Objetivou-se com esse trabalho caracterizar as silagens de milho de diferentes genótipos e verificar as relações existentes entre características agronômicas e bromatológicas da silagem de milho no sudoeste do Paraná. O experimento foi realizado na Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Câmpus Dois Vizinhos em dois anos agrícolas (2009/2010 e 2010/2011). Em ambos os anos de experimentos, as sementes de milho foram fornecidos pela Embrapa Milho e Sorgo (Sete Lagoas, MG) que fazem parte dos ensaios de competição de genótipos de milho do Brasil correspondendo ao ensaio do ciclo precoce. Para os dois anos de experimento o delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de láttice (reticulado) com 49 tratamentos (2009/10) e alfa láttice com 39 tratamentos (2010/11) ambos com duas repetições. As características bromatológicas avaliadas foram o teor de matéria seca, matéria mineral, extrato etéreo, proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido, energia líquida de lactação e nutrientes digestíveis totais. Para características agronômicas foram avaliadas a produção de matéria seca, percentagem de colmo, folhas verdes e espiga em relação à planta de milho, diâmetro de colmo, comprimento de espiga, diâmetro de espiga, massa de espiga, número de grão na fileira, número de fileiras, número de dias para o florescimento e produção total de grãos. Os resultados das variáveis observadas foram submetidos à análise de variância e as características que apresentaram diferença significativa foram comparadas pelo teste de SNK, em nível de 5% de significância, usando o software estatístico Genes. Foram estimados coeficientes de correlação de Pearson entre as características morfológicas e bromatológicas avaliadas e procedeu-se ao diagnóstico da multicolinearidade. Em seguida, as correlações entre as características restantes foram desdobradas em efeitos diretos e indiretos realizados por meio da análise de trilha. Estes procedimentos foram repetidos em ambos os experimentos. Houve correlações positivas e negativas significativas, com efeito direto e indireto entre as características bromatológicas produção de matéria seca por hectare, proteína bruta e energia líquida de lactação com as características agronômicas da planta de milho. As características bromatológicas devem ser cada vez mais utilizadas para a seleção de materiais para a produção de silagem, principalmente as características de qualidade da fibra. / The objective of this study was to characterize the corn silages of different genotypes and to examine relationships between agronomic and chemical characteristics of corn silage in southwestern Paraná. So the experiment was conducted in farm of Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Campus Dois Vizinhos in two years (2009/2010 and 2010/2011). In both years of experiments, maize seeds were supplied by Embrapa Milho e Sorgo (Sete Lagoas, MG) and are part of field trials of maize genotypes in Brazil representing the cycle test early. For the two years of the experiment experimental design used was lattice with 49 treatments (2009/10) and alpha lattice design with 39 treatments (2010/11) both with two replications. The chemical characteristics evaluated were: dry matter, ash, ether extract, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, net energy of lactation and total digestible nutrients. The agronomic traits were as follows: dry matter yield, percentage of stems, green leaves and spike against corn plant, stem diameter, ear length, ear diameter, cob weight, grain number in row, number of rows, number of days to flowering and total grain production. The results of the observed variables were subjected to analysis of variance and the characteristics that showed significative differences were compared by SNK, at the 5% level of significance, using the statistical software Genes. Pearson correlation coefficients between morphological and qualitative characteristics were estimated the diagnosis of multicollinearity. Then the remaining correlations between traits were deployed in direct and indirect effects achieved through path analysis, was used to assist in the software GENES analysis of variance and track. These procedures were repeated in both experiments. There were significant positive and negative correlations with direct and indirect effects between the chemical characteristics of dry matter production per hectare, crude protein and net energy of lactation with agronomic characteristics of corn plant. The qualitative characteristics should be increasingly used for the selection of materials for the production of silage, especially the quality of the fiber.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as características fitotécnicas e bromatológicas dos genótipos de milho para a produção de silagem, bem como, verificar se as diferentes bases genéticas (híbridos simples, triplo, duplo, intervarietal e variedades cultivadas) ou a textura dos grãos (duro, semiduro e dentado) alteram a indicação de genótipos para a produção silagem. O experimento foi realizado na área experimental da Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Campus Dois Vizinhos no período de outubro de 2009 a março de 2010. Avaliaram-se os ensaios: centro superprecoce (32 genótipos), sul superprecoce (30 genótipos) e sul precoce normal (36 genótipos) da Rede Nacional de Genótipos de Milho, fornecidos pela Embrapa Milho e Sorgo (Sete Lagoas, MG). O experimento foi conduzido segundo o delineamento de blocos ao acaso com duas repetições e foram avaliados caracteres fitomorfológicos e bromatológicos da cultura do milho. Para cada ensaio os genótipos foram agrupados conforme as suas bases genéticas e posteriormente conforme a textura do grão, aplicando-se o teste de Scheffée, após realizou-se o teste de Scott-Knott. Como resultados, verificou-se que não existe influência da base genética nem da textura dos grãos na indicação de genótipos. Porém, existem genótipos que se destacam para a recomendação para a produção de silagem de milho. / The aim of this work was to evaluate the phytotechnical and bromatological characteristics of corn (maize) genotypes for silage production, and to verify whether the different genetic bases (single, three-way, double and inter-varietal hybrids and cultivated varieties) and grain texture (hard, semi-hard and dent) affect genotype suitability for silage production. The experiment was carried out in the experimental area of Paraná Federal Technology University (UTFPR) at the Dois Vizinhos Campus between October 2009 and March 2010. The trial cultivars evaluated were: “Centro superprecoce” [Central Super Early] (32 genotypes), “Sul superprecoce” [South Super Early] (30 genotypes) and “Sul precoce normal” [Central Normal Early] (36 genotypes) from the Rede Nacional de Genótipos de Milho [National Network of Corn Genotypes], provided by Embrapa Milho e Sorgo (Sete Lagoas, MG). The experimental arrangement was a randomized blocks design with two replications and the phytomorphological and bromatological characters of the corn crop were evaluated. In each trial, genotypes were grouped according to their genetic bases and then on the basis of grain texture, using the Scheffée method, and next, a Scott-Knott test was run. Results showed that neither the genetic base nor the grain texture affected genotype suitability. However, taken individually, some of the genotypes could be recommended for corn silage production.

Objetivou-se com esse trabalho caracterizar as silagens de milho de diferentes genótipos e verificar as relações existentes entre características agronômicas e bromatológicas da silagem de milho no sudoeste do Paraná. O experimento foi realizado na Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Câmpus Dois Vizinhos em dois anos agrícolas (2009/2010 e 2010/2011). Em ambos os anos de experimentos, as sementes de milho foram fornecidos pela Embrapa Milho e Sorgo (Sete Lagoas, MG) que fazem parte dos ensaios de competição de genótipos de milho do Brasil correspondendo ao ensaio do ciclo precoce. Para os dois anos de experimento o delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de láttice (reticulado) com 49 tratamentos (2009/10) e alfa láttice com 39 tratamentos (2010/11) ambos com duas repetições. As características bromatológicas avaliadas foram o teor de matéria seca, matéria mineral, extrato etéreo, proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido, energia líquida de lactação e nutrientes digestíveis totais. Para características agronômicas foram avaliadas a produção de matéria seca, percentagem de colmo, folhas verdes e espiga em relação à planta de milho, diâmetro de colmo, comprimento de espiga, diâmetro de espiga, massa de espiga, número de grão na fileira, número de fileiras, número de dias para o florescimento e produção total de grãos. Os resultados das variáveis observadas foram submetidos à análise de variância e as características que apresentaram diferença significativa foram comparadas pelo teste de SNK, em nível de 5% de significância, usando o software estatístico Genes. Foram estimados coeficientes de correlação de Pearson entre as características morfológicas e bromatológicas avaliadas e procedeu-se ao diagnóstico da multicolinearidade. Em seguida, as correlações entre as características restantes foram desdobradas em efeitos diretos e indiretos realizados por meio da análise de trilha. Estes procedimentos foram repetidos em ambos os experimentos. Houve correlações positivas e negativas significativas, com efeito direto e indireto entre as características bromatológicas produção de matéria seca por hectare, proteína bruta e energia líquida de lactação com as características agronômicas da planta de milho. As características bromatológicas devem ser cada vez mais utilizadas para a seleção de materiais para a produção de silagem, principalmente as características de qualidade da fibra. / The objective of this study was to characterize the corn silages of different genotypes and to examine relationships between agronomic and chemical characteristics of corn silage in southwestern Paraná. So the experiment was conducted in farm of Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Campus Dois Vizinhos in two years (2009/2010 and 2010/2011). In both years of experiments, maize seeds were supplied by Embrapa Milho e Sorgo (Sete Lagoas, MG) and are part of field trials of maize genotypes in Brazil representing the cycle test early. For the two years of the experiment experimental design used was lattice with 49 treatments (2009/10) and alpha lattice design with 39 treatments (2010/11) both with two replications. The chemical characteristics evaluated were: dry matter, ash, ether extract, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, net energy of lactation and total digestible nutrients. The agronomic traits were as follows: dry matter yield, percentage of stems, green leaves and spike against corn plant, stem diameter, ear length, ear diameter, cob weight, grain number in row, number of rows, number of days to flowering and total grain production. The results of the observed variables were subjected to analysis of variance and the characteristics that showed significative differences were compared by SNK, at the 5% level of significance, using the statistical software Genes. Pearson correlation coefficients between morphological and qualitative characteristics were estimated the diagnosis of multicollinearity. Then the remaining correlations between traits were deployed in direct and indirect effects achieved through path analysis, was used to assist in the software GENES analysis of variance and track. These procedures were repeated in both experiments. There were significant positive and negative correlations with direct and indirect effects between the chemical characteristics of dry matter production per hectare, crude protein and net energy of lactation with agronomic characteristics of corn plant. The qualitative characteristics should be increasingly used for the selection of materials for the production of silage, especially the quality of the fiber.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as características fitotécnicas e bromatológicas dos genótipos de milho para a produção de silagem, bem como, verificar se as diferentes bases genéticas (híbridos simples, triplo, duplo, intervarietal e variedades cultivadas) ou a textura dos grãos (duro, semiduro e dentado) alteram a indicação de genótipos para a produção silagem. O experimento foi realizado na área experimental da Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Campus Dois Vizinhos no período de outubro de 2009 a março de 2010. Avaliaram-se os ensaios: centro superprecoce (32 genótipos), sul superprecoce (30 genótipos) e sul precoce normal (36 genótipos) da Rede Nacional de Genótipos de Milho, fornecidos pela Embrapa Milho e Sorgo (Sete Lagoas, MG). O experimento foi conduzido segundo o delineamento de blocos ao acaso com duas repetições e foram avaliados caracteres fitomorfológicos e bromatológicos da cultura do milho. Para cada ensaio os genótipos foram agrupados conforme as suas bases genéticas e posteriormente conforme a textura do grão, aplicando-se o teste de Scheffée, após realizou-se o teste de Scott-Knott. Como resultados, verificou-se que não existe influência da base genética nem da textura dos grãos na indicação de genótipos. Porém, existem genótipos que se destacam para a recomendação para a produção de silagem de milho. / The aim of this work was to evaluate the phytotechnical and bromatological characteristics of corn (maize) genotypes for silage production, and to verify whether the different genetic bases (single, three-way, double and inter-varietal hybrids and cultivated varieties) and grain texture (hard, semi-hard and dent) affect genotype suitability for silage production. The experiment was carried out in the experimental area of Paraná Federal Technology University (UTFPR) at the Dois Vizinhos Campus between October 2009 and March 2010. The trial cultivars evaluated were: “Centro superprecoce” [Central Super Early] (32 genotypes), “Sul superprecoce” [South Super Early] (30 genotypes) and “Sul precoce normal” [Central Normal Early] (36 genotypes) from the Rede Nacional de Genótipos de Milho [National Network of Corn Genotypes], provided by Embrapa Milho e Sorgo (Sete Lagoas, MG). The experimental arrangement was a randomized blocks design with two replications and the phytomorphological and bromatological characters of the corn crop were evaluated. In each trial, genotypes were grouped according to their genetic bases and then on the basis of grain texture, using the Scheffée method, and next, a Scott-Knott test was run. Results showed that neither the genetic base nor the grain texture affected genotype suitability. However, taken individually, some of the genotypes could be recommended for corn silage production.

The aim of this study was chosen for the field of observation should be hybrids of maize (Zea mays L.) for silage purposes from a wider set of hybrid genotypes. To evaluate the vegetation was established as a pilot experiment. Of this group were then selected 14 genotypes, which would satisfy most practical requirements. During the vegetation was monitored by formation of quantitative indicators required for silage maize hybrids. Before harvesting of collection of plants chosen for individual analysis of quantitative indicators, while processing the silage mass in laboratory conditions to evaluate selected quality indicators. When harvesting was imposed on the total yield of green and dry matter, dry matter content and proportion of buds on the plant.

In two lactation studies reported in this dissertation, it was hypothesized that feeding 35% brown midrib corn silage (BMRCS) and 25% alfalfa hay (dry matter basis) would result in increased dry matter intake (DMI) around peak lactation compared with feeding conventional corn silage (CCS), causing longer peak milk production, and that feeding dairy cows in early lactation a 16% crude protein diet with fair quality alfalfa hay (FAH) in BMR-based diets would maintain milk production, reduce urinary N excretion, and improve N efficiency compared to those fed high quality alfalfa hay (HAH) in CCS- or BMR-based diets. A third experiment was conducted to assess in situ degradation kinetics of BMRCS harvested prior to or at maturity. The first lactation study was performed to determine the long-term effects of feeding BMRCS fed with a high dietary concentration of good quality alfalfa hay in a high-forage lactation diet on productive performance of Holstein dairy cows for the first 180 d of lactation. Feeding BMRCS-based diet did not affect milk production through peak lactation compared with a CCS-based diet; however, cows fed the BMRCS-based diet maintained heavier body weight through peak lactation and longer peak milk production, which resulted in increased milk yield post peak lactation, leading to greater overall milk production and milk protein yield. A second lactation experiment was performed to investigate if early lactating dairy cows fed with the FAH in BMRCS-based diets would reduce urinary N excretion and improve N efficiency compared to those fed the HAH in CCS- or BMR-based diets. Feeding BMR and HAH had better N utilization by decreasing concentrations of urea in blood, milk, and urine. In addition, feeding BMR-based diets decreased urinary N-to-fecal N ratio, and it was further reduced by feeding the HAH, which can represent an environmental advantage over traditional sources of forages in lactation dairy diets. A third experiment assessed in situ DM and neutral detergent fiber degradation kinetics for two new pre-matured BMR varieties (pmBMR1 and pmBMR2) that can be double-cropped by harvesting at tassel, compared with a sole crop mature BMR (mBMR) and CCS harvested at maturity in dry and lactating Holstein dairy cows. The potentially degradable NDF fraction was greater for BMR hybrids compared with CCS with the exception of the pmBMR2, which had the lowest potentially degradable NDF fraction in dry cows. Estimates of ruminal degradability of NDF were greatest for pmBMR1 in both dry and lactating cows. Feeding BMRCS exerted nutritive and environmental benefits when fed with typical Intermountain West lactation dairy diets. Further research is needed to understand interactive aspects of nutrient utilization with other dietary ingredients under different physiological conditions to take full potential benefits of BMRCS.

No description available.

Agronomic and water quality impacts of urea particle size were evaluated through field and laboratory experiments and mathematical modeling. In a two-year field study, corn silage yield, corn nitrogen (N) removal, and nitrate-N (NO₃⁻-N) leaching from urea pellets (1.5 g each) and granules (0.01-0.02 g each) applied at 184 kg-N/ha were compared. A control treatment (no N) and two other N application rates (110 and 258 kg-N/ha) were also included. Urea particle size impact on dissolution rate, dissolved urea movement, mineralization, and N0³-N leaching were evaluated in the laboratory. A two-dimensional (2-D) mathematical model was developed to simulate the fate of subsurface-banded urea and its transformation products, ammonium (NH₄⁺)and NO₃⁻. With 184 kg-N/ha, corn silage yield was 15% higher (p = 0.02) and corn N removal was 19% higher (p = 0.07) with pellets than granules in the second year of the field study. In the absence of yield response at 110 kg-N/ha, reason for higher yield at 184 kg-N/ha with pellets was unclear. Greater N removal reduced NO₃⁻-N leaching potential from pellets compared to granules during the over-winter period. No urea form response to yield or corn N removal was observed in the first year. In 23 of 27 sampling events, granules had higher NO₃⁻-N concentration in the root zone than pellets, with average nitrate-N concentrations of 2.6 and 2.2 mg-N/L, respectively. However, statistically, NO₃⁻-N leaching from the root zone was unaffected by urea form, probably due to high variability within treatments masking the treatment effects. In October 1997, pellets retained 16% more (p = 0.04) inorganic-N in the top half of the root zone than granules, due to slower nitrification in pellets as was determined in the mineralization study. Slower NO₃⁻-N leaching allowed for greater N extraction by plants. Pellets had lower dissolution, urea hydrolysis, and nitrification rates than granules; however, nitrification inhibition was the dominant mechanism controlling N fate. The model took into account high substrate concentration effects on N transformations, important for simulating the fate of band-applied N. The model exhibited good mass conservative properties, robustness, and expected moisture and N distribution profiles. Differences in measured field data and model outputs were likely due to uncertainties and errors in measured data and input parameters. Model calibration results indicated that moisture-related parameters greatly affected N fate simulation. Sensitivity analyses indicated the importance of nitrification-related parameters in N simulation, particularly, their possible multiplicative effects. Need for extensive model testing and validation was recognized. The validated 2-D N model could be incorporated into a management model for better management of subsurface-banded granular N. However, the 2-D model is not appropriate for simulating the three dimensional N movement from pellets. / Ph. D.

Developing solutions to the metabolic stress experienced by cows during the transition period is very important because it can negatively influence lactational performance. The objectives were to: 1) compare physiological changes through body weight (BW) and concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and 2) evaluate feed intake, milk production, and energy balance (EB) of cows fed brown midrib corn silage (BMRCS)-based diets when compared with conventional corn silage (CCS)-based diets during the transition. At 4 wk prior to parturition, 40 dry multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned treatments. The treatment groups consisted of 2 close-up transition diets (CCS-based and BMRCS-based diet) offered to 2 groups of 20 cows each beginning at 4 wk prepartum. After calving, 10 cows from each prepartum group were individually fed one of four dietary treatments. The four dietary treatments postpartum were defined as follows: 1) CC = CCS-based close-up diet + CCS-based lactation diet; 2) CB = CCS-based close-up diet + BMRCS-based lactation diet; 3) BB = BMRCS-based close-up diet + BMRCS-based lactation diet; 4) BC = BMRCS-based close-up diet + CCS-based lactation diet. Cows were sampled weekly for feed intake, and feed composition was taken monthly. After calving, milk yields were recorded daily and milk components were analyzed monthly. Body weights were taken twice per week on wk -4, -2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20. Blood serum was sampled 3 times per week from wk -4 through 4 and then on wk 6, 8, 14, and 20. Rumen fluid was sampled on wk -4, 4, 8, 14, and 20. Feeding BMRCS-based diets during the transition did have a positive influence on dry matter intake, milk production, and energy balance. Interestingly, feeding BMRCS-based diets only during the close-up period and feeding a CCS-based diet during the lactation had similar positive effects as feeding a BMRCS-based diet through the dry period and during the lactation. This finding is meaningful because producers, especially in the Intermountain West, have experienced BMR crop yields that have been less than that of conventional crop yields and may be unwilling to utilize BMRCS in dairy rations. However, if feeding a BMRCS-based diet for a limited amount of time is beneficial, producers could be more willing to utilize this silage hybrid as an important transition period management tool.

Typescript (photocopy). / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries