• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.373-377
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• 2007

Alfalfa silage and corn silage are the major dairy feeds in most dairy operations in Michigan, USA. In recent years, the need to improve digestible fiber and dry matter intake of forages to meet the nutrient requirements of high yielding dairy cows and the willingness to plant corn specifically for silage has led plant breeders to focus on the brown mid-rib (BMR) trait. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different ratio of alfalfa to BMR corn silage and ration level of forage neutral detergent fiber (NDF) on animal performance of lactating cows in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This study was conducted at the Upper Peninsula Experiment Station of Michigan State University in Chatham, Michigan, USA. Two different ratios of forage type (high alfalfa silage/low BMR corn silage, AS, and high BMR corn silage/low alfalfa silage, BMRCS) and two different dietary NDF contents (27% NDF, 27 = low forage/high grain feeding, and 33% NDF, 33 = high forage/low grain feeding) were used. The experimental design was a $4{\times}4$ Latin Square with 20 milking cows (12 multiparous and 8 primiparous). This trial had four 21-day periods with 14 d adaptation and 7 d data collection. Milk yield and body condition score (BCS) on the AS-27, BMRCS-27 and BMRCS-33 treatments were significantly (p<0.05) higher than on the AS-33 treatment. Dry matter intake of the AS-27 and BMRCS-27 treatments was significantly (p<0.05) higher than for the AS-33 and BMRCS-33 treatments. Milk urea nitrogen (MUN) on the AS-33 treatment was significantly (p<0.05) higher than on the other diet treatments. A key finding of this study was that the BMRCS-33 (higher amounts of brown mid-rib corn silage than alfalfa silage, high forage and low grain feeding diet at 33% NDF) led to the equal highest milk production whilst having the equal lowest dry matter intake. This study demonstrated that the diet with higher ratio of highly digestible NDF forage such as brown mid-rib corn silage to alfalfa silage could lower grain feeding in the ration.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.269-274
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• 2007

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of seeding method on winter survival and dry matter yield of Italian ryegrass(Lolium multiflorum Lam. "Kospeed") in paddy field for two years. The experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatment consisted of four different seeding methods, R-LS-P(rotary-line sowing-packing), R-BS-P(rotary-broadcast seeding-packing), R-BS(rotary-broadcast seeding), R-BS-TR(rotary-broadcast seeding-trifling rotary), BS-TR(broadcast seeding-trifling rotary). The emergence ratio of broadcast was decreased by 12% and winter survival was decreased by 17% compared with line sowing. The R-BS-TR treatment which was practical seeding method of rye was decreased seeding stand ratio by 65.2% and winter survival by 6.7% compared with others seeding methods. Dry matter yield of line sowing(8,151 kg/ha) was higher than that of broadcast(6,281 kg/ha) and R-BS-P treatment was the highest DM yield as 7,166 kg/ha. There was not found significant difference among seeding method in forage quality. The results of this experiment indicated that R-BS-P(rotary-broadcast seeding-packing) was recommendable the best seeding method after harvested whole crop rice in paddy field.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.147-154
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• 1996

Rye(Secale cereale L.) shows lower dry matter yield and nutrient content when it was harvested before wintering. This study was conducted to investigate how effect forage rape(Brassicu napus Subsp oleifera), which carries early maturity and can be harvested before wintering, on the increase of the forage yield and nutrient content when rye was sown mixed with the rape. Optimum sowing rate of the rye/rape mixture was also pursued in this study. The five treatment of rye single, rape single, ryel20+rape 1Okg/ha, rye84+rape 7kg/ha and rye60+rape 5kg/ha were sown on 2 September 1989. Rape single plot was cut one time(l9 November 1989) and the other plots were cuted two times(19 November 1989 and 20 May 1990). In botanical composition of the mixtures, rape recorded dominant ratio with 64~69% at the autumn cut. The rye84+rape 7kg/ha mixture plot marked the highest dry matter yield with 4.46t/ha among all the experimental plot at the autumn cut(P<0.05). In year total yield of dry matter(t/ha), rye single, rape single, rye120+rape IOkg/ha, rye84+rape 7kg/ha and rye60+rape 5kg/ha marked 13.6, 4.1, 12.7, 12.9 and 11.8, respectively. In crude protein content, the rye single plot was 17.2% at the autumn cut on the other hand the mixture plots showed increasing tendency with 18.0~19.9%. In crude fiber content, the mixture plots were remarkably lower than rye single plot. In year total yield of crude protein, rye84+rape 7kg/ha mixture plot showed the highest yield with 1.6lt/ha among all the experimental plots. Ratio of crude protein yield to crude fiber yield, rye84+rape 7kg/ha tended to be higher than the other mixture plots. It is confirmed that the rye/rape mixture can produce more forage than the rye single cropping when they are harvested in late autumn, besides the mixture forage contains higher crude protein than that rye single forage. It can be said that the rydrape mixture is more useful than the rye single cropping, and optimum sowing rate of the mixture is 84kg/ha of rye+7kg/ha of rape.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.357-368
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• 2012

This study was conducted to evaluate soil inorganic N concentrations and N uptake efficiency of sorghum ${\times}$ sudangrass hybrid (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) as affected by organic nutrient sources from 2009 to 2011. The treatments included chemical fertilizer, compost, oilcake, alfalfa hay mulch, and control. Nutrient applications were made at rates equivalent to approximately 210 kg of actual N per hectare. The precipitation during the growth period from May to September was higher in 2011, followed by 2009, and 2010. Oilcake had the lowest C:N ratio in the raw materials. Compost treatment slowed N-mineralization rate in soil during the measured years. Soil mineral nutrition and dry matter production were not consistently affected by treatments, but the dry matter production was negatively correlated with the amount of precipitation from May to September for three years. Chemical fertilizer treatment increased N efficiency in plants in the first two years, observing with lower N efficiency in plants treated with compost for 3 years. Increased precipitation from June to August improved N efficiency in sudangrass plants treated with compost but reduced the efficiency with the chemical fertilizer. Total dry matter production and N efficiency in plants were not affected by the C:N ratio of the raw materials rather than weather condition.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.15-20
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• 1990

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of the fist harvesting times (vegetative, stem elongation and heading stage) and regrowth periods (20, 30 and 40 days) after the first harvest on dry matter (DM) productivity, crude protein (CP), CP yield and cell wall constituents of gasses during 1987 and 1988. Although the dry matter productivity of grasses at the first was decreased with earlier cutting, the regrowth DM productivity after the first harvest was increased significantly with earlier cutting (p < 0.05). Also the 30 days of regrowth periods was contributed greatly to the DM productivity p <0.05). The percentage of leaf in the leaf: stem ratio was increased with earlier initial harvest and shorter regrowth period after first harvest. The nutritive value of grasses was increased with earlier initial harvest and the 30 days of regrowth period after fist harvest. Based on the results, it is suggested that good grass DM productivity and nutritive value could be achieved by the earlier harvest at first and the regrowth period of 30 days after first harvest in spring.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.248-262
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• 1987

This experiment was conducted to study plant characteristics and dry matter production of several rice varieties. The results are summarized as follows. 1. Culm length was gradually shortened as varieties were improved and showed significant decrease in Japonica X Indica hybrids. 2. Panicle length seems to be shortened as varieties changed from group I to group III. However, varieties in group IV had longer panicle length in spite of shortening tendency in other groups. 3. Leaf blade length was decreased as varieties improved, but leaf blade width was increased. 4. Panicle exertion showed significant decrease as varieties improved. 5. Number of panicles per square meter among Japonica varieties was gradually increased and similar to the number of spikelets per panicle. Number of spikelets on Indica X Japonica hybrids were higher than Japonica varieties, whereas 1,000 kernel weight was slightly decreased. 6. Dry weight of leaf sheath and culm, and leaf blade was highest at the time of heading and the weight of panicle showed significant increase between 10 and 20 days after heading. 7. The maximum crop growth ratios of leaf blade, stem and panicles were attadined at the stage of heading, booting and milking, respectively. 8. The distribution ratio of dry matter was higher in leaf blade than in stem at the tillering stage. At the heading stage, the distribution ratio of dry matter was higher in order of culm, leaf blade and panicle. At the maturing stage, the ratio was higher in order of panicle, stem and laf blade. 9. Correlation coefficients among grain yield, harvest index, and biological yield were all significant and they were positive.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.101-110
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• 2002

The concentrations and activity ratios of $^{137}Cs,\;^{90}Sr\;^{238}Pu$ and $^{239-240}Pu$ in sediment($0sim}20\;$cm) at 15 coastal stations of Korea were determined. The mean concentrations of $^{137}Cs,\;^{90}Sr\;^{238}Pu$ and $^{239-240}Pu$ are $2.24{\pm0.79\;Bq{\cdot}kg^{-1}-dry,\;0.20{\pm}0.04 Bq{\cdot}kg^{-1}-dry,\;0.009{\pm}0.005\;Bq{\cdot}kg^{-1}-dry}$ and $0.27{\pm}0.17\;Bq{\cdot}kg^{-1}-dry$, respectively. The mean activity ratios of $^{137}Cs,\;^{90}Sr$, $^{239-240}Pu/^{137}Cs$ and $^{238}Pu/^{229-240}Pu$ and atomic ratio of $^{240}Pu/^{239}Pu$ are $11.2{\pm}2.9,\;0.123{\pm}0.053$ and $0.033{\pm}0.017$ and $0.218{\pm}0.036$, respectively. The concentrations and activity ratios in sediment samples are similar to those reported from neighbouring country in the northern hemisphere. The correlation coefficient of $^{137}Cs$ and $^{239-240}Pu$ is 0.80. The correlation coefficient of $^{137}Cs$ and soil organic matter(SOM), and $^{239-240}Pu$ and clay content are 0.69 and 0.67, respectively.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.363-368
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• 2018

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the effect of fermented spent coffee ground (FSCG) on nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization in sheep. Methods: Fermentation of spent coffee ground (SCG) was conducted using Lactobacillus plantrum. Fermentation was performed at moisture content of 70% and temperature of $39^{\circ}C$ with anaerobic air tension for 48 h. Four adult rams (initial body weight = $56.8{\pm}0.4kg$) were housed in a respiration-metabolism chamber and the treatments were: i) control (Basal diet; 0% SCG or FSCG), ii) 10% level of SCG, iii) 10% level of FSCG, and iv) 20% level of FSCG in $4{\times}4$ Latin square design. Each dietary experiment period lasted for 18-d with a 14-d of adaptation period and a 4-d of sample collection period. Results: In SCG fermentation experimental result, acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN) concentration of FSCG (64.5% of total N) was lower than that of non-fermented SCG (78.8% of total N). Digestibility of dry matter and organic matter was similar among treatment groups. Although crude protein (CP) digestibility of the control was greater than FSCG groups (p<0.05), the 10% FSCG group showed greater CP digestibility and nitrogen retention than non-fermented 10% SCG group (p<0.05). Body weight gain and average daily gain were linearly decreased with increasing FSCG feeding level (p<0.05). When the feeding level of FSCG was increased, water intake was linearly increased (p<0.05). With an increasing FSCG level, dry matter intake did not differ among groups, although the gain to feed ratio tended to decrease with increasing level of FSCG (p<0.10). Conclusion: Microbial fermentation of SCG can improve protein digestibility, thereby increasing CP digestibility and nitrogen utilization in sheep. Fermentation using microorganisms in feed ingredients with low digestibility could have a positive effect on improving the quality of raw feed.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.763-769
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• 2020

Objective: The experiment was conducted to study the effect of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) fruit peel powder (RP) on feed consumption, digestibility of nutrients, ruminal fermentation dynamics and microbial population in Thai breed cattle. Methods: Four, 2-year old (250±15 kg) beef bull crossbreds (75% Brahman×25% local breed) were allotted to experimental treatments using a 4×4 Latin square design. Four dietary supplementation treatments were imposed; non-supplementation (control, T1); supplementation of RP fed at 2% of dry matter intake (DMI) (low, T2); supplementation of RP fed at 4% of DMI (medium, T3) and supplementation of RP fed at 6% of DMI (high, T4). All cattle were given a concentrate supplement at 1% of body weight while Napier grass was provided as a free choice. Results: The findings revealed that RP supplementation did not negatively affect (p>0.05) DMI of Napier grass, while RP intake and total DMI were the greatest in the RP supplementation at 4% and 6% DMI. Nevertheless, the nutrients (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber) digestibilities were not changed in the RP supplementation groups. Rumen fermentation parameters especially those of total volatile fatty acids, acetate and butyrate were not significantly changed. However, the propionate concentration was remarkably increased (p<0.05) in the RP supplementation. Notably, the ratio of acetate to propionate, the number of protozoa, as well as the methane estimation were significantly reduced in the RP supplemented groups (4% and 6% of DMI), while the counts of bacteria was not altered. Conclusion: Supplementation of RP (4% of DMI) improved rumen propionate production, reduced protozoal population and methane estimation (p<0.05) without a negative effect on feed consumption and nutrients total tract digestibilities in beef cattle. Using dietary rambutan fruit peel powder has potential promise as a rumen regulator.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.29 no.11
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• pp.1569-1575
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• 2016

Two experiments were conducted to examine the influence of kaolinite clay supplementation (0%, 1%, or 2% diet dry matter [DM] basis) on characteristics of digestion (Trial 1) and growth performance (Trial 2) in calf-fed Holstein steers fed a finishing diet. In Trial 1, 6 Holstein steers ($539{\pm}15kg$) with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were used to evaluate treatment effects on characteristics of digestion. Kaolinite clay supplementation decreased total tract DM digestion (linear effect, p<0.01) without effects ($p{\geq}0.10$) on site and extent of digestion of organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, starch and N, or ruminal microbial efficiency. There were no treatment effects on ruminal pH, volatile fatty acids molar proportions or estimated methane production. In Trial 2, 108 Holstein steers ($132.4{\pm}5.6kg$) were used in a 308-d study to evaluate growth performance and carcass characteristics. There were no treatment effects (p>0.10) on average daily gain (ADG) and gain efficiency (ADG/dry matter intake). Kaolinite supplementation tended (linear effect, p = 0.08) to increase dietary net energy (NE) during the initial 112-d period. However, the overall (308-d) effect of supplementation dietary NE was not appreciable (p>0.20). However, due to the inertness of kaolinite, itself, the ratio of observed-to-expected dietary NE increased with kaolinite supplementation. This effect was more pronounced (linear effect, $p{\leq}0.03$) during the initial 224 d of the study. Overall (308 d), kaolinite supplementation tended to increase (linear effect, p = 0.07) dietary NE by 3% over expected. Kaolinite supplementation did not affect carcass weight, yield grade, longissimus area, kidney, pelvic and heart fat, and quality grade, but decreased (linear effect, p = 0.01) dressing percentage. It is concluded that kaolinite supplementation up to 2% of diet DM may enhance energetic efficiency of calf-fed Holstein steers in a manner independent of changes in characteristics of ruminal and total tract digestion.