Fresh Dung Research Articles

Identification and Growth Characteristics of Cellulase Producing Bacteria

This study was envisaged to from fresh cow dung using the Congo red staining method, and screened by measuring their endoglucanase activity (CMC enzyme activity), exoglucanase activity (Cex enzyme activity), and filter paper enzyme activity (FPA enzyme activity). Subsequently, the molecular, morphological characteristics, and growth characteristics were studied. Three strains showed clear transparent circles on the Congo red cellulose medium. LY3 exhibited strong enzyme production ability, with relatively higher enzyme activity than the other two strains. LY3 was found to be a dominant strain that required a temperature of 40℃and pH 7.0 for optimal growth. Based on the molecular and morphological characteristics, the three strains were preliminarily identified as Bacillus. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 849-856, 2024 (September) Special

Rejuvenation of Coastal Sandy Soils through Organics

The coastal zone represents the transition from terrestrial to marine influences and vice versa. They are predominated by sandy soil texture, and have low agricultural productivity due to their properties and are vulnerable to erosion. Effective maintenance of soil organic matter is found to be a pre-requisite to ensure soil health and crop productivity. Therefore, organics based rejuvenation methods for coastal sandy soils need to be developed. A pot culture experiment was done at Kochuveli, Industrial area, in the coastal belt of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, with Amaranthus (variety: Arun) as test crop. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 12 treatments and 3 replications. In the study, effect of different organic manures such as FYM, coirpith compost, vermicompost, city compost, biochar and thermochemical organic fertilizer (TOF), with and without lime on plant growth and yield, soil organic carbon and nutrient dynamics in the southern coastal sandy soils were studied. Soil management using organic manures had considerable impact on the growth and yield characteristics of the crop. Also the analyses of post-harvest soil for nutrient parameters showed that the highest value for organic carbon, nitrogen and potassium were recorded in soil treated with lime+TOF, while the highest value for available phosphorous was recorded in treatment lime+vermicompost. The study showed that soil test based lime application and basal application of TOF @ 25 t ha-1, top dressing with fresh cow dung slurry @ 1kg per 10 litres, along with 272.7 kg rock phosphate and 122.5 kg potassium sulphate ha-1 was the best treatment to improve the soil quality, growth and yield of amaranthus in coastal sandy soils in Thiruvananthapuram district.

Performance assessment of innovative waste management system developed for the production of bio-fertilizer

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), around 33 % of the world's food, equivalent to 1.3 billion tonnes, is wasted annually as of 2019. This wastage is disproportionately high in developed regions like Europe and North America, where individuals discard an average of 95–115 kg per annum, compared to 6–11 kg in parts of Asia and North Africa. Kitchen waste, comprising 30–40 % of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), significantly contributes to environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions if not properly managed. To address these issues, an integrated waste management approach is being adopted, focusing on recycling resources from uncooked kitchen waste. Three different types of organic waste; uncooked kitchen waste, sawdust, and fresh cow dung/digestate, which also served as an inoculum, have been considered to optimize the quality and effectiveness of biofertilizers. In-vessel reactor composting, studied under controlled conditions, digestate in a 7.5:1.5:1 ratio as an effective inoculum, showed promising results in physio-chemical parameters compared to other trials. Additionally, using fresh cow dung as an inoculum led to significant bioaccumulation of pollutants, suggesting its potential for bioremediation purposes. These findings highlight the importance of innovative waste management strategies in reducing food waste, mitigating environmental impact, and promoting sustainable resource utilization.

Correlation between Coleoptera abundance in cattle excrements and pesticide contamination of nature conservation areas grazed by cattle

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between pesticide contamination at 16 locations in 14 Dutch nature conservation areas and the abundance of Coleoptera (among which dung beetles) in excrements of grazing cattle. A wide spectrum of pesticides was measured in soil, vegetation and excrements of cattle, obtained from all locations. In the fresh dung pats sampled for chemical analysis, beetle numbers were counted and beetle species were identified. In total, 31 different pesticides (including some metabolites) were detected: 14 in fresh excrements, 17 in soil and 20 in vegetation. Total pesticide concentrations in soil, vegetation and excrements varied between 2.6 and 200 μg kg −1 dry matter. In vegetation, the most frequently encountered classes of pesticides (including some of their metabolites) were fungicides (9), herbicides (4) and insecticides (6). The total number of Coleoptera beetles in dung pats correlated negatively with the total concentration of insecticides in vegetation (Kendall's τ −0.501 at p < 0.05). The total concentrations of herbicides and fungicides were not statistically significant correlated with Coleoptera beetle numbers in the dung pats. Yet, the concentration of one single herbicide, viz. chlorpropham in vegetation correlated significantly negative with Coleoptera counts (Kendall's τ −0.603 at p < 0.01).

Impact of bio-pesticides and storage containers on lentil seed preservation and pre-sowing fungal treatment

We conducted a study to determine the most effective method of preserving lentil seeds for future sowing. The experiment involved six different types of storage containers: cotton cloth bags, tin containers, earthen pots, plastic containers, polythene bags, and gunny bags. We also used four plant extracts: Piper betel (Betel leaf), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Allium indica (Garlic), and Swietenia mahagoni (Mahagani). We measured the vigor index and germination percentage at 2, 4, and 6 months after storage, and then documented the fungal connection. In a separate experiment, we conducted a pre-sowing seed treatment using botanicals and biological agents such as garlic (5% w/v aqueous solution), datura (5% w/v aqueous solution), mehogoni leaf extract (5% w/v aqueous solution), mehogoni seed extract (5% w/v aqueous solution), and fern leaf extract (5% w/v aqueous solution). We treated the seeds with various substances to suppress seed-borne fungi, including ash coating (10 g kg-1 seed), fresh cow dung coating, a solution of cow urine (5% v/v water), Provax-200 (2 g kg-1 seed), and an untreated control group. In terms of germination, vigor index, and seed infection, the lentil seeds stored in a polythene bag with neem leaf extract significantly outperformed the other treatments. We found that the durability of lentil seeds significantly decreased as the storage time increased. The seed treatment fungicide Provax-200 had a significant impact on lowering the presence of fungus (by 87.41%) and boosting the germination percentage (by 39.49%) of lentil seeds.

Bio-Prospecting Xylose-Utilizing, Exopolysaccharide (EPS)-Producing Bacteria and EPS Quantification through Submerged Fermentation using Xylose as the Major Carbon Source

Study’s Novelty/ Excerpt This study identified bacterial isolates from diverse environments capable of utilizing xylose for exo-polysaccharide (EPS) production, an area with limited prior research. Potential EPS producers were isolated and identified as Staphylococcus, Enterobacter, Kocuria, Klebsiella, Enterococcus, Serratia, and Burkholderia species using a salt-based medium with xylose as the primary carbon source. The highest EPS production was observed in Enterobacter cloacae D1, E. cloacae D2, Klebsiella oxytoca D2, and K. oxytoca G1, ranging from 0.04 g/L to 2.0 g/L, highlighting these isolates' potential for optimization and application in various industries. Full Abstract Many microorganisms are capable of producing Exo-polysaccharides (EPS) while utilizing simple sugars and hexoses. These EPS found applications in various fields, such as agricultural biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and food industries. However, there is a lack of studies on EPS-elaborating bacteria that can utilize pentoses like xylose. Therefore, the utilization of alternative carbon sources for EPS production has become a focus of recent research. This study aimed to prospect bacteria that can utilize xylose for EPS production. Samples from agricultural soil, dump sites, saline soil, cement-contaminated soil, fresh cow milk, cow dung, and yogurt were serially diluted and cultured in a salt-based medium with xylose as the primary carbon source. Slimy and mucoid colonies were selected as potential EPS-producing isolates and identified morphologically and biochemically using the VITEK 2 Automated identification system. The quantification of EPS production by these isolates was conducted through submerged fermentation with xylose as the sole carbon source. The mean heterotrophic bacterial count of xylose-utilizing bacteria ranged from 2.1x106 CFU to 3.5x108 CFU per gram of the samples analyzed. The slimy and mucoid colonies were identified as members of the genera Staphylococcus, Enterobacter, Kocuria, Klebsiella, Enterococcus, Serratia, and Burkholderia. The quantities of EPS produced by the isolates ranged from 0.04 g/L to 2.0 g/L, with E. cloacae D1, E. cloacae D2, K. oxytoca D2, and K. oxytoca G1 elaborating the highest amount of EPS. Bacterial isolates capable of utilizing xylose for EPS production were obtained from various sources, showing potential for further optimization

Evidence of drastic loss of dung beetle diversity after 25 years in an introduced Brazilian pasture

AbstractIn tropical forest ecosystems, pastures are considered a limiting environment for dung beetles, with long‐term negative effects on the diversity of this group. To understand how dung beetle diversity changes over time in introduced Brazilian pastures, studies comparing different periods are needed. Here, we conducted a study sampling dung beetles during 48 consecutive weeks in 1995 and 2020–2021. We used pitfall traps baited with fresh cattle dung in the same introduced pasture located in the Cerrado‐Pantanal ecotone of Brazil. Our study found that the total species richness of dung beetles decreased by 40% in 2020–2021 compared to 1995, which could negatively impact the ecological functions of the pastures. Given the importance of dung beetles for maintaining and functioning of pastures, the decline in dung beetle diversity could lead to the degradation of pasture landscapes. We advocate for management plans for livestock production in introduced pastures that include the long‐term conservation of dung beetle biodiversity. These plans will ensure the continued provision of dung beetle ecological services by dung beetles over the years.

Using Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) to Identify a Myriad of Carbapenemase Genes in Fresh Cow Dung in Bangladesh.

Introduction The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is driven by the selection pressure of frequent uses of antimicrobial agents in healthcare, the food chain, agriculture, fishery, and the food animal industry, which poses a serious health risk for transmission-linked humans and the surrounding environment. Livestock, particularly cattle, play an essential role in the food sector in Bangladesh. The food-animal chains can be the potential routes of exposure to AMR-microorganisms for every domain of one health. Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) can impart a reservoir of AMR within the food supply chain, even without pathogenic microorganisms. This study investigated the history of infection for the last six-month period of antimicrobials utilized in cattle farms and the distribution of selected carbapenemase resistance genes, namely, bla-KPC, bla-IMP, bla-VIM, bla-NDM-1, bla-SIM, bla-GIM, bla-SPM, andbla-SME, in cattle feces in Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional study was designed to analyze ARGs in fresh cow dung samples collected from commercial farms and individual houses in four Bangladesh districts, namely, Dhaka, Gazipur, Manikganj, and Tangail. Types of cattle breeds, their existing diseases, recent antimicrobial uses, and vaccine uses were recorded. DNA was extracted from each cow dung sample using commercial kits (Qiagen GmbH, Germany). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed to assess the eight carbapenem resistance genes in the extracted DNA.The eight carbapenem resistance genes in the extracted DNA were assessed byRT-qPCR using the qTOWER3 thermal cycler (Analytik Jena GmbH, Konrad-Zuse-Straße 1, 07745 Jena, Germany). Results Group A carbapenemase, bla-KPC, was detected in 66.7% of the samples. However, no bla-SME was identified in all of the test samples. Group B metallo carbapenemase, bla-IMP, bla-NDM-1, bla-VIM, bla-SIM, bla-GIM, andbla-SPM, were in 66.7% (80/120), 49.2% (59/120), 48.3% (58/120), 68.3% (82/120), 58.3% (70/120), and 12.5% (15/120), respectively. Only 8.3% of the tested samples contained no MBL gene; 10% carried a single-type carbapenemase gene; and the remaining 81.7% carried two or more carbapenemase genes concurrently. Co-carriage of four or more genes was found in over 59% of samples. As many as seven genes were found together in 6.7% of samples. ARG detection in commercial cattle samples and household feces is not statistically significant. Conclusions Substantial carbapenem-resistance ARGs were detected in commercially farmed cow dung and household cattle samples. Frequent use of antibiotics for cattle for treatment and prophylactic purposes may influence the high acquisition of ARGs. Bangladeshi cattle farms are reservoirs and routes of AMR, posing a significant threat to the country's public health.

Management of Free-floating Aquatic Weeds by Making Compost and Testing its Efficacy against Root-knot Nematode on Tomato

Aquatic weeds are one of the prime pollution causing agents in fresh water bodies of Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, free-floating aquatic weeds such as Salvinia molesta, Eichhornia crassipes, Azolla spp and Pistia stratiotes are proliferating quickly and invading rapidly to new water bodies where threatening biodiversity by impeding light penetration and altering BOD and COD of the waterbody. This research was aimed to manage the aquatic weeds by composting and testing its efficacy on root-knot nematodes. Aquatic weeds were collected, mixed with fresh cow dung in 1:1 ratio and allowed for decomposition for 21 days. The recommended dose of prepared different compost was applied to tomato along with garden compost as control. The experiment was conducted in Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with four replicates. The data on nutritional qualities of the compost, plant growth parameters, and gall index were recorded. The data were subjected to ANOVA using SAS 9.1 and Tukey's HSD multiple comparison test was used to determine the best treatment combination at P&lt;0.05. Total Nitrogen (N) content of composts were ranging from 1.42% to 5.6%. The highest significant N value of 5.6% was recorded in the Azolla spp based compost whereas the lowest N value of 1.42% was recorded in control. The highest total Phosphorus (P) content of 3.47% was observed in P. stratiotes based plant sample, whereas the lowest P value of 1.32% was recorded in the E. crassipes based compost. The total Potassium (K) content of this plant sample ranging from 1.3% to 24.4%. The highest K value of 24.4% was recorded in P. stratiotes based compost. The lowest K content of 1.3% was observed in control. Significantly higher shoot height (37.57 cm, 36.53), root length (18.75 cm and 17.5 cm), lower gall index (3.5,1.0), lower goal length (1.5 mm and 1.2 mm) and lower goal diameter (0.95 mm and 0.8 mm) were recorded in the application of S. molesta and Azolla spp based compost, respectively (P&lt;0.05). Considering superiority of N, P and K level, and nematode suppressing efficacy, S. molesta and Azolla spp. based composts are superior than other composts. Therefore, findings conclude that the compost made from aquatic weeds are good source of plant nutrition, and can be substitute to chemical nematicieds to manage the nematodes in organic agriculture. Extensive field studies are needed for recommendation &#x0D; Keywords: Aquatic weeds, Azolla spp., Compost, Root-knot Nematode

Common commercially available parasiticides do not cause fatal changes in the microbiome of the dung beetle Onthophagus binodis–a pilot study

ABSTRACT Dung beetles perform vital ecosystem functions, but their survival is threatened by parasiticide use in veterinary practices. Currently, it's unclear if parasiticides directly harm dung beetles or cause damage via secondary effects on crucial microbiome components. We investigated the impact of three commercial parasiticides (P1–levamisole and oxfendazole; P2–abamectin, levamisole and oxfendazole; P3–moxidectin) on Onthophagus binodis dung beetle gut and exoskeleton microbiomes. Dung beetles were subjected to parasiticides mixed with fresh dung for 14 days, and we used 16S rRNA genes to detect bacterial diversity changes. The tested parasiticides didn't alter dung beetle gut communities, but slightly affected the exoskeleton microbiota composition. No mortality difference was observed. Onthophagus binodis microbiomes are mainly diet-influenced, and their exoskeleton is more adaptable than their gut. Our study suggests that adjustable dung beetle microbiomes aren't susceptible to parasiticides due to their innate resilience.

Elucidation of biopotentiators in organic based formulation bijamrith from Gir Cow (Bos indicus) excrements and urine using GC-MS

Background: Traditional organic formulation bijamrith prepared from fresh urine and dung of cow is an important element in natural farming and extensively applied in modern agriculture practices to improve the soil fertility, control pest and disease in plants. The scientific validation of the biologically active compounds in bijamrith is unexplored. Methods: Bijamrith was prepared from excrements of Gir cow. Since, the volatile low molecular weight organic compounds from cow wastes could be derived from the solvent extract using GC-MS effectively, the compounds were separated by liquid-solvent extraction method using diethyl ether solvent and analyzed by GC-MS. Result: GC-MS analysis revealed the elution of about 40 different compounds in bijamrith formulation. Among them, fatty acid namely 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-, an ester compound 2,3-dihydroxypropyl occupied higher concentration with peak area of 13.96% at 29.29 minutes of retention time which were reported to possess antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. The other biologically active compounds eluted were antioxidants, plant growth hormones, nematicidal agents for defense mechanism and improvement of plant health.

Anaerobic co-digestion of Unavoidable and Avoidable Food-Waste with addition of eggshells and applied kinetic studies

Food waste is a growing concern due to its contribution to harmful greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To address this issue, anaerobic digestion (AD) has been identified as an effective and sustainable method to treat organic waste. This study aimed to investigate the anaerobic co-digestion of avoidable and unavoidable food waste, along with calcined and uncalcined eggshells, using fresh cow dung as an inoculum in a 1:1 ratio. The use of eggshells in this study was based on their ability to preserve carbohydrates due to the presence of Ca(OH)2, an alkaline additive. The study was carried out in a batch process (1 L) at a mesophilic temperature range of 35 ± 2 °C, and kinetic parameters during biogas production were predicted by the first-order and modified Gompertz model. The results showed that the volatile solids % of food waste was reduced, indicating gas production during the process. However, the gas composition showed a negligible amount of methane production, likely due to the rise in pH caused by the addition of calcined eggshells, which inhibited the completion of the methanogenesis process. The decrease in the Volatile solids content was attributed to the addition of uncalcined eggshells, which requires a higher temperature (1000 °C) to calcine completely. The maximum biogas yields, predicted by the first order and the modified Gompertz model, are 1235 mL/gVS (experimental 1195 mL/gVS) and 1185 mL/gVS, respectively. However, the addition of eggshells to the co-digestion process must be carefully monitored to maintain the pH balance. Overall, this study suggests that the co-digestion of food waste and adding eggshells can be a viable and promising solution to food waste management to recover energy from it.

In silico and in vitro Assessment of Indigenous Organic Practices on Germination and Seedling Metrics of Compact Cotton using GerminaR R Software Package

Background: Cotton crop is sensitive in its young stages i.e. stand establishment. Cotton seeds are fuzzy and messy in handling and field sowing. Delinting is a necessary process done commonly using acids and are comprehensively not protective. Optimal plant population, growth and persistence are strongly influenced by germination and establishment. In line with this, it is necessary and needful of an hour to find an alternative, eco-friendly, ecologically safe and low cost seed treatment method. Methods: The experiment was conducted in two methods viz., a petridish method and roll-towel method with seed treatment methods viz., cowdung and red earth mix treated with and without biofertilizer and compared with acid-delinted and fuzzy seeds. The germino-metrics were determined using GerminaR package, an interactive web application and statistical analysis was performed using R software package v. 4.2.1. Result: The summative effect of seed treatment with fresh cow dung, red earth and biofertilizer (Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria) per kg of seeds at respective quantities (0.5:0.25:0.12) recorded significantly maximal germination indices and seedling growth determinants. This present study would be a complementary to comprehensively promote the use of indigenously available natural materials as an alternative to acids in cotton seed delinting.

A new extinct species of Scybalophagus dung beetle supports the collateral extinction hypothesis at the Chilean South American Pleistocene–Holocene boundary

ABSTRACTThe extinction of megaherbivores (weighing over 1000 kg) at the Pleistocene–Holocene boundary caused drastic changes at multiple trophic levels. However, few examples of Pleistocene insect extinction have been reported in the literature. Here we describe a new extinct dung beetle species, Scybalophagus brellenthinae sp. nov., based on fossil remains recorded from an Upper Pleistocene sequence from Chilean Northern Patagonia (Osorno city: 40°34′S, 73°07′W) dated between ~16 400 and ~12 800 cal a bp. S. brellenthinae is shown to be a species of the genus Scybalophagus based on the following morphological characters: a bidentate clypeus, teeth separated by U‐shaped emargination; protibiae with three major denticles on the external margin, separated by minor denticles, present at the base of the protibiae; and mesotibiae with prominent transverse carinae. Additionally, this new species can be clearly distinguished from extant species of the genus by its shiny green color. Extant Scybalophagus are true dung beetle species that depend on fresh mammal dung for their nest development. Therefore, we suggest that the mass extinction of the megaherbivores during a period of drastic environmental change at the Pleistocene–Holocene boundary in southern South America induced the collateral extinction of S. brellenthinae. Thus, this study provides new insights into dung beetle diversity of the past.

Dung beetles diversity and their role in nutrient cycling in livestock systems of the dry Chaco

Dung beetles represent one of the main animal groups involved in the cycling of cattle dung, modifying soil physicochemical properties, and reducing parasite incidence. However, their diversity and activity in cattle areas depends on conserving critical resources and conditions, including native vegetative composition, microclimatic and soil conditions. Whereas most previous studies were conducted in humid forests, our objective was to experimentally study the diversity and role of dung beetles in soil nutrient dynamics in native forests and shrub savannas with cattle ranching in the dry Chaco of Argentina. Using pitfall traps, we collected dung beetles in both habitats. In cow exclusions, we buried two plastic containers filled with soil and two kg of fresh cow dung on the surface and covered one with a mosquito net to prevent the access of dung beetles. After three months, we collected soil samples and analyzed nutrient contents and soil structure. Contrary to previous studies, the abundance and richness of dung beetles were higher in savannas than in native forests. In both habitats, the activity of dung beetles strongly increases phosphorous and potassium contents; however, consistent with the higher abundance, this effect was more marked in shrub savannas. In addition, we observed higher contents of total organic carbon, electrical conductivity, and calcium in native forests. Our results emphasize the critical role of dung beetles in maintaining soil quality in the most extended cattle management practices of the dry Chaco. Moreover, our results were opposite to previous studies conducted in humid forests, which could be associated with greater tolerance of native species to extreme microclimate conditions in the dry Chaco.

Morphological study on the mouthparts of four adult Aphodiinae beetles (Coleoptera: Aphodiinae)

Aphodiinae belong to Scarabaeidae, which are important environment-cleaning insects. In this study, the ultrastructural characteristics of the mouthparts (including the epipharynx, mandible and maxillae) of adult Aphodiinae, namely, Phaeaphodius rectus, Colobopterus erraticus, Paracrossidius transmontanus and Rhyparus sp., were systematically studied. The results are as follows: I. Rhyparus sp. exhibits saprophagy, while the others exhibit coprophagy. II. The three kinds of coprophagous Aphodiinae are all likely to feed on fresh dung. Among them, C. erraticus not only feeds on dung with the highest moisture content but also ingests solid food particles with the smallest diameter. Saprophagous Rhyparus sp. can ingest solid food particles with the largest diameter but feeds on humus with the lowest moisture content. The mouthpart structures of the Aphodiinae were highly consistent with their feeding habits. III. The findings support the utility of the epipharynx as an important morphological characteristic for classification of Aphodiinae at the genus and higher taxonomic levels. However, whether this inference is valid still needs to be verified by molecular biological data. In conclusion, the results of this study not only complement morphological information on the mouthparts of Aphodiinae but also provide basic data for further research on the evolution of the mouthparts of Aphodiinae.

Trickle-down effects of the cattle parasiticide ivermectin on soil microfauna on a prairie grassland

Ivermectin is a veterinary drug that is used globally to control internal and external cattle parasites. Dung of cattle treated with ivermectin contains residues that may transfer from the dung pat into the soil to affect soil organisms. We examined the effects of ivermectin in cattle dung on collembolans, nematodes and five taxonomic groups of mites in soils of a native grassland in southern Alberta, Canada. The trial, conducted in 2016 and repeated in 2017, comprised three treatments: (i) dung spiked with ivermectin and placed on soil; (ii) dung without ivermectin and placed on soil; and (iii) bare soil. Soil cores were taken beneath and adjacent to dung pats 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks after dung placement and their microfauna quantified. Both generalized linear modeling and path modeling showed that dung without ivermectin increased the abundances of all the taxa relative to bare soil. However, these increases were at least partially negated for nematodes, Mesostigmata and Oribatida if the dung contained ivermectin. Path modeling also revealed unidirectional positive associations between some taxa: from Prostigmata (non-Tydeidae) to Collembola, from Acaridae to Prostigmata (both Tydeidae and non-Tydeidae), and from Mesostigmata to Oribatida. Therefore, deposition of fresh cattle dung enhanced the abundance of all microfauna for up to 16 weeks post-deposition, probably in response to an influx of nutrients and moisture. However, ivermectin in the dung reduced this benefit for three of the seven taxa.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Crossbred Cow Milk Production in a Silvopastoral System in Tropical Mexico.

In Mexico, pasture degradation is associated with extensive pastures; additionally, under these conditions, livestock activities contribute considerably to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Among the options to improve grazing systems and reduce GHG emissions, silvopastoral systems (SPS) have been recommended. The objectives of this work were to quantify the N outflow in a soil-plant-animal interface, as well as the CH4 emissions and milk production in an SPS with woody legumes (Leucaena leucocephala) that is associated with stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis). This was then compared with stargrass in a monoculture system (MS) in the seasons (dry and rainy period) over a two-year period. Dung was collected from the animals of each of the grazing systems and applied fresh to the land plots. Fresh dung and urine were collected from the cows of each grazing system and were applied to the experimental plots. In addition, the soil CH4 and N2O contents were measured to quantify the emissions. Average milk yield by seasons was similar: MS (7.1 kg per animal unit (AU)/day-1) and SPS (6.31 kg per AU/day-1). Cows in the MS had a mean N intake of 171.9 g/UA day-1 without seasonal variation, while the SPS animals' mean N intake was 215.7 g/UA day-1 for both seasons. For the urine applied to soil, the N2O outflow was higher in the MS (peak value = 1623.9 μg N-N2O m-2 h-1). The peak value for the SPS was 755.9 μg of N-N2O m-2 h-1. The N2O emissions were higher in the rainy season (which promotes denitrification). The values for the feces treatment were 0.05% (MS) and 0.01% (SPS). The urine treatment values were 0.52% (MS) and 0.17% (SPS). The emissions of CH4 showed that the feces of the SPS systems resulted in a higher accumulation of gas in the rainy season (29.8 g C ha-1), followed by the feces of the MS system in the dry season (26.0 g C ha-1). Legumes in the SPS helped to maintain milk production, and the N2O emissions were lower than those produced by the MS (where the pastures were fertilized with N).

Conditional Composting of Cowdung, Sawdust and Straw Husk as a Treatment Approach to Slaughterhouse Menace

Aim: The study aimed at Investigating of suitability of composting process in treatment of slaughterhouse wastes.&#x0D; Study Design: The experimental set up was cylindrical bin design with C:N ratios at 30:1 each, and with turning frequencies at every 2 days intervals. Data was generated from the laboratory on the concentrations of selected heavy metals at varying depths of land discharged slaughterhouses. This was used to estimate the level of nutrient build-up in the soil within these environs.&#x0D; Methodology: Fresh cow dung was collected from Omuigwe slaughterhouse at Aluu, in Ikwere Local Government Area of Rivers State using sterile water rinsed containers. About 36kg of cow dung was collected in each of the three 0.18m3 cylindrical container. Three piles of fresh cow dung were built in a cylindrical design of diameter 0.54 m and height of 0.84 m. Each pile was turned manually using a hand shovel. The MC was measured periodically (precisely every 15 days) and turning operation was in such a way to ensure that every part is well aerated.&#x0D; Results: Compost results showed high wastes volume reduction ranging from 36.67%, 66.4% and 63.3% for CD, CDSD and CDSH; also, weight reduction at the end of 90days showed a 55.51%, 67.42% and 64.38% reduction for CD, CDSD and CDSH respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: The problems of waste generated in our slaughterhouses can be better managed and corrected if proper assessment of the amount of waste generated are properly documented. This would help in accurate prediction of the best method to manage the waste generated.

Produksi Gas Buangan Ternak Babi yang Diumbar di Gaya Baru dan Sekitar Pasar Wosi, Manokwari

The research aims to estimate the manure production and calculate the methane gas produced by the pig free-ranging system in Gaya Baru and the surrounding of Wosi Market in Manokwari. This research is conducted from May to June 2018. The methods used in this study are observation, interviews, and literature study. Direct observations in the field are carried out by calculating the pig population and estimating the body weight by measuring body length and chest circumference according to the Winter formula. Furthermore, the calculation of the amount of fresh dung (KTS) of pigs is carried out. The parameter observed in this research is the methane gas produced by the systems. Research is conducted by observation, interview, and literature review with a descriptive statistical approach. The free-ranging pig systems in Gaya Baru and its surroundings produce ammonia at 0.246617 ppm/day, biogas of 10.95m3/year, equivalent to 3996.75m3 per year, and methane of 10.85 m³ per day, or equivalent to 130.18 m³ per year. If this condition is allowed to continue, this will have a social impact, but also environmental and health problems around the research sites.