplementation elicited greater increases in N retention with more mature forages. Compared with soybean hulls, corn supplementation resulted in greater (P < 0.01) negative associative effects on OM digestibility. Supplementation did not affect (P > or = 0.10) ruminal pH, total VFA concentrations, or acetate:propionate ratio. Corn supplementation decreased (P < or = 0.07) ruminal NH3-N concentrations compared with control and soybean hulls; however, decreases in ruminal NH3-N concentrations were not consistent with the presence of negative associative effects. Thus, mechanisms not involving ruminal pH or NH3-N concentration seem responsible for negative associative effects observed with corn supplementation. Within the range of forage quality in this study, increases in digestible OM intake from starch- or fiber-based supplements were independent of forage maturity. When fed at similar levels of OM, soybean hull supplementation provided an average of 6% greater digestible OM intake than corn supplementation.     

Research note: Maize and forage sorghum as silage crops under drought conditions

Abstract

Maize (Senkuil) and a forage sorghum hybrid (DeKalb FS2) were compared as silage crops under drought conditions. Sorghum yielded more digestible organic matter per hectare than maize. Maize and forage sorghum silage were well preserved and stable under aerobic conditions.     

Nutritional value,bioactivity, and application potential of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) as a neotype feed resource

The large-scale development of herbivorous animal husbandry in China has increased the demand for forage products. However, due to scarce land resources and poor soil quality, forage is in short supply. In particular, high-quality forage in China heavily relies on imports. The contradiction between supply and demand for forage grass products is increasingly notable. Therefore, the development of indigenous new forage resources with a strong ecological adaptability and a high nutritional value is a key to solving this problem. Jerusalem artichoke (JA, Helianthus tuberosus L.), a perennial herb of the genus Helianthus, has advantageous growth traits such as resistance to salinity, barrenness, drought, cold, and disease. The contents of crude protein, crude fiber, and calcium in the optimal harvest period of forage-type JA straw are comparable to those of alfalfa hay at the full bloom stage and the straw of ryegrass and corn at the mature stage. Inulin in JA tubers is a functional ingredient that has prebiotic effects in the gastrointestinal tract of monogastric animals and young ruminants. In addition, some bioactive substances (e.g. flavonoids, phenolic acids, sesquiterpenes, polysaccharides, and amino acids) in JA leaves and flowers have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant functions as well as toxicities to cancer cells. These functional ingredients may provide effective alternatives to antibiotics used in livestock production. In this review, we summarized the potentials of JA as a feed ingredient from the aspects of nutritional value and fermenting characteristics of the straw, the functions of physiological regulation and disease prevention of inulin in the tubers, and bioactive substances in the leaves and flowers.     

新疆野核桃自然保护区被子植物的生态结构分析

在新疆野核桃自然保护区所设的289个调查样方中,共有被子植物193种,隶属49个科,6个植株生长型,4个根系生长型,6个Raunkiaer生活型,5个水分生态类型和6个饲用价值类型。其中,菊科种类最多,占17.1%,其次禾本科和蔷薇科分别占11.4%和7.3%;植株生长型结构以直立型种类最多,占33.7%,其次丛生型和半莲座丛型分别为28.0%和14.5%;根系生长型结构以直根型种类最多,占69.9%,其次根茎型和刷状根型分别为19.7%和8.8%;生活型结构以地面芽植物最多,占33.2%,其次地下芽和一年生植物分别为23.3%和21.2%;水分生态类型结构以中生型种类最多,占73.1%,中旱生型次之,占10.9%;饲用价类型结构以优、良质量的种类最多,达到67.3%,劣质和有毒或不可食的种类仅占11.4%。保护区的被子植物组成具有温带植物群落的植株和根系的特点,及典型的温带地面芽植物气候和中生土壤水分条件特征,多数种类具有较高的饲用价值。