Extensive Management System Research Articles

Gastrointestinal Helminth Infections in Dogs in Sheep and Goat Farms in Greece: Prevalence, Involvement of Wild Canid Predators and Use of Anthelmintics.

The objectives of the present work were the investigation of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in dogs in small ruminant farms in Greece, the elucidation of potential predictors for these infections and the description of practices related to administration of anthelmintics to dogs. This study was carried out in 444 small ruminant farms in Greece. Faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of the dogs in the farms. The samples were processed by means of conventional parasitological techniques, specifically, a combined sedimentation flotation technique. There were dogs in 92.8% of the farms, with a median number of four dogs per farm. The following variables were associated with the presence of dogs in the farms: the presence of wild mammal predators near the farms, the increased daily period of farmers' presence at the farm, goats as the livestock species at the farm and the management system applied in the farm. Helminth eggs were detected in samples from 72.6% of the farms. The main helminth eggs detected were those of hookworms (Uncinaria/Ancylostoma) and Toxocara canis, in 68.6% and 51.3% of the farms, respectively. In our multivariable analyses, an association emerged between the presence of canid predators near a farm and the detection of these helminths in faecal samples: in 76% and 60% of the samples, respectively, versus in 58% and 39% of the samples from farms with no canid presence. Of farmers with dogs, 16.0% reported that they omitted the administration of anthelmintics to the animals. In multivariable analysis, the semi-extensive or extensive management system applied in the farm, the lower annual milk production per animal and the lack of collaboration with a veterinary practice were the significant predictors for the omission of anthelmintic administration to the farm dogs. There was also a clear association in the omission of anthelmintic administration to the dogs and to the livestock on the farm. The most frequently administered anthelmintic was praziquantel, which was used in 93.6% of the farms.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SOME BLOOD BIOCHEMICAL VARIANTS WITH PRODUCTIVITY PERFOMANCE IN WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOAT

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of albumin, transferrin, haemoglobin and carbonic anhydrases phenotypes on a production trait (birth type) in west African dwarf goat population reared under free range extensive management system in south western Nigeria. Twenty one west African dwarf does with recorded birth types were considered for the work. Blood samples were collected from seven does each with records of single, twin and triplet kids birth respectively. The birth types were analyzed according to the genotypes or phenotypes of the polymorph systems (haemoglobin, transferrin, albumin and carbonic anhydrase) of does. Result of electrophoresis show that three phenotypes (AA, AB and BB) were obtained from all the four proteins. Homozygosity in haemoglobin and carbonic anhydrase tend to align with single birth producing. The need for further study that will involve more number of goats covering larger areas, use of DNA markers and their relationship with economic traits as well as performance study for detailed understanding of breed characteristics, conservation and genetic improvement of WAD goats is required. The goat breeding field can benefit by the contribution of biochemical-genetic markers to optimize the selection criteria with a view to increasing the reproduction capacity of this species.

POULTRY FARMERS’ KNOWLEDGE LEVEL OF CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated poultry farmers’ knowledge level of climate change adaptation strategies in Imo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives identified the various sources of agricultural information available to the farmers on climate change in the study area, examined the knowledge level of the poultry farmers on climate change adaptation strategies; ascertained various climate change adaptation strategies employed by poultry farmers in the area. A multi-staged sampling technique was employed in sampling 120 poultry farmers that took part in the survey. A set of questionnaires was used to get responses from farmers. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Findings from the study showed that fellow farmers were the major source of information on agriculture for 90% of the poultry farmers. while good housing system (100%), adequate extensive poultry management system (100%) and immediate vaccination of birds (100%) ranked high on the table of climate change adaptation strategies that poultry farmers utilize. Also, with a grand mean of 2.52, above the benchmark mean of 2.00, the poultry producers demonstrated a high level of knowledge regarding measures for adapting to climate change. The hypothesis result indicated a strong relationship between the farmers' sources of information on strategies for adapting to climate change and their level of knowledge with these tactics. The study came to the conclusion that poultry farmers had a high level of knowledge about different climate change adaptation strategies, primarily from other farmers. As a result, it was recommended that the government increase the availability of extension services to poultry farmers so that they can obtain scientifically verified and tried-and-true information on adaptation strategies for increased and sustainable knowledge in the study area.

Habitat Selection by Free-Grazing Sheep in a Mountain Pasture.

For centuries, mountain grasslands have been part of the grazing cycle of sheep and cattle in extensive management systems in the Pyrenees; however, traditional guided herding has been, in many cases, replaced by free-ranging flocks at these pastures. The goal of this study was to analyze the grazing behavior of free-ranging sheep in mountain pastures using GPS-based tracking systems and Geographic Information Systems. During the summer seasons of 2019, 2020, and 2021, a transterminant flock of free-ranging sheep was tracked with GPS devices attached to collars at the mountain pastures of Collarada mountain (Central Pyrenees, Spain). Preferences for grazing on certain geomorphological features (slope, aspect, and altitude) and different plant communities present in the area were evaluated using the Manly's standardized preference index. The results show that sheep prefer altitudes between 2400 and 2600 m; SE-, SW-, and E-facing sites; and slopes under 20%. The preferred pastures were Festucion eskiae, Primulion intricatae, and Nardion strictae; however, they reject Festucion scopariae communities. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of GPS and GIS technologies in monitoring free-ranging sheep activity, providing valuable data for enhancing pastoral practices and ensuring sustainable pasture use.

Effects of management, habitat and landscape characteristics on biodiversity of orchard meadows in Central Europe: A brief review

Increasing agricultural intensification, combined with land transformation and fragmentation, poses significant threats to biodiversity. While extensively cultivated landscapes serve as vital refuges against biodiversity loss, they are modified by land abandonment and intensification. Orchard meadows in Central Europe represent traditional extensive land management systems, exhibiting high biodiversity. Comprising cultivated grasslands and scattered fruit trees, orchard meadows feature structures rich in different habitats supporting a diverse flora and fauna. However, their decreasing economic importance in recent decades has resulted in severe degradation or abandonment. Despite their importance for biodiversity conservation, there remains no comprehensive overview of orchard meadow biodiversity and management in Central Europe. This review aims to summarize existing knowledge on orchard meadows’ role in biodiversity conservation and the effects of management practices on habitat diversity and quality at both smaller (structure and microhabitats, local scale) and larger scales (surrounding landscape, regional scale). The first part focuses on orchard meadow biodiversity, including both plants and animals and their link to landscape-scale factors. Biodiversity in orchard meadows is predominantly affected by patch size, determining species richness and composition, and connectivity to neighbouring orchard meadows, influencing species migration and recolonization success. The second part evaluates management impacts, illustrating differences in the benefits of mowing versus grazing across taxonomic groups. An intermediate management intensity for orchard meadows determines their conservation value in terms of species composition, varying among different taxonomic groups. To prevent area loss and abandonment of orchard meadows, we advocate for political and public support, along with incentives for farmers to maintain their biodiversity.

Opportunities and Challenges in AI Based Modern Power System

Nowadays, the power grid has transformed into a dynamic and extensive resource generation and management system. This transformation is primarily driven by the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources and the utilization of intelligent information and communication technologies to handle dynamic workloads. The smart grid encompasses various innovative operations, including power electrification, intelligent information integration at the physical layer, and intricate interconnections. These operations leverage data-driven deep learning, big data, and machine learning paradigms to effectively analyze and control transient issues within the electric power system. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a crucial tool in addressing and resolving challenges associated with transient stability assessment (TSA) and power generation control. In this research paper, we present a comprehensive review that explores the role of AI and its sub-procedures in tackling TSA problems. The article outlines an AI-based intelligent power system structure, along with the rationality of applying AI to transient situations in power system TSA. Distinguishing itself from other reviews, this paper delves into the AI-based TSA framework and design process, highlighting intelligent applications and their analytical capabilities in addressing power system transient problems. Furthermore, our analysis extends beyond AI alone, as we also explore the integration of big data, which aligns seamlessly with AI. The paper discusses future trends, opportunities, challenges, and open issues pertaining to AI-Big data based transient stability assessment in the smart power grid.

Breed and non-genetic risk factors associated with the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in livestock systems of Arauca, Colombian orinoquia

ABSTRACT Subclinical Mastitis (SCM) is caused by several factors associated with the interaction of the individual cow, cow management, and the environment. The aim of this study was to assess the breed and non-genetic risk factors on the prevalence of SCM in cows from the dual-purpose livestock system on the floodplain of Arauca, Colombian Orinoquia. Milk samples were taken from the individual mammary quarters of 481 cows representing 28 different farms where the electrical conductivity (EC) test applied. To determine the factors associated with SCM, a multiple logistic regression analysis was used. The response variable was the SCM presence (1), or absence (0) obtained with the EC test. Breed was included as a genetic risk factor, and as non- genetic risk factors: number of cows in production, daily milk production, lactation month, cow age, climatic period, body condition, and calving number. The factors that were significantly associated with the SCM presence were body condition, climatic period, and breed (p < 0.05). Odds ratio (OR) analysis of significant effects indicates that for each unit increase in body condition, the OR of having animals with SCM is reduced by 71%. In the dry period the OR of animals with SCM increases by 150% compared to the rainy period. Composite breeds reduce the OR of SCM animals by 73%, compared with Indicus-predominance animals. In this study, the occurrence of SCM in extensive management systems in Arauca, Colombian Orinoquia, is determined by the risk factors of breed, climatic period, and body condition.

Can mulching or composting be applied to maintain semi-natural grassland managed for biodiversity?

Traditional, extensive management systems in grasslands have played a fundamental role in the formation, maintenance and conservation of grassland of high natural value. Contemporary processes in the agricultural economy make this type of management unprofitable. Simplified management systems are implemented as part of agricultural and environmental programmes and in protected areas, but these can cause changes in botanical composition. An experiment was conducted for six years on grassland in the Carpathian Mountains to compare mulching and compost application with late cutting and biomass removal. In the conditions of mountain grassland of medium fertility, the level of biomass and the species composition of the vegetation were the same following mulching as in the case of cutting and biomass removal. Mulching was only found to affect the temperature of the topsoil. Compost application caused a significant increase in the amount of biomass. The species composition was the same as for the other management types, but there were changes in the proportions of individual species and functional groups. High grasses were dominant, while the proportion of legume plants was small. Moreover, the N:P ratio was lower following the use of compost, indicating a shift from P limitation to N limitation. Mulching can be used as a simplified means of management in the case of certain types of grassland communities, but its effects must be monitored. Compost application would necessitate modification of other elements of management, e.g. increased frequency of cutting.

An Evaluation of the Effects of the Herbal Supplements of Amla (Emblica officinalis) and Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) on the Liver Function Parameters of Magra lambs Living in the Extensive System in Western Rajasthan's Arid Zone

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of herbal feed additives amla (Emblica officinalis) and giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) on Liver Function Test parameters of Magra lambs in the extensive management system. The experiment was performed on twenty eight magra lambs of three to four months of age under the extensive system, which were randomly distributed into four experimental groups of seven lambs in each group in a randomized block design (RBD). Herbal feed additive amla (Emblica officinalis) fruit powder with seed and giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) stem powder were supplemented at level of 1.5g/kg body weight with concentrate as oral/feed supplemented in T1 and T2 group, respectively except control group (C) and T3 in extensive management system. Group T3 were supplemented with the combination of amla (Emblica officinalis) fruit powder and giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) stem powder at the level of 0.75g/kg body weight with concentrate as oral/feed. At the end of experiment it appears that supplementation of herbal feed additives amla and giloy do not effect liver activity during the experimental period. Therefore, it can be concluded that the experiment was safe and did not cause any damage to the liver.

Investigating the Situation Of Infection With Respiratory System Parasitic Worms in Ethiopian Sheep

Introduction: This study was conducted from October 2019 to April 2020 to determine the prevalence of lungworm infection and to assess some of the determinant risk factors associated with sheep lungworm infections in Ambo, Central Ethiopia. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from randomly selected 349 sheep, kept under extensive management systems, to examine first-stage larvae (L1) using the Baermann technique. Additionally, samples were collected from 44 sheep slaughtered in different restaurants and hotels to explore the presence of adult lungworm parasites. Results: The overall prevalence recorded from fecal and postmortem examinations was 23.2% and 31.8%, respectively. A higher prevalence was observed in females (26.2%) than in males (17.7%). Age-wise, a higher prevalence (29.1%) was observed in animals greater than six months to 2 years old, while the lowest (13.5%) was observed in animals less than or equal to 6 months. The prevalence of lungworm infection during postmortem examination of slaughtered sheep was higher (31.8%) than the result obtained at coprology (23.2%). Conclusion: This study showed that lungworm infection was a common problem among sheep in the study area. Due to its impact on production, emphasis should be given to controlling and preventing lungworm infection in the study area, such as through repeated deworming and grazing management.

Multifunctionality and provision of ecosystem services by livestock species and breeds at global level

Beyond providing food, livestock species are linked to a wide range of uses and ecosystem services (ESs). Based on information reported by 41 countries on 3 361 national breed populations to the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, we investigated how factors such as species, region, breed adaptedness, or management system associate with the recognition of provision of a set of 52 ESs. Among species, a greater number of cultural ESs were reported for horses (2.47 for horses vs 0.75 on average across all species), while the major ruminant species (cattle, goats and sheep) were on average associated with more provisioning ESs (2.99 vs 2.39), and more regulating and maintenance ESs (1.86 vs 1.32). Compared to European breeds, African livestock contribute more provisioning ES (3.95 vs 1.88). Native breeds and, to a lesser extent, locally adapted breeds, were linked to more ESs than were exotic breeds (5.97 and 4.10 vs 2.90, respectively), regardless of the ES category considered. The total number of ES reported was greater for breeds primarily kept under Back Yard/Farm Yard and extensive management systems than in other production environments. Different “bundles” of ES were identified in relation to the interdependence among themselves, or according to species or regional specificities. Overall, our results highlight that native and locally adapted breeds, which tend to be raised in less specialized production systems than exotic breeds, are reported to play multiple roles contributing to rural community livelihoods and environmental sustainability of food systems.

English

Livestock-oil palm plantations integration system is intended to improve farming efficiency, where agriculture not only plays a role as the primary producer of food but also as a producer of feed, fertilizer, energy, and other bioproducts, leading to a sustainable agricultural system. Smallholder farmers in Indonesia integrated Bali cattle and oil palm with extensive, semiintensive, and intensive management systems. This study evaluated the integrated system of oil palm and Bali cattle under different management systems regarding the characteristics of smallholder farmers, nutritional status, and weight gain of Bali cattle on smallholder farms. The study was conducted in the Regency of Central Bangka, Bangka Islands, Indonesia. The study included 108 Bali cattle grouped as calves, young, and adults. The observed variables included smallholder farmer characteristics, feed nutrients, feed nutrient consumption (Dry Matter (DM), protein, Ca, and P), feed digestibility, and body weight gain. A Randomized Block Design and analysis of variance for the obtained data were used in this experiment. Smallholder farmers implementing the integration of livestock-oil palm in Central Bangka Regency were dominated by inexperienced novice farmers. The majority of the farmer choose semi-intensive rearing management as this system produces compost as a by-product. The semi-intensive system also provides better feed quality for Bali cattle. Therefore, DM consumption in the semi-intensive system was higher than in other systems, especially in young bulls, heifers, and male and female calves (P&lt;0.05). Thus, Bali cattle in the semi-intensive system had higher average daily gain than those in the intensive or extensive system. Therefore, it can be concluded that the semi-intensive management system is the best model in the Bali cattle-oil palm integration system in the rural dryland area, in accordance with nutritional status and the characteristics of smallholder farmers in Indonesia

A REVIEW ON EFFICIENCY OF ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION IN CATTLE BREEDING IN ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia has large cattle population in Africa. The output of decades of crossbreeding programme in Ethiopia through AI service was quite insignificant because the exotic breeds and their crossbreds of the country accounted for about 1.44%. The objective of this review is to present the efficiency of Artificial Insemination (AI) service in cattle breeding in Ethiopia. The optimum recommended mean number of services per conception (NSC) for profitable dairy cow is about 1.4. However, conventional cattle AI breeding indicated that the mean NSC of different studies ranged from 1.14 in local cows up to 2.47 in different genotypes of cows kept under different management systems and conception rate at first insemination (CR1) ranged from 7.14% to 75.5% in different genotypes of dairy cows kept under extensive and intensive management systems. Estrus synchronization followed AI breeding indicated that CR1 ranged from 24.69% to 70.6% in Zebu cows kept under semi-intensive management system. Calving rate (CR) is the most appropriate measure of fertility of dairy cows which is defined as the number of calves born per 100 services. The poor efficiency of the country cattle AI service is a huge biological economic loss in cattle production and managerial monetary losses. Strategic interventions on cattle AI service efficiency improvement options should be identified and practiced considering breed type, production system and agro-ecology.

150 Repeatability of Rangeland Behavioral and Social Traits Derived from Gps Collars

Abstract The ability of an individual to cope with stressors in their environment is going to be paramount in the face of climate change. Rangeland livestock experience harsh conditions including heat and/or cold stress, water and feed restrictions and risk of predation. In extensive management systems, the ability to capture the capacity to cope with stressors of an individual in its environment is encumbered by remote locations with difficult terrain and no access to power or the internet. GPS collars can provide insights into individual land-use behavior, e.g., their impact on the environment or ability to cope with stressors, and social interactions, e.g., mothering ability. GPS collars (n = 112) developed at the University of Idaho were deployed on 57 ewes and 55 lambs (45 ewe-lamb pairs) in an extensive rangeland environment at the Great Basin Research and Extension Center in Eureka, NV. The collars recorded location data every 10 minutes from July 27th to August 18, 2022. Coordinate fixes were successfully recorded 67.11 ± 27.12% of the time and resulted in a kept record occurring every 60 ± 202 minutes. Of the ewe-lamb pair devices, 43 pairs contributed 801 ± 703 paired records (i.e., records that occurred within 5 minutes of each other). GPS coordinate locations, and their respective capture times, allow for the analysis of distance traveled, water usage, dispersion, and ewe-lamb distance. Distance traveled was analyzed on a daily basis with a weighted median distance imputed for all travel times that lasted more than 900 seconds. Dispersion was defined as the distance of an individual from the centroid of the flock in meters, and was transformed to a Z-score based on the position of individuals with GPS coordinates captured within 10 minutes of the measurement of the individual. Ewe-lamb pair distances were cube root transformed. Twin status, dam line, age, and day were fitted as fixed classes to estimate the repeatability of records for mature ewes. Repeatability estimates of daily distance traveled, daily water usage, and daily dispersion were 0.22 ± 0.05, 0.30 ± 0.06 and 0.10 ± 0.03, respectively. Daily ewe-lamb distances had a repeatability estimate of 0.45 ± 0.08. Day of recording was significant for daily distance traveled (P-value = 2.72×10-4) and water usage (P-value = 1.06×10-3). No other effects were significant in any of the models. In conclusion, PLF tools are an enabling technology that allow for passive data capture in remote locations. Our findings suggest that GPS collars can elucidate a variety of land use and social behavior traits that could serve as meaningful criteria for selection in extensive livestock production settings. Selection on these indicators of resilience may increase livestock productivity and welfare by increasing heat stress tolerance via the analysis of novel behavioral traits seen on extensive rangelands.

Characterization, Production and Reproduction Performance of Southern Odisha Goats

Background: The native goat populations in southern Odisha viz. Narayanpatna, Malkangiri and Ganjam were characterized phenotypically in the present study. Ganjam goats stood apart from other populations due to their large, pointed horns and stature. Odisha state has 30 districts and 10 different agro-climatic zones. Methods: The present study area is under North Eastern ghat and Eastern ghat high land agro climatic zones. An extensive management system is used to raise all the goats with a flock size varying from 6 to 45. The body weight was recorded from birth to 12 months at an interval of 3 months. Result: The average adult body weight from these 3 goat populations was 17.39±0.20, 16.31±0.17, 16.39±0.20 kg for Ganjam, Malkangiri and Narayanpatna goats, respectively revealing that Ganjam goats were heavier than the other two populations. The average age at sexual maturity and kidding interval was recorded as 318.24±5.24 and 312.06±1.28 days, 236.76±6.23 and 223.21±0.88 days, 218.34±4.28 and 218.22±0.76 days for Ganjam, Narayanpatna and Malkangiri goats, respectively revealing that Ganjam goats had significantly higher estimates than other two types. Males of all goat types were found to have higher body weight than the female counterparts beyond 3 months of age and found to be conspicuous at later age. This information on the physical characterization and production potentials may be helpful in developing further breed improvement strategies and breed registration.

Effect of Breeds on Milk Yield and Persistency of Cows Raised under Extensive Management System in Nigeria

Milk persistence in dairy cows is an economically important trait that will determine profit for the dairy industry and will help to overcome immeasurable diseases in dairy. cows. This study looked at the best breed that will maintain persistency for a certain time and ranked the animals based on milk yield and persistency. The study used a total of 60 nursing cows, 20 Sokoto Gudali, 20 White Fulani, and 20 Red Bororo were used for the daily milk collection. The total milk collected in a week was added together and divided by seven days to get the average daily milk yield for each breed (Sokoto Gudali, White Fulani and Red Bororo). The duration of the milking periods was recorded in days. Persistency of milk yield was computed by the ratio of the lactation period and divided into four equal periods of 30 days each. The total 30-day milk yield of each period per cow was calculated. Data collected were analyzed using the general Linear Model of the SAS program while significant means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test. The results revealed that the Sokoto Gudali cows yielded significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher daily milk (4.13 - 4.31 L/day) whereas Red Bororo (0.72 - 0.94 L/day) was lowest in week 1. At week two, Sokoto Gudali (4.09 - 4.31 L/day) had the highest milk whereas Red Bororo (0.82 - 1.04 L/day) was the least. At week three, Sokoto Gudali (4.19 - 4.39 L/day) had a significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher daily milk whereas Red Bororo (0.74 - 0.90 L/day). In week 4 same trends were also observed. Sokoto Gudali (4.19) was ranked to be superior (1), followed by the White Fulani (1.62) with the breed (2) whereas the Red Bororo (0.89) was the least (3) in terms of total milk yield. The average weekly milk yield persistency showed that Sokoto Gudali and the Red Bororo breeds were maintained at high persistency from week one through week four without a significant decline. Breeds influenced daily milk yield from week 1 to week 4. The overall ranking of breeds on milk yield revealed that Sokoto Gudali was ranked the highest followed by White Fulani and the least was Red Bororo.

Phenotypic characterization of the desi (local) cattle reared by the tribal communities of Wayanad district, Kerala, South India

This study pertained to the phenotypic characterization of Wayanad desi cattle, a lesser-known indigenous cattle population reared mainly in the tribal hamlets of Wayanad district, Kerala, South India. Information on the habitat, status, management, utility and performance of the cattle and data on the morphological and morphometric traits were recorded using the ICAR-NBAGR guidelines with modifications. The main breeding tract of Wayanad desi cattle was in Thavinhal, Thondernad, Ambalavayal and Noolpuzha panchayaths of Wayanad district. These animals were reared under an extensive system of management and a loose house system in simple kachcha housing. They are low milk producers and the average daily yield was just above one litre. These animals weresmall in size, predominantly solid brown in colour, with a straight forehead and face. These desi cattle share several qualitative and quantitative features with other varieties of cattle in Kerala, eventhough their geographic distribution was different.

Phenotypic characterization of the desi (local) cattle reared by the tribal communities of Wayanad district, Kerala, South India

This study pertained to the phenotypic characterization of Wayanad desi cattle, a lesser-known indigenous cattle population reared mainly in the tribal hamlets of Wayanad district, Kerala, South India. Information on the habitat, status, management, utility and performance of the cattle and data on the morphological and morphometric traits were recorded using the ICAR-NBAGR guidelines with modifications. The main breeding tract of Wayanad desi cattle was in Thavinhal, Thondernad, Ambalavayal and Noolpuzha panchayaths of Wayanad district. These animals were reared under an extensive system of management and a loose house system in simple kachcha housing. They are low milk producers and the average daily yield was just above one litre. These animals weresmall in size, predominantly solid brown in colour, with a straight forehead and face. These desi cattle share several qualitative and quantitative features with other varieties of cattle in Kerala, eventhough their geographic distribution was different.

Performance of cross-bred (White Pekin × Khaki Campbell) ducks under extensive system of rearing

The performances and economics of crossbred (White Pekin × Khaki Campbell) ducks produced through artificial insemination and reared under extensive system of management were studied. A total of 150 day old ducklings were randomly distributed to six farmers in three villages (25 number each) of Odisha state and they were guided to maintain the birds with the resources available with them. The ducklings were brooded for ten days during which they were offered boiled broken rice. Subsequently they were fed from the surroundings besides being offered kitchen wastes, left over rice, vegetable peels, fish scales, etc. The birds were utilizing the village ponds for swimming and as feeding source. A secured night shelter was provided to each flock. The growth and production performances and mortality rate were recorded to the possible extent up to 40 wks of age by the combined effort of farmer family and project personal. The income generated through sale of birds and eggs were recorded for calculation of economics. It was observed that the overall mortality rate was 12% and the birds gained the body weight of 577.69±15.88 g, 1065.31±16.36 g, 1763.33±35.17 g and 1840.64±36.30 g at 4th, 8th, 16th and 24th week of age with first egg of the flock on ~150 days. The duck village/house egg production up to 40 weeks age was found to be 51.25% with 59.43±0.50 g average egg weight on 40th week. Further, the net profit of ₹9900 was calculated for individual flock considering the income from sale of eggs and live ducks and only expenditure towards cost of day old ducklings. It was concluded that cross-bred (WP × KC) ducks are suitable for rearing in farmers’ field with a higher economic gain.

Reducing conflict between the common vampire bat Desmodus rotundus and cattle ranching in Neotropical landscapes

AbstractIncreased cattle ranching in Neotropical landscapes has led to human–wildlife conflicts that complicate the relationship between agricultural production and biodiversity conservation. We review the literature related to conflicts between livestock production and the common vampire bat Desmodus rotundus, specifically, the factors that influence the incidence of problems caused by bites to cattle. We summarise the strategies proposed to reduce these problems and propose actions from the perspectives of cattle management, landscape ecology and the biology of the common vampire bat. The literature shows that free‐range extensive management systems, where cattle graze in areas with forest cover, near riparian zones, caves, secondary vegetation (generally shrublands and immature trees), and vegetation fragments and edges, increase the implications and the severity of the conflict. As a result of different selection forces, the wing morphology and echolocation characteristics of the common vampire bat facilitate its movement under these landscape conditions, thus favouring a scenario of greater interaction with cattle. We propose the establishment of a ‘buffer zone’ to separate the cattle as far as possible (at least 1 km) from the elements of the landscape that are key for the movement patterns of common vampire bats in cattle ranching areas. The feeding events of this species are positively associated with host availability and landscape elements that provide habitat and connectivity, which shows that the cause of this conflict originates from the process of cattle production and the invasion of the habitat of the common vampire bat. Anti‐rabies vaccination programmes in cattle and forest–cattle separation are the most important strategies to minimise conflict and prevent rabies outbreaks.