Browsing by Author "Teutsch, Christopher D."
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- Assessing the Effect of Nitrogen Sources, Rates and Time of applications on Yield and Quality of Stockpiled Fescue and Tall Fescue PasturesYarber, Elizabeth Lee (Virginia Tech, 2008-08-01)In Virginia, tall fescue [(Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.) Holub,) formally known as Festuca arundinacea L.] can be found on more than 4 million ac of hay and pastureland. Two separate experiments were conducted at three different geographical locations over two growing seasons. The objective of Experiment 1 was to evaluate the influence of N sources and rates on yield and nutritive value of stockpiled tall fescue. Experiment 2 examined the effect of split spring and fall N applications at various rates on yield and nutritive value of tall fescue pastures. The first experiment was conducted at three locations (Blacksburg, Blackstone, and Steeles Tavern, VA) while the second experiment was conducted only at the Blacksburg and Steeles Tavern locations. In Experiment 1, the N sources included ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, urea, urea + Agrotain®, Environmentally Smart N® (ESN), Nutrisphere (NSN), Nitamin® (Blackstone only), pelleted biosolids (Blackstone only), and broiler litter (Steeles Tavern only) applied at 0, 28, 56, 84, and 112 kg plant available N (PAN) ha-1. Plots were harvested in mid-December (Blacksburg and Steeles Tavern) and late January (Blackstone). The yield of the stockpiled tall fescue in 2006 ranged from 1,300 to 2,900, 1,700 to 3,000, and 2,600 to 3,300 kg DM ha-1 for the Blacksburg, Steeles Tavern and Blackstone locations, respectively. In 2007, however, the yield response to N rate and sources was significantly less than that of 2006 due to low rainfall. At the Blacksburg location, ammonium sulfate and ESN resulted in higher CP concentrations, ranging from 11-14% and 12-20% for 2006 and 2007 growing seasons, respectively. Similar variation (12-20%) was observed for the Steeles Tavern location in 2006. In general, the ADF and NDF content decreased as N rate increased from 0-112 kg ha1. Although the source and rate that resulted in high yield and nutritive value varied across location and years, N rates and sources improved the quality and yield of stockpiled fescue. Experiment 2 utilized urea which was applied in the fall at the rates of 0, 45, 90 or 135 kg N ha-1. followed by spring application of 0, 45, 90 or 135 kg N ha-1. A total of 16 treatment combinations per replication were used. Yields ranged from 1,900 to 3,600 kg DM ha-1 and 700 to 2,500 kg DM ha-1 in 2007 and 2008, respectively. At the Steeles Tavern location, yields ranged from 3,100 to 5,700 kg DM ha-1 and 2,500 to 5,100 kg DM ha-1, in 2007 and 2008, respectively. In both years CP increased with increasing N fertilization. On a dry matter basis, CP values ranged from 14 to 23% for both years. Treatments did not affect on NDF and ADF values. Split fall/spring N applications did not maximize yield of cool-season grass pastures in these experiments.
- Assessing the potential of mixed grazing goats with beef cattle to improve animal performance and increase the utilization of marginal pasturelands in the Appalachian coal regionWebb, Darryl Matthew (Virginia Tech, 2008-01-14)Reclaimed coal-mined lands in the Appalachian region can be successful established and utilized for beef cattle production. Currently, these areas are underutilized partly due to an increase in invasive plant species, such as multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora Thunb. Ex Murr.), autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.), and sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata (Dum.-Cours.) G. Don). The steep topography and low economic returns from beef cattle make conventional control methods inhibitive. Goats are effective browsing on invasive plant species. An experiment was conducted in 2006 and 2007 at the Powell River Research and Education Center near Wise, VA (77° 43' 30" west longitude, 38° 57' 30" north latitude, elevation 155.5 m) to determine the effects of an ungrazed control, cattle alone grazing, and mixed grazing goats with cattle on forage biomass, botanical composition, relative plant abundance, and animal performance. The three treatments included an ungrazed control, cattle grazing alone, and mixed grazing goats with cattle. Experimental design was a randomized complete block design with two replicates for the control and three replicates for the grazed treatments. Three times during the grazing season the following were measured, analyzed or assessed: nutritive values of pasture, autumn olive, multiflora rose, and sericea lespedeza were assessed; forage biomass was determined by clipping four 0.25 m² quadrants per control replicate and eight 0.25 m² quadrants per grazed replicate; botanical composition and relative abundance of plant species was assessed by the Double DAFOR method from five fixed points in each control replicate and ten fixed points in each grazed replicate; animals were weighed; autumn olive shrub height was measured with a clinometer from a distance of 10 m from the shrub. Branch length was measured with a tape measure from the base of the branch to the end tip. Shrub survival was measured by counting shrubs in each replicate and determining visually percent leaf-out. Each year, control and cattle alone treatments had greater (P < 0.05). Generally, grass content increased in the grazed treatments from spring to fall while weed content increased in the control treatment (P < 0.05). By the end of the two experimental years, the legume components of the pasture were low. This was more evident in the ungrazed control than the grazed treatments. The relative abundance of tall fescue and orchardgrass (P < 0.05) increased in grazed treatments while sericea lespedeza became a dominant weed in the control (P < 0.05). Goats showed high preference for sericea lespedeza and maintain this plant in a leafy, vegetative stage. This leafy, vegetative growth was found to acceptable to cattle. Cattle performance was not affected by treatment (P < 0.05) but total animal output was higher for mixed grazed compared to cattle alone treatments (P < 0.05). The nutritive values of multiflora rose, autumn olive, and sericea lespedeza were higher than pasture in most instances (P < 0.05). In our experiment, autumn olive was severely impacted by goat browsing. Shrub survival was lower in mixed grazing (61%) by the end of the experiment compared to over 90% for the control and cattle grazing treatments (P < 0.05). Overall, pastures were utilized more uniformly in mixed grazing compared to other treatments. Mixed grazing goats with cattle appear to be a viable option for livestock producers in the Appalachian coal mining region.
- Assessment of stockpiling methods to increase late summer and early fall forage biomassHickman, Amber Leanna (Virginia Tech, 2013-05-06)As one of the major forage crops of the United States management programs to optimize stockpiled tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) can potentially increase livestock profitability. This study consists of two experiments designed to assess different aspects of summer stockpiling. Experiment 1 evaluated the effects of summer stockpiling endophyte infected Kentucky 31 tall fescue on biomass and nutritive value of tall fescue forage. Treatments included four whole plot treatments (two nitrogen (N) application timing, legume inclusion, and control) each divided into sub-plot cut and no cut treatments. The cut treatment consisted of a single cutting taken in May. Nitrogen in the form of urea was applied at a rate of 56 kg/ha for the March N treatment and for the June N treatment. Yield and quality of summer stockpiled fescue was adequate to support dry beef cows. Experiment 2 evaluated the effects of summer stockpiling on the biomass yield and nutritive value of three types of tall fescue with N fertilization (endophyte infected (E+), endophyte-free (E-), and novel endophyte (MaxQ)) and four species of native warm-season grasses without N fertilization (switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman), indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash), and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash)). Native warm-season grasses produced much higher yields than all tall fescue types but the nutritive value was not adequate to support the nutrient requirements of livestock. Summer stockpiled tall fescue is a viable resource to provide low requirement animals with quality forage during late summer and early fall.
- Benefits of Dung Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) on Nutrient Cycling and Forage Growth in Alpaca PasturesArnaudin, Mary Elin (Virginia Tech, 2012-02-28)Alpacas have been gaining prominence in the U.S. since the early 1980s. In pastures, dung beetle activity has been shown to enhance the degradation and incorporation of dung into the soil. The benefits of this activity have been quantified for cattle, but not for alpacas. The objectives of this study were to document the dung beetle species present in alpaca pastures, and to evaluate the impact of dung beetle activity on the growth of a common summer annual grass. In 2010 and 2011, dung beetle species present in alpaca pastures located at Virginia State University (VSU), were evaluated weekly from late May until late August. Eleven species of dung beetles were found, with Onthophagus taurus Schreber being the most dominant. In 2011, a greenhouse study was conducted at Virginia Tech's Southern Piedmont Research Station. Treatments included a control (no dung, no beetles), dung only, dung with five pairs of O. taurus, and dung that was allowed to be colonized in alpaca pastures at VSU. The addition of O. taurus and the field colonization both significantly increased total yield over the no dung control by 10% and 14%, respectively. These results indicate that healthy and diverse dung beetle communities occur in alpaca pastures in the mid-Atlantic region, and that the presence of these beetles would likely enhance nutrient cycling and pasture growth. However, it is important to remember that dung beetles are just one component of many found in a healthy grassland ecosystem, and the functions of these components are interrelated.
- Calibrating Forage Seeding EquipmentTeutsch, Christopher D. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009-12-10)Successful forage establishment requires that seed be planted at the recommended density. It is critical to know how much seed is actually being metered out for any given combination of variety, seeder, and field condition.
- Comparative Nutritional Quality of Winter Crops for SilageFerreira, Gonzalo; Brown, A. N.; Thomason, Wade E.; Teutsch, Christopher D. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2017-02-23)Discusses how cropping grasses and legumes planted as winter crops affects crop yield and nutrients for forage and also later affects crop yield and nutrients for corn and sorghum silage crops.
- Comparison of Two Different Organic Fertilizer Sources for Flue-Cured TobaccoTucker, Lindy (Virginia Tech, 2015-12)Limited research is available to farmers and extension personnel seeking nitrogen fertilization recommendations for organic production of flue-cured tobacco in the Southside of Virginia. With growth in organic tobacco production in the area due to an increase in contracts offered by Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, the need for independent research on fertilization for the crop became clear. Research was conducted to compare the effects of the current organic tobacco fertilizer (8-5-5) to a new product considered to be more readily available (3-2-3) on flue-cured tobacco at the Southern Piedmont Agriculture & Research Extension Center near Blackstone, Virginia for the 2015 crop year. The effects of total nitrogen rate were also analyzed at rates of 65, 85, and 105 lbs of nitrogen to the acre. Additionally, sidedress applications of two products 13-0-0 and 16-0-0 were evaluated. Production other than fertilization treatments followed those of conventional tobacco. Plots were soil sampled a total of six times throughout the season and evaluated for nitrogen and ammonium content. Petiole samples of the fourth leaf from the top were taken from four plants in each plot four times throughout the season. Petioles were crushed and the extract analyzed for nitrate content. Total yields were determined after four harvests and the cured leaf graded for quality. Test results did not indicated a nitrogen rate effect for yield but there was a significant increase in yield with the 3-2-3 fertilizer compared to the 9-5-5.
- Creating silvopastures – Some considerations when planting trees into pasturesFike, John H.; Downing, Adam K.; Munsell, John F.; Frey, Gregory E.; Mercier, Kelly; Pent, Gabriel J.; Teutsch, Christopher D.; Daniel, J. B.; Fisher, K. Jason; Adams, Miller; Groh, Todd (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2017)Silvopastures — integrated tree-forage-livestock production systems — have the potential to boost farm resource use and income. These systems take advantage of the beneficial interactions among system components, add biodiversity, and increase animal comfort. The intentional and careful combining of trees and livestock in time and space can yield both short-and long-term returns and have positive environmental outcomes. In well-managed silvopasture systems, trees can reduce livestock stress by protecting them from inclement weather or by reducing ambient temperatures and radiation. They can provide marketable timber and nontimber products and improve environmental quality by reducing water runoff and capturing nutrients and by reducing animal use of surface waters.
- Creating Silvopastures: Some Considerations When Thinning Existing Timber StandsFike, John H.; Downing, Adam K.; Munsell, John F.; Daniel, J. B.; Teutsch, Christopher D.; Mercier, Kelly; Pent, Gabriel J. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2016-09-30)Discusses the concept of silvopastures, the inclusion of trees with forage and livestock production in a rotational grazing system. This system can improve forage production, animal comfort, increase farm resource use efficiency, increase farm income, and reduce environmental costs. This system is also more sustainable.
- Evaluating the use of renewable fuel sources to heat flue-cured tobacco barnsBrown, Robert T. (Virginia Tech, 2018-03-23)The curing of flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is an energy intensive process and represents a significant portion of the overall cost of production. Given the goal of the industry to reduce the environmental footprint of tobacco production and the energy demand of curing, attention has been directed to explore options for the use of renewable fuels for heating tobacco barns. A two-year study conducted at the Virginia Tech Southern Piedmont Center evaluated the effectiveness and cost of curing flue-cured tobacco with a wood pellet burner. Additionally, field studies were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of on-farm production of biomass fuel crops as well as on-farm manufacture of biomass fuel pellets. The first time use of a wood pellet burner with an air-to-air heat exchanger in a bulk curing barn proved to be a viable alternative to a conventional propane fueled burner. Curing cost averaged $0.05 with the pellet burner compared to $0.04 per kilogram of tobacco with the propane burner. The increase in cost was offset by a 90 percent reduction of CO2 emissions with the use of wood pellets. The use of low lignin grass varieties did have an impact on biomass pellet properties. Pellet testing revealed high ash and chloride levels which could be problematic using a high efficiency wood pellet burner. Full maturity harvest of annual grasses fertilized with 112 kg per ha N resulted in higher yields. However, fertilizing for maximum yield would increase the CO2 footprint for biomass fuel pellet production.
- Evaluation of Alfalfa-Tall Fescue Mixtures across Multiple EnvironmentsTracy, Benjamin F.; Albrecht, Ken; Flores, Joao; Hall, Marvin; Islam, Anowarul; Jones, Gordon M.; Lamp, William O.; MacAdam, Jennifer W.; Skinner, Howard; Teutsch, Christopher D. (2016-07)Binary grass-legume mixtures can benefit forage production systems in different ways helping growers cope both with increasing input costs (e.g., N fertilizer, herbicides) and potentially more variable weather. The main objective of this study was to evaluate alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and tall fescue [Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.) Holub] mixtures across a wide range of environments to assess herbage accumulation, weed suppression and fertilizer nitrogen replacement values (FNRV). A common field experiment was established in 2009 and 2010 at six study sites in the United States: Maryland, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Experimental treatments included an alfalfa monoculture, three alfalfa-fescue mixtures with seed ratios of 75: 25, 50: 50, and 25: 75 of alfalfa/tall fescue, and tall fescue monocultures that received nitrogen applications of 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 300 kg N ha(-1), respectively. Data were collected over a 2-yr period. The responses of tall fescue monocultures to N fertilization differed among sites, and this contrasted with mixture yields, which did not exhibit site x treatment interactions (P > 0.05). Herbage accumulation and weed suppression were consistently higher in mixtures compared with alfalfa monocultures and tall fescue monocultures receiving less than 100 kg N ha(-1). The FNRVs for alfalfa were within the range reported for other studies and averaged 143 kg N ha(-1). The consistent herbage accumulations across these multiple environments suggest binary mixtures of alfalfa-tall fescue may be a good option for many forage-livestock producers although yields could be improved with location specific cultivar selection.
- Forage Establishment: Getting Off to a Good StartTeutsch, Christopher D.; Fike, John H. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009)The establishment phase of forage production is critical because all other management practices depend upon a healthy sod. Successful forage establishment requires careful planning.
- Forage Production and Nutritive Value in a Temperate Appalachian SilvopastureBuergler, Alicia Lenore (Virginia Tech, 2004-04-28)Integrating trees into pasture may be an effective management tool to improve water, nutrient, and light allocation and increase total system productivity in Appalachia. We tested this hypothesis in a silvopasture near Blacksburg, VA. In 1995, black walnut and honey locust trees were planted within plots (r=3) of predominantly tall fescue pasture. Across a 12% slope, trees were planted to create treatments of low, medium, and high tree densities at shoulder, mid, and toe slope positions within plots of honey locust and black walnut. Sampling sites (n=54) under tree density and slope position combinations were harvested May to October at 35-d intervals in 2002 and 2003 for determination of yield and nutritive value characteristics. Soil surface temperature, forage canopy temperature, soil moisture, and photosynthetically active radiation were measured to determine forage responses to field treatments as functions of resource allocation. Tree density had the greatest effect on forage production and nutritive value. Across both years, yields were 16% greater (P=0.0006) at medium density (6130 kg/ha) compared to forage mass at low (5280 kg/ha)) and high density (4970 kg/ha, SE=130). Increasing tree density did not affect (P>0.2) ADF, CP, P, K, and Mg levels, but reduced (P<0.001) NDF and TNC, and increased (P<0.0001) ADL and Ca. Elevated soil surface and forage canopy temperatures limited forage production and nutritive value at low density, while low light levels were the limiting factor at high density. Moderating forage microclimate with appropriately spaced trees is an effective way to improve forage production in temperate pastures.
- Forage Systems for the Southeastern United States: Crabgrass and Crabgrass-Lespedeza MixturesAleshire, Emily Browning (Virginia Tech, 2005-07-13)Crabgrass is a warm-season annual species that has the potential to provide high-quality summer forage for ruminants in the transition zone between subtropical and temperate regions of the United States. Growing annual lespedeza in association with crabgrass may be beneficial due to nitrogen transfer from the legume to the grass. The objectives of the research reported in this thesis were to (1) determine the effects of pH on establishment and growth of crabgrass; and (2) evaluate the effects of lespedeza seeding rate and N fertilization treatment on the yield, botanical composition, and nutritive value of crabgrass-lespedeza mixtures. A greenhouse study was conducted using three soil pH levels of 4.8, 5.5, and 6.3. Crabgrass germination and root and shoot yields were not affected by soil pH values. A field study was conducted to evaluate the influence of six lespedeza seeding rates (0-28 kg ha-1) and two N fertilization treatments (140 kg total N ha-1 or zero N) on crabgrass-annual lespedeza mixtures. In most cases, increasing lespedeza seeding rate increased lespedeza in the sward. However, lespedeza rate had limited effect on yield and nutritive value of the mixture. Nitrogen fertilization increased crabgrass in the sward and total yield by as much as 46%. Responses of nutritive value parameters to N fertilization were variable and appeared linked to weather factors. In vitro true digestibilities ranged from 750 to 875 g kg-1, and were largely unaffected by N fertilization and seeding rate The results of these studies indicate that crabgrass could provide moderate amounts of highly digestible forage while growing on acidic soils commonly found in the southeastern United States. Annual lespedeza may be grown in association with crabgrass, but limited improvement in yield and nutritive value were found for this practice.
- Forage Utilization and Nitrogen Management of Tall Fescue Stockpiled for Winter GrazingShireman, Nathan Todd (Virginia Tech, 2015-06-30)The Southeastern United States offers a beneficial environment for stocker and cow-calf production. Abundant tall fescue grass offers a feed source that has been underutilized. These studies evaluated how nitrogen rate and source can affect yield and nutritional quality of fall stockpiled tall fescue, and how grazing methods impact weight gains, forage utilization, and forage nutritive value. The first study evaluated the impact of N rate and source on the yield tall fescue stockpiled for winter grazing. In mid-September, seven N sources (ammonium sulfate (AS), ammonium nitrate (AN), urea + Agrotain @ 2.1 l/Mg (AG2), urea + Agrotain @ 4.2 l/Mg (AG4), urea + Agrotain @ 6.3 l/Mg (AG6), Nutrisphere (NuS), and urea) were applied at 0, 45, 90, and 135 kg N/ha. Ammonium sulfate produced the highest nutritive values of all N sources. Only yield in 2012 was found to be influenced by N volatilization inhibitors; said products had no effect on nutritive value. The second study evaluated how grazing methods impact nutritive value, ADG, and utilization of tall fescue stockpiled for winter grazing. Three treatments (continuous grazing, moved once per week, and moved twice per week) were used. In year one, cattle moved once and twice per week showed significantly higher ADG (P < 0.05) than the continuous treatment. In year two, cattle that continuously grazed had higher ADG (P <0.05), than cattle moved once and twice per week. Cattle moved once and twice per week showed greater forage utilization (P < 0.05) than cattle that continuously grazed.
- Impact of Microbial Inhibitors on the Nutritive Value of and Microbial Growth in Alfalfa Hay Containerized for Exported from the Humid Eastern U.S.Quick, Kyle Kennedy (Virginia Tech, 2017-07-18)The arid conditions found in the west allow for the production of high quality hay for export. However, hay production in this region is highly dependent upon irrigation. There is significant interest in developing a hay export market in the eastern U.S. Therefore, a greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities with containerizing hay in high humidity environments is needed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of hay preservatives on the stability of containerized hay. Treatments included 1) propionic acid at baling, 2) propiopnic acid at baling + surface applied propionic acid at container loading, 3) propionic acid at baling + ammonization of the container after loading, and 4) no preservatives. Propionic acid was applied at a rate of 2.5 kg Mg-1 of hay at baling to all treatments except the control. Hay was then stored for 5 weeks before compressing to a density of 320.0 kg m-3. Immediately before containerizing hay, treatment 2 received a surface application of propionic acid at a rate of 3.4 g bale-1. After loading hay into containers, treatment 3 was ammoniated at a rate of 1.5 kg NH3 Mg-1 DM. Temperature and relative humidity in the containers were monitored for the 45-day storage period. Hay was sampled at compression and immediately after opening the containers. There were no treatment effects on nutritive value parameters after containerization (P > 0.05). Neither propionic acid at harvest, nor treatments at containerization had an effect on mold development in this study (P > 0.05).
- Impact of shade on cool-season forage mixtures for the Mid-Atlantic regionMercier, Kelly Marie (Virginia Tech, 2017-04-18)Silvopastures integrate trees, forages, and livestock. Tall fescue, the dominant forage in much of the U.S., harbors an endophyte that produces toxic ergot alkaloids. Diluting the sward with other forages can reduce ergot alkaloid concentrations, but it is unknown how shade impacts alkaloid production and productivity of different forage mixtures. This study tested the effects of increasing shade and mixture complexity on sward yield, botanical composition, nutritive characteristics and ergot alkaloid concentrations. Slatted shade structures created 30, 50, and 70% shade compared to full sun. Three forage mixtures were evaluated (SIMPLE = tall fescue and white clover; INTERMEDIATE = SIMPLE + orchardgrass and red clover; and COMPLEX = INTERMEDIATE + Kentucky bluegrass, birdsfoot trefoil, and alfalfa). Fifty and 70% shade reduced yield while red clover and orchardgrass dominated shaded swards. Birdsfoot trefoil, Kentucky bluegrass, and white clover did not perform well in any treatment. Nutritive value declined beneath shade in spring and fall. Sward ergot alkaloid concentration increased beneath shade in simple mixtures because of greater proportions of tall fescue. In the intermediate and complex mixtures, ergot alkaloids were diluted by other forage species and was not affected by shade. This illustrates the importance of incorporating multiple species into the sward. Low light levels may not have been sufficient to meet the forages' high energetic demands in the spring. Even though total forage production or nutritive value may be sacrificed during part of the year, this may be compensated for by diverse swards diluting ergot alkaloid concentrations.
- Maintaining Healthy Horse PasturesTeutsch, Christopher D.; Smith, Stephen R. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009)Sound pasture management is critical for maintaining a healthy and vigorous sod that benefits the horse, owner, and environment.
- Managing Shrub-Infested, Postmined Pasturelands With Goats and Cattle. Part I, Effect on Botanical Composition and Browse SpeciesAbaye, Azenegashe Ozzie; Webb, D. Matthew; Zipper, Carl E.; Luginbuhl, Jean-Marie; Teutsch, Christopher D. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2012-01-18)Reclamation of mined lands in the Appalachian coal region has resulted in the successful establishment and utilization of pasture for beef cattle production. Research goals were to determine the effects of mixed grazing of goats with cattle on forage biomass, forage nutritive quality, and animal performance. The three treatments included an ungrazed control, cattle grazing alone, and mixed grazing goats with cattle.
- Managing Shrub-Infested, Postmined Pasturelands With Goats and Cattle. Part II, Effects on Forage Biomass, Nutritive Values, and Animal PerformanceAbaye, Azenegashe Ozzie; Webb, D. Matthew; Zipper, Carl E.; Luginbuhl, Jean-Marie; Teutsch, Christopher D. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2001-12-09)Reclamation of mined lands in the Appalachian coal region has resulted in the successful establishment and utilization of pasture for beef cattle production. Research goals were to determine the effects of mixed grazing of goats with cattle on forage biomass, forage nutritive quality, and animal performance. The three treatments included an ungrazed control, cattle grazing alone, and mixed grazing goats with cattle.