Beef Farms Research Articles

Prospects for the bioeconomy in achieving a Just Transition: perspectives from Irish beef farmers on future pathways

Many beef farm systems in Irish and some global contexts have economic and environmental traits that threaten their future sustainability. In this context, the concept of Just Transition for economically vulnerable agricultural sectors is of interest, and, in particular, the bioeconomy is identified as potentially providing new sustainable income streams for farmers. This paper presents an analysis of six case-study beef farmers in Ireland, undertaken using a biographic narrative method. It examines the subjective experiences of beef farmers and their perspectives towards the bioeconomy as an option for farm diversification and its potential to deliver a Just Transition. The narrative data were analysed using Michel Foucault's framework of power, which was applied to be attentive to how existing normative knowledges, discourses, and subjectivities intersect with nascent concepts such as the bioeconomy and Just Transition. Through in-depth case-studies of beef farmers, we aim to understand how and whether they are likely to become involved in the bioeconomy. Our analysis shows that the case-study farmers are mainly concerned about power imbalances in beef value chains. Most participants were unfamiliar with the bioeconomy, which currently primarily involves a limited number of dairy farmers in Ireland. However, the bioeconomy was viewed by t case-study farmers as a development that could potentially generate new income streams for farmers. Several factors were identified as contextually relevant to achieving that potential. Collaborative bodies such as cooperatives or Producer Organisations were viewed as influential in enhancing the positioning of farmers within value chains and facilitating the inclusion of beef farmers in bioeconomy activities. Addressing the root causes of the economic vulnerability of beef farming was also identified by case-study farmers as necessary for advancing the bioeconomy; otherwise, it was perceived, existing power imbalances would be replicated.

BovCria: an application designed to assist breeders in the assessment of beef cattle herds

The aim of this study was to develop a technological tool in the form of a mobile application that provides functionalities for the easy calculation of reproductive and productive efficiency indices. This tool aims to assist breeders, technicians, and students of agricultural sciences in decision-making for the challenges faced in cattle production systems. The application was developed using the Android Studio development environment and the Dart programming language framework known as Flutter. The application's graphical interface follows Google guidelines in the Material Design documentation. The tool will provide a practical way to calculate recognized indexes of productive efficiency of cow-calf systems and provide information such as goals and management tips to help users achieve better results. The impact of the developed product is its use as an information platform, facilitating decision-making in the area of beef cattle production and as an efficient means of disseminating technologies generated by research institutions and popularizing science. Thus, the application is an accessible and comprehensible tool, providing a means of evaluating the technologies and management practices adopted in beef cattle farms.

Epidemiological characteristics of bovine besnoitiosis (Besnoitia besnoiti) in a beef cattle farm: a cross-sectional serological assessment.

Bovine besnoitiosis is an emerging disease caused by the protozoa Besnoitia besnoiti that can have a serious economic impact on affected farms. The fact that there is no effective vaccine nor treatment, along with the lack of consistent epidemiologic data, renders the implementation of preventive medicine and control strategies much harder. A cross-sectional serological assessment was performed to better understand the distribution and prevalence of this parasite in a large beef cattle farm in Portugal and to establish some epidemiological characteristics of besnoitiosis. A random blood sampling of 450 animals from a farm that keeps around 2,000 cattle head was performed and sera were submitted to an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Data on breed, age, sex, and birthplace of the tested animals and their mothers were recorded. The overall prevalence of positive animals was 16.89%, with significant differences between under 1-year-old calves (4.8%) and adults (19.67%). A higher antibody prevalence was shown in animals 1-2 years and >7 years old, in Salers breed and in cows imported from France or whose mothers had come from this country. Calves under 1 year old and crossbreed animals with ancestry born in the current farm presented the lowest antibody prevalence. The most significant risk factors revealed were age (>7 years old) and breed (Salers). Genetic studies should be carried out in order to confirm whether indeed there is a breed susceptibility to bovine besnoitiosis. We suggest that similar studies should be performed across southern Europe to establish strong epidemiologic data that would allow a rigorous transnational control program to be launched.

Agent-Based Modelling to Improve Beef Production from Dairy Cattle: Young Beef Production

Approximately 42% of the total calves born in New Zealand’s dairy industry are either euthanized on farms or commercially slaughtered as so-called bobby calves within 2 weeks of age. These practices have perceived ethical issues and are considered a waste of resources because these calves could be grown on and processed for beef. Young beef cattle harvested between 8 and 12 months of age would represent a new class of beef production for New Zealand and would allow for a greater number of calves to be utilized for beef production, reducing bobby calf numbers in New Zealand. However, the acceptance of such a system in competition with existing sheep and beef cattle production systems is unknown. Therefore, the current study employed an agent-based model (ABM) developed for dairy-origin beef cattle production systems to understand price levers that might influence the acceptance of young beef production systems on sheep and beef cattle farms in New Zealand. The agents of the model were the rearer, finisher, and processor. Rearers bought in 4-days old dairy-origin calves and weaned them at approximately 100 kg live weight before selling them to finishers. Finishers managed the young beef cattle until they were between 8 and 12 months of age in contrast to 20 to 30 months for traditional beef cattle. Processing young beef cattle in existing beef production systems without any price premium only led to an additional 5% of cattle being utilized compared to the traditional beef cattle production system in New Zealand. This increased another 2% when both weaner cattle and young beef were sold at a price premium of 10%. In this scenario, Holstein Friesian young bull contributed more than 65% of total young beef cattle. Further premium prices for young beef cattle production systems increased the proportion of young beef cattle (mainly as young bull beef), however, there was a decrease in the total number of dairy-origin cattle processed, for the given feed supply, compared to the 10% premium price. Further studies are required to identify price levers and other alternative young beef production systems to increase the number of young beef cattle as well the total number of dairy-origin beef cattle for beef on sheep and beef cattle farms. Some potential options for investigation are meat quality, retailer and consumer perspectives, and whether dairy farmers may have to pay calf rearers to utilize calves with lower growth potential.

Acute necrotic hepatotoxicity caused by Melanthera latifolia (Asteraceae) in cattle

This study aims to report a spontaneous and experimental intoxication in cattle by Melanthera latifolia (Asteraceae) for the first time, and to describe its epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings. An outbreak of acute toxic hepatopathy in cattle occurred from December of 2021 to January of 2022 in a beef cattle farm from Rio Grande do Sul state, Southern Brazil, and resulted in 94 deaths from a herd of 430 animals. At necropsy, lesions consisted of enhanced lobular pattern of the liver, transmural gallbladder edema, and hemorrhages on the surface of multiple organs. The main microscopic lesion was marked hepatocellular necrosis in the centrilobular region associated with hemorrhage and infiltration of neutrophils. During the outbreak, multiple specimens of M. latifolia were noted in the paddocks where affected cattle were grazing and many showed signs of consumption. No other known acute hepatotoxic plants were found. Two 12-month-old steers were experimentally intoxicated with a single oral dose of the fresh plant (flowers, leaves, and less fibrous stalks). One bovine ingested a dose of 10 g/kg and was euthanized after 48 h, and the other ingested 15 g/kg and was euthanized 17 h later. Clinical signs, macroscopic, and microscopic lesions in both animals were similar to those observed in the spontaneous cases. Thus, this study demonstrates that M. latifolia was the cause of the outbreak of acute toxic hepatopathy with significant mortality in cattle. M. latifolia nor any plant of the genus Melantherahad ever been reported as toxic.

Analisis Potensi Limbah Peternakan Sapi Potong Sebagai Penyedia Pupuk Organik Di Kecamatan Losarang Kabupaten Indramayu

This research was conducted at the Banteng Tani Livestock Group, Losarang District, Indramayu Regency from February 20 to March 30, 2022. This study aims to analyze the potential of beef cattle farm waste in providing organic fertilizer needs for the community in Losarang District, Indramayu Regency. This study uses a descriptive method that is analyzing the cost efficiency of organic fertilizer production using R/C ratio analysis. The results of the feasibility analysis of farming using the balance of revenues and costs (R/C ratio) with a value of 1.84. This means that each expenditure of Rp. 1 will generate revenue of Rp. 1.84. The coefficient value of the R/C ratio shows a number more than 1, so it can be concluded that the use of costs in the organic fertilizer production process in the Banteng Tani group is efficient.

Farmers Empowerment Model For Improving Beef Farming Business In North Sulawesi

<p>The need for beef consumption in North Sulawesi is increasing disproportionately to the amount of production produced due to limited human resources for human resources of farmers. Empowerment of farmers is an alternative strategy, because it is a process to improve the business and welfare of farmers. The purpose of this research is to develop the concept of empowering beef cattle farmers in North Sulawesi as a strategic model towards the process of changing the rearing system from an extensive traditional orientation to an intensive commercial one. Data obtained from interviews with 50 respondents provided, with interview techniques, FGD, Library Studies and BPS support, then analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach, strategy formulation and Spearman Rank correlation to determine the significance relationship. The results of the analysis state that North Sulawesi has the potential for resources of the number of farmers it has as well as available land and animal feed production resources. So it is possible to make changes to the maintenance system. There is a significant relationship between the Counseling, Literacy, Institutional, Partnership, Entrepreneurship, Competitiveness, Production Facilities variables on Farmer Empowerment, interpreted as "Very Strong" correlation coefficient with the value of each correlation; 0.899**, 0.890**, 0. 650**, 0.803**, 0. 750**, 0.658**, 0.891**, where this indicates a priority factor in empowerment of beef cattle farmers in North Sulawesi. Furthermore, the strategy model is; participation, leadership, independence, sustainability based on modern extension, information literacy, cooperative farming, utilization of local production factors, entrepreneurship and market driving force development.</p>

Farmers’ Knowledge and Practices About Ticks and Tickborne Diseases in Illinois

ABSTRACT Objective Tickborne diseases (TBDs) in Illinois have increased in recent years. A growing body of literature indicates that the risk of exposure to ticks and tickborne diseases is higher among outdoor workers, including farmers. However, information is lacking on awareness of ticks and tickborne diseases among this demographic. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and awareness among Illinois farmers regarding ticks and tickborne diseases. Methods A Knowledge, Attitudes & Prevention practices (KAP) survey was developed and administered to capture information regarding farmers’ knowledge and attitudes about ticks and TBDs. Tick drags were conducted on a subset of properties as an incentive to complete the survey and to compare farmers’ knowledge or expectations of ticks on their land with ticks collected. Results Fifty farmers participated in the survey, and 17 allowed tick drags. Only 60% of respondents had at least moderate knowledge about ticks gained through family and friends (56%), medical and healthcare personnel (48%), and the internet (44%). Responses varied by the type of commodity produced by the farmer. Fifty percent of participants reported knowledge about the blacklegged tick, 34% for the American dog tick, and 42% for the lone star tick; this knowledge also varied by farm type. Most farmers (54%) agreed that preventative behaviors could protect against tickborne diseases. Self-reported knowledge was significantly and directly associated with knowledge scores (p < .001). Conclusion Knowledge of ticks and TBDs was lower among crop farmers than beef or mixed commodity farmers, but farmers generally have moderate knowledge of tick species in Illinois. Many participants expressed low concern over contracting a TBD, but many were also dissatisfied with the level of tick prevention measures that they follow. These results can be utilized to fill in knowledge gaps and develop informational materials to help farmers protect themselves against ticks and TBDs.

Is Net Zero achievable on beef and sheep farms?

Is Net Zero achievable on beef and sheep farms?

Analysis of role and determinant factors development of beef cattle farming in Dharmasraya regency West Sumatera province

This study aims to investigate the model of beef cattle farming, the role of beef cattle in the development of the livestock subsector, and the determinant factors in the development of beef cattle in Dharmasraya Regency. The method used in this study is a combination of survey and desk study methods. The variables measured were the beef cattle rearing model, the role of beef cattle in the development of the livestock sub-sector, and the determinant factors in the development of beef cattle farming in Dharmasraya Regency. The data analysis used is descriptive statistics, Location Quotient (LQ), and Structural Equation Model (SEM). Results showed that the main job of the respondents (66%) were farmers, who generally (82%) had livestock ranging from 1-5 heads, the raising system carried out by farmers in general (75%) was intensive, most of the farmers (82%) raised their livestock. Access to technology, mainly artificial insemination technology, still needs to be improved. Based on the LQ analysis of the 11 existing sub-districts, 4 sub-districts are the base areas for beef cattle, namely Koto Besar, Koto Salak, Tiumang, and Sitiung sub-districts. SEM estimation results show that technical aspects (X1) and social aspects (X2) have a significant effect on beef cattle productivity (Y1) with the resulting probability value (p) < 0.05. The variable economic aspect (X3) has no significant effect on the productivity aspect (Y1), and the productivity aspect (Y1) has a positive and significant effect on the cattle population (Y2).

Marketing efficiency analysis of beef cattle markets: A case study from the Republic of Benin

This research aimed to assess the efficiency of beef cattle markets in the Republic of Benin. Primary data were collected from face-to-face surveys of a random sample of 600 respondents consisting of 300 beef cattle farmers and 300 beef cattle traders participating in self-managed beef cattle markets (MBA) and traditional beef cattle markets (MT). Different marketing channels were identified in the selected beef cattle markets: Channel I, Farmer-Slaughterhouse/Butchery; Channel II, Farmer-Collector-Wholesaler-Slaughterhouse/Butchery; Channel III, Farmer-Collector-Slaughterhouse/Butchery; and Channel IV, Farmer-Wholesaler- Slaughterhouse/Butchery. Channel I appears to be the most efficient in both markets with a marketing efficiency of 2.57 in MBA markets and 1.23 in MT markets. The average marketing efficiencies are 1.25 and 0.97 in MBA and MT markets, respectively. The marketing efficiency analysis showed that MBA markets are more efficient than MT markets. To increase the marketing efficiency of farmers, MT markets should be converted into MBA markets. Facilitating transportation and access to market information are critical factors for increasing farmers' marketing efficiency.

UK beef and sheep farmers’ barriers to adopting rotational grazing systems

UK beef and sheep farmers’ barriers to adopting rotational grazing systems

Strategy in Developing Microfinance Institution to Support Beef Cattle Farming Business in Rural Areas

Microfinance Institution (MFIs) as informal financing institution has a big role in supporting the farmers' access to finance. This research was conducted to analyze the strategy for developing MFIs to support beef cattle farming. The instrument employed was a questionnaire delivered through a google form. In addition to questionnaires, interviews were also performed directly with key informants. Furthermore, FGDs and online seminars were conducted to formulate strategies for developing MFIs which were attended by stakeholders, including relevant government agencies, the Head of the Agricultural Extension Center, the Head and members of Gapoktan, extension workers, farmers, and academics representations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a SWOT matrix. QSPM analysis was also performed to analyze the priority strategy. The results revealed that MFI's have several strengths and weaknesses both from internal and external sources, particularly the opportunities and threats. The strategy formulated becomes a priority, which is to improve the role and position of MFIs in alleviating poverty and as informal financing institutions. The MFI's position is strong because it is easily accessible, has simple procedures, does not require collateral, and is located in a rural area. The strategy that should be applied is increasing the role of members with psychological and demographic relationships and the spirit of mutual cooperation still owned by rural communities. The sustainability of MFIs can support the development of beef cattle farming and help grow rural economies.

Disease Control Management Strategy in Bali Cattle

Livestock health is a very important factor in beef cattle farming. Huge losses are often caused by the onset of an attacking disease. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent and control the disease. This study aims to evaluate disease control management strategies in cattle in Indonesia. The method used is a qualitative descriptive research with a literature review method. The results showed that cattle breeders who implemented good disease control management strategies tended to have better livestock health and higher productivity. This study also identified several important factors in the success of Peyang disease control management strategies including disease prevention, treatment, surveillance, quarantine, access restrictions and education. The implication of this study is that cattle farmers must improve their knowledge and skills in disease control management to improve the health and productivity of their livestock.

Peningkatan Kapasitas Peternak Rakyat Pada Pengelolaan Kesehatan Ternak Sapi Potong di Desa Tampelas, Kabupaten Katingan

Tampelas Village is located in Kamipang District, Katingan Regency, Central Kalimantan. Most of the residents have their main livelihood as traditional fishermen. Beef cattle farming is also carried out in Tampelas Village by several members of the community in a traditional way. Farmers lack knowledge regarding the management of the health of their livestock. The capacity building training in livestock health management aims to provide farmers with knowledge, insight, and skills related to the management of the health of beef cattle. The training consists of delivering material, hands-on practice by farmers, and discussions. The material presented included prevention, identification of livestock conditions and diseases, introduction of types of medicines, and handling of sick livestock. The activity was attended by farmers, village officials and staff from the relevant Katingan Regency Goverment. Training activities to increase the capacity of livestock health management in Tampelas Village went well. Beef cattle farmers in Tampelas Village are enthusiastic and welcome the livestock health management training activities. Their insight, knowledge and skills related to livestock health management have increase

Analysis of profit efficiency of smallholder beef cattle farms in South-West Nigeria

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Identification of the feed supplements commonly utilised by communal beef cattle farmers during the dry season at Ga-Matlala, Limpopo province

A survey was carried out to identify the feed supplements commonly utilised by communal beef cattle farmers and investigate knowledge and perception of farmers on the feed supplement during the dry season in Ga-Matlala, whether they assess the feed supplements before feeding to cattle and their perception on how they affect cattle. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a total of 59 cattle farmers from three rural villages (Phofu, Phetole and Madietane) in the Ga-Matlala area using a snowball sampling technique. In the studied area, males outnumbered females, with the majority aged 55 and older. The majority of respondents were cattle owners with 16 years or more of farming experience. Secondary school was the most frequently reported educational background, followed by primary school whereas 20.3% of respondents never attended school. The most common cattle breed owned was Nguni, while Afrikaner was the second most common breed. More than 50% of respondents reported releasing cattle in the morning and returning late to provide them with feed supplements and water. The majority of respondents were using feed supplements during the dry season, and the most feed supplements that were identified in the study areas are lucerne hay and maize stover. Lucerne hay and maize stover were the most commonly used and acceptable supplementary feeds during the dry season. The major reasons for feeding cattle with lucerne hay and maize stover were reported to be weight gain and average weight gain of cattle, respectively. The majority of farmers reported that they do not assess the quality of supplementary feeds especially those who supplement with lucerne hay. However, the remaining percentage of farmers assesses the quality of lucerne hay by checking the moisture content and moulds in the feed supplements. It is thus concluded that there is a need for more knowledge and information on the overall quality of the locally available dry season supplementary feeds for enhancing productivity in communal areas.

Busy road frontage influences on-farm adoption of visible good management practices

The agricultural sector faces increasing social pressure for its environmental impacts, potentially prompting farmers to uptake voluntary ‘good management practices’ (GMPs). While the existing literature posits that uptake of GMPs is prevalent in observable places such as along busy roads, there is a lack of quantitative empirical evidence. This study identifies whether perceived busy road frontage impacts farmers' adoption of voluntary GMPs via a large-scale survey of dairy and sheep and beef farmers in New Zealand. We find that frontage on a busy road is associated with greater uptake of a GMP that is easily observed and recognised by the general public, but GMPs not visible from the road do not show greater uptake. We further find that the effect is amplified for dairy farmers vis-à-vis sheep and beef farmers, consistent with the higher levels of public scrutiny of the dairy industry. We contribute to the social pressure literature by demonstrating how visible GMPs subject to scrutiny are likely to have higher uptake.

Conventional Beef Cattle Farming Practices in Wolaita and Sidama, Southern Ethiopia

Conventional Beef Cattle Farming Practices in Wolaita and Sidama, Southern Ethiopia

Feed profile analysis of oil palm‐integrated beef cattle farming systems by metabolic energy budgeting and implications for beef production and pastoral system design

AbstractBackgroundOil palm is a tropical crop with worldwide plantings approaching 20 million ha and large areas in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. The plantations are readily managed as silvopastoral systems incorporating cattle grazing (Oil Palm Silvopastoral System for Cattle, OPSC) but there is a need for analytical tools and data to understand system herbage supply and feed conversion efficiency (FCE).MethodsMetabolic energy budgeting was used to estimate herbage harvested by cattle in three OPSC subsystems, 9 and 12 years after oil palm establishment, and FCE of the subsystems was determined. Understorey herbage was also analysed for nutritive value, botanical composition and herbage accumulation within one grazing‐regrowth cycle.ResultsThe herbage‐harvested estimate was 2.0−2.4 t dry matter (DM) ha−1 year−1 for 9 year old subsystems and 1.4−1.7 t DM ha−1 year−1 for a 12 year old subsystem. Herbage metabolisable energy (ME) was 8.3−8.5 MJ kg−1 DM and crude protein (CP) was 15%−16% DM. FCE values for subsystems ranged from 32 to 94 kg DM kg−1 liveweight‐gain.ConclusionsHerbage DM yield is declining, while herbage ME is marginal but CP is adequate. FCE is suboptimal but can be optimised by defining the trajectory of declining herbage production with canopy closure as plantations age and matching stocking rate to herbage supply using a comparative‐stocking‐rate‐type statistic.