Livestock Resources Research Articles

Assessment of the Response to Fertilization for the Sustainable Management of Native Grasses from Flooded Savannah Ecosystem Arauca, Colombian Orinoquia

The native grasses of the flooded savannah ecosystem are produced under natural conditions and there is little information on the productive and nutritional response to the application of fertilizers. They are proposed as a strategy for adaptation to climate change and for the sustainable development of livestock farming. The aim of the study was to evaluate the response to low doses of fertilization of native grasses (“bank” grasses: Paspalum plicatulum, Panicum versicolor, and Paspalum sp. “Low” grasses: Leersia hexandra and Hymenachne amplexicaulis) in flooded savannah conditions. The green forage samples were taken in a 1 m2 frame at 28-, 35-, and 42-day cutting intervals and biomass production was estimated with and without fertilization. After 35 days, the nutritional composition was analyzed by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). The effect of fertilization and the grasses × cutting interval interaction influenced (p < 0.05) green forage (GF, t/ha) and dry matter (DM, t/ha). The effect of fertilization and the grasses × fertilization interaction on the nutritional composition only influenced the content of calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) in the “low” grasses, while in the “bank” grasses, it influenced the sodium (Na) content (p < 0.05). The application of fertilizers generated significant differences in forage yield, but not in the general nutritional composition of grasses. However, some numerical variations were observed in favor of fertilized grasses. According to these results, the application of fertilizers will not be required to increase the value of the nutritional composition. Native grasses constitute an important sustainable food resource for livestock in flooded savannah ecosystems. This study constitutes the first approximation to understanding the behavior of native grasses for sustainable management in the flooded savannah ecosystem.

Analisis Kelayakan Finansial Usaha Ternak Kambing Etawa Senduro Di Kecamatan Senduro Kabupaten Lumajang

Indonesia is known to have many types of livestock and natural resources, one of which is goats. Senduro District is one of the leading goat farming centers. Indicators of the success of the livestock business include the size of the financial aspect. Goat farming business needs to be equipped or accompanied by relevant data information for financial feasibility analysis. The purpose of this study was to analyze the feasibility of the goat farming business in Senduro to determine whether the business being run is profitable or not using NPV, IRR, and BEP assessment criteria because farmers tend to trade their livestock businesses without analyzing their business feasibility. The population in this study is Senduro etawa goat farmers totaling 12 breeders. This research uses financial service analysis methods with assessment criteria, namely BEP, IRR, NPV. The NPV results of the etawa Senduro goat farming business located in Lumajang Regency, especially in Kandang Tepus Village, show that the business is feasible to run, because it produces NPV of Rp 1,617,311,892 and more than 0. The IRR result of the goat farming business in Kandang Tepus Village, Senduro District is also said to be feasible because the IRR yield is 30.15%, this result exceeds the loan interest of 15%. BEP in the goat farming business in Senduro can be said to be feasible or profitable because the average BEP unit in this business is 54 heads and the revenue of this business is IDR 2,298,050,000.

Comparison of Production Performance, Slaughtering Performance and Meat Quality of Qinghai Plateau-Type Yaks of Different Months of Age

Background: Research and development in animal husbandry is receiving increasing attention as society continues to develop and as consumer awareness of the nutritional value of livestock products, information about their sources and the importance of production systems and environmental impacts increases. In this context, research on the production performance, slaughtering performance and meat quality of Qinghai plateau-type yak, as a rare and important livestock resource, has become essential and the market demand for high-quality yak meat products has increased significantly. Methods: 10 yaks of 3, 4 and 5 months of age were selected at the same feeding level and 3 yaks of different months of age were randomly selected for slaughtering to determine the routine performance and meat quality and to evaluate them. Result: The results showed that the pH of Qinghai Plateau-type yak meat differed significantly (P less than 0.05) among yaks of different ages. There was a significant difference in the ash content of the longest dorsal muscle of yaks with increasing months of age (P less than 0.05) and the water content of yak meat at 5 months of age decreased significantly (P less than 0.05). The difference in arm triceps muscle was more significant (P less than 0.05) in yaks of different months of age. There was no significant difference (P greater than 0.05) in drip loss rate and moisture content of other parts of different months of age.

Agroecosystem-based agricultural genetic resources for balanced and diversified food, nutrition, health, business, geographical indication and environment

ABSTRACT Nepal has 15 distinct agroecosystems spread across three major agroecozones: Tarai, Mid Hill, and High Hill. These regions support a rich variety of agrobiodiversity. This paper examines the significance of native agrobiodiversity within each of these agroecosystems for diversified food, nutrition, health, business and environment. The information presented is derived from various literature sources, discussions with key experts, and the authors’ own experiences. Each of these agroecosystems has cultivated and preserved numerous unique species, landraces, and genotypes of agrobiodiversity, including crops, forages, livestock, agro-insects, agro-microorganisms, and aquatic genetic resources. This agrobiodiversity is deeply connected with local cultures, traditional knowledge, and skills. The high diversity of agricultural genetic resources (AGRs) within Nepal’s relatively small area is a crucial factor for ensuring food security, nutrition, health, business opportunities, and environmental sustainability. Many niche products, prized for their purity, quality, taste, health benefits, and nutritional value, are sold at premium prices. However, the focus on production-centric agricultural programs over the years has led to the replacement of many niche-specific varieties by more uniform and limited ones. Introducing new genotypes into a particular agroecosystem may undermine the principles of ecological agriculture. Therefore, it is essential to enhance the competitiveness of native AGRs and associated indigenous technologies within each agroecosystem.

Genomic Reference Resource for African Cattle: Genome Sequences and High-Density Array Variants

The diversity in genome resources is fundamental to designing genomic strategies for local breed improvement and utilisation. These resources also support gene discovery and enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of resilience with applications beyond local breeds. Here, we report the genome sequences of 555 cattle (208 of which comprise new data) and high-density (HD) array genotyping of 1,082 samples (537 new samples) from indigenous African cattle populations. The new sequences have an average genome coverage of ~30X, three times higher than the average (~10X) of the over 300 sequences already in the public domain. Following variant quality checks, we identified approximately 32.3 million sequence variants and 661,943 HD autosomal variants mapped to the Bos taurus reference genome (ARS-UCD1.2). The new datasets were generated as part of the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) Genomic Reference Resource for African Cattle (GRRFAC) initiative, which aspires to facilitate the generation of this livestock resource and hopes for its utilisation for complete indigenous breed characterisation and sustainable global livestock improvement.

Spatial Differentiation Characteristics, Driving Mechanisms, and Governance Strategies of Rural Poverty in Eastern Tibet

Rural areas in Tibet, with its complex terrain, fragile ecology, and poor facilities, are subject to a combination of social–ecological system elements, facing the typical risks of recurrent, marginal, and potential poverty. At present, the spatial differentiation and driving mechanism of rural spatial poverty risk in Tibet are not clear, which adversely affects the formulation of differentiated and precise governance strategies. Thus, based on the social–ecological system perspective, 967 poor rural villages in eastern Tibet were taken as an example, using intelligent techniques such as random forest, geographic detector, and multi-scale geographically weighted regression to identify the spatial differentiation characteristics and the driving mechanism of poverty. The results indicated that (1) the high poverty incidence of rural areas in eastern Tibet showed a scattered block distribution, of which approximately 37% of the villages presented a spatial distribution characterised by a high degree of clustering of the high poverty incidence. (2) Topography and the level of public facilities were key factors influencing the poverty levels of rural areas in eastern Tibet, in which the coupling explanatory power between the construction land slope index (CLSI) and several poverty-causing factors was high. (3) Geological disaster, land surface temperature, CLSI, traffic accessibility, livestock resources, cropland per capita, and tourism resources differentially drove the poverty incidence of rural areas in eastern Tibet, forming spatial partitions dominated by the risks of potential, marginal, and recurrent poverty. For different partitions, differentiated governance strategies of upgrading ecological environments, optimising geographical locations, and revitalising social resources were proposed to provide references for solving the problem of relative poverty in the new period.

Enhancing Livestock Detection: An Efficient Model Based on YOLOv8

Maintaining a harmonious balance between grassland ecology and local economic development necessitates effective management of livestock resources. Traditional approaches have proven inefficient, highlighting an urgent need for intelligent solutions. Accurate identification of livestock targets is pivotal for precise livestock farming management. However, the You Only Look Once version 8 (YOLOv8) model exhibits limitations in accuracy when confronted with complex backgrounds and densely clustered targets. To address these challenges, this study proposes an optimized CCS-YOLOv8 (Comprehensive Contextual Sensing YOLOv8) model. First, we curated a comprehensive livestock detection dataset encompassing the Qinghai region. Second, the YOLOv8n model underwent three key enhancements: (1) incorporating a Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) to accentuate salient image information, thereby boosting feature representational power; (2) integrating a Content-Aware ReAssembly of FEatures (CARAFE) operator to mitigate irrelevant interference, improving the integrity and accuracy of feature extraction; and (3) introducing a dedicated small object detection layer to capture finer livestock details, enhancing the recognition of smaller targets. Experimental results on our dataset demonstrate the CCS-YOLOv8 model’s superior performance, achieving 84.1% precision, 82.2% recall, 84.4% mAP@0.5, 60.3% mAP@0.75, 53.6% mAP@0.5:0.95, and 83.1% F1-score. These metrics reflect substantial improvements of 1.1%, 7.9%, 5.8%, 6.6%, 4.8%, and 4.7%, respectively, over the baseline model. Compared to mainstream object detection models, CCS-YOLOv8 strikes an optimal balance between accuracy and real-time processing capability. Its robustness is further validated on the VisDrone2019 dataset. The CCS-YOLOv8 model enables rapid and accurate identification of livestock age groups and species, effectively overcoming the challenges posed by complex grassland backgrounds and densely clustered targets. It offers a novel strategy for precise livestock population management and overgrazing prevention, aligning seamlessly with the demands of modern precision livestock farming. Moreover, it promotes local environmental conservation and fosters sustainable development within the livestock industry.

A systematic review of GIS-based and AHP approaches for identifying suitable locations for livestock farms

In modern livestock farming, where efficiency, sustainability, and resource optimization are vital, choosing the right farm location is crucial. This entails a meticulous assessment of environmental, economic, and social factors. Recently, the synergy of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) has revolutionized site selection for livestock farms. This study seeks to explore GIS-based and AHP approaches, examining their respective roles and the indicators employed in existing literature related to decisions on livestock farm locations. Our objective is to extract key insights and identify emerging trends from the analysis of case studies and methodologies present in the current body of literature. This comprehensive review not only informs present practices but also serves as a guiding framework for the future of sustainable livestock farming site selection.

Rice land agroecosystem in supporting the development potential of duck-rice integration

The agroecosystem of paddy fields in the Tondano Lake area was an environmental system that has been managed directly by farmers for the benefit of food production, namely rice, fiber and various other food products such as ducks. The types of commodities that can be developed in paddy field ecosystems were more limited than those in dry land ecosystems. In fact, the farmer community in paddy fields generally had weak capabilities, especially with regard to capital, there was a rice farming culture that is not aware of damaging the environment and low technology adoption. Farmers use paddy fields for the development of duck livestock. The problem was how far the paddy field agroecosystem supports the potential for the development of duck-rice integration (INTIP). The purpose of this study was to analyze the biophysical characteristics, management of land resources and duck livestock resources. The research method used was a survey method with locations around Lake of Tondano. The number of respondents was 30 farmers who developed local ducks in paddy fields. Data analysis used was descriptive analysis. The results showed that the area of rice fields in District of Remboken was 323 Ha, South Tondano was 457 Ha, West Kakas was 664 Ha, East Langowan was 663 Ha and West Tondano was 693 Ha. The population of ducks for the five districts was respectively 8177 ducks, 6525, 4311, 4277 and 9240 ducks. Paddy fields are used as duck grazing land after the rice harvest. The feed consumed was the remains of rice that has fallen out, small animals in the fields after harvest and added with “renga”. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that duck had the potential to be developed in paddy fields with agroecosystems that were only planted with rice plants.

Productivity and Profitability of Fodder oat (Avena sativa L.) as Affected by Integrated Nutrient Management: A Review

Fodder oats (Avena sativa L.) is a valuable feed resource for livestock, providing high-quality forage rich in nutrients essential for animal health and productivity. This review summarizes the key components and benefits of integrated nutrient management in fodder oats cultivation. Organic inputs such as farmyard manure, compost, and green manure enhance soil quality while inorganic fertilizers provide essential macro and micronutrients necessary for robust crop growth and yield.Various researchers found that higher green and dry fodder yields were obtained with the application of Farmyard Manure @ 5 t/ha + 50 percent of the recommended dose of fertilizers (329.76- 518.32 q ha-1) and 75% RDF along with 2 t Poultry manure ha-1 (77.57- 91.31 q ha-1 ). While 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF)+Zn + plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)+residual farm yard manure (R-FYM) and 100%RDF + Zn + R-FYM significantly increased fodder quality traits- Crude protein (9.44-10.10%), ether extract (4.5-5%), total ash yield (33.8-34.6%), ADF and NDF. Uptake of N, K, P, S and Mn by oat crop was highest at 75% NPK+2.5t Vermicompost +10kg Mn+20kg S ha-1. Higher net returns per ha were obtained by integrated nutrient management treatment of FYM @ 5 t/ha + 50 percent of the recommended dose of fertilizers and the application of 75% RDF (60:40 NP) kg ha-1 along with 2 t poultry manure ha-1. Thus Integrated nutrient sources increased the yield and quality of fodder oat besides enhancing profitability.

Analysis of the coupling coordination of livestock production, residential consumption, and resource and environmental carrying capacity in China

Analysis of the coupling coordination of livestock production, residential consumption, and resource and environmental carrying capacity in China

Genome-wide association research on the reproductive traits of Qianhua Mutton Merino sheep.

Qianhua Mutton Merino sheep is a new breed of meat wool sheep cultivated independently in China. In 2018, it was approved by the state and brought into the national list of livestock and poultry genetic resources. Qianhua Mutton Merino sheep have the common characteristics of typical meat livestock varieties with rapid growth and development in the early stage and high meat production performance. The objective of this research is to investigate the Genome-wide association of the reproductive traits of Qianhua Mutton Merino sheep. Qianhua Mutton Merino sheep from the breeding core group were selected as the research object, genome-wide association analysis was conducted on genes associated with the reproductive traits (singleton or twins, birth weight, age [in days] for sexual maturity, weaning weight, and daily gain from birth to weaning) of Qianhua mutton merino. Our study findings showed that 151 loci of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected, among which 3 SNPs related to birth weight and weaning weight occupied a significant portion of the wide genome. The candidate genes preliminarily obtained were SYNE1, SLC12A4, BMP2K, CAMK2D, IMMP2L, DMD, and BCL2. We found 151 SNP loci for five traits related to reproduction (including singleton or twins, birth weight, age [in days] at sexual maturity, weaning weight, and daily weight gain from birth to weaning). The functions of these candidate genes were mainly enriched in nucleotide metabolism, metal ion binding, oxytocin signaling pathway, and neurotrophin signaling pathway.

Comparative assessment of methane emissions from the manure of Mexican Creole Hairless Pigs and Commercial Pigs fed the same diet

AbstractPig production contributes significantly to the high environmental footprint of the livestock sector. Therefore, in this framework, a transition toward more sustainable production is essential. Local natural livestock resources, such as Mexican Creole Hairless Pigs, provide a good opportunity to achieve sustainable pig production. In the present study, a first approximation to compare the carbon emissions of Mexican Creole Hairless Pig manure from Commercial Pig manure is presented. Under the same feeding and housing conditions, the specific methane emissions of both Mexican Creole Hairless Pigs and Commercial Pigs manure were determined experimentally at room temperature. In addition, specific methane production kinetics was modeled using the Gompertz equation to estimate the specific methane production rate. The methane emission factors for Mexican Creole Hairless Pig manure (0.33 ± 0.02 kg[CO2‐eq]/LU per day) were half those of Commercial Pig manure (0.7 ± 0.04 kg[CO2‐eq]/LU per day), and biochemical manure analysis suggested that Mexican Creole Hairless Pigs had better digestibility of the diet. In general, due to physiological factors such as food intake rate and gut microbiota development, which could influence the fat and fiber digestibility of Creole genotypes, pig genotype should be included as an additional factor to estimate greenhouse gas emissions from pig manure. The production of Mexican Creole Hairless Pigs in an extensive local system is therefore an attractive option for developing new sustainable markets.

Trend of raw milk collection, milk processing constraints and opportunities in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is awarded from nature with cattle resource that brings it to the first stage from Africa and fifth from the world. Dairy production in Ethiopia is mainly rural small farming system with low productive indigenous cattle breed and an animal having multipurpose usage. Modern dairy product processing industries still infant and mostly dominated by traditional milk and milk products processing, due to regardless attention is given for dairy processing sector in the Ethiopia. Although modern dairy processing industries emerged in different part of the country, there is no constant in number of dairy processing industries which is up and down throughout different years due to disintegrated milk supply chain, poor milk quality, informal marketing, limit milk product processing technology, limited infrastructure and sociocultural impacts etc. are some of the limitation factors. Traditional milk product produced in Ethiopia are fermented yoghurt, traditional butter and butter milk, ghee and Cottage cheese. Whereas, modern milk and milk products are pasteurized milk, different type of yogurt and different kind of cheeses. Although, there are milk collection and milk product processing development constraints in Ethiopia, unexploited livestock resources in the country will an opportunities of milk and milk products processing investment. There for, this review paper is attempt to indicate the available dairy products processing investments opportunities and technical and non- technical constraints of milk collection and milk products processing in Ethiopia.

Analysis of livestock resources potential for the dairy cattle farming development in Plaosan district, Magetan regency

This study aimed to determine the supporting resources and identify the base sector (LQ) for dairy cattle farming development in Plaosan Subdistrict, Magetan Regency. The experiment was conducted from May to July 2023, and Plaosan Subdistrict was selected as the location due to its reputation as the “Kampung Susu Lawu” (Lawu Milk Village), a well-known tourist destination. A total of 45 dairy cattle farmers who were members of livestock groups, participated as respondents. The primary data were collected from farmers, while secondary data were obtained from relevant government agencies and institutions. The analysis was carried out using both descriptive and Location Quotient (LQ) analyses, as well as the estimation of the potential and capacity of the region for dairy cattle farming development in the Plaosan Subdistrict. The results indicated that “Kampung Susu Lawu” possessed human resources among farmers that were relatively good for dairy cattle farming development. Farmers in the area tended to be in their productive age, with an average education level of junior and senior high school, and average ownership of 3 cows with less than 10 years of farming experience. The LQ analysis showed an LQ value of 3.59, signifying it as a base region, with growth share values were 7.1 and 42.1. In conclusion, the Plaosan Subdistrict in Magetan Regency has the potential for dairy cattle farming development

Comprehensive review of sustainable utilization of Arenga obtusifolia Griff. as a food

This review delves into the utilization of non-conventional starch sources through a specific cultural lens, focusing on the practices and significance of Arenga obtusifolia Griff., commonly referred to as the sugar palm, and its derivative product called Tassey. The tassey is widely popular in the Nyishi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, India, a region renowned for its biodiversity and abundant palm tree varieties, including the sugar palm. Highlighting the multifaceted dimensions of the sugar palm, this review expounds upon Tassey's creation, consumption, and versatile applications. Tassey, a substance extracted from the sugar palm's stem, emerges as a pivotal element of the Nyishi tribe's cultural heritage and sustenance strategies, especially during times of scarcity and natural calamities. This review sheds light on the integral role played by Nyishi women in the cultivation and preparation of tassey, underscoring their vital contribution to upholding this time-honoured practice. Furthermore, the economic ramifications of tassey production and its commercial viability are explored, elucidating its role in bolstering the tribe's livelihood. Extending beyond its dietary role, tassey exhibits a diverse array of applications, spanning from human consumption to its incorporation in the crafting of traditional alcoholic beverages and even as a therapeutic resource for livestock. By offering insights into the profound relationship between the Nyishi tribe and the sugar palm, this review enriches our comprehension of traditional ecological wisdom and sustainable exploitation of resources within a culturally vibrant backdrop. Ultimately, this comprehensive exploration contributes to a nuanced appreciation of the intricate interplay between heritage, environment, and innovation in this distinctive region.

Climate Smart Agriculture Practices in India

According to the World Bank, Climate-smart agriculture encompasses the comprehensive management of landscapes, including land under cultivation, livestock, woodland areas, and aquatic resources, addressing the interconnected issues of food security and climate change. United Nations Population Fund or UNFPAs Population dashboard shows India’s population at 1406.6 million with an annual average rate of population increase at 0.9% from 2020-25. To meet this food demand, it is imperative for India to adapt sustainable agricultural practices. The IPCC (Inter-governmental panel on climate change) report has pointed out that climate change has affected food security due to global warming and extremes of temperatures around the World. In light of these facts, India faces the unique challenge of developing a path of enhancing the country’s food supply, ensuring water availability while minimizing agricultural GHGs (Greenhouse emissions) which are estimated to be 14% of its total GHG emissions. In the 2021 Global Climate Risk Index (CRI), India was ranked 7th, with a CRI score of 16.67. This paper aims at understanding the theoretical and conceptual framework of climate smart agriculture and presents an insight into how the objectives of food sufficiency, change in climatic conditions and greenhouse gas emissions are being met in India through policies, institutions and financial models.

Population structure, runs of homozygosity analysis and construction of single nucleotide polymorphism fingerprinting database of Longnan goat population

AbstractThe Longnan goat (LN) is a local breed discovered during the third census of China's livestock and poultry genetic resources. In order to thoroughly comprehend the population traits, this research examined a total of 70 animals from three different goat populations, namely the LN goat, Nanjiang Brown goat (NJ), and Boer goat (Boer). Specific‐Locus Amplified Fragment Sequencing was employed to analyze genetic diversity, population structure, and selective sweep patterns. Additionally, individual DNA fingerprints were generated to provide detailed genetic profiles for each subject. A total of 643,868 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected, with a majority located in intergenic and intronic regions. Genetic diversity analysis uncovered lower diversity within the LN population compared to the other two populations. The analysis of population structure unveiled significant genetic distance between LN and both NJ and Boer populations, with distinct clustering patterns observed. Moreover, genetic differentiation coefficients (FST) of 0.1019 and 0.0854 were determined between LN and Boer, as well as LN and NJ, respectively, indicating substantial genetic differentiation. Selective sweep analysis, combining FST and π ratio, identified several genes associated with growth and development, reproduction, hair color, and immunity that may serve as valuable candidates for marker‐assisted breeding. Furthermore, identification of 47,541 runs of homozygosity (ROHs) revealed non‐uniform distribution across chromosomes, with the highest frequency on chromosome 1 and the lowest on chromosome 27. Correlations between different inbreeding coefficients varied, with the highest observed between FHOM and FGRM, and the lowest between FROH >1.5Mb and FROH <500kb. A total of 46 candidate genes were annotated within high‐frequency ROH islands, primarily associated with biological processes such as reproduction, growth and development, and immunity. Finally, a DNA fingerprint, consisting of 371 highly polymorphic SNPs, was generated and presented in the form of a two‐dimensional code for convenient access. Based on the population structure analysis, LN goats have been found to have a distant genetic distance and a higher degree of differentiation from both the Boer and NJ populations. Evaluation of genetic diversity parameters and ROH analysis indicates that the LN population exhibits lower genetic diversity and shows signs of inbreeding. Our findings offer theoretical support for the identification of genetic resources within this population.

Influence of Cutting Intervals and Transition Periods on Chemical Composition Variability of Selected Tropical Grasses under Flooded Savanna Conditions of Arauca, Colombian Orinoquia

The floodplain savannah is a tropical ecosystem that sustains grazing livestock, mainly by its grass’s diversity, of which scarce knowledge regarding the chemical composition and influencing factors. The aim was to evaluate the chemical composition variability of some native and introduced grasses grown in different physiographic positions of the floodplain savannah at transition periods and different cutting intervals. Five grasses from the “bank” (native species: Paspalum plicatulum, Axonopus compressus, Panicum versicolor, and Paspalum sp.; introduced species: Mulato I) and four from the “low” (native species: Leersia hexandra, Acroceras zizanioides, and Hymenachne amplexicaulis; introduced species: Urochloa humidicola) were sampled at 30, 40, and 50 cutting interval days during the “dry–rainy” and “rainy–dry” transition periods. The cuts were made with a 1 m2 frame to estimate forage biomass. The chemical compositions were analyzed by near-infrared spectroscopy. The influences of the cutting intervals and transition periods on chemical composition variables were evaluated through principal component analysis (PCA). Grass chemical variability was explained by eleven variables, including a digestible fraction, namely crude protein (CP), ash, ether extract (EE), total digestible nutrients (TDN), dry matter digestibility (DMD), metabolic energy (ME), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S); and a partial digestible or undigestible fraction, namely neutral detergent fiber (NDF), lignin, and hemicellulose (HC). Grasses from the “low” position or with 30 cutting interval days in the rainy–dry transition period presented the highest proportion of the digestible fraction. Introduced grasses showed reduced nutritional value from 40 days onwards, whereas the L. hexandra, H. amplexicaulis, A. zizanioides, and P. versicolor native grasses were the least affected by the studied cutting intervals and transition periods. These native grasses constitute an important sustainable food resource for livestock in the flooded savanna ecosystem.

Estimation of Manure Emissions Issued from Different Chinese Livestock Species: Potential of Future Production

In this study, mathematical models are used to estimate the emissions of livestock excreta (LE) generated by China’s livestock industry more accurately. Also, the spatial relationship between provinces is analyzed. LE emissions are predicted for the next decade through appropriate parameters and non-parametric models. Additionally, a literature review is conducted to propose two hypotheses. As revealed by the research, there are four stages that LE emissions experience over time. From 2017 to 2021, LE emissions showed a trend of steady increase, suggesting a stronger awareness of the issue and the enforcement of more measures related to management and emission reduction. According to the results of a spatial analysis, there was no significant positive or negative correlation present between LE emissions in different provinces of China. In the selection of the prediction model, the BP-RE model achieved the best predictive performance. According to the prediction results, the fresh weight emissions from China’s livestock industry will increase by 24.53% by 2031, while dry weight emissions will decrease by 28.06%. Large-scale aquaculture farms show an upward trend, with fresh weight and dry weight emissions rising by 11.16% and 2.05%, respectively. Therefore, in light of this study’s findings, it is crucial for China to pursue additional measures in reducing LE emissions, despite the implementation of existing management policies. These insights can inform the development of livestock and poultry manure management policies and resource utilization strategies for the coming decade.