Intensification Of Production Systems Research Articles

Potential of different strategies to increase intramuscular fat deposition in sheep: A meta-analysis study

We evaluated the potential of different strategies to increase intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition in sheep meat through meta-analytical methods. Additionally, this study aimed to investigate the interrelationship among diet composition, performance, carcass traits, meat quality, marbling score and IMF in sheep. The dataset was composed by 102 peer-reviewed publications. The strategies to increase IMF deposition in sheep meat were evaluated by examining the weighted mean difference (WMD) between control treatment and increased-IMF treatment (beta-agonist; glycerin; essential oil; vitamin E; lipids; tannins; feeding system and sex class). The interplay between factors such as dietary composition, performance, carcass and meat quality traits highlights how the intensification of production systems, characterized by a high grain content in the diet and shorter finishing periods, reduces IMF content of meat. The IMF content was greater in females (WMD = 0.52%; P<.0001) and castrated males (WMD = 0.53%; P = 0.001) compared to intact males. Lambs finished in feedlots exhibited a 19.23% higher IMF content (WMD = 0.74%; P <.0001) compared to those finished in pasture systems. The inclusion of lipids sources to the diets increased in IMF content (WMD = 0.11%; P = 0.008), while tannins sources decrease in IMF (WMD = −0.07%; P = 0.029). Marbling score did not prove to be an adequate indicator of IMF deposition in sheep meat, potentially due to biases in subjective marbling assessments. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the most effective strategy for enhancing IMF in lambs involves utilizing female or castrated males rather than intact males followed by finishing lambs on high concentrate diets in a feedlot. Genetics did not impact IMF in the evaluated studies while other dietary strategies to alter IMF deposition had mixed effects on IMF deposition. Tannin marginally decreased IMF, vitamin E had no effect, and lipid supplementation had varied effects on IMF deposition depending on the lipid source.

Effects of Multistrain Probiotic Supplementation on Sows' Emotional and Cognitive States and Progeny Welfare.

The intensification of production systems has resulted in detrimental effects on sow welfare, which can have an adverse influence on their offspring. Considering the relevance of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, probiotics can mitigate such impacts. To investigate the effects of the dietary inclusion of probiotics on the welfare of sows and piglets, 147 multiparous sows were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group or a group supplemented with a multistrain probiotic from the beginning of pregnancy to the end of lactation. The human-animal relationship (HAR), stereotypic behavior, position changes, salivary cortisol, and plasma serotonin levels were assessed in the sows. The piglets' back test behavior and organ weight were analyzed. The probiotic-supplemented sows exhibited a better HAR index (p = 0.017), which indicated reduced aversion towards humans. The frequency of stereotypies was not influenced by the treatments. However, the supplemented sows spent more time standing (p = 0.054) and less time lying down (p = 0.008). The cortisol level of the supplemented sows was 50% lower (p = 0.047) and the serotonin levels were 11% higher (p = 0.034) than control animals. The multistrain piglets were more passive and less resistant (p = 0.076) in the back test. The organ weights were not influenced by treatments. In conclusion, the sows supplemented with probiotics showed less fear and more motivation indicators, while their piglets showed less aggression behaviors.

The fate of nitrogen in animal urine patch as affected by trees and nitrogen supply on integrated crop-livestock systems

Nitrogen (N) losses by leaching are significant in terms of environmental contamination. Thus, attention has been given to urination points of ruminant urine because they contain high levels of N. Integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS), in turn, seek to intensify production and, at the same time, make production systems more sustainable. Therefore, it is crucial to know the behavior of N to boost its cycling and, consequently, minimize its impacts (environmental and economic). The objective of this study was to evaluate N leaching from bovine urine in a mixed pasture of Lolium multiflorum x Avena strigosa in two different integrated systems, crop-livestock (CL) and crop-livestock with trees (CLT), and two N doses (90 and 180 kg N ha−1). During the winter 2018, the study was conducted in the Brazilian subtropics, in sandy texture soil. The application of higher doses of nitrogen fertilizer (180 kg N ha−1) causes an increase in the concentration of nitrogen excreted in urine and, consequently, increases nitrate and ammonium contents in the soil at the urine points. Higher nitrogen contents were observed at the urine points, since the uptake of nutrients by the forage plants was reduced due to shading of the plants, leading to a reduction in dry matter production of the pasture. The area of action/diffusion of urinary N does not exceed 25 cm from the center point of urination. No leaching of nitrate or ammonium was observed at the sampled urine points, up to a depth of 40 cm. However, the adoption of more intensified production systems (i.e., with the inclusion of grazing animals and increased nitrogen fertilization) should be conducted under conditions that provide high plant uptake of soil nutrients to reduce the risk of losses.

Foresight study on dairy farming systems in Central Kenya and north of Senegal

Dairy farming activities play important roles in nutrition and health, livelihoods and employment, and culture, in Kenya and Senegal. Faced with various challenges such as climate change, increased populations, insecurity, and conflicts over (water, land, feed) resources, dairy production systems will have to undergo changes in the future that allow them to adapt. This study used a qualitative foresight approach that is mainly based on interviews with technical experts and key stakeholders, including dairy cattle herders, to identify the main evolution trends to be observed in dairy farming in Central Kenya and north of Senegal. It found that (semi)-intensification of production systems and increased settlement of herders who are nomad pastoralists are the prevailing trends. These trends are likely to persist into the future. For both countries, the key drivers of change and their potential environmental and socio-economic impacts were investigated. As dairy systems continue to confront challenges related to livestock feed and water availability, milk quality and safety, production costs, and market access, strategies are needed that can improve resilience of the systems while attaining the right balance between productivity and sustainability.

Selenium supplementation levels and sources in postlarvae Nile tilapia diet

Fish larviculture exert great influence in the subsequent phases, in which nutrition is a basic prerequisite for success. Therefore, when it is in an intensified production system, it promotes the limitation of some minerals, making it necessary to supplement selenium in diets for post-larvae. The objective of this study was to evaluate selenium levels and sources in post-larvae Nile tilapia diets on muscle performance and histology. A total of 1,260 post-larvae with an initial average weight of 0.010 g were used, distributed in a completely randomized design in a factorial scheme with four supplementation levels (0.6; 0.9; 1.2 and 1.5 mg of Se/Kg) and two sources (sodium selenite and selenium yeast), plus the negative control, with 35 post-larvae Nile tilapia used per experimental unit. The physical-chemical parameters of water quality were within those recommended for tilapia cultivation. Feed consumption (p &lt; 0.05) and hepatosomatic index (p &lt; 0.05) were affected by the source used. Effects of supplemented selenium levels and sources were not observed for the other performance variables. Higher values for final height, final width, specific development rate and protein efficiency rate were found (p &lt; 0.05) when comparing the control diet with diets containing the sodium selenite source. No effects on muscle fiber morphometry were observed (p &gt; 0.05) in the studied variables. It is concluded that 0.6 mg of selenium in the diet, regardless of the source used, met the mineral requirement for post-larvae Nile tilapia.

Applied Research Note: Evaluation of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial as a strategy to reduce hydrogen sulfide emissions from poultry excreta using a practical monitoring method

Effective implementation of noxious odor mitigation strategies requires a thorough understanding of production causes, a clear definition of harmful odor limits, and practical and effective methods to measure emissions into the environment. With the increasing demand for poultry products and consequently, intensification of production systems, there is a need for versatile odor remediation approaches. Hydrogen sulfide ( H 2 S ) is a pungent noxious gas associated with poultry farms. The presence and intensity of H 2 S from animal excreta is the result of the dynamic balance of its formation and reduction, under primarily anaerobic microbial fermentation conditions. Unlike other odors such as ammonia, H 2 S production and emission is a less researched subject. In the present study, a practical monitoring method was devised to evaluate the efficacy of a Bacillus -based microbial product as a strategy to remediate H 2 S emissions from poultry excreta. The evaluated excreta were preconditioned with distilled water and then incubated for 24 h under controlled temperature before odor measurement. Plastic containers were used as incubation units, and H 2 S diffusion tubes were used as the monitoring tool. Hydrogen sulfide emitted from the excreta of broilers fed the microbial product was reduced on average by 42.9% compared to a nonmicrobial fed group. Under the current trial conditions, H 2 S emitted from growing broiler chicken excreta was easily detectable and variation was low. Moreover, the method allowed dynamic and quick H 2 S monitoring that will further offer tools to the commercial poultry industry for evaluating the effectiveness of feeding strategies in odor remediation.

Temporal and Spatial Changes in Crop Patterns, Use of Inputs and Hydrological Alteration in the Case of Fogera Floodplain, Ethiopia

More than half of the world’s population consumes rice. Recently, the area sown with modern rice varieties has expanded, and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has increased in various countries. Wetland hydrology is also influenced by chemical and physical characteristics. Hence, this research focused on temporal and spatial changes in crop patterns, input usage, and hydrology in the Ethiopian Fogera floodplain, with the following objectives: (a) What are the spatial and temporal trends in crop production patterns? (b) What input changes have occurred to produce rice and other crops? (c) What hydrological changes have occurred in the area with intensification of production systems? Primary data were gathered through a questionnaire, focus group discussions, interviews, and field observations. Secondary data were obtained from Landsat imageries, the SWAT model, water flow measurements, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). NDVI results indicated that the area cultivated for rice is increasing while the area of other crops is decreasing. Agricultural inputs are used in rice systems but were not used before the introduction of rice. Recession farming activities have also diminished wetland areas. Water flow showed a decrease, whereas Nitrogen and Phosphorus showed an increase with Pearson’s correlation values −0.069 and −0.072, respectively. Flow of water was negatively correlated with N and P water concentration, whereas N and P contents were positively correlated. In conclusion, growth of intensive rice systems has had negative environmental consequences on wetland ecology. Therefore, policies to regulate and manage wetland uses are recommended.

Optimising the Spatial and Production Input Features to Improve Efficiency of Hill Farm Production Systems

Integration of crop and livestock production systems (ICLS) represents a method for enhancing the sustainability of agricultural systems. Introducing more diversified farm production plans increases profitability and resilience by minimising the negative environmental impacts of agricultural production. Examining farm businesses located in Less Favoured Areas (LFAs) of England, we investigate how conversion into more integrated systems impacts on profitability. Thus, providing knowledge that can enable structural changes on the farm level towards enhancing financial performance and the sustainable intensification of the production system. Through Linear Programming (LP), four distinct optimisation scenarios are estimated, demonstrating the different dynamics between more specialised and more integrated-diversified (intensified) production systems. Data regarding physical and financial performances of 139 farm businesses were derived from the Farm Business Survey (FBS) for the accounting year of 2013–2014. Our findings suggest that there is a lot of potential for increasing profitability of hill farms through optimisation of ICLS. Policy interventions may accommodate productivity challenges within the LFAs via the construction of networks of transferrable knowledge to enable farmers gain knowledge on benefits emerging from ICLS. Hence, promote strategies and risk mitigation practises that could allow hill farmers to develop a sustainably intensified production system that is maximising the production capacity of the available natural resources.

Climate risk management practices of fish and shrimp farmers in the Mekong Region

As comparative multi-country studies are rare, not much is known about the effects of regional differences in social-ecological conditions on the adoption of climate risk management practices in aquaculture. This study is based on a large-scale survey of practices of aquaculture operators in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Climate-related risks to profits of aquaculture farms in the Mekong Region are typically managed alongside water-related, disease and other business risks. Farmers who were more concerned with risks to profitability had a history of undertaking more risk management practices. Farmers growing shrimp (rather than fish), or adopting more intensified production systems, had more risk management practices. Wealthier and more educated farmers had experience with more practices for dealing with current risks, as well as recognized the need for strategies to adapt to a changing climate in the future. Information access is a factor in the adoption of new practices and strategies. Adoption of aeration or use of information-communication technologies to manage climate-related risks, for example, was more likely among more educated and wealthy farmers who belonged to growers’ groups. The findings also suggest that attitudes toward innovation, levels of investment and social norms influence adoption of technological, organizational and informational practices.

Soil N2O emission from organic and conventional cotton farming in Northern Tanzania

The effort to increase the sustainable supply of food and fibre is challenged by the potential for increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from farming systems with intensified production systems. This study aimed at quantifying soil N2O emissions from smallholder organic and conventional cotton production practices in a semi-arid area, Meatu, Northern Tanzania. Field experiments were conducted to quantify N2O emissions under (i) current practices with organic (3 Mg ha−1 farmyard manure (FYM)) and conventional (30 kg mineral N ha−1) cultivation; (ii) a high input practice with organic (5 Mg ha−1 FYM) and conventional (60 kg mineral N ha−1) cultivation; and (iii) an integrated practice with organic (3 Mg FYM + legume intercropping) and conventional (30 kg N + 3 Mg ha−1 FYM) cultivation. In both organic and conventional farming, control treatments with no fertilizer application were included. The study was performed over two growing seasons, where season 1 was rather wet and season 2 was rather dry. Static chambers were used for in-situ measurement of N2O emission from soil. The current organic and conventional cotton farming practices did not differ (P > 0.05) in cumulative area-scaled and yield-scaled N2O emissions. High input conventional cotton showed higher area scaled N2O emissions than organic cotton during the wetter season, but not during the drier season. The inorganic fertilizer + FYM combination did not differ (P > 0.05) in area- and yield-scaled N2O emissions from conventional practice. Intercropping cotton and legumes did not affect (P > 0.05) N2O emission compared to 3 Mg FYM ha−1. The emission factors for both conventional and organic systems were generally above 1% in the dry season 2, but below 1% in the wetter season 1. The use of organic and inorganic fertilizers at rates up to 60 kg N ha−1, FYM-inorganic fertilizer combination, and cotton-legume intercropping increased yields, while N2O emissions stayed low, in particular with use of mineral fertilizers.

AGRONOMIC RESPONSES TO THE INTENSIFICATION OF GRAIN PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN DRYLAND FARMING OF CENTRAL MINAS GERAIS

This work aimed to evaluate the agronomic responses to the intensification of grain production systems under water restriction in the central region of Minas Gerias, Brazil. We studied six systems, including soybean and maize monocropping with medium investment in maintenance fertilization, and the annual alternating of these crops in medium or high investment, with inclusion or not of ruzigrass for straw increment. Soybean and maize in monocropping lose yield potential over time compared to their alternating cultivation. Greater fertilization in soil with built fertility does not increase the yield accumulated until the fourth harvest. The intercropping with ruzigrass can hamper maize yield under lower fertilization. The ruzigrass increases the average production of residues for straw formation in the soybean/maize system, approaching 8 t ha -1 year -1 . After four crop seasons, differences in soil chemical attributes are still not evident due to the diversification / intensification of the production system.

Preventing and mitigating farmed bivalve disease: a Northern Ireland case study

Shellfish production forms a large proportion of marine aquaculture production in Northern Ireland (NI). Diseases represent a serious threat to the maintenance and growth of shellfish cultivation with severe consequences to production output and profitability. In Northern Ireland, production generally benefits from a good health status with the absence of notifiable diseases, except for localised cases of Bonamia ostreae, Marteilia refringens and ostreid herpes virus. In this paper, we qualitatively explore that the prevalence, risk, impact, mitigation and experience shellfish farmers in this region have in relation to disease. Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders within the sector. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and Nvivo 12 was used to facilitate an inductive thematic analysis. Our results highlighted that the industry has varying attitudes and experiences with disease. At present-day temperatures, disease is not an issue and this provides vast market opportunities for the region. However, disease outbreaks have led to detrimental consequences to financial income, production output and reputation in the past, whilst control and mitigation remain reactive. It is imperative proactive disease prevention and control that are employed and enforced to sustain NI’s reputation as a healthy shellfish region, particularly under increasing global temperatures and intensified production systems. A cultural shift to disease appreciation, risk analysis and surveillance through research, education, training and collaboration is essential. This study highlights the importance of providing a bottom-up communication platform with the stakeholders directly involved in shellfish culture and management, the value of cross sector engagement and the need to improve knowledge transfer between science the sector.

Fast and Slow-Growing Management Systems: Characterisation of Broiler Caecal Microbiota Development throughout the Growing Period.

Simple SummaryThis study was conducted to characterise the caecal microbiota in two broiler management systems (fast and slow-growing) during the growing period, using 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. Because of the essential role of the caecal bacteria in poultry health and productivity, these data could be considered as a biomarker of health status and will make it possible to evaluate different treatments applied in animals. The main results demonstrated that microbiota is in constant development throughout the growing period for both management systems, and the most abundant bacteria groups are related to better productive performance and intestinal health.Caecal microbiota and its modulation play an important role in poultry health, productivity and disease control. Moreover, due to the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, society is pressing for a reduction in antibiotic administration by finding effective alternatives at farm level, such as less intensified production systems. Hence, the aim of this study was to characterise the caecal microbiota in two different broiler management systems, fast and slow-growing, using 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. To this end 576 broilers were reared in two different management systems (fast and slow-growing). Results showed that Firmicutes represented the dominant phylum for both systems. At the onset, Proteobacteria was the second prevalent phylum for fast and slow-growing breeds, outnumbering the Bacteroidetes. However, during the rest of the production cycle, Bacteroidetes was more abundant than Proteobacteria in both groups. Finally, regardless of the management system, the most predominant genera identified were Oscillospira spp., Ruminococcus spp., Coprococcus spp., Lactobacillus spp. and Bacteroides spp. In conclusion, fast and slow-growing broiler microbiota are in constant development throughout rearing, being relatively stable at 21 days of age. Regarding the genus, it should be noted that the three most abundant groups for both systems, Ruminococcus spp., Lactobacillus spp. and Bacteroides spp., are related to better productive performance and intestinal health.

Large-Scale Phenotyping of Livestock Welfare in Commercial Production Systems: A New Frontier in Animal Breeding.

Genomic breeding programs have been paramount in improving the rates of genetic progress of productive efficiency traits in livestock. Such improvement has been accompanied by the intensification of production systems, use of a wider range of precision technologies in routine management practices, and high-throughput phenotyping. Simultaneously, a greater public awareness of animal welfare has influenced livestock producers to place more emphasis on welfare relative to production traits. Therefore, management practices and breeding technologies in livestock have been developed in recent years to enhance animal welfare. In particular, genomic selection can be used to improve livestock social behavior, resilience to disease and other stress factors, and ease habituation to production system changes. The main requirements for including novel behavioral and welfare traits in genomic breeding schemes are: (1) to identify traits that represent the biological mechanisms of the industry breeding goals; (2) the availability of individual phenotypic records measured on a large number of animals (ideally with genomic information); (3) the derived traits are heritable, biologically meaningful, repeatable, and (ideally) not highly correlated with other traits already included in the selection indexes; and (4) genomic information is available for a large number of individuals (or genetically close individuals) with phenotypic records. In this review, we (1) describe a potential route for development of novel welfare indicator traits (using ideal phenotypes) for both genetic and genomic selection schemes; (2) summarize key indicator variables of livestock behavior and welfare, including a detailed assessment of thermal stress in livestock; (3) describe the primary statistical and bioinformatic methods available for large-scale data analyses of animal welfare; and (4) identify major advancements, challenges, and opportunities to generate high-throughput and large-scale datasets to enable genetic and genomic selection for improved welfare in livestock. A wide variety of novel welfare indicator traits can be derived from information captured by modern technology such as sensors, automatic feeding systems, milking robots, activity monitors, video cameras, and indirect biomarkers at the cellular and physiological levels. The development of novel traits coupled with genomic selection schemes for improved welfare in livestock can be feasible and optimized based on recently developed (or developing) technologies. Efficient implementation of genetic and genomic selection for improved animal welfare also requires the integration of a multitude of scientific fields such as cell and molecular biology, neuroscience, immunology, stress physiology, computer science, engineering, quantitative genomics, and bioinformatics.

Aquaculture farmers’ perceptions of climate-related risks in the Mekong Region

Local studies have shown that aquaculture is impacted by extreme weather events, the risks of which vary seasonally and among years. Less is known about the effects of geographical differences in climate or social organization for how climate-related risks are perceived, as there have been few larger scale studies. This study documents key findings from a large-scale survey of levels of concern and experience with significant losses of over 3300 aquaculture farmers in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Important climate-related risks included rapid changes in temperature, intense rainfall events, and floods. Farmers in Laos were less concerned with risks to profits than those in other countries. Farmers who had experienced significant losses from any climate-related source were more concerned with risks. Women and higher educated farmers perceived higher risks. Those with intensified production systems perceived lower risks and observed fewer climate changes. Perceptions of historical changes in risks and expectations for future risks were often strongly associated with each other and levels of concern, as well as experiences of losses, underlining that risk perception has multiple, inter-related dimensions. Geographical differences in risk perception were related to differences in both physical climate and social factors.

Consumers' Concerns and Perceptions of Farm Animal Welfare.

Simple SummaryIn the current socioeconomic situation, consumers’ concerns about farm animal welfare can prevent them from buying some products, and this influences the sustainability of intensive systems. Consumers perceive the need to increase the level of welfare in farm animals, despite the fact that their level of knowledge about farming and animal welfare issues is relatively low. Consumers concerns are not equally distributed among the different farm species, nor is there consistency in the willingness to pay to enhance animal welfare. Therefore, farmers, businesses, and members of the food chain need to be informed of the evolution of public perceptions and consumer concerns to make informed decisions that help them improve their sustainability, social responsibility, and public credibility, which will allow them to maintain their social license through social ethical approval.In this paper, we explore the evolution of consumers’ perceptions and concerns about the effects that intensification of production systems could have on the welfare of farm animals. Despite the differences in definitions of animal welfare that make perceptions about this complex subject extremely variable, there is a growing perception that farm animal welfare should be protected and improved. There is an increasing appreciation of animal welfare parameters over other quality attributes, and animal-friendly products are considered healthier, safer, tastier, more hygienic, authentic, environmentally friendly, and traditional by many consumers. The willingness to pay for the increases in price that higher levels of farm animal welfare could produce could be promoted by means of adequate information about management and housing conditions of the different farming species. Welfare-friendly products that are properly labeled with clear information provided by an internationally accepted, transparent, and traceable monitoring system will increase consumers’ confidence in the food chain participants. Both consumers and citizens have the opportunity to improve the welfare of millions of farmed animals now and in the future, consumers by assuming their responsibility at the buying point, purchasing welfare-friendly products, and citizens by driving legislation to achieve some minimum standard of welfare conditions that could meet animals’ needs.

In vitro fermentation of diets containing sweet potato flour as a substitute for corn in diets for ruminants

ABSTRACT: With the intensification of production systems, dairy cow feeding has undergone changes creating the need to increase substitute feed options, focusing on more efficient, modern, and sustainable alternatives. Few researches were carried out evaluating the inclusion of sweet potato flour as an energy source in substitution of maize for ruminants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro gas production of ground corn replacement by sweet potato flour at different levels. For in vitro gas production, four treatments were performed, consisting of corn replacement by sweet potato flour at the levels of 0, 33, 66, and 100%, in a diet consisting of corn silage, soybean meal, and ground corn. In vitro incubations were conducted in sealed bottles containing 50 ml of the inoculum prepared using ruminal fluid and 0.5 g of each treatment. Gas production was determined in 96 consecutive hours. The cumulative gas production was greater when the corn was 100% replaced by SPF (224 ± 1.45 and 231.9 ± 1.45 ml/g DMi for 0 and 100% of replacement, P = 0.01). Degradation rates were 7.10, 7.59, 8.08, and 8.59 ± 0.06% per hour for the 0, 33, 66, and 100% replacement rates, respectively (P&lt;0.001). There was also a difference (P = 0.002) in the lag time, in which diets with the highest SPF inclusion had a lower colonization time. In conclusion, sweet potato flour produced more gas and was more rapidly degraded than corn.

Influence of pastoral systems on Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) and the entomopathogen Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin

The influence of Urochloa brizantha (variety Marandu) grazing systems on Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant) and the entomopathogen Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) was studied to understand the benefits of integrated systems in pest management. The pastoral systems studied were: (M) monoculture, (SP) silvopastoral and (ICLF). We assessed the number, per square meter, of alive spittlebug nymphs or infected by M. anisopliae as well as the demanded number of entomopathogen sprays in each pasture system to control the pest. Throughout the experiment period, M. spectabilis was the unique species found. Silvopastoral had a higher number of alive nymphs and a lower percentage of the infected nymphs compared to pasture in monoculture; however, in both systems, only one spray of M. anisopliae was enough to keep the pest below its threshold. In agrosilvopastoral system, there was no spittlebugs infestation, consequently, none sprays was demanded. Thus, intensified production systems such ICLF may be more sustainable, considering pest aspects.

Weaning methods affect ruminal methanogenic archaea composition and diversity in Holstein calves

The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of different weaning methods on the ruminal methanogenic archaea composition and diversity in Holstein calves. Thirty-six newborn Holstein bull calves were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: (1) conventional weaning (d 56) and fed a high proportion of solid feed (CWS); (2) conventional weaning (d 56) and fed a high proportion of liquid feed (CWL); (3) early weaning (d 42) and fed with a high proportion of solid feed (EWS). High-throughput sequencing of the methyl coenzyme M reductase (mcrA) gene, which encodes the α-subunit of methyl coenzyme M reductase — the enzyme that catalyzes the final step in methanogenesis was used to determine the composition and diversity of rumen methanogens. No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed for operational taxonomic units (OTUs) or richness indices, but diversity indices increased (P<0.05) for calves fed high dietary solids. Predominant families across the three treatments were Methanobacteriaceae, Thermoplasmataceae and Methanomassiliicoccaceae. Calves in the EWS treatment had a higher (P<0.05) relative abundance of Methanobrevibacter sp. strain AbM4 and Methanosphaera stadtmanae, while calves in the CWL treatment had a higher (P<0.05) abundance of Methanosphaera sp. strain SM9. A positive (P<0.05) relationship was identified between butyrate and Methanobrevibacter sp. strain AbM4. In conclusion, the composition and diversity of methanogens in the rumen of Holstein calves varied under the different weaning methods. This study identified a positive relationship between butyrate and Methanobrevibacter sp. strain AbM4, potentially reflecting correlations between ruminal fermentation variables and methanogenesis function. These in-depth analyses provide further understanding of weaning methods for intensified production systems.

Feeding Prometheus: An Interdisciplinary Approach for Solving the Global Food Crisis

The current global food system is inadequate to meet the needs of the current world population without compromising future well-being. For example, current intensified production systems lead to undernutrition in some regions coupled with epidemics of obesity in others while compromising their underlying ecological foundations, such as creating areas of ocean hypoxia. Such common observations challenge the research community to ask new types of basic questions and apply novel analytical frameworks for analyzing them. Elaboration of an integrated applied research agenda is imperative to addressing these global food system challenges. We propose that core competencies of a new analytical framework lie at the intersection of four domains: 1) the ecology of agroecosystems; 2) equity in global and local food systems; 3) cultural dimensions of food and agriculture; and 4) human health. This intersection constitutes a new analytical framework for transitions toward global food system sustainability.