• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.773-788
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• 2003

Ostrich farming is a developing industry in most countries in the world, with farm profitability being largely dependent on the quality of the products, especially skins and meat. To produce quality products, it is essential to ensure that nutrient supply matches the nutrient requirements of ostriches during their growth. To achieve this, information on feed utilisation efficiency and nutrient requirements of ostriches at different maturity stages is required. In South Africa, a number of experiments were carried out to assess the nutritive value of feed and to define the nutrient requirement of ostriches. These data were derived from limited number of birds and the direct application of the results to ostrich farming in Australia and other countries is questionable due to the difference in environment and feed resources. Initially ostrich farmers used data from poultry as a guideline for feed formulation, but in recent years more data has become available for ostriches. Ostriches have a better feed utilisation efficiency and a larger capacity of using high fibre feeds such as pastures than poultry. This review revealed that there are a number of areas there further nutritional research and development is required to ensure the ostriches are provided suitable diets to maximise farm profitability. These include the assessment of the nutritive value of feed ingredients for ostrich chicks and adult birds, the determination of nutrient requirements of ostriches under different farming systems, the development of ostrich diet for producing specific product, and grazing management strategies of ostriches in a crop-pasture rotation system.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.179-186
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• 1995

In the present study, nutritional status of some minerals in sheep grazed on native pasture was investigated in dry area, Ningxia district, of the People's Republic of China. Samples of some forages and blood of sheep were collected for two seasons, dry (March) and rainy (August) seasons. The Ca contents of forages (wheat straw, green-pea straw and some wild grasses) were relatively high as compared with that required ordinarily as standard, but on the contrary, the P content was much lower than that of standard. Consequently, Ca/P ratio was very high in cost of the roughages sampled in the region. Trace elements, Cu and Zn, content of forage samples were fairly low, and the contents of Mo and Fe were fairly high, particularly in some wild grasses, when the values were compared with that required normally. The Ca level in blood of sheep was in a range accepted as normal, and the other macro minerals(Mg and P) were contained at relatively high levels as compared with the values observed ordinarily, but not at a toxic level. With trace minerals, the plasma Fe level was extremely high as compared with the standard level, although there were no disorders due to toxicity, and Mo level in plasma was a little lower than the lower limit described as a normal. The plasma levels of other trace elements (Cu, Zn and Se) in all the animals were within the range accepted as normal. There would be no clear differences in mineral nutrition of sheep between dry and rainy seasons. These results could suggest that there is no severe unbalance and/or imbalance, and grazing sheep in the Ningxia area of midland China have no problems relating to the nutritional status of minerals.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.61-67
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• 2019

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of supplementary feeding levels on livestck and forage productivity and grazing intensity in Elk stags (Cervus canadensis). A fifteen 2-year-old Elk stags about 195 kg were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments (five animals per treatment). The dietary treatments consisted of a feeding concentrate of 1.0% of body weight (T1), 1.5% of body weight (T2) and 2.0% of body weight. Total dry matter intake (TDMI) was increased with increased with an increasing supplementary feeding levels. Average daily gain (ADG) were significantly increased with an increasing supplementary feeding levels (p<0.05) and reached a maximum on July and was lower in spring than autumn. The velvet antler production was no differences among treatment groups. Forage productivity of pasture and crude protein content were highest on May and decreased thereafter, however, crude fiber content was the reversed. The grazing intensity of Elk stags was increased in spring (38 to 59 head per ha) than summer and autumn (13 to 32 head per ha). The average grazing intensity of Elk stags ranged from 21 to 34 head per ha, which is affected by supplementary feeding levels. This result suggests that feeding supplementary diet at 1.5 % of body weight was needed to maintain the stable wight gain in antler growing periods and control the proper grazing intensity of Elk deer stags.

• Journal of Animal Environmental Science
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.263-270
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• 2009

A study was conducted to determine the effects of seed mixture and nitrogen application levels on botanical composition and forage productivity in grazing pasture. Legume forage have the ability to take nitrogen from the atmosphere and convert it into a form usable by plants. Including legumes in mixtures with grass lowers the amount of nitrogen fertilizer required to produce forages. Dry matter (DM) yield of grass-legume mixtures was more than that of grass mono-cultivated and grass+white clover+red clover mixtures was the highest as 17,391 kg/ha in legume mixture (P<0.01). The highest DM yield was in N-200 kg/ha, but it was similar between N-100 kg/ha(15,128) and N-200 kg/ha (16,017). The large decline in the proportion of grass during April to June in 2004 probably was due to the drought and summer depression in grass-legume mixtures. Grass proportions decreased by 8.2% after 2 year, and white clover was dominated in grass-white clover mixture by May 2005. Crud protein (CP) content tends to increase with increased nitrogen application level.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.12
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• pp.1991-1998
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• 2020

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of three different diets on the fatty acids (FA) profile and sensory properties of a characteristic Italian fresh cheese: Pecorino "Primo Sale" (PS). Methods: Fifty-four sheep were divided into three feeding groups: total mixed ration (TMR) enriched with extruded linseed (TL), control diet with TMR without any integration (TC), and pasture (P). During cheese production, six cheeses per experimental group were produced each week, stored for 10 days at 4℃, and then analyzed for chemical composition, FA profile, and sensory properties. Results: Saturated fatty acids (SFA) were significantly higher in PS from group TC (82.11%) than in cheese from other two groups (P 75.48% and TL 66.83%). TL and P groups presented higher values of polyunsaturated fatty acids, 4.35 and 3.65%, respectively, than that of TC group (2.31%). The lowest SFA/unsaturated fatty acid ratio was found in TL and P groups, while the highest was found in the TC group. Vaccenic acid and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) were higher in group P (p<0.05) than in groups L and TC. Sensory properties of cheese from group P received the highest scores for odor intensity and friability, while control group had a greater chewing consistency. Overall, all cheeses received good scores for acceptability. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study showed how the integration of extruded linseed improved the FA profile of fresh pecorino cheese PS preserving its sensory properties. Levels of CLA in the PS group achieved using this approach was not higher than that in a grazing diet. Cheeses from groups P and L contained a higher value of FA, with nutritional implications for humans, when compared with un-supplemented diet. Linseed may be a good feeding strategy when pasture is not available.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.355-364
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• 2009

This research was conducted to investigate the group and individual behavioral patterns of thoroughbred mares which are important for raising race-horses, in paddoks (pregnant) and pastures (nursing). In a group of nursing mare, eating 62%, standing resting 31%, drinking 3%, lying resting 1%, walking 1% and nursing 2% were observed, although no running was observed. Average time spent on individual behavior of mares (3 heads) was eating 295 min (55%), standing resting 193 min (36%), walking 18 min, drinking 18 min (3%), nursing 13 min (2%), lying resting 6 min (1%). Average 11 times of grooming, 2 times of urinating, and 1 time of feces were observed for mare in pasture. 48% of standing resting, 44% of eating, 2% of lying resting, 4% of walking, and 2% of drinking were revealed for pregnant mares in paddock. Average individual behavioral pattern of pregnant mares (3 heads) was 52% of eating, 40% of standing, 6% of walking, and 2% of drinking. Average 15 times of grooming, 1 time of urinating, 3 times of feces, 1 time of fighting, and 2 times of rolling were observed for pregnant mares in paddock. For moving patterns, pregnant mares were inclined to concentrate on where the nearby paddok is close to.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.91-96
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• 1986

This trial was carried out to find out the degree of fodder value of different plant communities and to make the plant sociological vegetation map for all plant communities at the natural grassland of the Rehberg-Alm in the Bavarian Alps, southern part of Germany during 1982-1983. 1. Allogenic succession of the plant communities at natural grassland was much more influenced by the change of soil moisture or/and surface water than sheep grazing. 2. The plant communities at the Rehberg-Alm were Nardetum alpigenum, Poo-Prunelletum, Cirsium arvense Cirsium Vulgare-Association, Caricetum davallianae, Rumicetum alphini, Caricetum paniculatae and Disturbed lowland bog-Stand. 3. By the sheep grazing will be improved the inferior plant community of Nardetum alpigenum to the most desirable Poo-Prunelletum plant community at the mountainous grassland gradually. 4. General fodder value in this area depended heavily on the composition of vegetation of the plant communities. The highest fodder value was the Poo-Prunelletum with 4.4 and the next was the Nardetum alpigenum with 2.5. The others were not suitable for grazing pasture due to less fodder value.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.127-132
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• 1996

Effects on feed intake, liveweight gain and economic benefits of supplementing lambs with urea molasses blocks, were studied. Forty eight crossbred lambs were divided into 6 groups and assigned randomly to grazing on native pasture (CONT) or along with supplements of Commercial ration (COM) and urea molasses blocks (UMBs) containing two levels of cement and calcium oxide as a binding agent. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant (p<0.01) differences in dry matter (DMI, g/day), crude protein (CPI, g/day) and metabolizable energy (MEI, MJ/day) intakes. Differences in liveweight gain (LWG, g/day), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and net economic benefit of supplementation were also highly variable. The intake of DM, CP and ME varied from 974 to 1002, 66-70 and 7.6-8.4 in lambs supplemented with UMBs, significantly (p<0.01) greater than 848, 52.5 and 5.6 in lambs supplemented with COM or FCR and net economic benefits (54.3; 57.8; 17.1 and 1.96; 2.4) in lambs supplemented with COM and UMB-2, were CONT or supplemented with UMB-1, UMB-3 and UMB-4 respectively. Factors responsible for differences in feed intake, liveweight gain and economic benefits, are discussed.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.17 no.11
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• pp.1615-1634
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• 2004

A review was undertaken to obtain information on the sustainability of pig free-range production systems including the management, performance and health of pigs in the system. Modern outdoor rearing systems requires simple portable and flexible housing with low cost fencing. Local pig breeds and outdoor-adapted breeds for certain environment are generally more suitable for free-range systems. Free-range farms should be located in a low rainfall area and paddocks should be relatively flat, with light topsoil overlying free-draining subsoil with the absence of sharp stones that can cause foot damage. Huts or shelters are crucial for protecting pigs from direct sun burn and heat stress, especially when shade from trees and other facilities is not available. Pigs commonly graze on strip pastures and are rotated between paddocks. The zones of thermal comfort for the sow and piglet differ markedly; between 12-22$^{\circ}C$ for the sow and 30-37$^{\circ}C$ for piglets. Offering wallows for free-range pigs meets their behavioural requirements, and also overcomes the effects of high ambient temperatures on feed intake. Pigs can increase their evaporative heat loss via an increase in the proportion of wet skin by using a wallow, or through water drips and spray. Mud from wallows can also coat the skin of pigs, preventing sunburn. Under grazing conditions, it is difficult to control the fibre intake of pigs although a high energy, low fibre diet can be used. In some countries outdoor sows are fitted with nose rings to prevent them from uprooting the grass. This reduces nutrient leaching of the land due to less rooting. In general, free-range pigs have a higher mortality compared to intensively housed pigs. Many factors can contribute to the death of the piglet including crushing, disease, heat stress and poor nutrition. With successful management, free-range pigs can have similar production to door pigs, although the growth rate of the litters is affected by season. Piglets grow quicker indoors during the cold season compared to outdoor systems. Pigs reared outdoors show calmer behaviour. Aggressive interactions during feeding are lower compared to indoor pigs while outdoor sows are more active than indoor sows. Outdoor pigs have a higher parasite burden, which increases the nutrient requirement for maintenance and reduces their feed utilization efficiency. Parasite infections in free-range pigs also risks the image of free-range pork as a clean and safe product. Diseases can be controlled to a certain degree by grazing management. Frequent rotation is required although most farmers are keeping their pigs for a longer period before rotating. The concept of using pasture species to minimise nematode infections in grazing pigs looks promising. Plants that can be grown locally and used as part of the normal feeding regime are most likely to be acceptable to farmers, particularly organic farmers. However, one of the key concerns from the public for free-range pig production system is the impact on the environment. In the past, the pigs were held in the same paddock at a high stocking rate, which resulted in damage to the vegetation, nutrient loading in the soil, nitrate leaching and gas emission. To avoid this, outdoor pigs should be integrated in the cropping pasture system, the stock should be mobile and stocking rate related to the amount of feed given to the animals.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.129-136
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• 1990

In the present report, two experiments were carried out with the purposes of knowing the differences of response among forage species to growing period and potassium level in culture solution, and investigating possible relation of the responses with occurence of grass tetany on grazing pasture. The results were as follows; (1) At 25 days after germination, fresh weight of top part as well as the sum of top and root parts of the forages increased rapidly. (2) Italian ryegrass was the highest in potassium (K) content but the lowest in magnesiurn(Mg) content among the three gramineous forages, while tall fescue showed the opposite result to it. And orchardgrass was intermediate of the two forage species (Experiment 1). (3) The K contents of forages generally increased, while Mg content became lower with the increase of K level in culture solution. The highest K contents of Italian ryegrass and orchardgrass were more than 3 times of the lowest values. The K contents of alfalfa and tall fescue increased in the narrower range. The decreases of Mg content of Italian ryegrass and orchardgrass were significant in the ranges of 5ppm to 25 or 50ppm KzO, while the content of the leguminous forages and tall fescue decreased up to 1000 level. (4) Fresh yield, water content and K content of the forages were significantly increased with the increase of K20 application levels up to 25 or 50ppm. (5) The K concentration of forage on a tissue water basis was higher at 50ppm than that at 5ppm $K_20$ level, especially for Italian ryegrass and orchardgrass with the value of 2.6times and 2.5times, respectively. However, the K concentration (tissue water) of leguminous forages increased gradually up to the level of lOOOppm (Experiment 2). It is suggested from the results that rapid changes of water content, Mg content and K concentration (tissue water) may occur to forage on a grazing pasture, when both growing period and K level in the soil affect the changes simultaneously. Under such conditions, plant water especially in Italian reyegrass and orchardgrass can function as toxic material to grazing ruminants.