A balanced perspective on the importance of extensive ruminant production for human nutrition and livelihoods and its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions

There is a general perception that ruminants produce large quantities of greenhouse gases (GHG) which contribute to global warming. Ruminant production is also known as the world’s largest user of land, and southern Africa is no exception. Recent estimates indicate that livestock are responsible for approximately 4% of the world’s GHG emissions through methane production, compared with an initial estimate of 18% by the FAO. Estimates indicate that the total GHG emissions directly related to livestock production in southern Africa did not increase over a period of 20 years, whereas the intensity of livestock–production-related GHG emissions (per kg animal product) was reduced by 40%. This may be the result of increased livestock productivity and breed selection. For instance, increases in the productivity of four indigenous beef cattle breeds decreased the calculated carbon footprint by 7–12%. Recent studies indicated that the methane intensity between beef breeds in South Africa can differ by 44%, and that crossbreeding can have small to moderate effects on the carbon footprint of weaner calf production. Interventions such as the use of indigenous and adapted genotypes, alternative breeding objectives, alternative production systems as well as sustainable management will be key to environmentally friendly livestock production.

<p>Microbial breakdown of organic matter (OM) is slowed down by different environmental conditions in peatlands, such as low pH, low oxygen availability and presence of phenolic compounds, leading to their recognized carbon storage function (Freeman et al. 2001, Kang et al. 2018). Peatlands are worldwide distributed with environmental conditions and biogeographical legacy varying among regions, which determine different controlling factors of microbial OM degradation and affect carbon cycling and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from peat soils. Here, we present the results of a study aimed at investigating the structure and function of microbial communities involved in the OM decomposition in moss-dominated peatlands of tropical (Andes-Paramo, Colombia), temperate (Wales, UK), and arctic (Svalbard, Norway) regions. Prokaryote community, extracellular enzyme activity, and GHG (carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) production were assessed in peat soil (first 10 cm depth) collected in one sampling campaign by region (summer north hemisphere). Results showed contrasting prokaryote communities among regions and a clear link between microbial composition and OM degrading metabolism. Arctic peatlands in Svalbard were shallow, circumneutral, with the highest prokaryote diversity (aerobic and anaerobic), an active lignin degradation, production of carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide. In Wales, peatlands exhibited the lowest pH, an intermediate diversity of prokaryotes, with aerobic and anaerobic groups, and very low OM degrading activity and GHG production. Finally, in the Paramo’s peatlands, the oxygen level was the lowest and consequently prokaryote community was dominated by anaerobic groups with an active anaerobic OM degradation and methane production. Our study is the first, to the extent of our knowledge, giving a comparative view of microbial OM decomposition in peatlands from contrasting and remote regions. Our results highlight the great global diversity of prokaryotes and microbial metabolism and give new lights on the relationship between microbial composition and microbial carbon cycling in peatlands.</p><p> </p><p><strong>References</strong></p><p>Freeman, C., Ostle, N., Kang, H. 2001. An enzymic “latch” on a global carbon store. Nature 409:149.</p><p>Kang, H., Kwon, M. J., Kim, S., Lee, S., Jones, T.G., Johncock, A. C., Haraguchi, A., Freeman, C. 2018. Biologically driven DOC release from peatlands during recovery from acidification. Nature Communications 9:1–7.</p>

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are generated during fermentation in silages, especially in barley silage. However, little is known regarding the dynamics of GHG production in silages during fermentation. In the present study, GHG accumulation and reduction were assessed in barley silage. Barley was harvested at the milk stage and ensiled without (CK) or with two commercial lactic acid bacterial (LAB) additives (L1 or L2). Gas and GHG (CO2, N2O, and CH4) production, fermentation quality, fermentation weight loss (FWL), and bacterial communities were analyzed at d 0, 1, 3, 6, 15, 35, and 90 after ensiling. Gas and GHG production rapidly increased in CK during the first 3 days and in L1 and L2 during the first day and then decreased (P < 0.05), and these values were higher in CK than in L1 and L2 from d 1 to d 35 (P < 0.05), with the peak production of gas and GHG observed at d 6 in CK and at d 3 in L1 and L2. Gas and GHG production were positively correlated with the count of Coliforms and the abundances of Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Atlantibacter from d 0 to 6 (P < 0.05) but were negatively correlated with the abundances of Lentilactobacillus, Lactiplantibacillus, and Lacticaseibacillus from d 1 to 35 (P < 0.05). L1 and L2 had increasing pH and acetic acid (AA) and decreasing lactic acid after d 15 (P < 0.05). Lentilactobacillus in L1 and L2 dominated the bacterial communities from d 35 to 90 and correlated positively with pH and AA, and negatively with LA from d 6 to 90 (P < 0.05). FWL had a positive correlation with gas and GHG from d 1 to 35 (P < 0.05). The ensiling fermentation process can be divided into gas accumulation and reduction phases. Inoculation with LAB reduced gas and GHG production. The activities of enterobacteria were the main contributors to gas and GHG accumulation. Lentilactobacillus activity mainly caused deterioration of fermentation quality during the late fermentation phase. The GHGs generated in silage contributed to the FWL during fermentation.Graphical

Unraveling the impact of Spartina alterniflora invasion on greenhouse gas production and emissions in coastal saltmarshes: New insights from dissolved organic matter characteristics and surface-porewater interactions

The economy of Swaziland is depended on agriculture. In 2009, it was reported that agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing contributed 42% of Swaziland’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Besides economic importance, animal agriculture is important for food production and life sustenance. It is also viewed as a symbol of wealth and high social status particularly for the rural folks. Despite the merits of agricultural activities, agricultural production, particularly animal production, has been incriminated for an accelerated emission of greenhouse gases. These gases are responsible for global warming and climate change. The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of animal agriculture to greenhouse gases production and to elicit adaptation strategies to climate change and the role of modern technologies as mitigating measures. The minor and major greenhouse gases produced by farm animals were computed using the IPCC spread sheet for calculation of greenhouse gases emissions. The minor greenhouse gases produced by farm animals were NOx and CO2 and the major gasses included CH4 and N2O. The greenhouse gas that was emitted the most by farm animals was CH4, 24 Gg or 600 CO2e per annum. Ruminants were the major producers of methane. The producers of the least greenhouse gases emissions were non ruminants. Livestock produced 0.87 Gg of N2O per annum, a global warming potential of 259 CO2e. Feeding ammoniated straw and silage inoculating with transgenic rumen bacteria, animal breeding and manure storage techniques, use of biogas digester with methane gas recovery and emphasis on non ruminant production were possible strategies that could be employed to reduce greenhouse gases production from the livestock sector. It was recommended that feed preservation technologies, selection strategies, water harvesting, storage and recycling strategies and intensive livestock production systems could be used as adaptation strategies to climate change in livestock production.

At the UN climate change conference in Paris in November 2015, Norway committed itself to a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Agriculture accounts for 8% of Norway’s total GHG emissions. If GHGs from drained and cultivated wetland (categorized under land use, land use change and forestry) are included, the share is 13%; this for a sector that accounts for roughly 0.3% of GDP. As is the case in most countries, agriculture is currently exempt from emission reduction measures, including the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (ETS), in which Norway participates. But the country has recently signaled its intention to include agriculture in future emission reduction efforts. Consideration is being given to how best to achieve GHG reductions in the sector. A recent report by the Norwegian Green Tax Commission, established by the government to evaluate policy options for achieving emission reductions, (Government of Norway, 2015) emphasizes the importance of including agriculture. The Commission suggests that agricultural emissions should be taxed at the same rate as for other sectors. It also recommends that reductions in the production and consumption of red meat should be specifically targeted, through cuts in production grants to farmers and the imposition of consumption taxes. Unsurprisingly, this proposed policy shift is extremely controversial and faces resistance, particularly from the farmers’ unions. Farmers argue that the maintenance of domestic agricultural production is crucial for achieving national food security objectives, in addition to pursuing other aims such as the maintenance of economic activity in rural areas and landscape preservation. Food security, which has been a key policy objective since the end of the Second World War, has been interpreted in Norway as requiring high levels of selfsufficiency in basic agricultural commodities. To achieve this, substantial subsidies are provided to farmers and domestic prices of many commodities are kept at high levels by restricting imports. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) estimates that the total financial support provided to Norwegian agriculture in 2015 was equivalent to 62% of the value of gross farm receipts, which made Norway (along with Switzerland) a leader in the amount of support provided to agriculture by the 50 OECD member and non-member countries monitored by the Organization (OECD, 2016). In this paper we analyze policy options for achieving a 40% reduction in agricultural GHG emissions, consistent with the economy-wide target, while imposing the restriction that national food production measured in calories should be maintained (the food security target). This is consistent with the way that the Norwegian government identifies the country’s food security objective. In section 2 we outline the current situation with respect to GHG emissions in Norwegian agriculture. In section 3 we illustrate the policy issues involved by considering two product aggregates that are intensive in the use of land for crop production (grainland) and grassland, respectively. The aggregates are based on data for the main commodities in Norwegian agriculture relating to GHG emissions, land use, caloric content, subsidies, and costs per unit of production. We show that even though the opportunity set (i.e., the production combinations that are possible within technical constraints) is narrow, a 40% cut in emissions is achievable by substituting from ruminant products that are intensive in the use of grassland to products based on grainland. We also show that the emissions reduction both reduces government budgetary costs and land use, i.e., ruminant products are characterized by relatively high subsidies and land use. Two-dimensional analysis ignores the fact that per unit emissions from dairy production are low compared to other ruminant products (i.e., beef and sheep production). Both in terms of production value and agricultural employment, dairy farming is the most important component of Norwegian agriculture. Consequently, milk production deserves to be separated from ruminant meat production. Finally in section 4, we present a detailed analysis 3 of policy options derived from a disaggregated model that includes all the major products in Norwegian agriculture. In the model-based analysis, we examine first the imposition of a carbon tax, while maintaining existing agricultural support policies and import protection, and achieving the food security (production of calories) target. Since the imposition of a carbon tax in agriculture presents both technical and political challenges, we then examine an alternative approach of changing the existing structure of agricultural support to approximate the same result. We show that it is possible to change current subsidy rates to mimic the carbon tax and calorie target solution. The explanation for this is that ruminant products not only generate high emissions per produced calorie, but they are also the most highly subsidized products. Meat from ruminants is relatively unimportant in achieving Norway’s food security objective of calorie availability.

Direct emissions of N2O, CO2, and CH4, three important greenhouse gases (GHGs), from biological sewage treatment process have attracted increasing attention worldwide, due to the increasing concern about climate change. Despite the tremendous efforts devoted to understanding GHG emission from biological sewage treatment process, the impact of influent C/N ratios, in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD)/total nitrogen (TN), on an anaerobic/anoxic/oxic (A/A/O) bioreactor system has not been investigated. In this work, the direct GHG emission from A/A/O bioreactor systems fed with actual sewage was analyzed under different influent C/N ratios over a 6-month period. The results showed that the variation in influent carbon (160 to 500mg/L) and nitrogen load (35 to 95mg/L) dramatically influenced pollutant removal efficiency and GHG production from this process. In the A/A/O bioreactor systems, the GHG production increased from 26-39 to 112-173g CO2-equivalent as influent C/N ratios decreased from 10.3/10.7 to 3.5/3.8. Taking consideration of pollutant removal efficiency and direct biogenic GHG (N2O, CO2, and CH4) production, the optimum influent C/N ratio was determined to be 7.1/7.5, at which a relatively high pollutant removal efficiency and meanwhile a low level of GHG production (30.4g CO2-equivalent) can be achieved. Besides, mechanical aeration turned out to be the most significant factor influencing GHG emission from the A/A/O bioreactor systems.

Simple SummaryThe anthropogenic generation of greenhouse gases (GHG) from the production of ruminants has contributed to environmental deterioration throughout the world; therefore, reducing their production becomes one of the main objectives today. The manipulation of the ruminant diet with forage sources rich in bioactive compounds (tannins) is considered an alternative to mitigate the production of CH4 and improve the productive performance of the animals. Based on this, this research aimed to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of different amounts of Acacia mearnssi, rich in tannins, on the parameters of ruminal degradation, digestibility of DM and OM, and the generation of gas, CH4, and CO2. The incorporation of A. mearnssi forage in the ration had a reducing effect on GHG production and possibly improved utilization of dietary protein in response to the presence of tannins. However, even with the lowest level of acacia in the diet, the effective digestion of DM and OM was affected. Under the conditions of this study, it was concluded that it is possible to replace traditional forages with up to 20% of A. mearnsii, without observing changes in the production of greenhouse gases with respect to the control treatment (0% of A. mearnsii); however, A. mearnsii is not usable because it significantly decreases rumen degradability of DM and OM, which would considerably affect the production in animals.In recent years, the worrying generation of GHG from ruminant production has generated widespread interest in exploring nutritional strategies focused on reducing these gases, presenting the use of bioactive compounds (tannins) as an alternative in the diet. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of the addition of different levels of Acacia mearnsii on ruminal degradation, nutrient digestibility, and mitigation of greenhouse gas production. A completely randomized design with four treatments and six repetitions was used. The treatments were: T1, T2, T3, and T4 diets with, respectively, 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% A. mearnsii. The rumen degradation kinetic and in vitro digestibility, and the production of gas, CH4, and CO2 were evaluated. In situ rumen degradation and in vitro digestibility of DM and OM showed differences between treatments, with T1 being higher (p < 0.05) in the degradation of the soluble fraction (A), potential degradation (A + B), and effective degradation for the different passage rates in percent hour (0.02, 0.05, and 0.08), compared to the other treatments. Rumen pH did not show differences (p > 0.05) between treatments. The lowest (p < 0.05) gas, CH4, and CO2 production was observed in treatments T1 and T2 with an approximate mean of 354.5 mL gas/0.500 g fermented DM, 36.5 mL CH4/0.500 g fermented DM, and 151.5 mL CO2/0.500 g fermented DM, respectively, compared to treatments T3 and T4. Under the conditions of this study, it was concluded that it is possible to replace traditional forages with up to 20% of A. mearnsii, without observing changes in the production of greenhouse gases with respect to the control treatment (0% of A. mearnsii); however, A. mearnsii is not usable because it significantly decreases rumen degradability of DM and OM, which would considerably affect the production in animals.

Soils are predicted to exhibit significant feedback to global warming via the temperature response of greenhouse gas (GHG) production. However, the temperature response of hydromorphic wetland soils is complicated by confounding factors such as oxygen (O2 ), nitrate (NO3-) and soil carbon (C). We examined the effect of a temperature gradient (2-25°C) on denitrification rates and net nitrous oxide (N2 O), methane (CH4 ) production and heterotrophic respiration in mineral (Eutric cambisol and Fluvisol) and organic (Histosol) soil types in a river marginal landscape of the Tamar catchment, Devon, UK, under non-flooded and flooded with enriched NO3- conditions. It was hypothesized that the temperature response is dependent on interactions with NO3--enriched flooding, and the physicochemical conditions of these soil types. Denitrification rate (mean, 746±97.3μgm(-2) h(-1) ), net N2 O production (mean, 180±26.6μgm(-2) h(-1) ) and net CH4 production (mean, 1065±183μgm(-2) h(-1) ) were highest in the organic Histosol, with higher organic matter, ammonium and moisture, and lower NO3- concentrations. Heterotrophic respiration (mean, 127±4.6mgm(-2) h(-1) ) was not significantly different between soil types and dominated total GHG (CO2 eq) production in all soil types. Generally, the temperature responses of denitrification rate and net N2 O production were exponential, whilst net CH4 production was unresponsive, possibly due to substrate limitation, and heterotrophic respiration was exponential but limited in summer at higher temperatures. Flooding with NO3- increased denitrification rate, net N2 O production and heterotrophic respiration, but a reduction in net CH4 production suggests inhibition of methanogenesis by NO3- or N2 O produced from denitrification. Implications for management and policy are that warming and flood events may promote microbial interactions in soil between distinct microbial communities and increase denitrification of excess NO3- with N2 O production contributing to no more than 50% of increases in total GHG production.

The availability of local feed resources in various seasons can contribute as essential sources of carbohydrate and protein which significantly impact rumen fermentation and the subsequent productivity of the ruminant. Recent developments, based on enriching protein in cassava chips, have yielded yeast fermented cassava chip protein (YEFECAP) providing up to 47.5% crude protein (CP), which can be used to replace soybean meal. The use of fodder trees has been developed through the process of pelleting; Leucaena leucocephala leaf pellets (LLP), mulberry leaf pellets (MUP) and mangosteen peel and/or garlic pellets, can be used as good sources of protein to supplement ruminant feeding. Apart from producing volatile fatty acids and microbial proteins, greenhouse gases such as methane are also produced in the rumen. Several methods have been used to reduce rumen methane. However, among many approaches, nutritional manipulation using feed formulation and feeding management, especially the use of plant extracts or plants containing secondary compounds (condensed tannins and saponins) and plant oils, has been reported. This approach could help todecrease rumen protozoa and methanogens and thus mitigate the production of methane. At present, more research concerning this burning issue - the role of livestock in global warming - warrants undertaking further research with regard to economic viability and practical feasibility.

Early mother-infant interaction is believed to have a significant impact on the social, cognitive, and emotional development of children. These interactions are not only influenced by child and contextual factors but also by the mother's personality traits and strain. In this study, we investigated the relation between maternal factors such as personality, depressive symptoms, or experiencing of emotions, and (i) children's early cognitive development and (ii) interaction patterns in a sample of 116 mother-child dyads (mean child age = 18.63 months ± 6.42). Maternal factors were assessed using standardized questionnaires and toddlers' cognitive development was measured using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development. Interaction patterns were evaluated using the CARE-Index. The study found that children of mothers who scored higher in agreeableness, a personality trait reflecting compassion and cooperation, performed better in cognitive assessments. Additionally, mothers who placed significant importance on their bodily signals to assess their overall well-being had higher scores in the quality of interaction with their child. Statistical trends suggested that mothers with higher levels of conscientiousness, indicative of being organized and responsible, tended to be more responsive in the interaction with their infants, while those with higher levels of neuroticism, characterized by a tendency towards negative emotions, were more likely to have toddlers who inhibit their true negative affect. Finally, there was a trend indicating that maternal depression was associated with increased maternal controlling behavior towards toddlers. Overall, these findings show the intricate relation between maternal behavior and state with dyadic interaction quality. This should underline that optimal infant development is only possible if mothers are well supported especially if in need due to various burdens such as depressive symptoms.

In 2007, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in New Zealand were 16% higher than in 1990. Agriculture accounts for 48% of GHG emissions in New Zealand, and 10–12% of emissions in most other ‘developed’ countries. Methane (CH4) accounts for 35% of GHG emissions in New Zealand, mostly from ruminal fermentation. Nitrous oxide (N2O) accounts for 17% of GHG emissions in New Zealand, mostly from urinary N, exacerbated by excessive application of nitrogenous fertiliser. GHG are often expressed as carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2-e), and 1 kg CH4 has a similar global-warming potential as 21 kg CO2, whilst 1 kg N2O has the same warming potential as 310 kg CO2. Methane is derived from H2 produced during ruminal fermentation, and losses account for 6–7% of gross energy in feeds. This is about 9–10% of metabolisable energy intake. Methane production tends to be lower when legumes, rather than grasses, are fed, and emissions are greater (per kg dry matter intake; DMI) when mature grasses and silages are fed. There are small differences between individual animals in their CH4 production (g/kg DMI) but there are few profitable options available for reducing CH4 production in ruminants. Emissions of N2O can be reduced by more strategic application of nitrogenous fertiliser, avoidance of waterlogged areas, and use of dicyandiamide in some cooler regions. GHG mitigation should be based on life-cycle analyses to ensure a reduction in one GHG does not increase another. Current and future strategies are unlikely to reduce GHG emissions by >20%. Food production is central to human survival, and should not be compromised to mitigate GHG emissions. Efforts should be directed toward increasing animal efficiency and reducing GHG emissions/unit edible food.

With increasing attention on sustainable development, the environmental and social relevance of palm oil production are now important trade issues. The life cycle assessment (LCA) study of Malaysian oil palm products from mineral soils including palm biodiesel was aimed to provide baseline information on the environmental performance of the industry for drawing up policies pertaining to the sustainable production. The share of greenhouse gas (GHG) contribution by the various subsystems in the oil palm supply chain is considered here. The life cycle inventory data for the study were collected based on subsystems, i.e., gate-to-gate. The subsystems include activities in oil palm nurseries and plantations, palm oil mills, refineries, biodiesel plants and the use of biodiesel in diesel engine vehicles. Two scenarios were considered: extraction of crude palm oil (CPO) in a mill without and with a system for trapping biogas from palm oil mill effluent (POME). Inventory data were collected through questionnaires. On-site visits were carried out for data verification. Background data for resource exploitation and production of input materials were obtained through available databases and literature. Foreground data for all subsystems were site-specific data from nurseries, plantations, palm oil mills and refineries and biodiesel plants in Malaysia. Using a yield of 20.7 t oil palm fresh fruit bunches (FFB)/ha, the results showed that the production of 1 t of FFB produced 119 kg CO2 eq. The production of 1 t of CPO in a mill without and with biogas capture emitted 971 and 506 kg CO2 eq, respectively. For the production of 1 t of refined palm oil in a refinery which sourced the CPO from a mill without biogas capture and with biogas capture, the GHG emitted was 1,113 kg and 626 kg CO2 eq, respectively. For palm biodiesel, 33.19 and 21.20 g CO2 eq were emitted per MJ of biodiesel produced from palm oil sourced from a mill without and with biogas capture, respectively. GHG contribution by the nursery subsystem was found to be minimal. In the plantation subsystem, the major sources of GHG were from nitrogen fertilizers, transport and traction energy. For the mill, biogas from POME was the major contributor if biogas was not trapped. Excluding contribution from upstream activities, boiler fuel and transport were the major sources of GHG in the refinery subsystem. In the biodiesel subsystem, activities for production of refined palm oil and methanol use were the most significant contributors.

This study examines how different types of social network structures are associated with early cognitive development in children. To assess how social relationships and structures are associated with early cognitive development and to elucidate whether variations in the mother's social networks alter a child's early cognitive development patterns. This cohort study used data from 1082 mother-child pairs in the University of Tennessee Health Science Center-Conditions Affecting Neurocognitive Development and Learning and Early Childhood project to examine the association between networks of different levels of complexity (triad, family, and neighborhood) and child cognitive performance after adjustment for the mother's IQ, birth weight, and age, and the father's educational level. The final model was adjusted for the household poverty level. Data were collected from December 2006 through January 2014 and analyzed from October through November 2018. The child-mother relationship, child-mother-father triad, family setting, child's dwelling network, mother's social support network, and neighborhood networks. Measure of cognitive development of the child using Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) at 2 years of age. Of 1082 participants, 544 (50.3%) were males and 703 (65.1%) were African American; the mean (SD) age was 2.08 (0.12) years. Large family size had a negative association with early cognitive development, with a mean 2.21-point decrease in BSID coefficient score (95% CI, 0.40 to 4.02; P = .01). Mother's social support network size was positively associated early cognitive development, with a mean 0.40-point increase in BSID coefficient score (95% CI, 0.001 to 0.80; P = .05). Knowing many neighbors was not statistically significantly associated with early cognitive development, with a mean 1.39-point increase in BSID coefficient score (95% CI, -0.04 to 2.83; P = .06). The findings suggest that maternal social relationships are associated with cognitive development in children and that social relationships beyond the mother-child-father triad are significantly associated with children's cognitive development. This study investigates the environmental influences on child health outcomes and, specifically, how early cognitive development is associated with social networks for the primary caregiver.

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of device use and maternal bonding on early childhood cognitive and motor development in Situbondo Regency. In this research, the sample used was 311 respondents using quantitative methods. The multiple linear regression analysis technique was carried out using SPSS version 22 software. The data collection technique used in this research was observation, interviews, filling out Google forms and also direct questionnaires. The results of this research show a partial contribution, namely between the use of gadgets on cognitive development in early childhood, there is a partial contribution, namely between maternal attachment to cognitive development in early childhood, then there is a partial contribution between the use of gadgets and motor development in early childhood. , while there is no partial contribution of maternal attachment to motor development in early childhood. The use of devices in early childhood requires care and supervision, and also the mother’s role in the operation, as overuse of the device by the child can lead to addiction to playing with the device. This negatively affects the child’s growth and development process, especially the development of cognitive and motor skills. Dependence on the use of gadgets hinders the child’s growth and development process. Keywords: Gadget Use, Maternal Attachment, Cognitive Development, Motor Development