Research

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19 pages, 465 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Herbage Conservation Method on Protein Value and Nitrogen Utilization in Dairy Cows

by Christian Böttger, Paolo Silacci, Frigga Dohme-Meier, Karl-Heinz Südekum and Ueli Wyss

Agriculture 2019, 9(6), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture9060118 - 06 Jun 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4263

Ruminant production systems frequently rely on grassland utilization and conservation of herbage as hay or silage. Conservation affects the crude protein (CP) composition and protein value, which is particularly recognized during ensiling. The aim of the current study was to describe the effect [...] Read more.

Ruminant production systems frequently rely on grassland utilization and conservation of herbage as hay or silage. Conservation affects the crude protein (CP) composition and protein value, which is particularly recognized during ensiling. The aim of the current study was to describe the effect of the conservation method on forage protein value and N utilization in dairy cows. Herbage from the same sward was cut and conserved as silage (SI), barn-dried hay (BH), or field-dried hay (FH). Laboratory evaluation indicated differences in CP fractions and ruminal degradability of CP. Conserved forages were fed to six lactating Holstein cows in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design, and N balance was assessed. Partitioning of N into milk, feces, and urine was affected only moderately. Lower concentrations of serum, milk, and also urinary urea indicated lower N turnover for FH compared to SI and BH, likely due to lower N intake for FH. However, the use efficiency of feed N for milk N did not differ between the types of forage. Further, high CP concentrations and the unbalanced concentrations of CP and energy in the forages led to excess excretion of N in all treatments and presumably superimposed effects of the conservation method on N utilization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality and Production of Forage)

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9 pages, 232 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Species, Fertilization and Harvest Date on Microbial Composition and Mycotoxin Content in Forage

by Daria Baholet, Ivana Kolackova, Libor Kalhotka, Jiri Skladanka and Peter Haninec

Agriculture 2019, 9(5), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture9050102 - 06 May 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3467

Abstract

The aim of the project was to evaluate the potential of microbial threat to feed safety in the year 2018. Analyses of the epiphytic community of several forage species (clovers, cocksfoot, fescue, festulolium, perennial ryegrass, timothy and trefoil) in variants of fertilized and [...] Read more.

The aim of the project was to evaluate the potential of microbial threat to feed safety in the year 2018. Analyses of the epiphytic community of several forage species (clovers, cocksfoot, fescue, festulolium, perennial ryegrass, timothy and trefoil) in variants of fertilized and non-fertilized vegetation were performed. The hypothesis is based on the fact that microorganisms are normally present on plant material during its growth all the way from the seed to the senescence; they are influenced by a plant’s fitness, and they affect its harvest and utilization. Microflora was analyzed by cultivation on specific substrates, total microbial count and five specific microbial groups were observed and quantified. Forage species did not affect plant microflora. The highest risk factor of microbial contamination of feed was proved to be harvest date. Mycotoxin contamination of fresh feed was determined (deoxynivalenol and zearalenone) using ELISA. Zearalenone (ZEA) levels were negatively correlated to fertilization intensity, although these results were not statistically significant. Deoxynivalenol (DON) levels were the lowest in a moderate fertilization regime. Significant differences in mycotoxin content were found among botanical species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality and Production of Forage)

21 pages, 2295 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Utilization of Molecular Marker Based Genetic Diversity Patterns in Hybrid Parents to Develop Better Forage Quality Multi-Cut Hybrids in Pearl Millet

by Govintharaj Ponnaiah, Shashi Kumar Gupta, Michael Blümmel, Maheswaran Marappa, Sumathi Pichaikannu, Roma Rani Das and Abhishek Rathore

Agriculture 2019, 9(5), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture9050097 - 03 May 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4229

Abstract

Genetic diversity of 130 forage-type hybrid parents of pearl millet was investigated based on multiple season data of morphological traits and two type of markers: SSRs (Simple sequence repeats) and GBS identified SNPs (Genotyping by sequencing-Single nucleotide polymorphism). Most of the seed and [...] Read more.

Genetic diversity of 130 forage-type hybrid parents of pearl millet was investigated based on multiple season data of morphological traits and two type of markers: SSRs (Simple sequence repeats) and GBS identified SNPs (Genotyping by sequencing-Single nucleotide polymorphism). Most of the seed and pollinator parents clustered into two clear-cut separate groups based on marker based genetic distance. Significant variations were found for forage related morphological traits at different cutting intervals (first and second cut) in hybrid parents. Across two cuts, crude protein (CP) varied from 11% to 15%, while in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) varied from 51% to 56%. Eighty hybrids evaluated in multi-location trial along with their parents for forage traits showed that significant heterosis can be realized for forage traits. A low but positive significant correlation found between SSR based genetic distance (GD between parents of hybrid) and heterosis for most of the forage traits indicated that SSR-based GD can be used for predicting heterosis for GFY, DFY and CP in pearl millet. An attempt was made to associate marker-based clusters with forage quality traits, to enable breeders select parents for crossing purposes in forage breeding programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality and Production of Forage)

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10 pages, 259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sowing Date Affects Maize Development and Yield in Irrigated Mediterranean Environments

by Angel Maresma, Astrid Ballesta, Francisca Santiveri and Jaume Lloveras

Agriculture 2019, 9(3), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture9030067 - 26 Mar 2019

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 10163

Abstract

Timely sowing is critical for maximizing yield for both grain and biomass in maize. The effects of early (mid-March), normal (mid-April), and late (mid-May) sowing date (SD) were studied over a three-year period in irrigated maize under Mediterranean conditions. Early SD increased the [...] Read more.

Timely sowing is critical for maximizing yield for both grain and biomass in maize. The effects of early (mid-March), normal (mid-April), and late (mid-May) sowing date (SD) were studied over a three-year period in irrigated maize under Mediterranean conditions. Early SD increased the number of days from sowing to plant emergence. Late SD reduced the number of days to plant maturity, and had higher forage yields, higher grain humidity, and taller plants. The average grain and forage yields achieved were 13.2 and 21.3 Mg ha⁻¹; 14.0 and 25.1 Mg ha⁻¹; and 12.8 and 27.6 Mg ha⁻¹, for crops with early, normal, and late SD, respectively. The data support the general perception of farmers that April sowings are the most appropriate in the area where the experiments were carried out. Early SD resulted in lower population densities, while later SD did not yield (grain) as high. However, late SD produced taller plants that contributed to achieve higher forage yields. Late SD could be interesting for double annual forage cropping systems. Sowing at the most appropriate time, when the soil is warm, ensures a good level of maize grain production. Future research could focus in the effect of SD for total annual yields in double-annual cropping systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality and Production of Forage)

17 pages, 263 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Wilting Intensity, Dry Matter Content and Sugar Addition on Nitrogen Fractions in Lucerne Silages

by Thomas Hartinger, Nina Gresner and Karl-Heinz Südekum

Agriculture 2019, 9(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture9010011 - 05 Jan 2019

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5173

Abstract

Pre-ensiling treatments can significantly influence the composition of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) silages (LS). Besides dry matter (DM) content and availability of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), wilting intensity may exert a strong impact on the crude protein (CP; nitrogen [N] × 6.25) fractions. [...] Read more.

Pre-ensiling treatments can significantly influence the composition of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) silages (LS). Besides dry matter (DM) content and availability of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), wilting intensity may exert a strong impact on the crude protein (CP; nitrogen [N] × 6.25) fractions. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of DM level, wilting intensity, and sucrose addition on N compounds and fermentation products in LS. Pure lucerne stand (cultivar Plato) was wilted with either high or low intensity to DM contents of 250 and 350 g kg⁻¹, respectively, and ensiled with or without the addition of sucrose. Non-protein-N (NPN) concentration in LS was affected by all pre-ensiling treatments and with 699 g kg⁻¹ CP, NPN was lowest in high-intensity wilted high-DM LS with sucrose addition. No effects were observed on in vitro-estimated concentrations of utilizable CP at the duodenum, a precursor to metabolizable protein. Sucrose addition and higher DM level decreased acetic acid and ammonia-N concentration in the silages. Therefore, the present study demonstrated the beneficial manipulation of CP fractions in LS by high-intensity wilting to higher DM contents and that the provision of WSC may be necessary for sufficient silage fermentation and protein preservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality and Production of Forage)

8 pages, 224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trifolium mutabile as New Species of Annual Legume for Mediterranean Climate Zone: First Evidences on Forage Biomass, Nitrogen Fixation and Nutritional Characteristics of Different Accessions

by Mariano Fracchiolla, Cesare Lasorella, Vito Laudadio and Eugenio Cazzato

Agriculture 2018, 8(7), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture8070113 - 09 Jul 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3549

Abstract

The present study evaluated the forage production, nitrogen fixation and the qualitative characteristics of different accessions of Trifolium mutabile, a new species of annual clover, collected in southern Italy. Forage traits were assessed by harvesting plants at the vegetative stage (stem elongation) [...] Read more.

The present study evaluated the forage production, nitrogen fixation and the qualitative characteristics of different accessions of Trifolium mutabile, a new species of annual clover, collected in southern Italy. Forage traits were assessed by harvesting plants at the vegetative stage (stem elongation) and the subsequent regrowth at the flowering stage (inflorescence emergence-main shoot). From results, significant differences were found among the accessions of T. mutabile in terms of forage biomass production (from 5.1 to 8.2 t ha⁻¹ dry matter), capacity of nitrogen fixation (58.2–76.8% Ndfa) and forage nutritional characteristics. Besides the high forage yield, the investigated accessions showed favourable values of production and quality, representing also worthy germplasm for selection programs as well as the application for possible plant cultivar registration. Moreover, it is interesting to underline that T. mutabile may represent a valuable alternative to commonly cultivated annual clover species due to its prolonged vegetative cycle. However, further investigations are needed to assess the self-reseeding capacity of T. mutabile when utilized as pasture species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality and Production of Forage)

6 pages, 514 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

The Effects of Forage Policy on Feed Costs in Korea

by Jae Bong Chang

Agriculture 2018, 8(6), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture8060072 - 29 May 2018

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4223

Abstract

Feeding operations are substantial on livestock farms, besides being potentially expensive. Feeding efficiency has been considered a major influence on profits in the livestock industry. Indeed, feed costs are shown to be the largest single item of production cost in Korea. To promote [...] Read more.

Feeding operations are substantial on livestock farms, besides being potentially expensive. Feeding efficiency has been considered a major influence on profits in the livestock industry. Indeed, feed costs are shown to be the largest single item of production cost in Korea. To promote production and use of domestic forage, the Korean government has enforced the forage base expansion program that strengthens the competitiveness of the livestock industry by reducing the production cost. The forage base expansion program includes three main policies: subsidized forage production, support for processing and distribution, and expanding land for forage production. This paper investigates the influence of the government’s policies often conjectured to have pronounced effects on forage production. To evaluate the forage policies, this paper uses a path-analysis approach linking government spending on forage base expansion programs and feed costs. Results indicate that the Korean government’s spending on supporting domestic forage production results in a decrease in the ratio of forage expenses to total feed cost. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality and Production of Forage)

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Review

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22 pages, 2016 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effect of Forage Moringa oleifera L. (moringa) on Animal Health and Nutrition and Its Beneficial Applications in Soil, Plants and Water Purification

by Mohamed E. Abd El-Hack, Mahmoud Alagawany, Ahmed S. Elrys, El-Sayed M. Desoky, Hala M. N. Tolba, Ahmed S. M. Elnahal, Shaaban S. Elnesr and Ayman A. Swelum

Agriculture 2018, 8(9), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture8090145 - 18 Sep 2018

Cited by 72 | Viewed by 47831

Abstract

Moringa oleifera L. (moringa) is known as one of the most useful multipurpose plants. It can be effectively utilized as a natural biopesticide and inhibitor of several plant pathogens. Thus, it can be included in integrated pest management strategies. Moringa and its products [...] Read more.

Moringa oleifera L. (moringa) is known as one of the most useful multipurpose plants. It can be effectively utilized as a natural biopesticide and inhibitor of several plant pathogens. Thus, it can be included in integrated pest management strategies. Moringa and its products have different uses in many agricultural systems. The use of moringa as a crop enhancer is an eco-friendly way of improving crop yields at the lowest possible cost. This inexpensive increase in productivity can contribute to meeting some of the food needs in some parts of the world as the global population increases and poverty rates rise. One of the most important characteristics of moringa is that it has high biological and nutritional values and can be used as animal feed, green fertilizer, medicine, biopesticide and in seed production. Moringa has been characterized as a potentially useful animal feed owing to its high content of protein, carotenoids, several minerals and vitamins (such as iron and ascorbic acid) and certain phytochemicals (kaempferitrin, isoquercitrin, rhamnetin, kaempferol and quercetin). This review aims to provide more knowledge about the nature, nutritional value, phytochemicals and uses of Moringa oleifera as a promising material in the fields of soil and plant management, water treatment, as well as animal and poultry production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality and Production of Forage)

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14 pages, 241 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Efficacy of High-Protein Tropical Forages as Alternative Protein Sourcesfor Chickens: A Review

by Sameh A. Abdelnour, Mohamed E. Abd El-Hack and Marco Ragni

Agriculture 2018, 8(6), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture8060086 - 20 Jun 2018

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6455

Abstract

Smallholders of poultry production systems in developing countries are commonly found in rural, resource-poor areas, and often face food insecurity. The main constraints for smallholders in poultry production in rural, resource-poor areas are the shortage of available commercial dietary protein and the high [...] Read more.

Smallholders of poultry production systems in developing countries are commonly found in rural, resource-poor areas, and often face food insecurity. The main constraints for smallholders in poultry production in rural, resource-poor areas are the shortage of available commercial dietary protein and the high cost of commercial diets. The beneficial effects of legume and forage cultivation are economic, through providing protein for animals, and ecological, such as soil amendment, nitrogen fixation, and stripping control which participate to increase cropping efficiency. The potential nutritive value of a wide range of forages and grain legumes is presented and discussed. The impacts of dietary protein, fiber, and secondary metabolites in plant content, as as well as their consequences on feed efficiency, animal performance, and digestion processes are enclosed in this review. Lastly, approaches to reduce the anti-nutritional factors of the secondary metabolites of plants are explained. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality and Production of Forage)

10 pages, 239 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Feeding Forage in Poultry: A Promising Alternative for the Future of Production Systems

by Vincenzo Tufarelli, Marco Ragni and Vito Laudadio

Agriculture 2018, 8(6), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture8060081 - 09 Jun 2018

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 17541

Abstract

The present review discusses the existing research findings on the nutritional impact of forages in poultry diet and the significance of forages in sustainable poultry production systems. The nutritional composition and antinutritional factors of the main forages and the pros and cons of [...] Read more.

The present review discusses the existing research findings on the nutritional impact of forages in poultry diet and the significance of forages in sustainable poultry production systems. The nutritional composition and antinutritional factors of the main forages and the pros and cons of feeding forage on poultry meat and egg quality under free-range and organic production systems are also discussed. This review highlights the importance of forages and forage meals in poultry ration, considering that these feedstuffs may have greater value to the success of local poultry production in many regions of the world due to their potential of production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality and Production of Forage)

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