Cutting frequency and cutting height effects on forage quality of rough fescue and Parry oat grass

1991 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. D. Willms ◽  
K. A. Beauchemin

An experiment was conducted to determine the qualitative response of rough fescue (Festuca scabrella var. campestris) and Parry oat grass (Danthonia parryi) to five cutting frequencies and three cutting heights Beginning in mid-May, the same plants were cut every 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 wk. during a 16-wk period, at heights of either 5, 10, or 15 cm above ground level. The treatments were repeated in 3 consecutive years on the same plants. Crude protein (CP), lignin, and calcium (Ca) were significantly greater for Parry oat grass than for rough fescue, which had greater acid detergent fiber (ADF) and phosphorus (P) concentrations. Increasing cutting frequency in the first year reduced acid detergent-insoluble nitrogen (ADIN), ADF, and lignin but increased CP and in vitro digestibility of dry matter (IVD) in both forages. Repeated treatment over 3 yr tended lo increase ADF and Ca but reduce CP, P, and IVD. In the first year of treatment, CP yields in rough fescue and Parry oat grass were greatest with 2 or 4 cuts during the growing season. However, in the second year of treatment, CP yield was greatest with one or two cuts in rough fescue and with four cuts in Parry oat grass. The data confirm the benefits of repeated grazing within a year to maintain high quality forage but demonstrate the need to limit the frequency of repeated grazing to avoid deterioration and maximize nutrient yield. Nutrient yields and, presumably, benefits to livestock would be greater at a lower grazing frequency on rough fescue than on Parry oat grass. Key words: Festuca scabrella var. campestris, Danthonia parryi, crude protein, acid detergent fiber, in vitro digestibility, forage quality

1969 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alastair McLean ◽  
S. Freyman ◽  
J. E. Miltimore ◽  
D. M. Bowden

Seasonal changes in the quality of pinegrass (Calamagrostis rubescens) on native forest range in southern British Columbia included declines in crude protein content and in vitro digestibility of dry matter and increases in content of lignin, acid-detergent fiber, and ash. The decline in average daily gains of beef heifers was more rapid than changes in quality of the pinegrass over the grazing period from June to October.Pinegrass contained adequate nutrients for the rapid growth of yearlings or for maintaining weanling calves until August 1, whereupon protein and phosphorus supplementation were required. Nutrient requirements of pregnant cows and replacement heifers were adequately met until September 1.Copper and zinc were inadequate throughout the season. Calcium, iron, and manganese contents, however, were satisfactory. Silica was high and must be considered a potential problem in pinegrass utilization.Digestible dry matter gave a high positive correlation with crude protein and phosphorus and a high negative correlation with lignin, acid-detergent fiber, and total ash.Crude fiber, crude fat, and total soluble carbohydrate contents of pinegrass did not closely follow changes in either animal gains or in vitro digestible dry matter.Crude protein, phosphorus, and acid-detergent fiber appear to give a good indication of animal yields on pinegrass and could be used to evaluate pinegrass quality where animal data are not available.


1987 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 1057-1067 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. R. BUXTON ◽  
G. C. MARTEN ◽  
J. S. HORNSTEIN

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.


Author(s):  
Eliseo Sosa-Montes ◽  
Sergio Iban Mendoza-Pedroza ◽  
Perpetuo Álvarez-Vázquez ◽  
Pablo Alfredo Domínguez-Martínez ◽  
Ricardo Barcena-Gama ◽  
...  

Objectives: To determine the chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of Acacia angustissima, Dalea spp., Desmodium spp., Leucaena leucocephala, Phaseolus vulgaris and Tephrosia vicioides (Fabaceae) fodder species. Design/Methodology/Approach: Crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude lignin (CL), cellulose (Cel), hemicellulose (Hcel), cellular content (CC) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) were determined. The design was completely random with three repetitions. The variables were correlated by pairs and the means of the species were compared with Tukey’s test (P<0.05). Results: Dalea spp. had the highest crude protein (17.7%), followed by A. angustissima (15.9%) and L. leucocephala (14.1%). A. angustissima (73.2%), Dalea spp. (74.9%) and P. vulgaris (77.5%) showed the highest IVDMD. L. leucocephala, Tephrosia vicioides and Desmodium spp. showed the lowest values of CP (14.1, 11.8 and 12.3%, respectively) and IVDMD (70.4, 70.2 and 64.9%, respectively). Desmodium spp. showed high levels of NDF (59.2%), ADF (41.4%), CL (17.5%), Cel (29.7%) and Hcel (17.8%) (P?0.05). IVDMD showed positive correlation with CC and negative correlations with NDF, CL, and Hcel (P<0.05). Study Limitations/Implications: Desmodium spp. showed high content of CL and low values of CP and IVDMD, therefore supplements should be added when used in animal feed. Findings/Conclusions: Dalea spp. showed low levels of lignin and high levels of protein and digestibility, making it posible to use as feed for ruminants


2004 ◽  
Vol 44 (8) ◽  
pp. 763 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. F. Smith ◽  
R. J. Simpson ◽  
R. N. Oram

The effects of site and season on the nutritive value of 16 perennial ryegrass cultivars and 60 half-sib families were assessed at 2 locations in South West Victoria. Crude protein, water-soluble carbohydrates, neutral detergent fibre and in vitro digestibility were measured on vegetative herbage, harvested in either autumn or spring. While no heritable genetic variation for nutritive value parameters was detected in this set of families, consistent differences in the nutritive value of cultivars were measured across sites and seasons. The cultivars Yatsyn1 and Ellett were consistently high in both water-soluble carbohydrates and in vitro digestibility. The differences in mean nutritive value between high and low ranking cultivars were ~40 g/kg water-soluble carbohydrates and 3–5% in vitro digestibility. These consistent differences in forage quality demonstrate the value of measuring forage quality during cultivar evaluation. The identification of cultivars with improved nutritive value will also facilitate the crossing of the alleles that confer this improvement into other genetic backgrounds.


1966 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Ellis Davies ◽  
G. ap Griffith ◽  
A. Ellington

The primary growth of eight varieties of three species–white clover (3), red clover (4) and lucerne (1)–was sampled at fortnightly intervals and the percentage dry matter, in vitro digestibility, crude protein, water soluble carbohydrates, P, Ca, K, Na and Mg were determined.Differences between species were nearly always significant and the general order of merit was white clover, red clover and lucerne. The exceptions were for dry-matter percentage where this order was reversed, and red clover had the lowest Na and highest Mg content.


1986 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 323-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. McELROY ◽  
B. R. CHRISTIE

The in vitro digestibility (IVD) of timothy (Phleum pratense L.) declines with advance in maturity. Forage quality reductions resulting from late harvesting could be minimized by developing cultivars with reduced IVD decline during maturation. This study examines variation for IVD decline among timothy genotypes. Clones originating from a single population were grown in simulated swards (100 plants m−2) at two Ontario locations in 1980 and 1981. Harvests were made every 5–6 d from early heading to late anthesis. Relative IVD declines were determined by regressing genotype performance on the population mean over several harvests. Considerable variation was found for relative IVD decline, but this parameter was not associated with IVD at early heading. Genotypes were identified which showed high IVD at heading and a 20% reduction in digestibility decline from heading to late anthesis. Changes in IVD were not associated with changes in the leaf content of forage. It is concluded that selection for reduced IVD decline, in addition to high digestibility at heading, might result in a 2–3% unit increase at anthesis.Key words: Timothy, Phleum pratense L., in vitro digestibility, IVD, IVD decline


2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 2129
Author(s):  
Samantha Mariana Monteiro Sunahara ◽  
Marcela Abbado Neres ◽  
Jaqueline Rocha Wobeto Sarto ◽  
Caroline Daiane Nath ◽  
Kácia Carine Scheidt ◽  
...  

The goal of this study was to assess the dehydration curve and nutritional value of Tifton 85 bermudagrass at two cutting heights from ground level (4 and 8 cm) during 120 days of storage in a closed shed. The dehydration curve was determined using samples from the entire plant at eight different times. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with plots subdivided per times and five replicates. The second step consisted of assessing the nutritional value of the stored Tifton 85 bermudagrass in randomized blocks with plots subdivided per times and two treatments per plot: cutting height of four and eight centimeters from the ground, and five different times for the subplots, with five replicates. Dehydration of Tifton 85 bermudagrass at the two heights occurred in 48 hours, considered an ideal time for hay drying. The dry matter content responded quadratically to the time of storage of the two heights, only differing during baling and after 120 days of storage. Crude protein content had a quadratic behavior in the two cutting heights, with the smallest value after 30 days of storage (107.0 g kg-1) and the largest after 90 days (147.8 g kg-1) in the cutting height of eight centimeters. The ether extract exhibited a quadratic behavior in the two cutting heights, only differing after 90 days of storage. The neutral detergent fiber content had linear positive response according to the time of storage, with no difference between the cutting heights. For the neutral detergent fiber content in the two cutting heights, the quadratic regression model was the best fit to the data, differing between the heights after 30 and 60 days of storage. In vitro dry matter digestibility and in vitro cell wall digestibility values of the stored hay were lower than the values obtained at the time of cutting. Cutting performed at four centimeters from the ground was the most suitable for hay production due to higher dry matter production and nutritional value without difference between bailing treatments. Hay storage caused undesirable changes in the nutritional value, especially in fiber content and in vitro digestibility.


2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cuk Tri Noviandi ◽  
Dibya Ratnopama ◽  
Ali Agus ◽  
Ristianto Utomo

This study was done to determine the effects of bale sizes of bio-ammoniated rice straw on its nutrient quality and in vitro digestibility. Rice straw were bio-ammoniated by adding 2 g urea and 1 g probiotic/kg DM. By following a completely randomized design, rice straw was baled in 3 different weights (15, 25, and 35 kg) with six replications for each treatment, and then stored for 3 weeks. In the end of the week 3, bales were opened, aired, and then sampled for proximate analysis (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and crude fiber) and digestibility by in vitro gas production method. Using analysis of variance method, the proximate data showed that greater the bales size (15, 25, and 35 kg) increased crude protein (7.59, 7.86, and 9.95%, respectively; P<0.05) and decreased crude fiber contents (24.1, 22.1, and 18.8%, respectively; P<0.05). By increasing the size of bales also increased a, b, and c fractions (-0.79, 0.26, and 0.82 mL/100 mg DM; 20.2, 18.2, and 17.6 mL/100 mg DM; 0.012, 0.014, and 0.019 mL/h, respectively; P<0.05) as well as gas production (11.4, 11.5, and 13.8 mL/100 mg DM, respectively; P<0.05). It can be concluded that packing bio-ammoniated rice straw in 35 kg bale is the most effective way in increasing nutrient quality and digestibility of rice straw.


1980 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 807-811 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. S. FULKERSON

Midas marrowstem kale (Brassica oleracea L.) was grown in different row width associations with United 106 corn (Zea maize L.) in two studies and ensiled in different moisture blends with corn stover in another. Highest dry matter yields were obtained where a single row of kale was grown at 30 cm to the side of a corn row. This combination also provided the lowest moisture content feed and the highest in vitro digestibility and crude protein content. Changing the corn row width had no significant effect upon yield, plant height, in vitro digestibility, kale leaf or corn ear content. Blending kale with corn stover to provide a silage of about 70% moisture increased the digestibility and protein content of the feed and provided a silage that kept well in storage.


1967 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Smoliak ◽  
L. M. Bezeau

Five native grasses and one sedge of the Stipa-Bouteloua prairie, three introduced grasses collected at five stages of growth, and four shrubby species collected at three stages of growth were analyzed for proximate chemical constituents.The amounts of phosphorus and digestible and crude protein of all species decreased with maturity, while the cellulose increased. Introduced grasses generally contained more crude protein than native grasses. Shrubby species were higher in crude protein and phosphorus than native grasses. No consistent trend was observed in relative total ash and calcium content at progressive stages of development. The estimated nutritive value index was high for all grasses and low for two Artemisia species. The seasonal declines in crude protein and phosphorus suggest that protein and phosphorus supplements are desirable for range cattle during the fall, winter, and early spring.


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