Livestock Numbers Research Articles

From crowd to herd counting: How to precisely detect and count African mammals using aerial imagery and deep learning?

Rapid growth of human populations in sub-Saharan Africa has led to a simultaneous increase in the number of livestock, often leading to conflicts of use with wildlife in protected areas. To minimize these conflicts, and to meet both communities’ and conservation goals, it is therefore essential to monitor livestock density and their land use. This is usually done by conducting aerial surveys during which aerial images are taken for later counting. Although this approach appears to reduce counting bias, the manual processing of images is time-consuming. The use of dense convolutional neural networks (CNNs) has emerged as a very promising avenue for processing such datasets. However, typical CNN architectures have detection limits for dense herds and close-by animals. To tackle this problem, this study introduces a new point-based CNN architecture, HerdNet, inspired by crowd counting. It was optimized on challenging oblique aerial images containing herds of camels (Camelus dromedarius), donkeys (Equus asinus), sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus), acquired over heterogeneous arid landscapes of the Ennedi reserve (Chad). This approach was compared to an anchor-based architecture, Faster-RCNN, and a density-based, adapted version of DLA-34 that is typically used in crowd counting. HerdNet achieved a global F1 score of 73.6 % on 24 megapixels images, with a root mean square error of 9.8 animals and at a processing speed of 3.6 s, outperforming the two baselines in terms of localization, counting and speed. It showed better proximity-invariant precision while maintaining equivalent recall to that of Faster-RCNN, thus demonstrating that it is the most suitable approach for detecting and counting large mammals at close range. The only limitation of HerdNet was the slightly weaker identification of species, with an average confusion rate approximately 4 % higher than that of Faster-RCNN. This study provides a new CNN architecture that could be used to develop an automatic livestock counting tool in aerial imagery. The reduced image analysis time could motivate more frequent flights, thus allowing a much finer monitoring of livestock and their land use.

Analysis of reproduction indicators of brown Swiss cattle of the Smolensk region

In dairy cattle breeding, the breeding work is carried out mainly to increase the milk productivity of cows, which often leads to a decrease in the reproductive qualities of the breeding stock. Therefore, practicing breeders are faced with the task of studying and improving the qualities of animals associated with the reproduction of the herd. At the same time, in the conditions of a decrease in the number of livestock, the issue of preserving and improving the reproductive properties of animals is also put forward in the first position. For design breeding problems, it is necessary to have information about the genesis of reproduction. The conducted studies covering the period 2011-2020 reveal the dynamics of significant reproductive indicators – the age of the first fruitful insemination, the number of inseminations per fruitful one, as well as the open days in the first lactation of the breeding stock of the Swiss breed. In the process of its improvement, the age of the first fruitful insemination of animals decreased. The multiplicity of insemination and the associated open days in the first lactation do not have a stable nature of changes. To obtain more informative data on the level of organization of the biological system under study, the entropy – information analysis was used in the study. The age of the first fruitful insemination at the initial stages was poorly controlled, with an absolute organization (O) having values from 0.168 bits (H=3.292 bits) it was found however, during the selection process, the controllability of this system increases (O=0.873 bits; H=2.586 bits). The most controlled feature throughout all stages is the multiplicity of insemination (O = 0.401...1.147 bits; H=1.921 ...1.175 bits). The least controlled is the open days (O=0.136...0.604 bits; H=3.449...2.981 bits). The obtained results of the study contribute to the conduct of purposeful breeding of Brown Swiss cattle, taking into account the reproductive ability.

Forest Dwellers’ Dependence on Forest Resources in Semi-Arid Environments

Forests remain an important resource in Iran, as most of the livelihood activities of local communities, especially in the semi-arid environment of the Zagros forests, are dependent on forest resources. The aim of this study was to identify the type and extent of forest dependency. Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data from 170 households in Central Zagros. Results show that using firewood for fuel and non-fuel uses, harvesting edible and medicinal plants, agriculture and horticulture, and livestock grazing were the main forest livelihood activities undertaken by the households in the study area. On average, each household harvested 18.08 cubic meters of oak per year for water heating (bathing), baking bread, heating, cooking, heating milk and buttermilk, agricultural tools, house building, warehouses and shelters, fencing, branches for livestock, charcoal and harvesting firewood for sale. Of rural households, 72% used edible plants, and 86% used medicinal plants. Age, job, residence status, number of livestock, crop farming and household size were found to be correlated with forest dependency. Findings from this study contribute broadly to an integrated understanding of the bio-human dimensions of forest ecosystems, with specific reference to the study area.

Examining livestock depredation and the determinants of people's attitudes towards snow leopards in the Himalayas of Nepal

AbstractLivestock depredation by snow leopards Panthera uncia poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of pastoral communities and engenders negative attitudes towards the species, threatening its survival. We conducted 104 semi-structured interviews within local communities (livestock herders and owners) in the Nyesyang valley of Manang District, in the Annapurna Conservation Area, western Nepal, to assess the status of livestock depredation and community attitudes towards snow leopards. During February 2016–January 2018, respondents reportedly lost 279 livestock to snow leopards (mean loss of 1.3 livestock per household), comprising 3.7% of the total stockholding in 2018. This loss amounts to a monetary loss of USD 319 per annum for each household. Only half of the households who lost livestock to snow leopards in the previous 2 years received compensation from the Conservation Area. Almost an equal proportion of respondents held positive (42%) and negative (41%) attitudes towards snow leopards. An ordered logistic regression analysis revealed that being a woman, being illiterate, owning a high number of large-bodied livestock and relying primarily on agropastoralism were factors associated significantly with negative attitudes towards snow leopards. We recommend focusing conservation education on illiterate community members and engaging more women in conservation programmes, along with a community-based insurance scheme for large-sized livestock to mitigate losses and improve local community attitudes towards snow leopards.

Differentiation of grazing pressure expressions and its applicable scenarios

High intensity grazing is considered as an important cause of grassland degradation. Numerous studies have explored effects of grazing activities on grassland ecosystems. Nevertheless, the research regarding grazing activity itself, especially the quantification methods and gradient division of grazing pressure, is relatively insufficient. Based on a total of 141 Chinese and English papers containing keywords such as 'grazing pressure', 'grazing intensity', and giving specific quantification methods and classification standards, we sorted out the definition, quantification methods, and grading standards of grazing pressure. The results showed that the definition of grazing pressure in current studies could be classified into two categories: considering the number of livestock carried in the current grassland ecosystem only from the perspective of the amount of grazing livestock; or considering the impacts or consequences on grassland ecosystems. Small-scale manipulative experiments mainly quantified and divided gra-zing pressure by controlling the number of livestock, grazing duration, grazing area, etc. Ecosystem responses to grazing activities were also converted by the above indicators, while the large-scale data spatialization method only considered number of livestock per unit area. The method of remote sensing inversion focused on ecosystem responses, that is, the impacts of grazing activities on grasslands, and it was difficult to separate the role of climatic factors. The quantitative standards of grazing pressure in different grassland types were quite different, even in the same grassland type, and such difference was directly related to grassland productivity.

Is less more? Investigating citizen and consumer preferences for the future direction of livestock farming policy

The sustainable transition of livestock farming has moved on the agenda of international and national policy regulations aimed at the mounting sustainability challenges. Until now, the political debate has been focused on how to change production and management practices to enhance animal welfare or reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The question about the number of livestock, however, has been neglected so far. In particular, this is true for the question of what a socially accepted development of livestock numbers could look like. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate citizen preferences for a sustainable transition of livestock farming regarding the number of livestock, and whether citizen preferences align with consumer preferences. The sample consisted of 1030 German participants who were surveyed online in January and February 2021. A latent profile analysis (LPA) identified two sub-groups within the population labelled “status-quo proponents” (49.0%) and “proponents of a sustainable transition” (51.0%) that differed in their perception of the development of future livestock numbers. “Status-quo proponents” were aware of the sustainability challenges in livestock production but less interested in supporting the transition with their consumption behavior of animal-based products. For “proponents of a sustainable transition”, a reduction of livestock numbers was a viable pathway for the livestock sector. They were willing to adapt their consumption behavior accordingly. To reach a socially accepted transition of livestock farming, including a reduction of animal numbers, the transition should be supported by a combination of political push and pull measures, such as financial support for farmers, as well as information provision, nudging, and taxes on the market side.

The effect of animal husbandry on economic growth: Evidence from 13 provinces of North China

Promoting animal husbandry industry is important to help strengthen the agricultural sector. This study starts from both socio-economic and natural factors perspectives. Based on an exploratory spatial analysis, spatial econometric model, and geographically weighted regression (GWR) model, selecting the 13 Provinces of North China as the study area, this study analyzes the spatio-temporal differences and the driving factors. This study found: 1) Between 2006 and 2017, the spatial and temporal differences of GDP in the 13 provinces were statistically significant, with increased total production values and a slowed growth of the industry. In addition, the study area showed an east-west dichotomy in husbandry industry. 2) GDP had shown obvious spatial agglomeration, of which areas with the high production value were in east of Beijing, and areas with low production value were in western Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang and Gansu. 3) Population, animal husbandry output values, numbers of large livestock, and cultivated areas had greatly influenced the GDP of 13 provinces in north China. 4) The three influencing factors on GDP in the 13 provinces were found to be population, animal husbandry output values, and the sizes of cultivated areas. We should synthesize these influencing factors, supplemented with public policy concessions and compensatory measures to develop policies for improving the level of local economic development. Based on this, this study aims to provide a reference for decision making to promote the coordinated development of livestock husbandry and economic growth in China, and even provide a scientific reference for the management of similar pastoral areas in the world.

Comparative analysis of phenotypic data and genetic structure of Kalmyk cattle breed

The main trends in the development of animal husbandry in the Republic of Kalmykia are considered. It is necessary to carry out the current selection to preserve and improve the genetic potential of animals. In the Republic of Kalmykia, immunogenetic expertise is effectively used in cattle breeding. The purpose of the study was to analyze statistical data on Kalmyk cattle in 1988 and 2018. It was found that the number of livestock increased by 324430 heads over 30 years. A comparative analysis of the exterior data of the animals showed that the bulls-producers in 2018 were more extensive compared to 1988: The difference in withers height was 1.6%, body length was 1.2, chest girth was 1.9, and cannon bone circumference was 5.7% (P<0.95). Positive dynamics were also observed in cows. The average live weight of sire bulls in 2018 was 796.7±3.7 kg, 35.2 kg (4.6%) higher than that of animals in 1988. Cows in 2018 outperformed 1988 animals by 26.1 kg (5.7%) in live weight (P><0.95). I’, C2, L’, and S2 antigens had met less frequently. I’, C2, L’, and S2 antigens had met less frequently. Thus, we can state that for 30 years, there have been changes in the frequency of occurrence of antigens in breeding farms and, consequently, changes in the gene pool. When comparing the increase and decrease in the frequency of occurrence of antigens between the two breeding farms, there are apparent differences, indicating a multidirectional selection.>˂0.95). Positive dynamics were also observed in cows. The average live weight of sire bulls in 2018 was 796.7±3.7 kg, 35.2 kg (4.6%) higher than that of animals in 1988. Cows in 2018 outperformed 1988 animals by 26.1 kg (5.7%) in live weight (P˂0.95). I’, C2, L’, and S2 antigens had met less frequently. I’, C2, L’, and S2 antigens had met less frequently. Thus, we can state that for 30 years, there have been changes in the frequency of occurrence of antigens in breeding farms and, consequently, changes in the gene pool. When comparing the increase and decrease in the frequency of occurrence of antigens between the two breeding farms, there are apparent differences, indicating a multidirectional selection.

Farmer’s Perceptions of Agroforestry Practices, Contributions to Rural Household Farm Income, and Their Determinants in Sodo Zuria District, Southern Ethiopia

Agroforestry has been widely used in developing countries as a solution to mitigate the effects of climate variability. However, its significance to the well-being of farmers in rural communities has not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this study was to analyze the contribution of agroforestry practices (AFPs) to the farm income of rural families, the perceptions of farmers, and factors that affect AFPs’ contribution to household income in the Sodo Zuria district. The optimal sample size of 173 households from the three study sites was selected through a stratified random sampling procedure. Data were collected using structured interviews, focus group discussion, observation, and key informant interviews. According to the findings, most farmers in the research area had a good perception of the benefits of agroforestry methods. The yearly mean gross income from various agroforestry approaches was 15,990.90 ETB·ha−1·yr−1 for nonadopters and 32,471.24 ETB·ha−1·yr−1 for adopters, respectively. Tree and fruit tree integration with crops, animals, or pastures has the potential to significantly increase food production and farmer economic situations. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the size of the farm, the number of livestock, the experience of agroforestry, and the extension service affect the adoption of agroforestry practices to house farm income positively, while the size of the family negatively affects it. Agroforestry plays a critical role in reducing food poverty and enhancing farmer livelihood resilience (reducing farmers’ vulnerability to climate variability). However, determining the extent to which this is true is challenging because both farmer groups often have low levels of assets such as land and income, which limits tree planting to reaping maximum benefits from agroforestry. As a result, the government and other responsible entities should pay special attention to assisting smallholder farmers in using agroforestry practices for the sustainability of their livelihoods that have been hampered by agricultural land scarcity.

Food security status and its determinants among rural households of Tach Gaint District, North West Ethiopia

Food security is a challenge facing all countries, especially those in Sub-Sahara Africa. Ending hunger, achieving food security, and improving nutrition are the Nations’ 2030 core goals which Ethiopia is striving to attain. Therefore, assessing rural household food security contributes to this effort. Accordingly, the present study intended to investigate the determinants of rural food security at the household level in Tach Gaint district, South Gondar Zone, Amhara region. The study employed a cross-sectional research design composed of both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. It used a random sampling technique to select sample households. Household surveys, key informant interviews, and focused group discussions were conducted to collect primary data. A total of 200 households were covered by the questionnaire survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that nearly half of the sampled households were food insecure. The binary logistic regression results showed seven out of twelve explanatory variables: sex, household size, livestock number in Tropical Livestock Unit, farmland size, oxen number, age, and credit access as determinants of household food security. In conclusion, the determinants of food security are complex and call for multifaceted interventions. Such efforts should include resettling food insecure households where better land resources are available, establishing skill training centers for farming households, enhancing rural credit services ,and expanding and improving family planning services.

ANTHROPOGENIC TRANSFORMATION OF FOREST ECOSYSTEMS IN THE MOUNTAINOUS AREA OF AGSUCHAY

Aim: The purpose of the research is to determine the transformation characteristics of the forest ecosystems of the Agsuchay basin of the Greater Caucasus and to analyze the results of anthropogenic effects. The methodological basis For the study of anthropogenic effects in forests there were used satellite images, scientific literature and the results of observations in experimental areas. Results: The article analyzes the initial state of forest ecosystems in the upper reaches of the Agsuchay and the subsequent anthropogenic transformation. The causes, directions and consequences of anthropogenic transformation of forest ecosystems in the research areas are shown. Due to the mountainous nature of the study area (750-2200 m a.s.l.), the trees formed here have very important tree species in terms of composition. As a result of anthropogenic transformation, the formation, development and gradual expansion of landslides on bare slopes as a result of deforestation and destruction. Scientific novelty: The obtained scientific results can be used to prevent the transformation of forests and restore the forest cover in the study area. As a result of anthropogenic transformation, deforestation and deforestation, landslides were formed, developed and gradually spread on bare slopes. At the same time, the directions and dynamics of anthropogenic transformation are reflected in the altitudinal belts. On the plains of the Agsuchay basin, forests are cut down mainly for the construction of farms and public catering establishments, and in mountainous areas, forests are cut down for firewood. Grazing in forests also leads to the drying up and destruction of forests. At the same time, this area has been inhabited since ancient times due to its geographical location, climate, water and land resources. Over time, large cities were formed here. As the population grew, the economy expanded, the number of livestock increased, and the anthropogenic impact also increased. People who thought about increasing their income by increasing the amount of arable land and pastures and increasing the number of livestock did not take into account the natural landscape of the area. They began to use it blindly, unplanned and intensively.

Современное состояние популяции степного орла в Республике Калмыкии, Россия

In the middle of the 20th century, the Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) was almost ubiquitous and abundant in southern Russia. However, due to the total plowing of the steppe, the decline of traditional pasture cattle breeding, the construction of power line infrastructure and other negative factors, the numbers of this species declined everywhere by the end of the 20th century. Currently, the Steppe Eagle has practically stopped breeding in Rostov Region and Stavropol Krai, remaining only in the areas bordering Kalmykia in the number of several dozens of pairs. The modern boundary of the continuous breeding range of the Steppe Eagle in Europe is settled on the territory of Kalmykia (789 pairs on average) and the Volgograd Zavolzhye (300–500 pairs) in the west, going further east to Kazakhstan and to the regions of Russia transboundary with this country. Given the sharp decline in the Kalmyk population of the Steppe Eagle (from 3–10 thousand pairs in the 1980s) and the continuing negative trend, it is important to pay due attention to monitoring and conservation of the westernmost enclave in the more or less integral range of this species in the Eurasian steppes (Karyakin et al., 2016). We have been conducting annual monitoring of breeding groups of the Steppe Eagle and searching for new nests in the territory of the Republic of Kalmykia since 2021. Two hundred active breeding territories have been identified so far – 25% of the estimated number of the species in the region. According to our estimation, the area of the breeding range of the Steppe Eagle is 47087 km2. However, slightly more than half of this area remains insufficiently and completely unexplored. Due to a prolonged depression in the numbers of the Little Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus pygmaeus), eagles have been nesting irregularly, with relatively low productivity and breeding success, for at least the last few years in a significant part of their range in Kalmykia (75%). In 2021, the most unsuccessful year in terms of food conditions, the distribution density of occupied breeding territories of eagles was 2.15 (1.54–2.99) pairs/100 km2, and at some registration plots the proportion of nests with dead clutches and nestlings was up to 62%. The rest of the range, which was poorly affected by food depression, showed an increased breeding density of 5.72 (4.45–7.35) pairs/100 km2. In turn, breeding productivity here was 1.5 times higher than on plots with food deficit. In general, the productivity of the breeding groups we studied in 2021–2023 was (n=165) 1.71±0.66 (M±SD) nestlings per successful nest. In our opinion, the main reasons for the prolonged depression of the steppe eagle food objects are unfavorable weather conditions, local lack of pasture load due to a decrease in the number of livestock, as well as active hunting of the Little Ground Squirrel by the local population. We assume that current breeding rates are insufficient to make up for demographic losses in our population due to high mortality of eagles at breeding territories, on migration routes and wintering grounds. This is indicated by a number of indirect signs such as: an increase in the proportion of young birds in breeding pairs from 5.2% (2015) to 27% (2021), and an increase in the proportion of abandoned breeding territories of 19%. The densification of breeding groups in the core of the population with a simultaneous decrease in the breeding density in the periphery also indicates clearly negative processes. Among negative anthropogenic factors on the territory of Kalmykia the following are recorded: the mass mortality on power lines (in 2022 the remains of 47 steppe eagles were found on 541 km of power lines), undermining of the food base by the local population, disturbance during breeding, taking of nestlings out of the nests by poachers.

СОСТОЯНИЕ ПРОИЗВОДСТВА ПРОДУКЦИИ РАСТЕНИЕВОДСТВА В РЕСПУБЛИКЕ ТЫВА ОТ ПРЕДКОВ ПО НАСТОЯЩЕЕ ВРЕМЯ

The territory of the Republic of Tyva has been developed since the ancient population, as evidenced by the excavations of burial grounds by archaeologists, rock paintings (petroglyphs) from the ancestors. This is proved by the names of rivers, mountains, lakes, localities and folk epics passed down from generation to generation. The culture of agricultural production in the region has traditionally been developed by historical heritage, customs and passed down from generation to generation. With the development of cattle breeding, agriculture of the local way of life developed, where forage crops were mainly cultivated. Forage is harvested both for the winter stall period and for the summer as an insurance feed in dry years. During the planned economy, collective farms and state farms were established in the republic, where animal husbandry and field breeding developed. During the reform period, many farms were reformed, there was a reduction in the number of livestock in the public sector, the acreage of agricultural crops. The climatic conditions of the region are harsh. The yield of agricultural crops is not stable, it varies in dry years from 9.0 c/ha (2017) to 19.4 c/ha with sufficient humidity (2019). In 2021, the average yield of grain crops in the republic was 12.7 c/ha. Potato yields are more stable at the level of 101.3 c/ha (2019) to 110.9 c/ha (2020). Spring rape and buckwheat have begun to be cultivated in the fields of the region. In recent years, there has been a tendency to increase the production of crop production.

БОТАНИЧЕСКИЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ ОЗИМОЙ СУРЕПИЦЫ – ПЕРСПЕКТИВНОЙ МАСЛИЧНОЙ КУЛЬТУРЫ В ЗАПАДНОЙ СИБИРИ

. In conditions of a reduction in the number of livestock, grain crops are growing in the crop rotation due to the feed wedge. Under these conditions, the development of the technology of oilseeds, in particular from the cabbage family, will improve the water-air regime of the soil, porosity, structurality, water permeability and water strength of the aggregates of the arable layer. Cabbage crops were cultivated at different stages of the development of agriculture. Rapeseed and rapeseed vegetable oil were used for lighting, in soap making, especially for the lubrication of steam engines during the rapid development of industry before the production of mineral oils from fossil hydrocarbons. With the introduction of 00 and 000 varieties of rapeseed and surepitsa, vegetable oil began to be widely used for food purposes and in the production of biodiesel. Winter varieties of rapeseed and surepitsa are characterized by high seed yields. Often these two cultures are mistaken for one species. Having a lot in common, rapeseed and surepitsa and their winter forms differ in botanical and biological features. Surepitsa as a species began to be described in the middle of the XVII century. culture has received many names at different times. According to E.N. Sinskaya, winter surepitsa is one of the subspecies of turnips (B. Rapa subs. Biennis (Metzg) Sinsk), and spring surepitsa is an independent species (Br. Campestris L.). Often in production conditions, winter surepitsa is presented as winter rapeseed. Winter rapeseed is less hardy than winter wheat. Winter wheat ripens 10–12 days earlier in comparison with winter rapeseed and is less productive. In the conditions of Western Siberia, winter wheat ripens in the second decade of July, forms a seed yield of 20 or more c/ha. in 2022, the area of winter wheat crops in the Kemerovo region amounted to about five thousand hectares with a yield of 13.5 c/ha.

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PRODUCTIVE INDEXES OF BULLS OF MEAT BREEDS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE DNIPROVIAN STEPPE

Introduction. In many countries of the world, beef production is based on specialized meat cattle breeding. In Ukraine, this industry is also gaining strength, the breed composition is expanding, the number of livestock is increasing, and several foreign and domestic breeds of cattle are being grown. In terms of embryonic and post-embryonic growth and development, animals of different genotypes of beef cattle have many similar advantages, but at the same time certain breed differences and peculiarities are noted, which prompted the relevance of our research. The purpose of the research was to study the peculiarities of growth and development of Ukrainian gray, Ukrainian meat, and light Aquitaine breeds from birth to 30 months of age in the arid conditions of the Dnieper steppe. Methods. In the research farm "Polyvanivka" of the State Institution "Institute of Grain Crops of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences" three groups of clinically healthy gobies cattle of 4 heads each of gray Ukrainian, Ukrainian meat, and light Aquitaine breeds were formed. After birth, the animals were raised in the same room, under absolutely identical climatic, technological and fodder conditions until the age of 30 months. Distribution of fodder - by hand, watering of animals - with automatic waterers. Growth was studied according to external indicators of the measurements of body sexes, development - according to live weight, absolute and average daily growth. Modern biological, zootechnical, statistical, analytical methods were used. The results. A comparative assessment of growth and development features of beef cattle breeds (Ukrainian gray, Ukrainian meat, light Aquitaine) from birth to 30 months of age was carried out. The animals were fed with typical fodder for the steppe zone of Ukraine - winter wheat and barley straw, alfalfa hay, milk-wax corn silage, corn and alfalfa green mass, compound feed and mineral additives. External indicators show that all the controlled measurements of the livestock were within the breed norm, but their habit differed slightly: the gray Ukrainian bulls were taller; Ukrainian meat breed - more massive compared to the previous ones; and light Aquitaine - had a tubshaped body with well-developed trunk muscles. In the first months of the experiment, animals of the light Aquitaine breed were slightly behind their Ukrainian peers, but later, due to compensatory growth, they were ahead of their counterparts of the gray Ukrainian and Ukrainian meat breeds. In terms of slaughter performance, gray Ukrainian bulls were inferior to specialized butchers, which had their typical carcass weight, high slaughter yield and pulp yield. Conclusions. Despite the fact that the domestic gray Ukrainian and Ukrainian meat breeds are the most adapted to the dry hot climate, in our experiment, cattle of the light Aquitaine breed showed the highest productivity indicators, although its homeland is a "softer" climatic region. Key words: cattle, breed, bulls, ontogenesis, growth, development, exterior, productivity.

Grain production technology in the USSR with minimal use of pesticides

The article examines the technological chain of grain production in the USSR with minimal use of pesticides. It was formed and improved throughout the existence of the USSR. Its components were: removal of organic fertilizers to the fields - deep plowing - sowing - treatment of fields and crops with pesticides - harvesting - cleaning and drying - grain storage. The article describes each of these elements in detail, using illustrations for clarity. The article examines the treatment of fields and crops with pesticides as a key element of this chain. If a necessary condition for the implementation of this technological chain was the increase in the number of livestock, as a result of which organic fertilizers were formed in large quantities, then the development of agricultural machinery and the production of pesticides was sufficient. The article emphasizes that the use of pesticides was limited. Many pesticides were banned completely, while others were used in small quantities and within certain periods. The main reasons for such restrictive measures, due to the social system of the USSR, were the production of high-quality bread products for the population and animal feed and the preservation of the environment.

THE METHOD OF CATTLEPLACES’ CALCULATION AT DAIRY FARMS RECONSTRUCTION

The dairy complexes’ reconstruction involves the cowshed area’s rational use or the exist buildings’ expansion, taking into account the animals’ comfortable maintenance. It is important the space planning solutions of cowsheds choosing correctly and the main producing processes’ technological solutions at new farms designing. At the same time it needs be taken into account that the main technological axis length should be within the following limits: width is 120 m x length 150 m. The typical variants of milking milk block’s location that relative cowsheds are shown. At the milking parlor placing according to this one where the central cattle alley is used, the cattle alley’s minimum length for animals’ moving during milking is achieved, there is no animal flows’ intersection, it is possible small technological groups relatively serving. In addition, central collecting transverse channel for manure in a cattle alley is placed, into which liquid manure from the premilking area, passages and milking unit is collected. The method of the cattleplaces’ calculating in the cowshed is given, that includes the number of heads in the maternity department, in the dry cows and milk distribution ones so and the milk producing shop and dairy farm’s technological groups’ reconstruction, taking into account cattle herd reproduction. According to the proposed method of calculation, data are given the number of livestock on the farm determining, in depending on the cattle herd’s size - from 100 to 1000 heads. To limit the animals’ movement indoors, as well as streams separate during milking, a system of dividing fences and cattle alleys is used.

The Gobi Khulan: A Flagship Species for Mobility

Khulan, the Asiatic wild ass, have been eradicated from most of their former range. The Mongolian Gobi currently holds more than 80% of the global population and constitutes more than 70% of the global breeding range and therefore is the most important stronghold of the species. In the Mongolian Gobi, individual khulan roam over thousands of square kilometers annually and their movements are among the largest reported for terrestrial mammals globally. The high mobility of khulan plays a critical role for the ecosystem functioning of the Mongolian Gobi, including large-scale seed dispersal and provision of water holes for other wildlife. Khulan also have non-consumptive aesthetic and naturalistic values for local residents and harbor the potential for wildlife tourism and subsistence hunting. The species is currently listed as Near Threatened in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, but remains under close scrutiny because multiple developments which negatively impact the size, quality and functional connectivity of the Gobi–Eastern Steppe ecosystem are happening simultaneously and at an unprecedented speed in an ecosystem which so far has remained at a near natural stage. These developments are the: 1) dramatic increase in livestock numbers and a change in the traditional herding practice, 2) rapid development of the resource extraction sector, and 3) expansion and upgrading of the transport infrastructure to meet the needs of the mining sector and allow Mongolia to connect to international markets. The paper explores how these threats may affect khulan in the future and why khulan are an ideal flagship species for mobility and landscape connectivity.

Informatics progress of the Global Burden of Animal Diseases programme towards data for One Health.

The Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) programme will provide data-driven evidence that policy-makers can use to evaluate options, inform decisions, and measure the success of animal health and welfare interventions. The GBADs' Informatics team is developing a transparent process for identifying, analysing, visualising and sharing data to calculate livestock disease burdens and drive models and dashboards. These data can be combined with data on other global burdens (human health, crop loss, foodborne diseases) to provide a comprehensive range of information on One Health, required to address such issues as antimicrobial resistance and climate change. The programme began by gathering open data from international organisations (which are undergoing their own digital transformations). Efforts to achieve an accurate estimate of livestock numbers revealed problems in finding, accessing and reconciling data from different sources over time. Ontologies and graph databases are being developed to bridge data silos and improve the findability and interoperability of data. Dashboards, data stories, a documentation website and a Data Governance Handbook explain GBADs data, now available through an application programming interface. Sharing data quality assessments builds trust in such data, encouraging their application to livestock and One Health issues. Animal welfare data present a particular challenge, as much of this information is held privately and discussions continue regarding which data are the most relevant. Accurate livestock numbers are an essential input for calculating biomass, which subsequently feeds into calculations of antimicrobial use and climate change. The GBADs data are also essential to at least eight of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Net greenhouse-gas emissions and reduction opportunities in the Western Australian beef industry

Context The Western Australian (WA) Government has set ambitious emission reduction targets and is developing strategies to reduce emissions across the state economy, including agriculture. Aims This study determined the product carbon footprint (CF) and total emissions of the WA beef industry, to establish a baseline for emission reduction planning. Methods A cradle-to-gate attributional life-cycle assessment with a reconciled livestock inventory of herd numbers and turnoff, was used. Emission reduction strategies were examined and included herd management, enteric-methane mitigation, and removals via carbon sequestration in vegetation and soils. Key results Modelled livestock numbers were found to be 36% higher than reported in the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), resulting in an emission profile of 4.7 million tonnes (Mt) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e) (excluding land use (LU) and direct LU change (dLUC)). This profile was 26% higher than emissions reported in state inventories. LU and dLUC were estimated to be a greenhouse-gas removal of −2.6 Mt CO2-e, although with high uncertainty. The mean CF for WA was 15.3 kg CO2-e per kg liveweight (LW) (excluding LU and dLUC). State-wide removals from LU and dLUC were estimated to be −8.5 kg CO2-e/kg LW. The CF was 11.7, 19.2 and 18.2 kg CO2-e/kg LW for the Agricultural, Kimberley and Arid regions respectively. The implementation of herd-management strategies and anti-methanogenic supplements resulted in a maximum 25% reduction. Conclusions Herd productivity and market specifications were key drivers of regional differences in CF. Opportunities exist to reduce the CF in northern herds through diverting cattle to Australian backgrounding and feedlot supply chains to reach slaughter weight at a younger age. Adoption of anti-methanogenic feed supplements were important; however, achieving major reductions in the next decade will rely on removals via carbon sequestration in soil and vegetation. Implications Considering the magnitude of removals and elevated uncertainty in this result, further research and new datasets are needed to refine this analysis. New datasets are required to accurately report livestock numbers and track and reduce future GHG emissions from this higher baseline. Technical, cost and adoption barriers will need to be addressed by developing actionable pathways to achieve emission reduction in the mid- to long term.