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Farm dams, also known as 'agricultural ponds', are ubiquitous features of agricultural landscapes globally. Those accessed by livestock have high methane (CH 4 ) emissions per unit area relative to other freshwater systems. Fencing dams and installing water troughs to prevent livestock from entering the dams are promising strategies to improve water quality and substantially reduce their carbon footprints. However, previous studies only measured the effects of fencing on methane diffusive emissions without considering ebullitive fluxes (i.e., methane bubbles), which is often the dominant emission pathway in smaller water bodies. Also, data is lacking on how the benefits of fencing farm dams vary across seasons. Using Australia as a test case, this study investigates the benefit of fencing off farm dams by monitoring total CH 4 (diffusion + ebullition) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in summer and winter. Fenced dams had 72 % lower CH 4 emissions in summer and 92 % lower in winter than unfenced dams. Similarly, CO 2 -equivalent (CO 2  + CH 4 ) fluxes were lower in fenced dams by 59 % in summer and 73 % in winter. Fenced dams had higher water quality, with 51 % less total dissolved nitrogen, 57 % less phosphorous, and 23-49 % more dissolved oxygen. Average daily air temperature was a key predictor of CH 4 emissions from farm dams, underscoring the importance of considering temporal dynamics for estimating yearly farm dam emissions. We confirmed that excluding livestock from entering farm dams using fences significantly mitigates CH 4 emissions and enhances water quality, and these benefits are maintained seasonally., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Anthelmintic residues in livestock dung can adversely affect beneficial organisms. Targeted selective treatment (TST) of a reduced proportion of livestock with anthelmintics can slow resistance development in gastrointestinal nematodes by providing residue-free dung which could also benefit non-target organisms. We tested effects of TST on survival and reproduction of the dung beetle Onthophagus taurus (Scarabaeidae) in a factorial glasshouse experiment (Experimental treatments: five TST levels, 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00 x four ivermectin concentrations, 125, 250, 375, 500 ppb). Each mesocosm comprised a 60 L bin containing sand, four dung pats and six pairs of adult beetles (F0 generation). No effects of TST level and ivermectin concentration on mortality of F0 adults after one week were observed. F0 adult brood ball production was affected by TST level, particularly at high ivermectin concentrations. Brood ball production increased as more untreated pats became available, with greater increases at higher ivermectin concentrations. We tested for evidence of a reported attraction of dung beetles to ivermectin-treated dung using a novel glitter-marker to trace the origin of dung used in brood balls. Where mesocosms contained both dung types, the proportion of brood balls created from untreated dung showed no statistical difference from the null expectation based on untreated dung availability in the mesocosm. Emergence of F1 adults was affected by the increase in TST, with this effect dependent on concentration. Treatments with concentrations of 250-500 ppb had the lowest emergence rates (ca. 5-20 % in mesocosms where all dung pats were treated) but emergence rates increased with TST level, reaching 68-88 % emergence where no dung pats were treated with ivermectin. Ivermectin-induced mortality occurred predominantly at egg and first instar stages. TST can provide refuges for dung beetles offering a strategy for livestock producers to maintain livestock welfare whilst benefiting from ecosystem services provided by important insects., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

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., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Conventional method of counting animals is one of the most challenging tasks in livestock management; moreover, counting of animals in drone-acquired imagery, though promising, is more challenging in intelligent livestockmanagement. In this paper, we apply state-of-the-art object detection model, Mask YOLOv7, for detection and counting of cattle in different scenarios such as in controlled (feedlot) environment and uncontrolled (open-range) environment. Mask mechanism was embedded into the backbone of the YOLOv7 algorithm (Mask YOLOv7) for instance segmentation of individual cattle object. We evaluate the performance of the model proposed in this study using Intersection over Union threshold of 0.5, average precision (AP), and mean average precision. The results of the experiment conducted in this study show that the proposed model achieves an accuracy of 93% in counting cattle in controlled environment and 95% in uncontrolled environment. These results affirm the potential of the model, Mask YOLOv7, to perform competitively with any other existing object detection and instance segmentation models in terms of accuracy and AP especially when the speed of object detection matters. Moreover, the research has potential applications in livestock inventory, which helps in tracking, monitoring, and reporting vital information about individual cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the management practices and technological processes within beef cattle farms in the North-East region of Moldova, focusing on six distinct farms. Analyzing data from these farms, encompassing a total of 1838 cattle, revealed notable disparities in animal stock, labor force, and forage cultivation areas. Additionally, diverse housing systems, waste disposal methods, and breeding practices were identified. Noteworthy results include Farm F5's effective waste management strategies and Farm F6's adoption of advanced breeding techniques. These findings underscore the necessity of tailoring management approaches to individual farm contexts to optimize operational efficiency and productivity. By providing actionable insights, this research contributes to ongoing efforts aimed at improving beef cattle farming practices in the region and fostering sustainable agricultural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

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]

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]

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]

The discovery of antimicrobial agents for the treatment of infectious diseases was one of the most significant events of the 20th century. Notwithstanding their importance, acquired resistance has become increasingly evident and this pattern has followed the introduction of each new antimicrobial agent. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has not only led to unwarranted mortality rates, but it presents as a major economic burden to societies. The alarming worldwide escalation in AMR poses a serious threat to public health and can cause major disruption globally. Whilst there has been progress in understanding AMR in the scientific literature, there is a dearth of knowledge that considers AMR from an economic perspective, especially as it relates to resource‐based sectors. This paper uses two case studies to illustrate how an economic lens can improve understanding of the potential risks surrounding AMR and to identify the net welfare associated with specific interventions. We demonstrate the importance of economics when considering the impacts of AMR in the context of livestock and wastewater use in Australia and when quantifying the potential disruption to the economy. We also illustrate how economics can both highlight the magnitude of the risks from AMR but offer a way forward through cost‐effective policy options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Human behavior often determines the success of conservation projects, and the emerging discipline of conservation psychology focuses on understanding and influencing this behavior. Social norms (a group's perception of the appropriateness of behaviors) are a key influence on human behavior, and social norms campaigns can often engender population‐wide behavior changes. Human‐predator conflict is a major conservation issue, and one in which human behavior plays a substantial role: high standards of livestock management can considerably lower predation levels. In this paper, we use factor analysis to show that the livestock management normative belief structure of rural livestock owners is highly conserved between populations in Kenya and Zimbabwe. Through cluster analysis, we also show that qualitatively distinct attitudinal groups can be identified, and that some of these groups are common to both regions. Researchers often assume that social landscapes are unique, but we show that this is not the case for livestock management norms. People's attitudes are also generally assumed to be site‐specific, but we found commonalities across different regions, indicating that certain attitude sectors may be present in all livestock‐owning populations. If livestock management norms and attitude groups are indeed highly conserved between regions, it may be possible to develop standardized tools with which to understand the norms that influence livestock management behavior, and identify population sectors for targeted interventions. Often, conservation projects have little in‐house social science expertise, and social studies are avoided despite the benefits they bring. Here, we demonstrate that standardized approaches may be possible, and could aid the implementation—and success—of conservation interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock grazing is a predominant land use worldwide and can influence wildlife populations by altering grassland composition, structure, and productivity. Conceptually, rest‐rotation livestock grazing could increase pasture‐level heterogeneity that would allow wildlife to balance the need for resources with the risk of predation. Prairie‐grouse (Tympanuchus spp.) are recognized as important indicator species for grassland ecosystems, so identifying management approaches suitable for prairie‐grouse could have implications for other species. We monitored radio‐collared female sharp‐tailed grouse (T. phasianellus) to evaluate the effects of 3 systems of livestock grazing management on the breeding season survival and habitat‐associated mortality risk of adult grouse in the northern mixed‐grass prairie in eastern Montana and western North Dakota, USA, during 2016–2018. Cumulative breeding season survival was 0.65 ± 0.04 (SE) and annual survival varied from 0.28 ± 0.04 to 0.50 ± 0.05. Grazing management did not have a meaningful influence on any aspect of the cumulative breeding season survival of adult female sharp‐tailed grouse, although the seasonal timing of peaks in mortality risk differed among systems. A 10% increase in cropland increased mortality risk of adult female sharp‐tailed grouse by a factor of 1.27. Overall, our results suggest that strategies that preserve economically viable ranching systems in unfragmented grasslands may have greater benefits for sharp‐tailed grouse survival than prescriptive livestock grazing systems. © 2020 The Wildlife Society. Grazing management did not influence any aspect of breeding season survival of female sharp‐tailed grouse. Strategies that preserve economically viable ranching systems in unfragmented grasslands may have the greatest benefits for sharp‐tailed grouse survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conflict between people and carnivores can lead to the widespread killing of predators in retaliation for livestock loss and is a major threat to predator populations. In Kenya, a large, rural, pastoralist population comes into regular conflict with predators, which persist across southern Kenya. We explored the social and psychological backdrop to livestock management practices in this area in a process designed to be easy to use and suitable for use across large areas for the study of conflict and transboundary implementation of wildlife conflict reduction measures, focusing on community involvement and needs. We carried out fully structured interviews of livestock managers with a survey tool that examined how social and psychological factors may influence livestock management behavior. We compared survey responses on 3 sites across the study area, resulting in 723 usable responses. Efficacy of individuals' livestock management varied between and within communities. This variation was partially explained by normative and control beliefs regarding livestock management. Individual livestock managers' self‐reported management issues were often an accurate reflection of their practical management difficulties. Psychological norms, control beliefs, and attitudes differed among sites, and these differences partially explained patterns associated with conflict (i.e., variation in livestock management behavior). Thus, we conclude that a one‐size‐fits‐all approach to improving livestock management and reducing human–predator conflict is not suitable. Article impact statement: Understanding the psychology of livestock management is key to determining the best strategy for mitigation of wildlife–livestock conflict. [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]

Grazing by large herbivorous mammals is still a structuring force in tropical grassy ecosystems, and cattle grazing is one of the main economic activities carried out in these ecosystems in modern times. Therefore, understanding the impacts of cattle grazing removal on biodiversity may be a key step for conservation of this ecosystem. Here, we studied the successional trajectory of dung beetle communities in a tropical grassy ecosystem after cattle removal. For this, we assessed the patterns of dung beetle taxonomic and functional diversity of 14 natural grasslands with distinct cattle grazing removal ages (from 3 months to 22 years) along a chronosequence, applying the space-for-time substitution method. Our results show a strong decrease in dung beetle abundance (93 times) and species richness (6 times) in the first ten years of cattle removal. However, after ten years there is an increase in dung beetle abundance (73 times) and species richness (5 times). Taxonomic composition was also influenced by cattle removal time demonstrating the importance of cattle in the structuring of dung beetle communities in natural grasslands. In contrast, functional composition and diversity were not affected by cattle grazing removal, indicating these metrics are less sensitive to cattle absence than taxonomic diversity and composition. Our results provide evidence that cattle grazing removal, at least in the short term (10 years), may be an inefficient management tool for restoration and conservation of tropical grassy ecosystems. However, we highlight the need to investigate the reintroduction of cattle grazing after different removal times to provide complimentary information to livestock management able to integrate human use and conservation of tropical grassy ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conflicts with humans are one of the main causes of the decline in populations of large carnivores, making it a crucial conservation issue worldwide. In Mexico, jaguar Panthera onca, puma Puma concolor and American black bear Ursus americanus are involved in livestock predation and are persecuted in retaliation. The sites where predation occurs are distributed throughout the country and differ not only in environmental characteristics, but also in social, economic and livestock management practices. However, due to the general focus of the studies carried out so far, the proposed mitigation measures are also general. It is necessary to consider conditions that encourage predation in the design of strategies to be more effective. In this study, environmental, anthropic and livestock management characteristics of livestock predation by large carnivores were analyzed for conflict regionalization. The variables most related to predation sites were identified, with a high percentage of them being livestock management practices. Based on these variables, we formed clusters of similar sites and analyzed their spatial distribution, which presented grouping patterns in the cases of predation by puma and black bear, in contrast to the jaguar clusters, which presented a dispersed distribution. Considering the characteristics of the clusters, we propose as mitigation measures the confinement of livestock, construction or improvement of corrals and improvement of management practices. The anthropic component and livestock management practices are closely related to the predation events and, therefore, their inclusion in the conservation programs of carnivores in Mexico is fundamental. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agricultural and livestock research, education, and extension are important components for increasing production and meeting the demands of the growing population with sustainability. In this context, knowledge or information is very critical for improving the production under the present extension delivery system in India. Several studies have highlighted emerging ICTs which have the potential to reach the mass population at a limited time despite traditional media. One such emerging ICT is Social Media, which is utilized by most of the stakeholders, including farmers around the globe. Hence, for documenting its application for livestock information needs among the livestock farmers, an ex-post-facto exploratory study was conducted in Southern Karnataka using 108 purposively selected farmers, which comprised of 36 farmers each belonging to dairy, poultry and sheep and goat husbandry with pre-tested structured interview schedule. Majority of the farmers in each category were aware about social media and possessed social media accounts with highest number of WhatsApp accounts being possessed by the farmers. Social media was utilized for obtaining information about latest livestock production and management practices in all the categories. From these findings, it could be elucidated that the respondents predominantly perceived that social media had higher benefits in attaining livestock related information and adoption of digital knowledge into practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this empirical study was to identify the participation of women in livestock management practices and to explore factors determining their engagement in district Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A multi-stage sampling approach was adopted to choose a random sample of 110 women farmers from the union council of village Shewa, and a well-structured questionnaire was designed to accumulate the primary dataset from rural women through face to face interviews. A women's participation index was designed to compute the degree of women's involvement, and a multiple linear regression model was proposed to measure factors influencing women's participation in livestock management practices. The computed value of the mean composite index was 4.81 which showed that women farmers on average engaged for 4.81 hours per day in the livestock management practices. The multiple regression results illustrated that women's education, family size, and livestock income significantly affect women's participation; however, women's age and herd size insignificantly affect women's inclusion in the livestock farming operations. The findings of this study recommend that the importance of rural women's involvement in the livestock sector should be identified in federal and provincial government plans and agricultural policy formulations. The study also recommends that the provision of agriculture credit facilities and livestock training facilities to women farmers could stimulate their involvement in livestock practices and anticipates the decision-making power in livestock management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women are the prime contributors of agriculture sector including livestock across the developing world including Pakistan. However, their extent of participation (time allocation) and constraints in livestock management have not been properly explored yet. To fill in the gap, the present research study was carried out to determine women's participation in the types of livestock rearing, their livestock possession, participation in livestock activities, and the major faced constraints in livestock management in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of the country. For this, a sample size of 117 women respondents was selected through multistage sampling technique and data were collected from the selected respondents using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire through face to face interview. The collected data were subjected to analysis using descriptive statistics, frequencies, percentages, and rank orders. The results revealed that women were involved in buffalo, cattle, goats and sheep rearing with higher possession of small ruminants (goats and sheep), while men were found dominant in large ruminants' possession (buffalo and cattle). Women's higher time allocation to livestock management activities depicted their higher level of participation in livestock management was found high as compared to their male counterparts. Women's participation was found high in the indoor activities of livestock management like feeding, shed cleaning, and milking of animal's women's participation was found high, while recorded low in the outdoor activities of fodder cutting and marketing of dairy products due to their restricted mobility. Costly veterinary services and feed items, credit need for feed and livestock purchase, and training in animal health care were the major reported constraints in livestock management. Provision of credit, training in animal health care, and increasing women's livestock possession are suggested not only for the increased participation of women in livestock management but also for the development of domesticated livestock enterprise in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock is a natural resource of good quality food, milk, meat, yogurt, butter, etc. Rural women actively participate in livestock management activities but their role is undervalued even though their social life is negatively affected. This paper is an attempt to analyze women's involvement in livestock care and management and its implications for their social life. Multistage sampling technique was used for data collection. Two districts, two tehsils, two union councils and four villages were selected randomly. Six hundred respondents were selected by systematic random sampling technique through Fitzgibbon table. Data were collected with the help of a well-designed interview schedule and analyzed by using different statistical techniques. The results showed that a significant majority of women were involved in making dung-pads and cleaning sheds. Half of the women reported that their livestock work creates problems to meet relatives, attend family functions and for involvement in social activities. It is therefore recommended that families should provide opportunities to women to participate in social activities by sharing their livestock-related responsibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women play an important role in livestock production and their contribution remain un-recognized by researchers and policy makers. The study was conducted to investigate the participation of women in livestock production activities at two district municipalities of the Eastern Cape. A simple random sampling technique was used to select five communities in surveyed municipalities and 40 women farmers. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and was analyze using descriptive statistics. The parameters investigated included age, educational background, marital status, types of livestock raised and their participation in livestock management practices. The study revealed that a mixed crop-livestock production system was dominant in the study sites. More than 60% of women were married and approximately 42.5% of the women were older than 60 years. A total of 45% of these women had basic education with a mean family size of 4.4±3.6. Most of the rural women (62.5%) inherited foundation stock, but 22.5% were obtained from bride price and 15% were bought from neighbouring farmers. Of the agricultural activities, which women participate, caring for sick animals (80.6%) was the highest, followed by cleaning of shelters (66.7%), selling of animal products (50.9%), selling of live animals (40.1%), feeding of animals (36.4%), watering of animals (31%), purchasing feed (27.1%) and milking of animals (25.6%). Taking of animals to grazing (10.9%) and cleaning of feeding troughs (7.7%) were the least activities women performed. Within the context of the study, women play an important role in the livestock sector, therefore government should encourage programs that empower women in various aspects of livestock management and should form part of decision making in livestock production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a growing body of research about rangeland degradation and the effects of policies implemented to address it on the Tibetan Plateau, little in-depth research has been conducted on how pastoralists make decisions. Based on qualitative research in Gouli Township, Qinghai province, China, we analyze the context in which Tibetan herders make decisions, and their decisions about livestock and pastures. We refute three fundamental assumptions upon which current policy is premised: that pastoralists aim to increase livestock numbers without limit; that, blindly following tradition, they do not actively manage livestock and rangelands; and that they lack environmental knowledge. We demonstrate that pastoralists carefully assess limits to livestock holdings based on land and labor availability; that they increasingly manage their livestock and rangelands through contracting; and that herding knowledge is a form of embodied practical skill. We further discuss points of convergence and contradiction between herders' observations and results of a vegetation analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding changes in copro-necrophagous beetle diversity related to characteristics of habitat and soil associated with livestock management systems can provide a tool for the conservation of edaphic fauna and improved use of natural resources. We evaluated changes in species diversity and assemblage structure in copro-necrophagous beetles under different livestock management systems in an anthropized tropical dry forest landscape in Mexico. We used a standard sampling protocol to capture copro-necrophagous beetles in three livestock management systems: silvopastoral systems with Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. (SPS) associated with grasses, treeless pastures (monocultures) and managed tree fallows of tropical dry forest with livestock. We characterized the habitat structure, management practices and physico-chemical parameters of the soil in each system. We recorded a total of 1423 specimens belonging to 15 species. The results show a greater beetle species richness in the SPS with G. ulmifolia, which declines with reduced site complexity and soil quality and increased management practice intensity. There was a positive relationship between beetle species abundance and the soil physico-chemical characteristics such as moisture and nutrient content, as well as with the density of plants. A negative effect of management practices (use of insecticides, anti-parasite treatments and burning) was observed on beetle abundance; when the analyzed variables were related to each individual species, only four species responded to differences in levels of nitrogen and magnesium, as well as to the management practice and density of plants. Systems where perennial woody plants (trees and/or shrubs) interact with traditional components (animals and herbaceous forage plants) under integrated management can provide favorable conditions for the maintenance of a relatively high diversity of beetle species as well as a refuge for species with different habitat requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study would mark the potential role of grazing by Podolian cattle for reducing fuel load of fire prevention and propagation. The interconnection of Geographic Information System (GIS) and livestock field survey allowed to monitor different grazing and nograzing areas in Basilicata region. Fifteen grazing areas were monitored for five years during the summer pasture, when the Podolian cattle graze on green grazing areas. These areas were monitored by using GIS system and GPS application. The potential impact of Podolian cattle was monitored for the same time period. The cattle consistency allowed to calculate different parameters: livestock unit, dry matter intake and stocking estimation of potential amount of dry matter intake to understand the removal biomass in order to reduce the fuel load for fire prevention. The spatial analysis (GIS) showed that there were only four grazing areas burned during the time sampling, compared to the surrounding areas used as control (no-grazing area). Therefore an efficient management of grazing by Podolian cattle could be an important tool to prevent the fire propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A student team from NC State designed and built a prototype wireless network to monitor the milking and weighing of cows. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The understanding of the spatial structure and dynamics of populations can guide conservation decisions, but studies of this type focused on small (< 7-kg) carnivores are rare. We compared survival, reproduction, and dispersal of radiocollared Geoffroy's cats ( Leopardus geoffroyi) in a protected area and adjacent cattle ranches in Argentina to assess the effects of livestock management and its associated disturbances (i.e., hunting by humans) on the demography of this felid. Thirteen cats in the park and 13 in the ranches were radiotracked for up to 556 days in 2007-2008. We evaluated the Geoffroy's cat population trajectory at the landscape level using a stage-structured, stochastic matrix model based on our estimated vital rates. The study occurred during a prolonged drought, likely affecting estimated vital rates. Survival in the ranches was 52% lower than in the park; mortalities were due to intraguild predation in the park and were human-related in the ranches. Dispersal from the ranches was 32% lower than from the park and dispersal distances were up to 128 km. The number of cubs per litter was similar between areas. Assuming persistence of drought conditions and estimated vital rates, the simulated metapopulation rapidly collapsed and cat survival on ranches was the vital rate to which the model was most sensitive. Because projected climatic scenarios predict increased drought frequency for the region, we explored management options that would enhance chances of persistence, simulating 2 'adaptation' strategies: hunting restrictions on ranches and expanding protected areas. More than doubling of cat survival on ranches or a 9-fold increase in protected area extension would be required, involving major investments, to avoid the extinction of this cat metapopulation if droughts become prevalent. Our analysis may be helpful to improve our predictive capacity to identify new threats and facilitate adaptation strategies for Geoffroy's cat or other similar carnivores. La comprensión de la estructura espacial y la dinámica de las poblaciones pueden guiar decisiones de conservación, pero los estudios de este tipo centrados en pequeños carnívoros (< 7 kg) son raros. Se comparó la supervivencia, reproducción y dispersión de gatos monteses ( Leopardus geoffroyi) equipados con radiocollar en una zona protegida y campos ganaderos adyacentes en Argentina, para evaluar los efectos del manejo ganadero y sus disturbios asociados (p.e., la cacería) sobre la demografía de este felino. Trece gatos en el parque y 13 en los campos fueron monitoreados por hasta 556 días durante 2007-2008. Se simuló la trayectoria de la población monitoreada a nivel del paisaje utilizando un modelo matricial estocástico estructurado por edades, basado en las tasas vitales estimadas. El estudio tuvo lugar durante una sequía prolongada, lo que probablemente afectó las tasas vitales estimadas. La supervivencia de los gatos en los campos fue 52% menor que en el parque; la mortalidad se debió a depredación intragremio en el parque y estuvo mayormente relacionada al hombre en los campos. La dispersión desde los campos fue 32% menor que desde el parque y las distancias de dispersión fueron de hasta 128 km. El número de crías por camada fue similar entre áreas. Asumiendo la persistencia de la sequía prolongada y las tasas vitales estimadas, la metapoblación simulada declinó rápidamente, siendo la supervivencia de los gatos en los campos la tasa vital más sensible para el modelo. Dado que los escenarios climáticos proyectados predicen una mayor frecuencia de sequías para la región, se exploraron opciones de manejo para mejorar las posibilidades de persistencia de esta población, simulando dos 'estrategias de adaptación': restricciones de cacería en los campos y ampliación del área protegida en el paisaje estudiado. Para evitar la extinción de esta metapoblación si las sequías se hacen frecuentes, sería necesario incrementar a más del doble la supervivencia de los gatos en los campos o aumentar 9 veces la extensión de superficie protegida en el paisaje, lo que implica importantes inversiones de manejo. Nuestro análisis puede ser útil para mejorar la capacidad de predicción en la identificación de nuevas amenazas y para facilitar estrategias de adaptación para el gato montés u otros carnívoros similares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Agricultural damage and the resulting negative attitudes of farmers are major issues in the conservation of brown bears (Ursus arctos). We analyzed 3,241 approved compensation claims to gain insight into human-brown bear conflicts in Greece from 1999 to 2006. Damage to livestock was low compared to the number of livestock in an area and affected mainly young cattle and single equids. Damage to sheep was low in Greece in comparison to other countries. Crop damage was recorded mainly in small corn fields and vineyards, while damage to apiaries was associated with their general availability in an area and resulted in considerable economic losses. Bear damage occurred throughout the year, but was most common from May to October, and with the exception of crop damage, was correlated with the current range of the species. To decrease damage levels by bears in Greece and considering the current management and conservation circumstances for the species in the country, we propose the large-scale promotion and use of livestock guarding dogs and electric fencing for small fields of valuable crops as well as apiaries. Reduction of depredation to cattle will require structural changes to the way herds are managed, and compensation for damage should be linked to active damage prevention. On a local scale the livestock husbandry systems may be adjusted by increasing herd size and by penning vulnerable livestock overnight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potohar plateau is a mountainous and rocky region, covered with scrub forest, interspaced with flat lying plains; the north and north-east consist of softly undulating plain areas along with some rocky patches. Realizing the need for the quantification of women participation in livestock management, a study was conducted to assess the level of participation and need of training in areas of interest. Chakwal, the third most populated district of barani Potohar, was selected as the universe of this research. Like other districts of Pakistan, all livestock species were reared in Potohar region including Chakwal district. Among total livestock population in the district, the decreasing order of species began with goats, followed by cattle, sheep, buffaloes, asses, camels, horses and mules. Although rural women had productive role in livestock management, yet they neither received adequate advice not had adequate access to modern technology that could benefit them in their livestock management activities. It was revealed from the study that more frequently carried out activities by rural women were livestock management, animal production, protection and poultry husbandry. Rural women were interested to get their training in livestock management, animal production, protection, poultry husbandry and marketing of animals to boost up the livestock productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]