1. The study evaluated hay waste from three common hay feeding methods: unprotected bales (UNP), bales processed in a grinder-mixer and fed in tires (PRO), and bales fed in rings (RNG).
2. Hay waste was significantly lower for PRO (0.09%) compared to UNP (42%). RNG resulted in intermediate waste (13%).
3. An economic analysis found that the value of hay saved through PRO did not offset its higher costs compared to RNG. RNG appeared the most cost-effective method.
Presentation on " Tara Coal Block of CMDC IFFCO Coal Limited for Diversion" made before the Forest Appraisal Committee (FAC), Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India
Presentation on " Tara Coal Block of CMDC IFFCO Coal Limited for Diversion" made before the Forest Appraisal Committee (FAC), Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India
I. MINED LANDS RECLAMATION USING LEGUME-BASED CROPPING SYSTEMS IN THE TALENSI...QUESTJOURNAL
ABSTRACT : This study investigated the use of leguminous plants in the reclamation of mined and degraded lands in some small scale mining areas in the Talensi and Nabdam Districts in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The treatments tested in the field experiments were: sole cropped groundnut (A), sole cropped soybean (B), sole cropped Bambara groundnut (C), groundnut intercropped with soybean (D) and groundnut intercropped with Bambara groundnut (E). Generally the experimental treatments performed poorly on the degraded lands when compared with control plots (undisturbed fields) in two seasons. However, during the second year the performance of the various treatments on the degraded land was better than that in the first year. Groundnut plus soybean was considered the best treatment because it resulted in the best improvement in soil organic carbon and total soil nitrogen. It also gave the best land equivalent ratio (LER).
Sentinel Landscapes and Component 3: links in the CRP6CIFOR-ICRAF
Component 3 of the CGIAR Research Programme on Forests, Trees and Agroforestry (CRP6) focuses on landscape management for environmental services (ES), biodiversity conservation and livelihoods. This presentation explores the links between the various themes of CRP6 Component 3 and the cross-cutting CRP6 research theme of sentinel landscapes. How these links fit into a broader context of the CGIAR’s strategic results framework is also discussed.
This presentation formed part of the CRP6 Sentinel Landscape planning workshop held on 30 September – 1 October 2011 at CIFOR’s headquarters in Bogor, Indonesia. Further information on CRP6 and Sentinel Landscapes can be accessed from http://www.cifor.org/crp6/ and http://www.cifor.org/fileadmin/subsites/crp/CRP6-Sentinel-Landscape-workplan_2011-2014.pdf respectively.
Participatory natural resources management through multiple interventions at ...ILRI
Poster prepared by Kindu Mekonnen, Zenebe Adimassu and Bezaye Gorfu at the International Conference on Ecosystem Conservation and Sustainable Development (ECOCASD 2011), Ambo University, Ethiopia, 10-12 February 2011.
Mitigation strategy and the REDD: Application of the
GLOBIOM model to the Congo Basin region
Presented by Aline Mosnier at the AGRODEP Workshop on Analytical Tools for Climate Change Analysis
June 6-7, 2011 • Dakar, Senegal
For more information on the workshop or to see the latest version of this presentation visit: http://www.agrodep.org/first-annual-workshop
Intensification of crop-livestock farming systems in East Africa: A compariso...ILRI
Poster prepared by Kindu Mekonnen, Alan Duncan, Diego Valbuena, Bruno Gerard, Dagnachew Lule, Mesfin Bahta and Gedion Rachier at the International Conference on “Challenges and Opportunities for Agricultural Intensification of the Humid Highland Systems of Sub-Saharan Africa”, Kigali, Rwanda, 24-27 October 2011.
Valorization of shea caterpillar droppings (Cirina butyrospermi Vuillet) in t...Innspub Net
Works on park lands show that shea tree is a widespread species in the fields in Burkina Faso. There are caterpillars which are rich in proteins and throw out important quantity of dejection on the soil surface. The aim of this study was to determine the amount of droppings produced by caterpillars and their chemical quality in Koumbia area. The amount of dejection was determined on small plots and expressed as amount of dry matter (DM). Chemical analyzes have focused on the major elements (C, N, P and K). Our results show an average production of 19.34 kg for an average area of 68.47 m2 under a shea tree. We also observe that the production of caterpillar droppings is a function of the shea trees density and fluctuate between 440 and 3 775 kg ha-1. The data of chemical analyzes show that caterpillar droppings have high content of carbon (477.7 g kg-1) and nitrogen (10.8 g kg-1) and low content of phosphorus (0.3 g kg-1) and potassium (0.9 g kg-1). The amounts of C and N that caterpillar droppings are likely to bring, show that they can cover between 56 and 484 % of annual loss of soil C and fully compensate exports N of major crops (cotton, maize, sorghum) of the study area. The valorization of caterpillar droppings is therefore a way of ecological management of soil fertility of shea parks. However, the C/N (44) of caterpillar droppings suggests further agronomic investigations.
I. MINED LANDS RECLAMATION USING LEGUME-BASED CROPPING SYSTEMS IN THE TALENSI...QUESTJOURNAL
ABSTRACT : This study investigated the use of leguminous plants in the reclamation of mined and degraded lands in some small scale mining areas in the Talensi and Nabdam Districts in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The treatments tested in the field experiments were: sole cropped groundnut (A), sole cropped soybean (B), sole cropped Bambara groundnut (C), groundnut intercropped with soybean (D) and groundnut intercropped with Bambara groundnut (E). Generally the experimental treatments performed poorly on the degraded lands when compared with control plots (undisturbed fields) in two seasons. However, during the second year the performance of the various treatments on the degraded land was better than that in the first year. Groundnut plus soybean was considered the best treatment because it resulted in the best improvement in soil organic carbon and total soil nitrogen. It also gave the best land equivalent ratio (LER).
Sentinel Landscapes and Component 3: links in the CRP6CIFOR-ICRAF
Component 3 of the CGIAR Research Programme on Forests, Trees and Agroforestry (CRP6) focuses on landscape management for environmental services (ES), biodiversity conservation and livelihoods. This presentation explores the links between the various themes of CRP6 Component 3 and the cross-cutting CRP6 research theme of sentinel landscapes. How these links fit into a broader context of the CGIAR’s strategic results framework is also discussed.
This presentation formed part of the CRP6 Sentinel Landscape planning workshop held on 30 September – 1 October 2011 at CIFOR’s headquarters in Bogor, Indonesia. Further information on CRP6 and Sentinel Landscapes can be accessed from http://www.cifor.org/crp6/ and http://www.cifor.org/fileadmin/subsites/crp/CRP6-Sentinel-Landscape-workplan_2011-2014.pdf respectively.
Participatory natural resources management through multiple interventions at ...ILRI
Poster prepared by Kindu Mekonnen, Zenebe Adimassu and Bezaye Gorfu at the International Conference on Ecosystem Conservation and Sustainable Development (ECOCASD 2011), Ambo University, Ethiopia, 10-12 February 2011.
Mitigation strategy and the REDD: Application of the
GLOBIOM model to the Congo Basin region
Presented by Aline Mosnier at the AGRODEP Workshop on Analytical Tools for Climate Change Analysis
June 6-7, 2011 • Dakar, Senegal
For more information on the workshop or to see the latest version of this presentation visit: http://www.agrodep.org/first-annual-workshop
Intensification of crop-livestock farming systems in East Africa: A compariso...ILRI
Poster prepared by Kindu Mekonnen, Alan Duncan, Diego Valbuena, Bruno Gerard, Dagnachew Lule, Mesfin Bahta and Gedion Rachier at the International Conference on “Challenges and Opportunities for Agricultural Intensification of the Humid Highland Systems of Sub-Saharan Africa”, Kigali, Rwanda, 24-27 October 2011.
Valorization of shea caterpillar droppings (Cirina butyrospermi Vuillet) in t...Innspub Net
Works on park lands show that shea tree is a widespread species in the fields in Burkina Faso. There are caterpillars which are rich in proteins and throw out important quantity of dejection on the soil surface. The aim of this study was to determine the amount of droppings produced by caterpillars and their chemical quality in Koumbia area. The amount of dejection was determined on small plots and expressed as amount of dry matter (DM). Chemical analyzes have focused on the major elements (C, N, P and K). Our results show an average production of 19.34 kg for an average area of 68.47 m2 under a shea tree. We also observe that the production of caterpillar droppings is a function of the shea trees density and fluctuate between 440 and 3 775 kg ha-1. The data of chemical analyzes show that caterpillar droppings have high content of carbon (477.7 g kg-1) and nitrogen (10.8 g kg-1) and low content of phosphorus (0.3 g kg-1) and potassium (0.9 g kg-1). The amounts of C and N that caterpillar droppings are likely to bring, show that they can cover between 56 and 484 % of annual loss of soil C and fully compensate exports N of major crops (cotton, maize, sorghum) of the study area. The valorization of caterpillar droppings is therefore a way of ecological management of soil fertility of shea parks. However, the C/N (44) of caterpillar droppings suggests further agronomic investigations.
Study of Intake, Growth and Nutrient Utilization of Growing Bulls Fed Forages...IJEAB
The study was conducted to rank Napier, jumbo, maize and rice straw on the basis of their yield, production cost, nutritional value and productivity of native growing bulls. Thirty native bulls (Bos indicus) of 135 (+28/-28) kg live weight (LW) were randomly allocated to five treatments in a completely randomized design and fed silage of maize (Zea mays; Hybrid, PG-1000), jumbo (Sorghum bicolor; Hybrid Sugar graze), Napier (Pennisetum perpureum; hybrid) and urea molasses straw of whole straw (UMS-WS) and UMS of stover (UMS-S) for a period of 90 days. The dry matter (DM) intake of Napier, jumbo, maize, UMS-WS and UMS-S was 2.08, 1.79, 2.01, 1.92 and 2.08 % LW, respectively which differed significantly (P<0.01).><0.01)><0.01) in bulls fed maize silage (273.3 g/d) followed by Napier silage (81.4 g/d), UMS-S (75.3 g/d), jumbo silage (39.9 g/d) and UMS-WS (39.6 g/d). Considering the cost of beef production, maize may be ranked on the top followed by Napier, jumbo, UMS-S and UMS-WS, respectively which may be taken in profitable beef production system.
Management of Rangelands Through Controlled Shrub Burning (BHGP10 - Potential...copppldsecretariat
This note showcases a study, undertaken by the Livestock Sector of Paro Dzongkhag, of controlled shrubs burning in the alpine area of Soe Yaksa which was conducted to see its effect on rangeland regeneration. The trial was initially started in 2004 but the burning could be implemented only in February 2006 due to unfavourable weather conditions.
The preliminary findings reveal that the burning trials led to an increase of 26% of edible species of vegetation. After five to six month of burning trials, an excellent ground cover of edible grasses, sedges and broadleaf was observed in the area.
[ Originally posted on http://www.cop-ppld.net/cop_knowledge_base ]
The International Journal of Engineering and Science (The IJES)theijes
The International Journal of Engineering & Science is aimed at providing a platform for researchers, engineers, scientists, or educators to publish their original research results, to exchange new ideas, to disseminate information in innovative designs, engineering experiences and technological skills. It is also the Journal's objective to promote engineering and technology education. All papers submitted to the Journal will be blind peer-reviewed. Only original articles will be published.
The papers for publication in The International Journal of Engineering& Science are selected through rigorous peer reviews to ensure originality, timeliness, relevance, and readability
Interaction on the diet and substrate on the growth of Archachatina marginata...Innspub Net
Nine hundred juveniles of Archachatina marginata aged about two weeks, with an average live weight of 2.25 g with an average shell length of 20.12mm were monitored in culture for six (6) months on five types of substrates [S1 (soil collected in a cassava plantation: Manihot sp.), S2 (S1 with 10% oyster shell meal), S3 (S1 with 10% sawdust), S4 (S1 with 5% oyster shell meal and 5% sawdust) and S5 (uncultivated forest soil). Four diets including two industrial (D1 and D 2 of 12% and 16% calcium respectively) and two based on fodder (D3 and D4 based on leaves and fruit of the papaya (Carica papaya) on the one hand and a mixture of papaya leaves and taro (Xanthosoma maffafa) on the other hand, were used. In order to determine the best combinations inducing the best growth performance, 20 combinations were formed at the rate of 45 spat for each combination; three replicas of 15 spat each. This study showed that the combination of diet and livestock substrate influences the growth of Archachatina marginata. Although the best feed is D1 (74.68 g and 7.94cm) and the best substrate is S2 (77.12 g and 7.79cm), the best combinations are D2S3 (69.37 g and 7.47cm), D1S4 (74.68 g and 7.94cm and D4S2 (77.12 g and 7.79cm). The combined effect of the high level of dietary calcium and that of the culture substrate does not promote good growth of snails. This work will help improve the production of African giant snails and provide important data for anyone wishing to engage in the breeding of these animals.
Intercropping of maize and climbing bean: fodder yield, quality and nutrient ...Innspub Net
A study was conducted to examine fodder yield and silage quality of maize (Zea mays L.) and climbing bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) intercropping with different planting structure. Maize was cultivated alone and intercropped with climbing bean as follows;1 row maize to 1 row climbing bean (1M1K), 1 row maize to 2 rows climbing bean (1M2K) and 2 rows maize to 1 row climbing bean (2M1K). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with four treatments and three replications. The crops were harvested when the maize reached at milk stage and climbing bean at R7 stage. The results indicated significant increase in fresh biomass and dry matter production of maize fodder alone as compared to maize intercropped with climbing bean fodder. However, no difference (p>0.05) was observed in ether extract (EE), and ash (%) of nutrient composition of fodder among the four treatments After 45 days of ensiling period, silage samples were analysed for pH, organic acids (lactic, acetic, and butyric), ammonia-N(NH3-N), dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), water soluble carbohydrate (WSC), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na) and potassium (K). All intercropped silages had higher CP values (1M1K, 12.0%; 1M2K, 12.3%; 2M1K, 11.1%) than the monocrop maize (SM, 8.9%) silage. Higher organic acids and ammonia-N (p<0.05) were produced in the 1M2K silages as compared to others silages. The study showed that among all intercropped silages the 1M2K (1 row maize to 2 rows climbing bean) was preferable according to nutrient composition than other intercropped silages.
Improving N Efficiency through Managing Soil NitrateDairyNforProfit
Presentation given by Dr. Michael Russelle to the PICCC Strategic Science Think Tank - Nitrogen efficiency. Thursday 16 August 2012, 10 am – 7 pm, at the University of Melbourne
http://www.piccc.org.au/news/2012/aug/29/piccc-strategic-science-think-tank-nitrogen-efficiency
Impact of Agricultural Management on Quality of Soil, Carbon Storage and Carb...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract— The aim of this study was to characterize the carbon storage - Ec (Mg ha-1), carbon stratification ratio, carbon management index (CMI) in various systems use and management: a) Native forest (NF), b) improved pasture of Tanzania grass (TIP), c) degraded pasture of Tanzania grass (DP), d) hay area (H) with Urochloa (syn. Brachiaria sp) and e) Corn crop conventionally cultivated for 10 years (CTC). The experiment was conducted at Institute of Animal Science, at Sertaozinho, São Paulo State, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks with six replicates. The Ec, in Mg ha-1, adjusted variations in soil density, related to changes in land use were for native forest (112.9), improved pasture (81.6), system of conventional maize (78.2), field of hay (75.1) and degraded pasture (66.5). The highest values of carbon stratification (SR) were the forest (1.98), and lower in degraded pasture and conventional maize (1.10) - are considered poor in quality, while the improved pasture (1.28) and the area of hay (1.23 ) of media quality and while the forest considered great quality. For the different systems of use and management, low CMI values indicate a loss of soil quality related to native forest (100%), the values obtained in improved pasture (58%) indicate that there is potential for advances in the soil quality, adjusting grazing management and fertilization of annual replacement.
Potential to improve the common systems mixing crops, livestock and trees is ...ICRISAT
A study carried out at ICRISAT’s Sadoré research station in Niger targeted the depressive effect of Acacia species,millet and cowpea planted in close proximity. Mixed croplivestock-tree systems are common in West and Central Africa but are characterized by very low productivity.Some of the causes include low inherent soil fertility, soil degradation through nutrient and organic matter (OM) depletion, and recurrent droughts exacerbated by erratic rainfalls and climate variability.
Evaluating fodder quality in sorghum RIL population under contrasting water r...ICRISAT
Drought (midseason or terminal)is a regular and recurring event in arid and semi-arid land, affected by approximately 30% of the world total area and are in habited by 20% of the total world population. The reduction in crop production and yield caused by drought has direct effecton livelihood of farmers(and their families)that inturn affects the yield from livestock (draft capacity/milching).Sorghum is a dual purpose drought resilient crop cultivated in Africa and Asia.
Jatropha-based alley cropping system’s contribution to carbon sequestrationInnspub Net
The study was conducted to evaluate the total carbon stocks sequestered in a Jatropha – based alley cropping system treated with varying fertilizer applications. The study was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The alley was planted with corn in two seasons Treatments include control (no fertilizer), organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer applied to the alley crops. Findings showed that the treatments with fertilizer applications had higher carbon stock in the jatropha hedges. The carbon content of the corn stover was also higher in organic and inorganic fertilizer-applied treatments. However, highest soil carbon content was shown in treatments applied with organic fertilizer (4.28 Ton ha-1). The inorganic fertilizer treatment had the lowest soil carbon content with a mean of 4.28 Ton ha-1. In terms of total carbon stock of the entire jatropha-based alley cropping system, there was a significant difference among treatments with organic fertilizer application having the highest mean of 7.79 Ton ha-1 while the inorganic treated plots had 6.53 Ton ha-1. The no fertilizer treatment had the least carbon stocks with 6.53 Ton ha-1. This recent study revealed that the jatropha-based alley cropping system is a potential land-use for carbon sequestration. This farming system needs to be promoted in upland areas to function not only as soil and water conservation measures but also as a possible remedy for global warming. Get the Abstract and full articles at: http://www.innspub.net/ijaar/jatropha-based-alley-cropping-systems-contribution-to-carbon-sequestration/
Similar to C:\Fakepath\M Gadberry Arkansas Evaluationof Hay Waste (20)
Getting online information to come to you nacaa 2012nacaa
Today we face a problem, not of information scarcity, but an over abundance of information. Getting useful online information to flow to you is critical to keep pace with the explosion of online knowledge.
We often find reliable and interesting sources of information, but find it difficult to keep returning to see what’s been posted recently. RSS feeds and feed readers help deliver up-to-date content from the sources you choose. This session will explain what an RSS feed is, and how you can use a feed reader to aggregate all these updates in one, easy to read, place - and keep them out of your inbox.
Presented by Anne Adrian and John Dorner
C:\Fakepath\M Gadberry Arkansas Evaluationof Hay Waste
1. EVALUATION OF HAY WASTE BETWEEN
VARIOUS FEEDING METHODS
Gadberry, M.S.1, Rhoades,* S.R.2, Simon, K.J.3
1. Assistant Professor, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203
2. Extension Agent, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Waldron, Arkansas 72958
3. Program Associate, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203
Abstract
The feeding of hay is a major expense to cow/calf production in Arkansas. Three
on-farm demonstrations were conducted over a 2 yr period to examine the effect of
feeding method on hay waste. At location 1, feeding hay unprotected (UNP) was
compared to processed hay (SHRED) fed in tire feeders. In yr 1, both UNP and
SHRED hay were fed within 3 herds. In yr 2, the 3 herds were grouped. At
location 2, feeding hay in a ring (RING) was compared to unrolling (UNR). Hay
Introduction was offered at approximately 29 lb dry matter per cow, daily. Bales were fed to
The costs associated with hay feeding on a cow/calf operation are significant prevent waste cross-contamination. Three bales for each feeding method were
to a producer’s bottom line. These costs are incurred from the actual examined for waste. Waste was determined by measuring the land area covered by
production of the hay, baling and handling, and losses associated with storage bale residue after feeding. After determining coverage, hay was removed from
and feeding. This project targets the losses (i.e., waste) from feeding hay by within a randomly tossed 2-ft square (avoiding areas of fecal contamination) to
various methods commonly employed by Arkansas cow/calf producers – estimate dry matter waste. In yr 1 at location 1, waste was analyzed as a
unprotected (UNP), fed in ring (RNG), unrolled (UNR) and processed (PRO). randomized complete block design. The herd block effect was not significant and
Additionally, an economic analysis is conducted to determine costs associated was removed from the model; afterwards, yr 1 was combined with yr 2 and
with three feeding systems on a 200 head cow/calf herd. analyzed for treatment, year, and treatment x year effects. Treatment was the only
significant source of variation in waste (P < 0.001). Waste for UNP and SHRED
was 49.17, 0.03, 34.98, 0.14 ± 8.3% f yr 1 and 2, respectively. At l
for d l location 2,
UNR areas tended to have more waste (P = 0.07) than RING, 23.7 versus 13.0 ±
Objective 3.1%, respectively.
The objective of this project was to compare the waste and economics of
feeding systems based on processed hay, ring fed hay, and unrolled hay.
50
Experimental Procedures
Figure 2. A random sample is being collected from an unprotected bale
Hay Loss Estimation. Hay loss was estimated from 2 cow-calf production
replication.
systems in Scott Co, Arkansas. In 2008 and 2009, a system that incorporated
processing large round bales in a vertical grinder-mixer (PRO) was compared
p g g g ( ) p
40
to unprotected (UNP) hay feeding (location 1). To estimate hay waste, bales
were weighed to determine an average fed bale weight. In the PRO system, 2 Results and Discussion
Waste (%)
bales were processed simultaneously and augered into large tire feeders. 30 Hay Loss Estimate. For location 1, feeding method was the only significant
After a 24 h feeding period, the remaining hay was removed from the tires, source of variation (P < 0.001). Waste for UNP and PRO was 42 and 0.09 ±
weighed and composited for DM determination. For the UNP system, hay 5.8%, respectively. In 2008, the hay loss for UNP was high. Initial thought
loss was determined by measuring the circumference waste area of a bale was cattle were adapted to eating processed hay from tire feeders. However,
offered over a 24 h feeding period. Within the area, a 2 ft square was 20 in 2009, cattle were given UNP for a longer period of time, yet wastes were
randomly thrown 3 times (Figure 2.) and the area within the square was still high and the full model, year by treatment interaction was insignificant (P
collected, weighed, and dried for DM determination and estimation of waste. > 0.20). At location 2, UNR areas tended to have more waste (P = 0.07) than
At experimental location 2, unrolling hay (UNR) was compared to feeding
p , g y( ) p g 10 RNG, 23.7 versus 13.0 ± 3.1%, respectively. Figure 1. summarizes these waste
hay in a round bale ring feeder (RNG). The herd was offered hay as a single estimates.
group, providing enough hay to apparently be consumed over a 24 h feeding
period. Three UNR sites and 3 RNG sites were evaluated. Hay loss from the Feeding hay in rings produced less waste than unrolling. Visually, unrolling
RNG sites was estimated similar to the UNP sites at location 1. To determine 0 appears to permit less waste. Producers that unroll hay usually prefer this
hay loss from the UNR sites, length and width measurements were taken to method not for apparent reduction in hay waste but for reduced trampling
UNP RNG UNR PRO degradation to soil cover.
determine unrolled area. Within each UNR site, a 2 ft square was randomly Figure 1. Percentage hay dry matter waste by feeding method.
thrown in 4 different areas; the forage material within the square was
Economic Analysis. An economic analysis of a PRO, UNP, and RNG system is
removed, weighed and dried for DM determination. Areas collected for DM
Table 1. Partial budget results for processed, unprotected, and ringer feeder presented in Table 1. The value of total hay required was a minimum of
determination were void of fecal contamination.
based hay feeding systems for a 200 cow herd. $21,816 in the PRO system and a maximum of $30,672 in the UNP system for
Economic Analysis. An economic analysis of 3 hay feeding systems was used
y y y g y a 200 cow herd. The hay cost was $24,408 for RNG. The difference in hay
y , y
Annual S t C t c
A l System Costs
to determine if the value of hay loss associated with each feeding system cost between PRO and UNP or RNG was $8,856 and $2,592. The value of
would be sufficient to offset increased farm supply and machinery costs. The Processed Unprotected Ring Feeder wasted hay in the UNP system appears more than sufficient to offset the
three systems included: processed hay (PRO) using large tires as feeders (1% Cost itema (PRO) (UNP) (RNG) annual ownership and operating cost of a grinder-mixer ($4,344/yr) but not the
hay waste), unprotected hay (UNP) with 42% hay waste, and a ring feeder Tractor – 58 hp,MFWD,cab,loader $11,548 $11,548 RNG based system. The greatest economic impact to these systems would be
(RNG) based system (13% hay waste). The systems were based on a 200 Tractor – 75 hp,MFWD,cab,loader $15,063 $15,063 $15,063 differences in the annual tractor ownership and operating cost. The PRO
head cow-calf operation with a daily, per cow, hay consumption of 27 lb (as- Tractor – 95 hp,MFWD,cab,loader $18,416 system was $6,868 greater than the other systems due to operating a 95 hp
fed) over a 120-d winter feeding period. Bale size was assumed 900 lbs (as- Mixer – 540 cu. ft. $4,344 compared to a 58 hp tractor. The value in hay loss does not appear sufficient
fed) and valued at $30. Hay waste was factored into meeting the daily intake. enough to offset this cost difference, even when a 42% hay waste was
Hay rings $386
considered.
Cake Feeder $214 $214
Statistical A l i
St ti ti l Analysis Feed trough - ti
F dt h tire $28
For this project, bale was considered the experimental unit. Analysis of Feed trough – plastic culvert $140 $140
variance was examined for location 1 using R (http://www.r-project.org). In Total $37,851 $26,965 $27,351 Implications
2008 at location 1, waste was analyzed as a randomized complete block Overall, the RNG system appears most economical. While the grinder-mixer
Value of total hay requiredb $21,816 $30,672 $24,408
design. The herd block effect was not significant and was removed from the system had the greatest potential to minimize hay waste, producers would have
model; afterwards, 2008 was combined with 2009 and analyzed for year, Total equipment + hay $59,667 $57,637 $51,759
aTotal annual ownership and operating cost, MFWD (modified front wheel drive).
to justify the need for the greater hp and a grinder-mixer with other on-farm
treatment, and year by treatment effects. A t-test, assuming equal variance, enterprises.
b900 lb bales valued at $30/bale fed.
was used to compare means of unrolled or ring-fed bale waste measured at
cSystems were based on 1% waste (PRO), 42% waste (UNP), and 13% waste
location 2.
(RNG).