Predicting the liveweight changes of sheep grazing wheat stubbles in a Mediterranean environment

Orsini, Jean-Paul; Arnold, GW

doi:10.1016/0308-521x(86)90061-2

Cited by 7 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…In the present study, we did not find any evidence that stubble quality was related to in-season rainfall, and the literature appears divided on this (Orsini and Arnold 1986). It is possible that other environmental factors, such as inland frost events and severe terminal drought, may confound the relationship between rainfall and stubble quality that has been observed in Western Australia (Purser 1983;Aitchison 1988).…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 59%

“…Orsini 1990;Moore et al 2007); however, recommendations for stubble grazing in southern Australia are largely based on data collected several decades ago (Arnold et al 1978;Mitchell 1979;Pearce et al 1979;Purser 1983;Aitchison 1988). These data were generated from historical crop cultivars that are now rarely grown and harvested using the machinery of that time, and the lack of data to parameterise such models was acknowledged (Orsini and Arnold 1986). There is also little information on new (or increasing) crop species, such as canola, particularly in lower-rainfall areas.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The value of stubbles and chaff from grain crops as a source of summer feed for sheep

et al. 2021

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Context. Modern crop stubbles provide an important source of feed for sheep during summer but can vary widely in their feeding value due to Genetics • Environment • Management interactions during crop growth, and how chaff is managed at harvest. Stubbles are difficult to assess for grazing value, due to the heterogeneity of forage components (e.g. stem, leaf, grains), which means that livestock producers rely on their observations and experience to manage sheep grazing stubbles. Aims. To provide current information on the feeding value of stubbles, and to establish better methods for estimating stubble feeding value. Methods. In the present paper, we report the results of sheep grazing wheat-stubble paddocks and a survey of the nutritive value of standing stubbles and chaff lines and piles of grain crops (including wheat, barley, canola and lupins) from crop paddocks in the mixed-farming region of Western Australia. Key results. Without supplementation, wheat stubbles provided 50-100 dry sheep equivalent grazing days per hectare, before the estimated metabolisable energy (ME) intake of sheep fell below maintenance. This was influenced by ewe body condition score, where sheep of lower body condition gained more weight on stubbles (89 g/day higher weight gain per unit lower body condition score). Estimated ME content of edible chaff (leaf, fine stem and seed sheath or pod, excluding main stem and grain) was 5% higher in barley, 19% higher in lupin, and 5% lower in canola, than in wheat chaff, which was 5.9 MJ ME/kg DM. Implications. While the grazing value of modern stubbles is variable, they have an important role in the seasonal feedbase by providing several months of feed during summer. Chaff by itself does not meet the energy or protein requirements of livestock, so a high-protein grain supplement (e.g. lupins) is necessary to maintain non-lactating ewes fed only chaff. The increased use of chaff lines and piles at harvest, primarily for weed control, provides a new opportunity to fill feed gaps in sheep and cattle enterprises if the material can be transported and stored efficiently, or if grazed in situ, as is common practice.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 59%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The value of stubbles and chaff from grain crops as a source of summer feed for sheep

et al. 2021

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“…An inadequacy of this equation is that it does not consider the time required for inexperienced animals to learn to find and consume the grain (Fernandez-Rivera and Klopfenstein, 1989b). Difficulties in predicting residual grain availability and intake by sheep grazing wheat stubble was reported by Orsini and Arnold (1986).…”

Section: Residue-animal Interface Componentmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Simulation Model of Forage Yield, Quality and Intake and Growth of Growing Cattle Grazing Cornstalks

Fernández-Rivera

Lewis

Klopfenstein

et al. 1989

Journal of Animal Science

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A simulation model was developed to predict corn crop residue yield and quality and intake and performance of growing cattle grazing cornstalks. The model is wholly deterministic and integrates the effects of weather, residue supply and animal components. Low temperatures increase animal energy requirements, whereas snow cover decreases residue available. Residual grain and leaf are calculated from grain yield. Residue quantity and quality are reduced daily by environmental losses and animal consumption. Daily performance is predicted based on the nutrients obtained from residue and supplemental feed. Under unlimited roughage supply, leaf, husk and grain are primary diet components. Grain consumption decreases as the supply diminishes and forage quality decreases with time. Intake is calculated based on digestibility and fecal output = .0365 W.75. Forage availability affects intake in a curvilinear fashion. Energy gain is predicted by NRC equations and protein gain from metabolizable protein supply. The model underestimated intake of calves measured with chromic oxide and in vitro DM disappearance. Simulated daily gain (y, kg) of calves grazing at several stocking rates was related to observed daily gain (x, kg) by the equation y = .012 + .853 x (R2 = .71, Sy.x = .077). The model overestimated response to protein supplementation. Severe cold weather was predicted to reduce gains or cause weight loss due to increased energy requirements for maintenance. The model can be used as an aid in both research planning and cattle management.

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‘SummerPack’, a user-friendly simulation software for the management of sheep grazing dry pastures or stubbles

Orsini

1990

Agricultural Systems

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Predicting the liveweight changes of sheep grazing wheat stubbles in a Mediterranean environment

Cited by 7 publications

References 9 publications

The value of stubbles and chaff from grain crops as a source of summer feed for sheep

The value of stubbles and chaff from grain crops as a source of summer feed for sheep

A Simulation Model of Forage Yield, Quality and Intake and Growth of Growing Cattle Grazing Cornstalks

‘SummerPack’, a user-friendly simulation software for the management of sheep grazing dry pastures or stubbles

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