bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation studies in the development of a commercial bacterial inoculant as an additive for grass silage
Authors: STEEN R. W. J. , UNSWORTH E. F. , GRACEY H. I. , KENNEDY S. J. , ANDERSON R. , KILPATRICK D. J. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractA randomized‐block experiment was carried out to evaluate a bacterial inoculant, based on a single strain of the organism Lactobacillus plantarum, as a silage additive. The inoculant‐treated silage was compared with untreated and formic acid‐treated silages. The three silages were harvested from a perennial ryegrass sward on 30 September and 1 October, 1985 using two double‐chop forage harvesters. Formic acid (850 g kg−1) was applied at a rate of 31t−1 and the inoculant at a rate of 3 g mixed in 31 water t−1 (1 × 106 colony forming units (g grass)−1). The dry matter and water‐soluble carbohydrate contents of the grass at ensiling were 165 g kg−1 and 18·9 g kg−1 respectively. For a period of 84 d, the three silages were offered ad libitum and supplemented with three concentrates in a 3 × 3 factorial design to 63 male cattle which were initially 15 weeks old and 128 kg live weight. The three concentrates were (1) barley (115 g crude protein (CP) (kg DM)−1), (2) barley/soyabean meal (207 g CP (kg DM)−1) and (3) barley/fish meal (200 g CP (kg DM)−1); each was offered at a mean rate of 1·7 kg d−1. For the untreated, formic acid‐treated and inoculant‐treated silages respectively, ammonia‐N concentrations were 162, 91 and 176±60 g (kg total N)−1; pH's were 4·48, 3·89 and 4·45±0·046; butyric acid contents were 12·1, 1·3and 16·6g(kg DM)−1; metabolizable energy contents were 12·4, 12·2 and 1·23±0·29 MJ (kg DM)−1; silage DM intakes were 2·28, 2·49 and 2·44±0·037 kg d−1 and liveweight gains were 0·90, 0·95 and 0·97±0·023 kg d−1. For the barley, barley/soyabean meal and barley/fishmeal supplements respectively, silage DM intakes were 2·29, 2·43 and 2·49 ± 0·037 kg d−1 and liveweight gains were 0·87,0·97 and 0·99 ±0·023 kg d−1. There were no significant interactions between silage type and the supplement offered. It is concluded that silage fermentation and metabolizable energy contents were similar for the untreated and inoculant‐treated silages but that silage dry matter intake and liveweight gain were significantly greater for the inoculant‐treated than for the untreated silage. Further work is needed to elucidate the mode of action of this type of silage additive.
A forage dynamics model for use in range or pasture environments
Authors: BLACKBURN H. D. , KOTHMANN M. M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractA deterministic model that simulates forage dynamics is described and validation results presented. The model simulates different species of grasses and forbs for a production year and provides the necessary input for a diet selection model. The model does not simulate growth, but does simulate the accumulation of live leaf and stem, the senescence of live biomass, and its transfer to dead mass using growth rates for leaf and stem of each species, which are specified for the model. Using such an approach specific types of years can be simulated. Plant components in the model include live leaf and stem, dead leaf and stem, and old dead leaf and stem which were produced during the previous growing season. These plant components were chosen because of their importance in the diet selection process and their differences in forage quality. Plant species which the model was validated against were Cynodon dactylon, Avena sativa. Schizachyrium scoparium and Paspalum plicatulum. Validation results indicated that with adjustment to input growth rates, live biomass could be adequately simulated. Deviations between measured and simulated dead components were observed for S. scopariumand P. plicatulum.High values observed for dead stem early in the trial resulted from lack of separation of dead and old dead stem material in the field sampling. Variations in dead forage throughout the season were caused by unexplained sources of variation. This indicated a need for field research to better quantify the dynamics of dead biomass. The model meets its goal of simulating biomass dynamics and forage quality of plant parts and it provides a suitable forage base to interface with diet selection and animal simulation models.
Short‐term fasts and the ingestive behaviour of grazing cattle
Authors: DOUGHERTY C. T. , BRADLEY N. W. , CORNELIUS P. L. , LAURIAULT L. M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractTwelve tethered Angus cows (Bos taurus)weighing 471 ± 18 kg were used in a balanced changeover design to estimate the direct (D), residual (R), and permanent (P) effects of 1,2, and 3 h fasts following 2 h grazing sessions on the ingestive behaviour of cattle grazing swards of endophyte‐(Acremonium coenophialum Morgan‐Jones and Gams)‐free tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceaSchreb. cv Kentucky 31) (Exp I) and lucerne (Medicago sativaL. cv Arc) (Exp II). Herbage dry‐matter (DM) mass (> 5 cm) and individual herbage DM allowances were 1‐16 t ha‐1 and 50 kg per hour in Exp I and 1‐861 ha‐1 and 78 kg per hour in Exp II, respectively. In Exp I, P effects of fasting followed trends of R effects since the D effects were small. Mean DM intake rates (P) were 2‐2., 1‐8, and 1‐3 kg h‐1 for cows given 1, 2, and 3 h fasts, respectively. Mean intakes (DM) per bite (P) were 082, 071, and 045 g bite‐1 for cows assigned 1, 2, and 3 h fasts, respectively. Rates of biting were not affected by fasting and averaged 45 bites min”’. In Exp II, P effects followed trends in D effects since R effects were small. Mean DM intake rates (P) were 20, 22, and 3‐0 kg for cows subjected to 1,2, and 3 h of fast, respectively. Rates of biting (P) were 24, 27, and 32 bites min‐1 for cows after 1, 2, and 3 h fasts, respectively. DM intakes per bite (P) were not affected by fasts and averaged 1‐46 g bite‐1. The behavioural responses of cattle to interval between meals were attributed to differences in flow characteristics of ingesta of lucerne and tall fescue in the gastrointestinal tract.
The use of irradiation for the preservation of fresh herbage for subsequent botanical and chemical analysis
Authors: TALLOWIN J. R. B. , BROOKMAN S. K. E. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe use of irradiation as a means of preserving fresh forage for subsequent botanical and chemical analysis was examined as a possible alternative to preservation by freezing. Forage samples containing a mixture of grass species were given irradiation doses of either 2‐5 Mrad (25 k Grays) or 5‐0 Mrad (50 k Grays). These samples were then stored in the dark under either ambient or chill (+ 2°C) conditions for up to 5 months, while similar samples of fresh forage were stored over the same period deep frozen at — 15°C. No spoilage or signs of any subsequent senescence were observed in the forage given the 5‐0 Mrad irradiation treatment during the 5 month storage period. In the 2‐5 Mrad treated material some browning of lamina tips occurred. However, the irradiation treatment did cause some colour changes, mainly a darkening of the green tissue. The state of preservation was also assessed by measuring the rate at which stored herbage could be separated into the constituent species. No difference in separation rates was found between samples that had either been stored frozen or irradiated at 5‐0 Mrad (and then stored under either ambient or chill conditions); however, separation rates were slower on the 2‐5 Mrad treated samples. The irradiation treatment did not cause any significant change in percent nitrogen content. However, water‐soluble carbohydrate contents in the irradiated samples were significantly lower. The cost of commercial irradiation treatment was less than 20% of the commercial cost of freezing and cold storage.
Prediction of lactic acid bacterial numbers on lucerne
Authors: MUCK R. E. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe numbers of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), as measured by Rogosa SL agar, on lucerne (Medicago sativa) chopped for ensiling were predicted using two methods. The first prediction method consisted of regression equations developed from two previous harvesting seasons and required inputs of wilting time between mowing and chopping, average wilting temperature and moisture content of the lucerne at chopping. The second method simulated the growth of LAB on the lucerne during wilting and needed similar inputs. The former method predicted LAB counts within one order of magnitude more than 95% of the time except for lucerne samples drier than 60% dry matter. The prediction of the simulation model had more variation than those of the regression equations, but the simulation model was applicable over a wider range of conditions. These results, together with earlier studies, provide a preliminary basis for determining when a silage inoculant containing LAB will be most beneficial.
Agricultural intensification and the loss of habitat, species and amenity in British grasslands: a review of historical change and assessment of future prospects†
Authors: GREEN B. H. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractGrassland in Britain is a plagioclimax vegetation type. All lies on land originally cleared from forest and, without some form of management, would revert to forest through a process of natural succession. Traditionally managed, unsown grasslands nonetheless resemble more natural grasslands in other parts of the world and contain a substantial proportion of our native flora and fauna. They are also often important for recreational activities. Agricultural intensification over a long period has led to a loss in their extent, species and amenity. Reconciling agricultural and environmental objectives in grassland management is very difficult because increased fertility and production invariably leads to species loss. Current overcapacity in the agricultural industry is leading to the switching of some agricultural support from food production to countryside management. As a result some arable and intensively managed grass is being managed more extensively. However future production technologies may be so efficient that very many fewer stock are required with the result that much marginal grassland may revert once again to forest.
Response of permanent and reseeded grassland to fertilizer nitrogen. 1. Herbage production and herbage quality
Authors: HOPKINS A. , GILBEY J. , DIBB C. , BOWLING P. J. , MURRAY P.J. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe productivity of permanent swards of mixed species composition was compared with that of sown Lolium perenne, cv. Melle at five fertilizer‐N rates (0, 150, 300, 450 and 900 kg N ha−1) and with L. perenne/Trifolium repens, cv. Grasslands Huia at 0 kg N ha−1. The investigation was conducted under two cutting frequencies at sixteen sites in England and Wales, representing a range of grassland environments.Annual total herbage dry matter (DM) production from both permanent and reseeded swards increased with successive increments of fertilizer‐N up to 450 kg N ha−1. Herbage DM production from reseeded swards in the first year after sowing was signficantly higher than from the permanent swards, at all fertilizer‐N treatments. In subsequent years the production advantage of the L. perenne reseeds was maintained only at the higher N rates, though sown L. perenne/T. repens was the most productive sward type at 0 N. Average differences in modified acid‐detergent fibre suggested small advantages in herbage quality to the reseeded swards.It is concluded that, while reseeded swards are more productive in the year after sowing, many permanent swards are capable of high levels of production and that reseeding to a L. perenne sward cannot always be justified, particularly for grassland receiving low or moderate inputs of fertilizer‐N.
Moderation of ingestive behaviour of beef ca le by grazing‐induced changes in lucerne swards†
Authors: DOUGHERTY C. T. , COLLINS M. , BRADLEY N. W. , CORNELIUS P. L. , LAURIAULT L. M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIntensive grazing of pastures may cause drastic and rapid changes in swards which have major effects on ingestive behaviour and diet. Twelve adult Angus cows (Bos Taurus), mean live weight of 482±19 kg, were allowed to graze on swards of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) that were not grazed (TO), or had been grazed previously for 1 h (T1), or 2 h (T2) in a balanced changeover design. Herbage dry ma er (DM) masses (>5 cm) were 2611, 1895 and 1441 kg ha−1; leaf fractions were 0‐48, 0‐29 and 0‐14; and herbage DM allowances per animal were 10·6, 7·9 and 6·0 kg h−1 for TO, T1 and T2, respectively. During a 1 h measured grazing session that followed an overnight fast, cows ingested 2‐93, 1·71 and 0·66 kg DM h−1 with herbage DM intakes per bite of 1·6, 0·9 and 0·4 g for T0, T1. and T2, respectively. Rates of biting did not respond to sward treatment and averaged 30 bites min−1. Intake of leaf DM was estimated at 98, 70 and 6% of total DM intake for the same treatment sequence. Utilization of herbage allowance was 0·29, 0·23 and 0·12, for TO, T1 and T2, respectively. Metabolzable energy (ME) intake per animal was 30, 17 and 5 MJ h−1 and ME intake per bite was 16, 9 and 3 KJ for TO, T1 and T2, respectively. Data show that grazing‐induced differences in sward characteristics moderate both ingestive behaviour and diet.
Growth of grass/clover mixtures during winter
Authors: WOLEDGE JANE , TEWSON VERONICA , DAVIDSON I. A. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe percentage of clover in a mixture of Huia white clover and Melle perennial ryegrass decreased during each of three winters. In the most severe winter, both grass and clover suffered a net loss of weight, clover losing two–thirds of its maximum weight while grass lost about one–third. In the mildest winter, grass continued to gain weight throughout, while clover lost weight. Such losses, when combined with conditions such as the use of nitrogen fertilizer, which prevent a recovery of clover percentage during summer, will lead to a long–term decrease in the clover content of a sward.The losses from the clover were contributed to by all plant parts especially leaf, which lost between 60% and 95% of lamina weight. The change from autumn to winter caused a greater decrease in the number of live leaves per shoot. and in the area and weight of individual leaves, in clover than in grass. Other work has shown that there is a greater decrease in photosynthesis in clover than in grass, probably owing to changes in canopy structure; this is one cause of clover's poor performance, though differences between the two species in the effect of winter on the distribution of the carbon fixed in photosynthesis and in losses of weight in respiration and tissue death may also be involved.
The effect of cell wall degrading enzymes or formic acid on fermentation quality and on digestion of grass silage by cattle
Authors: JAAKKOLA S. , HUHTANEN P. , HISSA K. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractA first cut of timothy, treated with water (untreated), formic acid (FA), cellulase + lactic acid bacteria (CB), cellulase + hemicellulase (CH) or cellulase + hemicellulase + a lignin‐modifying enzyme (CHL), was ensiled in pilot‐scale silos. Silages, except CB, were fed to four male cattle, each equipped with a rumen and duodenal cannula, in a digestibility trial designed as a 4 × 4 Latin square. The animals were fed a diet of 400 g of concentrate and 600 g of silage at a level of 70 g DM kg−1 live weight (LW0·75).All enzyme‐treated silages were well‐preserved with a more extensive fermentation than in FA silage. The quality of untreated silage was poorer as indicated by higher pH and ammonia‐N content. The amount of effluent from enzyme‐treated silages ranged from 116 to 127 g kg−1; for FA and untreated silages values were 101 g kg−1 and 80 g kg−1, respectively. Total DM losses from enzyme‐treated silages were higher than from FA silage (P < 0·05). No significant differences were noticed between silages in the apparent digestibility of organic matter (OM), neutral‐detergent fibre (NDF), acid‐detergent fibre (ADF) or nitrogen (N). The apparent digestibility of cellulose was higher with enzyme‐treated silages than with FA silage (P < 0·05). The values for microbial N flow at the duodenum were 80·0, 91·9, 80·7 and 70·5g N d−1, and for the efficiency of rumen microbial N synthesis 38·6, 47·6, 36·9 and 32·5 g N kg−1 OM apparently digested in the rumen for untreated, FA, CH and CHL silages, respectively. In the rumen the molar proportion of propionate was higher (P < 0·01) and that of butyrate lower (P < 0·01) with enzyme‐treated silages when compared with FA silage. The proportion of butyrate was also lower with untreated than with other silages (P < 0·01). The rumen residence time of NDF and ADF was longer (P < 0·05) with enzyme‐treated silages than with FA silage.
Sources of error with in vitro digestibility assay of pasture feeds
Authors: AYRES J. F. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractA series of experiments was undertaken to determine population statistics for in vitro organic matter digestibility (in vitro OMD) data and to examine the effects of basal diet, donor animal and precollection fasting interval on the activity and specificity of rumen fluid inoculum. The experiments utilized wether sheep, a diverse set of pasture grass and legume feeds prominent in the Australian subtropics and the Tilley and Terry in vitro digestibility procedure running under the operating pressure of a practicing feeds evaluation laboratory.The standard errors of in vitro OMD estimates for within and between batch runs were ±0·88 × 10−2 and 0·62 × 10−2, respectively. These error terms were used to develop protocols to accept, reject or scale raw in vitro OMD data. Differences between donor animals in the activity of rumen fluid were highly significant. Extending the precollection fasting interval beyond 16 h was associated with a substantial decline in inoculum activity.An in vitro‐in vivo calibration relationship based on fifteen test feeds and using lucerne (Medicago sativa) as basal diet was described by the linear model y = 1·3 x‐0·195±4·9 × 10−2r= 0·79 (y =in vivo OMD, x =in vitro OMD). Despite large effects of basal diet on both the absolute values and relative ranking of test feeds, neither the RSD nor r values were improved using alternative diets to Lucerne chaff.The results highlight the need to formally standardize the analytical and biological components of the in vitro digestibility procedure to safeguard the integrity of data.
Slug density‐seedling establishment relationships in a pasture renovated by direct drilling
Authors: BARKER G. M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractRyegrass and white clover were sown singly or in combination at various seeding rates by direct drilling into plots in which a range of slug densities had been established by molluscicide baiting. For both ryegrass and white clover, weights of individual seedlings and numbers and yields of seedlings per metre of drill row were significantly affected by slug density, ryegrass seed rate, clover seed rate and interactions of these factors. Plant losses increased asymptomatically with slug density, indicating higher rates of seedling destruction per slug at low slug densities.
Herbage production and quality of a range of secondary grass species at five rates of fertilizer nitrogen application
Authors: FRAME J. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe productivity of ten grasses was measured under six cuts per annum for 3 years and three cuts for a fourth harvest year in comparison with a perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) control. The grasses were Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus), two red fescues (Festuca rubra), creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera), bent (Agrostis castellana), bent (Agrostis capillaris), smooth meadow‐grass (Poa pratensis), crested dogstail (Cynosurus cristatus), sweet vernal (Anthoxanthum odoratum) and timothy (Phleum bertolonii). Another grass sown, rough meadow‐grass (Poa trivialis), did not persist after the first harvest year. Annual N rates were 0, 120, 240, 360 and 480 kg ha−1.Classified by DM production, the grasses grouped into: high (perennial ryegrass, Yorkshire fog and red fescue), intermediate (creeping bent, bent (A. castellana), crested dogstail and smooth meadow‐grass) and low (bent (A. capillaris), sweet vernal and timothy. With frequent cutting, production ranking interacted with N rate: Yorkshire fog. red fescue and creeping bent were more productive than ryegrass at the 0 N and 120 N rates but not at higher N rates; crested dogstail and sweet vernal outperformed ryegrass at 0 N; ryegrass and smooth meadow‐grass performed relatively better at moderate to high N. DM production of ryegrass was matched or exceeded by some of the other grasses during different parts of the season particularly at low N rates. Notable features from the 3‐cut regime were the outstanding DM production of Yorkshire fog at all N rates and the poor production of bent (A. capillaris) and crested dogstail. High DM response to applied N in both cutting regimes was given by perennial ryegrass. smooth meadow‐grass, red fescue cv. Boreal, timothy, crested dogstail and Yorkshire fog.N concentrations were highest in less productive grasses such as the bents and lowest in highly productive ryegrass and Yorkshire fog. Ryegrass was superior in digestibility to the other grasses, but especially to the red fescues, bents and smooth meadow‐grass. The other grasses, especially Yorkshire fog and bent (A. capillaris) were superior to ryegrass in P, K and Mg concentrations, but not Ca.It is concluded that the annual and/or seasonal production of some of the secondary grasses at low to moderate N rates, e.g. the performance of Yorkshire fog and red fescue, warrant a reconsideration of their poor reputation, particularly within the context of increasing grassland extensification. Breeding to improve selected characteristics, such as digestibility in red fescue, seems justified. Assessment of the grazing and ensiling qualities of secondary grasses require further study.
The influence of nitrogen fertilizer and Acremonium coenophialum on the soluble carbohydrate content of grazed and non‐grased Festuca arundinacea
Authors: BELESKY D. P. , WILKINSON S. R. , STUEDEMANN J. A. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractA field study was conducted from 1983 through 1986 to ascertain the effect of endophyte (Acremonium coenophialum), nitrogen fertility and tall fescue (Festuca arundiancea) genotype upon the soluble carbohydrate content of tall fescue from grazed paddocks. Non‐grazed paddock exclosures were evaluated for 1984 and 1985. Plant tissues were extracted with 0·1 mol 1−1 H2SO4 to obtain acid‐extractable carbohydrate (AEC). The AEC concentration and yield (concentration × dry matter) varied among and within years, generally was not influenced by endophyte, and was influenced by N fertility and cultivar. The AEC concentration from non‐grazed exclosures was inversely related to AEC yield. Grazed paddock AEC concentration and yield were not significantly correlated. Grazed paddock AEC concentration remained fairly constant over the growing season, whereas AEC yield was greatest during periods of ample rainfall. The cultivar Johnstone generally had the greatest AEC concentration when compared with AU Triumph and KY‐31. Even though endophyte is a carbohydrate sink, sward scale effects on AEC, as influenced by endophyte, were virtually undetected, suggesting that presence of endophyte is not detrimental to the fescue host. Grazed and non‐grazed tall fescue AEC concentration and yield patterns differ and indicate the need to interpret non‐grazed quality and management data carefully.