Feed Prices Research Articles

Circular economy-based integrated closed-loop farming system: A sensitivity analysis for profit optimization

This study proposes and constructs a model for a closed-loop farming system (CLFS) for pig manure waste reuse under circular economy principles (CEPs) to optimize economic benefits. Pig farming produces waste that harms the ecological environment in Taiwan. However, few studies have focused on pig farming waste within the context of CEPs, where the resource utilization of pig manure waste and CLFS are the main concerns. This study introduces a CLFS with a farming production plan that enhances systematic efficiency and builds a framework for resource reuse, supporting a local living circle. The resource utilization of pig manure waste is integrated into the CLFS, ensuring that the entire pig raising production process operates within the system, maximizing waste utilization to increase economic benefits. A sensitivity analysis is also presented. The results confirm that all counties and municipalities in Taiwan achieved self-sufficiency in pork production, reaching a 100% satisfaction rate for pork demand, and feed prices did not impact the overall CLFS.

Insights into carbon and nitrogen footprints of large-scale intensive pig production with different feedstuffs in China

Through the whole process of large-scale pig production, feed production puts great environmental pressure in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and nitrogen (N) emission. Additionally, different feedstuffs will have different results. While previous studies seldom analyzed carbon footprint and nitrogen footprint from feed components or diet choices. Thus, we selected China, the largest producer and consumer of pork in the world, to analyze both nitrogen footprint and carbon footprint through the life cycle of pig production with different feed components. We used life-cycle environmental footprint and scenario analysis to compare carbon footprints, nitrogen footprints, and feed prices of large-scale pig production with different feedstuffs in China. The life cycle of the pig production includes feed crop cultivation, feed processing, pig raising, and manure management. The functional unit is the weight of 1 kg of live pig. The results showed that the carbon footprints, nitrogen footprints, and feed prices ranged from 1.67 kg CO2-eq FU−1 to 1.70 kg CO2-eq FU−1, 35.3 g Nr FU−1 to 38.9 g Nr FU−1, and 1.42 CNY kg −1 to 2.15 CNY kg −1, respectively. Feed crop production and manure management contributed the largest carbon footprint (54%) and the largest nitrogen footprint (64%), respectively. The four scenarios exhibited various results. Scenario 3 (S3), substituting soybean meal in the original feed with distillers dried grains with soluble (DDGS), presented a more favorable outcome with respect to carbon and nitrogen footprints as well as feed prices. This was mainly attributed to feed crop cultivation, manure management, crude protein contents of feeds, and prices of the feed crops. Concerning the uneven feed crop production, number of pig farrowed, feed consumption, and inter-provincial transportation across China, we conducted the spatial analysis under the optimal S3. It revealed that the northern provinces in China exhibited both higher carbon and nitrogen footprints than the southern provinces, due to the northern regions cultivating the crop feed. Finally, we proposed recommendations from perspectives of cultivation practice, feed adjustment, manure management, and strategic zoning. The study not only highlighted the importance of environmental footprint for analyzing environmental impacts of pig production, but also provided the implications for enhancing the sector’s environmental sustainability from perspective of feed adjustment.

A Fourier-based approach to understanding the impact of dairy farming on red meat prices: evidence from the Turkish case

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the drivers behind the notable increase in red meat prices in Turkey, attributing the rise primarily to policy interventions within the dairy industry which result in a reduction of farm capacity for dairy farmers.Design/methodology/approachTo analyze the factors that determine the price of carcass red meat, cattle fattening feed is identified as a variable that directly affects carcass pricing, while the ratio of farm gate milk prices to milk feed prices is assumed to have an indirect impact. Monthly data from January 2011 to December 2022 are used in the analysis. The time series examined is influenced by time-dependent nonlinear Fourier trends that are computed for use in the estimation part.FindingsThe study reveals that fluctuations in cattle fattening feed prices have an immediate impact on carcass prices, while changes in the ratio of raw milk prices to milk feed prices exhibit a time lag. Although short-term interventions to the farm gate milk prices can initially suppress carcass prices, it is important to consider their medium and long-term effects, as these can manifest as a decrease in the number of animals available.Originality/valueThe research sheds light on the intricate interplay between policy interventions in the dairy sector and their ripple effects on the broader red meat market, contributing valuable insights to both academic and policy discourse.

Value Chain Analysis of Cattle Feed Market in Banaskantha District, India

India has vast resources of livestock and poultry, which play a vital role in improving the socio-economic conditions of rural masses. Livestock sector contributed 4.90 per cent of total GVA in 2020-21. Birthal and Jha [1] has found feed scarcity as the main limiting factor to improving livestock productivity. Therefore, to increase the productivity potential of milch animals the use of commercial compound feed is inevitable as supply of feed & fodder is shortening due to shrinking pasture land in the country. The Indian feed industry is about 57 years old. India is deficient in fodder and its availability is shrinking day by day due to decrease in cultivable area and increased share in food crop production so more thrust should be directed towards compound feeds by identifying the constraints and removing them.This study focused on the effectiveness of the feed industry and the performance of the value chain when mapping the cattle feed value chain in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat state. Total of ten feed manufacturing units and 120 farmers were selected for the study. The study was based on primary data and secondary data, the primary data were collected through personal interviews with the help of a structured survey schedule. Secondary data on livestock population were collected through the livestock census, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India. A multi stage random sampling method was adopted as an appropriate sampling procedure for the study. Banaskantha district was purposely selected for the study as Banaskantha district has highest livestock population in overall Gujarat State. Four talukas from Banaskantha district were selected randomly and feed manufacturing units were selected by snowball sampling method. From each taluka, five villages were selected randomly. From each village, six farmers were selected randomly. The study focused on buying behavior of farmers regarding cattle feed purchase and to estimate demand for concentrated feed requirements for the future in Banaskantha district. The study found that among the eight explanatory (independent) variables, five variables viz., livestock population, farm size, feed price, income from livestock, total feed fed per day were found to be significantly associated with expenditure of cattle feed price per animal per month and other variables such as average age of the animal, technology adoption and distance from buying location were statistically non-significant. The required feed demand for future livestock populations in Banaskantha district are 3651480 metric tonnes, 4487461 metric tonnes, 5514543 metric tonnes, 6774097 metric tonnes and 8315523 metric tonnes for the year 2024, 2029,2034, 2039 and 2044 respectively.

Assessing the economic viability and factors affecting farmer adoption of black soldier fly larvae as broiler feed in Bangladesh: a comparative analysis

Despite its impressive economic growth, Bangladesh faces a persistent malnutrition challenge, costing over US$1 billion annually. The broiler industry plays a vital role in addressing nutritional needs by providing essential protein through meat and eggs. However, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in this sector struggle with high feed prices, impacting their profitability and growth. Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional poultry feed, addressing both rising costs and environmental impacts. This study examined different aspects of BSFL, such as broiler feed, and farmers' perceptions of them in some selected areas of the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. A total of 60 respondents from three subdistricts in Sylhet district were selected using the purposive sampling technique. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, discriminative power value, binary logistic regression model, and profitability equation. Among the respondents, 70% (42) had a favorable attitude toward BSFL, and 30% (18) had a highly favorable attitude towards BSFL. Among eight socioeconomic attributes examined for the likeliness of adopting BSFL as broiler feed, the respondents' average income (p < 0.01), years of schooling (p < 0.05), and years of broiler farming experience (p < 0.01) were found to be significant. Further, farms using 50% BSFL and 50% traditional feed had a net return of BDT (Bangladeshi Taka) 35,045.67 (USD 419.71), higher than those using traditional feed, which had a net return of BDT 29670.67 (USD 355.38). Further, farms using 50% BSFL and 50% traditional feed had a benefit–cost ratio (BCR) of 1.16, compared to other farms with a BCR of 1.11. The study also found some problems causing slow growth in the adoption rate of BSFL in the study region, such as lack of training programs, extension campaigns, the uncertainty of input supply, and financial assistance. The study suggests making adequate measures to raise awareness about the profitability of BSFL as broiler feed, conducting training at the root level, and making inputs easily available to farmers.

Poultry Preslaughter Operations in Hot Environments: The Present Knowledge and the Next Steps Forward.

Poultry production faces significant challenges, including high feed prices, diseases, and thermal stress, which impact broiler welfare and productivity. Despite advances in cooling technologies and ventilation, preslaughter operations still lead to considerable losses. This review highlights the need for the improved management of thermal environments and animal logistics. Preslaughter operations typically involve fasting broilers for 8-12 h to reduce gastrointestinal contents and contamination. Following fasting, broilers are caught, crated, and transported. Stress levels vary based on distance and conditions, with manual catching often causing stress and injuries. Catching should occur during cooler periods to minimise these issues, and transport conditions must be carefully managed. Lairage, the waiting period after transport, should be kept short (1-2 h) in climate-controlled environments to avoid stress and deterioration. Proper handling and efficient unloading are essential to prevent injuries and reduce economic losses. Stunning methods, such as electronarcosis and a controlled atmosphere, aim to minimise suffering before slaughter, though practices vary culturally and religiously. Logistics and real-time monitoring technology are crucial for enhancing animal welfare during transportation. Effective planning and the optimisation of transport processes is vital for reducing stress and losses, especially with regard to rising global temperatures and production demands.

Short communication: Dairy Victory™ Platform: A Novel Benchmarking Platform to Empower Economic Decisions on Dairy Farms.

In the face of diminishing economic margins, dairy farmers globally are compelled to maintain economic competitiveness. Benchmarking emerges as a strategic tool to establish new, achievable improvement objectives that balance ambition with practicality. This typically requires integrating diverse data sources such as feed, milk production, diet, and market prices. However, many farms lack essential, cow-level data like daily milk output and milk income over feed cost (IOFC), which hampers economic performance visibility and informed decision-making. To address this challenge, we introduce “Dairy Victory™ platform (DVP)” a novel cloud-based benchmarking platform designed to simplify complex analyses. The DVP uniquely calculates zootechnical and economic key performance indicators (KPIs) at the cow and herd levels and benchmarks these against a dynamically selected cohort of farms, facilitating comparisons across various farm sizes, and milk production levels. The primary objective of this paper is to demonstrate the utility of DVP as a decision-making tool in supporting farmers and consultants with both operational and strategic decisions. It emphasizes leveraging benchmarking information to enhance decision-making processes, thereby highlighting the significant value that DVP brings to farmers, consultants, and dairy farm stakeholders. Our study analyzed data from 712 farms from December 2023, focusing on several KPIs, such as milk production, milk quality, feed efficiency, and IOFC using Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) records. This approach showcases DV's ability to utilize minimal data inputs for detailed analysis, leveraging peer performance to set desirable and/or achievable goals. We present a case study demonstrating how the DVP platform can guide dairy farms using anonymized peer data. This approach enables users to potentially improve their IOFC by up to 35%. Our findings highlight DVP's potential as a powerful tool for generating insightful analyses, simulations, and recommendations, primarily from test-day data, but also integrated with market and estimated data. This supports more strategic decision-making in dairy management, including automatic goal-setting based on peer performance.

EFFECTIVENESS OF MANGROVE LEAF EXTRACT Avicennia marina ON DAILY GROWTH OF VANNAME SHRIMP (Litopenaeus vanname)

One of the problems in shrimp farming is the high price of feed. The objective of this study was to find out the effect of the addition of mangrove extract Avecenia marina pada feed on the growth of vanname shrimp. The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 3 replicates. The treatment used for growth is the addition of A. marina leaf extract at a dose: A (275 ppm in 500g feed), B (285 ppm in 500g feed), C (295 ppm in 500g feed), D (305 ppm in500g feed). The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) on the growth of Vanname shrimp specific growth rate described that F value is greater than F Table, which indicates that the administration of Avicennia marina leaf extract has an effect on the best specific growth rate of 6.52% achieved in treatment D. The highest EPP calculation results amounted to 88.33% and Survival Rate reached an average of 97.25% for all treatments. Water quality during the study was within a reasonable range to support shrimp growth.

Pengaruh Penggunaan Tepung Daun dan Batang Ubi Jalar (Ipomoea Batatas L) Dalam Ransum Terhadap Performans dan IOFC Ternak Babi Peranakan Landrace Fase Grower

Pig farming has great potential to be developed because it is efficient in converting feed into meat. Feed is the largest cost component in production, which is about 60-80% of the total cost. Landrace pigs are the main choice of breeders because of their fast growth and docile temperament. However, the high price of factory-made feed encourages farmers to look for alternative feed ingredients, including agricultural waste such as sweet potato leaves (Ipomea batatas L), which are rich in nutrients and relatively cheap (Sihombing, 2016). Sweet potato leaves contain 25.51% crude protein and various other important nutrients, but they also contain anti-nutrient substances such as tannins. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of giving of leaf and stems sweet potato meal (SPM) on performa and income over feed costs (IOFC) in the grower pig. A total of 12 female landrace pigs aged 3-4 months with an average body weight of 55.5 kg (CV = 24.23%) were used in this study. The experimental method used a randomized block design, with 4 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments tried consisted of R0: ration without sweet potato leaf and stems meal sweet potato (SPM), R1: ration 5% (SPM), R2: ration 10% (SPM) meal, R3: ration 15% (SPM). The variables studied were performa and Income Over Feed Cost (IOFC).The variables measured are ration consumption, body weight gain, ration conversion and Income Over Feed Cost (IOFC). The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the treatment had no significant effect (P&gt;0.05) on feed consumption, body weight gain, feed conversion and Income Over Feed Cost of research pigs. It can be concluded that the use of leaf and stems meal sweet potato 5%, 15% in pig rations provide the same response to provide the same effect on body weight gain, ration conversion and Income Over Feed Cost (IOFC). leaves and stems sweet potato can be used up to 15%.

Commercial Agriculture and Youth Poultry Egg Farmers’ Efficiency in Nigeria

Low egg production is one of the many factors that challenge the growth of the Nigerian poultry industry and particular attention has not been paid to youth involvement in commercial poultry egg production. Using data from 181 sampled farmers, this study used Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to investigate whether the impact of the concluded Commercial Agriculture Development Project was sustainable, even three years after its closure in Nigeria. Farmers who participated in the project recorded 7.6%-21.0% increases in profit and a slight (0.1%-0.7%) decrease in technical efficiency. Comparing determinants of profitability between youth and non-youth farmers, show that price per crate and egg production quantity recorded more positive effects on the profitability of youth farmers while feed price had a more negative effect on the profitability of non-youth farmers. On the determinants of Technical Efficiency (TE) between youth and non-youth farmers, although years of education decreased the TE of both groups, the effect was greater among youth farmers, while egg production was significant and positive for both groups, the effect was greater for non-youth farmers. Also, the number of birds, feed quantity, and price per crate had negative effects on TE for youth farmers only, while years of experience although negative was significant for only the non-youth group. Overall, youth farmers recorded more significant positive effects on profit than non-youth farmers and less significant positive effects on TE. Overall, our results suggest scaling-up or expanding commercial agriculture interventions to farmers, especially youth. Our finding further highlights the need for training/capacity-building and extension services for youth farmers as this will bridge the gaps of inexperience that are contributory to TE of non-youth farmers.

Economic values of some important traits for smallholder dairy production in Central Ethiopia.

Economic value (EV), sensitivity of EV and relative economic importance of milk yield (MY), age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI) and herd life (HL) traits were estimated for smallholder dairy cattle production in the central part of Ethiopia. The data on biological and economic parameters were collected using household interview and group discussions methods participating 238 farmers who had crossbred dairy cattle. Bio-economic model was used to calculate EV, sensitivity of EV and relative importance of EV. Cost of animal feed takes the highest share which accounted 81.35% of the total expenditure. The overall average profit per farmer expressed in Ethiopia currency (ETB, 1 US-$ = 39.55696 ETB) was 72,458.10 ± 5068 per year. Profitability of crossbred dairy cattle significantly varied (P < 0.05) between zones. Economic value estimated for MY, AFC, CI and HL in ETB were 13.38/kg, -16.19/day, -33.58/day and 79.55/day. The associated EV per additive standard deviation were 6083.62, -1311.59, -1271.05 and 117.73 ETB for MY, AFC, CI and HL, respectively. Analysis of sensitivity to scenario change (± 20%) showed that milk price had positive association with profit and EV, whereas feed price has inversely influenced both profit and EV. The profit obtained by farmers was altered by ± 29.08% and ± 12.31% as milk price and feed price fluctuated by ± 20%, respectively. Similarly, the EV of MY was changed by ± 20% with change in milk price and ± 7% with feed price. Scenario change in feed price (± 20%) has also caused ± 13.63% change on EV for AFC and ± 17.58% for CI. It can be noted that profit and EV of the traits were less sensitive to the change in price of milk, feed and labor. In general, the results of EV and profitability were encouraging for dairy farmers and the estimates can be used as an input for development of breeding program in the study area.

Analysis of Factors Affecting Beef Cattle Business Income (Case in Cipari Village, Cigugur District, Kuningan Regency)

The purpose of this study is to find out the factors that affect the income of beef cattle business in Cipari Village, Cigugur District, Kuningan Regency. This research was carried out at the Beef Cattle Farm Owned by Cipari Village, Kalibaru Village, Cigugur District, Kuningan Regency, West Java Province. The time of this research will be carried out in May - July 2024. The method in this study uses a quantitative descriptive method with a survey approach. The sampling technique in this study is to use saturated sampling (census). The sample in this study is all cattle breeders in Cipari Village consisting of 17 farmers with the ownership of 2 to 4 beef cattle. The Data Analysis Techniques carried out in this study include descriptive analysis quantitative, i.e. Multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the study show that (1) The number of beef cattle, the selling price of livestock, the labor cost factor, the price of beef cattle, the feed price factor, and the price of medicines, simultaneously have a significant effect on the income of the beef cattle business in Cipari Village, Cigugur District, Kuningan Regency; (2) The most influential factor on the income of the beef cattle business is the Number of Beef Cow Factor, because the number of beef cattle has the most significant influence on income.

Exploring a Self-Sufficiency Approach within a Sustainable Integrated Pisciculture Farming System

The pandemic crisis has created significant challenges for small farms, leading to increased energy costs, higher prices for feed and nutrients, unreliable supplies of chemical fertilizers, and disruptions in product sales markets. These factors have collectively compromised the operational viability and economic sustainability of small-scale agricultural enterprises. To address these challenges, this paper explores the concept of a self-sufficient farming system, focusing on locally producing most of the resources needed to sustain operations and reduce dependence on external sources. A self-sufficient integrated pisciculture farming system is proposed and evaluated, promoting an autonomous circular model that prioritizes environmental sustainability. This system incorporates the integration of local livestock into fish diets, production of renewable energy sources, and efficient water and sludge management to reduce reliance on external resources. The detailed methodology used to evaluate sustainability indicators objectively demonstrates that the proposed system can be self-sustainable and autonomous; however, it requires considerable initial investments that can be recovered within at least six years. Optimizing the energy management plan can reduce daily power consumption by up to 25%. However, local conditions may challenge the efficiency of photovoltaic–hybrid energy production, requiring slight oversizing of the system. The research indicated that rearing carp with cereal-based feed mixtures produces growth results comparable to those achieved with commercially purchased feed. The indicators of resource efficiency, reliability, flexibility, productivity, environmental impact, and social impact were met as expected. The weakest indicator was the technology’s potential for scalability, due to its strong dependence on various regional factors.

Struktur Biaya dan Pendapatan Usaha Ternak Ayam Ras Pedaging Pola Kemitraan di Provinsi Jambi

This research aims to determine the cost structure, revenue, income and R/C ratio of broiler chicken farming businesses. The analysis method used is quantitative (cost structure analysis, income, R/C ratio and difference test). The research results show that PT X shows better cost efficiency than PT Y, this is reflected in the higher R/C ratio. This indicates that PT X is able to manage production costs more effectively, through negotiating better prices for feed or using more efficient technology. PT X results of the difference test using the Mann Whitney Test show that the two companies have significantly different revenues. PT X and PT Y still have the potential to improve performance. PT Y can learn from PT X best practices in managing costs and increasing revenue.

The Influence of Breeder Entrepreneurial Ability, Farmer Motivation and Partnership System on the Growth of Broiler Business in Barru Regency

Developing a broiler farming business using a partnership system is an alternative to help farmers in running their business. Some of the risks faced by breeders are the increasing prices of animal feed and broiler chicken seeds (DOC) as well as market access so that breeders are motivated to carry out business collaborations through a partnership system. The development of a broiler chicken farming business cannot be separated from the entrepreneurial behavior of farmers. One of the entrepreneurial behaviors that farmers must have is the entrepreneurial competence needed to run a livestock business. The aim of this research is to analyze the influence of entrepreneurial ability, farmer motivation, and the partnership system on the growth of broiler farming businesses in Barru Regency. This research was conducted in Barru Regency, South Sulawesi Province using a survey approach and using a questionnaire. The type of research used is explanatory research. The results of the research show that entrepreneurial ability, farmer motivation and the broiler partnership system have a real influence on the growth of broiler farming businesses both jointly and individually and motivational variables dominate breeders in determining the growth of broiler breeder businesses in Barru Regency. The partnership is intended for farmers to provide convenience in running their livestock business, thereby increasing motivation to develop their business.

Faktor-faktor yang Mempengaruhi Volume Penjualan Pakan Ternak di PT Japfa Comfeed Indonesia, Tbk. Unit Makassar

Product sales strategies are supported by technology that makes it easy for consumers to buy a product. According to Sulastri (2014) sales volume is the level of sales obtained by the company for a certain period in units (units/total/rupiah). The purpose of this study was to determine what are the factors that affect the sales volume of animal feed at PT. Japfa Comfeed Indonesia, Tbk. Makassar Unit. Feed is a single or mixed food material, both processed and unprocessed, which is given to animals for survival, reproduction and breeding. This research was conducted in April and July 2023, which took place at PT Japfa Comfeed Indonesia. Based on this, this research uses qualitative data so that in collecting data interviews with 30 respondents are conducted. The results of this study indicate that when viewed simultaneously or as a whole the factors that affect the sales volume of animal feed at PT. Japfa Comfeed Indonesia, Tbk. Makassar Unit, namely demand and supply, fluctuating feed prices, upward trends in raw material prices, and demand on holidays. However, after several data analysis tests, only demand and supply and the trend of rising raw material prices have a very strong (significant) influence on the volume of animal feed sales.

Dynamic impacts of public health events on price fluctuations in broiler industry Chain in China: Evidence from COVID-19 epidemic.

Using weekly data from January 2020 to December 2021 on the prices of various links in the Chinese broiler industry chain and the COVID-19 epidemic, we employed a time-varying parametric vector auto-regressive (TVP-VAR) model to investigate the dynamic effects of public health events on price fluctuations of upstream, midstream, and downstream products in the Chinese broiler industry chain. Our findings showed that the COVID-19 epidemic had different effects on the prices of various broiler products, both in direction and magnitude, at different lags and time intervals. Chicken and live chicken prices were impacted the most, followed by broiler chick prices, while broiler feed prices were impacted the least. The epidemic constantly impacted broiler chick and chicken prices, while its effect on live chicken prices was initially negative but turned positive afterwards. Additionally, the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on broiler product prices consistently increased with more extended lag periods. The impulse responses at different epidemic time points were heterogeneous. With the results of this study, policy recommendations can be suggested to relevant government departments to optimize the prevention and control measures for public health emergencies and ensure price stability in the broiler industry.

PRESENT SCENARIO OF LIVESTOCK BREEDING AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE NORTHERN PART OF BANGLADESH

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Bangladesh has a rich heritage of livestock rearing. The management and breeding practices differ across the country. &lt;strong&gt;Objectives:&lt;/strong&gt; To study the present scenario of breeding and management practices of livestock at northern Teesta river basin based Lalmonirhat district in Bangladesh. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology: &lt;/strong&gt;Total 100 farmers were selected using random sampling technique from 5 upazilas of Lalmonirhat district during July to December, 2022. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0 statistical package. &lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Results showed that most of the farmers (65%) at the northern part of Bangladesh were middle-aged, 41% of them completed secondary education, and their occupation was mainly agriculture (55%). About 37.78% of respondents supplied roadside grass as roughage to their livestock. Maximum number of respondents (60.24%) supplied hand mixed feed as a source of concentrate whereas 39.76% of respondents used commercial feed. 96% of farmers practiced artificial insemination to inseminate their cows and heifers while in goat nearly all respondent farmers (98.41%) practiced natural mating. Among the breeding companies, 41.41% farmers preferred semen from the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC), followed by Advanced Chemical Industries (ACI) (30.30%), Government (Department of Livestock Services (DLS) (22.22%), and others (6.07%). About 41.76% respondents used 50% Sahiwal - 50% local genotype bull to breed the cows whereas 23.08% respondents used 100% Sahiwal, 18.68% used 75% Holstein Friesian-25% local, 5.49% used 100% Holstein Friesian, 3.30% used 50% Holstein Friesian-50% Local and only 3.30% used 87.5% Holstein Friesian-12.5% Local genotype bull semen, respectively.&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;On the other hand, most of the farmers (98.41%) chosen Black Bengal breeding buck during breeding and remaining used crossbred (Black Bengal Goat- Jamunapari) to breed their does. The actual price of bull semen from Govt. (DLS) was 30 Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) on average for all the breeds whereas, the price ranged 110-200 BDT depending on cattle breeds and bull/bucks Identification (ID) in different private enterprises. Farmers had to pay on an average&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;181.18 BDT for DLS originated semen in addition to that BRAC Artificial Insemination (AI) workers took an average of 425.61 BDT from farmers to inseminate their cows. The average milk yield/d was 1.82±0.14, 3.35±0.40, and 2.74±0.27 liters for local, HF crossbred and Sahiwal crossbred respectively in that region. The prevalence of repeat breeding incidences was 13.74%, 14.21%, and 15.17%, for Local, Sahiwal crossbred, and Holstein Friesian crossbred genotypes respectively. The highest incidence of disease was found as Lumpy Skin Disease (14.67%) followed by Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) (11.98%) and other parasitic and metabolic diseases. In the study area, it was found that maximum number of the respondents (95%) faced excessive feed price problem along with some other problems. &lt;strong&gt;Implications: &lt;/strong&gt;Government intervention is necessary to improve the situation of livestock production in the country. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; This study showed the overall scenario of livestock production, breeding, and management in the northern part of Bangladesh which could be helpful for the govt., Non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) and policymakers to take realistic steps for the improvement of livestock production in the northern part of Bangladesh.&lt;/p&gt;

Impacts of Different Epidemic Outbreaks on Broiler Industry Chain Price Fluctuations in China: Implications for Sustainable Food Development

Poultry products are crucial for meeting consumer needs and ensuring food sustainability. Unlike previous studies that examined the effect of only one animal disease on broiler prices, this study utilized a time-varying parametric vector auto-regressive (TVP-VAR) model to analyze the dynamic impacts of poultry and swine epidemics on price fluctuations in the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors of the broiler industry. The findings revealed the following: (1) Both poultry and swine epidemics significantly affected price dynamics in China’s broiler industry, with varying effects over time. (2) The impact of these epidemics varied across different segments of the broiler industry, with chicken prices most affected, followed by live chicken prices, then broiler chick prices, and lastly, broiler feed prices. (3) Poultry epidemics generally exerted negative impacts on broiler industry prices, whereas swine epidemics predominantly had positive effects. (4) The influence of these epidemics on broiler industry prices gradually weakened over extended periods. (5) Poultry epidemics impact broiler industry prices rapidly but briefly, in contrast to the delayed and more sustained effects of swine epidemics. The results of this study will be an important guide for the prevention and control of animal diseases in developing countries and for the sustainable development of the broiler industry.

Livestock Breeders’ Conflicts in the Steppe Rangelands of Naâma Region (Western Algeria)

Sheep farming represents a very important activity in the Algerian steppe, unfortunately it is in a critical situation following climate changes, decreases in rangelands and the rise in the prices of livestock feed, this has created conflicting situations between breeders. The competition for access to steppe spaces and the use of natural resources are at the origin of several conflicts between the actors of the steppe. In this article, we tried to present in a brief way the nature and rate of existing conflicts between pastoralists, and compliance with current legislation which aims to protect the plant cover and soil. The approach taken to carry out this analysis is based on a field survey whose target population is the holders of the herd. The sample size exceeds 364 surveyed spread across the 12 municipalities in our study area. Our work shows that one-fifth of respondents suffer from conflectual situations, either against a legal person or natural persons, while four-fifths endure no strife. In addition, the comparison between two periods (2010 - 2014 and 2015 – 2019) shows that the average number of established and trained offence report by forest administration concerning “illicit grazing” had doubled. The solution consists in cleaning up the steppe against illegal monopolies, accompanied by awareness-raising activities for a better awareness of residents to change their bad behavior. Finally, the competent authorities are required to find alternatives to enable farmers to carry out their activities properly.