Showing posts with label Silage and Forage. Show all posts
Alfalfa in Forage System Extends Feed in Drought
Posted by Unknown in Alfalfa (Lucerne), Drought, Silage and Forage on Friday, 29 March 2013
Written by Duane Dailey,
University of Missouri Cooperative Media Group
Another drought year ahead or not, adding more forages to the grazing mix helps during the annual summer slump, says a University of Missouri Extension forage specialist.
Rob Kallenbach advocates more alfalfa, although the legume called “the queen of forages” has fallen out of favor with some farmers.
Planting alfalfa can boost production on any pasture-based livestock farm, Kallenbach says.
“Yields in 2012 were an eye-opener for those who had alfalfa in their forage mix,” he adds. “Alfalfa kept growing long after other crops had dried up and died. The deep-rooted legume was noticeably greener.”
Drought brings renewed interest in establishing the protein-rich and nutrient-rich legume.
Kallenbach admits alfalfa is a picky plant. “It likes deep, rich, well-drained soils. Alfalfa won’t tolerate wet feet.”
But the legume responds well to good management, especially when lime, phosphorous and potash levels are kept up to soil-test recommendations. “Alfalfa pays well for extra attention. With a little care, it grows more tonnage per acre.”
In addition, the legume fixes enough nitrogen for its own use. That cuts fertilizer costs.
Almost every farm big enough to maintain a livestock herd has some land that will grow alfalfa, Kallenbach says. A 1,000-acre farm with 300 cows will have 80 or 100 acres suited for alfalfa.
While he favors the prime legume, every farm can benefit from clovers, red and white, and lespedeza seeded into grass pastures. Those legumes extend grazing into the summer slump.
Clover’s big advantage is ease of establishment. The legumes can be frost-seeded into grass pastures in February. However, grasses must be grazed down short before seeding. That allows seedlings to get started in the spring. Tall grass makes too much competition.
Kallenbach’s main message: Diversify forage beyond toxic tall fescue, Missouri’s dominant pasture forage.
Warm-season grasses also hold up well in what are the usual summer dry spells. They can extend the grazing season.
“Last summer, the drought-tolerant species delayed need to start feeding hay,” Kallenbach says. “However, in extreme droughts nothing keeps growing without rain. The cool-season grasses dry up early.”
Grazing provides less-expensive feed than baled hay. A dry-weather grazing plan requires advance planning. Many producers started feeding baled hay in July last summer because of grass shortages.
Summer grazing also comes from annual warm-season grasses such as sorghum-sudan and pearl millet. However, they must be planted when there is moisture in the soil. “If you wait until going into a drought, it’s too late to plant supplemental forages,” Kallenbach says.
All forages benefit from managed grazing. With rotational grazing, dividing large pastures into grazing paddocks, less forage is lost to trampling. The rest periods in management-intensive grazing boost production of forage per acre.
Forage that cows waste in continuously grazed pastures could have been used to replace high-priced baled hay.
Dry-weather grazing may become the new norm, according to some climatologists looking at long-range forecasts.
Mixed-species pastures with managed grazing may become part of the survival of beef herds in Missouri.
For Kallenbach, better grazing plans include alfalfa. It has a bright future on more Missouri farms, he says. Even if drought doesn’t come, alfalfa producers have high-tonnage forage to be grazed, baled or put up as baleage.
If not needed on the home farm, alfalfa becomes a highly marketable feed. Someone, somewhere, will need it and be willing to pay big bucks for it.
—From University of Missouri Cooperative Media Group
University of Missouri Cooperative Media Group
Another drought year ahead or not, adding more forages to the grazing mix helps during the annual summer slump, says a University of Missouri Extension forage specialist.
Rob Kallenbach advocates more alfalfa, although the legume called “the queen of forages” has fallen out of favor with some farmers.
Planting alfalfa can boost production on any pasture-based livestock farm, Kallenbach says.
“Yields in 2012 were an eye-opener for those who had alfalfa in their forage mix,” he adds. “Alfalfa kept growing long after other crops had dried up and died. The deep-rooted legume was noticeably greener.”
Drought brings renewed interest in establishing the protein-rich and nutrient-rich legume.
Kallenbach admits alfalfa is a picky plant. “It likes deep, rich, well-drained soils. Alfalfa won’t tolerate wet feet.”
But the legume responds well to good management, especially when lime, phosphorous and potash levels are kept up to soil-test recommendations. “Alfalfa pays well for extra attention. With a little care, it grows more tonnage per acre.”
In addition, the legume fixes enough nitrogen for its own use. That cuts fertilizer costs.
Almost every farm big enough to maintain a livestock herd has some land that will grow alfalfa, Kallenbach says. A 1,000-acre farm with 300 cows will have 80 or 100 acres suited for alfalfa.
While he favors the prime legume, every farm can benefit from clovers, red and white, and lespedeza seeded into grass pastures. Those legumes extend grazing into the summer slump.
Clover’s big advantage is ease of establishment. The legumes can be frost-seeded into grass pastures in February. However, grasses must be grazed down short before seeding. That allows seedlings to get started in the spring. Tall grass makes too much competition.
Kallenbach’s main message: Diversify forage beyond toxic tall fescue, Missouri’s dominant pasture forage.
Warm-season grasses also hold up well in what are the usual summer dry spells. They can extend the grazing season.
“Last summer, the drought-tolerant species delayed need to start feeding hay,” Kallenbach says. “However, in extreme droughts nothing keeps growing without rain. The cool-season grasses dry up early.”
Grazing provides less-expensive feed than baled hay. A dry-weather grazing plan requires advance planning. Many producers started feeding baled hay in July last summer because of grass shortages.
Summer grazing also comes from annual warm-season grasses such as sorghum-sudan and pearl millet. However, they must be planted when there is moisture in the soil. “If you wait until going into a drought, it’s too late to plant supplemental forages,” Kallenbach says.
All forages benefit from managed grazing. With rotational grazing, dividing large pastures into grazing paddocks, less forage is lost to trampling. The rest periods in management-intensive grazing boost production of forage per acre.
Forage that cows waste in continuously grazed pastures could have been used to replace high-priced baled hay.
Dry-weather grazing may become the new norm, according to some climatologists looking at long-range forecasts.
Mixed-species pastures with managed grazing may become part of the survival of beef herds in Missouri.
For Kallenbach, better grazing plans include alfalfa. It has a bright future on more Missouri farms, he says. Even if drought doesn’t come, alfalfa producers have high-tonnage forage to be grazed, baled or put up as baleage.
If not needed on the home farm, alfalfa becomes a highly marketable feed. Someone, somewhere, will need it and be willing to pay big bucks for it.
—From University of Missouri Cooperative Media Group
Forage Crops for Goats in Philippines
Posted by Unknown in Goat Farming, Grass, Grazing, Philippines, Silage and Forage on Tuesday, 29 January 2013
(Sun Star Davao)
The increasing demand for goat meat is a boon to farmers engaged in
goat-raising, making backyard and commercial projects a promising
investment field.
As
in any other industry, a decisive factor in the development of a
commercially viable goat raising industry is the product. As everybody
in livestock-raising knows, the right choice of feeds has a direct
bearing on the quality of the meat.
"Goats should
be fed nutritious feeds on a year round basis," says Roy C. Alimoane,
director of the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) Foundation
Inc. in Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur.
The question is
how? "Native grasses decline fast, have low volume per hectare, are
inadequate for high stocking rates, and do not respond well to
fertilization," Alimoane explains.
Obviously, the
solution is to plant new, improved, and more efficient grass and legume
species, which are palatable to goats. A 50-50 combination of both
provides three advantages: 1) it improves milk production and chevon
quality, 2) fertilizes the soil, and 3) helps prevent soil erosion.
Every pasture
land is unique. The variables are soil, elevation, climate, and
location. Certain types of grasses and legumes will grow well in one
area, badly in another. Goat raisers should put up test plots and secure
technical advice and, depending on the performance of different
species, gradually expand.
Some of the
promising pasture and forage crops for goats are star grass, napier
grass, guinea grass and para grass for grasses and ipil-ipil,
centrosema, stylo, siratro, kakawate, kadios, flemingia, and rensonii
for legumes.
Star grass (Cynodon plestostachyus)
-- A very aggressive, creeping perennial, this East African native
grass can easily crowd pasture grasses and legumes. It is very resistant
to trampling and drought but tends to become very stemmy when mature.
Above average in crude protein, young stands are relished by goats. It
responds well to fertilization and, with cuttings, is easily
established.
Spreading
quickly, star grass effectively holds sandy soils along waterways and
embankments. It's very tolerant to grazing and trampling and is
particularly useful in alleys and paddocks near the corral which are
frequently over stock.
Star grass
grows well in the Cagayan Valley, Negros Occidental, North and South
Cotabato and Davao provinces. It blends well with centrosema.
Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) --
Also known as elephant grass, this is the most popular improved pasture
species in the country because of its vigor, productivity, drought
tolerance, and relative ease in establishing it. Like the star grass, it
responds well to fertilization.
While
unable to tolerate water logging, this species grows under many soil
conditions. Although commonly used for soilage and silage, it may be
grazed. It also makes excellent stands with legumes like centrosema and
siratro.
Napier grass,
which is a similar to sugarcane in appearance, can be propagated
commercially by means of stem cuttings. If it is not grazed and allowed
to become overgrown, napier grass becomes tall and stemmy. It is an
excellent species for zero grazing in goat-raising. Napier grass is low
in crude protein.
Guinea grass (Panicum maximum)
-- This African native grows on a wide range of soil but is better
suited to medium to highly fertile soil. It responds well to high level
of nitrogen fertilization.
Like the napier
grass, it cannot tolerate water logging. Guinea grass can be
established commercially using rootstocks and seeds. It grows well with
legumes, like centrosema and stylo, and under trees of semi-cleared
conditions. Guinea grass is only average in crude protein.
Para grass (Brachiaria mutica)
-- This species has become popular due to its ability to grow well
under waterlogged conditions. A trailing grass that roots freely at the
nodes, it responds well to nitrogen fertilizer. It is best suited for
low flat lands and where poor drainage is a problem.
Para grass is a
common weed in irrigation channels and drainage ditches. It is
extensively used in Davao's low coastal goat and coconut farms as well
as in the Bukidnon's highlands (up to 760 meters above sea level).
Like napier
grass, it’s very easy to establish from stem cuttings. It is not as
resistant to grazing as guinea grass, but para grass seems to be the
goats’ favorite grass. It is average in crude protein.
Ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala) --
This is a perennial shrub or tree. Ipil-ipil leaves are bipinnate with
white head inflorescence. It is recommended as a folder crop for
backyard goat-raising. The young stem and leaves can be dried and
pulverized into leaf and stem meal or it may be fed as fresh-cut forage.
Although
ipil-ipil contains an undesirable alkaloid called mimosine, which causes
feather loss in poultry and hair loss in horses and pigs, goats can be
fed high levels of ipil-ipil without any adverse effects. Ipil-ipil is
very high crude in protein.
Centrosema (Centrosema pubsecens)
-- This is a trailing and climbing perennial with bright purple flowers
weakly rooting at the nodes. Centrosema grows well even on acidic soil
and is adaptable to the high rainfall areas in the eastern part of the
Philippines.
Like other
species, it combines well with many grasses. Moderately tolerant of
waterlogged conditions, it is recommended for grazing under coconut
trees. In feed value, it is high in crude protein and goats find it
every palatable.
Siratro (Phoseolus atropurpureus) --
A twining perennial with many branched hairy stems and trifoliate
leaves with distinctive indentations on the margins, it grows on a wide
variety of soils, is drought resistant, mixes with grasses, and seeds
profusely.
Although
siratro is susceptible to Rhixonctonia during the rainy season, it
recovers quickly in summer. This species is not widespread and seed are
very hard to obtain. Siratro is high in crude protein.
Calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus)
-- A shrub that rarely reaches more than ten meters tall, calliandra
with its red flowers is usually grown as an ornamental. While it does
not produce seeds readily, it grows very well in Mindanao.
Calliandra
grows on many different soils, including infertile ones; it even grows
in heavily compacted clay-type soils with poor aeration. Per fresh and
dry weight basis, it has crude protein content of 9.42 percent and 28.26
percent, respectively. But the leaves are high in tannins which may
restrict absorption of the protein. As such, it should be fed with other
legumes and grasses.
Kakawate (Gliricidia sepium) --
This is small tree that grows up to 10 meters high. It has an open
crown and often contorted trunk that is 30 centimeter or less in
diameter. It does well in moist and dry soil, even with heavy
concentration of limestone. In addition, it can tolerate acidic soil.
The leaves
contain over 20 percent crude protein and are nutritious for livestock.
When given to goats, it should be mixed with other legumes and grasses.
Kadios (Cajanus cajan)
-- A woody shrub that can grow as tall as 3.6 meters, it can be grown
in a wide range of soils but cannot withstand water-logging. It thrives
in light sandy soils, but grows best in neutral deep loams. The pods,
husks, and foliage can be used for feeding goats. The dry seeds contain
about 22 percent protein.
Flemingia (Flemengia macrophylla) --
This is a shrub attaining two to three meters in height. It has deep
root system and produces dense foliage. It looks somewhat similar to
kadios but does not produce edible beans. It is somewhat shade and
fire-resistant. Per fresh and dry weight basis, it has six percent and
18 percent crude protein, respectively.
Rensonii (Desmodium rensonii) --
This is an erect shrub which grows well in moist areas with even
rainfall distribution. It can be planted by seeds or by cuttings. It is
very fast growing with good foliage production, yielding 1.9 kilograms
per linear meter of hedgerow. Its coppicing ability is excellent.
With a crude
protein content (23%) rivaling alfalfa in the temperate climates,
rensonii has been successfully tested at the MBRLC as an animal feed not
only for goats, but sheep, cattle, rabbits, and swine as well.
Horse Hay: How to Identify the Good Stuff
Horses
are very fussy about their hay, and are likely to take it as a personal
insult if their owners don't deliver the good stuff. Neil Clarkson
reports.
Happiness,
as all horse owners know, is having a shed overflowing with top quality
hay by the end of summer, ready to sustain the troops through the
winter.
Horse
owners either buy it, or shut up a paddock or two in the hope that both
good weather and a local farm contractor will converge on the property
at the same time.
Knowing how to identify good hay is an essential skill for any horse owner, for two reasons.
Firstly,
who wants to fork out good cash for bad hay? Secondly, horses will
struggle to get any real nutritional value from rumpty hay. They may not
even eat it. Dusty and mouldy hay may even do your horse harm, and its
overall poor quality might bring on a case of hay-induced colic.
Buying
in hay is the only option if you can't afford the luxury of shutting up
a paddock. It's also the best course if you need only a few dozen bales
to see through the winter, as it will rarely be economic to have a
contractor do small quantities.
Before we look at how to assess hay, it's important to understand the process - and just as importantly - what can go wrong.
Scenario one: It's
an idyllic and gloriously sunny day. Your friendly contractor, tanned
from weeks of haymaking, drives in the gate. Spring has been kind and a
thick sward of leafy pasture awaits mowing. He mows the grass, which
immediately begins to dry under the baking sun. The contractor is back
three days later with his tedder and stirs up the grass, allowing it to
dry even faster. The following day he returns and declares, that with
continuing good weather, he will row it up for baling the next day. He's
as good as his word. The hay is rowed up and four hours later the
tractor and baler drive through the gate. The contractor checks the hay
carefully and declares it perfect for baling. Within two hours you have a
paddock of conventional bales and your friends and neighbours have
formed a traffic jam at your front gate as they arrive to help you get
it into the shed.
Scenario two: It's
been a hell of a summer. Hardly a day goes by without a shower. The
weather just hasn't been settled enough to make hay. Your grass is past
its best and is going to seed. The weather is finally looking better so
you phone your contractor. Everyone is bending his ear about making hay,
he explains. Nevertheless, two days later your grass is mowed. It rains
that night. There's some good drying the next day, but it will cop two
more showers before it's finally baled. It probably could have done with
another afternoon of drying but the weather forecast for the next three
days was poor. No-one turns up to help you cart it in.
Appearance
Inspect
it closely. You're after hay with plenty of leaf matter. Hay with an
abundance of stalk and mature seedheads will have been baled past its
best. Look for evidence of dried weeds and thistles - you're wanting to
buy dried grass, not weeds. Casually check out the paddocks as you head
for the haystack. If you see lots of thistles and other undesirable
weeds, there's a good chance the hay will have its fair share, too. You
may see a lot of stalky hay if it's been a difficult season. It may
still be acceptable for horses if they're going to enjoy a quiet winter,
but don't kid yourself. It will have more fibre and less protein than
leafier hay. You'll be better off paying a bit more for hay with a
higher leaf content - if it's available. If you see small immature
seedheads, the hay will be fine. In fact, some consider this to be an
ideal state for hay-making.
Color
Good
hay is a pale green to pale gold in colour. If it looks dull and brown
there's a good chance it copped rain while drying. If it's really
golden, it may have been too dry when cut. The best area to assess
colour is in the heart of a bale, not the outside, which can bleach out
in daylight. Don't be put off by a bale with part of its exterior
bleached. Chances are it has simply been spending its days on the
outside of a haystack. The bleached area will probably have lost its
vitamin A content, but most of the nutrients should still be there. If
you're not able to cut a random bale to check its interior, thrust a
hand inside the bale as far as you can and pull out a fistful to check.
Mould
Hay
should ideally be baled when the moisture content is around 15 to 17
per cent. Most contractors will assess moisture content on experience.
You might get away with slightly higher moisture with conventional
bales, but it will be a close-run thing. Moist hay poses a real fire
risk, so don't keep it inside a shed. It also provides perfect growing
conditions for mould, which can be toxic to livestock. You're most
likely to find it in the heart of the bale. This is another thing to
check when you cut open a sample bale, or pull out a sample by hand.
Mould can show as areas of darker discolouration, but it isn't always
visible. Worry not: you have another weapon in your arsenal. That nose
on your face is not just for decoration!
Smell
The
sweet smell of good hay is just glorious, and comes from a plant
chemical called coumarin. But your nose is also an essential tool in
sniffing out mould. You may well smell mould before seeing it. If you're
able to cut a sample bale, thrust your nose into its heart before the
surrounding air can dilute any odours. Hopefully, you'll detect a nice
sweet smell. If the smell is sharp, musty, almost metallic, it is a sure
sign the hay is mould-affected.
Weight
If
you can tuck a conventional bale under each arm, the grass has almost
certainly been dried to a crisp in the paddock before baling. Its
nutritional value will be limited. If a single bale is tough to lift, it
may be too moist and be breeding mould furiously. You'll need to lift a
few bales to get the hang of this, but once you recognise the right
weight range for a good bale, you've acquired a useful skill.
Texture
How
does the hay feel when you work it in your hand? If it feels coarse,
your horse is likely to find it that way, too. A good leafy hay will be
easy to the touch. Even the stems in good hay should be flexible.
Dust
As
you test the hay for texture, smell, and weight, take careful note of
whether it's producing much dust. There's only one place that dust will
end up - your horses' lungs. The dust can come from a number of sources.
It could have been blown on to grass during a dry spell before cutting.
It may have been kicked up from dry ground by the machinery making the
hay. It could also have come from the gradual breakdown of the hay.
Whatever the cause, avoid dusty hay.
Leaf shatter
This
is where the leaf matter in the hay crumbles when it is touched or
disturbed. The main problem is that leaf shatter will quickly rob the
affected hay of its nutrients. Leaf shatter can begin even before the
hay is baled, especially if a leafy crop is too dry when the contractor
rakes it.
You
have to assess how bad the problem is, but if the bale is
disintegrating with every touch, you might be better to look elsewhere.
Age
Hay
will gradually lose its nutritional value as it ages, but not as fast
as many people think. While new-season hay is probably the best option,
well-stored top-quality hay will still be pretty hard to beat, even if
it's a season or two old.
Storage
Hay
can be stored outside, but there is always a risk that rain may
penetrate the covers. Hay that's been shed-stored and protected from the
elements is most likely your best bet. When you get it home, store the
hay well. Keep if off the ground, otherwise the hay will soak up
moisture like the wick of a candle, effectively ruining the bale.
Typically, half the bale may be rendered worthless.
Finally,
if you've gone to the trouble of sourcing the best hay for your equine
friends, make sure they don't waste it by trampling it into the muddy
paddock.
- If you've bought the hay, it's a good idea to feed it out in only one part of each paddock. That way you can keep an eye on the areas in question for any weeds that may take root come spring.
Lucerne / Alfalfa hay
Lucerne
hay is a favourite of horses, but it can be expensive, especially in
parts of the country where it doesn't grow well. It has plenty of
protein - 15 to 18 per cent for good hay - but this may be more than
your horse actually needs.
If
you're wondering where good spring pasture fits in this equation, it
can be 20 to 25 per cent protein, based on dry matter. No wonder horses
can easily get in trouble on such a rich diet.By comparison, meadow hay
is likely to have 6 to 10 per cent protein, based on dry-matter weight.
Lurcerne
hay is a great option for growing horses and mares with a foal at foot,
both of which have a need for higher levels of protein, but for most
horses it's usually treated as a very useful and appealing supplement to
their diet. It's tasty and a good choice for fussy eaters.
There's
no doubt that just about every horse will enjoy a diet rich in lucerne
hay. The only thing is you may well be paying well for the privilege of
feeding them additional protein they don't need.
Never begrudge a farmer his premium return on lucerne hay. It's an expensive crop and tricky to get it just right for baling.
How To Grow Cool Season Pastures
Posted by Unknown in Cattle and Livestock, Grass, Grazing, Pasture, Silage and Forage
 |
| Well managed cool-season pasture in southern Iowa. NRCS offer. Photo by Lynn Betts, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (1999) |
By John Howle
A
cool-season pasture can dramatically reduce your need for stored feed
and extend your grazing season through the winter months. The key to
having winter grazing is stockpiling or saving forage for winter,
picking hearty cool-season forage to plant, and practicing rotational
grazing. With adequate rainfall, you’ll be set for success this winter.
David
Wright has 65 cows in his dairy operation in Alexandria, Ala., and his
cattle graze throughout the winter, eliminating his need for stored hay.
“I
can have high-quality winter forage through my ryegrass from November
until May,” Wright says. “The only time I’ve had to feed hay is during
drought years.”
In
the 1990s, dairy farming across the U.S. changed, with large commercial
dairies replacing small family-owned-and-operated dairies. Wright
realized that competing with commercial operations was possible by
downsizing his herd and feeding only grass to his cows.
“Our
cows were healthier and happier, the milk was higher quality, the
tractors were in the fields less, and my wife, Leianne, and I had more
time to spend with our children,” he says.
Wright’s
operation centers on dairy cows, but the principles he’s learned can be
applied to winter grazing for any type of livestock. His search for the
best forage-management practices has led him overseas to places like
New Zealand, Africa and Ireland.
“When
you look closely and walk through the fields in other countries where
rotational grazing is truly effective and stored-feed expenses are high,
you see the importance of making grazing available through the winter,”
Wright says.
He
adds that by establishing winter pastures, rotating grazing and
stockpiling forage, winter hay can be virtually eliminated from
livestock diets, as long as fertilizer and rainfall amounts are
adequate.
Stock Up on Forage
Stockpiling
fescue can extend the grazing season up to 60 days, according to Gary
Bates, PhD, forage specialist with the University of Tennessee.
“Fescue
stockpiling is simple,” Bates says. “About the first of September,
either graze or clip the pastures to remove all the mature forage. Then
apply 60 pounds of nitrogen per acre after the fall rains begin. Then
allow the fescue to grow as long as possible without grazing, even up to
a killing frost.”
Bates recommends rotationally grazing fescue when possible so that less of the forage is trampled and wasted by the cattle.
“Tall
fescue that is stockpiled for winter forage can be grazed down to 2
inches since the plant is dormant and not trying to grow,” Bates says.
“It will lose some quality over the winter, but research has shown that
the protein content will remain at 10 percent, even into February.”
The only time stockpiling fescue doesn’t work is during periods of limited rainfall.
“Stockpiled
fescue makes substantial growth during autumn, and the waxy layer on
its leaves makes it resistant to frost damage and weathering,” says
Auburn University professor emeritus and retired extension agronomist
Don Ball. “In addition, tall-fescue forage accumulates a high
concentration of soluble carbohydrates in the fall and maintains its
quality through the winter.”
Ball
says that producers should closely examine the relationship between
stockpiled fescue and other cool-season forages versus hay-production
costs.
“Many
cattle producers in the South, for instance, are feeding hay for 120
days or more,” he says. “However, some producers have developed
approaches, such as stockpiling and planting additional cool-season
forages, that allow them to feed little or no hay in some years.”
Some
fescue carry endophyte fungus, which can affect the health of your
livestock. Look for endophyte-free fescue to avoid fescue toxicosis in
cattle as well as birth defects and premature labor in pregnant mares.
Seed Your Pastures
Once warm-season forage goes dormant, seeding cool-season, annual forage in the pastures can extend the grazing season.
“Ryegrass
is normally broadcast or drilled into dormant sods of warm-season
species,” Ball says. “Small grains and ryegrass, often with an annual
clover, are planted on a prepared seedbed.”
Cool-season
clovers provide winter forage and reduce your fertilizer bill. Red
clover—nicknamed cow clover—is a hearty variety that germinates well and
is adapted for growth in the eastern half of the U.S. White clover
varieties also provide hearty growth and produce nitrogen in the nodules
of the root system, delivering nutrients back to the soil.
Clover
can be planted on a prepared seedbed, drilled or even frost-seeded.
Frost-seeding, the least labor-intensive method, requires no equipment
other than a hand sower. Simply sow the clover on top of the grazed
forage or seedbed, and the frosting and heaving of the soil in cold
weather will create the seed-to-soil contact necessary for germination.
Some producers frost-seed and allow the livestock to trample the seed
into the ground via hoof traffic.
Cool-season
grasses, such as ryegrass, wheat and oats, germinate well and provide
plenty of winter grazing. Before purchasing seeds, check with your local
extension office or university agronomist to find out which cool-season
grasses and clovers grow best in your area. Also, check with fellow
hobby farmers in your area to see what species have performed well for
them in seasons past.
Fertilize the Pastures
As
with any planted forage, fertilizer is a major component of success.
With the proper amount of rainfall (i.e., average for your area), the
nitrogen—whether in commercial or organic form—will help the grass grow
fast and green. A soil test is the only way to accurately determine how
much fertilizer to apply. Once the soil report comes back, the soil
analysis will show your soil’s pH, so you can determine if the pasture
needs lime and fertilizer and in what amounts.
On
a typical bag of commercial fertilizer, you’ll see three numbers
indicating the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. For
instance, ammonium nitrate will have the numbers 34-0-0 on the bag,
which means there are 34 pounds of nitrogen for every 100 pounds of
fertilizer. A bag of 13-13-13 has 13 percent each of nitrogen,
phosphorous and potassium.
For
Wright’s winter pastures, consisting mostly of Marshall ryegrass, he
applies cow manure from his dairy barn at a rate of approximately 60
pounds per acre. In August, he lightly disks his fields, then broadcasts
ryegrass seeds in mid-September. As the seeds are broadcast, he uses a
cultipacker, an implement that packs the seed into the soil on a
prepared seedbed as it’s pulled behind a tractor. The cultipacker also
helps firm the soil and prevent erosion in the event of large amounts of
rainfall.
If
you plan to use an organic fertilizer, such as cattle, poultry or
rabbit manure, it’s important to get an analysis of its content to know
just how much fertilizer you’re actually getting. Most land-grant
universities will analyze manure for its nutrient levels. Although
typically lower in nutrient quality than commercial fertilizer, due to
its high organic content, organic fertilizer builds the soil while
commercial fertilizer does not.
“Fertilizer
will be the biggest expense in creating plentiful winter forage for
livestock,” Bates says. “However, it’s cheaper to grow the forage than
it is to produce the hay and feed it.”
Cutting,
raking and baling hay is a big expense, not to mention the issue of
storage. Although you may not be able to entirely eliminate feeding hay,
the amount fed can be greatly reduced when the forage is growing live.
Implement Rotational Grazing
Wright
rotationally grazes 5-acre paddocks. He says the only feed he
supplements with the ryegrass pasture is grain with added minerals.
“The
grain I use has magnesium and calcium,” he explains. “The magnesium
guards against grass tetany, and the calcium prevents milk fever.”
According to Wright, his rotational grazing is keeping nutrients on the farm.
“When
you cut hay, you are removing nutrients from the field in the hay,” he
says. “When the cows graze the grass, they are getting the nutrients
they need as well as returning many of those nutrients back to the soil
in their droppings.”
It’s
important not to graze the forage to less than 2 inches when using
rotational grazing. If livestock are allowed to graze too long, weeds
will be given a greater opportunity to sprout, the forage will become
excessively trampled, and the plants’ root systems and overall quality
will be stressed.
Spring into Action
Bates recommends evaluating the forage quality in spring to determine the forage needed in the winter.
“When
the forage is about 8 inches tall, walk over the stand to estimate what
percent of the ground is covered with leaves, and if there is 70
percent or better coverage, just add clover,” he says. “If there’s 40 to
70 percent, you can drill more tall fescue in the fall once it has been
grazed low and the ground moisture is higher.”
If the stand is less than 40 percent, Bates recommends killing it and replanting.
The onset of cold weather doesn’t mean you have to stop grazing livestock and put them on hay.
There
are plenty of cool-season forage options for extending your grazing
season well into the cold months of the year. Your livestock and your
wallet will reap the benefits.
About
the Author: John Howle is a freelance writer, hobby farmer, English
teacher, and singer/songwriter from Heflin, Ala. He and his wife and
three children share the rich farming heritage handed down to them by
their ancestors.
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2011 issue of Hobby Farms.
Advantages of Manure Fodders for Growing Crops Faster
Posted by Unknown in Green Manure, Manure and Composting, Silage and Forage, Soil Issue, Soil Management on Friday, 25 January 2013
 |
| Manure exposed to sun and rainwater loses essential nutrients. |
Many small-scale farmers do not use manure properly. Carelessly stored manure can lose half of its nitrogen content.
William Ayako*
No
doubt, manure promotes the growth of all crops. The only problem is
that many dairy farmers lack skills for improved management. This is
shown in a study on methods of manure management on smallholder
peri-urban dairy farms in Bahati division, Nakuru district. The results
of the study, conducted in July, 2005, are significant for other regions
in Kenya too.
A
total of 30 smallholder dairy farmers in the Bahati region were
randomly picked; their farming system is mainly small-scale mixed
crop/livestock type. The farmers kept an average of 1 - 2 mature cows,
mainly of Friesian, Ayrshire and Zebu crosses. The feeding was mainly
“cut and carry” (zero gazing) in stables with planted Napier grass as
the main feed resource and crop residue found within the farm.
It
became clear that smallholder dairy farmers, neglected by policy
makers, could not afford to apply inorganic fertilizers on Napier grass.
The inputs were relatively expensive, and the availability of those
inputs was always untimely. This means that the farmers were therefore
in dire need of skills to improve manure management to boost fodder
production for their dairy cows. This was even more important as the
high human population in the division led to further decline in soil
fertility due to over-cultivation of land.
Soil
degradation as well as poor livestock nutrition and livestock diseases
were responsible for the low milk production. Labor shortage and lack
of capital was evident since over 90% of the farmers in Bahati used
family labor and simple tools to apply manure. Some of the farmers used
bedding from unused maize stalks for compost making. This is very
helpful since the compost takes time to decompose under field conditions
and hence increased the nitrogen ratio.
Improve Napier grass yield
 |
| Young Napier Grass : An Excellent Fodder |
Since
the majority of the farmers stored manure in open heaps for
convenience, the method caused high nutrient losses, estimated at over
30% of nitrogen content when the storage duration exceeded 3 months.
Extended
storage in open heaps further increased losses estimated to be more
than 50% of nitrogen when the storage exceeded 6 months. During the
season of land preparation, planting and weeding of the field crops,
labor became scarce and manure management suffered at the expense of
other activities. Therefore, it was estimated that smallholder farmers
in the division incurred nutrient losses of over 60% in manure nitrogen
due to lack of improved handling and application methods. In other
words, through negligence, farmers reduced Napier yields and hence milks
production and their income.
Recommended methods
The manure application technology, developed by KARI Naivasha, has two options.
•
The farmers on the hill slopes and with less than one acre of land
should use the ‘tumbukiza’ method of manure management on Napier grass.
The system involves digging pits
of about 3x3x3 cubic feet. The pits are spaced at 2 meters apart and
are filled with 3 debes of slurry (a mixture of manure and water), then a
1-foot layer of top soil is added on top of the manure. Thereafter,
6–10 cane cuttings of Napier grass are planted on each pit.
The
tumbukiza method has been known to increase fodder yield by
approximately 30 %. It is advised to plant sweet potatoes or forage
legumes between the pits to increase the quality of forage and to
control weeds.
•
Farmers should also plant Napier grass along the contours using the
Fanya Juu method. In the Fanya Juutrenches, they should apply the
slurry as explained above, then add top soil and plant Napier grass.
This would prevent soil nutrient losses through erosion and secondly, it
would reduce the frequency of additional labor. The most important
advantage is increase in Napier grass yield per given area.
Farmers
in less hilly areas should apply slurry in a shallow trench dug between
the rows of Napier grass and cover with the soil. Although this method
is labour-intensive, it enables better utilization of nitrogen in the
urine and reduces other loses arising from evaporation. Many small-scale
farmers do not use manure properly. Carelessly stored manure can lose
half of its nitrogen content.
Dr. William Ayacko is a livestock scientist at the KARI Naivasha Animal Husbandry Centre
Know Your Feed Terms
Posted by Unknown in Silage and Forage, Terms on Monday, 10 September 2012
When you are talking nutrition and feeds with your feed salesperson, livestock nutritionist, veterinarian or neighbour, it is important that you both speak the same language and understand what the other person means.
You will find this list of common meanings of feed terms helpful when you are talking nutrition, reading articles, feed analysis reports or feed tags.
Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF) - the fibrous, least-digestible portion of roughage. ADF consists of the highly indigestible parts of the forage, including lignin, cellulose, silica and insoluble forms of nitrogen. Roughages high in ADF are lower in digestible energy than roughages that contain low levels of ADF. As ADF levels increase, digestible energy levels decrease.
Acid Detergent Insoluble Nitrogen (ADIN) - a measure of the nitrogen remaining in the acid detergent fibre residue of a feed sample. While some ADIN occurs naturally in all plant material, it is usually considered to be an indicator of heat damage that can occur during storage or processing. Excessive heating of forages and grains causes some of the nitrogen to become irreversibly bound in the fibre. Nitrogen in excessively heated samples is usually indigestible or poorly digested by rumen microbes. It has been estimated that as much as 70 per cent of the protein bound with the fibre is unavailable to the animal. Feed labs may report acid detergent fibre protein (ADF-P%) or acid detergent insoluble protein (ADIP% or ADICP%), which can be expressed as a per cent of total dry matter or as a percentage of total nitrogen/protein.
The concentration of ADIN is used to determine protein availability in heated feeds. Estimates of crude protein (CP) available to the animal can be adjusted by using the following guideline. If ADIN levels are below or equal to 10 per cent, the crude protein level does not require adjustment, as these levels represent naturally occurring ADIN: for example, CP% = 10% and ADIN = 10%, then CP% = 10%. If reported ADIN is above 10%, then subtract 10% from the ADIN value and use the difference to adjust the crude protein available: for example, if ADIN = 20%, then 20 - 10 = 10% ADIN; 10% CP *(10/100) = 1, so 10% CP - 1% = 9% CP available.
Acid Detergent Insoluble Protein (ADIP) or Acid Detergent Insoluble Crude Protein (ADICP) - is the insoluble protein fraction, which is unavailable to the animal due to heat damage. It is expressed as a per cent of total protein. ADIP% may be reported as acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN %) or acid detergent fibre protein (ADF-P%).
As-fed Basis - represents the sample's moisture level before drying. Most feed reports will have results stated on a wet and a dry basis. The wet basis may be referred to by the terms: As-fed, As-is or As-received.
By-pass Protein - refers to the portion of intake protein in a feed that is not broken down in the rumen but is digested directly in the small intestine. By-pass protein is another name for undegradable intake protein (UIP), rumen undegradable protein (RUP) or escape protein.
Carbohydrates - chemical compounds containing carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Carbohydrates in plants can be divided into those that serve as storage and energy reserves in plants and are available for metabolism (sugars, starch, pectin and some cellulose, for example barley grain) and those that are structural (for example, fibrous cellulose, hemi-cellulose and lignin, for example, straw). Carbohydrates are a major source of energy in livestock feeds.
Cellulose - one of the major structural materials in the plant cell walls that can be utilized by microorganisms in the rumen.
Chelated Mineral - are a group of organic minerals that are actually classified as proteinates, chelates and other complexes, depending on the mineral's molecular structure. A chelated mineral is a mineral such as copper or zinc that is bonded by two or more chemical bonds with peptides (small protein molecules) or amino acids. Each has a varying level of absorption and efficacy.
Concentrates - feeds high in energy and low in fibre, for example, barley, oats, wheat, canola meal, soybean meal and molasses.
Conventional Chemical "Wet Chemistry" Analysis - traditional laboratory methods used to analyze feed samples involve various chemical, drying and burning procedures to determine the major chemical components with the feed sample. Wet chemistry procedures are based on sound chemical and biochemical principles and take considerably more time to complete than the newer electronic methods. The analysis results in the sample being destroyed. The wet chemistry analysis is the most exact and the standard that other analyses are compared to. Accurate results depend on good sampling techniques when the samples are gathered, proper handling of samples after collection and good analytical procedures in the laboratory conducting the evaluation.
Crude Fibre - a chemical method used to describe the indigestible portion of plant material. However, some of these substances can be partially digested by microorganisms in the rumen of cattle. The higher the fibre, the lower the energy content of the feed. It is not a very useful value. The practice of analyzing for it in feeds for ruminants is declining, but it is still commonly used for monogastrics (for example, pigs).
Crude Protein - the total amount of protein present as calculated from the total nitrogen present. Unless otherwise stated, protein values given in lab reports, feed tables and feed tags are crude protein. Laboratory analysis measures the total amount of nitrogen present in a feed. The per cent nitrogen is converted to per cent protein by multiplying by 6.25.
Degradable Intake Protein (DIP) - portion of intake protein that is digested or degraded in the rumen by microbes to ammonia and amino acids. DIP is expressed as a percentage of CP. DIP consists of rumen soluble nitrogen, non-protein nitrogen, plus soluble true protein. It may also as be referred to as rumen degradable protein (RDP).
Diet -the total amount of feed and drink for an animal.
Digestible Dry Matter (DDM) - is an estimate of digestible fibre in a forage sample. Different laboratories may use different formulas to calculate this value, one common formula is: %DDM = 88.9- (0.779 x %ADF (dry basis)).
Digestible Energy (DE) - is the gross intake energy minus the fecal energy (DE = GE - fecal energy). Digestible energy gives an indication of the actual amount of energy the animal has available for use. However, it only partially accounts for energy losses in the process of the utilization of nutrients. It also tends to over-value low quality feeds relative to high quality feeds.
Digestible Protein (DCP) - the amount of crude protein actually absorbed by the animal (crude protein minus the protein lost in feces).
Digestion - refers to all changes that feed undergoes within the digestive tract, with the end result being that the broken down products are absorbed from the digestive tract for use by the animal.
Dry Matter (DM) - total weight of feed minus the weight of water in the feed, expressed as a percentage. May also be referred to as: dry, dry basis, dry result or moisture-free basis. You can convert from As-fed basis or dry matter basis by using the following formulas: DM basis = As-fed basis x (Dry Matter %/100) or As-fed basis = DM basis x (Dry Matter %/100).
Dry Matter Intake (DMI) - all the nutrients contained in the dry portion of the feed consumed by animals. Dry matter intake can be measured in feeding studies by weighing the total ration fed and the amount of feed left by the animal. Feeding studies have shown that as the per cent of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) increases in forages, animals consume less. Therefore, the per cent NDF can be used to estimate dry matter intake (DMI (as a per cent of body weight) equals relative feed value as per cent of body weight divided by per cent NDF). DMI (% of body weight)=120/NDF (% of DM).
Equivalent Crude Protein from Non-protein Sources (ECP from NPS) - the theoretical amount of crude protein value from NPN compounds. For example, urea containing 45 per cent nitrogen contains 281 per cent equivalent crude protein (i.e., 45% x 6.25 = 281%).
Escape Protein - see By-pass Protein or Undegradable Intake Protein.
Feed Efficiency - the amount of feed required to produce one unit of product, such as pounds (kg) of feed to produce one pound (kg) body weight gain, or one pound (kg) of milk or one dozen eggs.
Gross Energy (GE) - the total energy in a feed. It is determined by measuring the amount of heat produced when a feed is completely oxidized in a bomb calorimeter. It is not a very useful measure since the gross energy in most common feeds is about the same, for example, GE in oat grain = GE in oat straw.
Heat Damage - the result of heating in feeds that essentially binds nitrogen to the fibre portion of the feed making it partially or wholly unavailable. The digestible energy of the feed may also be reduced; the net effect is reduced feed quality or feeding value. See Acid Detergent Insoluble Nitrogen.
Hemi-cellulose - the polysaccharide fraction existing in the cell wall of the plant. It is similar to cellulose but only partially digestible in the rumen.
In Vitro - refers to a feed sample that is digested in test tubes or tested outside the animal. An in vitro digestion study occurs in the laboratory, not in the animal.
In Vivo - refers to a digestion study of a feed that is tested inside the animal's rumen or stomach.
Lignin - a complex indigestible substance that is a major structural component of mature plants. It is contained in the fibrous portion of stems, leaves, cobs and hulls of plants.
Macro-minerals - macro-minerals, also called major minerals, are required in gram (g) quantities if the animal is to live and function. Macro-minerals perform specific roles in the body's structure and functions. The following seven macro-minerals are essential to animals (the mineral names are followed by their chemical symbols): calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sulphur (S), chlorine (Cl).
Megacalorie (Mcal) - units used to describe quantities of energy. The energy content of feed can be calculated and expressed in a number of different forms. It is most often calculated for cattle as a unit of heat expressed in megacalories. 1 Megacalorie (Mcal) = 1,000 Kilocalories (Kcal).
Metabolizable Energy (ME) - metabolizable energy is the digestible energy intake minus the energy in the urine minus the energy in the gaseous product of digestion: ME = DE - (energy in urine) - (energy in gaseous product of digestion). The ME value of individual feeds is rarely measured. Measuring the amounts of energy lost in gaseous form and in the urine is more difficult than measuring digestible energy. Therefore, conversion formulas are often used by nutritionists when ME values are needed. The common formula used to estimate ME in beef feedstuffs is ME = 0.82 x DE.
Metabolizable Protein (MP) - metabolizable protein is protein (amino acids) that is actually absorbed from the gut. MP consists of protein in the rumen microorganisms, feed protein and any protein that bypasses digestion in the rumen (undegradable intake protein (UIP). The concept of protein degradability has led to a new protein system called the metabolizable protein (MP) system. In this system, you balance to meet the requirements of the microbes and the animal, paying attention to the DIP and UIP fractions of the feed.
mg/kg - units of concentration, for example, milligrams in a kilogram. This measure is the same as parts per million (ppm) because 1 kilogram is 1 million milligrams. For example 10 mg/kg = 10 ppm.
Micro-minerals - also called trace minerals, are required in milligram (mg) or microgram (mg) amounts. They are found in animal tissues and feeds in very low concentrations. They often serve as components of enzyme cofactors or hormones. Examples of micro or trace minerals are cobalt, iodine, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium.
Moisture-free Basis - the concentration of a nutrient in the completely dry portion of the feed. Expressing the nutrient content in this way allows you to make comparisons between feeds that have different moisture contents. May also be referred to as dry, dry basis, dry result or dry matter basis. To convert moisture-free (dry basis) values to as-fed values, use the following formula: Analyzed value (as-fed) = Analyzed value (dry) x 100% moisture /100.
National Research Council (NRC) Tables - sets of tables published by the National Research Council/ National Academy of Sciences (U.S.) giving the amounts of each nutrient required by an animal for body maintenance, growth and production.
Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS) Analysis - near infrared reflectance spectroscopy is a rapid and low-cost computerized method to analyze forage and grain crops for their nutritive value. NIRS uses near infrared light, instead of chemicals as in conventional "wet chemistry" methods, to determine protein, fibre, energy and mineral content. The NIRS method of determining forage nutritional content is about 25 times faster than conventional wet chemistry procedures and less expensive. Accuracy still depends on good sample collection and storage and the consistent drying, grinding and mixing of samples before analysis. The calibration set used must be developed from an adequate number of wet chemistry samples, similar to those being analyzed. Without proper calibration, the NIRS analysis can have serious errors.
Net Energy (NE) - is metabolizable energy minus the heat increment of feeding: NE = ME - heat increment of feeding. The heat increment of feeding is the heat produced when feed is ingested and utilized. The net energy system divides energy requirements into net energy for maintenance (NEm) and net energy for growth (NEg) or net energy for lactation (NEl) in milking cows.
The NE system is more accurate than other energy systems because it gives the net value of each feed after accounting for all the energy losses in the process of feed and nutrient utilization. However, most published NE values for feeds are not measured values but values converted from the DE system, so they are subject to the same errors in estimation of digestibility as the DE system. The NE system is becoming increasingly popular for ration formulation.
Net Energy for Maintenance (NEm) - an estimate of the energy value of a feed used to keep an animal in energy equilibrium, neither gaining weight nor losing weight.
Net Energy for Growth (NEg) - an estimate of the energy value of a feed used for body tissue gain (weight gain) above that required for maintenance.
Net Energy for Lactation (NEl) - an estimate of the energy value of a feed used for maintenance plus milk production during lactation and for maintenance plus the last two months of gestation for dry, pregnant cows.
Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF) - is commonly called "cell walls." NDF gives a close estimate of fibre constituents of feedstuffs as it measures cellulose, hemi-cellulose, lignin, silica, tannins and cutins. Neutral detergent fibre has been shown to be negatively correlated with dry matter intake. As the NDF in forages increases, animals will be able to consume less forage. NDF is used in formulas to predict the dry matter intake of cattle (see Dry Matter Intake).
Nitrate per cent (NO3%) - nitrate is also part of the nitrogen-containing feed fraction; however, it contributes very little to the crude protein percentage. Nitrates can accumulate in a crop that has been subjected to drought, hail, frost or high levels of nitrogen fertilization. Feeds containing high levels of nitrate (greater than 1 per cent) can be toxic to ruminants.
Non-protein Nitrogen (NPN) - nitrogen that comes from other than organic protein sources (e.g. plant or animal) that can be used by ruminants to make animal protein. NPN sources are compounds like urea and ammonia.
Nutrient - an element, compound or group of compounds that can be used as nourishment by an animal.
Organic Matter - the total weight of the feed minus the weight of the mineral matter (or ash) in the feed.
Palatability - taste appeal, the degree of acceptability of a feed to livestock.
Parts per Million (ppm) - 1 milligram per kilogram = 1 ppm = 1 pound per million pounds.
Per cent Moisture (% moisture, or % H20) - indicates the proportion of water in the sample, calculated by weighing the sample before and after complete drying. For example, if a sample of silage weights 100 grams before drying and 35 grams after, it is assumed that 65 grams of water were lost. The original sample was therefore 65 per cent moisture. Conversely, the dry matter per cent of the sample was 35 per cent.
pH - the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a solution: pH levels below 7 are acidic and above 7 are alkaline. As silage ferments, the pH declines from neutral (pH 7). The more fermentation that has occurred in silage, the lower the pH will be. The lower the pH, the greater the acidity. The proper preservation of silage depends largely on the moisture content and pH. With high moisture silage (60 to 75 per cent), the pH should be below 4.5. With low moisture silage (50 per cent), the pH may be higher.
Probiotics - a probiotic can be a live (viable) culture of microbial species, a dead (non-viable) product of microbial fermentation or an extract of plant origin. The function of a probiotic is to improve the growth and development of the normal, desirable microbial population in the gut, allowing them to maintain domination over the undesirable organisms. There is evidence, however, that probiotics do form beneficial temporary colonies that may assist the body in the same functions as the natural flora, while allowing the natural flora time to recover from depletion. The probiotic strains are then progressively replaced by naturally developed gut flora.
Protein - complex compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and usually sulphur are composed of one or more chains of amino acids. Proteins are essential in the diet of animals for growth, lactation and reproduction. In ruminants (for example, cattle), the rumen microbes break down about 80 per cent of the protein in the feed to ammonia, carbon dioxide, volatile fatty acids and other carbon compounds. The microbes then use the ammonia to synthesize their own body protein. As feed is passed through the rumen into the rest of the digestive tract, the micro-organisms containing about 65 per cent high quality protein are washed along too. The ruminant obtains most of its required protein by digesting these micro-organisms.
Ration - a 24-hour allotment of feed for an animal.
Relative Feed Value (RFV) - relative feed value has no units but is a way to compare the potential of two or more like forages for energy intake. Relative feed value is an index of forage quality calculated from ADF% and NDF%. Forages with NDF values of 53 per cent and ADF values of 41 per cent represent the value of 100. Forages with values greater than 100 are of higher quality, and forages with a value lower than 100 are of lower quality. Dry matter intake (DMI) and digestible dry matter (DDM) values of forages can be used to calculate RFV or use the formula with ADF and NDF values.
RFV=(%DDM x %DMI)/1.29orRFV = [(88.9 - 0.78 x ADF%)) x (120/NDF%)]/ 1.29
Rumen - also called the forestomach or paunch. It is the first compartment of four compartments of a ruminant animal's stomach. The rumen serves as the primary site of food fermentation in the entire digestive tract. Protein, non-structural carbohydrates (including starch, sugar and pectin) and structural carbohydrates (including hemi-cellulose and cellulose) are fermented and digested by ruminal microbes for the duration of their time in the rumen.
Rumen Degradable Protein (RDP) - that portion of the consumed protein digested in the rumen. It may also as be referred to as degradable intake protein (DIP).
Rumen Undegradable Protein (RUP) - see Undegradable Intake Protein or By-pass Protein.
Starch - the main carbohydrate component of the dry matter in grain. It contains long chains of glucose molecules, which are easily broken down by rumen microbes.
Soluble Protein - estimates the amount of crude protein that will readily dissolve when the feed enters the rumen. This protein fraction represents the portion of crude protein that is rapidly degraded or digested by rumen microbes. Higher soluble protein levels are often found in silages that are put up very wet (less than 30% dry matter).
Supplement - a product that contains high levels of one or more nutrients and that is fed to correct or prevent deficiencies of these nutrients.
Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) - the concept of total digestible nutrients comes from the old system of measuring available energy of feeds and energy requirements of animals involving a complex formula of measured nutrients. It is very hard to measure, but is used widely in some parts of the U.S. and Canada. TDN values are usually quoted as percentages for feeds and as amounts per day for requirements. The values are usually calculated on feed analysis reports. The simplest and most commonly used formula for estimating TDN is TDN = DE/0.044. One kilogram of TDN is equivalent to 4.4 megacalories of DE.
Total Mixed Ration (TMR) - consists of all the feed ingredients mixed together to form the ration allowance for the animal.
Undegradable Intake Protein (UIP) - portion of intake protein that escapes rumen degradation and is digested directly in the small intestine. About 80 to 85 per cent of the microbial bacterial protein and UIP or true protein that flows out of the rumen is digested in the small intestine. UIP is expressed as a percentage of CP. It is also called bypass protein or escaped protein or rumen undegradable protein since it is the amount of feed protein that escapes the rumen to the small intestine.
Factsheet prepared byAlberta Agriculture and Rural Development
For more information, contactAlberta Ag-Info CentreCall toll free 310-FARM (3276)
Source: Agdex 400/60-2. Revised July 2006.
