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.

본 연구는 수분함량과 미생물 첨가제가 알팔파 사일리지의 발효특성과 사료가치에 미치는 영향을 알아보기 위해 수행되었다. 알팔파는 개화 10% 시기에서 수확되었으며 수분 함량(M60, M50, M40 및 M30)이 60, 50, 40 및 30%일 때 각각 이용하였다. 1500g을 샘플링한 후, 증류수 10mL을 첨가한 미첨가구(NAD)와 Lactococcus lactis 와 Pediococcus pentosaceus의 혼합물을 증류수(0.1g/10mL)에 1.5 x 1010cfu/g 농도로 희석한 후 접종한 미생물 균주 첨가구(ADD)를 3개월 및 6개월 발효하였다. 수분 및 미생물 첨가제에 따른 연평균 알팔파의 조단백, 중성세제 불용성 섬유 및 산성세제 불용성 섬유에서 차이가 없었다(p>0.05). 모든 발효기간에서 pH는 ADD의 M40에서 가장 낮았다(p<0.05). NAD 처리구에서는 젖산이 M50에서 가장 높았고(p<0.05), ADD 처리군에서는 M40 시험구에서 젖산이 가장 높았다(p<0.05). NAD와 ADD의 M60은 젖산 함량이 다른 수분 함량들에 비해 가장 낮으며(p<0.05) 낙산이 유일하게 검출되었다. 미생물군집의 상대적 풍부도는 ADD 처리구의 M40과 M50에서 Homo LAB (Enterococcus, Lactiplantibacillus, Lacticaseibacillus, Lactococcus, Pediococcus)의 비율이 가장 높았고, Clostridium은 M60에서 가장 높았다.

This study was conducted to analyze and compare the dry matter yield of Italian ryegrass (IRG) cultivated under monoculture and mixed culture system to recommend suitable varieties that can be cultivated. Italian ryegrass cultivars, Green Fram (GF, extremely early-maturing), Kowinearly (KE, early-maturing), Kowinmaster (KM, mild-maturing), and Hwasan 104 (H104, late-maturing), were used for mono or mixed cultivation. The average monthly temperature in Cheonan over the past 30 years tended to be similar, but that in November and March are judged to be abnormal weather. The dry matter yield of GF+H104 was significantly higher during harvest than that of GF (p<0.05). The dry matter yields of KE and KE+KM were significantly higher during harvest than the output standards of KE and KM. There was no significant difference between the dry matter yield of H104 and KM (p>0.05), but KM had the highest yield of 16,763.1 kg/ha. Analysis showed that the highest dry matter yield during IRG harvest was obtained under monoculture and KE+KM mixed culture. Because the occurrence frequency of abnormal weather such as drought during spring is increasing recently, it is judged that IRG cultivation using early and middle growth is necessary to prepare for abnormal weather.

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 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.

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.

This experiment was conducted to a comparison of the productivity according to variety and forage quality by plant parts of imported silage corn (Zea mays, L) in Pyeongchang. The corns evaluated in this experiment were 8 varieties (P1184, P1151, P1194, P1543, P1345, P1429, P1443, and P2105) introduced from the United States, Pioneer Hybrid Co. The harvested corn was divided into 5 plant parts (leaf, stem, cob, husk, and grain), and the ratio of each part was calculated using dry weight and the feed value was analyzed. The emergence rate of corn was generally good except for the P1151 and P2105 varieties. The average tasseling date was July 24th and the silking date was July 27th, but the P2105 variety was late to July 28th and August 1st, and the remaining varieties were similar. P1345 was the highest (289 and 123 cm), and P1151 varieties were the lowest (267 and 101 cm) in the plant and ear height. Disease resistance was low in P1184, P1443 and P1429, and P1197 and P1345 were high. In the case of stover, the dry matter (DM) content was the lowest at 19.6% in the P1151 and the highest at 24.9% in the P1429. DM content of ear was the highest in the P2105 (55.5%), and P1184 (54.2%) and P1345 (54.3%) were also significantly higher (p<0.05). The DM yield of stover of P2105, P1429 and P1194 varieties was significantly higher (p<0.05), and ear yield of P2105, P1345 and P1443 was higher. The proportions of each part of plants (leaf, stem, cob, husk, and grain) divided by 5 was high, with 50-60% of the ear(grain+cob) ratio. The ratio of husk and cob was roughly similar, and the leaf and stem part showed a ratio of about 20%. The crude protein (CP) content was highest in leaf, followed by grain. The CP content of the stem was the lowest, and the husk was not significantly different among the varieties (p>0.05). The acid detergent fiber (ADF) content was similar to the rest parts except grain, but the leaf part tended to be lower, and other parts except the stem and leaf showed no significant difference between varieties (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in NDF (neutral detergent fiber) content in husk, but there was a difference between varieties in other parts (p<0.05). In addition, there was a special difference by plant parts for each variety, P2015 on the stem, P1197 on the leaf, P1151 on the cob, P1197 on the husk, and P1197 on the grains with high NDF content. IVDMD (in vitro dry matter digestibility) was not significantly different between stems and grains, but there was a difference between varieties in cobs and husks. According to the results, DM yield of P2105 variety was the best in the experiment, and the ratio of grain was excellent in P1543 and P1345. In addition, it was found that the feed value was higher in the leaves and grains, and the leaf and stem had higher feed values than husk or cob.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of sowing and harvesting dates on agronomic characteristics and feed values of rye and triticale at Sanchoeng, South Korea. The experimental design consisted of the different sowing and harvesting dates as follows; rye (Secale cereale L., cv. Gogu) of sowing (October 15, 25, and November 5) in 2015 and harvesting (April 20, May 1 and May 11) in 2016, and triticale (X Triticosecale, cv. Joseong) of sowing (October 15, 25, and November 5) in 2015 and harvesting (May 18, 28, and June 7) in 2016. In rye, fresh and dry matter (DM) yields increased (p<0.05) with the delayed-harvesting date. Crude protein (CP) content and relative feed value (RFV) decreased (p<0.05) with the delayed-harvesting date, but neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content increased (p<0.05). In triticale, fresh and dry matter (DM) yields increased (p<0.05) with the delayed-harvesting date. The CP content decreased (p<0.05) with the delayed-harvesting date, but NDF content and RFV increased (p<0.05). This study concluded that rye sown in the middle of October then harvested in early May, and the triticale sown at the end of October then harvested at the end May are recommended to increase dry matter yield and feed value.

The field experiment was carried out to evaluate changes of dry matter productivity and feed value of Italian ryegrass and triticale at different growth stages in Wonju from 2018 to 2019. Italian ryegrass and triticale forages were harvested at an interval of seven days from May to June. The dry matter yield of Italian ryegrass with 7,870 kg/ha harvested on May 16 was significantly higher than that harvested on May 3 and May 9. The dry matter yield of triticale with 12,050 kg/ha harvested on June 7 was significantly higher than that harvested from May 3 to May 16. The crude protein yields harvested on May 16 were 890 kg/ha for Italian ryegrass and 1,103 kg/ha for triticale and were significantly higher than those harvested on May 3 and May 9. The total digestible nutrient yield(TDN) of Italian ryegrass with 5,223 kg/ha harvested on May 16 was significantly higher than that harvested on May 3 and May 9. The total digestible nutrient yield of triticale with 8,277 kg/ha harvested on June 7 was significantly higher than that harvested during May, but not different from that harvested after June 7. Considering the dry matter yield, crude protein yield and total digestible nutrient yield, it is suggested that the optimal harvesting times for Italian ryegrass and triticale seem to be May 16 and June 7, respectively.

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.