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Remote sensing has shown potential to provide accurate and real-time information on grassland forage quality, crucial for the management of livestock systems. However, there are still uncertainties that must be considered to make models reliable and practical. A source of discrepancy regards the measurement unit describing forage quality variables, namely either mass-based concentration (%) or mass per surface area content (kg ha−1). Furthermore, phenological patterns largely influence grassland reflectance and have a strong impact on model accuracy. Also, the generalisation of empirical models in heterogeneous grasslands can hinder their applicability. 1) Assess the suitability of retrieving forage quality parameters as concentration (%) versus content (kg ha−1). 2) Investigate the performance of multitemporal compared to phenophase-specific models. 3) Evaluate the generalisation ability of the models. Samples were collected from five farms to determine Dry Matter Yield (DMY) and both, concentration (%) and content (kg ha−1) of forage quality variables including crude protein (CP), neutral and acid detergent fibre (NDF, ADF), and enzyme digestibility of organic matter (EDOM). The relationship between forage quality variables and DMY were analysed by Pearson Correlations and Principal Component Analysis. Reflectance was recorded with a FieldSpec spectroradiometer. Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) was used to explore the relationship between forage variables and reflectance. The forage quality variables were strongly correlated to DMY when expressed as content (kg ha−1) r>0.83 but not when expressed as concentration (%). For the best predicted variables, CP and NDF, the results of the PLSR models indicated better performance in concentration-based estimation. CP% was the best predicted variable (R2 cv =0.8, NRMSE cv =9.8 %). Multitemporal models showed overall higher performance (CP%, R2 cv =0.81) than phenophase-specific models (CP%, R2 cv =0.60 green, R2 cv =0.70 green-senescent and R2 cv <0 senescent grasslands). The generalisation ability was low and varied among farms (R2 test 0–0.60). The use of concentration (%) is more accurate and representative of forage quality than content (kg ha−1), which seemed redundant with DMY and misleading from the true nutritive value for livestock. Multitemporal models performed better than phenophase-specific models due to their larger range of values. The ability to predict forage quality in senescent grasslands is low. The usefulness of the models is context-dependent, and their application requires knowledge of the limitations and status of the grasslands. Efforts must be directed toward improving the generalisation ability through the development of models calibrated with larger and more diverse datasets. • Forage quality expressed as concentration (%) is more representative of the nutritive value than as content (kg ha−1). • Forage quality as content (kg ha−1) is redundant with dry matter yield. • Multitemporal models have better performance than phenophase-specific models. • Generalisation ability of empirical models in Mediterranean grasslands is poor. • The usefulness of the models to predict forage quality is context-dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountain pastures offer a multitude of ecosystem services (ES) such as fodder for ruminants, habitat for pollinators, climate change mitigation, aesthetic landscape for recreation, and biodiversity conservation. We aimed at analysing to which extend these ES are influenced by small-scale gradients of climate, site conditions and management – and to disentangle relationships among ES and the factors influencing them. Therefore, we quantified ES on six mountain summer farms in two contrasting regions in Switzerland: the Northern Alpine Foothills (lower elevation, higher precipitation, calcareous bedrock) and the Eastern Central Alps (higher elevation, lower precipitation, silicious bedrock). We measured six ES indicators (forage quantity, forage quality, carbon storage, colour abundance, resources for pollinators, plant diversity) and related them to explanatory factors of climate (temperature and precipitation), site conditions (soil fertility, soil acidity, terrain slope) and management (local grazing intensity, remoteness) in 66 study plots, i.e., 11 per farm. A holistic picture of the complex relationships among these factors was drawn by various statistical approaches: allometric line fitting, variance partitioning, and structural equations modelling. We found a huge heterogeneity of ES indicators and explanatory factors on each farm: the variability within farms was even higher than between regions. Variance partitioning and structural equations modelling demonstrated strongest influence of climate and site conditions and revealed trade-offs among ES indicators: High forage quantity and quality were associated with low plant diversity and grassland aesthetics, whereas diversity, aesthetics and pollinator resources were positively correlated with each other. ES indicators were explained by a range of climatic and topographic factors: High precipitation reduced plant diversity, whereas temperature increased forage quantity and quality; slope reduced soil fertility, forage quantity, forage quality and carbon storage; soil fertility in turn increased forage quantity; the farther away a pasture was from the main farm building, the lower was the forage quantity and the higher the plant diversity. Although allometric relations among local grazing intensity and ES indicators were strong, the direct influence of the management factors measured on ES was surprisingly small: Cattle preferred areas of high forage quantity and quality, and carbon storage was higher in these areas. On the other hand, places less visited by cattle offered more pollinator resources, and showed higher aesthetics and plant diversity. Trade-offs among ES prevent the realisation of all ES at the same place, but heterogeneity of mountain pastures allows to realise a broad bundle of contrasting ES on each individual summer farm. • Due to heterogeneity of mountain pastures, multiple ecosystem services are provided at small scale. • Cattle graze mountain pastures very unevenly. • Steep areas show lower forage quantity and quality, soil fertility and C storage. • The higher the biodiversity, the higher are aesthetic appreciation and pollinator resources, but the lower is productivity. • Forage quantity and quality of mountain pastures increase with temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agricultural sector in the UK is facing unprecedented challenges as a result of changes in the macroeconomic environment and the future of the livestock sub-sector is particularly uncertain. Farmer's businesses and livelihoods are at risk with the planned removal of subsidy payments as a consequence of emerging agricultural policy change as a result of Brexit. Farmers are forced to seek adaptive strategies to survive because of changing socio-political circumstances. This study explores the potential of an analytical tool, Discrete Event Simulation (DES) applied within the agricultural sub-sector of livestock management. It utilises a multi methodological approach using both interviews with farmers and a simulation of a real case; Colclough livestock farm, located in Yorkshire, England. The findings show that DES can be used by livestock farmers, helping to simulate potential growth strategies and observe the impact in relation to existing farm processes. Barriers to the sector wide adoption of new farm technologies are presented. This research captures the current views of farmers regarding technology adoption, showing empirically that technologies and software exist which can improve economic performance of farming enterprises, however, contingent factors, such as age, attitudes, skillsets and broadband connectivity, limits successful adoption. • Discrete Event Simulation in farming contexts are neglected in research. • Uncertainty in the UK farming sector. • UK Agricultural policy will have a dramatic effect on the UK farm sector. • Successful farm entrepreneurs utilise complementary technology skill sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The taxonomic and functional diversity of dung beetles depend on canopy management in cattle ranching systems. • Cattle ranching systems with trees, while preserving microclimatic and soil conditions, maximize diversity. • Dung beetle diversity was strongly reduced in open pastures. Abstract The disturbance of natural environments affects, among others, the diversity of dung beetle assemblages, which could have serious consequences for the ecological processes regulated by these insects. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare species diversity and functional groups of dung beetle assemblages both in the native forest and in three livestock systems that differed in their structure and composition of vegetation: a livestock system with native trees, a livestock system with exotic trees (Pinus taeda), and traditional open pastures, in the semideciduous Atlantic forest of Argentina, in an area previously covered by continuous forest and currently with a heterogeneous landscape of native forest and different land uses. Pitfall traps baited with cow dung were used in the natural forests and the livestock systems studied. A total of 2461 beetles belonging to 38 species were captured. Treed livestock systems showed the highest species richness (0D) and diversity (1D and 2D). Twelve functional groups were identified. The native forest showed the highest functional group richness, while open pastures had the lowest. In general, livestock systems showed a low proportional abundance of telecoprid, diurnal and large beetles. Microclimate (average temperature and humidity) and soil conditions (soil composition: sandy or clayey) were closely associated with the species and functional group composition. Results confirm that cattle ranching with tree retention preserves dung beetle diversity, and suggest that cattle systems without canopy cover have higher impact (negative effects) than silvopastoral systems on both species and functional groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Troughs location affected the movement of Brahman cattle grazing small pastures. • Troughs location affected the distribution of Brahman cattle grazing small pastures. • Troughs placed together in the sward center reduced the distance traveled by cows. • The herd occupied the greatest area when troughs were at the corner of the sward. • Alteration of the location of feed and water troughs induced herd social disruption. Abstract The grazing dynamics of animals differ depending on whether they are raised on rangeland or sward areas. Grazing patterns of cattle raised on rangeland can be modified by the location of supplement feed and water troughs. However, no information about the use of this strategy is available for swards. Thus, the effects of the location of supplementary feed and water troughs in small (7500 m2) irrigated swards on movement, behavior and distribution were studied in a herd of 15 Brahman cows. The herd grazed on five swards in rotation, for seven days on each sward, so that each sward then had 28 days of rest. There were four rotations, giving four replicates of each of five treatments. For each rotation, one of the following treatments was randomly assigned to each sward. Supplementary feed and water troughs were: T1 in the same corner of the sward; T2 separate, each in the middle of one of the shorter sides of the sward; T3 separate in diagonally opposite corners; T4 separate in adjacent corners; T5 together in the sward center. The behavior and location of each cow was registered on a daily basis, every 2 h from 9:00 to 15:00 h, 7 days/week, using instantaneous scan sampling during the 140 days that the experiment lasted. Total distance traveled of each cow (i.e. the sum of Euclidean distances between the four subsequent positions of each cow within each day) was longer in T2 and T3 than in T5 (159.8, 162.5 vs 119.5 m respectively; p = 0.006), with the rest of the treatments showing intermediate values. The distance to the nearest cow was longer in T1 vs. T2 and T3 (6.2 vs 4.0 and 4.7 m, respectively; p = 0.007). Similarly, the herd home range was greater in T1 vs. T2 (792.6 vs. 574.7 m2, respectively; p = 0.01). Regardless of the treatment, social disruption occurred on day 1, which gradually decline through the week of grazing. The results show that the location of supplementary feed and water troughs affects the movement and cattle distribution in small (<1 ha) irrigated swards. This might have practical applications in the design of grazing strategies and in the animal welfare of cattle maintained on small swards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bluetongue (BT) is a vector-borne disease transmitted by species of Culicoides midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Many studies have contributed to clarifying various aspects of its aetiology, epidemiology and vector dynamic; however, BT remains a disease of epidemiological and economic importance that affects ruminants worldwide. Since 2000, the Sardinia region has been the most affected area of the Mediterranean basin. The region is characterised by wide pastoral areas for sheep and represents the most likely candidate region for the study of Bluetongue virus (BTV) distribution and prevalence in Italy. Furthermore, specific information on the farm level and epidemiological studies needs to be provided to increase the knowledge on the disease’s spread and to provide valid mitigation strategies in Sardinia. This study conducted a punctual investigation into the spatial patterns of BTV transmission to define a risk profile for all Sardinian farmsby using a logistic multilevel mixed model that take into account agro-meteorological aspects, as well as farm characteristics and management. Data about animal density (i.e. sheep, goats and cattle), vaccination, previous outbreaks, altitude, land use, rainfall, evapotranspiration, water surface, and farm management practices (i.e. use of repellents, treatment against insect vectors, storage of animals in shelter overnight, cleaning, presence of mud and manure) were collected for 12,277 farms for the years 2011–2015. The logistic multilevel mixed model showed the fundamental role of climatic factors in disease development and the protective role of good management, vaccination, outbreak in the previous year and altitude. Regional BTV risk maps were developed, based on the predictor values of logistic model results, and updated every 10 days. These maps were used to identify, 20 days in advance, the areas at highest risk. The risk farm profile, as defined by the model, would provide specific information about the role of each factor for all Sardinian institutions involved in devising BT prevention and control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In western countries buffaloes are emerging as an alternative species for dairy product differentiation. In the near future dairy enterprises will have to meet increasing environmental regulations. Life Cycle Assessment has been widely used to assess the environmental impact of different milk production systems. We aimed to examine the environmental consequences of two dairy buffalo heifer farming systems using the Life Cycle Assessment approach. The primary data were collected from 32 subjects aged 7–8 months at the start of the experiment until they reached the age of puberty in about 12 months (i.e. at the age of 19–20 months). Sixteen animals were group-housed and confined in an indoor slatted floor pen (4 m 2 /animal) with an outdoor paddock (4 m 2 /animal); 16 others free-ranged on a Mediterranean natural pasture. The environmental charges for global warming potential expressed in terms of total emissions of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 -eq) was 35.7% less in the free-ranging system as compared with the confined system. The main source of pollution for the confined system was biogenic methane (total amount produced = 2012 kg CO 2 -eq) followed by CO 2 from fossil fuels (total amount produced = 1006 kg CO 2 -eq). The environmental charges for acidification potential, eutrophication potential and non-renewable energy use were 86.3%. 60.0% and 81.4% lower in the free-ranging system compared with the confined system, respectively. In the confined system the largest pollutant in terms of acidification potential was ammonia, whereas nitrate leaching in water (total amount produced = 3311 g SO 2 -eq) and the use of crude oil (total amount consumed = 5684 MJ-eq) were the most relevant for eutrophication potential and non-renewable energy use, respectively. Our results represent the first example of study comparing the environmental impact of an intensive dairy farming system with an alternative natural pasture based system in the Mediterranean region and suggest that the conduction of the unproductive part of the cycle on natural pasture can promote the reduction of several sources of pollution both in atmosphere and in water. Conversely, land occupation was higher in the free-ranging system as compared with the confined system (20,349 vs 1381 m 2 year, respectively). However, the software and the database used for this calculation only considered duration of land use and yield per area unit, whereas no relevance was given to the quality of land use in terms of animal welfare promotion, contribution to biodiversity conservation, and maintenance of economically active social communities. Therefore, we suggest that the estimation of the impact categories related to land occupation would include aspects concerning the nature of the land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of responsible innovation is gaining traction in the Smart Farming field to address emerging socio-ethical issues such as power asymmetries between farmers and technology development companies in farm data ownership, and animal welfare issues arising from the automation of livestock management. Responsible innovation involves the democratisation of science and decision making for societal control of innovations. The application of responsible innovation principles to the adoption phase of Smart Farming technologies is an under explored area in terms of defining what responsible adoption practices are for Smart Farming, and with what effect. This empirical research aims to provide insights into what responsible adoption practices might involve, based on application of a responsible innovation approach to designing a cross-industry adoption strategy for a virtual fencing technology in Australia. This case study also examines what responsible adoption practices mean for enacting responsible innovation of Smart Farming technologies more broadly. A participatory Technology Assessment (pTA) approach engaged a range of virtual fencing technology end-users (livestock producers) and stakeholders (agricultural advisers, natural resource managers, food retailers, a food processor, and state government department staff) (n = 80). The participants identified and considered the benefits and risks of implementing a specific virtual fencing product in various contexts. The engagement methods were 12 interactive workshops organized in peer/sector groups and one reflective and deliberative consultation process with 13 adoption specialists and practitioners to define an adoption pathway for virtual herding technology. The adoption of the virtual herding technology product requires multiple levels of support to ensure that the technology is used responsibly and generates private, industry and public goods. This prospective knowledge, built from the considerations of end-users and stakeholders, was integrated into a virtual herding adoption strategy, and accounted for animal welfare concerns, the empowerment of producers to lead their own adoption support network and the desire for some form of regulatory governance. The responsible adoption practices were limited by the lack of institutional pathways to mobilise the strategy beyond the life of the research project. The research indicates that there is value in further pursuing the notion of responsible adoption practices for Smart Farming technologies. These practices need to be designed for understanding the complexity of the adoption situation, testing the assumptions about what the 'right' adoption pathway should be, and inclusive participation in the ongoing governance of adoption pathways. [Display omitted] • Responsible innovation principles have not been extensively applied in the adoption phase of smart farming technologies. • A participatory Technology Assessment approach was used to the adoption of a virtual fencing technology in Australia. • Responsible adoption practices that engaged various stakeholders highlighted the complexities with adopting this technology. • Complexities were managed by integrating adoption values expressed by stakeholders into a 'responsible' adoption strategy. • More research into designing responsible adoption practices and ways to mobilize adoption strategies is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the threat of anthelmintic resistance, livestock farmers worldwide are encouraged to selectively apply treatments against gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs). Targeted selective treatment (TST) of individual animals would be especially useful for smallholder farmers in low-income economies, where cost-effective and sustainable intervention strategies will improve livestock productivity and food security. Supporting research has focused mainly on refining technical indicators for treatment, and much less on factors influencing uptake and effectiveness. We used a mixed method approach, whereby qualitative and quantitative approaches are combined, to develop, implement and validate a TST system for GINs in small ruminants, most commonly goats, among smallholder farmers in the Makgadikgadi Pans region of Botswana, and to seek better understanding of system performance within a cultural context. After the first six months of the study, 42 out of 47 enrolled farmers were followed up; 52% had monitored their animals using the taught inspection criteria and 26% applied TST during this phase. Uptake level showed little correlation with farmer characteristics, such as literacy and size of farm. Herd health significantly improved in those herds where anthelmintic treatment was applied: anaemia, as assessed using the five-point FAMACHA © scale, was 0.44–0.69 points better (95% confidence interval) and body condition score was 0.18–0.36 points better (95% C.I., five-point scale) in treated compared with untreated herds. Only targeting individuals in greatest need led to similar health improvements compared to treating the entire herd, leading to dose savings ranging from 36% to 97%. This study demonstrates that TST against nematodes can be implemented effectively by resource-poor farmers using a community-led approach. The use of mixed methods provides a promising system to integrate technical and social aspects of TST programmes for maximum uptake and effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a preliminary approach to the characterization of animal husbandry practices in the province of Álava (Basque Country) and Treviño (Burgos, Castilla y León) during Early and High Middle Ages. The faunal remains recovered at the rural sites of Aistra (6th–12th c.), Zornoztegi (4th–12th c.), Zaballa (8th–13th c.), Dulantzi (5th–7th c.) and the castle of Treviño (10th–11th c.) were analysed. The zooarchaeological analysis, based on taxonomic identification, biometry and the study of the kill-off patterns, was integrated with carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis performed on collagen extracted from fauna bones. Results indicate sedentary animal husbandry integrated with intensive agriculture. Other bioarchaeological and palaeoenvironmental records were also considered in the interpretation, suggesting short distance vertical transhumance. Important transformations of the husbandry patterns throughout the Middle Ages, which can be related to socioeconomic changes and modifications of the landscape, were also verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Several prominent and economically important diseases of livestock in East Africa are caused by multi-host pathogens that also infect wildlife species, but management strategies are generally livestock focused and models of these diseases tend to ignore the role of wildlife. We investigate the dynamics of a multi-host tick-borne disease in order to assess the efficacy of tick control from an ecological perspective. We examined the efficacy of a widespread measure of tick control and developed a model to explore how changes in the population of ticks due to control measures on cattle impact dynamics of Theileria parva infection in a system with two primary host species, cattle and Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer). We show that the frequency of acaricide application has a significant impact on the tick population both on the host and in the environment, which can greatly reduce the pathogen load in cattle. We also demonstrate that reducing the tick population through cattle-related control measures is not sufficient to diminish disease transmission in buffalo. Our results suggest that under current control strategies, which target ticks on cattle only, T. parva is likely to remain a significant problem in East Africa, and require the continued use of acaricides, which has significant economic and ecological consequences. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Spanish rangelands occupy more than 90,000km2 of land grazed by millions of domestic and wild animals. Organic matter content of soil is an essential component for fertility and productivity in both, natural and human-induced ecosystems. Despite its importance to soil quality, soil organic carbon has been little studied in these rangelands. The main goal of this study is to assess the amounts and characteristics of soil organic matter in grazed open woodlands of SW Iberia as influenced by vegetation cover and land management. Soil properties were analysed from 22 environmental units selected from 10 farms distributed throughout the region of Extremadura being representative of different rangeland types: dehesas (wooded rangelands), scrublands of Retama sphaerocarpa and treeless grasslands. Some of the soil samples were used for a chemical fractioning of soil carbon. Farmer interviews were conducted in order to quantify livestock densities and stocking rates and to assess land management. Results showed that soils are generally shallow, acidic, with low soil organic carbon contents and poor in nutrients. Areas with higher soil carbon stocks corresponded to units encroached by Retama sphaerocarpa shrubs and dehesas with 49.2T·ha−1 and 46.0T·ha−1, respectively, particularly those developed on schist. Soil organic carbon concentrated mainly in the top 5cm soil layer, displaying large variability (mean: 2.30%). SOC was relatively high beneath the tree canopy (mean: 3.35%) and less concentrated and reduced in variability with depth. Regardless of the variation of total amount of carbon among cover types, the proportion of each carbon fraction from the total carbon was kept relatively constant whatever the cover type. A multivariate analysis performed and other results suggest that land mismanagement and excessive stocking rates could be related with the appearance of bare soil areas, therefore negatively affecting soil organic matter by removing the sensitive topsoil materials through water erosion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Due to the European Habitats Directive, Quercus pyrenaica habitat has been protected within the Natura 2000 network for biodiversity conservation. Many of these habitats have been widely managed as coppice forest with silvopastoral use throughout Spain. Currently, in many of these oak coppices fuelwood extraction is neglected and grazing is the main use. Management plans required in the Directive should consider all these circumstances and offer an integrated approach to ensure a favourable conservation status of these habitats. We propose a three phase methodology to assess the ability of the habitat to support a given livestock density annually and seasonally, and to evaluate some of the physical impacts of grazing animals on the physical structure and development of the habitat. We applied the methodology to a neglected coppice forest that supports livestock at different periods. Results show that there is a possible compatibility between annual livestock food requirements and pasture production. Current grazing periods seem to fit the seasonal pasture productivity. Negative impacts were assessed on oak shrubland stands due to intense browsing and on low polewood owing to the high density of broken trees. On more developed stands, positive livestock impact was due to the control of the regrowth of coppice shoots. Acorn absence is a result of the previous coppice management. This negative impact may endanger long-term viability of Q. pyrenaica in the study area. We propose a process of conversion into high forest through a sequence of thinning to start sexual regeneration. In this proposal, livestock have an important role to ensure biodiversity, control the regrowth of coppice shoots and thinning low polewood stands. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 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-altered forests. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the biodiversity rich regions of western South Africa transhumance grazing strategies were practised for thousands of years. Today only vestiges of these systems remain with private ownership restricting seasonal mobility. Cultivation practices have created a mosaic landscape transforming the resource base, and we have a limited understanding of livestock management practices and the relative value of all landscape components. Ecosystem goods and services assessments provide a framework which directly links the human economy, natural assets and ecological functioning. The aim in this study was to understand how farmers perceive the availability of goods and services in a heterogeneous environment, whether different vegetation types are providing different services for livestock or the same ones at different times. We use semi-structure interviews to document the current grazing strategies, and then tested perceived benefits by comparing differences in vegetation types according to structure, productivity and biomass, leaf mineral content and phenology. We found that vegetation types differ in their structure and therefore ability to provide shelter. There were limited differences in productivity and mineral content associated with feed and nutrition, and seasonal growth patterns were found to be very similar for all vegetation types. We conclude that livestock management strategies are strongly influenced by ecosystem disservices with farmers avoiding poisonous plants and boggy areas at certain times of the year. Furthermore livestock management patterns are also influenced by alternative production activities which heterogeneous landscapes provide including flower tourism and wheat production. Our study points to the need to consider the full farm economy when determining the links between ecosystem goods and services and livestock production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The high elevational areas in the Himalayas of India are dominated by forests and alpine pastures. There are many protected areas in the region, including Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR) and Valley of Flowers (VOF) where natural resource management plan (NRMP) has been implemented for the conservation of biodiversity. This has affected the traditional animal husbandry system, as well as the vegetation dynamics of alpine pastures. An integrated approach to studying the impact of NRMP in the region has been applied by us. First, a survey was conducted regarding livestock management, data pertaining the livestock husbandry, the role of animal husbandry in economics of rural household, and socioeconomics. Second, field based study on phytosociology of some important alpine herbs was done to enumerate the density and species richness in different land mark of the region. Thereafter, satellite data and Geographic Information System (GIS) were used to develop a land cover map of the area and to note changes in the landscape over time after implementation of NRMP. From an economic point of view the implementation of such plan is a setback to the rural economy. However, the ecological perspective of such models is a threat to the diversity of alpine pastures. The invasion of bushes/thorny bushes/shrubs and weeds with their luxuriant growth is changing the vegetation index and dynamics. Consequently, the diversity of herbs in alpine pastures of the Himalayan Mountains is in jeopardy. Overall, the situation is leading to landscape change in the region. This study is helpful for generating useful outcomes and strategies considering the question or debate “is grazing good or bad for pasture ecosystems in the Himalayas?”. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Spatio-temporal information on the biomass of totora reeds and bofedal water-saturated Andean grasslands, which are a critical forage resource for smallholders in Bolivia''s Altiplano, is needed to promote their protection and improve livestock management. Satellite radar data appear well adapted to map biomass and to monitor biomass changes in this environment for two reasons: (a) the C-band (5.3 GHz) radar data is particularly sensitive to vegetation biomass when the canopy is over an underlying water surface or a water-saturated soil; this is through the dominant scattering mechanisms involving vegetation–water surface interaction; (b) the cloud cover during the growing period which corresponds to the rainy season. This paper assesses the potential of ERS satellite radar data for retrieving biomass information, which is spatially highly variable owing to the numerous small, nonuniform areas of totora harvesting and bofedal grazing. Ground data, including vegetation humid and dry biomass, were collected over 18 months during satellite descending passes at 12 sites located between the Eastern Cordillera and Titicaca Lake, representing three vegetation units: shoreline and inland totoras, and Puna bofedales.ERS-SAR data were analysed as a function of plant biomass at homogeneous totora and bofedal areas. Because of the small size of these areas (typically 20×30 m), the SAR data need to be processed using an advanced multitemporal filter which improves radiometric resolution without significant reduction of the spatial resolution. The radar backscattering coefficient (σ° in dB) measured by ERS was found to be sensitive at both per site and per vegetation unit levels to humid and dry biomass of totora reeds and bofedal grasslands. The sensitivity of the signal to biomass variation is high for dry biomass ranges less than 1 kg/m2 for totora, and less than 2 kg/m2 for bofedal. The corresponding biomass maps provided by inversion of SAR data are valuable information for livestock management for three critical periods: after the calving season (October–November), when animal pressure is most significant; toward the end of the rainy season (March–April), as an indicator of coming trends to promote the adoption of measures aimed at preventing shortages during the winter season; in the middle of the winter dry season (June–July), to adjust animal charge. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Use of ivermectin in agro-ecosystems negatively affects non-target dung beetles, which provide keystone ecosystem services for pasture functioning. While the direct effects of ivermectin on dung beetles are at the center of scientific attention, its long-lasting effects on routinely treated pastures have not yet been studied on real communities and under field conditions. We focused on basic characteristics (species richness, abundance, biomass) and functionality (dung removal ability represented by guild composition) of dung beetle communities in response to ivermectin treatment. We selected 15 sites with routine ivermectin treatment and 11 without any treatment, both for at least five consecutive years prior to our sampling. We covered wide range of climatic conditions in the Czech Republic, seasonal variability, and sampled the dung of four main herbivore dung types. Additionally, we separated the samples from ivermectin treated sites into two categories, i) recently treated representing immediate effects (treated <8 weeks prior to sampling, expected lethal or sublethal levels of residues), and ii) long-ago treated representing lasting effects (treated >8 weeks, expected sublethal or inconsequential levels of residues). Ivermectin treated sites had ca. 35% lower species richness and 44% lower abundance per pat. Per pat biomass did not change. However, from a functional perspective, ivermectin use significantly decreased the biomass of beetles with high contribution to dung removal (relocating and dwelling beetles), while the biomass of beetles with low contribution (dung visiting adults with saprophagous larvae) was not affected. This was accomplished with decrease in per pat functionality at treated sites, i.e., the dung removal ability of the community. Our results highlight that the effects of ivermectin use can last far beyond its physical presence in the grazing system. Via its effects on dung beetles, routine antiparasitic treatment by ivermectin has negative consequences for both pasture biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Therefore, all alternatives should be carefully considered to ensure that the positives of any antiparasitic treatment outweigh the damages. In areas where biodiversity is of concern, as well as in organic farming systems, all precautions should be taken to avoid excretion of toxic residues on-site. • Ivermectin (IVM) is widely used to control livestock parasites. • IVM reduced dung beetle species richness by 25%, but not biomass. • IVM use seems to lead to communities less abundant and less able to degrade dung. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An integrated socio-ecological analysis was applied to livestock management in forests. • Regional drivers (climate, native vegetation, markets) influence livestock management. • Local factors, such as resource access, determine management strategies. • Adaptive management involves knowledge, objectives, perceptions and preferences. Understanding traditional livestock management is essential in the design of more sustainable systems, given the forest loss associated to the growing demand for meat. In Latin America, where extensive livestock production is increasing, along with tropical dry forest (TDF) transformation, the role of small holders is critical for designing more sustainable management practices. This study is an integrated socioecological analysis of traditional livestock systems in a region with TDF in Mexico. The objectives were to: a) characterise the historical development and current state of livestock systems and silvopastoral practices, b) define the management strategies and their impacts on forests, and c) identify the regional and local socioecological drivers that influence decision-making processes in livestock and forest management. In-depth interviews were carried out to 32 cattle farmers and analysed using a qualitative-interpretative approach which included multivariate and narrative analyses. Three historical stages (colonization, promotion of livestock and forest conservation) had a strong impact in the development and current state of livestock systems. Access to natural and economic resources and proportion of plant cover (grassland/forest) were essential in defining four groups of management strategies. The main regional drivers favouring or restricting production include climate, native vegetation, markets and public policies; at the local scale, socioecological factors, such as water availability, native vegetation, economic assets, local knowledge and their interactions determine heterogeneity in management strategies, decision-making processes and their impacts on forests. Adaptive management of livestock and forests in a context of limited economic resources has allowed the conservation of forest areas and the use of silvopastoral practices with local tree species. The integrated socio-ecological approach and the use of mixed methods allowed a better understanding of drivers and their interrelationships, the local knowledge, objectives and perceptions of farmers in the decision-making processes regarding livestock and forest management. Perspectives of farmers on resource use can contribute to the design of more effective and inclusive policies for sustainable livestock systems in the dry tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Transhumance is the main deforestation factor in the subalpine belt. • The Middle Ages is the period when deforestation progressed the most. • Deforestation of the subalpine belt induced strong erosion processes. • Transhumance has reorganized the altitudinal distribution of forests. • Scientists from various fields provide a holistic view on mountain deforestation. 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 indicate greatly increased sedimentation rates following deforestation, suggesting intense erosion. Transhumance has declined since the end of the 18th century, and particularly throughout the 20th century, and this has led to tree re-colonization of less accessible and marginal areas. The hydrological and geomorphological consequences of these recent events are important topics for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dataset was collected from pastures and feedlot scenarios using a quadcopter. • Mask R-CNN achieved excellent performance in cattle detection and counting accuracy. • Comparisons were made with three existing typical competing algorithms. • Demonstrate the possibility of autonomous robotic systems for livestock management. The accurate and reliable counting of animals in quadcopter acquired imagery is one of the most promising but challenging tasks in intelligent livestock management in the future. In this paper we demonstrate the application of the cutting-edge instance segmentation framework, Mask R-CNN, in the context of cattle counting in different situations such as extensive production pastures and also in intensive housing such as feedlots. The optimal IoU threshold (0.5) and the full-appearance detection for the algorithm in this study are verified through performance evaluation. Experimental results in this research show the framework's potential to perform reliably in offline quadcopter vision systems with an accuracy of 94% in counting cattle on pastures and 92% in feedlots. Compared with the existing typical competing algorithms, Mask R-CNN outperforms both in the counting accuracy and average precision especially on the datasets with occlusion and overlapping. Our research shows promising steps towards the incorporation of artificial intelligence using quadcopters for enhanced management of animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We explore the degree to which the consideration of infectious diseases may be of importance in the formulation of land use policy. We look at the diseases of humans, domestic livestock and wild vertebrates, and distinguish two types of human disease: those which form epidemics involving transmission from person to person, and those which are contracted from non-human sources and spread very little through the population. Land use affects the density and distribution of people, and urbanisation typically increases the risk of an epidemic and the speed with which it spreads. More subtle effects may occur through changes in the network of contacts between individuals. Land use policy that affects the distribution of breeding sites for disease vectors (e.g. mosquitoes) or the passage of potential pathogenic microorganisms through the environment from farm animals to humans can also influence non-epidemic disease risk. Livestock disease is critically affected by stocking density and the network of contacts between individuals and herds. Land use and agricultural policy can be very important in reducing the risks of disease outbreaks. We explore the complex relationship between intensification and disease risks. We suspect that land use policy may affect the viability of threatened species of vertebrates, though our relatively poor knowledge of disease epidemiology in wild animals makes policy formation difficult. Though climate change may act together with land use policy to determine disease risk, we consider this interaction to less important than that between land use and the socioeconomic drivers of global change. We conclude by assessing the importance of disease in the three types of host to land use policy. We suggest that the consideration of wildlife diseases is a low to medium priority for land use policy, though we attach high uncertainty to our conclusion; the consideration of human diseases we think a low priority (with medium uncertainty); while that of livestock diseases we argue is a high priority (with low uncertainty). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]