• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.51-61
• /
• 1997

This experiment was carried out to investigate the growth response of 3 grasses to seed coating with chitosan solution and the attempt was made to estimate adequate seed coating concentrations of chitosan solution in each grass for the growth to be stimulated. Three species used in this experiment were orchardgrass, tall fescue and reed canarygrass. Six different seed coating concentrations of chitosan solution were applied as 0%(control), 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1% and 1.0%, respectively. the results were obtained as follows; 1. Dry weight of tiller(WT), leaf area(LA), dry weight of leaf(LW), dry weight of stem(SW), dry weight of shoot(SHW), biological yield(BY) and C/F ratio were significantly different between species. 2. Number of tillers per plant(NT), dry weight of tiller(WT), dry weight of leaf(LW), dry weight of root(RW), dry weight of shoot(SHW), biological yield(BY) and T/R ration were significantly different between seed coating concentrations of chitosan solution. 3. The adequate seed coating concentrations of chitosan solution for the growth stimulating effect were different between species. The highest values of yield components and dry weight of plant parts were obtained at 1% in orchardgrass and tall fescue, and 0.05% in reed canarygrass, respectively. 4. Growth stimulating effect of seed coating in each species were different. The highest values were obtained in leaf area(LA), dry weight of leaf(LW), dry weight of root(RW), dry weight of shoot(SHW) and dry weight of biological yield(BY) in orchardgrass. The values of dry weight of stem(SW) and C/F ration were highest in reed canarygrass. 5. An increase in number of tillers per plant(NT), dry weight of leaf(LW), dry weight of stem(SW) and dry weight of root(RW) according to seed coating was attributed to the increase in dry weight of shoot(SHW). Among the aboved increasing factors, the dry weight of leaf(LW) was a main factor for the increase in dry weight of shoot(SHW). 6. An increase in dry weight of leaf(LW), dry weight of stem(SW) and dry weight of root(RW) according to seed coating was attributed to the increase in biological yield(BY). Both the dry weight of leaf(LW) and dry weight of root(RW) were main factors for the increase in biological yield(BY).

• Journal of Plant Biology
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.63-69
• /
• 1979

The plant growth and net production, the nitrogen uptake and recycling, the nitrogen mobility and allocation to each organ, and the nitrogen utility from the Italian rye grass field during the population development were analyzed in comparison with different clipping treatments. The maximum dry matter standing crop and nitrogen quantity of harvest increased significantly, however, the annual amounts of dry matter and nitrogen assimilation showed little variations with increasing clipping frequencies. Plants treated with frequent clippings allocated relatively more nitrogen to leaves and less to roots during the experimental period. The amount of recycling of nitrogen decreased considerably due to frequent clippings. The annual averages of nitrogen utility indices changed in inverse relation to the nitrogen availability; such as 63, 58, 44 and 35 for C, A, M and J plots, respectively.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.8 no.3
• /
• pp.281-287
• /
• 1995

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of different inclusion levels of urea treated whole-crop wheat silage (UWCWS) in grass silage based rations on the performance of growing beef cattle. The winter wheat (variety, Riband) was harvested (in the summer of 1991) at a dry matter proportion of 520 g/kg and treated with feed grade urea at the rate of 37 kg/tonne crop dry matter and preserved in a heavy duty plastic bag using a silo press. The urea treated whole crop wheat silage (UWCWS) was mixed with grass silage to replace 0.00 (S100), 0.33 (S33) and 0.67 (S67) parts of the forage dry matter and fed ad libitum in a cross over design to 18 Simmental X Holstein Friesian growing beef animals. Two energy sources {one high in starch, rolled barley (RB) and one high in digestible fibre, sugar beet pulp (SBP)} were fed to supply sufficient energy for the efficient use of nitrogen by the rumen micro-organisms. The data on DMIF (dry matter intake of forage), TDMI (total dry matter intake), DLWG (daily live weight gain), FCR (feed conversion ratio) were recorded and faecal samples were collected to determine the digestibility coefficients. Results revealed that with the inclusion of UWCW in the animals' diets the DMI of the forage was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The highest DMIF was found in the treatment "S33" ($6.28{\pm}0.25kg$) where 67% of the silage dry matter was replaced with the UWCW and the lowest value for DMIF was observed in the control treatment ($5.03{\pm}0.23kg$). The DLWG did not differ significantly between the treatments. However, treatment "S100" showed a trend towards a superior DLWG. Feed conversion ratio in the control treatment differed significantly from "S67" and "S33". The addition of the UWCW in the animals' diet resulted in the lower FCR There was no effect of type of energy supplement on any aspect of performance either overall or in interaction with grass silage: UWCWS ratio. The regression and correlation coefficients for DMIF (r = 5.22 + 0.0184x*), DLWG (r = $1.04-0.00086x^{NS}$) and FCR (r = 4.78 = 0.022x*) on the inclusion of UWCW in the diet were calculated. The effect of the inclusion of UWCW on the overall digestibility coefficients was significant (p < 0.05). The addition of the UWCWS in the diet decreased the digestibility of the DM, OM, ADF and NFE but effect on the protein digestibility was non significant. The results of present study suggests that a DLWG slightly over 1 kg can be achieved with UWCW during the store period (period in which animal performance targets are low especially during winter) and the prediction of ME was overestimated as the high intake of DM did not reflect in improved animal performance.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.31 no.12
• /
• pp.1913-1922
• /
• 2018

Objective: To find out ways of improving fermentation quality of silage, the comparative analysis of fermentation characteristics and in vitro digestibility of tropical grasses silage applied with cellulases produced from Acremonium or Tricoderma species were studied in Thailand. Methods: Fresh and wilted Guinea grass and Napier grass silages were prepared with cellulases from Acremonium (AC) or Trichoderma (TC) at 0.0025%, 0.005%, and 0.01% on a fresh matter (FM), and their fermentation quality, chemical composition and in vitro digestibility were analyzed. Results: All silages of fresh Napier grass were good quality with lower pH, butyric acid, and ammonia nitrogen, but higher lactic acid content than wilted Napier grass and Guinea grass silage. Silages treated with AC 0.01% had the best result in terms of fermentation quality. They also had higher in vitro dry matter digestibility and in vitro organic matter digestibility at 6 and 48 h after incubation than other silages. Silages treated with lower levels at 0.005% or 0.0025% of AC and all levels of TC did not improve silage fermentation. Conclusion: The AC could improve silage fermentation and in vitro degradation of Guinea grass and Napier grass silages, and the suitable addition ration is 0.01% (73.5 U) of FM for tropical silage preparation.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.2 no.2
• /
• pp.123-128
• /
• 1989

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of frequency of defoliation on the ensiling characteristics and nutritive value of Guineaecotype 'A' (Panicum maximum Jacq) grass. Guinea grass harvested at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12-week cutting intervals was chopped (2 cm) and ensiled alone or with the addition of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) meal (w/w-fresh weight basis), for periods of 6, 7 or 8 weeks in 2-litre laboratory silos. Dry matter, water soluble carbohydrates, lactic acid, pH, ash, nitrogen and digestibility in vitro were measured in representative samples of preensiled and ensiled material. Dry matter content of silages prepared from herbage harvested at 2 and 3 weeks intervals was lower (P<0.05) compared to longer defoliation intervals. The pH of silage prepared from herbage over 8 weeks old were higher (P<0.05) than those harvested below 8 weeks. The water soluble carbohydrate content of silage prepared from 3-weekly defoliated herbage was higher (P<0.05) than those prepared from longer periods. Lengthened growth period decreased (P<0.001) the crude protein content of the ensiled material, whereas the addition of coconut meal resulted in marginal increases. In vitro organic matter digestibility of the silages decreased (P<0.05) with the increase in forage maturity.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.20 no.4
• /
• pp.523-528
• /
• 2007

This study was conducted to evaluate the feeding value of jambo grass (Sorghum $bicolour{\times}Sorghum$ sudanefe) silage and mott grass (Pennisetum purpureum) silage as a replacement of conventional fodder (jambo grass) in the diet of lactating Nili buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Thirty early-lactating ($45{\pm}4$ days), multi-parous Nili buffaloes, ten in each group, were allotted to three experimental diets. Jambo grass and mott grass were ensiled with molasses (at 2% of fodder DM) in two trench silos for 30 days. The control diet (JG) contained 75% jambo grass while the other two diets contained 75% jambo grass silage (JGS) and 75% mott grass silage (MGS). The remaining 25% DM in each diet was supplied by concentrates. Diets were mixed daily and fed twice a day ad libitum for 120 days. Dry matter intake (DMI) was higher with the JG diet compared with JGS and MGS diets. However, DMI as % body weight did not differ significantly in buffaloes fed either fodder or silage based diets. Crude protein (CP), digestible CP and NDF intakes were significantly higher on JG compared with silage-based diets. Apparent total tract digestibilities of DM, CP and NDF were similar in buffaloes fed JG, JGS and MGS diets. Milk yield (4% FCM) was similar in buffaloes fed JG and silage based diets. Fat, total solids, solid not fat, CP, true protein and non-protein nitrogen content of milk were similar in buffaloes fed fodder or silage based diets. The present results indicated that jambo grass and mott grass ensiled with 2% molasses for 30 days could safely replace the conventional fresh grass fodder (75% DM) in the diet of lactating Nili buffaloes without affecting their milk yield.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.32 no.9
• /
• pp.1373-1380
• /
• 2019

Objective: This study ascertained effects of cactus pear in association with different roughage in the diet of F1 Holstein/Zebu cows on intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, ingestive behavior and performance. Methods: Eight cows with $72{\pm}11$ days of lactation were used. The experimental design was simultaneous in two $4{\times}4$ Latin squares. Four experimental diets were used: Diet 1, sorghum silage as exclusive roughage; Diet 2, sorghum silage associated with cactus pear in a proportion of 50% of the roughage (dry matter basis); Diet 3, elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Roxo) as exclusive roughage; Diet 4, elephant grass associated with cactus pear in a proportion of 50% of the roughage. The roughage:concentrate ratio was 75:25. Results: Dry matter intake (p = 0.01) was higher with sorghum silage. There were differences in dry matter intake (p = 0.01), crude protein (p<0.01), ether extract (p = 0.01), non-fibrous carbohydrates (p<0.01) and total digestible nutrients (p = 0.01) among the diets. Cactus pear in the diet reduced water intake by 44.52% (p<0.01). The nitrogen balance was 59.71% and 27.49% lower in animals treated with exclusive sorghum silage and sorghum silage associated with cactus pear in relation to diets with elephant grass and elephant grass associated with cactus pear, respectively (p<0.01). The diets did not influence the milk production (p = 0.70), 3.5% fat corrected milk production (p = 0.72) or feed efficiency (p = 0.61). Conclusion: The association of cactus pear with sorghum or elephant grass silage does not alter milk production, reduces the intake of dry matter and water and improves the digestibility of nutrients.

• Asian Journal of Turfgrass Science
• /
• v.2 no.1
• /
• pp.5-30
• /
• 1988

The object of this experiments was to know the salt tolerance of Fults and other lawn grasses. Fults, Olympic (Tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea Schred), Ceeping red fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and Zoysia grass (Z. japonica S.) were grown in hydroponics with vermiculite at various concentrations of NaCl. Hoagland's solution was used as the basic solution (control), and the concentrations of Cl to it were 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and l5OOOppm, respectively. Each was cultivated under the circumstances during 2 months. The results obtained are summarized as follows: 1.The growth of Fults, Olympic, Creeping red fescue and others were better at Cl lOOOppm than control. In the 5OOOppm application, Fescues become worse and 23.9% of them were withered. In concentration of Cl above 9OOOppm, it was impossible to live. 2.In the l0000~l1000ppm application, Olympic and Kentucky bluegrass were become worse and most of them died. 3.Fults were almost possible to live in the below of 9OOOppm, but they began to die in the above of 10000 ppm. 4.With the increasing concentration of Cl, plants were dwarfed and the number of stems, leaves and roots were reduced, but it was especially observed that the number of stolons of Creeping red fescue were increased at 1000~4000ppm. 5.Fults grass was the most salt tolerant turfgrass, but was impossible to live at salt level of about 36 millimhos (Exchange NaCI conductivity-ppm). Among the grasses, according to salt tolerance, they were arranged as follows. Fults > Zoysia japonica S. > Ky belugrass > Olympic grass > Creeping red fescue 6.The number of leaves, stems, tillers, and dry weight of Olympic grass, Fults and others were increased more at Cl 1OOOppm application than control, but in the above 4OOOppm application, those of plants were decreased. 7.The productivity of all grasses under the experiments was increased at 3.l75millimhos (Exchange NaCi conductivity ppm) in the concentration of Cl. The each dry-weight of Olympic, Creeping red fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and Zoysia grass was decreased at 8.85millimhos, and the weight of Fults grass was also decreased remarkably at 12.20millimhos. 8.As the result of this experiments, most plants grow normally at low concentration of NaCI-l000ppm. That seems to stimulate more the grasses to grow than non-salt.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.32 no.2
• /
• pp.201-208
• /
• 2019

Objective: The aim of the present study was to identify the impact of early weaning of lambs at approximately seven weeks of age onto a herb-clover mix on the liveweight gain of lambs and their dams. Methods: In 2015, twin-born lambs that weighed a minimum of 16 kg (n = 134) were randomly allocated to one of three treatments: i) Early-weaned (58 days after the midpoint of lambing) onto an unrestricted allowance (>1,200 kg dry matter/ha) of herb-clover mix (HerbEW); ii) Lambs+dams unweaned onto an unrestricted allowance of herb-clover mix until conventional weaning (95 days after the midpoint of lambing) (HerbCW); iii) Lambs+dams unweaned onto an unrestricted allowance of grass-clover pasture until conventional weaning (GrassCW). In 2016, twin-born lambs that weighed a minimum of 16 kg (n = 170) were randomly allocated to one of four treatments: i), ii), iii) (similar to 2015) and iv) Lambs+dams unweaned onto a restricted allowance (<1,200 kg dry matter/ha) of grass-clover pasture until conventional weaning (93 days after the midpoint of lambing) (Restricted-GrassCW). Results: In 2015, liveweight gain from L58 to L95 of HerbCW and GrassCW lambs did not differ (p>0.05), but were greater than HerbEW lambs. In 2016, HerbCW lambs had greater (p<0.05) liveweight gains from L51 to L93 than GrassCW followed by HerbEW and Restricted-GrassCW lambs. In 2015, liveweight gain from L58 to L95 of HerbEW ewes were greater than both GrassCW and HerbCW ewes while in 2016, liveweight gain of from L51 to L93 GrassCW and HerbCW ewes did not differ (p>0.05) but were greater (p<0.05) than those of HerbEW and Restricted-GrassCW ewes. Conclusion: These results indicate that when grass-clover pasture supply can be maintained at unrestricted intake level, there may be no benefit of weaning lambs early. However, at restricted pasture conditions lambs can achieve greater liveweight gains when weaned early onto a herb-clover mix.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.16 no.9
• /
• pp.1280-1284
• /
• 2003

The number of protozoa and VFA content in the rumen fluid, in situ disappearance and turnover rate were examined with four rumen-fistulated cattle given either sugarcane stalk or Ruzi grass hay in order to clarify the manner of rumen digestion of sugarcane stalk. Cattle were given either sugarcane stalk or Ruzi grass hay at 1.0% of body weight level with commercial concentrate feed. Feeding sugarcane stalk reduced acetate content and increased propionate and butyrate contents in rumen fluid. While rapidlysoluble fraction of sugarcane stalk was 42%, the insoluble but potentially degradable fraction was only 17%. This clearly showed that sugarcane stalk mainly consisted of water soluble fraction (i.e. sugar) and tough fiber (i.e. bagasse). The ruminal degradation rate of both Ruzi grass hay and sugarcane stalk was lower in the animal given sugarcane stalk in comparison with those given Ruzi grass hay. While the turnover rate of liquid phase was about 50% higher in the animals given sugarcane stalk than in the animals given Ruzi grass hay, that of the solid phase was about 40% lower in the animals given sugarcane stalk. The effective degradability of DM of sugarcane stalk was higher than that of Ruzi grass hay. Sugarcane would be a promising roughage for ruminants in the tropics especially, in the dry season.