Rumen Degradation Regularity of Dry Matter and Crude Protein of Common Roughage in Beef Cattle

Three individuals of Horqin yellow cattle equipped with permanent fistula, weighed （548 ±21） kg, were sdected as the experimental animals. The ru- men degradation characteristics of dry matter （DM） and crude protein （CP） of roughage at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h were measured by nylon bag method. The re- suits showed that the effective degradation rates of DM and CP of alfalfa hay were the highest, while higher contents of rapid degradation part and potential degrada- tion part of DM and CP also resulted in higher degradation rates of DM and CP. The effective degradation rates of CP and DM of roughage presented strong positive correlation with CP, but showed strong negative correlation with neutral detergent fiber （NDF）. The effective degradation rates of CP of five roughages successively were alfalfa hay 〉 alfalfa block 〉 ryegrass 〉 silage corn 〉 straw.

Short-Term Effect of Grazing Exclusion and Uncontrolled Grazing on Species Abundance, Dry Matter Yield and Nutritive Value in an Invaded Area by Euryops floribundus in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Grazing exclusion (GE) is the most effective rangeland restoration technique which facilitates species diversity and forage quality. This study aimed at assessing short-term impact of GE and continuously grazed rangeland on relative frequency, dry matter yield and nutritive value of dominant grasses in an area invaded by Euryops floribundus. A plot of 2.5 ha was measured and the boundaries demarcated using tape measure and steal pins, the plot was further divided into two subplots of 1ha each which were 5 m apart. One subplot was fenced and protected from grazing livestock, while one subplot was grazed continuously and not fenced. Three parallel belt transects of 100 m × 2 m with 3 m apart were laid out in both subplots. Woody plants occurring within the transects were identified and recorded to determine density. In each subplot, a 0.25 m2 quadrant measuring was thrown randomly to take detailed records on plant species, relative frequency of species and herbage biomass. Four dominant species at the two sites were harvested to determine the nutritive value. Results indicate that grazing exclusion (GE) facilitates grass species diversity, subsequently sixteen and thirteen grasses species were recorded in the GE and uncontrolled grazed (UG) sites, respectively. Eragrostis chloromelas (21.7%), and Themeda triandra (13.2%) had high relative frequencies in the GE site. Highest biomass production was recorded in the GE site (1400 kg·ha-1) compared to UG site (1102 kg·ha-1). Crude protein content was relatively lower at UG site (5.4% - 5.8%) as compared to GE site (7.2% - 7.8%). It was concluded that, GE showed a positive impact on a relative frequency (%), dry matter yield and crude protein content. UG creates a conducive environment for Euryops recruitment. Further studies are required to examine the impact of GE in long-term trial setup.

Dry Matter Partitioning, Nodulation and Seed Traits of Medium and Late Maturing Soybean Varieties as Affected by Planting Pattern and Plant Density

An experiment was conducted on Fluvisols of Awassa for two consecutive years （2005-2006） to determine effects of planting pattern and plant density on dry matter accumulation, nodulation, protein and oil content in early and late maturing soybean varieties. Results indicated that Awassa-95 variety produced significantly higher （P 〈 0.05） number of nodules/plant （NDN）, nodule dry matter （NDM） and leaf dry matter （LDM at R2 （mid flowering） stage of soybean growth than that of variety Belessa-95）. Similarly, variety Awassa-95 （45%） produced significantly higher protein content than variety Belessa-95 （40%）. However, variety Belessa-95 accumulated significantly higher （P 〈 0.01） dry matter in straw, grain and total biomass at R7 （physiological maturity） stage of soybean growth than variety Awassa-95. Similarly, oil content of variety Belessa-95 （18.1%） was significantly （P 〈 0.05） higher than that of variety Awassa-95 （15.9%）. Equidistant rows produced significantly higher （P 〈 0.05） NDM than either rectangular or paired rows. Moreover, soybean plants grown in both rectangular and equidistant rows produced significantly higher （P 〈 0.01） straw dry matter than those grown in paired rows; but, grain dry matter/plant （GDM） was significantly higher （P 〈 0.01） paired and rectangular rows compared to equidistant rows. Plant density also affected the per plant GDM production as it was significantly higher （P 〈 0.01） in 20 and 30 plants/m2 than higher plant densities （40 and 50 plants/m2）. However, dry matter and yield components had strong negative association with protein content. In fact, strong positive correlation （R 〉 0.600） occurred between grain yield and its components with dry matter components at R2 （stem dry matter （SDM）, leaf dry matter （LDM） and stem ＋ nodule ＋ leaf dry matter together known as TDM） and straw dry matter at R7 in both varieties. This study depicted that soybean plants that produce higher dry matter components at R2 would probably produce more straw dry matter, greater grain yield components and higher grain yield dry matter at later stages.

Micro-sprinkling irrigation simultaneously improves grain yield and protein concentration of winter wheat in the North China Plain

Increased grain yield(GY) and grain protein concentration(GPC) are the two main targets of efforts to improve wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) production in the North China Plain(NCP). We conducted a three-year field experiment in the 2014–2017 winter wheat growing seasons to compare the effects of conventional irrigation practice(CI) and micro-sprinkling irrigation combined with nitrogen(N) fertilizer(MSI) on GY, GPC, and protein yield(PY). Across the three years, GY, GPC, and PY increased by 10.5%–16.7%, 5.4%–8.0%, and 18.8%–24.6%, respectively, under MSI relative to CI. The higher GY under MSI was due primarily to increased thousand-kernel weight(TKW). The chlorophyll content of leaves was higher under MSI during the mid–late grain filling period, increasing the contribution of post-anthesis dry matter accumulation to GY, with consequent increases in total dry matter accumulation and harvest index compared to CI. During the mid–late grain filling period, the canopy temperature was markedly lower and the relative humidity was higher under MSI than under CI. The duration and rate of filling during the mid–late grain filling period were also higher under MSI than CI, resulting in higher TKW. MSI increased the contribution of post-anthesis N accumulation to grain N but reduced the pre-anthesis remobilization of N in leaves, the primary site of photosynthetic activity, possibly helping maintain photosynthate production in leaves during grain filling. Total N at maturity was higher under MSI than CI,although there was little difference in N harvest index. The higher GPC under MSI than under CI was due to a larger increase in grain N accumulation than in GY. Overall, MSI simultaneously increased both GY and GPC in winter wheat grown in the NCP.

Analysis of Some Important Forage Quality Attributes of Southeastern Wildrye (Elymus glabriflorus) Using Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy

Southeastern wildrye (Elymus glabriflorus, Vasey ex L.H. Dewey) is a cool-season, perennial grass native to southeastern United States. Recently, there is a growing interest in its development as a grazing and haying forage crop due to its wide area of adaptation across this region. Consequently, there is a great need for the evaluation of its forage quality by rapid, but accurate analytical methods like Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS). In this study, acceptable NIRS calibration models were developed for: dry matter, DM (n = 113, R2 = 0.904, RSCD = 2.54, RSCIQ = 4.65);crude protein, CP (n = 113, R2 = 0.974, RSCD = 5.16, RSCIQ = 5.92);acid detergent fiber, ADF (n = 116, R2 = 0.896, RSCD = 2.35, RSCIQ = 1.28);neutral detergent fiber, NDF (n = 118, R2 = 0.934, RSCD = 2.53, RSCIQ = 3.38);digestible dry matter, DDM (n = 116, R2 = 0.895, RSCD = 2.36, RSCIQ = 1.35);dry matter intake, DMI (n = 115, R2 = 0.924, RSCD = 2.40, RSCIQ = 2.53);and relative feed value, RFV (n = 114, R2 = 0.932, RSCD = 2.94, RSCIQ = 2.81). Prediction of independent validation sets yielded good agreement between the NIRS predicted values and the laboratory reference values for each of: DM (n = 53, R2 = 0.831, RPD = 2.45, RPIQ = 4.24);CP (n = 57, R2 = 0.967, RPD = 5.37, RPIQ = 7.16);ADF (n = 49, R2 = 0.895, RPD = 2.97, RPIQ = 1.51);NDF (n = 53, R2 = 0.928, RPD = 3.75, RPIQ = 4.22);digestible dry matter, DDM (n = 55, R2 = 0.860, RSCD = 265, RSCIQ = 1.15);dry matter intake, DMI (n = 156, R2 = 0.845, RSCD = 2.48, RSCIQ = 2.11);and relative feed value, RFV (n = 55, R2 = 0.916, RSCD = 3.45, RSCIQ = 3.04) contents, indicating that all seven calibration models had good quantitative information. Therefore, precise, accurate, and rapid analysis of these important forage quality attributes of southeastern wildrye can be routinely done using the developed NIRS calibration models.

Valuable Biomolecules from Nine North Atlantic Red Macroalgae: Amino Acids, Fatty Acids, Carotenoids, Minerals and Metals

In modern society, novel marine resources are scrutinized pursuing compounds of use in the medical, pharmaceutical, biotech, food or feed industry. Few of the numerous marine macroalgae are currently exploited. In this study, the contents of nutritional compounds from nine common North Atlantic red macroalgae were compared: the lipid content was low and constant among the species, whereas the fatty acid profiles indicated that these species constitute interesting sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The dominating essential and non-essential amino acids were lysine and leucine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and arginine, respectively. The amino acid score of the nine algae varied from 44% to 92%, the most commonly first limiting amino acid being histidine. Lutein, β-carotene, and zeaxanthin were the identified carotenoids. Contents of all macro and trace minerals, with the exception of phosphorus, were higher than those described for conventional food. Low sodium/potassium ratios (0.08 - 2.54) suggested a potential for using the ash fraction for sodium salt replacement. The algae constituted rich sources of carbohydrates (40% to 71% of DM) which show their potential for a broader commercial exploitation. In some species, the concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, and lead exceeded limit values for application in food or feed. In conclusion, the nine algae represent promising potential sources of health promoting additives for human and animal diets, in whole or in a biorefinery concept.

Seed filling dynamic traits of oil flax in response to nitrogen and phosphorus

Crop yield is primarily seed-filling-limited in production system under field conditions.This study was aimed to determine whether seed filling traits of oil flax(Linum usitatissimum L.)could be controlled by phosphorus(P),nitrogen(N),and phosphorus and nitrogen(NP)supply.Effects on seed filling traits were investigated in 2 years including capsule diameter,capsule height,capsule dry matter(DM),seed DM per capsule,pericarp DM per capsule,protein content and oil content.DM translocation from pericarps to seed,translocation efficiency,and contribution of photoassimilates during seed filling period were also detected.In a randomized complete block design,cultivar'Longyaza 1'was grown under P(33 kg P/ha),N(75 kg N/ha),and NP(33 kg P/ha and 75 kg N/ha)along with a zerofertilizer(CK)treatment in 2013 and 2014.Results suggested that DM translocation efficiency and contribution efficiency increased to different extent due to P,N or NP application.At 42 DAA(days after anthesis),seed DM per capsule reached the greatest,while protein content and pericarp DM obtained the least level.However,the highest oil content was detected at 35 DAA.A significant positive linear relationship was observed between seed DM,capsule DM and DM translocation in both years.Protein content showed inconsistent relation with oil content.The results indicated that appropriate N and P management could be an effective approach to increase oil flax production.

Ruminal degradability of Guinea grass silage inoculated with Streptoccocus bovis isolated from bovine rumen combined or not with com wheat bran

This experiment aimed to evaluate the ruminal degradability in situ of the dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of Guinea grass silages. The experimental design was completely randomized with six treatments and six repetitions: Guinea grass silage, Guinea grass silage inoculated with 10% wheat bran, Guinea grass silage inoculated with 106 cfu/g of strains of Streptococcus bovis JB1;Guinea grass silage inoculated with 106 cfu/g of strains of Streptococcus bovis JB1 plus 10% of wheat bran;Guinea grass silage inoculated with 106 cfu/g of strains of Streptococcus bovis HC5;Guinea grass silage inoculated with 106 cfu/g of strains of Streptococcus bovis HC5 plus 10% of wheat bran. The silages inoculated with Streptococcus bovis and with added wheat bran resulted in higher values of ruminal degradability of DM, 32.76% and 32.17%, and of crude protein 38.28% and 37.89%. For the effective and potential degradability of DM, CP, NDF and ADF the highest values occurred for silages in these silages as well, in all passage rates. There is a similarity between the responses of Streptococcus bovis JB1 and the HC5, and the wheat bran enhanced the effectiveness of the microbial additive.

Effect of Additional Feed Supplement Fermentation Shrimp Waste Extract on Digestibility in Sentul Chicken Growth Phase

This study aims to determine the effect of adding feed supplements of fermented shrimp waste extract in the ration on the digestibility of local chicken rations in the growth phase.The research was carried out in Jatinangor District as well as the Laboratory of Ruminant Animal Nutrition and Animal Feed Chemistry,Faculty of Animal Husbandry,Padjadjaran University,Sumedang.The method used in this study was experimental with a Complete Randomized Design(RAL).The data were analyzed by fingerprint test(ANOVA)with further tests using the Dunnet test.The object of this study consisted of 20 Sentul chickens raised from the age of 1 day to 12 weeks,divided into 5 treatments and 4 tests.The treatment consists of P0=Basal ration without the addition of feed supplement fermented shrimp waste extract,P1=Basal ration+0.5%feed supplement fermented shrimp waste extract,P2=Basal ration+1.0%feed supplement fermented shrimp waste extract,P3=Basal ration+1.5%feed supplement fermented shrimp waste extract,and P4=Basal ration+2.0%feed supplement fermented shrimp waste extract.The changes observed are the digestibility of dry matter,the digestibility of organic matter,and the digestibility of proteins.The results showed that the addition of feed supplements for fermented shrimp waste extract had a significantly different influence on the digestibility of dry matter,the digestibility of organic matter,and the digestibility of protein.This study concludes that the addition of a feed supplement of 2%fermented shrimp waste extract in the ration can produce a high ration digestibility value for Sentul chicken in the growth phase.

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.

近红外光谱技术无损检测大米中蛋白质

为建立一种无损的大米蛋白质近红外检测方法,以138份大米作为样本,分别对蛋白质和蛋白质(干基)进行近红外建模。经优化得到相应的最佳模型,两模型的内部校正决定系数R_内~2分别为0.950 6和0.965 2,内部相对分析误差RPD_内分别为4.50和5.36,内部交叉验证标准差RMSECV分别为0.197和0.231,外部校正决定系数R_外~2分别为0.956 5和0.974 1,外部相对分析误差RPD_外分别为4.79和6.21,外部交叉验证标准差RMSEP分别为0.147和0.215。对比两模型,蛋白质(干基)的近红外模型具有更好的线性和预测能力,但RMSECV较蛋白质大,精密度不如蛋白质近红外模型。

Differences in Growth and Physiological Characteristics in Different Growth Vigor Clones of Populus deltoids

To investigate differences in physiological characteristics of growth and physiological basis of high growth vigor in the first generation of Populus deltoides which are from different growth vigor clones,here we chose two groups of seedlings with different growth vigor:high（A） and low（B）.Indexes of phenotype and physiology were successively measured to study the growth,photosynthesis and nutrient absorption.There were significant or very significant differences in dry mass of root,stem, leaf and the total biomass between A and B.Dry matter of roots had the smallest proportion in different components,and the largest proportion was stem in A,while the leaf had the largest proportion in B.Changes in growth and physiological characteristics showed a certain regularity during June to September.All clones grew the most rapidly and physiological characteristics varied the most significantly in July.Correlation analysis showed that seedling height and ground diameter were both significantly correlated to leaf area,night respiration rate,NH4- uptake rate and the total photosynthetic rate（R】0.826,P【0.05）,suggesting that the seedling growth was mainly affected by their own total photosynthetic capacity,nutrient absorption and night respiration consumption.In general,A was superior to B in all these factors,which construct physiological basis of the high growth vigor.