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The importance of agroforestry systems is increasing as they promote sustainable agricultural practices to address climate change and food security. The study aimed to assess the potential of tree species as feed ingredients for dairy ruminants. Leaves from five tree species—Fraxinus excelsior L. (common ash), Morus nigra L. (black mulberry), Robinia pseudoacacia L. (locust tree), Salix babylonica L. (weeping willow) and U. minor Mill. (field elm)—were sampled in three different times in spring–summer season 2023 on a farm in Northern Italy. Proximate composition, analyses along with in vitro analyses, were conducted to determine net energy of lactation (NEL) by gas production and fibre digestibility (NDFD). Results found wide variability among species for chemical and nutritive value. Fibre content (% DM) was highest in U. minor (57.2) and lowest in M. nigra (34.5), whereas crude protein (% DM) was highest in R. pseudoacacia (22.4), followed by S. babylonica and M. nigra (20.3, on average), U. minor (15.1) and F. excelsior (14.0). Morus nigra had the highest NDFD (75.3%) and NEL (5.66 MJ/kg DM). Intermediate NEL values were recorded for F. excelsior and S. babylonica (4.50 MJ/kg DM, on average), the lowest values in U. minor and R. pseudoacacia (3.90 MJ/kg DM, on average). The study indicated that most of the examined tree species can be used as dietary supplements due to their nutritional properties as they maintain their quality throughout the growing season. Morus nigra emerges as the most promising species due to its superior nutritive value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSIONS Solid‐state fermentation is one of the most effective methods for the high‐value utilization of agro‐industrial by‐products. Co‐fermentation of wet distiller grains and agricultural waste is an effective way to mitigate the feed shortage caused by corn consumption for bioethanol. It is still challenging to convert wet distiller grains and wheat bran to easily accessible carbon sources and adjust the balanced proportion of amino acids together by fermentation.Fermentation time, strain ratio, and the addition of ammonium sulfate have been verified to be the important factors influencing the symbiosis of Trichoderma reesei (T. reesei) and Candida utilis (C. utilis) in a mixed system of wet distiller grains and wheat bran. The optimum conditions were fermentation for 8 days, 2:1 (T. reesei: C. utilis) strain ratio, and addition of 4% ammonium sulfate. After fermentation, the cellulose degradation proportion reached 39.1%, and the hemicellulose degradation proportion was 13.1%. The protein content improved by 29.6%. The lysine content increased by 126%, reaching 11.3 g·kg−1. The threonine content increased from 6.10 to 10.3 g·kg−1. The phytate content was decreased to 3.97 g·kg−1. The in vitro digestibility of dry matter and protein increased to 62.8% and 76.1%, respectively.These results indicated the feasibility of improving the feeding value of wet distiller grains and wheat bran by the symbiosis of T. reesei and C. utilis. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment aims to reveal the content of main nutrients, forage quality, and feeding value of several shrub-type coarse forages, as well as analyze the nutritional value of different parts and growth stages of the same plant, providing theoretical basis for the efficient utilization of shrub-type coarse forage resources. Caragana korshinskii, Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. sinensis, and Hippophae rhamnoides were selected as feedstock in Hangjin Banner, Ordos, and the content of main nutrients and evaluating the forage quality and feeding value were measured in this experiment. The results showed that: the newly grown tender shoots with leaves of Caragana korshinskii in the current year had the highest nutritional substances, forage quality, and feeding value, followed by the 2-year-old tender shoots with leaves. The 2-year-old leaves of Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. sinensis had the highest nutritional substances, forage quality, and feeding value, followed by the 2-year-old thin branches with leaves. The 1-year-old thin branches with leaves of Hippophae rhamnoides had the highest nutritional substances, forage quality, and feeding value, followed by the 2-year-old thin branches with leaves. In summary, considering the full utilization, the 2-year-old tender shoots with leaves of Caragana korshinskii, the 2-year-old thin branches with leaves of Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. Sinensis, and the 2-year-old thin branches with leaves of Hippophae rhamnoides are more suitable for development and utilization as high-nutritional-value coarse forage materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the differences between the nutritional and medicinal components of wild and artificially cultivated Apocynum venetum leaves in different growth periods, as well as the changing law. Grey correlation analysis was used to comprehensively evaluate the medicinal and feeding value of wild and artificially cultivated Apocynum venetum leaves. The results indicated that during the growth period, the cultivated Apocynum venetum chinensis had the lowest crude ash content at 1.08%, and the highest crude protein and acacetin content, reaching 19.57% and 2.14 mg/g, respectively. The cultivated Poacynum hendersonii bracteata had the highest digestible dry matter at 72.44%, with the highest contents of isoquercitrin and astragalin, at 2.32 mg/g and 0.23 mg/g, respectively, and the lowest acid detergent fiber content at 21.12%. For the wild Poacynum hendersonii bracteata, the content of chlorogenic acid and rutin was the highest, with 7.19 mg/g and 3.73 mg/g, respectively. In the early flowering stage, the wild Poacynum hendersonii bracteata had the lowest crude fat content at 3.05%, and the highest astragalin content at 0.23 mg/g. The cultivated Poacynum hendersonii bracteata had the lowest digestible dry matter and relative feeding value, at 69.25% and 217.82, respectively. During the pod-setting period, the wild Poacynum hendersonii bracteata had the highest content of apigenin-7-glucoside, at 6.16 mg/g. The cultivated Poacynum hendersonii bracteata had the highest crude fat content, dry matter intake, and relative feeding value, at 4.21%, 5.15%, and 276.31, respectively, and the lowest neutral detergent fiber content at 23.31%. The study indicates that in the growing period of artificial cultivation of Apocynum venetum chinensis has excellent nutritional and medicinal value, can be used as herbal feed, has good potential for development and utilisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The experiment used the in vitro gas production method to study the feeding value of mixed silage with defective pears and Atriplex canescens, selecting 5 healthy Karakul sheep with similar body conditions as the rumen fluid donors. A single-factor random design was adopted, with a total of five treatment groups, each with five replicates. The proportions of Atriplex canescens to defective pears were added as 10:0 (control, CON group), 8:2 (20 LW group), 7:3 (30 LW group), 6:4 (40 LW group), and 5:5 (50 LW group), and then mixed with 1×106 CFU/g of lactic acid bacteria for silage. After ensiling for 90 days, the nutritional components, fermentation quality, gas production parameters, and ruminal degradability of the main nutrients were measured. The results showed that compared to the control group, the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content in the silage of all mixed experimental groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05), while the content of water-soluble compounds (WSC) was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the contentrations of lactic acid (LA), acetic acid (AA) and the concentration of ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) in the silage of the mixed experimental groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the concentrations of propionic acid (PA) and butyric acid (BA) and the pH value were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The gas production rate of the 40 LW group and 50 LW group were significantly higher than the other three groups (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), NDF, and ADF in all mixed experimental groups was significantly increased (P<0.05). The study indicates that the mixed silage of defective pears and Atriplex canescens can promote rumen fermentation in vitro, and the proportions of Atriplex canescens to defective pears is 7:3 and 6:4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light intensity significantly influences plant growth in hydroponic green fodder systems, yet research exploring the growth dynamics and nutrient accumulation in hydroponically grown barley under various light conditions has been limited. This study investigated the impact of different light intensities—0, 100, 200, and 300 μmol/m2/s—on the nutritional composition and quality of hydroponic barley fodder. Assessments were made on biomass production, physiological responses including photosynthetic parameters, and nutritional components such as essential amino acids five days post-treatment. The findings indicated that increasing light intensity boosted photosynthetic activity, expanded leaf area, enhanced root length, and promoted biomass accumulation. However, the highest intensity tested, 300 μmol/m2/s, led to significant chlorophyll degradation, increased water loss, and induced oxidative stress, adversely affecting fodder quality and reducing essential amino acids. In contrast, an intensity of 200 μmol/m2/s was identified as optimal for promoting robust barley growth through principal component analysis. This optimal setting supported vigorous growth and ensured the production of nutrient-rich, high-quality fodder, providing a basis for scaling up production efficiently. This research offers crucial insights into optimizing light conditions to maximize both the yield and nutritional quality of hydroponically grown barley fodder, presenting a significant step forward in enhancing hydroponic farming practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the scale of poultry breeding in China is gradually expanding, and the demand for feed raw materials is also rising. At present, the poultry industry is facing the problem of shortage of protein feed resources, so it is urgent to find high-quality and sustainable protein feed raw materials. The edible insect black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L., BSF) has become a potential sustainable new protein feed, which can replace traditional protein feed materials such as soybean meal and fish meal. BSF is a saprophytic insect, which mainly feeds on organic waste, and has the characteristics of rapid growth and reproduction, extensive feeding and high feed conversion rate. The larvae or pre-pupae of BSF are rich in protein, fat, minerals, and trace elements, and their content of essential amino acids is comparable to that of fish meal and soybean meal. They also contain bioactive substances such as lauric acid, antimicrobial peptides, and chitin. Based on the nutritional characteristics of BSF larvae and processed products, this paper reviewed the research progress of BSF in poultry breeding, in order to provide a reference for the wide application of BSF in poultry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The fluctuating supply and price of soybean meal have steered nutritionists to explore alternative protein sources in poultry diets. An attractive option is grain legumes because of their reasonable protein, amino acid and energy contents. The presence of antinutritional factors in grain legumes is a major concern associated with their use in poultry feeding. However, as documented, there are effective processing methods that can mitigate the negative effects of these antinutritional factors. The current overview deals with the feeding value of four selected grain legumes, namely lupins, field peas, faba beans and chickpeas, in poultry feeding. Grain legumes are fair sources of protein, amino acids and energy, and can be used as a replacement for soybean meal in poultry feed formulations as the soybean meal becomes short in supply and costly. However, a concern associated with the use of grain legumes in poultry feeding is the presence of antinutritional factors. The effective processing and utilisation of these grain legumes in poultry feeding are well documented. The current review focuses on four selected grain legumes (lupins [Lupinus albus and Lupinus angustifolius], field peas [Phaseolus vulgaris], faba beans [Vicia faba] and chickpeas [Cicer arietinum]) and their nutrient content, the presence of antinutritional factors, processing methods and feeding value, including updated data based on recent research findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to explore the nutritional characteristics and feeding value of a mixed silage containing cotton stalks, whole corn plants, and sugar beet residue. The experiment was divided into three groups: The control group (CK group) used whole corn plant silage, while Group A and Group B used a 1:1 mixture of cotton stalks with whole corn plants and sugar beet pulp for silage, with three replicates in each group. After 90 days of fermentation, samples were taken for analysis of silage fermentation quality, nutritional characteristics, and feeding value indicators. The results indicated that compared to the CK group, the pH values increased (P<0.05) and the Fisher's score decreased (P<0.05) in Group A and Group B. The CP, NDF, and ADF contentration increased (P<0.05), while the NFC content decreased in Group A and Group B (P<0.05). The RFV and RFQ of Group A were higher than those of Group B (P<0.05). Compared to the CK group, the in vitro gas production decreased in Group A and Group B, with Group A having higher gas production than Group B. The IVDMD of Group A and Group B was lower than that of the CK group (P<0.05). The study suggests that the feeding value of the mixed silage with cotton stalks, whole corn plants, and sugar beet residue is still lower than that of the whole corn plant silage. However, Group A exhibits a feeding value closer to that of the CK group, indicating higher application potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to investigate the effect of different planting densities on the yield and quality of MT-8 in F8 generation of distant hybrid of maize and teosinte. MT-8 was used as the research material, and six planting densities of 52 500, 60 000, 67 500, 75 000, 82 500, and 90 000 plants/hm² were set up. The results showed that the both fresh weight and dry weight of MT-8 increased with the increase of planting density, and reached the maximum value when planting density was 75 000 plants/hm². At a planting density of 75 000 plants /hm², MT-8 had higher nutrient yield and higher feeding value, and the nutrient type was NC. The study indicates that the suitable planting density of MT-8 is 75 000 plants /hm². [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to the direct use of corn as energy feed, about 30% of the annual output is used to produce corn starch, sugar and ethanol and other deep processing products in China, while producing corn husk, corn pulp, corn embryo meal, corn protein meal, DDGS and other by-products. These by-products generally have problems such as high crude fiber content, low available energy, mycotoxin pollution, etc. If the quality and efficiency of these by-products are improved by processing technology, their feeding value can be significantly improved. In the paper, the nutritional characteristics, value-added processing and utilization technology of corn processing by-products and their application in animal production are reviewed, which can provide reference for the effective improvement of feed value, and also have important significance for alleviating the contradiction of feed resource shortage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oats (Avena sativa L.) are mostly used as a germplasm resource for forage. This experiment showed the differences in the nutrient composition and the forage quality of five wild leather oat populations from Israel and one cultivated leather oat population from China. It also showed the correlation of the indicators with the geo-environmental factors in the places of origin of the six populations that were analysed. Three replicated experiments were conducted during a three-year period from 2018.10 to 2020.03, mainly from 11 indicators of nutrient composition and forage quality. In this experiment, Spearman's correlation was used to analyse the differences between different groups (p < 0.05), the relationship between components was analysed by principal component analysis (PCA), and the kinship relationship between six groups was also analysed based on the data of 11 components. In terms of nutrient content, the cultivated group Hu had significantly lower ash (8.92%), crude protein (11.96%), and soluble sugar content (10.51%) than the wild oat groups. In terms of forage quality, the lignin content (3.31%) of the Hu population was 2.3 times higher than that of Evolution Canyon, and the fibre content was 8 times higher than that of Sede Boqer. This indicates that wild oats have better nutritional value and palatability. Following the correlation analysis, it was found that the environmental factors of the origin had a significant effect on the indexes of ash, crude protein, and soluble sugar of oat straw, but had less effect on the content of crude fat, total phosphorus, and total potassium. Meanwhile, the annual rainfall and the number of rainfall days in the origin had a significant effect on the fibre content. In conclusion, the higher variability of wild oat populations due to the influence of different environmental and geographical factors may be a new possibility brought by forage oats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the experiment was to study the main nutrient contents of straw and blighted husk roughage, and to provide theoretical basis for the efficient utilization of roughage. The results showed as follows: The order for feeding value of 8 kinds of roughage were soybean hull, peanut straw, wheat hull, rice straw, wheat straw, soybean straw, rice hull, peanut hull, and the feeding value were 159.43, 133.82, 122.57, 112.17, 100.25, 91.64, 56.02, 46.27, respectively. The feeding value, grading index and the contents of dry matter, ether extract, crude ash and crude protein of different roughages were significantly different (P<0.01). The moisture content and feeding value and grading index of peanut straw among straw of roughage were the highest, and the contents of crude ash and crude fat were lower; The moisture content and feeding value and grading index of soybean hull among hull of roughage were the highest, and the contents of crude ash and crude fat were lower. Therefore, soybean hull and peanut straw can be developed and utilized as roughage of high nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important reasons restricting the rapid development of animal husbandry in China is the shortage of protein raw materials. Urtica cannabina L. is a perennial herb rich in nutrient component and can be seen as feed to develop and utilize. The paper mainly studies the application in pigs, cattle, sheep and chicken as well as gives suggestions on the development and utilization of Urtica cannabina L., aiming to provide reference for the subsequent research and application of Urtica cannabina L. as an unconventional feed resource in livestock and poultry breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to study the fermentation quality and nutritional value of millet straw fermented with microbial agents such as cellulase and lactic acid bacteria. Seven treatment groups were set up in the experiment, including the green dry storage special composite enzyme group (FG), the Ruisen composite lactic acid bacteria group (FR), the cellulase group (XM), the cellulase + composite lactic acid bacteria group (XMR), the Ruisen silage treasure group (MQ), the green dry storage special composite enzyme + composite lactic acid bacteria group (FGQ), and the control group (MCK). Each group had three replicates, with a trial period of 60 d. The results showed that millet straw contained a certain amount of total flavonoids and polyphenol oxidase. The sensory evaluation of XM group and MQ group was excellent. The CP content in XMR group was significantly higher than that in FG group and FGQ group (P<0.05). The CF, NDF and ADF content of XMR group were extremely lower than those of control group and the original sample of millet straw (P<0.01). The total amount of organic acids and the proportion of lactic acid in the MQ group were extremely higher than those in control group (P<0.01). The proportion of acetic acid in MQ group and XM group was relatively suitable. The content of butyric acid in FGQ group, MQ group, XMR group and XM group was extremely lower than that in control group (P<0.01). The comprehensive scores of XM group, XMR group, MQ group and FGQ group range was from 60 to 75 points, and were rated as good. The results indicates that the treatment of straw with cellulase, silage, and cellulase + composite lactic acid bacteria significantly improved the fermentation quality, nutritional value and feeding value of the straw. At the same time, the total flavonoid content in the straw was significantly increased, indicating a high value for development and utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest in the possibility of using insects as a link in the food chain for animals is constantly growing. Based on numerous studies, insects have been shown to be a high-quality feed source for livestock and their use as a sustainable feed ingredient is technically feasible. Insect larvae can be reared on low-grade bio-waste and can turn this bio-waste into high quality proteins. Meat and bone meal was previously used as a valuable feed before there was a legislative restriction and now is usually disposed of as waste by incineration. It would be more advantageous to use this material more efficiently, in contrast to direct feeding to pigs and poultry, which is prohibited, to transform it into insect meal, which is more acceptable in terms of legislation and safety. We have decided to verify the possibility of breeding fly larvae (Lucilia sericata) on meat bone meal substrate, check the production in terms of risks and describe the resulting material. Based on the results of the experiment, we can state that such larval production is possible, but the native substrate needs to be modified to increase larval survival and improve development. The obtained raw material is a valuable high protein feed ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to study the effect of additives such as cellulase and lactic acid bacteria on fermentation quality and nutritional value of safflower straw. The experiment was divided into seven groups, with three replicates in each group. HX group was supplemented with 3 g/kg cellulase, HXR group was supplementedwith 3 g/kg cellulase + complex lactic acid bacteria 1 g/kg, HF group was supplemented with 3 g/kg complex enzyme for dried green storage, HFR group was supplemented with 3 g/kg complex enzyme for dried green storage + complex lactic acid bacteria 1 g/kg, HFJ group was added with 3 g/kg Risen complex lactic acid bacteria, HY group was added with 3 g/kg Risen silage, and control group (HCK group) was added without any additives. Fermentation quality was determined after 60 d of sampling. The results showed that compared with control group, the texture of fermented safflower straw in HX group and HXR group was looser, the color was yellowish brown, and the smell was light sour. The pH value of fermented safflower straw in HXR group was 4.29, which was 18.91% lower than that in control group (P<0.01). The organic acid content of fermented safflower straw in HX group and HXR group was extremely higher than that in other groups (P<0.01). Lactic acid content and proportion of lactic acid to total organic acids in HXR group were extremely higher than those in other groups (P<0.01). The ratio of ammonia nitrogen to total nitrogen of fermented safflower straw in HFR group was extremely lower than that in control group, HXR group and HF group (P<0.01). The content of crude protein and crude fat of fermented safflower straw in HXR group were extremely higher than those in control group (P<0.01), and the content of crude fiber andacid detergent fiber of fermented safflower straw in HXR group were extremely lower than those in control group (P<0.01). The experiment indicates that adding cellulase, complex lactic acid bacteria and cellulase + complex lactic acid bacteria can effectively improve the fermentation quality and nutritional value of safflower straw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to understand the nutritional status of ephemeral and quasi-ephemeral plants in the natural grassland of desert areas in early spring, and analyze the nutritional value of different growth stages. A total of 10 species of such plants were collected as research objects to screen the natural forage resources suitable for feeding livestock. The relevant nutrients were determined, and their quality was evaluated by referring to the technical system of roughage grading index (GI). The results showed that the variation range of DM content of the tested plants was not significant, the contents of EE and CP showed a downward trend, while the content of NDF and ADF showed an upward trend. The green grass stage and flowering stage of ephemeral and quasi-ephemeral plants could be used as better forage resources except for Potentilla bifurca Linn. The feeding value was ranked as Astragalus yanerwoensis Podlech & L. R. Xu＞Trigonella arcuata C. A. Meyer＞Astragalus stalinskyi Sirj. ＞Leontice incerta Pall. ＞Corydalis schanginii (Pall.) B. Fedtsch. ＞ Scorzonera sericeo-lanata (Bunge) Krasch. et Lipsch. ＞Diptychocarpus stricus (Fisch. Ex M. Bieb.) Trautv. ＞Alyssum desertorum stapf.＞Koelpinia linearis Pall.＞Potentilla bifurca Linn. The study indicates that the results of the study can improve the efficient utilization of ephemeral and quasi-ephemeral plants, and provide forage resources for the rapid recovery of body condition of grazing livestock in spring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was to analyze six common agricultural and sideline products in southern China, peanut vines, evaluated pitaya vines, banana leaves, sea rice straw, zea mays straw and corn straw nutritional value. The experiment adopted a single-factor randomized design and sample materials were divided into three groups, and routine nutrient composition determination and simulated rumen in vitro fermentation experiment were carried out. The results showed that peanut vines had the highest CP content (P<0.05), banana leaves had the highest CF content (P<0.05), sea rice straw had the highest crude fiber content (P<0.05), and pitaya vines had the lowest NDF and ADF (P<0.05). The RFV, QI, GI, DE, ME and NEg of pitaya vines were significantly higher than those of other five samples (P<0.05). The highest gas production was obtained from pitaya vines after liquid external fermentation in rumen of Leizhou goats (P<0.05). The content of NH3-N was zea mays straw > pitaya vines > peanut vines > sea rice straw > corn straw > banana leaves. The IVDMD was pitaya vines > zea mays straw > corn straw > sea rice straw > peanut vines > banana leaves. The study indicates that nutritional value, feeding value and in vitro fermentation degradation results of six agricultural by-products are different, and affiliation function integrally assesses nutritional value in order of pitaya vines > peanut vines > zea mays straw > corn straw > sea rice straw > banana leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhizobia inoculation is widely used in legumes to improve the yield and quality of forage. However, the symbiotic interactions of different legumes are specific. The search for efficient strains plays an important role in legume forage and in practical production. In this study, Desmodium intortum was first inoculated with rhizobia from different regions, and then the production traits, nutritional quality, and fermentation of D. intortum in the rumen were evaluated according to the rhizobia strains. The results showed that, compared with the control, inoculation with different rhizobia strains significantly increased the number of nodules, shoot fresh weight, crude protein content, plant protein yield, and ether extract content of D. intortum, and inoculation with the R3 strain (Bradyrhizobium elkanii) increased these values by 61.0%, 29.6%, 16.1%, 62.9%, and 30.4%, respectively. In the basal diet of Pennisetum purpureum Rich. × P. americana King grass cv. Reyan No.4, D. intortum inoculated with different rhizobia was added (75:25), and the combination of the inoculated R3 and R5 strains increased the rumen's ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) levels and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD): R3 increased the contents of NH3-N and IVDMD by 50.1% and 12.3%, respectively, while R5 increased them by 50.9% and 15.4%, respectively. Based on a comprehensive evaluation through principal component analysis, R3 was ranked first overall. These results support the development of competitive inoculants from indigenous strains as a strategy to improve the nutritional value of D. intortum and ruminal fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restoration of floodplain meadows remains a challenge, as many degraded sites suffer from seed limitation. The transfer of seed-containing plant material from species-rich donor sites is a widely used method to restore semi-natural grasslands. However, most studies on the success of such restoration projects comprise limited time frames. As factors determining restoration success may only become evident after many years, long-term observations are crucial. We re-investigated 20 restored grassland sites in the floodplain of the Northern Upper Rhine 13–16 years after plant material transfer with different soil preparation treatments. To this end, we carried out vegetation surveys on 254 permanent plots and studied the potential influence of soil preparation, soil nutrients, and hydrology on plant species composition, diversity, and transfer of target species. Since sustainable agricultural use is important to ensure the long-term stability of restored semi-natural grasslands, we further investigated biomass productivity and feeding value. While most target species increased in frequency or remained stable over time, we found no positive long-term effect of soil preparation on vegetation development and target species establishment. Instead, increased biomass yield and flooding frequency led to reduced restoration success, while higher soil C/N ratios had a positive effect. Overall, restoration measures did not affect the agricultural value of the restored grasslands, which had higher dry matter biomass yields compared with the donor sites. Our results indicate that the positive effect of soil preparation on the number and cover of target species, which is regularly reported in short-term studies, diminishes over time, and other factors such as site conditions become increasingly important. Furthermore, additional plant material transfer or manual seeding may be necessary to support target species establishment. Concerning agricultural usability, the integration of restored floodplain meadows in farming systems is possible and can ensure long-term management and thus stability of these ecosystems. Our study shows that long-term monitoring of restoration projects is necessary, as factors determining restoration success may only become evident in the long-term.

Cereal forages, such as triticale forage, progressively gain interest as alternative crop for maize. The main study objective was to investigate the variation in potential feeding value of triticale forage among maturity stage, growing season and genotype, using total plant and stem fractions. Therefore, near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was evaluated as fast screening tool. The prediction ability was good (ratio of prediction to deviation, RPD ≥3.0) for total plant residual moisture, starch, sugars and for stem crude ash (CAsh) and neutral detergent fibre (aNDFom); suitable for screening (2.0 ≤ RPD

The nutritional value of some tree leaves (grape, common fig, barberry, sweet cherry, apricot, peach, and oleaster) was investigated by in vitro and common laboratory methods. Also, thirty Baluchi male lambs were randomly divided into five groups, including one control group (alfalfa) and four experimental groups, which received diets containing different leaves (barberry, apricot, peach, and grape). The crude protein content ranged from 128 for the sweet cherry to 164 g/kg DM for grape. Common fig and barberry had the greatest and lowest calcium (29.3 vs. 11.5 g/kg DM), respectively (p < 0.001). The greatest total volatile fatty acids, dry matter and organic matter digestibilities, as well as potential gas production, were observed in barberry leaves (p < 0.001). Apricot had the greatest acid-base buffering capacity (245 mEq × 10−3) (p < 0.001). Lambs fed with barberry had a greater average daily gain (179 g/day, p = 0.013). The results of in vitro and in vivo indicated that barberry leaves had a greater nutritional value among the studied leaves. It is concluded that alfalfa can be replaced with barberry, apricot, peach, and grape leaves up to 250 g/kg DM in diet without deleterious effects on performance, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, and hematology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to study the yield and quality of natural herbage in different grassland types. The experiment was conducted on meadow steppe (MS), typical steppe (TS) and desert steppe (DS) in Xilin Gol, Inner Mongolia, to compare the differences of forage yield and nutrient composition among three grasslands. The results showed that Stipa grandis P. A. Smirn. and Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel were the dominant species in meadow steppe. The dominant species in typical steppe were Cleistogenes squarrosa (Trin.) Keng and Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel. The dominant species in desert steppe were Allium prostratum Trevir. and Stipa breviflora Griseb. The relationship between forage yield and quantity of three grassland types in Xilin Gol was as follows: Meadow steppe > typical steppe > desert steppe. The study indicates that among three grassland types, the feeding value of natural herbage in meadow steppe was the highest, followed by typical steppe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food industry by-products can be used in dairy cows feeding on condition they have suitable feeding value. A complex physical-chemical study was conducted on seven plant by-products (wheat germs meal, sunflower meal, flaxseed meal, pumpkin meal, nuts meal, rosehip meal and grape meal) to determine their feeding value. These by-products have variable protein contents: between 10.86% in rosehip meal and 39.34% in the flaxseed meal), and different contents of amino acids, lysine particularly: 2.09% (wheat germs meal); 1.72% (pumpkin meal) and 1.04% (sunflower meal). The highest concentration of linolenic acid was determined in the flaxseed meal (68.57 g/100 g total fatty acids), which also had the highest level of digestible energy (18.16 MJ/kg) and the highest amount of intestinally digestible protein allowed by the energy content (118 g PDIE/ kg DM). The flaxseed meal also had the highest amount of milk feed units (1.45 FUmilk/kg DM) and of meat feed units (1.48 FUmeat/kg DM) among all studied by-products. The results of these analyses show that the surveyed by-products can be used to feed ruminant animals.

Mulberry leaves are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, and are rich in biological active substances such as alkaloids and flavones, which can promote the growth of livestock and poultry, improve the antioxidant capacity of the body, improve the quality of livestock products and enhance the immune function of the body. Mulberry leaves are excellent unconventional feed resources. The paper reviews the feeding value of mulberry leaf and its application in livestock and poultry breeding of cattle, sheep, chickens and pigs, to provide reference for the efficient and scientific utilization of mulberry leaf as an unconventional feed resource in livestock and poultry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barley has high dry matter and protein content, whose price is relatively low, and its application in diet can reduce the cost of livestock and poultry breeding. However, the high content of anti-nutrient factors in barley restricts its application in livestock and poultry diet production. Physical, chemical and enzyme preparations can effectively reduce the content of barley and improve its nutritional value, thus expanding the application scope of barley in feed production. The paper compares the nutritional value difference of barley and other energy feed, summarizes the main ways of barley feeding treatment, and the application research progress in feed production, to provide reference for the application of barley in feed industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to clarify the regularities and differences of nutrient content and feeding value of two main herbage species with growth period and crop number in Pingluo area of Ningxia. In the study, different varieties of alfalfa and silage maize in the area were selected as research objects, and the nutritional content and feeding value were comprehensively evaluated and compared. The results showed that the crude protein (CP) content of each alfalfa variety in current germination stage was higher, and Zhongmu No. 4 (21.2%) was higher than Zhongmu No. 3 (17.0%). In the second crop, the CP content of Zhongmu No. 4 in current bud stage was 18.74%, which was extremely lower than that of the first crop (P<0.01). Xianyu 508 had a higher CP content (9.32%) in wax maturation stage, and Xianyu 1225 had a higher CP content (8.62%) in the middle milk stage. Kehe 699 had a higher content of CP (8.52%) in early milk stage. All the varieties had high starch (ST) content in the wax maturation stage. The order of RFV value of alfalfa in current bud stage was: Zhongmu No. 3 > Zhongmu No. 4, 1 crop > 2 crop. The RFV ranking of silage maize and wax ripe stage was: Xianyu 508> Kehe 699> Tie391 > Xianyu 1225. The experiment indicates that in actual production, it is recommended to choose suitable forage varieties for planting and harvest according to the local climate conditions, to obtain high-quality forage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The bioconversion of organic waste into valuable insect protein as an alternative animal feed ingredient has the potential to improve agricultural sustainability and may become a key element of future circular economy. However, while insects farmed for feed production are considered livestock from a regulatory perspective, systematic linking of genetic resource characterisations and fundamental phenotyping, crucial for precision breeding and feeding schemes, remains scarce even for prime insect candidates, such as the black soldier fly (BSF). The present study initiated to fill this knowledge gap by experimentally assessing BSF genotype-by-diet interactions for a number of economically and ecologically relevant larval phenotypic traits. Besides pervasive diet effects, strong impact of BSF genetic background and ubiquitous environment-mediated interactions were found. This implies some of the so-far unexplained response variation across global BSF studies could be driven by previously neglected mechanisms of genetic specificity, and thus that the concept of broad conspecific plasticity in this insect is likely too simplistic. Instead, it is emphasised that matching BSF genetics to dietary contexts is vital for purposive production optimisation, particularly when extrapolated to large-scale operations. These insights highlight that establishing tailored BSF breeding as an independent branch offers veritable opportunities to efficiently support this growing agricultural sector. Further advancing black soldier fly (BSF) farming for waste valorisation and more sustainable global protein supplies critically depends on targeted exploitation of genotype-phenotype associations in this insect, comparable to conventional livestock. This study used a fully crossed factorial design of rearing larvae of four genetically distinct BSF strains (FST: 0.11–0.35) on three nutritionally different diets (poultry feed, food waste, poultry manure) to investigate genotype-by-environment interactions. Phenotypic responses included larval growth dynamics over time, weight at harvest, mortality, biomass production with respective contents of ash, fat, and protein, including amino acid profiles, as well as bioconversion and nitrogen efficiency, reduction of dry matter and relevant fibre fractions, and dry matter loss (emissions). Virtually all larval performance and body composition traits were substantially influenced by diet but also characterised by ample BSF genetic variation and, most importantly, by pronounced interaction effects between the two. Across evaluated phenotypes, variable diet-dependent rankings and the lack of generally superior BSF strains indicate the involvement of trade-offs between traits, as their relationships may even change signs. Conflicting resource allocation in light of overall BSF fitness suggests anticipated breeding programs will require complex and differential selection strategies to account for pinpointed trait maximisation versus multi-purpose resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to investigate the feeding value of Scutellaria baicalensis straw silage supplemented with different additives. The experiment was divided into control group and experimental group. Control group was straw of Scutellaria baicalensis. In group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4 and group 5, Scutellaria baicalensis straw was added with fermented live dried bacteria, straw silage agent, mixed organic acid, cellulase and silage specific compound enzyme, respectively. Coated silage was carried out for 45 d. The results showed that the sensory evaluation of Scutellaria baicalensis straw in experimental groups was good, the comprehensive score of the control group was the lowest. After fermentation between groups of active ingredients of radix Scutellariae sample has not been detected baicalin, the content of baicalin of unfermented radix Scutellariae was 0.046%. According to the comprehensive quality evaluation of organic acid content, experimental groups were superior, and the silage effect of experimental group five was the best. The quality grade of control group, experimental group 3, group 4 and group 5 was grade IV, the original SAMPLE RFV value of Scutellaria baicalensis was the highest, and the others were grade V. The experiment indicates that adding additives to Scutellaria baicalensis straw silage can improve the quality of silage, but can not improve the relative feeding value. Scutellaria baicalensisstraw silage can be used as a new feed resource, but its health function may be lost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhizobia inoculation is widely used in legumes to improve the yield and quality of forage. However, the symbiotic interactions of different legumes are specific. The search for efficient strains plays an important role in legume forage and in practical production. In this study, Desmodium intortum was first inoculated with rhizobia from different regions, and then the production traits, nutritional quality, and fermentation of D. intortum in the rumen were evaluated according to the rhizobia strains. The results showed that, compared with the control, inoculation with different rhizobia strains significantly increased the number of nodules, shoot fresh weight, crude protein content, plant protein yield, and ether extract content of D. intortum, and inoculation with the R3 strain (Bradyrhizobium elkanii) increased these values by 61.0%, 29.6%, 16.1%, 62.9%, and 30.4%, respectively. In the basal diet of Pennisetum purpureum Rich. × P. americana King grass cv. Reyan No.4, D. intortum inoculated with different rhizobia was added (75:25), and the combination of the inoculated R3 and R5 strains increased the rumen’s ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) levels and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD): R3 increased the contents of NH3-N and IVDMD by 50.1% and 12.3%, respectively, while R5 increased them by 50.9% and 15.4%, respectively. Based on a comprehensive evaluation through principal component analysis, R3 was ranked first overall. These results support the development of competitive inoculants from indigenous strains as a strategy to improve the nutritional value of D. intortum and ruminal fermentation.

In the study, related indexes of production performance and nutritional quality of 15 alfalfa varieties were measured, and comprehensive evaluation of traits were evaluated by grey relational degree analysis, and the feeding value of varieties were compared. The results showed that the fresh grass yield of Gannong NO.6, Gannong NO.8 and WL298HQ was higher than Zhongmu NO.1. The hay yield of Gannong NO.6 was higher than Zhongmu NO.1, and the plant height of Gannong NO.6 was also better. The average yield of fresh yield and hay yield of Gannong NO.6 were increased 18.43% and 13.28% compared with Zhongmu NO. 1. There was no significant difference in DM content among different varieties (P>0.05). Longmu 801 had the highest CP content (20.76%), followed by Yong Shi, 4030, WL298HQ, 7G3, WL-SQT, 42IQ, Gannong NO.8 and Yan Bao, which were significantly higher than that of Zhongmu NO.1 (P<0.05). The results showed that Gannong NO.6, Longmu 801, 7G3, WL298HQ, Gannong NO.8, 42IQ, Yan Bao and Yong Shi were better by grey relational degree analysis. Therefore, the above eight varieties have high feeding value and were suitable for promotion and utilization in mountainous area of Southern Ningxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caragana korshinskii can promote rumen fermentation, late rumen flora, enhance ruminant production performance, antioxidant performance and immune function, and improve the quality of meat and dairy products, and has high economic, social and ecological benefits. Caragana korshinskii is a high-quality feed material in desert and semi desert areas. In order to promote the rational use of Caragana korshinskii as feed material, the article discussed the feed utilization mode of Caragana korshinskii, and discussed impact on ruminant production and economic benefits, so as to provide theoretical basis for the efficient use of Caragana korshinskii in animal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment focused on feed evaluation was conducted with goats to determine the feeding value of two aggressive weeds, the giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) and the bushgrass (Calamagrostis epigejos). Studied plants at the pre bloom stage were evaluated for feeding value by 7-month-old castrated goats (n=5 per group, BW=25.0 kg). All animals received no supplemental feed. The two plants differed in content of dry matter (DM) (266 vs. 394 g/kg) as well as in crude protein (119 vs. 86g), crude fibre (222 vs. 317 g) and N-free extract (523 vs. 447 g) per kg DM. In this study, total daily DM intake from giant goldenrod and bushgrass was similar (666 vs. 689 g/goat). Apparent digestibility of these plants was similar for organic matter (58-59%), but differed for crude protein (71 vs 53%) and N-free extract (72-62%). The values of total digestible nutrients (55.9-53.4%), net energy for maintenance (NEm: 4.90-4.54 MJ) and net energy for lactation (NEl: 5.16-4.91 MJ) per kg DM were similar. The study concluded that Solidago gigantea and Calamagrostis epigejos aggressive plants could be interesting feed for goats due to their feeding values. In addition, both of these aggressive weeds are relatively easily available.

Italian, annual and perennial ryegrasses are the most important grass species cultivated for seed production in the Czech Republic. The straw remaining after seeds threshing can be used as low quality forage, bedding material or as soil amendment. However, there are no comprehensive information concerning grass straw yields and quality in central Europe. The aim of this study was to investigate the Italian (IR) and perennial (PR) ryegrass straw yield and quality. These parameters were measured for two harvest years at two locations. IR did not provide statistically higher straw yield than PR (7.50 and 7.17 t.ha–1 respectively, p = 0.314), but dry matter (DM) content immediatelly after threshing was higher than for PR (0.42 and 0.38 respectively, p = 0.03). IR straw had the same content of ash and hemicellulose (mean 69.8 and 216 g.kg–1 DM, p = 0.22 and 0.57), but less crude protein (64.1 and 81.4 g.kg–1 DM, p = 0.003), more fibre (399 and 382 g.kg–1 DM, p = 0.02), NDF (656 and 629 g.kg–1 DM, p = 0.03) and ADF (442 and 412 g. kg–1 DM, p = 0.000) when compared with PR straw. Most of the parameters were affected by the year (with exception of crude protein) and by location (with exception of yield, DM content, ash and crude protein). There were no differences in mineral nutrient contents between species. The highest values were found in potassium (19.8 g.kg–1 DM) what is comparable with average quality hay. Phosphorus, calcium and magnesium contents (1.42, 2.96 and 1.02 g.kg–1 DM) were substantially lower than in hay. Data concerning ryegrasses straw yield and quality from the USA are comparable with our results and can be used for European conditions.

In the rain‐fed mixed‐farming systems of southern Australia, the consistent supply of high‐value forage is limited by a range of climatic, edaphic and systems constraints. Over 2 years, we compared biomass production and nutritional value of 30 accessions of perennial legumes, and predicted intake, grazing days and growth of ewes and lambs. There was significant variation in nutritional value and biomass production between and within species. Lucerne (Medicago sativa) and sulla (Hedysarum coronarium) produced the greatest amount of biomass and energy. There was variability among accessions in digestibility (DMD), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and crude protein, and the rate of change in these traits as plants matured. Trifolium species had the highest DMD across all growth stages. Hairy canary clover (Dorycnium hirsutum), erect canary clover (Dorycnium rectum), greater birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus uliginosus), Australian trefoil (Lotus australis) and running postman (Kennedia prostrata) had energy levels that would not maintain liveweight of mature sheep. In the second year, species differed in response to harvesting treatments. Lucerne and sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) were more productive under a frequent cutting regime. Accessions of white clover (Trifolium repens), red clover (Trifolium pratense), alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum), cullen (Cullen australasicum), strawberry clover (Trifolium fragiferum), sainfoin and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) showed some promise, while Tedera (Bituminaria bituminosa) and milkvetch (Astragalus cicer) performed poorly under the experimental conditions. We conclude by discussing additional agronomic and nutritional factors that need consideration when developing novel perennial legumes for mixed‐farming systems in the context of a changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] To provide scientific basis for guiding nutrient management and utilization of Azolla, the ecological stoichiometry characteristics of different Azolla germplasm resources in Guilin, Guangxi were compared, and their fertilizer and feeding values were evaluated. [Method] Under the condition of outdoor soil hydroponics, nutrient contents and indexes of seven species of Azolla germplasm resources, including A. filiculoides Lam,A. caroliniana Willd,A. imbricate ( Roxb. ) Nakais,A. pinnata R. Brown, Hybrid Azolla, Backcrossed Azolla. MH2 and Backcrossed Azolla. MH3 have been researched. The ecological stoichiometry characteristics of C, N, P and K were analyzed, and the feeding nutritional value was comprehensively evaluated by membership function method. [ Result ] The A. imbricate ( Roxb.) N akais had the highest fresh biomass ( 1.69 kg/ m²) and reproductive coefficient( 0.77 kg/d/plot). The total score of N, P and K elements of A. filiculoides Lam, Azolla caroliniana Willd,A. imbricaJe ( Roxb. ) Nakais, Hybrid Azolla, Backcrossed Azolla. MH2 and Backcrossed Azolla. MH3 reached the first-class organic fertilizer standard, and A. pinnata R. Brown reached the second· class organic fertilizer standard. The N/ P of seven Azolla species were low( 3.80 - 5.46), which indicates that nitrogen maybe the limiting factor for the growth of Azolla. The comprehensive evaluation of feeding value of Hybrid Azolla,A. caroliniana Willd,A. filiculoides Lam, Backcrossed Azolla. MH3, Backcrossed Azolla. MH2, A. imhricate ( Roxb.) N akais and A. pinna.ta R. Brown follow a de· scending order. [ Conclusion] Under the condition of outdoor soil hydroponics in Guilin, Guangxi, nitrogen is the limiting factor affecting the growth of Azolla, and the seven Azolla germplasm resources have high potential application value as green manure. Among them, the fresh bio· mass,propagation coefficients and growth adaptability of A. imhricate ( Roxb. ) Nakais was the best. However, the feeding value of Hybrid Azolla was the optimal. Therefore, A. imhricate( Roxb.) Nakais and Hybrid Azolla are more suitable to be applied in the rice·Azo[fo.fish/duck agricultural ecological model in northern Guangxi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durum wheat is mainly used in pasta production, but may also be used as animal feed, for example as concentrate for dairy cows. Data on the ruminal degradation of Durum grains are scarce. Hence, the objective of the present study was to describe ruminal in situ crude protein (CP) and starch (ST) degradation, to investigate in vitro gas production kinetics, and to estimate utilisable CP at the duodenum (uCP) in vitro of five Durum varieties from three growing locations. Metabolisable energy (ME) and digestibility of organic matter (dOM) were also estimated using in vitro data. In situ incubations were conducted in three lactating jersey cows over defined timespans from 1 to 72 hr. Ruminal degradation parameters were estimated using exponential regression, and effective ruminal degradation was predicted for a ruminal passage rate of 8%/hr (ED8). In situ CP (a = 11%–19%; b = 80%–88%; c = 23%–33%/hr) and ST (a = 22%–39%; b = 60%–78%; c = 61%–123%/hr) degradation kinetics varied among samples and were influenced by location. Some samples showed a remarkably high ST degradation rate of up to 123%/h, which can significantly influence rumen pH and health when high amounts are incorporated into dairy rations. However, the ED of CP (77%–82%) and ST (91%–95%), and the in vitro estimates of ME (13.6–14.1 MJ/kg DM), dOM (92%–96%), and uCP (183–195 k/g DM) varied within a relatively small range. Hence, it may be adequate to use the mean values of these Durum grain characteristics when rations for ruminants are calculated and a differentiation depending on variety and location may not be necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) is a tool that permits rapid and inexpensive prediction of the nutritional characteristics of forages consumed by ruminants. Aim. Our aim was to investigate the feasibility of developing a NIRS calibration to predict the nutritional value of the majority of grasses, legumes and forbs that are utilised for sheep and cattle production in southern Australia. Methods.More than 100 annual and perennial forage species were grown in replicated plots at two locations over a period of 3 years. Biomass was sampled every 3-6 weeks, dried, ground and scanned with a desktop NIRS machine (n = 4385). One-quarter of these samples were subjected to laboratory analysis for calibration development or validation. Key results. Despite the large variation in the taxonomy and maturity of the plants when sampled, we successfully developed broad calibrations that predicted key nutritional traits. We achieved excellent predictions for crude protein, with a ratio of standard error of performance : standard deviation (RPD) of 5.3, and standard error of cross validation (SECV) of 1.06%. Predictions of neutral detergent fibre were also excellent (RPD 4.3, SECV. 3.5%). For pepsin-cellulase DM digestibility and acid detergent fibre, predictions were very good (RPD 3.7, SECV 2.6% and RPD 3.9, SECV 2.1%). Predictions for organic matter were less reliable (RPD 2.2). We achieved very promising predictions of methane production during batch culture fermentation (RPD 3.1, SECV 3.5 mL/gDM). Predictions of ammonia and total volatile fatty acid concentrations in the post-fermentation substrate were poor. Conclusions. We found that the broad calibrations predicted the nutritional traits of annual grasses, annual legumes and forb species with greater accuracy than perennial grasses or legumes. This could be associated with the accuracy of the wet chemistry methods. As a general rule, separating taxonomically similar species into groups before the development of calibrations, did not lead to more accurate predictions. Implications. If more spatial and temporal diversity can be built in without a large reduction in accuracy, these broad NIRS calibrations represent a valuable tool for Australian researchers, feed testing agents and livestock producers, as they encompass nearly all of the species that appear in monocultures or mixed swards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of sulfur on the fermentation characteristics of corn distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in in vitro culture were investigated. Samples (DDGS) were analyzed for nutrient values and then two independent in vitro experiments were conducted to study the effects of various sulfur sources (Na2S, Na2S2O4, Na2SO3, and Na2SO4) and different sulfur levels (0.346, 0.692, and 1.038%) on the fermentation characteristics of DDGS. Based on sampling and chemical composition analysis, there existed a great variation in the concentrations of sulfur and proximate nutrients of DDGS. In Experiment 1, sulfur source showed a significant (P < 0.01) effect on the gas production parameters (asymptotic gas production (b) and gas production rate (c)) and gas production of DDGS - sulfur from Na2SO4 and Na2S produced more (P < 0.01) gas within 48 h with a faster gas production rate as well as higher digestibilities (dry matter degradability and organic matter digestibility) and more energy supplies (metabolizable energy), net energy for maintenance and gain, and net energy for gain than sulfur from Na2SO3 and Na2S2O4. Neither ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration nor volatile fatty acids (VFA) profile (total VFA and individual VFA proportion) were affected by sulfur source (P > 0.05). In Experiment 2, no significant (P > 0.05) effect on the fermentation characteristics of DDGS with increasing sulfur content was found. The collective findings suggest that regular chemical analyses are necessary to make full use of DDGS, and that the valence state of sulfur in DDGS exerts an effect on its in vitro fermentation characteristics and there appears no dose-related effect of sulfur on the fermentation of DDGS in a short-term in vitro culture.

The effect of single and mixed microbial inoculation of alfalfa (Pleven 6 variety) with symbiotic nitrogen fixing bacteria Rhizobium meliloti 116 and Rhizobium meliloti 225, phosphate solubilizing bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens and mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices on alfalfa forage quality was studied. The assessment was made using the parameters of chemical composition, digestibility, energy and protein feeding values. A field experiment was carried out in 2018 on Chromic-Vertic Luvisol under irrigation. It was found that the mixed inoculation with Rhizobium meliloti 116+Pseudomonas fluоrescens had the highest complex forage quality evaluation. The forage was characterized with high crude protein (22.44%) and low fiber (15.35%) contents, high in vitro digestibility (70.81%), high energy (UFL-UFV 0.716-0.604) and protein (PBD-PDIN-PDIE 180- 141-103 g/ kg) feeding values. Comparing to the control, all inoculations increased the crude ash content, and Pseudomonas fluorescens and Gl. intraradices+Rh. meliloti 116 increased the protein digestible in intestine depending on nitrogen (PDIN) value. Both single inoculations with Rhizobium meliloti 116 and Rhizobium meliloti 225 had no positive influence on forage quality parameters. The specificity of alfalfa- microbial inoculant relationships resulted in different effect on forage quality parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to describe the distribution and nutritive value of woody species growing in clayloamy and red-brown sand from selected localities of North West, South Africa. Three 2.2 km transects, radiating from homesteads, which served as replicates, were established at each of four selected grazing areas. Nine 10 × 10 m homogenous vegetation units (HVU), 20 m apart, were marked in each transect. Woody plant density, height and canopy cover (CC), were recorded, and chemical properties and degradability via in vitro ruminal fermentation of harvested leaves were measured. Raisin bush (Grewia flava), Buffalo thorn (Ziziphus mucronata) and Camel thorn (Vachellia erioloba) were the common species across both soil types. Soil type influenced (P <0.05) plant density, CC, total tree equivalent (TTE) and plant height. Areas with red-brown sandy soil had higher (P <0.05) total plant density (827.7 plant/ha), CC (9.6%) and TTE (2886.4 TTE/ha) than those with clay-loamy soil. Vachellia erioloba leaves in clay-loamy soil had the highest (P <0.05) crude protein content (151.2 g/kg DM). Leaves of Searsia lancea species that were harvested from both the clay-loamy and red-brown sandy soils had the highest (P <0.05) amounts of condensed tannins (0.915 AU550/200 mg and 0.917 AU550/200 mg, respectively). Searsia lancea leaves had the lowest (P <0.05) in vitro ruminal nitrogen degradability values in both soil types. The leaves of Z. mucronata and G. flava leaves have potential as protein supplements for ruminants owing to their higher crude protein content and in vitro ruminal N degradability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species-rich Nardus grasslands are some of the most widespread habitats in the European mountainous areas and its Crude Protein (CP) content is one of the nutritional properties studied for sustainable grazing management. Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS) and Visible-Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (VNIRS) were reported to be alternative technologies to measure CP content in grass and forage. Despite being a fast, cheap and environmental-friendly method, issues related with sample presentation need to be considered, foremost in field conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of VNIRS to estimate the CP content in heterogeneous species-rich Nardus grasslands for non-processed samples in field conditions (on-site) and processed samples scanned in laboratory conditions. The hypothesis was that accurate calibration models could be developed to predict CP content in heterogeneous grasslands for both sample presentation conditions. In this study, 103 samples of heterogeneous grass were scanned and collected for chemical analysis. Samples points were selected following a completely randomized experimental design considering spatial and temporal variability. Successful results (Rc²≥0.90) were obtained for CP calibrations for both on-site and laboratory conditions. However, better predictive ability and better ratio of prediction deviation (RPD) were obtained for processed samples in laboratory conditions (Rp²=0.93 and RPD=4.01) compared to non-processed samples in field conditions (Rp²=0.81 and RPD=2.43). According to the results, it was concluded that accurate calibration model for CP estimation in heterogeneous species-rich Nardus grasslands was possible for processed samples in laboratory conditions. Conversely, calibration equation for non-processed samples in field conditions could be useful when quick response is needed in decision-making process. Thus, VNIRS can be used as an alternative technique to estimate CP content in heterogeneous grasslands for both field and laboratory conditions and it could be a useful tool in decision-making for sustainable grazing management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Italian, annual and perennial ryegrasses are the most important grass species cultivated for seed production in the Czech Republic. The straw remaining after seeds threshing can be used as low quality forage, bedding material or as soil amendment. However, there are no comprehensive information concerning grass straw yields and quality in central Europe. The aim of this study was to investigate the Italian (IR) and perennial (PR) ryegrass straw yield and quality. These parameters were measured for two harvest years at two locations. IR did not provide statistically higher straw yield than PR (7.50 and 7.17 t.ha-1 respectively, p = 0.314), but dry matter (DM) content immediateliy after threshing was higher than for PR (0.42 and 0.38 respectively, p = 0.03). IR straw had the same content of ash and hemicellulose (mean 69.8 and 216 g.kg-1DM, p = 0.22 and 0.57), but less crude protein (64.1 and 81.4 g.kg-1DM, p = 0.003), more fibre (399 and 382 g.kg-1 DM, p = 0.02), NDF (656 and 629 g.kg-1 DM, p = 0.03) and ADF (442 and 412 g.kg-1 DM, p = 0.000) when compared with PR straw. Most of the parameters were affected by the year (with exception of crude protein) and by location (with exception of yield, DM content, ash and crude protein). There were no differences in mineral nutrient contents between species. The highest values were found in potassium (19.8 g.kg-1DM) what is comparable with average quality hay. Phosphorus, calcium and magnesium contents (1.42, 2.96 and 1.02 g.kg-1DM) were substantially lower than in hay. Data concerning ryegrasses straw yield and quality from the USA are comparable with our results and can be used for European conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to determine the effects of the fermented juice of epiphytic lactic acid bacteria (FJLB) on the quality of total mixed ration (TMR) silage containing agricultural by-products, its digestibility, rumen fermentation, and nitrogen balance in ewes. TMR was prepared from rice straw, corn stover silage, brewer grain, tofu waste, steam-flaked corn, and a mineral mixture. The treatments consisted of silage additives added to TMR: CON (no silage additive), FJLB, COM (commercial additive), and MIX (FJLB + COM). Four cannulated ewes were assigned to the 4 × 4 Latin square design. The MIX treatment produced a lower (P < 0.01) pH than did the CON and FJLB treatments and a higher (P < 0.01) lactic acid concentration than did the other treatments. The fiber content in the COM treatment was lower (P < 0.05) than that in the other treatments. The FJLB treatment had similar fermentation quality and chemical composition to those of the CON and COM treatments in all parameters observed. Although the silage quality index (Fleig point) was higher in the MIX and COM treatments than in the CON treatment, all silages had good quality. No silage additives affected intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, or nitrogen balance. In conclusion, the TMR silage prepared from agricultural by-products mixed with wet-type food by-products with or without FJLB added resulted in well-preserved fermentation, and this product might be used as a ruminant feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since alluvial meadows of river valleys of the Cnidion dubii are protected by the EU Habitats Directive, reconciling farmers’ demands for forage quality with the objective of maintaining them in good conservation status is an important issue in grassland research. In a long-term experiment from 2010 to 2018, we investigated the impact of fertilizing on forage quality and species assembly on a species-rich and twice-mown alluvial grassland in the Dessau Elbe floodplain (Germany). The experiment was composed of an unfertilized control, PK, N60, N60PK and N120PK applications. A significant improvement in forage quality was achieved by nitrogen fertilization only for crude protein, with higher feeding requirements for sheep met only in individual years. The legume cycle was inhibited by the application of nitrogen and high grass cover was maintained, but not increased, at the highest nitrogen application after an exceptional summer flood. The target forbs persisted in numbers over the study period in all treatments. For cover, the low-competitive target forbs responded neutrally to nitrogen fertilization, whereas detrimental effects were demonstrated for the competitive ones. Thus, we recommend not applying more than 60 kg year−1 of nitrogen and only in combination with phosphorus and potassium.