scholarly journals Maximizing Lucerne (Medicago sativa) Pasture Intake of Dairy Cows: 1-the Effect of Pre-Grazing Pasture Height and Mixed Ration Level

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 860 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kieran A. D. Ison ◽  
Marcelo A. Benvenutti ◽  
David G. Mayer ◽  
Simon Quigley ◽  
David G. Barber
Keyword(s):  
Medicago Sativa ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Adaptation Period ◽  
Ration Level ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Medicago Sativa L ◽  
Measurement Period

The effect of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) pre-grazing pasture height on pasture intake and milk production was investigated in a sub-tropical partial mixed ration (PMR) dairy system in south-east Queensland, Australia. The experiment involved a 26-day adaptation period followed by an eight-day measurement period during April and May 2018. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were offered a mixed ration at either 7 (low) or 14 (high) kg dry matter (DM)/cow/day and allocated pastures at pre-grazing heights ranging from 23 to 39 cm. The targeted pasture intake was 14 and 7 kg DM/cow/day for cows offered the low and high mixed ration allowances respectively, with a total intake target of 21 kg DM/cow/day. Pasture structure did not limit pasture intake as the all groups left at least 12% of the allocated area ungrazed, and therefore could selectively graze pasture. There was no significant difference in intake between mixed ration levels, however intake had a positive linear relationship with pre-grazing pasture height. For every one cm increase in pasture height, intake increased by 0.3 kg DM/cow/day. Using a grazing strategy that ensures the some pasture remains ungrazed and the pre-grazing height of lucerne is approximately 39 cm above ground level will maximise pasture intake in sub-tropical PMR dairy systems.

scholarly journals Maximising Lucerne (Medicago sativa) Pasture Intake of Dairy Cows: 2—The Effect of Post-Grazing Pasture Height and Mixed Ration Level

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 904
Author(s):  
Kieran A. D. Ison ◽  
Marcelo A. Benvenutti ◽  
David G. Mayer ◽  
Simon Quigley ◽  
David G. Barber
Keyword(s):  
Medicago Sativa ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Intake Rate ◽  
Adaptation Period ◽  
Fat Tissue ◽  
Ration Level ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Southeast Queensland

The effects of lucerne (Medicago sativa) post-grazing residual pasture height on pasture utilisation (vertical and horizontal), pasture intake and animal production were investigated in a sub-tropical partial mixed ration dairy system. The study took place at the Gatton Research Dairy, Southeast Queensland (−27.552, 152.333), with a 26-day adaptation period followed by two 8-day measurement periods during August and September 2018. A quantity of 30 multiparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were offered two levels of mixed ration, 7 and 14 kg dry matter (DM)/cow/day for low and high levels respectively, and five levels of pasture allocation, to achieve decreasing residual pasture heights. Pasture allocations measured from 5 cm above ground level for the low mixed ration groups averaged 12.7, 15.9, 19.8, 35.3 and 49.2 kg DM/cow/day, and for the high mixed ration groups averaged 5.0, 8.3, 10.3, 18.6, and 25.2 kg DM/cow/day, respectively. As pasture allocation decreased, cows were forced to graze further down into the pasture sward, and therefore residual pasture height declined. Total intake (kg DM/cow/day) declined as residual pasture height (expressed as % of the initial height) declined, irrespective of mixed ration level, decreasing by 0.5 kg DM/cow/day for every 10% decrease in residual pasture height. Low total intakes were associated with high non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels in plasma, indicating mobilisation of fat tissue to maintain milk production. In the high allocation treatments, an area of pasture remained ungrazed and cows were only grazing the top leafy stratum where pasture intake rate and intake were highest. Therefore, to maximise intake in sub-tropical partial mixed ration (PMR) systems, lucerne pasture should be allocated so that cows are always grazing the top leafy stratum. This can be achieved by ensuring the pasture around faecal patches remains ungrazed.

Feeding a partial mixed ration once a day did not increase milk production compared with feeding grain in the dairy and forage in the paddock

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (9) ◽  
pp. 1405 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. M. Wright ◽  
L. C. Marett ◽  
J. S. Greenwood ◽  
M. Hannah ◽  
J. L. Jacobs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Barley Grain ◽  
System Control ◽  
Adaptation Period ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Increase Milk Production ◽  
Metabolisable Energy ◽  
Dietary Treatments ◽  
Measurement Period

This experiment measured milk production responses of grazing cows offered supplements in different ways. Holstein-Friesian cows averaging 89 days in milk, were allocated into six groups of 36 (each group including three rumen-fistulated cows). Two groups were randomly assigned to each of three dietary treatments: (1) cows were offered milled barley grain twice daily at milking and pasture silage in the paddock (Control); (2) the same amounts of milled barley grain and pasture silage were fed as a partial mixed ration (PMR) once a day following morning milking (PMR1); and (3) cows were supplemented with a PMR containing milled barley grain, lucerne hay, maize silage and crushed maize grain fed once a day following morning milking (PMR2). All dietary treatments were formulated to provide the same metabolisable energy and cows were offered a restricted allowance of ~14 kg DM/cow.day (to ground level) of perennial ryegrass pasture in addition to their supplement. Each group of 36 cows was further divided into four groups of nine, each of which were offered supplements at either 6, 8, 10 and 12 kg DM/cow.day. The experiment consisted of a 14-day adaptation period and an 11-day measurement period. Cows fed PMR1 and PMR2 once a day did not show an increase in milk production compared with the traditional feeding system (Control). Presumably this was a result of asynchronous supply of nutrients to the rumen (in isoenergetic diets) compromising conditions for digestion and milk production.

ALFALFA VARIETIES ZONED IN THE CENTRAL CHERNOZEM ZONE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Galina Stepanova
Keyword(s):  
Medicago Sativa ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Maximum Yield ◽  
The State ◽  
Average Yield ◽  
State Register ◽  
Independent Evaluation ◽  
Medicago Sativa L ◽  
Alfalfa Varieties ◽  
Central Chernozem

The article describes the main morphological and biological features of alfalfa varieties included in the State register of breeding achievements approved for use in the Central Chernozem zone of Russia. A total of 32 alfalfa varieties are included in the State register. This is 9 varieties of blue alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. subsp. Sativa) of domestic selection and 8 foreign, 11 varieties of variable alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. nothosubsp. varia (Martyn) Arcang.) domestic selection and 1 variety of foreign and 3 varieties of yellow alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. subsp. falcata (L.) Arcang.). It shows the average and maximum yield of varieties determined in the process of state variety testing, as well as independent evaluation in research institutions in the region. Varieties of blue alfalfa of domestic selection Kevsala, Elena, Satellite, Vavilovskaya Yubileynaya were the most productive. The average yield of dry matter of these varieties reaches 8.4–9.2 t/ha, the maximum — 15.3–17.7 t/ha. Alfalfa varieties Timbale and Galaxy were the most productive among foreign varieties: the average yield of dry matter was 8.1 and 8.3 t/ha, the maximum – 15.5 and 17.2 t/ha. Varieties of alfalfa variable Vitalina and Vela provided an average yield of dry matter of 7.6 and 9.0 t/ha, the maximum yield reached 15.4 and 18.1 t/ha.

EFFECTS OF EARLY SUMMER AND FALL CUTTING MANAGEMENT ON DRY MATTER YIELDS, DIGESTIBILITY, CRUDE PROTEIN, AND SURVIVAL OF SARANAC AND NARRAGANSETT ALFALFAS

1972 ◽  
Vol 52 (6) ◽  
pp. 941-948 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. B. MacLEOD ◽  
H. T. KUNELIUS ◽  
F. W. CALDER
Keyword(s):  
Medicago Sativa ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Good Survival ◽  
Considerable Decrease ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Medicago Sativa L ◽  
Cutting Management

The effects of early summer and fall cutting managements on two alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars were studied over a 3-year period. Removal of the first crop of Saranac and Narrangansett alfalfas at prebud stage, followed by two cuts at the early bloom stage before early September, and a late fall harvest on October 25, produced seasonal dry matter (DM) yields of 7.5–8.6 metric T/ha in the 1st year. Stand deterioration, however, was severe and by the 3rd year, practically all alfalfa had disappeared. Average percent crude protein (CP) in cut 1 was 17.7–21.9 and percent in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVD) 67.4–73.8. Removal of the first cut at bud stage with two subsequent harvests at the early bloom stage also allowed a total of three harvests before early September and resulted in seasonal DM yields of 8.6–8.8 in the 1st year. Although the survival of alfalfa was increased over the managements where cut 1 was at prebud stage, a considerable decrease of alfalfa was still observed in the 3rd year. Under this management, average CP in cut 1 was 15.8–16.3 and IVD 64.1–68.4. Harvesting the first crop at early to midbloom stage and the second crop at early bloom in early to mid-August, followed by third harvest in late October, resulted in good survival with seasonal DM yields of 6.1–10.6. Lower CP and IVD were recorded in cut 1 than in the more intensive managements. Under all managements, average CP in cuts 2 and 3 was 14.9–17.3 and 13.3–19.4, respectively. IVD was 54.5–60.7 in cut 2 and 56.0–64.4 in cut 3.

scholarly journals Effect of heat stress on milk production and its composition of Holstein Friesian crossbred dairy cows

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 190-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmud Al Reyad ◽  
Md Abid Hasan Sarker ◽  
Md Elias Uddin ◽  
Raihan Habib ◽  
Md Harun Ur Rashid
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Mustard Oil ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Significant Difference

The aim of this research was to observe the effect of heat stress on milk yield and milk compositions of Holstein Friesian crossbred (HF) dairy cows. To fulfill the objectives, a total of 9 Holstein Friesian crossbred cows were selected for this study. Green grasses (German, Para) were supplied adlibitum and concentrate feeds (mixture of wheat bran, rice polish, mustard oil cake, di-calcium phosphate and salt) were supplied at the rate of 2.0 kg/day/cow. Management practices for all the cows were similar following the BAU Dairy farm practices. Data were collected on milk yield (l/h/d), relative humidity (%) and barn temperature (0C). The obtained temperature humidity index (THI) of July, August, September and October were 84.95, 81.99, 81.40 and 79.57, respectively. The highest THI was found in July which indicated higher heat stress during this month. A significant difference (p<0.05) in milk yield of cows was found among different months of July to October. The highest milk yield (6.10±0.50 l/h/d) was found in October among observed months. The compositions of milk such as total solids (TS), solids-not-fat (SNF), fat, protein, lactose, and ash also differed significantly (p<0.01). The highest values (%) of TS, SNF, fat, protein, lactose and ash content of milk were found in October as 12.63, 8.80, 3.83, 3.69, 4.39 and 0.72, respectively and lowest values (%) were in July as 12.20, 8.50, 3.71, 3.50, 4.30 and 0.69, respectively due to the high THI value. From these results, it is concluded that heat stress has strong effect on milk yield and milk composition of HF cows in Bangladesh. Management strategies are needed to minimize heat stress and attain optimal dairy animal performance.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2016, 2(2): 190-195

scholarly journals The nutritional quality of feedstuffs used in dairy goat nutrition in Vojvodina

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-178
Author(s):  
Snezana Paskas ◽  
Jelena Miocinovic ◽  
Branislav Vejnovic ◽  
Zsolt Becskei
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Medicago Sativa ◽  
Protein Content ◽  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Lignin Content ◽  
Dairy Goat ◽  
Crude Fibre ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Medicago Sativa L

The study was to conduct to evaluate the chemical composition and nutritive values of feedstuffs (forages and concentrate mixtures) used for dairy goats nutrition in Vojvodina. Samples were collected from six farms, including one organic farm. The results showed that the relative feed values of analyzed forages were in the range of good, medium to lower quality. Average protein content from lowest to highest for investigated forages was: corn silage (Zea Mays) (65.37-82.57g kg??DM), alfalfa haylage (Medicago sativa L.) (159.99-184.17g kg??DM), pasture (185.30g kg?? DM), and alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa L.) (167.48-203.60g kg??DM). The non-fibre carbohydrates and protein content most varied in organic hay samples (cv: 29.25% and 19.09%, respectively). Generally, feedstuffs used in organic nutrition, including organic concentrate, were of lower nutritional quality and moreover contained higher amounts of crude fibre and lignin. Especially, a high source of variation was observed in investigated concentrate mixtures for the crude protein content (p<0.0001), ranged from 135.32 to 209.87g kg??DM. Corn silages also varied substantially in their chemical composition and significant difference (p<0.05) was observed in regard to acid detergent fibre (ADF) and lignin content (ranged: ADF: 242.20-319.24g kg??DM; ADL: 27.98-52.54g kg??DM, respectively). Furthermore, pasture contained the most soluble materials during May and June and their content was related inversely to crude fibre amount. This survey highlights that investigated farms still pay insufficient attention to the quality of the feedstuff. For the development of intensive goat farming, greater emphasis should be placed on using higher quality feedstuffs, as well, standards for feed quality must be considered and established.

Comparative characteristics during wilting for alfalfa conditioned by maceration or by a conventional roller-conditioner

1999 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 509-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suwarno Suwarno ◽  
K. M. Wittenberg ◽  
W. P. McCaughey
Keyword(s):  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Lactic Acid Bacteria ◽  
Medicago Sativa ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Microbial Count ◽  
Nutrient Profile ◽  
Conditioning Treatment ◽  
Acid Detergent Fibre ◽  
Medicago Sativa L

A study was conducted to monitor nutrient and microbial count changes during wilting of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in response to varying degrees of maceration at mowing. Early bloom alfalfa was mowed with either a roller-conditioner (CONV) or a macerator set to deliver four degrees of maceration during alfalfa mowing: LIGHT, LIGHT+, SEVERE, and SEVERE+. Macerated alfalfa reached 80% dry matter in 9–11 h compared with alfalfa mowed by roller-conditioner, which required 54 h. The most rapid wilting rates were associated with LIGHT+, SEVERE, and SEVERE+ maceration treatments when alfalfa was not exposed to precipitation. The wilting coefficient in the first 24 h was increased by more than 100% for the SEVERE treatment compared with alfalfa mowed using a conventional roller-conditioner in alfalfa that was not exposed to precipitation. Precipitation at 1.5 h post-mowing increased wilting time by 8.3 h to achieve 45% DM, and by 17.5 to achieve 80% DM in the SEVERE+ maceration treatment relative to alfalfa from the same conditioning treatment that was not exposed to precipitation. Precipitation at 24 h post-mowing increased wilting time to reach 80% DM by 11 h and 21 h for the LIGHT and LIGHT+ maceration treatments relative to alfalfa of the same mowing treatments not exposed to precipitation. Maceration of alfalfa resulted in a 24.2 to 26.8 h shorter wilting time relative to the conventional roller-conditioner treatment when alfalfa was exposed to precipitation at 24 h post-mowing. SEVERE and SEVERE+ maceration treatments at mowing resulted in higher (P < 0.05) neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre levels post-wilting. Lactic acid bacteria populations on alfalfa tended to be higher with maceration within 1 h post-mowing (P < 0.10) and post-wilting (P < 0.08). Key words: Alfalfa, maceration, precipitation, wilting time, bacteria, nutrient profile, compressibility

scholarly journals Nitrogen Fixation and Resource Partitioning in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), Cicer Milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.) and Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) Using 15N Enrichment under Controlled Environment Conditions

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1438
Author(s):  
Gazali Issah ◽  
Jeff J. Schoenau ◽  
Herbert A. Lardner ◽  
J. Diane Knight
Keyword(s):  
Medicago Sativa ◽  
Resource Partitioning ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Measured Parameter ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Soil C ◽  
Onobrychis Viciifolia ◽  
C And N ◽  
Medicago Sativa L ◽  
Astragalus Cicer

Availability of nitrogen (N) limits pasture production. Inclusion of legumes into grass pastures can provide an alternative N source through biological N2 fixation (BNF), and enhance retention and cycling of soil C and N. Despite the use of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.) and sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) in grass-legume pastures to improve forage quality, relative BNF potentials and resource partitioning are unknown. We quantified BNF using 15N isotope dilution and estimated resource partitioning in alfalfa, two cultivars of cicer milkvetch and two cultivars of sainfoin under controlled conditions. Percentage of nitrogen derived from atmosphere followed the order alfalfa (92%) > cicer milkvetch (87%) > sainfoin (81%); corresponding to estimated N contributions of 200, 128 and 65 kg N ha−1 yr−1, respectively, based on total herbage. Root dry matter was 24% to 36% greater than shoot dry matter in all of the legumes, providing substantial below-ground C and N. Cultivars of the same species did not differ in any measured parameter (p > 0.05). Despite the lower BNF in cicer milkvetch and sainfoin compared to alfalfa, their use may not negatively affect stand productivity and C storage.

scholarly journals Effect of restricted feeding in the far-off period on performance and metabolic status of dairy cows

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-100
Author(s):  
Włodzimierz Nowak ◽  
Robert Mikuła ◽  
Ewa Pruszyńska-Oszmałek ◽  
Barbara Stefańska ◽  
Paweł Maćkowiak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Restricted Feeding ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Fibre Diet ◽  
System Recommendation ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Ad Libitum Feeding

AbstractThe aim of the study was to investigate experimentally the effects of restricted or ad libitum feeding in the far-off period on performance of dairy cows. Two groups of Polish Holstein-Friesian cows having 19 animals in each group were allotted to two planes of nutrition in the far-off period from -56 to -22 days. The ADLIB group was fed ad libitum (DMI 12.9 kg) while in the RES group the dry matter intake was restricted by 3 kg DM compared to the average dry matter during the last 7 days in the ADLIB group. Average daily energy intake decreased from 8.90 UFL in the ADLIB to 6.83 UFL in the RES group. In the close-up period and after parturition, the cows of both groups were given the same diet. In restrictively fed cows, there was a tendency to a greater decrease in BCS during both the dry period (P=0.09) and lactation (P=0.07). After parturition milk production, fertility indices and blood concentration of IGF-1, insulin and glucose were not significantly affected by the far-off treatment. In the RES group, lower BHBA 3 days before calving and on day 5 of lactation and lower NEFA on day 28 of lactation were recorded. Also in this group higher levels of glucose 3 days before calving, triiodothyronine (T3) on days -30 and 5, and thyroxine (T4) on days -3 and 28 were observed. It is concluded that restricted feeding in the far-off period positively affected blood indicators of lipomobilization during the transition period, but had little effect on performance of lactating cows. In spite of low energy, high-fibre diet offered ad libitum in the faroff period resulted in the energy overfeeding compared to the INRA system recommendation.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document