Yield and nutritive value of the spring growth of an ageing timothy sward

2008 ◽  
Vol 88 (3) ◽  
pp. 457-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilles Bélanger ◽  
Gaëtan F Tremblay ◽  
Danielle Mongrain

The decline in productivity of forage grasses with age since establishment has been recognised for several years, but this yield reduction and its consequences on nutritive value have not been studied in timothy (Phleum pratense L.). Our objective was to characterize the dry matter (DM) yield and nutritive value during spring growth of an ageing timothy sward grown under non-limiting N conditions. A timothy sward, seeded in 1998, was harvested at four developmental stages (stem elongation, early heading, late heading, and early flowering) during spring growth from 1999 to 2005. The average DM yield observed in production years 5, 6, and 7 was 43% of that measured in the first 4 production years when timothy was harvested at stem elongation or early heading, 52% when harvested at late heading, and 74% when harvested at early flowering. The yield potential of timothy during spring growth decreased with ageing at a rate of 0.66 and 0.91 Mg DM ha-1 yr-1 with harvests at early and late heading, respectively. The nutritive value of timothy harvested at stem elongation was greater in older (production years 5, 6, and 7) than in younger (first 4 production years) swards as indicated by in vitro true digestibility of DM (+ 48 g kg-1 DM), in vitro digestibility of NDF (+ 77 g kg-1 NDF), and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) concentration (-62 g kg-1 DM); this difference, explained mostly by the lower DM yield of older swards, disappeared when timothy was harvested later on in the growth cycle. Rates of change in nutritive value observed during the phase of reproductive development in spring growth were, therefore, greater in older than in younger swards. Our results demonstrate clearly the decline in timothy productivity with age and its consequences on nutritive value. Key words: Phleum pratense, harvesting year, stages of development, yield, digestibility

1973 ◽  
Vol 13 (63) ◽  
pp. 404 ◽  
Author(s):  
JG McIvor ◽  
DF Smith

Changes in herbage production, dry matter content, nitrogen content and in vitro digestibility of two sown species-subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) and annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) - and five common volunteer species-capeweed (Arctotheca calendula), musky crowfoot (Erodium moschatum), barley grass (Hordeum leporinum), ripgut brome grass (Bromus rigidus) and soft brome grass (Bromus mollis)-were measured throughout their growth cycle. The volunteer species compared favourably with the sown species for these measurements and should be capable of providing nutritious grazing for animals.


1989 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 501-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. BÉLANGER ◽  
J. E. RICHARDS ◽  
R. B. WALTON

The effects of over 25 yr of levels of applied N, P and K on forage DM yield, crude protein content, in vitro digestibility (IVD), botanical composition and persistence of a timothy (Phleum pratense L.) sward were assessed in a long-term field experiment on an acidic Riverbank L. Ammonium nitrate (0, 90, 180, 270 kg N ha−1), superphosphate (0, 15, 29, 44 kg P ha−1) and muriate of potash (0, 47, 94, 141 kg K ha−1) were applied annually in all possible combinations to a timothy sward since 1960. In the first 3 yr of the experiment, only N and K were required for maximum yield and persistence of timothy. The requirement for applied P, however, increased with time; in the last 3 yr (1985–1987) of the trial, the highest level of applied P resulted in profitable forage DM yield increases. After 25 yr, the productivity of the timothy sward was dependent upon a balanced application of all three macronutrients; absence of any one nutrient resulted in little or no response to applications of the other nutrients. The long-term persistence of timothy was solely dependent on K fertilization. The proportion of bentgrass and bluegrass species declined with increasing levels of applied K while that of timothy increased. The change in botanical composition due to applied N and K significantly affected IVD and crude protein content.Key words: N, P, K, fertilization, yield, persistence, timothy


1962 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 692-697 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. M. Bezeau ◽  
A. Johnston

The in vitro digestibility of cellulose was determined for 20 grasses, 6 f orbs, and 6 miscellaneous browse species of the Festuca scabrella association of southwestern Alberta. From this was calculated the "Nutritive Value Index" (N.V.I.) and percentage of digestible protein. The mean N.V.I. and the mean digestible protein of the four cultivated grasses, Bromus inermis, Elymus junceus, Festuca rubra, and Phleum pratense, at each stage of growth, was higher than the respective mean of the native species of grasses. However, Bromus pumpellianus, a native species, had a higher mean N.V.I. for all stages of growth than any of the other grasses studied. The forbs as a class were equal or superior to the grasses in N.V.I. and percentage of digestible protein. It is suggested that other factors such as palatability, toxicity, and regional adaptation should be considered before a species is adequately evaluated as a range forage.


Author(s):  
Ondrej Pastierik ◽  
Milan &#;imko ◽  
Ondrej Hanu&#;ovský ◽  
Miroslav Jurá&#;ek ◽  
Branislav Gálik ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to determined nutritive value of five hybrids varying in maturity sown to plots of experimental site located in southern Slovakia. Nutrient contents and digestibility parameters were obtained from samples of herbage or silages to estimate net energy of lactation (NEL) contents and milk yield (MY) potential based on in vivo digestibility of organic matter (DOM), pepsin-cellulase in vitro digestibility of OM (IVOMD) using Ankom DaisyII Incubator (Ankom Technology Corp., NY, USA), cellulase digestibility of OM (CDOMD), neutral detergent fiber (CDNDF) or in vitro digestible non starch carbohydrates (IVDNSC). Genotype effect accounted for differences in carbohydrates content and crude protein (CP). Linear regression models increased coefficient of determination (R2) when CDOMD and IVOMD were included to predict in vivo apparent digestibility NDF (NDFD) but RMSE were higher compared to DOM. Structural carbohydrate contents had mostly precise estimates but limited R2 as the predictors of DOM, NDFD and NEL in combination with in vitro digestibility determinants. There was negative relationship of IVOMD and DOM (r = - 0.72; p < 0.01) but positive as it comes to CDOMD (r = 0.81; p < 0.01). Equations based on CDOMD (E7), IVDNSC and CP (E8) and CDNDF and Starch (E9) were selected to predict NEL. Residuals of NEL (observed – predicted) ranged from – 0.57 to 0.41 MJ/kg. Mid-late hybrids had higher MY kg/ha and MY kg/Mg than early (FAO 340). E7 and E9 were sensitive to ADL content while E8 favored hybrids rich in Starch.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1441
Author(s):  
Youssef Chebli ◽  
Samira El Otmani ◽  
Mouad Chentouf ◽  
Jean-Luc Hornick ◽  
Jean-François Cabaraux

Forest rangelands contribute largely to goat diets in the Mediterranean area. Information about browsed plant quality is essential for adequate feeding management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the temporal changes in chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of the main plant species selected by goats in the Southern Mediterranean forest rangeland during two consecutive years; these were very contrasted (dry and wet). The browsed species were composed of herbaceous, eleven shrubs, and four tree species. Overall, large variability in chemical composition, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and metabolizable energy (ME) was observed among species, grazing season (spring, summer, and autumn), and years within each species. Crude protein (CP) content varied from 60 to 240 g/kg dry matter (DM). The fiber fractions, except for Quercus suber, increased significantly by advancing maturity. Due to the water stress, the lignin level presented a higher value during the spring of the dry year. Condensed tannin (CT) content varied from 2 to 184 g/kg DM. CP, IVOMD, and ME showed a negative correlation with lignin and CT. Based on the results presented herein, it is concluded that the nutritive value of the browsed plant species was highest in the spring and lowest during the summer and autumn of both studied years. With a good grazing management strategy, the selected plant species by goats could guarantee high-quality feeding resources throughout the year.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chatchai Kaewpila ◽  
Pongsatorn Gunun ◽  
Piyawit Kesorn ◽  
Sayan Subepang ◽  
Suwit Thip-uten ◽  
...  

AbstractImproving the nutrition of livestock is an important aspect of global food production sustainability. This study verified whether lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculant could promote ensiling characteristics, nutritive value, and in vitro enteric methane (CH4) mitigation of forage sorghum (FS) mixture silage in attacking malnutrition in Zebu beef cattle. The FS at the soft dough stage, Cavalcade hay (CH), and cassava chip (CC) were obtained. The treatments were designed as a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. Factor A was FS prepared without or with CH, CC, and CH + CC. Factor B was untreated or treated with Lactobacillus casei TH14. The results showed that all FS mixture silages preserved well with lower pH values below 4.0 and higher lactic acid contents above 56.4 g/kg dry matter (DM). Adding LAB boosted the lactic acid content of silages. After 24 h and 48 h of in vitro rumen incubation, the CC-treated silage increased in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD) with increased total gas production and CH4 production. The LAB-treated silage increased IVDMD but decreased CH4 production. Thus, the addition of L. casei TH14 inoculant could improve lactic acid fermentation, in vitro digestibility, and CH4 mitigation in the FS mixture silages.


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


Sensors ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 658
Author(s):  
Matthew F. Digman ◽  
Jerry H. Cherney ◽  
Debbie J. R. Cherney

Advanced manufacturing techniques have enabled low-cost, on-chip spectrometers. Little research exists, however, on their performance relative to the state of technology systems. The present study compares the utility of a benchtop FOSS NIRSystems 6500 (FOSS) to a handheld NeoSpectra-Scanner (NEO) to develop models that predict the composition of dried and ground grass, and alfalfa forages. Mixed-species prediction models were developed for several forage constituents, and performance was assessed using an independent dataset. Prediction models developed with spectra from the FOSS instrument had a standard error of prediction (SEP, % DM) of 1.4, 1.8, 3.3, 1.0, 0.42, and 1.3, for neutral detergent fiber (NDF), true in vitro digestibility (IVTD), neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and crude protein (CP), respectively. The R2P for these models ranged from 0.90 to 0.97. Models developed with the NEO resulted in an average increase in SEP of 0.14 and an average decrease in R2P of 0.002.


Author(s):  
Ali Ameen Saeed ◽  
Saja Intisar Abid

This study was conducted in Nutrition Lab. to investigate the effect of the type and level of substitution of urea with ruminant manure, M (sheep, cow and buffalo) on basis of nitrogen (N) content on the nutritive value of rice straw silage (RSS). Accordingly silages were nominated as, S-RSS, C-RSS and B-RSS. Urea (U) was substituted with dried manure at 6 combinations, 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50 of U:M. Silage samples were prepared by treating chopped straw with pre-treated solution contained 10% low quality debis and 2% urea. Results showed that lower (P˂0.01) DM loss (11.4%) was observed in S-RSS, and with addition of urea only (3.6%).        Samples of S-RSS and C-RSS recorded higher (P˂0.01) Fleig points (Fp) as compared with those prepared by the addition of B-RSS, 60.42, 55.58 and 49.59 respectively. Reduction (P˂0.01) in this parameter was noticed in samples prepared with a combination of 100:0. Aerobic stability (AS) was a reduced (P˂0.01) in samples prepared by addition of S-RSS by 15 and 13 hours in comparison with samples of C-RSS and B-RSS respectively. Samples prepared with combination of 100:0 were prior (P˂0.01) as compared with other samples.        Results also showed an increase (P˂0.01) in in vitro digestibility of organic matter (IVOMD) in samples of S-RSS in comparison with samples prepared by addition of C-RSS and B-RSS, 49.99, 44.59 and 42.77% respectively. Samples prepared with combination of 100:0 recorded lower (P˂0.05) in vitro digestibility of dry matter (IVDMD) as compared with combinations of 70:30 and 60:40 of U: M, 40.52, 45.36 and 45.94% respectively.


1975 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. B. DAYNARD ◽  
R. B. HUNTER

Identical experiments were conducted at the Elora Research Station, near Guelph, Ontario in 1970 and 1971 with the objective of determining the relationships among whole-plant dry matter (DM) yield, whole-plant moisture content, and grain moisture content of corn (Zea mays L.) during the later part of the growing season. Each experiment involved eight commercial hybrids representative of the range in maturity, endosperm type, lodging resistance, and grain yield potential of corn hybrids grown commercially in central Ontario. The hybrids were sampled at weekly intervals over an 8-wk period beginning approximately 1 September; the sampled plants were divided into their leaf, stalk, husk, ear and grain components and oven-dried. Fresh and dry weights were used to calculate dry matter (DM) yields and "at harvest" moisture contents of the various components, and of the entire plant. Averaged across the eight hybrids, maximum DM yield was attained at whole-plant moisture content of 66–70%, and a grain moisture content of 45–50%. Among hybrids, 66% whole-plant moisture corresponded to a range in grain moisture content from 41 to 47%. Two additional experiments were grown also at Elora in 1970 and 1971 to evaluate the effects of harvest date on the DM yield and in vitro digestibility of corn plants and their component plant parts. Each experiment involved four representative commercial hybrids which were sampled at four equal time intervals during the month of September, and divided into grain, cob, husks (including shank) and stover (including leaves, leaf sheaths, stalks and tassels) for dry weight and in vitro digestibility measurement. Whole-plant DM digestibility was essentially constant over a range of whole-plant moisture from 76 to 56% in 1970, and from 76 to 64% in 1971. The consistency of whole-plant digestibility was the result of compensating changes in component yield and digestibility. A decrease in the digestibility of the stover, husks and cob with delayed harvest was compensated for by an increase in the proportion of grain in the whole-plant yield.


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