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Silvopastoral systems in temperate forests have been suggested as a viable alternative to the unregulated presence of livestock in these ecosystems. However, there is a lack of information regarding their long-term implementation in providing ecosystem services. Compared to excluding grazing, this study aimed at determining externalities and interactions between different ecosystem services through the effects of long-term (~ 25 years) implementation of a seasonal silvopastoral system on forage production, soil fertility, vegetation structure, and native plant abundance in a temperate forest in Mexico. The long-term implementation of a silvopastoral system favors the provision of provisioning, regulating, and supporting ecosystem services through increased forage production (+ 56%, P = 0.02), soil P content (+ 278%, P = 0.05), lower shrub and tree stratum (− 27 and − 70% respectively, P < 0.05) and lower topsoil bulk density (− 33%, P = 0.005). In addition, we found synergies between the herbaceous stratum with the soil’s total nitrogen (P = 0.03) and organic carbon content (P = 0.01). On the other hand, there were trade-offs between shrub and herbaceous stratum (P < 0.001) and soil P content (P < 0.001). Our results highlight the importance of seasonal silvopasture as a viable practice for enhancing ecosystem productivity by increasing forage availability, herbaceous biomass, and soil fertility. The findings raise expectations for the application of silvopasture as a tool for sustainable temperate forest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study examines the impact of different grazing systems on methane (CH4) emission and dry matter intake (DMI) in beef steers. It compares two systems: (i) a cover crop mixture (CC) and (ii) alfalfa and fescue pasture (AFP). The results showed that steers on CC produced 29% less methane (expressed in g/d) and 36% less CH4 yield (expressed as % of gross energy intake) than those on the AFP. However, the DMI, average daily gain, and CH4 intensity were similar between the two systems. This study aims to quantify enteric methane (CH4) emission and dry matter intake (DMI) in beef steers under two rotational grazing systems: (i) a mixture of cover crops (vetch + ryegrass + forage radish) (CC) and (ii) alfalfa and fescue pasture (AFP). Eighteen Hereford steers were divided into two groups (nine steers per group), assigned to either the CC or AFP. Methane emissions were measured using the SF6 tracer technique. The results showed that steers grazing CC produced 29% less CH4 in g/d compared to those on the AFP (119.1 vs. 167.1 g/d for CC and AFP, p < 0.05) and 36% less CH4 yield (4.3 vs. 6.7% of gross energy intake). However, average daily gain (ADG), DMI, and CH4 intensity (gCH4/kg ADG) did not significantly differ between treatments. The integration of CC in a cattle grazing system has the potential to reduce CH4 emissions by improving forage quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduced reliance on inputs such as fertilizer is fundamental to sustainable grazing systems. This two‐year study compared four sward types, including multispecies swards (MSS), for herbage dry matter (DM) production, species contribution to DM, and herbage nutritive value under grazing. The systems were: (1) Lolium perenne L. monoculture (PRG; 170 kg N ha−1 year−1); (2) permanent pasture (PP; 135 kg N ha−1 year−1), (3) six species sward consisting of two grasses, two legumes and two herbs (6S; 70 kg N ha−1 year−1), (4) twelve species sward consisting of three grasses, four legumes and five herbs (12S; 70 kg N ha−1 year−1). Herbage samples were collected for DM yield, botanical composition, and nutritive value. Mean annual DM production for PRG, PP, 6S, and 12S was 11,374, 8526, 13,783, and 13,338 kg DM ha−1 respectively. Herb proportions decreased in 6S and 12S from 2020 to 2021 while grass proportions increased. Mean crude protein levels were similar across all systems (p > 0.05), with higher ash content in 6S and 12S compared to PRG (p < 0.001). Organic matter digestibility was lowest in PP compared to PRG (p < 0.001) while neutral detergent fibre content of PP and PRG were greater than 6S and 12S (p < 0.001). Water soluble carbohydrate content was highest in PRG (p < 0.0001). Over 2 years, MSS delivered increased herbage DM yield and nutritive quality relative to PRG and PP swards, from reduced N inputs. However, maintenance of the herb component of MSS is a challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Zealand (NZ) is an important global exporter of various livestock products, however its potential for production is being constrained by environmental restrictions. The aim of this study was to explore future pathways for NZ livestock (dairy, beef, and sheep) production from grazed pastures, which includes changes in land use, GHG mitigations, increased dairy-beef and net carbon neutrality. Life cycle assessment methodology was used to determine national level environmental impacts of livestock production in NZ. Carbon, reactive nitrogen (Nr) and Eutrophication Potential (EP) footprints on a total production basis at national level from livestock systems could be decreased by 39%, 36% and 30%, respectively. Achieving net carbon neutrality of all livestock production with a multiple mitigation scenario gave corresponding emission reductions of 41% for Nr and 36% for EP, requiring afforestation of 0.9 Mha of sheep and beef land. However, transitioning to carbon neutrality for all production reduced total livestock protein production by 7% for current systems and by 21% for the mitigation scenario compared to no carbon neutrality changes. In contrast, increased integration of dairy-derived beef increased national livestock protein production by 3%. Optimized livestock production through greater dairy beef integration and use of multiple mitigations offers the most promising pathway for low environmental-impact livestock production in NZ. However, this should aim at minimizing effects on livestock production due to the large impact on global food exports, while higher value or premiums for low environmental-impact products will be important to encourage changes to meet the environmental constraints.

Forage plant breeding aims to deliver cultivars that increase on-farm productivity through improved seasonal and annual yield, persistence of yield in perennials, and nutritive and feeding value. Breeding is generally undertaken in highly controlled field trials with individual plants or rows. However, the correlation of trait values between spaced plant trials and sward plots of forages is often low and non-significant. Heritability of traits, a measure of likely gains that can be achieved from plant breeding, can be moderate to high for many traits. The upper level of genetic gains in forage yield measured in small plot trials ranges between 6% and 15% per decade depending on species, indicating significant and lasting improvements have been achieved. Results from some farmlet scale grazing trials measuring animal performance support this but some others, particularly with dairy cows, fail to show advantage to improved cultivars. Factors contributing to this include aspects of systems management, systems trial design, and/or breeding objectives and evaluation systems; occurrence of environmental stresses; insufficient statistical power; and scaling interactions that restrict or dilute trait expression. Several factors are identified that should be considered as evaluation systems evolve in response to the changing economic, climatic, and regulatory forces affecting grassland farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Failure of perennial ryegrass‐based pastures to persist beyond 3 years post‐sowing is an increasing threat to the sustainability of livestock industries in the north of New Zealand. Little is known of the long‐term responses of plants and populations to the environmental stresses responsible for persistence failure, or the effects of ryegrass genetics on those responses. Plants were collected from 10‐year‐old pastures sown in two environments (Waikato, North Island: warm‐temperate, summer/autumn dry; Canterbury, South Island: cool temperate, irrigated) to four ryegrass functional types and grazed by dairy cattle. Surviving plants in Canterbury pastures were almost all true‐to‐type for the original genotype, whereas there was substantial ingress of volunteer plants in the diploid cultivars in Waikato. Plants confirmed as true‐to‐type were compared to reference plants grown from the original seed lines. Leaf mass was lower in survivor plants than in reference plants for all functional types. This effect was reversed by recruitment of new plants from seed in a grazing deferment treatment applied at the Waikato site 18 months before plant collection, in a manner consistent with epigenetic control. Reproductive development was delayed by 4–6 days in survivors of mid‐ and late flowering diploid cultivars: this effect appeared to be the result of true genetic differentiation. There was less aftermath heading in the Canterbury survivors, but not Waikato survivors, compared with the reference plants. The relevance of these findings for ryegrass survival strategies and targeted selection of traits for improved persistence is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate rumen fermentation parameters influenced by both grazing system and breed. Materials and Methods: A 2 × 2 factorial design was employed, involving 40 cows with matched age, parity, and physiological status. The cows were evenly divided between Bonsmara and Nguni breeds, as well as communal and commercial grazing systems. Rumen fluid samples were collected and analyzed for parameters including ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), pH, temperature, and volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Results: Nguni cows exhibited significantly higher ruminal NH3-N levels (p < 0.05) compared to Bonsmara, ranging from 69.05 to 96.78 mg/l. Commercial grazing demonstrated significantly higher NH3-N concentrations (p < 0.05) than communal grazing. Ruminal pH, temperature, total VFAs, and specific VFAs (Iso-butyrate, valeric, and iso-valeric) did not show significant differences (p > 0.05). However, total VFAs were slightly lower in communal grazing (78.87 mmol/l) than in commercial grazing (89.80 mmol/l). Acetate, propionate, butyrate, and the acetate to propionate ratio did not display significant differences (p > 0.05) between breeds but varied between grazing systems. Communal systems had higher acetate and acetate to propionate ratio (p < 0.05), while commercial systems showed higher propionate and butyrate levels (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Grazing conditions significantly influenced rumen fermentation parameters, irrespective of breed. Further research is necessary to explore the relationship between forage conditions, diversity, and rumen fermentation within different grazing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate rumen fermentation parameters influenced by both the graz¬ing system and breed. Materials and Methods: A 2 × 2 factorial design was employed, involving 40 cows with matched age, parity, and physiological status. The cows were evenly divided between Bonsmara and Nguni breeds, as well as communal and commercial grazing systems. Rumen fluid samples were collected and analyzed for parameters including ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), pH, temperature, and volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Results: Nguni cows exhibited significantly higher ruminal NH3-N levels (p < 0.05) compared to Bonsmara, ranging from 69.05 to 96.78 mg/l. Commercial grazing demonstrated significantly higher NH3-N concentrations (p < 0.05) than communal grazing. Ruminal pH, temperature, total VFAs, and specific VFAs (Iso-butyrate, valeric, and iso-valeric) did not show significant differences (p > 0.05). However, total VFAs were slightly lower in communal grazing (78.87 mmol/l) than in commercial grazing (89.80 mmol/l). Acetate, propionate, butyrate, and the acetate to propionate ratio did not display significant differences (p > 0.05) between breeds but varied between grazing systems. Communal systems had higher acetate and acetate to propionate ratio (p < 0.05), while commercial systems showed higher propionate and butyrate levels (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Grazing conditions significantly influenced rumen fermentation parameters, irrespec¬tive of breed. Further research is necessary to explore the relationship between forage conditions, diversity, and rumen fermentation within different grazing systems. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 349-355]

Context: A challenge for the livestock sector is to improve the production and nutritive value of forage grasses through sustainable management strategies. Aims: This study evaluated the impact of management on the productive and nutritive value of five pasture-based production systems: irrigated pasture with 600 kg nitrogen (N) ha−1 (IP600); rainfed pasture with 400 kg N ha−1 (RP400); rainfed pasture with 200 kg N ha−1 (RP200); silvopastoral with 200 kg N ha−1 (SP200); and degraded pasture without N fertilisation (DP0). Methods: During two experimental years, samples were collected pre- and post-grazing to determine forage and nutritional parameters. Land-saving effects and efficiencies of N fertilisation and water use were calculated. Key results: For C4 grasses, forage mass accumulation was greater for IP600 and RP400. IP600 also presented the greatest leaf area index and crude protein concentration, whereas DP0 presented the lowest values of both. For C3 grasses in the IP600 treatment, greater forage mass accumulation and leaf area index were found in winter than in autumn; all nutritional characteristics were not affected by season of the year. For land-saving effect, and N- and water-use efficiencies, IP600, RP400 and RP200 presented higher values than DP0 and SP200. Conclusions: More intensified systems with proper management allowed better productive and nutritional characteristics than degraded pasture or silvopasture, especially during seasons with greater precipitation or when irrigated. Implications: Intensification practices make better use of natural resources (water and land) and agricultural inputs (N fertiliser) to ameliorate the effects of seasonality and improve quality and productivity of tropical grasses in pasture-based livestock production systems. A challenge for livestock farmers is to improve production and nutritive value of forage grasses through management strategies. This study evaluated the impact of management on productive and nutritive traits of forages during two experimental years on five pasture-based production systems. More intensified systems with proper management allowed better characteristics than degraded pasture, ameliorating the effects of seasonality and improving tropical grasses in pasture-based livestock production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Number 2 Dairy (No. 2 Dairy) unit at Ruakura, Hamilton, New Zealand was established as a dairy research farm in 1943 and became recognised globally as one of the leading institutes for farm systems science. The research undertaken was fundamental to the 'systemisation' of component research into replicable, efficient, competitive, and sustainable dairy systems. From McMeekan's seminal research in the 1950s on rotational grazing to the experiments of Carter, Campbell, Bryant, Penno and others, who brought greater resolution to the key principles influencing successful outcomes on-farm, the more than 60 years of experimental research led to 'good practice' rules that were to transcend geographical, climatic, and system-level interactions. Much of the research can only be found in Annual Reports or in summary form in conference proceedings and not in an electronic form. Our objective was to collate and discuss the research undertaken, thereby ensuring that the legacy of this great work and the wisdom amassed are not lost. To this end, we have compiled a compendium of the research undertaken at No. 2 Dairy, with the hope that it be used to inform the scientific rationale for system design and to stimulate future hypotheses for system improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Thai native cattle grazing in the lowland or mountain forest on carcass characteristics, meat quality, sensory palatability, and chemical composition. Methods Twelve male Thai native cattle with an average weight of 110±10 kg are allowed to be grazing in the lowland or Phu Phan mountain forest during the rainy season in northeastern Thailand. Results The carcass characteristics, meat pH, and meat color were unaffected by treatment (p>0.05). The boiling loss was lower in the cattle grazing on the mountain forest (p = 0.027). The cattle grazing in the mountain forest had increased shear force (p = 0.039), tenderness (p = 0.011), and flavor intensity (p = 0.003). The protein and fat were higher (p0.05) fatty acids in meat, except for capric acid (C10:0) and lauric acid (C12:0), which were higher (p = 0.046 and p = 0.049, respectively) when the cattle were grazing in the mountain forest. The different grazing systems did not influence (p>0.05) the unsaturated fatty acids in meat. Conclusion Thai native cattle grazing in the Phu Phan mountain forest in the rainy season improves meat quality, sensory evaluation, and chemical composition.

Uruguay's dairy can potentially enhance milk productivity competitively, but intensification risks elevating nitrogen (N) surplus, heightening environmental concerns. This study quantified farm-gate N inputs and outputs, calculating N surplus (input-output) and N use efficiency (NUE=output/input) for 17 commercial modal dairy systems identified in the 2014 and 2019 national surveys and 6 prospective intensified systems based on experimental pastoral farmlets achieving near-maximal rainfed productivity. Current dairy systems maintained N surplus at 71 kg N ha-1 between 2014 and 2019 (range: 44-97 kg N ha-1) while improving NUE from 28.3 to 30.5% (range: 20-35%). Intensification increased N surplus without necessarily reducing NUE. Our analyses highlight three aspects: (i) comparatively low N surplus of current Uruguayan dairy, (ii) nonlinear links between N surplus and stocking rate, feed intake, milk productivity and operating profit, and (iii) inequality between dairy systems in their contribution to national dairy N surplus reflects mainly disparity in farm size. These insights underscore the crucial need for understanding the actual fate of N surpluses: nitrate leaching, ammonia volatilisation, N2 denitrification, or N accumulation in soil organic matter. This is an unavoidable requisite for designing management practices and policies able to effectively optimise the economic and environmental sustainability of Uruguayan dairy.

Background and objectives: Choosing range management methods (RMM) is a useful and effective step for managing rangeland habitats. According to RMM, it is possible to improve the range condition (RC) without any manipulation of vegetation and soil and expensive range modificat on operations (RMO). Therefore, tie question arises as to which places of rangeland habitats with what kind of ecological and environmental characteristics are suitable for enrichment. The answer to the above question requires the classification of rangeland in terns of RMM. In the current research, based on the approach of rangeland science experts (in this approach, grazing management is emphasized more and operations that lead to a major change in vegetation are not emphasized) and according to the category of RC, customary law of Lar habitats (which belongs to ETKA organization), was classified in terms of RMM and suitable places were determined for the enrichment of vegetation. Methodology: For his purpose, first, a map of plant types (PTs) was prepared by field visit and based on physionomy. Then, by measuring the vegetation indicators, tie RC class of eacli PTs was determined based on their distance fiom the climax, using the four-factor method Based on scoring the characteristics of soil and vegetafion, range condifion trend (RCF) of eacli PT was also determined in different situations. In the next step, according to tie RC and RCT of PTs and according to tie proposed guidelines (guidelines for classification of rangeland in terms of range management metiod (GCRMM) which is in accordance with the principles of range management, the RMM and the type of grazing system (GS) or if necessary RMO, were proposed for each of tie PTs, based on which, the planning map and the management of rangeland in the region was prepared. Results: The RC of all surveyed PTs was categorized as good or average, with no poor or very poor classifications. Applying vegetation enrichment operations (RMOs) was not recommended according to GCRMM guidelines. The highest RC scores were obtained for "Perennial grasses" and 'Perennial grasses-Perennial forbs" PTs (45 and 49 points, respectively), while the lowest score (31.4) belonged to the "Ferula ovina-Onobrychis cornuta" PT. PTs, "Onobrychis cornuta-Bromus tomertus-Thyruus kotschyanus]' "Onobrychis cornuta-Agropyron trichophorum]' "Ferula ovina-Onobrychis cornuta-Thymus kotschyanus," id "Astragalus aureus-hymus kotschyanus-Agropyron trichophorum" exhibited average RC. Balanced range management (BRMM) or natural range management (NRMM) were recommended for all PTs based on environmental conditions and RC. BRMM was recommended for 27% of therangeland area, whil e NRMM was suitable for the remaining 73%. Based on the RC and environmental conditions, RMOs or artificial range management methods (ARMMs) were not recommended. Rotation grazing systems were proposed for 27% of the rangeland area, while deferred grazing systems were suggested for 29%. Deferred-rotation and rest-rotation grazing systems with a year of rest were proposed for equal proportions of the remaining area (24% each). Conclusion: For rangelands in good, average, or excellent condition, RMMs can be employed to enhance vegetaton capacity and improve grazing animal performance while maintaining or improving RC. Designing and implementing appropriate grazing systems is recommended in these situations, eliminating the need for costly RMOs. Currently, a critical task for rangeland management institutions involves creating and implementing management plans. Maintaining, revitalizing, developing, and utilizing rangelands in these conditions requires understanding existing RC and selecting one of the RMMs (BRMM, NRMM, or ARMM) based on the RC for incorporation into the management plan. This research emphasizes the use of RMMs for new or updated grazing plans, highlighting the inadvisability of RMOs for vegetation enrichment in Lar's customary law rangelands under the current approach of rangeland management experts. However, other approaches to range improvement, such as those championed by plant ecologists and ecological restoration specialists, may consider vegetation manipulation a viable option for some rangelands to increase forage production or improve wildlife habitat. Additionally, some pastoralists may still consider RMOs to be the best approach for enhancing rangeland economic yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the grazing of livestock has occurred for millennia in the Andes, current sustainability debates center on concerns with co-managing climate change and pastoralism. These discussions have special resonance in places protected by the state for biodiversity, scenery, and sustainable and traditional land uses, such as those found in protected areas and biosphere reserves. For this article, we integrate data from a social-ecological research project on the land use systems that affect high-elevation ecosystems in Peru's Huascarán National Park, with special emphasis on the wetlands. We used land cover and land use data and insights from interactions with pastoralists to show that (1) wet meadows dominate the lower reaches of the park, while peatlands predominate above 4000 m elevation; (2) wet meadows are most useful for traditional grazing systems, while the peatlands are especially susceptible to trampling by livestock; and (3) there is limited ecological space at the highest elevations for the successful future upward relocation of either land use or potential habitats for species identified as of concern. We explore the implications of these findings for the adaptive strategies of biophysical and social processes in terms of livelihoods and biodiversity in and around a protected area. We conclude that there are many additional opportunities to be explored to inform the management of ecosystem services and provide improvements for the adaptive capacity of communities and park managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Choosing range management methods (RMM) is a useful and effective step for managing rangeland habitats. According to RMM, it is possible to improve the range condition (RC) without any manipulation of vegetation and soil and expensive range modification operations (RMO). Therefore, the question arises as to which places of rangeland habitats with what kind of ecological and environmental characteristics are suitable for enrichment. The answer to the above question requires the classification of rangeland in terms of RMM. In the current research, based on the approach of rangeland science experts (in this approach, grazing management is emphasized more and operations that lead to a major change in vegetation are not emphasized) and according to the category of RC, customary law of Lar habitats (which belongs to ETKA organization), was classified in terms of RMM and suitable places were determined for the enrichment of vegetation. Methodology: For this purpose, first, a map of plant types (PTs) was prepared by field visit and based on physionomy. Then, by measuring the vegetation indicators, the RC class of each PTs was determined based on their distance from the climax, using the four-factor method. Based on scoring the characteristics of soil and vegetation, range condition trend (RCT) of each PT was also determined in different situations. In the next step, according to the RC and RCT of PTs and according to the proposed guidelines (guidelines for classification of rangeland in terms of range management method (GCRMM) which is in accordance with the principles of range management, the RMM and the type of grazing system (GS) or if necessary RMO, were proposed for each of the PTs, based on which, the planning map and the management of rangeland in the region was prepared. Results: The RC of all surveyed PTs was categorized as good or average, with no poor or very poor classifications. Applying vegetation enrichment operations (RMOs) was not recommended according to GCRMM guidelines. The highest RC scores were obtained for "Perennial grasses" and "Perennial grasses-Perennial forbs" PTs (45 and 49 points, respectively), while the lowest score (31.4) belonged to the "Ferula ovina-Onobrychis cornuta" PT. Other PTs, including "Onobrychis cornuta-Bromus tomentellus-Thymus kotschyanus," "Onobrychis cornuta-Agropyron trichophorum," "Ferula ovina-Onobrychis cornuta-Thymus kotschyanus," and "Astragalus aureus-Thymus kotschyanus-Agropyron trichophorum," exhibited average RC. Balanced range management (BRMM) or natural range management (NRMM) were recommended for all PTs based on environmental conditions and RC. BRMM was recommended for 27% of the rangeland area, while NRMM was suitable for the remaining 73%. Based on the RC and environmental conditions, RMOs or artificial range management methods (ARMMs) were not recommended. Rotation grazing systems were proposed for 27% of the rangeland area, while deferred grazing systems were suggested for 29%. Deferred-rotation and rest-rotation grazing systems with a year of rest were proposed for equal proportions of the remaining area (24% each). Conclusion: For rangelands in good, average, or excellent condition, RMMs can be employed to enhance vegetation capacity and improve grazing animal performance while maintaining or improving RC. Designing and implementing appropriate grazing systems is recommended in these situations, eliminating the need for costly RMOs. Currently, a critical task for rangeland management institutions involves creating and implementing management plans. Maintaining, revitalizing, developing, and utilizing rangelands in these conditions requires understanding existing RC and selecting one of the RMMs (BRMM, NRMM, or ARMM) based on the RC for incorporation into the management plan. This research emphasizes the use of RMMs for new or updated grazing plans, highlighting the inadvisability of RMOs for vegetation enrichment in Lar's customary law rangelands under the current approach of rangeland management experts. However, other approaches to range improvement, such as those championed by plant ecologists and ecological restoration specialists, may consider vegetation manipulation a viable option for some rangelands to increase forage production or improve wildlife habitat. Additionally, some pastoralists may still consider RMOs to be the best approach for enhancing rangeland economic yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Several experts throughout the world have focused a lot of their research on the rise in methane concentrations in the atmosphere and its causes. Cattle are the livestock species that contribute the most to methane emissions, according to research conducted over the previous three decades. A greenhouse gas called enteric methane (CH4) is created by microbial fermentation in the rumen and is released into the atmosphere through a variety of excretory processes. To reduce methane emissions, research on the ways that various breeds of cattle are reared on different grazing regimes should be prioritized. The goal of the current study was to measure the weight gain and intestinal methane emission of Nguni and Bonsmara cows grown under various grazing conditions. Eighty-four cows belonging to the 2 grazing systems were randomly selected and grouped according to three age groups: A (young adult cow, n = 7, 24–48 months), B (adult, n = 7, 60–80 months), and C (old adult, n = 7, 90–120 months) are three different age groups for adult cows. Methane production was higher per head in older animals, with C producing the most, followed by B and A (C > B > A; P 0.0001). In Bonsmara, body condition, body weight (BW), dry matter intake (DMI), and daily methane were all higher (P 0.05). Nguni had more methane per pound of weight (P 0.05), although methane per kilogram of body mass (P > 0.05) was similar across breeds. In the commercial system, body condition, BW, and DMI were higher (P 0.05). On the other hand, communal grazing resulted in increased daily methane production, methane per DMI, and methane produced per BW. These findings support the notion that breed genetics, grazing system, and age all have an impact on methane levels and performance. So, all these aspects must be taken into account in breeding strategies for traits like methane production that are challenging to assess.

During the summers of 2021 and 2022, we conducted a study in four Georgia Piedmont pastures to assess the effect of the presence of filth flies and epigeal arthropods on carbon and nitrogen emissions and soil nitrogen retention from lax rotational grazing systems under a legacy of low fertilization. Carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), and ammonia (NH3) emissions were measured from dung on days 0, 4, 8, and 15 following depositions. Soil and manure samples were collected on days 0 and 16 and analyzed for ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3−), plant-available nitrogen (PAN), and potentially mineralizable nitrogen (PMN). Manure samples were analyzed for total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN). The numbers of filth flies ovipositing and emerging from manure, fire ants, and epigeal arthropods around the manure were determined. Our results indicated that more than 12 ovipositing filth flies per manure pat can reduce PMN by up to 14.7 kg of nitrogen per hectare, while an increase in the biodiversity and abundance of predators may help to increase PAN and PMN in grazing systems, as well as decrease the number of emerging filth flies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The predation of livestock by gray wolf (Canis lupus; hereafter, wolf) is a problem throughout eastern Europe and poses a threat to sustainable pasture-based livestock production in some areas. In Croatia, farmers have alarmed the public with news of frequent wolf attacks in the last decade, and wolves, as protected animals, are perceived as a pest and a threat. The aim of this study was to analyze and present the frequency of attacks and killed/injured domestic animals in Croatia. During the ten-year period (2010–2020), 13,359 attack events were reported, where it was determined, with certainty, that the attack was by the wolf. In these attacks, 19,111 domestic animals were killed and 4634 were injured. Predation events occurred predominantly (92.71%) in three counties located in southern Croatia (sub-Mediterranean Croatia), whose total area is 11,170 km2 (19.74% of the total area of Croatia). The most frequently killed species were sheep (64.78% of all killed animals), which was followed by goats (19.28%) and cattle (9.59%). The highest frequency of attacks and animals killed was recorded in the summer followed by spring and autumn, and the lowest was in winter. The majority of attacks (79.57%) occurred in the morning and during the day. The animal with the highest average number killed per attack was sheep (1.64), which was followed by goats (1.38), cattle (0.99), horses (0.94), donkeys (0.95), and guardian dogs (0.92). During the studied period, in the three counties with the most frequent attacks, 11.72% of the average goat population, 6.34% of the cattle population, and 5.61% of the sheep population were killed. Wolf predation in sub-Mediterranean Croatia presents a threat to the population of domestic ruminants dominantly kept in pastoral livestock systems, and additional efforts need to be made to achieve co-existence between the wolf population and farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Australia, 71% of agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are enteric methane (CH4), mostly produced by grazing sheep and cattle. Temperate low CH4 yielding legumes and herbs can mitigate enteric CH4 production, but system-level GHG emissions need to be considered. The aims of the study were to: (1) devise a framework to assess GHG reductions when introducing low CH4 yielding species; (2) assess mechanisms of CH4 reduction in temperate legume and herb species for Australia; (3) use a case study to demonstrate expected changes to system-level GHG emissions with the introduction of low CH4 yielding legumes; and (4) identify knowledge gaps and research priorities. Results demonstrate lowering emissions intensity (kg CO2-equivalent/kg product) is crucial to mitigate GHG emissions, but livestock productivity is also important. Several pasture species have anti-methanogenic properties, but responses often vary considerably. Of the species investigated biserrula (Biserrula pelecinus) has great potential to reduce enteric CH4 emissions, but in a case study its emission intensity was similar to subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) but higher than lucerne (Medicago sativa). We conclude that there are temperate legumes and herbs with anti-methanogenic properties, and/or high productivity that could reduce total CH4 emissions and emissions intensity of ruminant livestock production. There is also great diversity in some plant genotypes that can be exploited, and this will be aided by more detailed understanding of plant secondary compounds associated with CH4 reduction. This review suggests an opportunity to formulate pasture species mixtures to achieve reduced CH4 emissions with greater or equal livestock production. Temperate low methane (CH4) yielding legumes and herbs can reduce enteric methane, but greenhouse gas emissions at a system level need to be considered. This review identified several pasture species with anti-methanogenic properties, with biserrula having the most potential to reduce enteric CH4. However, a case study demonstrated that emission intensity of biserrula was similar to that of subterranean clover but higher than that of lucerne. An opportunity exists to formulate pasture mixtures to reduce CH4 and increase livestock production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of beef cattle with two levels of energy-protein supplementation of low-consumption on African Bermudagrass pasture, overseeded in winter with oat and ryegrass, with or without irrigation. Twenty-four castrated Angus steers (11 months old and had an initial average of 220 kg body weight (BW)) were used in experimental area of 3.6 ha. The experiment was completely randomized in a 2×2 factorial design, with three replicates. The evaluation period was 249 days (July/2019 to March/2020). The treatments were: irrigated pasture with supplementation of 1 g/kg BW or 2.7 g/kg BW and non-irrigated pasture with 1 g/kg BW of supplement or 2.7 g/kg BW. The grazing method was continuous with a variable stocking rate. Irrigation provided pastures with better chemical composition in winter and spring. Irrigation increased the daily accumulation rate in winter (84.6 vs. 45.9 kg DM/ha/day), providing a greater stocking rate (1,702 vs. 1,385 kg/ha) and, consequently, body weight gain per hectare. Supplementation of 2.7 g/kg BW provided a greater stocking rate in winter (1,652 vs. 1,435 kg/ha) and spring (3,096 vs. 2,811 kg/ha), not changing in summer. The association of irrigation and supplementation of 2.7 vs. 1.0 g/kg BW improves the intake pattern by the animal in summer without changing productivity parameters. Irrigation increases productivity and the nutritional value of pasture with higher livestock production per area in periods of water deficit. The supply of 2.7 vs. 1.0 g/kg BW provides a greater stocking rate and body weight gain per hectare.

Grazing plays an important role in milk production in most regions of the world. Despite the importance of grazing, current trends in livestock farming in Europe are causing a decline in the popularity of pasture-based feeding of dairy cows. This paper aims to provide an overview of the challenges faced by the pasture feeding system under climate change. Grazing lands provide ecosystem services including regulation and storage of water flows, nutrient cycling, and C sequestration. Livestock grazing is the most important factor shaping and stabilizing pasture biodiversity. Some opportunities for pasture feeding are the health-promoting and nutritional qualities of milk and milk products, especially milk from pasture-fed cows. The beneficial effects of pasture feeding on animal health and welfare are not insignificant. Available organizational innovations can help better manage livestock grazing and, above all, better understand the impact of the grazing process on the environment and climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several experts throughout the world have focused a lot of their research on the rise in methane concentrations in the atmosphere and its causes. Cattle are the livestock species that contribute the most to methane emissions, according to research conducted over the previous three decades. A greenhouse gas called enteric methane (CH4) is created by microbial fermentation in the rumen and is released into the atmosphere through a variety of excretory processes. To reduce methane emissions, research on the ways that various breeds of cattle are reared on different grazing regimes should be prioritized. The goal of the current study was to measure the weight gain and intestinal methane emission of Nguni and Bonsmara cows grown under various grazing conditions. Eighty-four cows belonging to the 2 grazing systems were randomly selected and grouped according to three age groups: A (young adult cow, n = 7, 24–48 months), B (adult, n = 7, 60–80 months), and C (old adult, n = 7, 90–120 months) are three different age groups for adult cows. Methane production was higher per head in older animals, with C producing the most, followed by B and A (C > B > A; P 0.0001). In Bonsmara, body condition, body weight (BW), dry matter intake (DMI), and daily methane were all higher (P 0.05). Nguni had more methane per pound of weight (P 0.05), although methane per kilogram of body mass (P > 0.05) was similar across breeds. In the commercial system, body condition, BW, and DMI were higher (P 0.05). On the other hand, communal grazing resulted in increased daily methane production, methane per DMI, and methane produced per BW. These findings support the notion that breed genetics, grazing system, and age all have an impact on methane levels and performance. So, all these aspects must be taken into account in breeding strategies for traits like methane production that are challenging to assess. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennial ryegrass (PRG, Lolium perenne L.) breeding effort in New Zealand (NZ) has increased since c. 1990, resulting in greater functional trait diversity (e.g. heading date, ploidy, and associated Epichloë endophyte strain) in commercial products. This study quantified the variation, associations and interactions in dry matter (DM) yield, nutritive value and persistence‐related traits among commercial cultivar‐endophyte combinations released between 1973 and 2012, as a basis for assessing gains in value being delivered to the pasture‐based livestock industries. Twenty‐four or 28 combinations were compared over 3 years in two trials in each of two regions: Waikato in northern NZ (dryland), and Canterbury in central eastern South Island (irrigated). Cultivar‐endophyte combinations were sown in mixtures with white clover, and pastures were intensively grazed 8–11 times per year by dairy cows. Principal Component Analysis identified 4 distinct clusters for the DM yield variables and for metabolisable energy (ME) content in each of the four trials. A broadly‐adapted group of three late‐season flowering, AR37‐infected diploids with NZ and Spanish breeding backgrounds dominated the highest‐yielding clusters. Tetraploids dominated the high ME content clusters. Interactions with region were observed throughout the data set: the strongest of these was driven by endophyte strain effects in Waikato. High‐yielding cultivar‐endophyte combinations in these trials were also generally high‐yielding in the standard cultivar merit testing system operated in New Zealand, as interpreted via the DairyNZ Forage Value Index. However, alignment was poorer for medium‐ and lower‐yielding cultivar‐endophyte combinations. Several implications for forage evaluation methods and end‐user industries are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the results of the management of grazing sows at international scale, as well as the elements of waste in field and confinement, which contribute to the resilience of pig husbandry systems. Materials and Methods: The results of more than 80 publications about the elements of the management of grazing sows: main grazing systems, se of plant genetic resources in their feeding under different climate conditions, stocking rate, quality of the ration, breed, category, as well as waste recycling, applicable to the conditions of the tropic, were analyzed. Results: There is innovative evidence in the management of grazing sows with the use of different plant genetic resources, in systems that go from subsistence to intensive management with electrical fence. The conditions or requisites for management, effect of stocking rate, species, importance of the nutritional value and animal category (mainly with sows), recycling in grazing and semi-confinement (deep litter), are analyzed. Conclusions: Pig feeding based on pastures and forages, mainly, implies different management, with different solutions from the ones that are applied in conventional confined systems with concentrate feeds. The agroecological management and use of adequate plant genetic resources are the ways for resilient and sustainable production in the face of climate change, which contributes to food sovereignty.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of harvest frequency and application of lime and organic matter on the forage production, nutritional value and costs of Cenchrus clandestinus Hochstex Chiov Morrone. Materials and Methods:The work was done in three 208-m2 blocks, divided into four plots, to which four doses of organic matter (0, 2, 4 and 6 t ha-1) were applied. Each plot was divided into three subplots, in which three doses of lime (0, 3 and 6 t ha-1) were used. Afterwards, each subplot was divided into five sub-subplots, in which one of the five harvest frequencies (28, 35, 42, 49, and 56 days) was used. The agronomic response and chemical composition during the rainy and dry seasons were evaluated. In addition, the production cost of the pasture C. clandestinus was calculated. The results were analyzed with a split-plot design. Results:The harvest frequencies of 35 and 49 days showed higher daily growth rate during the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. However, the harvest frequency did not affect the nutritional values. The application of lime and organic matter did not show an evident effect on the forage production or quality. The 35-day harvest frequency showed lower production cost. Conclusion:The harvest or grazing of the pasture C. clandestinus is variable, and should not be static throughout the year.

The performance of farming systems models for grazed grasslands are seldom evaluated against comprehensive field data. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of a daily time step, grazing systems simulation model—the SGS (Sustainable Grazing Systems) Pasture Model—to simulate production and aspects of sustainability. This was completed by evaluating temporal changes in soil water balance, some major nitrogen (N) fluxes, as well as plant and animal production using data from two large scale experimental sites with grazing sheep. The simulations were broadly in agreement with the measurements. In cases where divergence occurred the reasons were apparent and could be explained by reference to the model structure or aspects of the field data. In particular, the simulations showed good agreement with the observed soil water, but poorer agreement with the volumes of runoff. The simulated N in leachate and soil inorganic N were less in agreement with the measured data. The model outputs were sensitive to symbiotic biological fixation by subterranean (sub) clover and mineralisation of soil organic matter, which were not measured. Similarly, there were variable results for the simulation of animal growth and production. The complexities of simulating grazing systems and comparing field observations to simulated values are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adjustment of stocking rates of production systems is a technique used to increase animal productivity per area, by defining the availability of forage mass per animal in a predefined time. This study evaluated the effects of stocking rates in different intensive animal production systems, including an integrated system with Brazilian native trees. The experiment was carried out from September 2019 to September 2020 at Embrapa Southeast Livestock, São Carlos, SP, Brazil. Thirty Nellore steers (375 ± 30 kg live weight; 22 ± 23 months old) were randomly distributed in five treatments, with two replicates: 1) intensively managed and irrigated Megathyrsus maximus cv. Tanzânia pasture with a high stocking rate, overseeded in the dry season with Avena byzantina and Lolium multiflorum (IHS); 2) intensively managed pasture of rainfed M. maximus cv. Tanzânia with high stocking rate (RHS); 3) intensively managed rainfed pasture with a mix of Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk and Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu with a moderate stocking rate (RMS); 4) intensively managed silvopastoral system with U. decumbens cv. Basilisk pasture and Brazilian native trees (345 trees ha-1), with a moderate stocking rate (LFS); and 5) extensively managed degraded pasture with a mix of U. brizantha cv. Marandu and U. decumbens cv. Basilisk, with a low stocking rate (DP). All pastures were submitted to stocking rate adjustments using the "put and take" technique. Grazing was continuous in DP and rotational in IHS, RHS, RMS and LFS, with grazing cycles of 36 days (intermittently grazed, with three days of occupation and 33 days of rest). All pastures, except DP (2.0 ha), received liming and corrective fertilization with P, K, S, and micronutrients. Pastures in IHS and RHS (1.8 ha each) were fertilized, respectively, with 600 and 400 kg N ha-1 year-1. Pastures in RMS and LFS (3.1 and 3.5 ha, respectively) received 200 kg N ha-1 year-1. Animals were weighed at regular intervals of approximately 28 days during the experimental period to evaluate the number of animal units (AU = 450 kg live body weight) per area (AU ha-1). The average stocking rate was calculated according to the area, total number of days of the experimental period and for the four seasons of the year. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and comparison of means by the Fisher test at 5%, using the PROC MIXED of SAS. Interaction was observed between treatments and seasons (P≤.0001). In spring, a higher stocking rate was observed in IHS (3.63 AU ha-1), followed by RMS, DP and RHS (1.83, 1.81 and 1.73 AU ha-1, respectively) with similar (P>0.05) values, while LFS (1.04 AU ha-1) presented the lowest value. In summer, with the highest forage mass availability, the stocking rate increased in all systems: IHS (8.91 AU ha-1) was able to maintain the highest value, followed by RHS (6.07 AU ha-1), RMS (3.02 AU ha-1), while LFS and DP (2.45 and 2.29 AU ha-1, respectively) presented the lowest and similar values. In autumn, IHS and RHS (5.85 and 5.60 AU ha-1, respectively) presented the highest and similar values, followed by RMS (3.72 AU ha-1), DP (2.51 AU ha-1), and by LFS (1.02 AU ha-1). In winter, IHS and RHS (2.91 and 2.83 AU ha-1, respectively) continued to present the highest and similar values, followed by DP and RMS (1.78 and 1.70 AU ha-1, respectively) with intermediate and similar values, while LFS (0.74 AU ha-1) continued to present the lowest value. We concluded that the more intensive systems allowed higher stocking rates in relation to the DP system, considering the forage mass availability in the different seasons of the year. In the LFS system, the competition for natural resources (light and water) between the system’s components (pasture and trees), in addition to low temperatures and soil moisture during the dry period (autumn and winter seasons), determined the low stocking rates observed.

Due to seasonality, the main factor responsible for low productivity of livestock is the lack of forage nutritional quality in some months of the year. This study evaluated the effects of intensification and integration in animal production systems on the gross energy (GE) content of simulated forage from September 2019 to September 2020 at Embrapa Southeast Livestock, São Carlos, SP, Brazil. Treatments, with two replicates, were: 1) intensively managed and irrigated Megathyrsus maximus cv. Tanzânia pasture with a high stocking rate, overseeded in the dry season with oats (Avena byzantina) and annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) (IHS); 2) intensively managed rainfed M. maximus cv. Tanzânia pasture with a high stocking rate (RHS); 3) intensively managed rainfed pasture with a mix of Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk and Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu pasture with a moderate stocking rate (RMS); 4) intensively managed silvopastoral system with U. decumbens cv. Basilisk pasture and Brazilian native trees (345 trees ha-1), with a moderate stocking rate (LFS); and 5) extensively managed degraded pasture with a mix of U. brizantha cv. Marandu and U. decumbens cv. Basilisk with a low stocking rate (DP). All pastures were grazed by Nellore steers and submitted to stocking rate adjustments using the "put and take" technique. Stocking was continuous in DP and rotational in IHS, RHS, RMS, and LFS, with stocking cycles of 36 days. All pastures except DP were corrected with P, K, S and micronutrients. Pastures in the IHS and RHS systems were fertilized with 400 kg N ha-1 year-1, and RMS and LFS with 200 kg ha-1 year-1, applied during the rainy season. The IHS system was fertilized with 200 kg ha-1 year-1 during the dry season. Two forage subsamples of all treatments were hand plucked for three consecutive days in each middle season of the year, collected considering the grazing behavior of the animals. Samples were dried in an oven (65 ºC - 72 h), ground to 1 mm in a Wiley mill and subsequently analyzed for GE in a calorimeter. The statistical model considered treatments, seasons and the treatment*season interaction as fixed effects (n = 40) and means were submitted to analysis of variance and comparison by the Fisher test at 5%, using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS. Significant treatment*season interaction was observed (P=0.0044). In the spring, summer and autumn seasons, higher GE values were found in the treatments with Urochloa spp (LFS, RMS and DP) when compared with those with M. maximus cv. Tanzânia (RHS and IHS) (P

While the grazing of livestock has occurred for millennia in the Andes, current sustainability debates center on concerns with co-managing climate change and pastoralism. These discussions have special resonance in places protected by the state for biodiversity, scenery, and sustainable and traditional land uses, such as those found in protected areas and biosphere reserves. For this article, we integrate data from a social-ecological research project on the land use systems that affect high-elevation ecosystems in Peru’s Huascarán National Park, with special emphasis on the wetlands. We used land cover and land use data and insights from interactions with pastoralists to show that (1) wet meadows dominate the lower reaches of the park, while peatlands predominate above 4000 m elevation; (2) wet meadows are most useful for traditional grazing systems, while the peatlands are especially susceptible to trampling by livestock; and (3) there is limited ecological space at the highest elevations for the successful future upward relocation of either land use or potential habitats for species identified as of concern. We explore the implications of these findings for the adaptive strategies of biophysical and social processes in terms of livelihoods and biodiversity in and around a protected area. We conclude that there are many additional opportunities to be explored to inform the management of ecosystem services and provide improvements for the adaptive capacity of communities and park managers.

Contemporary science on how livestock influence nutrient cycling in grazing systems is limited, particularly in topographically complex (i.e., slopes and aspects) hill country landscapes. Prominent slope and aspect variation affects primary production, animal behaviour and nutrient return. Here, we embed recent scientific advancements in nutrient dynamics across complex landscapes to (1) set up a soil organic carbon (SOC) saturation function to an existing SOC and total soil phosphorus (TSP) model (Bilotto et al. J N Z Grassl 81:171–178, 2019. https://doi.org/10.33584/jnzg.2019.81.397), (2) include total soil nitrogen (TSN) dynamics, and (3) establish if the model (herein the Grass-NEXT model) can simulate the spatial and temporal changes of TSP, SOC and TSN in hill country. A long-term P fertiliser experiment with contrasting different P fertilisation levels and associated sheep stocking regimes (herein, 'farmlets') was used for model testing. The Grass-NEXT model predicted TSP and SOC stocks with strong accuracy and precision (model performance), and TSN with a moderate performance across farmlets [Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC), 0.75, 0.72 and 0.49, respectively]. Grass-NEXT model simulated TSP, SOC and TSN distribution with moderate/strong performance across slopes (CCC, 0.94, 0.80 and 0.70) and aspects (CCC, 0.83, 0.67 and 0.51). Consistent with observed data, modelled changes in TSP and TSN were greater on low slopes and eastern aspects, but no clear pattern was observed for SOC stocks. The Grass-NEXT model provides an intuitive research tool for exploring management options for increasing SOC and TSN, as well as an instrument for monitoring and reporting on nutrient dynamics in complex landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current Indonesian beef production only meets 45% of local demand. Increasing local beef production through integration of cattle production in pre-existing oil palm plantations is a possible solution to meeting this shortfall. The oil palm understorey provides feed, alleviating the need to convert additional land to agriculture. Smallholders are important contributors to both Indonesian cattle and palm oil production. This case study research seeks to understand key aspects of smallholder cattle management in palm oil production areas, to highlight opportunities and barriers to cattle integration. Thirty-nine smallholder cattle farmers from four villages in South Kalimantan were individually interviewed. The lack of alternative feed sources was the major driver towards the adoption of cattle production using oil palm understorey as feed. Cattle grazing was uncontrolled due to labour shortages and occurred in individually owned and 'plasma' plantations, with cattle penned at night where possible to avoid theft. Arrangements on land access and use between stakeholders are needed for systematic cattle grazing and to control cattle theft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Topographical complex landscapes challenge sampling designs for soil organic carbon. • We explored the vertical, spatial and temporal distribution of soil organic carbon. • Fit-for-purpose methods were applied to capture soil organic carbon variability. • Hybrid methods captured spatial and temporal variability of soil organic carbon. • More pragmatism is required to monitor soil organic carbon for integrated farm plan. Soil sampling design to capture the spatiotemporal variability of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in complex landscapes is challenged by the influence of topographical features on primary production, animal behaviour, and carbon and nutrient return to grasslands. Here we explore a range of approaches for streamlining the sampling process using measures of SOC stock data (2003, 2020, 2021) from a long-term hill-country fertilizer experiment. The stepwise procedure included a) evaluation of sampling efficiency between stratified and random soil sampling designs to capture spatial variability of SOC stocks, b) semi-parametric regression analysis to evaluate the representativeness of certain strata (e.g. medium slopes), c) exploring the appropriateness of using shallow SOC stock estimates to represent the full sampling depth, and d) the use of a process-based model to determine expected SOC stock changes and temporal variability to estimate the number of representative soil samples required to achieve a significant minimum change. Our analyses suggest that a) the stratified sampling design was more efficient reflected in the number of samples required to identify 5 % deviation in SOC stocks, b) estimates obtained on the medium slope were a reasonable approximation of the SOC stocks and its spatial variation across the farmlets, c) shallow (0–75 mm) SOC stock estimates from an adjusted regression model offered an accurate inference of its vertical distribution (0–300 mm), and d) the Grass-NEXT model provided insights on where more intensive sampling is required to detect a significant minimum change in SOC stocks over time. Tailored, stratified soil sampling and context-specific strategies, such as using representative strata and shallow sampling as effective steps for estimating SOC stocks and addressing data gaps, are crucial for simplifying monitoring and minimizing the cost of on-farm soil sampling designs in topographically complex landscapes covered by long-term pastures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to estimate the carbon footprint (CF) of milk production (in kg of CO2 equivalents (CO2e) per kg of fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM)) in dairy farms of the San Martín region, in the Peruvian Amazon. A cradle-to-farm gate characterization and analysis were carried out on eight representative dairy farms. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were estimated using equations, following the 2019 refinement of the 2006 IPCC Guidelines. The results showed an average milk production of 9.7 ± 0.82 L milk/cow/day, Gyr x Holstein crosses as the predominant breed, use of cultivated grasses such as Brachiaria brizantha, living fences (Guazuma ulmifolia Lam) as the predominant silvopastoral arrangement, and low level of external inputs such as feed or grain additives. In relation to CF, an average value of 2.26 ± 0.49 kg CO2e/kg FPCM was obtained, with enteric fermentation being the most important source (1.81 ± 0.51 kg CO2e/kg FPCM), followed by manure management, land use, and energy/transport (0.26 ± 0.06, 0.14 ± 0.04, and 0.05 ± 0.04 kg CO2e/kg FPCM, respectively). Differences were found between farmers, obtaining lower CF values (1.76 vs 3.09 kg CO2e/kg FPCM) on farms with better feed quality, higher production levels, and a higher percentage of lactating animals compared to dry cows. It is concluded that dairy farms in the Peruvian Amazon region can reduce their emissions if they improve their current feeding practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with drought stress, our knowledge about the potential precipitation increase in desert steppes and its ecological effects is still limited. In order to improve our understanding of the responses of desert steppe plants to climate change and human activities, we performed a 3‐year‐long controlled water addition experiment in grasslands with different grazing systems. The results showed that increased water changed the plant height/above‐ground biomass/leaf‐tissue thickness of Stipa breviflora Griseb., Cleistogenes squarrosa (Trin.) Keng and Convolvulus ammannii Desr. by +23.86%/+77.35%/−19.09%, +14.67%/+162.34%/−16.62% and + 29.14%/+69.37%/−22.85%, respectively, compared to those in the control group. The net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and water‐use efficiencies of these three types of plants increased by 0.32%–43.71% with water addition, compared to the corresponding parameters in the control group. We also found that plant responses to increased rainfall were not always positive. Under the unique environmental conditions of desert steppes, increase in rainfall has a limited restorative effect on vegetation and an excessive increase in rainfall may actually inhibit plant growth and exacerbate grazing grassland degradation. Compared to rotational grazing and continuous grazing grasslands, plants in enclosed grasslands had higher restoration thresholds and better restorative effect following increased rainfall. Enclosure increased the adaptability and resilience of grazing grassland plants towards increased rainfall. Under the background of increased rainfall, while we look forward to the ecological restoration in desert steppe, we also need to be alert to the potential adverse effects of excessive rainfall on grazing grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• NZ dairy farming systems are based on year-round grazing of perennial pasture (ryegrass/white clover). • Milk production per hectare has increased by about 29% with increased use of externally-sourced feeds over the last two decades. • Externally-sourced feeds with a low protein concentration can potentially reduce N2O emissions and N leaching per unit of production. • Systems analysis is important for evaluating mitigations to minimize trade-offs between environmental impacts. This paper provides an overview of the range of dairy pasture grazing systems used in New Zealand (NZ), the changes with increased inputs over time and associated key environmental effects including nitrogen (N) leaching and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. NZ dairy farming systems are based on year-round grazing and seasonal milk production on perennial ryegrass/clover pasture where cows are rotationally grazed in paddocks. There was an increase in stocking rate on NZ dairy farms from 2.62 cows ha−1 in 2000/2001 to 2.84 cows ha−1 in 2015/2016. During the same period annual milk solids production increased from 315 to 378 kg·yr−1 per cow. This performance has coincided with an increase in N fertilizer use (by ~ 30%) and a twofold increase in externally-sourced feeds. Externally-sourced feeds with a low protein concentration (e.g., maize silage) can increase the efficiency of N utilization and potentially reduce N losses per unit of production. Off-paddock facilities (such as standoff or feed pads) are often used to restrict grazing during very wet winter conditions. A systems analysis of contrasting dairy farms in Waikato (largest NZ dairying region) indicates that the increased input would result in an increase in per-cow milk production but little change in efficiency of milk production from a total land use perspective. This analysis also shows that the increased inputs caused an 11% decrease in N footprint (i.e., N emissions per unit of milk production) and a 2% increase in C footprint (i.e., greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per unit of milk production).

Population growth and improving living standards are leading to a growing demand for beef. The understorey in the 19 million hectares of oil palm plantation worldwide represent a source of cattle feed, while also sparing additional land conversion for grazing. Research on cattle grazing under oil palm is novel and knowledge is lacking on long-term profitability and sustainability of the system, a major deterrent to cattle–oil palm farming system adoption. Here we review the current literature on cattle grazing in oil palm plantations, to highlight the knowns and unknowns of grazing impacts on the understorey, cattle and oil palm productivity, as well as economic implications. This review’s major outcomes are the following: (i) although understorey utilization as feed is a major advantage of cattle–oil palm integrated farming systems, declining understorey productivity under ageing plantation indicates the need for alternative solutions for sustained cattle productivity over the plantation’s lifecycle; (ii) oil palm yields were reported to increase under cattle integration but evidence was weak, both oil palm yields and the pathways through which oil palm yields are impacted by cattle grazing should be further explored; (iii) economic analyses showed cattle grazing under oil palm plantations was profitable for large-scale oil palm producers due to cattle sales, and returns were further enhanced by reductions in weeding and fertilizer costs; (iv) sustainable cattle grazing was found to be difficult in smallholder oil palm plantations due to land constraints and the current practice of free-grazing; options for improving grazing sustainability and profitability in these systems should be explored. This systematic review concluded that cattle integration in oil palm plantations has great potential but further research is required to develop locally specific productive and sustainable systems of grazed cattle integration with oil palm plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Cattle and sheep systems in Uruguay and worldwide are challenged to reduce their environmental footprint while increasing efficiency and production. To achieve this challenge, user-friendly tools are needed that can translate research findings into practical information that could improve decision making by farmers and advise different stakeholders. Despite this, there are a limited number of applied environmental models in other countries and they are typically based on productive, high-quality pasture/crop-feed systems with relatively high inputs. In contrast, cattle and sheep production in Uruguay is largely associated with extensive grazing systems on unique natural grassland systems of relatively poor feed quality and often with no nutrient inputs in fertilizers. Thus, there is a need for a model that can take account for these types of systems and bring together relevant country-specific data to provide information of relevance for Uruguay. The EMAG (Evaluación Medio Ambiental Ganadera) model accounts for multiple environmental and resource use indicators of nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) balances and losses, greenhouse gas emissions and use of fossil energy. Results are provided on a per-hectare and per-kg product basis. This decision support tool for cattle and sheep farmers systems is based on life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology from “cradle-to-farm gate” for all resources use indicators. It uses national parameters and in case of lack of information is supplied from international research in pastoral systems. The model use for environmental methodology tier 2 animal energy model to account for key animal productivity and management practices. EMAG is a user-friendly model that requires basic information for a farm system divided into land use (forage types used uniquely for natural grassland in Uruguay), animal management (beef cattle and sheep), farm inputs (fertilizers, supplementary feeds, seeds and agrochemicals) and fossil energy (fuel and electricity) used in the system. EMAG can help to identify hot-spots of emissions and resource use, as well as to evaluate changes over time. In addition, it can be used to test cattle or sheep management practices or evaluate mitigation options within the system. By providing multiple indicators, EMAG can be used to provide information to avoid “trade-offs” between environmental impacts when assessing future options. As an example of usability, the paper reports a case study which showed potential benefits of improving environmental efficiency and note interesting result around negative P balance when increase productivity in a system. In summary, EMAG is a decision-support tool developed with the objective of evaluating the environmental performance of cattle and sheep systems, that would help farmers in decision making and different stakeholders according to their interest.

Grazing plays an important role in milk production in most regions of the world. Despite the importance of grazing, current trends in livestock farming in Europe are causing a decline in the popularity of pasture-based feeding of dairy cows. This paper aims to provide an overview of the challenges faced by the pasture feeding system under climate change. Grazing lands provide ecosystem services including regulation and storage of water flows, nutrient cycling, and C sequestration. Livestock grazing is the most important factor shaping and stabilizing pasture biodiversity. Some opportunities for pasture feeding are the health-promoting and nutritional qualities of milk and milk products, especially milk from pasture-fed cows. The beneficial effects of pasture feeding on animal health and welfare are not insignificant. Available organizational innovations can help better manage livestock grazing and, above all, better understand the impact of the grazing process on the environment and climate change.

In forage-based beef cattle systems, bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) stand as widely used forage species. The strategic supplementation of animals may reduce forage intake, thereby potentially affecting the agronomic performance of these grasses. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of beef cattle supplemental feeding on forage accumulation, forage mass, and nutritive value in tall fescue and bermudagrass pastures. Two studies were conducted where pregnant beef cows were supplemental fed 1% of BW on DM basis of corn silage daily (SUP) or received no supplemental feeding (free-choice mineral; NON). Trial 1: conducted on bermudagrass pastures (BERM) grazed from late May to early October. Experimental design for BERM was completely randomized design with 4 pastures per treatment (n = 3 cows/pasture; average 5 years of age; 550 ± 72 kg initial BW). Trial 2: conducted on fescue pastures (FES) with an experimental design of a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. The two factors evaluated were fescue type [TOXIC (507 ppm ± 0.82 SEM ergot alkaloids; 92.5% endophyte infection)] or non-toxin-producing (NT; 5 ppm ± 2.50 SEM ergot alkaloids; 38.6% endophyte infection) and two levels of supplemental feeding (NON or SUP). There were 3 or 4 replications per fescue x supplemental feeding treatment (n = 15 pastures), stocked with 3 cows/pasture (average age 4.75 years; 558 ± 73 kg initial BW) and grazed from early May through November. Forage accumulation (FA) was estimated every 28 d using the paired-cage method (4 exclosure cages/pasture). On each exclusion period, the forage mass (FM) was estimated both inside and outside the cages through destructive sampling method and samples analyzed for forage quality. Pasture was experimental unit and repeated measures were included in analysis. Bermudagrass FM tended to be increased by 31% with SUP (P = 0.09; 774 kg/ ha greater). Forage accumulation tended (P = 0.07) to be affected by feeding method x month. There was greater FA in June for SUP; however, there was greater FA for NON in July. SUP pastures had greater ADF (1% more; P = 0.01) and reduced TDN (1.5%; P < 0.01) than NON. Forage mass tended to be 10% greater for TOXIC pastures (P = 0.09; 409 kg/ha more forage mass). Supplemental feeding on fescue did not impact FM (P = 0.74). Forage accumulation was not impacted by fescue type, feeding method, nor the interaction (P > 0.30). Cows generally do not consume as much toxic fescue, thus more forage is available in pastures and supplemental feeding did not alter forage parameters. However, on a warm-season grass that is growing while supplemental feeding, forage availability was increased and maybe useful as method to increase stocking rates or as mitigation tool during drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense has the potential to reduce the use of mineral fertilizers with efficient capacity to promote plant growth and yield. Most studies on the Azospirillum–plant association have been conducted on cereals and annual grasses. More studies are needed in perennial pastures, such as bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) that require substantial nitrogen (N) fertilization to maximize their production potential. Therefore, pastures based on Tifton 85 bermudagrass in association with annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), which were inoculated with A. brasilense and fertilized with increasing amounts of N fertilizer and grazed by lactating Holstein cows were evaluated. Three grazing systems were evaluated: (i) Tifton 85, inoculated + 180 kg N/ha per year; (ii) Tifton 85 + 230 kg N/ha per year; and (iii) Tifton 85 + 280 kg N/ha per year. Forage samples were collected before and after grazing to evaluate the responses of the plants and animals. The forage yields of the systems were 21.0, 20.8 and 22.1 t DM/ha per year and the stocking rates were 3.9, 3.8 and 4.0 animal unit/ha per day, respectively. Crude protein, total digestible nutrients and neutral detergent fibre concentrations were 162, 560 and 667 g/kg, respectively. Inoculation in pastures planted with Tifton 85 bermudagrass in combination with ryegrass (plus 180 kg N/ha per year) had a positive effect, providing forage yield and nutritional value equivalent to those with fertilization with 230 kg N/ha per year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of harvest frequency and application of lime and organic matter on the forage production, nutritional value and costs of Cenchrus clandestinus Hochst. ex Chiov Morrone. Materials and Methods: The work was done in three 208-m2 blocks, divided into four plots, to which four doses of organic matter (0, 2, 4 and 6 t ha-1) were applied. Each plot was divided into three subplots, in which three doses of lime (0, 3 and 6 t ha-1) were used. Afterwards, each subplot was divided into five sub-subplots, in which one of the five harvest frequencies (28, 35, 42, 49, and 56 days) was used. The agronomic response and chemical composition during the rainy and dry seasons were evaluated. In addition, the production cost of the pasture C. clandestinus was calculated. The results were analyzed with a split-plot design. Results: The harvest frequencies of 35 and 49 days showed higher daily growth rate during the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. However, the harvest frequency did not affect the nutritional values. The application of lime and organic matter did not show an evident effect on the forage production or quality. The 35-day harvest frequency showed lower production cost. Conclusion: The harvest or grazing of the pasture C. clandestinus is variable, and should not be static throughout the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the results of the management of grazing sows at international scale, as well as the elements of waste in field and confinement, which contribute to the resilience of pig husbandry systems. Materials and Methods: The results of more than 80 publications about the elements of the management of grazing sows: main grazing systems, se of plant genetic resources in their feeding under different climate conditions, stocking rate, quality of the ration, breed, category, as well as waste recycling, applicable to the conditions of the tropic, were analyzed. Results: There is innovative evidence in the management of grazing sows with the use of different plant genetic resources, in systems that go from subsistence to intensive management with electrical fence. The conditions or requisites for management, effect of stocking rate, species, importance of the nutritional value and animal category (mainly with sows), recycling in grazing and semi-confinement (deep litter), are analyzed. Conclusions: Pig feeding based on pastures and forages, mainly, implies different management, with different solutions from the ones that are applied in conventional confined systems with concentrate feeds. The agroecological management and use of adequate plant genetic resources are the ways for resilient and sustainable production in the face of climate change, which contributes to food sovereignty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The efficiency of the cow–calf sector could be enhanced by matching cow biological type to the production environment; however, methods to estimate the biological efficiency of grazing beef cows are not available. Aims: This study utilised a mathematical nutrition model for ranking beef cows for estimated biological efficiency, determining energetic efficiency and evaluate relationships with other production traits. Methods: Cow live weight, calf birth and weaning weight, calf birth and weaning date, and forage nutritive value of hay and pasture were collected for 69 Brangus crossbred beef cows over a complete production cycle. The Cattle Value Discovery System for Beef Cow (CVDSbc) model was used to compute metabolisable energy required (MER) for the cow, and energy efficiency index (EEI) was computed as the ratio of MER to calf weaning weight. Pearson correlation coefficients were computed among performance traits. During late lactation and gestation, low (n = 8) and high (n = 8) EEI cows were individually fed ad libitum for 44 and 32 days, respectively, then fed 0.5× the estimated metabolisable energy required for maintenance for 7 days (gestation experiment only). Apparent nutrient digestibility, heat production, and milk yield were measured. Key results: EEI was strongly negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with model predicted peak milk (−0.62) and calf weaning weight (−0.65), but moderately correlated (P < 0.05) with cow live weight (0.46). Dry matter intake was not different (P > 0.75) between low and high EEI cows even though low EEI cows weighed less (P < 0.05) during late lactation and gestation experiments. Low EEI cows tended to have greater efficiency of metabolisable energy use for maintenance and gain (P < 0.10), and EEI was negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with the efficiency of metabolisable energy use for maintenance (−0.56) and gain (−0.57). Conclusion: The CVDSbc model identified cows that weaned heavier calves due to greater dry matter intake of cows relative to live weight allowing more energy apportioned towards lactation, and more efficient use of metabolisable energy for maintenance and gain. Implications: Energy efficiency index might provide a logical assessment of biological efficiency of beef cows in grazing production systems. Beef cows consume 70% of feed required for beef production and 70% of this feed is used just to maintain the breeding female. Measuring feed consumption in grazing beef cows is not accurate or practical. Modelling approaches can be used to identify cows that wean more weight of calf per unit of feed required allowing genetic selection of more efficient cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last years, the agricultural systems based on Crop-Livestock-Forestry integration have emerged as a potential solution due to its capacity to maximize land use and reduces the effects of high temperatures on the animals. Within these systems, there exist an interest in technological solutions capable of monitor the animals in real-time. From this monitoring, one of the main interest is to know if an animal is in the sun or in the shade of a tree by using some environmental measures. However, as there is a possibility that the weather is cloudy, real-time monitoring also needs to identify this case. That is, the realtime monitoring also needs to differentiate the shade of a tree from a cloudy weather. The interest in this kind of monitoring is due to the fact that an animal that remains a long time under a shade of a tree provides substantial insights to indicate if this is in thermal stress. This information can be used in decision-making with the goal to reduce the impact of the thermal stress and consequently to provide welfare to the animal and reduces the financial losses. As a solution to identify if an animal is in the sun or in the shade of a tree or if the weather is cloudy, we developed an electronic device, used to capture values of environmental variables, which integrated with a mathematical model predicts the shade state (sun, shade or cloudy) where the animal can be found. We illustrate the performance of the proposed solution in a real data set.