Pasture Animal Research Articles

Grazing sheep on pastures with tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea L.) – results of a two-year study on ingested pyrrolizidine alkaloids and transfer into animal organs

Tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea L.) growing in animal pasture may pose a risk to humans due to the potential transfer of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) into food of animal origin. Here, we investigated what amount of PAs corresponds to the amount of ragwort consumed by sheep on a pasture and whether the ingested PAs are transferred into edible tissue. From 2020 to 2021, a field study was conducted with 70 sheep grazing on a pasture (stocking density of 12 sheep/hectare) with considerable quantities of tansy ragwort. After slaughter, blood samples were taken for analysis of liver enzyme activities and haemoglobin concentration. Samples of ruminal fluid, liver and diaphragm pillar were analysed for PAs. The amount of ingested ragwort was determined by counting missing plant parts and calculating their weight using reference material. The mean daily intake of ragwort per sheep ranged from 0.16 kg to 4.89 kg fresh matter and corresponded to PA doses from 0.3 to 40.9 mg/kg body weight with no effect on the liver enzyme activities. The PA concentrations in the animal tissue were between the limit of detection and a maximum of 8.0 µg/kg in the liver and 2.5 µg/kg in muscle. These data suggest that the risk is negligible of exposure to PAs through consumption of meat or liver.

Effects of Changing Weather Patterns on Household Food Availability in Bukiro Sub County Mbarara District

Changing weather patterns and their variables are already negatively impacting food security by damaging crops, reducing yields, and increasing the prevalence of pests and diseases. These pests and diseases contend with crops for sunlight, water, and nutrients, further diminishing agricultural yields and creating issues for crops that were previously unexposed to these threats. Climate-related disruptions in food distribution and transportation, both internationally and domestically, have a substantial impact on not just safety and quality but also access to food. Prolonged dry spells followed by heavy and stormy rains cause interruptions in food production and transportation, reducing farmers' ability to get their grains to market and potentially affecting food prices. This study assessed farmers’ perceptions of effects of changing weather patterns on food security and their coping strategies towards effects of weather changing patterns in smallholder households in Bukiro Sub County, Mbarara District. A sample of 100 smallholder farmers were randomly selected from four parishes of Bukiro sub county and studied using questionnaire and observations. Key informants Interviews were also conducted with nine technical workers and three opinion leaders. Software STAT 26 and Ms excel version 2016 were used to do data analysis. The study found out that changing weather patterns through its variables specifically heavy and stormy rains, late of set of rains, and prolonged dry spells had significant effects on food security. The perceived effects of changing weather patterns established were drying up of water sources (83.8%), decreased land for crop growing (82.4%), reduction in crop yields (77.7%), drying of pastures for animals (67.4%), drying of crops (58.1%), and occurrence of crop and livestock pests and diseases at (56.6%). Also, the perceived weather changing variabilities were late onset of rains (60.1%), prolonged dry spells were responded at 17.6%, and heavy and stormy rains 22.3%. From the study finding farmers clearly perceived that changing weather patterns had negative effects smallholders’ agricultural production systems impacting negatively on food security

What the hay: predicting equine voluntary forage intake using a meta-analysis approach

To properly formulate diets, the ability to accurately estimate feed intake is critical as the amount of feed consumed will influence the amount of nutrients delivered to the animal. Inaccurate intake estimates may lead to under- or over-feeding of nutrients to the animal. Individual differences in equine forage intake are well-known, but predictive equations based on animal and nutritional factors are not comprehensive. The objective of the present study was to consolidate the current body of knowledge in the published literature on voluntary forage DM intake (VFDMI) in equines and conduct a meta-analysis to identify driving factors, sources of heterogeneity, and develop predictive equations. Therefore, a systematic literature search was applied and identified 61 publications which met the inclusion criteria. From each study, the outcomes of interest (e.g., forage intake), diet composition (e.g., forage information, nutrient composition), and animal factors (e.g., sex, age, breed, BW, exercise level) were extracted. Forage intake was analyzed as two different outcome variables: (1) VFDMI in kg/d and (2) VFDMI in g/kg BW. Linear mixed model analysis treating study as a random effect was applied, using a backward−stepping approach to identifying potential driving variables for VFDMI (both units) where all terms have P < 0.1. The best fitting models for VFDMI included similar factors (also across kg/d and g/kg BW) such as forage quality (i.e., neutral detergent fiber or CP content), forage type (i.e., grass, legume, or mixed), the animals’ size category (i.e., horses vs ponies), and some management factors (i.e., pasture access). As anticipated, forage intake increased when higher quality forages were fed (i.e., lower neutral detergent fiber or higher CP), potentially due to improved digestibility. Additionally, VFDMI increased as BW increased but ponies increased their VFDMI more per every kg increase in BW compared to horses. Lastly, pasture access (i.e., grazing) may influence VFDMI such that pastured animals consume less than stalled animals, possibly due to the time it takes to graze forage. In conclusion, equations to predict equine VFDMI with high accuracy and precision (concordance correlation coefficient = 0.82 – 0.95; root mean squared error RMSE = 0.82–5.49) were developed which could be applied in practice by equine nutritionists or owners and managers. The results of this meta-analysis confirm that animal traits and forage quality have a significant impact on the VFDMI of equines and should be accounted for when formulating diets to ensure nutritional requirements are met.

ВЕТЕРИНАРНО-САНИТАРНАЯ ЭКСПЕРТИЗА ПРОДУКТОВ УБОЯ В СТРУКТУРЕ ПАРАЗИТАРНЫХ ЗАБОЛЕВАНИЙ В КАБАРДИНО-БАЛКАРСКОЙ РЕСПУБЛИКЕ

The purpose of research is to study the results of post-mortem examination of beef, to monitor parasitic diseases among the population of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. The material for the study was the data obtained from post-mortem examinations from 2020 to 2022 and information from the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology of the Office of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic for the same period. Recently, a significant part of productive animals in the territory of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic comes from the southern regions of the Russian Federation. Based on the results of reports conducted by the veterinary service for the period 2020–2022. 7,427 cattle carcasses were identified with affected organs and tissues by the following invasive diseases: Fasciolosis, Echinococcosis, Dicrocoeliasis. In 2020, the highest infection rate was due to Echinococcus granulosus infestation – 42.54 %, followed by Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica – 32.52 %; the smallest – when infected with Dicrocoelium lanceatum – 24.94 %. In 2021, the highest level of infection was also due to infection by Echinococcus granulosus – 39.02 %, then Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica – 36.72 %, the lowest was due to infection by Dicrocoelium lanceatum – 24.24 %. In 2022, most of the culling occurred due to infestation: Echinococcus granulosus – 38.50 %, then Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica – 36.80 %, the least due to infection with Dicrocoelium lanceatum – 24.68 %. Favorable natural and climatic conditions, pasture animal husbandry, and peculiarities of the social structure of the population of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic lead to the interaction of the pathogen and host populations. Based on the results of epidemiological examinations of foci of invasive diseases of the population in the Russian Federation, the following results were obtained: over the past 5 years (2017–2021), 1,909 cases of infection with Echinococcus granulosus were identified. In total, 551 cases of infection with Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis were registered in the Russian Federation in 2022.

Organic carbon as a factor of iodine differentiation of the soil cover in the Bryansk and Oryol regions by iodine availability

The distribution of stable iodine and humus in the upper horizon (0–20 cm) of various types of soils of the Bryansk and Oryol regions used as pastures has been studied. Soil sampling was carried out with a hand stick drill in layers in the depth interval: 0–5 cm, 5-10 cm and 10–20 cm. Iodine content was determined by kinetic rhodanide-nitrite method. Corg content was determined by the bichromate method of Tyurin. The work includes data from both long-term studies of the iodine content in the soil cover of the Bryansk region (2008–2020) and new data from expeditionary studies in the Oryol region (2022). It is shown that the soils of the Bryansk pastures are depleted of iodine and organic carbon (OC) in comparison with the Oryol region, which corresponds to the change of soil cover composition from west to east. The humus content in soils was determined and statistically significant correlation between iodine and C org. content in pasture soils were obtained (from r = 0.28 in Chernozems to r = 0.49 in Haplic Albeluvisols; in addition, for the whole sample (n = 48) the correlation coefficient ranged from 0.31 in the 0–5 cm layer to 0.43 in the 10–20 cm layer). The dependence of iodine accumulation on the OC content in different types of soils (Chernozems, Grey-Luvic Phaeozems, Umbric Albeluvisols, Haplic Albeluvisols) and their hydromorphism has been established. The identified differences in soil iodine fixation should be considered as they may influence iodine intake levels in pasture animal milk and local rations.

Tall fescue tiller survival over summer in a subtropical environment: The role of the size and depth of root systems

AbstractPasture persistence is a key determinant of the economic and environmental performance of pastoral animal production systems. Large and deep root systems that help resist summer water stress have been proposed as a relevant trait for vegetative persistence of perennial temperate forage species growing in subtropical climates or under future climatically challenging scenarios. In a previous study [Jauregui et al., 2017. Persistence of tall fescue in a subtropical environment: Tiller survival over summer in response to flowering control and nitrogen supply. Grass and Forage Science 72, 454–466] we have shown that nitrogen fertilization and grazing management aimed at ‘control flowering’ increased the survival of tall fescue tillers during harsh summers in Uruguay (lat. 32°S). Here we assessed: (i) to what extent tiller survival is mediated by root system size in spring and (ii) what consequences tiller survival entails for root mass, depth and morphology the following autumn. In two field experiments, significant increases in tiller survival in response to nitrogen fertilization and grazing management (+60% and +80% in 2011/12 and 2012/13, respectively) were not related to concomitant effects on the size or depth of the root system in spring (p &gt; .10). Even when six‐fold within‐treatment variation in root mass was observed, within‐treatment variation in summer tiller survival was little affected (&lt;15%, p = .08). In turn, differences in tiller survival over summer affected little root system characteristics the following autumn. Therefore, we found scant support for the hypothesis that large and deep root systems contribute to survival of tall fescue tillers in this subtropical humid climate. Except for soils with less than 30 mm of plant available water holding capacity, summer water deficits did not induce severe tiller mortality in tall fescue in this climate.

Selection of forage grasses for cultivation under water-limited conditions using Manhattan distance and TOPSIS.

Extreme weather events, such as severe droughts, pose a threat to the sustainability of beef cattle by limiting the growth and development of forage plants and reducing the available pasture for animals. Thus, the search for forage species that are more tolerant and adapted to soil water deficit conditions is an important strategy to improve food supply. In this study, we propose utilizing the mathematical concept of the Manhattan distance to assess the variations in the morphological variables of tropical forage grasses under water-limited conditions. This study aimed to select genotypes of tropical forage grasses under different water stress levels (moderate or severe) at this distance and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). Nine varieties from five species were examined. Forage grasses were grown in 12-L pots under three soil irrigation regimes [100% pot capacity-PC (well-irrigated control), 60% PC (moderate drought stress), and 25% PC (severe drought stress)] with four replicates. Drought stress treatments were applied for 25 days during the forage grass tillering and stalk elongation phases. After exposure to drought stress, the growth and morphological traits of forage plants were evaluated. The results show that the use of the Manhattan distance combined with TOPSIS helps in the genotypic selection of more stable tropical forage grass varieties when comparing plants exposed to moderate and severe drought conditions in relation to the nonstressful environment (control). The 'ADR 300', 'Pojuca', 'Marandu', and 'Xaraés' varieties show greater stability when grown in a greenhouse and subjected to water stress environments. The selected forage varieties can be used as parents in plant breeding programs, allowing us to obtain new drought-resistant genotypes.

ХАРАКТЕР АГРАРНОЙ ЭКОНОМИКИ КАЗАХСКОГО ХАНСТВА (вторая половина XV – первая половина XVIII вв.)

The study of the history of any society and its political organization, the state, will be completely logical and complete only if we proceed from the realities of the economic system. The purpose of our research is the economy of the Kazakh state in the second half of the XV th - first half of the XVIII th centuries. All major events, such as the causes of war, subsequent political unions, the actions of individual khans, sultans, biys and mass processes in the lower classes of society will become understandable if you know the specifics of the economy of Kazakh society, which in a given historical period could only be of an agrarian nature. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that since the abandonment of the formational concept in Kazakh science, this work examines historical processes from a basic, economic platform. Moreover, the author clearly demonstrates the non-livestock sectors of the economy of the Kazakh Khanate in the XV-XVIII centuries, as a factor in the stability of the state. This study is based on the civilizational methodological concept. Uses historical-comparative, historical-systemic, historical-typological and other methods of scientific knowledge. In accordance with the goals and objectives of this work, the author showed scientific results. In accordance with the objectives, he clearly proved on written, archaeological and partly ethnographic materials that the Kazakh state of the period under study was based not only on pasture animal husbandry. The Kazakh economy was based on such full-fledged industries as agriculture, crafts, trade, crafts, etc. The main conclusion of this article is that in Kazakh historical science it is necessary to change the approach to the study of Kazakh statehood and society. It is necessary to refuse to view these institutions only through nomadism. The stability of the state of the Kazakh Chinggisids was based not only on extensive livestock farming, but also on other equally important agricultural sectors of the economy, including oasis settlements and cities.

Оценка биологического действия комбинированного облучения овец для определения «безопасных» уровней радиационного воздействия

After a ground-based nuclear explosion, a large amount of fused melted radioactive particles (MRP) is formed. Entering the body of pasture animals with food, they accumulate in the proventriculus and abomasum, irradiating them against the background of total radiation exposure in sublethal doses. Research on combined irradiation of sheep (MRP+1.6 Gy) was carried out under the guidance of Professor B.N. Annenkov in 1978 on 48 sheep irradiated at a dose of 1.6 Gy in combination with feeding sheep with ORF activity from 9.99 to 51.80 MBq/kg of live weight. One group of animals served as non-irradiated controls. In addition, the work used experimental data obtained on 10 sheep irradiated at a dose of 2 Gy. Experimental data were analyzed using mathematical statistics methods. Combined irradiation is accompanied by moderate leukopenia, increased blood viscosity and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Changes in the gastrointestinal tract are characterized by atony of the proventriculus, pain in the area of the xiphoid cartilage (mesh) and abomasum, hemorrhages and ulcers on the mucous membranes, as well as a decrease in the consumption of feed and water, which led to loss of live weight and death of animals. A study of the dynamics of death of irradiated sheep (probit analysis) showed that the minimum values of death (1 and 5%) can be caused by the consumption of MRP + 1.6 Gy with activity from 4.07 to 6.57 MBq/kg of live weight. Similar data were obtained when analyzing the values of ruminal motility (rumination) in irradiated sheep (3.6 and 5.4 MBq/kg live weight). Therefore, the “safe” level of ORS activity can reach 6.6 MBq/kg live weight of sheep +1.6 Gy of total irradiation.

Infrared Thermal Profiles in Silvopastoral and Full-Sun Pastures in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil

There is a great need to identify interactions among silvopastoral systems and microclimatic indicators that describe the effect of trees compared to conventional pasture systems without trees. The objective of this study was to evaluate thermal conditions in a silvopastoral system and a pasture area exposed to full sunlight in the eastern Amazon, Brazil. The silvopastoral system was composed of the forest tree species Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K., Dipteryx odorata (Aubl.) Willd, and Khaya grandifoliola C.DC.. During the monitoring period, a forest inventory was carried out that included 30 trees from each species for which thermal profiles were created using a high-precision thermographic camera. Near-infrared thermography showed a positive and direct correlation with dendrometric variables. Silvopastoral systems with K. grandifoliola reduced the heat profile the most compared to conditions in a pasture fully exposed to sunlight, which demonstrates the ecosystem service provided by trees for thermal regulation in these systems. The microclimatic conditions explain the greater presence of bovines in the silvopastoral system as they were most likely in search of the thermal comfort provided by the trees during the period of the highest daytime temperatures. The silvopastoral system benefits the caloric balance and thermal comfort of pasture animals.

Assessing diet and animal mobility in Iron Age Languedoc, southern France: New insights from a multiproxy approach

The societies living in the present-day Languedoc region during the Iron Age (7th-2nd c. BC) experienced a series of progressive transformations, including a demographic growth and an increase in social differentiation, affecting their economic, social and political structure. This context certainly influenced economic organisation, including farming strategies. However, the relationship between animal husbandry and the economical and political context is not completely understood in Iron Age Languedoc. Two key issues – the feeding strategies and the animal mobility in the hinterlands of Languedoc – are poor known. With the aim of providing new insights into our understanding of animal diet and mobility, we combined zooarchaeology (species representation and mortality profiles), dental microwear, dental mesowear and isotopes –strontium (87Sr/86Sr), oxygen (δ18O) and carbon (δ13C)– on domestic ungulates from five major Iron Age sites: Cayla de Mailhac, La Ramasse, Le Cailar, La Monédière and Lattara. The combination of these approaches enabled us to support the hypothesis of a local breeding of livestock, the animal pasture in nearby areas to the site, and the different animal management between caprines and cattle.

Keeping Healthy in Your Skin-Plants and Fungi Used by Indigenous Himalayan Communities to Treat Dermatological Ailments.

Dermatological ailments are a major health problem, especially when related to human immune deficiency syndrome and acquired immune deficiency. The goal of this study was to identify the medicinal plants used by the indigenous peoples of the Northwestern Himalayas to treat dermatological diseases. Several field trips were conducted in the spring and summer seasons of 2020-2021 to collect the plants of dermatological value and information about their use through open-ended semi-structured interviews (n = 53) and group discussions (n = 33). The current investigation found 64 ethnomedicinal plants belonging to 34 families commonly used to treat a variety of dermatological ailments. The main growth form was herbs (80%), followed by trees (8%) and ferns (6%). It was found that leaves (51%) were the most commonly used plant part, followed by roots and the whole plant. Wound healing was the most dominant application, with 18 plant species used, followed by skin burns cured by 11 plant species and skin boils by eight plant species. Out of the total (18%) of medicinal plants with cosmetic uses, i.e., roots of Jurinea dolomiaea, Rheum webbianum, and Rheum spiciforme were crushed into powder and mixed with turmeric, and the paste is applied topically for glowing skin. Among the various preparation methods, paste (38%) was the most common way of preparation, followed by poultice (29%) and infusion (9%). Between ethnic groups, the maximum homogeneity was between Gujjar and Bakarwal ethnic groups (23 species, 36%), followed by Gujjars and Kashmiri (14 species, 22%). Bakarwals and Gujjar people live in the same geographical location, and they graze their animals in pastures, practice extensive transhumance pastoralism, and pass through different ecological landscapes, thus having sufficient experiences with certain plants and retaining more knowledge. The species identified with the highest utilization based on the number of citations and use value included Ficus carica, Cichorium intybus, Euphorbia wallichii, Pinus wallichiana, Plantago major, Jurinea dolomiaea, and Artemisia absinthium. The findings of this study demonstrate that people who reside in the Northwestern Himalayas region still rely on medicinal plants.

Application of Fluctuating Asymmetry Values in Pelophylax ridibundus (Amphibia: Anura: Ranidae) Meristic Traits as a Method for Assessing Environmental Quality of Areas with Different Degrees of Urbanization

In this paper, we assess the environmental impact of urbanization in three freshwater biotopes, using the levels of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in 10 meristic morphological traits in the Marsh Frog (Pelophylax ridibundus (Pallas, 1771)). Two of the studied biotopes are located in the boundaries of the city of Plovdiv (one in the central part, the other in a suburban residential area), and the third is located in the vicinity of the village of Orizare. Our working hypothesis is based on the assumption that urban and suburban sites are more severely affected by human activities than rural sites. However, according to our results, the population of P. ridibundus inhabiting Maritsa River in the central part of Plovdiv City, and that in the suburban zone, have found relatively good living conditions. Contrary to our expectations, the worst environmental conditions were observed in the rural zone, where anthropogenic stress related to intensive pastoral animal husbandry and crop farming was present. The absence of adult individuals in the rural site is also an indicator of unfavorable living conditions.

Prevalence of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in livestock following a confirmed human case in Lyantonde district, Uganda

BackgroundCrimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne viral infection, characterized by haemorrhagic fever in humans and transient asymptomatic infection in animals. It is an emerging human health threat causing sporadic outbreaks in Uganda. We conducted a detailed outbreak investigation in the animal population following the death from CCHF of a 42-year-old male cattle trader in Lyantonde district, Uganda. This was to ascertain the extent of CCHF virus (CCHFV) circulation among cattle and goats and to identify affected farms and ongoing increased environmental risk for future human infections.MethodsWe collected blood and tick samples from 117 cattle and 93 goats, and tested these for anti-CCHFV antibodies and antigen using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and target enrichment next generation sequencing.ResultsCCHFV-specific IgG antibodies were detected in 110/117 (94.0%) cattle and 83/93 (89.3%) goats. Animal seropositivity was independently associated with female animals (AOR = 9.42, P = 0.002), and animals reared under a pastoral animal production system (AOR = 6.02, P = 0.019] were more likely to be seropositive than tethered or communally grazed animals. CCHFV was detected by sequencing in Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks but not in domestic animals.ConclusionThis investigation demonstrated very high seroprevalence of CCHFV antibodies in both cattle and goats in farms associated with a human case of CCHF in Lyantonde. Therefore, building surveillance programs for CCHF around farms in this area and the Ugandan cattle corridor is indicated, in order to identify opportunities for case prevention and control.Graphical

Innovations in beef breeding - opportunities and problems

Today, the world is experiencing an environmental crisis that is far more dangerous than an economic one. The search for and implementation of innovations that support business should also be consistent with their ecological effect. Raising animals for food originated more than 8,500 years ago, and today meat is part of the diet of most people. Beef farming has reached the stage where implementing digital innovations is a necessity. Unfortunately, when implementing new solutions, the effect on nature is often not evaluated. The environmental impacts may be irreversible or difficult to reverse and may require a much higher cost to remedy. The purpose of the research is to compare the profitability of the implemented solutions, in relation to the environmental problems. The results of the study of some of the most widespread innovations can be systematized in several directions. The implementation of animal control systems on pastures could destroy the natural habitat of wild animals and technical solutions should be sought that reduce these impacts. Tracking the behavior and collecting biometric data from the animals can also be done with non-invasive methods, which will be much more humane and will not disturb the ecological balance in relation to the bees. The main problems are related to the access of wild animals to food and water in control systems by restricting pastures and the use of certain frequencies to transmit the biometric data of the animals and their impact on both farmed animals and bees and other species in the wild. In conclusion, the profitability of beef pasture animal husbandry has the possibility to increase without significant damage to nature, if it is approached relatively individually to each specific regional project in Bulgaria.

The use of GPS trackers in herd horse breeding: justification of production indicators

At present, GPS search technologies are increasingly being used to track cows, horses, sheep and other animals in vast pastures. Comfortable monitoring of the movement of animals is one of the primary tasks set by the owners of cattle and horses. So-called GPS collars are common on large farms, as well as in small private households, and are one of the important solutions to the problem of cattle theft prevention. The goal – is to substantiate the use of GPS trackers and effectiveness of monitoring of the state of herd horse breeding in the areas where basic farms are located. In order to assess economic feasibility of "smart" animal husbandry technology, the following methods were applied: review of scientific literature on relevant topics; questioning. The article discusses main directions of digitalization in horse breeding: determining the location of animal in real time, its physical activity, shows innovative approaches that have manifested themselves in the presence of new investment objects (GPS trackers, computer programs, databases), emergence of new effects. The authors studied and analyzed the data on disposal of livestock of horses for reasons not related to production activities, and also calculated the amount of losses. A practical example of the use of GPS trackers is presented and their economic benefits are proven. The results of the study indicate the need for a wider introduction of information and digital systems that allow to maximize the speed of obtaining information on location and prevent the loss of animals of non-productive nature (theft). Conclusions – this device monitors, fixes and analyzes the activity of the observed object in real time, often GPS tracker for horses can save the animal's life or save the owner from significant damage.

Analysis of Environmental Risk Perceptions and Scores of Preservice Science Teachers in Terms of Some Variables

This research aims to determine the environmental risk perceptions of preservice science teachers (PSTs) and compare their risk scores in relation to different variables. The research participant group consisted of PSTs (N = 205) from the Faculty of Education in the Department of Science Education at Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University in Turkey. The environmental risk perception scale (ERPS) was used as a data collection tool and the environmental risk perception interview form (ERPIF) was used during the interviews. A survey model was used in the research. An enriched design in which quantitative and qualitative analyses were used together was included. Quantitative results from the research show &amp;ldquo;radiation,&amp;rdquo; &amp;ldquo;factory waste,&amp;rdquo; and &amp;ldquo;hazardous (chemical) waste,&amp;rdquo; as environmental problems that PSTs consider the riskiest. The least risky environmental problems were &amp;ldquo;overgrazing of animals in meadows and pastures,&amp;rdquo; &amp;ldquo;commercial fishing,&amp;rdquo; and &amp;ldquo;open mining.&amp;rdquo; According to the qualitative interview results, &amp;ldquo;air pollution&amp;rdquo; and &amp;ldquo;factory waste&amp;rdquo; were seen as the riskiest environmental problems, while &amp;ldquo;environmental waste&amp;rdquo; was considered the least risky environmental problem. In addition, while the females had a higher environmental risk perception than the males, there was a significant difference between the 3rd and 4th levels with 4th level PSTs favoring a higher environmental risk perception. There was no significant difference between the environmental risk perception scores of the PSTs depending on whether they took an environmental course or not; neither was there any significant difference issuing from the educational status of PSTs&amp;rsquo; parents.

Research results on the use of frozen yak sperm

Mongolians have specific, historical traditions of nomadic ways for pastoral animal breeding. Since ancient times they are bred the five kinds of livestock with unique capabilities, adapted to four seasons grazing under harsh natural and climatic conditions of Central Asian mountainous and used their benefits. Unique biological quality of Mongolian livestock that helps the animal withstand the cold and feed shortage seasons in despite of feeding pasture plants only for all year round is an evidence of its pasture usability. Better growth of hair and wool of hardy Mongolian livestock, which are able to grow under severe natural and climatic conditions, during summer and autumn, and fibers appeared around the hair base during cold season make the animals resistant to cold. Mongolian livestock are the animals, which withstand very well the fluctuations of both heat and cold, have better maintenance of body heat and ecological adaptation, stronger body conformation, resist various diseases, and have alive behavior, better sociability and genetic capacity. Livestock in Mongolia are considered to be part of the nation’s wealth and are subject to state protection under the country’s constitution. Agriculture, particularly animal husbandry is one of the basic economic sectors of Mongolia and the sector comprises 84.2% of the country’s Gross Agricultural Product and is the only source of income for 18.5% of total households (Mongolian Statistical Yearbook, 2016). In addition, livestock and livestock-derived processed exports account for about 8.7% of foreign exchange earnings. In 2020, Mongolia has recorded the highest number of livestock at 67.1 million, of which 4.1 million are horses, 4.7 million are cattle, 0.47 million are camels, 30.0 million are sheep and 27.7 million are goats. The action plan of the Mongolian government, set a goal “In addition to increasing the number of high-yielding livestock, implementing a policy to support rural development by creating an appropriate herd structure, improving productivity and quality, and developing intensive animal husbandry, and raising highly productive livestock and milk, to protect the gene found of good beef cattle and to expand the breeding and selection of nuclear herds”. Therefore, important to protect the high-productive yak's gene found are to take semen from yak bull. The yak is bred in Mongolia, Tibet, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, the Gorno-Altai region of the Russian Federation, the Himalayas, the Altai, and the Pamirs, and in the surrounding mountainous areas at an altitude of about 2,000 meters above sea level.

Prioritisation tool for targeting the monitoring of veterinary pharmaceuticals in soils at a national level: The case of Spain

AbstractAntibiotics used in animal production are a major source of environmental contamination since most of them are excreted in manure. However, studies on the impact of antimicrobial effects have focused on humans and livestock, neglecting the environment. The European Union (EU) adopted a strategy to prioritise environmental monitoring and develop tools to make it cost‐effective. Our aim was to build a prioritisation tool at a national level to identify hotspot locations for highly occurring antibiotics in soils. Spain was selected as an example, due to its importance for biodiversity, agriculture, antibiotic use and livestock populations in the EU. We built soil vulnerability maps including information about antibiotic use, livestock census, rearing type (intensively reared or pasture animals), and scenario (crop land or pasture). This allowed the identification of sampling sites and antibiotic classes that may require more attention during the early stages of monitoring. The most vulnerable areas were located in the northeast of Spain (crop lands) and in a lesser extent in the west (pasture). A small proportion was located in “High Value Nature” farmlands, highlighting the need for prioritising sampling efforts in those areas because of their importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services. As major antibiotics, tetracyclines and beta‐lactams contributed more to soil vulnerability than less commonly used antibiotics. Intensively reared pigs led to higher vulnerability than the other livestock types. We developed a Shiny dashboard to visualise our results in detail and an R script to execute the model for any antibiotic and country for which data on antibiotic use, livestock census, and raising type are available.Highlights How to orientate monitoring efforts of antibiotics in soils at early stages according to the PiE? A prototype is offered here tool to prioritize sampling sites and antibiotics for soil monitoring. Antibiotic consumption at intensively reared livestock in crop lands were the main contributors. Intensively reared animals and antibiotic use were the main contributions to soil vulnerability. This tool allows to execute the model on any antibiotic and EU country for which data is available.

Farmers-Herdsmen conflicts: Effect of Resilience Strategy on Arable crop Productivity in the Ogbomoso Agricultural Zone of Oyo State

Over the years, contests over land for crop production and pasture for animals among crop farmers and herders have been a subject of concern. The study therefore examine the effect of resilience on arable crop productivity after farmers-herdsmen conflicts in the Ogbomoso Agricultural Zone of Oyo State. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 270 arable crop farmers, which is about 29.4% of the 919 registered arable crop farmers for the study, using a structured questionnaire to obtain primary data. Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics like tables, percentages and inferential statistics such as ordinary least square regression to analyse the effect of resilience strategy to shocks of conflict anticipation cost and arable crop productivity. All analyses were tested at a 5% level of significance. The result of the OLS regression analysis model for the effect of resilience techniques on arable crop productivity indicated that years spent in school (p = 0.97), size of farm (p = 0.006), hired labour after conflict (p = 0.000), transformative index (p = 0.000), absorptive index (p = 0.008) and adaptive index (p = 0.008) were significantly related to arable crop productivity. The transformative, absorptive, and adaptive resilience strategies significantly influenced arable crop productivity after farmers-herdsmen conflicts in the study area. The study concluded that adhere to the rule and regulations of the community serve as a means of preventing conflicts between farmers and herders, Further increasing farm size requires more commitment from the farmer and thus becomes more attached to the farm materially, physically and emotionally. The study recommends that the resilience strategies employed by the respondents should be investigated and adopted by appropriate authorities in order to mitigate the regular conflicts between farmers and herders in Nigeria.