Farm Feed Research Articles

Forage productivity in native grasslands of Haharu Sub-district, East Sumba District, Indonesia

Abstract. Watuwaya BK, Syamsu JA, Budiman, Useng D. 2022. Forage productivity in native grasslands of Haharu Sub-district, East Sumba District, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 362-1368. The identification and management of native grasslands are important to ensure the availability of beef cattle feed in smallholder farms. This study aims to identify the existing native grasslands in Haharu Sub-district, East Sumba District, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia and analyze the botanical composition, biomass and the carrying capacity of the native grasslands. We used the combination of remote sensing approach and field survey to identify and measure the productivity of native grasslands. Sentinel 2A imagery was used to identify the area of existing native grasslands using Supervised Classification - Maximum Likelihood method. Meanwhile, the productivity of native grasslands was measured using the Dry Weight Rank method. The results of remote sensing and spatial analysis showed that the existing area of native grasslands in Haharu Sub-district was 324,10 km2 with an Overall Accuracy of 98.63% and Kappa Accuracy of 0.98. The vegetation analysis showed that the botanical composition of native grasslands consisted of grasses 94.42%, legumes 3.55% and weeds 2.07%. The carrying capacity of the studied grassland was 0.68 AU/ha/month in the wet season. In conclusion, the productivity of existing native grasslands in the wet season is still low and special efforts are needed to improve the quality.

Application of encapsulated nano materials as feed additive in livestock and poultry: a review.

Livestock plays a significant role in the socio-economic development of developing countries by providing livelihood and nutritional security, transport, contingency during crop failure and day-to-day earning to the farm family. The human population is projected to reach 9.9 billion by 2050, which along with increasing urbanization and growing income is expected to increase the demand for livestock products. Global livestock feed demand will be almost doubled, and 1.3 billion tons of grain will be required for feeding farm animals alone. To increase the livestock production efficiency, feed additives have been used to improve the production and growth of high-quality livestock products. Even though feed additives have a pertinent role in animal growth performance, disadvantages like endo toxin production and reduced absorption of nutrients by interaction of additives with naturally occurring nutrients limits the use of feed additives. A majority of the macronutrients in the rumen are metabolized or transformed by microbes, hence nutrients should be preserved and made available in the small intestine. Encapsulation technology, which has been employed in a broad range of applications in various fields of science, can address this challenge and rejuvenate livestock nutrition research. The present review explores the importance of encapsulated nano material in livestock and poultry production.

An observational study to verify the influence of different nutritional corn silage-based strategies on efficient use of dietary nutrients, faecal fermentation profile, and profitability in a cohort of intensive dairy farms

Sixty-six dairy farms (as average, 167.0 ± 106.5 milking cows and milk yield of 31.4 ± 5.1) were visited to identify different nutritional approaches adopted in dairy cows diet formulation. Forage, TMR, faecal, and milk samples from lactating herds were collected and diet composition, in vitro methane production, in vivo nutrient digestibility, faecal fermentation profile and milk yield and milk quality were characterised. A hierarchical cluster analysis was applied and six nutritional approaches in diet formulation corresponding with six different clusters (CL) were identified. The CL discriminated the farm feeding choices in the following nutritional strategies, based on high use of: (i) high moisture corn (HMC) and legume silage, (ii) compound feed, (iii) corn and soy meals, (iv) HMC and soy meal, (v) corn meal and protein compound feeds, or (vi) HMC and protein compound feed strategies, respectively for CL1 to CL6. The milk yield tended (p = .061) to differ among CL. The greatest (>1.60) feed efficiency was calculated for CL1 and 5, whereas the lowest (<1.45) for CL 2. The CL2 and 5 had the highest feed costs (i.e. 0.24 or 0.22 €/kg of milk, respectively). Interestingly, the high use of HMC or steam flaked corn resulted associated to higher farm performances. Particularly, HMC and legume silage (CL1), HCM and soy meal (CL4) and HCM and protein compound feed (CL6) nutritional strategies resulted more efficient and profitable, having the greatest feed efficiency, protein and starch degradability as well as income over feed costs. Differentiate carbohydrates in dairy cow diets seems highly convenient. HIGHLIGHTS Six different nutritional strategies were identified based on use of single ingredients and a great variability in both economic and feed efficiency was observed for dairy farms clustering into different groups The use of high moisture ear corn in substitution of corn meal increased dry matter intake, feed efficiency, milk yield and lactose content of milk, whereas the use of steam flaked corn reduced the faecal fermentations The in vitro methane emission potential of diets did not differ among clustered nutritional strategies

Spatiotemporal dynamics and resource use efficiency in mariculture production: A case study in Southeastern China

The rapid expansion of marine aquaculture poses a big challenge for sustainable development. More efficient production strategies are necessary to ensure a sustainable mariculture sector, yet the potential of feasible production gains without further environmental impacts is largely unknown. This work took one of the biggest mariculture centers in China to analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of mariculture products in 2003, 2010, and 2016, explore potential factors associated with resource use efficiency, and quantify the potential of these factors to increase regional production. The mariculture sector had a rapid expansion in 2003–2010 and accelerated product diversification in 2010–2016, with overall annual growth rates of 4.6%, 24.9%, 14.6%, 20.4%, 24.7%, and 8.7% in finfish (Larimichthys crocea and others), sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus), abalone (Haliotis spp.), laminaria (Laminaria japonica), gracilaria (Gracilaria spp.), and porphyra (Porphyra spp.) production, respectively. Resource use impacts were dominated by finfish production (over 90% of the total), but recent increases were mostly due to the farming of other products. Our study also identified several demographic (household size), socioeconomic (income per capita), technical (farming density, feed usage, and energy usage), and environmental (distance between farms and total nitrogen concentration) variables that were correlated with resource use efficiency. Simulations based on regression models suggested that changes in these factors could increase fish and seaweed production by at least 3%–18% and 2%–23%, respectively, without increasing resource use levels. Sustainable intensification of local mariculture systems could be achieved by enhancing the access to more efficient technology and financial capital, increasing the willingness of engagement in the sector, facilitating the transaction of sea use rights, reducing the amount of nutrient released in coastal areas, and including the heterogeneous effects of farm distances and water quality in marine spatial planning. Our results highlight the existing opportunities in policymaking for more sustainable food production systems and the management of coastal ecosystems in mariculture-dominated seascapes.

Utilization of Household Waste as Economic Added Value in Community Care for the Environment Sumber Subdistrict Cirebon Regency

The purpose of this activity is to convey the success of the Kopeling youth program (Community Care for the Environment) along with all the people who have supported them, especially those in the RT.05/RW.05 Kelurahan Sumber to convert household waste into compost and catfish farming feed to have a selling value. The research method uses a qualitative approach with the Participatory Research Appraisal research design through the Participatory Rural Appraisal method. This research was conducted on Kopeling youth and communities in the neighborhood RT.05/RW.05 Kelurahan Sumber. The findings obtained from this activity are that Kopeling and related communities have active participation and real motivation to minimize the problem of piles of garbage, especially household waste, to be something of economic value.

Impact of Storage Conditions and Mold Types on Aflatoxin B1 Concentration in Corn Residue used as Dairy Feed in Small Holder Dairy Farms, Thailand.

The aims of this study were to determine the impact of storage practice and mold types on mold growth and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) concentration in corn residue from local seed corn plants, the main roughage source of dairy farms in the northern region in Thailand. A total of 223 samples from 2 types of corn residue - dried and wet - were collected. Mold contamination was determined by spread plate technique, and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) quantification was performed by a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Multivariate linear models were created to determine factors associated with fungal quantity and AFB1 concentration. Results showed that the presence of Cladosporium spp. in the samples was associated with a lower risk of AFB1 contamination (P<0.05). In addition, appropriate storage practices, e.g. keeping feeds under a roof and using floor canvas under feed piles, gave lower risk of mold contamination and decreasing AFB1 contamination.

SEMICONDUCTOR THERMOELEMENTS FOR GAS FLOW CONTROL IN A CAULDRON

With the constant increase in energy prices, the cost of agricultural products increases, which reduces competitiveness in the domestic and foreign markets. In this regard, the development of energy-saving technologies and technical means becomes relevant. (Research purpose) The research purpose is increasing the efficiency of heat treatment of feed, reducing energy consumption by improving the energy supply system and automation of the gas cauldron. (Materials and methods) The article presents an energy-efficient cauldron for cooking feed in the personal farms of rural residents. An energy supply system for a cauldron with automatic regulation of gas flow in proportion to the heat flow consumed is described. The design feature of this scheme is the use of Peltier semiconductor elements forming a thermoelectric battery to manage gas flow. (Results and discussion) The article presents a design and technological scheme of an automated gas flow control system with a gas burner device, its composition and the operation principle. We have created a specific methodology for determining energy and mode parameters, an operating experimental sample of the energy supply system of a cauldron. Experimental studies were carried out to clarify the calculated energy and operating parameters, substantiate the nominal power of the gas burner device, and identify the advantages and disadvantages of a cauldron with new automation tools. The regularities of changes in gas flow, temperature, and voltage at the output of a thermoelectric battery have been described. Diagrams of changes in these parameters are presented. (Conclusions) The lowest energy costs for heating the contents of a 100-litres cooking cauldron to boiling are achieved when the boiler is equipped with a gas burner with a capacity of 14 kilowatts. Due to the use of an automated gas flow control system, energy savings of up to 20 percent are provided in proportion to the heat flow consumed.

The technology of shrimp larvae transportation: ecophysiology and bioeconomy effects on high stocking density shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

Intensification is part of modern shrimp farming technology, feed, and high stocking density. High density could save time and production costs. This research aimed to determine the optimal tolerance of shrimp larvae with high stocking density per bag unit without oxygen liquid in terms of environmental physiology (ecophysiology) and economic feasibility aspects (bioeconomics). The shrimp larvae used were post-larvae 10 with a weight of 0.0026 ± 0.0021 g, which were previously fasted. The method used was a simulation of a three-hour trip with treatments: 200 larvae/packing (control), 400 larvae/packing, and 600 larvae/packing. The treatment for each packing was 450 ml of water and oxygen gas and added ice cubes in each styrofoam during delivery at night. The results showed that the stocking density of 600 larvae/packing had the best value. In terms of ecophysiology, the survival rate was highest when arriving at the location, with 98.20% of total larvae. The lowest oxygen consumption in the metabolic process was 0.76 ± 0.10 mg/L. Reviewing a bioeconomic, the potential profit per packing reaches IDR 995,528. It can be concluded that the use of oxygen gas and the addition of ice cubes in transportation increased the survival of shrimp larvae.

Perspectives for the use of winemaking secondary resources in feeding farm animals in the Krasnodar Territory

Perspectives for the use of winemaking secondary resources in feeding farm animals in the Krasnodar Territory

Using protein concentrate in livestock and poultry diets for sustainable agriculture

The paper presents the main results of the experiment on the use of high-protein concentrate “Gorlinka” in the diets of dairy cows and laying hens on their productive qualities. It was found that in terms of the main indicators of nutritional value (protein, fat, nitrogen-free extractives, ash elements), as well as in terms of amino acid composition and mineral substances, the studied concentrate surpasses the traditionally used in feeding farm animals and birds, oil cake and meal from sunflower seeds. The results of studies have shown that the groups of animals that received protein concentrate with the diet were in the lead. The use of protein concentrate “Gorlinka” in the feeding of dairy cows and laying hens increased the average daily milk yields of cows by 5.47-7.12%. There were also positive changes in the mass fraction of protein in milk by 0.03-0.04%, in dry matter by 0.04-0.09%, in the number of eggs laid by laying hens by 216-822 pieces, in the average egg weight by 0.77-1.66 g. Thus, the use of protein concentrate “Gorlinka” in feeding dairy cows and laying hens had a positive effect on the quality of the products (milk and edible eggs), while economic indicators improved.

Analysis of feed in terms of the presence of genetically modified oilseed rape

The labeling of products containing GMOs above 0.9% results from the provisions of the law in force in the European Union. The aim of the study was to evaluate the presence of genetically modified rape in feed used in feeding farm animals in Poland. The research was based on the real-time PCR technique, using primers and event-specific probes. A total of 900 samples were analyzed. The research identified canola line GT73, resistant to glyphosate. Only in 12 samples did the content of this oilseed rape exceed the threshold above which the product must be labeled as containing GMOs. Conducting such controls is extremely important because of the possibility of contamination of feed free from genetically modified organisms, which are increasingly used in animal nutrition.

Результаты исследований по обоснованию конструктивно-технологических параметров подающе-дозирующего устройства в технологии производства аналогов цельного молока

Currently in the Amur region there is a gradual increase in the production of livestock products. The main limiting factor in this area is feed production. It should be noted that in the northern regions of the region, small-scale production is widely used in the framework of peasant farms. This is due to the fact that the fields in these areas suitable for sowing, as a rule, have small areas and the use of energy-rich equipment for the purpose of crop production is unprofitable. In this connection, it is advisable to engage in animal husbandry in these areas. An important component of effective production is the availability of raw materials of the required quality at the optimum cost in combination with the use of productive technologies and technical means for processing them into products with the maximum degree of compliance with the physiological needs of farm animals and poultry. Studies have shown that feed mixtures meet the requirements of the physiology of animals and poultry most fully, and, in particular, composite feed mixtures containing both high-protein components and vitamin-mineral complexes of natural origin. Thus, studies aimed at solving the problem of obtaining feed products based on raw material compositions using such a high-protein raw material available in the Amur Region as soybean seeds are important and relevant for the agricultural production of the region. The presented article presents the results of research on the production of feed products based on the use of soybean seeds. Keywords: FODDER PRODUCTION, SOYBEANS, FEEDING, YOUNG FARM ANIMALS, PREPARATION PROCESS, FEEDING AND DISPENSING DEVICE, EFFICIENCY

The Effect of Rearing Conditions on Carcass Traits, Meat Quality and the Compositions of Fatty Acid and Amino Acid of LTL in Heigai Pigs.

Simple SummaryPeople’s demand for meat consumption has transformed from quantity to quality. The rearing condition is one of the factors affecting meat quality. However, the effects of different rearing conditions on the production of Chinese indigenous pig breeds are still barely understood. In this study, Heigai pigs (a Chinese indigenous pig breed) were raised in the indoor feeding farm and the grazing farm to investigate the effects of different rearing conditions on carcass traits, meat quality and the compositions of fatty acid and amino acid. Grazing farm pigs tended to increase shear force, while significantly increasing the saturated fatty acid ratio and decreasing the unsaturated fatty acid ratio to alter the composition of fatty acids of longissimus thoracis et lumborum. The present study provides an experimental reference for regulating the production of superior meat quality pork of Chinese local breed pigs.The present study evaluates the influence of captivity and grazing rearing conditions on the carcass traits, meat quality and fatty acid profiles of Heigai pigs. Ten Heigai pigs with market weight were randomly selected from both the indoor feeding farm and outdoor grazing farm groups (FF and GF; five pigs per group) for measuring production performance. The results showed that the shear force of longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) in the GF group tended to increase (p = 0.06), and triglyceride and cholesterol contents in LTL and psoas major muscle (PMM) of the GF group significantly increased and decreased, respectively (p < 0.05). The proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the GF group. Meanwhile, the ratios of unsaturated fatty acid (UFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and the content of flavor amino acid of the LTL in the GF group were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The GF upregulated the expression of MyHC-IIb and lipogenic genes, such as GLUT4 and LPL (p < 0.05), in LTL and PMM, but downregulated the expression of MyHC-I, MyHC-IIa, PPARγ and leptin (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these results suggested that the different rearing conditions can alter the meat qualities by mediating the muscle fiber type and lipid metabolism of Heigai pigs.

Impacts of environmental and feeding regime variability on the feeding activity responses of atlantic salmon Salmo salar l. farmed in Southern Chile

Farmed fish are affected by environmental variability and farming practices, such as farming density, feed composition and feeding regime. We developed four feeding activity indices to assess how environmental variability, ration size and feeding time lags affect the feeding activity of farmed Salmo salar. We used a real-time video monitoring system to record eight 1800-m3 cages between November 2017 and August 2018. Each cage contained approximately 55,000 S. salar post-smolts (initial weight of 1253 g ± 195). We found that ration size and UV radiation positively and negatively affected feeding activity indices, respectively.

Search for new effective antioxidants for impregnation of commercial forms of vitamin A for the purpose of feeding farm animals

According to the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of January 21, 2020 N 20 "On the approval of the Doctrine of food security of the Russian Federation", the basis for the formation of a national quality management system for food and agricultural products, the main goal of which is to ensure product quality as the most important component of improving health population, improving the quality of agricultural products with the help of modern innovative technologies and feed additives, promoting and stimulating the growth of demand and supply for better food products and ensuring the observance of consumer rights to purchase quality products. Achieving the goals of the Doctrine in the field of improving the quality of food and feed products is supposed to be realized with the help of some tasks, where one of them is the development of the production of food additives and ingredients in the Russian Federation, as well as the development and implementation of a quality management system for agricultural and food products and the creation of conditions for production of new generation products with specified quality characteristics. In this regard, this paper discusses the optimal and economical methods for extracting the dye from the flowers of Clitoria ternatea in order to reduce the duration of the production cycle and the introduction of low-waste technologies, which can exclude the irrational use of raw materials, lead to an increase in production, a decrease in the cost of the finished product, and an increase in economic production indicators, reducing the anthropogenic impact of production on the environment. Also, the work has developed and described a modern technology for the production of a dye, according to which it is possible to improve the quality and safety monitoring system. The prospects of using the dye from Clitoria ternatea flowers in feed additives for farm animals and birds are considered. This can undoubtedly be of interest to the business community, therefore, we can assume that the production of a natural dye from plant materials and this work is a fairly relevant subject within the framework of the Doctrine of Food Security of the Russian Federation, not only from the medico-biological, but also from the technological side.

Influence of the Type of Silage in the Dairy Cow Ration, with or without Grazing, on the Fatty Acid and Antioxidant Profiles of Milk

Dairy systems based on grass and forages are widely spread throughout the European Atlantic Arc and they have an influence on milk quality. Likewise, legumes are a key element in the farms to improve cows’ diet and farm feed self-sufficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the legumes in the diet and the feeding system (pasture-based vs. confined) on milk production and composition. An assay was performed with 18 Friesian cows randomized into two management groups (grazing or confined). Three total mixed rations based on Italian ryegrass, faba bean or field pea silages were offered ad libitum for nine continuously housed cows or during two hours after each milking for another nine grazing cows. Regardless of type of silage, grazing cows had higher dry matter intake and milk production than confined cows. Likewise, grazing cows produced milk with a lower concentration of protein and urea than confined cows. The dairy cows fed total mixed rations based on both legume silages had a milk fat with a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, especially with the inclusion of faba bean silage in the diet. The results demonstrate that the profile of fatty acids and antioxidants is related to the feeding system in dairy cows. Grazing directly influenced the composition of milk, decreasing the proportion of saturated fatty acids and increasing the content of unsaturated fatty acids, as CLA, and the antioxidants, as lutein and β-cryptoxanthin.

Can soilless farming feed urban East Africa? An assessment of the benefits and challenges of hydroponics in Uganda and Tanzania

East Africa has the potential to boost its urban food production through adoption of soilless farming techniques. The case study assessed the benefits and drawbacks allied with hydroponic vegetable farming among urban and peri‑urban farms in Northern Tanzania and Central Uganda. Snowball sampling was used to identify 150 vegetable farms/farmers through urban farmers’ groups and recommendations from the agricultural organizations from Uganda and Tanzania. Based on the complexity and distinctiveness of this farming system, only 51 individuals engaging in hydroponic vegetable production took part in responding to the semi-structured Google form questionnaire that was issued through social media platforms, face to face interviews and farm visits. Results from the study showed that hydroponics is a climate smart farming system (n = 13, 26%), produces high yields within limited space (n = 24, 48%), has no soil borne pests and diseases (n = 10, 20%) and gives the farmer the ability to control environmental conditions (n = 2, 4%). On the contrary, over 50% of the respondents reported high investment costs (n = 16, 31%) and lack of adequate knowledge on hydroponics (n = 11, 22%) as the main limitations of the technology. Based on farmers’ recommendations, hydroponics has potential to increase food security within urban areas if more efforts are put in sensitization about the farming system and research into ways to reduce the high costs associated with the technology.

Study of extruded feed from wheat ears during early harvest

The object of the study was an extruded feed made from an undivided grain heap of winter wheat, stripped in the phase of waxy ripeness. The use of this type of inexpensive raw material makes it possible to increase the protein content in feed by 7-8% in comparison with feed based on fully ripe grain. The process of extruding feed based on waxy ripeness wheat ears is satisfactory. It has been established that extruded feed based on a grain heap can be successfully used for feeding farm animals. To use extruded feed from wheat ears harvested in the phase of waxy ripeness, the addition of raw materials of animal origin in an amount of no more than 20% is required for feeding fish, which is less than for feed based on full ripeness wheat grain.

The Influence of Farm Characteristics and Feed Compositions on the Environmental Impact of Pig Production in Flanders: Productivity, Energy Use and Protein Choices Are Key

The growing pig production sector is a large contributor of negative impacts to the environment and feed production is responsible for a large part of these impacts. Pig production systems, including feed compositions, are variable, resulting in variable potential environmental impacts. This study investigated the influence of different farm characteristics and feed compositions on the environmental impact of pig production in Flanders. A Life Cycle Assessment approach was followed, including data from 39 farms and monthly feed compositions in the year 2018. Even though feed production contributes significantly to the overall environmental impact of pig production, the results show that environmental impacts are more affected by variabilities in farm characteristics than by fluctuating feed compositions. A higher productivity, in terms of feed conversion efficiency and the number of pigs produced per sow, is generally related to lower environmental impacts. Another influencing factor is the type and amount of energy used. For feed consumption, high variabilities are observed for water use, mainly caused by varying levels of sugar cane molasses. Climate change impacts and variabilities are mainly caused by soy ingredients and their origin. Finally, amino acids show large contributions to the environmental impact of pig feed consumption. Our research highlights that future developments for reducing the environmental impact of pig production should target animal productivity, the type and amount of energy used and selection of protein sources in pig feed.

Variability of greenhouse gas emissions and economic performances on 10 Piedmontese beef farms in North Italy

CONTEXTThe discussion on the sustainability of beef production has grown considerably, but the research on this topic has mainly been focused on farm-model studies considering a single year and only assessing the environmental impacts while neglecting the temporal representativeness of the data (variability) and the economic sustainability of beef production systems. OBJECTIVEThis work is aimed at evaluating the environmental impacts and economic performances of beef production through a joint assessment based on a dataset compiled on commercial farms to take into account the variability of the environmental impacts and economic performances over a 4-year period. Farms rearing suckler cows and fattening animals (whole cycle farms) in Northern Italy were taken as a case study. METHODSData have been collected from detailed on-farm questionnaires, field books, and invoices on 10 whole-cycle Piedmontese beef farms for four consecutive years (2016-2019). The collected data enabled to evaluate the environmental impacts by means of the global warming potential (GWP) LCA category, and economic efficiency indicators. Furthermore, correlations between the environmental impacts, economic performances and productive efficiency have been investigated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe assessment of the environmental impacts showed a mean GWP value of 15.0 kg CO2 eq/kg LW, thus highlighting a high variability between farms and years. It has been found that farms characterized by a better productive efficiency had lower GWP emissions. The studied farms also showed high variability, in terms of economic performances, especially for the productivity of family work and farm household income. It has also been found that the environmental and economic sustainability of beef cattle farms is linked by a negative correlation (Pearson's r = −0.707 and P -value <0.001), thus implying that the farms that show lower environmental impacts tend to be characterized by better economic results. SIGNIFICANCEFrom the findings of this study, it therefore seems appropriate that efficient production practices, especially improvements in productive and reproductive efficiency, coupled with high farm feed self-sufficiency and low concentrate consumption, should be applied as mitigation strategies to reduce the environmental impacts of beef farms, thereby allowing good economic results to be achieved at the same time. Furthermore, to obtain more reliable results, the study indicates that it is advisable to carry out evaluations of environmental impacts and economic performances over several consecutive years. However further research involving a bigger farm sample and different production systems is needed to confirm the findings of this case study.