Commercial Farms Research Articles

412 Awardee Talk: Implementing student-centered teaching and learning strategies in undergraduate animal science

Abstract Student-centered teaching and learning strategies enhance active engagement, foster critical thinking, and promote the practical application of knowledge gained from undergraduate animal science courses. The scholarship of teaching and learning (SOTL) has evolved within the animal science community, with a recent focus on adopting evidence-based teaching activities in college classrooms. We discuss documented SOTL approaches utilized in our program for the development of student-centered teaching and learning. In addition to traditional internships and student research projects, capstone projects utilizing a design thinking approach to solving animal industry problems have proven significantly effective. This problem-based learning program enables students to develop industry networks, understand problems within the industry, and develop creative ways to address the problems. Non-conventional and innovative designs of course assignments can foster student interest and enhance learning experiences. For example, by incorporating engaging and novel resources such as animal industry webinars and podcasts as classroom materials, instructors can reinforce course content and captivate students’ attention to the topic. Specifically, students have appreciated the opportunity to learn from experts not available locally at the university. Developing and utilizing real-world case studies exposes students to farm practices and related decision-making. Involving students in competitive team activities like the Dairy Challenge and Academic Quadrathlon contests develops marketable skills for students while training them to implement the knowledge acquired in the classrooms on a commercial farm. Field trips, short courses, and summer schools provide hands-on training opportunities, enhancing students’ exposure to the industry and opportunities after graduation. Students have identified that animal science topics are relevant beyond the classroom walls in everyday life including grocery store and kitchen, as demonstrated by a significant increase in enrollment of non-animal science major students in the animal science courses. The student-centered programs like Cross-training students in data-driven decision support tools help to develop strong day-one competency of graduates through training and networking within and outside the discipline. With the advent of new technologies and tools, training programs surrounding data management and interpretation should integrate systems knowledge across plant science, animal science, and computer science disciplines. These interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary training activities promote the exchange of ideas while developing systems-level understanding. Furthermore, initiatives like Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) provide students with exposure to diverse thoughts and situations, broadening their horizons and perspectives. For students not able to participate in study abroad and international programs due to time and financial constraints, COIL delivers cost-effective virtual opportunities to develop global understanding and cultural competency. By incorporating these student-centered teaching and learning strategies, undergraduate animal science programs can effectively prepare students for real-world challenges for the next generation of agriculture leaders.

330 Growth performance, incidence of scours, and plasma metabolites in beef × dairy crossbred calves transported at 2, 4, 8 and 14 d of age

Abstract Transportation can compromise health and production performance in young calves. Although widely accepted that the younger calves are, the greater the probability of negative outcomes, there still is a lack of evidence-based recommendations on the minimum age at transportation. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of transport age on growth performance, incidence of scours, and plasma metabolites over the first 28 d post-transport in Charolais × Holstein crossbred calves. Calves (n = 36) ages 2, 4, 8 and 14-d old were transported in summer from a commercial farm to an on-campus calf rearing facility (410 miles). Calf body weight (BW) was recorded before departure, on arrival and d 28 post-transport. Dry matter intake (DMI) and fecal scores were recorded daily. Blood samples collected prior to transportation, on arrival, and d 7 and 28 post-transport were used for targeted metabolomics analysis (Biocrates MxP Quant 500 kit). Growth performance and fecal score data were analyzed using PROC MIXED (SAS) whereas R was used for predictive modeling of metabolomics data. Over the 28-d period post-transport, DMI was greater (P < 0.01) for 14 d than 2 and 4 d old calves; however, it did not differ between 2, 4, and 8 d old calves. Average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (FE) were also greater (P < 0.01) for 14 d than 2, 4, and 8 d old calves. During wk 1 post-transport, the total number of days calves had scours was least (P < 0.01) for 2 and 14 d, intermediate for 4 d, and greatest for 8 d old calves. During wk 2, the total number of days with scours was less (P < 0.01) for 8 and 14 d (average of 2 d) compared with 2 and 4 d old calves (5 d). Additionally, the total number of days calves had scours during the first 2 wk post-transport tended (P = 0.08) to be greater for 2, 4, and 8 d than 14 d old calves. However, during wk 3 and 4 post-transport, there were no differences (P ≥ 0.58) in the total number of days with scours across transport age. Arginine methylation, d 7 of measurements, carnitine uptake defect, phosphatidic acid 16:0:18:2, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, sodium, triglyceride 18:2:34:4, threonine, α-aminobutyric acid, and glycolithocholic acid 3-sulfate were the most important features in terms of predicting the occurrence of scours. Overall, DMI, ADG and FE were less for calves transported at 2, 4, and 8 d than at 14 d of age, which could partially be attributed to differences in the incidence rate of scours. In addition, several plasma metabolites could be good predictors of scours in transported calves.

465 Comparative analysis of semantic segmentation and deep regression models with supervised pre-training for accurate prediction of pig body weight from video data: Insights from industry-scale datasets

Abstract Accurate pig body weight (BW) measurement is essential for producers as it is related to pig growth, health, and marketing, yet conventional manual weighing methods are time-consuming and may cause potential stress to the animals. Although there is a growing trend towards the adoption of three-dimensional cameras coupled with computer vision techniques for pig BW estimation, their validation using industry-scale data are still limited. Among the prevailing methodologies, semantic segmentation and supervised pre-training regression are prominent models currently used. Therefore, the objectives of this study were: 1) to estimate pig BW from repeatedly measured video data obtained from a commercial setting, 2) to compare the performance of the two image analysis methods: thresholding segmentation and deep regression approaches, and 3) to evaluate the predictive ability of BW estimation models. An Intel RealSense D435 camera was installed in the commercial farm to collect top-view videos of 540 pigs biweekly at five different time points over three months. At the same time, manually measured BW records were collected using a digital weighing system. We used an automated video conversion pipeline and fine-tuned YOLOv8 to pre-process the raw depth videos. Subsequently, we acquired a total of 151,756 depth images and depth map files. Adaptive thresholding was applied to segment the pig body from the background. Four image-derived biometric features, including dorsal length, abdominal width, height, and volume, were estimated from the segmented images and fitted using ordinary least squares and random forest models. We applied transfer learning by initializing the weights of five deep learning models, including ResNet50, Xception, EfficientNetV2S, ConvNeXtBase, and Vision Transformer, with pre-trained weights from ImageNet. We then fine-tuned these models on the pig depth images. The last layer of each model was adapted to linear regression, enabling direct estimation of BW for each image without the need for additional image pre-processing steps. We employed random repeated subsampling cross-validation, dividing 80% of the pigs for training and 20% for testing, to evaluate prediction performance at each time point. The best prediction coefficients of determination and mean absolute percentage error for each time point were 0.76, 0.86, 0.90, 0.83, 0.90, and 4.57%, 3.76%, 3.01%, 3.41%, 4.84%, respectively. On average, the Xception model resulted in the best prediction coefficient of determination and mean absolute percentage error of 0.90 and 3.01%. Our results suggest that deep learning-based supervised learning models improve the prediction performance of pig BW from industry-scale depth video data.

509 Growth and health of Holstein and Holstein x Angus calves from birth to the end of the grower phase

Abstract Feedlot growth performance and carcass traits often differ between Holstein and dairy-beef crossbred calves. However, little is known about their performance and health during the growing phase when reared under similar conditions. This study aimed to compare purebred Holstein (n = 20) and Holstein x Angus crossbred (n = 20) steers from birth until the end of the grower phase. Male calves sourced from one commercial farm arrived at a calf rearing facility at 4.7 ± 1.94 d of age. Calves were fed milk replacer (24 % CP, 20% fat) twice daily at 12 % of birth body weight (BW) for the first 2 wk after arrival and 15 % BW thereafter until wk 6. Calves were gradually weaned from wk 7 to 9. Calves were offered starter (21 % CP, 28% starch) ad libitum until wk 12, and were fed a grower diet (15 % CP, 56 % starch) until wk 32. Milk intake was recorded daily and starter intake on a weekly basis. Once on the growing diet, feed intake was recorded daily using automated feed bins (Roughage Intake Control system, Hokofarm Group). Until wk 12, fecal and respiratory scores were recorded twice daily to estimate the incidence of disease, BW was measured weekly and frame measurements (hip and wither heights, and heart and chest girth) were recorded on wk 4, 7 and 12. From wk 12 to 32, BW and frame measurements were recorded monthly. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX (SAS 9.4), with breed as fixed, and calf and time as random effects. There were no differences between breeds in initial BW (P = 0.69), proportion of days with diarrhea (P = 0.21) or respiratory disease (P = 0.11), intake of milk (P = 0.45), starter (P = 0.83) or grower diet (P = 0.28). Crossbred calves tended to have greater average daily gain during the rearing phase (P = 0.07) and were growing 250 g/d faster than Holstein calves throughout the growing phase (P < 0.01). Thus, at the end of the growing phase, crossbred calves were 33.5 kg heavier than Holstein calves and had a better feed conversion rate (P < 0.01). During the growing phase, crossbred calves had larger heart and chest girths (P < 0.01) than Holstein calves, whereas hip and wither heights were higher (P < 0.01) for Holstein calves throughout the study. Overall, crossbred calves had greater average daily gain and improved feed conversion rate than Holstein calves during the growing phase, but it remains unknown if these differences will affect their feedlot performance.

464 Awardee Talk: Gastrointestinal tract physiology in young pigs

Abstract It is indeed a great privilege to have been awarded the 2024 American Feed Industry Association Award in Nonruminant Nutrition Research. I am honored to follow in the footsteps of many great non-ruminant nutritionists in the industry. I commenced my career in the pork industry with a PhD in digestive nutritional physiology focusing on the newly weaned piglet that, some 35 yr later, is still the subject of significant interest amongst researchers, veterinarians and practitioners, and producers alike. My research was amongst the first to demonstrate direct relationships between voluntary feed intake after weaning and structure and function of the small intestine, corresponding to production consequences. To circumvent intestinal tract disturbances after weaning, antibiotic growth promotors (AGPs)/prophylactic levels of antibiotics and mineral compounds (e.g., ZnO) were routinely included in diets. With the withdrawal of AGPs and in some jurisdictions, in-feed medications and ZnO, the commercial importance of maximizing feed intake in the post-weaning period, with appropriate inclusion of fiber and selected feed additives, has become even more apparent. Some of the more recent work I have been involved in, still involving the gastrointestinal tract, has explored the interrelationships as to why progeny born to first-litter sows perform worse than progeny born to multiparous sows. This is a global issue for the pork industry, especially in view of increasing litter size, yet remains one that has been relatively underexplored. A series of Australian studies using primiparous and multiparous sows, and their progeny conducted on commercial farms confirmed these findings, and reported some significant physiological, immunological, and anatomical differences between piglets born to different parity mothers. Piglets born to first-litter sows are born and weaned lighter than their counterparts born to older sows, suggesting they suffer poorer acquisition of maternal immunity and delays in intestinal tract development and skeletal muscle both in utero and soon after birth, and around weaning. Piglets born to first-litter sows enter weaning with reduced intestinal tract integrity and show some signs of reduced immunocompetence, which taken together, may impede their ability to cope with the stressors of weaning. Weaned piglets are typically treated collectively and are not managed by parity, but lifelong consequences of being born to a first-litter sow suggests further work needs to be done in this field. Gastrointestinal tract structure and function in piglets, and indeed in all neonates, is intricately associated with ‘gut health’, which was a term not even in the lexicon of the pork industry when I began my career. It is pleasing to see that the study of the gastrointestinal tract continues today, stronger than ever, as advances in science and methodologies allow for greater introspection of this organ and its multi-directional influences on the biology of the pig.

A geospatial approach to identifying and mapping areas of relative environmental pressure on ecosystem integrity

The influence of increasing anthropogenic pressure on ecosystem integrity, such as land use change, is resulting in many ecosystems experiencing a decline in their ability to maintain balanced functions and services. Identifying and quantifying these pressures over different scales is challenging and thus impacting the achievement or maintenance of key environmental outcomes. In this study, a GIS-based and scalable tool was developed, the Relative Environmental Pressure (REP) Tool, to address these challenges. The REP tool combines an ecosystem integrity conceptual framework with a weighted linear combination analysis to quantify and rank relative environmental pressure across the scale of interest. The REP Tool was developed as an automated Python-based model in a PyCharm working environment using ArcGIS Pro Arcpy scripting. The REP Tool was applied to spatially contiguous geospatial data for the Province of Alberta, Canada and dynamically scaled relative to Hydrologic Unit Codes at level 8 (HUC8) along with regional and sub-regional scale sub-watersheds. Both cumulative and individual relative pressure levels were calculated and mapped for specific ecosystem integrity framework-derived Environmental Pressure Groups (EPGs) including Atmospheric Alteration, Sedimentation, Habitat Alteration, Hydrologic Alteration, and Social Pressure. Data driven Jenks natural breaks were then applied to classify the relative environmental pressures into a nine-level ranking system. The resulting visualization and data outputs from the REP Tool clearly show that the highest cumulative relative environmental pressure values align with the distribution of major population centres, zones of intense agriculture and major industrial activity. These regions reflect the physiography of Alberta with the Rocky Mountain and Boreal natural regions dominated by low relative environmental pressure. As scales become smaller and more refined, the location of the higher relative environmental pressure levels typically become more subdivided with greater spatial precision where higher pressured areas are located. These patterns are repeated when looking at individual EPGs but with enhanced differentiation of pressure as scales are refined. The framework and geospatial science driven approach behind the REP Tool can be universally applied to support enhanced understanding of relative environmental pressures in, or between regions, as well as informing adaptive environmental resource management and monitoring activities.

Bio-control of soil-borne virus infection by seed application of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract and the rhamnolipid Rhapynal

Main conclusionSeed-application of the natural products protects sugar beet and wheat plants against infection with plasmodiophorid-transmitted viruses and thus may represent an efficient, environmentally friendly, easy and cost effective biocontrol strategy.In times of intensive agriculture, resource shortening and climate change, alternative, more sustainable and eco-friendly plant protection strategies are required. Here, we tested the potential of the natural plant substances Glycyrrhiza glabra leaf extract (GE) and the rhamnolipid Rhapynal (Rha) applied to seeds to protect against infection of sugar beet and wheat with soil-borne plant viruses. The soil-borne Polymyxa betae- and Polymyxa graminis-transmitted viruses cause extensive crop losses in agriculture and efficient control strategies are missing. We show that GE and Rha both efficiently protect plants against infection with soil-borne viruses in sugar beet and wheat when applied to seeds. Moreover, the antiviral protection effect is independent of the cultivar used. No protection against Polymyxa sp. was observed after seed treatment with the bio-substances at our analysis time points. However, when we applied the bio-substances directly to soil a significant anti-Polymyxa graminis effect was obtained in roots of barley plants grown in the soil as well as in the treated soil. Despite germination can be affected by high concentrations of the substances, a range of antiviral protection conditions with no effect on germination were identified. Seed-treatment with the bio-substances did not negatively affect plant growth and development in virus-containing soil, but was rather beneficial for plant growth. We conclude that seed treatment with GE and Rha may represent an efficient, ecologically friendly, non-toxic, easy to apply and cost efficient biocontrol measure against soil-borne virus infection in plants.

Cold storage conditions affect ‘Shepard’ avocado fruit ripening and quality

ABSTRACT There has been little research into long storage of ‘Shepard’ avocado. Simulated conditions for sea freight of Australian-grown fruit to key Asian markets were investigated. Thirteen storage treatments were applied to fruit of premium quality sourced from two commercial farms. Compared with the generally recommended 7°C, fruit stored at 5.5°C for up to 28 days were firmer at removal, slow to ripen, and had less severe flesh rots at the ripe stage. Compared with regular air storage (Air), controlled atmosphere (CA; 2% O2 and 5% CO2) decreased weight loss at removal, retarded ripening and, after 28 days of storage, reduced discrete patches on the skin of ripe fruit. However, CA storage also resulted in ripe fruit with more severe shrivel, stem end rot, and vascular browning. For 14 or 21 days at 5.5°C, Air resulted in the best overall quality of ‘Shepard’ fruit. CA was comparatively advantageous after a 28-day storage in improving external quality at ripe. There was considerable variation between both farms in storage effects on fruit ripening and quality. Given the high variability in fruit chilling responses apparently dependent on preharvest factors, further research is warranted to elucidate these results and better evaluate risks under commercial sea freight conditions.

Long-term anthropogenic drivers of diet composition and niche breadth in an endangered avian scavenger: The scant role of sanitary regulations

The widespread and accelerated transformation experienced by our planet results in populations of endangered species having to survive in highly-altered environments and increasingly relying on resources provided by human subsidies. Presently, vultures rank among the most imperiled functional groups of large vertebrates globally, a situation that is largely attributed to the rapid intensification of agriculture and the subsequent transformation of farming practices and agro-grazing landscapes. Hence, documenting the long-term fluctuations in the vultures’ dietary patterns in response to environmental changes, particularly in livestock management, is of utmost significance. Here, by means of bulk stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N), we examined long-term variations in diet composition and niche breadth in a population of the endangered Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) in the north of the Iberian Peninsula. We specifically focused on the effect of European sanitary regulations enacted in 2014, which allow sheep farmers to abandon livestock remains for consumption by scavenging birds, except for pig carcasses. We found that the implementation of these new regulations did not cause a change in the diet of vultures. Changes were only detected in scrubland areas and were driven by an increase in the consumption of wild rabbit which, in turn, lead to expansion of the trophic niche. These results indicate that these endangered vultures are heavily dependent on food sources derived from intensive farming, mostly of pigs illegally disposed in the wild, and moreover, highlight the importance of carcasses of small vertebrates, often disregarded in conservation programs in favor of the contribution of livestock remains. Our research provides valuable insights into the spatiotemporal dynamics of trophic strategies among avian scavengers, specifically in the context of changes resulting from intensified human-pressures on agro-grazing Mediterranean landscapes.

Distance to commercial banks and farm household asset accumulation

Distance to commercial banks and farm household asset accumulation

Effect of Amorphous Halomonas-PHB on Growth, Body Composition, Immune-Related Gene Expression and Vibrio anguillarum Resistance of Hybrid Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × E. lanceolatu ♂) Juveniles.

Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a bacterial metabolite produced by bacteria such as Halomonas sp. that serves as a carbon and energy storage compound for bacteria under nutrient-limited conditions. Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Halomonas-PHB on hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × E. lanceolatu ♂). In experiment I, juvenile groupers were fed basal diets supplemented with 3% Halomonas-PHB (3% HM-PHB) containing 1.4% PHB and 3% Halomonas (3% HM) without PHB, as well as a control diet, for seven weeks. The results showed no significant difference in survival rate, weight gain, and crude fat content between the 3% HM-PHB group and the control group; however, the crude protein of the 3% HM-PHB group was significantly lower than that of the control group. Furthermore, supplementation with 3% HM-PHB increased the fatty acids content in fish muscles, including long-chain unsaturated fatty acids C18:1n9, EPA, and DHA. In experiment II, groupers were fed a basal diet supplemented with 6.5% Halomonas-PHB (6.5% HM-PHB) containing 3% PHB and 6.5% Halomonas (6.5% HM) containing no PHB, as well as a basal diet (Control). After seven weeks of rearing, the fish were challenged with Vibrio anguillarum for 48 h. Although no significant difference in survival rate and growth was observed among different groups, the dietary supplement of 6.5% Halomonas-PHB improved the survival rate of V. anguillarum challenged grouper and significantly increased the gene expressions of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in blood, interleukin 1 (IL1) and interleukin 10 (IL10) in the liver, spleen, head kidney, and blood (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of Halomonas-PHB had no significantly positive effect on fish growth performance but increased the content of fatty acids, including long-chain unsaturated fatty acids C18:1n9, EPA, and DHA in fish muscle; it also improved the V. anguillarum resistance, possibly through increasing immune-related gene expression in different tissues and organs. Our findings offer compelling evidence that Halomonas-PHB can be utilized as a feed additive in intensive grouper farming to enhance the groupers' resistance to Vibrio.

The role of conservation agriculture in enhancing biodiversity and common beans productivity

Conservation of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes is vital for maintaining ecosystem stability and resilience. Conservation agriculture, a sustainable farming approach that involves minimum tillage and reduced use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and growth promoters, has gained attention as a potential strategy to enhance biodiversity and reduce production costs. This study investigated the role of conservation agriculture in enhancing biodiversity and common bean productivity in Tanzania. The study compared plots practicing conservation agriculture (minimum tillage and reduced agrochemical use) with those using conventional farming methods. Biodiversity metrics, that is, earthworm populations, bird species richness, bird nest abundance, bird species diversity, bee visitation rates, and bean yield were assessed. The results showed significant positive effects of conservation agriculture on biodiversity, emphasizing its potential role in promoting sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and household improvement due to reduced production costs and increased yield per unit area. Earthworms per meter square observed to increase from 12 in the non-conservation plots to 34 in the conservation plots, which is likely to improve nutrient cycling and productivity. Furthermore, conservation plots had a higher number of bird species flying around (36−76) compared with 14–32 in non-conservation plots (4000 m2) at 50 % bean flowering. The number of bird nests observed in the two plots during bean harvesting varied significantly (P<0.05), where the number of bird nests observed in 4000 m2 of non-conservation plots ranged from 14 to 36, compared to 12–62 in conservation plots. High bird nest numbers in conservation plots indicated higher bird habitat quality in conservation plots than in non-conservation plots. Bees as chief pollinators, bees visiting conservation plots during 50 % flowering per square meter ranged from 5 to 11, compared to 2–6 in non-conservation plots. Bee visitation to bean flowers has a significant influence on productivity, as it influences pollen transfer and fertilization. Common beans yield among plots ranged 0.9 tons/ha to 1.4 tons/ha in conservation plots compared to 0.35–1.01 tons/ha, in non-conservation plots. Land use conservation contributes considerably to economic growth through increased productivity and reduced production costs, where the production cost is reduced by 50 % in conservation plots compared with non-conservation plots. However, the present study was conducted in a single location with smallholder farmers; hence, further experiments over larger areas and longer time periods are needed for a more robust conclusion.

Nutritional composition and technological properties determining the quality of different cuts of organic and conventional Turkey meat

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional composition and technological properties of meat from turkeys produced under organic conditions and compare them with those of turkeys produced under conventional conditions. Twenty carcasses of female B.U.T. Premium turkeys (Aviagen Turkeys) were obtained directly from the abattoir ten h after slaughter time of animals. Ten carcasses originated from female turkeys reared under conventional intensive husbandry conditions for meat-type turkeys (on average, 5611.8 ± 196.2 g of carcass weight) and the other ten carcasses corresponded to female turkeys raised under certified organic free-range conditions (PavosBio, Ávila, Spain) (on average, 5528.5 ± 354.4 g of carcass weight). Breast, thigh and wing meat samples were analyzed from each turkey: Chemical composition, fatty acid profile, free amino acids, mineral and vitamins content, color, and texture. Meat from female turkeys reared under organic conditions presented higher fat content in breast (1.90 vs. 1.01%, P = 0.032), thigh (3.79 vs. 2.68%, P = 0.022) and wing (12.0 vs. 8.91%, P = 0.012) than meat of female turkeys reared under intensive conventional conditions. The proportion of saturated fatty acids was higher in the meat of intensively reared female turkeys than in those reared under organic conditions (42.8 vs. 38.1%, P = 0.017 in breast; 38.8 vs. 33.6%, P = 0.0053 in thigh and 40.2 vs. 33.9%, P < 0.001 in wing). On the contrary, the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids was higher in meat of organic turkeys (41.4 vs. 35.6%, P = 0.012 in breast; 42.3 vs. 35.6%, P < 0.001 in thigh and 46.9 vs. 39.3%, P = 0.011 in wing). Concentration of riboflavin and pyridoxine was higher by 21.1% (P = 0.010) and by 154% (P = 0.006), respectively, in meat from organically raised female turkeys than in that of female turkeys reared under intensive conditions. The organic turkey meat analyzed contained a higher proportion B2 and B6, lipids and monounsaturated fatty acids, and a lower content of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

A DUF21 domain-containing protein regulates plant dwarfing in watermelon.

Dwarf or semi-dwarf plant structures are well-suited for intensive farming, maximizing yield, and minimizing labor costs. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is classified as an annual vine plant with elongated internodes, yet the mechanism governing watermelon dwarfing remains unclear. In this study, a compact watermelon mutant dwarf, induced by the insertion of T-DNA, was discovered. Through re-sequencing, a gene named domain of unknown function 21 (ClDUF21), located downstream of the T-DNA insertion site, was identified as the candidate gene for the dwarf mutant, and its functionality was subsequently confirmed. Watermelon mutants generated through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of ClDUF21 revealed that homozygous mutants displayed a pronounced dwarfing phenotype, and protein-protein interaction analysis confirmed the direct interaction between ClDUF21 and ClDWF1. Subsequently, we employed CRISPR/Cas9 technology to precisely modify the homologous gene CsDUF21 in cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and performed protein interaction validation between CsDUF21 and CsDWF1, thereby demonstrating that the CsDUF21 gene also exhibits analogous functionality in plant dwarfing. These findings demonstrate that ClDUF21 governs plant dwarfism by modulating the brassinosteroid synthesis pathway via ClDWF1.

Half substitution of mineral N with fish protein hydrolysate enhancing microbial residue C and N storage and climate benefits under high straw residue return

The widespread utilization of straw return was a popular practice straw disposal for highly intensive agriculture in China, which has brought about some negative impacts such as less time for straw complete biodegradation, aggravation of greenhouse gas evolution, and lower efficient of carbon accumulation. It was urgent to find an eco-friendly N-rich organic fertilizer instead of mineral N as activator to solve the above problems and lead a carbon accumulation in long tern management. Besides, microbial necromass was considered as a crucial contributor to persistent soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pool. How organic fertilizer activators influence microbial residue under different amount of crop residues input remained unclear. Thus, soils incorporating moderate and high rate of rice straw residue with additions of half and full of organic activators (fish protein hydrolysates vs. manure) were incubated for measuring carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emission, microbial community and necromass. It was found that soil CO2 emission was rapidest during the first 13 days of straw decomposition but remained lowest in the treatments of 50% mineral N substituted by fish protein hydrolysate. There were that 81%–89% of total CO2 release and 59%–65% of total N2O emission occurred within 60 days of incubation period, and bacterial community and nitrate positively affected soil CO2 and N2O release respectively. Straw incorporation amount and organic activator application interactively influenced soil CO2 emission but not affected soil N2O emission. After 360 days of incubation, the difference of bacterial necromass was noticeable but fungal necromass remained almost unaltered across all treatments. All treatments showed generally comparable contribution of microbial necromass N to the total N pool. The treatment of 50% mineral N substituted by fish protein hydrolysate under high rate of straw input (HSF50) promoted the highest proportion of microbial necromass C in soil organic C because of alleviating N limitation for microorganisms. Finally, HSF50 was recommended as an eco-friendly strategy for enhancing microbial necromass C and N storage and climate benefits in agroecosystems.

Selected farm-level crop protection practices in Europe and Argentina: Opportunities for moving toward sustainable use of pesticides

Extensive use of plant protection products (PPP) in the last decades contributes to negative impacts on ecosystems, animals and humans. For the strategies of PPP reduction and replacement of hazardous pesticides, farm-level data on agronomic management practices and crop protection applications are crucial. In this study, we strategically collected data for the 2021 season at the SPRINT project case study sites (CSS) in 10 European countries and Argentina, on perennial, arable and vegetable crops. Data collection included strategically selected farm and field data, pesticide records and farming practices. Results involved more than 1700 recorded PPP applications across various crops with more than 170 different active substances from PPP in organic, integrated pest management and conventional farming practices. We explored differences in application patterns (fungicides, insecticides, herbicides and non-PPP, e.g. adjuvants, growth regulators, and fertilizers) between and within crops, countries and farming systems and calculated the costs of PPP use. The pesticide dosages applied during the crop season varied up to a factor of 20 around recommended doses. Regarding the costs of PPPs use perennial crops had the highest costs per ha crop production area. Finally, we analysed the active substances applied in different farming systems in terms of their hazard statements. Our results shed light on how PPPs are used across different crop and farming types and will help elucidate how pesticide application patterns can be changed in the future. Finally, we highlighted non-PPP use practices which help to reduce dependency on PPP use. This might be used to support decision-making and policies within agricultural advisory/support systems.

Assessment of Risk Factors Associated with and Practices of Cattle Farmers in Kirehe District Rwanda with Respect to Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Pathogens.

Rural Rwandan communities face health challenges for humans and animals, and the topography and climate of the Kirehe District of Rwanda put farmers at high risk for mosquito-borne diseases. Individuals from 92 Rwandan farms were surveyed about farm practices, as well as animal and human health histories between December 2017 and February 2018. Human, animal, and environmental factors were investigated to determine whether there is a pattern of risk for abortion incidence and/or history of malarial disease on the farm. Iterative, complementary logistic regression models were used to determine whether there was an association between variables and abortion history in animals. These factors were then used to investigate association with a reported history of malaria. Of the 92 farms in our study, 82 were family farms and 10 were commercial farms. On average, 88% of the farms had cattle, and 30% of farms had experienced a cattle abortion in the past 2 years. There was no observed statistical significance in the risk factors for history of abortion in cattle and the measured variables. Using One Health as a guiding framework, we sought to determine whether human, animal, and environmental factors were statistically associated with observed disease outcomes. From our study of the practices of the farmers with respect to biosafety and self-protection against disease, we have identified potential sources of risk that could be targeted to enhance education and protection on these farms.

Pseudopregnancy in Murciano-Granadina dairy goats in Iran: prevalence, risk factors and treatment

This study was conducted in a large industrial Murciano-Granadina dairy goat farm, aiming to investigate prevalence, risk factors and cure rate of pseudopregnancy. Bred does (N = 1310) were examined by ultrasonography, around 40 days after exposure to bucks. The relationships between age, parity, milk production, season, and prevalence of pseudopregnancy were analyzed. In the second part of the study, two groups of affected does (n = 12) were treated by two intramuscular injections of cloprostenol sodium (100 µg per animal, i.m.) 11 days apart, or received the same treatment regimen together with procaine penicillin (20000 IU/kg) and dihydrostreptomycin (20 mg/kg) for three consecutive days, from the time of diagnosis. The prevalence of pseudopregnancy was 9%. The average age of the diseased goats was higher (P = 0.05) compared to non-affected does. The prevalence of pseudopregnancy varied between different age groups (P = 0.0003) and parities (P < 0.0001). A different prevalence of pseudopregnancy was found between different milk production groups (P < 0.0001). Comparing milk production between normal and diseased does showed tended significance, (P = 0.07). The prevalence of pseudopregnancy was similar in and out of the breeding season. Moreover, the cure rate in the first and second treatment group was 66.8% (8/12), and 75% (9/12), respectively (P = 0.6). In conclusion, despite higher prevalence of pseudopregnancy in certain ages and milk production groups, no significant trend by increasing age and milk production group was found. Moreover, adding antibiotic to prostaglandin treatment regimen, failed to significantly improve cure rate and post treatment pregnancy rate.

Urban Agriculture and Food Security in Development Planning

With the world population anticipated to reach over nine billion in 2050, and the majority of whom will live in cities, feeding a predominantly urban population will pose additional challenges to a predominantly rural-based agrifood system. Further, with the focus of economic activity being centered in cities, a development question is whether agriculture in cities should be an integral part of national planning. This is particularly when food insecurity is expected to challenge the poor in cities much more than in the countryside. Urban and peri-urban agriculture has been practiced in many parts of the world through activities ranging from community gardens to commercial farms of varying sizes. A major change, accelerated by supply chain disruptions and the COVID-19 pandemic in the early 2020s, has been the rapid development of technologies (digital, physical, biotechnological) that increases food production capabilities in urban areas and provide economic opportunity for entrepreneurship. Additionally, sizable investments from private equity have seen sophisticated food production facilities, such as indoor vertical vegetable and fish farms and precision fermentation factories, produce novel food such as alternative proteins in city spaces. Apart from the economic and food security benefits arising from urban agriculture, environmental and social benefits have also been demonstrated in cities that have adopted a clear mandate to become “green” and reduce their carbon footprints. This paper provides a background on urban farming, its justification as a worthwhile activity, and the rationale for explicitly including urban agriculture in national planning.

The artefact from Kwiatków: the earliest spur featuring a zoomorphic motif from the slavic lands

Abstract In 2014, a fragment of a spur was discovered at the site in Kwiatków, Turek District, Brudzew Commune, within section G75, in mechanical layer I. This artefact likely originated from an early medieval burial ground located nearby, with its original site possibly altered due to intensive farming. The presented spur exemplifies extraordinary craftsmanship. This paper is a case study, the purpose of which is to examine the title artefact, while referencing other analogous discoveries. The uniqueness of this artefact lies in the absence of direct parallels to other objects featuring horse motifs of similar chronology. Consequently, an effort has been made to compare the spurs from Kwiatków with those of the Lutomiersk type, specimens with hooked fastenings, and artefacts unrelated to equestrian equipment. Furthermore, an analysis of the ornamentation, including its significance and manufacturing technique, has been conducted. The artefact has also undergone laboratory testing. The results obtained from XRF spectrometry, carried out at the Conservation and Dating Laboratory of the Institute of Archaeology, University of Łódź, were correlated with the results of studies of spurs from Pomerania, Silesia, the upper Elbe River area, and Moravia. Specialised examinations of the Kwiatków spur revealed the presence of zinc as an alloying element. This paper also delves into the manufacturing techniques of the Kwiatków artefact, utilising current findings on the specificity of early medieval crafts. This spur contributes to a collection of similar discoveries associated with the products of communities inhabiting the West Slavic lands. Fragmentarily preserved and lacking contextual dating, the Kwiatków spur has no precise analogues in Polish lands to date. An attempt to classify the artefact resulted in its assignment to technotype I according to J. Żak, suggesting a chronology between the 8th and 9th centuries, corresponding to the pottery found at the Kwiatków site. The presence of these materials and of the title artefact, potentially linked to an early medieval cemetery, significantly enhances our understanding of this period in history.