Italian ryegrass (IRG) has become a vital forage crop due to its increasing cultivation area and its role in enhancing forage self-sufficiency. However, its production is susceptible to environmental factors such as climate change and drought, necessitating precise yield prediction technologies. This study aimed to assess the growth characteristics of IRG and predict dry matter yield (DMY) using vegetation indices derived from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based remote sensing. The Green Leaf Index (GLI), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference red edge (NDRE), and optimized soil-adjusted vegetation index (OSAVI) were employed to develop DMY estimation models. Among the indices, GLI demonstrated the highest correlation with DMY (R² = 0.971). The results revealed that GLI-based UAV observations can serve as reliable tools for estimating forage yield under varying environmental conditions. Additionally, post-winter vegetation coverage in the study area was assessed using GLI, and 54% coverage was observed in March 2023. This study assesses that UAV-based remote sensing can provide high-precision predictions of crop yield, thus contributing to the stabilization of forage production under climate variability.

Sorghum-Sudangrass hybrids (SSH) is a grass cereal hybrid crop with a high yield potential under different climatic conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth characteristics, dry matter yield and nutrient content of the SSH cultivars such as Dairy Mens Dream, Superdan and Supergreen from 2021 to 2023 in Jeju Island, Korea. Among the three cultivars, Superdan grew significantly taller with a larger stem diameter at both harvest times. In contrast, Dairy Mens Dream had least height and less stem diameter, but the dry matter yield was greater for Dairy Mens Dream than other cultivars. Furthermore, the crude protein content at the first cut was higher than 8.5% compared to the second cut (6.5 – 7.0%). The neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content was higher in the second harvest of all cultivars compared to the first harvest of SSH in 2021. The SSH cultivation in 2021 and 2023 had higher ADF and NDF content than in 2022, possibly due to the average precipitation and optimum temperature suitable for SSH production in 2021 and 2023. The selected three SSH cultivars showed significant growth characteristics, dry matter content, and nutritional value. The overall data suggested that all three SSH showed significant productivity and nutritional content in the Jeju region of sub-tropical climatic condition.

Due to climate change and the expansion of cultivation areas through the use of reclaimed land, changes in the selection of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) varieties are anticipated. This study was conducted to compare the growth characteristics before overwintering, productivity, and feed value of eight Italian ryegrass varieties with different maturing stages under the same cultivation conditions. The variety ‘Lm4ho’, a medium-maturing type, showed superior growth characteristics before overwintering, including plant height, leaf length, and leaf width. The heading date was advanced in all varieties, with a greater degree of advancement observed in varieties with earlier heading dates. When harvested at the heading stage of the early-maturing types, the dry matter yield of the medium-maturing types was not significantly different from that of the early-maturing types. However, when harvested at the heading stage of the medium-maturing types, the dry matter yield was higher than that of the early-maturing types. Specifically, ‘Lm4ho’ produced 2,518 kg/ha more than ‘Kowinearly’. The late-maturing variety IR901 and the medium-maturing varieties ‘Lm4ho’ and ‘Kowinmaster’ showed statistically superior dry matter yields. In terms of forage value, including crude protein (CP), total digestible nutrients (TDN), and relative feed value (RFV), the medium- and late-maturing types outperformed the early-maturing types. Notably, ‘Lm4ho’, ‘IR 901’, and ‘Hwasan 104’ were evaluated as suitable varieties for high-quality forage production. These results suggest that medium-maturing varieties may be suitable for double cropping in the central regions due to climate change. We propose that future breeding of Italian ryegrass should expand from focusing on cold tolerance and early-maturing varieties to include mediumand late-maturing varieties that consider both productivity and quality.

This study was conducted to analyze the productivity and economic feasibility of truss-limited tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) grown at a high density in Cambodia during the rainy season. During the rainy season in Cambodia, due to excessive rain and very high temperature, tomatoes cannot grow well in an open field, leading to a greatly reduced yield. High density truss-limited cultivation (HDTLC) of tomatoes can shorten the growing season and increase yields. In conventional cultivation (control), tomatoes were transplanted at a spacing of 70×40 cm and harvested up to the 4th fruit cluster. In HDTLC, tomatoes were transplanted at a spacing of 20×20 cm or 25×25 cm and harvested up to the 2nd fruit cluster. Plant heights in HDTLC were higher than those in the control at 22 days after transplanting (DAT). At 39 DAT, plant heights did not differ between 25×25 cm and control. At 60 DAT, plant height, stem diameter, leaf length, and leaf width of the HDTLC were lower than those of the control. Fruit length and width were also lower in HDTLC compared to those of the control. However, sugar content was more than 19% higher in HDTLC compared to that in the control. Yield per plant of the control was the highest, but yields per ha in HDTLCs were 99% (20×20 cm) and 38% (25×25 cm) higher, respectively, compared to that of the control. No pesticides were used for disease control in this experiment. However, to ensure yield, it is recommended to observe the disease status of plants and spray pesticides at the appropriate time. The disease index (1: disease-free; 5: all leaves were disease-infected) of late blight (Phytophthora indestans) was significantly higher for 20×20 cm (4.5) and 25×25 cm (3.6) groups compared to the control (2.0). Income with 20×20 cm (5,668 thousand KRW) and 25×25 cm (1,863 thousand KRW) were 4.9 and 1.6 times higher, respectively, compared to that with the control (1,149 thousand KRW). So, we want to spread the HDTLC technology, which transplanting of tomato seedlings at 20×20 cm intervals and harvests up to 2nd fruit cluster, to Cambodian farmers.

본 시험은 마늘 절임에서 분리 동정된 Leuconostoc citreum SK2556 균주에 의한 마늘 발효 배양액 급여가 산란계의 계란 생산성, 계란 품질, 혈액 성상에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 실시하였다. 시험 동물은 33주령 산란계(Hy-Line Brown) 180수를 공시하였고, 5주간 사양시험을 실시하였 다. 전체 사양기간동안 산란율은 대조구, FG (발효마늘) 0.3 및 FG 0.5 처리구는 78.02~78.53의 범위로 유의적인 차이가 없었으나, FG 0.1 처리구(75.37±3.22)는 다른 처리구들에 비교하여 감소하였다(P<0.05). 사료섭취량과 사료요구율에서는 유의한 차이가 관찰되지 않았다. 시험 전기간 Haugh unit에서는 마늘 발효액 FG 0.1이 대조구와 FG 0.5에 비해 유의하게 증가하였다(P<0.05). 혈액 내 Glucose는 모든 마늘 발효액 처리구가 대조구보다 유의하게 낮았다(P<0.01). 간 기능의 이상 여부를 나타내는 알칼리인산분해효소(alkaline phosphatase; ALP)는 FG 0.3 처리구가 대조구보다 유의하게 감소하였다(P<0.05). 본 연구 결과, 산란계 사료 내 마늘 발효 배양액 급여는 계란의 Haugh unit의 향상으로 계란의 신선도를 개선시켰을 뿐만 아니라, 건강 유지에 긍정적인 영향을 미쳐 사료첨가제로서의 이용가능성을 제시하고자 한다.

본 연구는 로즈마리 다단재배 시 층별 환경조건 및 하위선반 보조 광원이 어린순 품질과 생산성에 미치는 영향을 구명하고 자 수행되었다. 정아를 제거한 커먼 로즈마리의 중간부 삽수 10cm를 128공 트레이에 삽목하여 발근시킨 뒤 750, 1,300, 2,000mL의 화분에 이식하였다. 이후 2연동 온실 내 다단선반 (3단)에 배치하여 저면관수 방식으로 재배하였다. 다단선반 층별 어린순 생산성은 3층(최상층)에서 가장 우수하였으나, 여름철 광 과다에 의한 줄기 목질화로 9월 이후 생산성이 급감 하였다. 반면 하위 2개 층은 재배 후기까지 어린순의 생장속도 가 빨랐으나, 줄기 연화 및 엽 상편생장으로 품질이 감소하였 다. 다단선반 3층 여름철 광 과다 문제 해결을 위해 7, 8월 30% 차광 재배시 무차광 대비 단위 면적당 어린순 수확 줄기수 210%, 생체중 162% 증수하였다. 하위층 광 부족 문제를 개선 하고자 보조 광원 설치 재배 시 LED 30W에서 6－9월 어린순 수확량이 보조광원 미설치 대비 168% 증가하였으나, 9월 이 후 오히려 생산성을 감소시켰다. 따라서 로즈마리 다단재배 시 3층(최상층)은 7－8월 30% 차광으로 줄기 목질화를 막고, 하 위층은 6－9월 LED 30W로 일시적 보광을 통해 어린순 생육 을 증대시킨다면 어린순 집약생산이 가능할 것으로 판단된다.

본 연구는 로즈마리 다단재배 시 근권부 용적이 어린순 생산성에 미치는 영향을 구명하고자 수행되었다. 정아를 제거한 커먼 로즈마리의 중간부 삽수 10cm를 128공 트레이에 삽목 하여 발근시킨 뒤 125, 200, 550, 750, 1,300 및 2,000mL의 용 기에 이식하여 1, 2년생 삽목묘 어린순의 생육특성과 수량성 을 비교하였다. 1년생 로즈마리의 경우 초기 생육(이식 후 30 일)은 용기 550mL 이상에서 처리 간 뚜렷한 차이가 없었으나, 2년생 로즈마리의 경우 용기가 클수록 생육이 비례하는 경향 을 보였다. 1, 2년생 로즈마리의 지하부 생체중은 용기 550mL 에서 7월 25일 조사 시 각각 6.9g, 24.4g, 11월 24일 조사 시 각 각 10.3g, 24.9g으로 가장 낮았고, 용기 750－2,000mL에서 는 처리 간 차이가 보이지 않았다. 반면 지상부 생체중은 1년 생 로즈마리의 경우 용기가 클수록 증가하다가 1,300mL 이 상에서는 통계적 차이가 없었으며, 2년생 로즈마리 역시 용기 가 클수록 생체중이 유의하게 높았다. 어린순 품질은 1년생 로 즈마리의 경우 용기 2,000mL에서 가장 우수하였으나, 2년생 로즈마리의 경우 시기별 품질 차이를 보였다. 단위 화분당 어 린순 생산성은 1,300mL에서 가장 높았으나, 단위 면적당으 로 환산할 경우 750mL에서 가장 우수하게 관찰되었다. 따라 서 로즈마리 어린순 다단재배를 통한 집약생산에 가장 적합한 용기 크기는 750mL로 판단된다.

As part of the KOPIA Paraguay Center rice pilot villages project, conducted from July 1, 2021, to the end of June 2024, this study examined the average yield and value of paddy rice harvested between January and April 2023 in five local rice pilot villages in Paraguay: Santa Rosa, Eusebio Ayala, Coronel Bogado, Santa Maria, and Yaguaron. The CEA-5K-PUNTA variety was planted in late August 2022 and subsequently harvested from January to April 2023. The farmers in the pilot villages received information on common pests, diseases, and weeds, including instructions on timing and the number of applications required for their control. They also received technical guidance on water management and weeding methods. The study found that the average yield per hectare in the pilot villages for the CEA-5K PUNTA variety in the 2022/2023 growing season was 794.50 kg/10a, compared to 477.17 kg/10a for the conventional variety IRGA 424 in the 2019/2020 season, which preceded the project. This indicates a 66.5% increase in yield per hectare for the pilot village farmers compared to the pre-project period (2020/2021). The analysis of paddy rice production value in the pilot villages, using the Difference in Differences method, revealed a 65.1% increase. Moreover, a financial analysis was conducted based on the addition of agricultural inputs to the paddy fields during the period from the end of August 2022 to January-April 2023. The analysis showed that the total cost was US$597.25 per hectare, while the gross income was US$1,685.3 per hectare. As a result, the net profit per hectare amounted to US$1,088.05.

The objective of this study was to compare the feeding effects of imported timothy hay, domestic Italian ryegrass silage (IRGS) and IRG dried by hot-air dry system (IRGHDS) under basic total mixed ration (bTMR) on rumination activity, milk production, and milk composition in lactating dairy cows. Eighteen Holstein dairy cows were divided into three groups: control (bTMR + imported timothy hay), treatment 1 (bTMR + IRGS) and treatment 2 (TMR + IRGHDS) groups. The study was conducted over a total period of 24 days, including a 10 days adaptation period and a 14 days main experimental period. The results indicate body weight was not significantly different between the three groups (p>0.05), and rumination time was significantly higher in the treatment 1 group compared with the control group (p<0.001). Milk fat, protein, and lactose were not significantly different between the three groups (p>0.05), however, somatic cell counts were significantly lower in the treatment 1 group compared with the control group (p<0.001). As a result of the economic feasibility analysis, it is expected that feeding TMR using IRGS and IRGHDS will increase profit by 402.8 won/day and 331.4 won/day per cow compared to imported timothy hay. Therefore, IRGS and IRGHDS can be used as substitutes for imported timothy hay in feeding lactating dairy cows.

We compared the reproductive performance, non-productive performance, and milk composition performance of two groups of lactating cows that were either rice straw or tall fescue. We also compared and analyzed these parameters after the first parturition during the breeding period. The calving interval, artificial insemination, and duration from calving to conception were longer in the rice straw group than in the tall fescue group. The 305-day and peak milk yields were significantly higher in the tall fescue group than in the rice straw group (p<0.01). Milk fat content was significantly higher in the tall fescue group than in the rice straw group (p<0.001), but milk protein content was the same between the feeding groups. The difference in raw milk sales income between rice straw and tall fescue groups tended to increase as the number of lactations increased, but there was no effect of reduced feed costs. Analysis of the milk production and raw milk sales income of the surveyed farms revealed that the average milk production per head was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the tall fescue group than in the rice straw group, and raw milk sales income showed a similar tendency. Overall, these results provide important details to be considered when selecting feed as a way to reduce milk production and heifer raising costs. However, there remains a need for future follow-up studies exploring the relationship between feed choice and the management of heifers.

The experiment was conducted to determine the changes in seed productivity of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) according to nitrogen fertilization levels in the southern region of Korea. Italian ryegrass (IRG) variety 'Green Call' was sown in the fall of 2021 in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do. The experiment consisted of three nitrogen fertilizer levels (100, 120, and 140 N kg/ha) with three replications using a randomized complete block design. Harvesting was done approximately 30 days after heading on May 18th. There was no difference in heading date among treatments, which occurred on April 18th. The longest IRG was observed in the 140 N kg/ha treatment, but there was no significant difference. No significant differences were observed in lodging, disease resistance, and cold tolerance among treatments, but lodging was severe in all treatments. The length of the spike averaged 44.95 cm, with no difference among treatments, and the number of seeds per spike was highest in the 120 N kg/ha treatment. Seed yield increased with increasing nitrogen fertilizer levels, averaging 3,707 kg/ha (as-fed basis). DM content of seed and straw averaged 76.95% and 62.19%, respectively, with no significant differences among treatments. The remaining straw after harvesting averaged 6,525 kg/ha on a dry matter basis, with the highest value observed in the 140 N kg/ha treatment. Overall, considering the results, the optimal nitrogen fertilizer application rate for seed production of Italian ryegrass in the southern region when sown in autumn was found to be 120 N kg/ha.

지구온난화로 인한 물 부족에 대응하고, 작물 생산의 극대화를 위한 효율적인 방법의 하나로 지중점적 관비 시스템이 주목받고 있다. 하지만, 우리나라에서 식량작물에 적용된 지중점적 관비 효과에 대한 이해 및 이와 관련 시스템 개발은 아직 부족한 실정이다. 본 연구는 지중점적 시스템을 이용한 관수 및 관비처리(SF)가 감자(Solanum tuberosum L.)의 생장 및 수량에 미치는 영향을 알아보기 위하여 수행되었다. 지중점적 처리를 위해, 경상국립대학교 시험포장(600 m2)에서 점적관(Ø 14.1 ㎜, 1.6 L h-1)을 80 ㎝ 간격으로 40 ㎝ 깊이에 매설하였다. 감자의 표준시비량(N-P-K: 100-88-130 ㎏ ha-1) 중의 일정량을 기비로 시용한 후, 잔여 시비량인 N-P-K: 50-40-40 kg ha-1을 절반씩 괴경형성기(4월 29일)와 괴경비대기(5월 17일)에 각각 나누어 관비하였다. 대조구(CF)는 전량 기비로 시용하였다. 지중점적 관비 처리시 토양 20㎝ 깊이의 수분함량은 대조구 9.6%, 지중점적 처리구 55.1%로 지중점적처리구의 수분함량이 45.5% 더 높았기 때문에, 관비처리가 잘 수행되었다고 판단되었다. 관비 후 생육특성 조사에서 지중점적처리구와 대조구 간 차이가 없었지만, 수량특성 조사에서는 지중점적처리구가 괴경 직경이 56.0 ㎜로 가장 굵었고, 괴경수 또한 11.6개로 가장 많게 나타나 대조구와 약 12~18%의 차이를 보였다. 상서용 수량 또한, 지중점적처리구가 3,402 kg 10a-1로 대조구 대비 약 10% 더 많았다. 따라서, 봄 감자 재배시 지중점적시스템을 이용한 관비처리가 수량 향상에 도움을 주는 것으로 판단되나, 토성에 따른 투수성 등의 차이로 인한 여러 문제점이 존재할 수 있어, 국내의 노지재배 작물에 지중점적시스템을 적용하여 다양한 토성에서의 체계적인 연구가 필요할 것으로 생각된다.

In this study, the biogeochemistry management (BGC-MAN) model was applied to North and South Korea pine and oak forest stands to evaluate the Net Primary Productivity (NPP), an indicator of forest ecosystem productivity. For meteorological information, historical records and East Asian climate scenario data of Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) were used. For vegetation information, pine (Pinus densiflora) and oak (Quercus spp.) forest stands were selected at the Gwangneung and Seolmacheon in South Korea and Sariwon, Sohung, Haeju, Jongju, and Wonsan, which are known to have tree nurseries in North Korea. Among the biophysical information, we used the elevation model for topographic data such as longitude, altitude, and slope direction, and the global soil database for soil data. For management factors, we considered the destruction of forests in North and South Korea due to the Korean War in 1950 and the subsequent reforestation process. The overall mean value of simulated NPP from 1991 to 2100 was 5.17 Mg C ha-1, with a range of 3.30-8.19 Mg C ha-1. In addition, increased variability in climate scenarios resulted in variations in forest productivity, with a notable decline in the growth of pine forests. The applicability of the BGC-MAN model to the Korean Peninsula was examined at a time when the ecosystem process-based models were becoming increasingly important due to climate change. In this study, the data on the effects of climate change disturbances on forest ecosystems that was analyzed was limited; therefore, future modeling methods should be improved to simulate more precise ecosystem changes across the Korean Peninsula through processbased models.

Protein is an essential nutrient for humans to sustain life, but it is predicted that it will be challenging to secure protein through the traditional livestock industry in the future. Microalgae has high future value as an alternative protein food source due to resource utilization and sustainability advantages. In order to increase productivity, the culture conditions of microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris, Dunaliella salina, and Scenedesmus obliquus were examined in this study. The optimal culture conditions of C. vulgaris were mixotrophic culture, 25oC culture temperature, 7.0 initial pH, 10% initial inoculation, stirring culture, 3000 Lux light intensity, and 24L:0D light/dark cycle period with red LED. For D. salina, the optimal culture conditions were mixotrophic culture, 20oC culture temperature, 8.0 initial pH, 10% initial inoculation, stirring culture, 6000 Lux light intensity, and 12L:12D light/dark cycle period with white LED. For S. obliquus, the optimal culture conditions were mixotrophic culture, 30oC culture temperature, 8.0 initial pH, 10% initial inoculation, stirring culture, 4500 Lux light intensity, and 14L:10D light/dark cycle period with fluorescent light. These findings can be used as important information for increasing the production of microalgae as an alternative protein material resource in the future.

This study was conducted to determine the optimal irrigation starting point by analyzing tree growth, physiological responses, fruit quality, and productivity in peach orchards. Seven-year-old ‘Kawanakajima Hakuto’ peach trees were used in an experimental field (35°49′30.4″N, 127°01′33.2″E) located within the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science located in Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do. The irrigation starting point was set with four levels of –20, –40, –60, and –80 kPa from June to September 2022. While there were no significant differences in increase of trunk cross-section area and leaf area among treatments, shoot length and diameter decreased in the –80 kPa and –20 kPa treatments. The photosynthetic rate measured in August was highest for –60 kPa (17.7 μmol·m-2·s-1), followed by –40 kPa (15.6 μmol·m-2·s-1), –20 kPa (14.5 μmol·m-2·s-1) and –80 kPa (14.0 μmol·m-2·s-1). SPAD value measured in May and August was lower in the –80 kPa and –20 kPa treatments than in the –60 kPa and –40 kPa treatments. The harvest date reached three days earlier in the –20 kPa treatment compared to other treatments. The fruit weight was highest in the –60 kPa (379.1 g), followed by –40 kPa (344.0 g), –80 kPa (321.0 g) and –20 kPa (274.9 g). Firmness was the lowest in the –20 kPa treatment. The soluble solid content was highest in the –60 kPa treatment (13.3°Bx).The ratio of marketable fruits was highest in the –60 kPa treatment (50.7%) and lowest in the –80 kPa treatment (23.4%). In conclusion, we suggest that setting the irrigation starting point at –60 kPa could improve the fruit quality and yield in peach orchards.

식량 작물의 확보 및 생산량 예측은 국가 발전에 있어 필수적이며, 국가 경제뿐만 아니라 전 세계 식량 안보에 기여 한다. 최근 환경오염으로 인한 이상기후는 식량 작물 생산량에 직ㆍ간접적으로 부정적 영향을 끼치고 있어, 작물 수확량 예측 불확실성이 높아지고 있다. 특히, 노지 작물의 경우 생산량 감소와 품질 저하 문제가 화두 되고 있다. 이러한 문제는 농가들뿐만 아니라 소비자들에게도 큰 피해를 안겨주고 있다. 이러한 생산량 예측 이슈를 해결하기 위해 최근에는 인공지능 기술이 농업 분야에도 활발히 적용되고 있다. 작물 수확량의 정확한 예측을 위한 머신러닝 기반 연구가 집중적으로 수행되고 있다. 따라서, 본 연구에서는 이와 같은 인공지능 기반의 노지 작물 수확량 예측 기술(머신러닝, 딥러닝, 하이브리드 모델 등) 현황 및 작물 수확량에 가장 영향을 많이 끼치는 모델 파라미터 등을 조사하였다.

It is widely known that forage corn is one of the most important crops in the production of silage and green chops during the summer months. In this study, the characteristics and the productivity of Kwangpyeongok, AGR 41, and Nero IT corn cultivars were evaluated in the regions of Jeju and Cheonan, Korea between 2021 and 2022. In each year, different corn cultivars were sown in different parts of the country on April 7 in Jeju and May 3 in Cheonan. The yield of three cultivars, Kwangpyeongok, AGR 41, and Nero IT were measured at the yellow-ripening stage, including the leaves and stems (Stover) and corn grain. Kwangpyeongok stover and total dry matter (DM) yields were slightly higher in Cheonan than in Jeju over the past two years. The quantity of corn cultivated in all cultivated areas was similar. The average yield of AGR 41, corn quantity and total DM were slightly higher in Jeju than in Cheonan. In terms of stover yield, and total dry matter content of the Nero IT cultivar cultivated in Jeju had a slightly higher yield than the cultivar cultivated in Cheonan. Based on this study, all cultivars can show some variations but not too much in terms of growth productivity and distinct characteristics depending on their location. Overall, AGR 41, and Nero IT cultivars in Jeju exhibit slightly higher levels of productivity than the same cultivars in Cheonan.

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.

The effects of punching treatment on mycelial culture and fruiting body productivity were investigated in a new Lentinula edodes cultivar, “Jadam”, in sawdust medium for the stable production of oak mushroom. As the punching volume and number increased, the weight loss rate and color difference increased and the L value decreased. After spawn inoculation, the sawdust medium temperature and CO2 concentration reached their highest values at 33 and 19 days of incubation, respectively. The O2 concentration showed the lowest value on the 14th day of incubation, which was the opposite pattern to the CO2 concentration. As the punching volume and the number increased, the medium temperature and O2 concentration increased, and the CO2 concentration decreased. Higher punching volumes and numbers resulted in higher temperatures and lower CO2 concentrations. The best fruiting body yield was 5 × 70 mm - 30 (punching diameter × depth - number), and the total yield after three cycles was 644.7 g.

This study was conducted to examine the effect of a diet supplemented with dried Bacillus subtilis culture on broilers' productivity and blood characteristics. Broiler feeding experiments were conducted twice. The diet fed to the control group was supplemented with 0.2% Palm MateⓇ commercially available probiotics (B. subtilis), and the diet fed to the experimental group was supplemented with ThekerⓇ 0.05% dried B. subtilis culture (DBC) in experiment 1, and 0.1% DBC in experiment 2. Treatment was administered for four weeks in both groups. A higher average daily gain was observed in the group treated with 0.05% DBC in experiment 1 compared with the control group, which was significantly higher in the group that received 0.1% DBC in experiment 2 compared with the control group. A higher production index was observed in the groups that received treatment than in the control group and was higher in the 0.1% DBC group than in the 0.05% DBC group. Significantly lower serum triglyceride (TG) was observed with increased DBC content. Although the findings showed no statistical significance, lower total cholesterol (T-C) was observed in the treated group than in the control group. HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) content showed a significant increase in the DBC-treated groups. A significantly opposite outcome was observed for LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) content. These findings demonstrated that the atherogenic index (AI) and cardiac risk factor (CRF) decreased in the DBC-treated groups. Significantly lower serum levels of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT: aspartate aminotransferase, AST) and glutamate pyruvic transaminase (GPT: alanine transaminase, ALT) were detected with an increase in DBC content in the treated groups compared with the control groups. To summarize the findings described above, adding ThekerⓇ dried B. subtilis culture to broiler feeds positively improved productivity through weight gain of broilers and the production of healthier functional broilers through the improvement of blood lipids and liver function. It is expected that the findings of this study will be helpful in the effort to increase the profitability of broiler chicken farming and promote human health.