Weathering losses of forage species on the fescue grassland in southwestern Alberta

1998 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. D. Willms ◽  
J. King ◽  
J. F. Dormaar
Keyword(s):  
Late Summer ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Litter Mass ◽  
Litter Biomass ◽  
Forage Species ◽  
Acid Detergent Fibre ◽  
Forage Value ◽  
Rough Fescue ◽  
Standing Litter

Rough fescue grasslands are readily damaged by heavy grazing pressure in the summer but tolerate grazing in winter. The grasslands have physical and nutritive properties that make them suitable for winter grazing by cattle thereby reducing the cost of winter feeding while preserving the integrity of the grasslands. However, their forage value declines during winter through the degradation of biomass yield and quality. This study took place at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Range Research Substation located on the Porcupine Hills in southwest Alberta. The objectives of this study were to determine the dynamics of litter biomass for important forage species over winter, to examine the role of leaf position in the plant on biomass loss from leaves, and to determine the associated changes in crude protein, phosphorus, and acid detergent fibre of the leaves, and carbon and nitrogen. Leaves of Parry oat grass (Danthonia parryi Scribn.), Idaho fescue (F. idahoensis Elmer), and rough fescue (F. campestris Rydb.) were sampled at monthly intervals from August to March over 3 yr to determine weight and chemical composition. Decomposition of these species, together with smooth aster (Aster laevis L.), was also tested for decomposition in the litter mass using nylon bags. Degradation of standing litter was most rapid in late summer and tended to decline toward stability by December. Biomass losses in leaves from August to March were similar (P > 0.05) among grass species. Over-winter losses in the litter mass tended to be greatest for smooth aster. Changes in the mineral and fibre concentrations of the herbage were typical of the trends expected for the period, that included late senescence and weathering, and followed closely the losses of biomass for the period. Forage decomposition is an important ecological process in mineral cycling and affects the quantity and quality of forage available for delayed grazing. Key words: Standing litter, buried litter, biomass, forage quality, winter, Parry oat grass, Idaho fescue, rough fescue, smooth aster

Protein supplementation to enhance the performance of pregnant cows on rough fescue grasslands in winter

1998 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. D. Willms ◽  
L. M. Rode ◽  
B. S. Freeze
Keyword(s):  
Block Design ◽  
Good Condition ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Protein Supplementation ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Acid Detergent Fibre ◽  
Winter Grazing ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Rough Fescue

Rough fescue grasslands are readily damaged with heavy grazing pressure in the summer but tolerate grazing in winter. In addition, these grasslands have physical and nutritive properties that make them favourable for winter grazing by cattle, which reduces the cost of winter feeding while preserving the integrity of the grasslands. This study was conducted on the rough fescue grassland to determine the impact of protein supplementation on pregnant Hereford cows and the effect of supplementation on forage intake. A secondary objective was to determine the winter quality of forage from this grassland as measured by crude protein (CP), phosphorus (P), and acid detergent fibre (ADF) of selected species. The study site was in the rough fescue grasslands at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Range Research Substation west of Stavely, AB. A canola based supplement (32% CP) with added minerals was fed to pregnant Hereford cows at four levels [0, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 kg d−1 per animal] from 1 November to 31 January over 3 yr. Two animals were used in each of 12 paddocks (1.67 ha each) arranged in a randomized complete block design with three blocks. Cow weight and backfat were recorded before and after each feeding period. Forage biomass and feed intake were estimated by harvesting plots before and after grazing, and with the use of a non-destructive method based on measurements of individual plants that allowed estimates for each forage species. Cow weights were affected (P = 0.002) by supplementation. Cows receiving 0.4 kg d−1 supplement lost the most weight while cows receiving 0.8 or 1.2 kg d−1 lost the least. Backfat was not responsive to supplementation (P > 0.05). Rough fescue grasslands must be in good condition to be able to support winter grazing because rough fescue provides most of the forage utilized by cattle in winter. Key words: Winter grazing, Festuca campestris, rough fescue, weight loss, backfat, digestibility, beef cattle

scholarly journals Factors influencing early restoration progress of a Eucalyptus tereticornis open forest on former agricultural land.

2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Lewis ◽  
David Taylor ◽  
Scott Swift ◽  
Valerie Debuse
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Plant Regeneration ◽  
Woody Plant ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Eucalyptus Tereticornis ◽  
Mature Trees ◽  
Litter Biomass ◽  
Open Forest

We monitored an area that was revegetated with the goal of restoring a Eucalyptus tereticornis open forest on former agricultural land in central, eastern Queensland. Revegetation involved: (1) planting 60 ha of previously cleared and heavily grazed land with eight local trees species; and (2) removing cattle grazing to encourage natural regeneration in areas where some mature trees remained. We compared the revegetation site to native pasture that had also been previously cleared, with only scattered paddock trees remaining, and continued to be managed for livestock production (an area similar to the revegetation site, prior to planting) and a remnant forest (reference area). Nine years since revegetation began there was some evidence that the revegetated site was diverging from pasture in terms of understorey plant composition, sapling density and topsoil C and N. There was little divergence in terms of plant species richness (native, introduced, grass, forb and woody plant richness), herbaceous biomass and woody plant regeneration. Some monitoring plots were subject to fire (prescribed fire and or wildfire) over the period of monitoring. With increasing time since fire, the richness of native species, introduced species and grass species (both native and introduced) declined, and forb and grass species richness declined with increasing litter biomass, suggesting that the occurrence of fire and the associated removal of litter biomass has a positive influence on herbaceous diversity in this ecosystem. Woody plant regeneration persisted through lignotubers at the revegetation site and at the pasture, but this regeneration was stunted at the pasture presumably due to livestock grazing. Hence areas of former E. tereticornis forest showed promising regenerative capacity where mature trees remained and where livestock grazing was removed.

Bermudagrass tolerance of indaziflam PRE applications in forage production

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-128
Author(s):  
Nicholas L. Hurdle ◽  
Timothy L. Grey ◽  
Patrick E. McCullough ◽  
Donn Shilling ◽  
Jason Belcher
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Cellulose Biosynthesis ◽  
Split Application ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Application Rates ◽  
Forage Species ◽  
Residual Herbicide ◽  
Residual Control

AbstractBermudagrass is a major forage species throughout Georgia and the Southeast. An essential part of achieving high-yielding, top-quality forages is proper weed control. Indaziflam is a residual herbicide that controls many broadleaf and grass species by inhibiting cellulose biosynthesis. Research conducted in Tift and Colquitt counties in Georgia determined optimal PRE rates for indaziflam for bermudagrass forage production. Treatments applied at spring greenup of established ‘Alicia’ bermudagrass included indaziflam at 47, 77, 155, or 234 g ai ha−1 PRE, pendimethalin at 4,480 g ha−1 PRE, a split application of indaziflam at 47 g ha−1 PRE followed by the same rate applied POST after the first cutting, and a nontreated control (seven treatments in all). Forages were machine harvested three times each year for each location beginning at least 47 d after treatment (DAT), with final cuttings up to 168 DAT. For all treatments, fresh- and dry-weight yields at each harvest and totals for the season did not differ from the nontreated control. Indaziflam at 155 and 234 g ha−1 did cause minor stunting at 44 DAT, but this was transient and not observed at the second harvest. Indaziflam applied PRE has the potential to provide residual control of troublesome weeds in bermudagrass forage and hay production, with ephemeral stunting at the recommended application rates.

scholarly journals Effect of Standing Litter on Rough Fescue Utilization by Cattle

Rangelands ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Darlene Moisey ◽  
Walter Willms ◽  
Edward Bork
Keyword(s):  
Rough Fescue ◽  
Standing Litter

scholarly journals In vitro fermentation, digestibility and methane production of tropical perennial grass species

2014 ◽  
Vol 65 (5) ◽  
pp. 479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Belete Shenkute Gemeda ◽  
Abubeker Hassen
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Methane Production ◽  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Automated System ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Tropical Conditions ◽  
Acid Detergent Fibre

This study characterised 16 tropical perennial grass species in terms of in vitro methane output and related their digestibility and rumen fermentation with methane output. The grass samples were collected, dried in a forced oven, and ground and analysed for nutrient composition. In vitro gas production and organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) were determined using rumen fluid collected, strained and anaerobically prepared. A semi-automated system was used to measure gas production through in vitro incubation at 39°C. Anthephora argentea and Stipagrostis ciliate produced the highest concentration of methane in terms of g kg–1 digestible dry matter (DDM) and g kg–1 digestible organic matter (IVOMD). Cenchrus ciliaris, Setaria verticillata and Panicum coloratum produced the lowest (P < 0.05) methane when expressed in terms of g kg–1 DDM and g kg–1 IVOMD. Ash, ether extract, non-fibrous carbohydrate, neutral and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen, and crude protein were negatively correlated with methane production. Methane production positively correlated with neutral and acid detergent fibre, cellulose and hemicellulose. It is important to focus on screening and selecting perennial grass with higher nitrogen content and low methane production to mitigate methane production under tropical conditions.

scholarly journals Influence of a Municipal Solid Waste Landfill on the Surrounding Environment: Landfill Vegetation as a Potential Risk of Allergenic Pollen

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (24) ◽  
pp. 5064 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Daria Vaverková ◽  
Dana Adamcová ◽  
Jan Winkler ◽  
Eugeniusz Koda ◽  
Jana Červenková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Allergenic Pollen ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Vegetation Monitoring ◽  
Growing Seasons

When the landfill use comes to end, important subsequent steps include aftercare, safety assurance, and ecological regeneration. Landfill revegetation is cost-effective and eco-friendly approach in the management of landfill areas, which serves the purpose of stabilization and provides a pleasant landscape. There are various vegetation types that can be planted, yet grass species are often used for low-cost reasons. Plants can be important sources of air pollution, particularly by grass pollen. The main goal of our study was to identify plant species that produce allergenic pollen. Long-term vegetation monitoring took place on three sites in the growing seasons of years 2008–2018. Studied objects were landfills located in the Czech Republic. The vegetation was assessed using a floristic survey of identified plant species. Plant species that produced allergens were recorded. During the monitoring, 298 plant species were determined. Plant species with allergenic pollen have a considerable share in the landfill vegetation. Thus, landfills are potential sources of various kinds of allergenic pollen. Moreover, our results indicated that there are three periods of pollen production: early spring, late spring, and early summer; late summer; and autumn. The second period is typical for the production of highly allergenic pollen by grasses. Most detected plant species with allergenic pollen are common for all monitored sites, which demonstrates that the vegetation of landfills is a significant source of allergenic pollen.

The choice of grass species to combat desertification in semi-arid Kenyan rangelands is greatly influenced by their forage value for livestock

2013 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 161-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Z. Mganga ◽  
N. K. R. Musimba ◽  
D. M. Nyariki ◽  
M. M. Nyangito ◽  
A. W. Mwang'ombe
Keyword(s):  
Grass Species ◽  
Forage Value ◽  
Semi Arid

The choice of grass species to combat desertification in semi‐arid Kenyan rangelands is greatly influenced by their forage value for livestock

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dickson Nyariki ◽  
Nashon Musimba ◽  
Moses Nyangito ◽  
Agnes Mwang'ombe ◽  
Kevin Mganga
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Arid Environment ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Plant Densities ◽  
Forage Value ◽  
Species Preferences ◽  
Area Percentage

&lt;p&gt;Livestock production is the main source of livelihood in the arid and semi&amp;#8208;arid lands in Africa. However, desertification characterized by vegetation degradation and soil erosion is a major threat to the sustainability of land&amp;#8208;based production systems. Native rangeland forage species&amp;#160;&lt;em&gt;Cenchrus ciliaris&amp;#160;&lt;/em&gt;L. (Buffel grass/African foxtail grass),&amp;#160;&lt;em&gt;Eragrostis superba&amp;#160;&lt;/em&gt;Peyr. (Maasai love grass) and&amp;#160;&lt;em&gt;Enteropogon macrostachyus&lt;/em&gt;&amp;#160;(Hochst. Ex A. Rich.) Monro ex Benth. (Bush rye grass) have been used to combat desertification. The objectives of the study were to identify the best&amp;#8208;suited native grass species to combat desertification in a semi&amp;#8208;arid environment in Kenya and to identify the preferred grass species among the agropastoralists in the area. Percentage basal cover, plant densities and frequencies of the three grasses in pure stands and mixtures were estimated. Grass species preferences were through household survey and focus group discussion. Results showed a significant difference (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;&amp;#160;0&amp;#183;05) in plant densities and cover estimates:&amp;#160;&lt;em&gt;E.&amp;#160;macrostachyus&lt;/em&gt;&amp;#160;was ranked first;&amp;#160;&lt;em&gt;C.&amp;#160;ciliaris&lt;/em&gt;&amp;#160;and&amp;#160;&lt;em&gt;E.&amp;#160;superba&lt;/em&gt;&amp;#160;were ranked second and third respectively. The agropastoral farmers, however, preferred&amp;#160;&lt;em&gt;E.&amp;#160;superba&lt;/em&gt;&amp;#160;followed by&amp;#160;&lt;em&gt;C.&amp;#160;ciliaris&lt;/em&gt;&amp;#160;and&amp;#160;&lt;em&gt;E.&amp;#160;macrostachyus,&lt;/em&gt;&amp;#160;a reverse trend. These results suggest that the choice of grass species to combat desertification is influenced more by its contribution as a source of forage for livestock than its contribution for rehabilitation purposes.&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals Influence of species and preservations on the quality and safety of grass silages

2010 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 329-336
Author(s):  
Jiří Skládanka ◽  
Petr Doležal ◽  
Jan Nedělník ◽  
Hana Moravcová ◽  
Roman Poštulka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Lolium Perenne ◽  
Water Extract ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Crude Fibre ◽  
Acid Detergent Fibre ◽  
Organic Nutrients ◽  
Biological Additive

The paper evaluates the quality of model silages made of wilted grass biomass and treated with silage additives. Grass species used for the production of silages were Lolium perenne, Festulolium pabulare and Festulolium braunii harvested in the first cut at the stage of earing. The assessed grass species were wilted after the cut for an identical time 36 hours (2008), resp. 24 hours (2009). The treatment was made either with a chemical preparation (formic acid, propionic acid, ammonium formate) and/or with a bio­lo­gi­cal inoculant (Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactobacillus salivarius, cellulase, hemicellulase and amylase). The amount of the chemical ingredient was 4 l . t−1 and the amount of the biological additive was 10 g . t−1.The biomass was after wilting ensilaged in con­tai­ners whose diameter and height were 0.15 m and 0.64 m, respectively. After 60 days of ensilaging, the silages were assessed for pH, organic acids content, ethanol content and acidity of water extract (AWE); organic nutrients assessed in the silages were crude fibre (CF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), crude protein (CP) and digestibility of organic matter (DOM). Hygienic safety was assessed from the contents of zearalenon, fumonisin and aflatoxin mycotoxins. The high (P < 0.05) dry matter (DM) content in Festulolium pabulare silages indicates that the species tends to rapid wilting. The higher DM content reflected in lower biomass losses (P < 0.05). The lowest pH values (P < 0.05) were detected in silages made of Festulolium braunii. The fact relates to the higher content of lactic acid in the prepared microsilages. The use of ensiling additives affected the quality of extracts. Namely the application of the biological additive led to the increased content (P < 0.05) of not only lactic acid but acetic acid too. Titrable acidity was not affected by the ensiling additives. As to the emanation of ethanol, heterofermentative bacteria of lactic fermentation apparently took part in the fermentation process of the silages as well. While the evaluated forage species showed differences in the di­ges­ti­bi­li­ty of organic matter (P < 0.05), the application of preservatives did not influence the content of organic nutrients. Fumonisin was not detected at all and aflatoxins were below the level of detection. None of the assessed factors had an effect on the content of zearalenon; in spite of the fact, an apparent tendency towards a higher content of zearalenon was recorded in Lolium perenne.

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