The Forage Voice Building a Voice for Alberta s Largest Industry

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1 The Forage Voice Building a Voice for Alberta s Largest Industry Issue 3 Inside this issue: Beekeeping and Forage Growers Reducing Bloat Using a New Cultivar of Sainfoin Membership Drive Horse Nutrition 101 Forages for Export Beekeeping and Forage Growers: An Important Relationship Hello to AFIN members from Alberta Beekeepers. I was asked to provide a small window into how bees and other pollinators depend on forages and the people who grow them. Pollinators have relatively simple nutritional needs. They require carbohydrates for immediate energy requirements, usually supplied by sugars in nectar. They also need protein, which is collected in the form of pollen. All pollen is not created equal however, so to supply all the necessary amino acids, a variety of different species of pollen is required. In the quest for efficiency, today's agricultural practices are moving ever further towards large areas of single crops. As a result, we have multiple applications of herbicides meant to eliminate any of this variety of plant species that pollinators need. These fields also often see infestations of damaging insect pests. This generally leads to applications of pesticide which, while not intended to kill bees, rarely discriminate and kill off insects, beneficial or not, with remarkable efficiency. Pasture mixes and forages provide a relatively safe haven. Cereals are devoid of any nutrition for bees so large areas of these crops are veritable deserts. Pastures and forages like alfalfa or sanfoin provide nectar and pollen when in bloom. Even when not in bloom, these fields often provide multiple blooms of dandelion, which is a very important source of pollen and nectar in the spring. These fields also see fewer applications of pesticides/ herbicides/fungicides which are a source of concern for every beekeeper. In the Alberta Beekeepers Commission, the Pollinator Habitat Committee is charged with exploring options and implementing protocols to improve the quality and quantity of forage available to pollinators. A very large part of this mandate is education. Working with other industries at work on the land we all depend on, gives us countless opportunities to encourage people to make pollinators and beneficial insects a priority in their decision making. Just remembering that not all bugs are bad (in fact, many of them perform vital functions) can help influence decision makers in positive directions. Small things like spraying pesticides early in the morning or late in the evening, when bees are less active, or mixing pollinator friendly seed into pasture mixes, can have far-reaching effects. I suspect that many of you either have bees in your fields, or that bees on neighboring properties make extensive use of your fields in their search for sustenance. With this in mind, I would like to thank all of you for supporting beekeeping and pollinators either directly or indirectly. Here's hoping we all have a successful and profitable Adam Ovinge

2 P a ge 2 A lberta s Forage Voice Alfalfa Pasture Bloat Can Be Eliminated By Intermixing Newly- Developed Sainfoin Populations In The Stand Alfalfa is the most important forage legume in western Canada. Due to its wide adaptation, high biomass productivity and nutritional quality it is often referred to as the Queen of forages. Beef cattle weight gains on alfalfa pastures under proper management are comparable to those achieved in confined feedlot systems. Live weight gains of kg d -1 and gains of 440 to 820 kg ha -1 have been reported for steers grazing alfalfa. However, the risk of frothy bloat is a major deterrent to the grazing of pure alfalfa pastures. The protein in alfalfa is rapidly fermented in the rumen and this contributes to the formation of stable foam that is indicative of pasture bloat. Naturally occurring condensed tannin (CT) in sainfoin binds to proteins in a ph-dependent/reversible manner, reducing the formation of stable foam and the incidence of bloat in ruminants. This CT binding process also improves the nutritional value of forage protein and has been reported to improve milk production in grazing ewes and dairy cows fed fresh forage. It is well known that about % of sainfoin dry matter fed as hay, pellets or fresh herbage in a fresh alfalfa diet was sufficient to reduce bloat incidence by 45 to 93 % in steers fed in pens. However, the problem with existing sainfoin cultivars is their poor persistence under grazing and in mixtures with alfalfa. These present cultivars also have poor regrowth after grazing making the mixed stands vulnerable to bloat. At the Lethbridge Research Centre (LRC) selections were made for improved performance in mixed alfalfa/sainfoin stands under a multiple-cut management. Some of these new sainfoin populations have been observed to persist better in mixed alfalfa stands in western Canada and regrow after cutting or grazing better than Nova sainfoin. However, to be useful in alfalfa pasture their bloat-reduction/prevention properties needed to be evaluated. Our working hypothesis was that the new populations developed through selection for a multiple cut system and tested for improved performance in mixed stands would persist better in mixtures with alfalfa than the cultivar Nova and thus reduce pasture bloat in cattle grazing alfalfa/sainfoin mixed stands. Nova was used for comparison as this cultivar is used for commercial production in Canada and presently it is the check cultivar in western Canada. For the purpose in 2008 alfalfa/sainfoin mixed pastures were established at Lethbridge. The two mixed pasture treatments consisted of the cultivar Nova and a newly developed sainfoin population LRC-3519 with a high yielding AC Blue J (BJ) alfalfa in alternate rows. Seeding rate for alfalfa and sainfoin were adjusted to produce 50:50 proportions of the two components on a dry matter basis. Prior to the bloat studies in 2010 and 2011 the pastures were rotationally grazed twice using steers. To maximize bloat occurrence this study was carried out in September 29 to October 21 in 2010 and September 26 to October 19 in 2011 on the second re-growth of the pastures when both alfalfa and sainfoin were in vegetative stage. The mean proportions of sainfoin (on a dry matter basis) in the pastures were 7 and 29 % in 2010; and 5 and 28 % in 2011 for Nova and LRC-3519, respectively. Pasture bloat was assessed using 10 Angus steers (615 ± 36 kg) fitted with ruminal cannulae. The steers were adapted in a separate alfalfa/sainfoin mixed pasture for 7 days prior to the start of the experiment. Steers were randomly divided into two groups of five and assigned to two treatments in a crossover design with each group being exposed to both treatments. To ensure daily exposure to fresh pasture, plots were further sub-divided into small paddocks using electric fence and each paddock was grazed for 1 day only. The steers grazed the pastures for 6 hours d -1 from 0800 to 1400, and then were held in a fenced area with access to only water, no feed. This management approach is known to maximize the risk of bloat in cattle grazing alfalfa. The steers were observed and scored for bloat using visual scoring of 0 to 3: scores 1 and 2 were classified as

3 A lberta s Forage Voice P a ge 3 sub-acute bloat and 3 as acute bloat. Any steer with a bloat score of 3 was haltered and its cannula opened to relieve pressure. Multiple bloats on the same day by the same animal were considered as one case of bloat although the number of distensions per animal-day was recorded. In 2010, the total number of steers experiencing bloat was about 90% (43 out of 48 bloat incidences) in Nova/ alfalfa mixed pastures a level that was significantly higher than in LRC-3519/alfalfa pastures, which had only 10% of the incidences (5 out of 48 bloat incidences). The highest bloat score (severity) recorded on Nova/ alfalfa plots was 3, which was an acute form of frothy bloat while the highest score on LRC-3519/alfalfa plots was 2. In 2011, 98% of the recorded bloat incidence in all steers occurred in those grazing Nova/alfalfa plots with the highest severity being 3 compared to a bloat incidence of 2% in steers grazing LRC-3519/alfalfa with the severity score not exceeding 1 in this treatment. This study suggested that the new sainfoin populations, capable of providing % biomass for three years, can be used to reduce the risk of bloat in cattle grazing alfalfa pastures even though steers appeared to prefer alfalfa (55%) to sainfoin (45%) if both are available for grazing. Dr. Surya Acharya Research Scientist (Plant Breeder) Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada AFIN Membership Drive In Alberta the footprint of forages is immense, unfortunately the influence is small. The Alberta Forage Industry Network (AFIN) strives to bring together all the facets; producers, users, seed and technology resources and exporters. We are offering you an opportunity to join our team to keep the momentum going to keep forages in the forefront with increased research capacity and professional support. High value forage exports are an opportunity for annual crop acres to rotate out of disease and pest pressure that come with monocultures. In Alberta most forages are used in house as with cow-calf, backgrounders and feeding operations. Therefore they do not demand the research and extension commitment that annual crops do. Forages occupy over 50% of Alberta s farmland. Their value to society as a whole is also under appreciated. The 28 million forage acreage provide wildlife habitat, water quality and flow regulation, recreation and hunting and many other Ecological goods and Services. Pollination by domestic and wild bees provide millions in value to honey and cropseed production. So if you are a forage producer, exporter, or participate in the resale and seed industries please consider a membership. We also seek input and support from all of the forage customers: Dairy, Beef, Sheep, Equine, Bison, Goats, Elk, Deer, and Llama/Alpaca. You can help us grow the industry and reap the rewards the added recognition brings. We are a charter member of the Canadian Forage and Grasslands association, which puts Alberta issues in front of a national audience, and builds support for Federal involvement in forages. AFIN is currently accepting and looking for new members. Those involved in any aspect of the Alberta forage industry are encouraged to become members, have a say, and play a part in the future direction and development of this industry. Current membership fees range from $50 to $250, depending upon class of membership. The financial support provided by membership will allow AFIN to address Alberta forage industry objectives and priorities. Lyndon Mansell, AFIN Chair Join AFIN Today!

4 P a ge 4 A lberta s Forage Voice Horse Nutrition 101 One might think that the feeding requirements for all livestock would be the same: tossing some feed over the fence or letting them out to graze. However, each species has different requirements, and horses, in particular are sensitive consumers. That grass is a major component to a horse s diet is true enough, but the nutritional value of your grass, other volunteer plants living in your pasture, the age and type of horses you are feeding, seasonal and weather conditions, are all important factors to consider when feeding horses. Often people, particularly new horse owners, do what their neighbor down the way or what someone they know does. There are numerous contributing factors affecting the quality of your hay: hay purchased from a different area may have different weeds, soil may be of a lower quality, as well as weather and climate. Observing fodder qualities such as, Oh that s good hay because it look green, is a good start to recognizing hay quality, but gives you very little information regarding nutritional value. However, you definitely do not want to be feeding dusty or moldy hay. This is a dangerous recipe for horses that can lead to heave, a condition similar to asthma in people. The manner in which the hay is harvested makes a tremendous difference to the quality of the fodder. For example, the maturity of your hay will have a large impact on nutritional value. The later the hay is harvested, the lower the nutritional value. This late harvested, more mature hay provides roughage. In addition, studies have proven that the time of day your hay is cut has a large impact on the nutritional value. Ideally hay should be cut in the early morning before the heat of the day begins or on an overcast, cloudy day. The amount of hay cut should be the amount of hay that can be baled within approximately 3-4 hours. However, weather seldom provided ideal haying conditions. To the best of your ability, you want to avoid feeding hay that has been rained on after being cut. This hay is lower in nutritional value, and it has the potential of being a dustier, moldy hay. Mold or dust is not visible, but it can be smelled. The dust and mold become visible after the hay has be baled and stacked for a time. When baling hay, the moisture content should be between 12-15%. Anything drier than 12% can produce a dusty hay as the baling process breaks down the plants with almost a grinding effect that creates dust. Hay baled over 15% moisture also has the potential of being dusty/mouldy. The moisture produces heat within the bale, which in turn cause the hay to mold.. The age and activity of horses is a key factor underlying nutritional requirements. A mature horse does not have the same nutritional requirements of a growing young horse, brood mare, lactating mare, or performance/working horse. According to the Kentucky Equine Research a mature horse (average weight of 1100 lbs.) needs approximately 1.4 lbs of protein a day for maintenance, early pregnancy, or light work. This amount of protein is generally ingested by grazing or eating grass hay with an intake of about 22 lbs. A mature horse doing moderate to heavy work needs approximately lbs of protein a day. A broodmare in late pregnancy needs a higher quality of protein. Generally a hay with a moderate percentage of alfalfa will provide an adequate amount of protein of approximately 2-4 lbs per day. A broodmare in the first three months of lactation requires approximately 2.75 lbs of protein, and broodmares in late lactation after three months requires approximately 2 lbs of protein. Adult horses need protein only for repair and maintenance of body tissues so their protein requirements are fairly low. These varying adult protein requirements are met with a

5 P a ge 5 A lberta s Forage Voice quality grass hay or grazing controlled grass pastures. Owners can confirm that these needs are met by core testing their hay and having it analyzed. Not only will this test give you information regarding the protein content of your hay, but also significant details on vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. For those growing and harvesting their own hay, periodic soil samples should be taken approximately every 5-7 years to monitor soil quality. Nutritional requirements are necessary throughout all the seasons, but winter feeding throughout the very cold months requires extra attention. Here at Six-Barr Ranch - home of Canadian Natural Horsemanship Inc. - we feed horses in rows on the ground, feeding both earlier harvested hay that is higher in nutrients and protein combined with a more mature hay to provide roughage. This feed combination coupled with adequate shelter helps maintain internal body heat through the cold months. In early spring, great care has to be taken to not make a sudden change in a horse s diet when the grass begins to grow. Any sudden change in diet can create a disturbance within the horses digestive system leading to laminitis, often referred to as founder. These early grasses are often high in sugar and starch as the freezing temperatures in the evening stresses the plant raising the sugar and starch content. If you have insulin resistant horses or horse prone to laminitis or insulin resistant horses, during periods of overnight frost, only let horses graze after the overnight moisture has evaporated. Be sure to not let them graze on this grass until the frost has gone, and the grass has dried thoroughly during warmer daily temperatures. Allow these types of horses to graze for short but frequent periods. Avoid binge feeding as this too is very hard on their digestive system. Good land management practices including weed control and pasture management are critical to avoid undesirable plants from taking over pastures and hay fields. If you are buying hay, watch for new different weeds since every area has it own varieties. For example, one type of plant that is toxic to horses is Alsike Clover. Hay or pasture containing a large percentage of Alsike Clover is not recommended for horses. The most common symptom of Alsike poisoning is photosensitization or a reaction to light. This is readily seen in areas of white on horses where they will develop blisters or sores. However, the real problem is not so readily observed; liver damage. Alsike Clover flowers are usually pink and white in colour, but the plants can appear darker depending on the growing conditions. The flower stem originates from the same point off the main stalk as separate leaflet stems. Whether you have a large herd or small herd of horses, rotational grazing is beneficial, preventing over grazing and under grazing. In under-grazed pastures, horses eat their favorite plants, and this habit allows the more undesirable plants to over shadow and choke out the other grasses that have been eaten. In addition, manure management, such as harrowing, will eliminate dangerous parasite infestations and encourage plant regrowth. Remember there is no ideal or perfectly managed farm, ranch, or facility. However, with a solid knowledge base, we can keep striving towards reasonable and affordable standards bringing you towards optimum success with your horses. Greg and Nettie Barr Six-Barr Ranch - Home of Canadian Natural Horsemanship Inc.

6 P a ge 6 A lberta s Forage Voice Forages for Export For many years Canadians have been exporting forage products into foreign countries. The time has never been better to consider growing forage crops as an export product. With the increasing demand worldwide for forages and the drop in cereal prices, as well as the benefit of the rotation crop, more and more farmers are considering forages as an advantageous crop to grow. Timothy and alfalfa are the two main forage products exported out of Alberta. Alberta forage exporters have been exporting Timothy into Asia for over 30 years. Some of the main uses of Timothy in Asia are in the dairy and horse industries. The Middle East also has a strong race horse market that demands a high-quality fibrous Timothy product. Most alfalfa hay that gets exported into Asia is a high quality dairy product. The Middle East however, is looking for a low test product for feeder quality hay and they need significant volumes. In the past six years the UAE (United Arab Emirates) alone has gone up from 60,000 metric tons to just over 1.2 million metric tons of forages. Many people think that the only hay that is suitable for export is the top quality hay. This is not the case in the Middle East as they are looking for low test hay to primarily feed camels, goats, sheep, and cows. Saudi Arabia was always the main exporter to the UAE until recent years due to the dry climate and the lack of water as a resource. The Saudi Arabian government has cut water rights on the majority of forage crops as the wells are beginning to run dry. In the next 2 to 3 years they will cut it off completely. This has turned the Saudi Arabians into a forage importing country. They are expected to be an important player in the world market. China is the biggest up-and-coming market as four years ago there were zero imports. Now they are up to 600,000 metric ton and growing. The growth in recent years is mainly due to improved standards of living, which has triggered a higher demand of quality milk products. This means more demand for your product! The future of forages is very bright with increasing demand for the product and the help of more efficient ways to grow harvest and store your product. The returns have never been better! Wondering how to get involved? Please visit our website for contact info and any forage news! Jordan Van Hierden Procurement Field Representative Green Prairie International Source: Green Prairie International

7 2014 AFIN Board of Directors Chair - Lyndon Mansell, Innisfree Vice Chair - Christine Fulkerth, Olds AFIN Box 1, Site 6, RR 1 Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 1W8 Phone: kshaw@pickseed.com Find us on the Web! Treasurer - Kevin Shaw, Wetaskiwin Secretary - Morgan Hobin, Fairview Directors - Surya Acharya, Lethbridge - Albert Kuipers, Rocky Mountain House - Jordan Van Hierden, Lethbridge CFGA Rep - Doug Wray, Irricana Advisors - Grant Lastiwka, Olds - Holly Mayer, Calgary Membership Application Form Membership Category - (Check one) Category Annual Dues No. of Eligible Voters Individual Farmer $50 1 Farming Corporation $50 per voter Max 4 Agri-business $250 Max 4 Ag Related Non Government Organization $250 Max 4 Ag Related Government Organization $250 Max 4 Other Individuals (upon approval by AFIN) $50 1 Name of Individual or Organization: Mailing Address: City: Province: Postal Code: Phone: Fax: Cell: If application is for a farm corporation, business or other organization, please provide names of the designated Voters: Name Address Phone Number

8 Yellowhead Alfalfa Field 2013 Golden Acre Seeds Photo: Calvin Yoder