Evaluation of a long-established silvopastoral Brachiaria decumbens system: plant characteristics and feeding value for cattle

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (9) ◽  
pp. 814 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina A. Lima ◽  
Domingos S. C. Paciullo ◽  
Fabyano F. Silva ◽  
Mirton J. F. Morenz ◽  
Carlos A. M. Gomide ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Crude Protein Content ◽  
Brachiaria Decumbens ◽  
Dairy Heifers ◽  
Feeding Value ◽  
Signal Grass ◽  
The Difference

One of the main challenges of using a silvopastoral system (SPS) is maintaining pasture and animal productivity over time. Our objective was to compare the productive characteristics and nutritive value of signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk) and the liveweight gain of dairy heifers in a SPS and open pasture (OP, signal grass under full sunlight) during the rainy seasons of four experiments between 2003 and 2016, which characterised systems from their 6th to 19th years after establishment in south-eastern Brazil when analysed together. The experimental design was a randomised complete block in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme (two production systems (SPS and OP) and four experiments (2003–2004, 2004–2007, 2011–2014 and 2014–2016)). From the 7th year onwards, the progressive reduction of photosynthetically active radiation negatively impacted the productive characteristics of the SPS pasture. Total forage mass was reduced by 19% in SPS compared with the OP in 2004–2007, 38% in 2011–2014 and 31% in 2014–2016. Crude protein content was 23% and 30% higher in the SPS than in the OP in 2011–2014 and 2014–2016, respectively. However, during the study period (until the 19th year), the liveweight gain of heifers was similar between systems since the higher crude protein content available in SPS contributed to improved forage nutritional value. From the 17th to the 19th year, weight gain per area was lower in the SPS compared with the OP (169 vs 199 kg ha–1), although the difference between systems was small. Signal grass presents a high degree of phenotypic plasticity in response to changes in shade levels, which gives this species a high potential for use in SPS.

scholarly journals Development of yield and nutritive value of timothy in primary growth and regrowth in northern growing conditions

2008 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 252 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. NISSINEN ◽  
P. KALLIAINEN ◽  
L. JAUHIAINEN
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Protein Content ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Rapid Decline ◽  
Crude Protein Content ◽  
Percentage Unit ◽  
Primary Growth ◽  
Organic Matter Digestibility

The development of the yield and nutritive value of timothy (Phleum pratense L.) both in the primary growth and in the regrowth were studied at MTT Plant Production Research, a unit of MTT Agrifood Research Finland, in Rovaniemi (66°35´N) in 1999–2001. The dry matter yield and leaf:stem ratio were measured from the crop samples, and the contents of crude protein and organic matter digestibility of both whole plant samples and leaf and stem fractions were analysed. In primary growth, the most rapid increase of dry matter, 220–240 kg ha-1 per day, was measured around the beginning of the heading stage. There was a very strong positive correlation between the proportion of stems and the amount of dry matter in the primary yield. The daily growth rate of the regrowth was less than half of that of the primary growth. The fastest decrease, 1 percentage unit per day, in crude protein content was measured at the pasture stage (4–5-leaf stage). During the entire sampling period, the average daily decline in crude protein content in the primary growth of timothy was 0.65 percentage units. The main cause for the rapid decline in crude protein content was the high proportion of stem matter and its low protein content. In the regrowth, during the last four weeks before the harvest, the average daily decline in crude protein content was 0.28 percentage units.The average decline in organic matter digestibility from early pasture stage to late silage stage was 0.9 percentage units per day. The most remarkable change was noticed at the growth stage of timothy when about the half of stems were heading and it was then that the digestibility decreased by more than one percentage unit per day. The rapid decline in organic matter digestibility was due to the low digestibility of stem matter. The daily change in forage digestibility in the regrowth was very small, on average 0.11%.;

scholarly journals Research on Crude Protein Contents in Medicago Sativa Hay Harvest During 2008-2009 Using FT-NIR Spectrometry

2011 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura DALE ◽  
Ioan ROTAR ◽  
Vasile FLORIAN ◽  
Roxana VIDICAN ◽  
André THEWIS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medicago Sativa ◽  
Protein Content ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Cross Validation ◽  
External Validation ◽  
Flowering Plant ◽  
Coefficient Of Determination ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Crude Protein Content

Medicago sativa or alfalfa is a flowering plant that belongs to Pea Family that is widely grown throughout the world as forage for cattle, and is most often harvested as hay. Usually, alfalfa has the highest nutritive value of all common hay crops. This work aims to highlight a way for direct, non-destructive analysis of crude protein content in alfalfa hays. The primary objective was to build a model for crude protein calibration for alfalfa based on FT-NIR spectroscopy. The samples for analysis were collected over two experimental years (2008-2009) from field trials from the research station– Agricultural Development, Cojocna. In order to construct the model, reference values are needed; for this reason, the crude protein content was determined using the classical Kjeldahl method (Kjeltec Auto Analyser, Tecator). The values for crude protein ranged from 12.63% to 19.12% on the dry matter basis. The regression model’s construction was based on Partial Least Squares (PLS) calculated with the SIMPLS algorithm, using different pre-processing techniques and leave-one-out cross validation. Calibration of the two years together drove to a coefficient of determination for cross validation, R2 of 0.965. The robustness of the model was confirmed by applying it to independent samples (external validation) where the coefficient of determination was R2 = 0.977, RMSEP = 0.8. The results obtained indicated that NIRS can be used to determine crude protein, which could be used as criteria for quality control of alfalfa hays.

The effect of crude protein content of the supplement on the response to level of supplementation for dairy cows with ad libitum access to grass silage

1989 ◽  
Vol 1989 ◽  
pp. 24-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. S. Mayne
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Protein Content ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Crude Protein Content ◽  
Response Curves ◽  
Grass Silage ◽  
Milk Output ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
Yield Responses

There is now a considerable volume of evidence to indicate that, with high quality, grass silage-based diets, good animal performance can be achieved by offering supplements of high crude protein content at much lower levels than would be required with conventional supplements. Given the current constraint on milk output at farm level, there is considerable interest in lower cost milk production systems and high protein supplements would appear to have a role to play in this context. However, there is little information available which enables prediction of milk yield responses to increasing levels of supplements of differing protein content. The objective of this study was to determine response curves to supplements of differing protein content, given in addition to grass silage, thereby facilitating a least-cost diet type approach to achieving a given level of milk output.Concentrates containing either 100, 220, 340 or 460 g crude protein (CP)/kg fresh weight were offered to 72 autumn-calving dairy cows from day 14 of lactation, with each concentrate offered at four levels of feeding.

Degradability of crude protein from clover herbages used in irrigated dairy production systems in northern Victoria

2001 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 415 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. C. Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Crude Protein Content ◽  
Persian Clover ◽  
Protein Supply ◽  
In Sacco

An in sacco (nylon bag) technique was used to estimate the degradability of dry matter (DM) and crude protein, and to estimate the effective rumen degradability of protein (ERDP), for 3 irrigated clover herbages. Pasture characteristics (nutritive values and leaf: stem ratios) were also described, and relationships to ERDP established. The nutritive value characteristics and degradabilities of white clover (Trifolium repens L.), Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.), and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) were also compared for various regrowth periods (of 3, 4, 6, and 12 weeks). Nutritive value characteristics of clover herbages varied from 9.9 to 11.9 MJ/kg DM for metabolisable energy, 153 to 304 g/kg DM for crude protein, and 209 to 377 g/kg DM for neutral detergent fibre. The leaf: stem ratio correlated well with the crude protein content of the clovers, with herbages consisting of more leaf generally having superior crude protein content (R2 = 0.64, P < 0.001). The effective rumen degradability of protein for clover herbages ranged from 60 g/kg DM for mature (12 week regrowth) subterranean clover to 195 g/kg DM for vegetative (3 weeks regrowth) Persian clover. For clover herbages with a 3-week regrowth period, after initial cutting to 5 cm, and at ruminal outflow rates of 0.08/h, the effective rumen degradability of protein varied from 136 to 195 g/kg DM. A positive relationship between crude protein and ERDP (R2 = 0.82) suggested that ERDP could be estimated for clover herbages that have been previously assessed for crude protein content, obviating the need for in sacco studies. Calculated degradabilities were lower for all clovers when higher ruminal outflow rates were assumed. Using the metabolisable protein system, metabolisable protein supply and metabolisable protein in excess of animal requirements were calculated. Ruminal losses of nitrogen were also estimated for cows consuming white clover of varying regrowth periods in both early and late lactation. It was concluded that metabolisable protein supply is unlikely to limit production in these examples. At regrowth periods of 3 weeks, metabolisable protein contributions from microbial and dietary sources were similar, and twice that required by the animal. Ruminal losses of nitrogen were substantial and amounted to 66—23% of nitrogen intake. In the experiments reported here, if all of the energy required to excrete excess protein (as urea) could instead be used for the production of milk, cows may have produced 0.5mp;mdash;2.0 kg more milk per day. Such losses could potentially be reduced if the protein content and/or degradabilities of clover herbages were reduced, and/or energy rich supplements were offered.

scholarly journals Yield and Nutritive Value of Sorghum, Maize and Soybean Forages Harvested in Southwestern Puerto Rico.

1969 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 400-411
Author(s):  
D. G. St. Louis ◽  
J. A. Arroyo-Aguilú ◽  
A. Ramírez-Ortiz ◽  
R. E. McDowell
Keyword(s):  
Zea Mays ◽  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Glycine Max ◽  
Protein Content ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Grain Sorghum ◽  
Crude Protein Content ◽  
Forage Sorghum ◽  
High Yields

Six varieties of forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and sorghum X sudangrass hybrids (S. bicolor X S. sudanese), six varieties of grain sorghum (S. bicolor) and three varieties each of maize (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max) were grown in 1.2 x 3.7 m plots at the Lajas Experiment Substation. All plots were harvested in the boot, flower and dough stages. Ratoons of the sorghum varieties were also harvested after 45 days of regrowth until the stands diminished. The forage sorghums and maize had higher yields of green and dry material than the grain sorghums. However, only the grain sorghums showed any significant increase in yield as the crop matured. All crops decreased in nutritive value with advance in age. In general, maize was higher in nutritive value than the forage sorghums. Results indicated that forage sorghums can be recommended due to high yields of good quality forage on irrigated lands on the south coast. However, results with soybean forage were poor. It does not appear feasible to produce soybeans to enhance the crude protein content of forage pellets.

The composition and nutritive value of seeds hays

1944 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 88-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. S. Ferguson ◽  
S. J. Watson
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Fibre Content ◽  
First Year ◽  
Crude Protein Content ◽  
Crude Fibre ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Crude Fibre Content ◽  
Clover Content

The examination of 108 first year seeds hays showed the average crude protein content to be 9·0 ― and the average crude fibre content 25·7 ―. The crude protein content varied from 5·0 to 13·5 ― and was directly associated with the clover content.Figures obtained on hays cut in the second and third years of the ley suggest that the protein content falls, and the crude fibre content rises, with increasing age of ley.The composition and digestibility of twenty first year hays were determined and the average figures quoted for hays of high, medium and low clover content. The starch equivalent values of these hays were high and moderately constant, varying from 33·3 to 41·2, average 36·8. The protein equivalent values varied from 1·8 to 8·4 ―, average 5·1 ―.The composition and digestibility of four samples of second year seeds hay, two samples of third year hay, one sample of second cut hay in its first year and one sample of lucerne and cocksfoot hay were also determined.

scholarly journals Signal Grass Deferred Pastures Fertilized with Nitrogen or Intercropped with Calopo

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 804
Author(s):  
Carla Silva Chaves ◽  
Karina Guimarães Ribeiro ◽  
Odilon Gomes Pereira ◽  
Dilermando Miranda da Fonseca ◽  
Paulo Roberto Cecon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Dry Mass ◽  
Crude Protein Content ◽  
Mass Ratio ◽  
Calopogonium Mucunoides ◽  
Simulated Grazing ◽  
Signal Grass ◽  
Direct Cutting

This study aimed to evaluate the accumulation, structural characteristics, and chemical composition of deferred signal-grass pastures that were subjected to four treatments: without nitrogen fertilization, intercropped with calopo (Calopogonium mucunoides), and fertilized with urea N (50 kg ha−1 and 100 kg ha−1) for 2 years. The design was in randomized blocks, with two blocks and two repetitions of each treatment per block. There were effects of the interaction between treatment and year on green dry mass, forage accumulation, density of vegetative tillers, and crude protein content (simulated grazing). The effects of the treatments on the height, falling index, green dry mass/dead dry mass ratio, number of dead, live and total tillers, and crude protein content (direct cutting) were also observed. Signal-grass–calopo-intercropping ensured adequate mass and forage accumulation and crude protein content equivalent to those of fertilized pastures. In addition, the intercropped pasture showed a higher percentage of leaves and a higher crude protein content compared with those for the other treatments (simulated grazing). The green dry mass/dead dry mass ratio was highest in the intercropped pasture and was equivalent to only that of the pasture fertilized with a low dose of nitrogen. Therefore, signal-grass–calopo-intercropping may be recommended for deferment.

scholarly journals Agronomic bases of precision barley production

2012 ◽  
pp. 217-220
Author(s):  
Juliana Molnárová
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Crude Protein Content ◽  
Soil Cultivation ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
Multifactor Experiment ◽  
Multifactor Analysis ◽  
The Difference

To ascertain the importance of individual preciosion factors in achieving yield and quality of malting barley, we established a multifactor experiment at the research station of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra in 2009 and 2010. Four variants of fertilization, 2 ways of soil cultivation and four varieties 'Bojos’, 'Kangoo’, 'Marthe’ and 'Xanadu’ were observed. From the quality indicators the nitrogen content (%) was observed. The results were statistically analyzed by using a multifactor analysis of variance by using Statistica 8, the program Statgraphics. The difference between years was statistically significant (1.87 t ha-1) in favour of 2010. The difference was also significant between the varieties 'Bojos’ and ’Kangoo’(1.07 t ha-1), respectively. 'Martha’ and 'Xanadu’ as well as 'Kangoo’ (0.56 resp. 0.33 t ha-1). Conventional soil cultivation incomparison with a minimalization technology, demonstrated a  tatistically insignificant increase of yield. Significant differences were obtained between the variants of fertilization. Treatment by using Condit (b-var.) showed a very positive impact in climatic favorable year (2010) with a yield result of 7.42 t ha-1. In comparison with an untreated control, the difference in yield was 0.89 t ha-1. A significant increase of yield was achieved by using the combination of solid fertilizer with foliar fertilizer (LAV + Hakofyt, var.c) 0.47 t ha-1. The crude protein content was statistically influenced by a variety and year. In 2009, the crude protein content was above average (12.38%). Significantly lower attributes were achieved in 2010 (9.90%). From the studied/observed varieties the lowest crude protein content was showed by a variety 'Kangoo’ (1.68%).

The nutritive value of protein in subtropical pasture species grown in south-eastern Queensland

1965 ◽  
Vol 5 (16) ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Milford ◽  
KP Haydock
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
Nitrogen Balance ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Protein Digestibility ◽  
Crude Protein Content ◽  
Tropical Grasses ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Feeding Trials

Examination of the data from 138 indoor pen-feeding trials with sheep showed that, for 22 grasses and 6 legumes grown in south-east Queensland, crude protein digestibility was related to percentage crude protein content (R = 0.885 ; P<0.001) and to the nitrogen balance of the sheep (R = 0.776 ; P<0.001). The equations derived from these relations can be used to estimate the nutritive value of protein from the crude protein content. Under ad lib. feeding; zero nitrogen balance was estimated to occur at a crude digestibility of 49 per cent (95 per cent fiducial limits = 47, 52) and this digestibility was attained at a crude protein content of 8 per cent (95 per cent limits = 7.0, 9.0). The implications of these estimates are illustrated with the aid of some data on changes with age in the crude protein content of sub-tropical grasses and legumes.

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