This study was conducted to determine the optimal spring seeding dates for alfalfa yield and feed value. The experiment was conducted annually for three years (2021~2023) at the field in the Department of Animal Resources Development, NIAS, located in Cheonan. The treatments involved six seeding dates ranging from February 24 to April 14, with 10days intervals. Alfalfa was harvested four times a year at the early flowering stage. Dry matter yield showed a tendency to decrease with delayed the seeding date. However, depending on the climatidc condisions in the seeding year, the dry matter yield on March 14 or 24 was comparable to that on February 24. Annual dry matter yield varied, influenced by the daylight conditions each year. The average feed value did not significantly differ within in the same year with delayed seeding dates (p>0.05). Therefore, the most stable period for alfalfa spring seeding in the central area of South Korea is considered to be from February 24 to April 4, with February 24 indentified as the optimal date.

This study was to evaluate the values of Korean native sweet sorghum as a new feed crop for ruminants. Sweet sorghum was the Muan native species (Bioenergy Crop Research Center, National Institute of Crop Science), and cultivated from May to October 2021 at Sangji University (Wonju-si, Gangwon-do, Korea). There were a non-treated group (Con), a recommended amount treatment (RD) and a treatment with double the recommended amount (Double RD) by an oil cake fertilizer. Plant height was measured at weekly intervals for 12 weeks after planting sweet sorghum seedlings, and was a significant difference in the order of Double RD, followed by RD and Con in 7 weeks (p<0.05). Feed values and sugar contents were measured in 7, 9, and 11 weeks. Crude protein of Double RD was higher than that of the other treatments in 7 and 9 weeks (p<0.05). Crude fat was higher at Double RD than the other one in 9 weeks (p<0.05). ADF and NDF of Double RD were higher than the other one (p<0.05). When it was compared to corn and sudangrass hybrids grown on farms, Crude protein was lower in sweet sorghum than other crops (p<0.05), and crude fat was higher in sweet sorghum than corn (p<0.05). Crude fiber, ADF and NDF were higher in sweet sorghum compared to corn and sudangrass (p<0.05). The sugar contents of sweet sorghum were 4.07 ± 0.12∼7.63 ± 0.21 brix, and showed higher than corn and sudangrass hybrid (p<0.05). The rumen in situ digestibility of sweet sorghum was 30.73∼38.13% at the 9th and 11th weeks, and showed higher than that of corn and sudangrass hybrids (p<0.05). Therefore, it is considered that Korean native sweet sorghum has sufficient value as a new forage crop for ruminants, and good value as yield, nutrients and digestibility, when the grass height is 273.33~332.50 cm.

This study was carried out to investigate the growth characteristics, yield and chemical compositions of whole crop barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) according to mixing ratio of chemical fertilizer (CF) and liquid swine manure (LSM) in the paddy field cultivation. The experimental design was arranged in a randomized block design with five treatments and three replications. The manure fertilizer ratio of five treatments were CF 100% (T1), CF 70% + LSM 30% (T2), CF 50% + LSM 50% (T3), CF 30% + LSM 70% (T4), and LSM 100% (T5) of whole crop barley. At this time, the application of liquid swine manure was based solely on the nitrogen. Plant length was higher at T1 as compared to other treatments (T2, T3, T4 and T5). Fresh yield, dry matter yield and total digestive nutrients (TDN) yield were the highest in T1, whereas the lowest in T5 treatment (p<0.05). Chemical compositions (crude protein, crude fat, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and TDN) did not show significant difference among treatments. Ca and Na contents were significantly lower at T1 as compared to other treatments (T2, T3, T4 and T5). However, Mg and P contents were significantly higher at T1 as compared to other treatments(p<0.05). There was no significant difference in total free sugar content among T2, T3, T4 and T5 treatments, but the chemical fertilizer (T1) was significantly lower than the other treatments (p<0.01). Considering the above results, liquid swine manure application showed lower dry matter yield and TDN yield than chemical fertilizer, but higher free sugar content. Therefore, in order to increase the productivity of whole crop barley, it is considered desirable to mix liquid fertilizer with chemical fertilizer, taking into account the decomposition rate and insufficient components (P, K) of the liquid swine manure.

Corn silage is extensively utilized in ruminant feeding on a global scale, with substantial research efforts directed towards enhancing its nutritional worth and managing moisture content. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of normal cutting height and elevated cutting height on whole-crop corn silage. Corn was harvested at heights of 15 cm and 45 cm above the ground, respectively, 45 days after heading. The harvested corn was cut into 2-3 cm lengths and packed into 20-liter plastic silos in triplicate. The results showed that dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of C45 were significantly higher than those of the control, while the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was significantly lower in C45 (p<0.05). The C15 had higher yields than C45 (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the total digestible nutrients (TDN) yield of whole-crop corn silage. The increase in cutting height resulted in a larger change in moisture content and NDF per centimeter. After 60 days-ensiling, C45 showed significantly lower NH3-N concentrations. Moreover, C45 had significantly higher lactic acid concentration, lactic acid/acetic acid ratio, and lactic acid bacteria count compared to the control. Mold was not detected and the yeast count was less than 2 log10 cfu/g fresh matter in both control and C45. In summary, C45 improved the feeding value and fermentation quality of whole-crop corn silage at the expense of forage productivity.

본 실험은 논 토양에서 호밀 재배시 화학비료와 발효 돈분 액 비 혼용 시용이 생육특성 및 영양성분에 미치는 영향을 조사하고 자 실시하였다. 실험설계는 화학비료 100% 처리구(C), 화학비료 70% +돈분액비 30% 처리구(T1), 화학비료 50% +돈분액비 50%처리구(T2), 화학비료 30% +돈분액비 70% 처리구(T3) 그리고 돈분액비 100% 처리구(T4)로 한, 5처리 3반복 난괴법으로 배치 하였다. 이때 돈분 액비 시용은 질소량만을 기준으로 하였다. 초 장은 처리구들 간에 유의적인 차이를 보이지 않았다. 이삭길이, 엽장 및 엽폭은 각각 C, T3 및 T2구에서 각각 높게 나타났다 (p<0.05). 경의 굵기는 T4 > T3 > T2 > T1 > C구 순으로 돈분 액비 시용량이 높을수록 높게 나타났다(p<0.05). 건물수량 및 TDN 수량은 T4구가 가장 높게 나타난 반면 C구가 가장 낮게 나 타났다(p<0.05). 조단백질, NDF, ADF 및 조섬유 함량에서는 처 리구들 간에 유의적인 차이는 나타나지 않았다. 그러나 조지방 및 조회분 함량에 있어서는 각각 T2 및 T3구에서 높게 나타났다 (p<0.05). 총무기물 함량은 돈분액비 시용 비율이 증가할수록 유 의적으로 감소하였다(p<0.05). 그러나 총 유리당 함량은 돈분액 비 시용 비율이 높았던 T3 및 T4구가 높게 나타난 반면 화학비료 처리구(C) 및 돈분액비 시용 비율이 낮은 구(T1)에서는 낮게 나 타났다(p<0.05). 이상의 결과를 종합해 볼 때, 수량성(건물수량, TDN수량)과 사일리지 품질에 영향을 미치는 유리당을 고려한다 면 화학비료와 돈분액비 혼용하거나 돈분액비를 시용하는 것도 효과적이라고 사료된다.

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of planting densities on the growth characteristics, dry matter yield, and feed value of “Geukdong 6” (a new variety of corn for feed). The experimental design was arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. Treatments consisted of six planting densities, 60 cm × 25 cm (T1), 60 cm × 30 cm (T2), 70 cm × 25 cm (T3), 70 cm × 30 cm (T4), 80 cm × 25 cm (T5) and 80 cm × 30 cm (T6). All treatments were sown on May 14, 2021, and the harvest was on October 3 (late flowering). Plant length and the number of tillers were the highest in T5 (p<0.05), but the number of leaves and stem diameter were the highest in T6 than in the other treatments (p<0.05). Leaf length, leaf width, and dead leaf were not significantly different among the treatments. Organic matter was highest in T6, and crude protein was highest in T5 (p<0.05). The ether extract was not significantly different among the treatments. Crude fiber, NDF, and ADF were highest in T2 with relatively higher planting density (p<0.05). Calcium and phosphorus were not significantly different among the treatments. TDN content was the highest in T3 (p<0.05). Sugar degree (Brix), fructose, glucose, dextran, isomerose, and inverted sugar were not significantly different among the treatment. Fresh yield, dry matter yield and TDN yield were higher in order of T6 > T5 > T4 > T3 > T2 > T1 (p<0.05). Relatively feed value was higher in order of T3 > T6 > T5 > T1 > T4 > T2 (p<0.05). Based on the above results, planting density could be recommended from 80 cm × 30 cm for efficient production of “Geukdong 6”.

This study was conducted to evaluate the productivity of whole crop silage wheat utilizing the paddy fields during a couple of years from 2019 to 2021 in Suwon, Korea. This investigation was used the two maturity types of wheat cultivar ‘Cheongwoo’ (early) and ‘Taeu’ (late). The heading date of 2nd year (Oct. 2020 to May. 2021) cultivation was delayed about 11 to 13 days by more than 1st year (Oct. 2019 to May. 2020). The growth characteristics were shown that the plant height was increased in 2nd cultivation, while the number of culms and the panicle part ratio were decreased. Moreover, the nutritive value of ‘Cheongwoo’ and ‘Taeu’ were also decreased in 2nd cultivation. These changes have thought to a difference of the precipitation by cultivation years. Because, the precipitation during the period from the end of winter dormancy to the harvesting stage in 2nd (337 mm) cultivation was more about twice than 1st (169.3 mm) cultivation. However, the dry matter yield of ‘Cheongwoo’ was not shown a statistical difference by cultivation years, while ‘Taeu’ was shown to decrease tendency. The total dry matter yield regardless of the cultivation years were higher in ‘Cheongwoo’ than ’Taeu’, and especially ’Cheongwoo’ was more 3 tons per hectare (15.3 t/ha) than ‘Taeu’ (12.6 t/ha) at 2nd cultivation (p<0.01). The trend of dry weight in ‘Cheongwoo’, early mature type, showed a relatively high ratio of dry matter (p<0.05) was considered that due to a high panicle ratio by a fast heading and an adequate weight of panicles by a sufficient maturing. In conclusion, selecting the early maturity cultivars could achieve a higher and more stable total dry matter yield considering the cropping system in the central region. Furthermore, it also has the advantage of being able to double-cropping system with forage rice, which has considered the maximum whole-crop forage production year-round. These results suggest that the ‘Cheongwoo’ be optimum cultivar to produce the year-round forage on paddy fields in the central region.

The planting date of corn for silage has been delayed because of spring drought and double cropping system in Korea. This experiment was conducted to evaluate agronomic characteristics, forage production and feed value of corn at April and May in 2019. Experimental design was a split-plot with three replications. Planting dates (12 April and 10 May) were designated to the main plot, and corn hybrids (‘P0928’, ‘P1543’ and ‘P2088’) to the subplot. The silking days of the early planting date (12 April) was 79 days and that of the late planting date (10 May) was 66 days (p<0.0001), however, there were no significant differences among the corn hybrids. Ear height of the late planting date was higher than that of the early planting (p<0.05), while there were no significant differences in plant height of corn. Insect resistance at the early planting was lower than that of late planting (p<0.05), however, lodging resistance was no significant difference at planting date. The rice black streaked virus (RBSDV) infection of early planting was 3.7% and that of late planting was 0.3% (p<0.001). Dry matter (DM) contents of stover, ear and whole plant had significant difference at planting date (p<0.05). And differences in ear percentages were observed among the corn hybrids (p<0.01). And ear percentages of early maturing corn (‘P0928’) was higher than for other hybrids. Ear percentage at the early planting date was higher than that at the late planting date (p<0.01). DM and total digestible nutrients (TDN) yields had significant difference at planting date, however, there were no significant differences among the corn hybrids. DM and TDN yields at the late planting (21,678 kg/ha and 14,878 kg/ha) were higher than those of the early planting (13,732 kg/ha and 9,830 kg/ha). Crude protein content at the early planting date was higher than that of the late planting. Acid detergent fiber content of the late planting was lower than that of the early planting date (p<0.01), while there were no significant neutral detergent fiber content difference among the corn tested. Calculated net energy for lactation (NEL) and TDN at the early planting were higher than those of at the late planting (p<0.01). Results of this our study indicate that the late planting date (May) is better than early planting date (April) in forage yield and feed value of corn. Therefore, the delay of planting date by May was more suitable for use in cropping system.

This study was carried out to evaluate the forage yield and feed value of winter crops such as Italian ryegrass (IRG), oat, rye, barley, and hairy vetch. Forage crops were sown on 15 th October 2018 in a paddy field after harvesting rice and forage crops were harvested at two times of 25 th April 2019 and 18 th May 2 01 9. T he h ighest d ry m atter (DM) y ield w as h arvested f rom r ye among t he five species of forage crop on 18 th May. DM yield of all forages was increased 14.4% on 18 th May compared to 25 th April. The highest yield of crude protein (CP) was obtained from hairy vetch on 25 th April, whereas it was decreased (38.1%) on 18 th May. Moreover, the highest total digestible nutrient (TDN) yield and relative feed value (RFV) was harvested respectively from rye and hairy vetch on 25 th April. Delay of harvest time considerably increased DM yield but significantly decreased CP and RFV. In conclusion, rye was the best source of DM and TDN and hairy vetch was the high-quality feed. Rye harvested on 25 th April is the proper forage for resolving Korea’s problem of insufficient forage yield.

This study was carried out to study the effect of supplementary nitrogen fertilization application time according to regrowth date on growth date on growth characteristics, feed value, and productivity of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.; IRG) from 2019 to 2021 in Cheonan region. In order to determine the regrowth time, IRG was cut from experimental plots 3cm above soil level and the time when 1cm grew was judged as the regrowth time. The regrowth dates were February 15th and February 12th in 2020 and 2021 respectively. The experimental design was a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments were no fertilizer, immediately after the regrowth period, after 10 days of the regrowth period, and after 25 days of the regrowth period. Dry matter yield of IRG was significantly influenced by the supplementary N-fertilization application time. Dry matter yield was reduced for the delayed application time. The dry matter yield of immediately after the regrowth period was approximately 34.8 % higher than that no fertilizer application. In delaying the supplementary N-fertilization application time resulted in increased crude protein content. However, no significant statistical difference was neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber(p>0.05). After wintering, productivity of IRG reduced for the delayed application time. Therefore, it is essential to application N-fertilizer immediately after the regrowth period for high productivity of IRG.

The effects of supplementing ESP-FM (Erythrobactor sp.), freshwater Chlorella (Chlorella sp.), and baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on the nutritional value and mass production of Moina macrocopa, which is used as a live feed for fish fry production, was investigated. Consequently, the effects of feeding the enriched M. macrocopa to the nutritional composition of larval rockfish (Sebastes schlegel) and carp (Cyprinus carpio) was also investigated. Maximum density of M. macrocopa was reached within 15-21 days after inoculation (0.5 to 22 individual/mL), at various temperatures, and either decreased or remained almost constantly thereafter. Protein content and amino acids composition of M. macrocopa were found to be influenced by their respective diets while lipid and ash contents did not considerably change. M. macrocopa fed with baker’s yeast were low in n-3 HUFA content, and those fed on the freshwater chlorella were high in the 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3 HUFA content, and in cultures treated with ESP-FM were high content in n-3 HUFA. The utilization of M. macrocopa as a substitute fish feed for carp and rockfish showed the enrichment nutritional content.

This study was to evaluate the feed value of whole crop rice silage (WCRS) and to investigate a suitable ratio of the WCRS and concentrate by an analysis of rumen fermentation. A total of 6 treatments were used according to WCRS: concentrate ratio on in vitro rumen fermentation: T1 (100:0), T2 (60:40), T3 (40:60), T4 (20:80), T5 (10:90), and T6 (0:100). The ruminal pH, total gas emission, ammonia nitrogen, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) were determined as fermentation parameters. Total nutrients digestibility trial was conducted by 4 treatments according to WCRS: concentrate ratio at 40:60 (W40), 20:80 (W20), and 10:90 (W10), respectively. Feed value was analyzed according to AOAC (2019) and nutrient digestibility was calculated based on NRC (2001). The levels of crude protein (CP), crude fat, and neutral detergent fiber of the WCRS were 12.29%, 1.67%, and 59.79%, respectively. It was found to be 51.49% as a result of predicting the total digestible nutrient of WCRS using the NRC (2001) model. In vitro rumen fermentation, T4, T5, and T6 treatments showed a greater gas emission and total VFA concentration compared with other treatments (p<0.05). Acetate and acetate to propionate ratio of T4, T5, and T6 were significantly higher than other treatments (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in the level of propionate and butyrate according to the WCRS: concentrate ratio (p<0.05). The digestibility of dry matter and CP was significantly lower in W40 than in other treatments (p<0.05); however, there was no difference in W20 and W10. In conclusion, the 20:80 (WCRS: concentrate) is beneficial for stabilizing the rumen that does not inhibit rumen fermentation and nutrient digestion. This ratio might have a positive effect on the economics of farms as a valuable feed.

Barley is an important cereal gain which is traditionally used in some nations of Asia and North Africa, and there has been growing interest in using barley as an ingredient in food due to their nutritional value and high content of phyto-constituents. However, no study report on comparative feed value between sprouted barley, cornflake and alfalfa hay. Therefore, in this study we aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, amino acid profile and mineral content of 6 day sprouted barley fodder (SBF) compared with cornflake and alfalfa hay using by AOAC method, as an alternative feed ingredient. Results showed that SBF had higher content of crude protein, acid detergent insoluble crude proteins and neutral detergent insoluble crude protein than alfalfa hay and cornflake; cornflake had higher crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber content than SBF and alfalfa hay; alfalfa hay had higher crude fiber, crude ash, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber and lignin level than SBF and cornflake. Also, significant differences were found on amino acid content among them (p<0.01). The most abundant amino acid in SBF was glutamate (123 g/kg DM), which is higher than in alfalfa hay (1.27%) or cornflake (1.58%). However, methionine (1.33%) and cysteine (1.53%) were the least abundant amino acids in SBF compared with cornflake or alfalfa hay. Furthermore, our study results exhibited that SBE comprise a good sources of minerals including ferrous (90.01 mg/kg) followed by zinc (20.50 mg/kg), magnesium (0.20 mg/kg) and sodium (0.03 mg/kg) as compared to cornflake and alfalfa hay. The present research findings, confirmed that the nutritional values of SBF are comparable to those of cornflake and alfalfa hay. Hence, SBF can be a better alternative feed ingredient for cornflake or alfalfa hay. However, feeding trials will be required to determine acceptability of SBF for ruminant production.

This study was carried out to find out the changes in the growth characteristics and feed value of the three different whole-crop silage rice cultivars of whole-crop silage rice such as Jonong, Yeongwoo and Mogwoo to develop an efficient double cropping system. This study showed that there were significant differences biomass and feed values among cultivars but no clear difference among transplanting dates. Dry weight and height were in order of Mogwoo, Yeongwoo, Jonong (p<0.05). Dry weight and feed value of Jonong showed no significant difference after 21 days after heading (DAH), it was expected to be harvested before DAH 30 days. Yeongwoo showed a lower dry weight than Mogwoo, but heading date was earlier than Mogwoo, so one can expect a higher feed value than Mogwoo. Mogwoo had lower crude protein and total digestible nutrient than the other two cultivars but relative feed value in stem was higher than that of the other cultivars, but had higher dry weight than other cultivars so it was considered to take an advantage as a silage rice. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that the selection of whole-crop silage rice on the cropping system be made comprehensively by considering the heading characteristics of the cultivars and the feed value.

This study was conducted to evaluate feed value of imported hays and examine current situation of species and hay grade. To evaluate the quality of the imported hay, 133 pieces including 9 species of roughage types were collected at the national hay importers, the TMR companies and livestock farms from 2016 to 2018. The quality grades of imported hay were 3~4 and most imported hay were considered to had low. The ADF, Ash, TDN and DDM in feed composition of alfalfa by quality grades presented significant differences(p<0.05). The quality grade on alfalfa was not similar to the actual quality grades calculated through feed composition. The feed composition of grasses by quality degrees presented significant differences in all contents except DM and CP (p<0.05). As the distributed grasses of the unmarked quality grade was low quality and accounted for 49%, it is urgent to present quality standards based on feed composition. As these results, the grades of imported hays were lower than the marked quality grades. Therefore, the imported roughage’s(hay) price that considered to only quality grades on the marked imported roughages(hay) package can cause a loss to the livestock farms as economic damage. An institutional arrangement should be established to review the quality grades of imported hay.

Hay-making is one of the most common way for forage preservation in livestock industry. The quality and production of hay could be affected by various factors. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of tedding time and frequency on drying rate and feed value of forage rye (Secale cereale L.) hay. Rye was harvested on heading stage using mower conditioner. Hay was tedded at each set hour(09:00, 13:00 and 17:00) and sampled at each set hour to determine dry matter (DM) content. After two months’ preservation, CP (crude protein), ADF (acid detergent fiber), NDF (neutral detergent fiber), IVDMD (in vitro dry matter digestibility), TDN (total digestible nutrient), RFV (relative feed value), DM loss, visual scores and total fungi count were determined for estimation of hay quality. Tedding was necessary for both speeding up drying rate and improving forage quality. Tedding at 17:00 showed lower NDF content (p<0.05), and also higher RFV value was found compared with tedding at 9:00 and 13:00 (p<0.05). On the other hand, it was observed that more DM losses would be found when tedding later (p<0.05). Tedding in 1~3 times per day were lower in ADF and NDF content (p<0.05), increased CP, TDN and RFV (p<0.05), got less DM loss (p<0.05), and contained less fungi during conservation compared with no tedding (p<0.05). On the other hand, tedding too frequent caused more DM loss (p<0.05). In conclusion, for shorter drying process and higher quality of forage rye hay, tedding at 13:00∼17:00 for 1∼2 times per day was recommended in this study.