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Livestock production by smallholder farmers in southern Africa is often constrained by insufficient fodder during the dry season. The aim of this study was to determine if inclusion of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) hedgerows in Megathyrsus maximus ‘Gatton’ pastures could improve fodder production and nutritional yields, and to investigate effects of hedgerow cutting height on fodder production (including both browse and herbage). Treatments included three simulated silvopastoral systems with M. maximus planted between hedgerows, and one treatment that was M. maximus pasture alone. Hedgerows were cut at 60 or 90 cm above ground, or were uncut. Over the first two growing seasons, browse and grass fodder was harvested, dried and weighed four times. A portion of the fodder (comprising browse and herbage) was conserved in the second year and samples analysed for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) contents (%) and CP, phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) yields (kg ha−1). Hedgerows decreased cumulative grass biomass by 18.5%, but increased 1.22-fold the cumulative total fodder biomass when hedgerows were cut to 90 cm, compared to no hedgerows. Hedgerows had no effect on conserved grass herbage biomass (2.7 Mg ha−1 on average), but doubled biomass of conserved total fodder (5.0 Mg ha−1 on average) if hedgerows were cut. Cutting hedgerows increased CP, P and Zn yields, and increased CP and ADF contents, compared to not cutting them or not including them, while NDF was unaffected. Cutting hedgerows to 90 cm increased total browse production, compared to cutting to 60 cm. Pigeon pea seed biomass was unaffected by hedgerow cutting height (870 kg ha−1 on average). In conclusion, pigeon pea hedgerows included into grass pastures increase the quantity and quality of total fodder for livestock feed supplementation during the dry season.

This study evaluated the effect of cutting regime on biomass yield and nutrient composition of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp.) fodder in the Guinea Savanna Agro-Ecological Zone of Ghana. Three cutting regimes (12, 16 and 20 Week After Planting [WAP]) in RCBD were imposed on Cajanus cajan at both initial establishment and regrowth. At each harvest, biomass yield was estimated after which samples of the fodder were separated into leaf and stem botanical fractions for chemical composition and in vitro digestibility. Cutting regime significantly affected plant height, number of branches and stem diameter in both the initial establishment and regrowth. Biomass yield was significantly affected by cutting regime in the initial establishment but not the regrowth. The biomass yield was highest in the harvest at 20WAP (6515kgDM/ha) while 12WAP (3175 kg/ha) recorded the lowest biomass yield in the initial establishment. All chemical composition parameters were significantly affected by cutting regime and botanical fractions except hemicellulose in the initial establishment. Cutting regime also significantly affected DM, CP and ash concentrations in the regrowth with botanical fraction significantly (P

Milk containing Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) poses a serious health risk to consumers. Present study was undertaken to determine levels of AFM1 in 146 milk and value added dairy products sold in retail markets of Chhattisgarh, India using HPLC coupled with fluorescence detector. A total of 52 samples (35.6%) were found to contain AFM1 with overall concentrations ranging from nd − 2.608 µg/L. The contamination levels were higher in non-fermented milk products than fermented milk products samples, although this difference was statistically non-significant (p > 0.05). AFM1 concentrations above maximum permissible limits established by the European Commission were found in 94.2% of positive samples. Health risk assessments ascertained that the estimated daily intakes for AFM1 is higher than the established tolerable daily intakes for both adults and children (Hazard Index > 1), there by implying a potentially high risk to consumer’s health. Current investigation provides valuable information regarding contamination of raw as well as value added milk products sold in Indian markets. Therefore, to protect consumer’s health and promote dairy trade; there is an urgent need to increase farmer’s knowledge on good storage practices of feed and fodder. Further, stringent enforcement of food safety regulations is imperative to safeguard and promote human health.

The paper presents research and production studies evaluating the forage legume ensiling quality treated with biological and chemical additives. Experiments were conducted when ensiling alfalfa in tight-head barrels (30L capacity), treated with bioconservants. The conducted investigation revealed preservatives that significantly improve the acid composition and nutritional value of silages and haylages. Compared to the control sample, silos treated with Bioamid-3 and SilactPro starter cultures showed higher lactic acid content by 46.3 and 59.2%, respectively, and better intake. The most effective chemical preservatives were organic mixtures with propionic acid (PRES No. 3) and low formic acid content (PRES No. 2). Their application increased the lactic acid level by 17.8 and 22.6%, adjusted the silage acidity (pH) at the scale of 3.8–3.9, and improved the feed energy value (NE) by 1.7–2.5%. Despite the proven efficiency of preservatives, compliance with the ensiling technology remains a strict requirement for the guaranteed fodder conservation and quality.

Currently, the Lucerne tree is becoming well-established and adapted in many parts of the world. It can be grow in and around apple trees, near Rahminus prinoides, and within the vegetables. According to African Rising Stations project on Tree Lucerne, line planting, cutting, periodic pruning, and reduce the height by 1.5 m is that the simplest caring mechanism. It has also been shown that this care can result in a 20% increase in DM production on grazing alone. It store about 6 tonnes CO2 equivalent per hectare per year and highest N-fixer among legume, it fixes about 590 kg of N2 per year per hectare. It is mainly used for animal husbandry, treat degraded ecosystems and to have good nutrients. Beyond the nutrients, it is an alternative food guarantee as it can withstand drought and stay green during the summer, especially when there is a shortage of food. Lucerne tree is used as a raw material for pulp and paper work as a group of eucalyptus, holocellulose, lingin, xylan and acetyl groups. However, in addition to fodder, there are significant limitations on energy, paper, tissue and chemical use. The leftovers should be converted into useful products. Therefore, these plants should be used for good quality of wood trim for grain and paperwork.

Amaranthus crop locally known as ‘Rajigara’, is very popular all over India, and considered as future gold. Seven selected cultivars were screened for morphological, biochemical and genetical variation in Junagadh Agricultural University, showed significant results. Shape of all selected varieties was lens shaped except Durga who bearded spherical shape. In biochemical analysis, total moisture content ranged from 3.6 to 5.2%, total ash content ranged from 1.5 to 3.5%, crude fibre per cent was from 8 to 10%. Protein, Carbohydrates and oil content varied with ranges of 10.6–13.2%, 63.6–72.3% and 4–8%, respectively. Energy value showed range of 346.8–385.7 kcal/mol which indicates that this is highly useful crop for food and fodder purpose. Genetic diversity through ISSR markers revealed total 313 scorable bands through 14 anchored markers. Among obtained 84 amplicons, 80 were polymorphic and rest 4 were monomorphic. Cluster analysis showed genetic similarity between selected seven varieties of Amaranthus. Current work can be of high use in selection of region specific genotypes and cultivars of Amaranthus in breeding programmes.

Prediction of crop coefficients is important to establish optimized irrigation water scheduling and management practices. In the present study, regression modeling was utilized to predict the field crop coefficients of crops grown in the humid sub-tropical agro-climate of Hamirpur (Himachal Pradesh, India). Field experiments were conducted on seven crops categorized as Cereals (Wheat and Maize), Oilseed (Indian mustard), Vegetable (Potato), Fodder crop (Sorghum), Green manure crop (Guar), and Legumes (Pea). The crop coefficients were determined using a modification and field-based approach. In the modification approach, FAO-recommended standard crop coefficients were modified using the crop coefficient modification procedure given in FAO-56. In the field-based approach, crop coefficients were obtained as the ratio of field crop evapotranspiration to the reference evapotranspiration. FAO modified crop coefficients presented satisfactory performance with the field crop coefficients (squared error = 0.0009–0.0225; R2 = 0.80–0.89; bias error = − 0.09–0.15). New crop coefficients were developed by performing regression modeling between the FAO modified and field-based crop coefficients. Furthermore, new crop evapotranspiration values were obtained using new crop coefficients, which presented a strong and reliable agreement with the field crop evapotranspiration values, i.e., they exhibited small bias error = 10–24 mm, and high R2 = 0.90–0.93. The developed regression equations can be employed as useful tools for predicting field crop coefficients from the FAO-56 modified crop coefficients, subsequently resulting in the precise estimation of the crop evapotranspiration.

Sugar beet is an important crop in the advent of COVID 19 as it has a high potential for ethanol production in less growth span. The life cycle of this crop is of five to six months with a root yield of 60–80 t ha−1 and sugar content of 15–17%. Sugar beet is known as a temperate crop of short duration grown in the month of September to October and harvested in April and May, but successful efforts have been made in establishing this crop for Indian agro-climatic conditions. India stands to gain from capitalizing on the potential of sugar beet for sugar, ethanol, and fodder. It offers the increment in the farmer’s income especially hill farmers with respect to seed production of this crop in India The crop has been bestowed with a natural endowment of reclaiming saline soils which will help in cultivating the Indian saline areas. The crop is full of carbohydrates content which is being used for multiple purposes giving value addition to the crop. The green top and, wet and dry pulp are a good source of fodder material for lactating animals like cattle. Beet pulp is another good source as silage feed and as an adhesive in beauty products as well as in printing ink. An amount of 5250 L of ethanol per hectare crop can be produced. Due to 30% galacturonic acid content, the dry beet pulp can also be used as a source of Vitamin C. Lactic acid is also being produced from the juice of sugar beet through fermentation. The pectin content of this crop is useful in paper and board manufacturing industries as a raw material and also in dishwashing detergents and leather production. The fiber content works as dietary fibers which are used in meat and baking industries as important ingredients in food commodities. The vinasse produced as an industrial by-product is useful as a fertilizer. Sugar beet tails and other parts have also been used in biogas production in some countries. Intercropping of this crop with other crops is an added benefit of this crop. New prospects are also available for this crop in pharmaceutical industries and material sciences in times to come.

Developing the knowledge base concerning the agroforestry’s contribution to fodder production that integrate livelihood security, relieve forest pressure and safeguard ecosystem services is pre-requisite for sustainable development. The study investigated the extraction and consumption pattern of fodder and extent of livestock dependency on natural forests to evolve silvipastoral agroforestry strategy for revitalizing fodder security in forest-fringe landscape of Ganderbal district, Kashmir. A total of 222 households were selected from 5 sample villages adopting multi-stage random sampling technique for field survey. Both secondary and primary sources were used for data collection. Household data were gathered administrating well-structured interview schedule and non-participant observations. Simple descriptive statistics were employed to analyse the data. Results revealed that total fodder extraction from various sources was 27,066.21 tons/year @12.19 tons/household/year and the forests were exposed to fodder pressure of 11,995.92 tons/year (44.31%) posing ample degradation. Focusing on the socioeconomic and ecological aspects, silvipastoral agroforestry strategy is designed, the implementation of which on cultivable wastelands would secure 11,847.73 tons/year of green fodder, tree fodder of 3846.67 tons/year, fuel wood of 307.73 tons/year, small timber of 320.43 m3/year, grass seed of 8.46 tons/year besides income of $ 66.13/household/year and employment of 9.98 man-days/household/year. Economic viability of the silvipastoral agroforestry strategy confirmed NPV of $ 734,192.67, BCR of 3.57 and IRR of 155.73% @12% annual discount rate on 12-year rotation. The strategy proposed needs to be implemented to mitigate the present unsustainable fodder extraction, safeguard the future fodder crisis, eliminate the fodder pressure on forests besides socioeconomic improvement.

The value enhancement of Guadeloupe's private forests (48% of the total) is a major challenge for the territory in terms of agroecological transition combined with diverse ecosystem services (ES). In many Latin American regions, agroforestry systems (AFS) include a significant proportion of livestock, but very few are described in Guadeloupe. In this study, AFS including livestock activities were classified through semi-open interviews (n = 50) based on two dimensions: the agricultural region and the farmer’s main production strategy. Results showed that, on average, AFS are family farming systems (more than 30%) and the percentage of farmers with multiple activities is high (77%). Mixed tree-crop-livestock systems are very frequent, with 1/3rd of the sub-units devoted to animal husbandry. Farmers preferably raise small ruminants, backyard animals, and large herbivores (20 to 25% of answers each), and to a lesser extent raise pigs and keep bees (12% each). Mixed animal units exist (50%) with between two and six species. More than 80% of farmers use their farm resources (pastures, natural fodder trees or crop by-products) to feed their animals. Even though self-consumption remains widespread (50% of responses), 80% of the farmers want to give a more economic orientation to their activities. The other responses (16%) concerned socio-cultural functions. Several ES are described and are discussed here at different levels (farm, territory, society). In conclusion, in the forested area of Guadeloupe, there is a potential for the development of efficient livestock farming using an agroecological approach. Complete mixed systems (tree-crop-livestock) should be promoted for the provision of multiple ES.

Understanding the performance of agroforestry woody species in controlled and free grazing systems is crucial for scaling up agroforestry practices. The objective of this study was to identify and evaluate the determinants of agroforestry woody species composition and regeneration in free and controlled grazing systems in the Ethiopian highlands. Household and field surveys were conducted on 83 and 171 households selected from controlled grazing (CG) and free grazing (FG) systems, respectively. Woody species performance was compared between the two grazing systems using independent T-test. Seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) was used to identify the factors determining woody species density/abundance, diversity and regeneration. Most trees were grown for fuel wood and timber rather than for fodder. CG users owned more diversified species and abundant regenerates and mature trees/shrubs than FG users. The SUR results showed that herd size, farmland size, fencing, plantation of seedlings, education, wealth, grazing system, farmland distance from homestead and slope were the major factors affecting the composition and regeneration of species. Specifically the SUR results per-household indicated that woody species regeneration was highly affected by grazing system. Fencing is the common underlying factor positively affecting species diversity, regeneration and density of mature trees. Homestead distance from road and number of planted seedlings significantly affected density of regenerates and mature trees. Density of mature trees and species diversity were significantly affected by agroecology and slope. Woody species diversity was significantly affected by education, wealth, farmland size and project participation. Our findings revealed that the scaling up of woody species in agroforestry requires not only CG and favorable agroecology but also matching of agroforestry options with household and farmland characteristics.

The present study was carried out at two altitudinal zones in the Renuka forest Division in Himachal Pradesh (Western Himalaya, India) and explored provisioning services use patterns to understand mountain people’s dependency on the adjacent forest. A total of 29 villages were surveyed for the study of forest ecosystem services in relation to their socioeconomic status. Average fuelwood and fodder consumption were found to be 2.3 kg−1 capita−1 day−1 and 46.02 kg household−1 day−1 in the higher altitudinal zone and 1.70 kg capita−1 day−1 and 46.0 kg household−1 day−1, in the lower altitudinal zone which were greater consumption rates than earlier reported values from western Himalaya. Due to the remote area and poor socio-economic status of the locals, they are largely dependent on nearby forests for provisioning services. Planting of trees for fuelwood and fodder on less used, barren land, increased availability of alternative sources of fuelwood and establishment of fodder banks could be alternatives to bridge the gap between demand and supply. Also, the active participation of local people is imperative for the effective conservation of these forests.

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of supplementation of seaweed-based formulation (SWBF) on performance of lactating Murrah buffaloes. Eighteen lactating Murrah buffaloes were divided into 3 groups (T0, T1 and T2) based on their body weight, parity, days in milk and milk yield following randomized block design. Two SWBF were tested; SWBF-I was combination of two tropical red seaweed species namely Kappaphycus alvarezii) and Gracilaria salicornia, whereas SWBF-II was combination of the two red seaweeds and one brown seaweed species Turbinaria conoides. All the animals were fed to meet their requirements (ICAR 2013). Animals in control (T0) group were fed concentrate mixture, Hybrid Napier fodder and wheat straw without any supplemental seaweed. However, SWBF-I and SWBF-II were supplemented at 2.5% of the concentrate feed of groups T1 and T2, respectively. Intake and apparent digestibility of nutrients, plasma concentrations of selected metabolites, enzymes and hormones were similar among the groups. A tendency of decreased (P=0.060) plasma concentration of cortisol was observed in treatment groups. Total antioxidant capacity was improved (P=0.001) due to SWBF supplementation; the best response was observed in group T2, followed by T1. Concentration of lipid peroxides decreased (P

Stem rot, incited by Sclerotinia trifoliorum Eriksson is one of the most devastating soil borne fungal pathogens of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) inflicting significant fodder and seed yield losses. Eleven plant extracts, six organic inputs, one elicitor and five organic and inorganic salts were assayed for their effectiveness against S. trifoliorum under in vitro conditions. Extracts of Aegle marmelos and Cymbopogan citrates showed complete mycelial inhibition of S. trifoliorum at 5% concentration. Among organic inputs, panchgavya and fermented cow urine recorded 100% inhibition to mycelial growth of stem rot pathogen at 10% concentration. Elicitor (chitosan) and salts namely copper sulphate and potassium carbonate provided complete mycelial inhibition of test pathogen under in vitro conditions at 0.1, 2.0 and 5.0% concentrations, respectively. The plant extracts, organic inputs and salts that exhibited highest mycelial inhibition to S. trifoliorum under in vitro conditions were evaluated for their antifungal efficacy under greenhouse and field experiments during rabi 2017–18 and 2018–19. The extracts of chitosan (78.58; 77.15%), panchgavya (75.99; 67.14%), copper sulphate 71.38; 61.18%) and A. marmelos (71.75; 56.24%) have recorded highest percent disease control as compared to untreated control in greenhouse and field trials in rabi 2017–18 and 2018–19, respectively. Significant increase in green fodder yield of berseem from 9.87 to 33.38% was also recorded after treatment with plant extracts, organic inputs and some salts. The current study showed that plant extracts, organic inputs and salts have potential for the management of stem rot of berseem.

Inadequate nutrition limits small-scale livestock production by smallholder farmers in South Africa but can be addressed by the introduction of woody fodder species. Cutting woody plants to harvest fodder affects their productivity and thus it is necessary to determine the optimum cutting height. Cutting affects the productivity and survival of woody plants because it alters concentrations of non-structural carbohydrates, which are used to support their recovery. Since pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) is not widely grown in South Africa and is not managed as a pruned hedgerow, there was a need to investigate the effect of cutting height under local conditions, especially in areas that experience frost. The trial was established in November 2016, ran over two growing seasons (2016/2017 and 2017/2018) and concluded in August 2018. The treatments comprised three silvopastoral systems with Panicum maximum planted between pigeon pea hedgerows that were cut at 60 cm and 90 cm above the ground, or left uncut and sole P. maximum. Over the two year period, the pigeon pea plants cut at 90 cm above ground produced significantly more leaf, twig and total biomass than the plants cut at 60 cm. Cutting height also had a significant effect on the percentage twig, with pigeon pea plants cut at 90 cm having significantly higher percentage twig than those cut at 60 cm (P 0.05). In July 2018 there were a number of days with temperatures below 0 °C. Prior to this no mortalities had been observed, but the frost events resulted in die-off. The mortality rates were determined in August 2018 when it was clear which of the shrubs had clearly died. The shrub mortality rates were higher for pruned relative to unpruned shrubs, but the effect was not significant (P > 0.05). It was concluded that the choice of cutting height is important for maximising browse production. Future research should consider the effect of pruning on non-structural carbohydrate concentration and total pool in the roots to better understand the reasons for reduced production and shrub mortalities.

Brazil has 180 Mha of pastures, 86 Mha occupied with Urochloa spp. (syn. Brachiaria), and 70% in some level of degradation. Inoculation with plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR) may represent an economic and environmental feasible strategy to improve pasture production. Two greenhouse and seven field trials were performed to verify the effects of seed inoculation at sowing or leaf-spray inoculation in established pastures of Urochloa with elite strains of Azospirillum brasilense and Pseudomonas fluorescens. All plants received nutrients including 40 kg ha−1 of N at sowing, and half of the treatments a supply of 40 kg ha−1 of N 30 days after emergence. A. brasilense increased shoot biomass by an average of 16.8% with both seed and leaf-spray inoculation, whereas P. fluorescens increased by 15.2 and 14.2%, respectively, always higher with the extra supply of N. Seed and leaf-spray inoculation with A. brasilense increased N content by an average of 11.7 and 20.7%, and K by 9.9 and 11.3%, respectively; for P. fluorescens average increases were of 33.3 and 36.6% for P, and of 10.6 and 13.6% for K, respectively. Benefits were mainly attributed to improvements in root architecture by the synthesis of phytohormones. Biological nitrogen fixation in A. brasilense, P acquisition (solubilization of phosphates and siderophores synthesis) and ACC-deaminase in P. fluorescens also contributed to plant growth and nutrient status. Inoculation with elite PGPR strains translated into more fodder and improved nutritional value of feed for livestock, representing a promising and environmentally-friendly strategy for tropical pastures.

A few million cubic tons of waste are generated annually as a result of coffee processing. As a beverage, coffee in itself is a rich source of melanoidins, phenolic compounds, and other phytonutrients which confer a wide range of health benefits. These wastes generated every year are usually discarded as landfill mass, mixed with animal fodder, or incinerated. Coffee wastes, due to their high content of tannins and caffeine, can degrade the soil quality and induce carcinogenicity when mixed with animal fodder. This review aims to identify the potential of coffee silver skin and spent coffee grounds, both generated as a result of the roasting process and instantization processes. Coffee husk and coffee flour are also well-known for their excellent bioactive roles. The proximate composition of coffee silverskin indicates a rich dietary fibre source and finds wide applications in bakery and other allied food products. This process could generate a value-added product and alleviate the disposing quality of remnant spent coffee grounds. Companies are exploring novel ideas of producing coffee flour obtained from drying and milling of coffee cherries for applications in day-to-day food products. Coffee and coffee waste combined with its high concentration of fibre, colorant pigments, and antioxidant compounds, has immense potential as a functional ingredient in food systems and needs to be explored further for its better utilization.

Zinc mining and smelting activities result in cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) contamination in rice grains, causing deleterious impacts on human health and local economies. Here, we investigated the effects of soil amendments, including mixtures of dicalcium phosphate with cattle manure (T1) and leonardite (T2), on soil physicochemical properties as well as growth performance and accumulation of Cd and Zn among three commercial Thai rice varieties: Khao Dok Mali 105 (KDML105), Phitsanulok2 (PSL2) and RD3, grown in a Cd–Zn co-contaminated paddy field. Human health risk was assessed using the health risk index (HRI) and Daily Intake of Metal (DIM). Application of the amendments, particularly T1, decreased Cd and Zn bioavailability by 60% and 39%, respectively, increased biomass production in PSL2 and RD3 varieties, and substantially reduced Cd uptake in the KDML105 variety by 47%. While levels of Zn in whole plant tissues of all treatments did not exceed maximum levels of undesirable substances in fodder, Cd contents in grain of PSL2 and RD3 exceeded the maximum allowable concentration of 0.2 mg kg−1. The HRI values for Cd of PSL2 and RD3 varieties were relatively high and are considered to pose a potential risk to human health. KDML105 in the T1 treatment had the lowest HRI value (0.05 ± 0.03), which was within acceptable limits. Our results suggest that Cd and Zn accumulation in rice and associated human health risks could be reduced by application of amendments to paddy soils, but the effectiveness depends on amendment types, rice varieties and soil physicochemical properties.

Rice–wheat cropping system plays a vital role in ensuring food security of India. However, the long-term sustainability of the system is often questioned due to several problems associated with it. Diversification of the rice–wheat cropping system with suitable crops could be a possible solution. Thus, a field experiment consisting of ten rice-based cropping sequences was conducted in a randomized block design with three replications at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India, for two consecutive years to study the effects of crop diversification on rice performance. The effect of crop diversification on rice was found to be significant only during the second year of experimentation. Results showed that rice–berseem–cowpea fodder followed by rice–potato–green gram sequence recorded highest growth, yield, nutrients uptake, protein yield, carbohydrates yield, economics and energetics of rice. Rice–berseem–cowpea fodder sequence recorded significantly higher number of panicle m−2 (16%), grain yield (13.9%), straw yield (13.6%), total N, P, K uptake (17.2, 21.7, 17%, respectively), protein yield (14.6%) and carbohydrate equivalent yield (13.9%) over rice–wheat cropping sequence. In addition to above, rice–berseem–cowpea fodder sequence also proved significantly superior to rice–wheat cropping sequence and recorded higher gross returns (13.9%), net returns (46.6%), net energy (15.9%), energy productivity (13.8%) and energy intensity (13.9%). Rice–berseem–cowpea fodder and rice–potato–green gram were found the most suitable cropping sequence to diversify rice–wheat cropping system in the Indo-Gangetic plain for better performance of rice.

Napier hybrid is high yielding and perennial fodder crop admired by most of the dairy farmers. Sheath rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii has been noticed on napier hybrid during past few years in Punjab state, India. Hence, to find out best management options and optimum nitrogen rate, experiments were conducted in 2018 and 2019 to determine the effect of different nitrogen levels (0, 50, 75 and 100 kg N ha−1), plant extracts and organic inputs on sheath rot development. In vitro studies showed that extracts of Aegle marmelos (92%), Nicotiana tabacum (89%), Murraya koenigii (86%) and organic inputs like panchgavya (100%), vermiwash (97%) and compost tea (96%) provided highest mycelial growth inhibition. In field trials, panchgavya provided least area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) values (689 and 492) and more than 80% reduction in sheath rot severity followed by A. marmelos and vermiwash with significant enhancement in green fodder yield by 42 and 46% in 2018 and 2019, respectively. The application of nitrogen rate 75 kg N ha−1 decreased the disease severity by 37% with 47% enhancement of green fodder yield in napier hybrid.

Soybean imports are huge for Luxembourg, where 100% of soybeans are imported and soybean feed consumption is not known. This study aims to calculate the Luxembourgish soybean feed consumption for 2018 for its predominant livestock (cattle, poultry, pigs) in conventional and organic agriculture, respectively, to assess the reduction potential of soybeans in feed rations and discuss opportunities to increase soybean autarky. In 2018, the calculated national consumption of soybean extraction meal was 27,453 t. Feeding rations of ruminants accounted for 69%, and organic agriculture accounted for 1.3% of total soybean consumption. The highest soybean consumption was calculated for dairy cows with 15,026 t (pigs: 7261 t; poultry: 1197 t). By reducing the amount of soybean meal in feed rations, soybean feed consumption could be reduced to 15,886 t. Opportunities to increase soybean autarky are a national cultivation of soybeans, too. Hence, a possible soybean autarky of 29% was calculated. Luxembourg is a favorable grassland site with a high potential of using grassland to provide a protein source for dairy cows. Thus, nationally produced soybeans should be fed to monogastric animals and so a potential soybean autarky of 55% for monogastric animals could be reached (79% for organic monogastric animals). Regarding high self-sufficiency with farm-grown fodder, the reduced consumption of soybeans in feed rations, and the lower livestock density in organic compared to conventional agriculture, organic agriculture could act as a role model to reach a higher soybean autarky in Luxembourg as a basis for a national protein strategy.

In the semi-arid tropics, pearlmillet–mustard (PM–M) is one of the major cropping systems of India. The monocropping of PM–M system has been showing signs of diminutive and decline soil quality, system productivity and profitability from more than two decades. In order to improve the PM-M system productivity and make it profitable through relaying a leguminous fodder crop berseem or Egyptian clover in various tillage and crop seeding (TCS) methods. Relaying berseem (RB) residues provided surface cover in zero-tillage (ZT) system and the needed organic carbon sponge for microbial actions for improvements in soil properties. The shifting of TCS from traditional tilled (TT) to ZT system and RB in standing mustard crop significantly improved soil organic carbon stock, infiltration rate, soil water storage, availability of macro- and micronutrients, biological properties, land use and production efficiency. Improvements in soil properties resulted significantly greater productivity of crops, system and net profit. The TCS with ZT increased the PM–M system productivity by 11% in without RB, while 12% in RB compared with TT system. Results of ZT seeding method saved production cost of PM–M ₹ 8498/ha and had increased net profit ₹ 20,988/ha, whereas those of PM–M in RB saved production cost of ₹ 13,263/ha and increased net profit ₹ 35,538/ha compared with TT, respectively. Among the treatments of TCS, ZT seeding in PM–M cropping system with RB in mustard had greater soil quality parameters, pearl millet equivalent system productivity and net benefits; thus, it is considered the best practice to maintain soil quality, food security and profitability.

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) from natural forests in sub-Saharan Africa provide significant benefits to rural communities. In this study conducted on the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, we assumed that the extraction of NTFPs by local communities is related to sex, income, age, household size, and distance from the forest. We interviewed 313 household heads from six villages. We employed a logistic regression with a logit link to test the significance among the variables. Younger females of larger households with lower income and less cultivated land cut fodder and collected firewood more frequently than other villagers. Firewood collection frequency decreased with increasing distance from village to forest whereas fodder collection frequency increased. Men collected medicinal plants more frequently than younger women and if the distance from the village was greater. For firewood and fodder extraction, inter-village variation was greater than intra-village variation, suggesting that differences in access to infrastructure and alternative fodder sites also strongly determined NTFP extraction. Our results contribute to a better targeted participatory forest management.

Red Sorghum landraces are predominantly cultivated in southern districts of Tamil Nadu, India and are noted for its anthocyanin (3-deoxyanthocyanin) content, high antioxidant activity, low glycemic index, dietary fiber, astringency, fodder value, high protein, biotic and abiotic stress resistance. In this study, the seeds of 72 sorghum landraces collected from Tamil Nadu were analyzed to measure morpho-colourimetric data using an image analyser. Artificial Intelligence is widely used in genetic research for its uncompromised accuracy and speed. The observed phenotypic data is used to create a statistical database and analysed by linear discriminate analysis (LDA) to identify and discriminate landraces for utilization in breeding projects. The classification is based on sorghum descriptors established by Indian Institute of Millet Research, Hyderabad. The LDA for the trait seed size had discriminated the landraces into three groups with an accuracy of 91.83%. Five groups were observed based on grain color Red Green–Blue colour space Model and CIELAB (Commission International de I’Elcairage Lightness Red/Green values Blue/Yellow values) colour space with accuracy 53.06%. The result showed that discrimination of landraces was possible with great accuracy by image analyser. The image analysis of seeds is found to be more effective, easy, non-destructive and fast method to classify landraces. This new phenomic approach is proved to be an important tool in the early selection of genotypes and facilitates speed breeding in colored sorghum.

In India, post-rainy season sorghum, a cereal crop is very crucial for food and fodder security in the drought prone areas. The aim of this study was to provide an improved or better index to identify drought-tolerant genotypes. Stress susceptible index (SSI) is currently the most commonly used index by plant breeders globally to select drought-tolerant genotypes. However, SSI has certain limitations which can be addressed by new index, i.e., weighted geometric mean index (WGMI). In the present study, 42 and 25 genotypes were evaluated under three environments during the post-rainy seasons of 2015–2016 and 2016–2017, respectively, using split plot design. Genotypes were categorized as tolerant, moderately tolerant and susceptible using model WGMI. Significant and negative correlations were observed between WGMI and SSI for grain and stover yield in most of the cases. The best index to identify drought-tolerant genotypes must be highly significantly correlated with traits under stress and non-stress environments. In this context, our proposed index demonstrated higher correlation with grain and stover yield in comparison with SSI and higher coefficient of determination to identify drought-tolerant genotypes. WGMI was found to be more appropriate and reliable indicator, as it gives information regarding higher yield along with drought tolerance. In addition, it was shown to provide information on wide adaptability of genotypes under several environments. The correlation studies suggested that the traits associated with drought tolerance were early flowering, longer peduncle length and higher panicle emergence (percent).

Feed and fodder comprises about 65% of the cost of milk production of a dairy industry. It is a crucial input for enhancing the milk production. To address the issue of fodder availability at first, its assessment is required. Thus, we have implemented remote sensing technique for fodder crop assessment at state level to create a baseline for fodder crop availability for dairy managers to plan for its procurement during deficit and for better management purposes during its excess. We have devised a technique for remote sensing-based fodder crop assessment based on spectral pattern of growth, i.e. normalised difference vegetation index profile and land surface wetness index profile of series of IRS LISS-III satellite data taken during the crop growth cycle for a hybrid method of crop classification. Second objective to address the issue of mitigating the deficit of fodder crops, we have demonstrated the satellite derived intersection of probable high soil wetness area and available current fallows during a crop growing season which can be utilised for growing fodder crops. For macro-level planning in a state for developing new fodder-growing areas, we have demonstrated the availability of soil wetness factor from SMAP data. Fallow land available between two cropping seasons can be identified through remote sensing for growing short duration fast growing fodder crops. This project has been a demonstration project for AMUL in Gujarat to implement it subsequently at national level.

Gray leaf spot (caused by Cercospora sorghi Ellis & Everh.) is one of the most destructive foliar disease in fodder sorghum. Prediction model for gray leaf spot disease in fodder sorghum was developed based on 10-year (2010–2019) disease and weather data. It can occur during week-29 (third week of July) to week-43 (last week of October) in a year. Gray leaf spot had very strong, significantly negative correlation (r) with weekly average temperature (r = − 0.77), while moderate correlation was found with weekly average relative humidity (r = − 0.41), rainy days (r = − 0.44), sunshine hours (r = 0.35) and wind speed (r = − 0.36). Rainfall (r = − 0.29) and evaporation (r = − 0.23) had low correlation with gray leaf spot severity. Prediction model was developed using multiple regression coupled with goodness of fit statistics using R2 and Akaike information criteria (AIC). The prediction model included weekly average temperature, relative humidity and rainy days as predictor variables with R2 and AIC value of 0.70 and 819.03 respectively. The model was validated using leave one out cross validation (LOOCV) strategy and difference between observed residual root mean square error (RMSE) and as predicted using LOOCV was taken as indicator of model accuracy. Residual RMSE was 12.05 while that predicted through LOOCV was 12.46, indicating that model will perform fairly well on an independent data set. This prediction model can be used for efficient prediction to manage gray leaf spot disease of fodder sorghum.

Shoot fly [Atherigona soccata (Rondani)] is a destructive pest of sorghum at the seedling stage and causes huge losses to grain yield and green fodder. The host-plant resistance mechanism is the best approach to reduce the attack of insects in plants. The damage parameters, morphophysiological traits, and biochemical metabolites had been investigated in the leaves and stem of contrasting sorghum genotypes, viz., resistant (IS18551, ICSV705, ICSV700), moderately resistant (PSC-4), and susceptible (SWARNA and SL-44) at 15 and 21 days after emergence (DAE) against shoot fly infestation. The resistant genotypes recorded lowest shoot fly oviposition and incidence (0.3–0.7 eggs plant−1 and 10–15%) than the susceptible genotypes (2.4–3.0 eggs plant−1 and 70–80%), respectively. The susceptible genotype SWARNA recorded 50% and 80% higher deadheart formation than the resistant genotype IS18551 at 15 and 21 DAE, respectively. Resistant genotypes exhibited higher trichome density at adaxial and abaxial part of leaf (118–145 and 106–131) with pink colored leaf sheath (scale 1.50–3.25), glossy leaves (scale1.00–1.25), and lower leaf surface wetness (scale1.25–2.00) compared with susceptible genotype with 49.3–73.3 and 25.3–64.0, scale 2.50–4.00, scale 2.75–3.50, and scale 3.25–4.25 for the respective parameters. Another defense response of sorghum toward the insect attack was modulation of plant metabolism. The infested genotypes responded to insect attack by upregulation of total soluble sugar, total phenol, prussic acid, and chlorophyll content by 1.2–2.1-fold, 1.5–2.0-fold, 1.2–1.3-fold, and 1.2–3.9-fold with more induction in susceptible genotypes at 21 DAE. On the whole, the present study indicates that morphophysiological and biochemical attributes contribute toward the resistance mechanism in sorghum against shoot fly infestation.

Glossonema varians is a medicinally important, rare, endemic and edible plant species of Thar Desert. Glossonema varians is a perennial herb and well adapted to the arid and semi arid region of the Indian Desert. The plant is used as famine food at the time of food scarcity and local people also used it as fodder. The plant is under rare category due to its large scale harvesting from wild as it is used extensively by the industries and the local population as energy tonic and other medicinal uses. Due to habitat destruction and increased anthropogenic activities, the natural propagation of plant is limited and now found only in the some pockets of Jaisalmer District, Rajasthan. Biotechnological tools can play important role in conservation, propagation and improvement of plant genetic resources of this rare plant species. Present manuscript has summarized the information regarding the occurrence, botanical description, medicinal uses, conservation strategies and scope of research in G. varians.

Alfalfa is the major fodder crop of Sultanate Oman, but salinity is a major problem in its cultivation. Therefore, thirty-four alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) landraces of Oman were evaluated for morphology and forage yield response to different salinity levels viz. 1 (control), 3, 6, 9, and 12 dS m(−1) under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted under a completely randomized design. Different alfalfa landraces responded differently to the five salinity levels for plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, leaflet width, leaflet length, forage fresh weight, and forage dry matter yield. Salt stress caused a reduction in growth and dry matter yield of alfalfa landraces with exception of some, which responded positively to the salinity levels of 3 and 6 dS m(−1) compared to control for the number of leaves per plant. Moreover, some landraces had better forage fresh weight and dry matter yield at 6 dS m(−1) than 3 dS m(−1). Alfalfa landraces OMA 257, OMA, 245, OMA 270, OMA 315, OMA 211, OMA 117, OMA 56, OMA 239, OMA 148, OMA 131, OMA 95, OMA 263, OMA 262, OMA 289 and OMA 220 were designated as salt tolerant based on their overall performance across salinity levels of 6, 9 and 12 dS m(−1). However, the landraces OMA 305, OMA 100, OMA 211, OMA 148, OMA 60, OMA 248, OMA 9, OMA 88, and OMA 302 collected were sensitive to 6, 9 and 12 dS m(−1) salinity stress. The study showed the variation of alfalfa landraces potential for salinity tolerance, and their potential for cultivation in saline areas and/or use in breeding programs aimed to develop salt tolerant alfalfa genotypes. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s12298-020-00856-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Silicon (Si) is known to help plants mitigate environmental stresses and nutrient deficits. In some regions, the limited plant-available Si in soils can have detrimental effects on yields. Crop residue recycling is used to maintain the amount of plant-available Si in soils. However, the effect of crop residue management practices on Si availability to plants remains largely understudied. Here, we study the effects of three different rice residue management practices on Si-depleted rice fields in northern Vietnam. These management practices were (1) the direct incorporation of rice residues into soils, (2) burning in the field, and (3) use as fodder for animals, followed by composting of the obtained manure, and subsequent application to the field. We analyzed different Si reservoirs in soils and the content of plant-Si under these different practices. Our results show correlations between plant Si content and the different soil Si reservoirs, in particular with Si trapped in soil organic material (SiOrg; R2 = 0.68, n = 18, p –4). However, we found no significant difference between the three residue management practices with respect to plant-available Si in soils and to the content of plant-Si. Moreover, our data suggest that strongly Si-depleted rice-cultivation systems proportionally lose Si through grain harvesting twice as fast as less Si-depleted systems because of the enhanced relative Si accumulation in grain. This loss cannot be mitigated by the recycling of rice residues, which suggests that the recycling of rice residues has only a limited effect in extremely Si-depleted rice-cultivation systems.

The white mulberry (Morus alba L.) is particularly valued in Asia and Europe because its leaves serve as fodder for the mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) in the production of raw silk (sericulture). However, the health of silkworm caterpillars producing silk fibres, and the quality of their cocoons depend strongly on fodder quality. Moreover, this plant is also valuable in the food and pharmaceutical industries, where high-quality herbal material is required. In one of the Polish mulberry plantations, trees with chlorotic, angular leaf spots and blotches were observed. The disease multiplied in spring in humid conditions and spread to developing blossoms and leaves. Leaves were collected during two growing seasons (2017–2018) from 18-year-old trees cultivated at the Experimental Farm of the Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants in Petkowo, Poland (52°12′40″N 17°15′31″E). Leaf lesions exhibited bacterial streaming, and bacterial colonies were readily isolated on tryptic soy agar. Biochemical (Biolog Gen III system v. 2.8.0), molecular (16S rDNA and gyrB genes), and pathogenicity testing in the greenhouse identified the causal agent as Pseudomonas syringae. This bacterial species was the most abundant in each of the sample tested. To our knowledge this is the first description and characterization of P. syringae affecting mulberry trees not only in Poland but throughout Europe. Our aim was to point out the importance of plant diseases caused by bacteria. This finding serves as a warning for the phytosanitary services in Europe and for the sericulture industry that a new disease threat has appeared for European mulberry crops.

Morphological characterization is the first step in studying the genetic diversity of cultivated plants. The present study examined agro-morphological performance of the pearl millet local accessions collected across the Niger country, aimed to: (a) characterize, (b) discriminate morphologically the pearl millet accessions groups and (c) identify the pearl millet genotypes with promising grain and fodder potential. Fifty-six pearl millet accessions collected in the eight Niger regions (Agadez, Diffa, Dosso, Niamey, Tahoua, Tillabery and Zinder) were evaluated in an Alpha lattice design with 3 replicates in Djirataoua and Kollo localities. Twenty-five specific agro-morphological descriptors were used for this purpose. The data set was submitted to descriptive analyses and indicated wide significant accessions diversity. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed 5 phenotypic groups, and principal component analysis showed 3 components representing 60.45% of total variability. Canonical discriminant analysis indicated 20 major traits of the discriminated phenotypic groups. Group G1 holds early accessions, with average performances in grain production and low performances in biomass production. Group G2 holds early accessions, with good performances for grain production and fodder biomass. Group G3 holds early–late accessions with good grain performances and low fodder performances. G4 holds both early and late accessions with good fodder performance and good grain performance. Finally, G5 includes both late accessions with better fodder performances and bad grain performances. These groups can be used as parents in the creation of improved varieties for better grain and fodder production performance. Otherwise, Djirataoua would be ideal for the tested accessions to express their agro-morphological potentials.

Narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) is used as grain legumes, fodder for livestock and green manure in the world and has a great potential to be developed as a new crop in China. In this study, we assessed the genetic diversity among a set of 109 newly introduced accessions of narrow-leafed lupin using 76 genomic SSR markers. Data analysis suggested that the average gene diversity index and average polymorphism information content (PIC) were 0.4758 and 0.4328, respectively. The mean allele number per loci (Na) was 6.3816. The population structure analysis identified two subgroups based on delta K (ΔK) values. This result is in accordance with that of a PCA. The AMOVA analysis showed that most of molecular variance were within population. These results will be useful to guide the genetic improvement of the narrow-leafed lupin crop in China.

Leaves of Mulberry (Morus alba Lam.), Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala Lam de wit.) and Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) were evaluated as dry season protein supplements for grazing animals based on chemical composition, in vitro and in sacco nutrient digestibility and a Rabbit feeding trial. All tree fodder forages had similar dry matter (DM) content, but crude protein was higher in Moringa (28.6%) followed by Leucaena (24.5%), Mulberry (24.1%) and Lucerne (18.0%). Ash content was highest in Mulberry followed by Moringa and Lucerne with Leucaena having lowest amounts. Polyphenols ranged from 2.72 to 3.64%, with Leucaena having highest and Mulberry lowest amounts. Dietary fibre were highest in Mulberry and Moringa, but there were no significant differences (P

To overcome malnutrition and hunger, people need to be fed well, for which they need required quantities of animal source foods (ASFs) like milk, meat, fish and eggs. This is often difficult, due to feed and fodder scarcity especially in developing countries like India. The scarcity is more acute in landless animal and poultry production. Studies indicate potential of using fruit and vegetable wastes (FVWs) as feed, citing its nutritional value. On the other hand, FVWs are a burden and threat to environment. Unexplored areas of FVW research need to be studied for neutralizing threat by processing and recycling FVWs into animal and poultry feed. This paper gives an overview of the potential of FVWs as animal and poultry feed. Also, it describes the way forward and strategies to confront the constraints and challenges, highlights social marketing on waste disposal with special reference to FVWs and emphasizes collaborative involvement of stakeholders involved in fruit and vegetable value chain. As animals and poultry do directly and indirectly contribute to many of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), farmers and stakeholders of fruit and vegetable value chain need to be intervened with strategic extension and research initiatives to propagate and utilize the potential of FVWs as animal and poultry feed.

Ruminant livestock production processes are the major sources of methane production in agriculture sector triggering global environmental pollution. Above 90% of world buffalo population present in Asian countries, India ranks first and contributes significantly to the environmental pollution by enteric methane emissions. In this study, we examined the effect of dietary composite feed additive supplementation on ruminal methane production, nutrient utilization, milk production and immune status of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Eighteen lactating Murrah (Bubalus bubalis) buffaloes at early stage of lactation were divided into two groups of nine animals and fed a composite feed additive [consisted of (%, w/w) dried and ground leaves of Cordia dichotoma and Holoptelea integrifolia, 31.4 each; garlic oil, 0.6; sodium nitrate, 3.1; magnesium sulphate, 8.4; mustard oil, 12.6 and cottonseed oil, 12.5] which contained an ideal combinations of methane inhibitors, alternate hydrogen sinks and rumen stimulating agents to treatment (CFA) group animals along with basal feed of chaffed green sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) fodder, chaffed wheat straw and concentrate mixture for maintenance and milk production. The results showed a decrease (44.6%) in methane concentration in exhaled air of CFA group buffaloes with increase (p

Out of various species of Ziziphus, there are three, namely Z. mauritiana Lam., Z. rotundifolia Lam. and Z. nummularia (Burm. f.) wt., that are most abundantly occurring species in drier part of India. Z. mauritiana has socio-economic importance in the rural life of the local people being part of each and every farming system supplying food, fuel, fodder, fencing and nutritious fresh as well as value added products. Z. nummularia is an excellent top feed species producing nutritious leaves locally called ‘Pala’ serve as good source of fodder for desert livestock such as sheep, goat, camel and cattle. Z. rotundifolia have much value as timber however its importance lies as rootstock for vegetative propagation and played an important role in commercialization of cultivated Z. mauritiana. These species have tremendous potential for improvement and utilization as commercial crop of arid regions. The paper is an attempt to synthesize available information on Ziziphus species, their distribution, botanical description, nutritional and medicinal value, and experimental findings on genotypic diversity, adaptability under progressive drought situation, mass multiplication method, pruning, system based production and rejuvenation of unproductive trees. These information and research findings on improvement, production and utilization of jujube would create a strong commercial opportunities in arid and semi arid regions.

The scientific community has shown concern about the suitable application of different methods (model-free/model-fitting) for the determination of kinetic parameters. The application of an unsuitable method may lead to unreliable kinetic parameters. In this study, the performance of five methods for the determination of the kinetic parameters of fodder radish seed cake (FRSC) pyrolysis was evaluated. This is the first detailed study of the pyrolysis kinetics of FRSC. The characterization was performed through thermogravimetric analysis at different heating rates (5, 10, and 25 K/min) and temperatures ranged from 298 to 1073 K. Four model-free isoconversional methods (Friedman, Kissinger, Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa) were used to determine the activation energy. A model-fitting (five pseudo-components model—FPCM) method was used to obtain the kinetic parameters of fodder radish seed cake pyrolysis. A detailed evaluation of the performance of these methods to estimate the kinetic parameters of fodder radish seed cake pyrolysis was performed. The Criado method was applied to verify reaction mechanisms that governed the pyrolysis process. The activation energies (Ea) ranged from 127.70 to 991.53 kJ/mol from the four model-free methods, which presented themselves as unreliable. The FPCM presented a better performance, with higher R2 values. At low conversions, pyrolysis was controlled by diffusion mechanisms, while at higher conversions, a third-order reaction became the governing pyrolysis mechanism.

Nitrogen (N) losses from agricultural land is a major environmental concern, as N leaching can cause eutrophication and nitrous oxide (N2O) is a greenhouse gas. A lysimeter experiment was undertaken to investigate the effects of cattle diet and winter plant growth on N losses from cattle urine patches. The experiment was conducted using intact soil monolith lysimeters, beneath two different pasture or cropping systems: (i) perennial ryegrass/white clover pasture, and (ii) bare fallow after simulated grazing of fodder beet (beet fallow). Two different cow urine treatments (700 kg N ha−1) were applied to each of the crop treatments in June 2017, using freshly collected urine from herds on a diet of either pasture or fodder beet (beet) (supplemented with lucerne silage). Winter plant growth was found to have a large effect on N leaching losses. There were high N leaching losses beneath the beet fallow (335–345 kg N ha−1) compared to the significantly lower leaching loss beneath the pasture (55–121 kg N ha−1). Urine treatment had a significant effect on N losses/transformations beneath the pasture. The pasture with beet urine treatment had 36% lower average ammonia oxidising bacteria (AOB) population abundance, 31% lower soil NO3−–N concentration and subsequently 64% lower NO3−–N leaching losses than the pasture with pasture urine treatment. The lower AOB population and lower average soil NO3−–N suggest a biological nitrification inhibitor effect was present in the beet urine. This study shows the potential of winter plant growth and manipulation of cattle diet in reducing farm N losses.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the composition and diversity of plant species browsed in a tropical dry forest, on the selection and voluntary intake (VI) by cattle during two seasons of the year. Plant species selection and VI of nine adult cattle (390 ± 13 kg of live weight) was evaluated for 7 weeks during the dry and rainy seasons on secondary vegetation (acahual). The composition, structure, diversity and importance value index were measured for fodder species browsed by cattle. The bite frequency (BF), preference index (PI) and VI of plants were also recorded. A total of 4882 plants belonging to 26 species and 17 families were registered, with a Shannon–Wiener diversity (H′) of 2.45. The species with the highest BF, PI and VI (P

Legumes are a critical component of many agricultural systems and a major contributor to global food systems. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most widely grown legume crop in Ethiopia. It is an important source of food, income, and soil fertility management in southwestern (SW) and northeastern (NE) Ethiopia, and used as medicine, fodder, and honeybee forage in the NE. Diversity and use of farmers’ varieties of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) bean were investigated in five administrative zones in SW and NE Ethiopia. Structured and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 288 general informants and 48 key informants in five agroecological zones inhabited by four cultural groups. Thirty-nine varieties were identified based on farmers’ naming practices. Varietal richness and diversity were found to be highest in the humid, tepid mid-highlands of Kefa (13) and Bench Maji and Sheka (12). However, farmers in both research areas typically plant only one or two varieties. Interestingly, the number of varieties per household was highest (2.3) in South Wollo Zone of the NE, where only six varieties were found. We find that varieties per household are limited by small landholdings in the SW and varietal richness in the NE. Given these limitations, policies and programs to conserve varietal diversity and increase productivity are more likely to be effective if organized at the community level in the SW and the household level in the NE. Agromorphological and genetic characterization of common bean varieties would facilitate the management and conservation of their diversity as a source of resilience.

Temperate grass and legume yield and quality are markedly reduced during hot, dry summer months in the southern USA; therefore, browse species could add feed options for small ruminants during this season. Our objective was to compare total biomass yield and forage nutritive value of two browse species, leguminous bristly locust (Robinia hispida) and smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), as well as a leguminous shrub known as sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneate), during summer months (June, July, August and September). Plants were sampled monthly during growing-seasons in 2012 and 2013 to determine biomass yield (foliar, shoot, and total above ground) and foliar nutritive value [crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and condensed tannins (CT)]. There was a species × harvest time interaction for foliar biomass yield (P = 0.0125). This interaction was likely due to low yield in June for bristly locust compared with sericea lespedeza and smooth sumac, but in all other months (July, August, and September) yields were similar for each species. Bristly locust had the highest CP (16.9%), followed by sericea lespedeza (14.8%), and smooth sumac (12.3%). Acid detergent fiber and ADL were similar between bristly locust (ADF 38.5%; ADL 24.1%) and sericea lespedeza (ADF 38.4%; ADL 23.1%), but was lower for smooth sumac (ADF 22.1%, ADL 6.3%; P Schedonorus arundinaceus) and bermudagrass (Cyanodon dactylon)] in this region and may provide high-yielding, low input, anti-parasitic fodder for small ruminants during this period in the Southeastern U.S.

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an economically important polyphagous pest native to the Americas. The pest has recently introduced to India and causing severe damage to maize and other crops. The occurrence of fall armyworm on fodder maize (Zea mays L), Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) (Jacq.), para grass (Brachiaria mutica) (Forssk.) and green amaranth (Amaranthus viridis L) is reported first time from Goa, India. The damage incidence of 16 to 52% was recorded on fodder maize. The other host plants viz., Guinea grass, para grass and green amaranth recorded damage incidences of 9.0, 4.0 and 13.0%, respectively. The pest was identified based on morphological characters and molecular techniques. Phylogenetic analysis of COI gene sequence revealed that fall armyworm on fodder maize from Goa is clustering with the fall armyworm isolates from India, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Canada and Brazil. Goa isolate is aligning with the “Rice” strain of fall armyworm and not with “Corn” strain. Studies on the biology of fall armyworm indicated that longer larval and pupal developmental period (18.6 and 10.7 days) was recorded on Guinea grass and green amaranth, respectively. The highest number of eggs was recorded from fall armyworm population reared on fodder maize as compared to those reared on other host plants. Longer life cycle was recorded on Guinea grass and green amaranth. Shortest larval and pupal period and faster life cycle of fall armyworm was recorded on fodder maize compared to other host plants indicating that fodder maize was the most preferred host for S. frugiperda in India.

Background Silages, as a nutritious and long-term preserved fodder, is achieved through fermentation. However, the constant low temperatures and freeze–thaw event are key factors that affect the quality of silages due to low levels of lactic acid production and undesirable microbial community revitalization. In this study, we attempt to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum QZW5 on the fermentation characteristics of wheat silage under ensiling conditions at the order of the following temperatures: constant low temperatures (5 °C for 30 days), multigelation (10 ℃ at day and – 10 ℃ at night for 30 days) and room temperature (aerobic/anaerobic, 10 days). Results Under multigelation condition, Lactobacillus plantarum QZW5 inoculation significantly increased the contents of lactic acid and acetic (P Lactobacillus plantarum QZW5 (P Lactobacillus plantarum QZW5 inoculated silage, the dominant genera were L. plantarum subsp. plantarum. However, those in the control silage were Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Leuconostoc fallax. LAB (lactic acid bacteria) inoculation increased the abundance of desirable Lactobacillus spp. and inhibited the growth of undesirable Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Filamentous fungi, among others in the silage. Conclusions Therefore, inoculation of L. plantarum QZW5 during ensiling could stimulate favorable fermentation and reconstruct bacterial community for better silage preservation. Graphic abstract

Guar, [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub] is an annual summer legume that is widely grown in arid and semi-arid regions. It is a diploid legume (2n = 2x = 14) with a genome size of approximately 560 Mb. Guar can fix atmospheric nitrogen via a symbiotic process with rhizobial bacteria, thus enhancing soil fertility and decreasing the need for the use of expensive nitrogen (N) fertilizers. Guar is a drought- and heat-tolerant crop and can be grown using minimal agricultural inputs. Guar can be used as vegetable, feed/fodder, or green manure. One of the primary driving factors for guar cultivation is galactomannan gum, known as guar gum, found in the seed endosperm. Guar gum has various industrial uses that range from cosmetic applications, food ingredients, to the oil industries. India is the lead guar production and accounts for more than 80% of the world production. The U.S. is the world largest guar market. This review discusses the status of genomic resources in guar, the progress made for germplasm evaluation of various agronomic traits, and the genetic engineering efforts in guar.

Finding sufficient natural fodder resources to feed livestock has become a challenge for herders in the Sahel zone of Burkina Faso. Despite the existence of pastoral reserves, the issue of fodder shortage remains unsolved. This article highlights the changes in behaviour and the evolution of pastoral practices caused by the scarcity of forage resources. These changes are defined and classified as resilience strategies. Thus, this paper aims to analyse these strategies using new semantics that calls for other forms of perceptions or approach to the questions of pastoralists’ resilience strategies. Interviews (semi-structured and casual conversations), ethnographic observations and ethnobotanical surveys were used to collect data. In rangelands, such high value fodder species as Andropogon gayanus, Pennisetum pedicellatum and Dactyloctenium aegyptium that were abundant herbaceous plants during the last decades are disappearing. Concomitantly, species with lower forage value, such as Senna obtusifolia, which are more resilient to ecological disturbance factors, are colonizing rangelands. Faced with these ecological changes, pastoralists are trying to redefine and reconfigure their practices, and this implies a redefinition of their identity. They use resilience strategies such as mowing grasses, building up fodder bundles, conserving crop residues, exploiting Senna obtusifolia (a previously neglected species), using woody fodder and adapting the type of livestock and the size of the herds to the ability of pastoralists to feed them. Strategies that are older than these are the integration of agriculture with livestock and decollectivized transhumance. It is these resilience strategies that this article exposes and analyses as defence mechanisms of Sahelian pastoralists in the face of the depletion of forage resources in their environments.

Mongolian traditional botanical knowledge has been rarely researched concerning the ethnobotany theory and methodology in the last six decades (Pei in Acta Botanica Yunnanica 135–144, 1988, as reported (Martin in Ethnobotany: A methods manual, Chapman and Hall, 1995)). However, most of the known literature of indigenous knowledge and information regarding the use of local wild plants among Mongolian herders was first documented by several botanical research of Russian researchers in Mongolia through the 1940s and 1950s. One of the most comprehensive works was completed by A. A. Yunatov (1909–1967), which is known as “Fodder Plants of Pastures and Hayfields of the People’s Republic of Mongolia” (FPM). Yunatov’s research sampled forage plants in Mongolia from 1940 to 1951 and subsequently published a study in 1954. The original transcript of FPM was later translated into Chinese and Mongolian (Cyrillic alphabet) during 1958 and 1968. In addition to morphological characteristics, distribution, habitat, phenology, palatability, and nutrition of forage plants, Yunatov`s record collected local names, the folk understanding and evaluation of the forage, as well as other relevant cultural meanings and the use of local wild plants (collected from the wild as opposed to cultivated plants) in FPM through interviews. The book contains the most precious records created in the 1940s and 1950s on folk knowledge of the Mongolians' wild plants in Mongolia. It was composed of 8 chapters and 351 pages in total. The fifth chapter of FPM, entitled “The systematic overview of forage plants,” making up 272 pages (77.49% of the total page counts). The order and content of the book-oriented along with profiles of specific plants. Yunatov collected detailed information on plants, such as the local name, morphology, distribution, habitats, ecological characteristics, and phenology. He also discussed the palatability of livestock, particular forage use, other usages, and chemical composition. Through careful reading and understanding of all three versions of the book (in Russian, Chinese, and Mongolian (Cyrillic alphabet)), the FPM-listed information of edible plants was categorized using ethnobotanical dependent analysis. The list of edible plants was ranked based on purposes and ethnobotanical inventories as per methodology and analysis used in the ethnobotany research. FPM listed 35 species are part of 15 families and 25 genera of wild edible plants. Most species belong to Liliaceae and Allium. Naturally grown grain and some food substitutes (plants that could be used as substitutions for typical food) come from the starchy organs, such as seeds, bulbs, roots, and rhizomes of 12, accounting for 34.28% of all species. Wild vegetables come from the parts of a young plant, tender leaves, young fruits, lower leg of stems, and bulbs of 9 species, accounting for 25.71% of all species. There are only three species of wild fruits, accounting for 8.57% of all edible plant species. Tea substitutes consist of leaves, roots, follicle, and aboveground parts of 8 wild plant species, accounting for 22.85% of all species. Seasonings from the wild were made of the elements such as seeds, rhizomes, tender leaves of 7 species, accounting for 20.00% of all species (Fig,8). Similarities and differences are noticeable in utilizing wild edible plants among Mongolian populations living in Mongolia and Inner Mongolia. Six species of wild edible plants listed in FPM have been proven to be collected and consumed by Mongolians from the Genghis Khan era in the twelfth century to the present day. This proved that the Mongolians have a tradition of recognizing and utilizing wild plants, demonstrating historical and theoretical value. Seven species of plants mentioned in this book were closely correlated to the locals' processing of traditional dairy products, meat, and milk food. Yunatov was not an ethnobotanist, but his accurate documentation of interviews and surveys with Mongolians represents valuable information about the collection and consumption of local wild plants during 1940–1951 in Mongolia. His research mission meant to focus on forage grass, the feed plant that sustained livestock, while he also recorded plants consumed by humans. His records on the edible parts and intake methods of some plants are incomplete. Still, it provided ethnobotanical materials of a remarkable scientific value and a living history of ethnobotany in Mongolian regions. Even by today`s standards, it will be challenging to obtain first-hand information of the richness and to the extent of Yunatov’s research.

In intercropping systems, shading is one of the main limiting factors for the development of plants in the understory, especially C4 plants. However, successful pasture production in silvopastoral systems can be achieved through proper spatial arrangement. This study provides fundamental information that validates the macauba-grass consortium. For 20 months, during two dry seasons and two rainy seasons, microclimatic and physical variables in an Acrocomia aculeata–Brachiaria decumbens intercropping system were monitored. The spacings of the trees were 5 m × 4 m, 6 m × 4 m, 7 m × 4 m, and 8 m × 4 m and were compared to a traditional pasture. The aboveground biomass in the intercropping system was estimated as well as its ability to assimilate atmospheric CO2 and store carbon. Macauba palm presence in the intercropping system had a regulatory effect on the microclimatic conditions of the understory, regardless of tree spacing and season. In spacing, wider, the intercropped forage biomass was satisfactory and similar to that in the monocrop pastures. The spacing 7 m × 4 m and 8 m × 4 m improved the understory microclimatic conditions, allowing efficient forage growth and thus offering livestock food and comfort. These values were equivalent to those of traditional silvopastoral systems that use woody plant species. The estimates of aboveground biomass, carbon stock, and CO2 assimilation in the intercropping system with a spacing of 8 m × 4 m were 1.6 times greater than those of traditional pastures. Therefore, here, we show for the first time that A. aculeata–B. decumbens grass intercropping system is a viable alternative agroforestry practice for tropical regions, since sufficient amounts of fodder are provided alongside beneficial environmental services, such as the efficient sequestration and storage of atmospheric carbon.

Moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) tree is being used for animal feed and human food as its leaves are an excellent source of amino acids and proteins. Moringa is indigenous plant of Pakistan, but its adaptation and production as agroforestry and fodder crop in smallholder farming sector is very low. Inorganic fertilization has been identified as a major limiting factor for moringa growth and quality of produce. A field experiment was conducted at the Directorate of Farms, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, to optimize NPK dose for healthy and quality produce of moringa. The experiment was comprised of four treatments—control (no fertilizer), 125:75:75 NPK, 100:50:50 NPK and 75:25:25 NPK kg ha−1—under randomized complete block design with factorial arrangements having four replicates. First harvest was taken in May and then applied with fertilizers. Results revealed that different harvesting time (months) significantly affected the number of branches, shoot dry weight, chlorophyll a and b contents, carotenoid contents, total phenolic contents, K contents and total soluble protein except shoot fresh weight. Regarding the fertilizer treatments, application of 125:75:75 kg NPK ha−1 produced total phenolic contents, K concentration and soluble proteins as compared to control and other treatments. Maximum growth, nutrient and biochemical attributes were observed in the month of August. In crux, for the maximum growth, nutrient and biochemical attributes, August is the best harvesting time using the 125:75:75 kg of NPK ha−1 as fertilizer dose.