Some native warm-season forage grasses [indiangrass (IG, Sorghastrum nutans), big bluestem (BB, Andropogon gerardii) and little bluestem (LB, Schizachyrium scoparium)] are gaining popularity for improving summer forage production and wildlife habitat in the southeastern USA. Paucity of information about appropriate harvest management limits their restoration success. An experiment was conducted to assess effects of harvest intervals (30-, 40-, 60-, 90 or 120-d) and harvest duration on forage yield and quality, plant growth, sward structure and botanical composition of their mixed stands at Bryan Farms, Clay County, MS. Total season forage was greatest for 30-d and more from first (8472 kg ha-1) than second year plots (7627 kg ha-1). Yield was reduced by up to 43% in the second harvest year. Forage quality (crude protein content and in vitro digestibility) decreased with lengthening of harvest interval and across the harvest season. Tiller weight increased while specific leaf area and relative growth rate decreased with lengthening of harvest interval in first and second year plots. Harvesting reduced sward heights the following May, but treatment did not affect sward heights. Season mean sward heights were shorter for short harvest intervals. Light interception was greatest in the control and decreased with shortening of harvest intervals. Continuous harvesting controlled Solidago canadensis, increased herbaceous forbs, and LB, but decreased IG without substantial effect on BB. Rotational harvesting at 30- or 40-d intervals may improve forage production without compromising breeding cover during recovery. Studies on other management practices including fertilizer application and timing of harvest are needed.

Thesis (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / The aim of the study was to assess the importance of spatial and temporal variation in diet quality and abundance for determining sustainable stocking rates on commercial, communal and game ranches in a semi-arid savanna, with the ultimate goal of avoiding land degradation in the long term, to provide sustainable livelihoods in rangelands and to make policy that will help in managing the available natural resources in the rangelands. Thus, firstly the effects of grazing, fire, nitrogen and water availability on nutritional quality of grass in semi-arid savanna was assessed. Secondly, spatial and temporal variation in plant quantity and quality among management (commercial, communal and game) types and habitat types (open savanna, rocky, shrubby and pans) and stocking rates in different management types were determined. Thirdly, the quality and quantity of variation inside and outside herbivore exclosures among commercial, communal and game management and habitat types in the semi arid savanna were estimated. Fourthly, faecal profiling was used to assess the effects of different management types on diet quality in semi-arid savanna. Lastly, policy based on the results of the present study was formulated.

Grasses of the genera Brachiaria and Cynodon are some of the most important pasture introductions in Brazil. Convert HD 364 brachiariagrass, a new Brachiaria hybrid, was released as an option for a broad range of environmental conditions, high nutritive value and forage production. Forage-based livestock systems are complex and interactions among animals, plants, and the environment exist at several levels of complexity, which can be evaluated using computer modeling. Herbage accumulation, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), plant-part composition, leaf photosynthesis, leaf area index (LAI), and light interception (LI) were evaluated as affected by two harvest frequency (28 and 42-days), irrigated and rainfed in a clipping study from April 2011 to April 2013, contrasting Convert HD 364® brachiariagrass (Brachiaria hybrid CIAT 36061), Marandu palisadegrass {Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R. D. Webster [syn. Urochloa brizantha (A. Rich.) Stapf]; CIAT 6297}, and Tifton 85 bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.). The experimental design for both the irrigated and the rainfed trials was a randomized complete block with four replications. Convert HD 364 had similar or higher annual herbage accumulation, seasonal yield and herbage accumulation rate than Marandu and Tifton 85, (15% more herbage accumulation than Marandu and 12% more than Tifton 85 when irrigated and when harvested at shorter regrowth intervals). Convert HD 364 had good seasonal distribution of total annual herbage produced and accumulates about 30% of the total herbage mass during the cool season in Piracicaba, similar to Marandu. Tifton 85 produced around 20% of its average annual yield during dry season. Tifton 85 forage had higher CP concentration than the other two grasses when harvested at shorter intervals and when irrigated. The NDF concentration in Convert HD 364 was lower than in the other grasses regardless of irrigation treatment, harvest frequency, and season of the year, resulting in high IVOMD (more than 650 g kg-1), similar to that of Marandu. Regard to CROPGRO calibration, in general the model performance was good for the three grasses. Leaf and stem weight simulations were improved, due to increase partitioning to stem for low harvest frequencies. The LAI and LI were well performed by the model, showing increase for lower harvest frequency, with exception to Tifton 85. Under rainfed conditions, the simulations using the Penman-Monteith-FAO 56 method gave more realistic water stress responses than using the Priestley and Taylor method. Calibration results suggest that the CROPGRO - Perennial Forage Model can be used to adequately simulate growth of Marandu, Convert HD 364, and Tifton 85 under irrigated and rainfed conditions, being able to simulate different harvest frequency managements. / As gramíneas do gênero Brachiaria e Cynodon são algumas das pastagens cultivadas introduzidas no Brasil de maior importância. Convert HD 364, um novo híbrido de Brachiaria, foi lançado como uma opção para uso numa ampla gama de condições ambientais, com alto valor nutritivo e produção de forragem. Sistemas pecuários em pastagens são complexos e as interações entre os animais, as plantas e o meio ambiente existem em vários níveis de complexidade, que podem ser avaliados utilizando modelagem computacional. Acúmulo de forragem, proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), digestibilidade in vitro da matéria orgânica (DIVMO), a composição morfológica da planta, fotossíntese foliar, índice de área foliar (IAF) e interceptação luminosa (IL) foram avaliados em resposta à duas frequências de colheita (28 e 42 dias), irrigada e não irrigada, em um estudo com parcelas colhidas mecanicamente a partir de abril de 2011 até abril de 2013, contrastando os capins Convert HD 364® (Brachiaria híbrida CIAT 36061), Marandu {Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) RD Webster [syn. Urochloa brizantha (A. Rich.) Stapf]; CIAT 6297} e Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.). O delineamento experimental utilizado tanto para o irrigado quanto para o não irrigado foi de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Convert HD 364 teve acúmulo de forragem anual, produção sazonal de forragem e taxa de acúmulo de forragem semelhante ou superior ao Marandu e Tifton 85, (acúmulo de forragem 15% maior do que Marandu e 12% maior do que o Tifton 85, quando irrigado e colhido em intervalos de rebrotação mais curtos). Convert HD 364 teve boa distribuição sazonal de forragem total do ano, produzindo cerca de 30% da massa total de forragem durante a estação fria, em Piracicaba, semelhante ao Marandu. Tifton 85 produziu cerca de 20% do seu rendimento médio anual durante a estação fria. Tifton 85 teve PB maior do que as outras duas gramíneas, quando colhidas em intervalos mais curtos e quando irrigadas. A concentração de FDN em Convert HD 364 foi menor do que nas outras gramíneas, independentemente da irrigação, da frequência de colheita e das estações do ano, resultando em alta DIVMO (mais de 650 g kg-1), semelhante à do capim Marandu. Em relação à calibração do CROPGRO, em geral, o desempenho do modelo foi bom para as três gramíneas. Simulações de massa de folha e colmo foram melhoradas para os capins, devido ao aumento na partição de assimilados direcionados para colmo em condição de baixa freqüência de colheita. O IAF e IL foram bem simulados pelo modelo, mostrando aumento com a diminuição da freqüência de colheita, com exceção do Tifton 85. Em condição não irrigada, as simulações utilizando o método de Penman -Monteith - FAO 56 deram respostas mais realistas de estresse hídrico do que usando o método de Priestley e Taylor. Os resultados da calibração sugerem que o modelo CROPGRO - forragem perene pode ser usado para simular adequadamente o crescimento de Marandu, Convert HD 364 e Tifton 85 sob condições irrigadas e não irrigada, sendo capaz de simular diferentes manejos de frequência de desfolhação.

Grasses of the genera Brachiaria and Cynodon are some of the most important pasture introductions in Brazil. Convert HD 364 brachiariagrass, a new Brachiaria hybrid, was released as an option for a broad range of environmental conditions, high nutritive value and forage production. Forage-based livestock systems are complex and interactions among animals, plants, and the environment exist at several levels of complexity, which can be evaluated using computer modeling. Herbage accumulation, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), plant-part composition, leaf photosynthesis, leaf area index (LAI), and light interception (LI) were evaluated as affected by two harvest frequency (28 and 42-days), irrigated and rainfed in a clipping study from April 2011 to April 2013, contrasting Convert HD 364® brachiariagrass (Brachiaria hybrid CIAT 36061), Marandu palisadegrass {Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R. D. Webster [syn. Urochloa brizantha (A. Rich.) Stapf]; CIAT 6297}, and Tifton 85 bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.). The experimental design for both the irrigated and the rainfed trials was a randomized complete block with four replications. Convert HD 364 had similar or higher annual herbage accumulation, seasonal yield and herbage accumulation rate than Marandu and Tifton 85, (15% more herbage accumulation than Marandu and 12% more than Tifton 85 when irrigated and when harvested at shorter regrowth intervals). Convert HD 364 had good seasonal distribution of total annual herbage produced and accumulates about 30% of the total herbage mass during the cool season in Piracicaba, similar to Marandu. Tifton 85 produced around 20% of its average annual yield during dry season. Tifton 85 forage had higher CP concentration than the other two grasses when harvested at shorter intervals and when irrigated. The NDF concentration in Convert HD 364 was lower than in the other grasses regardless of irrigation treatment, harvest frequency, and season of the year, resulting in high IVOMD (more than 650 g kg-1), similar to that of Marandu. Regard to CROPGRO calibration, in general the model performance was good for the three grasses. Leaf and stem weight simulations were improved, due to increase partitioning to stem for low harvest frequencies. The LAI and LI were well performed by the model, showing increase for lower harvest frequency, with exception to Tifton 85. Under rainfed conditions, the simulations using the Penman-Monteith-FAO 56 method gave more realistic water stress responses than using the Priestley and Taylor method. Calibration results suggest that the CROPGRO - Perennial Forage Model can be used to adequately simulate growth of Marandu, Convert HD 364, and Tifton 85 under irrigated and rainfed conditions, being able to simulate different harvest frequency managements. / As gramíneas do gênero Brachiaria e Cynodon são algumas das pastagens cultivadas introduzidas no Brasil de maior importância. Convert HD 364, um novo híbrido de Brachiaria, foi lançado como uma opção para uso numa ampla gama de condições ambientais, com alto valor nutritivo e produção de forragem. Sistemas pecuários em pastagens são complexos e as interações entre os animais, as plantas e o meio ambiente existem em vários níveis de complexidade, que podem ser avaliados utilizando modelagem computacional. Acúmulo de forragem, proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), digestibilidade in vitro da matéria orgânica (DIVMO), a composição morfológica da planta, fotossíntese foliar, índice de área foliar (IAF) e interceptação luminosa (IL) foram avaliados em resposta à duas frequências de colheita (28 e 42 dias), irrigada e não irrigada, em um estudo com parcelas colhidas mecanicamente a partir de abril de 2011 até abril de 2013, contrastando os capins Convert HD 364® (Brachiaria híbrida CIAT 36061), Marandu {Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) RD Webster [syn. Urochloa brizantha (A. Rich.) Stapf]; CIAT 6297} e Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.). O delineamento experimental utilizado tanto para o irrigado quanto para o não irrigado foi de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Convert HD 364 teve acúmulo de forragem anual, produção sazonal de forragem e taxa de acúmulo de forragem semelhante ou superior ao Marandu e Tifton 85, (acúmulo de forragem 15% maior do que Marandu e 12% maior do que o Tifton 85, quando irrigado e colhido em intervalos de rebrotação mais curtos). Convert HD 364 teve boa distribuição sazonal de forragem total do ano, produzindo cerca de 30% da massa total de forragem durante a estação fria, em Piracicaba, semelhante ao Marandu. Tifton 85 produziu cerca de 20% do seu rendimento médio anual durante a estação fria. Tifton 85 teve PB maior do que as outras duas gramíneas, quando colhidas em intervalos mais curtos e quando irrigadas. A concentração de FDN em Convert HD 364 foi menor do que nas outras gramíneas, independentemente da irrigação, da frequência de colheita e das estações do ano, resultando em alta DIVMO (mais de 650 g kg-1), semelhante à do capim Marandu. Em relação à calibração do CROPGRO, em geral, o desempenho do modelo foi bom para as três gramíneas. Simulações de massa de folha e colmo foram melhoradas para os capins, devido ao aumento na partição de assimilados direcionados para colmo em condição de baixa freqüência de colheita. O IAF e IL foram bem simulados pelo modelo, mostrando aumento com a diminuição da freqüência de colheita, com exceção do Tifton 85. Em condição não irrigada, as simulações utilizando o método de Penman -Monteith - FAO 56 deram respostas mais realistas de estresse hídrico do que usando o método de Priestley e Taylor. Os resultados da calibração sugerem que o modelo CROPGRO - forragem perene pode ser usado para simular adequadamente o crescimento de Marandu, Convert HD 364 e Tifton 85 sob condições irrigadas e não irrigada, sendo capaz de simular diferentes manejos de frequência de desfolhação.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / The objective of this research was to evaluate the productivity and nutritive value of elephant grass pastures, subjected to conventional and organic production system. In the conventional system elephant grass was planted in rows 1.2 m apart from each other. In the organic system elephant grass was planted in rows 3 m apart from each other. In the space between rows, in cool season, annual ryegrass was sown; allowing the development of spontaneous growing species in the warm season. It was applied 100 kg of N/ha from chemical and organic fertilizers (manure of cattle and pig slurry) in the respective pastures. The grazing method was rotated with time to occupy the two days. Holstein cows receiving 0.9% of body weight complementary concentrate feed were used. Pre and post grazing forage mass, botanical and structural composition, forage production and stocking rate were evaluated. Hand-plucked samples were collected to analyze chemical composition and digestibility. Experimental design was completely randomized with two treatments (forage systems), three replicates (paddocks) and repeated measures (mean values of grazing cycles or season). Eight and seven grazing cycles were performed during the experimental period for respective systems. Organic system present best forage distribution thought the year and highest participation of elephant grass leaf blades on herbage mass. The pasture under conventional system presented higher forage mass and stocking rate. Similar value was found in the chemical composition and digestibility of elephant grass pastures in both pasture systems. The organic as much as conventional system showed high qualitative values considering the fertilization, manage and utilization time, in proposed strategy. The results show that the elephant grass can be used under the organic system proposed. / Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar a produtividade e o valor nutritivo de pastagens de capim elefante submetidas aos sistemas de produção orgânico e convencional. No sistema convencional, o capim elefante foi plantado em linhas afastadas a cada 1,2 m. No sistema orgânico, o capim elefante foi plantado em linhas afastadas a cada 3 m; no espaço entre as linhas, no período hibernal, foi semeado o azevém anual e, no período estival, permitiu-se o desenvolvimento de espécies de crescimento espontâneo. Foram utilizados 100 kg de N/ha com fertilizantes químico e orgânico (esterco de bovino e chorume de suínos) para os respectivos sistemas de produção. O método de pastejo adotado foi o rotacionado, com tempo de ocupação de um ou dois dias, utilizando vacas em lactação que receberam complementação alimentar com concentrado à razão de 0,9% do peso vivo. Foram avaliados a massa de forragem de pré-pastejo e pós-pastejo, composições botânica e estrutural, taxa de desaparecimento, e de acúmulo, produção de forragem e carga animal. Para a determinação da composição química e digestibilidade da forragem, foram retiradas amostras simulando o pastejo. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado com dois tratamentos (sistemas forrageiros), com três repetições (piquetes) e com medidas repetidas (valores médios dos pastejos em cada ciclo ou estação do ano). Durante o período experimental, foram conduzidos oito e sete pastejos para os respectivos sistemas. Na pastagem sob o sistema orgânico, houve melhor distribuição de forragem e maior participação de lâminas foliares do capim elefante na massa de forragem. Na pastagem sob o sistema convencional, verificaram-se maiores valores de produção de forragem e carga animal. Valores similares foram observados quanto à composição química e digestibilidade do capim elefante em ambos os sistemas. Na estratégia proposta, tanto no sistema orgânico quanto no convencional apresentaram teores qualitativos elevados, considerando-se a adubação, manejo e tempo de utilização. Os resultados demonstram que o capim elefante pode ser utilizado segundo o sistema de produção orgânico proposto.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:07:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Debora de Carvalho Basto.pdf: 1304650 bytes, checksum: c7c0508fd8367c1bd05d4f268711e1ef (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-03-22 / The best height of forage at time of entry into pasture and the height of forage millet residue for grazing are still controversial. This experiment was conducted at the Department of Animal Production of the Veterinary School, of Federal University of Goias, in Goiania-GO, from January to May 2009, and aimed to evaluate the productive potential and the chemical composition of three cultivars of forage millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. BR.) under different heights of entry and of the stubble. The 27 treatments consisted of the combinations of three varieties of millet - ADR 500, H733/07 and H729/07, allocated in plots, three heights at entry (0.50, 0.60 and 0.70 m) and three heights of stubble (zero, 0.10 and 0.30 m) allocated in sub-plots with four replications, totaling 108 experimental units. A randomized complete block design, with split plots andfour replications in a 3 x 3 x 3 factorial arrangement was used. Green matter total yield (GMTY), dry matter total yield (DMTY), average production of dry matter per cutting, production of dry matter of stubble with zero, 0.10 and 0.30 m, average rate of forage accumulation, and rate of forage accumulation of stubble "zero" 0.10 and 0.30 m were determined. The contents of crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were also determined. Green matter total yield (GMTY) differed depending on the height at entry (HE) and height of stubble, with average values of 25.2: 28.0 t ha-1 and 28.5 and 20.4; 30.6 and 30.7 t ha-1, estimated for the HE and stubble, respectively. The dry matter production increased in the extent that the height at entry and the height of the stubble increased. The average production of dry matter per cutting for the cultivars was approximately 2840 kg ha-1/DM. The average accumulation of forage millet was 61.74, 58.29 and 63.59 kg ha-1/DM for cultivars ADR-500, ADR-500 hp, 729 and 733, respectively. Regarding chemical composition, the dry matter content did not differ among the cultivars evaluated. The CP did not differ in function of the cultivars and HE. The residue of 0.10 and 0.30 m, interactions among cultivar x HE x cutting, averaging 14.0% of CP were observed. The NDF had triple interaction: cultivar x HE x cutting in the stubbles of 0.10 and 0.30 m, with average values of 57.6, 58.6 and 57.7%, and 58.4, 61, 6 and 57.7%, respectively. ADF differed in relation to the cultivars, with values of: ADR-500-35- 5, 729 - 37.6 and 733 - 37.9%. As for the residue of 0.10 m, there was an interaction in relation to HE x cutting, with values of 30.0, 31.7 and 25.8% for the HE of 0.50, 0.60 and 0.70 m. As for the residue of 0.30 m triple interactions were observed: HE x cultivar x cutting, with average rates of (ADR-500) - 31.7%, (729) - 32.0%, and (733) - 32.7%, respectively. Based on the values of dry matter and chemical composition, all cultivars showed potential for use in animal feed. / Ainda é controversa a melhor altura de entrada e do resíduo do milheto forrageiro para fins de pastejo. O presente experimento, foi conduzido nas dependências do Departamento de Produção Animal da Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Goiás, no município de Goiânia-GO, durante o período de janeiro à maio de 2009, teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial produtivo e a composição bromatológica de três cultivares de milheto forrageiro (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. BR.) sob alturas de entrada e do resíduo pós-pastejo. Os 27 tratamentos corresponderam às combinações de três cultivares de milheto - ADR 500, H733/07 e H729/07, alocados às parcelas, três alturas de entrada (0,50, 0,60 e 0,70 m) e três alturas de resíduo (zero, 0,10 e 0,30 m) alocados nas sub-parcelas, com quatro repetições, totalizando 108 unidades experimentais. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental em blocos completos ao acaso, com parcelas subdivididas no tempo e quatro repetições em esquema fatorial 3 x 3 x 3. Determinou-se as produções totais de massa verde (PTMV) e massa seca (PTMS), produção média de massa seca por corte, produção de massa seca com resíduos zero , 0,10 e 0,30 m, taxa média de acúmulo de forragem, taxa de acúmulo de forragem com resíduo zero 0,10 e 0,30 m do solo. Foram determinados os teores de proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e fibra em detergente ácido (FDA). A produção de massa verde total(PMVT) diferiu em função das alturas de entrada (AE) e dos resíduos de corte, com valores médios de 25,2: 28,0 e 28,5 t.ha-1 e 20,4; 30,6 e 30,7 t.ha-1, determinados para as AE e resíduos, respectivamente. A produção de massa seca se mostrou crescente a medida em que se aumenta a altura de entrada e do resíduo póspastejo. A produção média de massa seca por corte para os cultivares foi da ordem de 2.840 kg.ha-1 de MS. Já a taxa média de acúmulo de forragem do milheto foi de 61,74;58,29 e 63,59 kg.ha-1 de MS para os cultivares ADR-500, cv ADR-500, 729 e 733, respectivamente. Em relação à composição químicobromatológica, os teores de matéria seca não diferiu entre os cultivares avaliados. Os teores de PB não diferiram em função dos cultivares e AE. No resíduo de 0,10 e 0,30 m, foram observadas interações entre cultivar x AE x corte, com médias de 14,0% de PB. Os teores de FDN apresentaram interação tripla: cultivar x AE x corte, nos resíduos de 0,10 e 0,30 m, com valores médios de 57,6; 58,6 e 57,7% e de 58,4; 61,6 e 57,7%, respectivamente. Os teores de FDA diferiram em relação aos cultivares, com valores de: ADR-500-35,5; 729- 37,6 e 733- 37,9%. No resíduo de 0,10 m, houve interação em relação à AE x corte, com valores de 30,0; 31,7 e 25,8%, nas AE de 0,50; 0,60 e 0,70 m, enquanto no resíduo de 0,30 m, foram observadas interações tripla: cultivar AE x corte, com teores médios (ADR- 500) 31,7%; (729) 32,0% e (733) 32,7%, respectivamente. Tomando por base os valores de produção de massa seca e composição bromatológica, todos os cultivares apresentaram potencial para serem utilizados na alimentação animal.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / The objective of this research was to evaluate tree pasture-based systems (PS) with elephant grass (EG) + spontaneous growing species (SGS), ryegrass (RG), for PS1; EG + SGS + forage peanut, for PS2; and EG + SGS + RG + red clover, for PS3. EG was planted 4 m spaced rows. In the cool-season, ryegrass was sowed between rows of EG; red clover was sowed and the forage peanut was preserved in respectively PS. Experimental design was completely randomized with tree treatments (SF), two replicates (paddocks) in completely split-plot time (grazing cycles). Holstein cows receiving 5.5 kg-daily and a complementary concentrate feed were used in the evaluation. The herbage mass parameters, botanical composition, forage production and stocking rate were evaluated. Samples were collected by the hand-plucking method to analyze the organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and organic matter in situ digestibility (OMISD) of pasture; phenols and tannins on legumes. Nine grazing cycle were performed during the experimental period (341 days). The mean values of forage production, stocking rate, crude protein and digestibility were 17.14; 16.80; and 19.47 t/ha; 3.28; 3.34; and 3.60 UA/ha; 13.86; 15.39; and 14.78%; 78.33; 79.23; and 79.94% on the respective PS. SGS increased significantly (P≤0,05) relation to the PS without forage legume. Similar results were observed for forage production OM an NDF in comparison to PS. Nutritive value was similar between forage legumes. Differences (P≤0,05) on condensed tannin tenors were observed between forage legumes. Considering the forage production, stocking rate and nutritive value, the PS mixed to forage legumes showed better performance. / O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar três sistemas forrageiros (SF) com capim elefante (CE), espécies de crescimento espontâneo (ECE), azevém anual (AZ), como SF1; CE + ECE + AZ + amendoim forrageiro (AF), como SF2; e CE + ECE + AZ + trevo vermelho (TV), como SF3. O capim elefante foi estabelecido em linhas afastadas a cada 4 m. No período hibernal fez-se o estabelecimento do AZ entre as linhas do capim elefante; o trevo vermelho foi semeado e o amendoim forrageiro foi preservado, considerando os respectivos tratamentos. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos (SF), duas repetições (piquetes) em parcelas subdivididas no tempo (pastejos). Para avaliação foram usadas vacas da raça Holandesa que receberam complementação alimentar com concentrado à razão de 5,5 kg/dia. Foram avaliados parâmetros da massa de forragem pré-pastejo, a composição botânica, a produção de forragem e a lotação. Para analisar a matéria orgânica (MO), a fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), proteína bruta (PB) e digestibilidade in situ da MO (DISMO) da pastagem e os teores de fenóis e taninos das leguminosas, foram coletadas amostras de pastejo simulado. Durante o período experimental (341 dias) foram efetuados nove ciclos de pastejo. Os valores médios de produção de forragem, lotação, PB e de DISMO foram 17,14; 16,80; e 19,47 t/ha; 3,28; 3,34; e 3,60 UA/ha; 13,86; 15,39; e 14,78%; 78,33; 79,23; e 79,94% nos respectivos SF. Houve aumento significativo (P≤0,05) para espécies de crescimento espontâneo na pastagem sem leguminosa. Resultados similares foram observados entre SF para MO e FDN. O valor nutritivo foi similar entre as leguminosas forrageiras. Foram observadas diferenças (P≤0,05) entre as leguminosas para os teores de taninos condensados. Considerando a massa de forragem, a lotação e o valor nutritivo, as pastagens consorciadas com leguminosas forrageiras apresentaram melhor desempenho.

Integrated aquaponic food production systems are capable of producing more food on less land using less water than conventional food systems, and marine systems offer the potential of conserving freshwater resources. However, critical factors such as suitable species combinations, environmental conditions (salinity and pH), and nutrient management (animal to plant ratio, C/N ratio, and dietary crude protein) have not been fully understood for marine systems. There were four objectives in this project. The first objective was to evaluate the growth performance of potential comparable combination (whiteleg shrimp with three halophytic plants) for the development of marine aquaponics with BFT under different salinities. The second objective was to evaluate stocking densities and the C/N ratio on growth and production of whiteleg shrimp and three halophytes. The third objective was evaluation of varying concentrations of dietary crude protein in practical diets fed to shrimp raised in biofloc aquaponic saltwater systems. The fourth objective was to evaluate effects of pH levels and additional C on the growth and production of whiteleg shrimp and five plant species in marine aquaponics. Four conclusions were determined: 1) Regarding marine aquaponics, whiteleg shrimp and the three halophytes (Atriplex hortensis, Salsola komarovii, and Plantago coronopus) are suitable combinations for future development. According to the research results, shrimp performed better in a salinity of 15 and 20 ppt; yet, plants performed better in a salinity of 10 and 15 ppt. Therefore, a salinity of 15 ppt is suggested as the optimal saline condition for shrimp and the three halophytes in an indoor marine aquaponics system. In addition, inoculating probiotics do have the efficiency of stabilizing water quality, cultivating microbial community, and enhancing the health of shrimp and plants in the operation of aquaponics. 2) The stocking density ratio and C/N ratio exerted significant impacts on the performance of shrimp and plants in marine aquaponics. Shrimp performed better with the stocking density of 2:1 and 3:1, with no impact from the C/N ratio. Conversely, plants performed better with the stocking density of 3:1 and 5:1 with the C/N ratio at 15. Therefore, a stocking density ratio of 3:1 with a C/N ratio at 15 is suggested as the optimal condition for shrimp and the three halophytes in an indoor marine aquaponic food production system. Inoculating the water with biofloc and applying probiotics regularly can enhance the management of water quality and the health of shrimp and plants in aquaponics. 3) Among the findings of the study, shrimp growth was not affected by the protein content of the feed, suggesting that it is possible to use feeds with lower protein concentration when culturing shrimp in biofloc-based marine aquaponics. However, plants grew better in the treatments with higher protein content feed in the early and middle stages of production. Hence, for maximum production, providing a higher protein concentration feed (35 %) in the early stages of system start-up, and switching to a lower protein concentration feed (30 %) in the later stages of cultivation might be feasible. 4) The current study found no significant effects of pH or additional C on shrimp performance. In contrast, plants grew better in lower pH treatments, while additional C supplements improved the performance of plants grown in higher pH treatments and had similar results to the lower pH treatments. We suggest that RO water is not suitable source of water for shrimp-based marine aquaponics if ionic composition is not managed. The addition of C, however, led to improved growth and yields of most plants. Hence, adding C can be a promising approach in marine aquaponics to enhance the resistance to the abiotic stress of plants and improve their growth.<div> <br>The present study on marine aquaponics has produced important findings that will fill some knowledge gaps, provide management guidelines for production, and facilitate its development. <br></div>

MSCAGR (Animal Science) / Department of Animal Science / The objective of the study was to determine the effects of fertilisation with bio-digester slurry and the inclusion of carbohydrate additives at ensiling on the fermentation characteristics, chemical composition, ruminal degradability, and in vitro digestibility of Napier grass silage. Napier grass planted at the School of Agriculture Experimental Farm, University of Venda in 5 m x 4 m plots replicated three times in a completely randomised design and was irrigated with either biodigester slurry or no bio-digester slurry (tap water) for a period of 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the Napier was freshly cut and ensiled for 90 days in 1 litre glass jars in a 2 (Control - tap water and slurry irrigation) x 4 (No additive, molasses, maize meal and brown sugar) factorial arrangement. Fermentation quality and nutritive composition were determined using standard protocols. The dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) ruminal degradability was determined in sacco by incubating feed samples in nylon bags (external dimension: 6 × 12 cm, pore size of 46 μm) in the rumen in three Bonsmara steers fitted with rumen cannulae for 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours (h). Parameters to describe the dynamics of ruminal degradability of DM and CP were obtained by fitting the data on the exponential equation P = a + b (1 - e-ct) using the NEWAY computer program, where “a” is the rapidly degradable fraction, “b” is the slowly degradable fraction and “c” is the outflow rate. The in vitro DM and CP degradability of rumen undegradable residue collected after 12, 24 and 48 h incubation was determined by sequential digestion in pepsin (abomasal) and pancreatin (small intestine) solutions. Fertilisation with bio-digester slurry increased (P <0.05) CP content of fresh cut Napier grass pre-ensilage. Bio-digester slurry fertilisation with molasses inclusion improved (P <0.05) the silage DM content which improved (P >0.05) fermentation characteristics with pH of 4.2 and lowest NH3-N of 13.3 g/kg. Other chemical compositions and fermentation characteristics were not affected (P >0.05) due to fertilisation x additives treatment combinations. No bio-digester slurry fertilisation with maize meal inclusion increased (P <0.01) DM degradability at 0 h incubation. As time progressed to 24 h, no biodigester slurry fertilisation with no additive included reduced (P <0.01) DM degradability with no difference (P >0.05) on other treatments. Potential DM degradability (a + b) of no bio-digester slurry fertilisation with no additive inclusion silage was reduced (P <0.01). The reduction was associated with low levels (P <0.01) of slowly degradable fraction “b”. In vitro DM and CP digestibility were not affected (P >0.05) due to fertilisation x additives treatment combinations. In conclusion, bio-digester slurry application improved the quality of fresh cut Napier grass, with the combination of bio-digester slurry fertilisation and molasses addition yielding the best silage quality.

MSCAGR (Animal Science) / Department of Animal Science / Forage and browse legumes play an important role in sustaining livestock in small holder farming systems in the tropics, mainly as a result of their contribution to economic and environmental sustainability of livestock production. The study was conducted to determine the chemical composition, ruminal degradability and in vitro digestibility of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) of Dichrostachys cinerea and Bauhinia thonningii leaves. The browse tree leaves were harvested in the wild in Shayandima, Limpopo province. The leaves were collected, oven-dried, milled to pass through a 1.0 mm sieve and analysed for chemical composition in the Animal Science Nutrition Laboratory, at the University of Venda. The browse tree leaves were analysed for DM nitrogen, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF). Approximately 5 g of leaf sample milled to pass through through a 1 mm sieve were placed in nylon bags (external dimension: 6 × 12 cm, pore size of 41 μm) and incubated in duplicates for 0, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours periods in the rumen of three cannulated Bonsmara steers. The residues were then analysed for DM and nitrogen. Parameters to describe the dynamics of ruminal degradability of DM and CP were obtained by fitting the data on the exponential equation P = a + b (1 - e-ct) using NEWAY computer program, where “a” is the rapid degradable fraction, “b” is the slow degradable fraction and “c” is the outflow rate. The in vitro DM and CP degradability of rumen undegradable residue collected after 24 and 48 hour incubation was determined by sequential in vitro digestion in pepsin (abomasal) and pancreatin (small intestine) solutions. DM and CP content differed significantly (P ˂ 0.05). D. cinerea leaves had higher levels of DM and CP content than B. thonningii leaves. DM and CP disappearance increased (P < 0.01) as the incubation period increased. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in soluble fraction ‘a’ and ‘b’ of DM of the two species. The CP components for both fraction ‘a’ and ‘b’ differed significantly (P < 0.01) for CP among the two species. There was significant difference (P < 0.01) in post-ruminal digestibility among the two species. CP digestibility of B. thonningii and D. cinerea leaves was reduced (P < 0.01). In conclusion, B. thonningii and D. cinerea leaves showed significant difference based on their fermentation kinetics and in vitro digestibility, suggesting a good nutritional quality which can be used as protein source for ruminants in dry season and supplement to low-quality diets. / NRF