Annual forage legumes are important components of livestock production systems in East Texas and the southeastern US. Forage legumes contribute nitrogen (N) to cropping systems through biological N fixation, and their...Annual forage legumes are important components of livestock production systems in East Texas and the southeastern US. Forage legumes contribute nitrogen (N) to cropping systems through biological N fixation, and their seasonal biomass production can be managed to complement forage grasses. Our research objectives were to evaluate both warm- and cool-season annual forage legumes as green manure for biomass, N content, ability to enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil N, and impact on post season forage grass crops. Nine warm-season forage legumes (WSL) were spring planted and incorporated as green manure in the fall. Forage rye (Secale cereale L.) was planted following the incorporation of WSL treatments. Eight cool-season forage legumes (CSL) were fall planted in previously fallow plots and incorporated as green manure in late spring. Sorghum-sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor x Sorghum bicolor var. sudanense) was planted over all treatments in early summer after forage rye harvest and incorporation of CSL treatments. Sorghum-sudangrass was harvested in June, August and September, and treatments were evaluated for dry matter and N concentration. Soil cores were taken from each plot, split into depths of 0 to 15, 15 to 30 and 30 to 60 cm, and soil C and N were measured using combustion analysis. Nylon mesh bags containing plant samples were buried at 15 cm and used to evaluate decomposition rate of above ground legume biomass, including change in C and N concentrations. Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. [Wilczek]) had the highest shoot biomass yield (6.24 t DM ha<sup>-1</sup>) and contributed the most total N (167 kg∙ha<sup>-1</sup>) and total C (3043 kg∙ha<sup>-1</sup>) of the WSL tested. Decomposition rate of WSL biomass was rapid in the first 10 weeks and very slow afterward. Winter pea (Pisum sativum L. spp. sativum), arrow leaf clover (Trifolium vesiculosum Savi.), and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) were the most productive CSL in this trial. Austrian winter pea produced 8.41 t DM ha<sup>-1</sup> with a total N yield of 319 kg N ha<sup>-1</sup> and total C production of 3835 kg C ha<sup>-1</sup>. The WSL treatments had only small effects on rye forage yield and N concentration, possibly due to mineralization of N from a large SOC pool already in place. The CSL treatments also had only minimal effects on sorghum-sudangrass forage production. Winter pea, arrow leaf and crimson clover were productive cool season legumes and could be useful as green manure crops. Mungbean and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.) were highly productive warm season legumes but may include more production risk in green manure systems due to soil moisture competition.展开更多
Background Previous investigations into the effect of dietary forage on calf performance have been inconsistent,and there is a paucity of information exploring the effect of age on the growth performance and ruminatio...Background Previous investigations into the effect of dietary forage on calf performance have been inconsistent,and there is a paucity of information exploring the effect of age on the growth performance and rumination of calves.Eighty-four female Holstein calves(41.5±4.2 kg)were enrolled at birth,a subset of the calves were fed calf starter only(CON,n=21)while the rest(n=63)were classified into three treatment groups:the early(EHAY,n=26,5.1±0.8 d),the middle(MHAY,n=21,7.9±0.8 d)and the late(LHAY,n=16,12.1±1.4 d)hay consumers.The short-term effect of the age at first forage consump-tion(AFF)on calves’feed intake was monitored until d 84.In addition,the long-term effects of AFF on body weight,structural growth and rumination behavior were recorded until d 196.Rumen samples were collected on d 1,7,35,84 and 196 to ana-lyze the rumen fermentation,while fecal samples were collected from d 78 to 84 to estimate digestibility parameters.Results Treatment had no effect on feed intake.While,the EHAY calves tended to have lower BW and ADG compared to LHAY and CON calves.Several total-tract apparent digestibility parameters and digestible nutrients intake were significantly lower in EHAY calves compared with CON and LHAY calves.Calves in the EHAY group tended to begin ruminating ealier,while CON calves were the latest(12.3 vs.15.5 days of age).A treatment and time interaction was present for rumination time due to greater rumination in calves consuming hay compared to CON calves in week 10 to 12,the differences in rumination disappeared afterwards,no long-lasting significant differences in the rumina-tion and rumen fermentation parameters were found between treatments.Conclusions In conclusion,this study showed that hay consumption earlier in life(in the first week,around 5 days of life)could negatively affect the growth of the calf in the short and long term.Compared to consuming hay from the second week(around 12 days of life)or feeding concentrate only without hay,starting to consume hay from the first week could compromise nutrient digestibility and digestible nutrient intake independent of developing rumination behaviour and rumen fermentation.展开更多
Background Forage inclusion in starters of young dairy calves has become an acceptable strategy in the last decade.To compensate for the lower energy provided by forage,concurrent lipid supplementation can be proposed...Background Forage inclusion in starters of young dairy calves has become an acceptable strategy in the last decade.To compensate for the lower energy provided by forage,concurrent lipid supplementation can be proposed.How-ever,ruminal microbial activity and forage digestibility may be decreased by lipid supplementation.We hypothesized that the composite effect of forage and lipid supplements may be dependent on forage particle size and the type of lipid supplement.Therefore,we evaluated the effect of long(LP;geometric mean,4.97 mm)vs.short alfalfa hay particle sizes(SP;geometric mean,1.26 mm)with either soybean oil(SBO)or palm fatty acids(PLF)as lipid source in a 2×2 factorial design with treatments SP-SBO,SP-PLF,LP-SBO,and LP-PLF.Treatments(n=13 with 6 males and 7 females each)were offered to Holstein calves(3 days old)with equal amounts of lipid(25 g/kg DM)through-out the experimental period.The milk offering scheme(d 1 to 53)was equal for all groups.Data collection continued until 20 d post-weaning.Results Interaction between forage particle size and lipid supplement was significant for the following readouts:the highest and lowest starter intakes during the pre-weaning period occurred in LP-PLF and LP-SBO,respectively.This was associated with similarly contrasting changes in average daily gain(ADG)during the post-weaning period,body weight at the end of experiment,withers height,digestibility of organic matter and neutral detergent fiber,and blood serum concentrations of glucose,beta-hydroxybutyrate,and insulin during the pre-weaning period.Dur-ing both pre-and post-weaning periods,the highest and lowest urinary excretion of allantoin and total purine deriva-tives,representing microbial protein synthesis,were observed in LP-PLF and LP-SBO,respectively,indicating that those diets were most and least favorable for rumen development.Irrespective of forage particle size,supplemental SBO vs.PLF increased serum malondialdehyde as an oxidative stress indicator across periods,increased blood urea nitrogen and feed efficiency in the pre-weaning period,and reduced hip height during the post-weaning period.Conclusions It can be concluded that feeding a rumen-inert,mostly saturated fatty acid source with alfalfa hay as long particle size is recommended with view on performance,whereas a combination soybean oil rich in unsatu-rated fatty acids should not be provided to milk-fed Holstein calves together with long particle forage.Feeding soybean oil and alfalfa hay as long particles is not advisable mainly due to lower starter consumption and impaired development of ruminal function.If dietary supplementation of soybean oil is applied,incorporation of forage as small particles should be preferred to support rumen development.展开更多
Natural pastures constitute a major component of ruminant livestock feed, and are the most cost-effective feed resource available for smallholder subsistence farmers. However, this feed resource does not meet animal n...Natural pastures constitute a major component of ruminant livestock feed, and are the most cost-effective feed resource available for smallholder subsistence farmers. However, this feed resource does not meet animal nutritional requirement due to deficiency in nitrogen, energy and minerals. In addition, at maturity lignification is the major concern since it reduces digestibility and contributes to methane emission. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing low-quality Eragrostis grass hay with five (9281, 11,252, 11,255, 11,595 and 11,604) selected Stylosanthes scabra accessions on in vitro ruminal fermentation and neutral detergent fiber degradation. Therefore, in vitro study was conducted on grass hay, accessions and the mixture of grass hay with each accession included at two (15%, 30%) levels. The substrates (grass hay, accessions and the mixtures) were incubated in separate serum bottles for 72 h. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of the accessions ranged from 300 to 350 g/kg DM with crude protein (CP) value ranging from 177.5 to 184.1 g/kg DM. Eragrostis grass hay had NDF value of 813 g/kg DM, with CP value of 34.3 g/kg DM. Grass hay fermented slowly, it took 30 h for grass hay to produce gas volume above 50 mL, while Stylosanthes scabra accessions took 12 h. Supplementing grass hay with accessions significantly improved fermentation. However, it was observed that 15% inclusion took 30 h to produce gas volume above 50 mL, whereas at 30% inclusions it took 24 h for accession 9281, 11,595 and 11,604. Accession 11,604 improve grass fermentation by almost three times the value of grass hay in 2 h. Grass hay supplemented with accession 11,604 at 30% had a positive associative effect and significantly improved NDF degradability. In conclusion, accession 11,604 may be fed strategically as forage supplement to low-quality forage for ruminants.展开更多
In order to investigate the effects of meteorological factors on rape overwintering ability,forage yield and quality of rape in the North China plain,Brassia campestris L.and Brassica napus L.were used in this study.T...In order to investigate the effects of meteorological factors on rape overwintering ability,forage yield and quality of rape in the North China plain,Brassia campestris L.and Brassica napus L.were used in this study.The results showed that compared with the B.napus L.varieties,the growth period of B.campestris L.was shortened by 10-15 d,the overwintering rate(WR)increased by 50.6%,and the density after winter(PD)increased by 41.5%.The fresh forage yield(FFY)and dry forage yield(DFY)of the B.campestris L.type significantly increased by 40.9%and 38.1%compared with the B.napus L.type.,respectively,while the forage quality of the B.napus L.type rape was significantly better than that of the B.campestris L.type.Compared with the B.campestris L.type,the crude protein(CP),fat,ash and total fatty acid(TFA)contents of the B.napus L.type of rape increased by 27.6%,42.9%,23.9%and 52.3%,respectively,and the milk productivity(HM),relative forage value(RFV)and relative forage quality(RFQ)increased by 14.0%,16.2%and 42.1%,respectively.The light and heat resources before wintering increased the WR and PD(P<0.05),and were positively correlated with FFY and DFY(P>0.05),and lower temperature during the wintering period led to lower WR(P<0.01).The light and heat resources during the overwintering period and after regreening were negatively correlated with FFY and DFY(P>0.05).The contents of CP,fat and TFA of rape had an extremely significant negative correlation with the temperature and sunshine hours before wintering,but an extremely significant positive correlation with the temperature during the wintering period and after regreening,as well as the sunshine hours and rainfall during the wintering period;and HM had an extremely significant positive correlation with the temperature,sunshine hours and rainfall during the wintering period,while RFV and RFQ were only extremely significantly positively correlated with the maximum temperature and rainfall.In summary,in the North China Plain,for autumn sowing rape,the B.campestris L.type can be selected to improve the wintering rate,and the B.napus L.type should be the main choice to improve the forage quality of rape.Therefore,the B.napus L.variety HYZ62 can be selected for autumn sowing in the North China Plain.展开更多
Understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of the forage-livestock balance is imperative for regionally arranging animal husbandry production while ensuring sustainable grassland-ecosystem service use.The Xilin Gol ste...Understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of the forage-livestock balance is imperative for regionally arranging animal husbandry production while ensuring sustainable grassland-ecosystem service use.The Xilin Gol steppe is an important native grassland resource in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,China.This study aimed to elucidate the dynamics of the forage-livestock balance in the Xilin Gol steppe during the period 2000–2015.We evaluated the forage production and corresponding livestock carrying capacity(LCC)in the growing seasons of 2000–2015 using remote sensing data and field surveys.The spatiotemporal patterns of the forage-livestock balance were then assessed at regional,city(including city,county and banner),and village scales using statistical and household survey data.The results showed that both forage production and LCC decreased in the Xilin Gol steppe from east to west.During the period 2000–2015,the regional average forage production and corresponding LCC fluctuated without following a distinct trend,but were consistent with the variations in precipitation.The forage-livestock balance varied with time,space,and scale.At the regional scale,steppes were overgrazed in the early 2000s,but a forage-livestock balance or even grazing potential was achieved in other years.At the city scale,approximately half of the region exhibited a"forage-livestock balance"since 2000.However,about half of the region still experienced overgrazing,which mainly located in the southwest sandy zones.Such changes may have been affected by the variations in grassland quality,forage production,compensation payment,and so on.We suggest a location-specific management scheme for grazing constraints,ecological compensation payment,and industry development to aid in harmonizing animal husbandry and environmental restoration,while promoting sustainable development goals by 2030.展开更多
Medicago polymorpha is a nutritious and palatable forage and vegetable plant that also fixes nitrogen.Here,we reveal the chromosome-scale genome sequence of M.polymorpha using an integrated approach including Illumina...Medicago polymorpha is a nutritious and palatable forage and vegetable plant that also fixes nitrogen.Here,we reveal the chromosome-scale genome sequence of M.polymorpha using an integrated approach including Illumina,PacBio and Hi-C technologies.We combined PacBio full-length RNA-seq,metabolomic analysis,structural anatomy analysis and related physiological indexes to elucidate the important agronomic traits of M.polymorpha for forage and vegetable usage.The assembled M.polymorpha genome consisted of 457.53Mb with a long scaffold N50 of 57.72Mb,and 92.92%(441.83Mb)of the assembly was assigned to seven pseudochromosomes.Comparative genomic analysis revealed that expansion and contraction of the photosynthesis and lignin biosynthetic gene families,respectively,led to enhancement of nutritious compounds and reduced lignin biosynthesis in M.polymorpha.In addition,we found that several positively selected nitrogen metabolism-related genes were responsible for crude protein biosynthesis.Notably,the metabolomic results revealed that a large number of flavonoids,vitamins,alkaloids,and terpenoids were enriched in M.polymorpha.These results imply that the decreased lignin content but relatively high nutrient content of M.polymorpha enhance its edibility and nutritional value as a forage and vegetable.Our genomic data provide a genetic basis that will accelerate functional genomic and breeding research on M.polymorpha as well as other Medicago and legume plants.展开更多
In the Qinba mountainous area of Central China,pig farming has a significant impact on the growth of the rural economy and has substantially increased farmer incomes.Traditional knowledge plays an important role in th...In the Qinba mountainous area of Central China,pig farming has a significant impact on the growth of the rural economy and has substantially increased farmer incomes.Traditional knowledge plays an important role in the selection of forage plant species for pig farming by local people.This study aimed to identify the forage plants used for pig feeding and to catalog indigenous knowledge regarding their use.During 2016 and 2017,ethnobotanical surveys and inventories were conducted in Zhuxi County,Hubei Province,China.Data were collected using semi-structured interviews,key informant reports,free listings,guided field walks,and participatory observations with 77 households in 16 villages in 13 towns/townships.The obtained data were analyzed using a relative frequency citation(RFC)index.Overall,145 wild forage plants from 91 genera and 31 families were recorded.The most cited families were Asteraceae,Polygonaceae,Urticaceae,Amaranthaceae,Fabaceae,Cruciferae,Caryophyllaceae,and Lamiaceae.Whole plants(75.9%)and tender leaves(12.4%)were the most frequently used parts of the plants.Most of the forage plants were herbaceous(88.9%).Almost all forage plants could be collected throughout the year(62.7%).Raw and cooked were the two main preparation methods.The most frequently cited species were Taraxacum mongolicum,Bidens pilosa,Sonchus oleraceus,Pilea verrucosa,and Pilea pumila var.obtusifolia.A total of 14 species were identified as the top forage plants in Zhuxi County based on their RFC values(RFC value greater than 0.5).Local people possess rich traditional knowledge about the utilization and management of forage plants for pig feeding.However,the maintenance of this traditional knowledge may be seriously threatened by changes in pig feeding modes and the lack of successors.Appropriate strategies and action plans have been suggested for the conservation of traditional knowledge associated with biodiversity and the sustainable use of forage species resources.These include 1)taking targeted measures to protect forage resources and associated traditional knowledge;2)strengthening research on the forage plants with the highest RFC values for nutritional value,digestibility,other functions,and ecological status;and 3)enhancing the identification of poisonous forage plants.展开更多
The partial 16 S r RNA gene sequences(100 to 500 bp) were widely used to reveal rumen bacterial composition influenced by diets, while quantification of the changed uncultured bacteria was inconvenient due to difficul...The partial 16 S r RNA gene sequences(100 to 500 bp) were widely used to reveal rumen bacterial composition influenced by diets, while quantification of the changed uncultured bacteria was inconvenient due to difficult designing of specific primers based on short sequences. This study evaluated the effect of forage resources on rumen bacterial diversity and developed new strategy for primer design based on short sequences to quantify the changed uncultured bacteria. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis(DGGE) analysis and subsequent band sequencing were used to reveal the distinct rumen bacteria composition in cows fed with two forage sources(single corn stover vs. mixed forages including alfalfa hay and corn silage). The bacterial diversity in the rumen of dairy cows fed with corn stover was lower than that with mixed forages(P<0.05). The bacterium named R-UB affiliating to uncultured Succinivibrionaceae was identified, and it was abundant in the rumen of cows fed with mixed forages compared to corn stover. The full length 16 S r RNA gene sequences with identity of >97% to the R-UB 16 S r RNA gene sequence were obtained from Gen Bank and used to design specific primers to quantify uncultured bacterium R-UB. All sequences of amplicon from the new primers were of 100% identity to R-UB sequences indicating the high specificity of new primers. Quantitative PCR confirmed that abundance of R-UB in the rumen of cows fed with corn stover was lower than those fed with mixed forages(P<0.01). New strategy for designing primers based on partial 16 S r RNA genes to quantify targeted uncultured bacteria was successfully developed. The rumen bacteria descending significantly in the cows fed corn stover compared to those fed mixed forages was identified as uncultured R-UB from Succinivibrionaceae.展开更多
[Objective]The paper was to investigate the effects of dietary concentrate to forage ratios on production performance and serum bio-chemical indicators of post-fattening Hainan Yellow Cattle.[Method]Sixteen Hainan Yel...[Objective]The paper was to investigate the effects of dietary concentrate to forage ratios on production performance and serum bio-chemical indicators of post-fattening Hainan Yellow Cattle.[Method]Sixteen Hainan Yellow Cattles with the same genetic backgrounds and similar initial weight of(242.22 ±0.71 kg) were randomly divided into four treatments.Cattles were fed with diets of different concentrate to forage ratios(20:80, group Ⅰ;30:70, Group Ⅱ;40:60, group Ⅲ;50:50, group Ⅳ).The trial lasted 62 d.[Result]The daily gain in experimental group Ⅳ was significantly higher than that in experimental group Ⅱ(P<0.05), but the feed gain ratio in experimental group Ⅳ was lower than those in other ex-perimental groups(P>0.05).The feed intake in experimental group Ⅳ was also markedly higher than those in experimental groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ(P<0.05).Compared with the experimental group Ⅱ, the gross profit of experimental group Ⅳ was significantly promoted(P<0.05).The alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities in experimental group Ⅱ were markedly higher than those in experimental groups Ⅰ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ.[Conclusion]When the dietary concentrate to forage ratios was 50∶50, the production performance of post-fattening Hainan Yellow Cattle was better.展开更多
Cell wall architecture plays a key role in stalk strength and forage digestibility.Lignin,cellulose,and hemicellulose are the three main components of plant cell walls,and they can impact stalk quality by affecting th...Cell wall architecture plays a key role in stalk strength and forage digestibility.Lignin,cellulose,and hemicellulose are the three main components of plant cell walls,and they can impact stalk quality by affecting the structure and strength of the cell wall.To explore cell wall development during secondary cell wall lignification in maize stalks,conventional and conditional genetic mapping were used to identify the dynamic quantitative trait loci(QTLs)of the cell wall components and digestibility traits during five growth stages after silking.Acid detergent lignin(ADL),cellulose(CEL),acid detergent fiber(ADF),neutral detergent fiber(NDF),and in vitro dry matter digestibility(IVDMD)were evaluated in a maize recombinant inbred line(RIL)population.ADL,CEL,ADF,and NDF gradually increased from 10 to 40 days after silking(DAS),and then they decreased.IVDMD initially decreased until 40 DAS,and then it increased slightly.Seventytwo QTLs were identified for the five traits,and each accounted for 3.48–24.04%of the phenotypic variation.Six QTL hotspots were found,and they were localized in the 1.08,2.04,2.07,7.03,8.05,and 9.03 bins of the maize genome.Within the interval of the pleiotropic QTL identified in bin 1.08 of the maize genome,six genes associated with cell wall component biosynthesis were identified as potential candidate genes for stalk strength as well as cell wall-related traits.In addition,26 conditional QTLs were detected in the five stages for all of the investigated traits.Twenty-two of the 26 conditional QTLs were found at 30 DAS conditioned using the values of 20 DAS,and at 50 DAS conditioned using the values of 40 DAS.These results indicated that cell wall-related traits are regulated by many genes,which are specifically expressed at different stages after silking.Simultaneous improvements in both forage digestibility and lodging resistance could be achieved by pyramiding multiple beneficial QTL alleles identified in this study.展开更多
Biosolids were applied with urea to produce a granulated organo-mineral fertiliser (OMF) for application by farm fertiliser equipment to a range of agricultural crops. The recommended rates of nitrogen, phosphate and ...Biosolids were applied with urea to produce a granulated organo-mineral fertiliser (OMF) for application by farm fertiliser equipment to a range of agricultural crops. The recommended rates of nitrogen, phosphate and potash were calculated for the test crops using “The Fertiliser Manual”, which assesses the nutrient requirement based on previous cropping, rainfall and soil index. The OMF produced similar crop yields compared to ammonium nitrate fertiliser when applied as a top-dressing to winter wheat, forage maize and grass cut for silage in the cropping years 2010 to 2014. In 2012 the grain yield of spring barley top-dressed with OMF was significantly lower than the conventional fertiliser treatment, due to dry conditions following application. For this reason it is recommended that OMF is incorporated into the seedbed for spring sown crops and The Safe Sludge Matrix guidelines followed. The experimental work presented shows that OMF can be used in sustainable crop production systems as a source of nitrogen and phosphorus for a range of agricultural crops.展开更多
Millets are important natural grain source for wild and game birds and the domesticated varieties are good sources of grain for human and livestock nutrition as well as summer forage. Unlike sorghum, millet seed has l...Millets are important natural grain source for wild and game birds and the domesticated varieties are good sources of grain for human and livestock nutrition as well as summer forage. Unlike sorghum, millet seed has less anti-nutrient factors and is a better choice for animal feed formulations. Pearl millet is an example of such millets and has both forage- and grain-type varieties. However, opportunities exist for dual use of millet for grain and residue for forage. In this study two millets: Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. (Pearl millet var. TifGrain 102) and Panicum ramosum (L.) (Browntop millet) were evaluated for their response to potassium (K) and manganese (Mn) fertilizer. The experiment was a randomized complete block with treatments in a split-split arrangement. Potassium and Mn were supplied as K fertilizer (0-0-60) and manganese sulfate (MnSO4·2H2O), respectively. Potassium and Mn fertilizer rates and their interaction with each other and variety had no effect on determined parameters. TifGrain 102 grain yield averaged at 5900 kg·ha-1 was significantly greater than 4680 kg·ha-1 obtained for Browntop millet. While grain oil contents were similar, Browntop grain had greater contents of crude proteins. And except for K, Browntop seed had greater contents of all determined macro-and micronutrients. Residual stalks of Browntop had greater forage crude protein, total digestible nutrient (TDN) and lower acid detergent fiber (ADF). Browntop residual material had greater quantities of estimated net energy for growth (NEG), lactation (NEL), maintenance (NME). While TifGrain 102 residual stalks had greater contents of P and K, it had significantly lower contents of Ca, Mg and S compared to Browntop. Overall, while these two millets have shown good potential for dual use, Browntop may offer a better choice for high quality seed and residual stalks for forage.展开更多
A brown midrib (BMR) sorghum pasture was compared with normal sorghum for its effects on performance of Holstein cows in midlactation in terms of milk production and composition at grazing over three periods (Period 1...A brown midrib (BMR) sorghum pasture was compared with normal sorghum for its effects on performance of Holstein cows in midlactation in terms of milk production and composition at grazing over three periods (Period 1: 20/01 to 31/01, Period 2: 17/02 to 28/02, Period 3: 19/03 to 30/03). Forty Holstein cows were grouped according to pre-experimental milk production (22.4 ± 4.2 kg/d milk), live weight (530 ± 25 kg) and lactation stage (127 ± 63 days) and assigned randomly to one of the two experimental pasture. Pasture was assigned on equal basis at an allowance 25 kg DM/cow/day (above 10 cm), assuming a 65% forage utilization and cows received 4 kg of concentrate per day. Simultaneously, both pastures were evaluated with sheep, to analyze digestibility at every grazing period. The BMR sorghum supported higher FCM than normal sorghum (18.5 vs. 17.8 l/day, P < 0.05). Additionally, production of milk components was greater (+52 g/day/cow and +36 g/day/cow for fat and protein respectively, P 0.05), with fewer intake of concentrate (-0.4 kg/day/cow, P 0.05) when compared with cows grazing normal sorghum. Those results are in accordance with greater (P 0.05) total digestive tract DM, OM and NDF in vivo digestibilities for BMR sorghum (65.0, 67.1, 65.9 respectively) than for normal sorghum (60.3, 62.0, 61.3 respectively). The increased digestibility of BMR sorghum must be associated with the compositional differences on fiber which allowed a higher cell wall digestion. Results of this study indicate that the BMR sorghum hybrid outperformed the normal sorghum hybrid resulting in a higher performance per cow with lower concentrate consumption compared with normal sorghum.展开更多
Breeding of forage maize should combine improvement achieved for grain with the specific needs of forage hybrids. Production stability is important when maize is used for silage if the planting area is not in the idea...Breeding of forage maize should combine improvement achieved for grain with the specific needs of forage hybrids. Production stability is important when maize is used for silage if the planting area is not in the ideal agronomic environment. The objectives of the present research were:(i) to quantify environmental and genetic and their interaction effects on maize silage traits;(ii) to identify possible heterotic groups for forage aptitude and suggest the formation of potential heterotic patterns, and(iii) to identify suitable inbred line combinations for producing hybrids with forage aptitude. Forty-five hybrids derived from diallelic crosses(without reciprocals) among ten inbred lines of maize were evaluated in this study. Combined ANOVA over environments showed differences between genotypes(G), environments(E), and their interactions(GEI). Heritability(H2), and genotypic and phenotypic correlations were estimated to evaluate the variation in and relationships between forage traits. Postdictive and predictive AMMI models were fitted to determine the importance of each source of variation, G, E, and GEI, and to select genotypes simultaneously on yield, quality and stability. A predominance of additive effects was found in the evaluated traits. The heterotic pattern Reid-BSSS × Argentine flint was confirmed for ear yield(EY) and harvest index(HI). High and broad genetic variation was found for stover and whole plant traits. Some inbred lines had genes with differential breeding aptitude for ear and stover. Stover and ear yield should be the main breeding objectives in maize forage breeding.展开更多
An important indicator of the rangeland health, associated with land degradation, is the ability of semi-natural rangelands to provide forage of sufficient quality for livestock production. In Qilian Mountains(Gansu P...An important indicator of the rangeland health, associated with land degradation, is the ability of semi-natural rangelands to provide forage of sufficient quality for livestock production. In Qilian Mountains(Gansu Province, NW China) biomass production and forage quality are dependent on the seasonality of precipitation and temperature; most of the precipitation falls during summer season, when sheep, goats and yaks graze mountain rangelands. To sustain the rangelands and to improve the management strategies, the assessment of the forage quality should be implemented. The purpose of this research was to study the response of biomass, forage quality and macronutrient content different levels of grazing intensity in Qilian rangelands. We sampled aboveground biomass in the growing seasons in 2012 and 2013 within spring/autumn or summer grazing regimes in two altitudinal zones below and above 3000 m a.s.l.(montane-subalpine and subalpine-alpine respectively). In order to estimate forage quality, biomass was sampled in 1 m × 1 m plots, assigned to the center of 10 ×10 m sites, fromwhich we collected different indicator parameters of rangeland health. Mineral and fiber content of forage biomass was estimated under different levels of grazing intensity with regard to the growing period. It was found that an increase in grazing intensity led to a decrease in dry matter weight. No linearity was observed in the relationship between nutritive value and grazing intensity. The highest fiber content(59.20 %) was found in plots mostly disturbed by grazing. The highest protein(16.30 %) and the lowest fiber(51.30 %) contents were associated with slightly grazing intensity. Concentrations of the mineral elements, such as Zn, P, K and S varied significantly and showed maximum values under low grazing intensity.展开更多
Production performance of four forage legumes species of Medicago sativa,Onobrychis viciifolia,Lotus corniculatus and Galega officinalis were determined,including plant height,above-ground biomass per unit area,tiller...Production performance of four forage legumes species of Medicago sativa,Onobrychis viciifolia,Lotus corniculatus and Galega officinalis were determined,including plant height,above-ground biomass per unit area,tillers per unit area,fertile tillers per unit area,shoot /leaf ratio and fresh /dry matter weight ratio,and the distribution characteristics of their root systems in 0- 100 cm soil layers with 10 cm interval were studied. Results showed that the average aboveground fresh biomass(4 a and 5 a) of four forage legumes species successively were L. corniculatus > M. sativa > O. viciifolia > G. officinalis. The average plant heights in two years successively were O. viciifolia > M. sativa > G. officinalis > L. corniculatus. Tillers per unit area of four forage legume species in two years successively were M. sativa > L. corniculatus > O. viciifolia > G. officinalis. Fertile tillers per unit area in two years were O. viciifolia > M. sativa > L. corniculatus > G. officinalis. Average shoot /leaf ratio in two years were G. officinalis > M. sativa > O. viciifolia > L. corniculatus. Average moisture contents of four forage legume species in two years successively were G. officinalis > L. corniculatus > M. sativa = O. viciifolia. The distribution characteristics of root systems of four forage legumes species in 0- 100 cm soil layers were as follows: the root weights of M. sativa in 0- 40 cm soil layers accounted for about 98. 3% of total root weight,that of O. viciifolia in 0- 30 cm soil layers was 85. 8%,that of L. corniculatus in 0- 10 cm soil layers was 80%,and that of G. officinalis in 0- 40 cm soil layers was 81. 4%. The results suggested that L. corniculatus was suited to plant in slighter degraded pasture to control water and soil erosion in early stage,G. officinalis with strong lateral roots was adapted to degraded grassland in the Loess Plateau where soil nutrient was poor,while O. viciifolia and M. sativa with potentially strong main root were fit for water and soil conservation in the losses plateau for long term.展开更多
Nitrogen availability can be enhanced with the application of nitrogen fixing bacteria and it may be helpful in increasing forage yield and improving quality of oat. Therefore, a field trial to evaluate the effect of ...Nitrogen availability can be enhanced with the application of nitrogen fixing bacteria and it may be helpful in increasing forage yield and improving quality of oat. Therefore, a field trial to evaluate the effect of seed inoculation with nitrogen fixing bacteria on forage yield and quality of oat was carried out at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during Rabi season 2013-14. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with factorial arrangements using three replications. The experiment was comprised of two integrated approaches. The first approach was oat cultivars consisting of four treatments, V1 (AVON), V2 (S-2000), V3 (S-2011) and V4 (PD2LV65) and the second approach was seed inoculation consisting of three treatments, S0 (control), S1 (Azotobacter spp.), S2 (Azospirillum spp.). Fisher’s analysis of variance technique was used for statistically interpretation of data by using least significant difference (LSD) test at 5% level of probability. Nitrogen fixing bacteria significantly affect the germination count (m2), plant height (cm), number of tillers (m2), number of leaves per tiller, leaf area per tiller (cm2), green forage yield (t·ha-1) and dry matter yield (t ha-1). The maximum green forage yield (85.2 t·ha-1), dry matter yield (14.1 t ·ha-1) and crude protein (11.5%) were recorded where Azotobacter inoculation was applied. The interaction between cultivars and nitrogenous strains was significant for green forage yield (t·ha-1), dry matter yield (t·ha-1) and crude protein (%). Conclusion showed that cultivar Sargodha-2011 which was inoculated with Azotobacter spp. gave higher forage yield of good quality.展开更多
A comparative study was conducted on four mulberry( Morus alba) varieties( lines) in Hunan dry land from the aspects of production performance,nutritional composition and amino acids content. The result showed that th...A comparative study was conducted on four mulberry( Morus alba) varieties( lines) in Hunan dry land from the aspects of production performance,nutritional composition and amino acids content. The result showed that the four mulberry varieties all adjusted well to soil,climate and other natural conditions in Hunan province,presenting good growth. The dry matter content of four varieties( lines) was above 25% and the crude protein content was more than 22%. Although the crude protein and total amino acid content of four mulberry varieties were lower than that of soybean powder,the proportion of various amino acids tended to be consistent,so mulberry leaf was very comprehensive in nutrition as an animal feed. Yuesang 11 had the highest fresh yield and crude protein of 14. 28 t / hm^2 and23. 22% respectively; Guisangyou 12 had the highest total amino acid content of 19. 58%. There were differences among four varieties,but each variety had its own advantages,so they all had good popularization value.展开更多
A field experiment with 24 treatments consisting of three perennial forage crops [alfalfa (<em>Medicago sativa</em> L. cv. AC Longview), hybrid bromegrass (<em>Bromus riparius</em> Rehm & &...A field experiment with 24 treatments consisting of three perennial forage crops [alfalfa (<em>Medicago sativa</em> L. cv. AC Longview), hybrid bromegrass (<em>Bromus riparius</em> Rehm & <em>Bromus inermis</em> Leyss. cv. AC Success) and their mixture], four Cut 1 dates (approximately June 20, July 10, July 30 or August 20), and two fertilizer levels (unfertilized and fertilized) was established in late May 2014, on a Black Chernozem [Udic Boroll] silty clay soil. Forage dry matter yield [DMY], and concentration (g<span style="white-space:nowrap;">·</span>kg<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span>1</sup> DM) of crude protein [CP], total digestible nutrients [TDN] and acid detergent fiber [ADF] data were collected over 3 years from 2015 to 2017. The fertilizer treatments were imposed in 2016 and 2017. Forage crops were initially cut at four Cut 1 dates, and again cut [Cut 2] in autumn (September 2 in 2015, November 7 in 2016 and October 5 in 2017). For all three forage crops, forage DMY usually increased when Cut 1 was delayed. Delaying Cut 1 reduced forage DMY for Cut 2. Total DMY (Cut 1 + Cut 2) for all three forage crops was highest from the combination of July 10 and late Autumn cuts. Alfalfa-bromegrass mixture produced higher DMY than bromegrass or alfalfa alone. Fertilizer application resulted in a significant increase in Cut 1 and total DMY for bromegrass. The CP concentration in Cut 1 forage usually declined as the forage crops matured. The CP concentration was highest for alfalfa, followed by alfalfa-bromegrass mixture, and much lower for bromegrass. There was little or no effect of forage crop maturity on the TDN and ADF concentrations in forage. The TDN concentration was higher and ADF concentration was lower in forage from alfalfa or alfalfa-bromegrass mixture than bromegrass. Fertilizer application significantly increased CP concentration for alfalfa-bromegrass mixture. Delaying harvesting for Cut 1 increased ADF yield and TDN yield until Late July, but CP yield generally decreased with crop maturity. The ADF yield and TDN yield were higher for alfalfa-bromegrass mixture than bromegrass or alfalfa alone, and CP yield was similar for alfalfa and alfalfa-bromegrass mixture but considerably higher than bromegrass. Fertilizer application increased CP yield and ADF yield for bromegrass and alfalfa-bromegrass mixture, and TDN yield only for bromegrass. In conclusion, total DMY (Cut 1 + Cut 2) was highest for a combination of Early July and Autumn cuts. Forage yield was highest for alfalfa-bromegrass mixture, followed by alfalfa and lowest for bromegrass. The CP and TDN concentrations were higher, and ADF concentrations were lower in forage from alfalfa or alfalfa-bromegrass mixture than bromegrass.展开更多
文摘Annual forage legumes are important components of livestock production systems in East Texas and the southeastern US. Forage legumes contribute nitrogen (N) to cropping systems through biological N fixation, and their seasonal biomass production can be managed to complement forage grasses. Our research objectives were to evaluate both warm- and cool-season annual forage legumes as green manure for biomass, N content, ability to enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil N, and impact on post season forage grass crops. Nine warm-season forage legumes (WSL) were spring planted and incorporated as green manure in the fall. Forage rye (Secale cereale L.) was planted following the incorporation of WSL treatments. Eight cool-season forage legumes (CSL) were fall planted in previously fallow plots and incorporated as green manure in late spring. Sorghum-sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor x Sorghum bicolor var. sudanense) was planted over all treatments in early summer after forage rye harvest and incorporation of CSL treatments. Sorghum-sudangrass was harvested in June, August and September, and treatments were evaluated for dry matter and N concentration. Soil cores were taken from each plot, split into depths of 0 to 15, 15 to 30 and 30 to 60 cm, and soil C and N were measured using combustion analysis. Nylon mesh bags containing plant samples were buried at 15 cm and used to evaluate decomposition rate of above ground legume biomass, including change in C and N concentrations. Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. [Wilczek]) had the highest shoot biomass yield (6.24 t DM ha<sup>-1</sup>) and contributed the most total N (167 kg∙ha<sup>-1</sup>) and total C (3043 kg∙ha<sup>-1</sup>) of the WSL tested. Decomposition rate of WSL biomass was rapid in the first 10 weeks and very slow afterward. Winter pea (Pisum sativum L. spp. sativum), arrow leaf clover (Trifolium vesiculosum Savi.), and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) were the most productive CSL in this trial. Austrian winter pea produced 8.41 t DM ha<sup>-1</sup> with a total N yield of 319 kg N ha<sup>-1</sup> and total C production of 3835 kg C ha<sup>-1</sup>. The WSL treatments had only small effects on rye forage yield and N concentration, possibly due to mineralization of N from a large SOC pool already in place. The CSL treatments also had only minimal effects on sorghum-sudangrass forage production. Winter pea, arrow leaf and crimson clover were productive cool season legumes and could be useful as green manure crops. Mungbean and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.) were highly productive warm season legumes but may include more production risk in green manure systems due to soil moisture competition.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program(No.2021YFF1000703,NKPs)funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China.
文摘Background Previous investigations into the effect of dietary forage on calf performance have been inconsistent,and there is a paucity of information exploring the effect of age on the growth performance and rumination of calves.Eighty-four female Holstein calves(41.5±4.2 kg)were enrolled at birth,a subset of the calves were fed calf starter only(CON,n=21)while the rest(n=63)were classified into three treatment groups:the early(EHAY,n=26,5.1±0.8 d),the middle(MHAY,n=21,7.9±0.8 d)and the late(LHAY,n=16,12.1±1.4 d)hay consumers.The short-term effect of the age at first forage consump-tion(AFF)on calves’feed intake was monitored until d 84.In addition,the long-term effects of AFF on body weight,structural growth and rumination behavior were recorded until d 196.Rumen samples were collected on d 1,7,35,84 and 196 to ana-lyze the rumen fermentation,while fecal samples were collected from d 78 to 84 to estimate digestibility parameters.Results Treatment had no effect on feed intake.While,the EHAY calves tended to have lower BW and ADG compared to LHAY and CON calves.Several total-tract apparent digestibility parameters and digestible nutrients intake were significantly lower in EHAY calves compared with CON and LHAY calves.Calves in the EHAY group tended to begin ruminating ealier,while CON calves were the latest(12.3 vs.15.5 days of age).A treatment and time interaction was present for rumination time due to greater rumination in calves consuming hay compared to CON calves in week 10 to 12,the differences in rumination disappeared afterwards,no long-lasting significant differences in the rumina-tion and rumen fermentation parameters were found between treatments.Conclusions In conclusion,this study showed that hay consumption earlier in life(in the first week,around 5 days of life)could negatively affect the growth of the calf in the short and long term.Compared to consuming hay from the second week(around 12 days of life)or feeding concentrate only without hay,starting to consume hay from the first week could compromise nutrient digestibility and digestible nutrient intake independent of developing rumination behaviour and rumen fermentation.
基金Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEALthe first author thesis (Grant No. 95–6102) that was financially supported by University of Zanjan,Iran+1 种基金the Ministry of Science,Research and Technology,Iransupport by the open access publication fund of the Freie Universitat Berlin (Germany)
文摘Background Forage inclusion in starters of young dairy calves has become an acceptable strategy in the last decade.To compensate for the lower energy provided by forage,concurrent lipid supplementation can be proposed.How-ever,ruminal microbial activity and forage digestibility may be decreased by lipid supplementation.We hypothesized that the composite effect of forage and lipid supplements may be dependent on forage particle size and the type of lipid supplement.Therefore,we evaluated the effect of long(LP;geometric mean,4.97 mm)vs.short alfalfa hay particle sizes(SP;geometric mean,1.26 mm)with either soybean oil(SBO)or palm fatty acids(PLF)as lipid source in a 2×2 factorial design with treatments SP-SBO,SP-PLF,LP-SBO,and LP-PLF.Treatments(n=13 with 6 males and 7 females each)were offered to Holstein calves(3 days old)with equal amounts of lipid(25 g/kg DM)through-out the experimental period.The milk offering scheme(d 1 to 53)was equal for all groups.Data collection continued until 20 d post-weaning.Results Interaction between forage particle size and lipid supplement was significant for the following readouts:the highest and lowest starter intakes during the pre-weaning period occurred in LP-PLF and LP-SBO,respectively.This was associated with similarly contrasting changes in average daily gain(ADG)during the post-weaning period,body weight at the end of experiment,withers height,digestibility of organic matter and neutral detergent fiber,and blood serum concentrations of glucose,beta-hydroxybutyrate,and insulin during the pre-weaning period.Dur-ing both pre-and post-weaning periods,the highest and lowest urinary excretion of allantoin and total purine deriva-tives,representing microbial protein synthesis,were observed in LP-PLF and LP-SBO,respectively,indicating that those diets were most and least favorable for rumen development.Irrespective of forage particle size,supplemental SBO vs.PLF increased serum malondialdehyde as an oxidative stress indicator across periods,increased blood urea nitrogen and feed efficiency in the pre-weaning period,and reduced hip height during the post-weaning period.Conclusions It can be concluded that feeding a rumen-inert,mostly saturated fatty acid source with alfalfa hay as long particle size is recommended with view on performance,whereas a combination soybean oil rich in unsatu-rated fatty acids should not be provided to milk-fed Holstein calves together with long particle forage.Feeding soybean oil and alfalfa hay as long particles is not advisable mainly due to lower starter consumption and impaired development of ruminal function.If dietary supplementation of soybean oil is applied,incorporation of forage as small particles should be preferred to support rumen development.
文摘Natural pastures constitute a major component of ruminant livestock feed, and are the most cost-effective feed resource available for smallholder subsistence farmers. However, this feed resource does not meet animal nutritional requirement due to deficiency in nitrogen, energy and minerals. In addition, at maturity lignification is the major concern since it reduces digestibility and contributes to methane emission. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing low-quality Eragrostis grass hay with five (9281, 11,252, 11,255, 11,595 and 11,604) selected Stylosanthes scabra accessions on in vitro ruminal fermentation and neutral detergent fiber degradation. Therefore, in vitro study was conducted on grass hay, accessions and the mixture of grass hay with each accession included at two (15%, 30%) levels. The substrates (grass hay, accessions and the mixtures) were incubated in separate serum bottles for 72 h. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of the accessions ranged from 300 to 350 g/kg DM with crude protein (CP) value ranging from 177.5 to 184.1 g/kg DM. Eragrostis grass hay had NDF value of 813 g/kg DM, with CP value of 34.3 g/kg DM. Grass hay fermented slowly, it took 30 h for grass hay to produce gas volume above 50 mL, while Stylosanthes scabra accessions took 12 h. Supplementing grass hay with accessions significantly improved fermentation. However, it was observed that 15% inclusion took 30 h to produce gas volume above 50 mL, whereas at 30% inclusions it took 24 h for accession 9281, 11,595 and 11,604. Accession 11,604 improve grass fermentation by almost three times the value of grass hay in 2 h. Grass hay supplemented with accession 11,604 at 30% had a positive associative effect and significantly improved NDF degradability. In conclusion, accession 11,604 may be fed strategically as forage supplement to low-quality forage for ruminants.
基金National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFD0200808)Seed Science and Technology Major Special Program of Tianjin(18ZXZYNC00100)+1 种基金Scientific Research Program(Natural Science)of Tianjin Education Committee(2019KJ039)Graduate Research Innovation Program of Tianjin(2020YJSS128).
文摘In order to investigate the effects of meteorological factors on rape overwintering ability,forage yield and quality of rape in the North China plain,Brassia campestris L.and Brassica napus L.were used in this study.The results showed that compared with the B.napus L.varieties,the growth period of B.campestris L.was shortened by 10-15 d,the overwintering rate(WR)increased by 50.6%,and the density after winter(PD)increased by 41.5%.The fresh forage yield(FFY)and dry forage yield(DFY)of the B.campestris L.type significantly increased by 40.9%and 38.1%compared with the B.napus L.type.,respectively,while the forage quality of the B.napus L.type rape was significantly better than that of the B.campestris L.type.Compared with the B.campestris L.type,the crude protein(CP),fat,ash and total fatty acid(TFA)contents of the B.napus L.type of rape increased by 27.6%,42.9%,23.9%and 52.3%,respectively,and the milk productivity(HM),relative forage value(RFV)and relative forage quality(RFQ)increased by 14.0%,16.2%and 42.1%,respectively.The light and heat resources before wintering increased the WR and PD(P<0.05),and were positively correlated with FFY and DFY(P>0.05),and lower temperature during the wintering period led to lower WR(P<0.01).The light and heat resources during the overwintering period and after regreening were negatively correlated with FFY and DFY(P>0.05).The contents of CP,fat and TFA of rape had an extremely significant negative correlation with the temperature and sunshine hours before wintering,but an extremely significant positive correlation with the temperature during the wintering period and after regreening,as well as the sunshine hours and rainfall during the wintering period;and HM had an extremely significant positive correlation with the temperature,sunshine hours and rainfall during the wintering period,while RFV and RFQ were only extremely significantly positively correlated with the maximum temperature and rainfall.In summary,in the North China Plain,for autumn sowing rape,the B.campestris L.type can be selected to improve the wintering rate,and the B.napus L.type should be the main choice to improve the forage quality of rape.Therefore,the B.napus L.variety HYZ62 can be selected for autumn sowing in the North China Plain.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(41971130)。
文摘Understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of the forage-livestock balance is imperative for regionally arranging animal husbandry production while ensuring sustainable grassland-ecosystem service use.The Xilin Gol steppe is an important native grassland resource in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,China.This study aimed to elucidate the dynamics of the forage-livestock balance in the Xilin Gol steppe during the period 2000–2015.We evaluated the forage production and corresponding livestock carrying capacity(LCC)in the growing seasons of 2000–2015 using remote sensing data and field surveys.The spatiotemporal patterns of the forage-livestock balance were then assessed at regional,city(including city,county and banner),and village scales using statistical and household survey data.The results showed that both forage production and LCC decreased in the Xilin Gol steppe from east to west.During the period 2000–2015,the regional average forage production and corresponding LCC fluctuated without following a distinct trend,but were consistent with the variations in precipitation.The forage-livestock balance varied with time,space,and scale.At the regional scale,steppes were overgrazed in the early 2000s,but a forage-livestock balance or even grazing potential was achieved in other years.At the city scale,approximately half of the region exhibited a"forage-livestock balance"since 2000.However,about half of the region still experienced overgrazing,which mainly located in the southwest sandy zones.Such changes may have been affected by the variations in grassland quality,forage production,compensation payment,and so on.We suggest a location-specific management scheme for grazing constraints,ecological compensation payment,and industry development to aid in harmonizing animal husbandry and environmental restoration,while promoting sustainable development goals by 2030.
基金the Graduate Student Innovation Foundation of Jiangsu Province(No.KYCX20_2992).
文摘Medicago polymorpha is a nutritious and palatable forage and vegetable plant that also fixes nitrogen.Here,we reveal the chromosome-scale genome sequence of M.polymorpha using an integrated approach including Illumina,PacBio and Hi-C technologies.We combined PacBio full-length RNA-seq,metabolomic analysis,structural anatomy analysis and related physiological indexes to elucidate the important agronomic traits of M.polymorpha for forage and vegetable usage.The assembled M.polymorpha genome consisted of 457.53Mb with a long scaffold N50 of 57.72Mb,and 92.92%(441.83Mb)of the assembly was assigned to seven pseudochromosomes.Comparative genomic analysis revealed that expansion and contraction of the photosynthesis and lignin biosynthetic gene families,respectively,led to enhancement of nutritious compounds and reduced lignin biosynthesis in M.polymorpha.In addition,we found that several positively selected nitrogen metabolism-related genes were responsible for crude protein biosynthesis.Notably,the metabolomic results revealed that a large number of flavonoids,vitamins,alkaloids,and terpenoids were enriched in M.polymorpha.These results imply that the decreased lignin content but relatively high nutrient content of M.polymorpha enhance its edibility and nutritional value as a forage and vegetable.Our genomic data provide a genetic basis that will accelerate functional genomic and breeding research on M.polymorpha as well as other Medicago and legume plants.
基金This research was funded by the Biodiversity Investigation,Observation and Assessment Program,Ministry of Ecology and Environment,The People’s Republic of China and the Yunnan Innovative Talents Program,China(No.2018HC009).
文摘In the Qinba mountainous area of Central China,pig farming has a significant impact on the growth of the rural economy and has substantially increased farmer incomes.Traditional knowledge plays an important role in the selection of forage plant species for pig farming by local people.This study aimed to identify the forage plants used for pig feeding and to catalog indigenous knowledge regarding their use.During 2016 and 2017,ethnobotanical surveys and inventories were conducted in Zhuxi County,Hubei Province,China.Data were collected using semi-structured interviews,key informant reports,free listings,guided field walks,and participatory observations with 77 households in 16 villages in 13 towns/townships.The obtained data were analyzed using a relative frequency citation(RFC)index.Overall,145 wild forage plants from 91 genera and 31 families were recorded.The most cited families were Asteraceae,Polygonaceae,Urticaceae,Amaranthaceae,Fabaceae,Cruciferae,Caryophyllaceae,and Lamiaceae.Whole plants(75.9%)and tender leaves(12.4%)were the most frequently used parts of the plants.Most of the forage plants were herbaceous(88.9%).Almost all forage plants could be collected throughout the year(62.7%).Raw and cooked were the two main preparation methods.The most frequently cited species were Taraxacum mongolicum,Bidens pilosa,Sonchus oleraceus,Pilea verrucosa,and Pilea pumila var.obtusifolia.A total of 14 species were identified as the top forage plants in Zhuxi County based on their RFC values(RFC value greater than 0.5).Local people possess rich traditional knowledge about the utilization and management of forage plants for pig feeding.However,the maintenance of this traditional knowledge may be seriously threatened by changes in pig feeding modes and the lack of successors.Appropriate strategies and action plans have been suggested for the conservation of traditional knowledge associated with biodiversity and the sustainable use of forage species resources.These include 1)taking targeted measures to protect forage resources and associated traditional knowledge;2)strengthening research on the forage plants with the highest RFC values for nutritional value,digestibility,other functions,and ecological status;and 3)enhancing the identification of poisonous forage plants.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31261140365)the National Basic Research Program of China(2011CB100804)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(ASTIP-IAS12)
文摘The partial 16 S r RNA gene sequences(100 to 500 bp) were widely used to reveal rumen bacterial composition influenced by diets, while quantification of the changed uncultured bacteria was inconvenient due to difficult designing of specific primers based on short sequences. This study evaluated the effect of forage resources on rumen bacterial diversity and developed new strategy for primer design based on short sequences to quantify the changed uncultured bacteria. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis(DGGE) analysis and subsequent band sequencing were used to reveal the distinct rumen bacteria composition in cows fed with two forage sources(single corn stover vs. mixed forages including alfalfa hay and corn silage). The bacterial diversity in the rumen of dairy cows fed with corn stover was lower than that with mixed forages(P<0.05). The bacterium named R-UB affiliating to uncultured Succinivibrionaceae was identified, and it was abundant in the rumen of cows fed with mixed forages compared to corn stover. The full length 16 S r RNA gene sequences with identity of >97% to the R-UB 16 S r RNA gene sequence were obtained from Gen Bank and used to design specific primers to quantify uncultured bacterium R-UB. All sequences of amplicon from the new primers were of 100% identity to R-UB sequences indicating the high specificity of new primers. Quantitative PCR confirmed that abundance of R-UB in the rumen of cows fed with corn stover was lower than those fed with mixed forages(P<0.01). New strategy for designing primers based on partial 16 S r RNA genes to quantify targeted uncultured bacteria was successfully developed. The rumen bacteria descending significantly in the cows fed corn stover compared to those fed mixed forages was identified as uncultured R-UB from Succinivibrionaceae.
基金Technical Development Project of Hainan Provincial Scientific Research Institutes(KYYS-2018-05)Special Funds for Central Government Guiding the Development of Local Science and Technology(ZY2019HN01).
文摘[Objective]The paper was to investigate the effects of dietary concentrate to forage ratios on production performance and serum bio-chemical indicators of post-fattening Hainan Yellow Cattle.[Method]Sixteen Hainan Yellow Cattles with the same genetic backgrounds and similar initial weight of(242.22 ±0.71 kg) were randomly divided into four treatments.Cattles were fed with diets of different concentrate to forage ratios(20:80, group Ⅰ;30:70, Group Ⅱ;40:60, group Ⅲ;50:50, group Ⅳ).The trial lasted 62 d.[Result]The daily gain in experimental group Ⅳ was significantly higher than that in experimental group Ⅱ(P<0.05), but the feed gain ratio in experimental group Ⅳ was lower than those in other ex-perimental groups(P>0.05).The feed intake in experimental group Ⅳ was also markedly higher than those in experimental groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ(P<0.05).Compared with the experimental group Ⅱ, the gross profit of experimental group Ⅳ was significantly promoted(P<0.05).The alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities in experimental group Ⅱ were markedly higher than those in experimental groups Ⅰ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ.[Conclusion]When the dietary concentrate to forage ratios was 50∶50, the production performance of post-fattening Hainan Yellow Cattle was better.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31801367)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFD0101200)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
文摘Cell wall architecture plays a key role in stalk strength and forage digestibility.Lignin,cellulose,and hemicellulose are the three main components of plant cell walls,and they can impact stalk quality by affecting the structure and strength of the cell wall.To explore cell wall development during secondary cell wall lignification in maize stalks,conventional and conditional genetic mapping were used to identify the dynamic quantitative trait loci(QTLs)of the cell wall components and digestibility traits during five growth stages after silking.Acid detergent lignin(ADL),cellulose(CEL),acid detergent fiber(ADF),neutral detergent fiber(NDF),and in vitro dry matter digestibility(IVDMD)were evaluated in a maize recombinant inbred line(RIL)population.ADL,CEL,ADF,and NDF gradually increased from 10 to 40 days after silking(DAS),and then they decreased.IVDMD initially decreased until 40 DAS,and then it increased slightly.Seventytwo QTLs were identified for the five traits,and each accounted for 3.48–24.04%of the phenotypic variation.Six QTL hotspots were found,and they were localized in the 1.08,2.04,2.07,7.03,8.05,and 9.03 bins of the maize genome.Within the interval of the pleiotropic QTL identified in bin 1.08 of the maize genome,six genes associated with cell wall component biosynthesis were identified as potential candidate genes for stalk strength as well as cell wall-related traits.In addition,26 conditional QTLs were detected in the five stages for all of the investigated traits.Twenty-two of the 26 conditional QTLs were found at 30 DAS conditioned using the values of 20 DAS,and at 50 DAS conditioned using the values of 40 DAS.These results indicated that cell wall-related traits are regulated by many genes,which are specifically expressed at different stages after silking.Simultaneous improvements in both forage digestibility and lodging resistance could be achieved by pyramiding multiple beneficial QTL alleles identified in this study.
文摘Biosolids were applied with urea to produce a granulated organo-mineral fertiliser (OMF) for application by farm fertiliser equipment to a range of agricultural crops. The recommended rates of nitrogen, phosphate and potash were calculated for the test crops using “The Fertiliser Manual”, which assesses the nutrient requirement based on previous cropping, rainfall and soil index. The OMF produced similar crop yields compared to ammonium nitrate fertiliser when applied as a top-dressing to winter wheat, forage maize and grass cut for silage in the cropping years 2010 to 2014. In 2012 the grain yield of spring barley top-dressed with OMF was significantly lower than the conventional fertiliser treatment, due to dry conditions following application. For this reason it is recommended that OMF is incorporated into the seedbed for spring sown crops and The Safe Sludge Matrix guidelines followed. The experimental work presented shows that OMF can be used in sustainable crop production systems as a source of nitrogen and phosphorus for a range of agricultural crops.
文摘Millets are important natural grain source for wild and game birds and the domesticated varieties are good sources of grain for human and livestock nutrition as well as summer forage. Unlike sorghum, millet seed has less anti-nutrient factors and is a better choice for animal feed formulations. Pearl millet is an example of such millets and has both forage- and grain-type varieties. However, opportunities exist for dual use of millet for grain and residue for forage. In this study two millets: Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. (Pearl millet var. TifGrain 102) and Panicum ramosum (L.) (Browntop millet) were evaluated for their response to potassium (K) and manganese (Mn) fertilizer. The experiment was a randomized complete block with treatments in a split-split arrangement. Potassium and Mn were supplied as K fertilizer (0-0-60) and manganese sulfate (MnSO4·2H2O), respectively. Potassium and Mn fertilizer rates and their interaction with each other and variety had no effect on determined parameters. TifGrain 102 grain yield averaged at 5900 kg·ha-1 was significantly greater than 4680 kg·ha-1 obtained for Browntop millet. While grain oil contents were similar, Browntop grain had greater contents of crude proteins. And except for K, Browntop seed had greater contents of all determined macro-and micronutrients. Residual stalks of Browntop had greater forage crude protein, total digestible nutrient (TDN) and lower acid detergent fiber (ADF). Browntop residual material had greater quantities of estimated net energy for growth (NEG), lactation (NEL), maintenance (NME). While TifGrain 102 residual stalks had greater contents of P and K, it had significantly lower contents of Ca, Mg and S compared to Browntop. Overall, while these two millets have shown good potential for dual use, Browntop may offer a better choice for high quality seed and residual stalks for forage.
文摘A brown midrib (BMR) sorghum pasture was compared with normal sorghum for its effects on performance of Holstein cows in midlactation in terms of milk production and composition at grazing over three periods (Period 1: 20/01 to 31/01, Period 2: 17/02 to 28/02, Period 3: 19/03 to 30/03). Forty Holstein cows were grouped according to pre-experimental milk production (22.4 ± 4.2 kg/d milk), live weight (530 ± 25 kg) and lactation stage (127 ± 63 days) and assigned randomly to one of the two experimental pasture. Pasture was assigned on equal basis at an allowance 25 kg DM/cow/day (above 10 cm), assuming a 65% forage utilization and cows received 4 kg of concentrate per day. Simultaneously, both pastures were evaluated with sheep, to analyze digestibility at every grazing period. The BMR sorghum supported higher FCM than normal sorghum (18.5 vs. 17.8 l/day, P < 0.05). Additionally, production of milk components was greater (+52 g/day/cow and +36 g/day/cow for fat and protein respectively, P 0.05), with fewer intake of concentrate (-0.4 kg/day/cow, P 0.05) when compared with cows grazing normal sorghum. Those results are in accordance with greater (P 0.05) total digestive tract DM, OM and NDF in vivo digestibilities for BMR sorghum (65.0, 67.1, 65.9 respectively) than for normal sorghum (60.3, 62.0, 61.3 respectively). The increased digestibility of BMR sorghum must be associated with the compositional differences on fiber which allowed a higher cell wall digestion. Results of this study indicate that the BMR sorghum hybrid outperformed the normal sorghum hybrid resulting in a higher performance per cow with lower concentrate consumption compared with normal sorghum.
文摘Breeding of forage maize should combine improvement achieved for grain with the specific needs of forage hybrids. Production stability is important when maize is used for silage if the planting area is not in the ideal agronomic environment. The objectives of the present research were:(i) to quantify environmental and genetic and their interaction effects on maize silage traits;(ii) to identify possible heterotic groups for forage aptitude and suggest the formation of potential heterotic patterns, and(iii) to identify suitable inbred line combinations for producing hybrids with forage aptitude. Forty-five hybrids derived from diallelic crosses(without reciprocals) among ten inbred lines of maize were evaluated in this study. Combined ANOVA over environments showed differences between genotypes(G), environments(E), and their interactions(GEI). Heritability(H2), and genotypic and phenotypic correlations were estimated to evaluate the variation in and relationships between forage traits. Postdictive and predictive AMMI models were fitted to determine the importance of each source of variation, G, E, and GEI, and to select genotypes simultaneously on yield, quality and stability. A predominance of additive effects was found in the evaluated traits. The heterotic pattern Reid-BSSS × Argentine flint was confirmed for ear yield(EY) and harvest index(HI). High and broad genetic variation was found for stover and whole plant traits. Some inbred lines had genes with differential breeding aptitude for ear and stover. Stover and ear yield should be the main breeding objectives in maize forage breeding.
基金the Robert Bosch Foundation (No.070610) for financial support of this joint international projectFinancial support of the PhD research project was provided by University of Hamburg’s Doctoral Funding Program (HmbNFG)merit scholarship program
文摘An important indicator of the rangeland health, associated with land degradation, is the ability of semi-natural rangelands to provide forage of sufficient quality for livestock production. In Qilian Mountains(Gansu Province, NW China) biomass production and forage quality are dependent on the seasonality of precipitation and temperature; most of the precipitation falls during summer season, when sheep, goats and yaks graze mountain rangelands. To sustain the rangelands and to improve the management strategies, the assessment of the forage quality should be implemented. The purpose of this research was to study the response of biomass, forage quality and macronutrient content different levels of grazing intensity in Qilian rangelands. We sampled aboveground biomass in the growing seasons in 2012 and 2013 within spring/autumn or summer grazing regimes in two altitudinal zones below and above 3000 m a.s.l.(montane-subalpine and subalpine-alpine respectively). In order to estimate forage quality, biomass was sampled in 1 m × 1 m plots, assigned to the center of 10 ×10 m sites, fromwhich we collected different indicator parameters of rangeland health. Mineral and fiber content of forage biomass was estimated under different levels of grazing intensity with regard to the growing period. It was found that an increase in grazing intensity led to a decrease in dry matter weight. No linearity was observed in the relationship between nutritive value and grazing intensity. The highest fiber content(59.20 %) was found in plots mostly disturbed by grazing. The highest protein(16.30 %) and the lowest fiber(51.30 %) contents were associated with slightly grazing intensity. Concentrations of the mineral elements, such as Zn, P, K and S varied significantly and showed maximum values under low grazing intensity.
基金Supported by National Basic Research Program(2014CB138704)National Natural Science Foundation of China(31302023)
文摘Production performance of four forage legumes species of Medicago sativa,Onobrychis viciifolia,Lotus corniculatus and Galega officinalis were determined,including plant height,above-ground biomass per unit area,tillers per unit area,fertile tillers per unit area,shoot /leaf ratio and fresh /dry matter weight ratio,and the distribution characteristics of their root systems in 0- 100 cm soil layers with 10 cm interval were studied. Results showed that the average aboveground fresh biomass(4 a and 5 a) of four forage legumes species successively were L. corniculatus > M. sativa > O. viciifolia > G. officinalis. The average plant heights in two years successively were O. viciifolia > M. sativa > G. officinalis > L. corniculatus. Tillers per unit area of four forage legume species in two years successively were M. sativa > L. corniculatus > O. viciifolia > G. officinalis. Fertile tillers per unit area in two years were O. viciifolia > M. sativa > L. corniculatus > G. officinalis. Average shoot /leaf ratio in two years were G. officinalis > M. sativa > O. viciifolia > L. corniculatus. Average moisture contents of four forage legume species in two years successively were G. officinalis > L. corniculatus > M. sativa = O. viciifolia. The distribution characteristics of root systems of four forage legumes species in 0- 100 cm soil layers were as follows: the root weights of M. sativa in 0- 40 cm soil layers accounted for about 98. 3% of total root weight,that of O. viciifolia in 0- 30 cm soil layers was 85. 8%,that of L. corniculatus in 0- 10 cm soil layers was 80%,and that of G. officinalis in 0- 40 cm soil layers was 81. 4%. The results suggested that L. corniculatus was suited to plant in slighter degraded pasture to control water and soil erosion in early stage,G. officinalis with strong lateral roots was adapted to degraded grassland in the Loess Plateau where soil nutrient was poor,while O. viciifolia and M. sativa with potentially strong main root were fit for water and soil conservation in the losses plateau for long term.
文摘Nitrogen availability can be enhanced with the application of nitrogen fixing bacteria and it may be helpful in increasing forage yield and improving quality of oat. Therefore, a field trial to evaluate the effect of seed inoculation with nitrogen fixing bacteria on forage yield and quality of oat was carried out at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during Rabi season 2013-14. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with factorial arrangements using three replications. The experiment was comprised of two integrated approaches. The first approach was oat cultivars consisting of four treatments, V1 (AVON), V2 (S-2000), V3 (S-2011) and V4 (PD2LV65) and the second approach was seed inoculation consisting of three treatments, S0 (control), S1 (Azotobacter spp.), S2 (Azospirillum spp.). Fisher’s analysis of variance technique was used for statistically interpretation of data by using least significant difference (LSD) test at 5% level of probability. Nitrogen fixing bacteria significantly affect the germination count (m2), plant height (cm), number of tillers (m2), number of leaves per tiller, leaf area per tiller (cm2), green forage yield (t·ha-1) and dry matter yield (t ha-1). The maximum green forage yield (85.2 t·ha-1), dry matter yield (14.1 t ·ha-1) and crude protein (11.5%) were recorded where Azotobacter inoculation was applied. The interaction between cultivars and nitrogenous strains was significant for green forage yield (t·ha-1), dry matter yield (t·ha-1) and crude protein (%). Conclusion showed that cultivar Sargodha-2011 which was inoculated with Azotobacter spp. gave higher forage yield of good quality.
基金Supported by Key Technology Research for Development and Efficient Cultivation and Utilization of Forage Mulberry(2013SZ03)
文摘A comparative study was conducted on four mulberry( Morus alba) varieties( lines) in Hunan dry land from the aspects of production performance,nutritional composition and amino acids content. The result showed that the four mulberry varieties all adjusted well to soil,climate and other natural conditions in Hunan province,presenting good growth. The dry matter content of four varieties( lines) was above 25% and the crude protein content was more than 22%. Although the crude protein and total amino acid content of four mulberry varieties were lower than that of soybean powder,the proportion of various amino acids tended to be consistent,so mulberry leaf was very comprehensive in nutrition as an animal feed. Yuesang 11 had the highest fresh yield and crude protein of 14. 28 t / hm^2 and23. 22% respectively; Guisangyou 12 had the highest total amino acid content of 19. 58%. There were differences among four varieties,but each variety had its own advantages,so they all had good popularization value.
文摘A field experiment with 24 treatments consisting of three perennial forage crops [alfalfa (<em>Medicago sativa</em> L. cv. AC Longview), hybrid bromegrass (<em>Bromus riparius</em> Rehm & <em>Bromus inermis</em> Leyss. cv. AC Success) and their mixture], four Cut 1 dates (approximately June 20, July 10, July 30 or August 20), and two fertilizer levels (unfertilized and fertilized) was established in late May 2014, on a Black Chernozem [Udic Boroll] silty clay soil. Forage dry matter yield [DMY], and concentration (g<span style="white-space:nowrap;">·</span>kg<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span>1</sup> DM) of crude protein [CP], total digestible nutrients [TDN] and acid detergent fiber [ADF] data were collected over 3 years from 2015 to 2017. The fertilizer treatments were imposed in 2016 and 2017. Forage crops were initially cut at four Cut 1 dates, and again cut [Cut 2] in autumn (September 2 in 2015, November 7 in 2016 and October 5 in 2017). For all three forage crops, forage DMY usually increased when Cut 1 was delayed. Delaying Cut 1 reduced forage DMY for Cut 2. Total DMY (Cut 1 + Cut 2) for all three forage crops was highest from the combination of July 10 and late Autumn cuts. Alfalfa-bromegrass mixture produced higher DMY than bromegrass or alfalfa alone. Fertilizer application resulted in a significant increase in Cut 1 and total DMY for bromegrass. The CP concentration in Cut 1 forage usually declined as the forage crops matured. The CP concentration was highest for alfalfa, followed by alfalfa-bromegrass mixture, and much lower for bromegrass. There was little or no effect of forage crop maturity on the TDN and ADF concentrations in forage. The TDN concentration was higher and ADF concentration was lower in forage from alfalfa or alfalfa-bromegrass mixture than bromegrass. Fertilizer application significantly increased CP concentration for alfalfa-bromegrass mixture. Delaying harvesting for Cut 1 increased ADF yield and TDN yield until Late July, but CP yield generally decreased with crop maturity. The ADF yield and TDN yield were higher for alfalfa-bromegrass mixture than bromegrass or alfalfa alone, and CP yield was similar for alfalfa and alfalfa-bromegrass mixture but considerably higher than bromegrass. Fertilizer application increased CP yield and ADF yield for bromegrass and alfalfa-bromegrass mixture, and TDN yield only for bromegrass. In conclusion, total DMY (Cut 1 + Cut 2) was highest for a combination of Early July and Autumn cuts. Forage yield was highest for alfalfa-bromegrass mixture, followed by alfalfa and lowest for bromegrass. The CP and TDN concentrations were higher, and ADF concentrations were lower in forage from alfalfa or alfalfa-bromegrass mixture than bromegrass.
