Mohammadamin Soltanipour; Ehsan Zandi Esfahan
Volume 28, Issue 1 , April 2021, , Pages 55-68
Abstract
To determine the nutritional value of five halophytes, Aeluropus lagopoides, Atriplex leucoclada, Desmostachya bipinnata, Halopyrum mucronatum, and Halocnemum strobilaceum, this study was conducted in 2016 in Hormozgan province. Plant samples were collected in three phenological stages ...
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To determine the nutritional value of five halophytes, Aeluropus lagopoides, Atriplex leucoclada, Desmostachya bipinnata, Halopyrum mucronatum, and Halocnemum strobilaceum, this study was conducted in 2016 in Hormozgan province. Plant samples were collected in three phenological stages including vegetative growth, flowering and seeding, and eight forage quality traits (CP, DMD, WSC, ADF, CF, NDF, ME and ash percentage were measured. Data analysis of variance was performed as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design and the means were compared with Duncan's multiple rsnge test in SPSS software. The results showed that the effect of species for all traits, the effect of phenological growth stages for four traits: (CP), (DMD), (ash), and (ME), and the interaction effect of species and phenological growth stage were significant for all quality indicators except (WSC). The highest forage quality was obtained at vegetative growth stage and Atriplex leucoclada was superior to other halophytes in terms of nutritional value. Therefore, the use of this native species instead of non-native ones of this genus is recommended in rangeland improvement of areas with similar rainfall.
Seyed Mahdi Adnani; Mohammad Reza Tatian; Ehsan Zandi Esfahan; Reza Tamartash; Hosein Bagheri
Volume 27, Issue 2 , June 2020, , Pages 215-223
Abstract
Important and influential factors on livestock production in arid areas are limited water resources, increasing salinity and lack of food. Halophytes are especially important in saline habitats as alternative forage sources. Forage quality is one of the main factors determining the nutritional requirements ...
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Important and influential factors on livestock production in arid areas are limited water resources, increasing salinity and lack of food. Halophytes are especially important in saline habitats as alternative forage sources. Forage quality is one of the main factors determining the nutritional requirements of livestock and subsequently the grazing capacity of rangelands. Determination of forage quality of rangeland species is one of the fundamental factors for proper rangeland management. The quality of forage varies in different places and times and different factors affect it. Awareness of forage quality of halophytes at each phenological stage, not only helps beneficiaries in arid and desert areas to select suitable plant species for planting in haloculture programs, but also sets the appropriate time for grazing to achieve greater livestock performance in saline lands. In the present study, the effects of phenological stages on eight forage quality traits were investigated for three halophytes ie., Halocnemum strobilaceum, Nitraria schoberi and Suaeda aegyptiaca. Plant samples were collected in vegetative, flowering, and seeding stages from saline lands in the margin of Houze Sultan, Qom province. Data were analyzed by a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design. Duncan mean comparison test was performed. The results showed that the effects of species and phenological stages on forage quality were significant (p < /em><0.01). In general, the results of this study indicated the superiority of Ha. strobilaceum in terms of nutritional value compared to Ni. schoberi and Su. aegyptiaca, so that it can be considered as a new source of forage in the lands affected by salinity.
Maryam Shahri; Ali Ariapour; Hamidreza Mehrabi
Volume 26, Issue 4 , December 2019, , Pages 986-1002
Abstract
In the present study, forage quality of three range species including Astragalus gossypinus, Trifolium repens and Poa bulbosa at three phenological stages, (vegetative growth, flowering, seed maturity time) in Borujerd county of Loretan province were evaluated. Data were collected by random sampling ...
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In the present study, forage quality of three range species including Astragalus gossypinus, Trifolium repens and Poa bulbosa at three phenological stages, (vegetative growth, flowering, seed maturity time) in Borujerd county of Loretan province were evaluated. Data were collected by random sampling using 10 individual plants on transect line in 5 replication. Qualitative indexes were measured and data were compared using ANOVA and Duncan test. Results indicated that DMD is not significant between different species, but it was significant differences (p< 0.01) among the various phenological stages. The highest and the lowest were 34.61 and 24.24% respectively for seeding and before flowering stages. The amount of crude protein was significant at (p< 0.05) in different species, phenological stages and their interactive effect. The highest and the lowest crude protein were obtained in 21.06 and 17.97% in Trifolium repens and Poa bulbosa respectively. The amount of crude fiber was not significant difference between species, on the other hand, in different phenological stages and their interaction was significant at (p< 0.05).The highest and the lowest of crude fiber were 94.30 and 20.86% in seeding time and before flowering phenological stages. The highest and the lowest of amount of ADF were obtained in Poa bulbosa and Trifolium repens with 57.6 and 31.26% respectively. According to obtained results, Trifolium repens, Poa bulbosa and Astragalus gossypinus had better forage quality respectively in before flowering stage where this issue indicates the best time for animal grazing is in May and June.
Naser Baghestani Meybodi; Hosein Arzani; Mohammad Taghi Zare; Jalal Abdollahi
Volume 11, Issue 2 , August 2019, , Pages 137-162
Moharam Ashrafzadeh; Hamid Niknahad Gharemakher; Gholamali Heshmati; Mohammadjamal Saharkhiz; Majid Ghorbani Nohooji
Volume 26, Issue 2 , July 2019, , Pages 432-446
Abstract
Clematis ispahanica is a rare, palatable, and endangered species of Iran. In this research, the distribution of this species was investigated in rangelands of Bavanat and Mehriz cities in Fars and Yazd provinces. For vegetation sampling, the study areas were classified and 30 plots (2 × ...
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Clematis ispahanica is a rare, palatable, and endangered species of Iran. In this research, the distribution of this species was investigated in rangelands of Bavanat and Mehriz cities in Fars and Yazd provinces. For vegetation sampling, the study areas were classified and 30 plots (2 × 3 m) were established using random- systematic sampling method in key areas. Soil samples were taken at the depth of 0-30 cm (based on the depth of rooting). Independent t-test was used to compare soil chemical properties of the two regions. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determine the most effective factors affecting soil properties of the two regions.The effect of phenological stage, area, and interaction between phenological stage and area on forage quality indices (CP, DMD, ME and ADF) was determined using a General Linear Model (GLM). The interaction of area × phenological stage on forage quality was investigated using a completely randomized design. The results demonstrated that the best spatial distribution pattern of this species was the northern slopes and relatively flat topography. Our results revealed that this species was found in non-saline soil (EC<2), sandy loam, loamy sand and sandy textures with a pH of 8.6-8.9, %0.4-%0.7 organic carbon, %0.09-% 0.13 nitrogen, 13.9-22.1 ppm phosphorus, %42-%59 calcium carbonate, and 2-2.45 mg/lit potassium. The results of PCA indicated that soil organic carbon (OC), electrical conductivity (EC), and acidity (pH) were the most effective components of the soil in two study areas. The results demonstrated that in the growth and flowering stages, forage quality indices of this species in Bavanat area were significantly higher than those of Mehriz area, but in the seeding stage, the study indices in Mehriz area was higher as compared with Bavanat area. No significant correlation was found between soil chemical properties and forage quality indices. Thus, it can be concluded that the effect of climate on forage quality indices is higher than edaphic factors. In general, it can be stated that the high forage quality of C. isphanica can be one of the reasons putting this species at risk of extinction.
Javad Moetamedi; Hosein Arzani; Mohammad Jafari; Mehdi Farahpour; Mohammad Ali Zarechahouki
Volume 26, Issue 1 , June 2019, , Pages 241-259
Abstract
The calculation of the grazing capacity requires the consideration of factors affecting it. Due to the effective factors, the long-term grazing capacity model was designed, and then the capacity of the rangelands was calculated. Grazing capacity was calculated by the proposed ...
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The calculation of the grazing capacity requires the consideration of factors affecting it. Due to the effective factors, the long-term grazing capacity model was designed, and then the capacity of the rangelands was calculated. Grazing capacity was calculated by the proposed model in four steps including estimating the average good production, calculation of available metabolic energy, the daily requirement of the animal unit and grazing capacity. Due to the drought condition of habitats and fluctuation of forage production in different years, one cannot calculate grazing capacity with once production measurement for the long-term. Hence, the average good production of habitats was determined and based on that, long-term grazing capacity was calculated. The average good production of Golestan Kouh, Vardast, and Pashmakan habitats in the statistical period of 6-7 years was estimated to be 425, 233.8 and 343.3 kg/ha, which are related to normal years in terms of rainfall. The grazing capacity of habitats in a quarterly period of four months was calculated to be 0.8, 0.3 and 0.5 animal unit per hectare so that if there is a drought for 12 consecutive months, there will be no damage to vegetation. Meanwhile, there is not much damage to the beneficiary and he will not have to sell too much of his livestock. The area needed for grazing of an animal unit in the rangelands was suggested to be 1.3, 3.3 and 2 hectare. This amount is recommended to be one hectare for a 30-year period based on a common method in range management plans. This indicates the need to pay attention to the factors affecting the grazing capacity and emphasizes the application of the proposed model in order to calculate the rangeland capacity.
Pirooz Shakeri; Hasan Fazaeli; Ahmad Pourmirzaee; Seyed Hamid Mostafavi
Volume 25, Issue 4 , February 2019, , Pages 735-747
Abstract
Determination of rangeland forage quality is an important factor in assessing the nutrition status of livestock dependent on rangeland, determining suitable grazing time, increasing livestock efficacy and less damaging to rangelands. This study was conducted to determine the nutritional ...
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Determination of rangeland forage quality is an important factor in assessing the nutrition status of livestock dependent on rangeland, determining suitable grazing time, increasing livestock efficacy and less damaging to rangelands. This study was conducted to determine the nutritional value and digestibility of four dominant species of Compositae family in Baft rangelands located in Kerman province. The species including: Artemisia aucheri, Artemisia persica, Scorzonera tortusissimaand Cousina sicigera, which weresampled in phonological stages of vegetative growth, flowering and seeding. The results showed that the mean values of chemical composition of the mentioned species at different growth stages were 9.94, 8.9, 6.21 and 10.40% of crude protein (CP), 45.62, 45.77, 61.07 and 42.83% of NDF and 32.77, 33.05, 46.61 and 31.73% of ADF, respectively. By increasing age of all plant species, CP was decreased (P<0.01) but except for Scorzonera tortusissima, the values of NDF and ADF were increased in other species (P<0.01). The average digestibility of the mentioned species dry matter at vegetative, flowering and seeding stages were 57.41, 53.54, 45.34 and 39.67%, respectively. The average of metabolizable energy (ME) of the mentioned species at vegetative, flowering and seeding stages were estimated to be 2.24, 2.24, 1.86 and 2.26 Cal/g, respectively. The average concentrations of mineral elements such as calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron and manganese of these four rangeland species were more than the critical requirements of sheep and goat, while the concentrations of phosphorus, copper and zinc in these plants were less than the critical level for sheep and goat requirements. Generally, the four species studied in terms of CP and ME, especially in the early stages of growth, provide the needs of sheep and goats in the region.
Hosein Arzani; Javad Motamedi; Taghi Mirhaji
Volume 25, Issue 3 , November 2018, , Pages 657-670
Abstract
Knowledge of the animal daily requirement in rangelands is one of the essential requirements to calculate the grazing capacity in rangeland plans. In this regard, the daily metabolizable energy requirements of different Sangesary sheep (ewe, ram, and lamb) were investigated. For ...
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Knowledge of the animal daily requirement in rangelands is one of the essential requirements to calculate the grazing capacity in rangeland plans. In this regard, the daily metabolizable energy requirements of different Sangesary sheep (ewe, ram, and lamb) were investigated. For this purpose, according to the average values of forage quality indices and the proportion of species in the plant composition, the amount of metabolizable energy in one kilogram of dry forage at different growth stages was estimated, and considering the daily metabolizable energy requirement, the amount of forage that supplies the animal was estimated. The daily metabolizable energy requirement was calculated according to the proposed MAFF (1984) equation under grazing condition regarding the physical properties of the rangelands, water distribution intervals, plant density, and applying an incremental coefficient of 70%. Based on the results, the amount of forage needed to meet the daily needs of the ewe of the Sangesary sheep with a mean weight of 37 kg in the early, mid, and late growing season was estimated to be 1.6, 2.1 and 2.3 kg dry matter, respectively. The values for adult rams with an average weight of 48.75 kg were estimated to be 1.9, 2.5 and 2.9 kg in different growth stages. The lambs' daily requirement with an average weight of 19.88 kg was estimated to be 1.3, 1.7, and 1.9 in each growing season. The results showed that considering the amount of 1.5 kg of dry matter forage to meet the daily requirements of different kinds of animals grazing in rangelands is not correct and animal requirement need be determined based on forage quality in phenologiacal stages.In addition, the results emphasize that in order to adapt the daily requirements of animal to the forage quality, it is necessary to consider the values of forage quality indices and the proportion of all species grazed in the plant composition, so that the results should not be limited to the species in animal diet. Otherwise, as in the present study, the estimated requirement is more than the daily intake of animal grazing on rangelands.
Ehsan Zandi; Ali Ashraf Jafari; rasoul mirakhorli
Volume 24, Issue 2 , July 2017, , Pages 464-473
Abstract
Due to the adaptability to arid and desert conditions, halophytes could supply a part of livestock forage requirement in early spring, summer, and especially autumn. However, there is little information on the forage quality of these plants. On the other hands, halophytes vary considerably in their nutritive ...
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Due to the adaptability to arid and desert conditions, halophytes could supply a part of livestock forage requirement in early spring, summer, and especially autumn. However, there is little information on the forage quality of these plants. On the other hands, halophytes vary considerably in their nutritive value not only among species but also among phenological stages. Therefore, knowledge on forage quality of halophytes at each phenological stage could help the beneficiaries in arid regions to opt proper species for cultivation in haloculture programs as well as determining the suitable time for livestock grazing. In the present study, the effects of phenological stages on six forage quality traits were investigated for two halophytes ie., Atriplex leucoclada and Suaeda fruticosa. Plant samples were collected from saline lands in Garmsar, Semnan Province. The study was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications. The results showed that the effects of phenological stages and species on forage quality were significant (P<0.01).The highest forage quality was obtained at vegetative growth stage and then it declined at the seeding stage. Overall, our results clearly indicate the higher forage quality of Suaeda fruticosa as compared with Atriplex leucoclada. Therefore, Suaeda fruticosa could be introduced as a new source of forage in saline lands on which other conventional fodders have no chance to grow and yield.
Mehrnaz riasat; Ali Ashraf Jafari; Abolreza Nasir zade
Volume 23, Issue 4 , March 2017, , Pages 704-718
Abstract
In order to study of forage yield and quality traits, 19 populations of Elymus hispidus were sown under irrigation condition using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) during 2006-2009 in Hosein Abad, Shiraz, Iran. Data were collected and analyzed for spike emergence date, dry matter (DM) yield, ...
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In order to study of forage yield and quality traits, 19 populations of Elymus hispidus were sown under irrigation condition using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) during 2006-2009 in Hosein Abad, Shiraz, Iran. Data were collected and analyzed for spike emergence date, dry matter (DM) yield, plant height, stem number, leaf to stem ratio (LSR), and five quality traits as: dry matter digestibility (DMD), water soluble carbohydrate (WSC), crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and total ash for three years. The results showed significant difference among populations for all traits except total ash. The populations T24, Feriden, Saghez-Ghameshloo, Asadabad and Pashelki-Eghlid with average values of 5458, 5307, 5114, 4696 and 4565 kg/ha had higher annual DM yield. Results of correlation showed positive correlation between stem number with both DM yield and plant height. The correlation between CP/WSC and between DMD /ADF were negatively significant. Using principal component analysis, the first three components determined 67% of the total variation. The spike emergence date, plant height, and DM yield in the first component and CP, WSC and leaf to stem ratio in the second components were the important traits. The 19 genotypes were grouped into three clusters based on Ward cluster analysis method. In terms of forage quantity and quality, Feriden and Ghameshloo (Saghez) populations had higher values as compared with other populations; therefore, these two accessions are recommended for semi-steppe rangelands of Fars province.
Muhammad Reza Shooshtari; Farhang GHasryani; Amir ghorbankhani
Volume 23, Issue 4 , March 2017, , Pages 810-822
Abstract
Rangelands cover about half of Iran’s territory with unique ecological characteristics. Understanding these characteristics is an essential need for any management in these arenas. In this regard, the present study was carried out to evaluate the intensity of grazing on vegetative and reproductive ...
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Rangelands cover about half of Iran’s territory with unique ecological characteristics. Understanding these characteristics is an essential need for any management in these arenas. In this regard, the present study was carried out to evaluate the intensity of grazing on vegetative and reproductive characteristics of Bromus tomentellus, as a key species in the rangelands of Gavanban in Kermanshah province during four years. At first, a reference area of one hectare was selected and fenced. Simulation method was used in this study. Treatments included four harvesting intensities of 25, 50 and 75% and control on Bromus tomentellus. In each treatment, 40 individuals of species were selected. The effect of exploitation on phenological characteristics such as height, number of flowering stems, vigor, vitality, collar area, forage production and other characteristics were evaluated. All data were analyzed using combined analysis of variance in a completely randomized design. Results showed that production of Bromus tomentellus did not differ statistically in response to different harvesting intensities, and up to 75 percent of the species could be harvested; however, in some cases, morphological traits were affected, leading to decreased number of flowering stems, and increased collar diameter over the years. Also, it did not have any significant effect on height and vitality. In other words, the regeneration of species harvested decreased (due to reduction in the number of flowering stems). However, 75% harvesting intensity caused increased collar area.
Atefeh Shahbazi; hamid matin khah; Hosein Bashari; mostafa Tarkesh esfahani
Volume 23, Issue 4 , March 2017, , Pages 823-823
Abstract
Understanding the forage quality of native species is important to identify the valuable species for range improvement and reclamation as well as determining the appropriate grazing time and rangeland grazing capacity. In the present study, plant sampling was performed for Astragalus cyclophyllon and ...
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Understanding the forage quality of native species is important to identify the valuable species for range improvement and reclamation as well as determining the appropriate grazing time and rangeland grazing capacity. In the present study, plant sampling was performed for Astragalus cyclophyllon and Hedysarum criniferum at three phenological stages (vegetative growth, flowering and seeding) in Chadegan- Isfahan. The samples collected were dried, grounded and analyzed to determine the forage quality. Data were analyzed in a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with two treatments and three replications. According to the results, the chemical composition and forage quality of the study species varied significantly (p < 0/05). The Crude Protein (CP), Dry Matter Digestibility (DMD) and Metabolism Energy (ME) contents in both species showed a decreasing trend with the development of phenological stages. H. criniferum had higher contents of CP, DMD and ME as compared with A. cyclophyllon in all the growth stages. Our results clearly showed that the study species could be classified as desirable species because of their high nutrition values. Conservation of the species such as these two legumes with a low distribution and high nutrition values as compared with alfalfa is critically important. Therefore, domestication of these two species is highly recommended to supply a part of forage for livestock.
Hamid Alipor; Mahsa Pakdin; Saeedeh nateghi; Ali Dastranj; Seyedeh Negar Hashemi
Volume 23, Issue 2 , September 2016, , Pages 329-322
Abstract
Studying the forage quality of range species is among the important factors required for range management. In the present study, the forage quality of range species including Onobrychis transcaspica, Onobrychis radiate, Astragalus brevidens, Melica ciliate, Agropyron pectiniforme, and Sangisorba minor ...
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Studying the forage quality of range species is among the important factors required for range management. In the present study, the forage quality of range species including Onobrychis transcaspica, Onobrychis radiate, Astragalus brevidens, Melica ciliate, Agropyron pectiniforme, and Sangisorba minor were investigated at three phenological stages. The study was conducted in the rangelands of Bojnourd. At each phenological stage, sampling was performed randomly with five replicates. Forage quality indices including CP, ADF, DMD, and ME were measured in the laboratory. The results showed that the forage quality of the study species was higher as compared with flowering and seeding stages, so that with the advancing age of the plant, crude protein, dry matter digestibility, and metabolizable energy reduced and ADF increased. In comparison with grasses, Legumes had the highest CP content (14.53% and the lowest ADF content (43.91%) in all three phenological stages. Among the study species, the maximum and minimum crude protein content was recorded for Astragalus brevidens and Agropyron pectiniforme, respectively. Analysis of variance showed that the effects of species and phenological stages were significant (P<0.01) in all forage quality indices.
Parya Kamali; Reza Erfanzadeh; Seyed Hamzeh Kahnoooj
Volume 23, Issue 1 , June 2016, , Pages 14-22
Abstract
Determining the forage quality of plant species is among the factors necessary for proper range management. Therefore, the crude protein of 14 species was measured in two phenological stages in Kahnuj (Kerman province) using Kjeldahl methodology. The crude protein content of the study species was compared ...
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Determining the forage quality of plant species is among the factors necessary for proper range management. Therefore, the crude protein of 14 species was measured in two phenological stages in Kahnuj (Kerman province) using Kjeldahl methodology. The crude protein content of the study species was compared using ANOVA, and a paired t test was used to compare the crude protein content of each species between the two phenological stages. In addition, one-sample t-test was used to compare the average crude protein with critical level. According to the obtained results, the protein content of the study species showed significant differences at each phenological stage, so that in the vegetative stage, the highest and lowest crude protein was recorded for Astragalus triboloides (19.61%) and Ziziphus spina-christ (4.18%), respectively. In seed ripening stage, the highest and lowest crude protein content was recorded for Rhazia stricta (14.85%) and Stipa capensis (5.23%), respectively. The crude protein showed a downward trend for all species except two. The average content of crude protein measured at vegetative stage was higher as compared with the critical level. However, this difference was not significant for the second stage. Overall, preservation and development of species having high percentage of crude protein with low changes in protein during the growing season like Taverniera cuneifolia is recommended.
Fazel Amiri; Ebrahim Gavili
Volume 23, Issue 1 , June 2016, , Pages 58-69
Abstract
In this study, the nutritive value of several important range species was investigated in semiarid rangelands of central Zagros in 2010. Sampling was performed within the 2-square-meter plots by clipping method. The important forage quality indices; Nitrogen (N), Crude Protein (CP), Ash, Ether Extract ...
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In this study, the nutritive value of several important range species was investigated in semiarid rangelands of central Zagros in 2010. Sampling was performed within the 2-square-meter plots by clipping method. The important forage quality indices; Nitrogen (N), Crude Protein (CP), Ash, Ether Extract (Ee), Natural Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Digestible Energy (DE), Dry Matter Digestibility (DMD), Metabolizable Energy (ME), Dry Matter Intake (DMI) and Relative Feed Value (RFV) were analyzed. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. The correlation between quality parameters was determined based on the relative quality index in MVSP, Mosaic, and PC-ORD software. There was a positive correlation between CP, DMD, DMI, and RFV for all species; however, a negative correlation was found between ADF, CP, and RFV. The results of the statistical analysis showed that forage quality of species (Leguminoseae and Gramineae) was significantly different (p < 0.05). Almost in all the grass species studied, the higher levels of ADF and NDF caused to reduce the forage quality of these species. In addition, based on the measured parameters, the highest and lowest forage quality were related to Cachrys acaulis (RFV=289.46) and Agropyron trichophorom(RFV=87.89), respectively.
Daryoush Ghorbanian; Ehsan Zandi Esfahan; Mohamad Amirjan
Volume 23, Issue 1 , June 2016, , Pages 177-187
Abstract
Aellenia subaphylla is a perennial plant species and resistant to drought and salinity, distributed in the winter rangelands and at the margins of the interior deserts such as Damghan desert. In early autumn that available forage is reduced in rangelands, this species produces a considerable forage in ...
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Aellenia subaphylla is a perennial plant species and resistant to drought and salinity, distributed in the winter rangelands and at the margins of the interior deserts such as Damghan desert. In early autumn that available forage is reduced in rangelands, this species produces a considerable forage in addition to a good annual growth. To study the forage quality of Aellenia subaphylla at three growth stages of vegetative, flowering and seeding stages, the branches of 10 species were randomly sampled with three replications. Then the samples were dried and milled. Six forage quality traits including DMD, WSC, CP, CF, ME and ADF were measured. The average of DMD, CP, CF, WSC, Ash, ME, and ADF were estimated to be 35.14%, 17.35%, 40.93%, 13.9%, 6.58%, 3.97 MJ kg-1 dry matter, and 60.45%, respectively. The results of ANOVA and mean comparisons of the traits studied indicated that the forage quality of Aellenia subaphylla was affected by phenological stages. The highest and the lowest CP content were observed at flowering and seeding stages, respectively. The minimum amount of CP for most domestic or wild herbivores for maintenance is reported to be 7.5%. Therefore, this species could supply the CP requirements of livestock. In the flowering stage, ADF and CP increased significantly while a significant reduction was observed in CF, indicating that flowering stage could be recommended for forage utilization. In addition, the average values of DMD, WSC and ME at seeding stage were significantly higher than those of vegetative and flowering stages. Therefore, seeding stage could also be recommended for livestock nutrition. Our results clearly showed that the best time for forage utilization of Aellenia subaphylla, distributed widely in the winter rangelands, was consistent with flowering and seeding stages. On the other hand, this species produces a large amount of seeds, increasing the forage quality at seeding stage. Given that the forage quality of the species studied here was acceptable during flowering and seeding stages, a proper use of this species could be taken into consideration for livestock feed through a sound range management.
Moharam Ashraf Zadeh; Reza Erfanzadeh; seyed hamzeh Hoseini Kahnooj
Volume 22, Issue 2 , August 2015, , Pages 381-391
Abstract
This study was carried out to compare the forage quality parameters (CP, DMD and ADF) in two phenological stages between two regions in south of Fars province. The two regions were located close together, and with the exception of soil characteristics, were similar in terms of other environmental factors. ...
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This study was carried out to compare the forage quality parameters (CP, DMD and ADF) in two phenological stages between two regions in south of Fars province. The two regions were located close together, and with the exception of soil characteristics, were similar in terms of other environmental factors. One region had a saline-alkali soil (pH= 8.30, EC=15.6, SAR=6.51, ESP=%2.84.) and the other region had an alkali soil (pH= 8.53, EC=1.24, SAR=4.18, ESP=%1.12.8). The common plant species were sampled. An independent t-test was used to compare the content of ADF, CP and DMD of forage in each phenological stage between saline-alkali and alkali soils. A paired t-test was applied to compare forage quality parameters between two phenological stages in each species separately. Results showed that in both phenological stages, halophytes such as Atriplex halimus and Seidlitzia rosmarinus had a better forage quality in alkali soils. Most species were not significantly different in forage quality parameters between the two regions. In vegetative growth stage, DMD and CP content in halophytes were higher in saline-alkali as compared to alkali soils, and ADF was also higher in saline-alkali than that of alkali soils for a few halophytes such as Seidlitzia rosmarinus. In flowering stage, except for Seidlitzia rosmarinus, digestibility of species was not affected by soil chemical properties. This study showed that some species had relatively more adaptation to harsh condition, and subsequently had higher forage quality. Therefore, the manager could identify these species and use for conservation purposes.
hosein arzani; Javad Moetamedi; Firoozeh Moghimi nejad; reza siahmansour
Volume 22, Issue 4 , March 2015, , Pages 607-614
Abstract
In the present study, the forage quality of five range species including Astragalus remotijugus, Hordeum bulbosum, Onobrychis melanotricha, Phlomis persica, and Picris sterigosa were evaluated in 2010. At each phenological stage, three samples and for each sample, at least five species were cut randomly. ...
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In the present study, the forage quality of five range species including Astragalus remotijugus, Hordeum bulbosum, Onobrychis melanotricha, Phlomis persica, and Picris sterigosa were evaluated in 2010. At each phenological stage, three samples and for each sample, at least five species were cut randomly. Then samples were air-dried and grinded. The amount of crude protein (CP) and acid detergent fibers (ADF) was measured in laboratory then dry matter digestibility (DMD) and metabolism energy (ME) was evaluated by the proposed equations.Our results showed that the interaction effect of species and growth stage was significant for the forage quality traits studied (p<0.05) and the forage quality of the species study species varied at different growth stages. The highest amount of crud protein (18.17 %) was related to the vegetative growth stage of Phlomis persica, and the lowest amount was related to the seeding stage of Hordeum bulbosum. The highest level of digestibility (66.44 %) and metabolisable energy (9.30 MJ/KgDM) was measured for the vegetative growth stage of Onobrychis melanotricha, and the lowest amount of digestibility (42.65 %) and metabolisable energy (5.25 MJ/KgDM) was related to the seeding stage of Picris sterigosa. It is concluded that vegetative growth and flowering stages are able to provide the protein requirements and metabolizable energy for the animal unit; however, the final stages of growth is unable to meet the protein requirements, leading to reduced animal performance in the rangeland.. Therefore, the use of supplements in the final stage of growth is recommended for livestock maintenance and the economic efficiency of herd.
Hosein Arzani; Javad Moetamedi; Seyed Ali Hoseini
Volume 21, Issue 4 , March 2015, , Pages 651-662
Abstract
Knowledge of forage quality is of paramount importance for livestock and rangeland management. For this purpose, the forage quality of range species was investigated in summer rangelands of Saraliabad, Golestan province to meet daily animal unit requirement. In the present study, 12 rangeland species ...
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Knowledge of forage quality is of paramount importance for livestock and rangeland management. For this purpose, the forage quality of range species was investigated in summer rangelands of Saraliabad, Golestan province to meet daily animal unit requirement. In the present study, 12 rangeland species including Achillea millifolium, Agropyron trichophorum, Centurea zuvandica, Crepis khorassanica, Koeleria cristata, Medicago sativa, Poa angustifolia, Taraxacum brevidens, Thymus transcaspicus, Tragopogon graminifolius, Trifolium repens and Artemisia aucheri were sampled at three different phenological stages (vegetative, flowering and seeding) in 2009. In each stage, three samples and for each sample three individuals were cut. Then, forage quality indices were calculated. Results showed that the crude protein values at all growth stages were higher than the critical level (7.0%) to meet daily animal unit requirement. In addition, dry matter digestibility values in vegetative and flowering stages were higher than the critical level (50%) to meet daily animal unit requirement, contrary to the seeding stage. Metabolisable energy values in vegetative stage were higher and in flowering and seeding stages were lower than the critical level (8Mj) to meet daily animal unit requirement. Our results clearly showed that the forage quality of range species varied at different growth stages, indicating that daily animal unit requirement need be determined based on forage quality. The results of this study could be used in determining the daily animal unit requirement in different years since measuring forage quality is costly.
Bayazid Yousefi; Ali Ashraf Jafari
Volume 21, Issue 3 , December 2014, , Pages 549-561
Abstract
This research was aimed to investigate the effect of drought stress on sainfoin ecotypes using two randomized complete block designs with three replications under rainfed and irrigated conditions. The pooled analysis of variance showed significant differences between irrigated and rainfed conditions ...
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This research was aimed to investigate the effect of drought stress on sainfoin ecotypes using two randomized complete block designs with three replications under rainfed and irrigated conditions. The pooled analysis of variance showed significant differences between irrigated and rainfed conditions for most of the traits, indicating significant impact of drought stress. Higher values were obtained for dry forage yield as well as most of the traits under irrigated condition as compared to the rainfed condition. The average number of plant and main stem per plot, (p≤ 0.01) and dry forage yield (p≤0.05) showed significant differences among the ecotypes of sainfoin. The interaction effect between ecotype x environment was not significant for the studied traits. The highest dry forage was recorded for the ecotypes of 14, 19, 48, 25 and 3, with a production of 299.5, 289.1, 266.9, 266.1 and 249.4 g per plot (2m2), respectively. A positive significant correlation (p≤0.01) was found between dry forage yield and number of plants and stems per plot, plant vitality, plant height, and total ash while dry forage yield showed a negative significant correlation with leaf to stem ratio (p ≤ 0.01) and days to flowering (p ≤ 0.05). Stepwise regression results showed that dry weight, number of plants per plot, vitality, days to flowering, and plant height were the main components of dry forage yield (R2=91). There was no direct associatin between cluster analysis grouping and geographical origin of ecotypes
Seyed Ali Hoseini; Mansour Mesdaghi; Serkis Pambukhchyan
Volume 21, Issue 2 , August 2014, , Pages 189-197
Abstract
Determination of forage quality is one of the fundamental factors for suitable management. There are spatial and temporal variations in quality of rangeland species. In this study, forage quality of five important grasses of Bromus tomentellus, Poa angustifolia, Festuca ovina, Agropyron ...
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Determination of forage quality is one of the fundamental factors for suitable management. There are spatial and temporal variations in quality of rangeland species. In this study, forage quality of five important grasses of Bromus tomentellus, Poa angustifolia, Festuca ovina, Agropyron intermedium and Agropyron trichophorum were measured at three phenological stages (vegetative growth, full flowering and seed ripening) in summer rangelands of Golestan province. For this purpose, five replications were randomly selected from each phenological stage. Quality factors of crude protein, ADF, crude fiber, dry matter digestibility and metabolizable energy were measured using in vitro procedures. The results obtained from chemical analysis were analyzed in a factorial experiment at randomized complete block design with SAS software. Results showed that forage quality differed significantly for different species as well as at different phenological stages (p<0.05). Among studied species, the highest forage quality was related to Bromus tomentellus while the lowest was related to Agropyron trichophorum. The highest and the lowest forage quality were recorded for vegetative growth and seed ripening stages, respectively.
Hosein Arzani; Farajollah Tarnian; Javad Motamedi; Morteza Khodagholoi
Volume 21, Issue 2 , August 2014, , Pages 198-207
Abstract
Forage quality is one of the most important factors in determination of the rangeland grazing capacity and also indicates the sufficiency of nutritive requirements of grazing animals. In this research, the samples of range species (including; Acantholimon festucaceum, Andrachne fruticulosa, Artemisia ...
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Forage quality is one of the most important factors in determination of the rangeland grazing capacity and also indicates the sufficiency of nutritive requirements of grazing animals. In this research, the samples of range species (including; Acantholimon festucaceum, Andrachne fruticulosa, Artemisia sieberi, Euphorbia decipiens, Noaea mucronata, Scariola orientalis, Stachys inflate, Stipa Arabica and Stipa barbata) in Maime, which were dominant in region, were collected in three phenological stages (vegetative, flowering and seeding) in three replications, and five individual plants were collected in each replication. Then, plant samples were chemically dissolved to measure the nitrogen (N) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). A split plot in a completely randomized design was used to analyze the data. Results indicated that the mean of effective indices on forage quality had considerable changes in phenological stages and it had significant influence on the forage quality. With progress of growth stages, the amount of crude protein (CP), dray mater digestibility (DMD) and metabolism energy (ME) decreased and the amount of acid detergent fiber (ADF) increased. In addition, results showed that crude protein amounts of all studied species in vegetative and flowering stage swere more than critical level (7%) for need of daily animal requirement and in seeding stage was less than animal requirement. Mean value of dray mater digestibility (DMD) in vegetative stage was more than critical level (50%), and in flowering stage and seeding stage were less than its critical level for need of maintenance. The mean value of metabolism energy in all three phenological stages was less than critical level (8 Mj/Kg/DM) for need of maintenance of single animal unit. This suggests that desirable quality of pasture forage at different grazing times is not same and determination of daily animal unit requirement based on forage quality is needed. In general, the studied ranges are desirable in terms of supplying the required daily crude protein for animal units, grazing in rangelands, but in terms of providing metabolism energy are undesirable.
Hosein Arzani; Javad Moetamedi; Hasan Yeghaneh; Hamzeh Ali Shirmardi
Volume 21, Issue 2 , August 2014, , Pages 221-233
Abstract
Being informed about the sufficiency of forage required for the daily need of the animal unit grazing on the rangeland is of paramount importance in animal and rangeland management. Therefore, in the current study, 32 important plant species grazed by animals on semi-steppe rangelands of Karsank in Chaharmahal-o-Bakhtiari ...
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Being informed about the sufficiency of forage required for the daily need of the animal unit grazing on the rangeland is of paramount importance in animal and rangeland management. Therefore, in the current study, 32 important plant species grazed by animals on semi-steppe rangelands of Karsank in Chaharmahal-o-Bakhtiari were sampled during three growth stages (vegetative growth, flowering and seeding). During each stage, three samples were taken and three plant bases were cut for each sample. Having measured the percentage of nitrogen (N) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of the studied species, the amount of their crude protein (CP), dry matter digestibility (DMD) and metabolisable energy (ME) were determined to know their critical level for meeting animals’ daily requirements. In order to analyze the data, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used and to observe the within-groups differences Duncan's test was employed. Results showed that the maximum crude protein (23.87%), dry matter digestibility (74.35%) and metabolisable energy (6.73 Mj/Kg/DM) belonged to Bellevalia glauca. The minimum crude protein (9.81%) belonged to Thymus daenensis and the minimum dry matter digestibility (51.38%) and metabolisable energy (6.73 Mj/Kg/DM) were recorded for Asperula molluginoides. The average crude protein for vegetative, flowering and seeding stages were 20.92, 13.03 and 8.89%, respectively, that at all three growth stages, it was higher than its critical level (7.0%) to meet the daily maintenance requirement of an animal unit. Average dry matter digestibility values for the three phenological stages were 62.48, 55.02 and 46.18%, respectively, that its amount was higher than the critical level (50%) for vegetative and flowering stages and was lower than the critical amount at the seeding stage for meeting the daily maintenance requirements of an animal unit. Metabolisable energy in vegetative, flowering and seeding stages were 8.62, 7.35 and 5.85%, respectively, which were higher than the critical level (8Mj) during the vegetative growth and flowering stages and lower than the same critical level at the seeding stage for meeting the daily maintenance requirements of an animal unit. This is an indicator of the fact that desirability of range forage at different grazing times is not the same and it is necessary to determine the daily requirement of animal unit on the basis of forage quality. In general, the studied rangelands are considered to be desirable in terms of supplying required daily crude protein and metabolisable energy for an animal unit. Results presented in this paper are important for livestock and range management in the studied area.
Mohammad Jangju; Fereidoon Mellati; Zohreh Atashgahi; Majid Vatanpour
Volume 20, Issue 1 , June 2013, , Pages 145-160
Abstract
Autecology of three range plant species, i.e. Prangos latiloba Korov., Convolvulus commutatus Boiss, Stachys trinervis Aitch., was studied in the Northern Khorasan Province. These species provide forage for the grazing livestock in the rural rangelands, especially on the sheil formations. Geographical ...
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Autecology of three range plant species, i.e. Prangos latiloba Korov., Convolvulus commutatus Boiss, Stachys trinervis Aitch., was studied in the Northern Khorasan Province. These species provide forage for the grazing livestock in the rural rangelands, especially on the sheil formations. Geographical distribution was studied, in addition to topography, soil characteristics, and climate conditions of their natural habitats. Forage quality was assessed by measuring crude protein, ADF, NDF, dry matter, and ash. S. trinervis was growing in most of the rural rangelands, on the conglomerate, sandstone and shale formations, and under the arid and semiarid climate conditions. All species started their yearly growth at early April. For P. latiloba and C. commutatus, flowering and seed ripening stages similarly occurred at the early June and early August, respectively. For S. trinervis, phenological stages were overlapped, in which flowering, seed ripening and seed shedding were simultaneously found from the early May till early September. There was a sharp reduction in crude protein and increase in ADF and NDF factors, which led to significant reduction in the forage quality of all three species. The major limiting factors on geographic distribution of C. commutatus were: its high forage palatability and quality which had led to high effect of livestock grazing. For P. latiloba the main limiting factors were seed predation by pests and herbage harvesting by farmers. On the other hand, higher distribution of S. trinervis was due to having higher essences, lower palatability, overlap of phonological stages, and probably higher adaptation to climate and soil conditions.
Seyed Akbar Javadi; Shadi Mohamad pori naeem; Hossein Arzani; Ahmad Ahmadi
Volume 19, Issue 4 , March 2013, , Pages 571-580
Abstract
Determination of forage quality of rangeland species is one of the fundamental factors for evaluation of grazing capacity and management of rangelands. In this study, forage quality of Agropyron libanoticum was compared in three phenological stages in Nejh valley, Urmia. After sampling, quality indices ...
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Determination of forage quality of rangeland species is one of the fundamental factors for evaluation of grazing capacity and management of rangelands. In this study, forage quality of Agropyron libanoticum was compared in three phenological stages in Nejh valley, Urmia. After sampling, quality indices such as ADF, CP, ME and DMD were measured in laboratory. Results showed that there were significant differences among the growth stages (at 1 % level of probability). Forage quality of vegetative growth stage was higher than that of flowering and seed ripening stages. Crude protein content decreased from early growth to the end of growth and there was significant difference among vegetative growth stage and flowering as well as seed ripening stage.