Agricultural Performance Research Articles

A Survey Study on Management Practices Associated With Voluntary Waiting Period and Its Effects on Reproductive Performance of dairy cows in Iranian Dairy Farms.

Voluntary waiting period (VWP), housing systems and the presence of a veterinarian are effective factors on reproductive performance of a dairy farm. This study aimed to investigate the management practices associated with VWP and its effects on reproductive performance. A total of 136,943 records of 21,756 cows that calved between 1990 and 2013 were used. A questionnaire was also conducted with the farms involved to determine if they adjust the timing of insemination based on the body condition score (BCS) of the cows, postpartum health situation (PPHS) or environmental factors such as heat stress and season. The impact of changing the VWP selectively, the presence of a veterinarian and the type of barn on reproductive outcomes like days open (DO), number of services per conception (NSPC) and days to first service (DFS) was examined using a linear mixed model. This model considered animals and herds as random factors and management practices as fixed factors in the analysis. Among herds that reported altering the VWP based on heat stress, DFS significantly increased (61.68±0.68 vs. 58.4±0.83) while DO (119.70±1.86vs. 126.9±2.29) and NSPC (1.98±0.04vs. 2.48±0.05) reduced compared to herds that did not alter the VWP. Our results showed that farms with a full-time veterinarian had a better reproductive performance than those with part-time care (p < 0.05). Housing system was significantly associated with fertility traits, so that cows in free-stall barns were more fertile than those kept in open-shed barns. The obtained results from this study indicated that management decisions to selectively altering the VWP led to difference in DFS and improved reproductive performance.

Optimising Growth, Immunity, and Gene Expression in Broiler Chickens Through Dietary Threonine Levels and Oil Inclusion.

The inclusion of synthetic amino acids in poultry nutrition plays a crucial role in both enhancing the synthesis of immunoglobulins and elevating the overall comprehensiveness of the amino acid profile. This research examined the effects of consuming threonine (Thr) in various forms levels with low or high oil on broiler chickens' growth and immunity. We investigate the growth performance, feed efficiency, immune response, intestinal morphology, absorptive capacity, and expression of some genes related to the feed intake (Pro-opiomelanocortin [POMC]), fatty acid synthesis (Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase [ACC]), immunity (lipopolysaccharide-induced tumour necrosis like alpha factor [LITAF]), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). Eight groups of chicks were used, including four dietary Thr levels (100%, 115%, 130%, or 145%) with two oil levels (mixture of sunflower 50% and soybean oils 50%): (control) and high. The higher dietaryThrlevel (145%) with high oil inclusion significantly increased ACC and POMC gene expression, resulting in the lowest feed intake, body weight gain (BWG), and liver fat content. Combining high oil with 115% Thr was the optimum for the broilers. The birds have significant (p ≤.05) growth performance, immune parameters, and intestinal health, as well as the lowest expression of ACC, POMC, HSP70, and LITAF, which was reflected in better feed conversion ratio and lower incidence of fatty liver, thermo-resistance, and immune status of the birds. The combination of high oil and 115% Thr levels optimises broiler health and productivity, enhancing growth, immune function, and gut health. This diet lowers the expression of genes associated with fatty liver and stress, leading to better feed efficiency, thermo-resistance, and overall well-being. Adopting these dietary adjustments can improve broiler performance and economic viability in poultry farming by enhancing essential productivity metrics.

Automatic cleaning suggestion adapting to real-time soiling status of solar farms

Solar farms are subject to various environmental factors that can affect their performance and output. One of the major factors is soiling. Consequently, it is essential to monitor and mitigate the effects of soiling on solar panels to ensure optimal performance and maximum profitability of a solar farm. In this paper, we present a novel cleaning intervention strategy that adapts to the present solar panel performance status to detect cleaning requirements for maximizing profit. This algorithm works with onsite insolation and panel data to give live feedback on cleaning requirements. Moreover, unlike other models in the literature, this method does not require historical or a priori insolation, weather, or soiling data. We have comprehensively tested the algorithm through experiment and simulation under various conditions (i.e., seasonal rain, few annual rainfall or sandstorms, unpredictable dust accumulation). The results show that the adaptive cleaning algorithm, even with no historical insolation or soiling information, outperforms optimal periodic cleaning strategies in terms of net revenue. The adaptive cleaning suggestion system shows significant advantages especially in locations with high variability in weather and soiling conditions. The algorithm is also suitable for practical deployment in solar farms near industrial or construction zones where sudden dust accumulation can occur. Our adaptive model will maximize profit in such unpredictable soiling scenarios, while in comparison, it is not even possible to utilize historical information-based cleaning cycle model in such cases.

Empowering farmer community with technology modernisation to improve rice farming performance through demonstration farms in East Java, Indonesia

Purpose Rice is a strategic commodity and staple food; thus, rice productivity should grow faster than the population. A public agricultural agency launched technology modernisation to improve rice farm performance. This study aims to assess the impact of technology modernisation on rice farming performance and evaluate farmer acceptance of such technology. Design/methodology/approach This study was conducted in 2023-2024, based on selected demonstration farms (demfarm) carried out during 2021-2022 in East Java, Indonesia, one of the rice bowls. Microeconomic theory of production and the double-differences approach were used as fundamental analyses. Farmers were purposively selected to participate in the demfarm. For comparison, farmers with existing technology adjacent to the demfarm were chosen accordingly. Rice production is considered an economic performance indicator, and factors related to socio-demographic and technical aspects were conceptualised using innovation and diffusion theory. Findings The results of demfarm were apparent. Technology modernisation improved rice farming’s economic performance. Farmer acceptance of such technology was relatively high at the first stage. There was no conflict between technology and local culture and norms. The technological package will likely be disseminated to farmers after adequate socialisation. Research limitations/implications This study engaged farmer innovators and early adopters in the demonstration farm. This needs more actions from farmers who are not categorised as innovators and early adopters, which dominate the farmer population. Practical implications Extension officials need field guidance to ensure continual technology adoption because of technology complexity. Originality/value The originality of the study is based on a field experiment and direct observation throughout a crop cycle, and the analysis is established using a solid theory and analytical framework.

Success of Artificial Insemination in Rural Area Cows

Biotechnologies of reproduction like artificial insemination were identified as a mean to intensify the local production. Therefore, some factors are still responsible to the failure of their applications in rural area. This survey was conducted from April to June 2023, to evaluate the effects of age, body weight, body condition score (BCS), calving rank, postpartum to artificial insemination interval and feed complementation on the success rate of artificial insemination in females Goudali. Thus, activities took place at two peri-urban livestock farms in the town of Ngaoundéré, in the Adamaoua region of Cameroon where 34 cows were concerned. The selected cows have an average of 8.21±2.41 years old, a body weight of 343±52.28 kg, a body condition score of 3.23±0.55, a calving rank of 2.21±1.22 and a postpartum to insemination interval of 4.39±1.40 months. The induction and synchronization of estrus were carried out based on the PRID-PGF2α-PMSG protocol which allowed to obtain a synchronization rate of 97.06% and the insemination were done 56-57 hours after the previous operation, with an imported semen of Brahman bull. During rectal palpation and early pregnancy diagnosis based on progesterone level measurement, the result shown that, 20 cows out of 33 inseminated were pregnant. The success rate of artificial insemination recorded was 60.6%. Amongst all the studied factors, analysis shown no significant (P&amp;gt; 0.05) effect on the success rate after artificial insemination. Thus, recommendations were made to popularize the use of artificial insemination and early pregnancy diagnosis test as a mean to improve reproductive performances of local farms. However, studies must be done to evaluate the cost of their applications in rural areas.

Analysis of Wind Power Fluctuation in Wind Turbine Wakes Using Scale-Adaptive Large Eddy Simulation

In large wind farms, the interaction of atmospheric turbulence and wind turbine wakes leads to complex vortex dynamics and energy dissipation, resulting in reduced wind velocity and subsequent loss of wind power. This study investigates the influence of vortex stretching on wind power fluctuations within wind turbine wakes using scale-adaptive large eddy simulation. The proper orthogonal decomposition method was employed to extract the most energetic contributions to the wind power spectra. Vertical profiles of mean wind speed, Reynolds stresses, and dispersive stresses were analyzed to assess energy dissipation rates. Our simulation results showed excellent agreement when compared with wind tunnel data and more advanced numerical models, such as the actuator line model and the actuator line model with hub and tower effects. This highlights the important role of coherent and energetic flow components in the spectral behavior of wind farms. The findings indicate a persistent energy cascading length scale in the wake of wind turbines, emphasizing the vertical transport of energy to turbine blades. These results complement existing literature and provide new insights into the dynamics of wind turbine wakes and their impact on wind farm performance.

Improving sustainability of rice-canola rotation through water and nitrogen management in a humid region

Intensive cropping systems face significant environmental and economic challenges due to current water and nutrient management practices. This study addresses the limited research on optimizing these practices in rice-canola rotations, focusing on enhancing sustainability through improved water and nitrogen (N) management. Utilizing the DSSAT crop growth model, we evaluated three irrigation scenarios for rice- I1 (100 % irrigation requirement: IR), I2 (80 % IR), and I3 (60 % IR)-alongside three N application levels: N1 (30 % below RAN: regional average N), N2 (RAN), and N3 (30 % above RAN). Key sustainability indicators, including water productivity (WP), nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and economic productivity, were analyzed. The DSSAT model demonstrated strong predictive accuracy, with yield differences of only 236 kg ha⁻¹ for rice and 121 kg ha⁻¹ for canola between observed and simulated values. A 40 % reduction in water use increased rice yield to a maximum of 5654 kg ha⁻¹ under I3N2 conditions. Additionally, this reduction in water consumption resulted in a 27 % decrease in production costs, significantly enhancing WP, net benefits, and gross benefits of rice by 46.7 %, 43.1 %, and 47.9 %, respectively. Conversely, a 30 % increase in N application for canola correlated with a 9 % yield increase, underscoring the importance of tailored N strategies. Furthermore, N3 raised WP, NUE, net benefits, and gross benefits of canola by 6.7 %, 1.4 %, 9.1 %, and 9.2 %, respectively, compared with current N application level. Overall, this study illustrates the potential for substantial water savings in rice cultivation while recommending stable or reduced N application levels. These management strategies enhance farm performance, lower production costs, and contribute to the sustainability of rice-canola cropping systems, promoting both agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship.

Effect of Entrepreneurship Skills Training on Agricultural Production

This study examines the impact of entrepreneurship skills training on agricultural productivity among small-holder coffee farmers in Kenya. Entrepreneurship in coffee farming involves innovation, effective resource management, risk-taking, and market adaptation—all essential for the entrepreneurial process. Given the critical role of coffee farming in Kenya's economy and the challenges faced by small-holder farmers, this research explores how entrepreneurial skills can enhance productivity and sustainability. A mixed-method approach was employed, with data collected from 12,000 farmers using questionnaires. A sample size of 387 was determined using Yamane's formula, and stratified random sampling was applied across 17 factories. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software. The results indicate that training in business planning, technology, financial management, and leadership significantly improves coffee farming performance. The study concludes that ineffective entrepreneurship training is closely linked to poor performance in coffee farming. It recommends that the government, through the ministries of agriculture and co-operatives, prioritize entrepreneurship training for small-holder coffee farmers to enhance productivity. These findings can guide future interventions aimed at reviving the coffee industry and ensuring its sustainability in Kenya.

Pig Milk Exosome Packaging ssc-miR-22-3p Alleviates Pig Intestinal Epithelial Cell Injury and Inflammatory Response by Targeting MAPK14

Inflammatory diseases of the intestinal tract in piglets severely impair the economic performance of pig farms. Pig milk exosomes can encapsulate miRNAs which can then enter the piglet intestine to play an immunomodulatory role. Previously, we comparatively analyzed and identified exosomal miRNAs in the colostrum and mature milk of Bamei and Landrace pigs, and we screened for ssc-miR-22-3p, which is associated with inflammation and immune response; however, the role played by ssc-miR-22-3p in the immune response in IPEC-J2 cells is not yet clear. In this study, we first constructed a pig intestinal inflammatory response model using Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly (I:C)), and we investigated the role of ssc-miR-22-3p targeting MAPK14 in the regulation of LPS and Poly (I:C)-induced inflammatory injury in IPEC-J2 cells by RT-qPCR, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), EdU staining, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity assay, and dual luciferase reporter gene assay. We successfully established LPS and Poly (I:C)-induced cell damage models in IPEC-J2 cells. The immune response of IPEC-J2 cells was stimulated by induction of IPEC-J2 cells at 10 μg/mL LPS and 20 μg/mL Poly (I:C) for 24 h. Overexpression of ssc-miR-22-3p decreased cytokine expression and promoted cell viability and proliferation. The functional enrichment analysis revealed that ssc-miR-22-3p targets genes enriched in the pathways of negative regulation of inflammatory response and bacterial invasion of epithelial cells. The validity of the binding site of ssc-miR-22-3p to MAPK14 was tested by a dual luciferase reporter gene. Pig milk exosome ssc-miR-22-3p promotes cell viability and proliferation by targeting MAPK14, and it alleviates LPS and Poly (I:C)-induced inflammatory responses in IPEC-J2 cells.

Land fragmentation, adoption intensity of climate-smart agricultural practices, and economic performance of banana farmers in China

ABSTRACT Land fragmentation (LF) may influence farmers’ choices of agricultural practices to adapt to climate change in developing countries. Based on the primary data collected from 422 banana growers in China, this work first assesses the impact of LF on farmers’ adoption intensity of climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAPs) using the instrumental variables (IV) method, and explore the heterogeneous effects of adoption intensity of CSAPs and LF on farmers’ economic performance using the quantile regression (QR) method. The estimated results provide the first insight that LF is positively associated with farmers’ adoption intensity of CSAPs in agricultural production. China has a large population and less cultivated lands for each farmer household. Thus, farmers are inclined to use more CSAPs on these fragmented lands to sustain farm productivity and net profits under climatic shocks. Furthermore, we find that the adoption intensity of CSAPs significantly enhanced the economic performance of banana farms. Specifically, the higher intensity of CSAPs improved farmers’ banana income across the selected quantiles, while it increased net farm returns only for farmers with a high-level income. However, LF exerted a negative impact on farmers’ economic performance, and it is statistically significant for low-income farmers.

The Influence of Entrepreneurial Competence on Coffee Farm Performance in Tanggamus

The Influence of Entrepreneurial Competence on Coffee Farm Performance in Tanggamus

MIXED CROPPING SYSTEM ALONG WITH COCONUT

Intercropping structure in coconut cultivation enables environmental resolution regarding enhancement in ecological sustainability and farm performance, specifically for small scale farmers. The paper explored how Intercropping structure enhances farm performance, carbon capture, enduring agricultural output and soil productivity. This study examines the capable harvests like black pepper, banana, legumes and pineapple along with coconut palm in order to utilize the terrain, intercropping enables the agriculturists to expand revenue streams and improve soil quality. It Examines the disputes of administering intercropping structure and requirement for high agriculturists knowledge and primary funding. The researches’ objective is to discover how mixed cropping structure enhances resource effectiveness, aids towards eco friendly environment through biodiversity and carbon capture, this also focuses on reduction of dependence on artificial addictive. The study will highlight the enduring financial and environmental advantages of implementing intercropping in coconut cultivation, placing it as an important technique for eco-friendly farming. KEY WORDS: Mixed cropping, Coconut Cultivation, Intercropping, Sustainable Agriculture, Soil health, Carbon Capture, Smallholder Farmer, Biodiversity

Modelling the impact of sow replacement rate on farm performance

Modelling the impact of sow replacement rate on farm performance

PSI-29 Enhancing growth performance and reducing environmental impact with dietary protease supplementation in growing pigs fed high- and low-density diets

Abstract Exogenous protease has emerged as a promising solution for enhancing protein digestion and utilization in animal diets, offering potential benefits for both animal performance and environmental impact mitigation in pig farming. In a 6-wk trial involving 140 growing pigs [initial body weight (BW) = 24.10 ± 1.66 kg], the effects of dietary protease supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and noxious gas emission were investigated. Pigs were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design with two levels of nutrient density and 0 or 125 g/ton supplementation of protease. The pigs were blocked by BW and housed in 28 pens with each pen consisting of 5 pigs (3 barrows and 2 gilts). The experimental design employed a randomized complete block design with 7 replicate pens per treatment. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA, with differences between means assessed using Tukey’s test (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Results revealed no significant interaction (P &amp;gt; 0.05) between nutrient density and protease supplementation concerning growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and noxious gas emission. Pigs subjected to high-density diets exhibited greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) compared with those on low-density diets. While protease supplementation did not impact ADG and average daily feed intake (ADFI), there was a tendency towards reduced (P = 0.08) G:F throughout the 6-wk period. Pigs fed high-density diets demonstrated significantly greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE) compared with their counterparts on low-density diets. Furthermore, the inclusion of protease significantly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ATTD of GE. However, no discernible differences were noted among diets regarding the ATTD of dry matter and nitrogen. Regarding noxious gas emission, protease supplementation did not significantly affect total mercaptans and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) emission. Nonetheless, there was a notable trend towards reduced (P = 0.06) ammonia gas (NH3) emission with protease inclusion. Similarly, nutrient density did not exhibit a significant effect (P &amp;gt; 0.05) on noxious gas emission. In conclusion, the results of the study underscore the importance of nutrient density and protease supplementation in optimizing pig performance and environmental sustainability in swine production systems. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and refine strategies for maximizing the benefits of these dietary interventions.

PSXII-15 Theory of planned behavior-based evaluation of technology adoption in dairy farms

Abstract Studies on the adoption of farm innovations should include underlying psychological constructs that affect decisions and behavior of farmers such as intention, perceptions, and beliefs. Dairy farming technologies are continually evolving, making it necessary to review current farm practices frequently. Dairy farmers are actively exploring various alternative investment options to optimize production processes, minimize costs, and increase overall efficiency. However, careful evaluation is crucial to understanding the knowledge and attitude of farmers to these tools. We utilize psychological constructs from the theory of planned behavior approach to understand the technology adoption behavior of dairy farmers. The theory of planned behavior is a psychological model that explains how human behavior is influenced by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. We add product marketing as another essential component based on the industry relevance. The objective was to understand the adoption decisions and the perceived usefulness of precision technologies by dairy farmers in Texas. Dairy farmers were delivered printed copies of a pretested survey instrument to assess technology use, on-farm decisions, and producers’ planned behavior related to technology adoption on farms. Thirty-two completed surveys were returned and analyzed for descriptive and Structural Equation Modeling using Microsoft Excel and SAS (ver. 9.4). When choosing a technology, respondents ranked (on a scale of 1 to 5; unimportant to very important) the availability of local tech support as the most important factor (score 4.16; range 3 to 5), followed by proven performance through research (4.0; 3 to 5), simplicity of use (3.82; 3 to 5), benefit to cost ratio (3.66; 2 to 5), and total cost of investment (3.5; 1 to 5). Regarding barriers to investment decisions, 26% ranked lack of access to capital as a primary issue, followed by environmental regulations (12.5%), political environment (12.5%), and sitting regulations (12.5%). The intention of farmers to utilize the technology was influenced by farmers’ evaluation of the use of technology (attitude), their perceptions about the social pressure and marketing (subjective norm), and their perceptions about their utility on farmers (perceived behavioral control). The three most influential behavioral beliefs as the drivers of attitude were an increase in farm production and performance, monitoring cows, and labor savings. The three most influential normative beliefs were drivers of the subjective norm: family and friends, neighbors, and marketing. The three most influential control beliefs were drivers of perceived behavioral control: availability of local tech support, benefit-to-cost ratio, and simplicity and ease of use. Respondents indicate that having a standard price, reduced cost, and providing a detailed cost analysis when marketing the technology increases confidence in purchasing and integration. The findings suggest developing better products, ensuring reasonable pricing, and performing proper validations to enhance the farmer’s trust helps to increase technology adoption in dairy farms.

Measuring Social Sustainability in the Italian Agri-Food Sector: Proposed Key Performance Indicators.

The social dimension of sustainability in the agri-food sector is gaining more and more attention from both scholars and policymakers. In Europe, among different countries, Italy stood out for the active role played in including social conditionality in the Common Agricultural Policy. Despite such interest, there is still confusion concerning the concept of social sustainability, and tools aimed at measuring the social performance of farms are still lacking. The current study aims to identify indicators to measure the social sustainability of farm practices in the Italian agri-food system. The methodology included an analysis of the most relevant literature, legislation, and guidelines to identify five macro-areas of interest, which served as the foundation for developing theoretical social sustainability key performance indicators. The results of this study provide useful insights for both practitioners and policymakers to develop strategies and policies focused on social sustainability.

Optimizing Price Markup: The Impact of Power Purchase Agreements and Energy Production Uncertainty on the Economic Performance of Onshore and Offshore Wind Farms

Wind energy is rapidly expanding its capacity as part of the global energy transition. To ensure economic viability, wind energy projects increasingly rely on risk mitigation strategies. While Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) manage spot market price variability, wind farms still face energy production uncertainty, directly impacting the quantity of energy generated. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the price markup for onshore and offshore wind farms, considering energy production uncertainty under PPA and non-PPA scenarios. The study examines key metrics such as equilibrium prices, price markups, Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Net Present Value (NPV), and their correlation to energy production risk. Results demonstrate that PPAs significantly alter the relationship between price markup and variability. Offshore wind farms can potentially benefit more from PPAs compared to onshore, especially at lower levels of wind energy variability. However, as variability increases, the risk mitigation provided by PPAs diminishes, and both onshore and offshore wind farms may require higher price markups for financial viability. These findings highlight the necessity of carefully designed PPA structures and pricing strategies to ensure long-term competitiveness and sustainability of wind energy projects.

Trends and performance of organic farming in India: a critical analysis

Abstract Subject and purpose of work The purpose of this study is to examine the growth performance of organic farming in India. Materials and methods The current study is based on secondary data collected from different sources, including the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), and others. Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), mean, and Coefficient of Variation (CV) have been used to analyse the data. Results The results of the study indicate that the total area under production, amount of organic goods produced, and export of organic products are increasing. The value of export has increased over the previous sixteen years from 498 cr. in 2007 to 5525.18 cr. in 2022, at a compound annual rate of 16.23 percent. Conclusions Indian organic farming achieved a record output of different food grains and commercial and horticultural crops, proving resilience and delivering quality food security. The conditions for developing sustainable and organic agriculture are improving day by day in India.

Profitability of dairy goat farms in Bulgaria

Abstract. The purpose of the present study was to establish the economic performance of dairy goat farms in Bulgaria by using the indicator profitability and the related indicators – total production, total revenues, total costs and profit per doe (before and after subsidy). Data for 2022 were provided by the owners of 8 farms within the survey and processed using a mathematical-statistical model and Excel program. The adopted production system was semi-intensive with indoor winter period and grazing (supplemented with cereals and hay) during most of the year. Profit before subsidies was found positive only for farm 5, and all other holdings were unprofitable based on the results of their own production. When subsidies were added, some of them reported a positive financial result, while others remained loss-making. Based on the results found within the study, it could be summarized that in the dairy sector the level of milk production is the leading factor for farm income. Оf great importance are also the sale of value-added dairy products, own feed production and optimization of labour costs. In most farms, subsidies (incl. for pastures) are extremely important for the viability of the farms. In addition, when analyzing the economic efficiency of dairy goats, an individual approach to farms is necessary. All elements of the production system, both biological and economic, should be taken into account in order to improve production and profits.

Enral® 80 is a feed additive for healthy intestines and high economic performance in poultry farming

Enral® 80 is a feed additive for healthy intestines and high economic performance in poultry farming