The Morphological, Crude Protein and \u3ci\u3eIn-Vitro\u3c/i\u3e Dry Matter Degradability Characterisation of Nine Native Grass Species for Veld Restoration in Semi-Arid Environment

Pasture production is dependent on results from favourable conditions that allow for stimulation of tillers and absence thereof does not promote the development of tillers. The study sought to investigate the comparative characterisation of the morphology, crude protein and in-vitro dry matter degradability (DMD) of nine native grass species (Anthephora pubescens, Cenchrus ciliaris, Chloris gayana, Dactylis glomerata, Digitaria eriantha, Eragrostis curvula, Festuca arundinacea, Panicum maximum & Themeda triandra), subjected under controlled conditions. Plants were assessed for germination percentage, chlorophyll, number of leaves and tillers, crude protein and in-vitro dry matter degradability (DMD). Data on these parameters was analysed using one-way analysis of variance. Panicum maximum (log10 0.82) and T. triandra (log10 0.80) had higher (P \u3c 0.05) average number of leaves. Eragrostis curvula had the highest (P \u3c 0.05) chlorophyll content. Eragrostis curvula (61.57 g/kg DM) and D. glomerata (60.28 g/kg DM) grasses had higher (P \u3c 0.05) crude protein content. Festuca arundinacea (481.35 g/kg DM) had the highest (P \u3c 0.05) in vitro ruminal DMD36 values when compared to all other grasses. Festuca arundinacea (548.85 g/kg DM) had the highest (P \u3c 0.05) in vitro ruminal DMD48 values when compared to all other grasses. Chloris gayana, D. glomerata, D. eriantha, E. curvula, F. arundinacea, P. maximum and T. triandra had the highest average ranking values above 4.5 for most parameters. Due to their outperforming traits these grasses serve as a dual purpose to the restoration of degraded rangelands

Intake, Relative Palatability Indices and Blood Parameters of Vetch Varieties as a Component of Goat Diet

Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the feed intake, relative palatability indices and blood parameters of vetch varieties as a component of goat diet. The field and palatability study was carried out at the North West University, Molelwane Farm, North West province, South Africa. Ten weaner goats (16 ±2 kg) were used in this experiment. Four feeds (Vicia sativa – common & volga vetch ), Vicia villosa Roth (haymaker plus vetch) and buffalo hay grass were used in this experiment and each goat was exposed to these treatment diets. A cafeteria feeding method was used, allowing goats free access to the diet of their choice. A one-way ANOVA (SAS, 2010) was used to test the feed intake, relative palatability and blood profiles. Haymaker plus and Buffalo grass hay had the lowest palatability index. The diet intake was positively predicted from palatability (r2 = 0,661; p=0.0001). Goats that were fed vetch had their RDW levels higher (P \u3c 0.05) in comparison to goats that were grazing There were no significant (P \u3c 0.05) differences in the total protein and albumin concentrations in goats fed vetch and those grazing outside. Based on intake, palatability and blood profiles it shows that goat preferred Volga and common vetch over the Haymaker plus vetch. Supplementing with the vetch legumes showed an improvement to the blood profiles of the goats. Thus, vetch can be used as a protein supplement to low roughage grasses which may bring an overall productivity of these ruminants

Chlorophyll and Mineral Dynamics of Perennial Grass Species Found in Semi- Arid Rangelands of South Africa

Minerals are essential for ruminants and are mostly provided by grass species. Their growth stage is vital in the supply of these minerals. Perennial grass species have been mostly undervalued, owing to the scarce information concerning their potential feeding value and little documentation about their potential nutritive value in different growth stages. This study was conducted to investigate the chlorophyll and mineral concentration of grass species at different growth stages under greenhouse conditions at the North-West University Experimental farm, North West province, South Africa. The soil, collected from different villages, was mixed and samples were drawn for chemical analysis before being used as a potting medium. Nine grass species viz., Anthephora pubescens, Cenchrus ciliaris, Chloris gayana, Dactylis glomerata, Digitaria eriantha, Eragrostis curvula, Festuca arundinacea, Panicum maximum and Themeda triandra were used for the experiment. The grasses were harvested at different growth stages and analysed for nitrogen and minerals, and chlorophyll content (chlorophyll content index-CCI) was checked at the elongation stage only. Eragrostis curvula (47.28 CCI±1.25) had a higher (P F. arundinacea (34.50 CCI±1.25) had a lower (P \u3e 0.05) chlorophyll content. At the elongation stage, P. maximum had the highest (PA. pubescens and F. arundinacea had the lowest (PPanicum maximum (503 mg/kg) had a higher (PE. curvula at maturity stage. Anthephora pubescens, Dactylis glomerata, Eragrostis curvula, Festuca arundinacea, Panicum maximum and Themeda triandra had greater Ca, Na, N, P, Mg, K, Fe, Cu and Mn mineral concentrations. Since these grass species cannot individually supply the adequate minerals required by each livestock in different production stages, they can complement each other to meet the nutrient requirements for all livestock

Harvesting Site Influenced the Concentration Level of Nitrogen and Mineral Status of Woody Species in Semi-Arid Areas of South Africa

Feed shortages in semi-arid areas cause a major set-back for livestock production. An understanding of the nutritive value of woody species in most parts of savanna regions can be vital to predicting what these species can offer for livestock productivity. The study assessed the variation in nitrogen and mineral concentration of leaves of woody species as influenced by harvesting site in South Africa. The study sites were communal areas in Limpopo and North West provinces. A total of 52 browse species were selected and used for this study. All statistical tests showed that there was a significant effect of species and site on both nitrogen and mineral concentrations of species. In Limpopo Province, the concentration of phosphorus and calcium was high in Adansonia Digitata species, while Androstachys Johnsonii had the lowest concentration of P and Ca. The highest (P \u3c 0.05) nitrogen level was obtained in Berchemia discolour, while the lowest (P \u3c 0.05) value was obtained in Euclea divinorum in Limpopo province. Bridelia mollis H. had the highest (P \u3c 0.05) zinc (Zn) concentration, whereas Berchemia zyheri had the lowest (P \u3c 0.05) Zn value in Limpopo province. Searsia lancea and Searsia pyroides in North-West sites had higher P when compared to all other species in the same sites. Diospyros lycioides also exhibited the highest (P \u3c 0.05) magnesium concentration level of all other species in the same sites. Prosopis velutina had the highest (P \u3c 0.05) copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) compared to all other species in the same NW sites. Senegalia caffra, Grewia flava, Vachellia karroo, Vachellia nilotica subsp. kraussiana, Searsia leptodictya, and Melia azedarach found in the Limpopo province had the highest (P \u3c 0.05) phosphorus level when compared to the same species found in the North-West province. Senegalia caffra, Peltophorum africanum, Grewia. flava, Vachellia hebeclada, and Terminalia sericea found in the North-West province sites had the highest (P \u3c 0.05) iron levels when compared to the same species found in Limpopo province. Nitrogen concentration was regulated by the harvesting location and woody species. With the exception of Terminalia sericea, P Peltophorum africanum from Limpopo province, all browse species from all sites exhibited N concentrations more than 1.28%. There is a need to provide supplementation to those animals exposed to species that have a lower concentration of certain elements

Effects of browse legume species addition on nutritional composition, fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability of Opuntia cladodes silage.

Forage legumes are commonly used as an absorbent additive in high-moisture silages. Thus this study was carried out to assess the nutritive value, fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability of Opuntia–legume browse mixed silages. Five browse legume species (Leucaena leucocephala, Acacia mellifera, Searsia lancea, Prosopis velutina, and Grewia flava) were mixed with Opuntia cladodes. The silage mixture was formulated at a ratio of 60 Opuntia cladodes: 40 leguminous browse species and ensiled in polythene bags and kept in a laboratory for 42 days to determine chemical composition and fermentation characteristics. Silage samples were also subjected to an aerobic stability test. One-way analysis of variance in a completely randomised design was used to analyse the data. The pH values for silages made from Opuntia cladodes with L. leucocephala, A. mellifera and G. flava were lower than 4.8, which is considered an indicator of good-quality silage. The water-soluble carbohydrates content of silages made with Opuntia cladodes and S. lancea and G. flava was within the range of 8–12 g/kg dry matter, which is sufficient for good fermentation. The highest CO2 production, which signifies poor aerobic stability, was recorded for the control silage (Opuntia) compared to all Opuntia–legume mixed silage treatments. The addition of legume browse leaf-meal to Opuntia cladodes improved nutritive value, fermentation characteristics, and silage quality. Therefore, despite some limitations, Opuntia–legume browse silages, particularly Opuntia–G. flava and Opuntia–L. leucocephala, proved to be beneficial for livestock, as they meet the nutritional requirement of a ruminant.Significance:This study underlines the importance of co-ensiling Opuntia cladodes and high protein legume browse hay to offer an alternative feeding strategy for ruminant livestock and ensure sustainable provision of high-quality feed during dry periods

Carcass characteristics and meat quality of weaned New Zealand rabbits supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaves meal

Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) containing phytochemicals could be used to replace synthetic growth promoters to improve products quality in sustainable rabbit production. This study explores the supplementation of MOLM on carcass characteristics and meat quality of rabbits. A total of 64, 28 days-old male weaned New Zealand white rabbits (600 ± 8.58 g live weight) were randomly allocated to four diets in completely randomised design. The rabbits were reared on iso-energetics and isoproteic diets formulated by incorporating MOLM at 0, 5, 10, and 15% and were humanely slaughtered after 6 weeks. Heart weight increased linearly with MOLM levels (R2 = 0.50; p = 0.007) whereas slaughter (SLW), hot carcass (HCW), cold carcass (CCW), legs, head and kidneys weights were increased quadratically. Also, liver decreased quadratically (R2 = 0.41; p = 0.03) with MOLM levels. Fillet lightness (L*) (R2 = 0.21; p = 0.02), redness (a*) (R2 = 0.14; p = 0.04) and yellowness (b*) (R2 = 0.14; p= <0.0001) decrease whereas peak force increased (R2 = 0.63; p = 0.02) quadratically with MOLM levels. Leg muscle a* (R2 = 0.45; p = 0.0001) and cooking loss (R2 = 0.19; p = 0.0009) decreased linearly with MOLM levels. Only aroma (R2 = 0.04; p = 0.04), juiciness (R2 = 0.05; p = 0.04) and connective tissues (R2 = 0.03; p = 0.05) increased linearly with MOLM levels. In conclusion, MOLM did not adversely affect rabbit carcass characteristics and meat quality hence it can be recommended as a nutraceutical sources for sustainably rabbit production

Effects of browse legume species addition on nutritional composition, fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability of Opuntia cladodes silage

Forage legumes are commonly used as an absorbent additive in high-moisture silages. Thus this study was carried out to assess the nutritive value, fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability of Opuntia–legume browse mixed silages. Five browse legume species (Leucaena leucocephala, Acacia mellifera, Searsia lancea, Prosopis velutina, and Grewia flava) were mixed with Opuntia cladodes. The silage mixture was formulated at a ratio of 60 Opuntia cladodes: 40 leguminous browse species and ensiled in polythene bags and kept in a laboratory for 42 days to determine chemical composition and fermentation characteristics. Silage samples were also subjected to an aerobic stability test. One-way analysis of variance in a completely randomised design was used to analyse the data. The pH values for silages made from Opuntia cladodes with L. leucocephala, A. mellifera and G. flava were lower than 4.8, which is considered an indicator of good-quality silage. The water-soluble carbohydrates content of silages made with Opuntia cladodes and S. lancea and G. flava was within the range of 8–12 g/kg dry matter, which is sufficient for good fermentation. The highest CO2 production, which signifies poor aerobic stability, was recorded for the control silage (Opuntia) compared to all Opuntia–legume mixed silage treatments. The addition of legume browse leaf-meal to Opuntia cladodes improved nutritive value, fermentation characteristics, and silage quality. Therefore, despite some limitations, Opuntia–legume browse silages, particularly Opuntia–G. flava and Opuntia–L. leucocephala, proved to be beneficial for livestock, as they meet the nutritional requirement of a ruminant. Significance:This study underlines the importance of co-ensiling Opuntia cladodes and high protein legume browse hay to offer an alternative feeding strategy for ruminant livestock and ensure sustainable provision of high-quality feed during dry periods