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This study examines the impact of large-scale investment in agriculture on forest ecology in the Sheka zone of southwestern Ethiopia. Using remote sensing and geographic information system techniques as well as ethnographic methodology, this study is aimed at (i) identifying and examining cases of "investment agriculture" in rural communities in Sheka zone and (ii) investigating the impacts of these activities on the traditional sacred forest (GUDO) and economic (KOBO) forest by using geospatial techniques. From 1985 to 2023, the study identified two distinct types of alteration (conversion and alteration) as well as four primary land-use categories: dense forest; open forest; agricultural land; and settlement. The study also detected a significant increase in the rate of land-use and land-cover change in Masha and Anderacha districts, Sheka Forest, and the southwestern regional state from the period 1985 to 2023. The study showed that the rapid growth of agriculture on forest land has had a huge effect on the change in forest cover. The rate of forest cover changes in the area has been steadily increasing in the last two decades. This study demonstrates how the accelerating trend of investment in agriculture is shaping ecological change in the region through an analysis of the political economy at the international and domestic levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a significant health problem worldwide, including in Bangladesh, where chickens are an important protein source for human nutrition. One of the factors accelerating the development of antimicrobial resistance is the inappropriate use of antimicrobials on commercial chicken farms. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 on 140 commercial chicken farms in the Chattogram district of Bangladesh to investigate the association between antimicrobial use and resistance in Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. cultured from cloacal swabs of chickens and from the poultry shed environment. All E. coli and Salmonella spp. isolates were resistant to multiple antimicrobial classes, including those categorized as “Highest Priority Critically Important Antimicrobials” for human medicine. Notably, resistance was observed in E. coli isolates from farms that did not use these antimicrobial classes in the current production cycle. For example, although quinolones were not used on 43.9% of E. coli positive farms, 95.7% of these farms had quinolone-resistant E. coli isolates. The results of the path analysis revealed that there was a “direct effect” of the frequency of antimicrobial usage on “high” resistance, with resistance increasing when antimicrobials were administered more frequently (β  =  0.28, p  =  0.002). There was a “direct effect” of the purpose of antimicrobial use on “low” resistance, with resistance marginally decreasing when antimicrobials were administered solely for therapeutic use (β  = −0.17, p  =  0.062), but increasing when they were used prophylactically. Overall, the study results could be used to educate farmers on better practices for antimicrobial administration, and to guide government agencies to update policies on antimicrobial use and resistance surveillance in the poultry sector of Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are farmed in Australia primarily for their skins and meat. Commercially, they are raised in group pens as hatchlings and grower crocodiles and then moved to unitised (individual) pens for the final finishing stage when they are several years old. They will exhibit aggressive behaviour towards each other in captivity. Unitised pens can prevent animal injury and teeth marks on the skins but may result in other social restrictions. Research into behavioural housing preferences could assist the industry and inform the process of guideline development for optimal crocodile management and welfare. This study assessed the impacts of two housing systems, unitised or group pens, in 20 commercial finishing crocodiles through measuring behavioural profiles of individuals from video recordings, including housing preference when given a choice. Both pens included water and an abovewater shelf, but the crocodiles in unitised pens could also access underneath the shelf. A threat perception test was applied to assess anxiety when housed individually or in groups. However, it was difficult to apply a standardised stimulus to all animals that reliably elicited a behavioural response. Further work would be needed to validate this test for commercial reptiles as the outcomes were not robust. The behavioural observation results showed clear differences in where the crocodiles spent their time across the day and in their activity levels between the pen types. However, interpretation of this variation was confounded by the physical and social differences between the pen types given the inconsistency in shelf access. Behaviours exhibited also differed given there were social opportunities in the group pens where individuals were observed engaged in both aggressive and non-aggressive contact interactions. In the free choice environment, crocodiles spent similar amounts of time in both unitised and group pens, suggesting there were features of both pen types that were attractive to the animals. However, skins were damaged from teeth marks highlighting the physical and economical risks of group housing. Further work could validate behavioural tests to quantify affective state impacts in different housing environments and whether social interactions do provide benefits for improving crocodile welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a significant health problem worldwide, including in Bangladesh, where chickens are an important protein source for human nutrition. One of the factors accelerating the development of antimicrobial resistance is the inappropriate use of antimicrobials on commercial chicken farms. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 on 140 commercial chicken farms in the Chattogram district of Bangladesh to investigate the association between antimicrobial use and resistance in Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. cultured from cloacal swabs of chickens and from the poultry shed environment. All E. coli and Salmonella spp. isolates were resistant to multiple antimicrobial classes, including those categorized as “Highest Priority Critically Important Antimicrobials” for human medicine. Notably, resistance was observed in E. coli isolates from farms that did not use these antimicrobial classes in the current production cycle. For example, although quinolones were not used on 43.9% of E. coli positive farms, 95.7% of these farms had quinolone-resistant E. coli isolates. The results of the path analysis revealed that there was a “direct effect” of the frequency of antimicrobial usage on “high” resistance, with resistance increasing when antimicrobials were administered more frequently (β = 0.28, p = 0.002). There was a “direct effect” of the purpose of antimicrobial use on “low” resistance, with resistance marginally decreasing when antimicrobials were administered solely for therapeutic use (β = −0.17, p = 0.062), but increasing when they were used prophylactically. Overall, the study results could be used to educate farmers on better practices for antimicrobial administration, and to guide government agencies to update policies on antimicrobial use and resistance surveillance in the poultry sector of Bangladesh.

Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are farmed in Australia primarily for their skins and meat. Commercially, they are raised in group pens as hatchlings and grower crocodiles and then moved to unitised (individual) pens for the final finishing stage when they are several years old. They will exhibit aggressive behaviour towards each other in captivity. Unitised pens can prevent animal injury and teeth marks on the skins but may result in other social restrictions. Research into behavioural housing preferences could assist the industry and inform the process of guideline development for optimal crocodile management and welfare. This study assessed the impacts of two housing systems, unitised or group pens, in 20 commercial finishing crocodiles through measuring behavioural profiles of individuals from video recordings, including housing preference when given a choice. Both pens included water and an above-water shelf, but the crocodiles in unitised pens could also access underneath the shelf. A threat perception test was applied to assess anxiety when housed individually or in groups. However, it was difficult to apply a standardised stimulus to all animals that reliably elicited a behavioural response. Further work would be needed to validate this test for commercial reptiles as the outcomes were not robust. The behavioural observation results showed clear differences in where the crocodiles spent their time across the day and in their activity levels between the pen types. However, interpretation of this variation was confounded by the physical and social differences between the pen types given the inconsistency in shelf access. Behaviours exhibited also differed given there were social opportunities in the group pens where individuals were observed engaged in both aggressive and non-aggressive contact interactions. In the free choice environment, crocodiles spent similar amounts of time in both unitised and group pens, suggesting there were features of both pen types that were attractive to the animals. However, skins were damaged from teeth marks highlighting the physical and economical risks of group housing. Further work could validate behavioural tests to quantify affective state impacts in different housing environments and whether social interactions do provide benefits for improving crocodile welfare.

The association of daily eating times (ET) of dairy cows, measured by wearable sensors, with diet composition, feeding practices, and performance was investigated. About 800 lactating cows of two breeds (Holstein Friesian – HF and Italian Simmental - IS) reared on 14 commercial farms were considered. Cows were grouped into ET classes (ETC, min/d): ETC-1 ≤ 180; ETC-2 from > 180 to ≤ 220; ETC-3 from > 220 to ≤ 260; ETC-4 from > 260 to ≤ 300; and ETC-5 > 300. Low ETC was positively associated with ether extract, crude protein, nonfibre carbohydrates, and neutral detergent fibre digestibility, and negatively associated with acid detergent lignin and particle size. A higher frequency of feed pushing per day seemed to be able to increase ETC. The relationship between ETC and performance, adjusted for breed, diet composition, days in milk, and parity, showed that cows with the highest ETC were more productive compared to those with shorter ETC (31.9 vs. 27.0 kg/d of milk) without significant changes in milk composition. Moving from short to long ETC, there was a linear reduction in urea, somatic cells, and body condition score. On the contrary, there was a positive association between ETC and time spent ruminating. Considering differences between breeds, HF had a higher milk yield, ruminated 20 min more, and had a higher ET (255 vs. 228 min/d) than IS. The study provides preliminary results for future research to better define the role of ET in the overall feed efficiency and health status of cows.

Background: Factors influencing parasitosis in cattle in Bangladesh remain inadequately explored, necessitating a comprehensive investigation for interventions and sustainable livestock farming. Objectives: We conducted this study to estimate the prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal parasites, exploring their intricate relationship with farm management practices across a spectrum of small‐, medium‐, and large‐scale commercial farms. Methods: We conducted this study in the Chattogram district of Bangladesh. We collected a total of 189 freshly voided faecal samples from different farms. We recorded the age, breed, milking status, sex, body condition score, and anthelmintic use history of the sampled animals. We processed the samples using the direct smear method, with the identification of one egg per sample being considered positive. Results: We estimated the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection in large‐scale (52.1%), medium‐scale (54.5%), and small‐scale farms (70.0%), with statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05). Both pregnant and lactating cows, as well as indigenous cattle, were more likely to have gastrointestinal parasites (p ≤ 0.05). The predominant parasites across farms of all sizes were trematodes (Paramphistomum spp. and Schistosomas spp.) and protozoa (Balantidium coli and Coccidia spp.). Conclusion: Poor farm management practices, such as no pasture management and inadequate deworming regimens, may contribute to the elevated prevalence and infection load observed on small‐scale farms. The increased parasitosis in previously dewormed animals can be attributed to the development of anthelmintic resistance against gastrointestinal parasites. Implementing proper and effective deworming strategies is crucial to preventing gastrointestinal parasitosis and mitigating the risk of anthelmintic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association of daily eating times (ET) of dairy cows, measured by wearable sensors, with diet composition, feeding practices, and performance was investigated. About 800 lactating cows of two breeds (Holstein Friesian – HF and Italian Simmental - IS) reared on 14 commercial farms were considered. Cows were grouped into ET classes (ETC, min/d): ETC-1 ≤ 180; ETC-2 from > 180 to ≤ 220; ETC-3 from > 220 to ≤ 260; ETC-4 from > 260 to ≤ 300; and ETC-5 > 300. Low ETC was positively associated with ether extract, crude protein, nonfibre carbohydrates, and neutral detergent fibre digestibility, and negatively associated with acid detergent lignin and particle size. A higher frequency of feed pushing per day seemed to be able to increase ETC. The relationship between ETC and performance, adjusted for breed, diet composition, days in milk, and parity, showed that cows with the highest ETC were more productive compared to those with shorter ETC (31.9 vs. 27.0 kg/d of milk) without significant changes in milk composition. Moving from short to long ETC, there was a linear reduction in urea, somatic cells, and body condition score. On the contrary, there was a positive association between ETC and time spent ruminating. Considering differences between breeds, HF had a higher milk yield, ruminated 20 min more, and had a higher ET (255 vs. 228 min/d) than IS. The study provides preliminary results for future research to better define the role of ET in the overall feed efficiency and health status of cows. Eating time is linked to the composition of the diet Increased frequency of feed pushing lengthens eating time The most productive cows have a longer eating time [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Factors influencing parasitosis in cattle in Bangladesh remain inadequately explored, necessitating a comprehensive investigation for interventions and sustainable livestock farming. Objectives We conducted this study to estimate the prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal parasites, exploring their intricate relationship with farm management practices across a spectrum of small‐, medium‐, and large‐scale commercial farms. Methods We conducted this study in the Chattogram district of Bangladesh. We collected a total of 189 freshly voided faecal samples from different farms. We recorded the age, breed, milking status, sex, body condition score, and anthelmintic use history of the sampled animals. We processed the samples using the direct smear method, with the identification of one egg per sample being considered positive. Results We estimated the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection in large‐scale (52.1%), medium‐scale (54.5%), and small‐scale farms (70.0%), with statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05). Both pregnant and lactating cows, as well as indigenous cattle, were more likely to have gastrointestinal parasites (p ≤ 0.05). The predominant parasites across farms of all sizes were trematodes (Paramphistomum spp. and Schistosomas spp.) and protozoa (Balantidium coli and Coccidia spp.). Conclusion Poor farm management practices, such as no pasture management and inadequate deworming regimens, may contribute to the elevated prevalence and infection load observed on small‐scale farms. The increased parasitosis in previously dewormed animals can be attributed to the development of anthelmintic resistance against gastrointestinal parasites. Implementing proper and effective deworming strategies is crucial to preventing gastrointestinal parasitosis and mitigating the risk of anthelmintic resistance.

IntroductionChina is one of the largest consumers of agricultural antibiotics in the world. While the Chinese government has been tightening its regulations to control antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from animal sources in recent years, the extent of antimicrobial oversight and the practices of antibiotic use in animal agriculture in China has not yet been explored. This study describes the practices of antimicrobial management in eastern China and current scenarios of antibiotic use in commercial farms and smallholder backyard farming.Methods33 semi-structured interviews were conducted with government agriculture officials, veterinary drug sellers, farmers and smallholders in two contrasting areas of rural Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces, China. Interview transcripts were analyzed in NVivo12 using a thematic approach.ResultsFindings revealed that although the governance of antibiotic use has made progress, especially in controlling irrational antibiotic use in commercial farms, smallholders are under-regulated due to a lack of resources and assumptions about their marginal role as food safety governance targets. We also found that smallholders resort to human antibiotics for the treatment of backyard animals because of economic constraints and lack of access to professional veterinary services.DiscussionMore attention needs to be devoted to the local structural needs of farmers to reduce antibiotic misuse. Considering the extensive links of AMR exposure under the One Health framework, efforts to integrate smallholders in antibiotic governance are required to address the AMR burden systematically in China.

Background: The establishment of the gut microbiota can be influenced by several perinatal factors, including, most importantly, the maternal microbiota. Moreover, early-life environmental variation affects gut microbial colonization and the intestinal health of offspring throughout life. The present study aimed to explore the development of piglet gut microbiota from birth to weaning in the commercial practice and also to assess how different farm environments could condition this process. Although it is possible to find in the literature other studies with similar objectives this work probably represents one of the few studies that make a systematic evaluation of such differential factors under a real scenario. To achieve this objective, we performed two trials. In a first Trial, we selected 2 farms in which we performed an intensive sampling (5 samples /animal) to characterize the gut colonization pattern during the first days of life and to identify the time window with the greatest impact. Both farms differed in their health status and the use of antimicrobials in the piglets. In a second Trial, we selected 4 additional farms with variable rearing conditions and a distinctive use of antimicrobials in the sows with a simplified sampling pattern (2 samples/animal). Faecal samples were obtained with swabs and DNA was extracted by using the PSP® Spin Stool DNA Kit and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene (V3-V4 region) performed by Illumina MiSeq Platform. Results: The present study contributes to a better understanding of microbiome development during the transition from birth to weaning in commercial conditions. Alpha diversity was strongly affected by age, with an increased richness of species through time. Beta diversity decreased after weaning, suggesting a convergent evolvement among individuals. We pinpointed the early intestinal colonizers belonging to Bacteroides, Escherichia-Shigella, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, and Fusobacterium genera. During lactation(d7-d21 of life), the higher relative abundances of Bacteroides and Lactobacillus genera were correlated with a milk-oriented microbiome. As the piglets aged and after weaning (d36 of life), increasing abundances of genera such as Prevotella, Butyricimonas, Christensenellaceae R-7 group, Dorea, Phascolarctobacterium, Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, Subdoligranulum, and Ruminococcaceae UCG-002 were observed. These changes indicate the adaptation of the piglets to a cereal-based diet rich in oligosaccharides and starch. Our results also show that the farm can have a significant impact in such a process, evidencing the influence of different environments and rearing systems on the gut microbiota development of the young piglet. Differences between farms were more noticeable after weaning than during lactation with changes in alpha and beta biodiversity and specific taxa. The analysis of such differences suggests that piglets receiving intramuscular amoxicillin (days 2–5 of life) and being offered an acidifying rehydrating solution (Alpha farm in Trial 1) have a greater alpha diversity and more abundant Lactobacillus population. Moreover, the only farm that did not offer any rehydrating solution (Foxtrot farm in Trial 2) showed a lower alpha diversity (day 2 of life) and increased abundance of Enterobacteriaceae (both at 2 and 21 days). The use of in-feed antibiotics in the sows was also associated with structural changes in the piglets' gut ecosystem although without changes in richness or diversity. Significant shifts could be registered in different microbial groups, particularly lower abundances of Fusobacterium in those piglets from medicated sows. Conclusions: In conclusion, during the first weeks of life, the pig microbiota showed a relevant succession of microbial groups towards a more homogeneous and stable ecosystem better adapted to the solid dry feed. In this relevant early-age process, the rearing conditions, the farm environment, and particularly the antimicrobial use in piglets and mothers determine changes that could have a relevant impact on gut microbiota maturation. More research is needed to elucidate the relative impact of these farm-induced early life-long changes in the growing pig. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese agriculture is experiencing a transition from smallholder farming to the emergence of commercial farms that are characterized by intensification and specialization in production, as well as commercialization and cooperation in management. It requires substantial capital to facilitate such a transition, but it is very difficult for farmers in China to access bank credit. One way that commercial farms have to overcome such handicap is by organizing themselves into cooperatives. To assess the effect of cooperatives on the credit accessibility of commercial farms, we have developed a theoretical model as well as an empirical study of commercial farms in Jiangsu Province based on data from a survey of 754 commercial farm owners. Instrumental variable (IV) methods and the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) method that control endogeneity problem are used in the analysis. The empirical results show that cooperatives have a significant positive impact on the credit access of commercial farms. Commercial farms participating in cooperatives may alleviated their credit constraints by about 17.3 percentage points and increase the average credit per capita by nearly 80,000 Yuan. Cooperatives improve the credit access of commercial farms by exerting strong market power and reputation effect based on its organizational advantages. A disaggregated analysis also reveals that small commercial farms tend to benefit more from cooperatives in improving credit access than large commercial farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Commercial swine farms provide unique systems for interspecies transmission of influenza A viruses (FLUAVs) at the animal-human interface. Bidirectional transmission of FLUAVs between pigs and humans plays a significant role in the generation of novel strains that become established in the new host population. Active FLUAV surveillance was conducted for 2 years on a commercial pig farm in Southern Guatemala with no history of FLUAV vaccination. Nasal swabs (n = 2,094) from fattening pigs (6 to 24 weeks old) with respiratory signs were collected weekly from May 2016 to February 2018. Swabs were screened for FLUAV by real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RRT-PCR), and full virus genomes of FLUAV-positive swabs were sequenced by next-generation sequencing (NGS). FLUAV prevalence was 12.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.6% to 13.4%) with two distinct periods of high infection. All samples were identified as FLUAVs of the H1N1 subtype within the H1 swine clade 1A.3.3.2 and whose ancestors are the human origin 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic virus (H1N1 pdm09). Compared to the prototypic reference segment sequence, 10 amino acid signatures were observed on relevant antigenic sites on the hemagglutinin. The Guatemalan swine-origin FLUAVs show independent evolution from other H1N1 pdm09 FLUAVs circulating in Central America. The zoonotic risk of these viruses remains unknown but strongly calls for continued FLUAV surveillance in pigs in Guatemala. IMPORTANCE Despite increased surveillance efforts, the epidemiology of FLUAVs circulating in swine in Latin America remains understudied. For instance, the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic strain (H1N1 pdm09) emerged in Mexico, but its circulation remained undetected in pigs. In Central America, Guatemala is the country with the largest swine industry. We found a unique group of H1N1 pdm09 sequences that suggests independent evolution from similar viruses circulating in Central America. These viruses may represent the establishment of a novel genetic lineage with the potential to reassort with other cocirculating viruses and whose zoonotic risk remains to be determined.

Crop evapotranspiration (ETa) is the main source of water loss in farms and watersheds, and with its effects felt at a regional scale, it calls for irrigation professionals and water resource managers to accurately assess water requirements to meet crop water use. On a multi-crop commercial farm, different factors affect cropland allocation, among which crop evapotranspiration is one of the most important factors regarding the seasonally or annually available water resources for irrigation in combination with the in-season effective precipitation. The objective of the present study was to estimate crop evapotranspiration for four major crops grown on the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry (NAPI) farm for the 2016–2010 period to help crop management in crop plant allocation based on the different objectives of the NAPI. The monthly and seasonal satellite-based ETa of maize, potatoes, dry beans, and alfalfa were retrieved and compared using the analysis of variance and the least significant difference (LSD) at 5% of significance. Our results showed the highly significant effects of year, months, and crops. The year 2020 obtained the highest crop ETa, and July had the most evapotranspiration demand, followed by August, June, September, and May, and the pool of April, March, February, January, December, and November registered the lowest crop ETa. Maize monthly ETa varied from 17.5 to 201.7 mm with an average seasonal ETa of 703.8 mm. The monthly ETa of potatoes varied from 9.8 to 207.5 mm, and their seasonal ETa averaged 600.9 mm. The dry bean monthly ETa varied from 10.4 to 178.4 mm, and the seasonal ETa averaged 506.2 mm. The alfalfa annual ETa was the highest at 1015.4 mm, as it is a perennial crop. The alfalfa monthly ETa varied from 8.2 to 202.1 mm. The highest monthly crop ETa was obtained in July for all four crops. The results of this study are very critical for cropland allocation and irrigation management under limited available water across a large commercial farm with multiple crops and objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The male effect is an effective natural technique to induce off-season ovulation and ultimately mating or artificial insemination in small ruminants. It constitutes an alternative to hormonal treatments in conventional breeding systems and, to shift and organise the yearly production cycle, is currently the only solution complying with European organic standards. However, its associated performances are still heterogeneous, both in terms of the global response and the extent of reproductive synchronisation of the females, due to complex interactions with environmental factors that limit its use on commercial farms. This study was carried out on a French organic farm under commercial conditions to investigate, in the field and across five consecutive years, the main parameters affecting the early ovarian response to a ram effect on Lacaune dairy ewes. While the within-year binary logistic regressions yielded contrasting results, the cross-year mixed-effect binary logistic regression models clearly showed that parameters associated with the nutritional state of the animals have a profound influence on the ovarian response of the ewes. Indeed, the probabilities of a spontaneous resumption of ovarian activity before the ram effect and of an early ovarian response to the ram effect were positively associated with the body condition score, total milk production and the age of the animals, while being negatively associated with the milk production level at the 3rd milk recording. The probabilities of a spontaneous resumption of ovarian activity before the ram effect were positively associated with the interval between lambing and the introduction of the rams. Altogether, these results indicate that the ovarian performances in response to a male effect follow a bell-curve pattern with optimal performances depending upon a complex combination between photoperiodic and nutritional cues. Regarding these latter, this study highlights the major contribution of body reserves and energy balance dynamics.

The present study aimed to investigate the quantitative relationship between the number of cross-fostering (CF) piglets and subsequent productivity of sows. Data were obtained from seven commercial farms including 41,086 farrowing records. Sows were divided into those that fostered out three or more piglets (CF ≥ 3–), fostered out one or two piglets (CF1–2–), did not do CF (NCF), fostered in one or two piglets (CF1–2+), and fostered in three or more piglets (CF ≥ 3+). CF ≥ 3– sows had the lowest number of piglets weaned and the highest preweaning mortality rate, whereas CF ≥ 3+ sows had the second-lowest number of piglets weaned and the second-highest preweaning mortality rate (p < .05). The number of piglets weaned and preweaning mortality rate did not differ among CF1–2–, NCF, and CF1–2+ sows. CF ≥ 3+ sows had the lowest farrowing rate (p < .05). The number of piglets born alive at the subsequent parity was highest for CF ≥ 3– sows (p < .05), followed in order by CF1–2–, NCF, CF1–2+, and CF ≥ 3+ sows (p < .05). In summary, CF1–2– and CF1–2+ sows showed no decreases in productivity compared with NCF sows, whereas CF ≥ 3– and CF ≥ 3+ sows had reduced productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop evapotranspiration (ETa) is the main source of water loss in farms and watersheds, and with its effects felt at a regional scale, it calls for irrigation professionals and water resource managers to accurately assess water requirements to meet crop water use. On a multi-crop commercial farm, different factors affect cropland allocation, among which crop evapotranspiration is one of the most important factors regarding the seasonally or annually available water resources for irrigation in combination with the in-season effective precipitation. The objective of the present study was to estimate crop evapotranspiration for four major crops grown on the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry (NAPI) farm for the 2016–2010 period to help crop management in crop plant allocation based on the different objectives of the NAPI. The monthly and seasonal satellite-based ETa of maize, potatoes, dry beans, and alfalfa were retrieved and compared using the analysis of variance and the least significant difference (LSD) at 5% of significance. Our results showed the highly significant effects of year, months, and crops. The year 2020 obtained the highest crop ETa, and July had the most evapotranspiration demand, followed by August, June, September, and May, and the pool of April, March, February, January, December, and November registered the lowest crop ETa. Maize monthly ETa varied from 17.5 to 201.7 mm with an average seasonal ETa of 703.8 mm. The monthly ETa of potatoes varied from 9.8 to 207.5 mm, and their seasonal ETa averaged 600.9 mm. The dry bean monthly ETa varied from 10.4 to 178.4 mm, and the seasonal ETa averaged 506.2 mm. The alfalfa annual ETa was the highest at 1015.4 mm, as it is a perennial crop. The alfalfa monthly ETa varied from 8.2 to 202.1 mm. The highest monthly crop ETa was obtained in July for all four crops. The results of this study are very critical for cropland allocation and irrigation management under limited available water across a large commercial farm with multiple crops and objectives.

This study analyzes land use/land cover dynamics in response to socioeconomic, political and climatic forces in the Didessa sub-basin of Blue Nile, Ethiopia for 1974–2014 using remote sensing, field observation and information from local people. A rapid reduction of wetland (97.5%), grass land (76%), forest land (50.6%) and shrub land (38.2%) took place in four decades (1974–2014). On the other hand, settlement increased extraordinarily (17,960.8%), while the size of cultivated land increased more than a fold (44.2%). Commercial farm land increased more than fivefold (414.4%). According to key informants, major events that largely explain the changes include: (1) drought and social unrest (e.g. Conflict and war); (2) demographic factors (resettlement and migration); (3) land tenure reform and political changes; (4) economic factors and decline in agricultural productivity. If the present land use/land cover changes continue coupled with climate change, people's livelihoods will be highly affected and agricultural production system will be under increasing threat. This study suggests the restructuring of land use planning supposed to be based on land suitability and sustainable protection of fragile environments. These findings contribute to the understanding of patterns of the dynamics of historical land use change to predict the future dynamics at landscape scale to contribute for effective management strategies and policies for the rational use of land and land related resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of two probiotics, Bacillus cereus and Pediococcus acidilactici, on the water quality, growth performance, the survival ratio, economic benefits, immunohematology and bacterial flora in the intestine of whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei after 110 days. Nine earthen ponds (each one 1.2 hectare) were adjusted as three treatments including control (without adding bacteria), containing P. acidilactici probiotic (106 CFU/mL) and containing B. cereus probiotic (106 CFU/mL). The results showed that the adding B. cereus and P. acidilactici to the water pond positively decreased nitrate, ammonia and biochemical oxygen demand when compared with the control group (p <.05). Regarding growth performance, treating shrimp with B. cereus caused significantly higher weight gain (16.72 g) and survival ratio (94.50%) in comparison with control group (p <.05). Using these probiotics could increase shrimp production (27.30%, 18.42%) and net income (92.94%, 49.20%) as well. Respect to immunity, total hemocyte count (9.00), total protein (8.92 g/dl) and lysozyme activity (21.55 U/ml) in treated whiteleg shrimp with B. cereus were significantly higher than those untreated (p <.05). In conclusion, adding B. cereus (106 CFU/ml) to the earthen pond can be suggested in shrimp farm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the feasibility of piglet production by non-surgical embryo transfer (Ns-ET) of vitrified porcine blastocysts and expanded blastocysts transported to commercial farms and warmed on site (V/T/W embryos). Ns-ET was performed by depositing 11–20 vitrified and warmed embryos at a proximal site within the uterus via a catheter. In Experiment 1, the effect of donor–recipient estrous cycle asynchrony on the efficiency of Ns-ET of vitrified and ordinary warmed embryos was investigated at the experimental facility. With a 1-day delay recipients relative to that of donor, the farrowing rate was 50.0% and the survival rate to term was 21.1%. In Experiment 2, Ns-ET using recipients with a 1-day delay and vitrified embryos after one-step warming and dilution was evaluated at the experimental facility. Although the resulting farrowing rate was 42.9%, the survival rate was 6.4%. In Experiment 3, Ns-ET was conducted using V/T/W embryos at four commercial farms, where piglets derived from them were produced. When artificial insemination was conducted prior to Ns-ET, the farrowing and survival rates obtained using V/T/W embryos were 75.0%, and 21.3%, respectively. These results show that Ns-ET of V/T/W embryos using this protocol would be feasible for piglet production at farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to assess the productivity of pigs to investigate the time-dependent change in productivity and compare productivity according to breeding company group and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) status on commercial swine farms in southern Kyushu, Japan. Data used in the present study were 245 annual productivity records from 2014 to 2018 obtained from 72 farms. Average sow inventory was 481.2 sows. Mean numbers of pigs weaned per sow per year and market pigs sold per sow per year were 23.7 and 21.6, respectively. Pigs born alive per litter increased from 11.1 to 11.9 pigs from 2014 to 2018 (p < .05). Farms using domestic breeding companies had similar numbers in 2016 to those using international breeding companies, but fewer pigs in 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018 (p < .05). Farms with an unknown or unstable PRRS status had fewer pigs born alive per litter and pigs weaned per sow per year than those with stable or negative PRRS statuses (11.2 ± 0.06 vs. 11.8 ± 0.08 pigs and 22.6 ± 0.38 vs. 25.0 ± 0.22 pigs, respectively; p < .05). These results can be used to establish feasible targets and standards of performance to identify problem areas and improve production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of study: To determine the effects of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and tilapia nilotica (Oreochromis niloticus var. Spring) in monoculture and co-culture on water quality variables and production in earthen ponds during dry and rainy seasons. Area of study: A shrimp farm (total area 20 ha) at Chiripa, San Blas Nayarit, Northwest coast of Mexico (21° 37' 34.53 " N; 105° 18' 16.31" W). Material and methods: Two production cycles were performed in a completely randomized design consisting of two treatments and three replications each during rainy season (September-December) and dry season (February-May). Shrimp was the main crop and tilapia the secondary species. Main results: White shrimp (10 org/m2) can be co-cultured with Nile tilapia at a stocking high density (4 org/m2), leading to improved water quality and better utilization of nutrients in dry season than in rainy season. However, the shrimp’ highest weight was recorded in the tilapia-shrimp co-culture ponds during rainy season due to higher water temperature and better quality of live food. The mean individual weight, biomass and survival of the shrimp, in co-culture ponds were greater than those of the shrimp monoculture, in the two seasons studied. Research highlights: There was a trend towards greater concentration of nutrients in the water of the monoculture ponds and, lower dissolved oxygen and higher BOD5 in co-culture ponds in the dry season than in the rainy season.

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Biosecurity, welfare, good manufacturing practice and risk analysis at critical control points are very important elements for intensive pig production. Planned application of biosecurity measures is crucial for the protection of pig health and production success. In order to have an ongoing active relationship with the existing threats it is recommended to influence the employees' awareness of the real need to protect production as a whole. The key to achieving these goals are prepared biosecurity plans for each specific situation, or a specific pig farm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) supplementation on the growth performance, plasma biochemical parameters, and plasma immune and antioxidant indexes of weaned piglets in a commercial swine farm. A total of 120 piglets weaned at 22 days and allocated to 2 groups, and fed a basal diet either without (CTR) or with 200 mg/kg of APS in a local commercial farm for a 42-d experiment. At end of the trial, one piglet from each pen was selected for blood sampling. The results showed that dietary APS decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the CTR group from day 14 to day 28 and day 0 to day 42 (P = 0.08 and 0.02, respectively). In addition, supplementation of APS had the tendency to increase the plasma superoxide dismutase activity and IgG content of piglets compared to the CTR group on day 42 (P = 0.06 and 0.09, respectively). Results in this study suggested that dietary APS might have a beneficial effect on growth performance and health status of weaned piglets under the commercial condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preservation of forage crops as silage offers opportunity to avoid the high risk of rain-damaged hay in the humid south-central USA. Recent developments with baled silage or baleage make silage a less expensive option than typical chopped silage. Silage has been important in the region primarily for dairy production, but baleage has become an option for the more extensive beef cattle industry in the region. Silage samples submitted to the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center Forage Quality Lab from 2006 through 2013 were assessed for dry matter (DM) and forage nutritive characteristics of chopped silage and baleage of the different forage types from commercial farms primarily in Louisiana and Mississippi. Of the 1,308 silage samples submitted, 1,065 were annual ryegrass (AR) with small grains (SG), the warm-season annual (WA) grasses, sorghums and pearl millet, and the warm-season perennial (WP) grasses, bermudagrass and bahiagrass, providing the remaining samples. Concentration of DM was used to indicate an effective ensiling opportunity, and AR silage was more frequently within the target DM range than was the WA forage group. The AR samples also indicated a high-quality forage with average crude protein (CP) of 130 g/kg and total digestible nutrient (TDN) near 600 g/kg. The cooler winter weather at harvest apparently complicated harvest of SG silage with chopped SG silage lower in both CP and TDN (104 and 553 g/kg, respectively) than either AR silage or baleage of SG (137 and 624 g/kg for CP and TDN, respectively). The hot, humid summer weather along with large stems and large forage quantities of the WA grasses and the inherently higher fiber concentration of WP grasses at harvest stage indicate that preservation of these forage types as silage will be challenging, although successful commercial silage samples of each forage type and preservation approach were included among samples of silages produced in the region.

Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD), one of the most important infectious diseases affecting bovine production systems, is thought to show a subclinical course in most cases, especially in regions that have suffered highBVD prevalence for a long time. However, few studies have assessed this rigorously under non-epidemic conditions. Here we assessed how often active BVD infection in a herd, defined as at least one antigen-positive animal, is associated with clinical signs. Surveying and sampling methods were used to detect BVD infection based on clinical picture. Analysis of 1203 samples of individual animals from 167 herds clinically suspected of BVD infection showed that 33.7% of dairy farms, 30.6% of beef cow-calf farms and 40% of feedlots contained at least one animal positive for BVD viral antigen. Prevalence of BVD infection was 7.7% at the animal level, much higher than the prevalence of 1-3%reported in the literature. This suggests that clinical picture can be useful for detecting activeBVDinfection, and that infections show a variable clinical course. On dairy farms, the presence of at least one antigen-positive animal was associated with a tendency towards lower fertility and higher rates of stillbirths and calf health problems (P< 0.1). On feedlots, such presence was associated with a tendency to a higher of calf health problems. In beef cow-calf systems, however, the presence of an antigen-positive animal was not associated with any particular sign. These results suggest a higher association of active BVD infections spreading in a herd and clinical pictures at the herd level, particularly in dairy herds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial swine farms provide unique systems for interspecies transmission of influenza A viruses (FLUAVs) at the animal-human interface. Bidirectional transmission of FLUAVs between pigs and humans plays a significant role in the generation of novel strains that become established in the new host population. Active FLUAV surveillance was conducted for 2 years on a commercial pig farm in Southern Guatemala with no history of FLUAV vaccination. Nasal swabs ( n  = 2,094) from fattening pigs (6 to 24 weeks old) with respiratory signs were collected weekly from May 2016 to February 2018. Swabs were screened for FLUAV by real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RRT-PCR), and full virus genomes of FLUAV-positive swabs were sequenced by next-generation sequencing (NGS). FLUAV prevalence was 12.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.6% to 13.4%) with two distinct periods of high infection. All samples were identified as FLUAVs of the H1N1 subtype within the H1 swine clade 1A.3.3.2 and whose ancestors are the human origin 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic virus (H1N1 pdm09). Compared to the prototypic reference segment sequence, 10 amino acid signatures were observed on relevant antigenic sites on the hemagglutinin. The Guatemalan swine-origin FLUAVs show independent evolution from other H1N1 pdm09 FLUAVs circulating in Central America. The zoonotic risk of these viruses remains unknown but strongly calls for continued FLUAV surveillance in pigs in Guatemala. IMPORTANCE Despite increased surveillance efforts, the epidemiology of FLUAVs circulating in swine in Latin America remains understudied. For instance, the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic strain (H1N1 pdm09) emerged in Mexico, but its circulation remained undetected in pigs. In Central America, Guatemala is the country with the largest swine industry. We found a unique group of H1N1 pdm09 sequences that suggests independent evolution from similar viruses circulating in Central America. These viruses may represent the establishment of a novel genetic lineage with the potential to reassort with other cocirculating viruses and whose zoonotic risk remains to be determined.

Preservation of forage crops as silage offers opportunity to avoid the high risk of rain-damaged hay in the humid southcentral USA. Recent developments with baled silage or baleage make silage a less expensive option than typical chopped silage. Silage has been important in the region primarily for dairy production, but baleage has become an option for the more extensive beef cattle industry in the region. Silage samples submitted to the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center Forage Quality Lab from 2006 through 2013 were assessed for dry matter (DM) and forage nutritive characteristics of chopped silage and baleage of the different forage types from commercial farms primarily in Louisiana and Mississippi. Of the 1,308 silage samples submitted, 1,065 were annual ryegrass (AR) with small grains (SG), the warm-season annual (WA) grasses, sorghums and pearl millet, and the warm-season perennial (WP) grasses, bermudagrass and bahiagrass, providing the remaining samples. Concentration of DM was used to indicate an effective ensiling opportunity, and AR silage was more frequently within the target DM range than was the WA forage group. The AR samples also indicated a high-quality forage with average crude protein (CP) of 130 g/kg and total digestible nutrient (TDN) near 600 g/kg. The cooler winter weather at harvest apparently complicated harvest of SG silage with chopped SG silage lower in both CP and TDN (104 and 553 g/kg, respectively) than either AR silage or baleage of SG (137 and 624 g/kg for CP and TDN, respectively). The hot, humid summer weather along with large stems and large forage quantities of the WA grasses and the inherently higher fiber concentration of WP grasses at harvest stage indicate that preservation of these forage types as silage will be challenging, although successful commercial silage samples of each forage type and preservation approach were included among samples of silages produced in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a hydroxylated metabolite of aflatoxin B1 and its presence in milk is considered to be a potential health risk for humans. Due to the important role of milk in humans, especially in infant nutrition, this study is intended to evaluate the quality of milk consumed on daily basis in South Africa by both rural and urban population in regard to AFM1 contamination. To achieve this, samples were collected from rural subsistence (RSFs) and commercial dairy farms (CDFs) in selected areas of South Africa and samples were extracted using two clean-up procedures, C18 cartridges and immunoaffinity columns (IAC) and analysed using thin layer chromatography (TLC) or by fluorometry (VICAM) (VF) and high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a fluorescence detector and a coring cell (CoBrA cell) for AFM1 derivatisation. Results obtained showed a frequency of contamination with AFM1 of RSFs milk samples at 22.8% by TLC, 93.9% by VF 86% by HPLC and in CDFs of 17.8% (TLC) 96.5% (VF) and 100% (HPLC). No significant differences were obtained between milk from rural subsistence and commercial farms with mean varying between 0.15 and 0.17 μg kg−1 [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• What are the main factors that limit the on-farm performances of the male effect? • We set up a longitudinal experiment in a commercial organic dairy sheep farm. • The nutritional status of the ewes is the main source of variability. • The ovarian performances in response to a male effect follow a bell-curve pattern. • Precision livestock farming practices associated with nutrition are encouraged. The male effect is an effective natural technique to induce off-season ovulation and ultimately mating or artificial insemination in small ruminants. It constitutes an alternative to hormonal treatments in conventional breeding systems and, to shift and organise the yearly production cycle, is currently the only solution complying with European organic standards. However, its associated performances are still heterogeneous, both in terms of the global response and the extent of reproductive synchronisation of the females, due to complex interactions with environmental factors that limit its use on commercial farms. This study was carried out on a French organic farm under commercial conditions to investigate, in the field and across five consecutive years, the main parameters affecting the early ovarian response to a ram effect on Lacaune dairy ewes. While the within-year binary logistic regressions yielded contrasting results, the cross-year mixed-effect binary logistic regression models clearly showed that parameters associated with the nutritional state of the animals have a profound influence on the ovarian response of the ewes. Indeed, the probabilities of a spontaneous resumption of ovarian activity before the ram effect and of an early ovarian response to the ram effect were positively associated with the body condition score, total milk production and the age of the animals, while being negatively associated with the milk production level at the 3rd milk recording. The probabilities of a spontaneous resumption of ovarian activity before the ram effect were positively associated with the interval between lambing and the introduction of the rams. Altogether, these results indicate that the ovarian performances in response to a male effect follow a bell-curve pattern with optimal performances depending upon a complex combination between photoperiodic and nutritional cues. Regarding these latter, this study highlights the major contribution of body reserves and energy balance dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with a study which investigated changes in ovarian structures and hormonal profiles in estradiol dipropionate (EDP)-induced pseudopregnant sows after PGF2a-analogue (PGF2a-A) administration and practicality of the estrus synchronization protocol using EDP and PGF2a-A on estrus expression and reproductive performance in commercial pig farms. Topics discussed include the definition of pseudopregnancy, and the effectiveness of synchronization estrus programs.

ABSTRACT Hybridization on arrays was used to assess the presence of virulence-associated genes and to determine the relatedness of 32 non-0157 sorbitol-negative Escherichia coli isolates from healthy broiler chickens. These isolates were from commercial farms that used feed supplemented with different antimicrobial agents (virginiamycin, bacitracin, salinomycin, narasin, nicarbazin, or diclazuril). For each isolate, fluorescent probes were made from genomic DNA and were hybridized on DNA arrays composed of genes associated with general functions, virulence, iron uptake systems, and DNA repair genes (e.g., mut genes). Hybridization on arrays results showed that isolates from the same farm tended to be clustered but actually represented 18 genetically distinct groups of isolates. Results revealed that some isolates showed similarity to human uropathogenic E. coli or avian pathogenic E. coli. Four avian pathogenic E. coli-like isolates were detected. Another isolate possessed the intimin gene (eaeA) and typical genes of the type 3 secretion system associated with enteropathogenic E. coli and enterohemoirrhagic E. coli strains. Genes from a second system (secondary type 3 secretion system) homolbgous to that found in Salmonella Typhimurium were detected in many isolates. Several of the studied isolates also posessed the aerobactin, salmochelin, and yersiniabactin genes involved in iron acquisition in pathpgenic bacteria. Our results clearly suggest that commensal E. coli isolates from chickens are reservoirs of virulence-associated genes and may represent colibacillosis and zoonotic risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to determine changes in herd productivity and the performance of female pigs over time in commercial swine herds. Annual measurement data from 1999 to 2003 were obtained from the record files of 113 herds in Japan. Two groups were formed according to the 25th percentile of pigs weaned/mated females per year (PWMFY) in 2003; the 2 groups were high-performing herds (those constituting the top 25%) and the remaining ordinary herds. The effects of group based on PWMFY in 2003, year, and the group x year interaction on repeated measures between 1999 and 2003 were analyzed by using mixed-effects models. A regression analysis was also used to compare key measurements in productivity between the 2 groups, with years as a continuous variable. Variance components were obtained to determine herd repeatability of PWMFY for the 2 herd groups. The average female inventory in- creased from 290 ± 31 to 355 ± 42 females for these 5 yr. The PWMFY also changed from 20.9 ± 0.21 to 21.2 ± 0.30 pigs. An interaction between year and group was detected (P < 0.05) for PWMFY. In the regression comparison, high-performing herds increased their PWMFY by 0.31 ± 0.09 pigs each year, whereas the ordinary herds did not increase. The number of pigs weaned per sow increased by 0.07 ± 0.02 pigs each year in high-performing herds and increased by 0.03 ± 0.01 pigs each year in ordinary herds. In high-performing herds, for each year, the percentage of sows mated by 7 d after weaning increased by 0.92 ± 0.25%, the percentage of reserviced females decreased by 0.63 ± 0.26%, and culling rate increased by 1.53 ± 0.50%. Repeatability of PWMFY for high-performing herds and ordinary herds was 28.8 and 54.0%, respectively. This study shows that productivity in high-performing herds was improved compared with that of ordinary herds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]