Effects of Plant Density on Forage Nutritive Value of Whole Plant Corn

In the field experiment, the effects of plant densities (75 000, 112 500 and 150 000 plants ha-1) on forage nutritive value of whole plant corn (WPC) were studied from 1999 to 2001. The results demonstrated that with the increasing of plant density, the forage matter yield per plant corn decreased significantly, while the fresh matter and dry matter per hectare corn increased significantly, and a higher grains yield was gotten at higher plant densities. Forage nutritive quality of whole plant corn was changed as plant density increased, the crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), nitrogen free extract (NFE) and general energy (GE) yields increased obviously. Increas- ing plant density reasonably with the application of plant growth regulators could improve plant properties, harvest more forage matter, and enhance forage nutritive value of WPC.

Functions of Mulberry in the Development of Ecological Animal Husbandry and Development Ideas

Ecological animal husbandry is an animal husbandry industry system integrating ecological benefit, economic benefit and social benefit. Breeding cycle is one of the main patterns of ecological animal husbandry development, but breeding cycle does not form a relatively closed cycle of endogenous resources. In recent years, forage value and ecological value of mulberry have made some progresses in different research areas and angles, but the thought and practice of both forage and ecological value of mulberry has not been systematically interpreted and researched. Based on the short board of animal husbandry development and the advan- tage of mulberry, animal husbandry and mulberry were complemented and fused, and relatively closed planting and raising ecological recycling pattern with mulberry as the axis was raised. Phased scientific research and production test data were obtained, and the problems and development suggestions were put forward in the following aspects ： selection of mulberry varieties with both forage and ecological value, cost control of mulberry with both forage and ecological value, quality and safety control system of forage mulberry, orientation of feeding value of forage mulberry.

Exploring the impact of soil water variability and varietal diversity on alfalfa yield,nutritional quality,and farm profitability

Background:Despite high nutritional and economic value,alfalfa yield has not been improved in the United States.Soil moisture critically influences alfalfa's yield and quality,affecting its physiological processes,nutrient uptake,and stand growth.Additionally,the maturity stage at harvest can significantly impact both hay yield and quality.Thus,this study aimed to assess the effect of different soil moisture levels and harvesting times on forage yield,nutritive value,and the overall profitability of commercially cultivated alfalfa.Methods:Two conventional and three lower-lignin alfalfa varieties were planted in a randomized complete block with split plot design under drought,rainfed,and irrigation conditions in 2020 in Manhattan,Kansas,USA.The dry matter yield(DMY)and forage nutritive value were evaluated at late bud,early flowering,and 7 days after early flowering stages,respectively.Results:DMY varied with production year,soil water availability,and growth stages,with drought conditions causing a decline in DMY of 5%to 38%in the second production year.Water conditions and maturity stages influenced crude protein(CP)and in vitro dry matter digestibility(IVDMD).Higher soil moisture and advancing maturity stages negatively impacted CP,IVDMD,and relative forage quality.The study revealed net profit margins of 62%,64%,and 52%for drought-prone,rainfed,and irrigated production,respectively.Conclusions:Harvest timing and irrigation practices were found to have substantial implications for forage yield and nutritive value of alfalfa.The yield-quality trade-off differed under drought and irrigation,with early harvesting leading to lower yields but higher protein content and digestibility.The study findings provide potential guidance for improving alfalfa hay yield,quality,and profitability.