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Objective: To characterize the scientific production of the Pastos y Forrajes journal during the period 1978-2021 and its relation to the paradigm changes in the research + development + innovation (R + D + i) processes of the Pastures and Forages Research Station Indio Hatuey. Materials and Methods: The dominion was constituted by the Pastures and Forages Research Station Indio Hatuey. Some bibliometric indicators related to the scientific production of this journal were described and evaluated. The study is classified as descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective. A total of 1 508 papers was recovered, and a database was created with the bibliographic manager EndNote X7. The analyzed indicators were the following: total published papers per year, geographic distribution, coauthorship index, collaboration networks of authors, co-occurrence networks for keywords, and most studied species. For the analysis of the thematic area the terms of the Agricultural Thesaurus AGROVOC and that of UNESCO were used. Results: In the first stage a higher quantity of papers about the introduction, evaluation and selection of pasture and forage species and varieties aimed at livestock feeding, was published, which was in correspondence with the existing genocentric model in the period. The second stage was marked by the papers related to the use of trees for animal production, with agroecological and sustainable approach, which was enhanced with the creation of the Socioeconomics group, which had a systemic and holistic vision of research. In the last stage the topics published in the journal were broadened and diversified, not only focused on cattle, but also on other species that can utilize the forage resources and created systems, with the inclusion of socioeconomic and environmental topics. Conclusions: The use of the bibliometric tools revealed high scientific and practical pertinence, which allowed to visualize the paradigm changes associated to the mission and the R+D+i lines. The most studied species have been Leucaena leucocephala andMegathysus maximus; while the most outstanding researched topics are: milk production, silage, nutritional value, silvopastoral systems, evaluation of plants, application of fertilizers and seed production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To ratify the importance of the application of molecular tools in the pasture breeding programs. Materials and Methods: Fifty-nine papers were consulted and reviewed, which approach the methods based on molecular (genetic markers, CRISPR technology and molecular cytogenetics), available in databases (Google Scholar, Dialnet, Redalyc, SciELO, REDIB, DOAJ and Latindex), in order to obtain information about their application in pasture breeding. Results: Information was compiled about the main molecular markers (microsatellites, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA, single-nucleotide polymorphism, amplified fragment length polymorphism), utilized to analyze the genetic diversity in pastures. Which ones are more effective and versatile was researched. It was noted that the phenomenon of apomixis can be utilized to maintain the hybrid vigor in pasture lines and that molecular marks contributed to identify apomictic plants at early ages. It was validated that the CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) technology can be applied in pasture species to improve agronomic attributes. Conclusions: Molecular markers, especially SNPs, are ideal for genetic diversity studies in pastures and for the identification of apomictic plants at early ages. The CRISPR technology of genomic edition constitutes a versatile tool applicable in pastures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the potentialities of the utilization of zootechnical additives in apiculture in Cuba. Materials and Methods: Papers available in online data bases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar), related to the use of zootechnical additives in honey bees (Apis mellifera), were reviewed. A search was made for the keywords zootechnical additives, probiotics, prebiotics and phytobiotics, plant extract, and then the word bees was added. All the searches were carried out between 2019 and 2020. There was no exclusion of any period and no language restrictions were applied. Results: The utilization of antibiotics in the control and prevention of bacterial infections in apiculture has caused changes in the rearing of this species, and since then their use is limited in many countries. In the face of this reality, the use of zootechnical additives constitutes an alternative, due to their capacity to modulate the immunological system and the intestinal microflora in bees; besides having an antagonist function against pathogens. In the last decades it has been noted that probiotics and plant extracts are the most widely used to improve health and productive indicators, for which work is done to achieve their standardization in Cuba. Conclusions: Obtaining and evaluating zootechnical additives in bees is a growing strategy worldwide, which is focused on minimizing or eliminating the use of chemicals. In Cuba, the use of these additives constitutes a sustainable proposal to improve health indicators, and thus maintain the quality of honeys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: o reflect about the importance of the supportability of agroproductive systems and of their contribution to local development in Cuba, from an economic, ecological and sociocultural approach. Materials and Methods: This study, of exploratory, analytical and descriptive type, is based on the bibliographic review of the concepts sustainable and supportable systems, bioeconomy, agroecology and development programs in local contexts. For such purpose, different information sources, scientific papers published about the topic and literature produced by national and international organisms, were consulted and analyzed, in order to know about the state-of-the-art of the object of study and to concrete necessary definitions and strategies for the implementation of supportable systems in the framework of agricultural programs. Results: It was corroborated that supportability is a way of living and producing in harmony with the environment, to guarantee that future generations can satisfy their needs. From its multifunctionality, supportability can be a tool in supportable local development, from the commitment to agrifood models based on agroecology, bioeconomy and food sovereignty. Conclusions: In Cuba it would be pertinent to establish local strategies to improve people's quality of life and preserve the environment, from an agroecological and supportable approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the bioproduct IHPLUS® and its immersion times, on the germination process of Sorghum bicolor L. Moench cv. UDG-110. Ten treatments were studied: control (distilled water); and other nine with application of the product in three concentrations (2, 4 and 6 %) and three immersion times (2, 4 and 6 h). The seeds were planted on 5-cm diameter Petri dishes, on support of filter paper moisturized with distilled water. The following indicators were evaluated: germination percentage and value, root length and aerial part length, α-amylase activity and content of proteins and reducing sugars. A completely randomized design was used with four replicas per treatment. The results were processed with the statistical package SPSS® version 15.0. An ANOVA was used and Tukey's multiple range test was used for mean comparison. The treatments with IHPUS® showed a positive effect on the germination process. An increase in the germination value was observed in the first 48 h of the essay with the application of the product, as well as higher values in root and aerial part length. There was an increase of the α-amylase activity which was in correspondence with an increase in the concentrations of reducing sugars and total soluble proteins. It is concluded that IHPLUS® is an effective bioproduct to stimulate the germination process of S. bicolor L. Moench cv. UDG-110, with potentialities for the development of agroecological agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to analyze the scientific production on Morus alba L. recorded in international databases during the period 2013-2017. A search was carried out in ScienceDirect, Springer, Redalyc and Scielo, of the papers that have in the title the phrase "Morus alba"; once the overlapping cases were eliminated 125 records were recovered. The evaluated variables were: number of publications per year, productivity per journal, authors' productivity, relation among authors and keywords. The most productive year was 2016 and the highest quantity of manuscripts was published in the Cuban journal Pastos y Forrajes. The main collaboration networks were found among authors from Cuba, Spain, India and South Korea. In the period, the research about the phytochemical indicators of this plant for its use in animal and human health prevailed. The scientific information about M. alba in the period 2013-2017 is abundant and a growth in the number of publications is shown. The most enhanced thematic area corresponds to its phytochemistry and its potential uses in animal and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Cuba a significant potential for biogas production and utilization is observed, based on the diversity and volume of contaminating residues generated by the agricultural and agri-food sectors; however, this potential is not accurately known yet to utilize such information in the decision-making processes that contribute to national bioenergy development. In that sense, the objective of the paper is to offer an evaluation of the biogas production and utilization potential in the country. To facilitate the evaluation, the study was divided by sectors (MINAG, MINAL, AzCUBA); within the animal husbandry sector, it was subdivided into poultry, pig (state and cooperative producers) and cattle, but only the productive activity directly linked to MINAG was taken into consideration. In the case of the industry sector (MINAL and AzCUBA), data were taken from the 12 most contaminant industries and from the alcohol distilleries, respectively. The daily potential of biogas production is 674 609 m³, in which the pig and poultry production stand out; this potential means an energy production of 1 477 394 MWh/year, equivalent to 132 856 t of diesel, whose import costs 48 615 065 USD Cuba according to the current prices. Likewise, if the intensity in CO2 of diesel is considered, the emissions prevented due to the substitution of this fossil fuel by biogas are estimated in 440 778 t CO2 eq/year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the procedure to implement the Technological Innovation Management in the university-Cuban state animal husbandry enterprise relation and its validation in the case study University of Pinar del Río and Camilo Cienfuegos Genetic Animal Husbandry Enterprise. The procedure had three phases, with their corresponding steps (eight); in addition, 18 indicators, considered relevant for technology management in the university-enterprise relation, were identified, organized in four dimensions: institutional feedback, economic productive, environmental and social pertinence. These indicators become a key aspect for the evaluation of the model. It was determined that the three indicators with the best results were: the degree of application of the diagnosis in the enterprise, with the companionship of the university per year; the degree in which training generated changes and transformations in the use of the technologies per year; and the degree of planning, organization and contracting of R + D + i projects per year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to support and facilitate the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of the integrated food and energy production in Cuba, BiomaSoft was designed, a computer system for the M&E of integrated food and energy production in Cuban municipalities. The objective of this paper is to provide a description of the main aspects in the implementation and development of such system, for which its use cases are textually described and the specific design class diagrams for each one are provided. As a whole, the detailed aspects show the way in which the different actors should interact with the BiomaSoft system, tailor-designed for the support of M&E. Likewise, all the compiled information allowed to design and construct a robust database, capable of supporting the large quantity of information the system should manipulate; and also to reach a deep understanding of the functioning and capacities of the system, for their later display. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to facilitate the understanding about the relevance of the actors' perceptions for social change and sustainability of the transformations that are executed in the municipal agricultural sector, in the face of the complexity of current scenarios. The analysis and reflection are derived from the experience obtained during more than 15 years of field work, with tools that promote participation and interdisciplinarity in the analyses, by the research line of Agricultural and Sustainable Local Development of the Pastures and Forages Research Station Indio Hatuey, in agroproductive entities, municipalities and localities, with the contribution of their key actors. For the study the information regarding the officials, workers and decision makers' perceptions were considered; statistical documents associated to the agricultural productions of the territories were also analyzed. As a result it was observed that the established institutionality should be reformed, because it slows down the concretion of the transformation projects and actions. From this, it can be concluded that the knowledge and understanding about the analyzed actors' perceptions at municipal-local level remarkably limit that the projection and implementation of the changes are favorably visualized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a descriptive and evaluative analysis of the productive and environmental of SPSi with Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit, emphasizing the nutritional quality, biomass production, voluntary intake, animal productivity and greenhouse gas emission aspects. For such purpose, a bibliographic review was made about the studies in the last 15 years, concerning animal production systems under tropical conditions, stressing the ones conducted in Colombia. It was noticed that the forage offer in SPSi with leucaena has a protein content higher than 22 % and a lower fiber content (20-30 %) with regards to most tropical pastures. Additionally, leucaena has the capacity to withstand intense browsing, and its presence increases plant and animal productivity. The animals produce at least two or three times more meat and milk ha-1 year-1 as the result of a higher nutrient intake and higher forage offer, because with this legume the dry matter (DM) intake can be 1,3 times higher than the one observed in conventional systems, and the forage production can be from 5 to 18 t DM ha-1. On the other hand, the inclusion of L. leucocephala allows to decrease the enteric emissions of CH4 in amounts close to 20 % per kilogram of produced meat or milk and per kilogram of consumed dry matter. Compared with the traditional systems, in the ones in which L. leucocephala is included, the efficiency in production is increased and the negative environmental effects of animal husbandry are decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low efficiency and profitability of animal production systems in tropical countries, along with the subsequent deterioration of the environment, has compelled the search for systems that maximize the productive and economic efficiency and the natural balance with the environment. For such reason, the objective of this paper is to review the main results of Latin America and the Caribbean with the use of silvopastoral system (SPSs) for milk and beef production and for the control of parasitism in cattle. SPSs offer high edible biomass availability, higher than 30 t DM ha-1year-1, of which the pasture represents 75-90 % and the tree foliage, 10-25 %. The diet shows a CP content of 11-16 % and an IVDMD of 510-630 g kg-1 DM and allows a milk production of 10-12 kg cow-1day-1 and between 3 000 and 16 000 kg ha-1year-1. For beef production, SPSs guarantee a weight gain between 0,42 and 1,10 kg animal-1day-1; while the production per hectare is between 500 and 1 340 kg year-1. In addition, SPSs propitiate the increase of the soil biota which accelerates dung decomposition, reducing gastrointestinal parasitism in the animals and the increase of the fauna associated that regulates the populations of ticks and vector insects. The need to transform degraded pasture systems as well as the crops of cultivated grasses in SPSs is emphasized; thus they improve the nutritional quality and balance of the diet for the animals, the efficiency in milk and beef production per hectare is optimized and a contribution is made to the control of parasite diseases in the herds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Cuba, with a food system highly dependent on imports, transformations are needed in its farming development model; which are mainly based on a more endogenous production and the more efficient use of the locally available resources. Agroecology, as science and practice that promotes food sovereignty, can place those who produce, distribute and consume the farming production at the center of public policies which promote these processes close to the territory and in an ecologically sustainable way, which turns it into a sustainable alternative. This paper presents the current situation of agriculture in the country, its participation in national economy, the role of the cooperative sector and family agriculture in feeding the population; and it also analyzes soil deterioration and sociocultural, climate problems, among others, which suggest the need of alternative agricultural development models and favor the drive of guidelines and decisions around agroecology; reference is made too to the challenges that could support its progressive development. The need of an agroecological transition in Cuba is evident; for which the elements that could support the development of family agriculture in the country on agroecological bases are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is the continuation of the one published in Pastos y Forrajes, no. 1, 2016, in which the general bases of a selection of currently internationally available methodologies for the dynamic evaluation of production systems, are offered. This part describes the methodologies Integral Energy Evaluation (EMERGY) and Systems' Trajectory; and also a concrete example is provided of the application of the principles of these methods in the construction of an integral evaluation model of farming systems, called GAMEDE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of temperature and pH on the cell viability of the strain Azospirillum brasilense C16. Five temperatures (between 28 and 36 ºC) and five pH values (from 4,5 to 8,5) were studied. The effect of temperature was evaluated by measuring the radial growth (mm) of the strain, on a filter paper in sweet potato agar. In the case of pH to quantify the growth rate, biomass production and time of duplication of the strain a Rushtontype turbine-agitated fermenter was used; the fermentation conditions were: 400 rpm, 1 Lpm and 30 ºC, during 24 hours. The pH and temperature significantly influenced (p< 0,05) the production of A. brasilense C16. The temperature of 30 ºC was the most favorable for the strain to be multiplied, with 23,21 mm of radial growth; while the temperature higher than or equal to 34 ºC inhibited its growth. The best results were obtained with a pH value of 6,8, with significant differences (p< 0,05) compared with the others. Under this condition the highest growth rate values (1,79 h-1) and biomass production (8,65 log10 CFU mL-1), and the lowest value of the duplication time (1,09 h-1), were obtained. These results have biotechnological applicability, and are very important at the moment of defining and controlling the conditions of massive biomass production of A. brasilense C16 for future formulations in diverse crops of interest in Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this analysis is to reflect on more sustainable family and extensive integrated livestock production models, in which the woody component is integrated, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases and favoring the mitigation of the climate change. For such purpose, a revision was made referring to the integration of the forestry activity in livestock production, as a viable alternative of production system. A start is made from the criterion that silvopastoral systems (SPSs), within the agroforestry ones, are agroecosystems in which a tree component is associated with a herbaceous (natural or improved pastures) and a farming component (livestock) in the same site, where biological interactions exist among them and land use is maximized. This paper also describes how SPSs are grouped; their opportunities from the economic, productive, social and environmental points of view; and the effects of the interaction among its components. This analysis allows to state that SPSs are a product of the relation among biology, society and culture, and in them there is a large diversity; likewise, they allow the reconversion of the very little productive extensive livestock production into more productive and sustainable systems, as well as the rehabilitation of the areas degraded by this type of livestock production, deforestation and soil depletion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to analyze the evolution of the most important scientific results related to the management of grazing systems for dairy production in Cuba, during the last 40 years of research. The compilation made allowed to generate a group of principles that rule the management with improved grasses, twining legumes and trees for browsing. The challenges in the conception of milk production systems in Cuba, which constitute the new paradigm: food and energy production on improved grasses in association with fodder, energy, timber and other trees, that cover 80 % of the animals' requirements, were analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, Jatropha curcas Linnaeus constitutes one of the most studied plants worldwide due to its potential to produce oil, which can be transformed into biodiesel. However, there is not enough information yet about its ecological interactions with other plants and animals; for which the knowledge concerning the arthropods associated to J. curcas is an essential requisite for the adequate management of the crop. The objective of this paper is to present the results of a compilation made about these organisms (mainly insects, mites and spiders), to achieve a better exploitation of the plantations of this energy crop in Cuba. Within the group of plant-eaters, 151 insect species were found, among which two from order Hemiptera (Pachycoris klugii Burmeister (Scutelleridae) and Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas)) stand out, in addition to four mite species. Among the beneficial ones, 90 insect, five mite and 13 predator spider species were found. Regarding pest management strategies, a higher emphasis is made on the chemical control measures and some cultural-type actions. Taking these antecedents into consideration, in Cuba it is essential to know the main organisms associated to this plant, in order to incorporate –with higher accuracy– the agroecological component in pest management, and thus contribute to the maintenance of the productive capacities of agroecosystems and their resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population centers are constantly growing, even more in urban zones, for which the demand for plants for landscaping purposes and recreational areas also increases considerably. These zones represent unique and hostile conditions for plant growth, even that of turfgrass species. The environments where these species are grown are very influenced by man and are considered highly stressing, because they combine a large number of biotic and abiotic stress factors. In this sense, the development of new varieties adapted to abiotic stress is an aspect which has been unnoticed. That is why the development of specific breeding programs for local conditions constitutes an urgent need for the turfgrass industry. Conventional plant breeding methods have been successfully used to obtained improved varieties; however, the use of modern genetics and biotechnology tools has marked a new milestone in turfgrass breeding, which is aimed, mainly, at the attainment of abiotic stress tolerant varieties. This paper presents a bibliographic review about the state of the art in the topic of turfgrass species breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work briefly reviews the literature that supports the analysis of the aspects related to the evolution of territorial and agricultural transformations in Cuba. Reference is made to the role of the State in the implementation of strategies to support the development processes in the Cuban countryside, in an international context which sometimes favors, and occasionally limits, the performance of the agricultural structure and the rural areas of the nation. The paper also examines the potentials of the municipality as strategic scenario to promote sustainable alternatives of agricultural production which guarantee --among other aspects-- food security, employment generation and the rational use of natural resources, from the articulation of the agricultural sector with management of the local government. All this occurs in a context of decentralized transformations and in which different types of producers coexist, also organized in a diverse way. The integrated agroproductive and rural development model, with territorial vision, is visualized to be starting and under experimentation, and the flexibility and diversity with which the process occurs will allow to adjust the model and adapt it to the characteristics of the territories and the different stakeholders, according to the national development strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera is the most widely known species of the Moringa genus. It is a tree which originated in the south of the Himalayas, northeast India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is distributed over a large part of the planet and in Central America; it is known with different common names: drumstick tree, acacia and French jasmine, among others. This paper addresses different aspects of this species, such as: its origin and distribution, agronomic factors and biomass production, chemical composition and utilization. It is a plant which stands out for its multiple usages and adaptation to different edaphoclimatic conditions, for which it constitutes a choice for feeding, especially in tropical countries. The tree M. oleifera is concluded to have large ecological plasticity, because it is capable of adapting to the most diverse soil and climate conditions. Its nutritional value and high biomass yields make it an important plant genetic resource in production systems. It is also a plant which can be used as living fence, windbreak, green manure and for ethanol and gum production, etc.; hence it is an interesting species for the tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to offer considerations about agroenergy production from biomass in integrated agroforestry systems. At present, worldwide, marked by a group of hazards that threaten human existence, there is a challenge mainly in the rural context: how can the coexistence of agroenergy, food security and environmental protection be achieved?, in the presence of climate changes, environmental degradation, food crises and the growing biofuels vs food contradiction, generated by a senseless policy for obtaining first-generation agrofuels from large extensions of food monocrops, which is morally rejectable. Biofuels are also considered an ecological alternative to fossil fuels, because of their reduction capacity in the emission of greenhouse gasses and because they promote the development of rural communities in southern countries; this is enhanced in integrated agroforestry systems, in which biofuels, of first as well as second generation, can be produced, especially with the application of the concept of biorefinery which allows converting biomass into many products, which total added value can be higher than the one generated by fossil fuels. International projects, which promote integrated and sustainable food and energy production in the context of agroforestry integrated systems, at local scale, contribute to this purpose. The authors consider that the execution of projects and experiences about agroenergy has the main objective of achieving energetic sustainability and food security at local scale, in rural areas, taking into account environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pastos y Forrajes is the official journal of the Ministry of Higher Education for the livestock production sector. The objective of this paper is to show how this publication emerged and how it has evolved in correspondence with the transformations of the livestock production sector and information technologies. The structure of its Editorial Board, the topics included, the need for its periodical evaluation are reported as well as the role played in the training of professionals, the dissemination of scientific results and the exchange with other publications. It is concluded that the staff should work to achieve higher excellence indexes, maintain the accreditation granted by the Cuban Academy of Sciences, as well as increase the national and international visibility of the journal through a continuous improvement process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]