Management practices to improve the sustainability of integrated cattle and grain operations at the Dudley Smith Farm CURRENT WORK

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1 Management practices to improve the sustainability of integrated cattle and grain operations at the Dudley Smith Farm Dudley Smith Initiative Spring 2014 Review 1 CURRENT WORK Randomized fall strip and continuous grazing experiments 2 1

2 Our fall grazing integrates several aspects of both crop and livestock production. Cattle performance Grazing behavior GPS data Forage selectivity Interrelationships among: Cattle spatial occupancy Soil characteristics Crop yield Randomized fall grazing study 3 Objective Cattle producer incentives well documented How is the integrated system effected? Soil properties, crop growth, development, & yield Study the effects of grazing method (continuous vs. strip vs. ungrazed) on cow performance, soil physical and chemical properties, and crop yield. Randomized fall grazing study 4 2

3 Grazing management included 3 treatments with 3 replicates each and 36 mature Angus cows (648 kg), at 3 cows/ha. Randomized fall grazing study 5 Soil sampling was conducted before and after the grazing study. Randomized fall grazing study 6 3

4 Our grazing studies have been replicated twice. Year 1 (2012) Corn harvested August 21 st Grazed: Sept. 27 th -Nov. 8 th Cows supplemented 3 days/week corn gluten feed/soybean hulls Year 2 (2013) Corn harvested October 16 th Grazed: Nov. 2 nd -Dec. 15 th Cows supplemented 3~5 days/week corn gluten feed/soybean hulls Freezing temps and snow required increase in supplementation Randomized fall grazing study 7 Soils were sampled to depth of 50 cm (20 in.). Analyzed for: Penetration Resistance (compaction) Bulk Density Nitrogen (NO3 & NH4) Available Phosphorous Moisture Content Randomized fall grazing study 8 4

5 Preliminary results show strip grazed cattle outperformed continuously grazed cattle in body weight while both maintained body condition scores. Treatment Item Continuous Strip Grazed SE P value Initial BW, kg Final BW, kg BW Change, kg Initial BCS Final BCS BCS Change Randomized fall grazing study 9 Preliminary results for year 1 suggest: Strip & continuous had greater bulk densities than control CG & SG had increased PR in top 10 cm Only CG had greater PR than CT at greater depths No significant differences in P, NO3, & NH4 Highly variable in soils Randomized fall grazing study 10 5

6 Preliminary Findings (Year 1) 11 Increase in bulk density and penetration resistance are not yet of agronomic importance. All values of bulk density and penetration resistance are within optimal values on silt loam soils Strip grazing requires increase in labor, but resulted in significant increase in body weight. More years of research is needed to evaluate permanency of soil effects. Randomized fall grazing study 12 6

7 Cattle spatial occupancy was uneven throughout strip and continuously grazed paddocks. Randomized fall grazing study 13 Strip grazing management has significant impacts on the spatial distribution pattern of animal locations Fall First Period: 09/27-10/02 and 10/11-10/12 Randomized fall grazing study 14 7

8 Strip grazing management has significant impacts on the spatial distribution pattern of animal locations Fall First Period: 09/27-10/02 and 10/11-10/12 Second Period: 10/12-10/16 and 10/25-10/26 Randomized fall grazing study 15 Strip grazing management has significant impacts on the spatial distribution pattern of animal locations Fall First Period: 09/27-10/02 and 10/11-10/12 Second Period: 10/12-10/16 and 10/25-10/26 Third Period: 10/26-11/08 Randomized fall grazing study 16 8

9 Preliminary results show that corn yield has little impact on the spatial occupancy of cattle. Corn yield Cattle spatial occupancy 2012 fall Dudley Smith Initiative Farm (North) Randomized fall grazing study 17 CURRENT WORK Model development and data analysis 18 9

10 We have investigated the effects of number of animals monitored on representations of cattle group movement characteristics and spatial occupancy. Modeling and data analysis 19 Decisions regarding selection of an appropriate subset group size for monitoring a group of cattle depend on the specific use of data for subsequent analysis. Average centroid location deviation Average herd daily travel distance Monitoring a relatively small group of animals may be enough for identifying areas visited by cattle. Modeling and data analysis 20 10

11 Periodic movement patterns (e.g. associated with water) can be identified using data mining. Example: 2011 summer cattle movement GPS data Periodic pattern associated with water visitations Period (associated with water) detected: P= 24.8 hours Modeling and data analysis 21 An agent-based model has been developed to simulate cattle movement on crop residue lands under continuous and strip grazing management practices. Modeling and data analysis 22 11

12 Demo - Strip grazing simulation Water Feeder Interactive modeling environment (NetLogo) Cross fences Cross fences 23 Dynamic display of output results Two journal manuscripts are in process. A manuscript (submitted to PLOS ONE) Effects of number of animals monitored on representations of cattle group movement characteristics and spatial occupancy. A manuscript (preparing) Modeling spatial distribution of fall grazing cattle on crop residue lands using multi-agent simulation Given future validation of the model, we anticipate to test scenarios and identify future strategies for grazing management. Modeling and data analysis 24 12

13 CURRENT WORK Methane emission estimates using the Ruminant Emission Measurement System (REMS) 25 The Ruminant Emission Measurement System (REMS) supports research on the relationships between nutrition, genetics, and different management strategies, and their subsequent effects on beef cattle CH4 emissions. Methane Emission Measurement 26 13

14 Methane Emission Rate (ER) relative and absolute expanded standard uncertainties (k = 2; 95% C.I.) was found to be about 6% for ERs greater an 4.0 g h -1. ER relative standard uncertainty (%) Relative standard uncertainty Absolute standard uncertianty Methane ER (g h -1 ) ER absolute standard uncertainty (g h -1 ) Methane Emission Measurement 27 The REMS has undergone a comprehensive and systematic validation process to reliably quantify methane emissions Chamber 1 Temperature ( C) Dry-bulb Dew point Background TCZ (upper limit) :12 12:00 16:48 21:36 2:24 7:12 Time (hh:mm) 100 Steady State Mass Recovery Percent (%) Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Chamber 4 Chamber 5 Chamber 6 Methane Emission Measurement 28 14

15 Studies conducted using the REMS have explored: Effects of nutrition on methane production Fat from corn distillers solubles Dr. Jacob Segers Forage or grain diets Blake Lehman Gestational plane of nutrition on calves Bain Wilson Feed Efficiency Relationship between feed efficiency and methane production Bain Wilson Methane Emission Measurement 29 Steers were fed a corn control and coproduct blends with increasing concentrations of dietary fat from condensed corn distillers solubles (CDS). Ruminal methane emissions, g/h Control 0% CDS 10% CDS 19% CDS 27% CDS Dietary Treatment There is no effect (P 0.37) of corn distillers solubles inclusion on methane production. Methane Emission Measurement 30 15

16 Expected outcomes include journal papers, conference abstracts and posters. Engineering aspect: A two part series to document the unique design and methodology to quantify the calculated emission and associated combined standard uncertainty A technical note regarding the design, construction, and validation a low-cost instrument for accurate volumetric flow rate measurement A technical note exploring the effects of sampling interval and the initial start time of sampling on daily methane emissions Animal science aspect: Papers regarding from the nutritional studies Methane Emission Measurement 31 Lessons learned: Many potential sources of uncertainty exist in these complex systems requiring a comprehensive and well-documented design and commissioning Applying a systematic approach and rigorous procedure to the REMS validation has greatly enhanced the quality and reliability of methane production estimates Methane Emission Measurement 32 16

17 CURRENT WORK Effects of Summer Supplement Feeding Frequency on Performance of Grazing Beef Replacement Females 33 Infrequent supplementation of low fat co-products to developing heifers will perform similarly to daily supplementation, thus reduce labor costs. Summer supplementation experiment 34 17

18 Summer supplementation was studied by grazing cool season grass pasture for 55 days between June 24 th and August 20 th. 64 bred Angus heifers (17 mo.) 1 of 2 treatments High Frequency Low Frequency Weighed and assigned body condition score Summer supplementation experiment 35 Two treatments were applied during the summer supplementation study. High Frequency Fed 6 days/wk 2.3 kg/hd Corn gluten feed/soybean Hulls Low Frequency Fed 3 days/wk 4.5 kg/hd Corn gluten feed/soybean Hulls BOTH treatments received 13.6 kg/hd/wk Summer supplementation experiment 36 18

19 Statistical Analysis Treatment Item Low High SE P-value Initial BW, kg Initial BCS Final BW, kg Final BCS Summer supplementation experiment 37 BW Change Heifer BW Change BW Gain, kg kg P = kg Low Treatment High Summer supplementation experiment 38 19

20 No significant differences were observed in neither body weight nor body condition score. Preliminary results suggest heifers can be fed infrequently with co-products and perform similarly to daily fed heifers. Infrequent supplementation may result in lower labor and equipment costs. Summer supplementation experiment 39 FUTURE WORK 40 20

21 The USDA-NIFA Foundational Program in Agroecosystem management has a focus on enhancing ecosystem services (provisioning, regulating, supporting or cultural) that we intend to apply towards these integrated cattle-grain systems. Tong Liu, PhD ABE, is currently preparing a prelim exam proposal Developing models and decision support capability for sustainable management of integrated crop-livestock systems. Tasks include data collection on soil characteristics, forage quality, crop yield, cattle performance, and greenhouse gas generation. The key opportunity is to expand our scope to other experimental sites. Dixon Springs? 41 An educational module is currently in development. The module features: A fun and interactive activity for kids of all ages to learn about animal science, environmental science, and technology Take home material and fact sheets for students Age/audience appropriate poster about gas production and importance of measurement Age/audience appropriate handouts with information similar to the poster and link the science to potential career paths in agriculture 2013 Explore ACES and Engineering Open House 42 21

22 REMS Mobile will feature an interactive interface and real-time CO 2 monitoring. REMS Mobile includes: A replicate of a REMS chamber Measures CO 2 production from person inside the chamber Visual display compares CO 2 production between the person in the chamber, cow, car, and average human Potential venues are: Student recruitment events Youth science programs Open houses (e.g. Explore ACES and Engineering Open House) National events (e.g. FFA Convention) Field days 43 Publications Articles in journals Liu, T., A. R. Green, L. F. Rodriguez, B. C. Ramirez, D. W. Shike. Effects of number of animals monitored on representations of cattle group movement characteristics. PLOS ONE. Manuscript under review. Liu, T., L. F. Rodriguez, A. R. Green, D. W. Shike. Modeling spatial distribution of fall grazing cattle on crop residue lands using multi agent simulation. Ecological Modelling. Manuscript in preparation. Maia, G.D.N, B.C. Ramirez, A. R. Green, D. W. Shike, L. F. Rodriguez, and R. S. Gates. A novel Ruminant Emission Measurement System Part I: Design evaluation and description. Transactions of ASABE. Manuscript in preparation. Maia, G.D.N, B.C. Ramirez, A. R. Green, D. W. Shike, L. F. Rodriguez, and R. S. Gates. A novel Ruminant Emission Measurement System Part II: Commissioning. Transactions of ASABE. Manuscript in preparation. Ramirez, B. C., Liu, T., A. R. Green, L. F. Rodriguez, and D. W. Shike. Long term evaluation of an updated GPS collar design and effects of GPS receiver position and orientation on GPS performance. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. Manuscript in preparation. Ramirez, B. C., G.D.N. Maia, A. R. Green, D. W. Shike, L. F. Rodriguez, and R. S. Gates. Technical note: design and validation of a calibrated orifice meter for sub 550 liter per minute flow rate applications. Transactions of ASABE. Manuscript in preparation. Sun, Y., B. C. Ramirez, G.D.N. Maia, A. R. Green, L. F. Rodriguez, D. W. Shike, and R. S. Gates. Effects of sampling frequency on daily methane emission estimates from beef cattle in respiration chambers. Transactions of ASABE. Manuscript in preparation. Conference proceedings and presentations Lehman, B. E., A. R. Green, T. L. Felix, B. C. Ramirez, L. F. Rodríguez, and D. W. Shike Effects of Diet on Intake and Methane Emissions of Beef Steers. In American Society of Animal Science Midwest Section/American Dairy Science Association Midwest Brach Joint Meeting Abstract No Lehman, B. E., H. Norris, A. R. Green, L. F. Rodriguez, D. W. Shike, M. B. Villamil Effects of Continuous and Strip Grazing of Corn Residues on Soil Properties. Poster presented at: Animal Agriculture Sustainability and Conservation of Natural Resources. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA Annual Meetings, Tampa, Fl. Poster Liu, T., L.F. Rodriguez, G.D.N. Maia, A.R. Green, D.W. Shike, B. Lehman, B.C. Ramirez; J.R. Segers Cattle movement characterization and pattern identification for modeling cattle movement. In American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting Paper No Maia, G.D.N., A.R. Green, B.C. Ramirez, Y. Sun, J.R. Segers, D.W. Shike, L.F. Rodriguez, R.S. Gates Overview and Application of a Metabolic Chamber for Quantification of Greenhouse Gas Generation from Enteric Fermentation. In American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting Paper No Sun, Y., G.D.N. Maia, A.R. Green, B.C. Ramirez, L.F. Rodriguez, D.W. Shike, R.S. Gates Sampling Frequency Selection and Diurnal Patterns of Methane Production from Beef Cattle. In American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting Paper No Norris, H., L. Rodriguez, T. Liu, A. Green, D. Shike, J. Segers, G. Maia, B. Ramirez, Impact of Livestock on Soil Characteristics in a Crop Livestock Agroecosystem. Heather Norris. Dallas, TX. ASABE AIM. Ramirez, B. C., G.D.N. Maia, A. R. Green, D. W. Shike, L. F. Rodriguez, and R. S. Gates Design and validation of a calibrated orifice meter for sub 500 liter per minute flow rate applications. In American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting Paper No Ramirez, B. C., Undergraduate Poster Competition, ASABE International Conference. Ventilation Quantification Using a Orifice Meter for Flow Measurement July 2012 Ramirez, B. C., Summer Research Symposium, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. Design and Validation Methods of a Methane Emission Measurement System Implemented in a Metabolic Flux Chamber for Beef Cattle July

23 Thank you! 45 23