Livestock Exports Research Articles

Pasture intensification is insufficient to relieve pressure on conservation priority areas in open agricultural markets

Agricultural expansion is a leading driver of biodiversity loss across the world, but little is known on how future land-use change may encroach on remaining natural vegetation. This uncertainty is, in part, due to unknown levels of future agricultural intensification and international trade. Using an economic land-use model, we assessed potential future losses of natural vegetation with a focus on how these may threaten biodiversity hotspots and intact forest landscapes. We analysed agricultural expansion under proactive and reactive biodiversity protection scenarios, and for different rates of pasture intensification. We found growing food demand to lead to a significant expansion of cropland at the expense of pastures and natural vegetation. In our reference scenario, global cropland area increased by more than 400Mha between 2015 and 2050, mostly in Africa and Latin America. Grazing intensification was a main determinant of future land-use change. In Africa, higher rates of pasture intensification resulted in smaller losses of natural vegetation, and reduced pressure on biodiversity hotspots and intact forest landscapes. Investments into raising pasture productivity in conjunction with proactive land-use planning appear essential in Africa to reduce further losses of areas with high conservation value. In Latin America, in contrast, higher pasture productivity resulted in increased livestock exports, highlighting that unchecked trade can reduce the land savings of pasture intensification. Reactive protection of sensitive areas significantly reduced the conversion of natural ecosystems in Latin America. We conclude that protection strategies need to adapt to region-specific trade positions. In regions with a high involvement in international trade, area-based conservation measures should be preferred over strategies aimed at increasing pasture productivity, which by themselves might not be sufficient to protect biodiversity effectively.

Theileria lestoquardi in Sudan is highly diverse and genetically distinct from that in Oman

Malignant ovine theileriosis is a severe tick-borne protozoan disease of sheep and other small ruminants which is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. The disease is of considerable economic importance in Sudan as the export of livestock provides a major contribution to the gross domestic product of this country. Molecular surveys have demonstrated a high prevalence of sub-clinical infections of Theileria lestoquardi, the causative agent, among small ruminants. No information is currently available on the extent of genetic diversity and genetic exchange among parasites in different areas of the country. The present study used a panel of T. lestoquardi specific micro- and mini-satellite genetic markers to assess diversity of parasites in Sudan (Africa) and compared it to that of the parasite population in Oman (Asia). A moderate level of genetic diversity was observed among parasites in Sudan, similar to that previously documented among parasites in Oman. However, a higher level of mixed-genotype infection was identified in Sudanese animals compared to Omani animals, consistent with a higher rate of tick transmission. In addition, the T. lestoquardi genotypes detected in these two countries form genetically distinct groups. The results of this work highlight the need for analysis of T. lestoquardi populations in other endemic areas in the region to inform on novel approaches for controlling malignant theileriosis.

Export competitiveness and performance of Indian livestock export: A balance panel data analysis

Export competitiveness and performance of Indian livestock export: A balance panel data analysis

Determinants Factors Affecting the Red Meat of Livestock Exports during the Period of (2004-2015), Khartoum, Sudan

Abstract : The study was carried out at Khartoum, Sudan during the period of (2018). The paper investigated the main reasons effect the recent trends of the Sudanese red meat export, as well as specifying the main importers of Sudanese during the period of (2004-2015). The paper used secondary data and relevant documents to the field of study. A set of research tools and methods including; the liner regression, descriptive analysis of the time series data. The study findings have shown that the livestock red meat trends experienced several changes throughout the examined period. The trends of livestock head showed improvements by (R² = 69). Regarding the production, domestic consumption and the total export are gradually decreased by the (R² = 0.379, R² = 0.522 and R² = 0.209) respectively. The exchange rate movements (USD) of (R² = 0.735) sharply increased and went up till (2015). Moreover, the Sudanese red meat main importers are Saudi Arabia, Jordon, Quarter, Emirates and Oman. Furthermore, exporting of the red meat is economically profitable and gains a hard currency. The paper recommend: On the production level; to improve the livestock feeding, improve genetic, provide technical and experienced personal. At the industries level; to monitor the livestock farming, slaughtering houses and the markets. At the export level; to establish a modern slaughtering house particularly, at Khartoum level and to stick on the quality control to fulfill the export requirements and improve competitiveness in foreign markets. To gains the exports revenues; is to export the livestock products in different form not as row material. Future and the research direction should focus on the livestock products both domestic and import to gains the economics and profitable in different form and crated the utilities and the value added by grading and standardization of the livestock products; weight, age, facts, cover including hoofs and fleece to the import countries.

SEROPREVALENCIA DE LEUCOSIS ENZOÓTICA BOVINA EN ANIMALES ENTRE 6 A 24 MESES EN LAS PROVINCIAS DE MANABÍ, PICHINCHA Y CHIMBORAZO - ECUADOR

La Leucosis Enzoótica Bovina (LEB o LVB) es una enfermedad vírica, manifestada por la presencia de neoplasiasy también presentándose de forma asintomática en bovinos de cualquier edad. Su trascendencia socioeconómicaradica en las pérdidas por disminución de la productividad lechera, pérdidas reproductivas y decomisos en camales,impidiendo también la exportación de ganado o derivados del mismo. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinarla seroprevalencia de LEB en animales menores de dos años en las provincias de Pichincha, Manabí y Chimborazo,las cuales reportan gran producción lechera en Ecuador. Se analizaron 3 307 muestras de suero sanguíneo bovinomediante la técnica serológica ELISA indirecto, de las cuales 480 fueron de Pichincha, 2 348 de Manabí y 479 deChimborazo. Pichincha presentó una seroprevalencia de 8.13%, con el mayor porcentaje de animales enfermos enla principal cuenca lechera del país, el cantón Mejía. En Manabí se observó 0.89% de seroprevalencia de LEB y enChimborazo 3.13%. Utilizando chi cuadrado para determinar la relación entre las variables evaluadas y la apariciónde LEB, se reveló que no existe asociación, mostrando un resultado de 105.14, 7.48, 140.91 y 38.87 frente a valores dep de 11.34 (clima), 9.21 (altitud), 18.48 (edad) y 9.21 (propósito del ganado). Sin embargo, se observó mayor tendenciaa enfermar en clima templado y mayor altitud, lo que pudo explicarse por la similitud en las prácticas de manejoy la explotación tipo intensivo. Los datos obtenidos significan una línea base de estudio de la cual se puede partirpara elaborar un plan de control sanitario de LEB desde edades tempranas del ganado bovino y emprender en otrasinvestigaciones.

Pasteurella organism: Its isolation and identification from pneumonic lungs of goats in Ethiopia

Objective: The objective of this study was to isolate and identify Pasteurella spp. associated with pneumonic lungs showing respiratory signs of goats in Ethiopia. Materials and methods: A total of 2400 goats that were slaughtered at the Hashim’s Ethiopian Livestock and Meat Export abattoir, Ethiopia were randomly selected for this cross-sectional study during the period of October 2013 to July 2014. Detail ante-mortem, and post-mortem (PM) lesions were inspected, and the suspected samples were collected aseptically from the lungs. Among 2400 goats, 31(1.29%) goats were not slaughtered because these goats showed severe clinical signs. Thus, 2369 goats were slaughtered finally. The collected samples were subjected for isolation and identification of bacterial species following conventional methods such as culture and biochemical examinations. Results: Out of 2400 goats examined, 960(40%) animals showed different abnormal respiratory signs. Based on PM findings, 16.21% (n=384/2369) lungs were found as pneumonic, of which 78.38% (n=301/384) were found to be associated with Pasteurella organism. The overall prevalence of Pasteurella organism (Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida) was 12.71% (n=301/2369). In this study, youngers and goats with medium body condition score (BCS) had greater probability (P<0.05) to be infected by the bacteria though there was no difference in exposure to the organism among goats from Arsi, Bale and Hararghe. On the other hand, out of 301 positive cases, 274(91.03%) were caused by M. haemolytica, and 27(8.97%) were caused by P. multocida isolates. Conclusion: Pasteurella organism especially M. hemolytica is one of the most common causes of pneumonic pasteurellosis in caprine at the study area. So, chemoprophylaxis needs to be given to small ruminants prior to transportation or other stress conditions. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2017.d202 XML PubReader

A Retrospective Study on the Causes of Carcass and Organ Condemnation and Financial Loss in Debrezeit Helmex Abattoir

Objectives: To assess the major causes of organ and carcass condemnation of sheep and goats slaughtered at Hashim Nurs’ Ethiopian Livestock and Meat Export (HELMEX) abattoir and to estimate the magnitude of direct financial loss attributed to the condemned organs and carcasses. Methods: A retrospective data of four year period from October 2005 to October 2008 was analyzed to identify the causes of organs and carcass condemnation in slaughtered sheep and goats at HELMEX abattoir of Debre Zeit. The international and domestic average price during the four year period was used to calculate the financial losses. Results: A total of 1,883,652 small ruminants (1,36,484 sheep and 1, 747, 168 goats) were slaughtered in the four year period and 313,331 (16.63%) livers, 215,185 (11.42%) lung, 104,368 (5.54%) heart, 133,295 (6.02%) kidney, 107,748 (5.72%) brain and 27,153 (1.44%) carcasses were condemned due to gross abnormalities. The present survey revealed that hepatitis (33.27%) in the liver, pneumonia (48.19%) in the lung, pericarditis (92.37%) in the heart, nephritis (65.13%) in the kidney, Coenurus cerebralis (70.14%) in the brain and bruising (21.71%) in the carcass were found to be the major condition responsible for the respective organs and carcasses condemnation. Annual financial losses from domestic and international market of carcass at HELMEX abattoir in a period of 4-years was 174 million of USD/1,476 millions of ETB. Conclusion: The result of present work suggest that immediate control and prevention of the prevailing conditions which helps the country to compete in the current attractive market there by increase the foreign exchange earnings.

Development of an effective sampling strategy for ammonia, temperature and relative humidity measurement during sheep transport by ship

Ammonia, high temperature and high humidity have adverse effects on animals during long distance livestock export from Australia to the Middle East, but none of these is effectively measured currently. On the basis of data maps obtained on two voyages of live sheep export, this study determined sampling strategies for ammonia, temperature and humidity measurement on the vessel. The difference between predicted high and low ammonia sites on the shipment could be detected with approximately 5 measurement sites of each. Margins of error were determined, which suggested that dry bulb temperature could be measured with 6–8 measurement sites, but even 20 measurement sites were not sufficient to measure relative humidity. For the vessel recorded, considerably more ammonia measurement sites are required on closed decks than on open decks, with less variation for temperature measurement. The number of pens measured contributed more to the variance of ammonia and temperature measurement than the number of sampling locations within each pen on open decks. This study highlights the importance of a suitable sampling strategy to measure ammonia, temperature and relative humidity on board ship during live export.

Briefing: African dam building as extraversion: The case of Sudan's dam programme, Nubian resistance, and the Saudi-Iranian proxy war in Yemen

On 3 November 2015, under the watchful eyes of Saudi King Salman and Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir, their respective finance ministers, Ibrahim Al-Assaf and Badredin Mahmoud, signed four agreements that committed the kingdom to funding three big dam projects in Sudan, as well as the cultivation and irrigation of more than a million acres near already-constructed dams on Sudanese territory.1 These framework accords were expanded upon when, in February 2016, Al-Assaf travelled to Khartoum to meet Mutaz Musa, Minister of Water Resources and Electricity and head of Sudan's hugely powerful Dam Implementation Unit. Ignoring the howls of anti-dam protesters assaulted by security forces, Al-Assaf committed US$5 billion in dam project finance to Sudan, which has struggled to revive economic growth following the secession of South Sudan in 2011 and the loss of three-quarters of its oil production. The multi-billion dollar promises are a quid pro quo for the participation of the Sudanese Armed Forces since March 2015 in the devastating war waged in Yemen against Houthi insurgents by King Salman and his 30-year-old Deputy Crown Prince, Mohammad. Apart from receiving extensive support at central bank level over the 2015 summer, the military-Islamist Al-Ingaz (Salvation) regime in Khartoum also extracted concessions for the building of a thermal power plant, rural development initiatives, and greater efforts to facilitate Sudanese livestock exports to the Kingdom. Its key demand, however, was the funding of the construction of the dams.

Análisis comparativo del comercio agropecuario de tres países (México, China y Canadá) con Estados Unidos de América (1990-2011)

Se analizó el flujo comercial de los productos agropecuarios hacia Estados Unidos de América (EE.UU.), provenientes de sus tres principales socios comerciales. En los últimos tres años China se ha colocado como el principal proveedor co-mercial de EE.UU., en detrimento de Canadá y México. La crisis económica de 2008 afectó las exportaciones agropecua-rias, especialmente las de Canadá. Pese a lo anterior, dicho país y México lideran las importaciones agropecuarias de EE.UU. y presentan mayor especialización que China. A fu-turo, y considerando los altos índices de crecimiento de este último, es de esperar una mayor competencia, especialmente en los productos con mayor vida de anaquel, lo que afecta principalmente a Canadá. México sigue siendo líder en la ca-tegoría 08 y no se prevé competencia con China.

Sero-prevalence of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in bulls originated from Borena pastoral area of Southern Ethiopia.

Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is a highly infectious cattle disease, which is widespread in pastoral areas of Africa, and it imposes a major problem on Ethiopian livestock export market. Cross-sectional study was conducted in 2011 on bulls originated from Borena pastoral area to determine seroprevalence of CBPP. Forty batches of bulls containing 38,187 Borana bulls were tested using c-ELISA. Of the total 40 batches tested for the presence of antibodies, 25 (62.5%) of them contained at least one seropositive bull. From the total of 38,187 bulls tested, 150 (0.4%) bulls were positive. The number of seropositive animals increases as the herd size increases (P < 0.05). Both at herd and individual level, the highest CBPP prevalence was recorded in herd size >1000, and the difference was found statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was statistically significant (χ (2) = 23.73, df = 9, P = 0.005) difference of CBPP prevalence between months of the year. The present low prevalence of CBPP in the cattle feedlots indicates that the disease is decreasing progressively in Borena pastoral area, this might be associated with the ongoing mass vaccination campaign against economically important livestock diseases in pastoral areas. The decrease in the prevalence of CBPP offered a great opportunity to livestock producers and live animal and meat exporters by improving the demand of Ethiopian livestock on international market. Regular reintroduction of infected cattle from neighboring countries or herds where the disease remains endemic may change the disease dynamics again. Therefore, mass blanket vaccinations coupled with prompt diagnosis, isolation and stamping out of the outbreaks, intensive surveillance, followed by strict cattle movement control should be implemented by concerned parties.

An 8-year longitudinal sero-epidemiological study of bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) infection in dairy cattle in Turkey and analysis of risk factors associated with BLV seropositivity.

Enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) which is caused by bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) has an important economic impact on dairy herds due to reduced milk production and restrictions on livestock exports. This study was conducted to determine the BLV infection status in Central Anatolia Region of Turkey, an important milk production centre, and to examine the risk factors such as purchasing cattle, increasing cattle age, cattle breed and herd size associated with transmission of BLV infection. To estimate the rate of BLV infection, a survey for specific antibodies in 28,982 serum samples from animals belonging to 1116 different herds situated in Central Anatolia Region of Turkey were tested from January 2006 to December 2013. A generalized mixed linear model was used to evaluate the risk factors that influenced BLV seroprevalence. Antibodies against BLV were detected in 431 (2.28%) of 18,822 Holstein and 29 (0.28%) of 10,160 Brown Swiss cows. Among 1116 herds, 132 herds (11.82%) had one or more positive animals. Also results of our study show that the prevalence of BLV infection increased from 2006 to 2011, and it tends to reduce with BLV control programme. Furthermore, we found positive associations between percentage of seropositive animal and increasing cattle age, herd size, cattle breed and purchased cattle. Age-specific prevalence showed that BLV prevalence increased with age. These factors should be taken into consideration for control of BLV infection.

Animal health constraints to livestock exports from the Horn of Africa.

The Horn of Africa (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea) is home to the largest population of livestock in Africa and is the historic centre of the livestock trade to the Middle East and northern Africa. The recent resumption of livestock exports from the region has resulted in the handling of over one million head of cattle, sheep, goats and camels at one quarantine facility during a single year. Several of the importing countries for which the facility operates have differing hygiene requirements for the same diseases. Most of the animals handled in the facility come from pastoralist areas, which lack state Veterinary Services. The pathological conditions encountered during one year of monitoring were recorded and the impacts of some of the endemic diseases are discussed, together with particular import-limiting hygiene requirements on this trade.

Volatility and cointegration in export of livestock and marine products of India

This study was carried out to examine the instability and volatility in the export of livestock and marine products of India. It was found that marine export was a bit more stable and less volatile compared to livestock products export. Further, cointegration between the two was also tested. It was concluded that the two export data series were cointegrated. One of its benefits is that the long-run equilibrium relationship can be modelled by a straightforward regression involving the levels of the variables. Finally, the forecast were also obtained, which were quite reliable.

Diversification and sophistication of livestock products: The case of African countries

This study assesses the level of sophistication of livestock products in Africa by evaluating technology intensity and economic complexity of each product. Using trade data from 1995 to 2012, livestock commodity exports are classified based on technology intensity. Employing a method of reflection in computing the economic complexity of export products, we find that one fifth of African livestock commodity exports are manufactured with low technology while the rest is composed of raw materials. The results also show that the ten most complex livestock commodities represent about a third of African livestock total exports while the world level is almost double this figure. Yet African countries spend a huge share of their wealth on importing complex products. The results imply that by exporting non-complex products Africa loses nearly a third of the total value of its livestock exports. To boost the value of livestock products, African countries should exploit their untapped potential while securing the domestic market to achieve import substitution. This can be done by integrating with global value chains or developing niche markets at the regional or international markets and improving productive capabilities.

Women workers in South America (nineteenth-twentieth centuries)

By the end of the nineteenth century, most Latin American nations had been integrated into the international trade system through agricultural, mining or livestock exports and the import of manufactured goods. Urbanization and the expansion of transport (mainly rail) had accelerated. Many new towns sprung up and cities were transformed and beautified by the construction of new buildings, parks and gardens. The demand for labor stimulated significant population movement – from rural zones to u...

Meat abstinence and its positive environmental effect: Examining the fasting etiquettes of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church

Meat abstinence, as is practiced in some religions, has a positive impact on reducing the damages that the process of meat production inflicts on the environment. The Ethiopian Orthodox Christians observe fasting by abstaining from meat for more than half a year, and this seems to do the environment and economy some good. Religion has been playing a regulatory role between ever-increasing meat demands and the country’s fast-growing meat and live animal exports. The article concludes that individuals' tendency to drift from religious life practices, coupled with a growing middle class that can afford to buy meat regularly, and the country’s need to maximize foreign currency through meat and livestock exportation, is likely to see Ethiopia introduce intensive livestock production in the not too distant future, to meet domestic meat demands and increase livestock export earnings.

Risk assessment and cost-effectiveness of animal health certification methods for livestock export in Somalia

Livestock export is vital to the Somali economy. To protect Somali livestock exports from costly import bans used to control the international spread of disease, better certification of livestock health status is required. We performed quantitative risk assessment and cost-effectiveness analysis on different health certification protocols for Somali livestock exports for six transboundary diseases.Examining stock at regional markets alone without port inspection and quarantine was inexpensive but was ineffective for all but contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, contagious caprine pleuropneumonia and peste des petits ruminants. While extended pre-export quarantine improves detection of infections that cause clinical disease, if biosecurity is suboptimal quarantine provides an opportunity for transmission and increased risk. Clinical examination, laboratory screening and vaccination of animals for key diseases before entry to the quarantine station reduced the risk of an exported animal being infected. If vaccination could be reliably performed weeks before arrival at quarantine its effect would be greatly enhanced.The optimal certification method depends on the disease. Laboratory diagnostic testing was particularly important for detecting infections with limited clinical signs in male animals (only males are exported); for Rift Valley fever (RVF) the probability of detection was 99% or 0% with and without testing.Based on our findings animal inspection and certification at regional markets combined with quarantine inspection and certification would reduce the risk of exporting infected animals and enhance disease control at the regional level. This is especially so for key priority diseases, that is RVF, foot-and-mouth disease and Brucellosis. Increased data collection and testing should be applied at point of production and export.

Phosphorus flows through the Australian food system: Identifying intervention points as a roadmap to phosphorus security

Abstract Global phosphorus scarcity is likely to threaten the world's ability to produce food in the future if concerted efforts to ensure long-term phosphorus availability and accessibility and to use phosphorus more sustainably in the food system are not taken by policy makers, scientists and industry. Each country is vulnerable to phosphorus scarcity in different ways due to different characteristics of the national food system. However numerous opportunities exist to steer countries on a more sustainable trajectory to buffer food systems against such risks. A country-level phosphorus flow analysis can aid the identification of current inefficiencies, potential points for phosphorus recovery, reduction in losses and facilitate prioritisation of policy measures. This paper presents the findings and implications of a phosphorus flow analysis for Australia. The analysis found that despite being a net food exporter (predominantly to Asia), Australia is a net phosphorus importer (80 kt/a of P) to replenish naturally phosphorus-deficient soils and support a phosphorus-intensive agricultural and livestock export sector. Simultaneously, there is a net phosphorus deficiency from the Australian food system (106 kt/a of P) due to substantial losses and inefficiencies from mine to field to fork. The livestock sector represents over 60% of Australia's phosphorus demand due to fertilised pastures and animal feed. The manure produced by the 211 million head of livestock in Australia alone contains 60 times more phosphorus than the food consumed by the entire Australian population. Key opportunities to increase the resilience of the Australian food system include: increasing manure reuse, phosphorus use efficiency in fertilised pastures, investigate phosphorus recovery from phosphogypsum waste stockpiles and investigating more phosphorus-efficient food and agricultural commodities—particularly to reduce exported and wasted phosphorus whilst maintaining or enhancing productivity.

Applying the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code to the welfare of animals exported from Australia.

Australia has implemented a through-chain regulatory framework to address animal welfare issues in the livestock export trade. The framework places the responsibility for ensuring that the welfare of exported animals meets internationally accepted standards on those who hold the licences issued for the export of Australian livestock. It applies to all livestock (cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, camels) exported from Australia, either for immediate slaughter or for feeding and eventual slaughter. The development of the framework began when the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock were implemented in December 2004, to safeguard animal welfare from the point when the animals are selected for export up until the moment when they are offloaded in the destination country. The framework has recently been extended to incorporate animal welfare requirements through to the point of slaughter in the destination country. The requirements draw on, and are consistent with, the animal welfare chapters of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code.