• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.11
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• pp.1592-1598
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• 2008

An experiment was carried out to study the effect of cattle slurry on maize fodder (Zea mays) production. Maize fodder was produced at 4 cattle slurry levels $T_0$ (0 ton/ha), $T_1$ (10 ton/ha), $T_2$ (12 ton/ha) and $T_3$ (14 ton/ha) in a randomized block design. Agronomic characteristics, plant heights, circumference of stems, number of leaves, leaf area and dry matter yield of maize fodder were measured. Maize plant height and stem circumference were significantly (p<0.01) influenced by the increasing rate of cattle slurry at 15, 30, 45 and 56 days after sowing. Number of leaves of fodder plants was not significant but leaf area was significant (p<0.05) among the treatment groups. The highest biomass yield (p<0.01) of maize fodder was observed in $T_2$ (44.0 ton/ha). For crude protein content, a significant difference (p<0.01) was observed in the treatment groups and the highest value was observed in $T_2$ (11.99%). Organic matter content of maize fodder showed a significant difference but ash, ADF and NDF contents showed no significant differences among treatment groups. From this study it may be concluded that the application of 12 tons of cattle slurry/ha was optimal for production of biomass and nutrient content of maize fodder.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.475-478
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• 2005

This study was conducted to evaluate feeding value of berseem and lucerne silage as a replacement for conventional fodder (berseem fodder) in lactating Nili buffaloes. Fifteen early lactating multi-parous Nili buffaloes, five buffaloes in each group were allotted three experimental diets. Berseem and lucerne fodders were ensiled at 30% DM (wheat straw was used to adjust the DM of fodders) with molasses (at the rate of 2% of fodder DM) in two bunker silos for 30 days. The diets contained 75% DM from berseem fodder (BF), 75% DM from berseem silage (BS) and 75% DM from lucerne silage (LS). Each diet contained 25% concentrate DM. Diets were mixed daily and fed twice a day at ad libitum intakes. Dry matter intake (DMI) was significantly higher (13.8 kg/d) in buffaloes fed BF diet than those fed LS (12.5 kg/d) and BS (11.9 kg/day) diets. The differences in digestible DMI and DMI as percent body weight were significant between fodder and silage based diets but non-significant when BS and LS were compared. Lower DMI with silage-based diets was probably because of low silage pH. Intake of NDF (NDFI) was higher (5.68 kg/d) in buffaloes fed BF diet followed by those fed LS (5.50 kg/d) and BS (5.00 kg/d) diets. The difference was significant (p<0.05) across fodder and silage based diets but NDFI was non-significant across both silage-based diets. The apparent DM digestibility was significantly different (p<0.05) between fodder and silage-based diets but was non-significant between LS and BS diets. Four percent fat corrected milk yield was significantly different (p<0.05) between fodder and silage-based diets but was non-significant between LS and BS diets. Higher milk yield with fodder based diet was because of more digestible nutrient intake (Table 3) compared with silage based diets. Milk CP, TP and NPN and SNF did not show any treatment effects. The present results indicated that the berseem and lucerne fodder ensiled at 30% DM level with 2% molasses could safely replace (75% DM) the conventional leguminous fodder in the diets of lactating Nili buffaloes.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.781-784
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• 2000

A study was conducted to examine the influence of maize (Zea mays) and cowpea (Vigna unguniculata) intercropping on fodder biomass production and silage characteristics. Maize fodder was cultivated alone and intercropped with cowpea at seed ratio of 85:15 and 70:30. Fodder was harvested at heading stage (at about 35% dry matter). The data indicated significant increase in biomass and crude protein production of maize intercropped with cowpea at seed ratio 70:30 followed by seed ratio 85:15 as compared to maize alone. However, no (p>0.05) difference was observed in TDN production among the three treatments. Four types of silages from, I) maize alone, II) maize and cowpea (85:15), III) maize and cowpea (70:30) and IV) maize supplemented with 2.5% urea were prepared. After 60 days of ensiling period, silage samples were analysed for proximate composition and fermentation characteristics. Crude protein and lactic acid values of silages I, II, III and IV were 8.52, 9.82, 14.90 and 13.96% and 9.00, 9.38, 10.86 and 7.43%; respectively. In situ dry matter digestibility was maximum in silage III followed by silages II, IV and I. The results suggested that intercropping of maize and cowpea at seed ratio 70:30 increased fodder production and produced quality silage.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.123-126
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• 1993

Hand dibbling in rows produced higher (p < 0.05) fresh and dry matter (DM), fodder yield, higher plant density and cob yield than broadcasted. However, the varying seed rates (40, 50 and 55 kg/ha) did not affect (p < 0.05) the fresh and DM yield and cob yield except for 30 kg/ha seed rate which produced the lowest (p < 0.01). However, the overall average fresh fodder yield and the fresh and DM yield of cob were 24.97, 10.04 and 6.90 t/ha respectively. The overall average plant height (cm), cob/plant (nos.) plant/ha, (nos.) cob/ha (nos.) and weight (g) of one cob were 178, 1.11, 664141, 70104 and 145 respectively for both the sowing methods and the four seed rates. Crude protein contents of maize plant and cob by-products (8.12% and 7.34% respectively) indicated promising cattle feeds along with human food.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.140-145
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• 1995

This experiment was canied out to investigate the effect of seeding times on the fresh yield of fodder beet varieties, and to select the most adaptable varieties of fodder beet in Daekwanryeong areas. Three varieties(Kyros, Zorba and Hugin) and six seeding times(25 July, 4 Aug. and 14 Aug. in 1993. and 30 Apr., 10 May and 20 May in 1994) were combined in the experiment. The results obtained were as follows: 1. The seeding time for the highest fresh yield of fodder beet was obtained as 18.29 tonha on 25 July in 1993. Of various varieties, the highest fresh yields were 22.59 ton and 18.89 tonlha for Kyros and Zorba on 25 July, and 19.15 tonha for Hugin on 4 Aug. in 1993. 2. The fresh yield of fodder beet were 20.30 ton, 19.41 ton and 16.93 tonlha on 30 Apr., 10 May and 20 May in 1994, respectively. The highest fresh yield of the varieties were 77.78 ton for Kyms on 20 May, 19.79 ton for Zorba on 30 Apr., and 20.63 tonha for Hugin on 10 May in 1994. 3. Shoot and root(S/R) ratio was different between seedling times. S/R ratio of the varieties were increased in 1993 due to the delayed seeding times, but on the contrary it tended to decrease in 1994 with the delayed seeding times. 4. Shoot and root(S/R) ratios of varieties were 0.94, 0.89 and 1.18 for Kyros, Zorba and Hugin in 1993, and 1.29 for Kyms, and 1.85 for Zorba and Hugin in 1994, respectively.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.10
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• pp.1429-1437
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• 2003

Browse tree legume leaves from Acacia spp (A. nilotica, A. tortilis, A. polyacantha), Dichrostachys sp, Flagea villosa, Piliostigma thonningii, Harrisonia sp were evaluated for nutritive potential (chemical compositions and degradability characteristics) compared to Gliricidia sepium. Effect of tannins anti-nutritive activity on digestibility was also assessed by polyethylene glycol (PEG) tannin bioassay. Crude protein (CP), ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) differed (p<0.05) between legume foliages. Mean CP, ash, NDF, ADF and ADL for fodder species tested were 158, 92, 385, 145, and 100 g/kg DM, respectively. CP ranged from 115 (P. thonningii) to 205 g/kg DM (G. sepium). Acacia spp had moderate CP values (g/kg DM) of 144 (A. nilotica), to high CP in A. tortilis (188) and A. polyacantha (194) comparable to G. sepium. The forages had relatively lower fiber compositions. A. nilotica had (p<0.05) lowest NDF, ADF and ADL (182, 68 and 44) compared to P. thonningii (619, 196 and 130) g/kg DM, respectively. Except G. sepium, all fodder species had detectable high phenolic and tannin contents greater than 5% DM, an upper beneficial level in animal feeding and nutrition. Mean total phenolics (TP), total tannins (TT) and condensed tannins (CT) (or proanthocyanidins) for fodder species tested were 139, 113 and 43 mg/g DM, respectively. F. villosa had (p<0.05) lowest TP and TT of 65 and 56 mg/g DM, respectively, compared to A. nilotica (237 and 236 mg/g DM, respectively). The CT varied (p<0.05) from 6 (F. villosa) to 74 mg/g DM (Dichrostachys sp). In vitro organic matter (OM) degradability (OMD) differed (p<0.05) between fodder species. G. sepium had (p<0.05) high degradability potential compared to A. polyacantha that had (p<0.05) the lowest OMD values. Forage degradability ranked: G. sepium>A. nilotica>P. thonningi>F. villosa>Dichrostachys sp>A. tortilis>A. polyacantha. Addition of PEG resulted to (p<0.05) improvement in in vitro OM digestibility (IVD). Increase in IVD was mainly due to binding action of PEG on tannins; and represents potential nutritive values previously depressed by tannins anti-nutritive activity. Browse fodder has potential as sources of ruminal nitrogen especially for ruminants consuming low quality roughages due to high protein, lower fiber compositions and high potential digestibility. However, utilization of browse supplements in ruminants is hampered by high phenolic and tannin contents. Deactivation of tannin anti-nutritive activity, possibly by feeding tanniniferous browse with other readily available nitrogen sources to dilute tannin anti-nutritive activity could improve utilization of browse fodder supplements. Further studies are needed to assess browse fodder palatability and intake, and their effect on growth performance in ruminants.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.221-227
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• 2004

Nutrient utilization and plasma level of minerals were studied in lactating crossbred cows fed diet supplemented from different source of minerals. Twelve crossbred cows of first to third lactation during their mid stage of lactation were distributed equally under two groups and were fed concentrate mixture, green fodder (para grass) and finger millet straw as per requirement. Cows in group I were fed concentrate mixture supplemented with 1% mineral mixture whereas cows in group II were not supplemented with mineral mixture in the concentrate mixture but were offered additional quantity of green fodder (1 kg DM/cow/day) to compensate for the requirement of minerals. Balance study conducted towards the end of 120 days of feeding experiment indicated that the total dry matter intake in both the groups did not differ significantly. The cows in group II offered additional quantity of green fodder consumed significantly (p<0.05) more of green fodder (5.11 vs. 4.51 kg /animal/day) and the cows in group I consumed significantly (p<0.01) more of finger millet straw (1.71 vs. 0.92 kg/animal/day). The digestibility of major nutrients did not differ between the groups except for ether extract which was significantly (p<0.05) lower in cows fed additional green fodder. The total daily intake of P, Cu, Fe and Co did not differ significantly in both the groups whereas significantly higher intakes of Ca, Mg, Zn and Mn were observed in cows supplemented with inorganic source of minerals. However, supplementation through both the sources could meet the mineral requirement in group I and group II. The gut absorption (%) of all the minerals was comparable between the groups except for Mg which was significantly (p<0.05) higher in cows supplemented mineral mixture. The net retention of all the minerals was significantly more in the group supplemented with inorganic source of minerals. Except for P, Mg and Co the retention as percentage of total intake was comparable for all minerals in both the groups. Irrespective of source of mineral supplementation the average monthly blood plasma mineral levels (Ca, P, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe) were within the normal range and comparable between the groups. Lower level of Cu observed at the start of the experimental feeding in both the groups increased with the advancement of supplemental feeding. The plasma Zn and Fe content in cows of both the groups did not vary. The blood plasma level of some minerals (Ca, P, Mg and Cu) was significantly higher towards the end of experimental feeding as compared to the initial values due to the reduction in milk yield with advancement of lactation or due to supplemental effect of minerals. It could be concluded that supplementation of minerals through inorganic source is better utilized in terms of retention as compared to green fodder (para grass), which is a moderate source of most nutrients.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.9
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• pp.1303-1308
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• 2003

Samples of eleven brown midrib (ICSU 96031, ICSU 93046, ICSU 96082, ICSU 96078, ICSU 96075, ICSU 95101, ICSU 96034, ICSU 96063, ICSU 45116, ICSA 93-3 and ICSA 3845 X 3816) and nine white midrib genotypes (ICSU 96050, ICSU 96030, ISU 95082, SSG 59-3, FSHI 93-1, FSHI 2219A X 3211, HC 171, ICSA 93-2 and ICSA 93-1) based on their phenotypic appearance were collected at 50 per cent flowering from the sorghum germplasm grown at Research farm of IGFRI, Jhansi. These genotypes were evaluated with respect to crude protein, fiber composition, in-sacco dry matter, OM, cell wall components disappearance/digestibility besides the fodder yield, total phenolic and availability index values. Brown midrib genotypes were lower (p<0.05) in NDF, ADF, cellulose and acid detergent lignin concentration than white midrib genotypes. Mean NDF, ADF, cellulose and lignin contents were 69.4, 42.1, 35.4 and 5.7% in brown mid rib vis-a vis 75.8, 47.5, 39.6 and 7.3% in white mid rib genotypes. Nonsignificant (p>0.05) differences were observed in dry matter, crude protein and organic matter contents between brown midrib and white midrib genotypes. Phenolic contents were significantly (p<0.05) lower in browm mid rib (0.2) than white mid rib (0.3%) sorghum. Brown midrib genotypes exhibited significantly (p<0.05) higher in-sacco DM, OM and CP disappearance than normal (white midrib) genotypes. The mean degradability of DM, OM and CP was 64.1, 62.6 and 79.6% in brown mid rib and 53.1, 54.0 and 76.6% in white mid rib genotypes, respectively. There were no significant (p>0.05) differences between genotypes in extent of fiber fraction degradability though in-sacco NDF and ADF degradability was more by 5 and 4 units, respectively in brown midrib genotypes vis-a-vis white midrib genotypes. Average fodder yield (green and dry g/plant) and availability index (%) values were significantly (p<0.05) higher for brown midrib (474.2, 129.8 and 80.4) genotypes than white midrib (375.0, 104.8 and 69.2) genotypes. Lignin contents had significant negative correlation with DM, OM, NDF and ADF degradability. The results of the study revealed that brown midrib genotypes are superior not only with regard to chemical entities and disappearance of DM and fiber fractions but also better in respect of fodder yield and availability index values. Thus, brown midrib sorghum strains may be useful in increasing digestibility, intake, feed efficiency and animal performance.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.338-342
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• 1996

Fodder rye(cv. Coolgrazer) was cultivated on paddy soils under different application rates of animal manures (CM=cow manures mixed with sawdust, SM=swine manure mixed with sawdust) during 1994-1995. Rice crop (CV. Geumo) was transplanted in the same plots after fodder rye. The effects of cattle manure application on the yield performance of rye and their influence to growth, yields and quality of rice were evaluated. Fodder rye produced larger plant growth and higher silage yield in the cattle manure application than in the chemical feltilizer (CF). Dry matter yields of rye silage were 3.08 ton(CF), 4.23 ton(CM) and 6.03 ton/ha(SM), respedively. Under heavy application of cattle manures plant height, number of tillers and grains per panicle were increased, but 1,000 grains weight and total yields of rice were decreased. Yields of brown rice were 5.20 ton(CF), 5.15 ton (CM) and 4.95 ton/ha(SM), respectively. Higher concentration of amylose was found in the heavy application of cattle manures. Amylose contents of rice were 16.8%(CF), 19.1%(CM) and 19.4%(SM).

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.340-344
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• 2005

In high-income Asian countries like Korea and Japan, per capita rice consumption has declined because of the change in consumer' favorite foods from rice to high-cost quality foods. This has forced farmers to reduce rice production. Although fodder rice could be another option to be cultured by farmers, available information concerning rice grain silage has been limited. In the present study, therefore, the difference in the quality of fodder rice silage prepared from either whole crop or grain at different ripening stages was compared. Various supplements were also added into whole crop and grain silages of fodder rice before ensiling, and thereafter, the palatability of prepared silages was determined by beef cattle. At ear emergence stage, the pH values for both grain and whole crop silages were approximately 4.5. In both grain and whole crop silages, the pH values were significantly increased by progressing ripening stages from milk-ripe stage to yellow-ripe stages, and the increase in pH value for grain silage was faster than that for whole crop silage. In the grain silage, the higher lactic acid (LA) content in grain silage seemed to be, the lower pH value was. Both in grain and whole crop silages, pH was significantly decreased by supplementation with LA bacteria. There were no significant differences in feed intake among any treatment groups.