• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.19 no.3
• /
• pp.381-385
• /
• 2006

This study examined the influence of re-growth periods on chemical composition, biomass production, nutritive value and digestion kinetics of Setaria sphacelata (SS) and Cenchrus ciliaris (CC) in ruminally cannulated buffalo bulls. Two re-growth intervals i.e. clipping every month ($CI_1$) and clipping after every two months ($CI_2$) were compared with the control (clipped after 4 months). Mean values of leaf to stem ratio in SS and CC grasses were decreased (p<0.05) with increasing re-growth interval. The lowest leaf to stem ratio was recorded in control plots of both grasses. In both grasses, increasing growth period increased the concentrations of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and organic matter (OM) and decreased crude protein (CP). Mean dry herbage, OM and CP yields of SS and CC were increased (p<0.05) with increasing re-growth interval. Ruminal DM and NDF digestibilities of SS and CC were decreased (p<0.05) with increasing interval. Ruminal rate of DM and NDF disappearance was higher while the ruminal lag time of these nutrients was lower with monthly than with bi-monthly clipping interval. The results from present study imply that SS and CC clipped after every two months is more beneficial than when clipped every month or every four months in terms of optimal biomass with adequate nutritional value for buffaloes.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.79-85
• /
• 1997

Cage layer waste and sudex grass were ensiled in the proportions of 0:100, 30:70, 40:60 and 50:50 wet basis, respectively. The influence of ensiling cage layer waste on Salmonellae, Shigella, Proteus, and total number of colony forming units (CFU) was investigated. The nutritive value of the silages was evaluated in a digestion trial. The experiment was conducted with 24 wethers allotted to four silages. Initial samples of cage layer waste showed $0.11{\times}10^6$ CFU and salmonellae, Shigella and Proteus were present. Ensiling was effective in complete elimination of all the pathogens. Dry matter, crude protein and ash contents were increased linearly (p < .01) with the increase of cage layer waste in the silages ($358g{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ to $484g{\cdot}kg^{-1}$; $76.3g{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ to $183.2g{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ and $38.5g{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ to $169.4g{\cdot}kg^{-1}$; DM basis, respectively). Water solubles carbohydrate values for silages were 38.3, 22.5, 20.1 and $20.0g{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ DM basis, respectively. Ensiling decreased the pH values for all the silages and the decrease was higher for sudex grass ensiled alone than grass ensiled with cage layer waste. Lactic acid concentration in silages increased linearly (p < .01) with the increase of cage layer waste. The apparent digestibilities of DM, OM and CP for the animals fed sudex grass silage alone were 496.0, 516.1, $496.7g{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ DM basis respectively. However, digestibilities of all the components were higher (p < 0.01) for the animals fed silages containing cage layer waste. Among waste containing diets, the digestibilities of all the components showed quadratic affect (p < 0.01), increased for silages containing 30 and 40% cage layer waste and decreased when the level of waste increased from 40 to 50%. The results indicated that cage layer waste can be used upto 40% in ruminant diet as a source of N without any adverse effect on the health of animals. Ensiling appeared to be feasible and effective method for eliminating the pathogen present in cage layer waste.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.24 no.9
• /
• pp.1233-1242
• /
• 2011

The in vivo digestibility of mulberry leaves (Morus alba) and the effects of the partial replacement of cotton seed with fresh mulberry leaf in rations on the performance of growing Vietnamese cattle was investigated. For the in vivo digestibility trial, twenty castrated rams of Phanrang breed (a local prolific breed) with an initial weight of 23-25 kg, were first assigned to four groups according to weight and then randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments to determine digestibility of nutrients in mulberry leaves (M. alba), natural Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and buffalo grass (Panicum maximum cv. TD 58). All forages were cut and chopped daily before being offered (at 120% maintenance) to the sheep. In the feeding trial, 20 Laisind (Vietnam yellow cows${\times}$Red Sindhy bulls) crossbred bulls averaged 18 month old and 184 kg were used to investigate the effect of partial replacement of cottonseed in the diet by mulberry leaves on live weight gain and feed conversion rate. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with four levels of fresh mulberry leaves which varied from 0 to 15% of total dietary dry mater and five animals per treatment over an 84 day period. The in vivo digestion trial showed the superior quality of mulberry leaves compared with the grasses. Chemical analysis indicated that mulberry leaves had the highest CP and the lowest NDF contents (22.3 and 31.1% DM, respectively) among the four forages tested. Digestibility of DM and OM of the mulberry leaf (66.4 and 71.8%, respectively) was also the highest but that of CP (58.2%) and NDF (58.4%) was the lowest of the four forages evaluated (p<0.05). Consequently, the ME value and therefore net energy (NE) and unit feed for lactation (UFL) values of the mulberry leaves, which was estimated from chemical composition and digestibility values, were the highest among the forages investigated in the present study. Results of the feeding trial showed no treatment effect on average daily gain (ADG) of the cattle. The values were 554, 583, 565 and 568 g/d for animals in the diets of 0, 5, 10, and 15% mulberry leaves inclusion, respectively. Total DM intake of the animal was not affected by the treatment when expressed as kg/animal/d. However, when adjusted for metabolic weight of the animal the DM intake was reduced (p<0.05) as whole cottonseed was replaced by mulberry leaves in the ration. When the level of mulberry leaves in the ration increased from 5 to 15% of dietary DM at the expense of whole cottonseed, CP and ME intakes of the cattle were significantly decreased (p<0.05) and the feed to gain ratio reduced by 8 to 14% as compared with the control diet (p<0.05). Mulberry leaf is a good feed ingredient for ruminants because of its high level of crude protein and high digestibility of nutrients and energy. Mulberry leaves can be efficiently used as a source of protein supplement to replace cottonseed, a more expensive animal feeds ingredient, in the diet for Vietnamese cattle.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.18 no.6
• /
• pp.812-815
• /
• 2005

This study was conducted to see the influence of additives and fermentation periods on Mott grass silage (MGS) characteristics, its chemical composition and to compare the digestion kinetics of Mott grass (MG) and MGS in Nili buffaloes. Mott grass chopped with a locally manufactured chopper was ensiled using two additives, cane molasses and crushed corn grains each at 2, 4 and 6% of forage DM for 30 and 40 days in laboratory silos. The pH, lactic acid concentration, dry matter (DM), crude protein and fiber fractions of MGS were not affected by the type or level of additive and fermentation periods. The non-significant pH lactic acid concentration, and chemical composition of MGS indicated that the both molasses and crushed corn were utilized at similar rate for the growth of lactic acid bacteria and production of organic acids. The MG ensiled with molasses at 2% of fodder DM for 30 days was screened out for in situ digestion kinetics in Nili buffaloes. Ruminal DM and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradabilities of MGS were significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of MG. The DM and NDF rate of degradation, lag time and extent of degradation was nonsignificant between MGS and MG. The higher ruminal degradation of DM and NDF of MGS than MG was probably a reflection of fermentation of MG during ensilation that improved its degradability by improving the availability of easily degradable structural polysaccharides to ruminal microbial population. The results in the present study have indicated that MG ensiled with either 2% molasses or 2% crushed corn for 30 days has better nutritive value for buffalo.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.21-26
• /
• 1990

This field experiment was carried out to determine the effects of nitrogen(N) application time (March 30, April 9 and April 19) and N fertilizer kind (urea and ammonium sulfate) in early spring on the grass growth, dry matter (DM) yield, crude protein (CP) content, CP yield (CPY), acid detergent fiber (ADF) content, DM digestibility (DMD) and N recovery in orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) meadow for soiling, 1989. The amount of N applied in early spring was 70 kg $ha^{-1}$, and non-fertilized plot was involved as control. In all fertilized plots the growth, DM yield, CP, CPY and regrowth yield of grasses were significantly increased compared with control. The best grass growth and DM yield were observed on March 30, and the best CP, CPY and N recovery were observed on April 9 among all fertilized plots. Also there were not significant differences between urea and ammonium sulfate fertilizer in grass growth, DM yield, CP, CPY, ADF, DMD and N recovery. In Suwon area, therefore, the optimum time of N application for soiling in early spring may be recommended early April, regardless of fertilizer kind of N.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
• /
• v.9 no.3
• /
• pp.153-157
• /
• 1989

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of the first harvesting times and regrowth periods after the fist harvest on grass regrowth, dry matter (DM) yield and botanical composition in pasture mixtures during 1987 and 1988. For the test, a split plot design with 3 replications was treated with 3 different first harvesting times (vegetative, stem elongation and heading stage) and 3 different regrowth periods (20, 30 and 40 days) after first harvest. Although the total DM yield of grasses was decreased slightly with earlier cutting, the regrowth DM yield and the regrowth plant height was increased significantly with earlier cutting (p < 0.05). Also, the 30 days of regrowth periods was contributed greatly to the regrowth and the DM yield. The percentage of legumes Tmainly red clover) in botanical composition was increased with later initial harvest anrl longer regrowth period after first harvest. Based on the results, it is suggested that good grass regrowth and seasonal distribution could be achieved by the earlier harvest at fist and the regrowth period of 30 days after first harvest in spring.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.93-98
• /
• 1993

To determine the effects of potassium($K_2O$) fertilization level(0, 100, 200 and 300 kg/ha/year) on the growth, dry matter(DM) yield, nutritive value and nitrate nitrogen($NO_3$-N) concentration of grasses grown under shading condition, this experiment was carried out in Grassland Div., LES, 1989. The plants were sampled on different growing seasons (spring, summer and autumn) and growth stages (grazing and soiling), respectively. Shade was controlled artificially ca. 45-50%, and the level of nitrogen fertilization was 200 kg/ha/year in all treatments. Higher DM was produced in spring 1, 453 kg at grazing and 2, 364 kg/ha at soiling stage, and DM production was increased with increasing level of $K_2O$. In this experiment, the optimum amount of $K_2O$ fertilizer was 200 kg/ha. The neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, DM digestibility, and relative feed value of grasses were not affected by $K_2O$ fertilization, regardless of growing season and growth stage. The $NO_3$-N concentration of grasses grown in spring was very low (ca. 1.0%), regardless of growth stage and $K_2O$ level. However, $NO_3$-N concentration was very high in summer and autumn season, also $NO_3$-N was decreased significantly with increasing level of $K_2O$ fertilization (P<0.05). Application of $K_2O$ fertilizer, therefore, is thoughs to be desirable for reducing $NO_3$-N concentration of grasses, especially in summer and autumn season. So annual split fertilization of $K_2O$ could be recommended on woodland pasture.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
• /
• v.16 no.1
• /
• pp.27-38
• /
• 1996

This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of Festulolium braunii(Festuca pratensis Huds. $\times$ Loliurn mulrijZorum Lam.)as forge sources. The experiment was arranged in a split plot design with four replications from Feb. 1995. to Jan. 1996 at Hohenheim university. Main plots consisted of three forage species, Festulolirtrn braunii(Paulita), Lolium multiJomm(Lemtla), and Secale cereale(Halo) and subplots consisted of three maturity, boot, heading, and anthesis. The growth characteristics, DM yields, nutritive value, N and energy balance were observed. The heading date of Festulolium braunii was about two days earlier than that of Loliunz mrtltiflorum, farthermore Fesrulolium braunii retained higher leaf weight ratio(LWR) than other species. Festulolium brarrnii failed to show any significant differences in grass length, number of tillers, LAI, CGR, and DM accumulation when harvested at the same stage of maturity as compare with Loliurn mulriiflorutn or Setale cerede, bur the content of CP, OMD, and mineral elements and NEL value of Festulolium braunii compare to othes were slightly increased(P<0.05), while the content of NDF, ADF, and lignin decreased(P<0.05). The yield of CP was greater for Festulolium braunii than for Lolium multfimm and yields of DOM and NEL per unit area(ha) for Festulolium braunii were greater than for other species(P<0.05). The equivalent or higher DM production and nutritive value are obtained when Festulolium braunii are cut during the period from boot to anthesis stages, therefor DM intake, preference, and N and energy balance were also higher for Festulolirtm braunii compare to for other species. It could be suggested that Lolium multrfirum would be a more suitable substitute to Festuloliron braunii without decreasing forage production and quality, but the substitutive effect of Secale cereale would be difficult because of the maor differences in growth type and period compare to Fesrulolium braunii. From above the results of this experiment it appears that Festulolium braunii have a potential to provide forage sources. but funher research is needed to ascertain their potential under the climate of Korea.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
• /
• v.21 no.3
• /
• pp.115-122
• /
• 2001

The purpose of this study was to suggest the possibility of utilizing the wildflower pasture as the livestock herbage sources as well as promoting the public interests. Not only dry matter (DM) yield and soil properties of pastures were observed, but also chemical composition of herbages was analyzed. The experimental design includes four treatments: Conventional pasture(COP, forage 6 species), Bottomgrass pasture(BOP, turf grass 6 species), Native wildflower pasture(NWP, turf grass 6 species + native wildflower 11 species) and Introduced wildflower pasture(IWP, turf grass 6 species + introduced wildflower 9 species). The field trials were carried out on the experimental pasture plots at Chungnam National University throughout from 1997 to 2000. The results obtained are as follows : 1. As wildflower pasture was composed of turf grasses and wildflowers, the yearly mean of DM yield in the wildflower pastures (NWP 6,688kg/ha and IWP 7,240kg/ha) was lower than that of COP(8,592kg/ha) or BOP(7,264kg/ha)(p<0.05). This result indicated that the forage productivity of wildflower pasture for livestock is low. 2. The nutritive quality of herbages from wildflower pasture tended to be slightly low compared to that of COP and BOP. On the other hand, compared with IWP, the content of CP, NDF and lignin of herbages from NWP were lower than those from IWP, while IVDMD was higher(p<0.05). 3. The pH and the content of exchangeable Ca in NWP and IWP soils were tended to be low compared to those of COP in changes of soil properties after 3-years experimental trials, while the contents of organic matter, nitrogen, available phosphate, Mg and K were slightly improved. In conclusion, even though DM yield seem to be lower in wildflower pasture than those of COP, and the nutritive quality of herbages from wildflower pasture tended to be slightly low compared to that of COP and BOP. but, possibility of utilizing herbages from wildflower pasture for livestock was to some extent expected. In addition. compared to COP, wildflower pastures improved the property of soil. Thus, although wildflower pasture was not enough for livestock as a herbage, wildflower pasture has enough possibility for promoting the public interest.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.19 no.7
• /
• pp.978-983
• /
• 2006

Forages from grazing lands comprise conventional feed resources for ruminants in the tropical region. A study was conducted to assess fodder productivity and nutritive potential of deferred forages of six silvopastoral traditional fodder banks in central northwest Tanzania, traditionally known as Ngitiri. The grazing lands were dominated by low quality increaser grass species: Eragrostis spp., Aristida spp., Urochloa spp., Rottboellia exaltata, Cenchrus spp., Cynodon spp. and Chloris spp., and forbs species. The grazing lands had low vegetative basal cover that varied (p<0.05) from 34.7 to 75%, and low forage biomass productivity that varied (p<0.05) from 0.76 to 3.69 tones (t) dry matter (DM)/ha. The forages contained low crude protein (CP) that varied (p<0.05) from 16 to 27 g/kg DM; and had high fibre contents, which varied (p<0.05) from 702-725, 497-573 and 119-225 g/kg DM for neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL), respectively. The forages were poorly degraded in sacco, and showed low DM degradability (DMD) characteristics of 74, 473 and 576 g/kg DM for DM washing losses (a), slowly degradable feed fraction (b) and potential degradability, (a+b), respectively; and low DMD at 48 h incubation, which varied from 317-345 g/kg DM, and contained low metabolizable energy (ME), (4.2-4.36 MJ/kg DM). The herbage forages would not meet protein and energy requirements for maintenance and production, which could be reflected through low animal productivity. Further work is needed to assess animal productivity (growth, milk, draft force) from conserved forages in traditional fodder banks in the dry season.