Shearing force of alfalfa stems: Effects of genotype and year interactions

1998 ◽  
Vol 78 (4) ◽  
pp. 719-722
Author(s):  
A. D. Iwaasa ◽  
K. A. Beauchemin ◽  
S. N. Acharya ◽  
J. G. Buchanan-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Medicago Sativa ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Stem Segment ◽  
Shearing Force ◽  
Medicago Sativa L ◽  
Genotype Clustering ◽  
Force Characteristics

Shearing force of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) stems was measured to evaluate genotype-by-year interactions. Based on mean shearing force for each stem segment and genotype clustering criteria, several genotypes had similarly shearing forces among years. Therefore, selecting genotypes with desirable shearing force characteristics to improve digestibility or intake potential of forages may be possible. Key words: Genotype, environment, shearing force, cell wall chemical constituents

scholarly journals Shearing force of alfalfa stems: effects of cultivar and shearing site

1999 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. D. Iwaasa ◽  
K. A. Beauchemin ◽  
S. N. Acharya ◽  
J. G. Buchanan-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Sampling Site ◽  
Stem Diameter ◽  
Measuring System ◽  
Cultivar Differences ◽  
Stem Segment ◽  
Shearing Force ◽  
Force Characteristics ◽  
Stem Segments

A 3-yr study was conducted to investigate the effect of shearing position on shearing force characteristics in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) stems and to evaluate the relationship between cell wall (CW) chemical constituents and stem shearing force. Stems from plots of 24 alfalfa cultivars were harvested from the second, third and fourth production years. Each stem was divided into three 16-cm segments: top, middle and bottom, and the force required to shear each segment was measured using a modified Ottawa Texture Measuring System. Cultivar by stem segment interactions were significant (P < 0.05) for stem diameter, weight and shearing force. The middle and bottom stem segments were the best sampling site to detect cultivar differences for shearing force. Stem diameter and weight were generally the variables most associated with shearing force for all three stem segments. However, shearing force characteristics for certain cultivars could not be entirely explained by stem diameter or weight and may be affected by CW chemical constituents and/or structural tissues. The ADL concentrations were not consistently correlated to shearing force at the top and bottom segments over the 3 yr. For the bottom stem segment a negative relationship (r = −0.42, P < 0.001) resulted between shearing force and hemicellulose, while a positive relationship (r = 0.40, P < 0.001) resulted between shearing force and cellulose. Key words: Cultivar, environment, shearing force, cell wall chemical constituents

Effect of stage of maturity and growth cycle on shearing force and cell wall chemical constituents of alfalfa stems

1996 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 321-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. D. Iwaasa ◽  
K. A. Beauchemin ◽  
S. N. Acharya ◽  
J. G. Buchanan-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Growth Cycle ◽  
Stem Diameter ◽  
Stem Segment ◽  
Cellulose Content ◽  
Shearing Force ◽  
Significant Stage ◽  
Early Flower ◽  
Stem Segments

Two experiments were conducted to assess whether stage of maturity and growth cycle affected shearing force of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) stems. In both experiments, stem shearing force, diameter and weight were measured at several segments on the stem. In exp. 1, Anchor, Barrier and Vernal alfalfa, at the second and third regrowth were harvested at the early bud stage. Stem weight and diameter were larger at the second regrowth for all stem segments. A numeric trend for lower stem diameter in Vernal compared to Anchor and Barrier was observed. For all stem segments, shearing forces for Anchor and Barrier were lower than for Vernal and shearing force was highest for second regrowth. Vernal had higher NDF, ADF, hemicellulose and cellulose content than other cultivars and ADL was highest at the second regrowth (P < 0.01). In exp. 2, Anchor, Barrier and Vernal alfalfa, in the second production year, were harvested at four stages of maturity, early bud, early flower, late flower and early seed pod. A significant stage of maturity × stem segment effect was observed for shearing force, diameter, and weight. Shearing force, stem diameter and weight measurements generally increased as the plants aged for all stem segments. Quadratic relationships (P < 0.0001) for shearing force stem diameter and weight were observed with increasing stage of maturity for all stem segments. Generally, hemicellulose and lignin contents increased as the plants matured, while cellulose concentrations were variable. Both stage of maturity and growth cycle affected shearing force of alfalfa stems and this was associated with changes in stem diameter, weight and its cell wall chemical constituents. Key words: Alfalfa, stage of maturity, growth cycle, shearing force, cell wall chemical constituents

Comparative characteristics during wilting for alfalfa conditioned by maceration or by a conventional roller-conditioner

1999 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 509-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suwarno Suwarno ◽  
K. M. Wittenberg ◽  
W. P. McCaughey
Keyword(s):  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Lactic Acid Bacteria ◽  
Medicago Sativa ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Microbial Count ◽  
Nutrient Profile ◽  
Conditioning Treatment ◽  
Acid Detergent Fibre ◽  
Medicago Sativa L

A study was conducted to monitor nutrient and microbial count changes during wilting of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in response to varying degrees of maceration at mowing. Early bloom alfalfa was mowed with either a roller-conditioner (CONV) or a macerator set to deliver four degrees of maceration during alfalfa mowing: LIGHT, LIGHT+, SEVERE, and SEVERE+. Macerated alfalfa reached 80% dry matter in 9–11 h compared with alfalfa mowed by roller-conditioner, which required 54 h. The most rapid wilting rates were associated with LIGHT+, SEVERE, and SEVERE+ maceration treatments when alfalfa was not exposed to precipitation. The wilting coefficient in the first 24 h was increased by more than 100% for the SEVERE treatment compared with alfalfa mowed using a conventional roller-conditioner in alfalfa that was not exposed to precipitation. Precipitation at 1.5 h post-mowing increased wilting time by 8.3 h to achieve 45% DM, and by 17.5 to achieve 80% DM in the SEVERE+ maceration treatment relative to alfalfa from the same conditioning treatment that was not exposed to precipitation. Precipitation at 24 h post-mowing increased wilting time to reach 80% DM by 11 h and 21 h for the LIGHT and LIGHT+ maceration treatments relative to alfalfa of the same mowing treatments not exposed to precipitation. Maceration of alfalfa resulted in a 24.2 to 26.8 h shorter wilting time relative to the conventional roller-conditioner treatment when alfalfa was exposed to precipitation at 24 h post-mowing. SEVERE and SEVERE+ maceration treatments at mowing resulted in higher (P < 0.05) neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre levels post-wilting. Lactic acid bacteria populations on alfalfa tended to be higher with maceration within 1 h post-mowing (P < 0.10) and post-wilting (P < 0.08). Key words: Alfalfa, maceration, precipitation, wilting time, bacteria, nutrient profile, compressibility

GENETIC VARIATION FOR FORAGE QUALITY OF ALFALFA STEMS

1987 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 1057-1067 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. R. BUXTON ◽  
G. C. MARTEN ◽  
J. S. HORNSTEIN
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Medicago Sativa ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Forage Quality ◽  
In Vitro Digestibility ◽  
Medicago Sativa L

When normally harvested for hay, the basal portion of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) stems is low in forage quality. This study was conducted to determine whether genetic variation for in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) and crude protein (CP) concentration of stems of perennial Medicago spp. could be identified and whether morphological and chemical traits were associated with variation in these characteristics of stems. The lower six nodes and internodes of stems and total herbage from 64 Plant Introduction (PI) accessions and five cultivars of field-grown plants were harvested twice when most plants were at the early seed-pod stage of maturity. Several morphological and growth traits were measured, and both stems and total herbage were evaluated for IVDDM and CP concentration. Covariant analysis was used to adjust in IVDDM and CP concentration of stems for differences in plant maturity. Significant variation for IVDDM and CP concentration in stems existed among the cultivars and among the accessions. Some accessions had significantly higher stem IVDDM or CP concentration than control cultivars. The M. sativa accession, PI 440496, had the fourth highest stem IVDDM and third highest stem CP, with concentrations of 374 and 79 g kg−1, respectively. The number of ridges on stems (stem shape) was significantly correlated with stem IVDDM and CP concentration with average correlation coefficients of 0.30 and 0.35, respectively. Cell-wall concentration and lignin concentration per unit cell wall of stems were both negatively correlated with stem IVDDM and CP concentration. Selection for improved nutritive value of stems may have potential for improving the nutritive value of alfalfa herbage.Key words: Alfalfa, forage quality, crude protein, in vitro digestibility, Medicago sativa L.

Bloat in cattle fed alfalfa selected for a low initial rate of digestion

1994 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 451-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. W. Hall ◽  
W. Majak ◽  
D. G. Stout ◽  
K.-J. Cheng ◽  
B. P. Goplen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medicago Sativa ◽  
Protein Content ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Initial Rate ◽  
Legume Species ◽  
The Third ◽  
Fourth Cycle ◽  
Medicago Sativa L

Investigations of legume species which do and do not cause bloat suggested that a bloat-safe alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) might be produced by reducing its initial rate of digestion. This study compared a third cycle alfalfa synthetic selected for a low initial rate of digestion (LIRD) with a control cultivar (Beaver). The occurrence of bloat was not significantly lower when cattle were fed cycle 3 LIRD than when fed Beaver in three grazing trials or in two of three feedlot trials. The deviation of the results in the third trial could not be explained by differences in dry matter or protein content. When grown under irrigation, the 4 h dry matter disappearance (DMD) of cycle 3 LIRD was 89% to 96% of that for Beaver. This reduction was much less than has been hypothesized to prevent bloat. Without irrigation the 4 h DMD of both cultivars were reduced by 1–3% while cycle 3 LIRD continued to have a lower DMD than Beaver. LIRD may provide some protection against bloat on dry rangelands though the response may be variable in years when moisture is well supplied. Studies with a fourth cycle LIRD selection will investigate this further. Key words: Legumes, Medicago sativa L., nylon bag, digestion

Efficacy of Rumensin controlled release capsule for the control of alfalfa bloat in cattle

2001 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 281-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. W. Hall ◽  
W. Majak ◽  
T. A. McAllister ◽  
J. K. Merrill
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Release ◽  
Medicago Sativa ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Stages Of Growth ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Daily Frequency ◽  
Medicago Sativa L ◽  
The Difference

Rumensin controlled release capsule (CRC) was evaluated in grazing trials and in confinement with fistulated steers fed alfalfa at the vegetative to early bud stage of growth. These stages promoted a high incidence of bloat, both in animal days of bloat and in daily frequency of distension. The bolus reduced the incidence of bloat by an average of 50% in five trials, the difference being statistically significant in four of them. The cultivars AC Grazeland and Alfagraze did not differ significantly in daily bloat incidence when evaluated at early stages of growth. Key words: Cattle, bloat, legumes, Medicago sativa L.

DURÉE D’INTERFÉRENCE DU CHIENDENT, Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv. DANS LA LUZERNE, Medicago sativa L.

1987 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 451-456
Author(s):  
D. PAGEAU ◽  
G. D. LEROUX
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Medicago Sativa ◽  
Protein Content ◽  
Forage Quality ◽  
Medicago Sativa L ◽  
Agropyron Repens

A study was conducted at St-Augustin, Quebec, in 1984 and repeated in 1985 to determine the tolerable period of interference between alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and quackgrass (Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv.) during the year of establishment. Glyphosate was used prior to seeding of alfalfa to control quackgrass. Haloxyfop-methyl, a selective grass herbicide, was sprayed at different periods after crop emergence to control quackgrass. This herbicide was applied at 3, 6 and 9 wk after alfalfa emergence. A 3-wk period of interference provided equivalent proportion of alfalfa in forage and the same level of forage quality as the quackgrass-free control. Delaying haloxyfop-methyl treatments to more than 3 wk resulted in an increased proportion of quackgrass in forage which caused a reduction of the protein content and an increase of the cell wall contents (NDF and ADF). Alfalfa density did not differ between 0 and 3 wk of interference of quackgrass, but tended to be reduced with a longer period of interference.Key words: Quackgrass, alfalfa, duration of interference, haloxyfop-methyl, glyphosate, forage quality

Companion crop, herbicide and weed effects on establishment and yields of alfalfa-bromegrass mixture

1995 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Moyer ◽  
D. E. Cole ◽  
D. C. Maurice ◽  
A. L. Darwent
Keyword(s):  
Medicago Sativa ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Weed Control ◽  
Detrimental Effect ◽  
Wild Oat ◽  
Combined Stress ◽  
Key Words Wheat ◽  
Medicago Sativa L ◽  
Companion Crop ◽  
Forage Yields

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and bromegrass (Bromus spp.) were seeded with and without a companion crop and with and without herbicides at Westlock and Lethbridge, Alberta, to assess the effect of weed control, companion crop and the herbicide-by-companion crop interaction on forage establishment and subsequent yields. A companion crop reduced both alfalfa and bromegrass yields for at least 2 yr after establishment on a rain fed site at Westlock and for 1 yr after establishment on an irrigated site at Lethbridge. At both sites, weed yields were higher after establishment with a companion crop than after establishment without a companion crop. Unchecked weeds in the establishment year had less effect than a companion crop on subsequent forage yields. At both locations, weed biomass in the establishment year was less than that of the companion crop. The combined stress of a companion crop and 2,4-DB application had a detrimental effect on alfalfa yield for 3 yr after establishment at Lethbridge. Key words: Wheat, barley, wild oat, redroot pigweed, dandelion

scholarly journals Analysis of Cell Wall-Related Genes in Organs of Medicago sativa L. under Different Abiotic Stresses

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 16104-16124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Behr ◽  
Sylvain Legay ◽  
Jean-Francois Hausman ◽  
Gea Guerriero
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Medicago Sativa ◽  
Abiotic Stresses ◽  
Medicago Sativa L

The effect of feeding hay before fresh alfalfa on the occurrence of frothy bloat in cattle

2008 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Majak ◽  
G. J. Garland ◽  
T. J. Lysyk
Keyword(s):  
Medicago Sativa ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Dactylis Glomerata ◽  
Alfalfa Hay ◽  
Medicago Sativa L ◽  
Dactylis Glomerata L ◽  
Effect Of Feeding

Alfalfa or orchardgrass hay was fed to cattle before feeding fresh alfalfa herbage at the vegetative to early bud stage of growth to observe the subsequent impact on bloat. Alfalfa hay supplements reduced the incidence of bloat by a third in one trial, but no effect was seen in a second trial. In contrast, supplements of orchardgrass hay reduced the occurrence of bloat by > 90% in 2 yr of trials. Supplemental orchardgrass hay can be effective in the control of pasture bloat. Key words: Steers, frothy bloat, Medicago sativa L., Dactylis glomerata L., hay supplements

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