Grain soybean(Glycine max(L.)Merr.)shows potential as a forage crop following its introduction from low to high latitudes due to in its growth phenotype.However,the application of this approach is impeded by the diver...Grain soybean(Glycine max(L.)Merr.)shows potential as a forage crop following its introduction from low to high latitudes due to in its growth phenotype.However,the application of this approach is impeded by the diverse ecological types of soybean,their adaptability to the introduction,and the uncertainty surrounding the growth phenotype post-introduction.This study introduced 24 grain soybean varieties from low-latitude regions(22-31°N)to the high-latitude northwestern Loess Plateau(39°N)between 2018 and 2019.The growth phenotypes were observed,and their forage productivity potential was assessed.All varieties displayed delayed flowering following cross-latitude introduction,with the vegetative growth phase of some varieties even exceeding their entire growth duration at their origin.Rapid dry matter accumulation rates indicated growth adaptation performance and formed the basis for soybean forage yield.Varieties from the tropical South China region exhibited significant yield advantages,with dry matter yields of 8.97-14.68 t ha^(-1)and crude protein yields of 1.44-2.51 t ha^(-1).Varieties HX3 and GX7 from this region demonstrated optimal growth adaptability and productivity in the cross-latitude environment,achieving the highest dry matter yields of 14.68 and 13.86 t ha^(-1),respectively.As a result,HX3 and GX7 are recommended for local farming systems to provide high-quality forage.The cross-latitude introduction of soybean is proposed as a viable and efficient strategy for forage improvement and application.展开更多
The “Greater Food” approach has replaced the older “taking grain production as a top priority” approach. Theimportance of feed and forage as the material basis for guaranteeing high-quality development of the live...The “Greater Food” approach has replaced the older “taking grain production as a top priority” approach. Theimportance of feed and forage as the material basis for guaranteeing high-quality development of the livestock industry has gradually become prominent. However, owing to the tradition of “both human staple food and animal feed relying on grain production” in China and the decoupling of feed crop planting and livestock farming, the risk of feed grain security has increased, especially as it relates to the supply of high-quality protein feed ingredients from abroad, which is facing a bottleneck. To ensure food security, effective domestic agricultural production should be adopted. Nevertheless, guaranteeing the supply of high-quality protein feed through domestic soybean production is difficult because of limited arable land;furthermore, pressure on the staple food supply is still extreme. In this article, the historical and realistic implications for the security risks of feed grain in China are analyzed. Proposals are made to separate staple food grains for humans from the feed grain supply for animals and to develop high-quality forage to reduce feed grain use. High-quality forage can be supplied via intercropping with grain crops in arable land and reseeding perennial legumes or grasses into natural grasslands. However, “managing forage for grain” needs to be supported via technical paths and policies as the forage industry develops to effectively increase the capacity to ensure feed grain security.展开更多
Annual forage legumes are important components of livestock production systems in East Texas and the southeastern US. Forage legumes contribute nitrogen (N) to cropping systems through biological N fixation, and their...Annual forage legumes are important components of livestock production systems in East Texas and the southeastern US. Forage legumes contribute nitrogen (N) to cropping systems through biological N fixation, and their seasonal biomass production can be managed to complement forage grasses. Our research objectives were to evaluate both warm- and cool-season annual forage legumes as green manure for biomass, N content, ability to enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil N, and impact on post season forage grass crops. Nine warm-season forage legumes (WSL) were spring planted and incorporated as green manure in the fall. Forage rye (Secale cereale L.) was planted following the incorporation of WSL treatments. Eight cool-season forage legumes (CSL) were fall planted in previously fallow plots and incorporated as green manure in late spring. Sorghum-sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor x Sorghum bicolor var. sudanense) was planted over all treatments in early summer after forage rye harvest and incorporation of CSL treatments. Sorghum-sudangrass was harvested in June, August and September, and treatments were evaluated for dry matter and N concentration. Soil cores were taken from each plot, split into depths of 0 to 15, 15 to 30 and 30 to 60 cm, and soil C and N were measured using combustion analysis. Nylon mesh bags containing plant samples were buried at 15 cm and used to evaluate decomposition rate of above ground legume biomass, including change in C and N concentrations. Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. [Wilczek]) had the highest shoot biomass yield (6.24 t DM ha<sup>-1</sup>) and contributed the most total N (167 kg∙ha<sup>-1</sup>) and total C (3043 kg∙ha<sup>-1</sup>) of the WSL tested. Decomposition rate of WSL biomass was rapid in the first 10 weeks and very slow afterward. Winter pea (Pisum sativum L. spp. sativum), arrow leaf clover (Trifolium vesiculosum Savi.), and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) were the most productive CSL in this trial. Austrian winter pea produced 8.41 t DM ha<sup>-1</sup> with a total N yield of 319 kg N ha<sup>-1</sup> and total C production of 3835 kg C ha<sup>-1</sup>. The WSL treatments had only small effects on rye forage yield and N concentration, possibly due to mineralization of N from a large SOC pool already in place. The CSL treatments also had only minimal effects on sorghum-sudangrass forage production. Winter pea, arrow leaf and crimson clover were productive cool season legumes and could be useful as green manure crops. Mungbean and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.) were highly productive warm season legumes but may include more production risk in green manure systems due to soil moisture competition.展开更多
In order to investigate the effects of meteorological factors on rape overwintering ability,forage yield and quality of rape in the North China plain,Brassia campestris L.and Brassica napus L.were used in this study.T...In order to investigate the effects of meteorological factors on rape overwintering ability,forage yield and quality of rape in the North China plain,Brassia campestris L.and Brassica napus L.were used in this study.The results showed that compared with the B.napus L.varieties,the growth period of B.campestris L.was shortened by 10-15 d,the overwintering rate(WR)increased by 50.6%,and the density after winter(PD)increased by 41.5%.The fresh forage yield(FFY)and dry forage yield(DFY)of the B.campestris L.type significantly increased by 40.9%and 38.1%compared with the B.napus L.type.,respectively,while the forage quality of the B.napus L.type rape was significantly better than that of the B.campestris L.type.Compared with the B.campestris L.type,the crude protein(CP),fat,ash and total fatty acid(TFA)contents of the B.napus L.type of rape increased by 27.6%,42.9%,23.9%and 52.3%,respectively,and the milk productivity(HM),relative forage value(RFV)and relative forage quality(RFQ)increased by 14.0%,16.2%and 42.1%,respectively.The light and heat resources before wintering increased the WR and PD(P<0.05),and were positively correlated with FFY and DFY(P>0.05),and lower temperature during the wintering period led to lower WR(P<0.01).The light and heat resources during the overwintering period and after regreening were negatively correlated with FFY and DFY(P>0.05).The contents of CP,fat and TFA of rape had an extremely significant negative correlation with the temperature and sunshine hours before wintering,but an extremely significant positive correlation with the temperature during the wintering period and after regreening,as well as the sunshine hours and rainfall during the wintering period;and HM had an extremely significant positive correlation with the temperature,sunshine hours and rainfall during the wintering period,while RFV and RFQ were only extremely significantly positively correlated with the maximum temperature and rainfall.In summary,in the North China Plain,for autumn sowing rape,the B.campestris L.type can be selected to improve the wintering rate,and the B.napus L.type should be the main choice to improve the forage quality of rape.Therefore,the B.napus L.variety HYZ62 can be selected for autumn sowing in the North China Plain.展开更多
[Objective] The experiment aimed to provide technical guidance for cutting propagation of forage maize SAUMZI.[Method]The survival situation of cuttings at different stem parts and with different internodes numbers an...[Objective] The experiment aimed to provide technical guidance for cutting propagation of forage maize SAUMZI.[Method]The survival situation of cuttings at different stem parts and with different internodes numbers and nutrient basis of cutting growth were studied in this experiment.[Result]The survival of young cutting was high while the rooting rate,germination rate and soluble sugar content of lower part of old stem and young cutting were all high.The rooting rate and survival rate with two nodes were higher than those with one node.The total nitrogen content in young stem and in all stems of two-year-old strain were relatively high while soluble sugar content was positively correlated to germination rate,however,total nitrogen content did not show obvious correlation with rooting rate and germination rate.[Conclusion]The young cutting possessed the highest survival rate and germination rate.展开更多
For the purpose of contributing to the establishment of optimized eco-productive paradigm, a new layout of land use of the Loess Plateau was carried out and the associated forage potential was estimated. Results indic...For the purpose of contributing to the establishment of optimized eco-productive paradigm, a new layout of land use of the Loess Plateau was carried out and the associated forage potential was estimated. Results indicated that the percentages of the area of grassland, woodland, basic farmland and orchard to the total productive land area were 44%, 22%, 20% and 14% respectively according to this new land use scenario. Based on the datasets of 197 counties in the Loess Plateau, the estimated forage potential would amount to 104 881 028 ton/a (hay), which can raise 104 881 028 productivity sheep unit/ a. According to the unchanged price in 1999, pastoral gross product value would amount to 52 440.51 million yuan RMB/a, which is as much as 5.3 times of that in 1999 and exceeds the agricultural gross product in 1999 by 14%. In addition, there are ca. 59% of counties whose mean pastoral product value per person would be more than 1 000 yuan RMB/a, while ca. 41% of counties whose mean pastoral product value per person would be less than 1 000 yuan RMB/a. On the other hand, the estimated agricultural gross product on the Loess Plateau would amount to 11 472 2.34 million yuan RMB/a and ca. 46% of the total would come from pastoral industry, 27% from orchid industry, 14% from forestry and 13% from farmland. From the perspective both ecologically and economically, this paper holds that the herbi-vore-based pastoral industry is a promising industry bolstering the ecological improvement and economical development on the Loess Plateau.展开更多
[Objective] The aim was to conduct preliminary investigation and diversity analysis of lactic acid bacteria resources in forage from Turpan of Xinjiang. [Method] The lactic acid bacteria in the three kinds of forage i...[Objective] The aim was to conduct preliminary investigation and diversity analysis of lactic acid bacteria resources in forage from Turpan of Xinjiang. [Method] The lactic acid bacteria in the three kinds of forage ingredients in Xinjiang were isolated by using plate separation method and screened by MRS＋CaCO3 solid medium. Morphological, physiological and biochemical identification and 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis were carried out to the isolated eighty strains of lactic acid bacteria, to explore its taxonomic status. [Result] Twenty strains of lactic acid bacteria were obtained from alfalfa, forty-one from wheat, and nineteen from corn. The physiological and biochemical identification and 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis results showed that the eighty strains of lactic acid bacteria belonged to two genera, namely, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus; 7 species, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus paracasei, Entercoccus faecium, Entercoccus durans, Lactobacillus plantarum, Entercoccus hirae. Lactobacillus casei and Entercoccus faecium were ubiquitous in the three kinds of forage ingredients. Besides these two lactic acid bacteria, there were Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus plantarum in wheat, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Entercoccus hirae, Entercoccus durans in alfalfa, Lactobacillus plantarum, Entercoccus durans in corn. [Conclusion] There is a big diversity of lactic acid bacteria in different forage from Turpan of Xinjiang, in which Lactobacillus casei, Entercoccus faecium are the key bacteria for forage fermentation.展开更多
Understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of the forage-livestock balance is imperative for regionally arranging animal husbandry production while ensuring sustainable grassland-ecosystem service use.The Xilin Gol ste...Understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of the forage-livestock balance is imperative for regionally arranging animal husbandry production while ensuring sustainable grassland-ecosystem service use.The Xilin Gol steppe is an important native grassland resource in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,China.This study aimed to elucidate the dynamics of the forage-livestock balance in the Xilin Gol steppe during the period 2000–2015.We evaluated the forage production and corresponding livestock carrying capacity(LCC)in the growing seasons of 2000–2015 using remote sensing data and field surveys.The spatiotemporal patterns of the forage-livestock balance were then assessed at regional,city(including city,county and banner),and village scales using statistical and household survey data.The results showed that both forage production and LCC decreased in the Xilin Gol steppe from east to west.During the period 2000–2015,the regional average forage production and corresponding LCC fluctuated without following a distinct trend,but were consistent with the variations in precipitation.The forage-livestock balance varied with time,space,and scale.At the regional scale,steppes were overgrazed in the early 2000s,but a forage-livestock balance or even grazing potential was achieved in other years.At the city scale,approximately half of the region exhibited a"forage-livestock balance"since 2000.However,about half of the region still experienced overgrazing,which mainly located in the southwest sandy zones.Such changes may have been affected by the variations in grassland quality,forage production,compensation payment,and so on.We suggest a location-specific management scheme for grazing constraints,ecological compensation payment,and industry development to aid in harmonizing animal husbandry and environmental restoration,while promoting sustainable development goals by 2030.展开更多
[Objective] The aim was to explore high-yielding cultivation techniques for forage sweet sorghum. [Method[ The effects of planting density and row spacing on plant productivity and grass yield of forage sweet sorghum ...[Objective] The aim was to explore high-yielding cultivation techniques for forage sweet sorghum. [Method[ The effects of planting density and row spacing on plant productivity and grass yield of forage sweet sorghum （Sorghum bicolor （L.） Moench） were compared using split-plot design and LSD method of IBMSPSSStatis- ticsv22. [Result]The planting density and row spacing had important influence on the plant productivity and yield of forage sweet sorghum. The optimum planting density- row spacing combination for plant productivity of forage sweet sorghum was A1B,, i. e., planting density of 75 000 plants/hm2 and row spacing of 40 cm, and the opti- mum combination for yield of forage sweet sorghum was A2B,, i.e., planting density of 225 000 plants/hm2 and row spacing of 40 cm. [Conclusion] This study will pro- vide theoretical basis and technical support for the production practice of forage sweet sorghum.展开更多
According to the summary of many years of experiments, the application scope, basic demands, preparation before seeding, seeding demands, field management, mowing and harvesting, and other technical requirements of te...According to the summary of many years of experiments, the application scope, basic demands, preparation before seeding, seeding demands, field management, mowing and harvesting, and other technical requirements of technical regulations for planting of forage sweet sorghum were studied, and specific measures and technical indicators of the technical regulations were analyzed, aiming to provide normalized, standardized, industrial and marketization technical support for the planting of forage sweet sorghum.展开更多
[ Objective] To study the effect of pretreatment with chemical substances on enzymatic saccharification of affalfa （ Medic, ago sativa L. ）, sorghum hybrid sudan grass [ Sorghum bicolor （ L. ） Moench x Sorghum sud...[ Objective] To study the effect of pretreatment with chemical substances on enzymatic saccharification of affalfa （ Medic, ago sativa L. ）, sorghum hybrid sudan grass [ Sorghum bicolor （ L. ） Moench x Sorghum sudanese （Piper） Stapf], erect milkvetch （Astraga/us adsurgens Pall. ） and pearl millet （ Pennisetum americanum （ L. ） Leeke）. [ Method ] The forages were pretreated with sulfuric acid at different concentration, and then the content of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin were detected and compared with that before pretreatment. The concentration of glucose and ethanol after different fermentation time was also determined. [ Result] After pretreatment, the content of cellulose increased, while that of hemicel- lulose and lignin decreased. After treatment with 1.0% （W/V） sulfuric acid, the four kinds of forages all had the highest concentration of ethanol in the citric acid-sodium citrate buffer system （pH 4.8）. Dudng fermentation process, the concentration of glucose and ethanol first increased and then declined, peaking respectively at 24 h and 48 h post fermentation. [Condusion] Pretreatment promotes the enzymatic saccharification and fermen- tation of alfalfa, sorehum hvbrid sudan orass. Dead millet, and erect milkvetch, and their enerov performance decreases in order.展开更多
Natural grassland is an important grazing place for farmers. The traditional mode of animal husbandry will lead to overgrazing. The ecological environment of grassland will not only be seriously damaged, but also grad...Natural grassland is an important grazing place for farmers. The traditional mode of animal husbandry will lead to overgrazing. The ecological environment of grassland will not only be seriously damaged, but also gradually deteriorate. With the passage of time, the quality of the original high-quality forage grass will drop significantly, which will also provide convenient conditions for the growth of other harmful weeds. Therefore, in the process of development, the traditional mode will be changed, and the structure of animal husbandry and breeding industry will be adjusted. Artificial grass planting will actively carry out the processing of scientifically modulated grass, so that better silk products can be produced, and the growth and development needs of animals can be met. Taking Yulin city in Shaanxi province as an example, this paper discussed and analyzed the technology of forage cultivation and forage processing.展开更多
The chemical composition, mineral profile and in vitro fermentation characteristics of maize （MZ）, high sugar forage sorghum （HS） and forage sorghum （FS）, and silages made from each forage type were measured. Th...The chemical composition, mineral profile and in vitro fermentation characteristics of maize （MZ）, high sugar forage sorghum （HS） and forage sorghum （FS）, and silages made from each forage type were measured. The MZ and MZ silage （MZS） had higher crude protein, starch and ether extract contents than both sorghum forages and sorghum silages. HS had higher ash and water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations than FS and MZ. MZ, MZS, HS and HS silage （HSS） had lower neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and acid detergent lignin than FS and FS silage （FSS）. FSS had higher dry matter （DM） and pH than MZS and HSS. HSS contained higher concentrations of P and K than FSS and MZS. MZS and HSS had higher in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility, CH4 production, total volatile fatty acids, acetate and propionate than FSS. pH was higher for FSS than for HSS, and ammonia was lower for HSS than for MZS and FSS. HSS had higher gas production than MZS and FSS after 2, 4, 6 and 8 h incubation. MZS had higher gas production than HSS and FSS after 26 and 28 h of incubation. The results indicate that HS may substitute for MZ to make good quality silage. However, animal studies are needed to assess the acceptability and feeding values of HSS vs. MZS for ruminant production.展开更多
Medicago polymorpha is a nutritious and palatable forage and vegetable plant that also fixes nitrogen.Here,we reveal the chromosome-scale genome sequence of M.polymorpha using an integrated approach including Illumina...Medicago polymorpha is a nutritious and palatable forage and vegetable plant that also fixes nitrogen.Here,we reveal the chromosome-scale genome sequence of M.polymorpha using an integrated approach including Illumina,PacBio and Hi-C technologies.We combined PacBio full-length RNA-seq,metabolomic analysis,structural anatomy analysis and related physiological indexes to elucidate the important agronomic traits of M.polymorpha for forage and vegetable usage.The assembled M.polymorpha genome consisted of 457.53Mb with a long scaffold N50 of 57.72Mb,and 92.92%(441.83Mb)of the assembly was assigned to seven pseudochromosomes.Comparative genomic analysis revealed that expansion and contraction of the photosynthesis and lignin biosynthetic gene families,respectively,led to enhancement of nutritious compounds and reduced lignin biosynthesis in M.polymorpha.In addition,we found that several positively selected nitrogen metabolism-related genes were responsible for crude protein biosynthesis.Notably,the metabolomic results revealed that a large number of flavonoids,vitamins,alkaloids,and terpenoids were enriched in M.polymorpha.These results imply that the decreased lignin content but relatively high nutrient content of M.polymorpha enhance its edibility and nutritional value as a forage and vegetable.Our genomic data provide a genetic basis that will accelerate functional genomic and breeding research on M.polymorpha as well as other Medicago and legume plants.展开更多
Dry matter intake （DMI） prediction models of NRC （2001）, Fox et aL （2004） and Fuentes-Pila et aL （2003） were targeted in the present study, and the objective was to evaluate their prediction accuracy with feed...Dry matter intake （DMI） prediction models of NRC （2001）, Fox et aL （2004） and Fuentes-Pila et aL （2003） were targeted in the present study, and the objective was to evaluate their prediction accuracy with feeding trial data of 32 lactating Holstein cows fed two total mixed rations with different forage source. Thirty-two cows were randomly assigned to one of two total mixed ration groups： a ration containing a mixed forage （MF） of 3.7% Chinese wildrye, 28.4% alfalfa hay and 26.5% corn silage diet and another ration containing 33.8% corn stover （CS） as unique forage source. The actual DMI was greater in MF group than in CS group （P=0.064）. The NRC model to predict DMI resulted in the lowest root mean square prediction error for both MF and CS groups （1.09 kg d-1 vs. 1.28 kg d-1） and the highest accuracy and precision based on concordance correlation coefficient for both MF and CS diet （0.89 vs. 0.87）. Except the NRC model, the other two models presented mean and linear biases in both MF and CS diets when prediction residuals were plotted against predicted DMI values （P〈0.001）. The DMI variation in MF was caused by week of lactation （55.6%）, milk yield （13.9%）, milk fat percentage （7.1%） and dietary neutral detergent fiber （13.3%）, while the variation in CS was caused by week of lactation （50.9%）, live body weight （28.2%）, milk yield （8.4%）, milk fat percentage （5.2%） and dietary neutral detergent fibre （3.8%）. In a brief, the NRC model to predict DMI is comparatively acceptable for lactating dairy cows fed two total mixed rations with different forage source.展开更多
In the Qinba mountainous area of Central China,pig farming has a significant impact on the growth of the rural economy and has substantially increased farmer incomes.Traditional knowledge plays an important role in th...In the Qinba mountainous area of Central China,pig farming has a significant impact on the growth of the rural economy and has substantially increased farmer incomes.Traditional knowledge plays an important role in the selection of forage plant species for pig farming by local people.This study aimed to identify the forage plants used for pig feeding and to catalog indigenous knowledge regarding their use.During 2016 and 2017,ethnobotanical surveys and inventories were conducted in Zhuxi County,Hubei Province,China.Data were collected using semi-structured interviews,key informant reports,free listings,guided field walks,and participatory observations with 77 households in 16 villages in 13 towns/townships.The obtained data were analyzed using a relative frequency citation(RFC)index.Overall,145 wild forage plants from 91 genera and 31 families were recorded.The most cited families were Asteraceae,Polygonaceae,Urticaceae,Amaranthaceae,Fabaceae,Cruciferae,Caryophyllaceae,and Lamiaceae.Whole plants(75.9%)and tender leaves(12.4%)were the most frequently used parts of the plants.Most of the forage plants were herbaceous(88.9%).Almost all forage plants could be collected throughout the year(62.7%).Raw and cooked were the two main preparation methods.The most frequently cited species were Taraxacum mongolicum,Bidens pilosa,Sonchus oleraceus,Pilea verrucosa,and Pilea pumila var.obtusifolia.A total of 14 species were identified as the top forage plants in Zhuxi County based on their RFC values(RFC value greater than 0.5).Local people possess rich traditional knowledge about the utilization and management of forage plants for pig feeding.However,the maintenance of this traditional knowledge may be seriously threatened by changes in pig feeding modes and the lack of successors.Appropriate strategies and action plans have been suggested for the conservation of traditional knowledge associated with biodiversity and the sustainable use of forage species resources.These include 1)taking targeted measures to protect forage resources and associated traditional knowledge;2)strengthening research on the forage plants with the highest RFC values for nutritional value,digestibility,other functions,and ecological status;and 3)enhancing the identification of poisonous forage plants.展开更多
Being a key ecological security barrier and production base for grassland animal husbandry in China,the balance between grassland forage supply and livestock-carrying pressure in North China directly affects grassland...Being a key ecological security barrier and production base for grassland animal husbandry in China,the balance between grassland forage supply and livestock-carrying pressure in North China directly affects grassland degradation and restoration,thereby impacting grassland ecosystem services.This paper analyzes the spatiotemporal variation in grassland vegetation coverage,forage supply,and the balance between grassland forage supply and livestock-carrying pressure from 2000 to 2015 in North China.We then discuss the spatial pattern of grassland ecological conservation under the impacts of grassland degradation and restoration,and livestock-carrying pressure.Over the last 16 years,the total grassland area in North China decreased by about 16,000 km^(2),with vegetation coverage degraded by 6.7%of the grasslands but significantly restored by another 5.4%of grasslands.The provisioning of forage by natural grassland mainly increased over time,with an annual growth rate of approximately 0.3 kg/ha,but livestock-carrying pressure also increased continuously.The livestock-carrying pressure index without any supplementary feeding reached as high as 3.8.Apart from the potential livestock-carrying capacity in northeastern Inner Mongolia and the central Tibetan Plateau,most regions in North China are currently overloaded.Considering the actual supplementary feeding during the cold season,the livestock-carrying pressure index is about 3.1,with the livestock-carrying pressure mitigated in central and eastern Inner Mongolia.Assuming full supplementary feeding in the cold season,livestock-carrying pressure index will fall to 1.9,with the livestock-carrying pressure alleviated significantly in Inner Mongolia and on the Tibetan Plateau.Finally,we propose different conservation and development strategies to balance grassland ecological conservation and animal husbandry production in different regions of protected areas,pastoral areas,farming-pastoral ecotone,and farming areas,according to the grassland ecological protection patterns.展开更多
Cell wall architecture plays a key role in stalk strength and forage digestibility.Lignin,cellulose,and hemicellulose are the three main components of plant cell walls,and they can impact stalk quality by affecting th...Cell wall architecture plays a key role in stalk strength and forage digestibility.Lignin,cellulose,and hemicellulose are the three main components of plant cell walls,and they can impact stalk quality by affecting the structure and strength of the cell wall.To explore cell wall development during secondary cell wall lignification in maize stalks,conventional and conditional genetic mapping were used to identify the dynamic quantitative trait loci(QTLs)of the cell wall components and digestibility traits during five growth stages after silking.Acid detergent lignin(ADL),cellulose(CEL),acid detergent fiber(ADF),neutral detergent fiber(NDF),and in vitro dry matter digestibility(IVDMD)were evaluated in a maize recombinant inbred line(RIL)population.ADL,CEL,ADF,and NDF gradually increased from 10 to 40 days after silking(DAS),and then they decreased.IVDMD initially decreased until 40 DAS,and then it increased slightly.Seventytwo QTLs were identified for the five traits,and each accounted for 3.48–24.04%of the phenotypic variation.Six QTL hotspots were found,and they were localized in the 1.08,2.04,2.07,7.03,8.05,and 9.03 bins of the maize genome.Within the interval of the pleiotropic QTL identified in bin 1.08 of the maize genome,six genes associated with cell wall component biosynthesis were identified as potential candidate genes for stalk strength as well as cell wall-related traits.In addition,26 conditional QTLs were detected in the five stages for all of the investigated traits.Twenty-two of the 26 conditional QTLs were found at 30 DAS conditioned using the values of 20 DAS,and at 50 DAS conditioned using the values of 40 DAS.These results indicated that cell wall-related traits are regulated by many genes,which are specifically expressed at different stages after silking.Simultaneous improvements in both forage digestibility and lodging resistance could be achieved by pyramiding multiple beneficial QTL alleles identified in this study.展开更多
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is the most widely cultivated perennial leguminous forage crop woldwide.Micro RNA156 (miR156) precursor genes from dicotyledonous species are reportedly useful for improving alfalfa plant ...Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is the most widely cultivated perennial leguminous forage crop woldwide.Micro RNA156 (miR156) precursor genes from dicotyledonous species are reportedly useful for improving alfalfa plant architecture and abiotic stress resistance.However,there has been no report on whether a miR156 precursor gene from a monocotyledonous species functions in alfalfa.We introduced two tandem precursor genes of miR156,rice Osa-MIR156b and Osa-MIR156c (Osa-MIR156bc),into alfalfa.The expression of miR156 in the transgenic (TG) alfalfa was significantly elevated.Compared to wild-type plants,the TG plants overexpressing miR156 had more branches and leaves and showed improved salt and drought tolerance.Overexpression of miR156 slightly reduced plant height,but the biomass yield of TG plants grown in flowerpots was still increased.Forage quality of TG plants was markedly improved by reduction of acid detergent lignin (ADL) content and increase in crude protein content.The expression of the putative miR156 target genes Ms SPL6,Ms SPL12,and Ms SPL13 in TG plants was repressed by miR156overexpression,and that of all tested Ms SPLs would be sharply increased under drought or salt stress.RNA sequencing revealed that overexpression of miR156 affected the expression of genes associated with abiotic stress resistance and plant development in multiple pathways.This first report of overexpression of monocot miR156 precursors in alfalfa sheds light on the function of mi RNA156 precursors from the monocot species rice that could be used for genetic improvement of the dicot forage crop alfalfa.展开更多
Most studies that have examined mercury （Hg） contamination of fish have focused on game species feeding near the top of the food web, while studies that examine forage fish that feed near the base of the food web ar...Most studies that have examined mercury （Hg） contamination of fish have focused on game species feeding near the top of the food web, while studies that examine forage fish that feed near the base of the food web are rare. We conducted a survey of Hg contamination in three species of forage fish, brook silverside （Labidesthes sicculus）, threadfin shad （Dorosoma petenense） and gizzard shad （Dorosoma cepedianum）, from Caddo Lake, Texas, USA and found species-specific differences in Hg concentrations. We examined total length, age, trophic position （determined using δ15N）, and growth rate of forage fish as factors that could have influenced within-and between-species differences in Hg concentration. Total length and age were the best predictors of within-species differences in Hg concentration. Between-species differences in Hg concentrations were most strongly influenced by trophic position.展开更多
基金funded by the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFD1300803)the China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA(CARS-34)。
文摘Grain soybean(Glycine max(L.)Merr.)shows potential as a forage crop following its introduction from low to high latitudes due to in its growth phenotype.However,the application of this approach is impeded by the diverse ecological types of soybean,their adaptability to the introduction,and the uncertainty surrounding the growth phenotype post-introduction.This study introduced 24 grain soybean varieties from low-latitude regions(22-31°N)to the high-latitude northwestern Loess Plateau(39°N)between 2018 and 2019.The growth phenotypes were observed,and their forage productivity potential was assessed.All varieties displayed delayed flowering following cross-latitude introduction,with the vegetative growth phase of some varieties even exceeding their entire growth duration at their origin.Rapid dry matter accumulation rates indicated growth adaptation performance and formed the basis for soybean forage yield.Varieties from the tropical South China region exhibited significant yield advantages,with dry matter yields of 8.97-14.68 t ha^(-1)and crude protein yields of 1.44-2.51 t ha^(-1).Varieties HX3 and GX7 from this region demonstrated optimal growth adaptability and productivity in the cross-latitude environment,achieving the highest dry matter yields of 14.68 and 13.86 t ha^(-1),respectively.As a result,HX3 and GX7 are recommended for local farming systems to provide high-quality forage.The cross-latitude introduction of soybean is proposed as a viable and efficient strategy for forage improvement and application.
基金funded by the China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA (CARS-34)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32201471)+1 种基金the Development and Demonstration Project of Key Technologies for High Quality Development of Forage Industry in Ordos, Chinathe fellowship of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2023T160697)。
文摘The “Greater Food” approach has replaced the older “taking grain production as a top priority” approach. Theimportance of feed and forage as the material basis for guaranteeing high-quality development of the livestock industry has gradually become prominent. However, owing to the tradition of “both human staple food and animal feed relying on grain production” in China and the decoupling of feed crop planting and livestock farming, the risk of feed grain security has increased, especially as it relates to the supply of high-quality protein feed ingredients from abroad, which is facing a bottleneck. To ensure food security, effective domestic agricultural production should be adopted. Nevertheless, guaranteeing the supply of high-quality protein feed through domestic soybean production is difficult because of limited arable land;furthermore, pressure on the staple food supply is still extreme. In this article, the historical and realistic implications for the security risks of feed grain in China are analyzed. Proposals are made to separate staple food grains for humans from the feed grain supply for animals and to develop high-quality forage to reduce feed grain use. High-quality forage can be supplied via intercropping with grain crops in arable land and reseeding perennial legumes or grasses into natural grasslands. However, “managing forage for grain” needs to be supported via technical paths and policies as the forage industry develops to effectively increase the capacity to ensure feed grain security.
文摘Annual forage legumes are important components of livestock production systems in East Texas and the southeastern US. Forage legumes contribute nitrogen (N) to cropping systems through biological N fixation, and their seasonal biomass production can be managed to complement forage grasses. Our research objectives were to evaluate both warm- and cool-season annual forage legumes as green manure for biomass, N content, ability to enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil N, and impact on post season forage grass crops. Nine warm-season forage legumes (WSL) were spring planted and incorporated as green manure in the fall. Forage rye (Secale cereale L.) was planted following the incorporation of WSL treatments. Eight cool-season forage legumes (CSL) were fall planted in previously fallow plots and incorporated as green manure in late spring. Sorghum-sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor x Sorghum bicolor var. sudanense) was planted over all treatments in early summer after forage rye harvest and incorporation of CSL treatments. Sorghum-sudangrass was harvested in June, August and September, and treatments were evaluated for dry matter and N concentration. Soil cores were taken from each plot, split into depths of 0 to 15, 15 to 30 and 30 to 60 cm, and soil C and N were measured using combustion analysis. Nylon mesh bags containing plant samples were buried at 15 cm and used to evaluate decomposition rate of above ground legume biomass, including change in C and N concentrations. Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. [Wilczek]) had the highest shoot biomass yield (6.24 t DM ha<sup>-1</sup>) and contributed the most total N (167 kg∙ha<sup>-1</sup>) and total C (3043 kg∙ha<sup>-1</sup>) of the WSL tested. Decomposition rate of WSL biomass was rapid in the first 10 weeks and very slow afterward. Winter pea (Pisum sativum L. spp. sativum), arrow leaf clover (Trifolium vesiculosum Savi.), and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) were the most productive CSL in this trial. Austrian winter pea produced 8.41 t DM ha<sup>-1</sup> with a total N yield of 319 kg N ha<sup>-1</sup> and total C production of 3835 kg C ha<sup>-1</sup>. The WSL treatments had only small effects on rye forage yield and N concentration, possibly due to mineralization of N from a large SOC pool already in place. The CSL treatments also had only minimal effects on sorghum-sudangrass forage production. Winter pea, arrow leaf and crimson clover were productive cool season legumes and could be useful as green manure crops. Mungbean and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.) were highly productive warm season legumes but may include more production risk in green manure systems due to soil moisture competition.
基金National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFD0200808)Seed Science and Technology Major Special Program of Tianjin(18ZXZYNC00100)+1 种基金Scientific Research Program(Natural Science)of Tianjin Education Committee(2019KJ039)Graduate Research Innovation Program of Tianjin(2020YJSS128).
文摘In order to investigate the effects of meteorological factors on rape overwintering ability,forage yield and quality of rape in the North China plain,Brassia campestris L.and Brassica napus L.were used in this study.The results showed that compared with the B.napus L.varieties,the growth period of B.campestris L.was shortened by 10-15 d,the overwintering rate(WR)increased by 50.6%,and the density after winter(PD)increased by 41.5%.The fresh forage yield(FFY)and dry forage yield(DFY)of the B.campestris L.type significantly increased by 40.9%and 38.1%compared with the B.napus L.type.,respectively,while the forage quality of the B.napus L.type rape was significantly better than that of the B.campestris L.type.Compared with the B.campestris L.type,the crude protein(CP),fat,ash and total fatty acid(TFA)contents of the B.napus L.type of rape increased by 27.6%,42.9%,23.9%and 52.3%,respectively,and the milk productivity(HM),relative forage value(RFV)and relative forage quality(RFQ)increased by 14.0%,16.2%and 42.1%,respectively.The light and heat resources before wintering increased the WR and PD(P<0.05),and were positively correlated with FFY and DFY(P>0.05),and lower temperature during the wintering period led to lower WR(P<0.01).The light and heat resources during the overwintering period and after regreening were negatively correlated with FFY and DFY(P>0.05).The contents of CP,fat and TFA of rape had an extremely significant negative correlation with the temperature and sunshine hours before wintering,but an extremely significant positive correlation with the temperature during the wintering period and after regreening,as well as the sunshine hours and rainfall during the wintering period;and HM had an extremely significant positive correlation with the temperature,sunshine hours and rainfall during the wintering period,while RFV and RFQ were only extremely significantly positively correlated with the maximum temperature and rainfall.In summary,in the North China Plain,for autumn sowing rape,the B.campestris L.type can be selected to improve the wintering rate,and the B.napus L.type should be the main choice to improve the forage quality of rape.Therefore,the B.napus L.variety HYZ62 can be selected for autumn sowing in the North China Plain.
文摘[Objective] The experiment aimed to provide technical guidance for cutting propagation of forage maize SAUMZI.[Method]The survival situation of cuttings at different stem parts and with different internodes numbers and nutrient basis of cutting growth were studied in this experiment.[Result]The survival of young cutting was high while the rooting rate,germination rate and soluble sugar content of lower part of old stem and young cutting were all high.The rooting rate and survival rate with two nodes were higher than those with one node.The total nitrogen content in young stem and in all stems of two-year-old strain were relatively high while soluble sugar content was positively correlated to germination rate,however,total nitrogen content did not show obvious correlation with rooting rate and germination rate.[Conclusion]The young cutting possessed the highest survival rate and germination rate.
文摘For the purpose of contributing to the establishment of optimized eco-productive paradigm, a new layout of land use of the Loess Plateau was carried out and the associated forage potential was estimated. Results indicated that the percentages of the area of grassland, woodland, basic farmland and orchard to the total productive land area were 44%, 22%, 20% and 14% respectively according to this new land use scenario. Based on the datasets of 197 counties in the Loess Plateau, the estimated forage potential would amount to 104 881 028 ton/a (hay), which can raise 104 881 028 productivity sheep unit/ a. According to the unchanged price in 1999, pastoral gross product value would amount to 52 440.51 million yuan RMB/a, which is as much as 5.3 times of that in 1999 and exceeds the agricultural gross product in 1999 by 14%. In addition, there are ca. 59% of counties whose mean pastoral product value per person would be more than 1 000 yuan RMB/a, while ca. 41% of counties whose mean pastoral product value per person would be less than 1 000 yuan RMB/a. On the other hand, the estimated agricultural gross product on the Loess Plateau would amount to 11 472 2.34 million yuan RMB/a and ca. 46% of the total would come from pastoral industry, 27% from orchid industry, 14% from forestry and 13% from farmland. From the perspective both ecologically and economically, this paper holds that the herbi-vore-based pastoral industry is a promising industry bolstering the ecological improvement and economical development on the Loess Plateau.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Xinjiang University(070378)the Open Project Funding by the State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology in Shandong University(M2011-07)~~
文摘[Objective] The aim was to conduct preliminary investigation and diversity analysis of lactic acid bacteria resources in forage from Turpan of Xinjiang. [Method] The lactic acid bacteria in the three kinds of forage ingredients in Xinjiang were isolated by using plate separation method and screened by MRS＋CaCO3 solid medium. Morphological, physiological and biochemical identification and 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis were carried out to the isolated eighty strains of lactic acid bacteria, to explore its taxonomic status. [Result] Twenty strains of lactic acid bacteria were obtained from alfalfa, forty-one from wheat, and nineteen from corn. The physiological and biochemical identification and 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis results showed that the eighty strains of lactic acid bacteria belonged to two genera, namely, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus; 7 species, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus paracasei, Entercoccus faecium, Entercoccus durans, Lactobacillus plantarum, Entercoccus hirae. Lactobacillus casei and Entercoccus faecium were ubiquitous in the three kinds of forage ingredients. Besides these two lactic acid bacteria, there were Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus plantarum in wheat, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Entercoccus hirae, Entercoccus durans in alfalfa, Lactobacillus plantarum, Entercoccus durans in corn. [Conclusion] There is a big diversity of lactic acid bacteria in different forage from Turpan of Xinjiang, in which Lactobacillus casei, Entercoccus faecium are the key bacteria for forage fermentation.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(41971130)。
文摘Understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of the forage-livestock balance is imperative for regionally arranging animal husbandry production while ensuring sustainable grassland-ecosystem service use.The Xilin Gol steppe is an important native grassland resource in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,China.This study aimed to elucidate the dynamics of the forage-livestock balance in the Xilin Gol steppe during the period 2000–2015.We evaluated the forage production and corresponding livestock carrying capacity(LCC)in the growing seasons of 2000–2015 using remote sensing data and field surveys.The spatiotemporal patterns of the forage-livestock balance were then assessed at regional,city(including city,county and banner),and village scales using statistical and household survey data.The results showed that both forage production and LCC decreased in the Xilin Gol steppe from east to west.During the period 2000–2015,the regional average forage production and corresponding LCC fluctuated without following a distinct trend,but were consistent with the variations in precipitation.The forage-livestock balance varied with time,space,and scale.At the regional scale,steppes were overgrazed in the early 2000s,but a forage-livestock balance or even grazing potential was achieved in other years.At the city scale,approximately half of the region exhibited a"forage-livestock balance"since 2000.However,about half of the region still experienced overgrazing,which mainly located in the southwest sandy zones.Such changes may have been affected by the variations in grassland quality,forage production,compensation payment,and so on.We suggest a location-specific management scheme for grazing constraints,ecological compensation payment,and industry development to aid in harmonizing animal husbandry and environmental restoration,while promoting sustainable development goals by 2030.
文摘[Objective] The aim was to explore high-yielding cultivation techniques for forage sweet sorghum. [Method[ The effects of planting density and row spacing on plant productivity and grass yield of forage sweet sorghum （Sorghum bicolor （L.） Moench） were compared using split-plot design and LSD method of IBMSPSSStatis- ticsv22. [Result]The planting density and row spacing had important influence on the plant productivity and yield of forage sweet sorghum. The optimum planting density- row spacing combination for plant productivity of forage sweet sorghum was A1B,, i. e., planting density of 75 000 plants/hm2 and row spacing of 40 cm, and the opti- mum combination for yield of forage sweet sorghum was A2B,, i.e., planting density of 225 000 plants/hm2 and row spacing of 40 cm. [Conclusion] This study will pro- vide theoretical basis and technical support for the production practice of forage sweet sorghum.
基金Supported by Special Fund for Agro-scientific Research in the Public Interest(20120304201)~~
文摘According to the summary of many years of experiments, the application scope, basic demands, preparation before seeding, seeding demands, field management, mowing and harvesting, and other technical requirements of technical regulations for planting of forage sweet sorghum were studied, and specific measures and technical indicators of the technical regulations were analyzed, aiming to provide normalized, standardized, industrial and marketization technical support for the planting of forage sweet sorghum.
文摘[ Objective] To study the effect of pretreatment with chemical substances on enzymatic saccharification of affalfa （ Medic, ago sativa L. ）, sorghum hybrid sudan grass [ Sorghum bicolor （ L. ） Moench x Sorghum sudanese （Piper） Stapf], erect milkvetch （Astraga/us adsurgens Pall. ） and pearl millet （ Pennisetum americanum （ L. ） Leeke）. [ Method ] The forages were pretreated with sulfuric acid at different concentration, and then the content of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin were detected and compared with that before pretreatment. The concentration of glucose and ethanol after different fermentation time was also determined. [ Result] After pretreatment, the content of cellulose increased, while that of hemicel- lulose and lignin decreased. After treatment with 1.0% （W/V） sulfuric acid, the four kinds of forages all had the highest concentration of ethanol in the citric acid-sodium citrate buffer system （pH 4.8）. Dudng fermentation process, the concentration of glucose and ethanol first increased and then declined, peaking respectively at 24 h and 48 h post fermentation. [Condusion] Pretreatment promotes the enzymatic saccharification and fermen- tation of alfalfa, sorehum hvbrid sudan orass. Dead millet, and erect milkvetch, and their enerov performance decreases in order.
文摘Natural grassland is an important grazing place for farmers. The traditional mode of animal husbandry will lead to overgrazing. The ecological environment of grassland will not only be seriously damaged, but also gradually deteriorate. With the passage of time, the quality of the original high-quality forage grass will drop significantly, which will also provide convenient conditions for the growth of other harmful weeds. Therefore, in the process of development, the traditional mode will be changed, and the structure of animal husbandry and breeding industry will be adjusted. Artificial grass planting will actively carry out the processing of scientifically modulated grass, so that better silk products can be produced, and the growth and development needs of animals can be met. Taking Yulin city in Shaanxi province as an example, this paper discussed and analyzed the technology of forage cultivation and forage processing.
基金jointly supported by the Nati onal Natural Science Foundation of China (31160472)the Chancellor Funds of Tarim University, China (TDZKBS201102)funded by Agmardt Post-Doctoral Fellowship (New Zealand)
文摘The chemical composition, mineral profile and in vitro fermentation characteristics of maize （MZ）, high sugar forage sorghum （HS） and forage sorghum （FS）, and silages made from each forage type were measured. The MZ and MZ silage （MZS） had higher crude protein, starch and ether extract contents than both sorghum forages and sorghum silages. HS had higher ash and water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations than FS and MZ. MZ, MZS, HS and HS silage （HSS） had lower neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and acid detergent lignin than FS and FS silage （FSS）. FSS had higher dry matter （DM） and pH than MZS and HSS. HSS contained higher concentrations of P and K than FSS and MZS. MZS and HSS had higher in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility, CH4 production, total volatile fatty acids, acetate and propionate than FSS. pH was higher for FSS than for HSS, and ammonia was lower for HSS than for MZS and FSS. HSS had higher gas production than MZS and FSS after 2, 4, 6 and 8 h incubation. MZS had higher gas production than HSS and FSS after 26 and 28 h of incubation. The results indicate that HS may substitute for MZ to make good quality silage. However, animal studies are needed to assess the acceptability and feeding values of HSS vs. MZS for ruminant production.
基金the Graduate Student Innovation Foundation of Jiangsu Province(No.KYCX20_2992).
文摘Medicago polymorpha is a nutritious and palatable forage and vegetable plant that also fixes nitrogen.Here,we reveal the chromosome-scale genome sequence of M.polymorpha using an integrated approach including Illumina,PacBio and Hi-C technologies.We combined PacBio full-length RNA-seq,metabolomic analysis,structural anatomy analysis and related physiological indexes to elucidate the important agronomic traits of M.polymorpha for forage and vegetable usage.The assembled M.polymorpha genome consisted of 457.53Mb with a long scaffold N50 of 57.72Mb,and 92.92%(441.83Mb)of the assembly was assigned to seven pseudochromosomes.Comparative genomic analysis revealed that expansion and contraction of the photosynthesis and lignin biosynthetic gene families,respectively,led to enhancement of nutritious compounds and reduced lignin biosynthesis in M.polymorpha.In addition,we found that several positively selected nitrogen metabolism-related genes were responsible for crude protein biosynthesis.Notably,the metabolomic results revealed that a large number of flavonoids,vitamins,alkaloids,and terpenoids were enriched in M.polymorpha.These results imply that the decreased lignin content but relatively high nutrient content of M.polymorpha enhance its edibility and nutritional value as a forage and vegetable.Our genomic data provide a genetic basis that will accelerate functional genomic and breeding research on M.polymorpha as well as other Medicago and legume plants.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31572435)the National Key Research and Development Plan(2016YFD0700205,2016YFD0700201)
文摘Dry matter intake （DMI） prediction models of NRC （2001）, Fox et aL （2004） and Fuentes-Pila et aL （2003） were targeted in the present study, and the objective was to evaluate their prediction accuracy with feeding trial data of 32 lactating Holstein cows fed two total mixed rations with different forage source. Thirty-two cows were randomly assigned to one of two total mixed ration groups： a ration containing a mixed forage （MF） of 3.7% Chinese wildrye, 28.4% alfalfa hay and 26.5% corn silage diet and another ration containing 33.8% corn stover （CS） as unique forage source. The actual DMI was greater in MF group than in CS group （P=0.064）. The NRC model to predict DMI resulted in the lowest root mean square prediction error for both MF and CS groups （1.09 kg d-1 vs. 1.28 kg d-1） and the highest accuracy and precision based on concordance correlation coefficient for both MF and CS diet （0.89 vs. 0.87）. Except the NRC model, the other two models presented mean and linear biases in both MF and CS diets when prediction residuals were plotted against predicted DMI values （P〈0.001）. The DMI variation in MF was caused by week of lactation （55.6%）, milk yield （13.9%）, milk fat percentage （7.1%） and dietary neutral detergent fiber （13.3%）, while the variation in CS was caused by week of lactation （50.9%）, live body weight （28.2%）, milk yield （8.4%）, milk fat percentage （5.2%） and dietary neutral detergent fibre （3.8%）. In a brief, the NRC model to predict DMI is comparatively acceptable for lactating dairy cows fed two total mixed rations with different forage source.
基金This research was funded by the Biodiversity Investigation,Observation and Assessment Program,Ministry of Ecology and Environment,The People’s Republic of China and the Yunnan Innovative Talents Program,China(No.2018HC009).
文摘In the Qinba mountainous area of Central China,pig farming has a significant impact on the growth of the rural economy and has substantially increased farmer incomes.Traditional knowledge plays an important role in the selection of forage plant species for pig farming by local people.This study aimed to identify the forage plants used for pig feeding and to catalog indigenous knowledge regarding their use.During 2016 and 2017,ethnobotanical surveys and inventories were conducted in Zhuxi County,Hubei Province,China.Data were collected using semi-structured interviews,key informant reports,free listings,guided field walks,and participatory observations with 77 households in 16 villages in 13 towns/townships.The obtained data were analyzed using a relative frequency citation(RFC)index.Overall,145 wild forage plants from 91 genera and 31 families were recorded.The most cited families were Asteraceae,Polygonaceae,Urticaceae,Amaranthaceae,Fabaceae,Cruciferae,Caryophyllaceae,and Lamiaceae.Whole plants(75.9%)and tender leaves(12.4%)were the most frequently used parts of the plants.Most of the forage plants were herbaceous(88.9%).Almost all forage plants could be collected throughout the year(62.7%).Raw and cooked were the two main preparation methods.The most frequently cited species were Taraxacum mongolicum,Bidens pilosa,Sonchus oleraceus,Pilea verrucosa,and Pilea pumila var.obtusifolia.A total of 14 species were identified as the top forage plants in Zhuxi County based on their RFC values(RFC value greater than 0.5).Local people possess rich traditional knowledge about the utilization and management of forage plants for pig feeding.However,the maintenance of this traditional knowledge may be seriously threatened by changes in pig feeding modes and the lack of successors.Appropriate strategies and action plans have been suggested for the conservation of traditional knowledge associated with biodiversity and the sustainable use of forage species resources.These include 1)taking targeted measures to protect forage resources and associated traditional knowledge;2)strengthening research on the forage plants with the highest RFC values for nutritional value,digestibility,other functions,and ecological status;and 3)enhancing the identification of poisonous forage plants.
基金The Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program,No.2019QZKK0404Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,No.XDA20020401。
文摘Being a key ecological security barrier and production base for grassland animal husbandry in China,the balance between grassland forage supply and livestock-carrying pressure in North China directly affects grassland degradation and restoration,thereby impacting grassland ecosystem services.This paper analyzes the spatiotemporal variation in grassland vegetation coverage,forage supply,and the balance between grassland forage supply and livestock-carrying pressure from 2000 to 2015 in North China.We then discuss the spatial pattern of grassland ecological conservation under the impacts of grassland degradation and restoration,and livestock-carrying pressure.Over the last 16 years,the total grassland area in North China decreased by about 16,000 km^(2),with vegetation coverage degraded by 6.7%of the grasslands but significantly restored by another 5.4%of grasslands.The provisioning of forage by natural grassland mainly increased over time,with an annual growth rate of approximately 0.3 kg/ha,but livestock-carrying pressure also increased continuously.The livestock-carrying pressure index without any supplementary feeding reached as high as 3.8.Apart from the potential livestock-carrying capacity in northeastern Inner Mongolia and the central Tibetan Plateau,most regions in North China are currently overloaded.Considering the actual supplementary feeding during the cold season,the livestock-carrying pressure index is about 3.1,with the livestock-carrying pressure mitigated in central and eastern Inner Mongolia.Assuming full supplementary feeding in the cold season,livestock-carrying pressure index will fall to 1.9,with the livestock-carrying pressure alleviated significantly in Inner Mongolia and on the Tibetan Plateau.Finally,we propose different conservation and development strategies to balance grassland ecological conservation and animal husbandry production in different regions of protected areas,pastoral areas,farming-pastoral ecotone,and farming areas,according to the grassland ecological protection patterns.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31801367)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFD0101200)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
文摘Cell wall architecture plays a key role in stalk strength and forage digestibility.Lignin,cellulose,and hemicellulose are the three main components of plant cell walls,and they can impact stalk quality by affecting the structure and strength of the cell wall.To explore cell wall development during secondary cell wall lignification in maize stalks,conventional and conditional genetic mapping were used to identify the dynamic quantitative trait loci(QTLs)of the cell wall components and digestibility traits during five growth stages after silking.Acid detergent lignin(ADL),cellulose(CEL),acid detergent fiber(ADF),neutral detergent fiber(NDF),and in vitro dry matter digestibility(IVDMD)were evaluated in a maize recombinant inbred line(RIL)population.ADL,CEL,ADF,and NDF gradually increased from 10 to 40 days after silking(DAS),and then they decreased.IVDMD initially decreased until 40 DAS,and then it increased slightly.Seventytwo QTLs were identified for the five traits,and each accounted for 3.48–24.04%of the phenotypic variation.Six QTL hotspots were found,and they were localized in the 1.08,2.04,2.07,7.03,8.05,and 9.03 bins of the maize genome.Within the interval of the pleiotropic QTL identified in bin 1.08 of the maize genome,six genes associated with cell wall component biosynthesis were identified as potential candidate genes for stalk strength as well as cell wall-related traits.In addition,26 conditional QTLs were detected in the five stages for all of the investigated traits.Twenty-two of the 26 conditional QTLs were found at 30 DAS conditioned using the values of 20 DAS,and at 50 DAS conditioned using the values of 40 DAS.These results indicated that cell wall-related traits are regulated by many genes,which are specifically expressed at different stages after silking.Simultaneous improvements in both forage digestibility and lodging resistance could be achieved by pyramiding multiple beneficial QTL alleles identified in this study.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31971755)the Beijing Municiple Natural Science Foundation (6192011) of China。
文摘Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is the most widely cultivated perennial leguminous forage crop woldwide.Micro RNA156 (miR156) precursor genes from dicotyledonous species are reportedly useful for improving alfalfa plant architecture and abiotic stress resistance.However,there has been no report on whether a miR156 precursor gene from a monocotyledonous species functions in alfalfa.We introduced two tandem precursor genes of miR156,rice Osa-MIR156b and Osa-MIR156c (Osa-MIR156bc),into alfalfa.The expression of miR156 in the transgenic (TG) alfalfa was significantly elevated.Compared to wild-type plants,the TG plants overexpressing miR156 had more branches and leaves and showed improved salt and drought tolerance.Overexpression of miR156 slightly reduced plant height,but the biomass yield of TG plants grown in flowerpots was still increased.Forage quality of TG plants was markedly improved by reduction of acid detergent lignin (ADL) content and increase in crude protein content.The expression of the putative miR156 target genes Ms SPL6,Ms SPL12,and Ms SPL13 in TG plants was repressed by miR156overexpression,and that of all tested Ms SPLs would be sharply increased under drought or salt stress.RNA sequencing revealed that overexpression of miR156 affected the expression of genes associated with abiotic stress resistance and plant development in multiple pathways.This first report of overexpression of monocot miR156 precursors in alfalfa sheds light on the function of mi RNA156 precursors from the monocot species rice that could be used for genetic improvement of the dicot forage crop alfalfa.
文摘Most studies that have examined mercury （Hg） contamination of fish have focused on game species feeding near the top of the food web, while studies that examine forage fish that feed near the base of the food web are rare. We conducted a survey of Hg contamination in three species of forage fish, brook silverside （Labidesthes sicculus）, threadfin shad （Dorosoma petenense） and gizzard shad （Dorosoma cepedianum）, from Caddo Lake, Texas, USA and found species-specific differences in Hg concentrations. We examined total length, age, trophic position （determined using δ15N）, and growth rate of forage fish as factors that could have influenced within-and between-species differences in Hg concentration. Total length and age were the best predictors of within-species differences in Hg concentration. Between-species differences in Hg concentrations were most strongly influenced by trophic position.
