Improve Livestock Production Research Articles

CONSTRAINTS TO ADOPTION OF IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY FOR BERSEEM CLOVER (TRIFOLIUM ALEXANDRINUM) CULTIVATION IN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

SUMMARYBerseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinumL.) is an important forage legume and is the primary winter forage crop in Pakistan. There are significant gaps in yield potential among varieties of berseem clover, as well as yields obtained at research stations and on-farm. To address this problem a survey of farmers was undertaken in the districts of Kasur and Okara, Punjab, Pakistan to determine the level of knowledge and understanding of berseem forage cultivation and seed production. The study comprised 44% smallholder (<3 ha), 26% medium (3–5 ha) and 30% large farmers (>5 ha) with average age of 42 years. Most farmers had little or no knowledge of the role of seed quality, inoculation with rhizobium, pollination, fertiliser use, irrigation management and the importance of forage nutritional value in improving livestock productivity. Most farmers (56%) had received no input from the government or private sector to improve forage production, relying instead on traditional knowledge. Knowledge of the importance of land preparation (95%), sowing rate (98%) and insect and pest management (75%) was higher than seed selection and fertilisation. Adoption of improved varieties (3%) and production technologies (14%) was low due to various constraints including ignorance, high cost of inputs, lack of availability of inputs in the market and a perceived high level of financial risk. Almost 100% of the respondents agreed that seed of improved varieties was a pre-requisite for higher forage and seed production as well as essential to start village-based forage seed enterprises.

How does land tenure reform impact upon pastoral livestock production? An empirical study for Inner Mongolia, China

This paper investigates how land tenure reform has affected livestock production in the pastoral areas of China. County-level data for Inner Mongolia between 1985 and 2008 are used in a fixed effects model to disentangle the effects of land tenure reform on livestock production from factors related to market forces, grassland condition, technological development and environmental heterogeneity. The results show that the implementation of the land tenure reform slowed down the increase in livestock production, although it did not completely stop this increase. It therefore appears that land reform is in itself unable to offset the impact of other factors that accelerate the increase in livestock production. Moreover, the constraining effect of the land tenure reform on the increase in livestock production decreases over time, and ultimately disappears. Finally, the constraining effect of the land tenure reform was shown to be stronger on the increase of the livestock population than on that of meat output. This indicates that the land tenure reform has helped to improve livestock productivity.

Caprine brucellosis: A historically neglected disease with significant impact on public health.

Caprine brucellosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by the gram-negative cocci-bacillus Brucella melitensis. Middle- to late-term abortion, stillbirths, and the delivery of weak offspring are the characteristic clinical signs of the disease that is associated with an extensive negative impact in a flock’s productivity. B. melitensis is also the most virulent Brucella species for humans, responsible for a severely debilitating and disabling illness that results in high morbidity with intermittent fever, chills, sweats, weakness, myalgia, abortion, osteoarticular complications, endocarditis, depression, anorexia, and low mortality. Historical observations indicate that goats have been the hosts of B. melitensis for centuries; but around 1905, the Greek physician Themistokles Zammit was able to build the epidemiological link between “Malta fever” and the consumption of goat milk. While the disease has been successfully managed in most industrialized countries, it remains a significant burden on goat and human health in the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, Central and Southeast Asia (including India and China), sub-Saharan Africa, and certain areas in Latin America, where approximately 3.5 billion people live at risk. In this review, we describe a historical evolution of the disease, highlight the current worldwide distribution, and estimate (by simple formula) the approximate costs of brucellosis outbreaks to meat- and milk-producing farms and the economic losses associated with the disease in humans. Successful control leading to eradication of caprine brucellosis in the developing world will require a coordinated Global One Health approach involving active involvement of human and animal health efforts to enhance public health and improve livestock productivity.

English

A cross-sectional study was carried out in Nyangatom wereda of South Omo zone, Southern Nation and Nationalities People Region (SNNPR), Ethiopia with the general objectives to find out the prevalence of bovine trypanosomiasis and the risk factors associated with its prevalence from January to June 2015. To identify the protozoa blood samples (n =384) collected from the marginal ear vein of indigenous zebu cattle of more than one year age and both the sexes from three kebeles were examined by buffy coat technique, direct blood smear, thick blood smear and thin blood smear after staining. The overall prevalence of bovine trypanosomaisis was 26.3%. On peasant associations (PA’S) basis Lebere kebele has the highest prevalence 39(30.5%) followed by Shenkora kebele 34 (26.6%) and Ayipa kebele 28 (21.9%). Trypanosoma congolense is the most prevalent species (14.3%) followed by Trypanosoma vivax (5.70%) and Trypanosoma brucei (5.50%). A significant association was observed (P<0.05) between the disease positivity and age, sex and body condition score. The prevalence of trypanosomiasis was 16.20 and 31.50% in young and adult respectively. The prevalence 42.80 and 16.30 % in poor and good body condition score respectively. There was significant association between the risk factors and the species of trypanosomiasis (P<0.05). The result of the present study revealed that trypanosomiasis is the most important problem for animal production in the study area. Strategic control of bovine trypanosomiasis should be strengthened to improve livestock production and agricultural development in the area. Key words: Bovine, buffy coat, Nyangatom, prevalence, trypanosomiasis.

Youth Participation in Smallholder Livestock Production and Marketing

Agriculture is a leading source of employment for rural populations in Kenya. Through a mixed methods approach, this study sought to investigate youth participation in smallholder livestock production and marketing in Baringo County. The specific focus is on how social norms and micropolitics enable or constrain participation of particular groups of young people. The study established that personal choice, preference for paid over unpaid labour and gender norms in asset access, ownership and control influence smallholder participation in livestock production and trade. This shows a disconnect between Kenya’s youth policy which advocates for equitable distribution of employment opportunities and the reality at community level. Interventions that seek to improve livestock production and marketing, particularly involving young people, should therefore adopt strategies that recognise these norms as a first step to addressing social exclusion.

How planting configuration influences plant secondary metabolites and total N in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.): Implications for grazing management

AbstractTheories suggest that incorporating alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.; Alf) or birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.; BFT) into endophyte‐infected tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceas Schreb.; E+TF) pasturelands may improve livestock production. We investigated how planting configuration might influence plant secondary metabolites (PSM) and nitrogen concentration in these forages. Total nitrogen (N), in addition to condensed tannins (CT), saponins and ergovaline (EV), was compared in BFT, Alf and E+TF, respectively, when forages grew in monocultures and all possible two‐way “mixtures” using a block design with repeated measures in three blocks. Ergovaline (p &lt; .01) and N (p &lt; .001) concentrations in E+TF were greater when growing adjacent to legumes than when growing in monoculture, and N and EV concentrations in E+TF were positively correlated (r = .51; p = .001). No differences in saponins or CT were found when Alf or BFT grew in monoculture or in two‐way mixtures (p &gt; .10). We conducted an in vitro trial to determine whether CT or saponins isolated from BFT and Alf, respectively, would bind to EV in water. Ergovaline bound to saponins to a greater extent (39%; SE = 0.25) than CT (5.1%; SE = 5.13; p &lt; .05). Because EV was lower in E+TF monocultures than in E+TF–legume mixtures, and because CT and saponins may form complexes with EV which may alleviate fescue toxicosis, animals may benefit from systems which allow them to graze monoculture patches of E+TF and Alf or BFT rather than grass–legume mixtures.

Genome reference quality an essential resource in an age of genome editing

With the recent exploration of how we may improve livestock production and meet growing demand for animal protein products using genome editing technology, we argue that exemplary genome references will be required to ensure that the proposed edits are specific and carefully evaluated for any potentially harmful side effects. We explore in this short review the status of existing genome references for the major food producing animals (cattle, chicken, pigs, goat and sheep) and summarise best practice for creating future higher quality genome references. Each will serve as a central conduit in the study of genetic manipulation outcomes, and provide a computational workflow for how the edited genome could be evaluated for no other unexpected base changes in the rest of the genome.

Non-destructive Phenotyping to Identify Brachiaria Hybrids Tolerant to Waterlogging Stress under Field Conditions.

Brachiaria grasses are sown in tropical regions around the world, especially in the Neotropics, to improve livestock production. Waterlogging is a major constraint to the productivity and persistence of Brachiaria grasses during the rainy season. While some Brachiaria cultivars are moderately tolerant to seasonal waterlogging, none of the commercial cultivars combines superior yield potential and nutritional quality with a high level of waterlogging tolerance. The Brachiaria breeding program at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture, has been using recurrent selection for the past two decades to combine forage yield with resistance to biotic and abiotic stress factors. The main objective of this study was to test the suitability of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and image-based phenotyping as non-destructive approaches to identify Brachiaria hybrids tolerant to waterlogging stress under field conditions. Nineteen promising hybrid selections from the breeding program and three commercial checks were evaluated for their tolerance to waterlogging under field conditions. The waterlogging treatment was imposed by applying and maintaining water to 3 cm above soil surface. Plant performance was determined non-destructively using proximal sensing and image-based phenotyping and also destructively via harvesting for comparison. Image analysis of projected green and dead areas, NDVI and shoot biomass were positively correlated (r ≥ 0.8). Our results indicate that image analysis and NDVI can serve as non-destructive screening approaches for the identification of Brachiaria hybrids tolerant to waterlogging stress.

MODIS Time Series to Detect Anthropogenic Interventions and Degradation Processes in Tropical Pasture

The unavoidable diet change in emerging countries, projected for the coming years, will significantly increase the global consumption of animal protein. It is expected that Brazilian livestock production, responsible for close to 15% of global production, be prepared to answer to the increasing demand of beef. Consequently, the evaluation of pasture quality at regional scale is important to inform public policies towards a rational land use strategy directed to improve livestock productivity in the country. Our hypothesis is that MODIS images can be used to evaluate the processes of degradation, restoration and renovation of tropical pastures. To test this hypothesis, two field campaigns were performed covering a route of approximately 40,000 km through nine Brazilian states. To characterize the sampled pastures, biophysical parameters were measured and observations about the pastures, the adopted management and the landscape were collected. Each sampled pasture was evaluated using a time series of MODIS EVI2 images from 2000–2012, according to a new protocol based on seven phenological metrics, 14 Boolean criteria and two numerical criteria. The theoretical basis of this protocol was derived from interviews with producers and livestock experts during a third field campaign. The analysis of the MODIS EVI2 time series provided valuable historical information on the type of intervention and on the biological degradation process of the sampled pastures. Of the 782 pastures sampled, 26.6% experienced some type of intervention, 19.1% were under biological degradation, and 54.3% presented neither intervention nor trend of biomass decrease during the period analyzed.

A study of farmer advisory services through mobile application (M-APP)

The findings of this paper are simply a glimpse into the potential role mobile phones could play in improving livestock productivity and access to lucrative markets. The study above underscores the critical role mobile phones through its applications (m-apps) can play in greater efficiency for farmers in rural setting. From the discussions and observations made, it was found that farmers were more excited about using the phone to access information on livestock production, management and marketing. Opportunities emerging from the proliferation of livestock farming based mobile applications in local language experienced in developing country like India need to be explored especially in the absence of other ICT infrastructure, like fixed phones and internet. Given the growing interest in smallholder access to information, the findings of the study recommend mobile phone service providers to plan for capacity building programmes for rural communities on the emerging innovations in mobile phone application in order to realise their usefulness in agriculture and allied fields.

Temporal differences in plant growth and root exudation of two Brachiaria grasses in response to low phosphorus supply

Exploiting the natural variability of Brachiaria forage germplasm to identify forage grasses adapted to infertile acid soils that contain very low available phosphorus (P) is an important research objective for improving livestock production in the tropics. The objective of this study was to determine the differences in the release of root biochemical markers, i.e. carboxylates and acid phosphatases (APases), during the development of P deficiency in signalgrass and ruzigrass. We used the hydroxyapatite pouch system in hydroponics to simulate conditions of low P supply in acid soils to test the response of well-adapted signalgrass ( Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk, CIAT 606) and less-adapted ruzigrass ( B. ruziziensis cv. Kennedy, CIAT 654). We monitored shoot and root growth and other physiological and biochemical components that are important for root functionality at weekly intervals for 3 weeks. We found that monocarboxylate exudation was not associated with the plant’s physiological P status, while exudation of oxalate and secreted-APases increased with declining plant P concentrations in both grasses. Ruzigrass showed higher exudation rates and grew faster than signalgrass, but could not maintain its initial fast growth rate when P concentrations in plant tissue declined to 1.0 mg P/g dry matter. Oxalate was the dominant exuded carboxylate for signalgrass after 21 days of growth and this response might confer some eco-physiological advantages in signalgrass when grown in low-P acid soils.

Potential of Traditional Knowledge of Plants in the Management of Arthropods in Livestock Industry with Focus on (Acari) Ticks.

Antitick plants and related ethnoknowledge/ethnopractices with potential for integrated tick control and management strategies to improve livestock production are reviewed. About 231 plants reviewed showed a variety of bioactive properties, namely, being toxic, repellent, antifeedant, and antiovipositant and ability to immobilize target tick species. These ethnobotanical substances are potentially useful in developing sustainable, efficient, and effective antitick agents suitable for rural livestock farmers. Majority of these plants are holistic in action, economically affordable, user friendly, easily adaptable and accessible, and environmentally friendly and help develop community-driven tick control interventions well suited to local conditions and specific to different livestock communities. Such a multipurpose intervention best fits the recent ascendancy of individual livestock owners as the key players in tick control programmes, particularly following the withdrawal of subsidies accorded to tick control programmes by most African government agencies since mid-1980s. However, scientific validation of antitick ethnobotanicals on their efficacy and formulation of packages easily handled by local communities is necessary to achieve a significantly increased use of such remedies. It is envisaged that the results of validation may lead to the discovery of effective and affordable antitick products. The effectiveness of these “best bets” ethnopractices can be greatest, if they are appropriately blended with conventional technologies.

Bovine trypanosomosis and vector density in Omo-Ghibe tsetse belt, South Ethiopia

African animal trypanosomosis (AAT) is a parasitic disease that causes serious economic losses in livestock from anemia, loss of condition, emaciation and death in untreated cases. It is one of the major constraints to improved livestock production and productivity in Ethiopia. Entomological and parasitological surveys were conducted in the Omo-Ghibe tsetse belt of south Ethiopia to estimate the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and the apparent tsetse density (AD), and identify the potential risk factors. For the parasitological study, blood samples were collected from 1508 cattle sampled from 11 districts and assayed using the buffy coat technique and Giemsa-stained thin smears. For the entomological survey, a total of 216 biconical and NGU traps were deployed in all districts. The overall animal-level prevalence of trypanosomosis was 7.8% (95% CI: 6.5, 9.3). The trypanosome species identified were Trypanosoma congolense (75.4%), T. vivax (20.3%), T. brucei brucei (1.7%) and mixed T. congolense/T. vivax (2.6%). Regarding the entomological survey result, a total of 2243 tsetse flies were captured which identified to be Glossina pallidipes (85.1%) and G. f. fuscipes (14.9%). Besides, other biting flies of the genus Stomoxys (n=146) and Tabanus (n=17) were also trapped. The AD noted in the present study was 3.5 flies/trap/day. Both the prevalence of trypanosomosis and AD of tsetse flies were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by altitude. The prevalence of trypanosomosis was also significantly (p<0.05) associated with poor body condition score, black coat color and lower mean packed cell volume while no significant prevalence difference was noted along with age and sex category. In conclusion, the present study suggested that trypanosomosis is an important disease of cattle in the Omo-Ghibe tsetse belt in dry season. The disease is mainly caused by the most pathogenic T. congolense and transmission is predominantly by tsetse flies, particularly G. pallidipes. The study warrants the need for strengthening the vector and parasite control interventions in the area.

Natural resource enhancement through silvipastoral establishment in western Himalayan region

Livestock rearing is an integral part of rural livelihood in the Himalayan region. In spite of abundance of pasture resources, total biomass is insufficient to meet the forage demand. Indiscriminate grazing has caused an alarming decline in the carrying capacity of grazing lands and has caused severe land degradation. This study was carried out with the objective of increasing biomass potential, improving livestock productivity and to arrest environmental degradation. The study was conducted at Ghanetta and Dagoh (Kangra) and Jogindernagar (Mandi) districts in Himachal Pradesh through silvipastoral intervention in conjunction with soil and water conservation measures. Grasslands of the study area were of alluvial–loamy soil with shallow depths. Soil organic matter was 0.72 (Ghanetta), 0.76 (Dagoh) and 0.80% (Jogindernagar). Organic carbon content in the subsurface (15–45 cm) layer was only 30 to 39% of the surface layer (0–15 cm). Chrysopogon (20%) was found the most dominant species, followed by Heteropogon (13%). Average herbage production was 5.613 DM tonne/ha (Ghanetta), 5.458 DM tonne/ha (Dagoh) and 5.233 DM tonne/ha (Jogindernagar). Leaf biomass of different fodder trees ranged from 0.23–0.60 DM tonne/ha (Ghanetta), 0.16–0.51 DM tonne/ha (Dagoh) and 0.21–0.59 DM tonne/ha (Jogindernagar). Maximum biomass of 9.17 DM tonne/ha was obtained at Ghanetta followed by 8.26 DM tonne/ha and 8.23 DM tonne/ha at Dagoh and Jogindernagar, respectively, showing substantial improvement in total biomass potential with silvipastoral intervention in conjunction with soil and water conservation measures.

Emerging Development Pathways of Urban Livestock Production in Rapidly Growing West Africa Cities

In this study, we try to capture the degree of specialization or integration, and of intensification or extensification, of (peri-) urban livestock production, along with the factors that influence such decisions and their impact on natural resource uses. A total of 181 and 187 structured questionnaires were completed in livestock-keeping households in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) and Tamale (Ghana). Categorical principal component and two-step cluster analysis were used to identify homogenous groups of livestock-keeping households. Cross tabulation and logistic regression analysis revealed factors that influence livestock husbandry, showing their impacts on resource use by livestock keepers in the two cities. A diversity of livestock species was kept, mostly integrated with crop farming. Yet, some households specialized in either sheep, pig or commercial milk production, and partly intensified their production. The decision to specialize and/or intensify livestock production is site-specific and influenced by the education level of the household head and security of land ownership. Higher inputs in livestock systems do not necessarily lead to higher outputs, and specialization inevitably leads to higher manure wastages. Therefore, links of livestock producers to crop farmers and markets for livestock manure must be strengthened to enable recycling of resources and limit negative externalities of specialized livestock production. Strategies need to be identified to improve livestock productivity by enhancing outputs as input use increases.

English

Bovine trypanosomosis is transmitted by tsetse and other biting flies which cause the most serious veterinary and animal production problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Cross sectional study was conducted from September to December, 2013 in Chora district, Western Oromia to assess the prevalence of trypanosomosis and apparent density of its vector. The methods employed during the study were deploying trap for the collection of tsetse flies and buffy coat technique for parasitological study. About 45 monopyramidal baited traps were deployed for 48 h for collection of tsetse fly. In the study area tsetse flies Glossina pallidepes and Glossina tachnoides and other biting flies were trapped. G. pallidepes was caught at altitude of about 2000 m a.s.l. The overall apparent density of the tsetse flies was 2.63 flies/trap/day. Blood samples collected from 384 cattle were centrifuged and examined under microscope. It revealed that Trypanosoma congolense 46(12.0%), Trypanosoma vivax 3(0.8%), no infection of Trypanosoma brucei and mixed infection 3(0.8%) of the two trypanosomes species were the causes of bovine trypanosomosis in the study area. The overall prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis was 13.6%. The female cattle were infected with the prevalence of 35(9.2%) than male cattle 17(4.4%) and this association was insignificant (P > 0.05). The prevalence of trypanosomosis in adult and poor body condition cattle were 49(12.8%) and 20(5.2%), respectively and significantly associated (P 0.05). Aneamic and non-aneamic cattle have trypanosomes infection rate of 43(11.2%) and 9(2.34%), respectively. Aneamic cattle were significantly associated (P 0.05). Generally, the study concludes that tsetse flies were an important vector for the epidemiology of bovine trypanosomosis in Chora district. Therefore, disease and its vector control and prevention methods and further studies on the trypanosomal drug resistance should be undertaken to improve livestock production and productivity in the study area. Key words: Prevalence, trypanosomosis, apparent density, tsetse flies, cattle, Chora district.

English

The government of Uganda has experienced continued fiscal challenges from late 1980s to date. Consequently, the provision of veterinary services was liberalized and decentralized. This exposed veterinary service provision to many actors without adequate regulation and supervision. With the resurgence of infectious diseases, increased economic and health risks especially to the rural poor, there is the need to understand relational patterns of actors to ensure good governance and address emerging and re-emerging animal diseases risks. A questionnaire surveillance was undertaken in the district veterinary service centres of Uganda to assess the status of veterinary diagnostic services and evaluate their influence in the delivery of clinical and preventive veterinary services. The structure of veterinary diagnostic services in the districts in Uganda is still lacking. There is need to improve veterinary diagnostic service delivery in the districts in an attempt to improve the control of livestock diseases in Uganda to ultimately improve livestock production and productivity and hence household income. Key words: Veterinary diagnostic services, Uganda.

Transgenesis techniques and its application in poultry production

The advent of DNA recombinant technology and the possibility of gene transfer between organisms of different species have presented a wide range of possibilities for the improvement of livestock production. This is demonstrated by the recent progress in gene transfer, animal cloning and assisted reproductive techniques in the field of livestock transgenesis. The ability to introduce foreign DNA into the genome of an organism has proven to be one of the most efficient tools in animal breeding and modern biology. Transgenesis is applied in production of therapeutic proteins, improvement of economic traits such as meat quality, disease resistance, feed conversion efficiency; as well as protection of humans from zoonotic diseases. Thus, transgenic technologies may revolutionalize the production of poultry birds with improved meat quality, low fats, low cholesterol as well as disease resistance in addition to production of biopharmaceutical products with efficiencies far greater than any conventional breeding methods. KEYWORDS : Gene transfer, usefulness, poultry production, techniques.

Processing corn in ruminant feed

In times of search technologies to improve livestock productivity without, however, charge the costs of production, studies involving maximizing digestive efficiency depending on the use of processed foods have great potential. The processing of corn promotes changes in the site of starch digestion, in the total utilization of food and diet, as well as providing substantial changes in the rumen. In this sense, the objective of this review is to present methods of processing corn, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques, focusing on the feeding of ruminants.

Perception of stakeholders to the proposed ban on cow hide consumption in Ogun State, Nigeria

The study examined the perception of stakeholders to a ban on cow hide consumption in Ogun State. Purposive and random samplings were used to select 150 respondents. Data was collected using interview schedule and analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results reveal that majority (60.7.0%) of the respondents were female, within the age of 36-42years, married (75.3%) and had secondary education (42.7%). Respondents had low knowledge of the proposed ban (58.0%); 56.0% had high awareness of the possible benefits but 56.0% had negative perception towards the proposed ban. There was significant correlation between sources of information (r=0.279, p=0.001), level of knowledge (r=0.281, p=0.001), constraints that respondents may face from the ban (r=0.165, p=0.043), awareness of the possible benefits (r=0.461, p=0.000) and respondent’s perception to the proposed ban on cow hide consumption. Since more than half of the respondents had negative perception despite their awareness of benefits, concrete efforts need to be taken to improve livestock production in order to cater for leather industries and consumption. Keywords: Cow hide consumption, cow hide value chain, ponmo