• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.556-567
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• 2020

Objective: To improve the utility of native grass resources as feed in China, we investigated the dynamics of protein and carbohydrate fractions among Inner Mongolian native grasses, during ensiling and the aerobic stage, using the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System. Methods: Silages were prepared without or with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculant. We analyzed the protein and carbohydrate fractions and fermentation quality of silages at 0, 5, 15, 20, 30, and 60 d of ensiling, and the stability at 0.5, 2, 5, and 10 d during the aerobic stage. Results: Inner Mongolian native grass contained 10.8% crude protein (CP) and 3.6% water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) on a dry matter basis. During ensiling, pH and CP and WSC content decreased (p<0.05), whereas lactic acid and ammonia nitrogen (N) content increased (p<0.05). Non-protein N (PA) content increased significantly, whereas rapidly degraded true protein (PB₁), intermediately degraded true protein (PB₂), total carbohydrate (CHO), sugars (CA), starch (CB₁), and degradable cell wall carbohydrate (CB₂) content decreased during ensiling (p<0.05). At 30 d of ensiling, control and LAB-treated silages were well preserved and had lower pH (<4.2) and ammonia-N content (<0.4 g/kg of fresh matter [FM]) and higher lactic acid content (>1.0% of FM). During the aerobic stage, CP, extract ether, WSC, lactic acid, acetic acid, PB₁, PB₂, true protein degraded slowly (PB₃), CHO, CA, CB₁, and CB₂ content decreased significantly in all silages, whereas pH, ammonia-N, PA, and bound true protein (PC) content increased significantly. Conclusion: Control and LAB-treated silages produced similar results in terms of fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and protein and carbohydrate fractions. Inner Mongolian native grass produced good silage, nutrients were preserved during ensiling and protein and carbohydrate losses largely occurred during the aerobic stage.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.366-377
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• 2013

We examined the nutritive value of common grass species in the semi-arid rangelands of Borana in southern Ethiopia using local experience based herbage preference (LEBHP) perception and laboratory techniques. Local pastoralists in the study area were asked to identify common grass species and rank them according to the species' preferences and palatability to cattle. The pastoralists listed a total of 15 common grass species which were then sampled during the main rain and cold dry seasons and analyzed for crude protein (CP), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) and ash content to verify pastoralists' claim regarding the quality of individual species. The relative feed value (RFV) and dry matter digestibility (DMD) were also calculated using NDF and ADF contents. Spearman's rank correlation was used to examine possible relationships between laboratory results and pastoralists' experience on grass quality. Cenchrus ciliaris, Chrysopogon aucheri, Digitaria milanjiana, Eragrostis papposa and Panicum maximum were the top five species based on LEBHP perception. There were indications of inconsistency in terms of LEBHP perception among the different pastoral communities. The chemical composition of all grass species showed significant (p<0.05) variation between sites, seasons and species. The results showed that the CP values for the Borana rangelands were in the range of 8.7% in the main rain season to 5.1% for the cold dry season. The fiber constituents were relatively low in the main rain season compared to the cold dry season. Overall, Digitaria milanjiana had the highest CP (16.5%) content, while the least was recorded with Heteropogon contortus (10.8) and Aristida adoensis (9.8%) during the main rain season. It seems that the spatial variability of landscapes within the wider geographical regions, soil properties and texture, and land-use patterns probably contributed to site differences in species quality. Generally, the RFV of individual grass species was significantly (p<0.05) varied between and within sites. The ranking of species by pastoralists according to their preferences by cattle was highly correlated with the chemical composition of laboratory results of individual grass species with 'r' values for CP (0.94), ash (0.95), NDF (-0.98), ADF (-0.93) and ADL (-0.93). We suggest the complimentary use of LEBHP and laboratory techniques in evaluating the nutritive quality of rangeland forage species for sustainable animal production.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.51-61
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• 2016

In order to provide recommendations on the most useful forage species to smallholder farmers, eleven grass and eleven legume forages grown in Abomey-Calavi in Republic of Benin were investigated for nutritive value (i.e. chemical composition and energy content) and fermentation characteristics (i.e. gas and volatile fatty acid production, organic matter degradability). The in vitro gas production technique was used, incubating the forages for 120 h under anaerobic condition with buffalo rumen fluid. Compared to legume, tropical grass forages showed lower energy (8.07 vs 10.57 MJ/kg dry matter [DM]) and crude protein level (16.10% vs 19.91% DM) and higher cell wall content (neutral detergent fiber: 63.8% vs 40.45% DM), respectively. In grass forages, the chemical composition showed a quite high crude protein content; the in vitro degradability was slightly lower than the range of tropical pasture. The woody legumes were richer in protein and energy and lower in structural carbohydrates than herbaceous plants, however, their in vitro results are influenced by the presence of complex compounds (i.e. tannins). Significant correlations were found between chemical composition and in vitro fermentation characteristics. The in vitro gas production method appears to be a suitable technique for the evaluation of the nutritive value of forages in developing countries.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.21-26
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• 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
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.153-157
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• 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
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.27-33
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• 1994

This study was conducted to determine the nutritional value of native oriental white oak(Quercus aliena Blume) browse by Korean native goats. Oak browse were mixed with grass hay(orchardgrass 60% and red clover 40%), varing in oak browse content. Diets included 30% oak browse and 70% grass hay, 60% oak browse and 40 % grass hay, and a 100% grass hay(contro1). Oak browse diets were higher in NDF, ADF, lignin, and tannin contents, but lower in CP content than the control diet with increased oak browse levels. Gross energy levels showed no difference between the control and oak browse diets. Dry matter intake was the lowest on diet containing oak browse 60%. Digestibility for DM, cellular constituents, NDF, and ADF showed lower for oak browse diets compared to control diet(P<0.05). Oak browse diets furnished significantly lower dietary N than &d the control diet. Fecal N losses generally increased with higher levels of oak browse levels(P<0.05). Apparently digested N and retained N were lower in oak browse diets than in control diet. The higher retained N was obtained in control diet than in oak browse diets. DE and ME declined linearly as oak browse levels increased when compared to control diet(P

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.191-195
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• 1985

This field experiment was undertaken to assess the effects of three levels of inclination ($10^{\circ},\;20^{\circ},\;and\;30^{\circ}$) and four rates of $N-P_2O_2-K_2O$ (O-O-O, 14-10-20, 28-25-25, and 42-40-40kg/10a) on establishment, forage yield and quality and botanical composition of new established mixed grass-clover sward. This first part is concerned with the forage yield, yield component and botanical composition. The results obtained after a two-year experiment are summarized as follows: 1. Dry matter yields of mixed grass-clover sward were greatly decreased by increasing the inclination grade of hilly pasture, whereas it of weeds was not significantly influenced. Comparing with weeds, the establishment of introduced pastures was relatively low with increasing the grade of inclination. 2. By increasing the NPK rate, the yields of grasses and mixed forages and the rate of introduced pastures were greatly increased at all grades of inclination, whereas the change in the weed yield was not significant. 3. There were the differenced in the forage yield and yield component, and efficiency of fertilizers by the grade of inclination, which indicated the necessity of different management on the selection of suitable grass species, seeding rate, amount of fertilizer application, and the methods of grassland establishment, management and utilization.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.381-387
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• 1996

An experiment was carried out for 12 weeks to study the feeding behaviour, growth and carcass characteristics of cross-bred goats. Nine bucks with an average live weight of $18.02{\pm}0.9kg$ were allocated in a completely randomized block design arrangement, consisting of three feeding regimes and three blocks. The feeding regimes consisted of 100% natural grass (Treatment A), 100% gliricidia leaf (Treatment B) and 100% ficus leaf (Treatment C). Frequency of turning-over and sniffing the feed and duration and frequency of ruminating, defaecating, and urination of goats in treatment B were longer, while duration of masticating and jaw movement of chewing one bolus was shorter than those of goats in treatments C and A (p < 0.05). Furthermore, goats in treatment B gained more live weight, consumed more feed, consumed less water and was more efficient in utilizing the feed than goats in treatments C or A (p < 0.05). The dressing percentage, carcass length and carcass fat of goats in treatment B were higher and their bone percentages were lower than those in treatments C and A (p < 0.05). There is an indication that feeding gliricidia and ficus leaves during the dry season could not only increase the body weight and improve carcass quality of the goat but also save water for household needs.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.7
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• pp.995-1002
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• 2008

Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M. Bieb.) is a rhizomatous perennial legume that has potential as a forage crop in the North-Central USA because of its excellent persistence under environmental extremes. Little information is available about defoliation effects on productivity of mixtures of kura clover with grasses typically grown in this region. Two field trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of defoliation management on yield and species composition of binary mixtures of 'Rhizo' kura clover with 'Comet' orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), 'Badger' smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), 'Park' Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), and solo-seeded kura clover near Arlington, WI. Three harvest schedules (three, four, or five times annually) and two cutting heights (4 or 10 cm) were imposed. Infrequent defoliation and lower cutting height produced significantly greater total forage yield, 6.6, 5.8, and 5.2 Mg/ha in 3-, 4-, and 5-harvest systems, respectively; and 6.5 and 5.2 Mg/ha for the 4- and 10-cm cutting height, respectively. Averaged over 3 yr and two environments, mixtures had higher forage productions than solo kura clover (6.3, 5.7, and 6.0 Mg/ha for the Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass, and smooth bromegrass mixtures, respectively; compared to 5.2 Mg/ha for solo kura clover). The proportion of kura clover in mixtures increased from yr 1 to yr 2 and was constant from yr 2 to yr 3 (34, 58, and 57%, respectively). We conclude that kura clover has excellent potential as a long-term component of grass-legume mixtures regardless of the cutting height, harvest frequency or grass species, even though the proportion of kura clover in harvested forage was significantly greater with less frequent harvest and shorter cutting height of all mixtures.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.73-79
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• 1995

A simple conservation technique baled silage making of selected froage materials was discussed in Suwon and in Muan county during 1991 - 1992. Eleven species of forage crops and pasture grasses(maize. sorghum, pearl millet, barnyardgrass, rye, barley, spring oat, Italian ryegrass, orchardgrass, alfalfa and grass-legume pasture mixtures) were harvested at different growth stage from young plant to maturity and baled in a self constructed square baling chamber, and wrapped in a 0.05mm thick polyethylene plastic film. Each bales measured by 90cm long, 60cm wide and 50cm height and weighted between 15~20kg in dry matter basis. physio-molphologcal characteristics of the plants, leaf weight ratio(LWR), leaf area ratio(LAR), stalk ratio (SR), stalk hardness(SH) and other growth parameters, were analysed and were used as a parameter to evaluate the suitability of materials for baling. Italian ryegrass including orchardgrass, alfalfa and pasture mixtures produced high quality baled silage. Silage quality point(F1ieg-point) of Italian ryegrass was improved from 63 point in crushed custom silage to 75 piont in baled silage. Meterial of grass-legume pasture mixtures showed 55 point in crushed silage and 67 point in baled silage. Fodder rye, barley, spring oat and barnyardgrass were also evaluated as a good materials for baled silage making. On the other hand, meize including sorghum and peral millet were evaluated as a not suitable materals for baling due to its high value of SR and SH. Quality of maize was excellent with 88 point in clushed silage and medium with 47 point in baled silage making.