Effect Of Different Production Systems Research Articles

Effects of different production systems on health, zootechnical and metabolic parameters in Holstein calves in the extreme south of Brazil

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of diseases as well as metabolic and zootechnical parameters in Holstein calves maintained in individual or collective housing systems in the extreme south of Brazil. One hundred calves were included immediately after birth and monitored for 90 days. Animals were randomly divided into two groups: individual stalls group (ISG; n=50) and collective stalls group (CSG; n=50). ISG calves were individually housed in 1.2m² wood pens and received 6 L of milk/day and concentrate food and water ad libitum for 90 days. Calves in the CSG were housed in groups of up to 25 animals, in a total of two stalls containing one animal per 3 m2. CSG calves received up to 8 L of milk/day at 0-15 days, milk ad libitum at 15-40 days, 7.2 L of milk. /day at 40-60 days, and gradual weaning at 60-90 days with concentrate food and water ad libitum, using an automatic feeder. In both groups, Zootechnical parameters (weight, thoracic perimeter, height at the withers, and rump width) were measured weekly during the first 28 days and once every 15 days until weaning. Blood samples were retrieved weekly during the first 28 days. Metabolic parameters evaluated in this study were total calcium, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), free fatty acids (FFA), and glucose. The animals were monitored daily for clinical signs of diseases diarrhea and respiratory symptoms. General morbidity was higher in CSG 92% compared to ISG 74% (p<0.05). We observed increased diarrhea-related morbidity and a higher rate of recurrence in the ISG (50% and 60%, respectively; p<0.05) compared to those in the CSG (both 20%, p<0.05 between groups). The morbidity due to bronchopneumonia was higher in the CSG (92%) than in the ISG (74%, p<0.05). Recurrence of bronchopneumonia and mortality were similar between groups (p>0.05). Glucose, FFA, and BHBA concentrations were higher in the ISG (p<0.05) and total calcium higher in CSG (p<0.05). Finally, the weight and thoracic perimeter were higher in the CSG than those in the ISG, whereas the height and, rump width, at the withers was higher in the ISG than that in the CSG (p<0.05). In conclusion, animals raised in a collective system with automatic feeders exhibited less diarrhea and increased serum calcium as well as improved zootechnical development, although they had a higher incidence of bronchopneumonia.

Establishment of biochemical and hematological profiles of dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) under extensive and intensive production systems.

In Algeria, camel husbandry is undergoing a shift from a traditional extensive system to onemore intensive. Such a move in the production system of the dromedary camel should be well investigated in terms of animal welfare, health, and production status. The main objective of this study was to define and evaluate the effects of production systems on physiological responses (hematological and biochemical parameters) in Sahraoui dromedary camels to understand possible changes caused by intensive livestock farming. We analyzed the biochemical and hematological blood profiles in Sahraoui dromedary camel to evaluate and establish the differential responses to intensive conditions. Blood samples were taken from 41 healthy Sahraoui dromedary camels as part of routine veterinary analysis in southern Algeria. In total, 28 camels were from an intensive production system (IS) fed with formulated concentrate and a supply of minerals, and 13 camels were reared in a traditional extensive system (ES) maintained exclusively on grazing. Animals were of a different sex: 16 males and 25 females, and they were divided into three age categories: less than 4 years, 4 to 8, and above 8 years. All animals were healthy. This enabled us to simultaneously check the effect of age and sex on the blood profiles. Results showed that the production system affected the blood parameters of Sahraoui dromedary camel; as total protein, total cholesterol, and urea concentration were significantly higher in the plasma of animals in the intensive production system (P < 0.05). Glucose, triglycerides, and urea values differed significantly (P < 0.05) in camel plasma between age categories. Sex in our study had no effect on enzyme activities (P > 0.05). However, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in camels reared in the extensive production system (1454.13 ± 290 IU/l) than those reared in intensive production system (1313.17 ± 32 IU/l). Age and sex had a marginal effect on mineral status in dromedary camel plasma as only iron concentrations were significantly higher in male camels (P < 0.05), while Ca, P, and K concentrations were increased in the intensive system. On the other hand, our findings showed that sex, age, and production system did not affect the hematological parameters of Sahraoui dromedary (P > 0.05), except for hematocrit (PCV %) that was significantly higher in the extensive system. This work contributes to a better understanding of Sahraoui dromedary camel biology regarding the effect of different production systems on hemato-biochemical parameters.

Cadmium uptake and mycorrhization by cacao clones in agroforestry and monoculture systems of Peruvian Amazon

The production system influences the cadmium (Cd) content and mycorrhization in cocoa plantations. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different production systems on Cd uptake and the presence of mycorrhizas in cacao clones in field conditions, in the Peruvian Amazon. Twelve subplots of 108 m2 were selected in representative cocoa cultivation systems under agroforestry (AF) and monoculture (MON), with the cocoa clones ICS and CCN. Significant differences and data distribution were evaluated using ANOVA, principal component analysis, and Tukey's tests. Mycorrhizal colonization was higher in the AF_ICS system (71.11%) while the length of the extraradical mycelium was higher in the AF_CCN system (17.23%). The highest Cd content in soils was found under the AF_CCN and AF_ICS systems, both with 0.39 mg kg-1. The Cd content in cacao roots, leaves, and beans were higher in the MON_CCN system with 1.87, 2.06, and 1.12 mg kg-1 respectively. Cocoa monocultures (with both clones) generally showed lower levels of mycorrhizal colonization than agroforestry systems, which in turn (also for both clones) presented higher Cd content in beans, even exceeding the limit established by the world health authorities.

Growth Performance, Carcass and Meat Traits of Autochthonous Arouquesa Weaners Raised on Traditional and Improved Feeding Systems.

Simple SummaryAnimal production in mountain regions is changing and improvements to maintain autochthonous breeds and traditions should be defined. One of the strategies to add value and improve productivity is to produce meat with a PDO (protected denomination of origin) label. One example in Portugal is the Arouquesa PDO beef. This work aimed to compare different production systems and understand if they affect growth performance, carcass, and meat parameters for the Arouquesa PDO beef. Systems using supplementation had better results regarding live weight and average daily gain. The finishing period increased subcutaneous fat. The meat quality parameters differ in the improved production system with early weaning leading to lesser exudative and cooking losses. In conclusion, the traditional systems improved with practices, such as supplementation, can in turn improve meat production without affecting beef quality or PDO certification. This study demonstrates that improved production systems can advance the Arouquesa autochthonous breed production, while in turn maintaining the valued characteristics of a PDO product.Arouquesa is an autochthonous bovine breed known for its Arouquesa PDO beef labeling. There are several production systems under the definition of PDO labeling. This study aimed to compare the effect of different production systems on carcass and meat traits for the Arouquesa breed. Two trials differing in diet and weaning age were conducted. The first trial included a TF group fed the traditional way and weaned at 9 months; a TF + S1 group, equal to TF, but with a starter supplement; and finally, a S1 + S2 group that was fed with a starter and a growth supplement and weaned at 5 months. The second trial was composed of a TF + S3 group fed like the TF + S1 group but reared until 12 months with a finishing supplement, and finally, the S3 group fed like the S1 + S2 group but reared until 12 months. In the first trial, the TF + S1 and S1 + S2 groups showed higher final live weight and average daily gain. In the second trial, we observed differences in the subcutaneous fat that was higher in the S3 group. Regarding meat traits, we observed differences in exudative and cooking losses in the first trial. In general, supplementation improved meat production without affecting meat quality parameters.

Varietal diversification for enhanced productivity and profitability under diverse production systems

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2020– 21 to study the effect of different production systems on yield and economics of mustard varieties. The seed yield of mustard crop was significantly high under ICM (2259.0 kg/ha), while maximum stover (7950 kg/ ha) and biological yield (9936 kg/ha) was recorded under CA. Among the mustard varieties, PM 26 resulted in significantly higher seed (2206 kg/ha), stover (8505 kg/ha) and biological yield (10711 kg/ha). ICM gave maximum net returns of `76583/ha, while with respect to variety, PM 26 gave maximum net returns of `76060/ha. CA and CS resulted in higher B:C ratio (3.3 and 3.12, respectively) compared to OMS and ICM, while among the varieties maximum B:C ratio was recorded from PM 26 (3.22). Different production systems under different mustard varieties showed the positive impact on crop productivity as well as on economics. The varietal diversification of maize based system with Pusa mustard 26 and Pusa mustard 28 Indian mustard varieties gave maximum productivity, profitability under integrated crop management system.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi community in coffee agroforestry, consortium and monoculture systems.

Understanding the effects of different production systems on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can help to interpret interactions between their components and to define management strategies. As a result, our study was conducted on soils under three coffee production systems (one homogeneous and two heterogeneous) and in a native forest located in the Bahia state, Brazil. This study aimed to answer the following questions: 1) Does the organization and management of the coffee production system affect the occurrence and diversity of AMF?; and 2) Is the seasonality effect similar between systems? To do so, soil samples (0-10 cm depth) were collected at two times of the year (rainy and dry). Number of spores (NS) and average richness did not show differences between the systems, only between seasons. There was a reduction in NS in the dry season (1.4 and 2.7 spores g-1 soil) in relation to the rainy season (3.8 to 12.5 spores g-1 soil). The influence of coffee production systems was observed in the presence and absence of some AMF species. The AMF community was shown to be related to the plant species composition of the system, which was reflected in the dissimilarity of heterogeneous systems in relation to the coffee monoculture system.

Sensitivity of Global Pasturelands to Climate Variation

AbstractPasturelands are globally extensive, sensitive to climate, and support livestock production systems that provide an essential source of food in many parts of the world. In this paper, we integrate information from remote sensing, global climate, and land use databases to improve understanding of the resilience and resistance of this ecologically vulnerable and societally critical land use. To characterize the effect of climate on pastureland productivity at global scale, we analyze the relationship between satellite‐derived enhanced vegetation index data from MODIS and gridded precipitation data from CHIRPS at 3‐ and 6‐month time lags. To account for the effects of different production systems, we stratify our analysis by agroecological zones and by rangeland versus mixed crop‐livestock systems. Results show that 14.5% of global pasturelands experienced statistically significant greening or browning trends over the 15‐year study period, with the majority of these locations showing greening. In arid ecosystems, precipitation and lagged vegetation index anomalies explain up to 69% of variation in vegetation productivity in both crop‐livestock and rangeland‐based production systems. Livestock production systems in Australia are least resistant to contemporaneous and short‐term precipitation anomalies, while arid livestock production systems in Latin America are least resilient to short‐term vegetation greenness anomalies. Because many arid regions of the world are projected to experience decreased total precipitation and increased precipitation variability in the coming decades, improved understanding regarding the sensitivity of pasturelands to the joint effects of climate change and livestock production systems is required to support sustainable land management in global pasturelands.

Suckler Bulls Slaughtered at 15 Months of Age: Effect of Different Production Systems on the Fatty Acid Profile and Selected Quality Characteristics of Longissimus Thoracis.

The objective was to compare the quality of beef from bulls reared in typical Irish indoor systems or in novel grass-based systems. Bulls were assigned to one of the following systems: (a) grass silage plus barley-based concentrate ad libitum (CON); (b) grass silage ad libitum plus 5 kg of concentrate (SC); (c) grazed grass without supplementation (G0); (d) grazed grass plus 0.5 kg of the dietary dry matter intake as concentrate (GC) for (100 days) until slaughter (14.99 months). Carcass characteristics and pH decline were recorded. Longissimus thoracis was collected for analytical and sensory analysis. Lower carcass weight, conformation and fatness scores were found for grazing compared to CON and SC groups. CON bulls had highest intramuscular fat and lighter meat colour compared with grazing bulls. The SC meat (14 days aged) was rated higher for tenderness, texture, flavour and acceptability compared with grazing groups. CON saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid (FA) concentration was highest, conversely, omega-3 FA concentration was higher for GC compared with CON, while no differences were found in polyunsaturated FA. In conclusion, while market fatness specification was not reached by grazed grass treatments, beef eating quality was not detrimentally affected and nutritional quality was improved.

Effect of different production systems on flowering and maturity duration of basmati rice genotypes

The study of G×E Interaction (GEI) is critical for evaluating the mean performance and stability of cultivars across wide range of environmental conditions. An experiment was conducted during kharif 2014–2015 for discriminating 22 basmati rice genotypes for days to 50% flowering and days to 75% maturity using AMMI and regression stability models under four different environments viz. direct (DSR-wet) and (DSR-dry) and indirect seeding transplanted rice (TPR) and system of rice intensification (SRI) conditions at CCS HAU farm, Kaul. Estimates of G×E interaction following Eberhart and Russell (1966) and AMMI biplot analysis as per Gauch and Zobel model (1989) were computed. For days to 50% flowering, genotypes like Pusa Basmati 6, Pusa Sugandh 3, Haryana Basmati-1 and Pusa RH 10 were identified under SRI; CSR-30 under DSR (dry) and DSR (wet) and HKR 98–476, Pusa Sugandh 2 and Pusa Sugandh 5 under TPR conditions. However, for days to 75% maturity Pusa Sugandh 3, Pusa Basmati 1121, Pusa Basmati 1 and HKR 06–434 were adapted best to SRI; Traori Basmati, Basmati-370, HKR 98–476 and HKR 06–443 to TPR and DSR (dry) and HKR 06–487 and Pusa RH 10 to DSR (wet).

The effect of production systems on beef fatty acid composition

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different production systems on fatty acids (FA) composition of three beef muscles (longissimus thoracis, semitendinosus and diaphragmae). The first group (MGSC) included 8 bulls of Slovenian Brown breed that were fattened with maize, grass silage and concentrates. The second group (MCS) included 8 bulls of Slovenian Simental breed that were fattened with maize silage, ensiled corn grain and concentrates. The third group (GS) included 6 Limousine × Simmental crossbreed bulls that have been fattened on pasture in cow-calf production system until slaughter. In fourth group (G) 8 bulls of Slovenian Simmental breed were fattened on pasture from spring to autumn when they were slaughtered. Bulls from MSC and MGSC had similar carcass weight (316 kg, 308 kg, respectively), whereas bulls from GS had the lightest (215 kg) and bulls from G the heaviest carcass weight (371 kg). Carcass fatness was similar for bulls in MSC, MGSC and G groups and slightly lower in GS group. The percentage of saturated FA differed among groups only in semitendinosus muscle. Bulls from G and GS had lower percentage of monounsaturated FA (MUFA) and higher percentage of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) in all three muscles. Bulls from grazing production systems had higher n-3 PUFA values in all muscles and higher n-6 PUFA values in semitendinosus and diaphragmae. Bulls fattened on pasture had lower n-6/n-3 ratio in all three muscles. Bulls from GS had a higher percentage of conjugated linolenic acid in comparison to MGSC and MCS groups in all muscles except in semitendinosus where percentage of CLA was higher only from MGSC group.

The effect of different production systems on the content of micronutrients and trace elements in potato tubers

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of different production systems (conventional, integrated and organic) on the content of micronutrients and trace elements in the tubers of very early, early and medium-early maturing potato cultivars. Five Polish potato cultivars were grown in three production systems under field conditions. In plant material selected microelements (chemical elements essential for living organisms) were analysed: boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) as well as some trace elements (not regarded as essential element for living organisms): chromium (Cr), nickel, (Ni) and lead (Pb). The content of micronutrients and trace elements in potato tubers was modified by production system, genotype and weather conditions during the growing season. Organically grown potatoes had a higher content of B (8.6–8.9 mg kg−1) and Cu (2.8–3.1 mg kg−1), and a lower content of Fe (47.0–47.1 mg kg−1), Mn (6.0–6.4 mg kg−1) and Zn (11.9–12.2 mg kg−1), than potatoes grown in conventional and integrated systems. Potatoes grown in the conventional system had the highest Pb content. Organic cultivation can assure better alimentation of potato tubers with B and Cu, which are important microelements often deficient in the soils. On the contrary, when cultivating potato in conventional system, one should supply this element with fertilisers.

The individual effect of different production systems, age and sex on the chemical composition of wild boar meat

Meat from wild boar (musculus teres major, n = 160) originating from two localities with different production systems was analysed. The contents of crude protein, pure protein, fat, collagen, dry matter and ash were determined in each sample. The effect of locality, age and sex on the chemical properties of the wild boar meat was studied with the use of statistical analysis. The values obtained for the chemical composition of the muscle tissue of the wild boar from localities A and B corresponded to the results obtained in other countries. The protein content fell within the range of 20.49–21.26% at locality A and 18.77–20.34% at locality B. The fat content fell within the wide range of 0.83–2.38% (0.83–1.67% at locality A and 1.51–2.38% at locality B). It is clear from the statistical evaluation that wild boar hunted in the enclosed locality had a significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) fat content and a lower content of crude (P &lt; 0.05) and pure (P &lt; 0.05) protein in comparison with wild boar from the unenclosed locality. A significant difference in the fat content was also demonstrated between localities in animals aged 0–12 months (P &lt; 0.05), though only in females (P &lt; 0.05) when younger animals (0–12 months) were divided by sex, and also in females aged 12–24 months (P &lt; 0.05). The results confirm that the composition of wild boar meat in the Czech Republic is very variable and influenced by multiple factors.

Yield performance and agronomic efficiency in oil pumpkins (Cucurbita pepo L. group Pepo) depending on production systems and varieties

AbstractIn 2013 and 2014, a long-term trial (which was established in 2007) was conducted at the University Agricultural Centre in Pivola near Hoče. It included different production systems (conventional, integrated, organic, biodynamic), carried out in a field trial with oil pumpkins. The aim of the research was to analyse the effects of different production systems, varieties (hybrid and population variety) and years of production, on formation of oil pumpkin yields. The agricultural practice has been carried out in accordance with the applicable legislations and standards for the individual production system. When sowing, before fertilizing with nitrogen in early June and after the harvest, the amount of soil mineral nitrogen was monitored. We evaluated the number and weight of harvestable, unripe and decayed fruits, and yield of oil seed pumpkins and calculated the agronomic efficiency of the applied nutrients. The results showed that the year of production, the production system and the variety have a significant effect on some fruit characteristics and the yield of oil pumpkin seeds. The content of soil mineral nitrogen in May and September was significantly influenced by the production system and the year. In June, only the production system had a significant effect. The hybrid significantly increased the yields of oil pumpkin seeds in all production systems, even in the year that was less suitable for production. The agronomic efficiency of the applied nutrients in the biodynamic and organic production system is higher or equal than in the conventional production system, similarly, agronomic efficiency is higher in the hybrid compared to the oldest population variety efficiently. A comparable oil pumpkin yield can be expected in biodynamic and organic production, when proper nutrition and well carried out cultivation practices are combined with a new variety, when compared to less sustainable production systems, which often cause damage to the environment.

Upgrading plant amino acids through cattle to improve the nutritional value for humans: effects of different production systems

Efficiency in animal protein production can be defined in different ways, for example the amount of human-digestible essential amino acids (HDEAA) in the feed ration relative to the amount of HDEAA in the animal products. Cattle production systems are characterised by great diversity and a wide variety of feeds and feed ration compositions, due to ruminants’ ability to digest fibrous materials inedible to humans such as roughage and by-products from the food and biofuel industries. This study examined the upgrading of protein quality through cattle by determining the quantity of HDEAA in feeds and animal products and comparing different milk and beef production systems. Four different systems for milk and beef production were designed, a reference production system for milk and beef representing typical Swedish production systems today and three alternative improved systems: (i) intensive cattle production based on maize silage, (ii) intensive systems based on food industry by-products for dairy cows and high-quality forage for beef cattle, and (iii) extensive systems based on forage with only small amounts of concentrate. In all four production systems, the quantity of HDEAA in the products (milk and meat) generally exceeded the quantity of HDEAA in the feeds. The intensive production models for beef calves generally resulted in output of the same magnitude as input for most HDEAA. However, in beef production based on calves from dairy cows, the intensive rearing systems resulted in lower output than input of HDEAA. For the extensive models, the amounts of HDEAA in meat were of the same magnitude as the amounts in the feeds. The extensive models with beef calves from suckler cows resulted in higher output in meat than input in feeds for all HDEAA. It was concluded that feeding cattle plants for production of milk and meat, instead of using the plants directly as human food, generally results in an upgrading of both the quantity and quality of protein, especially when extensive, forage-based production models are used. The results imply that the key to efficiency is the utilisation of human-inedible protein by cattle and justifies their contribution to food production, especially in regions where grasslands and/or forage production has comparative benefits over plant food production. By fine-tuning estimation of the efficiency of conversion from human-edible protein to HDEAA, comparisons of different sources of protein production may be more complete and the magnitude of amino acid upgrading in plants through cattle more obvious.

Organic strawberry in Mediterranean greenhouse: Effect of different production systems on soil fertility and fruit quality

AbstractIn Europe, the lack of specific rules regulating organic vegetable production in protected conditions has led to the implementation of extremely diversified systems of production, at different level of intensification. In this study, we compared three strawberry organic production systems based on the following main criteria of soil fertility management: input substitution (SB), a simplified system of organic production that mimics conventional agricultural practices and two systems characterized by a more complex soil fertility management, based on the introduction, in the rotation of agroecological service crops (ASCs) and compost (AC), and of ASCs and cattle manure (AM). Strawberry yields, in the compared systems, were not significantly different in both years of our research, while, as a whole, the yield in 2013 (30.3 Mg ha−1) was significantly higher than in 2014 (28.9 Mg ha−1). Crop nitrogen (N) needs, during the entire cycle of production, were satisfied according to the same pattern by SB, AC and AM, while green manuring and organic amendments in AM and AC determined a higher soil organic N content, compared with SB. As far as the production quality is concerned, both AM and AC treatments yielded strawberry fruits similar to SB, but with better characteristics in terms of color and phenolic content. AM and AC did not differentiate statistically in the two year period of our research.

Effects of different production systems on carcass and meat quality of sheep and lamb from Western Balkan and Norway

The identification of meat quality characteristics from selected breeds grazing in specific regions is particularly relevant to achieve a marketing advantage. Longisimus thoracis at lumborum (LTL) from the indigenous Western Balkan (WB) sheep - VlasickaPramenka (VP) sheep and lambs, and Pivska Pramenka (PP) sheep grazing in Bosnia &amp; Herzegovina (B&amp;H) and Montenegro (MN), respectively, was compared regarding carcass and meat qualities to the crossbred Norwegian white sheep (NWS) - sheep and lambs, grazing in wide Hardangervidda and Jotunheimen regions where the lamb meat is marketed as gourmet meat. The WB sheep had lower average carcass weights and antioxidant capacity, higher ultimate pH, intramuscular fat and n-6/n-3 ratio, but better tenderness and color stability compared to NWS. The WB lambs were lighter, had higher n-6/n-3 ratio, lower antioxidant capacity and became more easily rancid despite a higher fat ?-tocopherol content. The marketing advantage of WB meat is its tenderness properties while NO's NWS lambs displayed a better nutritional profile.

Systematic review of effects on biodiversity from oil palm production

Abstract Background During the past decade there has been a growing interest in bioenergy, driven by concerns about global climate change, growing energy demand, and depleting fossil fuel reserves. The predicted rise in biofuel demand makes it important to understand the potential consequences of expanding biofuel cultivation. A systematic review was conducted on the biodiversity impacts of three first-generation biofuel crops (oil palm, soybean, and jatropha) in the tropics. The study focused on the impacts on species richness, abundance (total number of individuals or occurrences), community composition, and ecosystem functions related to species richness and community composition. Methods Literature was searched using an a priori protocol. Owing to a lack of available studies of biodiversity impacts from soybean and jatropha that met the inclusion criteria set out in the systematic review protocol, all analyses focused on oil palm. The impacts of oil palm cultivation on species richness, abundance, and community similarity were summarized quantitatively; other results were summarized narratively. Results The searches returned 9143 articles after duplicate removal of which 25 met the published inclusion criteria and were therefore accepted for the final review. Twenty of them had been conducted in Malaysia and two thirds were on arthropods. Overall, oil palm plantations had reduced species richness compared with primary and secondary forests, and the composition of species assemblages changed significantly after forest conversion to oil palm plantation. Abundance showed species-specific responses and hence, the overall abundance was not significantly different between plantations and forest areas. Only one study reported how different production systems (smallholdings vs. industrial estates) affect biodiversity. No studies that examined the effects on ecosystem functions of reduced species richness or changes in community composition met the inclusion criteria. Neither were there studies that reported how areas managed under different standards (e.g. different certification systems) affect biodiversity and ecosystem function. Conclusions Our review suggests that oil palm plantations have reduced species richness compared with primary and secondary forests, and the composition of species assemblage changes significantly after forest conversion to oil palm plantation. Effects of different production systems on biodiversity and ecosystem function are clear knowledge gaps that should be addressed in future research. Trial registration CEE10-013

Methods for Comparing Data across Differently Designed Agronomic Studies: Examples of Different Meta-analysis Methods Used to Compare Relative Composition of Plant Foods Grown Using Organic or Conventional Production Methods and a Protocol for a Systematic Review

Meta-analyses are methods to combine outcomes from different studies to investigate consistent effects of relatively small magnitude, which are difficult to distinguish from random variation within a single study. Several published meta-analyses addressed whether organic and conventional production methods affect the composition of plant foods differently. The meta-analyses were carried out using different options for the methodology and resulted in different conclusions. The types of designs of field trials and farm comparisons widely used in horticultural and agronomic research differ substantially from the clinical trials and epidemiological studies that most meta-analysis methodologies were developed for. Therefore, it is proposed that a systematic review and meta-analysis be carried out with the aim of developing a consolidated methodology. If successful, this methodology can then be used to determine effects of different production systems on plant food composition as well as other comparable factors with small but systematic effects across studies.

Sistemas de produção e sua influência na cultura do milho safrinha em plantio direto

The use of animal manure in agriculture coupled with the cultivation of cover crops can provide sustainability to agricultural systems. Aiming to evaluate the effect of cropping systems and nutrient sources in the culture of corn, we conducted an experiment on Oxisol in no-tillage system in Marechal Cândido Rondon (Parana, Brazil). The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with four replications and treatments arranged in a 2 x 3 factorial consisting of two cropping systems (crop rotation and rotation with cover crops) and three nutrient sources (mineral, organic and organomineral). Organic and organomineral fertilization consisted of hen manure alone and combined with mineral fertilizer. This study describes the effect of different production systems on the cultivation of out-of-season corn (2008 harvest) in an experiment set up in 2006. The cultivation of out-of-season corn in rotation with cover crops enabled higher production of whole plant silage, but it did not affect grain yield. The nutrient sources did not affect the development of corn, both for silage and grain production. The adoption of cover crops and organic fertilizers can promote more sustainable production systems.

Production systems and plant protection requirements in cereals: a model analysis of long-term effects

The main models within the MILDRI modelling network for studying plant protection, PVNOR, a dynamic model which simulates the development of weeds and diseases in cereals, and FARMNOR, an economic analysis model for choosing and evaluating management practices, were used to predict the effect of different production systems on the need for plant protection measures, and the resulting yield and economic output in different climatic situations. The simulations were run for 22 years using historic weather data. The study showed that PVNOR reflected fairly well the changing plant protection problems and agricultural consequences which emerged during the simulation period, and that the model handled the interactions between the large number of variables involved in such perennial systems. The combination of PVNOR and FARMNOR proved to be a valuable analytical tool, which in addition to predicting plant protection problems and consequences, also allows the prediction of the economic outcomes arising from different cereal production systems.