Stock Animals Research Articles

Optimizing a traditional practice of soil fertilization for cassava cultivation in the Brazilian Amazonia

ABSTRACT A traditional practice of fertilizing soils with excreta deposited by cattle in small paddocks at night is used for subsequent cultivation of cassava. However, research information on animal stocking and duration of this fertilization process is lacking. The objective of this work was to determine better combinations of stocking rate and number of nights in which bovines fertilize the soil with their excreta for cassava cultivation in the Brazilian Amazonia using the night paddock manuring system. We correlated stocking rate, number of nights, soil fertility, nutritional status of plants, and tuberous root yield using data collected in commercial cassava cultivation areas. The root yield was not significantly correlated with stocking rate or number of nights. However, when these two factors were combined into a single index that we have denominated index of soil fertilization by cattle, the correlation was significant. The index that resulted in the estimated maximum root yield was calculated to be 225. This value can be achieved with five combinations of stocking rate and number of nights. The intermediate combination consisted of 9 animals in a 100-m2 paddock and 25 nights. This study provides useful information to optimize a traditional practice of soil fertilization for cassava cultivation.

Conservation value and ecosystem service provision of Nothofagus antarctica forests based on phenocluster categories

Traditional approaches of forest classifications were based on tree species composition, but recently combine phenology and climate to characterise functional (cyclic and seasonal greenness) rather than structural or compositional components (phenoclusters). The objective was to compare the conservation value (capacity to support more native biodiversity) and provision of ecosystem services (ES) in different phenocluster categories of Nothofagus antarctica forests in Tierra del Fuego (Argentina). We used available models (ES, potential biodiversity) and ground-truth data of 145 stands, comparing phenocluster values using uni- and multivariate analyses. Conservation value and capacity to supply ES significantly varied among phenocluster categories: (i) cultural, regulating, and provisioning ES and potential biodiversity at landscape level, (ii) soil carbon and nitrogen, (iii) dominant height, crown cover, basal area, total volume, and domestic animal stock, and (iv) understory plant richness and cover at stand level. These differences are linked to the forest capacity to support more native biodiversity and ES. Besides, multivariate analyses supporting the split of this forest type into four phenocluster subtypes (coast, highland, ecotone with other types, and degraded or secondary forests). Our findings suggest the needs of specific management and conservation proposals, based on phenoclusters rather than forest types defined by tree canopy-cover composition.

Nitrogen fertilization allows grazing intensification without degrading soil physical quality

Increasing pasture biomass production through nitrogen fertilization enables greater stocking rate and grazing intensification in pastoral livestock production systems. However, grazing intensification can compromise the soil physical quality if stocking rates exceed the soil bearing capacity to support treading. The objective was to quantify the impact of long-term (12 years) intensified grazing of Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. IPR-86 Milênio on the physical quality of a sandy soil (Luvisol Ferric soil) under subtropical climate. The 12-year field experiment was arranged in a completely randomized split-plot design with four replicates. The approach for moving the animals in and out of the paddocks varied across harvests. In the first five harvests, the period of use and rest was fixed with each paddock being occupied for 5 days followed by 35 days of rest (i.e., 40-day grazing cycle). In the subsequent harvests, the timing for moving animals in and out of each paddock was based on pasture height, with entry set at 0.90 m and exit at 0.40 m. Grazing intensification levels (IL) consisted of different animal stocking rates, grazing cycles, and forage biomass, which varied depending on the nitrogen application doses: 0 (IL-0), 150 (IL-150), 300 (IL-300), and 450 (IL-450) kg of N ha−1 year−1. Undisturbed soil samples were taken at four depths (0–0.10, 0.10–0.20, 0.20–0.30, and 0.30–0.40 m) in two sampling positions (under plants vs. between plants) and used to measure several soil physical properties (e.g., bulk density, macroporosity, mesoporosity, microporosity, water and air storage capacity, available water, pore size distribution, and water retention curve). The impact of grazing intensification on soil physical quality was minor, occurring only between plants and at the 0–0.10 m depth, where an increase in soil bulk density and a decrease in microporosity was observed. Grazing intensification also increased the water retention capacity between plants. Regardless of the sampling position and the grazing IL, water and air storage capacity was not detrimental to plant development. Overall, the increased animal stocking rate resulting from the greater pasture biomass production due to improved nitrogen fertilization does not degrade soil physical quality.

Swine Industry in Canada: Biosecurity in Live Animal, Semen Transportation, and Embryo Transfer

The pork industry, a key player in the Canadian economy, significantly contributes to livestock production, international trade markets, and employment. The multi-faceted swine industry is comprised of nucleus, multiplier, and commercial herds. The recognition and application of exemplary internal and external biosecurity measures are paramount for maintaining sustainable swine production. Historically, live animal transport has been an important means of disseminating superior genetics between production herds and poses a considerable risk for disease transmission and biosecurity breach points. The industry has evolved over time to employ other methods, through the shipping of boar semen and the adoption of artificial insemination practices to acquire genetic resources with a lower risk of disease transmission. These effective changes have led to an improvement in herd health, production performance, and efficiency. In particular, the industry’s dedication to enhanced biosecurity is evident in the effort to streamline embryo collection and transfer procedures. Such advances reduce the potential need to transport live animals, thereby lowering the risk of introducing infectious agents. This review article explores the different forms of disseminating swine genetics, namely, live animal, semen transportation, and embryo transfer, examining potential breaches in biosecurity, and discussing mitigation strategies that reduce disease transmission to protect the health of animal stock.

Goat and sheep manure based vermicompost and vermi‐leachate as a nutrient source in drip hydroponic tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris)

AbstractIntroductionSmall stock animal manures have the potential to be used in arid countries to produce vermi‐leachate or vermi‐teas that can be effectively utilised in the hydroponic production of both leafy and fruity vegetables.Materials & MethodsOur study evaluated the potential of sheep and goat manure vermicompost (SGMVC) as an amendment to cocopeat at varying levels, as well as sheep and goat manure vermi‐leachate (SGMVL) diluted at 5%, 10%, and 20%, on crop phytotoxicity, seedling growth, and crop growth and yield.ResultsThe 100% inorganic Hygrotech fertiliser and SGML showed consistently high values for relative root elongation (RRE) and germination index (GI), with values above 90% for most treatments. However, the treatments with less SGMVC incorporation showed phytotoxic effects, with cocopeat alone having the lowest GI and RRE values. However, for direct seed germination, all treatments showed germination percentages above 80% for Swiss chard and above 70% for tomato, including the cocopeat alone treatment, indicating the complementary effects of the SGMVL irrigation source. For Swiss chard, the use of 10% and 20% leachate alone resulted in a 141.8% and 137.5% lower leaf area, respectively, compared to the treatments irrigated with Hygrotech fertiliser. Similarly, for tomatoes, the use of 10% and 20% leachate alone resulted in 129.2% and 143.4% lower leaf areas, respectively, compared to the Hygrotech irrigated treatments. For Swiss chard, the application of 0% VC resulted in an overall 43% reduction in leaf yield, whereas in tomato, it resulted in an overall 44% reduction in tomato fruit yield. The increased yield under 50% VC clearly indicated increased nutrient availability and enhanced water holding capacity of the media compared to when no SGMVC was added.ConclusionThis study showed that Swiss chard and tomato have different nutrient requirements, and the use of SGMVC should not be based on blanket recommendations from one crop. In addition, the use of reduced inorganic soluble fertilisers in combination with SGMVC has no economic benefits, as this reduced yield is almost proportional to the level of soluble fertiliser reduction.

Automated computer vision based individual salmon (Salmo salar) breathing rate estimation (SaBRE) for improved state observability

Salmon farming plays an important role in the Norwegian food industry, supplying a large portion of the world's salmon. Despite its economic importance, salmon farming faces unique biological challenges impacting the health and welfare of the fish. These factors limit the growth of salmon and the full economic potential of salmon farms, highlighting the need for advanced techniques in aquaculture to enhance productivity and sustainability. A key technical challenge is the unavailability of effective monitoring tools, leading to greater difficulties assessing the condition of salmon in water compared to the assessment of the animal stock on land-based farms. To improve the observability of salmon farms, we designed and created a computer-vision based approach for salmon breathing rate estimation (SaBRE), which allows the automatic monitoring of the respiration frequency of each individual salmon in a group of fish, seamlessly covering the entire workflow from video-stream input to the final data output (end-to-end). We thoroughly evaluated the capabilities of our method in two ways. Firstly, we performed a quantitative analysis of the constituent modules of SaBRE, revealing that all modules were highly accurate, including a salmon re-identification module that achieved an accuracy of 99.51 %. Secondly, we analyzed data from a salmon experiment with SaBRE, demonstrating that our algorithm provides high-quality respiration frequency information that can be compared with other types of experimental data to infer biological relationships. For the fish in our experiment, we observed that the ranking of the respiration frequencies in individual salmon remains relatively unchanged both in the short term and over longer periods (i.e., a salmon with a high breathing rate consistently remains among those with the highest rates, regardless of changes in the environment). Furthermore, a significant negative correlation (Pearson correlation coefficients with r values between −0.61 and −0.90 and p values below 0.01) was observed between our algorithm's estimated respiration frequency and the dissolved oxygen (dO2) content in the water. In addition, the average breathing rate of the salmon was observed to increase in response to incidents potentially causing stress.

Evolving Dairy Cattle Systems in Chile: Structural Shifts and Adaptation Strategies.

This study examines the structural and geographical changes in Chile's dairy cattle systems from 1997 to 2021, using data from agricultural censuses. It focuses on variables like animal stocks, herd sizes, pasture utilization, and stocking rates, analyzed through descriptive statistics, multivariable analysis, and geographical mapping. The findings show a significant decrease in dairy farms (-69%) and dairy cattle stocks (-25.4%), with regional disparities: southern farms increased in importance while central farms declined. There is a trend towards intensification, with higher stocking rates and larger herd sizes. Grassland utilization shifted, with a decrease in natural pastures and an increase in improved and sown pastures. The study identifies four typological groups based on stocking rates, dimensions, and pasture use, reflecting distinct evolutionary paths influenced by climate change, land use, economic dynamics, and technology. Geographical analyses highlight regional variations. This research provides insights into the dynamics of Chile's dairy farming sector and its sustainability challenges and opportunities amidst changing environmental and socioeconomic conditions.

System fertilization in integrated crop-livestock management favors microbial processes, soil quality and production profitability

Integrated crop-livestock systems with no tillage (ICLS-NT) have emerged as more responsible modes of production. Different fertilization strategies can optimize the productivity and profitability of ICLS-NT. However, it is necessary to understand how these strategies can change soil quality. This study aimed to investigate how different fertilization strategies within the ICLS-NT impact the biochemical and chemical attributes of the soil, as well as the productivity and profitability of the system. An ICLS-NT experiment was conducted with beef cattle grazing in winter and soybean cultivation in summer, structured in a 2×2 factorial arrangement, starting in 2019 and evaluated after 3 years (2021/2022 harvest). The first factor was the timing of fertilization: conventional Fertilization (CF - application of phosphorus and potassium during soybean sowing), and system Fertilization (SF - application of phosphorus and potassium in pasture). The second factor was the application of 100 kg ha–1 of nitrogen to the Brachiaria pasture: with application (+N) or without application (–N), resulting in four treatments distributed in three blocks. The system fertilization showed greater biochemical activity, nutrient availability, forage accumulation, increased animal stocking, and animal weight gain, regardless of the level of nitrogen. The strategy SF+N also provided an increase of 438 kg ha–1 in soybean grain productivity, which added to profits from animal production culminating in 407.35 US$ ha–1 of net income more than what was obtained in reference treatment (CF–N). The findings highlight that applying fertilizers after the crop phase is an effective strategy for replenishing soil nutrients, activating microbial processes and improving soil quality. This approach means a more sustainable agricultural practice, reducing environmental impact and at the same time reinforcing profitability in ICLS-NT.

Cover crop grazing effects on soil properties in no-tillage dryland cropping systems in the central Great Plains

Integrating ruminant livestock such as beef cattle (Bos taurus L.) to graze cover crops (CCs) could balance goals of short-term profitability and long-term environmental sustainability when CCs are grown in water-limited environments like the central Great Plains (CGP), USA. However, little information currently exists about the effects of CC grazing on soil properties in no-tillage (NT) dryland cropping systems, especially after multiple cycles of grazing. This study was conducted from 2018 to 2021 to evaluate the effects of beef cattle grazing CCs on residue return, soil bulk density (BD) and penetration resistance (PR), water stable aggregates (WSA) and wind-erodible fraction (WEF), as well as soil pH and nutrient concentrations on three producer fields in central and western Kansas. Across sites, CC biomass left as residue post-grazing was similar to pre-grazing and was 60 % of the ungrazed CCs (3704 kg ha−1) because of CC regrowth after the 30–40 day grazing period. Soil BD, PR, WSA, WEF, pH, particulate organic carbon, nitrate-nitrogen, and phosphorus concentration were not different between grazed and ungrazed CCs. However, soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and potassium concentrations were greater with grazed CCs compared to ungrazed CCs possibly due to substantial CC residue retention following grazing coupled with manure and urine deposition. Regression and correlation analyses showed that increased SOC was associated with decreased soil BD and increased WSA, which suggests decreased soil erosion potential as well as possible improvements in water infiltration and underscores the importance of SOC for overall soil health in this water-limited environment. Based on these results, we conclude that grazing of CCs is a viable management option for producers to intensify NT dryland cropping systems to improve soil health and maintain or increase overall system profitability in the CGP. Longer (>3 years) grazing studies are needed, and results are likely to vary based on grazing animal stocking rate, categories, duration of grazing, and available CC biomass for grazing.

A longitudinal study of tick infestations and management practices in young stock smallholder dairy cattle in the Tanga region, Tanzania

A longitudinal study involving cohorts of young stock animals (<3 years old) kept on smallholder dairy farms in the Tanga region, Tanzania, was conducted to identify and quantify tick infestations and describe on-farm tick management practices. A total of 549 young stock were followed for 23 months, and 3127 grazing and acaricide treatment observations were obtained. Tick counts were low in the present study, and while more than 30% of animals had a tick on one occasion, most animals had no ticks at most examinations. The most commonly encountered spp. were R. appendiculatus, Boophilus spp., A. variegatum and R. evertsi. Most animals were zero-grazed, a management system that significantly limits animal exposure to ticks; however, grazed calves were more than three times more likely to carry R. appendiclatus and Boophilus spp. ticks than zero-grazed calves were (OR [odds ratio] = 4.4, P < 0.001; 3.6, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences among sampling rounds in the numbers of animals carrying R. appendiculatus ticks (likelihood ratio test P = 0.520). Hand spraying was the common method used, acaricides that require on farm dilution were most commonly used, and most farmers used this method at concentrations considerably less than those recommended by the manufacturer, most likely due to poor understanding, high cost (tempting them to over dilute) and weak extension/veterinary services. Variation in acaricide treatment frequency was not associated with variations in tick attachment, suggesting that most farms were under a strong acaricide regime or at irregular intervals or with tick-building resistance. Our findings suggest that geographic variations in vector densities might partly influence the extent of infection caused by tick-borne pathogens. The applicability of this study to large and extensive cattle production systems is recommended to widen the scope of tick management practices while generating additional data that will inform national tick and tick-borne disease control policy reform in Tanzania.

Stream sediment pollution: a compositional baseline assessment

AbstractA high concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) can affect ecosystem health in many ways. It is therefore essential that spatial trends in pollutants are assessed and monitored. Two questions must be addressed when quantifying pollution: how to define a non-polluted sample and how to reduce the problem’s dimensionality. A geochemical dataset is a composition of variables (chemical elements), where the components represent the relative importance of each part of the whole. Therefore, to comply with the compositional constraints, a compositional approach was used. A novel compositional pollution indicator (CPI) based on compositional data (CoDa) principles such as the properties of sparsity and simplicity was computed. A dataset of 12 chemical elements in 33 stream-sediment samples were collected from depths of 0–10 cm in a grid of 1 km × 1 km and analyzed. Maximum concentrations of 3.8% Pb, 750 µg g−1 As, and 340 µg g–1 Hg were obtained near the mine tailings. The methodological approach involved geological background selection in terms of a trimmed subsample that could be assumed to contain only non-pollutants (Al and Fe) and the selection of a list of pollutants (As, Zn, Pb, and Hg) based on expert knowledge criteria and previous studies. Finally, a stochastic sequential Gaussian simulation of the new CPI was performed. The results of the hundred simulations performed were summarized through the mean image map and maps of the probability of exceeding a given statistical threshold, allowing the characterization of the spatial distribution and the associated variability of the CPI. A high risk of contamination along the Grândola River was observed. As the main economic activities in this area are agricultural and involve animal stocks, it is crucial to establish two lines of intervention: the installation of a surveillance network for continuous control in all areas and the definition of mitigation actions for the northern area with high levels of contamination. Graphical Abstract

CONDITIONS OF CHANGES IN THE REGIONAL SPECIALIZATION OF ANIMAL PRODUCTION IN POLAND

Aim: The study aimed to identify regional specialization and changes in competitiveness in the field of animal production in Poland. Methods: The analysis covered statistical data of the Central Statistical Office from 2010–2021 on a national scale and in individual voivodeships. The study used a comparative analysis of animal production in regional terms. In order to determine the specialization of the region and to analyze changes in competitiveness over time, the classic method of Shift-Share Analysis (SSA) was used. Results: Major changes are taking place in Poland in the stock of farm animals and the production of animals for slaughter. In the years 2010–2021, the pig stock decreased drastically, and the stock of cattle, especially for fattening and poultry, increased. Changes in livestock stock contributed to an increase in beef cattle and poultry production and a decrease in the production of live pigs. Conclusions: There is specialization in Poland, and the concentration of production of the most important livestock species in individual voivodeships is increasing. Specialization and concentration processes allow for more effective use of farm resources and greater competitiveness of regions. However, the accelerating concentration of production may threaten the sustainable development of agriculture and negatively affect the natural environment. Therefore, further research on the impact of specialization and concentration of animal production on food security and the natural environment is recommended.

Determinants of Field‐Saturated Soil Hydraulic Conductivity Across Sub‐Saharan Africa: Texture and Beyond

AbstractSoil infiltration is critical for water security and related ecosystem services. This infiltration, the ability of soils to absorb water at their surface, is controlled by the soil hydraulic conductivity. Despite recent efforts in assembling measurements of soil hydraulic conductivity, global databases and derived pedotransfer functions lack coverage in the tropics. Here, we present soil infiltration measurements and other indicators of soil and land health collected systematically in 3,573 plots from 83 100 km2 sites across 19 countries in sub‐Saharan Africa. We use these data to (a) determine field‐saturated hydraulic conductivity (K fs) and (b) explore which variables best predict variation in K fs. Our results show that sand content, soil organic carbon (SOC), and woody cover had a positive relationship with K fs, whereas grazing intensity and soil pH had a negative relationship. Our findings highlight that, despite soil texture being important, structure also plays a critical role. These results indicate considerable potential to improve soil hydrological functioning through management and restoration practices that target soil structure. Enhancing SOC content, limiting animal stocking, promoting trees, shrubs, and other vegetation cover, and preventing soil erosion can increase K fs and improve water security. This data set can contribute to improving Earth system and land surface models for applications in Africa.

Animal cloning and genome editing in buffalo, with special reference to India

India owns the best buffalo breeds, particularly Murrah, which is famous worldwide for high milk production. India’s white and pink revolution cannot be imagined without the contribution of buffalo, and to achieve this, the best productive animals need to be produced through scientific interventions. Animal cloning is a technique used to produce multiple copies of the best animals without normal reproduction. In India, buffalo cloning has already happened, and India’s first cloned buffalo was produced in 2009. Later, several buffalo clones were produced, and attempts are ongoing to produce a stock of more elite animals. Buffalo cloning has made its way from scientific manuscripts to farmers’ farms. Recently, genome editing has emerged as a powerful tool to manipulate the genomes of several animal species. Various livestock models have already been produced, and it can be foreseen that more model animals will be produced in the future using the CRISPR-Cas system. These success stories have opened multiple prospects for Indian researchers. In this article, we provide an overview of the progress of buffalo cloning in India and new initiatives on genome editing.

44 Developing New Traits Using Precision Breeding Tools

Abstract Genome editing in the genetic stocks of food animals has tremendous potential as a tool for genetic improvement best suited to introduce traits not readily available for intensive selection in commercial breeding populations, especially those affecting disease resistance and adaptation to climate. To date, gene-editing has been used to alter prolactin receptor and produce heat-tolerant, registered Angus for commercial production of semen and embryos that rapidly improves efficient quality beef production in the tropics. More recently, genome alterations based on rationale design have been tested to demonstrate host resistance to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and bovine viral diarrhea virus in swine and cattle, respectively. This presentation will highlight the results of these new traits to breed healthier commercial animals that will eventually change global market dynamics of livestock production.

Studying the sources of infection of broiler chickens by salmonella using ERIC-PCR and agglutination reaction with fluorescencelabeled antigens (FLA).

The study aims to develop diagnostic algorithms for using ERIC-PCR and IRA, which make it possible to identify the routes of Salmonella introduction into a poultry farm. The authors studied the genetic differences of 15 isolates of Salmonella spp., isolated from pathological material, feed raw materials and swabs from poultry houses of broiler poultry farms (parent stock and replacement young animals) in the West Siberian region. The species of Salmonella cultures were confirmed by sequencing and using biochemical tests and agglutination sera. Bacterial DNA was isolated using the standard silicosorption method. Analysis of the genomic DNA of the studied collection of Salmonella using the ERIC-PCR method allowed us to group the resulting strains and isolates into three genotypes that differ in amplicon patterns on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Comparison of IRA results with blood sera of birds from the parent flock and replacement young animals of poultry farm No. 1 made it possible to identify antibodies to both Salmonella genotype one and Salmonella genotype 2 in most of the examined poultry flocks. Analysis of the correlation of antibody titers to Salmonella antigens of the 1st and 2nd genotypes made it possible to exclude a cross-reaction in some poultry houses. The correlation was negative. It was positive in two poultry houses, and there was no correlation in one. The immunofluorescence agglutination reaction system makes it possible to precisely distinguish the seroprevalence of different Salmonella strains at individual agricultural enterprises. The totality of data from serological analysis suggests that some birds have an increased susceptibility to infection with Salmonella of both genotypes, which means that these individuals have genetic characteristics or characteristics of the intestinal microbiota associated with exposure to infection with Salmonella.

Spatial modeling via geostatistics of the bed in a compost barn system: thermal performance assessments.

For all the benefits of a compost barn system to be achieved, the management, especially with the bedding, must be done correctly. One should consider the requirements regarding the revolving of the material, use of good quality organic matter, suitable ventilation, and an ideal animal stocking rate, so that the composting occurs efficiently. Given this, this work aimed to evaluate the spatial variability of thermal characteristics of rice straw bedding, using values of temperature (surface and internal) and humidity. The temperature and moisture values of the litter were recorded at intervals during the morning shift, from 6:00 am to 7:00 am and from 8:00 am to 9:00 am, and during the afternoon shift, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, considering the management of the turn-over, that is, before and after the movement of the litter. Litter variables were collected at points distributed on a 39-point grid. There were no differences between litter surface temperatures before and after turning over in the morning shift, but in the afternoon shift, the surface temperature was lower (P < 0.05) before, when compared to after turning. The internal temperature and litter moisture were higher (P < 0.05) before revolving in both shifts. Spatial dependence was verified (IDE) for the variables studied. Based on the geostatistical analysis, it is concluded that the IDE was rated as strong for surface and internal temperatures, which demonstrates heterogeneity among the points evaluated and a large spatial variability regarding bed temperatures. In the case of litter moisture, the greatest variability occurred in the morning period. The litter surface temperature values did not exceed the ambient air temperature values.

A model for herd behaviour based on a spatial public goods game

In groups and crowds, individuals have a propensity to replicate the actions of their immediate neighbours, often disregarding rational considerations. This phenomenon is known as herd behaviour, which has been extensively investigated in biological and economic contexts to comprehend the dynamics of fragile systems. Examples of herd behaviour scenarios include the bubble effect in the stock market, animal coordination, and individuals congregating together during emergency situations to avert peril. The understanding of the underlying causes and consequences of individual decision-making in crowd dynamics can mitigate the negative outcomes of these situations. Consequently, models are utilised to propose effective stock market controls and design emergency exits that enable swift responses to crises. This paper presents a spatial game that induces a level of herding in the population, whereby a multiplayer public good game serves as the platform for interaction among individuals. Herding behaviour arises when individuals shift from emulating the most successful strategy to copying the predominant strategy in their neighbourhood. The objective of the game is to investigate how the induced level of herding and the return on investment affect the total wealth, wealth distribution, and level of cooperation in the population. In summary, when herd behaviour is more prevalent, it leads to reduced cooperation and increased wealth inequality. Nonetheless, the outcome is contingent on the initial concentration of states in the simulation.

Modeling of Zebrafish Housing Temperatures During Power Outage and Instrument Failure.

Power outages can happen anywhere and anytime for various reasons. This threat affects also scientific work of biologists. Especially problematic area is aquatic animal husbandry, where life support of the animals is dependent on continuous electricity supply and years of scientific work may depend on the well-being of these animal stocks. Therefore, tools to estimate and control these risks are needed. In this study, I have used modeling to estimate aquarium water temperature changes during power outages and constructed simplified models for zebrafish aquaria. A calculation worksheet is also provided to help to model kinetics of water temperature changes in zebrafish facilities.

DEPENDENCE OF THE VOLUME OF NATURAL FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION IN RELATION TO THE LEVEL OF LIVESTOCK DENSITY IN POLAND

The article presents the results of an analysis of the dependence of the volume ofconsumption of various types of natural fertilizers in Poland, on the intensity of animal husbandry. As a measure of the intensity of animal husbandry, the level of animal stocking rate was adopted. The scope of the analysis covered the years 2017-2020. The amount of natural fertilizer consumption was determined at the level of voivodeships. The study showed that the size of animal stocking rates in Poland is determined by the share of cattle, followed by pig and poultry stocking rates. Analysis of basic statistical indicators, confirmed spatial inequality with regard to the location of animal husbandry in Poland at the regional level. The intensity ofmanure application is a reflection of the level of livestock stocking, and this relationship isexplained by a 2 polynomial regression, where R2 = 0.7326. The highest intensity oflivestock and natural fertilization in Poland was the Podlaskie Voivodeship, where theaverage level of natural fertilizer use in recent years was 11.48 t/ha UAA, and the stocking rate was 85.2 LU/100 ha UAA, while the average level of use for Poland is 4.64 t/ha UAA. The amount of each type of manure applied per large animal unit (LU) is relatively constant, and in Poland in recent years has been: 6.0 t of manure, 0.8 t of poultry manure, 1.3 m3 of liquid manure and 2.4 m3 of slurry.