Forage conservation in round bales or silage bags: effect on ensiling characteristics and animal performance

1991 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 1167-1180 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. W. G. Nicholson ◽  
R. E. McQueen ◽  
E. Charmley ◽  
R. S. Bush
Keyword(s):  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Protein Supplementation ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Moisture Level ◽  
Soluble Carbohydrate ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Protein Nitrogen ◽  
Total N ◽  
Plastic Bag ◽  
Acetic Acids

In the first of two experiments to determine the ensiling characteristics of big bale silage, forage was ensiled in round bales (1.2 m diameter × 1.2 m length) at 350–400 (wetter) or 450–500 (drier) g kg−1 dry matter (DM) content by wrapping in plastic. Initial fermentation was more rapid in the wetter bales, as shown by a more rapid and extensive drop in pH and increase in concentration of lactic and acetic acids. The initial lactic acid bacteria (LAB) log counts ranged from 105 and 107 units and were higher for the wetter bales through day 9. By day 58, counts had declined and there were no differences due to moisture level. Water soluble carbohydrate content was higher (P < 0.01) for the drier bales. Ammonia N was higher (P < 0.01) in the wetter bales. Non-protein nitrogen (NPN) did not differ (P > 0.05) due to moisture level at day 9 or day 58. In the second experiment, bales ensiled at (mean ± SE) 390 ± 90 g kg−1 DM content (bale silage) were compared for ensiling characteristics and nutritive value with similar forage chopped and packed in a plastic bag (bag silage). The bag silage had a faster and more extensive drop in pH and increase in concentrations of lactic and acetic acids. Temperatures were approximately 6 °C higher in the bag than in the bale silages over the first 30 d. LAB counts increased faster in the bag silage and then declined and were lower (P < 0.05) than in the bale silage at day 60. Clostridia counts were low in the bag silage and in some bales but exceeded 106 viable spores in other bales. There were no differences between the two silages in digestibility by sheep. However, beef calves fed the bag silage gained more weight with better feed efficiency than those fed bale silage (P < 0.01). Calves fed the bale silage responded to protein (soybean meal) supplementation with increased gain and improved feed conversion, but there was no response with the bag silage. The bag silage had, on average, less NPN (468 vs. 585 g kg−1 total N) than the bale silage. Key words: Silage, big round bales, bag, protein supplementation, cattle performance

Canopy morphology and nutritional quality traits as potential grazing value indicators for Lolium perenne varieties

2002 ◽  
Vol 139 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. J. GILLILAND ◽  
P. D. BARRETT ◽  
R. L. MANN ◽  
R. E. AGNEW ◽  
A. M. FEARON
Keyword(s):  
Lolium Perenne ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Canopy Structure ◽  
Total Lipid Content ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Soluble Carbohydrate ◽  
Carbohydrate Concentration ◽  
Harvest Year ◽  
Water Soluble Carbohydrate ◽  
Testing Protocols

Twelve perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) varieties of different ploidy and maturity classifications were compared under a frequent cutting management in their second harvest year, equivalent to the simulated rotational grazing system employed in UK testing protocols. Varietal differences in canopy structure (proportion of lamina, green leaf mass, sward surface height, extended tiller height, bulk density) and in herbage nutritive value factors (water-soluble carbohydrate content and proportion of linoleic and α-linolenic fatty acids) were assessed and their importance evaluated with reference to total herbage production. Significant variety variation (P<0·001) was recorded in the annual means of all the canopy structure characteristics. Significant differences associated with ploidy were also recorded, with tetraploid varieties having significantly higher values than diploids in most plant characters, indicating better intake characteristics for these grasses. Temporal patterns of variation associated with maturity were also observed in several characters, thus making it impossible to designate a single assessment that would be representative of the annual ranking of varieties. Water-soluble carbohydrate concentration differed significantly (P<0·001) between varieties and although the tetraploids tended to have high contents, the highest value of all was recorded in a diploid variety, which had been selectively bred for this trait. The varieties did not differ in total lipid content but there were significant differences in the proportion of linoleic acid between varieties (P<0·001) while the proportion of α-linolenic acid differed between varieties (P<0·001), ploidy (P<0·001) and maturity (P<0·05) classes.Overall evaluation of the extensive variety variation highlighted the need for better quantification of animal responses to differences of these magnitudes, before the high workload of including them in routine variety testing protocols could be justified. Potential for breeding improvement in these factors was also indicated and the future prospects for their use in farmer decision support systems was considered.

The effects of ensiling molassed sugar beet pulp with grass and protein supplementation on pregnant ewe performance.

1994 ◽  
Vol 1994 ◽  
pp. 122-122
Author(s):  
J.V. O'Doherty ◽  
T.F. Crosby ◽  
P.J. Quinn
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Beet ◽  
Protein Supplementation ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Sugar Beet Pulp ◽  
Soluble Carbohydrate ◽  
Silage Fermentation ◽  
Sunshine Hours ◽  
Beet Pulp ◽  
Pregnant Ewe ◽  
Water Soluble Carbohydrate

There is increasing interest in the addition of dry feed materials to grass at ensiling, primarily as a means of reducing effluent production although other benefits claimed include improvements in silage fermentation and animal performance. The objective of the present study was to examine the possible use of molassed sugar beet pulp fed either separately or ensiled with grass at the time of silage making on ewe and lamb performance, and with or without protein supplementation.Grass from a primary growth of perennial ryegrass with dry matter, water soluble carbohydrate and crude protein contents of 13.2%, 24 g/kg and 106 g/kg DM respectively was mowed on June 2nd and was picked up using a precision chop harvester on the 4th and 5th of June. The weather during this period was extremely unfavourable for good silage making. There were 7.5, 1.5 and 2.8 mm of rainfall on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of June. The temperatures (0 C) on these days were: 2nd June - 12.9: 3rd -10.6: 4th - 10.7. There was no bright sunshine hours on either the 3rd or 5th of June and only 2.1 hours on June 4th. Two treatments were imposed (i) formic acid (2.5 litres/t) applied in the field via the forage harvester (GS) (ii) molassed sugar beet pulp (MSBP)(50 kg/t) applied by hand in the silo on top of each load of grass(GSP).The two silos were filled .consolidated and sealed within 24 hours.

scholarly journals The digestion by cattle of grass silage made with formic acid and formic acid–formaldehyde

1981 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 193-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Thompson ◽  
D. E. Beever ◽  
C. R. Lonsdale ◽  
M. J. Haines ◽  
S. B. Cammell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Organic Matter ◽  
Formic Acid ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Soluble Carbohydrate ◽  
Food Protein ◽  
Protein Nitrogen ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fibre ◽  
Total Amino Acids

1. A primary growth crop of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenneL., cv. S23) was partially wilted and ensiled after the application of eitherformic acid–water (1:3, w/v; 7.1 1/t fresh herbage; control diet C) or formic acid–formaldehyde (1:1, w/w; 8·81/t fresh herbage; formaldehyde treated diet F) which supplied 50gHCHO/kg crude protein (nitrogen (N) × 6·25). The two silages were fed separately and a third diet comprising formaldehyde-treated silage, supplemented with urea (20 g/kg dry matter dm) at the time of feeding was also examined (dietFU).2. The three diets were fed at a level of 16 g dm/kg live weight to six 3- to six-month-old cattle fitted with rumen and re-entrant duodenal cannulas in two 3 × 3 LatinSquare experiments, and measurements were made of the digestion of energy, carbohydrateand N.3. The formaldehyde-treated silage had a lower content of fermentation acids and ammoma-N and a higher content of water-soluble carbohydrate and total amino acids. The apparent digestibility of organic matter, energy and N were depressed (P < 0·05, P < 0·05 and P < 0·01 respectively) by treatment with formaldehyde, but cellulose and neutral-detergent fibre digestibility were unaffected.4. Within the rumen the digestion of organic matter, cellulose and neutral-detergent fibre were unaffected by formaldehyde treatment or supplementation with urea. Microbial protein synthesis in the rumen was similar for the three diets (average 131 g/kg apparently digested organic matter in the rumen).5. The application of formic acid-formaldehyde increased (P < 0·05) the amount of food protein escaping degradation in the rumen (4·76 diet C, 6·89 diet F; 7·07 diet FU g/kg protein intake). The contribution of amino acidsof dietary origin al the duodenum increased (P < 0·05) from 50 (diet C) to 80 (diet F) and 82 (diet FU) g/kg DM intake, and the flow of total amino acids at the duodenum was 33% higher (P < 0·001) in cattle fed formic acid–form aldehyde silage diets compared withthe control silage due to the reduction in degradation of protein at ensiling and in therumen.

The potential of diverse pastures to reduce nitrogen leaching on New Zealand dairy farms

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (12) ◽  
pp. 1971 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. C. Beukes ◽  
P. Gregorini ◽  
A. J. Romera ◽  
S. L. Woodward ◽  
E. N. Khaembah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
System Analysis ◽  
Dilution Effect ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Scale Model ◽  
Soluble Carbohydrate ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
Protein Ratio ◽  
Total N

The largest contributor to nitrogen (N) leaching from ryegrass-clover pasture based dairy farms is the surplus feed N excreted as urinary N (UN) onto pastures. Pastures consisting of mixtures of ryegrass, herbs and legumes (diverse pastures) have shown potential to yield similar DM, but with a lower N content and a higher water soluble carbohydrate : crude protein ratio compared with standard ryegrass–clover pastures. These diverse pastures have shown the potential to lower the UN excreted by dairy cows in short-term, late-lactation studies. This modelling study was designed to scale the results from component studies up to farm and over a full season to evaluate the potential of diverse pastures to become a suitable strategy for reducing N leaching on New Zealand dairy farms. The Molly cow model was tested against observed data from one indoor and one outdoor study where feeding diverse pasture resulted in UN (N excreted in urine g/day) reductions of 50% and 17%, respectively. The model predicted UN reductions of 23% and 17%. Farm-scale model scenarios, where 20% or 50% of the farm was sown with diverse pastures, resulted in 2% and 6% reductions in UN deposited onto paddocks. This reduction was smaller than expected with some system interactions related to seasonal feed supply, diet composition and total N intake being likely to play a role. The reduction in UN onto paddocks, together with a dilution effect from larger urine volumes per cow per day as a result of lower DM% of diverse pastures, resulted in N leaching reductions of 11% and 19% for the two scenarios, respectively. This potential to reduce N leaching needs to be evaluated further in the context of farm profitability when other aspects of diverse pastures such as yield, persistency, drought resistance and ability to extract N from the soil becomes part of the farm-system analysis.

Effects of nitrogen fertilizers on total nitrogen, soluble nitrogen and soluble carbohydrate contents of grass

1962 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 387-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Z. Nowakowski
Keyword(s):  
Ammonium Sulphate ◽  
Total Nitrogen ◽  
Sodium Nitrate ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizers ◽  
Soluble Carbohydrates ◽  
Soluble Carbohydrate ◽  
Soluble Nitrogen ◽  
Protein Nitrogen ◽  
Total N ◽  
Nitrate N

Italian rye-grass given ammonium sulphate or sodium nitrate at 56 or 112 lb. N/acre was analysed for total nitrogen, soluble nitrogen (non-protein-nitrogen) and soluble carbohydrates.Ten days after applying fertilizer the differences in total-N between the grass receiving 56 and grass receiving 112 lb. N/acre were very small. Total-N in grass decreased with growth, but the effect of the rate of nitrogen on total-N increased. At first the grass given sodium nitrate contained more soluble nitrogen than grass given ammonium sulphate, the difference being greater at 56 lb. N/acre; soluble nitrogen decreased with increasing growth. Ten days after applying fertilizer, the nitrate-N content of grass was very high (ranging from 0·1 to 0·9% in the D.M.) and it gradually decreased. At both levels of nitrogen application, grass given sodium nitrate contained much more nitrate-N than grass given ammonium sulphate. Forty days after applying nitrogen the nitrate-N contents of grass which received 56 and 112 1b. N/acre as ammonium sulphate were 0·039 and 0·222% of the dry matter, respectively; the grass supplied with sodium nitrate gave values of 0·082 and 0·438%.Total soluble carbohydrates in the grass were small early in growth and gradually increased. Nitrogen dressings had little effect on the content of soluble sugars (glucose + fructose + sucrose) but greatly decreased the fructosan. The pattern of changes in the total soluble carbohydrate content followed that in fructosan content. Early in growth, the total soluble carbohydrate/crude protein ratio was very small in grass from all treatments except the ‘control’. This ratio increased with growth and at the last sampling was 2·13 in grass receiving no nitrogen, and in grass supplied with 56 and 112 lb. N/acre as ammonium sulphate it was 1·44 and 0·72 respectively; the corresponding figures for grass receiving sodium nitrate were 1·13 and 0·66. The total soluble carbohydrate carbon/soluble nitrogen ratio in grass with no nitrogen was 18 at the first sampling and it increased gradually, reaching 70 at the last sampling. This ratio was considerably less with all nitrogen treatments than with ‘control’. The values obtained with 112 lb. N/acre were less than those obtained with 561b./acre, irrespective of the form of nitrogen used.The relationship between the soluble carbohydrate carbon content and the soluble nitrogen in grass is illustrated graphically and discussed.

scholarly journals Changes in yield and nutritive value of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and Festulolium (Festulolium braunii (K. Richt) A. Camus) under drought stress

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariola Staniak
Keyword(s):  
Drought Stress ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Trifolium Pratense ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Soluble Carbohydrate ◽  
Pure Stand ◽  
Crude Fibre ◽  
Influence Of Water ◽  
The Impact

The aim of the research was to assess the impact of water stress on the yield and content of basic nutrients in the biomass of Trifolium pratense and Festulolium braunii cultivated in pure stand and in mixture. A pot experiment was carried out in 2012–2014, at two levels of soil moisture: well-watered and drought stress. The study showed that stress significantly reduced the dry matter yield (DMY), the most in T. pratense, followed by mixture, and F. braunii. The effect of drought stress on the nutritive value was considerable less pronounced than the influence on DMY. No significant influence of water deficit on crude protein, crude fibre and crude ash contents was found, but only on water-soluble carbohydrate and crude fat content in one year of the study. It was found, that under drought stress T. pratense is more suitable for cultivation in the mixture with F. braunii than in pure stand, due to a lower reduction of DMY and no adverse effect of water deficiency on yield quality.

scholarly journals Chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of whole-crop maize fertilized with synthetic fertilizer or digestate and harvested at two maturity stages in Boreal growing conditions

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud F. Seleiman ◽  
Shaimaa Selim ◽  
Seija Jaakkola ◽  
Pirjo S.A. Mäkelä
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Soluble Carbohydrate ◽  
In Vitro Digestibility ◽  
Maturity Stages ◽  
Synthetic Fertilizer

Maize cultivation for silage could be a sustainable option in Boreal conditions, especially when combined with nutrient recycling. Effects of digestate (sludge from biogas of domestic origin) application in comparison with synthetic fertilizer and two maturity stages on chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of whole-crop maize were investigated. Starch, neutral detergent fiber, water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and digestible organic matter (DOM) contents of maize did not differ in response to the two fertilizer treatments. However, starch, DOM and metabolizable energy of maize increased, while ash, crude protein and WSC contents decreased with increasing maize maturity. Heavy metals in maize fertilized with digestate remained low. The results indicate that whole-crop maize fertilized with digestate and harvested at 150 days after sowing is a promising feed and has good nutritive value, even in Boreal conditions.

scholarly journals Mixed sugarcane and elephant grass silages with or without bacterial inoculant

2010 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 462-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jucilene Cavali ◽  
Odilon Gomes Pereira ◽  
Sebastião de Campos Valadares Filho ◽  
Marlos Oliveira Porto ◽  
Francisco Eden Paiva Fernandes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Soluble Carbohydrate ◽  
In Vitro Digestibility ◽  
Elephant Grass ◽  
Acid Detergent Fiber ◽  
Total N

The effects of different ratios of sugarcane and elephant grass (0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25 and 100:0% of the natural basis) were assessed on the chemical composition and losses in silages treated with a bacterial inoculant, using laboratory silos. A 2 × 5 factorial arrangement (with and without inoculant and five elephant grass ratios) in a randomized blocks design with three replications was used. Interaction was observed in the sugarcane and elephant grass ratio × bacterial inoculant for crude protein (CP) and pH. The other variables were influenced only by the increasing proportions of elephant grass. The contents of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber corrected for ashes and protein, acid detergent fiber, insoluble protein in acid detergent fiber, hemicellulose and lignin in the silages increased linearly with the proportions of elephant grass. The water soluble carbohydrate contents and dry matter in vitro digestibility of the silages decreased linearly with the increase in the proportion of elephant grass. The mean value of ammonia nitrogen in relation to total N was 7.0% (% of DM). The CP values of the inoculated and non-inoculated silage fitted linear models. The highest CP content was observed in the silage treated with inoculant. The pH values of the silages, with and without inoculant, fitted quadratic and linear models, respectively. The lactic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid contents were not influenced by the elephant grass ratios, while the acetic acid content, for the non-inoculated silages, and ethanol decreased linearly with the increase in elephant grass. The ratio of 25% sugarcane and 75% elephant grass improves the nutritional value and increases the silage DM recovery, because of the lower effluent and gas productions. The homofermentative bacterial inoculant does not affect the sugarcane silage.

Chemical curing of annual pastures in Southern Australia for beef cattle and sheep

1971 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 401 ◽  
Author(s):  
AL Pullman ◽  
WG Allden
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Indirect Evidence ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Soluble Carbohydrate ◽  
Summer Drought ◽  
Summer Period ◽  
Drought Period ◽  
Cattle And Sheep

A desiccant herbicide (paraquat) was used to kill an annual pasture during the late spring months when the digestibility of the dry matter (DM) was 75%. The nutritive value of this standing herbage during the summer drought period was compared in field and pen studies with pasture allowed to mature naturally in the Mediterranean environment of South Australia. The herbicide treatment resulted in a significant reduction of standing herbage at the beginning of the summer period (5766 v. 2791 kg DM/ha). The DM digestibility by beef cattle of treated and untreated herbage was similar (52.4 v. 53.0% respectively). There was no difference between the paraquat-treated and the naturally matured pasture in the content or the apparent digestibility of organic matter, water-soluble carbohydrate, cellulose, or lignin; but nitrogen content, digestibility, and retention were significantly higher for paraquat-treated herbage. Rainfall between spraying and the beginning of the summer period was 140 mm. Indirect evidence from a separate study indicates that the fall in digestibility of the herbage after paraquat treatment was influenced by both rainfall and the spraying treatment. The productivity of beef cattle and sheep grazing the treated and untreated pastures during the dry summer confirmed the results of the digestibility studies, there being no difference between treatments in weight change or wool production. After the commencement of the autumn rainfall season the proportion of grass . on the sprayed area was greatly reduced, and the growth of cattle was significantly impaired. Thus the overall effect of the paraquat treatment was to reduce cattle growth.

Effect of spraytopping applications of paraquat and glyphosate on the nutritive value and regeneration of vulpia (Vulpia bromoides (L.) S.F. Gray)

1991 ◽  
Vol 42 (8) ◽  
pp. 1405 ◽  
Author(s):  
AR Leys ◽  
BR Cullis ◽  
B Plater
Keyword(s):  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Grain Filling ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Soluble Carbohydrate ◽  
Wagga Wagga ◽  
Time Of Application ◽  
Water Soluble Carbohydrate ◽  
Subsequent Regeneration ◽  
Earlier Application

The effects of paraquat and glyphosate on the nutritive value of dry residues of vulpia [Vulpia bromoides (L.) S. F. Gray], and its subsequent regeneration the following year were examined at Wagga Wagga during the spring, summer and winter of 1986/87 and 1987/88. Paraquat (100 and 200 g a.i./ha) and glyphosate (135 and 270 g a.i./ha) were applied as spraytopping treatments at heading, anthesis and early grain filling stages of vulpia. For both herbicides, time of application was critical to the level of regeneration obtained. Glyphosate gave 84 and 83% control when applied at heading and anthesis respectively, delaying application until early grain filling reduced the level of vulpia control to 28%. Paraquat gave 81% control when applied at anthesis, while delaying application until early grain filling, or earlier application at heading, gave 59% control. Crude protein (CP) and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) concentrations, and in vitro organic matter digestibilities (OMD) were measured in vulpia residues collected for 16 weeks after herbicide application. Paraquat increased CP levels most when applied at heading (from 4-8 to 7.2% in 1986, and from 4.9 to 6.5% in 1987). Glyphosate increased CP levels most when applied at heading in 1986 (from 4.8 to 5.4%), but at anthesis in 1987 (from 4.9 to 6.5%). Glyphosate increased WSC most when applied at heading (from 5.7 to 10.6% in 1986, and from 3.5 to 6.3% in 19871, while paraquat reduced WSC in both years. Application of glyphosate at heading was the only treatment to increase OMD (from 50.5 to 54.7%).

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