Browsing by Subject "Forage plants"
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Item A digital capacitance meter for foliage yield measurements.(Texas Tech University, 1975-05) Lambright, Jerry DonNot availableItem Development of buffalograss with improved forage quality and yield(Texas Tech University, 1999-05) Jack, Kelly D.Buffalograss [Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm] has been, and will continue to be, a very important native grass species on the Shortgrass Prairie of the central United States. The major limitation of buffalograss as a forage has been low yield. In 1994 and 1995, 273 native accessions of buffalograss were collected and established at the Texas Tech UniversityPlant Stress Field Laboratory at Lubbock, Texas, in a randomized block design with three blocks. Lubbock is located at 33° 35' N latitude and 101° 58* W longitude at an altitude of 1003 m. The soil at the site is an Amahllo Fine Sandy Loam (fine mixed thermic Typic Paleustalf). In 1997 and 1998, fifteen accessions of this germplasm collection and three cultivars were evaluated for forage quality and yield. Samples were evaluated for forage quality by using wet chemistry and NIRS to measure percentage crude protein (CP), cell wall, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and acid insoluble ash. Forage yield was estimated by harvesting, drying, andweighing vegetation from 45 cm^ (1.5 ft^) sample areas for four harvests in both years. Significant differences in yield of the entries were only detected at the June harvest of 1998. Significant differences in CP were found in four of the eight harvests, and significant differences in NDF percentages were detected in five of the eight harvests. Entries had significantly different percentages of cellulose and acid insoluble ash at two harvests, and hemicellulose at only one harvest. Results of these analyses were used to select top accessions for development of experimental cultivars of buffalograss with improved forage quality and yield.Item Evaluation of forage species for improving deer habitat in the rolling plains(Texas Tech University, 1988-08) Schweitzer, Sara HannahTo determine the feasibility of introducing nutritious browse and forb species into the northcentral Rolling Plains and improve the available forage base for deer (Qdocoileus spp.), 7 browse species, Atriplex canescens (Atca), Ceratoides lanata (Cela), Cercocarpus montanus (Cemo), Eysenhardtia texana (Eyte), 'Lassen' Purshia tridentata (L.Putr), Leucaena retusa (Lere), and Purshia tridentata (Putr), and 7 forb species, Desmanthus illinoensis (Deil), Engelmannia pinnatifida (Enpi), Medicago sativa (Mesa), Onobrychis vJcJifQlia (Onvi), Simsia calva (Sica), 'Howard' Trifolium subterraneum (H.Trsu), and 'Nungarin' X. subterraneum (N.Trsu), were seeded and transplanted, and seeded, respectively, on 4 study plots on a private 7,300-ha ranch in Foard County, Texas. Winter-forage browse and cool-season forb species were seeded 19 - 20 September and 13 - 15 October 1986 on 4 plots, and summer-forage browse and warm-season forb species were seeded 16 - 17 May 1987 on 2 plots. Browse seedlings were propagated in a greenhouse for 3 months, hardened in a lathhouse for 1 month, then transplanted to 2 plots 8 April 1987. Browse species' field establishment (%), greenhouse survival (%), and transplant survival (%) were determined from Jun - Nov 1987, Jan - Mar 1987, and Nov 1986 - Jan 1988 (evaluation-months), respectively. Lere leaf biomass (g/m) and crude protein (CP) was determined in October 1987. Forb species' biomass (g/m) and CP were determined from Dec 1986 - Nov 1987 (evaluation-months).Item Forage production following selected mechanical brush control practices in south Texas(Texas Tech University, 1966-05) Powell, JeffThe immediate objectives of this study were threefold: (1) to compare effects of several methods of mechanical brush control on forage production, (2) to study fertilization of rangeland after brush control as an aid in forage improvement, and (3) to study effects of mowing after brush control as a maintenance practice. The long term objectives will concern succession and rate of brush reinvasion.Item Foraging behavior and nutrition of grazing steers as influenced by protein supplementation(Texas Tech University, 1988-05) Maiga, Mouslim AStudies were conducted through the growing seasons (April to July) of 1985 and 1986 on tobosagrass (Hilaria mutica [Buckl.] Benth.) rangeland in West Texas. The objective was to evaluate the effects of feeding various levels of cottonseed meal supplement (0.00, 0.34, and 0.68 kg/(hd/d) on the foraging behavior, voluntary intake, dietary selectivity and digestive kinetics in grazing steers. Steers grazed under a 6- paddock short duration grazing system. Length of stay in a paddock was four to seven days. Behavioral observations were made on sixty to seventy steers while grazing in a predetermined paddock. The length of time steers spent at a feeding station, number of bites at a feeding station, number of steps between stations, and total daily grazing time were measured. Indices of foraging efficiency (bite to step ratio, biting rate, feeding time to step ratio, proportion of time spent feeding) were calculated. Particulate passage rate, liquid dilution rate, rumen fermentation, intake and botanical and chemical composition of diets were determined using rumen cannulated and esophageal fistulated steers. Foraging behavior was sensitive to level of supplementation depending upon the grazing cycle and length of stay in a paddock. Supplementation improved foraging efficiency (bite to step ratio, proportion of time spent feeding, feeding time to step ratio) and total daily grazing time as forage availability declined over days within a grazing cycle. Grazing time increased (P < .05) with length of stay in a paddock. Forage intake was not affected (P > .05) by protein supplementation although there was a tendency toward higher intake as level of supplementation increased. Particulate passage rate increased linearly (P < .05) with level of supplementation, while undigested dry matter fill decreased linearly (P < .05) with increasing level of supplementation. Protein supplementation increased (P < .01) liquid dilution rate and turnover rate and decreased (P < .05) turnover time. Total concentrations of volatile fatty acids increased (P < .05) with level of supplementation. However, supplementation did not change (P > .10) molar proportions of acetate, propionate, butyrate and branched chain volatile fatty acids. Rumen ammonia N concentrations were not different (P > .10) between levels of supplementation. Differences due to grazing cycle were noted for forage intake and all the parameters of digestive kinetics. These differences reflected changes in diet botanical composition estimates. Grazing cycle and length of stay in a paddock affected (P < .05) types of forage, plant parts and quality of diets consumed. Supplementation did not alter (P > .10) botanical and chemical composition of diets.Item Influence of nitrogen and biological stimulants on growth, nutritive value, and salt stress tolerance of 'Matua' and 'Gala' bromegrasses(Texas Tech University, 1998-08) Missaoui, Ali M.'Matua' {Bromiis willdenowii Kunth ) and 'Gala' Bromus siamineus Des) bromegrasses have potential in West Texas but little information exists on their adaptation. Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine seasonal yield, forage quality. N response, and salinity tolerance. Gala and Matua were compared to double-cropped 'TX 91 V 4511' wheat (Triticum aestivum L .)-foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) Beauv.) in a randomized block design with four replications in the field. Forages were sampled monthly from 15 November, 1996 to 21 December, 1997, and forage mass, fiber components, crude protein (CP), total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC), and NO3 were determined. Forage mass of bromegrasses was lower (P<0 05) than wheat during winter and spring and than millet during summer. At first hay harvest, Matua was similar to wheat in yield (8,434, 8,172, and 6,827 kg ha"' for Matua, wheat, and Gala, respectively). Matua was higher (P<0.05) in TNC and lower (P<0.05) in CP than Gala. Delaying harvest decreased (P<0.05) forage quality in Matua more than Gala Matua and Gala were established in the greenhouse and were watered with Hoagland's nutrient solution for three completely randomized design experiments with four replications. Calcium and sodium chloride were added (2:1 ratio) to provide a range in EC from 2-12 dS m' (2-6 dS m"' for Gala). After 5 wk, plants were harvested to determine dry weight of roots and shoots. A 50% yield reduction for Matua and Gala was observed at 6 and 5 dS m"', respectively. Adding 4 kg Ascophyllum nodosum ha"' plus 24 kg S ha"' increased (P<0.05) both root and shoot dry weights compared to controls or either substance alone. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied at 50, 100, 200, 300, and 400 kg N ha"' at each of five harvests of Gala and Matua. At 50 kg N ha"', over 80% ofthe total 250 kg N applied was recovered. Nitrogen use efficiency and N recovery decreased quadratically (P<0.05) in both species with increasing N rates. Nitrates in soils and plants increased quadratically (P<0.05) for both species and reached levels of concern to animal health and to the environment for rates over 50 kg N ha'' per application.Item Influence of nutrient-challenged water on soil and forage quality(Texas Tech University, 1999-12) Clark, Donald RayDeclining fresh water sources could be countered with irrigation water from saline aquifers or industrial and municipal effluents but soil properties and forage quality may be affected. Greenhouse experiments were conducted in completely random designs with 4 replications to evaluate the effects of solute compromised secondary waters on soil properties and forage growth and quality. 'Dekalb FS-5' forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench] was grown with irrigation water of increasing salinities (1.7 to 12.2 dS m^-1). Accumulation of salts increased soil salinity and reduced soil pH. Concentrations of extractable soil Ca, Mg, Na, K, Mn, and Cd increased while S, Cu, and Fe decreased with increasing salinity. Sorghum survivability, growth, and water consumption decreased with increasing salinity. Concentrations of Ca, Sr, Mn, and Cd increased in sorghum while K, P, and S decreased with increased salinity. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted with seven water sources plus saline standards ranging in salinity from 0 to 8.3 dS m^-1 'Matua' bromegrass [Bromus willdenowii Kunth] was harvested 4 times with no leaching allowed. In the final experiment Dekalb FS-5 forage sorghum was harvested once with two leaching events. Soil NO3 and concentrations of extractable soil Ca, Mg, Na, K, and Sr were related to concentration of total-N and minerals in the secondary waters. Extractable soil Fe, Mn, and Zn were not closely related to amounts in the compromised or to changes to soil pH. Water infiltration rates varied and were most related to sodium adsorption ratios for the irrigation waters. Leaching of P was limited while leachate concentrations of Fe and Zn were greater than inputs through the irrigation water. Plant survivability and growth were most affected by salinity of the irrigation waters and accumulation of salts in soils. Plant N was increased linearly with increasing total-N in the irrigation waters. Concentrations of P, Cu, and Fe in Matua and sorghum could be inadequate for growing steers while Cd and K concentrations reached levels of concern for animal health with increased salinity. Interactions among constituents of wastewater, soil, and forages results in complexities not seen in simple solute systems.Item Optimal production/marketing risk strategies for cattle ranches in the Texas Southern Plains(Texas Tech University, 1986-12) Rushemeza, JustinBased on the results of this study, it was concluded that variations in cattle prices and foraoe production, even when they can be predicted, affect ranch net returns substantially. When faced with uncertainty, the rational ranch manager maximizes expected ranch profit by pursuinq a high price-high forage strategy. However, a more conservative ranch plan, i.e., based on the occurrence of normal levels of cattle prices and forage yield carries a lower risk and slightly less net income. Additional information, if available, may enhance the level of expected ranch profit; however, ranch plan decisions based on previous year's observations did not prove to be superior to the ranch plans based on unconditional price level and forage production level probabilities. It was recommended that a different approach be used to obtain posterior probabilities of cattle prices and foraqe conditions.Item Protein concentrate from Kochia(Texas Tech University, 1970-05) Stovall, Richard AlvinNot availableItem The effects of the desert termite Gnathamitermes tubiformans on selected soil physical properties in a shortgrass prairie ecosystem.(Texas Tech University, 1975-05) Spears, Brian MerleNot availableItem Voluntary intake digestibility and selection of Matua bromegrass, Coastal bermudagrass, and alfalfa hay by yearling horses(Texas Tech University, 1997-12) LaCasha, Patricia AnnMatua bromegrass [Bromus unioloides (Willd.) H.B. K. cv. Grasslands Matua] was introduced in 1973, but little information exists concerning its potential as a hay for horses. Thus, voluntary intake and apparent digestibility of DM, CP, and fiber components of Matua bromegrass by 18 Quarter Horse yearlings (mean initial BW 354 kg; SE 5.8) were compared with two commonly used forages in the horse industry, alfalfa {Medicago saliva L.) and Coastal bermudagrass {Cynodon dactylon L.) as hays in a randomized block design. A 15-d adjustment period was followed by a 5-d collection period during which the hays were fed ad libitum. Alfalfa was higher in CP concentration than either of the grass hays, and CP concentration was greater for Matua bromegrass than Coastal bermudagrass (20.1, 13.2, and 11.9%, respectively). Intake of DM, organic matter, and DDM were greater (P < .01) for alfalfa than for the mean of the grasses expressed as kg/d and g/kg BW^^ while intake of Matua was higher {P < .001) than bermudagrass. Numerical differences in intake between alfalfa and Matua were small (.2% BW). Apparent digestibility of OM was greater (P < .001) for alfalfa (72.5%) than for the mean of the grasses but did not differ between Matua (62.0%) and bermudagrass (58.2%). The apparent digestibility of CP was higher {P < .001) for alfalfa than for the mean of the grasses, and CP digestibility of Matua was greater {P < .001) than bermudagrass. At the end of the digestion trial, each yearling was offered each of the three forage hays during an 1 l-d selection trial. Total intake of forage during the selection trial was not influenced by previous forage fed (mean 9.2 kg/d; SE . 1). During the selection trial, yearhngs consumed less of the forage species to which they had been previously exposed relative to the other treatment groups. However, the degree of difference changed over time (day x previous forage experience interaction; P < .01). Yearlings preferred alfalfa over the grass hays and generally selected more Matua than bermudagrass. These data indicated that Matua is an acceptable hay for horses with intake potential approaching that of alfalfa.