Continuous grazing in comparison to cutting management on an organic meadow in the eastern Alps

Continuous grazing is an appropriate pasture system for dairy cows in low input milk production systems like organic farming. Grazing increases for economic reasons and is also caused by regulations in organic farming. If a dairy farm converts a pasture-based system,cows will start grazing on a cutting-managed meadow. Due to the utilisation changing from cutting to grazing, a conversion of the botanical composition and the quantity and quality yield is expected. To document and assess such conversions, a three-year field trial was carried out on the organic grassland and dairy farm of the AREC Raumberg-Gumpenstein between 2007 and 2009. In this study, changes in the botanical composition were found. In contrast to botanical composition, no significant differences between below-ground biomass and quality yield (CP and NEL) could be detected, although the harvest sward yields of the grazing sward were significantly less than in the cutting variant in the trial years 2007 and 2008

PhytoMilk: Effects of botanical composition and harvest system of legume/grass silage on fatty acid, α-tocopherol and β-carotene concentration in organic forage and milk

Red clover and high proportion of forage in dairy cow diet increases the concentration of bioactive substances in milk, e.g. unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. In the present experiment twenty-four Swedish Red dairy cows were fed three silages in a Latin Square design to study the effect of silage botanical composition and harvest time on milk fatty acid, α-tocopherol and β-carotene concentration. The silages were red clover/grass silage (mixture of first and second cut), red clover/grass silage (mixture of first, second and third cut) and birdsfoot trefoil/grass silage (mixture of first and second cut). Botanical composition and harvest system affected silage vitamin and fatty acid concentration with higher concentrations of α-linolenic acid, α-tocopherol and β-carotene in red clover/grass silage (mixture of three harvests). Milk linoleic and α-linolenic acid concentration was higher with the two red clover diets but α-tocopherol, β-carotene and retinol concentration was not affected

Identification of relevant environmental descriptors

Based on previous experiences and a literature review the most relevant environmental descriptors were selected and tested by means of field experiments. These included: (i) the temperature-humidity index (THI), (ii) the cattle stocking system (rotational stocking, continuous stocking or strip-grazing), (iii) the botanical composition of the grasslands, (iv) the net grassland productivity in terms of Net Energy (NE) and/or energy-corrected milk (ECM) per unit grassland area, and (v) the behaviour of dairy cows within grazing herds as recorded with SensOor® technology

Herbage intake in Danish Jersey and Danish Holstein steers on perennial ryegrass/white clover pasture

The objective of this study was to estimate herbage intake in Danish Friesian and Danish Jersey steers at an age of 8-9 months on ryegrass / white clover pasture. The steers were turned out on pasture in late April and herbage intake was estimated in June in steers of a mean live weight (± S.D.) of 264 ± 14 kg and 185 ± 25 kg for Danish Friesian and Danish Jersey respectively. Faeces and herbage samples were analysed for alkanes to estimate herbage dry matter intake, dry matter digestibility (DMD) and botanical composition of intake. The weight gains at the time of herbage intake estimation in June (kg/day) were 1.142 ± 265 kg/day and 0.927 ± 168 kg/day for Danish Friesian and Danish Jersey respectively. Daily herbage intake (kg dry matter (DM)) estimated by alkanes C32 /C33 was 8.33 ± 0.97 and 6.28 ± 0.61 per day (P<0.001) and 3.15 ± 0.32 and 3.43 ± 0.30 per 100 kg liveweight (LW) (P<0.05) for Danish Friesian and Danish Jersey respectively. The botanical composition of the diet was the same for Danish Friesian and Danish Jersey with about half of the diet being grass leaves and the other half clover leaves. It is concluded that Danish Jersey steers have higher herbage intake per 100 kg LW than Danish Friesian steers of the same age, but herbage intake per kg metabolic LW is not different between the two breeds

Forage herbs improve mineral composition of grassland herbage

Provision of an adequate mineral supply in the diets of ruminants fed mainly on grassland herbage can present a challenge if mineral concentrations are suboptimal for animal nutrition. Forage herbs may be included in grassland seed mixtures to improve herbage mineral content, although there is limited information about mineral concentrations in forage herbs. To determine whether herbs have greater macro- and micromineral concentrations than forage legumes and grasses, we conducted a 2-year experiment on a loamy-sand site in Denmark sown with a multi-species mixture comprised of three functional groups (grasses, legumes and herbs). Herb species included chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.), caraway (Carum carvi L.) and salad burnet (Sanguisorba minor L.). We also investigated the effect of slurry application on the macro- and micromineral concentration of grasses, legumes and herbs. In general, herbs had greater concentrations of the macrominerals P, Mg, K and S and the microminerals Zn and B than grasses and legumes. Slurry application indirectly decreased Ca, S, Cu and B concentrations of total herbage because of an increase in the proportion of mineral-poor grasses. Our study indicates that including herbs in forage mixtures is an effective way of increasing mineral concentrations in herbage

A study on the effect of sward conditions on herbage accumulation during winter and spring : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science in Plant Science at Massey University

Recently there has been an increased trend for farmers to adopt farm systems that operate at a reduced stocking rate, with the aim to improve per hectare production through achieving higher production per cow. The emphasis of these farming systems is on improving cow intakes and production and increasing herbage accumulation through the maintenance of pasture conditions with emphasis on pasture quality and higher post grazing residuals. A key issue at the centre of such a grazing system is whether the increase in pasture accumulation will outweigh the decrease in pasture utilisation at the time of grazing, thus increasing overall efficiency. The objectives of this study were to measure the effect of herbage mass present after grazing on subsequent net herbage accumulation rate, and to explain these differences through monitoring changes in sward components, as well as discussing the practical implications of these within a dairy farming system. Two experiments were conducted on a commercial dairy farm near Dannevirke in 1998, Experiment I over winter (June 19 – August 28) and Experiment II in spring (September 18 – October 28). The farm was situated approximately 300m A.S.L. with the soil type being a combination of an Ashhurst stony silt loam and a Dannevirke silt loam, with high soil fertility levels. Treatments involved a range of post-grazing residuals representing cow intake levels from under fed to ad-lib (900, 1200, 1500, 1800, 2100 kg DM/ha in winter and 1200, 1500 1800 2100 kg DM/ha in spring, Treatments 1-5 and 1-4 respectively). The spring experiment also involved nitrogen treatments at rates of 0, 25 and 50 kg N/ha. Heifers and dry cows were used to graze plots with grazing intensities calculated for stock to reach the targeted residuals in 24 hours (Experiment I) and 8 hours (Experiment II). Experiment I was designed as a randomised complete block design, and Experiment II as a randomised split plot design. Both experiments were replicated three times. In both experiments a range of post-grazing residuals was achieved (870, 1140, 1394, 1635, 1917 in Experiment I, and 1098 1424, 1704, 1913 in Experiment II). Post-grazing residuals in both experiments were significantly different (P<0.05). A post-grazing residual of 1394 and 1704 kg DM/ha in winter and spring respectively resulted in the greatest net herbage accumulation rates (16.3 and 81.7 kg DM/ha/day) from grazing until a pre-grazing target level of 2600-2700 kg DM/ha was achieved. Net herbage accumulation rates measured in both experiments were higher than those used in practice on the case farm. No statistical differences existed in Experiment I. In Experiment II Treatment 3 (1704 kg DM/ha residual) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the other treatments. The relationship between herbage mass and net herbage accumulation rate showed a positive trend in both experiments. The herbage mass at which pasture accumulation was optimised was greater in spring (2900 kg DM/ha) than winter (2500 kg DM/ha). In both Experiments tiller density was greater in more intensely grazed swards, and showed a compensation effect with tiller weight. In Experiment I all treatments increased in tiller density with Treatment 1 having a significantly greater (P<0.05) increase than the other treatments. In Experiment II tiller density in all swards declined over the entire experiment, being greatest (P<0.01) in Treatment 3. Leaf extension rates had a similar trend to tiller weight in Experiment I with the laxer treatments (Treatments 3-5) having a significantly higher (P<0.01) extension rate than Treatments 1 and 2. Treatment 3 also had the fastest leaf appearance rate (17.1 days/leaf), although this was only statistically different to Treatment 5. Leaf appearance rates in Experiment II showed no trend, with Treatments 2 and 4 having the fastest appearance rates, and Treatment 3 the slowest. Tiller appearance rates showed some evidence of a trend (although not significant) with more intensely grazed swards tending to have a slightly faster appearance rate compared to more laxly grazed swards. Tiller weight and leaf extension rate were significantly correlated (P<0.05) to net herbage accumulation in winter. In spring all sward components measured were correlated (P<0.01) to net herbage accumulation with leaf appearance rate being the most significant (P<0.001). Botanical composition in Experiment I showed that more intensely grazed plots had a greater (P<0.05) proportion of leaf, lower proportion of dead material and higher clover content. In Experiment II the trend between variables and grazing level was similar but not significant. The proportion of clover and dead material in spring swards was low (averaging 9.8 and 14.9% respectively) given the herbage mass levels reached. NIR results in general reflected the changes in botanical composition. It was concluded that there is benefit in the use of sward conditions (targets) in the planning and management of grazing systems in enhancing both pasture and animal performance. Compensatory effects between sward components resulted in non-significant differences in herbage accumulation rates, and in practice, differences in pasture growth are likely to occur at extreme grazing residuals. Grazing management decisions are therefore more likely to be based on residual dry matter to achieve desired intakes for high per cow production, high pasture utilisation and high pasture quality, rather than to optimise pasture accumulation. It is recommended that residual herbage mass after grazing should be 1200-1300 kg DM/ha and 1500-1600 kg DM/ha in winter and spring respectively. The practical implications of these are discussed

Project Chariot - Phase III: Progress Report

This is a preliminary report and is NOT FOR PUBLICATIONBotanical investigations of the Cape Thompson - Ogotoruk Creek region of northwest Alaska were initiated in May, 1959 by the University of Alaska under contract with the United States Atomic Energy Commission (Contract No. AT (04 -3 ) - 310). The first summer's field work was largely exploratory and descriptive in nature and included a species inventory of the vascular plants, mosses, and lichens; a qualitative description of the main vegetation types in Ogotoruk Valley; and a preliminary mapping of the vegetation types within the valley. The results of the first summer's field work and winter visits have been partially reported in two reports: Ogotoruk Valley Botanical Project, December, 1959 Report, and the Phase II Interim Pinal Report, Ogotoruk Valley Botanical Project, June, 1960. For brevity, these will be referred to as the December, 1959 Botanical Report, and the June, 1960 Botanical Report. Materials reported in these earlier reports will not be repeated in this December, 1960 report. Botanical investigations were continued during the summer and fall of 1960. The objectives of the 1960 field season were as follows: 1. To measure the frequency, cover, and synthetic features of the main vegetation types in Ogotoruk Valley. 2. To establish control vegetation plots in areas outside the potential blast and fallout area and to extend our understanding of the vegetation of the northwestern Alaska Coast. 3. To complete records of species occurrence in the area by continuing plant collections and identifications. 4. To revise and complete the vegetation map of the area. 5. To continue seed germination studies on certain species. 6. To commence palynological studies of bog and lacustrine sediments. 7. To initiate studies on some of the ecological problems in the Ogotoruk Valley area. a. to understand the relationship between permafrost, annual freezing-thawing cycles, and plant distribution. b. to understand the inter-relationships of the activities of the arctic ground squirrel and vegetation in the valley. Preliminary results of the 1960 field work and additional information from the 1959 season are included in this report

Changes in the silver fir forest vegetation 50 years after cessation of active management

Knowledge of the vegetation and the monitoring of its changes in preserved areas is an essential part of effective conservation policy and management. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of traditional methods of conservation of silver fir forests. The study analyses the changes in the structure and species composition of a temperate forest excluded from the commercial silvicultural management for 50 years, and since then protected as a nature reserve. The study is based on a comparative analysis of phytosociological reléves made on permanent plots in 1961, 1982, 1994 and 2011. PCA and ecological indicator values were analyzed, as well as characteristic species based on an indicator value (IndVal) index. Results revealed significant and dynamic changes in the forest structure and composition. The mixed coniferous-broadleaved forest with Abies alba and diverse ground flora, considered in the 1960s as valuable and worthy of conservation, was found to have been anthropogenically transformed and unstable. Significant reduction in the human impact was followed by spontaneous regeneration of oak–hornbeam forest. However, the directional process of changes in vegetation was modified by such silvicultural treatments as selective cutting of trees and gap creation, all intended for silver fir maintenance. The results show that Carpinus betulus effectively outcompeted Pinus sylvestris, Picea abies, Quercus robur and A. alba. Changes in the forest overstory and understory caused temporal changes in the habitat conditions reflected in changes in the ground vegetation composition. The proportion of light-demanding and oligotrophic species significantly decreased, while the contribution of species with a wide ecological amplitude, i.e. more shade-tolerant and nutrient-demanding – increased. The share of A. alba was reduced. Species defined in this study as most valuable, should be actively protected, or selection of conservation targets should be re-evaluated

Organic beef and sheep production (OF0147)

This is the final report from Defra project OF0147 To study the potential of organic farming in the hills and uplands, a comparison of organic and conventional production systems at similar stocking rates was made at ADAS Redesdale. This was supported by additional assessments in two further organic flocks, managed at reduced stocking rates, and by data collection on 10 commercial organic farms. Data were provided on physical and financial performance, animal health and welfare, and changes in botanical composition. Specific studies were done to quantify the potential of novel crops for parasite control, the performance of treated and untreated animal manures, and the requirement for trace element supplementation in organic hill stock. The attached main report starts with a detailed executive summary of the methods and findings

Bedrock and soil geochemistry influence the content of chemical elements in wild edible mushrooms (Morchella group) from South Italy (Sicily)

Chemical elements in the samples of wild edible mushrooms of the Morchellagroup collected from different unpolluted Sicilian sites was analyzed by the ICP-MS (method) to detect the content of their minerals and determine whether soil geology and geochemistry can influence the chemical composition in fungi. Results showed that the mushroom samples mainly contained a high concentration of K and P and a wide variety of minor and trace elements (V, Mo, Pb, Ce, Cs, Zr), including heavy metals. Statistical analysis showed that the mushrooms differed in their content of minor and trace elements based on the geological/geographic site of origin. Comparison with other studies showed differences in the content detected in the Sicilian morels with those collected from other geographical sites. Conversely, dif-ferent fungal species collected from similar geological sites in Sicily showed different patterns of accumulation of the elements confirming that bioconcentration in fungi is species- and site-dependent