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Background. It is well-established that a range of macronutrients, micronutrients and bioactive compounds found in animal-source foods play unique and important roles in human health as part of a healthy diet. Methods. This narrative review focuses on terrestrial animal source foods (TASFs). It particularly analyzes five groups: poultry eggs, milk, unprocessed meat, foods from hunting and wildlife farming, and insects. The objectives were as follows: (1) examine the nutrient composition of TASFs within and across livestock species, drawing on the country and regional food composition databases; (2) analyze the influence of intrinsic animal characteristics and production practices on TASF nutritional quality. Results. TASFs are rich in high-quality proteins and fats, as well as micronutrients such as vitamin B12, iron or zinc. This study found differences in the nutritional quality of TASFs by livestock species and animal products, as well as by characteristics of livestock production systems. Our findings suggest that there may be public health opportunities by diversifying TASF consumption across species and improving certain aspects of the production systems to provide products that are both more sustainable and of higher quality. Conclusions. Future research should adopt a more holistic approach to examining the food matrix and the dietary patterns that influence TASF digestibility. It is necessary to include meat from hunting and wildlife farming and insects in global food composition databases, as limited literature was found. In addition, scarce research focuses on low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the need for further exploration of TASF food composition analysis and how intrinsic animal characteristics and livestock production system characteristics impact their nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, intensive pig husbandry has been subject to increasing public criticism, including a clear demand for more animal-friendly housing systems in many countries. However, such systems are associated with trade-offs at the expense of other sustainability domains, which challenges implementation and makes prioritization necessary. Overall, research is scarce that systematically analyses citizens' evaluation of different pig housing systems and associated trade-offs. Given the ongoing transformation process of future livestock systems that meet social demands, it is crucial to include public attitudes. We therefore assessed how citizens evaluate different pig housing systems and whether they are willing to compromise animal welfare in trade-off situations. We conducted an online survey with 1,038 German citizens using quota and split sampling in a picture-based survey design. Participants were asked to evaluate several housing systems with different animal welfare levels and associated trade-offs based on an either positive ('free-range' in split 1) or negative ('indoor housing with fully slatted floors' in split 2) reference system. Initial acceptability was highest for the 'free-range' system, followed by 'indoor housing with straw bedding and outdoor access', 'indoor housing with straw bedding', and 'indoor housing with fully slatted floors', with only the latter being clearly not acceptable for many. Overall acceptability was lower with a positive rather than a negative reference system. When confronted with several tradeoff situations, participants became uncertain and temporarily adjusted their evaluations. Thereby participants were most likely to trade off housing conditions against animal or human health rather than against climate protection or a lower product price. Nevertheless, a final evaluation demonstrated that participants did not fundamentally change their initial attitudes. Our findings provide evidence that citizens' desire for good housing conditions is relatively stable, but they are willing to compromise at the expense of animal welfare up to a moderate level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Simple Summary: The global demand for livestock products is increasing, and to meet this demand there is a need for more research efforts to increase livestock production. Despite varieties of simulation models developed and used in the beef production sector, an overview of available research is lacking. A systematic literature review was conducted to provide an overview of available beef production simulation modelling research and to describe simulation approaches used for livestock management. A growing research interest in simulating beef production systems was noted, with the main characteristics of the studies being biophysical and bioeconomic study types, deterministic and dynamic simulation approaches, whole-farm scenarios, and a focus area of productivity and economy. We recognized the need for improving the availability of information related to model validation techniques and type of software or programming languages used, which could facilitate the further research extension and/or adoption of simulation modelling studies in livestock management. Simulation models are used in various areas of agriculture to better understand the system and assist in decision making. In the beef production sector, a variety of simulation research focusing on various dimensions of the system is available. However, an overview of the available research is lacking. Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to provide an overview of simulation studies of beef production and create an understanding of the simulation approaches used. Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest Central research databases were used to search the relevant articles, with the last search conducted in June 2023. Studies that developed or used simulation strategies and used beef cattle as a primary focus of the study were included. The 105 studies included in this review were examined thoroughly to record the authors, year of publication, country of study, type of study, focus area of the study, simulated scenarios, validation methods, and software programs used. There has been growing research interest in simulating beef production systems worldwide, with most studies conducted in North America and Europe. Among these studies, the majority (84.76%, n = 89) are biophysical or bioeconomic study types and use deterministic approaches (n = 42). Additionally, most studies have a whole-farm scope (38.09%, n = 40) and focus on productivity (51.43%, n = 54). Since only less than half of the studies mentioned the validation techniques and software programs used, there is a need to improve the availability of this information to ensure that the models are adopted effectively in decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Spring-sown forage brassicas are commonly used to fill feed gaps in high-rainfall temperate livestock systems, but they have wider potential as an autumn-sown forage in drier environments within Australia's crop–livestock zone. Aims: We modelled the production potential of autumn-sown forage brassicas grown in diverse environments and tested their ability to alter the frequency and magnitude of feed gaps. Methods: Long-term production potential was simulated in APSIM for four forage brassica genotypes, compared with forage wheat and dual-purpose canola across 22 diverse agro-climatic locations. For seven regions, the change in frequency and magnitude of forage deficits from adding forage brassicas to representative forage–livestock systems was predicted. Key results: Across locations, median yields of forage brassicas ranged from 7 to 19 t DM/ha, and their annual metabolisable-energy yield was higher than that of forage wheat at most sites and nearly always exceeded dual-purpose canola. Forage brassicas performed better than forage wheat in later-sowing events (late April to early May) and maintained growth and quality later into spring. At five of the seven regions, adding 15% of farm forage area to forage brassicas reduced the frequency and magnitude of feed deficits by 35–50% and 20–40%, respectively. However, they were less beneficial where winter–spring feed gaps are uncommon. Conclusions: We demonstrated that autumn-sown forage brassicas can be reliable and productive contributors to the feed base in drier environments and are a suitable alternative to forage cereals. Implications: Forage brassicas can help reduce feed gaps and improve livestock production in a range of production systems spanning Australia's crop–livestock zone. Long-term simulation modelling showed that autumn-sown forage brassicas can serve as a reliable and valuable forage source in drier environments across Australia's crop–livestock zone. They have a long grazing window and stable production across a range of sowing dates and environments. Integrating forage brassicas into the existing feed base can reduce the frequency and magnitude of on-farm feed deficits in livestock production systems. They can also allow for a safe increase in stocking rates and reduce the need for supplementary feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the increasing demand of sustainable dairy and beef products of a more competitive international market, it is key to improve the reproductive efficiency of our local livestock systems. Bovine reproductive failure is usually linked to infectious causes. Nevertheless, they could be related with other non-infectious causes provoking infertility, abortion, and perinatal deaths in cattle. Therefore, a bibliographic revision was carried out as well as analyzing the information of local research groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UK Government has set an ambitious target of achieving a national "net-zero" greenhouse gas economy by 2050. Agriculture is arguably placed at the heart of achieving net zero, as it plays a unique role as both a producer of GHG emissions and a sector that has the capacity via land use to capture carbon (C) when managed appropriately, thus reducing the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. Agriculture's importance, particularly in a UK-specific perspective, which is also applicable to many other temperate climate nations globally, is that the majority of land use nationwide is allocated to farming. Here, we present a systematic review based on peer-reviewed literature and relevant "grey" reports to address the question "how can the agricultural sector in the UK reduce, or offset, its direct agricultural emissions at the farm level?" We considered the implications of mitigation measures in terms of food security and import reliance, energy, environmental degradation, and value for money. We identified 52 relevant studies covering major foods produced and consumed in the UK. Our findings indicate that many mitigation measures can indeed contribute to net zero through GHG emissions reduction, offsetting, and bioenergy production, pending their uptake by farmers. While the environmental impacts of mitigation measures were covered well within the reviewed literature, corresponding implications regarding energy, food security, and farmer attitudes towards adoption received scant attention. We also provide an open-access, informative, and comprehensive dataset for agri-environment stakeholders and policymakers to identify the most promising mitigation measures. This research is of critical value to researchers, land managers, and policymakers as an interim guideline resource while more quantitative evidence becomes available through the ongoing lab-, field-, and farm-scale trials which will improve the reliability of agricultural sustainability modelling in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integration of livestock farming practices with trees is neglected and poorly explored in the context of climate change (CC) in drylands. However, such knowledge is urgently needed to propose effective strategies in the livestock sector to cope with CC. This study is initiated to characterize the diversity of indigenous integrated livestock systems with trees in drylands of Benin through a survey including 140 smallholder farmers. Descriptive statistics were performed to socio-economic profile of livestock farmers and data were submitted to a multiple correspondence analysis with hierarchical ascending classification and four types of integrated livestock smallholder farmers have been highlighted. The first type is referred to "Traditional silvopastoral systems", consisting of farmers owning high tropical livestock unit (26 ± 0.59 TLU). They did not have land ownership and they exploited trees and shrubs in rangelands and protected areas. They used indigenous trees for treating sick animals and feeding. The second type is "Improved silvopastoral systems" with an average of 11 ± 0.21 TLU. They had a land ownership and combined livestock, forage plants and fodder trees in pasturelands. The third type, referred as "Small Integrated agrosilvopastoral systems" consisted of smallholder farmers who integrated agriculture, livestock and tree plantations. They owned a low livestock tropical unit (6 ± 0.24 TLU). The last type qualified as "Large Integrated agrosilvopastoral systems" owned an average of 18 ± 0.34 TLU and cultivated large areas of land. Leguminous trees are used to improve soil fertility and as animal feed. A probit model analysis results indicated that the adoption of trees on livestock farming were influenced by ecological region, membership of association, Land tenure, farm size and herd size. Based on these identified different agroforestry practices of livestock smallholder farmers in the drylands, indigenous community-based adaptation can be designed to face CC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algeria, the camel is one of the greatest riches and resources reservoir of the Saharan territory. Compared to other farm animals, this species was relegated to the background, despite a past that testifies to a preponderant role in a hostile environment. Due to its legendary sobriety, it is the emblematic animal of the merchant caravan and renowned for its versatility. It appears as an excellent means of locomotion, saddle, with interesting traction capacities in addition to being endowed with remarkable strength for ploughing and the use of noria or delou. Today, the increase in numbers has been accompanied by changes in production systems, while the notable increase in the demand for camel products revealed by the socio-economic changes in nomadic communities, in terms of education and health, have contributed to modifying animal husbandry practices. Indeed, the emergence of new specialized camel systems has disrupted the habits that are now reflected into an increased interest in both the systems adopted and the products related to them. The future of the dromedary would be projected according to a dimension of renewal, the camel sector, local products and camel services are as many assets to consider. It is in this perspective that the present contribution, as a synthesis, attempts to highlight camel breeding in the Algerian Sahara. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulation models are used in various areas of agriculture to better understand the system and assist in decision making. In the beef production sector, a variety of simulation research focusing on various dimensions of the system is available. However, an overview of the available research is lacking. Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to provide an overview of simulation studies of beef production and create an understanding of the simulation approaches used. Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest Central research databases were used to search the relevant articles, with the last search conducted in June 2023. Studies that developed or used simulation strategies and used beef cattle as a primary focus of the study were included. The 105 studies included in this review were examined thoroughly to record the authors, year of publication, country of study, type of study, focus area of the study, simulated scenarios, validation methods, and software programs used. There has been growing research interest in simulating beef production systems worldwide, with most studies conducted in North America and Europe. Among these studies, the majority (84.76%, n = 89) are biophysical or bioeconomic study types and use deterministic approaches (n = 42). Additionally, most studies have a whole-farm scope (38.09%, n = 40) and focus on productivity (51.43%, n = 54). Since only less than half of the studies mentioned the validation techniques and software programs used, there is a need to improve the availability of this information to ensure that the models are adopted effectively in decision making.

Aim. To evaluate the effect of supplementation with distillers dried grains (DDGS) on in situ ruminal fermentation parameters by cattle grazing on forage sorghum. Materials and methods: Four Hereford heifers (793 ± 73 kg live weight) using a ruminal cannula, grazing on forage sorghum, with day-in enclosure and artificial shade, were part of a randomized crossover design study with two treatments: without supplementation (WOS) and with supplementation (WS), fed on DDGS. The experimental design comprised two 14-day periods (10 days for diet transition, and 4 days for measurements). Results: Supplementation did not affect DM consumption (P > 0.05), though it increased total consumption (P < 0.05). The WS treatment caused lower ruminal pH (6.17 vs. 6.55; (P < 0.05), and greater N_NH4 concentration (P < 0.05). The effective degradability of DM was 51.25%, the same as the other treatment (P > 0.05), whereas the effective NDF was lower in the WS treatment (P < 0.05). DM digestibility in WS was lower (65.75 vs. 60.75%), whereas NDF digestibility was 68.50 vs. 62.50%. Conclusion: DDGS supplementation decreased ruminal pH and raised N_NH4 concentrations, reducing the fiber's effective degradability of DM and NDF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve national and global air quality and climate change objectives, the agricultural sector increasingly requires dependable decision support tools for gaseous emissions at the farm level. We evaluated thirteen greenhouse gas (GHG)-based decision support systems (DSS), considering criteria such as not only the accessibility, user-friendliness, stakeholder involvement, sustainability methodology, and modeling aspects, but also the input parameters and outputs provided, all crucial for decision making. While most DSSs provide information for facilitating their use, only four are suitable for inexperienced users, and stakeholder participation in DSS development is infrequent. The dominant methodology for farm-level GHG estimation is IPCC 2006, with quantitative models primarily used for indicators' assessment. Scenario and contribution analyses are the prevailing decision support approaches. Soil, crop, and fertilizer types are the most implemented non-livestock-related inputs, while climate- and feed-related costs are the least required. All DSSs assess farm-level mitigation measures, but less than half offer sustainability consultation. These tools promote environmental sustainability by evaluating mitigation strategies, disseminating farm sustainability information, and guiding sustainable farm management. Yet, challenges such as disparate estimation methods, result variations, comparison difficulties, usability concerns, steep learning curves, the lack of automation, the necessity for multiple tools, the limited integration of the results, and changing regulations hinder their wider adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agri-food systems approaches have gained international recognition over the last years. The role of livestock—both in mixed crop-livestock and pastoral systems—in sustainable agri-food systems transformation remains contested. In this review paper we present new analyses of original data from an international livestock expert survey, a quantitative search in Web of Science, and a literature review to unravel the potential for livestock systems to sustainably transform agri-food systems through regenerating soils and restoring degraded landscapes. We (i) illustrate how livestock is important for people and planet alike; (ii) review how to harness livestock's potential for rehabilitation of soils and landscapes; (iii) demonstrate successful case studies of livestock solutions such as improved forages for cut-and-carry systems and grazing management; and (iv) identify four critical steps required for lasting change at continental scale. We conclude that livestock solutions can be key catalysts for sustainable agri-food systems transformation that merit accelerated public and private investments. More research is needed to develop concrete, operational and practical livestock solutions, and measure, monitor and report their contributions and progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock production is confronted with significant challenges across all dimensions of sustainability. There is an urgent need to identify sustainable livestock systems that are environmentally friendly, economically viable for farmers, and socially acceptable. To this end, diversity assessments and data-driven indicator-based sustainability assessments can be helpful tools. These two mutually reinforcing approaches each have their own dilemmas and strengths; however, their combination is not straightforward. In this paper, we propose a method that simultaneously assesses the diversity and sustainability of production systems within one agricultural sector, without compromising either aspect, while overcoming the dilemmas of diversity and sustainability assessments. We test our method on the Walloon dairy and beef sectors (Belgium) and base our assessment on data from the European Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN). We apply relevant classification criteria to the sample farms to group them into production systems. The core data was complemented with calculated environmental indicators to perform a comprehensive sustainability assessment, including structural, socio-economic, and environmental indicators. Our results confirm the importance of complementing sustainability assessments with diversity assessments. Our case study results show that a diversity of livestock systems coexist and that it is possible to overcome trade-offs between economic and environmental performances. Extensive grass-based systems present the best combination of economic and environmental results, which highlights the importance of preserving grassland resources at the regional level. The proposed method proves effective to improve the relevance of FADN data and supports the ongoing call to transform the FADN into a more comprehensive database that satisfactorily covers all dimensions of sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The increase in the number of sheep in herds is accompanied many times by bad practices, which lead to nutritional deficiencies, rises in parasitism and loss of homeostasis. Therefore, gastrointestinal parasites from sheep were characterized from four municipalities of the state of Campeche. Design/methodology/approach: The number of sheep studied was 243, evaluating the body weight, body condition, coloring of the eye mucosae, age, eggs per grams of feces, and family of parasites. The data were analyzed through an ANOVA and Tukey's means test (P=0.05), as well as Spearman's correlation analysis using the statistical package Statistica 7. Results: Five parasite families were found (Trichostrongyloidae, Strongyloidae, Trichuridae, Eimeriidae and Anoplocephalidae). In the production systems of the municipality of Calakmul the five families of parasites were found, with a parasite load of 3,571 hpg. The family Trichostrongyloidae presented the highest frequency in the municipalities of Champotón and Calakmul with 52 and 75%, respectively. The animals with best body condition, FAMACHA© and lowest parasite load were observed in Hecelchakán. Limitations on study/implications: It is suggested to carry out a study of anthelmintic resistance, to establish a management of prevention and control of gastrointestinal parasites. Findings/conclusions: The frequency of gastrointestinal parasites is influenced by the management and the municipality of origin within the sheep production systems in the state of Campeche. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) extends beyond the farm-level to other stakeholders warranting the need for a collaborative approach to combat AMR while optimising production objectives and safeguarding human health. This study maps out the effect of AMR originating from poultry production in Senegal and highlights the entry points for interventions from stakeholders’ perspectives. A causal loop diagram (CLD) was developed following a group model building procedure with 20 stakeholders and integrated with network analysis by translating the CLD into an unweighted directed network. Results indicate that with an eigenvector centrality of 1, 0.85, and 0.74, the production cost, on-farm profit, and on-farm productivity, respectively are the most ranked influential variables driving the complexity of AMR in the poultry production system. Two reinforcing feedback loops highlight the dual benefits of improving on-farm productivity and increasing on-farm profit. However, one balancing feedback loop that revolves around the causal link between producers’ investment in qualified human resource personnel to ensure good farm management practices underline the financial implication of producers’ investment decisions. The findings provide precursory groundings for the development of a quantitative SD model, the formulation of intervention scenarios and ex-ante impact assessment of the cost-effectiveness of the interventions.

Methane from livestock is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Annex I countries’ National Inventories report emissions from cattle as enteric or from manure management at ratios of between 3:1 and 9:1 depending on country and cattle type. Field research generally supports the inventories’ assumptions about enteric emissions, but these ratios have focused interest on enteric emissions and diverted attention away from those from manure management. Official calculations about manure management emissions factors are more varied than those for enteric emissions and evidence from field measurements suggests inventories may be underestimating manure management emissions especially in the dairy sector. This paper has three objectives. First, it reviews the science underpinning the international framework for estimating methane emissions from manure management. Second, it presents data from two dairy farms in south-west England where measured emissions of methane from slurry storage facilities are found to be four to five times greater than the assumptions in the UK’s inventory. If these measurements were representative of the UK, the implication is that total methane emissions from the UK dairy herd would be over 40% greater than the level reported to the UNFCCC and the proportion of total methane emissions from dairy cows arising from manure management would be almost a half rather than less than a quarter. Finally, the paper assesses the potential value if methane were captured from slurry storage facilities. Its value as a biogas is estimated to be £500 million per year for the UK dairy industry (at forecourt diesel prices). The paper concludes that the scale of emissions and the potential economic value of lost biogas are sufficient to warrant urgent research and action to reduce emissions from manure management with the beneficial prospect that a valuable new income stream for farm businesses could also be realised.

Animal production intensification puts pressure on resources, leads to environmental impacts, animal welfare and biodiversity issues. Livestock products provide key components of the human diet and contribute to rural territories through ecosystem services such as nutrient and biomass recycling. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is key to assess environmental impacts in livestock systems and products. A harmonization of LCA methods is necessary to improve evaluations in these areas as LCA still lacks accuracy and robustness in addressing sustainability across livestock systems and products. Here, a participatory harmonization approach was applied to provide a framework to evaluate LCAs of current and future livestock systems. A total of 29 workshops with targeted discussions among 21 LCA experts were organised, together with two anonymous surveys to harmonise evaluation criteria. First, key research topics for improving LCAs of livestock systems were identified as follows: i) Food, feed, fuel and biomaterial competition, crop-livestock interaction and the circular economy; ii) Biodiversity; iii) Animal welfare; iv) Nutrition; v) GHG emissions. Next, general evaluation criteria were identified for livestock focussed LCA methods, considering livestock systems characteristics: Transparency and Reproducibility, Completeness, Fairness and Acceptance, Robustness and Accuracy. Evaluation criteria specific to each key topic were also identified. This participatory method was successful in narrowing down general and specific evaluation criteria through targeted discussion. Moreover, this study provided a holistic participatory framework for the evaluation of LCA methods addressing the impacts of livestock systems across a range of key topics which can be further used for other sectors.

In Algeria, the camel is one of the greatest riches and resource reservoirs of the Saharan territory. Compared to other farm animals, this species was relegated to the background, despite a past that testifies to a preponderant role in a hostile environment. Due to its legendary sobriety, it is the emblematic animal of the merchant caravan and is renowned for its versatility. It appears as an excellent means of locomotion, saddle, with interesting traction capacities in addition to being endowed with remarkable strength for plowing and the use of noria or delou. Today, the increase in numbers has been accompanied by changes in production systems, while the notable increase in the demand for camel products revealed by the socio-economic changes in nomadic communities, in terms of education and health, has contributed to modifying animal husbandry practices. Indeed, the emergence of new specialized camel systems has disrupted the habits that are now reflected in an increased interest in both the systems adopted and the products related to them. The future of the dromedary would be projected according to dimensions of renewal; the camel sector, local products, and camel services are many assets to consider. It is in this perspective that the present contribution, as a synthesis, attempts to highlight camel breeding in the Algerian Northern Sahara. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last three decades, agent-based modeling/model (ABM) has been one of the most powerful and valuable simulation-based decision modeling techniques used to study the complex dynamic interactions between animals and their environment. ABM is a relatively new modeling technique in the animal research arena, with immense potential for routine decision-making in livestock systems. We describe ABM’s fundamental characteristics for developing intelligent modeling systems, exemplify its use for livestock production, and describe commonly used software for designing and developing ABM. After that, we discuss several aspects of the developmental mechanics of an ABM, including (1) how livestock researchers can conceptualize and design a model, (2) the main components of an ABM, (3) different statistical methods of analyzing the outputs, and (4) verification, validation, and replication of an ABM. Then, we perform an overall analysis of the utilities of ABM in different subsystems of the livestock systems ranging from epidemiological prediction to nutritional management to livestock market dynamics. Finally, we discuss the concept of hybrid intelligent models (i.e., merging real-time data streams with intelligent ABM), which have applications in artificial intelligence-based decision-making for precision livestock farming. ABM captures individual agents’ characteristics, interactions, and the emergent properties that arise from these interactions; thus, animal scientists can benefit from ABM in multiple ways, including understanding system-level outcomes, analyzing agent behaviors, exploring different scenarios, and evaluating policy interventions. Several platforms for building ABM exist (e.g., NetLogo, Repast J, and AnyLogic), but they have unique features making one more suitable for solving specific problems. The strengths of ABM can be combined with other modeling approaches, including artificial intelligence, allowing researchers to advance our understanding further and contribute to sustainable livestock management practices. There are many ways to develop and apply mathematical models in livestock production that might assist with sustainable development. However, users must be experienced when choosing the appropriate modeling technique and computer platform (i.e., modeling development tool) that will facilitate the adoption of mathematical models by certifying that the model is field-ready and versatile enough for untrained users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to typify the rabbit production systems in Ciego de Avila municipality, Cuba, quantitative and qualitative information of 49 rabbit farms were obtained. The Statistical Model of Impact Measuring was applied with the quantitative variables, which combine the factors analysis by the main components method with the hierarchical cluster, to typify the cases. The frequencies per typologies for qualitative variables were obtained. The rabbit production systems were typified into five groups: I) small farmers with land, younger, apply more mating (14.3 %) pardos. II) small farmers with land and older (42.9 %), III) small farmers without land, late weaning (12.5%), IV) medium farmers with land and semi-intensive reproductive management with low efficiency (28.6%) and V) technical system, with semi-intensive reproductive management with low efficiency (2.0%). In the farmers, the Cuban Brown race, Chinchilla and different crosses predominate. The feeding system in general was based on forage resources, supplementation and little use of protein plants, except Tithonia diversifolia in groups I, III and V. Regardless of the productive scales, technological alternatives that guarantee greater productive and reproductive efficiency are not applied in the feeding system. This study shows that these typologies should be considered to implement an agricultural extension system that contributes to the training of farmers and the management and application of sustainable technological alternatives with the use of endogenous resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to identify the impacts of climate change on livestock rents in Mexico. Data from 28 337 livestock production units are used to estimate a Ricardian model and to simulate the effects of climate change on net income per head. The main results suggest that climate change would likely reduce net income by between -13.42 and -16.87% in 2041-2060 and between -14.42 and -33.83% in 2081-2100. Furthermore, small and less diversified producers seem to be the most vulnerable to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land intensive grass-based dairy systems have the highest contribution to food security but may have a higher impact on the environment. The aim of this study was to classify dairy farms in terms of sustainable contribution to food security and analyze the farm characteristics related to these performances. To this end, we performed a sustainability assessment by calculating 17 indicators using FADN data of 209 Walloon (Belgium) dairy farms. Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process, 25 stakeholders of the Walloon milk upstream sector defined preference weights for the indicators. Farms were ranked using ELECTRE III using the mean weights for the dairy sector and grouped in four sustainability groups. A canonical discriminant analysis was performed on farm characteristics. Farm characteristics that negatively impact sustainability are the use of maize silage, the use of concentrates and the CP-content of these concentrates, the farm size, and the number of female followers per cow. The farm characteristic that positively impacts sustainability is the grassland yield. Milk production per cow, age at first calving, and calving interval have a negligible effect on sustainability. These results suggest that feed conversion efficiency is not a main driver of sustainability but rather that specific production means and practices play a more significant role in determining sustainability. Consequently, we argue that the search for efficiency that has been promoted to increase the sustainability of food systems should be placed in a systemic perspective in order to avoid trade-offs with other aspects and that, in general, an increase in efficiency is positively linked with sustainability when achieved through knowledge and technicity rather than by the addition of external inputs. [Display omitted] • Maize silage has the greatest negative impact on dairy farms' sustainability. • Grassland yield has the greatest positive impact on dairy farms' sustainability. • Milk production per cow has no impact on dairy farms' sustainability. • Feed conversion efficiency is not a main driver of sustainability. • But the specific production means and practices at play are [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionToday, agriculture and livestock farming are facing environmental, social and health challenges. The agroecological transition is a possible response to these challenges. It requires changes in practices but also an evolution in farmers' ways of thinking and relationships with living things. Some diagnostics of farms, such as the global analysis of farms, behaviors and practices.MethodsWe therefore propose a holistic approach combining a global analysis of farms and a pragmatic approach to understand the functioning of agricultural production systems. This pragmatic turn enables to integrate the ways in which the farmer's reality is established, the performance of the system, the associated metrics and the farmer's relationship with life.Results and discussionUsing the example of a farm in transition, we show that it is the combination researcher's stance and allows for a renewed dialogue between research and farmers in the field.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a substantial global One Health problem. This paper reports on initial, proof-of-concept development of an agent-based model (ABM) as part of wider modelling efforts to support collaborations between groups interested in policy development for animal health and food systems. The model simulates AMR in poultry production in Senegal. It simultaneously addresses current policy issues, builds on existing modelling in the domain and describes AMR in the broiler chicken production cycle as seen by producers and veterinarians. This enables implementation and assessment of producer antimicrobial use and infection prevention and control strategies in terms of immediate economic incentives, potentially helping to advance conversations by addressing national policy priorities. Our model is presented as a flexible tool with promise for extension as part of AMR policy development in Senegal and West Africa, using participatory approaches. This work indicates that ABM can potentially play a useful role in fostering counter-AMR initiatives driven by food system actor behaviour in lower- and middle-income countries more generally.

This research is oriented towards determining the size and energy potential of a system of biodigesters installed in six livestock production systems, which are in the provinces of Sumapaz and Ubaté, in Cundinamarca Department, Colombia. Thus, the existing animal species in the scenario are determined, since they will contribute organic waste to the biodigester; the number of animals is also determined, considering the herd movement, which would make it possible to determine the biomass generated daily with the purpose of establishing the sizing of the appropriate biodigester technology and to know the behavior of the energy parameters. Among the main results obtained, it was evidenced that the biomass generated daily was not considered for the dimensioning and establishment of the polyethylene tubular biodigesters. In addition, the biodigesters installed in the production systems at La Meseta and El Tibar are oversized by 4,8 and 1,6 times, respectively; aspect that evidences the need to increase the daily biomass generated, which is achievable by increasing of animals in the herd. The biodigesters installed in the production systems at Santa Bárbara, El Mirador, La Saucita and La Esperanza, demonstrate an under-sizing, with inferiority values of 2,9; 1,97; 1,49; 2,04 times. These results indicate that, in these scenarios, the total number of animals used for biomass production is greater than that required with respect to the installed biodigester or that the installed biodigesters cannot take advantage of the biomass generated daily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical montane cloud forest (TMCF) has been reduced to riparian vegetation remnants, and small patches surrounded by different land uses and human settlements. In agricultural and highly disturbed TMCF landscapes, the conservation of species diversity depends partially on management decisions made by landowners. This study compared the influence of 15 different ranching management practices (biodiversity-friendly or unfriendly) on the species and functional diversity of dung beetles associated with TMCF in a Mexican mountainous tropical landscape. Cattle pastures were divided into six groups (G) based on management practices friendly or unfriendly to dung beetle diversity. The most common biodiversity-friendly practices were livestock intensification (animal rotation and stocking) for grass recovery, (ii) organic fertilizer use, and (iii) the presence of shade trees. In contrast, agrochemical use, percentage of grass surface coverage, use of external food supplements, and the amount of disturbance were considered to be unfriendly biodiversity practices. G1 was a technified ranch experiencing frequent use of agrochemicals, had disturbed conditions with more than 40% of grass surface coverage, and used more practices unfriendly to biodiversity. In contrast, G4 had more than 50% biodiversity-friendly practices and pasture group G6 was characterized by low animal loading, total grass surface coverage and technification. In these pastures, ranchers did not use herbicides and used local resources as food supplements. A total of 2218 beetles belonging to 19 species were captured. G2 pastures had higher species diversity, while G1 pastures had the lowest. G6 pastures had the highest diversity of large, medium and coprophagous beetles, whereas G1 pastures showed the lowest. Agrochemical applications and pasture disturbance were the key results from management decisions influencing dung beetle diversity. Implications for insect conservation: Animal rotations, tree presence in grazing areas, and organic fertilizer applications were the most influential management decisions for improving conservation of dung beetles in the Mexican TMCF landscape studied. These practices should be favored by management strategies. Cattle pastures with higher frequencies of agrochemical applications and degree of disturbance showed the lowest dung beetles species diversity, and diversity of large and coprophagous species, likely implying greater negative effects on ecosystem functions and services. As such, these practices should be diminished. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to evaluate and compare the yield performance and quality of Tithonia diversifolia forage under different harvesting heights, during the dry and rainy seasons in tropical Mexico. The treatments consisted of three harvest heights 40, 60 and 80 cm from the ground level, cut every 60 days, during two seasons of the year. In each period, the biomass was harvested and separated into edible and non-edible components. We determined the biomass yield, and the concentration of crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), lignin, ash and organic matter (OM) of the forage. Cutting at 80 cm height yielded the highest forage biomass per harvest (2 008 kg DM ha−1) while there were no significant differences in forage yield between 40 and 60 cm heights. The differences in cutting heights also affected the nutrient quality of the animal edible forage because the concentrations of CP, ADF and NDF varied significantly. There was a significant interaction between cutting heights and the season on forage production and quality. In the dry season, the content of NDF, FDA, lignin and ash were higher, while the PC and OM were lower. The use of T. diversifolia as a forage plant and cutting it to a height of 80 cm is recommended to maintain the best production and the quality of the forage throughout the year for livestock production.

Digital technology is being introduced to global agriculture in a wide variety of forms that are collectively known as digital agriculture. In this paper we provide opportunities and value propositions of how this is occurring in livestock production systems, with a consistent emphasis on technology relating to animal health, animal welfare, and product quality for value creation. This is achieved by organizing individual accounts of digital agriculture in livestock systems according to four broad types—commodity-based; value seeking; subsistence and nature-based. Each type presents contrasting modes of value creation in downstream processing; as well as from the perspective of One Health. The ideal result of digital technology adoption is an equitable and substantial diversification of supply chains, increased monetization of animal product quality, and more sensitive management to meet customer demands and environmental threats. Such changes have a significance beyond the immediate value generated because they indicate endogenous growth in livestock systems, and may concern externalities imposed by the pursuit of purely commercial ends.

Having played important roles in human growth and development, livestock animals are regarded as integral parts of society. However, industrialization has depleted natural resources and exacerbated climate change worldwide, spurring the emergence of various diseases that reduce livestock productivity. Meanwhile, a growing human population demands sufficient food to meet their needs, necessitating innovations in veterinary sciences that increase productivity both quantitatively and qualitatively. We have been able to address various challenges facing veterinary and farm systems with new scientific and technological advances, which might open new opportunities for research. Recent breakthroughs in multi-omics platforms have produced a wealth of genetic and genomic data for livestock that must be converted into knowledge for breeding, disease prevention and management, productivity, and sustainability. Vetinformatics is regarded as a new bioinformatics research concept or approach that is revolutionizing the field of veterinary science. It employs an interdisciplinary approach to understand the complex molecular mechanisms of animal systems in order to expedite veterinary research, ensuring food and nutritional security. This review article highlights the background, recent advances, challenges, opportunities, and application of vetinformatics for quality veterinary services.

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Global warming has created tipping points across various ecosystems, but few studies have focused on the livestock systems. The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) has been warming at a rate two to three times greater than the global average, potentially leading to a transition from historically prevalent livestock cold stress to heat stress. This study aims to estimate the cold and heat stress exposure of livestock systems on the QTP under climate change, and identify the adaptation tipping points and disproportionate changes of livestock predominant cold-to-heat stress exposure. Livestock cold and heat stress were evaluated based on seasonal distribution and specific thresholds. The Moving- t- test and non-linear analyses were used to identify adaptation tipping points and examine disproportionate changes between the increase in heat stress and the decrease in cold stress. The adaptation tipping points of cold-to-heat stress transition for cattle have already arrived, while that for sheep would also come within this century if warming is not limited to 2 °C. As climate warming becomes more severe, the increased heat stress exposure is greater than decreased cold stress exposure, and the positive disproportionality is increasing with the rise of temperature. This study not only sheds light on the underexplored realm of tipping points within the livestock systems but also offers crucial insights into livestock adapting to the changing dynamics of cold and heat stress on the QTP in the context of global warming. [Display omitted] • Using local thresholds, our study predicts earlier, greater heat stress for Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau than global estimates. • Adaptation tipping points for cattle cold-to-heat stress have arrived; for sheep, they could be avoided if 2 °C warming is achieved. • With global warming, increased heat stress surpasses decreased cold stress, and this disproportionality grows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This position paper summarizes the current understanding of biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) to identify research needs for accelerating the development of BNI as a N2O mitigation strategy for grazed livestock systems. We propose that the initial research focus should be on the systematic screening of agronomically desirable plants for their BNI potency and N2O reduction potential. This requires the development of in situ screening methods that can be combined with reliable N2O emission measurements and microbial and metabolomic analyses to confirm the selective inhibition of nitrification. As BNI-induced reductions in N2O emissions can occur by directly inhibiting nitrification, or via indirect effects on other N transformations, it is also important to measure gross N transformation rates to disentangle these direct and indirect effects. However, an equally important challenge will be to discern the apparent influence of soil N fertility status on the release of BNIs, particularly for more intensively managed grazing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a characterization of the industrial chicken production systems in the department of Santander, Colombia. 79 poultry farms located in 4 provinces were analyzed and it was found that there is variation in the adoption of technologies, with soft technologies being the most frequent. The department of Santander has a low technological adoption index in the poultry sector, which suggests the need to evaluate its effect on productive results. [Extracted from the article]

In the study that is presented, a comprehensive diagnosis is carried out on the use of available water in livestock agroecosystems linked to the Project Environmental Bases for Local Food Sustainability (BASAL) of Jimaguayú Municipality, Camagüey Province and its possibilities of responding to the potential needs of the agricultural sector. As a result, it was found that the availability of groundwater is limited to flows below 3 L/s in most of the wells. In addition, it was determined that there are 4 dams and 25 micro dams in the municipality belonging to the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAG), which, however, cannot be used because they are distant from the study area. The available forecasts on the climate behavior in the studied area indicate that drought conditions must increase, due to which, in order to supply the water requirements of irrigation activities and of livestock, it will be necessary to apply measures for increasing water use efficiency. A plan of measures was drawn up that includes the installation of 10 sprinkler irrigation systems, the drilling of 18 wells, the colocation of 8 windmills, the repairing of 12 tanks and hydraulic installations and the maintenance of 16 reservoirs. The actions to be applied were specified through the Irrigation Advisory Service (IAS) to increase the efficiency in the use of available water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The predisposition of ruminants to indigestible foreign materials is becoming a major global concern in livestock systems in developing countries making gastrointestinal tract impactions severe veterinary emergencies. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and types of indigestible foreign material impactions in small ruminants in Gombe state, Nigeria. METHODS: A total of 940 goats and 790 sheep were selected through a systematic random sampling technique and antemortem examinations were completed before slaughter at major abattoirs in Gombe state. The gender, age, and body condition score (BCS) of animals were recorded. Post-mortem examination of the rumen and reticulum was performed and foreign materials in the abdominal cavity were removed, identified, and recorded. RESULTS: Out of 1730 examined small ruminants, 1167 (67.46%) were found to have various types of indigestible foreign materials in their gastrointestinal tracts. The frequency was significantly (χ2=58.047, P<0.0001) higher in goats (38%) than sheep (23.7%). Prevalence rates of 13.6%, 12.9%, 12.1%, 11.8%, and 11.4% were recorded in Gombe, Yamaltu Deba, Akko, Funakaye, and Kwami Local Government Areas, respectively. Prevalence was found to be significantly (P<0.0001; χ2=732.87; OR=47.009) higher in adult (59.6%) than young (2.1%) cases, significantly (P<0.0001; χ2=637.61; OR=31.145) higher in females (42.5%) than males (19.2%), higher in goats (χ2=177.03, P<0.0001) and sheep (χ2=191.39, P<0.0001) with poor BCS than those with medium and good BCS. Significantly higher proportions of indigestible foreign materials were recovered in the rumen of goats and sheep, compared to the reticulum. Plastic was the most commonly encountered indigestible foreign material in goats and sheep, followed by seed/nuts, ropes, and clothes. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study revealed a prevalence of 67.46% for indigestible foreign materials in goats and sheep. Predisposing factors to indigestible foreign materials in ruminants in the study area included the lack of adequate plastic waste disposal system and management system, as well as the free grazing of livestock. Therefore, it was recommended that collaborative intervention schemes involving governmental agencies and livestock farmers be incorporated to increase public awareness about the proper disposal of domestic waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Algeria, the camel is one of the greatest riches and resource reservoirs of the Saharan territory. Compared to other farm animals, this species was relegated to the background, despite a past that testifies to a preponderant role in a hostile environment. Due to its legendary sobriety, it is the emblematic animal of the merchant caravan and is renowned for its versatility. It appears as an excellent means of locomotion, saddle, with interesting traction capacities in addition to being endowed with remarkable strength for plowing and the use of noria or delou. Today, the increase in numbers has been accompanied by changes in production systems, while the notable increase in the demand for camel products revealed by the socio-economic changes in nomadic communities, in terms of education and health, has contributed to modifying animal husbandry practices. Indeed, the emergence of new specialized camel systems has disrupted the habits that are now reflected in an increased interest in both the systems adopted and the products related to them. The future of the dromedary would be projected according to dimensions of renewal; the camel sector, local products, and camel services are many assets to consider. It is in this perspective that the present contribution, as a synthesis, attempts to highlight camel breeding in the Algerian Northern Sahara.

The information of how the high climatic variability in the south‐west Buenos Aires Province (SWBS) region, Argentina, impacts on existing cow–calf operations is needed. This research uses a combination of quantitative (modelling) and qualitative (workshops) methodologies. The objective was to assess, under interannual climate variability, the productive and economic performance and greenhouse gas emissions and the marginal value of additional feed of four cow–calf systems arranged as a potential farm innovation path in the SWBS, Argentina. Modelling results showed that along this technological path where forage crops are decreased, perennial pastures are increased and anticipated weaning is included, productive and economic outcomes increased and the emission intensity decreased. How extra feeds may be used to cope with seasonal and interannual feeding was also identified. Moreover, barriers to adopt the suggested farm innovation path were identified by farmers, consultants and extensionists and strategies and their implication discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water as a limited and renewable natural resource requires planning to guarantee its preservation in harmony with sustainable economic and social development. The shortages of water for its use in agriculture make necessary to introduce technologies that promote efficient use of water. This work aims to qualitatively evaluate in cattle farms of the municipality of Jimaguayú, which participate in the Environmental Bases for Local Food Security (BASAL) project, the process of adopting technologies that favor the efficient use of water resources and allow mitigating the effects of climate change. A survey of the technologies introduced was carried out, their level of adoption was evaluated through a qualitative evaluation among the farmers involved, assessing the obstacles to their generalization. In relation to the water supply to the animals, the results indicated that the producers recognize the importance of the use of windmills, however, there is no tradition regarding the use of rainwater. Regarding the irrigation of pastures and forages, it is not a practice to which attention has been paid in the municipality, despite this the producers recognize the importance of the use of irrigation systems to enhance the production of animal feed. It was concluded that the technologies introduced allow efficient use of water resources and that, although there are difficulties in their adoption, producers consider the economic and environmental benefits they represent to be important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon control involves more than just reducing carbon dioxide (CO 2). Since the industrial revolution, approximately 35% of greenhouse gas (GHG) radiation has been from non-CO 2 emissions. In this study, an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change coefficient method was used to calculate the agricultural non-CO 2 GHG emissions in the farming-pastoral ecotone of Northern China. The study clarified the spatial and temporal evolution of non-CO 2 GHG emissions in crop systems and livestock systems. The results showed that the total agricultural non-CO 2 GHG emissions in the northern farming-pastoral ecotone from 2001 to 2021 were between 211.55× 104 t and 307.02 × 104 t, but the increase in the last decade was lower than that in the previous decade. Livestock and crop systems showed a trend of low emissions in the central region and high emissions in the northeast and southwest. The contribution of methane (CH 4) to agricultural GHG emissions was greater than that of nitrous oxide (N 2 O), and the ratio of non-CO 2 GHGs produced by livestock and crop systems was approximately 3:1. In livestock systems, the highest proportion of CH 4 was produced by intestinal fermentation, accounting for 80%. In crop systems, N 2 O emissions from planting corn and the leaching of fertilizer and nitrogen contributed the most, accounting for 30%, 23% and 24%, respectively. The provinces of Shaanxi and Ningxia urgently need to find the cause of emissions and act to curb their further growth. • Spatiotemporal patterns are examined for crop and livestock non-CO 2 GHG emissions. • The ratio of emissions between livestock and crop systems is 3:1. • 80% of the total emissions in the livestock system come from intestinal fermentation. • Mitigation policies should focus on high emission region and emerging sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed understanding of herd types is needed for animal disease control and surveillance activities, to inform epidemiological study design and interpretation, and to guide effective policy decision-making. In this paper, we present a new approach to classify herd types in livestock systems by combining expert knowledge and a machine-learning algorithm called self-organising-maps (SOMs). This approach is applied to the cattle sector in Ireland, where a detailed understanding of herd types can assist with on-going discussions on control and surveillance for endemic cattle diseases. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the SOM algorithm has been used to differentiate livestock systems. In compliance with European Union (EU) requirements, relevant data in the Irish livestock register includes the birth, movements and disposal of each individual bovine, and also the sex and breed of each bovine and its dam. In total, 17 herd types were identified in Ireland using 9 variables. We provide a data-driven classification tree using decisions derived from the Irish livestock registration data. Because of the visual capabilities of the SOM algorithm, the interpretation of results is relatively straightforward and we believe our approach, with adaptation, can be used to classify herd type in any other livestock system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the functions of ecosystemic services in animal husbandry systems for sustainable food production in Cuba. Materials and Methods: The current situation of ecosystemic services as components of animal husbandry systems was analyzed, with priority given to the provisioning ones, such as the soil, species biodiversity, animal genetic resources, water and energy. Results: In any food production system, the systemic approach and appraisal about the protection of ecosystemic services is crucial, because they constitute the motor force for environment protection and human welfare. Although all the ecosystemic services participate in an important way, the conservation of soil, water and biodiversity is essential because they are the basis of the pyramid that supports all the ecosystemic resources. There is innovative evidence in agricultural production systems on agroecological bases that supports the need to change the way of thinking, inhabiting and moving towards reconversion of conventional systems. Conclusions: Ecosystemic services are focused from an integrating vision, and it is agroecological management the one that allows the understanding of their benefits. Agroecology is based on the protection of natural resources and considers the multidimensionality of systems and interactions, including the human factor and local knowledge, elements that make food security viable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]