Livestock Marketing Research Articles

Perception of the Sustainable Cattle Ranching Concept Among Producers, Extension Specialists, and Chief Officers in Oaxaca, Mexico

The sustainability concept has acquired a variety of meanings according to different currents of thought and the context in which it is used. The aim of this research was to characterize the perception of cattle producers, extension specialists, and chief officers regarding sustainable cattle ranching (SCR) in an area where tropical cattle ranching is practiced. A survey was carried out among cattle producers using stratified random sampling and among extension specialists and chief officers chosen using the snowball technique. The perception of SCR was determined under two contexts: (1) the idea or interpretation and (2) the assessment (positive or negative). The idea that producers have about SCR is centered on healthy and adequate food, higher production, and better marketing of livestock. The perception of extension specialists and officials is based on greater business vision and environmental conservation. Producers oriented their perception towards the economic (48.4%) and environmental (21.3%) dimensions, similar to extension specialists (52.2% and 47.8%, respectively), while chief officers related it more exclusively to the environmental dimension (71.4%). It is concluded that the overall perception of SCR is positive, but its conceptualization is differentiated according to the role the individuals play in the activity, their academic training, and their expectations.

Environmental sampling for the detection of capripox viruses and peste des petits ruminants virus in households and livestock markets in Plateau State, Nigeria.

Multiple transboundary animal diseases (TADs) circulate in Plateau State, Nigeria, where livestock keeping is common and contributes to both the physical and socio-economic well-being of a large proportion of the population. In this study, we explored the potential for environmental sampling to detect viruses causing TADs circulating in the region. Electrostatic dust cloths were used to swab areas of the environment likely to have contact with secretions and excretions from infected animals. Samples were collected monthly from five households, one transhumance site and one livestock market in two local government areas in Plateau State between March and October 2021. These were tested for the presence of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) and capripox viruses using real-time PCR. Of the 458 samples collected, 2.4% (n = 11) were positive for PPRV RNA and 1.3 % (n = 6) were positive for capripox virus DNA. A capripox differentiation assay showed that these samples were positive for sheep pox virus (n = 2), goat pox virus (n = 2) and lumpy skin disease virus (n = 2). Our results demonstrate that environmental sampling could be used as part of TAD surveillance in the area. Environmental swabs require little technical knowledge to collect and can be used to detect multiple viruses from a single sample.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Livestock Industry for higher productivity and sustainability: The case of Albania

The livestock sector plays an important role in the economic development of the country. This sector is a source of income and employment for many Albanian families who live mainly in rural areas. A large part of the population in our country deals with livestock. But regardless of all the contributions that livestock makes to the food chain, financial sustainability, and the entire economy, this sector faces many challenges. Based on the literature review, a questionnaire to identify these challenges was constructed. The questionnaire contains questions with answers on the Likert scale, is addressed to livestock farmers in Albania, and serves to identify the main challenges affecting the livestock sector. The questionnaire divided the challenges of the livestock sector into five parts, including animal welfare and livestock production, sustainable practices and environmental sustainability, market challenges, information, communication technologies and livestock marketing challenges, and challenges of innovations in livestock production. Animal welfare affects the productivity of the livestock sector. The risk of the spread of epidemic diseases and the high costs of vaccination and medications are a concern for Albanian farmers, who often have difficulties ensuring sustainable profits. In recent years, the livestock sector has faced high input costs. Lack of infrastructure also hinders the efficiency of the livestock sector. The need for sustainable practices and environmental sustainability demands more attention. While farmers want to adopt sustainable livestock methods, they face difficulties in implementing them. Unpredictable livestock prices complicate financial planning for farmers. In addition, small farms face challenges competing with larger ones. Farmers face difficulties in becoming part of new markets due to a lack of effective marketing channels. The lack of a labor force is the biggest challenge that the livestock sector in Albania is facing. Innovation often serves to solve many problems in the livestock sector. Farmers use new technologies to increase livestock productivity. But the use of new technologies requires knowledge, which Albanian farmers often don’t have. They do not have the proper education to understand and apply these technologies. In conclusion, this paper aims to highlight the various problems faced by the livestock sector. Overcoming these problems by dealing directly with them can increase the productivity of the livestock sector, ensuring a better future for the industry.

DEMOGRAPHIC TARGETING OF USERS IN MOBILE APPLICATIONS FOR LIVESTOCK DIGITAL MARKETING AMONG SMALLHOLDER CATTLE FARMERS

Several livestock diseases leading to high mortality rates among animals have raised concerns about a potential food crisis in Indonesia. To prevent further spread of these diseases, access to livestock sheds has been restricted. This situation has highlighted the importance of developing alternative marketing channels to facilitate livestock trade. The present study investigates the demographic factors that influence farmers' interest in adopting mobile applications for digital livestock marketing in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The data for this research was collected from a stratified random sample of 968 respondents across four regions. Prior to the interviews, farmers were provided with an introduction and given the opportunity to experience the mobile applications firsthand. The data analysis employed descriptive statistics, non-parametric analysis, and a logistic regression model. The results indicated a significant (p < 0.05) association between variables such as the farmer's age, educational level, women's decision-making power, farming revenue, cattle ownership, farming experience, and interest in using mobile applications for livestock digital marketing. However, no distinction in adoption interest was observed between farmers who were members of agricultural groups and those who were not. These findings have significant methodological implications, as they require independent interviewing among member farmer groups. This study suggests that developers of mobile applications for livestock digital marketing should consider the lack of digital literacy among farmers as a crucial factor influencing their interest in adopting new technologies. Addressing the digital literacy gap could increase the adoption and effective use of these applications within the farming community.

Cross-commodity market integration and price transmission in Thailand’s livestock sector

The ability to substitute goods and services is crucial for maintaining market stability during price fluctuations, particularly in the livestock market, where products are interchangeable. This study aimed to analyse market integration and asymmetric price transmission concerning livestock commodity prices in Thailand. Specifically, it focused on beef cattle, swine, broiler chicken, and chicken egg prices, using time-series data from January 2011 to December 2022. The analysis employed unit root tests to check if the time series data were stationary, Granger causality tests to determine the direction of relationships among livestock prices and an asymmetric price transmission model to examine short-term asymmetry and adjustment in cross-commodity prices. The findings indicate three directions of price integration in Thailand’s livestock market: from broiler chicken price to chicken egg price, from swine price to chicken egg price, and from swine price to broiler chicken price. The results suggest that price transmission in Thailand is symmetrical, demonstrating an efficient interdependent relationship. Thus, the findings indicate that chicken eggs are a substitute for broiler chickens and swine when prices fluctuate, while broiler chickens are a substitute for swine. The results reveal that chicken eggs can replace swine consumption more effectively than broiler chickens within Thailand. This study highlights that chicken eggs are the most effective substitute during livestock price fluctuations in Thailand, with broiler chickens being the second most effective. Consequently, stakeholders in the livestock supply chain, such as policymakers, entrepreneurs, and farmers, should understand the integration of different commodities and price transmission in Thailand’s livestock market. To guarantee market stability, stakeholders should manage the demand and supply of livestock commodities and acquire chicken eggs and broiler chickens during significant fluctuations in domestic livestock commodity prices

Evaluation of Slaughterhouse Infrastructure According to Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization (SSMO) - Gezira State, Sudan

This study was conducted to evaluate general and specific requirement of Gezira states slaughter house according to Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization SSMO. A total of 12 local slaughterhouse of Gezira state from different sites of localities were divided into three categories according to their constructions and establishment due to data sheets that created includes ten items (1-10), each item score ten marks when SSMO was found actually for evaluating slaughterhouse site, general shape building design, accessories equipments, drainage, services and general requirements. All the data of the experiments were statistically analyzed by analyses of variance applicable to completely randomized designs CRD.ANOVA table at a confidence level of 5%. Questioner analyzed with Chi square test by using the computer with Statistical Package for Social Study (SPSS) program and Duncan multiple range tests was used to detect difference between means. According to Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization sheets the study showed no significant different (P<0.05) among different slaughterhouse categories for slaughterhouse site for living area, waste places, industrial polluted areas, odorous areas, insect and pest areas, livestock marketing place, main roads, voltage areas and communication media while the study showed significant different (P<0.05) between experimental groups for slaughter house drainage system. Slaughterhouse general structures showed no significant different (P<0.05) among different slaughterhouse categories for slaughter house surround structure while workers entrance, exits, animal entrance door preparing, operations and waiting pens showed significant different (P<0.05) between experimental groups . Slaughterhouse accessories showed no significant different (P<0.05) among different slaughterhouse categories for maintenance workshop and animal transport traffics while the study showed significant different (P<0.05) between experimental groups for slaughter house car wash unit, building foundation, slaughterhouse walls, slaughterhouse floor, slaughterhouse roofs, ventilation and light, pens design, animals partitions, water resources, and animal quarantine. The study showed all the slaughterhouse of Gezira state don’t matching Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization requirements so, the authors recommend to entitling and establishing new slaughterhouses that conform to the Sudanese standard for the slaughterhouse.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice related to brucellosis among livestock farmers and meat handlers in Saudi Arabia.

Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic infection that is endemic in Saudi Arabia and associated with clinical and economic impacts. Several studies from countries endemic for brucellosis evaluated the knowledge and attitude of livestock farmers regarding brucellosis. However, no such study was conducted in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of livestock farmers and meat handlers in Saudi Arabia. This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study, where participants were interviewed in-person in Arabic in livestock markets between September-December 2023. Convenient sampling was utilized. The questionnaire included basic demographics and questions to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward personal protection and protection of the animals from brucellosis. The questionnaire was adapted from a previously validated survey and included 59 questions. Providing at least one correct answer to a certain question indicated a good knowledge about this item or a safe practice. The participants were divided into: farmers (shepherds working for the animal owners), commercial animal owners (those who rent a stockyard in the livestock market and employ farmers to sell their animals), and private animal owners (owners of private farms from which they sell their animals). 545 participants were interviewed (n = 291 farmers, n = 118 commercial animal owners, n = 113 private animal owners, and n = 23 animal slaughterhouse workers). >90% have heard of brucellosis. Lack of education and short experience (<5 years) of working with livestock were negatively associated with good knowledge of brucellosis symptoms and transmission (OR, 0.30; 95%CI, 0.10-0.94; p = 0.038 and OR, 0.23; 95%CI, 0.08-0.62; p = 0.004, respectively). Taking sick animals to the veterinarian was reported by 61.2%, whereas 36.4% follow safe practices when disposing of aborted fetuses. While 34% consume raw milk, only 10% consume rare/medium-rare meat. 51.2% acknowledged the need for more information on brucellosis. This study revealed the need to augment the knowledge of people working with animals, particularly those with no school education and those with short work experience, via providing educational visits or materials or through veterinarians. This should help them identify human and animal brucellosis symptoms and increase the knowledge on how to protect oneself and animals from this disease.

Risk Factors of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever in Sindh Province, Pakistan

ObjectivesIn Sindh Province, Pakistan, confirmed Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) increased from zero in 2008 to 16 in 2015-2016. To counter this increase, in 2016, we initiated structured CCHF surveillance to improve estimates of risk factors for CCHF in Sindh and to identify potential interventions. MethodsBeginning in 2016, all referral hospitals in Sindh reported all CCHF cases to surveillance agents. We used laboratory-confirmed cases from CCHF surveillance from 2016 to 2020 to compute incidence rates and in a case–control study to quantify risk factors for CCHF. ResultsFor the 5 years, CCHF incidence was 4.2 per million for the Sindh capital, Karachi, (68 cases) and 0.4 per million elsewhere. Each year, the onset of new cases peaked during the 13 days during and after the 3-day Eid-al-Adha festival, when Muslims sacrificed livestock, accounting for 38% of cases. In Karachi, livestock for Eid were purchased at a seasonal livestock market that concentrated up to 700,000 livestock. CCHF cases were most common (44%) among the general population that had visited livestock markets (odds ratio = 102). ConclusionsUrban CCHF in Sindh province is associated with the general public's exposure to livestock markets in addition to high-risk occupations.

Economic Policies and Their Influence on Livestock Market Dynamics

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to explore the economic policies and their influence on livestock market dynamics. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to economic policies and their influence on livestock market dynamics. Preliminary empirical review revealed that fiscal policies, such as subsidies and tax incentives, play a crucial role in reducing production costs and stabilizing market supply. Likewise, monetary policies, including interest rate adjustments, influence investment and innovation within the sector. Trade policies, such as tariffs and free trade agreements, affect market competitiveness and access to international markets. Regulatory policies concerning animal health and environmental protection ensure product quality and consumer confidence. The study emphasizes the need for balanced and well-designed policies across all these areas to support the sustainable growth of the livestock industry. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Keynesian Economic Theory, Neoclassical Economic Theory and Institutional Economic Theory may be used to anchor future studies on economic policies and their influence on livestock market dynamics. The study significantly advances theoretical understanding by elucidating the intricate relationship between economic policies and livestock market dynamics. It recommends further exploration into the interplay of fiscal, monetary, trade, and regulatory policies to develop comprehensive models predicting market behavior accurately. Practically, the study advises livestock producers to adopt adaptive management practices, staying informed about policy changes and implementing flexible business strategies. Industry associations are urged to disseminate policy information and support farmers in navigating shifts. From a policy standpoint, coherence, targeting, and responsiveness to sectoral needs are underscored, advocating for a holistic approach to policy design. Fiscal policies should support short-term stability and long-term sustainability, targeting critical areas like feed costs and infrastructure. Monetary policies should balance investment stimulation with inflation control, while trade and regulatory policies should negotiate balanced agreements and stringent standards to ensure competitiveness and safety in the global market. Keywords: Economic Policies, Livestock Market Dynamics, Fiscal Policies, Monetary Policies, Trade Policies, Adaptive Management Practices, Industry Associations, Policy Coherence

PREVALENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL NEMATODES INFECTION IN BALI CATTLE CALVES AT BERINGKIT ANIMAL MARKET BADUNG REGENCY

Calves infected with gastrointestinal nematodes can spread diseases to other livestock in a new environment, causing a decrease in quality, and financial losses for farmers. This study aims to determine the prevalence and intensity of infection, as well as the gastrointestinal nematodes infecting Bali cattle calves at the Beringkit Livestock Market, Badung Regency. The study used a floatation method to identify worm egg morphology and continued with the McMaster method to determine infection intensity. Out of 100 fecal samples examined, 65 samples were found positive for gastrointestinal nematode infection, resulting in a prevalence of 65% infection among Bali cattle calves at the Beringkit Livestock Market, Badung Regency. The identified nematodes were strongyle-type worms (64%) with an infection intensity of 203 ± 384 EPG, Strongyloides papillosus (10%) with an infection intensity of 100 ± 89 EPG, and Toxocara vitulorum (9%) with an infection intensity of 155 ± 287 EPG. It is concluded from this study that the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode infections in Bali cattle calves at the Beringkit Livestock Market, Badung Regency was high with infection intensity falling into the mild category. Regular and continuous deworming is necessary as a control and prevention measure for gastrointestinal nematode infections in Bali cattle calves.

Technological Acceptance of Cattle Farmers in Mobile Applications for Livestock Digital Marketing

The farmers have encountered challenges in conducting livestock trade due to the absence of dealer activity caused by Anthrax and Foot Mouth Disease (FMD) epidemics. In this context, it is crucial to utilize technology in livestock marketing to obtain current market information from distant marketplaces and reduce the risk of contagion. To meet these purposes, a mobile phone application has been developed in order to be used by cattle farmers; after that, market testing has been conducted to gain feedback and determine the segmentation. Thus, the study aimed to examine the differences in the perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and social impact amongst farmers who are willing and unwilling to embrace a mobile phone application for digital marketing. A total of 968 cattle farmers were surveyed with stratified random sampling techniques in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The data obtained were analyzed using mean difference inferential analysis. The result showed that farmers with various categories of age, education, farm revenue, farmers group, farmer experience, cattle ownership, and regions have significantly different (p&lt;0.01) perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PE), and social influence (SI) on mobile applications for livestock digital marketing. Furthermore, farmers willing to adopt mobile application have significantly higher (p&lt;0.01) PU, PE, and SI factors. This study recommends mobile app developers evaluate potential user needs and background factors that may influence farmers' interest.

Impact of Trade Policies, Tariffs, and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Regulations on International Livestock Trade and Market Access for Livestock Producers in Brazil

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate impact of trade policies, tariffs, and sanitary and phytosanitary regulations on international livestock trade and market access for livestock producers in Brazil. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: it's evident that trade policies, including tariffs and non-tariff measures, significantly influence bilateral trade flows in livestock products. Reductions in tariffs generally lead to increased trade, while increases in tariffs have the opposite effect, demonstrating the importance of tariff liberalization for stimulating trade and enhancing market access. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theory of comparative advantage &amp; new trade theory may be used to anchor future studies on impact of trade policies, tariffs, and sanitary and phytosanitary regulations on international livestock trade and market access for livestock producers in Brazil. Enhance capacity-building initiatives and technical assistance programs for developing countries to improve SPS compliance and facilitate trade in livestock products, thereby promoting inclusive trade practices. Negotiate comprehensive regional trade agreements (RTAs) that address trade facilitation measures, infrastructure development, and regulatory harmonization to maximize the benefits of market integration for the livestock sector.

Effects of Trade Policies and Regulations on Global Livestock Markets and Food Security in Kenya

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the effects of trade policies and regulations on global livestock markets and food security in Kenya. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study revealed that the effects of trade policies and regulations on global livestock markets and food security in Kenya underscore the intricate interplay between local agricultural systems and international trade dynamics. Trade policies, including tariffs, quotas, and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, significantly influence Kenya's livestock sector by shaping market access, competitiveness, and domestic production levels. While trade liberalization measures may enhance market opportunities and foster economic growth, they also pose challenges to local farmers and food security by exposing them to international competition and market fluctuations. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: New Trade Theory &amp; Institutional Theory may be used to anchor future studies on effects of trade policies and regulations on global livestock markets and food security in Kenya. Efforts should be made to enhance the transparency, coherence, and consistency of trade policies and regulations related to livestock markets. There is a need to adopt a balanced approach that promotes trade while safeguarding food security and sustainable development goals. Policymakers should prioritize measures that enhance the resilience and competitiveness of domestic livestock producers, particularly small-scale farmers and vulnerable communities. This could involve targeted support programs such as access to credit, technical assistance, and market information, aimed at improving productivity, market access, and income generation.

Local Wisdom-Led Business Communication: A Case Study of “Barosok” in Livestock Market in West Sumatera Indonesia

Business communication with local wisdom of ethnic Minangkabau in addition to aiming for business interests but still prioritizing social and human values. This research aims to reveal the non-verbal symbols used in the "barosok" tradition as one of the communication styles of the livestock trade in the West Sumatra region, especially the Minangkabau ethnics and documented it in a book. This communication style upholds the values of privacy, confidentiality, solidarity, and tolerance. This research was conducted using the Qualitative method with an Indept interview approach, the informants of this research were traders and community leaders in the Talao Guguak Bukittinggi livestock market area and the Muaro Paneh Solok livestock market. Informants were drawn using the snowball sampling method with data collection techniques using triangulation. This research concludes that: two regions in West Sumatra still have traditional buying and selling transactions (barosok), namely Talao Guguak Bukittinggi and Muaro Paneh-Solok cattle market, it is hoped that there will be an increase in understanding and preservation of traditional business communication (barosok) for the people of West Sumatra in particular and the people of Indonesia in general, and the results of new research in the form of data collection/documentation of research objects. This research recommends relating to the effectiveness of this communication model in achieving business goals and the current generation's perception of it.

Price Dynamics in South African Agriculture: A Study of Cross-Commodity Spillovers between Grain and Livestock Markets

In South Africa, the agricultural sector is a crucial pillar of the economy, with the livestock and grain industries playing significant roles in ensuring food security, fostering economic growth, and providing employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas. This research addresses the relatively unexplored relationship between the livestock and grain industries in South Africa. This study employs a comprehensive approach using a VAR/VECM framework alongside VECM Granger causality tests, Toda Yamamoto causality tests, impulse response functions, and variance decomposition analysis. The main findings of this study demonstrate a long-run relationship among the study variables, with consistently low error correction terms indicating slow short-term adjustments. Significant long-run relationships were observed between grain feed prices and livestock prices, where yellow maize and soybean prices affect live weaner prices, while beef carcass prices influence yellow maize prices. Overall, the results highlight the pivotal role that yellow maize plays as a link between the South African livestock and grain markets. The study concluded that policy formulation for the South African agricultural sector must consider the interconnected nature of the grain and livestock markets to achieve sustainable and effective outcomes.

Gender considerations in innovation platforms in the livestock sector in Mali

ABSTRACT Innovation platforms (IPs) are spaces for coordination, mutual learning, and consultation among different actors in a value chain to diagnose and solve common problems. They were set up as part of USAID Feed the Future Mali Livestock Scaling Technology Program to address the challenges of the ruminant livestock sector in Mali, including low visibility and weak participation of women in livestock production and marketing. Our purpose in this paper is to report gender considerations in the process of supporting women farmers empowerment embedded in IPs. Qualitative data was collected from project sites over a six-month; 50 iterative interviews were conducted, including 21 in-depth individual interviews, 7 focus groups, 2 participatory workshops and 20 key informant interviews. All interviews were conducted in total with 106 individuals, including 49 men and 14 women livestock farmers. Our results show that the empowerment of women livestock farmers was not systematic with IPs, but rather depends on gender relations and dynamics in the specific social contexts in which these IPs were implemented.

Rural Development Strategies through Livestock Policy

Purpose: The main objective of the study was to investigate the rural development strategies through livestock policy.&#x0D; Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.&#x0D; Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to rural development strategies. The study underscored the significance of livestock farming as a crucial component of rural development strategies worldwide, emphasizing its multifaceted role in providing income, employment, food security, and cultural heritage, particularly in developing countries. It highlighted the need for context-specific and evidence-based livestock policies tailored to diverse socio-economic, environmental, and cultural realities, promoting sustainable resource management and addressing rural poverty and inequality. Additionally, it emphasized integrating holistic development objectives such as gender equity, social inclusion, and climate resilience into livestock policy frameworks to maximize social, economic, and environmental benefits. Lastly, the study stressed the importance of continuous monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive management in livestock policy implementation to foster learning-oriented processes and enhance resilience and responsiveness to evolving dynamics in rural areas. Overall, the study highlighted the pivotal role of livestock policy in shaping rural development trajectories and improving the well-being of rural communities.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Dependency theory, Institutional theory and Political Ecology theory may be used to anchor future studies on rural development strategies. The study yielded several recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of livestock policy interventions in promoting rural development. These recommendations included prioritizing inclusive livestock extension services, improving access to credit and financial services, integrating climate-smart livestock practices, supporting value-adding and market access initiatives, investing in livelihood diversification, and promoting participatory policy processes. By implementing these recommendations, policymakers and stakeholders aimed to enhance the resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity of rural development efforts, ultimately improving livelihoods and fostering sustainable rural transformation.

Trends in the livestock and pork market in Poland with regard to the environmental impact of this production direction

After joining the European Union, the market economy continued to drive structural changes in meat production and processing. Unfortunately, the functioning of meat markets was impacted by several threats with significant adverse influence. Phenomena such as the spread of ASF disease, the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union or the Covid-19 epidemic added instability to the already cyclical pork market. The study aims to evaluate the functioning of Poland’s pork market and to identify the main trend in this market. Livestock and pork meat production in Poland form a significant economic sector; however, it creates considerable environmental challenges. The study focuses on key aspects such as greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, feed consumption, and waste management. The study covers the years 2004-2021, i.e., the period of seventeen years after Poland's accession to the European Union. The statistical data analysis methods showed four to three-year cycles in pork live stock with a decreasing amplitude over time and high and relatively stable domestic demand for pork. This provides a favourable foundation for future production direction. However, the systematic changes in the structure of meat consumption and price development led to a steady increase in the share of poultry meat at the expense of pork and bovine during the observed year span.

What determine livestock feed and marketing? Insights from rural Ethiopia

In sub-Saharan Africa where farmers undergo rapid losses of grazing lands and pasture areas, they face feed scarcity and poor animal marketing. In response, farmers make non-separable decisions on feed production and livestock marketing. Under the context of non-separable decision, however, factors affecting livestock feed collection and marketing are unclear in the literature. With the aim of addressing such a gap, this study has proposed two research questions: (1) what factors determine household's decisions on feed collection and livestock marketing? (2) Does feed collection influence livestock marketing? For the analysis, cross sectional data were gathered from 689 households in rural Ethiopia. While Tobit model was used to determine feed collection, two-stage Heckman model was deployed to identify key factors affecting livestock marketing. The study found that household's access to communal land, size of livestock holding, share-in land and own farmlands had positive and significant influence on feed collection. This urges farmers to involve in livestock marketing via selling their extra yield. Increased feed collection from communal and croplands leads to improve animal productivity. Econometric results further showed that household's education and access to training were influencing feed collection and livestock marketing positively. It also confirmed that feed collection and provision of credit services had significant effects on livestock marketing. The study further showed that livestock marketing was hardly realized without gathering feed from communal and private lands, which also entails the need to maintain the environment. This study is useful because it provides the significant roles of farm education, animal holding, credit services, communal and private lands in improving access to feed sources. The findings suggest the need for augmenting land conservation, introducing improved animal breeds and enhancing farmers’ capacity. These interventions ought to be supplemented with provision of credit services and follow up trainings.

Assessment of the impact of phenotypic traits and the festival of Eid Al-Adha on the prices of small ruminants in the livestock market "Sougr-Nooma" in Ouagadougou

This study aimed to assess the impact of phenotypic parameters and festive events on the price of small ruminants in Burkina Faso. A semi-directive survey using a quiz was conducted among sheep customers at the "Sougr-Nooma" livestock market in Tanghin, Ouagadougou. Data collection focused on Aid El Kebir and lasted for three weeks. The collected data included the prices and some physical characteristics (both quantitative and qualitative) of the animals. The survey covered 120 sheep sold on this market along with 120 buyers. Live weight was the most important quantitative phenotypic parameter in determining the price of sheep (r=0.91). For every kilogram increase in live weight, the selling price increased by 2703.71 F CFA. Removing live weight from the linear regression model revealed that withers height and thoracic girth could also determine animal prices. This model accounted for 53.12% of the variation in the price per animal. The significant influence of thoracic perimeter and withers height on the price of sheep could be attributed to their role in estimating live weight in the absence of a scale. Regarding qualitative traits breed and coat structure were the most influential factors on animal prices. Additionally, animal prices were significantly higher before the Tabaski festival compared to post-festival prices (84,605.26±9,087.59 vs. 61,905.94±3,941.53 F CFA).