This study was conducted to examine the effect of roasting nonlinted whole cottonseed on ruminal crude protein (CP) degradability and performance in high-yielding dairy cows. Multiparous Israeli Holstein-Friesian cows (parity average 2.5+/-1.5; n = 132) with 571+/-65 kg of body weight (BW), 107+/-48 d in milk (DIM), and 37+/-5.8 kg of milk yield/d were used in the study. Cows were divided into two dietary treatment groups according to their BW, DIM, and milk production. The two diets were similar in CP, net energy for lactation, and neutral detergent fiber content [17%, 1.74 Mcal/kg, and 30% on a dry matter (DM) basis] and included either 15% (on a DM basis) whole cottonseed or roasted whole cottonseed. Ruminal effective degradability of CP, organic matter (OM), and ether extract (EE) decreased 14, 11, and 10%, respectively, compared to whole cottonseed. Total tract digestibilities of CP and EE were similar for both treatments and averaged 57 and 59%, respectively. However, DM and OM digestibilities were 6 and 5% higher in cows offered roasted whole cottonseed relative to those fed whole cottonseed diet. The inclusion of roasted whole cottonseed in the ration decreased ruminal ammonia and blood urea N concentration by 12% compared with diet with the raw whole cottonseed. Milk production, milk fat content, and production, and milk protein yield increased when roasted, nonlinted whole cottonseed was included in the diet. Milk protein content was similar for both treatments, averaging 2.92%.

The Ramon Magsaysay Center for Agricultural Resources and Environment Studies (RM-CARES) has isolated Trichoderma longibrachiatum and Trichoderma asperellum from carabao manure. Since Trichoderma is mass produced in solid form and applied basally, the conversion Trichoderma into liquid form allows the supply of nutrients at different growth stages of crops. This study aimed to formulate and test the efficacy of combined organic liquid supplement (OLS) from Trichoderma spp. and fermented extracts from kakawate and malunggay leaves, banana fruits, soybean and mungbean seeds. Based on the results for one trial on pechay, undertaken in a certified organic area at the Ramon Magsaysay Center for Agricultural Resources (RM-CARES), Central Luzon State University Science City of Muñoz (CLSU), Nueva Ecija, yield was significantly increased by the supplementation of Trichoderma spp. in combination with fermented plant and seed extracts. Treatment with 1:0.5 ratio of T. asperellum: fermented plant and seed extracts significantly gave the highest computed yield of 12 t/ha which is 47% higher than the yield obtained in commercial OLS and 106% higher than the control. The treatment with 1:0.5 ratio of T.longibrachiatum: fermented plant and seed extracts, and treatment with commercial OLS produced comparable yield with 9.80 t/ha and 8.17 t/ha, respectively. Since the developed OLS from Trichoderma and fermented plant and seeds extracts is at par or even surpassed the yield of commercial OLS, it has the potential as bio-liquid fertilizer for organic pechay production which could be possibly substituted to commercial OLS.

Abstract:The study was conducted to determine the viability of producing organic onion under the fully converted area of Ramon Magsaysay Center for Agricultural Resources and Environment Studies (RMC-ARES), Central Luzon State University, Philippines. Specifically, the study aimed to establish the frequency of organic fertilizer and Trichoderma spp. application, employing split application, and determine the yield performance of red onion (bulb type). The research was conducted for two consecutive dry seasons (2014 and 2015). Red Creole variety was used with the following treatments: T1-organic fertilizer alone (8 ton/ha) at planting; T2-organic fertilizer (8 ton/ha) applied twice (at basal and 30 d after transplanting (DAT)); T3-organic fertilizer (8 ton/ha) applied twice (at basal and 30 DAT) + Trichoderma spp. at the rate of 526 kg/ha applied at planting; T4-organic fertilizer at 8 ton/ha rate + Trichoderma spp. at the rate of 526 kg/ha, both applied twice (at planting and 30 DAT); T5-organic fertilizer at 8 ton/ha rate applied twice (at planting and 30 DAT) + Trichoderma spp. at the rate of 526 kg/ha applied thrice (at planting, 30 DAT and during bulb formation). Results of the study showed that application of the recommended rate of organic fertilizer twice (at planting and 30 DAT) + three times application of Trichoderma spp. (at planting, 30 DAT and during bulb formation) consistently produced bigger bulb during the first and second trial of the study, compared to other treatments evaluated. Consequently, higher marketable yield was produced with 15.33 ton/ha during the first trial and 14.50 ton/ha on the second trial.