• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.804-810
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• 2017

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sodium diacetate (SDA) on fermentation profile, chemical composition and aerobic stability of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) silage. Methods: Fresh alfalfa was ensiled with various concentrations of SDA (0, 3, 5, 7, and 9 g/kg of fresh forage). After 60 days of the ensiling, the samples were collected to examine the fermentative quality, chemical composition and aerobic stability. Results: The application of SDA significantly (p<0.05) decreased silage pH with the lowest value in silage with 7 g/kg of SDA. The proliferations of enterobacteria, yeasts, molds and clostridia were inhibited by SDA, resulted in lower ethanol, propionic and butyric acid concentrations and dry matter loss in SDA treated silages than control. The increasing SDA linearly decreased free amino acid N (p<0.001), ammonia N (p = 0.018) and non-protein N (p<0.001), while linearly increased water soluble carbohydrate (p<0.001) and peptide N (p<0.001). It is speculated that SDA accelerated the shift from homofermentative to heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria during the silage fermentation, indicated by lower lactic acid production in SDA-9 than SDA-7 silages after 60 days of ensiling. Alfalfa silages treated with SDA at 7 g/kg had highest Flieg's point and remained stable more than 9 d during aerobic exposure under humid and hot conditions in southern China. Conclusion: SDA may be used as an additive for alfalfa silages at a level of 7 g/kg.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.483-490
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• 2010

The objectives of this study were to measure particle size and evaluate the effect of increasing alfalfa hay particle size on production characteristics in lactating Holstein dairy cows. Ninety multiparous Holstein cows in early to mid-lactation were randomly assigned in a complete randomized design for a 30-day period. Animals were offered one of the three diets, which were identical in energy, protein, and chemical composition, but differed only in particle size of alfalfa hay. The treatments were A) total mixed ration (TMR) in which only fine chopped alfalfa hay was incorporated in the ration, B) the same diet in which half of the alfalfa hay was fine chopped and incorporated in the mixed ration and half was long hay and offered as a top dressing, and C) the same diet with long hay alfalfa offered as a top dressing. Distribution of particle size of rations was determined through 20,000, 8,000 and 1,000 ${\mu}m$ sieves. The new method of quantitative determination of manure index was examined for each cow on different treatments. The geometric mean length of particle size in the rations was 5,666, 9,900 and 11,549 ${\mu}m$ for treatments A, B and C, respectively. Fat corrected milk (4%), milk fat percentage and production were significantly different (p<0.05) in treatment A versus B and C (fat corrected milk (FCM, 4%)) 28.3 vs. 35.2 and 32.3 kg/d, fat percentage 2.89, 4.04 and 3.62; but the change of ration particle size had no significant effect on milk production (p>0.05). Blood concentration of cholesterol in treatment A was significantly higher (p<0.05) than treatment B and C (181.0 vs. 150.0 and 155.2 mg/dl). Manure index in treatment C was significantly different (p<0.05) from treatment B (15.86 vs. 17.67). Based on these experimental findings, it is concluded that an increase in the ration particle size can increase milk fat percentage due to providing more physically effective fiber, which in turn could effect changes in manure consistency.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.262-268
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• 2014

In order to reveal the aluminum (Al) stress tolerance mechanisms in alfalfa plant at low pH soil, a proteomic approach has been conducted. Alfalfa plants were exposed to Al stress for 5 days. The plant growth and total chlorophyll content are greatly affected by Al stress. The malondialdehyde (MDA) and $H_2O_2$ contents were increased in a low amount but free proline and soluble sugar contents, and the DPPH-radical scavenging activity were highly increased. These results indicate that antioxidant activity (DPPH activity) and osmoprotectants (proline and sugar) may involve in ROS ($H_2O_2$) homeostasis under Al stress. In proteomic analysis, over 500 protein spots were detected by 2-dimentional gel electrophoresis analysis. Total 17 Al stress-induced proteins were identified, of which 8 protein spots were up-regulated and 9 were down-regulated. The differential expression patterns of protein spots were selected and analyzed by the peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) using MALDI-TOF MS analysis. Three protein spots corresponding to Rubisco were significantly down-regulated whereas peroxiredoxin and glutamine synthetase were up-regulated in response to Al stress. The different regulation patterns of identified proteins were involved in energy metabolism and antioxidant / ROS detoxification during Al stress in alfalfa. Taken together, these results provide new insight to understand the molecular mechanisms of alfalfa plant in terms of Al stress tolerance.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.145-152
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• 1991

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of liming, manure application, and inoculation with Rhizobium on the early growth, nodulation, seedling establishment, winter survival, and forage yield and quality of alfalfa(Medicago sativa L.) at the Experimental Livestock Farm, College of Agriculture, Seoul National University, Suweon in 1985 and 1986. The results obtained are as follows: 1. Seedling vigor and nodule formation of alfalfa at early stage were the best in the treatments of liminginoculation( L1) and liming-manure-inoculation(LM1). 2. Seedling establishment was not significantly affected by the treatments of liming, manure application, nodulation and the combination of these. 3. The LI and LMI treatments showed the highest winter survival of 94.3 and 83.5%, respectively, but the lowest winter su.rvival of 55.9 and 58.5% was found in no treatment(None) and inoculation( I ), respectively. 4. No differences in crude protein(CP1, acid detergent fiber(ADF) and neutral detergent fiber(NDF) contents were found among the treatments. 5. There were significant differences in the total dry matter yield of alfalfa among the treatments. The total dry matter yields of 10,618, 11,830, 11,855 and 13,456 kg/ha from the treatments of L, LM, LI and LMI, respectively, were significantly higher than those of None, M and I treatments. 6. Based on the results of the experiment, it appears that the dry matter yield of alfalfa could be enhanced by the treatments of liming with Rhizobium inoculation and also liming, manure application and Rhizobium inoculation as a practical method.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.228-236
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• 2004

Two varieties of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L cv. Pioneer and Beaver) and timothy (Phleum pratense L cv. Climax and Joliette), grown at different locations in Saskatchewan (Canada), were cut at three stages [1=one week before commercial cut (early bud for alfalfa; joint for timothy); 2=at commercial cut (late bud for alfalfa; pre-bloom head for timothy); 3=one week after commercial cut (early bloom for alfalfa; full head for timothy)]. The energy values of forages were determined using three approaches, including chemical (NRC 2001 formula) and biological approaches (standard in vitro and in situ assay). The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of forage variety and stage of maturity on energy values under the climate conditions of western Canada, and to investigate relationship between chemical (NRC 2001 formula) approach and biological approaches (in vitro and in situ assay) on prediction of energy values. The results showed that, in general, forage species (alfalfa vs. timothy) and cutting stage had profound impacts, but the varieties within each species (Pioneer vs. Beaver in alfalfa; Climax vs. Joliette in timothy) had minimal effects on energy values. As forage maturity increased, the energy contents behaved in a quadratic fashion, increasing at stage 2 and then significantly decreasing at stage 3. However, the prediction methods-chemical approach (NRC 2001 formula) and biological approaches (in vitro and in situ assay) had great influences on energy values. The highest predicted energy values were found by using the in situ approach, the lowest prediction value by using the NRC 2001 formula, and the intermediate values by the in vitro approach. The in situ results may be most accurate because it is closest to simulate animal condition. The energy values measured by biological approaches are not predictable by the chemical approach in this study, indicating that a refinement is needed in accurately predicting energy values.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.520-527
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• 2009

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) is a high-quality forage for ruminants and the main stem is the dominant morphological component contributing to the forage nutritive value in mature alfalfa forage. Shearing force, a fracturing property of plant stem, is an important indictor of forage value. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of morphological characteristic on shearing force, the relationship between shearing force and chemical composition, and the relationship between shearing force and in situ digestibility of alfalfa stem. The results showed that linear density (weight per unit length of stem) was more important than chemical composition in affecting shearing force. There was a positive relationship between lignin content and shearing force (r = 0.78). Correlations were not found between shearing force and other chemical components such as neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose and hemicelluloses. In situ digestibility (of dry matter and NDF) was related to shearing force. A negative correlation was found between shearing force and dry matter (DM) digestibility (r = -0.70), and there was also a negative correlation between shearing force and NDF digestibility (r = -0.87). When shearing force was standardized for stem diameter or stem linear density, the relationship between shearing force and digestibility was consistent regardless of stem diameter and stem linear density. Shearing force was significantly correlated with lignin content and in situ digestibility (of DM and NDF), and was a more direct indicator for estimating forage nutritive value related to animal performance, so it can be used to predict the forage value of alfalfa.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.82-88
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• 1997

A study was carried out to evaluate the values of roughages available in Korea on feed intake and digestibility of Korean native goats and consequently to apply its results to the feeding system of Korean goats as a basic information. The results are as follows. 1. The protein contents in Alfalfa and Acacia leaf were 17.6 and 16.3% respectively 11.7 and 6.8% higher than orchardgrass and pine needle. Ether extract tom pine needle was about two times higher than other roughage sources which are 9.2%. 2. Dry matter intake per day in goats fed alfalfa, acacia leaf and orchardgrass was higher (P < 0.05) at 590.3, 543.8 and 496.58 respectively and 217.lg in pine needle. 3. Dry matter intake per basal weight (DM glkg of B$W^{0.75}$ and DM g/kg of BW%) was higher in goats fed acacia leaf at 68.5 and 3.5% respectively than any other treatments goats fed pine needle showed the lowest (P< 0.05) dry matter intake at 28.6 and 1.5% respectively. 4. Dry matter digestibility was highest (PcO.05) in alfalfa fed goats at 61.4%. Dry matter digestibilities in orchardgrass, pine needle and acacia leaf were 58.0, 46.8 and 46.6% respectively. 5. Total digestible nutrients were highest (P< 0.05) in Alfalfa fed goats at 59.5%. Total digestible nutrients in orchardgrass, pine needle and acacia leaf were 54.2, 50.7 and 47.7% respectively. 6. In conclusion, the value of orchardgrass as feed for goats was as excellent as alfalfa and although acacia leaf had a less value than alfalfa in goats, it is considered to be used as a protein supplement in diets for goats due to its high content of protein and excellent palatability. Intake of pine needle in Korean goats in this study was satisfactory and it indicates the possibility of its use as a supplement in diets for goats. However, fkther investigation will be necessary particularly on the deleterious effects of ether extracts of pine needle

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.121-126
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• 1996

To investigate the effects of potassium($K_2O$) fertilization levels on the dry matter(DM) yield, nutrition yield, and $K_2O$ efficiency of forages in mixed sward of alfalfa-grasses, a field experiment arranged by randomized complete block design with five treatments(0, 60, 120, 180 and 240kg $K_2O$/ha) was conducted at National Livestock Research Institute in Suwon, September, 1990 to February, 1993. During two years, average DM yields of forage increased as $K_2O$ fertilization level was increased, but no significant difference was found between DM 10,617kg of $K_2O$180kgha and DM 10,845kg of $K_2O$ 240kg/ha. Crude protein and energy productivity of forages increased as $K_2O$ fertilization level was increased, and the increasing degree was highest between $K_2O$ 120kg and 180kg/ha fertilization. With increasing $K_2O$ fertilization, mineral contents tended to increase in K and WCa+Mg equivalent ratios, to decrease in Mg, but not to be regular in the other elements. Efficiency of $K_2O$ was relatively high at $K_2O$ 180kgha fertilization, which produced DM 12.2kg, net energy lactation 67.3M.J, starch equivalent 6.2kStE and total digestible nutrients 7.6kg per Ikg $K_2O$. Therefore, potassium($K_2O$) fertilization levels must be applied with I8Okg/ha for a reasonable management in mixed sward of alfalfa-grasses.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.89-94
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• 1998

A field experiment was carried out to determine the effects of chemical drying agents at mowing on the field drying rate of alfalfa (cv. Vernal) and rye (cv. Koolgrazer) for hastening hay manuf8cture. In alfalfa; chemicals ($K_2CO_3$ 2% $K_2CO_3$ 3% $Na_2CO_3$ 2% $CaCO_3$, 2% $K_2CO_3$2% + $Na_2CO_3$, 1% only water spray and control) were treated at early bloom stage in 1995. Chemicals ($K_2CO_3$, 2%, $Na_2CO_3$, 2% $CaCO_3$, 2% and control) were applicated at different harvest stages (early heading, heading and bloom) in rye, 1996. The drying rate of alfalfa by $K_2CO_3$ treatment among chemicals was higher than control, and the duration of field dry was shortened by one day with $K_2CO_3$ application, but there was no difference in drying efficiency between $K_2CO_3$ 2% and $K_2CO_3$ 3%. In rye, however, no moisture reduction by chemicals was observed. The days required for field dry were 6, 4, and 3 days at warly heading heading and bloom stage respectively; regardless of chemical drying agents and conbol. The nutritive value of rye hay with chemicals at baling was very slightly higher than control, but there was no significant difference. Also, no difference of hay quality was found among drying agents. In conclusion, $K_2CO_3$can enhance the field drying rate of alfalfa hay, but the drying efficiency was not high, particularly in rye hay. Harvesting at early heading to heading stage was desirable for manufacture of high quality rye hay.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.210-216
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• 2021

Pollution of agricultural soil by alkaline salts, such as Na₂CO₃, is a critical and long-lasting problem in cultivable land. The aim of the study was to examine the putative role of citric acid (CA) in alleviating Na₂CO₃-stress in alfalfa. In this study, Na₂CO₃ significantly induced leaf chlorosis, inhibited plant growth and photosynthesis related parameters, increased hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and reduced major antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAD, APX) in alfalfa. However, the presence of CA these negative effects of Na₂CO₃-stress largely recovered. Interestingly, expression of antioxidant and ion transporter genes (Fe-SOD, CAT, APX, DHAR and NHX1) involved in Reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis and oxidative stress tolerance in alfalfa. These findings suggest that CA-mediated Na₂CO₃ stress alleviation is an ecofriendly approach that would be useful to local farmer for alfalfa and other forage crop cultivation in alkaline soils.