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In dry climates, livestock farming contributes to waterhole creation and maintenance, thereby contributing to biodiversity conservation. However, these lentic water bodies also represent a critical environmental connection between microorganisms and their vertebrate hosts since the water can facilitate pathogen persistence and transmission. Therefore, interventions for tuberculosis (TB) risk mitigation at the wildlife-livestock interface often focus on segregating host species at water points. We hypothesized that waterhole characteristics modulate their use by vertebrates and subsequent pathogen exposure risk. We visited 298 waterholes on 80 TB-positive and 40 TB-negative cattle farms in Spain to assess differences in waterhole characteristics and identify possible management implications. There was an average of 2.7 waterholes per farm. This represents 0.02 waterholes per km2 of farmland and 3.5 m2 of lentic waterbodies per km2 of farmland. Among the studied waterholes, 95% were man-made. Waterholes on TB-positive farms were 42% closer to covering vegetation than waterholes located on TB-negative ones. Farms with man-made waterholes showed a higher risk of TB than those with natural ones. The density of waterholes per surface unit was negatively associated with the farm TB risk. Waterholes placed on TB-positive farms were more intensively trampled by livestock. The best model explained farm positivity to TB as a function of the distance from the waterholes to the nearest cover vegetation, the aquatic vegetation richness found in the waterhole, the intensity of livestock use (trampling), the surrounding waterhole density, and the interaction between waterhole perimeter and the total number of signs of potential wildlife TB hosts per waterhole. Identifying the key waterhole features related to infection risk might allow designing One Health−inspired biosecurity measures such as increasing the number of waterholes, placing new waterholes farther away from cover, or f

[Abstract] The techniques of agriculture and animal husbandry at Tell Humeida, a Middle Uruk Period (Late Chalcolithic) site on the middle Syrian Euphrates, were studied using stable isotopes of bone collagen of domestic and wild mammals and from cereal and ruderal plant seeds. Two archaeological campaigns in 2009 and 2011 yielded a small collection of bones, most of which were taxonomically indeterminable. The work had to be interrupted due to the political conflict. The faunal study comprised collagen peptide fingerprinting for taxonomic identification, followed by isotopic analysis. Multiple 14C dating were performed to date the infill to around 3600 cal BC. An isotopic analysis of the sparse plant remains suggested that irrigation and manuring were common practices. Sheep and equids predominated in the faunal assemblage. Sheep grazed on manured soils, and their diet could include millet or another C4 plant, of which, however, no carpological remains were found. The diet of equids differed from that of sheep but also that of other wild ungulates (cervids/gazelles). Their isotopic signatures indicated that they grazed in humid areas, near the watercourse. These finds indicated a settlement that was closely linked to the availability of water, which made it possible to grow crops in an almost desert-like area, and the rearing of sheep.

Ancient semi-natural grasslands in Europe are important for ecosystem service (ES) provision. Often, the surrounding matrix contains ‘Grassland Green Infrastructure’ (GGI) that contain grassland species which have the potential to supplement grassland ES provision across the landscape. Here we investigate the potential for GGI to deliver a set of complementary ES, driven by plant composition.We surveyed 36 landscapes across three European countries comprising core grasslands and their surrounding GGI. We calculated community-level values of plant species characteristics to provide indicators for four ES: nature conservation value, pollination, carbon storage and aesthetic appeal.Inferred ES delivery for GGI was substantially lower than in core grasslands for conservation, pollination and aesthetic appeal indicators, but not for carbon storage. These differences were driven by the GGI having 17% fewer plant species, and compositional differences, with 61% of species unique to the core grasslands. In addition, connectivity to the core, the amount of GGI and inferred seed dispersal distances by livestock, were strongly positively correlated with conservation value, pollination and aesthetic indicators. All ES indicators showed similar responses to the GGI spatial structure and distance to the core, suggesting robust effects of these drivers on ES. We projected that improved landscape-wide delivery of nature conservation value and pollination could be achieved through targeted GGI management. Reductions in the distances seeds would need to disperse, more GGI, along with a diversification of the GGI elements, were predicted to enhance service credits.We conclude that for vegetation-related ES, species surveys can be employed to assess potential ES delivery. Creating and enhancing GGI is a useful landscape management strategy to supplement the ES delivered by ancient grasslands.

Ancient semi-natural grasslands in Europe are important for ecosystem service (ES) provision. Often, the surrounding matrix contains 'Grassland Green Infrastructure' (GGI) that contain grassland species which have the potential to supplement grassland ES provision across the landscape. Here we investigate the potential for GGI to deliver a set of complementary ES, driven by plant composition.We surveyed 36 landscapes across three European countries comprising core grasslands and their surrounding GGI. We calculated community-level values of plant species characteristics to provide indicators for four ES: nature conservation value, pollination, carbon storage and aesthetic appeal.Inferred ES delivery for GGI was substantially lower than in core grasslands for conservation, pollination and aesthetic appeal indicators, but not for carbon storage. These differences were driven by the GGI having 17% fewer plant species, and compositional differences, with 61% of species unique to the core grasslands. In addition, connectivity to the core, the amount of GGI and inferred seed dispersal distances by livestock, were strongly positively correlated with conservation value, pollination and aesthetic indicators. All ES indicators showed similar responses to the GGI spatial structure and distance to the core, suggesting robust effects of these drivers on ES. We projected that improved landscape-wide delivery of nature conservation value and pollination could be achieved through targeted GGI management. Reductions in the distances seeds would need to disperse, more GGI, along with a diversification of the GGI elements, were predicted to enhance service credits.We conclude that for vegetation-related ES, species surveys can be employed to assess potential ES delivery. Creating and enhancing GGI is a useful landscape management strategy to supplement the ES delivered by ancient grasslands.

Iberian oak savannahs are traditional silvopastoral systems in which acorns constitute a key food source for livestock. Acorn feeding insects provoke significant economic losses; however, the high natural value of Iberian oak savannahs precludes any chemical treatment. This paper shows a novel way of biological pest control based on promoting livestock predation on these insects. Female Curculio elephas (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) oviposit into developing acorns, which are prematurely abscised before reaching their potential size. Larvae still spend 20 days feeding on the cotyledons after acorn drop, being during this period very vulnerable to predation by livestock. We experimentally assessed that cows, pigs and sheep ate sound and infested acorns in the same proportion, so that infestation rates were lower in those Iberian oak savannahs in which livestock density was higher. An effective biological control of Curculio elephas weevils should involve an early predation of infested acorns by livestock, preferentially within 10 days after falling. Doing this, most larvae will be predated before completing their development and, in addition, the nutritional value of infested acorns will still be high (cotyledons not yet depleted by weevils). We encourage landowners to increase livestock densities during September-October, when the infested acorn dropping peaks. These increased densities should rotate over the farm and be maintained at the same plot for a maximum of 3 years in a row. Otherwise, a prolonged and concentrated livestock predation on sound acorns and seedlings would hamper long-term oak regeneration.

Farming is facing many economic challenges in terms of productivity and cost-effectiveness. Labor shortage partly due to depopulation of rural areas, especially in Europe, is another challenge. Domain specific problems such as accurate monitoring of soil and crop properties and animal health are key factors for minimizing economical risks, and not risking human health. The ECSEL AFarCloud (Aggregate Farming in the Cloud) project will provide a distributed platform for autonomous farming that will allow the integration and cooperation of agriculture Cyber Physical Systems in real-time in order to increase efficiency, productivity, animal health, food quality and reduce farm labor costs. Moreover, such a platform can be integrated with farm management software to support monitoring and decision-making solutions based on big data and real-time data mining techniques.

Rangeland livestock operations in California and elsewhere are increasingly turning to livestock guardian dogs (LGD) to protect their herds from predators. LGD success depends on a variety of factors including social bonding, environmental and operational context, and individual behaviors. Observation and first-hand experience with LGD on foothill rangeland, Sacramento Valley cropland, and Sierra Nevada/Great Basin rangeland can provide practical evaluation of historic and current research regarding LGD efficacy, breed differences, and economic costs versus benefits. However, little is known about the relationship between LGD and livestock behavior and forage utilization. This article synthesizes current research, experiential knowledge from practitioners, and new frontiers for LGD research. An updated understanding of the principles of bonding LGD pups to livestock will improve LGD success rates and reduce costs for producers.

Rangeland livestock operations in California and elsewhere are increasingly turning to livestock guardian dogs (LGD) to protect their herds from predators. LGD success depends on a variety of factors including social bonding, environmental and operational context, and individual behaviors. Observation and first-hand experience with LGD on foothill rangeland, Sacramento Valley cropland, and Sierra Nevada/Great Basin rangeland can provide practical evaluation of historic and current research regarding LGD efficacy, breed differences, and economic costs versus benefits. However, little is known about the relationship between LGD and livestock behavior and forage utilization. This article synthesizes current research, experiential knowledge from practitioners, and new frontiers for LGD research. An updated understanding of the principles of bonding LGD pups to livestock will improve LGD success rates and reduce costs for producers.

A key problem in explaining the mountain landscapes of the Mediterranean region is the relationship between the development of transhumance (seasonal movement of livestock over long distances) and deforestation of the subalpine and upper montane belts at 1350–2200 m above sea level (m a.s.l.). We examined this relationship in the Central Southern Pyrenees using information from multiple proxies—archaeology, pollen analysis, lacustrine sedimentation patterns, historical documents, and geomorphology. Although there is evidence of forest clearing since the Neolithic, and we can infer the presence of shepherds and livestock in mountain areas based on archaeological sites and pollen analysis in some lacustrine records, there is no strong evidence for transhumance between the Ebro Depression and the Pyrenees during the Prehistory. Instead, we found evidence of transterminance (seasonal movement of livestock over short distances) during this time. Growth of human populations and the establishment of large-scale markets favored longer livestock movements during the Roman period, although we only have indirect information on this for other areas of the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean region. A few documents indicate the occurrence of transhumance during the Early Middle Ages, whereas all other proxies indicate a general expansion of livestock and transhumance during the 12th and 13th centuries. This coincides with the Christian conquest of the Central Ebro Depression by the Aragon Kingdom, the organization of large wool markets in Western Europe, and the exemptions conferred by the kings of Aragon to herders in the city of Saragossa. This led to rapid deforestation, in that forests were rapidly logged or burned to expand the summer grasslands. During this period, written documents indicate many conflicts between people in the villages and valleys for control of summer grasslands, pollen analyses show a rapid decline of arboreal pollen, and geomorphology studies indic

Farming is facing many economic challenges in terms of productivity and cost-effectiveness. Labor shortage partly due to depopulation of rural areas, especially in Europe, is another challenge. Domain specific problems such as accurate monitoring of soil and crop properties and animal health are key factors for minimizing economical risks, and not risking human health. The ECSEL AFarCloud (Aggregate Farming in the Cloud) project will provide a distributed platform for autonomous farming that will allow the integration and cooperation of agriculture Cyber Physical Systems in real-time in order to increase efficiency, productivity, animal health, food quality and reduce farm labor costs. Moreover, such a platform can be integrated with farm management software to support monitoring and decision-making solutions based on big data and real-time data mining techniques.

Farming is facing many economic challenges in terms of productivity and cost-effectiveness. Labor shortage partly due to depopulation of rural areas, especially in Europe, is another challenge. Domain specific problems such as accurate identification and proper quantification of pathogens affecting plant and animal health are key factors for minimizing economical risks, and not risking human health. The ECSEL AFarCloud (Aggregate FARming in the CLOUD) project will provide a distributed platform for autonomous farming that will allow the integration and cooperation of agriculture Cyber Physical Systems in real-time in order to increase efficiency, productivity, animal health, food quality and reduce farm labour costs. This platform will be integrated with farm management software and will support monitoring and decision-making solutions based on big data and real-time data mining techniques.

Introduction. The young calf rearing method, determines the dairy cow of the future. Therefore, health, feeding and housing techniques, influence the start and performance of the productive life of a dairy cow. Objective. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of animal and environmental factors, modifiable and non-modifiable on the first lactation milk yield (FLM) in specialized dairy farms from Costa Rica. Materials and methods. A cohort retrospective study was conducted. A total of 2747 Jersey and Holstein cows, with age at first calving (AFC) between the years 2013 and 2015, belonging to twenty-two specialized dairy herds located in different ecological zones of Costa Rica, with data in the Bovine VAMPP program, were included in the study. All data in the present research was analyzed by descriptive analysis and a generalized linear model. Results. The average FLM at 305 days was 5485.8 kg (±1547.8). Non-modifiable variables, like breed, had significant effects over FLM, with 5360.1 kg (CI95%: 5158.2-5562.1) and 4694.1 (CI95%: 4578.5-4809.7; P<0.001) for Holstein and Jersey breeds respectively. AFC, had a significant effect over FLM, were a tendency to increased milk production with higher AFC was found until twenty-six month of AFC, after that milk yield remain stable (P<0.001). Furthermore, the results showed a significant effect of management as a modifiable variable (P<0.0001) revealing that farms with high quality calf rearing protocols produced 213.9 kg (FML: 5809.0; CI95%: 5570.6-6047.7) more milk in their first lactation than heifers raised under medium quality rearing and 1133.7 kg more milk than animals from low quality rearing programs (FML: 4676.3; CI95%: 4158.3- 5194.3). Conclusion.These results show that rearing factors affect the productive life time of dairy cows in tropical operations. Tropical environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity and precipitation, significantly affect the productive behavior of dairy cows., Introducción. El método de crianza que se brinda a una ternera, determina la vaca productora del futuro. Por lo tanto, las técnicas de salud, nutrición y alimentación pueden afectar el inicio y rendimiento de la vida productiva de una hembra bovina. Objetivo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el efecto de los factores del animal y del ambiente, modificables y no modificables, sobre la producción de la primera lactancia (PPL) en hatos lecheros especializados de Costa Rica. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo. Se incluyeron 2747 vacas de razas Jersey y Holstein, con primer parto entre los años 2013 y 2015, de veintidós hatos lecheros especializados de diferentes zonas ecológicas de Costa Rica, con datos en el programa VAMPP Bovino. Se analizaron los datos mediante estadística descriptiva y un modelo lineal generalizado. Resultados. La PPL promedio a 305 días fue de 5485,8 kg (± 1547,8). Las variables no modificables del individuo, como la raza, presentaron efectos significativos sobre la PPL, con valores de 5360,1 kg (IC95%: 5158,2-5562,1) y 4694,1 kg (IC95%: 4578,5-4809,7) en la raza Holstein y Jersey, respectivamente. Se observó una tendencia a incrementar los niveles de producción conforme se aumentó la edad al primer parto hasta los veintiséis meses (P<0,001), después de lo cual se mantuvo estable. Se determinó un efecto significativo de la variable modificable de manejo (P<0,0001); fincas con protocolos de alta calidad de crianza de terneras produjeron 213,9 kg (PPL: 5809,0; IC95%: 5570,6-6047,4) más de leche en su primera lactancia, que las novillas con una crianza media, y 1133,7 kg más que las de sistemas de baja calidad de manejo (PPL: 4676,3; IC95%: 4158,3-5194,3). Conclusión. Estos resultados evidencian la influencia que tienen los métodos de crianza de terneras sobre el rendimiento productivo posterior del animal en sistemas tropicales. Las condiciones del medio ambiente tropical, incluyendo temperatura, humedad y

Dairy heifers are the future of any dairy farm; however, before they begin to produce milk, they represent a very significant cost unknown by an important number of producers. The objective of the present study was to determine the economic cost associated with the rearing of dairy replacements. The study was carried out at the dairy cattle Alfredo Volio Mata Experiment Station of the University of Costa Rica, during the year 2016. A total of forty Jersey heifers were reared from birth to calving (twenty-five months) grouped into three age categories: 0-3 months, 3 to 16 months and 16 to 25 months. In order to determine the total costs within each category, detailed records of all the expenses incurred each day for each animal were kept in an electronic spreadsheet, considering all the activities involved and related to feeding, cleaning and disinfection, veterinary treatments, pasture fertilization, workforce, health management and maintenance, among others. It was determined that the total cost for raising a replacement heifer from birth to calving was ¢818 360.95 ($1473.62); representing a 25.17; 53.27 and 21.56% for the stage of birth to three months, three months to service, and service to calving, respectively. Of the total costs, 78.72% corresponded to feed and 6.82% to labor. Depending on milk production and net economic return from each liter of milk produced, the investment would be recovered beyond the second lactation., Los reemplazos son el futuro de cualquier explotación lechera; sin embargo, antes de que comiencen a producir leche, representan un costo muy significativo y poco conocido por un número importante de productores. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar el costo económico asociado a la cría de reemplazos de lechería. El estudio se llevó a cabo en la Estación Experimental de Ganado Lechero Alfredo Volio Mata de la Universidad de Costa Rica, durante el año 2016. Se utilizó un total de cuarenta animales de la raza Jersey desde el nacimiento hasta el parto (veinticinco meses), agrupados en tres categorías de acuerdo con su edad: 0-3 meses, 3 a 16 meses y de 16 a 25 meses. Para determinar los costos totales dentro de cada etapa, se llevaron registros minuciosos en una hoja electrónica de todos los gastos en que se incurrió cada día y para cada animal; se consideraron todas las actividades que se llevan a cabo y que tienen que ver con alimentación, limpieza y desinfección, tratamientos veterinarios, fertilización de pasturas, mano de obra, plan sanitario y de mantenimiento, entre otros. Se determinó que el costo total para desarrollar un animal desde el nacimiento hasta el parto fue de ¢818 360,95 ($1473,62); representando un 25,17; 53,27 y 21,56% para la etapa del nacimiento a los tres meses, de los tres meses al servicio y del servicio al parto, respectivamente. Del total de los costos, un 78,72% correspondió a alimentación y un 6,82% a mano de obra. Dependiendo de la producción de leche y de la ganancia económica en cada litro de leche, la inversión realizada se estaría recuperando más allá de la segunda lactancia.

Dairy heifers are the future of any dairy farm; however, before they begin to produce milk, they represent a very significant cost unknown by an important number of producers. The objective of the present study was to determine the economic cost associated with the rearing of dairy replacements. The study was carried out at the dairy cattle Alfredo Volio Mata Experiment Station of the University of Costa Rica, during the year 2016. A total of forty Jersey heifers were reared from birth to calving (twenty-five months) grouped into three age categories: 0-3 months, 3 to 16 months and 16 to 25 months. In order to determine the total costs within each category, detailed records of all the expenses incurred each day for each animal were kept in an electronic spreadsheet, considering all the activities involved and related to feeding, cleaning and disinfection, veterinary treatments, pasture fertilization, workforce, health management and maintenance, among others. It was determined that the total cost for raising a replacement heifer from birth to calving was ¢818 360.95 ($1473.62); representing a 25.17; 53.27 and 21.56% for the stage of birth to three months, three months to service, and service to calving, respectively. Of the total costs, 78.72% corresponded to feed and 6.82% to labor. Depending on milk production and net economic return from each liter of milk produced, the investment would be recovered beyond the second lactation., Los reemplazos son el futuro de cualquier explotación lechera; sin embargo, antes de que comiencen a producir leche, representan un costo muy significativo y poco conocido por un número importante de productores. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar el costo económico asociado a la cría de reemplazos de lechería. El estudio se llevó a cabo en la Estación Experimental de Ganado Lechero Alfredo Volio Mata de la Universidad de Costa Rica, durante el año 2016. Se utilizó un total de cuarenta animales de la raza Jersey desde el nacimiento hasta el parto (veinticinco meses), agrupados en tres categorías de acuerdo con su edad: 0-3 meses, 3 a 16 meses y de 16 a 25 meses. Para determinar los costos totales dentro de cada etapa, se llevaron registros minuciosos en una hoja electrónica de todos los gastos en que se incurrió cada día y para cada animal; se consideraron todas las actividades que se llevan a cabo y que tienen que ver con alimentación, limpieza y desinfección, tratamientos veterinarios, fertilización de pasturas, mano de obra, plan sanitario y de mantenimiento, entre otros. Se determinó que el costo total para desarrollar un animal desde el nacimiento hasta el parto fue de ¢818 360,95 ($1473,62); representando un 25,17; 53,27 y 21,56% para la etapa del nacimiento a los tres meses, de los tres meses al servicio y del servicio al parto, respectivamente. Del total de los costos, un 78,72% correspondió a alimentación y un 6,82% a mano de obra. Dependiendo de la producción de leche y de la ganancia económica en cada litro de leche, la inversión realizada se estaría recuperando más allá de la segunda lactancia.

Los escarabajos coprófagos (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) son un grupo de insectos muy importante en términos de diversidad y biomasa en los pastos de la cuenca del Mediterráneo. A pesar de su importancia ecológica, los escarabajos coprófagos están amenazados por varios factores, entre los cuales se destacan los cambios en el manejo de la ganadería tradicional. El objetivo general de esta tesis fue evaluar los efectos del abandono de la ganadería, su extensificación y uso histórico de productos médico veterinarios sobre las comunidades de escarabajos coprófagos usando medidas de biodiversidad y cuantificando la capacidad de remoción de estiércol en un paisaje sub-montano de la provincia de Pesaro-Urbino (Italia). En este trabajo se colectaron un total de 156 936 individuos, pertenecientes a 58 especies de escarabajos coprófagos. Los resultados de este trabajo sugieren que el uso histórico de productos médico veterinarios tiene un impacto negativo y ubiquitario sobre todas las especies de la comunidad de estudio, llevando a un empobrecimiento de los ensambles y a una pérdida de abundancia y biomasa. No obstante se ha registrado el mantenimiento de la estructura de la comunidad. Estos resultados son corroborados igualmente cuando nos enfocamos en la diversidad funcional. En efecto, el uso histórico de productos médico veterinarios lleva a una pérdida en el número de roles funcionales dentro de la comunidad, sin embargo las abundancias se encuentran repartidas equitativamente dentro de cada nicho funcional. Todos estos efectos sobre la comunidad de escarabajos coprófagos debido al uso de productos médico veterinarios, al final quedan reflejados en una pérdida del 70% en la capacidad de remoción de estiércol, comparados con áreas donde estos productos no son aplicados. La extensificación de la ganadería está representada por áreas que tienen una intensidad de pastoreo muy baja, las cuales pueden ser consideradas como la primera etapa hacia el abandono completo. En este sen

Grazing extensification and intensification are among the main problems affecting European grasslands. We analyze the impact of grazing intensity (low and moderate) and the use of veterinary medical products (VMPs) on the dung beetle community in the province of Pesaro-Urbino (Italy). Grazing intensity is a key factor in explaining the diversity of dung beetles. In the case of the alpha diversity component, sites with a low level of grazing activity—related in a previous step to the subsequent abandonment of traditional farming—is characterized by a loss of species richness (q = 0) and a reduction in alpha diversity at the levels q = 1 and q = 2. In the case of beta diversity, sites with a different grazing intensity show remarkable differences in terms of the composition of their species assemblages. The use of VMPs is another important factor in explaining changes in dung beetle diversity. In sites with a traditional use of VMPs, a significant loss of species richness and biomass is observed, as is a notable effect on beta diversity. In addition, the absence of indicator species in sites with a historical use of VMPs corroborates the hypothesis that these substances have a ubiquitous effect on dung beetles. However, the interaction between grazing activity and VMPs when it comes to explaining changes in dung beetle diversity is less significant (or is not significant) than the main effects (each factor separately) for alpha diversity, biomass and species composition. This may be explained if we consider that both factors affect the various species differently. In other words, the reduction in dung availability affects several larger species more than it does very small species, although this does not imply that the former are more susceptible to injury caused by the ingestion of dung contaminated with VMPs. Finally, in order to prevent negative consequences for dung beetle diversity, we propose the maintenance of a moderate grazing intensity and the rational use o

Los escarabajos coprófagos (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) son un grupo de insectos muy importante en términos de diversidad y biomasa en los pastos de la cuenca del Mediterráneo. A pesar de su importancia ecológica, los escarabajos coprófagos están amenazados por varios factores, entre los cuales se destacan los cambios en el manejo de la ganadería tradicional. El objetivo general de esta tesis fue evaluar los efectos del abandono de la ganadería, su extensificación y uso histórico de productos médico veterinarios sobre las comunidades de escarabajos coprófagos usando medidas de biodiversidad y cuantificando la capacidad de remoción de estiércol en un paisaje sub-montano de la provincia de Pesaro-Urbino (Italia). En este trabajo se colectaron un total de 156 936 individuos, pertenecientes a 58 especies de escarabajos coprófagos. Los resultados de este trabajo sugieren que el uso histórico de productos médico veterinarios tiene un impacto negativo y ubiquitario sobre todas las especies de la comunidad de estudio, llevando a un empobrecimiento de los ensambles y a una pérdida de abundancia y biomasa. No obstante se ha registrado el mantenimiento de la estructura de la comunidad. Estos resultados son corroborados igualmente cuando nos enfocamos en la diversidad funcional. En efecto, el uso histórico de productos médico veterinarios lleva a una pérdida en el número de roles funcionales dentro de la comunidad, sin embargo las abundancias se encuentran repartidas equitativamente dentro de cada nicho funcional. Todos estos efectos sobre la comunidad de escarabajos coprófagos debido al uso de productos médico veterinarios, al final quedan reflejados en una pérdida del 70% en la capacidad de remoción de estiércol, comparados con áreas donde estos productos no son aplicados. La extensificación de la ganadería está representada por áreas que tienen una intensidad de pastoreo muy baja, las cuales pueden ser consideradas como la primera etapa hacia el abandono completo. En este sen

Grazing extensification and intensification are among the main problems affecting European grasslands. We analyze the impact of grazing intensity (low and moderate) and the use of veterinary medical products (VMPs) on the dung beetle community in the province of Pesaro-Urbino (Italy). Grazing intensity is a key factor in explaining the diversity of dung beetles. In the case of the alpha diversity component, sites with a low level of grazing activity—related in a previous step to the subsequent abandonment of traditional farming—is characterized by a loss of species richness (q = 0) and a reduction in alpha diversity at the levels q = 1 and q = 2. In the case of beta diversity, sites with a different grazing intensity show remarkable differences in terms of the composition of their species assemblages. The use of VMPs is another important factor in explaining changes in dung beetle diversity. In sites with a traditional use of VMPs, a significant loss of species richness and biomass is observed, as is a notable effect on beta diversity. In addition, the absence of indicator species in sites with a historical use of VMPs corroborates the hypothesis that these substances have a ubiquitous effect on dung beetles. However, the interaction between grazing activity and VMPs when it comes to explaining changes in dung beetle diversity is less significant (or is not significant) than the main effects (each factor separately) for alpha diversity, biomass and species composition. This may be explained if we consider that both factors affect the various species differently. In other words, the reduction in dung availability affects several larger species more than it does very small species, although this does not imply that the former are more susceptible to injury caused by the ingestion of dung contaminated with VMPs. Finally, in order to prevent negative consequences for dung beetle diversity, we propose the maintenance of a moderate grazing intensity and the rational use o

En les últimes dècades, la Unió Europea, a través de la política agrària comunitària (PAC), està fomentant pràctiques agroramaderes orientades no només a la productivitat sinó també a la gestió mediambiental. A Espanya, l’aplicació de la PAC ha afavorit les explotacions ramaderes d’espècies molt productives, fonamentalment vaques no autòctones en detriment de cabres i ovelles. Paral·lelament, creix l’interès en el paper controlador que té el ramat per a reduir els matollars i, per tant, el risc d’incendi. Tot i així, avui en dia no hi ha evidències de la seva eficàcia.L’objectiu d’aquest estudi és avaluar l’efecte de dos tipus de bestiar boví (vaques de carn i vaques braves) en l’evolució de l’estructura del paisatge i el possible control sobre l’emmatollament en cinc explotacions situades dins del Parc Natural dels Ports (Tarragona). Per això, s’ha analitzat l’efecte dels ramats mitjançant dues aproximacions aplicades a escales diferents. Per una banda, s’ha analitzat quantitativament i qualitativa la dieta estival de les vaques. Per l’altra, s’han analitzat els canvis de les diferents cobertes vegetals (bosc, matollar, prat i altres) abans i després de la introducció de les vaques. Els resultats de l’anàlisi de la dieta mostren un clar domini de les espècies herbàcies (especialment Brachypodium sp.). També s’observa una diferència significativa entre aptituds; les vaques braves són les que consumeixen més plantes llenyoses (especialment Erica multiflora). L’anàlisi de cobertes vegetals després de la introducció dels ramats revela canvis notables. Destaca la reducció de la coberta de, In recent decades, the European Union has been favouring, by various agricultural and environmental policies, farming practices focused not only on productivity but also on environmental management. These policies have led to an increase in the number of herds of bovine cattle to the detriment of small ruminant flocks. At the same time, there is an increasing interest in the potential role of livestock in reducing the bush encroachment process and wildfire risk. However, there is little empirical evidence to support its effectiveness.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different cattle types (beef and bullfighting stock) on the evolution of landscape structure and the possible control of bush encroachment in Els Ports Natural Park (northeastern Iberian Peninsula). We evaluated the potential effect by two different approaches applied on the herd scale and the spatio-temporal scale. Specifically, we studied the consumption of woody species by the two cattle types during the summer and evaluated changes over time in forest, shrub and grassland cover before and after the introduction of the cows. The diet analyses show a clear preference for grass species (especially Brachypodium sp.) but with significant differences between cattle breeds. Bullfighting cattle consume more woody plants (e.g., Erica multiflora) than beef cattle. Likewise, landscape structure analyses reveal significant changes over the time with cattle. Shrub cover has decreased whereas forested areas show the opposite tendency. The decline in bush cover, however, seems to be more closely related to natural vegetation succession than to cattle browsing. Therefore, cattle exert a negligible effect on bush encroachment. The fire risk alone may be partially reduced by the preferential consumption of easily inflammable grass species. In the light of these results, we suggest a re-design of management practices with the aim to reduce bush encroachment and fire risk.Keywords: cattle grazing, die, En las últimas décadas, la política agraria comunitaria (PAC) de la Unión Europea está fomentando prácticas agroganaderas orientadas no solo a la productividad sino también a la gestión medioambiental. Así, en España se han promovido explotaciones ganaderas de especies muy productivas, fundamentalmente vacas no autóctonas en detrimento de cabras y ovejas. Paralelamente a este cambio en las cabañas ganaderas, se ha planteado el papel controlador del ganado sobre la matorralización que empobrece la diversidad de los pastos y aumenta el riesgo de incendios. Sin embargo, hasta la fecha no hay evidencias de la eficacia de la ganadería vacuna productiva en el control de la matorralización en España.El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el efecto de distintas razas de vacuno (vacas de carne y vacas bravas) en la evolución de la estructura del paisaje y su posible control sobre la matorralización en cinco fincas situadas en el Parc Natural dels Ports (Tarragona), un ambiente mediterráneo del NE de la Península Ibérica. Para ello, analizamos el efecto del ganado mediante dos aproximaciones aplicadas a escalas distintas. Por un lado, se analizó cualitativa y cuantitativamente la dieta estival de las vacas. Por otro, se analizaron los cambios en las superficies de distintas cubiertas (bosque, matorral, pastizal y otros) antes y después de la introducción de las vacas. Los resultados del análisis de dieta muestran una clara dominancia por las especies herbáceas (especialmente Brachypodium sp.). También se aprecia una diferencia significativa entre razas, siendo las vacas bravas las que consumen más plantas leñosas (especialmente Erica multiflora). El análisis de cubiertas vegetales tras la introducción del ganado revela cambios notables. Destaca la reducci&oacute

The aim of this work is to determine the management of the ovicaprine livestock from the Chalcolithic and Bronze Age levels of the El Portalón site (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos), through the zooarchaeological and taphonomic analysis of the bone remains. The ovicaprine exploitation in Chalcolithic level of El Portalón was a mixed strategy, focused heavily upon secondary products (wool, milk and dairy products). This exploitation pattern is similar to that found for ovicaprine assemblages from other Chalcolithic sites in the Peninsula.The results from the Bronze Age of El Portalón also indicated a mixed ovicaprine exploitation strategy, which focused mostly on primary (61.9%) and less on secondary products (38.1%). This pattern is more similar to the Bronze Age sites from the east and north of Spain (with some exceptions), and contrary to Argaric (Bronze Age) culture levelsof the sites in the southeast of the Peninsula., El objetivo de este trabajo es la aproximación a la gestión del ganado ovicaprino en los niveles del Calcolítico y Bronce del yacimiento de El Portalón (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos)a partir del análisis zooarqueológico y tafonómico de los restos óseos de las ovejas y cabras. En el nivel calcolítico de El Portalón la explotación de esta cabaña ganadera está enfocada hacia la obtención de productos secundarios (lana, leche, productos lácteos), complementada con el consumo de la carne, como sucede en otros yacimientos calcolíticos peninsulares. En el Bronce de El Portalón esta explotación está enfocada, principalmente al consumo de la carne (61,9%), y en menor medida hacia la obtención de productos secundarios (38,1%). En yacimientos peninsulares de esta cronología se observa una dualidad en la explotación de los ovicaprinos, con algunos en los que está orientada hacia los productos primarios (Este y Norte de España) y otros hacia productos secundarios (yacimientos argáricos del Sureste peninsular).

The aim of this work is to determine the management of the ovicaprine livestock from the Chalcolithic and Bronze Age levels of the El Portalón site (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos), through the zooarchaeological and taphonomic analysis of the bone remains. The ovicaprine exploitation in Chalcolithic level of El Portalón was a mixed strategy, focused heavily upon secondary products (wool, milk and dairy products). This exploitation pattern is similar to that found for ovicaprine assemblages from other Chalcolithic sites in the Peninsula.The results from the Bronze Age of El Portalón also indicated a mixed ovicaprine exploitation strategy, which focused mostly on primary (61.9%) and less on secondary products (38.1%). This pattern is more similar to the Bronze Age sites from the east and north of Spain (with some exceptions), and contrary to Argaric (Bronze Age) culture levelsof the sites in the southeast of the Peninsula., El objetivo de este trabajo es la aproximación a la gestión del ganado ovicaprino en los niveles del Calcolítico y Bronce del yacimiento de El Portalón (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos)a partir del análisis zooarqueológico y tafonómico de los restos óseos de las ovejas y cabras. En el nivel calcolítico de El Portalón la explotación de esta cabaña ganadera está enfocada hacia la obtención de productos secundarios (lana, leche, productos lácteos), complementada con el consumo de la carne, como sucede en otros yacimientos calcolíticos peninsulares. En el Bronce de El Portalón esta explotación está enfocada, principalmente al consumo de la carne (61,9%), y en menor medida hacia la obtención de productos secundarios (38,1%). En yacimientos peninsulares de esta cronología se observa una dualidad en la explotación de los ovicaprinos, con algunos en los que está orientada hacia los productos primarios (Este y Norte de España) y otros hacia productos secundarios (yacimientos argáricos del Sureste peninsular).

The goal of this review was to analyze published data on animal management practices that mitigate enteric methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from animal operations. Increasing animal productivity can be a very effective strategy for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per unit of livestock product. Improving the genetic potential of animals through planned cross-breeding or selection within breeds and achieving this genetic potential through proper nutrition and improvements in reproductive efficiency, animal health, and reproductive lifespan are effective approaches for improving animal productivity and reducing GHG emission intensity. In subsistence production systems, reduction of herd size would increase feed availability and productivity of individual animals and the total herd, thus lowering CH4 emission intensity. In these systems, improving the nutritive value of low-quality feeds for ruminant diets can have a considerable benefit on herd productivity while keeping the herd CH4 output constant or even decreasing it. Residual feed intake may be a tool for screening animals that are low CH4 emitters, but there is currently insufficient evidence that low residual feed intake animals have a lower CH4 yield per unit of feed intake or animal product. Reducing age at slaughter of finished cattle and the number of days that animals are on feed in the feedlot can significantly reduce GHG emissions in beef and other meat animal production systems. Improved animal health and reduced mortality and morbidity are expected to increase herd productivity and reduce GHG emission intensity in all livestock production systems. Pursuing a suite of intensive and extensive reproductive management technologies provides a significant opportunity to reduce GHG emissions. Recommended approaches will differ by region and species but should target increasing conception rates in dairy, beef, and buffalo, increasing fecundity in swine and small ruminants, and reducing em

The goal of this review was to analyze published data on animal management practices that mitigate enteric methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from animal operations. Increasing animal productivity can be a very effective strategy for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per unit of livestock product. Improving the genetic potential of animals through planned cross-breeding or selection within breeds and achieving this genetic potential through proper nutrition and improvements in reproductive efficiency, animal health, and reproductive lifespan are effective approaches for improving animal productivity and reducing GHG emission intensity. In subsistence production systems, reduction of herd size would increase feed availability and productivity of individual animals and the total herd, thus lowering CH4 emission intensity. In these systems, improving the nutritive value of low-quality feeds for ruminant diets can have a considerable benefit on herd productivity while keeping the herd CH4 output constant or even decreasing it. Residual feed intake may be a tool for screening animals that are low CH4 emitters, but there is currently insufficient evidence that low residual feed intake animals have a lower CH4 yield per unit of feed intake or animal product. Reducing age at slaughter of finished cattle and the number of days that animals are on feed in the feedlot can significantly reduce GHG emissions in beef and other meat animal production systems. Improved animal health and reduced mortality and morbidity are expected to increase herd productivity and reduce GHG emission intensity in all livestock production systems. Pursuing a suite of intensive and extensive reproductive management technologies provides a significant opportunity to reduce GHG emissions. Recommended approaches will differ by region and species but should target increasing conception rates in dairy, beef, and buffalo, increasing fecundity in swine and small ruminants, and reducing em

Horse grazing systems may affect productivity and biodiversity of understory developed under Pinus radiata D. Don silvopastoral systems, while acting as a tool to reduce the risk of fire. This study compared continuous and rotational grazing systems effect upon biomass, fractions of stem, sprouts, leaves and woody parts of Ulex europaeus L. and alpha (Species Richness, Shannon-Wiener) and beta (Jaccard and Magurran) biodiversity for a period of four years in a P. radiata silvopastoral system. The experiment consisted of a randomized block design of two treatments (continuous and rotational grazing). Biomass, and species abundances were measured - biodiversity metrics were calculated based on these results for a two years of grazing and two years of post-grazing periods. Both continuous and rotational grazing systems were useful tools for reducing biomass and, therefore, fire risk. The rotational grazing system caused damage to the U. europaeus shrub, limiting its recovery once grazing was stopped. However, the more intensive grazing of U. europaeus plants under rotational had a positive effect on both alpha and beta biodiversity indexes due to the low capacity of food selection in the whole plot rather than continuous grazing systems. Biomass was not affected by the grazing system; however the rotational grazing system is more appropriate to reduce U. europaeus biomass and therefore forest fire risk at a long term and to enhance pasture biodiversity than the continuous grazing system

Investigating Impacts of Fuel Costs on Retail Prices for Local and Non-local Milk Products.The Problem of Over-Shooting Supplies of a Tree Crop.Smallholder Livestock Production and the Global Disease Risk

Investigating Impacts of Fuel Costs on Retail Prices for Local and Non-local Milk Products.The Problem of Over-Shooting Supplies of a Tree Crop.Smallholder Livestock Production and the Global Disease Risk

Forest and livestock management puts pressure on forests and the wildlife they support. Although many species may be negatively affected by these human activities, the abundance of other species may be promoted, although this has perhaps received less attention in livestock, logging, and conservation management plans. Wild boar and red fox, two common mammals distributed throughout Europe, occupy a wide variety of Mediterranean environments. Little is known about how increases in logging and livestock management have changed their status. This work models the response of wild boar and red fox to these pressures in the human-altered Mediterranean forest landscapes of the central Iberian Peninsula (NHR), where the predominant land uses in the last hundred years have focused on livestock and logging (thinning and selective cutting). We collapsed land use and habitat structure variables into independent habitat vectors using principle component analysis (PCA) and then used a general linear model (GLM) to explain the relationships between red fox and wild boar abundance and the independent habitat vectors observed in human-altered forests. Livestock and logging activity was positively correlated with wild boar abundance, and negatively correlated with red fox abundance, although red fox tolerated open scrubland that had been logged. Red fox abundance remained negatively correlated with the same variables when boar abundance was added as an environmental predictor in the model, but some additional variance was explained, demonstrating the need to include indirect interspecific relationships in the habitat-species models. The combined effects of wild boar, logging and livestock are indirectly important factors which modify habitat structure and negatively affect red fox. Therefore, common mammal species are influenced by livestock and logging in different ways which necessarily may be taken into account in management and conservation decisions in Mediterranean human-altere

Sedentarization has become one of the biggest transformations to occur among nomadic pastoralists of East Africa in the 20th century. Although many researches have been done on the socio-economic changes in pastoral societies under the influence of sedentarization, few have focused on livestock production and management, which remain the centre of pastoral subsistence. Based on a case study of the Rendille pastoralists of Kenya, this paper examines how nomadic pastoralists have challenged sedentarization without reducing the high mobility of livestock herding and livestock based economy. Data collected during 23 months of fieldwork were analyzed and compared with previous studies from ecological and anthropological perspectives. Under the influence of development projects and drought relief efforts in the past three to four decades, most of Rendille's settlements moved into the vicinities of the new towns. However, by maintaining their communal use of rangeland and water resources, reorganizing the dual residential system of settlement and herding camps, continuing high mobility of livestock at herding camps, and continuing the age system and distribution of labour in herding tasks, the Rendille have successfully maintained high mobility in their livestock herding practices. On the other hand, challenging new opportunities, such as developing new wells near permanent settlements and passing animals through settlements for water, have provided people living in the settlements with greater access to livestock products and improved the conditions for raising cattle. Furthermore, in recent years, cattle sales have allowed pastoralists to engage in the growing cash economy. Results from longitudinal and comparative studies show that nomadic pastoralists not only have the ability to remain livestock herding, but also are capable of responding to profitable opportunities brought from outside.

The purpose of this study is to assess the incidence of livestock management, technologies used in cattle milking and quantity of milk producing farmers in MuyMuy. There is a reproduction of cross-breeds brown Swiss brahman; few producers / as conducting artificial insemination for livestock. The most common grasses for food are the common programme, sweet cane. The consumption of mineral salts is mixed with common salt ad libitum. Most producers receive technical assistance by government programs. The misuse of technology in livestock farms affects the quality of milk. The average production of milk in the winter season is 6.17 liters / cow / day, but the average production in the summer is 4.04 liters / cow / day., El objetivo del trabajo es evaluar la incidencia del manejo zootécnico, tecnologías usadas en el ganado de ordeño y cantidad de leche que producen los ganaderos de Muy Muy. Existe una reproducción de cruces de razas Pardo Suizo- Brahman; son pocos los productores/as que realizan la inseminación artificial al ganado. Los pastos más comunes para la alimentación son: la grama común, caña dulce. El consumo de sales minerales se hace mezclado con sal común ad libitum. La mayor parte de los productores reciben asistencia técnica, por parte de programas del gobierno. El mal uso de tecnologías en las explotaciones pecuarias incide en la calidad de la leche. La producción promedio de leche en la época de invierno es de 6.17 lts/ vaca/ día, sin embargo la producción promedio en la época de verano es de 4.04 lts/vaca /día.

A short look at some careers at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.

A short look at some careers at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.

The purpose of this study is to assess the incidence of livestock management, technologies used in cattle milking and quantity of milk producing farmers in MuyMuy. There is a reproduction of cross-breeds brown Swiss brahman; few producers / as conducting artificial insemination for livestock. The most common grasses for food are the common programme, sweet cane. The consumption of mineral salts is mixed with common salt ad libitum. Most producers receive technical assistance by government programs. The misuse of technology in livestock farms affects the quality of milk. The average production of milk in the winter season is 6.17 liters / cow / day, but the average production in the summer is 4.04 liters / cow / day., El objetivo del trabajo es evaluar la incidencia del manejo zootécnico, tecnologías usadas en el ganado de ordeño y cantidad de leche que producen los ganaderos de Muy Muy. Existe una reproducción de cruces de razas Pardo Suizo- Brahman; son pocos los productores/as que realizan la inseminación artificial al ganado. Los pastos más comunes para la alimentación son: la grama común, caña dulce. El consumo de sales minerales se hace mezclado con sal común ad libitum. La mayor parte de los productores reciben asistencia técnica, por parte de programas del gobierno. El mal uso de tecnologías en las explotaciones pecuarias incide en la calidad de la leche. La producción promedio de leche en la época de invierno es de 6.17 lts/ vaca/ día, sin embargo la producción promedio en la época de verano es de 4.04 lts/vaca /día.

This guide is to be used with "Goat Management and Health: A Guide to Raising Healthy Goats" by T. Lewis. It provides tips for leading training sessions and a suggested schedule and objectives for goat production training sessions.

This guide is to be used with "Goat Management and Health: A Guide to Raising Healthy Goats" by T. Lewis. It provides tips for leading training sessions and a suggested schedule and objectives for goat production training sessions.

Agricultural production in the semi-arid agro-ecosystems of the Sahel centres on cereal staple crops and pastoralism with increasing crop-livestock integration. Animals mobilize soil fertility through manure production, graze crop by-products, and transfer nutrients from distant pastures to cropped areas. Yet in these systems various interacting factors, i.e. climate variability, poor soil fertility, poverty, and institutional constraints limit the capacity of agriculture to keep pace with the growing needs of an increasing human population.

This study investigates how a pastoralist people of the arid regions of East Africa have coped with complex natural and socio-economic environmental changes by means of a case study of the Rendille people in northern Kenya. The study is based not only on data collected during 18 months' fi eldwork, but also on detailed comparisons with previous studies from anthropological and ecological perspectives. The results show that the current pastoral subsistence of the Rendille constitutes a comprehensive system involving both pastoral production and associations with the local economy. The pastoral production system consists of the political and social centers offered by the settlements and the pastoral production sector of the livestock herding camps. Its place in the local economy is refl ected, mainly, by contacts with the developing towns. By continuing with the communal utilization of land and water resources, specializing livestock management tasks in herding camps, and forming cooperative relations that based on important social institutions, the Rendille are able to maintain the fl exibility of, and improvement in, livestock management and pastoral strategies. In addition, the process of combining challenging new economic activities and developing pastoral production systems illustrates the dynamics of pastoral subsistence today.

Agricultural production in the semi-arid agro-ecosystems of the Sahel centres on cereal staple crops and pastoralism with increasing crop-livestock integration. Animals mobilize soil fertility through manure production, graze crop by-products, and transfer nutrients from distant pastures to cropped areas. Yet in these systems various interacting factors, i.e. climate variability, poor soil fertility, poverty, and institutional constraints limit the capacity of agriculture to keep pace with the growing needs of an increasing human population.

This study investigates how a pastoralist people of the arid regions of East Africa have coped with complex natural and socio-economic environmental changes by means of a case study of the Rendille people in northern Kenya. The study is based not only on data collected during 18 months' fi eldwork, but also on detailed comparisons with previous studies from anthropological and ecological perspectives. The results show that the current pastoral subsistence of the Rendille constitutes a comprehensive system involving both pastoral production and associations with the local economy. The pastoral production system consists of the political and social centers offered by the settlements and the pastoral production sector of the livestock herding camps. Its place in the local economy is refl ected, mainly, by contacts with the developing towns. By continuing with the communal utilization of land and water resources, specializing livestock management tasks in herding camps, and forming cooperative relations that based on important social institutions, the Rendille are able to maintain the fl exibility of, and improvement in, livestock management and pastoral strategies. In addition, the process of combining challenging new economic activities and developing pastoral production systems illustrates the dynamics of pastoral subsistence today.

Using data from field studies in the Kalahari rangelands of Southern Africa, the relationships between scientific and land user interpretations of land degradation and change in non-equilibrium savanna ecosystems are explored. Scientific and land user views are often regarded as distinct, and even opposed, knowledges. We contest that a more constructive view can be taken through the concept of hybrid knowledge, whereby value is attached to both approaches and through which a more useful and meaningful assessment of environmental change, and its implications for development and natural resource use, can be made. We find that in both the southwestern and northwestern Kalahari, pastoralists have a complex understanding of the patchiness of ecosystem variability, and that they utilise elements of this patchiness of change, notably dimensions of bush encroachment and grass species change that have commonly been regarded as degradation in scientific understandings, within livestock management strategies, especially at times of environmental stress. We urge caution in the application of the term degradation, and a more widespread recognition of the multifaceted dimensions, including benefits, of change within the scientifically recognized variability of non-equilibrium rangelands.

Using data from field studies in the Kalahari rangelands of Southern Africa, the relationships between scientific and land user interpretations of land degradation and change in non-equilibrium savanna ecosystems are explored. Scientific and land user views are often regarded as distinct, and even opposed, knowledges. We contest that a more constructive view can be taken through the concept of hybrid knowledge, whereby value is attached to both approaches and through which a more useful and meaningful assessment of environmental change, and its implications for development and natural resource use, can be made. We find that in both the southwestern and northwestern Kalahari, pastoralists have a complex understanding of the patchiness of ecosystem variability, and that they utilise elements of this patchiness of change, notably dimensions of bush encroachment and grass species change that have commonly been regarded as degradation in scientific understandings, within livestock management strategies, especially at times of environmental stress. We urge caution in the application of the term degradation, and a more widespread recognition of the multifaceted dimensions, including benefits, of change within the scientifically recognized variability of non-equilibrium rangelands.

Maasai pastoralists in Kenya are rapidly diversifying. Maasai may now derive their main livelihoods (and sometimes considerable income) from farming, wildlife tourism, and/or the leasing of land for large-scale cereal cultivation. The spread of large-scale commercial cultivation competes with wildlife for grazing land, and wildlife populations around protected areas are rapidly declining as a result. This paper presents new data to analyse the way returns from different land uses, and the social structures affecting their distribution, influence the land-use choices being made by Maasai around the Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Returns to different interest groups from livestock, cultivation, and wildlife enterprises, seen in the light of current social, economic, and political trajectories, can help to clarify likely future land-use trends in the Mara. In particular, community conservation initiatives that seek to make conservation worthwhile to reserve-adjacent dwellers inevitably have a strong economic dimension. However, the choices made by Maasai landowners are not a simple function of the economic returns potentially accruing from a particular enterprise. They are as much or more influenced by who is able to control the different flows of returns from these different types of enterprise. These findings are relevant not only for the wider Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem, but also for pastoral livelihoods and wildlife conservation elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa.

Maasai pastoralists in Kenya are rapidly diversifying. Maasai may now derive their main livelihoods (and sometimes considerable income) from farming, wildlife tourism, and/or the leasing of land for large-scale cereal cultivation. The spread of large-scale commercial cultivation competes with wildlife for grazing land, and wildlife populations around protected areas are rapidly declining as a result. This paper presents new data to analyse the way returns from different land uses, and the social structures affecting their distribution, influence the land-use choices being made by Maasai around the Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Returns to different interest groups from livestock, cultivation, and wildlife enterprises, seen in the light of current social, economic, and political trajectories, can help to clarify likely future land-use trends in the Mara. In particular, community conservation initiatives that seek to make conservation worthwhile to reserve-adjacent dwellers inevitably have a strong economic dimension. However, the choices made by Maasai landowners are not a simple function of the economic returns potentially accruing from a particular enterprise. They are as much or more influenced by who is able to control the different flows of returns from these different types of enterprise. These findings are relevant not only for the wider Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem, but also for pastoral livelihoods and wildlife conservation elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa.

Ewaso Narok Swamp, formed along the Eng'are Narok river, is located in the semi-arid part of the Laikipia District, Kenya. The area, of bushy grassland, is characterised by low rainfall (less than 750 mm annually) and episodic rivers. Before the 1970s, the dominant land use was large scale ranching and nomadic pastoralism. Since 1970, this has slowly been transformed into high density small-scale farming. There has been a strong trend towards settlement along riverine and wetland areas due to their suitability for farming and easy availability of water for cultivation. Ewaso Narok swamp has a rich species diversity of over 170 bird species, resident and migrant, over 100 plant species and it also provides an important dryland refuge for both domestic and wild animals. The swamp also provides socio-economic products such as plant matter for building. The result of its land use transformation has been ecosystem alteration, habitat modification and destruction both for wetland and rangeland species. This change has also been accompanied by escalating human-wildlife conflict. However, although this process is self-destructive, the lack of economic returns from wildlife to some extent justify the land use transformation since the communities settling here have to satisfy the basic requirements of food and shelter. This poses the challenge of the developing appropriate ways to conserve the dryland wetlands whilst attaining maximum returns for the local community.

This paper examines the relative contribution of AF activities in an emission reduction program, focusing in part on the relative desirability of sequestration in forests and agricultural soils. The analysis will consider the effects of competition for land and other resources between AF activities and traditional production. In addition, analysis is done on the influence of saturation and volatility.

Ewaso Narok Swamp, formed along the Eng'are Narok river, is located in the semi-arid part of the Laikipia District, Kenya. The area, of bushy grassland, is characterised by low rainfall (less than 750 mm annually) and episodic rivers. Before the 1970s, the dominant land use was large scale ranching and nomadic pastoralism. Since 1970, this has slowly been transformed into high density small-scale farming. There has been a strong trend towards settlement along riverine and wetland areas due to their suitability for farming and easy availability of water for cultivation. Ewaso Narok swamp has a rich species diversity of over 170 bird species, resident and migrant, over 100 plant species and it also provides an important dryland refuge for both domestic and wild animals. The swamp also provides socio-economic products such as plant matter for building. The result of its land use transformation has been ecosystem alteration, habitat modification and destruction both for wetland and rangeland species. This change has also been accompanied by escalating human-wildlife conflict. However, although this process is self-destructive, the lack of economic returns from wildlife to some extent justify the land use transformation since the communities settling here have to satisfy the basic requirements of food and shelter. This poses the challenge of the developing appropriate ways to conserve the dryland wetlands whilst attaining maximum returns for the local community.

This paper examines the relative contribution of AF activities in an emission reduction program, focusing in part on the relative desirability of sequestration in forests and agricultural soils. The analysis will consider the effects of competition for land and other resources between AF activities and traditional production. In addition, analysis is done on the influence of saturation and volatility.

This document describes the progress of the SANREM CRSP for the period June 1, 1999 to May 31, 2000.

SANREM West Africa's (SANREM WA) collaborative research support program seeks to improve natural resource and conflict management practices in agro-pastoral systems in West Africa s arid and