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The forage-livestock balance is an important component of natural grassland management, and realizing a balance between the nutrient energy demand of domestic animals and the energy supply of grasslands is the core challenge in forage-livestock management. This study was performed at the Xieertala Ranch in Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia. Using the GRAZPLAN and GrazFeed models, we examined the forage-livestock energy balance during different grazing periods and physiological stages of livestock growth under natural grazing conditions. Data on pasture conditions, climatic factors, supplemental feeding, and livestock characteristics, were used to analyze the metabolizable energy (ME), metabolizable energy for maintenance (MEm), and total metabolizable energy intake (MEItotal) of grazing livestock. The results showed that the energy balance between forage and animals differed for adult cows at different physiological stages. In the early lactation period, although the MEItotal was greater than MEm, it did not meet the requirement for ME. MEItotal was greater than ME during mid-lactation, but there was still an energy imbalance in the early and late lactation periods. In the late lactation period, MEItotal could meet ME requirements from April–September. Adult gestational lactating cows with or without calves were unable to meet their ME requirement, especially in the dry period, even though MEItotal was greater than MEm. Adult cows at different physiological stages exhibited differences in daily forage intake and rumen microbial crude protein (MCP) metabolism, and the forage intake by nonpregnant cows decreased as follows: early lactation > mid-lactation > late lactation, pregnant cows' lactation > dry period. For the degradation, digestion and synthesis of rumen MCP, early-lactation cows were similar to those in the mid-lactation group, but both were higher than those in the late-lactation group, while pregnant cows had greater degradation, digestion, and synthesis of MCP in the lactation period relative to the dry period. For lactating cows, especially those with calves, grazing energy requirements, methane emission metabolism and heat production were highest in August, with increased energy expenditure in winter. Overall, grazing energy, methane emissions and heat production by dry cows were low. In the context of global climate change and grassland degradation, managers must adopt different strategies according to the physiological stages of livestock to ensure a forage-livestock balance and the sustainable utilization and development of grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impacts of climate change on agricultural production are becoming more severe, leading to increased food insecurity. Adopting more progressive methodologies, like smart farming instead of conventional methods, is essential for enhancing production. Consequently, livestock production is swiftly evolving towards smart farming systems, propelled by rapid advancements in technology such as cloud computing, the Internet of Things, big data, machine learning, augmented reality, and robotics. A Digital Twin (DT), an aspect of cutting-edge digital agriculture technology, represents a virtual replica or model of any physical entity (physical twin) linked through real-time data exchange. A DT conceptually mirrors the state of its physical counterpart in real time and vice versa. DT adoption in the livestock sector remains in its early stages, revealing a knowledge gap in fully implementing DTs within livestock systems. DTs in livestock hold considerable promise for improving animal health, welfare, and productivity. This research provides an overview of the current landscape of digital transformation in the livestock sector, emphasizing applications in animal monitoring, environmental management, precision agriculture, and supply chain optimization. Our findings highlight the need for high-quality data, comprehensive data privacy measures, and integration across varied data sources to ensure accurate and effective DT implementation. Similarly, the study outlines their possible applications and effects on livestock and the challenges and limitations, including concerns about data privacy, the necessity for high-quality data to ensure accurate simulations and predictions, and the intricacies involved in integrating various data sources. Finally, the paper delves into the possibilities of digital twins in livestock, emphasizing potential paths for future research and progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study explored how the gut bacteria, archaea, and fungi differ between male and female Simmental cattle. By analyzing fecal samples, we found that certain types of microorganisms in the gut vary significantly depending on whether the cattle are male or female. For example, female cattle had a greater variety of certain archaea, which are microorganisms that help with digestion. Additionally, we discovered connections between specific gut microbes and blood health, with some microbes being more beneficial in males and others in females. These findings are important because they suggest that male and female cattle may need different feeding or health management strategies to optimize their growth and productivity. Understanding these differences can help farmers and veterinarians improve cattle health, which in turn could lead to better meat and milk production. This research emphasizes the importance of considering gender when studying the gut health of livestock. This study investigates gender-based differences in the gut microbiota of Simmental cattle, focusing on bacterial, archaeal, and fungal communities. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed using high-throughput sequencing, with taxonomic classification performed through the SILVA and UNITE databases. Alpha and beta diversity metrics were assessed, revealing significant differences in the diversity and composition of archaeal communities between males and females. Notably, females exhibited higher alpha diversity in archaea, while beta diversity analyses indicated distinct clustering of bacterial and archaeal communities by gender. The study also identified correlations between specific microbial taxa and hematological parameters, with Treponema and Methanosphaera showing gender-specific associations that may influence cattle health and productivity. These findings highlight the importance of considering gender in microbiota-related research and suggest that gender-specific management strategies could optimize livestock performance. Future research should explore the role of sex hormones in shaping these microbial differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The livestock sector contributes to increasing greenhouse gas emissions. The emissions generated from livestock mainly originate from enteric fermentation, which is strongly influenced by feed quality. The utilization of fermented rice straw as a source of crude fiber for animal feed is one solution for providing high-quality feed. Central Java is one of the centers of cattle farming and rice production in Indonesia. The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from fermented straw feed formula commonly practiced by cattle farmers in Central Java.METHODS: Greenhouse gas production was conducted in vitro using three formulas arranged in a completely randomized design with six replications. The three feed formula treatments were: 30 percent king grass + 35 percent rice bran+ 35 percent wheat bran (treatment one), 30 percent fermented rice straw + 35 percent rice bran + 35 percent wheat bran (treatment two), and 30 percent fermented rice straw + 70 percent concentrate (treatment three). Feed nutrient content and enteric gas production were analyzed to determine the quality of the feed formula as well as to determine feed digestibility and greenhouse gas production during the digestion process. The gas production was measured at regular intervals of 8, 16, 24, 36, and 48 hours. The methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide contents were analyzed using gas chromatography. Data on nutrient content and digestibility of dry matter and organic matter were analyzed using analysis of variance, and the estimated greenhouse gas emissions were calculated using the ideal gas equation approach.FINDINGS: The quality of the feed formula influences the amountof greenhouse gases emission produced by enteric fermentation processes. The feed quality of treatment one was equivalent to that of treatment two. The treatment three feed formulation had a crude protein content approximately 3 percent higher than that of treatment one and treatment two. The digestibility of dry matter and organic matter values did not show significant differences between the treatments. The feed formula treatment two can reduce potential greenhouse gas emissions by 1.81 percent from treatment one, whereas treatment three can reduce potential greenhouse gas emissions by 27.78 percent from treatment one and by 26.4 percent from treatment two. These results indicate that feed formulas with higher crude protein content have greater potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This finding can be used to mitigate and develop strategies to improve feed quality by utilizing agricultural waste as a broader low greenhouse gas emission livestock management effortCONCLUSION: Utilization of fermented straw has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from enteric fermentation and contamination of unutilized straw waste and has the opportunity to reduce land use and greenhouse gas emissions from forage plants. Efforts to utilize fermented straw as a low greenhouse gas emission feed need to be followed by improvements in feed quality. More comprehensive studies need to be carried out on the variations in feed formulas based on differences in regional resources, the economic feasibility of utilizing fermented straw combined with various feed ingredients, and the life cycle assessment of straw utilization as a feed ingredient based on geographical, social, economic, technological, and environmental dimensions.

Simple Summary: This paper addresses the need for effective biosecurity due to disease challenges, the emergence and re-emergence of new pathogens, the growing pressure of antibiotic restrictions, and the welfare and sustainability of livestock farming. It introduces the Biorisk® External platform, a cloud-based visitor control system that enhances data management and biosecurity compliance protocols. This system analyzes visitation patterns, revealing trends and categorizing visits by authorization and risk status. This network analysis also allows for the identification of 'superspreader' farms that represent a high epidemiological risk. The results advocate for integrating technology into biosecurity protocols to optimize standard operation procedures (SOPs) to improve animal health and mitigate economic losses, highlighting the importance of data-driven decision-making in modern livestock farming. This study explores the critical challenges the livestock sector faces, particularly those related to biosecurity, animal welfare, and antibiotic use restrictions. It highlights the need to implement advanced information and communication technologies to enhance operational sustainability and decision-making. We introduce the Biorisk® External platform, a cloud-based visit control system designed to optimize biosecurity management by accurately tracking visitor activity through QR codes and GPS geolocation. During a 6-month study period from July to December 2023, we analyzed visits to 142 different swine production sites and 30 vehicle movement patterns. The analysis revealed trends in visitation patterns and compliance with biosecurity SOPs. The software categorized visits as authorized (A), not authorized with access (NAWA), and not authorized without access (NAWOA), providing a framework to assess biosecurity risks. Additionally, network analysis identified interconnected farms, which were classified as 'superspreaders', highlighting their considerable risk of disease transmission. This study advocates for the integration of digital systems in livestock operations to improve biosecurity measures, facilitate real-time data input, and support informed decision-making. By enhancing biosecurity protocols through technology, the livestock industry can better safeguard animal health, increase operational efficiency, and reduce potential economic losses associated with disease outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Livestock keeping is one of the potential factors related to malaria transmission. To date, the impact of livestock keeping on malaria transmission remains inconclusive, as some studies suggest a zooprophylactic effect while others indicate a zoopotentiation effect. This study assessed the impact of livestock management on malaria transmission risks in rural Tanzania. Additionally, the study explored the knowledge and perceptions of residents about the relationships between livestock keeping and malaria transmission risks in a selected village. Methods In a longitudinal entomological study in Minepa village, South Eastern Tanzania, 40 households were randomly selected (20 with livestock, 20 without). Weekly mosquito collection was performed from January to April 2023. Indoor and outdoor collections used CDC-Light traps, Prokopack aspirators, human-baited double-net traps, and resting buckets. A subsample of mosquitoes was analysed using PCR and ELISA for mosquito species identification and blood meal detection. Livestock's impact on mosquito density was assessed using negative binomial GLMMs. Additionally, in-depth interviews explored community knowledge and perceptions of the relationship between livestock keeping and malaria transmission risks. Results A total of 48,677 female Anopheles mosquitoes were collected. Out of these, 89% were Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) while other species were Anopheles funestus s.l., Anopheles pharoensis, Anopheles coustani, and Anopheles squamosus. The findings revealed a statistically significant increase in the overall number of An. gambiae s.l. outdoors (RR = 1.181, 95%CI 1.050–1.862, p = 0.043). Also, there was an increase of the mean number of An. funestus s.l. mosquitoes collected in households with livestock indoors (RR = 2.866, 95%CI: 1.471–5.582, p = 0.002) and outdoors (RR = 1.579,95%CI 1.080–2.865, p = 0.023). The human blood index of Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes from houses with livestock was less than those without livestock (OR = 0.149, 95%CI 0.110–0.178, p

Virtual fence (VF) technology uses GPS-enabled collars to manage cattle movement through audio cues and electrical pulses, offering a potential alternative to traditional physical fencing. The performance of Nofence VF collars was evaluated while in operational mode and deployed on cattle grazing within the northern temperate climate of central Alberta, Canada. Technical parameters such as network connectivity, collar failures, battery performance, and solar charging capabilities of the VF collars were evaluated across four grazing trials, three conducted in summer and one in winter. The network connection intervals, defined as the time between successive connection events, ranged from 8.1 (± 6.2) to 9.4 (± 5.4) minutes throughout the trials, remaining well within the optimal 15-minute interval, highlighting the favourable interactivity with end-users. Poor network connections occurred less than 1 % of the time, demonstrating robust coverage across the entire area. Fourteen collars experienced a network connection failure that did not persist after a manual reset. Four cattle physically lost their collars, which were then recovered and promptly redeployed. Although the mean solar charging rate was lower during the winter trial (3.1 ± 10.8 mA h-1) than the summer trials (7.9 ± 18.0 to 12.4 ± 22.1 mA h-1), mean battery charge remained greater than 96 % for all trials, even during winter when daylight was limited. While reliable cellular network access is crucial, these results indicate that Nofence VF collars can effectively function in diverse environmental conditions, and may be suitable for broader adoption by cattle producers grazing in relatively cold climates, including those of western Canada.

Background: Livestock keeping is one of the potential factors related to malaria transmission. To date, the impact of livestock keeping on malaria transmission remains inconclusive, as some studies suggest a zooprophylactic effect while others indicate a zoopotentiation effect. This study assessed the impact of livestock management on malaria transmission risks in rural Tanzania. Additionally, the study explored the knowledge and perceptions of residents about the relationships between livestock keeping and malaria transmission risks in a selected village. Methods: In a longitudinal entomological study in Minepa village, South Eastern Tanzania, 40 households were randomly selected (20 with livestock, 20 without). Weekly mosquito collection was performed from January to April 2023. Indoor and outdoor collections used CDC-Light traps, Prokopack aspirators, human-baited double-net traps, and resting buckets. A subsample of mosquitoes was analysed using PCR and ELISA for mosquito species identification and blood meal detection. Livestock's impact on mosquito density was assessed using negative binomial GLMMs. Additionally, in-depth interviews explored community knowledge and perceptions of the relationship between livestock keeping and malaria transmission risks. Results: A total of 48,677 female Anopheles mosquitoes were collected. Out of these, 89% were Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) while other species were Anopheles funestus s.l., Anopheles pharoensis, Anopheles coustani, and Anopheles squamosus. The findings revealed a statistically significant increase in the overall number of An. gambiae s.l. outdoors (RR = 1.181, 95%CI 1.050-1.862, p = 0.043). Also, there was an increase of the mean number of An. funestus s.l. mosquitoes collected in households with livestock indoors (RR = 2.866, 95%CI: 1.471-5.582, p = 0.002) and outdoors (RR = 1.579,95%CI 1.080-2.865, p = 0.023). The human blood index of Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes from houses with livestock was less than those without livestock (OR = 0.149, 95%CI 0.110-0.178, p < 0.001). The majority of participants in the in-depth interviews reported a perceived high density of mosquitoes in houses with livestock compared to houses without livestock. Conclusion: Despite the potential for zooprophylaxis, this study indicates a higher malaria transmission risk in livestock-keeping communities. It is crucial to prioritize and implement targeted interventions to control vector populations within these communities. Furthermore, it is important to enhance community education and awareness regarding covariates such as livestock that influence malaria transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agricultural sector is responsible for a significant proportion of global anthropogenic methane (CH4) emissions, with enteric CH4 produced from ruminant livestock representing approximately 28% of the total. The development of effective mitigation strategies necessitates the accurate and actionable monitoring of CH4 emissions. However, a considerable research gap remains concerning real-time monitoring techniques capable of supporting on-farm enteric CH4 mitigation strategies. To bridge this research gap, this study explores the current status of real-time enteric CH4 emission monitoring techniques and technologies for ruminants. The study achieves this by reviewing key biomarkers and proxies for ruminant emissions, examining established animal-based measurement techniques, exploring emerging technologies, and critically assessing technological limitations and opportunities. By shedding light on this research area, this study aims to assist stakeholders in developing a viable pathway for on-farm emission monitoring, with the hope of facilitating a meaningful reduction in GHG emissions from the livestock sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forage-livestock balance is an important component of natural grassland management, and realizing a balance between the nutrient energy demand of domestic animals and the energy supply of grasslands is the core challenge in forage-livestock management. This study was performed at the Xieertala Ranch in Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia. Using the GRAZPLAN and GrazFeed models, we examined the forage-livestock energy balance during different grazing periods and physiological stages of livestock growth under natural grazing conditions. Data on pasture conditions, climatic factors, supplemental feeding, and livestock characteristics, were used to analyze the metabolizable energy (ME), metabolizable energy for maintenance (MEm), and total metabolizable energy intake (MEItotal) of grazing livestock. The results showed that the energy balance between forage and animals differed for adult cows at different physiological stages. In the early lactation period, although the MEItotal was greater than MEm, it did not meet the requirement for ME. MEItotal was greater than ME during midlactation, but there was still an energy imbalance in the early and late lactation periods. In the late lactation period, MEItotal could meet ME requirements from April-September. Adult gestational lactating cows with or without calves were unable to meet their ME requirement, especially in the dry period, even though MEItotal was greater than MEm. Adult cows at different physiological stages exhibited differences in daily forage intake and rumen microbial crude protein (MCP) metabolism, and the forage intake by nonpregnant cows decreased as follows: early lactation > mid-lactation > late lactation, pregnant cows' lactation > dry period. For the degradation, digestion and synthesis of rumen MCP, earlylactation cows were similar to those in the mid-lactation group, but both were higher than those in the late-lactation group, while pregnant cows had greater degradation, digestion, and synthesis of MCP in the lactation period relative to the dry period. For lactating cows, especially those with calves, grazing energy requirements, methane emission metabolism and heat production were highest in August, with increased energy expenditure in winter. Overall, grazing energy, methane emissions and heat production by dry cows were low. In the context of global climate change and grassland degradation, managers must adopt different strategies according to the physiological stages of livestock to ensure a foragelivestock balance and the sustainable utilization and development of grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Subclinical mastitis is a common and economically significant disease that affects dairy sheep production. This study aims to develop and evaluate an advanced algorithmic approach that integrates thermal imaging, statistical texture analysis, and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) to accurately detect subclinical mastitis in dairy sheep. This approach focuses on improving the accuracy and reliability of non-invasive subclinical mastitis detection by using more sophisticated algorithmic procedures than traditional temperature differential methods, thereby enhancing livestock management and animal health monitoring. Subclinical mastitis is a common and economically significant disease that affects dairy sheep production. Thermal imaging presents a promising avenue for non-invasive detection, but existing methodologies often rely on simplistic temperature differentials, potentially leading to inaccurate assessments. This study proposes an advanced algorithmic approach integrating thermal imaging processing with statistical texture analysis and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE). Our method achieves a high classification accuracy of 84% using the support vector machines (SVM) algorithm. Furthermore, we introduce another commonly employed evaluation metric, correlating thermal images with commercial California mastitis test (CMT) results after establishing threshold conditions on statistical features, yielding a sensitivity (the true positive rate) of 80% and a specificity (the true negative rate) of 92.5%. The evaluation metrics underscore the efficacy of our approach in detecting subclinical mastitis in dairy sheep, offering a robust tool for improved management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This review outlines the current state of anthelmintic resistance (AHR) of gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) among cattle in Argentina and Brazil, emphasizing the economic repercussions, animal health and welfare. The analysis explores factors associated with AHR and proposes a potential solution: the use of drug combinations. Both countries are grappling with a severe AHR scenario in cattle, having progressed through incipient, established, and advanced phases, leading to extreme cases of animal mortality due to ineffective control strategies. Genera such as Cooperia and Haemonchus have the highest reports of resistance, with Oesophagostomum radiatum also posing significant problems. While oral benzimidazoles and levamisole remain effective in most herds, moxidectin is entering an advanced resistance phase, and avermectins are increasingly deemed ineffective. The review explores the impact ofclimate, mixed grazing, animal movement and other husbandry practices, and the relationship between ectoparasite control and the emergence of resistant helminths. Notably, the discussion includes the strategic use of drug combinations as a valuable approach to address resistant GINs control in livestock, highlighting its significant potential to mitigate the challenges posed by AHR in the cattle industry of these countries.

This study investigates gender-based differences in the gut microbiota of Simmental cattle, focusing on bacterial, archaeal, and fungal communities. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed using high-throughput sequencing, with taxonomic classification performed through the SILVA and UNITE databases. Alpha and beta diversity metrics were assessed, revealing significant differences in the diversity and composition of archaeal communities between males and females. Notably, females exhibited higher alpha diversity in archaea, while beta diversity analyses indicated distinct clustering of bacterial and archaeal communities by gender. The study also identified correlations between specific microbial taxa and hematological parameters, with Treponema and Methanosphaera showing gender-specific associations that may influence cattle health and productivity. These findings highlight the importance of considering gender in microbiota-related research and suggest that gender-specific management strategies could optimize livestock performance. Future research should explore the role of sex hormones in shaping these microbial differences.

This research article focuses on the evolution of a Mediterranean landscapes and the intricate interplay between natural and human-induced processes in the context of the Italian Anti-Apennine mountains. The study employs a multi-temporal approach to analyze changes in land use and landscape ecology, livestock activities, and agro-pastoral practices over seven decades. We noted a 18% decrease in animal units, particularly in goat and pig farming, accompanied by a 10% reduction in horse populations. Farmers' adaptation strategies involve increasing animals per farm, aligning with broader agricultural trends toward intensification and specialization. In parallel, we observed a 22% reduction in grassland surfaces juxtaposed with an overall 15% increase in woodlands and shrublands, a 13% decreasing trend in habitat edge, and an overall 18% increase in patches aggregation at the landscape scale. The decline in anthropogenic pressures linked to depopulation triggered secondary successions, resulting in a 25% increase in homogeneous closed woodlands. These landscape alterations contribute to a 19% decrease in ecosystem heterogeneity and complexity, favoring ecological connectivity for forest-linked species but posing challenges for open meadow species. This, coupled with the loss of biocultural heritage, including traditional settlements dating back to the Bronze Age and Roman times, as well as pastoral traditions and knowledge, underscores the need to rethink future development strategies with a focus on retaining younger generations and preventing the loss of crucial ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the critical challenges the livestock sector faces, particularly those related to biosecurity, animal welfare, and antibiotic use restrictions. It highlights the need to implement advanced information and communication technologies to enhance operational sustainability and decision-making. We introduce the Biorisk® External platform, a cloud-based visit control system designed to optimize biosecurity management by accurately tracking visitor activity through QR codes and GPS geolocation. During a 6-month study period from July to December 2023, we analyzed visits to 142 different swine production sites and 30 vehicle movement patterns. The analysis revealed trends in visitation patterns and compliance with biosecurity SOPs. The software categorized visits as authorized (A), not authorized with access (NAWA), and not authorized without access (NAWOA), providing a framework to assess biosecurity risks. Additionally, network analysis identified interconnected farms, which were classified as ‘superspreaders’, highlighting their considerable risk of disease transmission. This study advocates for the integration of digital systems in livestock operations to improve biosecurity measures, facilitate real-time data input, and support informed decision-making. By enhancing biosecurity protocols through technology, the livestock industry can better safeguard animal health, increase operational efficiency, and reduce potential economic losses associated with disease outbreaks.

In this paper, some indicators covering milk production, weight gain and feeding efficiency are studied, such as the duration of lactation, total amount of milk, daily amount of milk, percentage of fat, protein, lactose in milk, for a representative sample taken from S.C.D.A Simnic. In the first part, a descriptive statistical analysis is made of the indicators in the zootechnical field presented, followed by econometric methods regarding confidence intervals for the average of the entire population, at a threshold of 5%. Also, the correlation matrix between the indicators is analyzed and three validated linear regression models are presented with the interpretation of the results. These results help to optimize management in the zootechnical field by making decisions based on quantitative analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correction notice in the journal "Frontiers in Veterinary Science" addresses an error in Figure 5 of the article "Simulation of the nutritional requirements and energy balance of adult cows in a northern temperate grassland." The figure was a duplicate of Figure 6, and the corrected version is provided. The authors acknowledge the mistake but clarify that it does not impact the scientific conclusions of the study. The original article has been updated to reflect this correction. [Extracted from the article]

The agricultural sector is responsible for a significant proportion of global anthropogenic methane (CH4) emissions, with enteric CH4 produced from ruminant livestock representing approximately 28% of the total. The development of effective mitigation strategies necessitates the accurate and actionable monitoring of CH4 emissions. However, a considerable research gap remains concerning real-time monitoring techniques capable of supporting on-farm enteric CH4 mitigation strategies. To bridge this research gap, this study explores the current status of real-time enteric CH4 emission monitoring techniques and technologies for ruminants. The study achieves this by reviewing key biomarkers and proxies for ruminant emissions, examining established animal-based measurement techniques, exploring emerging technologies, and critically assessing technological limitations and opportunities. By shedding light on this research area, this study aims to assist stakeholders in developing a viable pathway for on-farm emission monitoring, with the hope of facilitating a meaningful reduction in GHG emissions from the livestock sector.

Subclinical mastitis is a common and economically significant disease that affects dairy sheep production. Thermal imaging presents a promising avenue for non-invasive detection, but existing methodologies often rely on simplistic temperature differentials, potentially leading to inaccurate assessments. This study proposes an advanced algorithmic approach integrating thermal imaging processing with statistical texture analysis and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE). Our method achieves a high classification accuracy of 84% using the support vector machines (SVM) algorithm. Furthermore, we introduce another commonly employed evaluation metric, correlating thermal images with commercial California mastitis test (CMT) results after establishing threshold conditions on statistical features, yielding a sensitivity (the true positive rate) of 80% and a specificity (the true negative rate) of 92.5%. The evaluation metrics underscore the efficacy of our approach in detecting subclinical mastitis in dairy sheep, offering a robust tool for improved management practices.

The functions of non-agricultural crops unearthed from archaeological sites mainly pertain to their usage as livestock feed. However, the studies of livestock feed have predominantly relied on qualitative analysis, which often lacks descriptive objectivity and relies heavily on subjective feelings and experiences. In this paper, we aim to address this gap by focusing on quantitative analysis, utilizing macro-plant remains from the data of seventy-five archaeological settlements and one archaeological investigation in northern China spanning the Neolithic Age to the Bronze Age, as well as stable isotope analyses of carbon and nitrogen. This research delves into various aspects, including the exploration of the plant resources and livestock farming and the categorization of feed types for cattle and pigs in captivity. By employing quantitative analysis, we can gain a more comprehensive and objective understanding of these subjects. This approach aligns with studies on ancient livestock management and feed diversity. In essence, the discussion of civilization development and social changes during the Pre-Qin period holds significant value when considering forage analysis, just as crop analysis has proven insightful. By focusing on the quantitative analysis of non-agricultural crops and their role as livestock feed, we can shed light on important aspects of ancient societies and their agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research article focuses on the evolution of a Mediterranean landscapes and the intricate interplay between natural and human-induced processes in the context of the Italian Anti-Apennine mountains. The study employs a multi-temporal approach to analyze changes in land use and landscape ecology, livestock activities, and agro-pastoral practices over seven decades. We noted a 18% decrease in animal units, particularly in goat and pig farming, accompanied by a 10% reduction in horse populations. Farmers’ adaptation strategies involve increasing animals per farm, aligning with broader agricultural trends toward intensification and specialization. In parallel, we observed a 22% reduction in grassland surfaces juxtaposed with an overall 15% increase in woodlands and shrublands, a 13% decreasing trend in habitat edge, and an overall 18% increase in patches aggregation at the landscape scale. The decline in anthropogenic pressures linked to depopulation triggered secondary successions, resulting in a 25% increase in homogeneous closed woodlands. These landscape alterations contribute to a 19% decrease in ecosystem heterogeneity and complexity, favoring ecological connectivity for forest-linked species but posing challenges for open meadow species. This, coupled with the loss of biocultural heritage, including traditional settlements dating back to the Bronze Age and Roman times, as well as pastoral traditions and knowledge, underscores the need to rethink future development strategies with a focus on retaining younger generations and preventing the loss of crucial ecosystem services.

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.

The transformation of forests into agricultural and livestock systems negatively affects the ecological dynamics and the ecosystem services provided by different groups of insects, including dung beetles, which stand out for their importance in recycling livestock dung. Since the 1980s, farmers in different regions of the world have been using Ivermectin to control parasites that affect cattle. The main route of elimination of this molecule and its metabolites is through manure, which affects the richness, abundance, and biomass of dung beetles when they use dung from treated animals. To quantify this effect, we carried out an experimental design in the field in the Colombian Caribbean, where nine cattle farms were evaluated, of which three were taken for each of the different cattle management practices most used in the region: (i) Ivermectin not applied, (ii) two doses of Ivermectin at 1% applied per year and (iii) two doses of Ivermectin at 3.15% applied per year. To assess the richness, abundance, biomass, and functional groups of dung beetles, during the dry and wet seasons, 30 pitfall traps were baited on each farm with fresh cattle manure with the same management doses described above. A total of 25,441 individuals belonging to 19 genera and 30 species were collected. The richness, abundance, and biomass of beetle assemblages decreased along the gradient represented by management without using Ivermectin and management where Ivermectin was used. Paracoprid beetles were the functional group that was most negatively affected in cattle farms with Ivermectin use. In cattle farms where Ivermectin was not used, there was a greater diversity and higher functional structure of dung beetle assemblages than in those where this veterinary medicinal product was used. Using Ivermectin generates short- and long-term effects on the richness, abundance, biomass, and functional groups of dung beetles in livestock systems in the Colombian Caribbean. Therefore, we suggest using integrated treatment management to prevent the recycling fauna from being affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock depredation by brown bears is one of the main source of human–wildlife conflict in rural Eastern Europe. Thus, identifying environmental and anthropogenic drivers of human–bear conflict, and developing spatial predictions for predation intensity are critical to mitigate such conflicts. We used 756 records of bear‐caused livestock predation collected between 2008 and 2016 in the Romanian Carpathians and evaluated predictors and spatial distribution of bear livestock predation events (BPEs) using separate binomial generalized linear mixed models for cows, sheep, and other livestock. Despite differences in the direction and magnitude of the effect, the prevalence of BPE for all livestock was driven by the interaction between environmental drivers along with relative bear abundance. Distance from forest was a strong negative predictor for cows and sheep, while distance to villages was a strong negative predictor for cows. Landscape heterogeneity was positively associated with cow and other livestock predation and negatively associated with sheep. Relative bear abundance data collected by wildlife managers was a positive predictor for predation on all livestock. Livestock damage was more prevalent near villages, showcasing plasticity of food resources sought by bears. Our work informs brown bear and livestock management strategies to develop awareness and implement damage prevention measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lion populations in Africa declined precipitously in the twentieth century outside of protected areas but the commercial cattle ranches of Laikipia County, Kenya, have been a unique exception, with low livestock stocking rates, careful range management, large populations of wild ungulates, and a full complement of large carnivores, including lions at a stable density of about 6/100 km2. The Laikipia Predator Project, later Living With Lions, started in 1997 with two primary objectives: improving livestock husbandry to reduce lion predation losses and subsequent killing of lions, and studying behavioral adaptations of lions to human activities and persecution. We initially interviewed ranch owners and managers on lion numbers, losses to all mortality factors, husbandry methods, costs, and lion control measures. Studies of husbandry and control methods led to improved livestock management, which gradually reduced losses and retaliatory lion killing. Persecuted lions are secretive and nocturnal, so behavioral research was dependent upon radio collaring, requiring development an effective capture technique. Collars introduced ranchers to their lions as individuals, decreasing their propensity to shoot them after livestock predation. The most important breakthrough was the development of “lion-proof” mobile bomas (corrals) which dramatically reduced night time losses and retaliatory killing. Global positioning system (GPS)-Iridium collars for research into lion movements, allowed development of a Lion Early Warning System to inform ranchers of morning lion locations, allowing them to avoid lions during day time grazing. These measures reduced retaliatory lion killing by 90% between 1998 and 2017. Development of simple and inexpensive hyena-proof bomas for traditional pastoralists dramatically reduced their losses and motivation to poison predators. Studies of lion movements and ecological energetics in relation to human activities have revealed patterns of diel avoidance of humans/livestock by day and predation of wild prey near bomas at night, showing that lions partition their activities temporally in order to utilize high quality hunting habitat while minimizing risk of encountering humans. Studies of predation ecology suggest that lion predation does not have a significant impact on Laikipia’s important population of endangered Grevy’s zebra. Several other carnivore research and conservation projects in Kenya arose out of the initial work in Laikipia.

Abstract Livestock depredation by brown bears is one of the main source of human–wildlife conflict in rural Eastern Europe. Thus, identifying environmental and anthropogenic drivers of human–bear conflict, and developing spatial predictions for predation intensity are critical to mitigate such conflicts. We used 756 records of bear‐caused livestock predation collected between 2008 and 2016 in the Romanian Carpathians and evaluated predictors and spatial distribution of bear livestock predation events (BPEs) using separate binomial generalized linear mixed models for cows, sheep, and other livestock. Despite differences in the direction and magnitude of the effect, the prevalence of BPE for all livestock was driven by the interaction between environmental drivers along with relative bear abundance. Distance from forest was a strong negative predictor for cows and sheep, while distance to villages was a strong negative predictor for cows. Landscape heterogeneity was positively associated with cow and other livestock predation and negatively associated with sheep. Relative bear abundance data collected by wildlife managers was a positive predictor for predation on all livestock. Livestock damage was more prevalent near villages, showcasing plasticity of food resources sought by bears. Our work informs brown bear and livestock management strategies to develop awareness and implement damage prevention measures.

The ease of use and advancements in drone technology is resulting in the widespread application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to diverse fields, making it a booming technology. Among UAVs’ several applications, livestock agriculture is one of the most promising, where UAVs facilitate various operations for efficient animal management. But the field is characterized by multiple environmental, technical, economic, and strategic challenges. However, the use of advanced technological techniques like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL), advanced sensors, etc., along with the assurance of animal welfare while operating the UAVs, can lead to widespread adoption of drone technology amongst livestock farmers. This paper discusses livestock management research where UAVs monitor farm animals via detection, counting, tracking animals, etc. In this article, an attempt has been made to elucidate different aspects and broader issues around livestock management while highlighting the associated challenges, opportunities, and prospects. This work is the first review paper on the subject matter with all the necessary information and analysis, to the best of our knowledge. Therefore, the article promises to provide interested researchers with detailed information about the field, guiding future research.

This paper concerns the management and protection of livestock using Indigenous Technical Knowledge among the Maasai of Kenya with an ultimate goal of promoting agricultural development. A sample of 120 households were selected from four Sub-locations of Loita ward in Narok County and subjected to questionnaire surveys. Additional qualitative data were collected through Key Informant Interviews and Focused Group Discussions. Results from this study show that the Maasai still rear three types of livestock, namely, cattle, sheep and goats. These animals provide them with food (99.2%) and other livestock byproducts. Study findings also reveal that the Maasai still predominantly use traditional methods based on indigenous technical knowledge to manage livestock feeding (85.8%), livestock diseases (89.9%), livestock breeding (74.2%) and livestock protection against predators and other incidental accidents. These findings are also supported by qualitative information from Focused Groups Discussions and Key Informants Interviews. In conclusion, the study established that the use of indigenous technical knowledge to manage and protect livestock among the Maasai have enabled them to sustain high-quality breeds of livestock for food security and income as well as environmental protection. The study recommends that as a policy, the Kenya government should put emphasis on mainstreaming indigenous technical knowledge systems in its agriculture extension programme and scientific knowledge base for sustainable well being and agricultural development.

The functions of non-agricultural crops unearthed from archaeological sites mainly pertain to their usage as livestock feed. However, the studies of livestock feed have predominantly relied on qualitative analysis, which often lacks descriptive objectivity and relies heavily on subjective feelings and experiences. In this paper, we aim to address this gap by focusing on quantitative analysis, utilizing macro-plant remains from the data of seventy-five archaeological settlements and one archaeological investigation in northern China spanning the Neolithic Age to the Bronze Age, as well as stable isotope analyses of carbon and nitrogen. This research delves into various aspects, including the exploration of the plant resources and livestock farming and the categorization of feed types for cattle and pigs in captivity. By employing quantitative analysis, we can gain a more comprehensive and objective understanding of these subjects. This approach aligns with studies on ancient livestock management and feed diversity. In essence, the discussion of civilization development and social changes during the Pre-Qin period holds significant value when considering forage analysis, just as crop analysis has proven insightful. By focusing on the quantitative analysis of non-agricultural crops and their role as livestock feed, we can shed light on important aspects of ancient societies and their agricultural practices.

The increase in livestock production in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region has caused an increase in deforestation and the advance of the agricultural frontier. The aim of the current study was to conduct a socioeconomic and productive characterization in Andean-Amazonian livestock systems in Ecuador. The study area was part of the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve (SBR) and three other zones: low (400 to 700 masl), middle (701 to 1600 masl), and high (701 to 1600 masl). Data were collected from 167 ranching households. There are significant differences (p ≤ 0.001) in the results. It was identified that 56.1% of the producers in the middle zone are indigenous (Kichwa). The largest (p ≤ 0.01) average household size (6.7 household members) and the highest level of household heads without schooling (16%) were found in the same area. Heads of households over 54 years of age were reported throughout the gradient. The largest farms were also found in the middle zone, with an average of 62.3 ha, of which an average of 32.9 ha is native forest, 2.1 ha is agricultural land, and 27.2 ha is cattle pasture. The household economy is driven by a greater investment in livestock in the upper area, and therefore their annual gross income has a high impact on their economy. With these results, this study presents recommendations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

In recent times, designated grazing areas/fields or routes for livestock grazing are usually defined. Hence, their herding activities' success relies on data extracted from aerial photographs. As such, a direct and cost-effective way of monitoring livestock for perimeter coverage and in other natural situations is required. This paper presents a coverage solution involving multiple interacting unmanned aerial vehicles. The presented approach is built on a graph, with geographic coordinates set such that several Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can successfully cover the area. The maximum flying time determines the number of UAVs employed for coverage. The proposed solution is thought to solve some practical problems encountered during the execution of the task with actual UAVs. It is suitable for long-term monitoring of animal behavior under various weather conditions and observing the relationship between livestock distribution and available resources on a grazing field. The simulation was carried out using MATLAB and aerial images from Google Earth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weighting the Hanwoo (Korean cattle) is very important for Korean beef producers when selling the Hanwoo at the right time. Recently, research is being conducted on the automatic prediction of the weight of Hanwoo only through images with the achievement of research using deep learning and image recognition. In this paper, we propose a method for the automatic weight prediction of Hanwoo using the Bayesian ridge algorithm on RGB-D images. The proposed system consists of three parts: segmentation, extraction of features, and estimation of the weight of Korean cattle from a given RGB-D image. The first step is to segment the Hanwoo area from a given RGB-D image using depth information and color information, respectively, and then combine them to perform optimal segmentation. Additionally, we correct the posture using ellipse fitting on segmented body image. The second step is to extract features for weight prediction from the segmented Hanwoo image. We extracted three features: size, shape, and gradients. The third step is to find the optimal machine learning model by comparing eight types of well-known machine learning models. In this step, we compared each model with the aim of finding an efficient model that is lightweight and can be used in an embedded system in the real field. To evaluate the performance of the proposed weight prediction system, we collected 353 RGB-D images from livestock farms in Wonju, Gangwon-do in Korea. In the experimental results, random forest showed the best performance, and the Bayesian ridge model is the second best in MSE or the coefficient of determination. However, we suggest that the Bayesian ridge model is the most optimal model in the aspect of time complexity and space complexity. Finally, it is expected that the proposed system will be casually used to determine the shipping time of Hanwoo in wild farms for a portable commercial device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation of forests into agricultural and livestock systems negatively affects the ecological dynamics and the ecosystem services provided by different groups of insects, including dung beetles, which stand out for their importance in recycling livestock dung. Since the 1980s, farmers in different regions of the world have been using Ivermectin to control parasites that affect cattle. The main route of elimination of this molecule and its metabolites is through manure, which affects the richness, abundance, and biomass of dung beetles when they use dung from treated animals. To quantify this effect, we carried out an experimental design in the field in the Colombian Caribbean, where nine cattle farms were evaluated, of which three were taken for each of the different cattle management practices most used in the region: (i) Ivermectin not applied, (ii) two doses of Ivermectin at 1% applied per year and (iii) two doses of Ivermectin at 3.15% applied per year. To assess the richness, abundance, biomass, and functional groups of dung beetles, during the dry and wet seasons, 30 pitfall traps were baited on each farm with fresh cattle manure with the same management doses described above. A total of 25,441 individuals belonging to 19 genera and 30 species were collected. The richness, abundance, and biomass of beetle assemblages decreased along the gradient represented by management without using Ivermectin and management where Ivermectin was used. Paracoprid beetles were the functional group that was most negatively affected in cattle farms with Ivermectin use. In cattle farms where Ivermectin was not used, there was a greater diversity and higher functional structure of dung beetle assemblages than in those where this veterinary medicinal product was used. Using Ivermectin generates short- and long-term effects on the richness, abundance, biomass, and functional groups of dung beetles in livestock systems in the Colombian Caribbean. Therefore, we suggest using integrated treatment management to prevent the recycling fauna from being affected.

This paper concerns the management and protection of livestock using Indigenous Technical Knowledge among the Maasai of Kenya with an ultimate goal of promoting agricultural development. A sample of 120 households were selected from four Sub-locations of Loita ward in Narok County and subjected to questionnaire surveys. Additional qualitative data were collected through Key Informant Interviews and Focused Group Discussions. Results from this study show that the Maasai still rear three types of livestock, namely, cattle, sheep and goats. These animals provide them with food (99.2%) and other livestock byproducts. Study findings also reveal that the Maasai still predominantly use traditional methods based on indigenous technical knowledge to manage livestock feeding (85.8%), livestock diseases (89.9%), livestock breeding (74.2%) and livestock protection against predators and other incidental accidents. These findings are also supported by qualitative information from Focused Groups Discussions and Key Informants Interviews. In conclusion, the study established that the use of indigenous technical knowledge to manage and protect livestock among the Maasai have enabled them to sustain high-quality breeds of livestock for food security and income as well as environmental protection. The study recommends that as a policy, the Kenya government should put emphasis on mainstreaming indigenous technical knowledge systems in its agriculture extension programme and scientific knowledge base for sustainable well being and agricultural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The greenhouse gas (GHG) emission from the livestock sector is a major concern as GHG can contribute to climate change event such as global warming. The country demand for livestock is rapidly increasing, due to population and economic growth. However, in Malaysia, there is still limited studies on GHG assessment from the livestock sector and its projection based on the self-sufficient level under population growth. In this study, the GHG emissions of different livestock were estimated using the livestock population data published in the year 2010–2019, based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Malaysia's livestock sector is dominated by poultry, swine, non-dairy cattle and goat. The emission is dependent on the livestock species and population. For enteric fermentation, non-dairy cattle accounted for 73.91% of the CH4 emission. For manure management, the main contributors were swine and poultry, accounting for 61.49% and 26.24% of the CH4 emission. Poultry and non-dairy cattle contributed to 63.25% and 20.79% of the direct N2O emission from manure management. Comparatively, enteric fermentation was observed to contribute for more than 50% share of the total CO2-eq emission. The GHG projection was carried out in two scenarios based on the population projection, self-sufficient level and product consumption per capita for the year 2019, 2030 and 2040. The scenario analysis showed that increasing the animal mass by 1% without increasing the livestock population could help in elevating the sufficiency level of food product even with increasing product demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Images taken by drones often must be preprocessed and stitched together due to the inherent noise, narrow imaging breadth, flying height, and angle of view. Conventional UAV feature-based image stitching techniques significantly rely on the quality of feature identification, made possible by image pixels, which frequently fail to stitch together images with few features or low resolution. Furthermore, later approaches were developed to eliminate the issues with conventional methods by using the deep learning-based stitching technique to collect the general attributes of remote sensing images before they were stitched. However, since the images have empty backgrounds classified as stitched points, it is challenging to distinguish livestock in a grazing area. Consequently, less information can be inferred from the surveillance data. This study provides a four-stage object-based image stitching technique that, before stitching, removes the background’s space and classifies images in the grazing field. In the first stage, the drone-based image sequence of the livestock on the grazing field is preprocessed. In the second stage, the images of the cattle on the grazing field are classified to eliminate the empty spaces or backgrounds. The third stage uses the improved SIFT to detect the feature points of the classified images to o8btain the feature point descriptor. Lastly, the stitching area is computed using the image projection transformation.

Objective. To quantify the animal welfare of pigs of small producers in communities of southern Veracruz. Materials and methods. We carried out a study in ten production units where we performed a diagnosis and analyzed ten variables in the categories of feeding, housing, health, and behavior of piglets according to the Welfare Quality® protocol of the European Union, which were scored on a 0 to 1 scale, where 0= none, 0.5= fair, and 1= ideal animal welfare. Results. The human-animal relationship was satisfactory; however, there was low thermal comfort associated with the type of facilities. The main indicators of animal welfare were feeding 0.9±0.235, housing 0.6±0.319, health 0.7±0.252, and behavior 0.9±0.192. Conclusions. The quantification of animal welfare allows the practical identification of management aspects that producers have developed intrinsically, such as the human-animal relationship and cleanliness of the facilities. Animal welfare can be quantified in a practical way, offering management alternatives to the producers, who develop adequate (frequent cleaning of the facilities) and inadequate (low-protein diets, tail docking, and castration) activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceutical contaminants have a recognized negative impact on wildlife health. However, there are still many knowledge gaps on the factors influencing exposure and metabolic processing of compound mixtures as a function of season and individual characteristics such as age and sex. We evaluated age and sex differences in a set of seventeen compounds, including eleven antibiotics, five NSAIDs and caffeine, evaluated by HPLC-MS-TOF analysis in griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) from central Spain. Pharmaceutical cocktails (up to 10 compounds simultaneously) were found in all individuals. Lincomycin was detected in all individuals, and fluoroquinolones were found at high frequencies, while NSAIDs were at low frequencies and concentrations, including flumixin meglumine, which can be lethal to vultures. A higher total number of compounds and sum of concentrations, as well as prevalence and concentration of several of the pharmaceuticals tested was found in females than in males for both nestlings and adults. This is the first study to present evidence of sex differences in the pharmacokinetics of dietary drug contaminants in a vulture species. Chronic exposure to "medications" in entire populations can potentially have sub-lethal health effects that affect fitness differently according to age and sex, with demographic implications for population viability. Specifically, if females have higher mortality after fledging due to high pharmaceutical contamination, this should be considered when modelling the population dynamic of this species for conservation purposes. • Age and sex influences on wildlife pharmaceutical contamination are unknown. • Pharmaceutical cocktails were found in all individual griffon vultures from central Spain. • A higher pharmaceutical load was found in females than in males. • Age and sex pharmacokinetics should be considered into population dynamic modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock management is an emerging area of application of the quadrotor, especially for monitoring, counting, detecting, recognizing, and tracking animals through image or video footage. The autonomous operation of the quadrotor requires the development of an obstacle avoidance scheme to avoid collisions. This research develops an obstacle avoidance-based autonomous navigation of a quadrotor suitable for outdoor applications in livestock management. A Simulink model of the UAV is developed to achieve this, and its transient and steady-state performances are measured. Two genetic algorithm-based PID controllers for the quadrotor altitude and attitude control were designed, and an obstacle avoidance algorithm was applied to ensure the autonomous navigation of the quadrotor. The simulation results show that the quadrotor flies to the desired altitude with a settling time of 6.51 s, an overshoot of 2.65%, and a steady-state error of 0.0011 m. At the same time, the attitude controller records a settling time of 0.43 s, an overshoot of 2.50%, and a zero steady-state error. The implementation of the obstacle avoidance scheme shows that the distance threshold of 1 m is sufficient for the autonomous navigation of the quadrotor. Hence, the developed method is suitable for managing livestock with the average size of an adult sheep.

In recent times, designated grazing areas/fields or routes for livestock grazing are usually defined. Hence, their herding activities’ success relies on data extracted from aerial photographs. As such, a direct and cost-effective way of monitoring livestock for perimeter coverage and in other natural situations is required. This paper presents a coverage solution involving multiple interacting unmanned aerial vehicles. The presented approach is built on a graph, with geographic coordinates set such that several Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can successfully cover the area. The maximum flying time determines the number of UAVs employed for coverage. The proposed solution is thought to solve some practical problems encountered during the execution of the task with actual UAVs. It is suitable for long-term monitoring of animal behavior under various weather conditions and observing the relationship between livestock distribution and available resources on a grazing field. The simulation was carried out using MATLAB and aerial images from Google Earth.

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 embryo wastage in all species. Interactions among individual components of livestock production systems are complex but must be considered when recommending GHG mitigation practices.

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

Understanding how individual grasses respond to herbivory and rainfall has been hampered by the difficulty of quantifying above- and belowground carbon (C) storage in grasses. Particularly by restoring degraded rangelands through reseeding, their C storage potential can be greatly enhanced. The responses of reseeded grasses to the effects of herbivory and precipitation were assessed to evaluate the potential of individual grasses for C storage as a technique for climate change mitigation. Clipping experiments were conducted on mature grass tufts of two native grass species, Chloris gayana and Cenchrus ciliaris, in the semi-arid Borana rangelands, Ethiopia. Further, above- and belowground C storage of young grasses of the same species in pot and field plot trials was experimentally quantified under simulated grazing and variable rainfall. The results showed that aboveground C was significantly 4 times lower in the clipped compared to unclipped mature grasses. In contrast, 3 times higher C was found in young reseeded grasses that were clipped compared to unclipped ones. Clipping and irrigation in combination significantly influenced belowground C in young grasses, with reduced irrigation overriding clipping effects. The paper concludes that moderate grazing should be encouraged to enhance CO2 uptake, consequently contributing to climate change mitigation in rangelands.