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Management of Grasslands: Forage Growth and Nutritive Composition, Livestock Grazing and Performance

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A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Grassland and Pasture Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 21720

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Edward B. Rayburn

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Guest Editor

Extension Service, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506-6108, USA
Interests: plant nutrition; forage growth; forage quality; and animal productivity on pasture

Dr. Thomas C. Griggs

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Guest Editor

Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506-6108, USA
Interests: sward structure; light interception; pasture productivity; forage nutritional value; pasture-livestock systems; root responses to defoliation

Dr. Deidre D. Harmon

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Guest Editor

Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Waynesville, NC 28786, USA
Interests: pasture-based livestock systems; beef cattle nutrition; annual forages; forage management; plant-animal interactions

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Pasture-based livestock production is the dominant means of converting vegetation produced on non-arable land to high-value human dietary products. On arable land, permanent pasture and other temporary grassland crops provide important breaks in crop rotations that help recycle nutrients and break disease, weed, and insect cycles that harm crops. Pasture agriculture faces sustainability challenges, competition from alternative land uses, and falls below potential productivity and effectiveness at providing valuable ecosystem services. In order to meet future meat, milk, and fiber needs research is required to balance productivity of healthful human dietary products and economic returns while preventing environmental degradation. Please share your research from around the world in this Special Issue. Submissions on the following topics (but not limited to) are invited: (1) Application of innovative, novel, and conventional approaches for grassland management; (2) Impact of forage allowance and grazing timing and intensity on plant and animal performance; (3) Value of short-term grassland sequencing and management as a portion of crop rotations; (4) Botanical diversity and sward structure impacts on forage yield, yield stability, animal performance, nutritional value of livestock products, and soil microbiome; (5) Livestock and human health-promoting plants and phytochemicals in pasture systems; (6) Structure and management of pasture-livestock systems to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions; and (7) Remote sensing, decision support tools, and modeling.

Dr. Edward B. Rayburn
Dr. Thomas C. Griggs
Dr. Deidre D. Harmon
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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Keywords

pasture productivity and stability
pasture nutritional value
forage allowance
animal performance
meat and milk nutritional value
botanical diversity
soil microbiome
economic optimization
pasture monitoring
greenhouse gas mitigation

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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5 pages, 218 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Grassland Ecology and Ecosystem Management for Sustainable Livestock Performance

by Deidre D. Harmon, Edward B. Rayburn and Thomas C. Griggs

Agronomy 2023, 13(5), 1380; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy13051380 - 15 May 2023

Viewed by 1277

Abstract

Grassland ecosystems differ in plant and animal species composition and appearance depending on the location and climate [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Grasslands: Forage Growth and Nutritive Composition, Livestock Grazing and Performance)

Research

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12 pages, 2693 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What Factors Control the Crude Protein Content Variation of a Basaltic “Campos” Native Grassland of South America?

by Laura Núñez, Andrés Hirigoyen, Martín Durante, José María Arroyo, Fiorella Cazzuli, Carolina Bremm and Martín Jaurena

Agronomy 2022, 12(8), 1756; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12081756 - 26 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1627

Abstract

Native grasslands are the main source of food for livestock in the Campos region of South America. These forage resources are heterogeneous in species composition, grazing management, and soil fertility within a context of variable climate, all of which are factors that affect forage crude protein content over time and space. Despite the importance of protein in livestock nutrition, there is a gap in the knowledge of how fertilisation, sward height, and soil water availability influence the crude protein content of these grasslands. We used data from a long-term fertilisation experiment to construct a structural model aiming to identify the main factors influencing forage crude protein content of a basaltic native grassland in northern Uruguay. The structural model revealed that both fertilisation and the increase in soil water availability (through the improvement of the nitrogen content of green leaves) are the main pathways by which forage crude protein content increases. This new approach (which identifies and quantifies the main factors that drive forage crude protein content of native grasslands) could be used to support prediction models for forage protein content in order to improve grazing livestock nutrition of Campos native grasslands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Grasslands: Forage Growth and Nutritive Composition, Livestock Grazing and Performance)

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10 pages, 286 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceCommunication

Variation in Fatty Acids Concentration in Grasses, Legumes, and Forbs in the Allegheny Plateau

by Marcella Whetsell and Edward Rayburn

Agronomy 2022, 12(7), 1693; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12071693 - 16 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1289

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the fatty acid (FA) content in pasture grasses, legumes, and non-leguminous forbs in northeast West Virginia. Grass, legume, and forb plant material were collected from rotationally stocked pastures and analyzed for crude protein (CP), linoleic acid (C18:2), α-linolenic acid (C18:3), and total FA content. Species within botanical classes varied in FA content. Forbs had the highest linoleic acid (C18:2) content followed by legume and grass species. Grasses and forbs had the highest α-linolenic acid (C18:3) content. Forbs had the highest total FA content. These field data were combined with FA data from the research literature to evaluate the correlation of CP concentration with fatty acid concentration. Likewise, after accounting for CP, the summer months caused a decrease while forbs caused an increase in α-linolenic acid (C18:3) content. Vegetative growth and leafiness are the major determinants of FA content in pasture forage. Grazing management to benefit vegetative growth and the presence of desirable forbs in tune with seasonal changes are valuable tools to increase desirable FA profiles in milk and meat products that may be of benefit to human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Grasslands: Forage Growth and Nutritive Composition, Livestock Grazing and Performance)

13 pages, 673 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Temperate Grass Sward Characteristics and the Grazing Behavior of Dairy Heifers

by Kathy J. Soder, Geoffrey E. Brink, Edward J. Raynor and Michael D. Casler

Agronomy 2022, 12(7), 1584; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12071584 - 30 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1319

Abstract

Sward architecture mediates ruminant grazing behavior in temperate grazing lands. Temperate grasses differ in their sward structure, which may influence the grazing behavior of cattle. We determined relationships between the grazing behavior of dairy heifers and the sward structure of the following temperate grasses: meadow fescue (Schedonorus pratensis (Huds.) P. Beauv.), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), quackgrass (Elymus repens (L.) Gould), and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.). Vegetative-stage grasses were rotationally grazed by Holstein heifers (average initial body weight of 460 kg) during 5 day periods in the spring, summer, and fall of 2007 and 2008. The herbage dry matter (DM) allowance was twice the expected daily intake (11 kg DM animal⁻¹ d⁻¹). The sward characteristics were measured before grazing (e.g., the herbage height and mass, vertical distribution of leaf and stem fraction, and nutritive value). The grazing behavior of the heifers was quantified using automatic jaw movement recorders. In this study, the grass species had little effect on the grazing behavior. However, the bite rate was negatively correlated with the herbage mass, while the number of bites was positively correlated with the sward height and herbage mass. These results suggest that when herbage availability is not limited, grazing dairy heifers exhibit similar ingestive and rumination behavior across grass species and seasons, yet jaw movement dynamics may respond to the different characteristics of the swards. The results of this study provide the following benefits: (1) they inform managers about the jaw movement mechanics that can be expected of dairy heifers in temperate forage systems, showing that they are not limited by herbage allowance, and (2) they provide insight for future studies that employ on-animal sensors to evaluate foraging dynamics and animal performance outcomes in temperate forage pasture systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Grasslands: Forage Growth and Nutritive Composition, Livestock Grazing and Performance)

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15 pages, 739 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hair Cortisol as a Measure of Chronic Stress in Ewes Grazing Either Hardwood Silvopastures or Open Pastures

by Sanjok Poudel, John H. Fike and Gabriel J. Pent

Agronomy 2022, 12(7), 1566; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12071566 - 29 Jun 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1526

Abstract

Hair cortisol is a relatively non-invasive and reliable measure of chronic stress, but it has received limited use, especially in pasture systems. A two-year study was carried out to compare behavioral and physiological (intravaginal temperature, hair, and blood cortisol) responses of ewes (Ovis aries) that grazed black walnut (Juglans nigra) silvopasture (BSP), honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos) silvopasture (HSP), or open pastures (OP) treatments. Ewe weights and intravaginal temperatures were recorded once for every 3-week interval. Plasma and hair cortisol concentrations were determined by ELISA. Trail cameras detected animal behavior. Ewe average daily gain was greater in HSP compared with OP (p = 0.0456) but did not differ with BSP (p = 0.4686) across both years. Ewes on OP had higher (p < 0.0001) hair cortisol concentrations than ewes on silvopasture treatments both summers. Ewes on OP had ≥ 0.4 °C higher (p ≤ 0.03) intravaginal temperatures during portions of the afternoon than ewes managed in silvopasture treatments. Ewes on OP spent 500–700% more (p < 0.0001) time standing and 125–150% less (p < 0.0001) time lying down compared with ewes on silvopasture treatments. Hair cortisol measures could be an effective and relatively non-invasive technique for determining long-term chronic stress in grazing animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Grasslands: Forage Growth and Nutritive Composition, Livestock Grazing and Performance)

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29 pages, 12957 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Technological Approach to Support Extensive Livestock Management in the Portuguese Montado Ecosystem

by João Serrano, Luís Roma, Shakib Shahidian, Anabela D. F. Belo, Emanuel Carreira, Luís L. Paniagua, Francisco Moral, Luís Paixão and José Marques da Silva

Agronomy 2022, 12(5), 1212; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12051212 - 18 May 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1870

Abstract

Extensive livestock production systems based on improved pastures under Montado of Holm oaks represent an approach in line with the challenges of sustainability and biodiversity. The increasing incorporation of technologies in the monitoring of this ecosystem allows for a better knowledge of the spatial and temporal variability and, consequently, a more economically profitable management. In this study, between July 2020 and June 2021, soil and pastures were monitored in a 20 ha Montado area located in Alentejo (Southern Portugal) and used for extensive grazing of cattle. The survey of soil apparent electrical conductivity (EC_a), the application of algorithms for definition of homogeneous management zones (HMZ), the use of indices obtained from satellite imagery time series to characterize the evolution of pasture quality and the soil and pasture sampling, including the identification of bio-indicator botanical species, were the basis of this exploratory study, allowing a holistic approach to this complex soil-pasture-trees and animals ecosystem. In the near future, this knowledge could represent an important milestone in providing decision-making support systems to farm managers in terms of smart sampling, differential application of fertilizers, amendments or seeds, choosing the best spacing and density of trees in this ecosystem, promoting dynamic grazing, or identifying the animal feed supplementation needs in the critical periods of the year. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Grasslands: Forage Growth and Nutritive Composition, Livestock Grazing and Performance)

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12 pages, 415 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) to Improve Animal Performance in a Tall Fescue-Based Grazing System

by Benjamin Tracy, John Fike, Kelsey Brennan, Tianna Blackmon and Sukhmanpreet Kaur

Agronomy 2022, 12(4), 870; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12040870 - 01 Apr 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2079

Abstract

Tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceous (Schreb.) Dumort. nom. cons. Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.] is the dominant pasture grass across much of the southeast of the USA. The species is productive, but grows slowly in summer. Plants also harbor an endophytic fungus (Epichloe coenophiala), which produces alkaloids that are toxic to cattle. Adding summer-productive forages to fescue-based systems may benefit animal production by providing extra herbage and diluting fescue toxins. A three-year study was conducted in Virginia, USA to determine animal and vegetation responses when alfalfa (Medicago sativa) or Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don) swards were established into tall fescue pastures. Average daily gain (ADG) of steers and seasonal herbage mass dynamics were monitored from 2016 to 2018. Forage and weed species composition measurements were collected to address a secondary objective that sericea might suppress weeds through allelopathy. Steer performance was acceptable (0.73 kg d⁻¹ ADG), but interseeded legumes did not improve weight gain. Steers avoided sericea plants, and this resulted in greater herbage mass accumulation in summer compared with other treatments. Alfalfa was selectively grazed and cover decreased to almost zero by year 3, while sericea cover increased to over 82%. We found little evidence that sericea was allelopathic against weeds. Neither summer-productive legume species proved to be satisfactory in improving summer animal performance in this tall fescue-based grazing system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Grasslands: Forage Growth and Nutritive Composition, Livestock Grazing and Performance)

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11 pages, 977 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Long-Term Manure and Mineral Fertilization on Accumulation of Non-Structural Carbohydrates in Lucerne Forage

by Michal Holík, Eva Kunzová, Vendula Ludvíková and Josef Hakl

Agronomy 2022, 12(3), 639; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12030639 - 05 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1904

Abstract

Fertilization management affects both productivity and nutritive value of forage legumes. However, there are few studies about changes in lucerne non-structural carbohydrates under long-term fertilization. The aims of this study were to compare the effects of mineral fertilization and organic manure on lucerne plant parts (leaf, stem) starch and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) accumulation in association with canopy structure following 60 years of different fertilization management approaches. Treatments investigated were: two contrasting levels of mineral N, P₂O₅ and K₂O application (0:0:0 and 91:71:175), each with and without farmyard manure. Changes were mainly reflected in WSC content where intensive mineral fertilization consistently reduced the stem and forage WSC in contrast to unfertilized control or manure alone. These changes could be associated with a dilution effect presented by the highest increase of maximal stem length at these treatments. Manure improved leaf and forage WSC despite the associated increase in maximal stem length and leaf weight ratio, probably as a result of improved soil environment together with the potentially increased presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Results showed that manure fertilization has potential for improvement of lucerne WSC, despite some negative relationships between lucerne canopy traits and sugar content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Grasslands: Forage Growth and Nutritive Composition, Livestock Grazing and Performance)

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11 pages, 386 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison of Native Grass and Triticale Pastures during Late Winter for Growing Cattle in Semiarid, Subtropical Regions

by Leonard M. Lauriault, Leah H. Schmitz, Shad H. Cox, Glenn C. Duff and Eric J. Scholljegerdes

Agronomy 2022, 12(3), 545; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12030545 - 22 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1495

Abstract

Forage-based beef production is one of the most productive agricultural systems, especially in semiarid, subtropical environments, yet it is temporally variable due to climatic factors. Dormant native perennial warm-season grasses are available for grazing from autumn through spring; however, their protein concentration is inadequate to support growing cattle. Winter cereal forages, such as triticale [×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus (Secale × Triticum)], can fill fall through spring forage gaps with sufficient protein concentration. Triticale productivity was evaluated, and beef stocker performance on triticale was compared with supplemented native grassland for late winter pasture in each of three years at New Mexico State University’s Rex E. Kirksey Agricultural Science Center in Tucumcari, NM USA. Study results indicated that triticale pasture forage mass varied over the three years due to precipitation and different triticale planting dates each year, influencing the length of grazing period. Triticale provided late winter average daily gain approximately twice that of cattle grazing dormant native grass with protein supplementation (0.70 vs. 0.36 kg hd⁻¹ d⁻¹, p < 0.0001). Therefore, triticale can be utilized to provide adequate growth of young calves without the added costs of supplementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Grasslands: Forage Growth and Nutritive Composition, Livestock Grazing and Performance)

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Review

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17 pages, 639 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Birds and the Bees: Producing Beef and Conservation Benefits on Working Grasslands

by Patrick D. Keyser, David A. Buehler, John H. Fike, Deborah L. Finke, Samuel D. Fuhlendorf, James A. Martin, Harley D. Naumann and S. Ray Smith

Agronomy 2022, 12(8), 1934; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12081934 - 17 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1827

Abstract

Globally, grasslands have been heavily degraded, more so than any other biome. Grasslands of the eastern U.S. are no exception to this trend and, consequently, native biota associated with the region’s >20 million ha of agricultural grasslands are under considerable stress. For example, grassland associated breeding bird populations have declined precipitously in recent decades as have numerous species of pollinators. Although there is increasing awareness of the role grasslands can play in global carbon cycles and in providing high quality dietary proteins needed by an increasing global population, there is a lack of awareness of the alarming trends in the sustainability of the native biota of these ecosystems. Here, we present the status of this conservation challenge and offer prospective solutions through a working lands conservation approach. Such a strategy entails maintaining appropriate disturbances (i.e., grazing, fire, and their combination), improved grazing management, an increased reliance on native grasses and forbs, and improved plant diversity within pastures. Furthermore, we note some examples of opportunities to achieve these goals, offer suggestions for agricultural and conservation policy, and provide a framework for evaluating tradeoffs that are inevitably required when pursuing a multi-purpose grassland management framework. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Grasslands: Forage Growth and Nutritive Composition, Livestock Grazing and Performance)

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12 pages, 1584 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Bridging Ecology and Agronomy to Foster Diverse Pastures and Healthy Soils

by Kinsey Reed and Ember M. Morrissey

Agronomy 2022, 12(8), 1893; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12081893 - 12 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2089

Abstract

Renovating pastures to increase forage species diversity is a burgeoning practice among producers. Over a century of grassland and small-plot research suggests that increasing plant diversity can lead to improved pasture productivity, resilience, and soil health. However, it remains hard to decipher how these benefits translate to grazed production systems given the limited experimentation in realistic grazing systems. There is a disconnect between ecological and agronomic research regarding what qualifies as a “diverse” grassland or pasture. This review aims to examine the current state of research regarding plant diversity and its potential benefits for soil health in pasture systems, and outlines how we can improve our understanding and implementation of this practice in production systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Grasslands: Forage Growth and Nutritive Composition, Livestock Grazing and Performance)

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Other

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10 pages, 280 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Variation of Fatty Acids in Cool-Season Grasses

by Marcella Whetsell, Edward Rayburn, Don Swartz and Stanley Fultz

Agronomy 2022, 12(6), 1380; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12061380 - 08 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1743

Abstract

Cool-season grass samples were collected and analyzed for omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid (FA) content. Perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, orchardgrass, and Kentucky bluegrass samples were collected on four harvest dates from various trials conducted in the eastern portion of the Appalachian Mountains. There was a greater change in linolenic acid (C18:3) than linoleic acid (C18:2) concentrations in all forage species and across seasons. Perennial ryegrass had higher levels of linolenic acid compared to the other grasses on most dates other than in August, when it did not provide forage. Linoleic acid concentrations changed less across seasons and were generally lower in tall fescue compared to the other grass species, which tended to contain similar levels. There was a species × date interaction on FA concentrations. Kentucky bluegrass had a peak concentration of linoleic acid in August. Concentration in orchardgrass fluctuated slightly across seasons, while concentrations in tall fescue and perennial ryegrass decreased as the season advanced. Identification of FA concentrations in plant species and managing species diversity in pastures to increase and stabilize the content of omega-3 FA in meat and milk products appears to be a valuable tool for managers to manipulate FA characteristics of products from pasture-based systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Grasslands: Forage Growth and Nutritive Composition, Livestock Grazing and Performance)

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