Productivity of Russian wildrye as fall pasture with and without non-protein nitrogen supplementation

1993 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. W. Holt ◽  
J. E. Knipfel
Keyword(s):  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Protein Nitrogen ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
Russian Wildrye ◽  
Forage Intake ◽  
Daily Gain

Russian wildrye (Psathyrostachys junceus) is recommended for fall pasture but little data are available from grazing trials to substantiate this advice. This study was initiated to evaluate forage yield and quality, and carrying capacity of Russian wildrye as fall pasture. The experiment was conducted at Swift Current, Saskatchewan from 1983 to 988 with Hereford cows and calves as the grazing units. Stockpiled yields of forage, available for grazing, averaged 650 kg ha−1 when determined in September. In vitro organic matter (OM) digestibility averaged 53% and nitrogen content of the forage averaged 1.3%. Yield of forage supported 34 animal-unit grazing days per hectare, when grazed with Hereford cows (540 ± 60 kg) and calves (190 ± 30 kg) for 4–7 wk in September and October. Cows weights were maintained, and calves gained, on average, 0.95 kg d−1. Supplementation with liquid urea-molasses, provided free choice in lick tanks, had no effect on stocking rate or average daily gain of cows or calves. Daily forage intake (OM basis), as measured by chromic oxide dilution, was 2.8% of cow body weight (BW). Daily forage intake by the calves was 1.6% of BW in 1987 and 2.2% of BW in 1988 when OM digestibility of the forage was 54 and 63%, respectively. Forage intake was not affected by supplementation. However, cows allowed access to the supplement grazed 1 h less each day than cows receiving no supplement (7.7 vs. 8.7 h). Russian wildrye provided excellent fall pasture for cows and calves but its production and, consequently carrying capacity, were below levels reported previously. Key words: Psathyrostachys junceus, forage intake, stocking rate

scholarly journals Effect of Three Levels of Fertilization on the Productivity of Stargrass Pastures Growing on a Steep Ultisol in the Humid Mountain Region of Puerto Rico

1969 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-178
Author(s):  
Rubén Caro-Costas ◽  
Fernando Abruña ◽  
José Vicente Chandler
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Fertilization Rate ◽  
Mountain Region ◽  
In Vitro Digestibility ◽  
Grazing Cattle ◽  
Fertilizer Rates ◽  
Daily Gain

Stargrass pastures in the humid mountain region of Puerto Rico responded in terms of cattle gain in weight and carrying capacity to fertilization up to 4,480 kg/ha (4,000 lb/acre) yearly of 15-5-10. With 3,136 kg/ha of fertilizer the pastures produced 1,337 kg/ha (1,194 lb/acre) weight gain yearly and had a carrying capacity of 6.8 273-kg steers/ha (2.72 600-lb steers/acre). Average daily gain of .61 kg/bead (1.35 lb/bead) was not affected by variation in rate of fertilization. Neither apparent digestibility of the forage, calculated from total digestible nutrients utilized by the cattle and the dry forage consumed by the grazing cattle, nor in vitro digestibility of the forage samples were affected by changes in fertilization rate. Crude protein content of the forage consumed by the grazing cattle was very high at all fertilizer rates, ranging from 17.4 to 29.1% throughout the year. Forage content of Ca, P and lignin was not affected by fertilizer rate or season of the year.

Effect of snow fence or trimming seed heads or stems of Russian wildrye on April soil water content, forage and beef production

1995 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 309-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. W. Holt
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Soil Water Content ◽  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Forage Quality ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Snow Fence ◽  
Russian Wildrye

Russian wildrye [Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski] is an introduced forage, used for season-long grazing in the northern plains. Trimming the heads may improve forage quality but may reduce snow trapping and the amount of moisture conserved. The purpose of this grazing study was to examine the effects of trimming seed heads, trimming seed stems or erecting snow fences on spring soil water content and spring and summer pasture productivity of Russian wildrye at Swift Current, Saskatchewan. From 1985 to 1988, a period of below-normal November to April precipitation, treatments had no effect on soil water content in spring or annual carrying capacity of Russian wildrye pastures. From 1989 to 1994, soil water content in April averaged 74, 64 and 50 mm for treatments of: stems intact (but with added snow fence in 1988); heads trimmed in June, but stems standing; and stems trimmed, respectively. For this 6-yr period, annual carrying capacity of yearling Hereford steers was 153, 143 and 131 animal unit d−1, respectively, for the three treatments. Average daily gain of 0.94 kg d−1, or total gain of 92 kg per steer, was unaffected. Average forage yields (1989–1993) were 2030 kg ha−1, of which 77–86% was consumed by the steers. There was no evidence that trimmed seed heads increased forage yield or quality. The only benefits were related to soil and water conservation, which increased carrying capacity by 15% because of improved snow trapping and water management. Key words:Psathyrostachys juncea, grazing steers, forage quality, soil water

Effects of Weed Control in Established Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) on Forage Yield and Quality

Weed Science ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 564-567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis R. Cosgrove ◽  
Michael Barrett
Keyword(s):  
Medicago Sativa ◽  
Weed Control ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Acid Detergent Fiber ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
Herbicide Treatments ◽  
Forage Yields

The effects of weed control measures in established alfalfa (Medicago sativaL.) on forage yield and quality were investigated at three sites with varying alfalfa densities and weed populations. Herbicide treatments were 0.56 and 1.12 kg/ha metribuzin [4-amino-6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-3-(methylthio)-1,2,4-triazin-5(4H)-one] applied in fall or spring, respectively, 1.68 kg/ha pronamide [3,5-dichloro (N-1,1-dimethyl-2-propynyl)benzamide] applied in fall, and combinations of these treatments. First-harvest forage yields (weeds plus alfalfa) were either reduced or unchanged by herbicide treatments. Total forage yield was not altered by the herbicide treatments, but first-harvest and total alfalfa yield as well as first-harvest forage protein content were increased by several treatments, depending on stand density and weed pressure. Little effect was observed on in vitro digestible dry matter or acid detergent fiber content.

scholarly journals 6 Animal performance in grass monoculture or silvopasture systems using tree legumes

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 18-19
Author(s):  
Izabela Aline Gomes da Silva ◽  
Jose Carlos Batista Dubeux ◽  
Alexandre C Leão de Mello ◽  
Márcio Vieira da Cunha ◽  
Mércia Ferreira dos Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Experimental Design ◽  
Accumulation Rate ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Gliricidia Sepium ◽  
Tropical Region ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Animal Performance ◽  
Management Option ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Silvopasture systems (SPS) area management option to enhance delivery of ecosystem services and diversification of income. This study evaluated productive responses of signalgrass (UrochloadecumbensStapf.) in monoculture or in SPS in the sub-humid tropical region of Brazil during six months of the rainy season. The experimental design was randomized complete block with three replications. Treatments were signalgrass + Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. (SPS-Mimosa); signalgrass + Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) (SPS-Gliricidia); and signalgrass monoculture. Cattle were managed under continuous stocking with variable stocking rate. Response variables included herbage mass (HM), herbage accumulation (HA), stocking rate (SR), average daily gain (ADG), and gain per area (GPA). Herbage mass (HM) was greater (P < 0.0001) on signal grass monoculture (2045 kg DM/ha) than in SPS (1370 kg DM/ha, average for both SPS). Herbage accumulation rate was similar for signalgrass in monoculture and SPS-Gliricidia (avg. 61 kg DM ha-1 d-1), and both were greater than SPS-Mimosa (37 kg DM ha-1 d-1). Average daily gain was greater(P < 0.0001) for SPS-Gliricidia (1.1 kg head-1 d-1), followed by signalgrass in monoculture (0.9 kg head-1 d-1), and SPS-Mimosa (0.3 kg head-1 d-1). Stocking rate ranged from 0.6 animal units (1AU = 450-kg animal) per ha in April to 2.2 AUha-1 in June. Stocking rate and animal performance per area were similar for signalgrass in monoculture and SPS-Gliricidia, and both greater than SPS-Mimosa. Gliricidia enhanced animal performance and provided ecosystem services. Mimosa, however, reduced animal performance likely due to the competition with signalgrass. Mimosa trees, however, are an important source of income (timber used for fence posts) and that might overcome the losses in animal performance.

PSXIII-15 Impact of forage allowance on performance and reproductive parameters in Nellore heifers

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 467-468
Author(s):  
Igor M Ferreira ◽  
Iorrano A Cidrini ◽  
Karla Oliveira ◽  
Luciana Sousa ◽  
Laura F Prados ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Treatment Effect ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Carcass Composition ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Treatment Conditions ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the effects of forage allowance on the performance and pregnancy rate of Nellore heifers submitted to the fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) at 14±1 months. The experimental period was divided into the growing phase (GP; 173d) and breeding season (83d). Ninety weaned Nellore heifers [169±19 kg of body weight (BW); 210±28 days of age] were blocked by initial BW and randomly assigned to receive different forage allowance: (1) High (HFA; 7.17 kgDM/kgBW; and (2) Low (LFA; 3.27 kgDM/kgBW); and divided into 6 paddocks (2.15 to 2.4 ha each one). The grazing method used was continuous stocking with a variable stocking rate where treatment conditions were established varying the stocking rate on pasture (put-and-take). The supplement consisted of corn, soybean meal, urea, monensin, sodium chloride and minerals mix (80% TDN and 24% CP) and was provided daily (ad libitum; expected intake around 1% of BW). The final pregnancy rate was determined after two FTAI (d256). Heifers BW at the end of the GP was greater (P < 0.01) for HFA vs. LFA (268 vs. 255 kg). The overall average daily gain (ADG) was greater 68 g/d for animals maintained in HFA than LFA (P < 0.01; 0.713 vs. 0.645 kg/d). Supplement intake (kg/animal/d) had no treatment effect (P = 0.117). On d173, forage allowance affected (P < 0.01) the backfat thickness obtained by real-time carcass ultrasound (HFA = 3.08 vs. LFA = 2.85 mm). The pregnancy rate had no treatment effect (P = 0.223; on average 61%). However, the pregnant heifers per hectare had treatment effect (P = 0.036; HFA = 3.78 vs. LFA = 2.72 pregnant heifers/ha). In conclusion, the low forage allowance reduces the animal performance and affects the carcass composition but provides a greater number of pregnant heifers per hectare.

scholarly journals 5 Animal performance in grass monoculture or silvopasture systems using tree legumes

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 27-28
Author(s):  
Izabela Aline Gomes da Silva ◽  
Jose Carlos Batista Dubeux ◽  
Alexandre C Leão de Mello ◽  
Márcio Vieira da Cunha ◽  
Mércia Ferreira dos Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Experimental Design ◽  
Accumulation Rate ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Gliricidia Sepium ◽  
Tropical Region ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Animal Performance ◽  
Management Option ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Silvopasture systems (SPS) area management option to enhance delivery of ecosystem services and diversification of income. This study evaluated productive responses of signalgrass (Urochloadecumbens Stapf.) in monoculture or in SPS in the sub-humid tropical region of Brazil during six months of the rainy season. The experimental design was randomized complete block with three replications. Treatments were signalgrass + Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. (SPS-Mimosa); signalgrass + Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) (SPS-Gliricidia); and signalgrass monoculture. Cattle were managed under continuous stocking with variable stocking rate. Response variables included herbage mass (HM), herbage accumulation (HA), stocking rate (SR), average daily gain (ADG), and gain per area (GPA). Herbage mass (HM) was greater (P < 0.0001) on signal grass monoculture (2045 kg DM/ha) than in SPS (1370 kg DM/ha, average for both SPS). Herbage accumulation rate was similar for signalgrass in monoculture and SPS-Gliricidia (avg. 61 kg DM ha-1 d-1), and both were greater than SPS-Mimosa (37 kg DM ha-1 d-1). Average daily gain was greater(P < 0.0001) for SPS-Gliricidia (1.1 kg head-1 d-1), followed by signalgrass in monoculture (0.9 kg head-1 d-1), and SPS-Mimosa (0.3 kg head-1 d-1). Stocking rate ranged from 0.6 animal units (1AU = 450-kg animal) per ha in April to 2.2 AUha-1 in June. Stocking rate and animal performance per area were similar for signalgrass in monoculture and SPS-Gliricidia, and both greater than SPS-Mimosa. Gliricidia enhanced animal performance and provided ecosystem services. Mimosa, however, reduced animal performance likely due to the competition with signalgrass. Mimosa trees, however, are an important source of income (timber used for fence posts) and that might overcome the losses in animal performance.

scholarly journals Animal performance, production, and quality of Tanzania grass fertilized with nitrogen

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 3861 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulysses Cecato ◽  
Josmar Almeida Junior ◽  
Fabíola Cristine de Almeida Rego ◽  
Sandra Galbeiro ◽  
Wagner Paris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Animal Performance ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Daily Gain

This study aimed to assess forage production, animal performance, and the chemical composition of Tanzania grass pasture fertilized with 50, 100, 200, and 400 kg ha-1 of nitrogen. The variables analyzed were: leaf mass, daily accumulation rate, leaf/stem ratio, average daily gain, stocking rate, live weight gain per unit of area crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and in vitro dry matter digestibility of leaves. The pasture management maintained the pasture height at 50 cm by using a continuous grazing method with the adjustment of stocking rate. The experimental design was a randomized block with three replicates. The leaf mass increased linearly in response to nitrogen, with an increase of 1003 kg (34%) observed between a nitrogen content of 50 and 400 kg ha-1. Nitrogen did not affect the average daily gain, but increased the stocking rate and live weight gain ha-1. The value of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber were higher with increased nitrogen levels, whereas the leaf digestibility did not affect nitrogen use. The comparison of 50 and 400 kg ha-1 levels indicated that there was an average increase of 19.2% in the leaf crude protein. The increased application of nitrogen fertilizer in Tanzania grass improved the chemical composition and animal performance; with regard to studied variables, the dose of 200 kg ha-1 resulted in the greatest improvement.

Yield and quality of forage from intercrops of barley and annual ryegrass

1992 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 163-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Thompson ◽  
D. G. Stout ◽  
Z. Mir ◽  
T. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Spring Barley ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Annual Ryegrass ◽  
Hordeum Vulgare L ◽  
Potential Yield ◽  
Barley Cultivars ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
South Central

Three spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and four annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) types were intercropped to evaluate the potential yield and quality of forage which can be produced under irrigation in southern interior B.C. All treatments were intercrops; when barley cultivar effects are described they are averaged over the ryegrasses and vice versa. Barley cultivars differed in grain maturity. Ryegrass cultivars included diploid and tertraploid Italian and Westerwolds types. Intercrops including late grain maturing barley cultivars (Samson and Virden) increased the yield of the first silage cut (both by 25% over 2 yr) compared to Diamond, a medium-maturing cultivar adapted to the area. Intercrops containing the semi-dwarf barley, Samson, produced more digestible forage including higher in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) and lower ADF and lignin. Annual ryegrass yield in the first cut intercropped with Samson was almost twice that with either Diamond or Virden, showing that Samson barley is less competitive. Second-cut yield (ryegrass regrowth) was greater for tetraploid than diploid annual ryegrasses. Yields of fall pasture (cuts 3 and 4) were similar among ryegrass cultivars. Cuts 2 and 3 (ryegrass only) of Italian ryegrasses had superior quality (higher IVDDM and protein; and lower ADF, lignin, and NDF) to Westerwolds ryegrassses, but all cultivars had similar quality in the late fall (Cut 4). It was concluded that a range of barley and annual ryegrass cultivars can be successfully intercropped to produce forage in south central B.C.Key words: Intercropping, barley annual ryegrass, forage yield and quality

Effects of grazing dates on forage and beef production of mixed prairie rangeland

1999 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 335-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. P. Schellenberg ◽  
N.W. Holt ◽  
J. Waddington
Keyword(s):  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Bouteloua Gracilis ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Canadian Prairies ◽  
Crested Wheatgrass ◽  
Forage Digestibility ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Mixed Prairie

Conventional belief is that mixed prairie range is harmed by early spring use but not by moderate grazing after the grasses have flowered. Our hypothesis was that mixed prairie range may be grazed for a limited period in the growing season providing rest is allowed for the remainder of the year. This 6-yr test was established on a rolling site of range pasture, which contained, by area, 65% upland mixed prairie, 5% lowland bluegrass (Poa spp.) and 30% crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum). The species mix is commonly found in southern Canadian prairies. The mixed prairie grasses were needle and thread (Stipa comata), northern wheatgrass (Elymus lanceolatus), western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii) and blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis). Each pasture was 1.6 ha and was grazed with yearling beef cattle once a year beginning mid-May; the end of June; mid-August or late September. Forage yields in grazing-exclusion cages averaged 580, 2960, and 1370 kg ha−1 for the mixed prairie, lowland grasses, and crested wheatgrass, respectively. The date of grazing in the previous year did not affect current-year maximum forage yield. The main determinant of maximum forage yield was a combination of spring soil moisture plus April to June precipitation. Available forage for grazing, on average, doubled from mid-May until the end of June for the three forage types. There were year-by-grazing date interactions, which were related to distribution of precipitation. Mixed prairie was the preferred forage at the last two grazing dates. Forage digestibility, N and P content were highest during the May and June grazing period and declined thereafter. Average daily gain of the steers decreased from 0.9 kg d−1 in May and late June to 0.2 kg d−1 by late September. Annual carrying capacity (in standard animal units) was 40 d ha−1 in May and averaged 55 d ha−1 for the other dates, which were not different. Grazing mixed prairie did not have a negative effect on the yield of native grasses when used for only one short period per year. Delayed use from mid May to end of June increased available forage and carrying capacity. Key words: Mixed grass prairie, crested wheatgrass, grazing, weather effects

Performance and productivity of Nellore steers on rotationally stocked palisadegrass (Brachiaria brizantha) pastures in response to herbage allowance

2011 ◽  
Vol 149 (6) ◽  
pp. 761-768 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. R. HERLING ◽  
C. G. S. PEDREIRA ◽  
P. H. DE C. LUZ ◽  
G. J. BRAGA ◽  
W. A. MARCHESIN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Individual Animal ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Brachiaria Brizantha ◽  
Sward Height ◽  
Grazing Cattle ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Sward Structure

SUMMARYHerbage allowance (HA) impacts performance of grazing cattle as well as sward structure and herbage yield. The objective of the current study was to compare average daily gain (ADG) of Nellore steers on Marandu palisadegrass (Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst ex A. Rich.) Stapf. cv. Marandu) pastures in response to HA. Treatments were applied as 5, 10, 15 and 20 kg dry matter (DM) per 100 kg live weight (LW) per day HA5, HA10, HA15 and HA20), in rotationally stocked pastures under a 35-day grazing cycle (28 days of rest and 7 days of grazing). The trial was carried out in Pirassununga, Brazil, during two summer seasons in 2003 and 2004, each divided into four grazing cycles. Individual animal (250 kg yearling steers) gain increased with HA up to HA15 (mean=0·69 kg/head per day) during each of four grazing cycles per year. The 2-year gain per area was greater for HA5 and HA10 than for HA15 and HA20 and average stocking rate was 9·6, 6·7, 5·4 and 4·6 head/ha for HA5 to HA20, respectively. In addition to the effects of HA on ADG, changes in sward structure, especially sward height, help to explain variation in daily gain in both years. The HA10 treatment provides higher gain per area without excessively reducing individual animal performance, and thus may be the level of choice for optimizing animal output in pasture-only systems.

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