Tag Archives: pasture

382-392 K. Griķe, D. Kairiša and D. Bārzdiņa
Influence of pasture feed chemical composition on growth performance of Latvian darkhead lambs
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Influence of pasture feed chemical composition on growth performance of Latvian darkhead lambs

K. Griķe*, D. Kairiša and D. Bārzdiņa

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Technology, Department of Animal Sciences, Lielā iela 2, LV-3001, Jelgava, Latvija
*Correspondence: kristiana.grike@gmail.com

Abstract:

Lamb fattening on pasture feed is widely used in the world and in Latvia as most of Latvian darkhead (LT) breed lambs are grazed on pasture with some addition of hay and straw. Clarifying the variable pasture grass chemical composition during the grazing season and comparing with growth performance of lambs can enable farmers to predict the fattening pace. The experiment was conducted during grazing seasons of year 2020 and 2021 at the ram breeding station owned by the Latvian Sheep hearder association. Pasture of 60% grasses and up to 20% of legumes and other broadleaf low grasses is recultivated every 4 to 5 years, grass is cut once a year, grazing is organized in rotational system of fenced paddocks where animals are moved periodically to ensure better feed quality as well as letting the previous paddock regrow. Total of 24 male LT breed lambs were used in the experiment. Pasture feed chemical composition was analysed from 13 samples in year 2020 and 9 samples in year 2021. The authors analysed
pasture feed samples for nutritional content (dry matter – 27.1%, within a kg of dry matter protein – 12.5%, fiber – 26.2%, metabolizable energy – 10.8, etc.) and measured lamb growth parameters (average daily gain – 256.4 g d-1, fattening duration – 78.6 days, end liveweight – 45.1 kg). The research demonstrates that pasture feed quality varies significantly between years and affects lamb growth performance, with lower feed quality prolonging fattening duration. Despite this variation, the authors conclude that pasture grass feed utilization for lamb growth performance was optimal, with lambs reaching target weights within acceptable timeframes. Practical conclusion of this research is that by using rotational grazing system lambs can be fattened to reach target liveweight, even with lower pasture grass feed quality due to weather conditions and fattening period takes longer, the target weight is sufficient. Utilitarian suggestion is to organize lamb weaning and begin the fattening period as early in the season as possible to avoid the decreased grass quality in autumn.

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xxx B.L.P. Ramos, A.A. Seixas, L.M.G. Nascimento, D.L.S. Dias, J.M.S. Amorim, O.L. Lemos and M.S. Pedreira
Development of tropical grassland biomass prediction model based on UAV RGB images
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Development of tropical grassland biomass prediction model based on UAV RGB images

B.L.P. Ramos¹*, A.A. Seixas¹, L.M.G. Nascimento¹, D.L.S. Dias⁴, J.M.S. Amorim¹, O.L. Lemos³ and M.S. Pedreira²

¹University State Southwestern Bahia, Postgraduate Program in Animal Science,
BR 415, Itapetinga – BA, Brazil
²University State Southwestern Bahia, Department of Plant Science and Animal Science, Road of Good Will, km 04, Vitória da Conquista – BA, Brazil
³University State Southwestern Bahia, Department of Agricultural and Soil Engineering, Road of Good Will, km 04, Vitória da Conquista – BA, Brazil
⁴University State of Feira de Santana, Department of Biological Sciences, Av. Transnordestina, Feira de Santana – BA, Brazil
*Correspondence: agro.barbara@outlook.com

Abstract:

The objective of this study is to assess the predictive potential of indices derived from RGB images captured by a camera mounted on a remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) to estimate the fresh and dry forage yield of grasses from the Urochloa genus. The experiment was conducted between December 2021 and January 2023, involving four cultivars of the Urochloa genus (U. brizantha cv. Braúna, U. brizantha cv. Paiaguás, U. hybrid cv. Camello, and U. decumbens cv. Basilisk), with flights conducted at two heights (20 and 100 metres). The values of the Green Leaf Index (GLI) and Digital Vegetation Model (DVM) extracted were correlated with the yields of fresh (FFY), dry forage yield (DFY), dry matter content (DM), and crude protein (CP). The results showed that DVM exhibited greater efficiency in estimating DM and CP at a flight altitude of 20 m. In contrast, GLI proved more efficient in estimating FFY and DFY at 100 m altitude, suggesting the potential for combining DVM and GLI to develop predictive models. The RGB images obtained via RPV have potential for estimating forage productivity and quality, expanding the possibilities of pasture management techniques.

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1527-1533 J. Vecvagars, D. Bārzdiņa and D. Kairiša
Meat chemical composition of pasture pure lambs and crossbreeds
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Meat chemical composition of pasture pure lambs and crossbreeds

J. Vecvagars, D. Bārzdiņa and D. Kairiša*

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Agriculture, Institute of Agrobiotechnology, Liela street 2, LV – 3001 Jelgava, Latvia
*Correspondence: daina.kairisa@llu.lv

Abstract:

Increased customer interest of safe, healthy and environmentally friendly food consumption promote development of sheep farming industry in Latvia. Aim of the paper – explain of different pasture-fattened sheep breed and their crosses lamb meat composition traits. A study of pasture fattened lamb meat chemical composition was carried out from year 2013 to 2017. Fattening lambs were kept in breeding rams control station ‘Klimpas’ (57°50’58.8’’N 25°19’39.6’’E) pasture array. Lambs were slaughtered in a certified slaughterhouse, but analysis of meat chemical composition were conducted in laboratory of Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment (BIOR). For the analysis of the meat chemical composition were used up to 1 kg heavy Quadriceps femoris muscle samples. In meat were analysed following elements of its chemical composition: dry matter, protein, fat, minerals, pH, cholesterol and unsaturated fatty acids. Data analysis shows that the lambs before slaughter ranged in age from 5 to 8 months. Lamb meat obtained from the study groups had a significantly different total amount of dry matter and fat. The lowest total fat, but the highest ash content was obtained in the lamb meat of the extensive breed group. The lowest total fat and the highest ash content were obtained in the lamb meat from the extensive breed group. In meat obtained a small (in individual samples < 0.10%) cis-10-pentadecenoic acid, cis-11-eicosenoic acid and myristoleic acid content. Of unsaturated fatty acids in lamb meat were represented higher amount of oleic acid, linoleic acid and elaidic acid.

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