On-farm Practices Research Articles

On-Farm Cocoa Fermentation Practices and their Effect on the Quality of Cocoa Beans in Three Agroecological Zones of Uganda

Little attention has been paid to on-farm cocoa fermentation practices, leading to poor-quality cocoa beans. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three agroecological zones of Uganda (Lake Victoria Crescent, Western Rangelands, and Lake Albert Crescent) to investigate on-farm fermentation practices, the association between farmer training and adoption of recommended fermentation practices as well as the impact of fermentation practices on cocoa quality. Data on fermentation practices and farmer training was collected using a questionnaire. The quality of cocoa beans collected from interviewed farmers was assessed for bean cut test, fermentation index, pH, and titratable acidity following recommended methods. Results revealed significant variation in fermentation practices used by farmers, with over 65% employing rudimentary methods such as sack, bucket, and jerrycan. Training of farmers did not increase the likelihood of farmers adopting the recommended fermentation practices. As a result, the quality of fermented cocoa beans was low with only 40-51% of the beans from all zones exhibiting the fully brown color, which is below the 60% threshold for commercial-grade cocoa beans. Furthermore, the fermentation index of cocoa beans from all zones ranged from 0.61-0.67, indicating a high percentage of under-fermented beans. Farmers who used the recommended practices (heap and box fermentation for 5-7 days while turning cocoa) in each zone, produced cocoa with a significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of fully fermented beans. The continued use of rudimentary postharvest handling practices among farmers leads to the production of poor-quality cocoa beans. It is important to strengthen the enforcement of recommended fermentation practices to improve the quality of cocoa beans and ensure a sustainable market.

Understanding how on-farm biosecurity perceptions and practices of New South Wales sheep producers have been impacted by the 2022 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Indonesia.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly infectious transboundary emergency animal disease posing a significant threat to the global economy. Australia strengthened border security following the 2022 FMD outbreak in Indonesia allocating resources to promote biosecurity awareness and engagement. This study qualitatively investigated the impact of this extension on the biosecurity perceptions and practices of sheep producers in New South Wales, Australia. Eighteen sheep producers participated in semi-structured interviews during August-September 2023. Thematic analysis revealed biosecurity to be perceived as important for industry and enterprise productivity; however, on-farm biosecurity practices were mostly associated solely with bioexclusion. Seven producers engaged directly with post-Indonesian FMD outbreak extension and reported increased FMD awareness. Changes to on-farm biosecurity were made by half the participants following the 2022 Indonesian FMD outbreak, with three of these having received extension engagement. The main explanations for lack of change were the perceptions that no change to disease risk had occurred, that current practices adequately mitigated risk and that change would be impractical. Future studies aimed at further understanding the factors that influence both the immediate and long-term effectiveness of extension activities would be beneficial to the development of future biosecurity extension and policy.

Staging of swine carcasses to mitigate leachate contamination in the environment.

Outbreaks of infectious diseases involving depopulation of animals require on-farm practices to stage carcasses when final disposal methods are unavailable. The current study assessed various materials and techniques for containing carcasses to minimize leachate and biological substances. The tested materials included tarps, soil, corn stover (CS), and lime, while the methods involved covers, chemical additives, barriers, and containment. Treatments included the following: 1) control, carcasses in a pile; 2) carcasses wrapped in tarp material; 3) carcasses covered with tarp material; 4) carcasses covered by soil; 5) carcasses placed on CS base with tarp cover; 6) carcasses on CS base with CS covering; and 7) carcasses on CS base with a lime covering. Each treatment was run in triplicate using three carcasses per replicate. Temperatures, headspace gas, and leachate from carcasses were collected over a 91-day holding period. Pairwise comparisons of means were made when treatments were significantly different. Carcasses lost significant amounts of their liquid contents in the first 27days. Leachate contents were initially filled with organic material and potassium that significantly declined with time, while Fe, Zn, and Cu concentrations increased significantly over time. Covers did not reduce leachate volume, but soil covers significantly reduced substances in the leachate. Corn stover barriers significantly reduced both leachate volume and substances in the leachate. Containing carcasses in tarp material was the most effective method for holding leachate and preventing its loss to the environment. This research demonstrates that growers should focus on sealing carcass containers and constructing barriers to limit surface contamination during depopulation events.

BIOFILM DAIRY FOODS REVIEW: Microbial Community Tracking from Dairy Farm to Factory: Insights on Biofilm Management for Enhanced Food Safety and Quality.

This review aimed to assess the scope of the literature on tracking the microbial community of biofilms, focusing on the dairy farm and processing environments. The majority of studies focused on either production, storage, transport or processing of milk, while 5 combined the investigation of both production and processing facilities. Factors influencing short-term changes in dairy microbiota such as the occurrence of mastitis and season were distinguished from factors revealed through long-term studies, such as feed and weather, rather than the milking equipment. Knowledge gaps were identified in relation to the study design, methods, data analysis and interpretation. The application of DNA sequencing technologies is particularly challenging with respect to samples with low microbial load (milk, swabs). There are few studies on the microbial composition of in situ biofilms, which might require new technologies for detection before sampling. Fundamental studies on the structure of biofilms are needed to identify the on-farm practices impacting the cycle of biofilm development in milking systems.

Risk factors for antimicrobial usage and diseases in Dutch veal calf farms: A cross-sectional study

Antimicrobial use (AMU) is the main driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In the Netherlands, the veal calf sector was among the largest consumers of antimicrobials in Defined Daily Doses Animal (DDDA) for the year of 2022. As preventive use in Dutch livestock farms is forbidden since 2011, most AMU is due to the herd health status which is affected by the farm environment in which the conditions for diseases to spread are created. The aim of this study was to determine which disease etiologies for group treatments are associated with AMU in rosé starter veal calves, and which modifiable technical risk factors on farm are associated with those diseases and with total AMU. Cross-sectional data were collected from 36 Dutch rosé starter veal calf farms in the Netherlands in 2021 using a digital survey. Linear regression analysis showed that the main indications for AMU were respiratory infections, for which mainly tetracyclines and macrolides were used. Partial least squares regression analysis (PLS) revealed 13 on-farm practices associated with the number of group treatments for respiratory diseases and 19 with total AMU. Overlapping variables in both PLS models were related to regrouping of calves, micro-climate conditions, water access and weaning strategies. Overall, these features focused on improving animal welfare and nutrition during production and enhancing a farm’s internal and external biosecurity. This study identified opportunities for reducing AMU in rosé starter veal calf farms, which thereby could contribute to limiting AMR emergence and spread.

Delivering and evaluating a behaviour change communication training programme for farm advisors

Farm advisors provide knowledge and support to farmers, to help them change their on-farm practices or behaviours, with a view to improving the farm’s overall sustainability and competitiveness(1,2). In this way, advisors can be viewed as agents of change(3). In order to fulfil their role as agents of change, advisors must possess sufficient knowledge of human psychology and behavioural science, which is the discipline involved with understanding, predicting and changing behaviour(4,5). Despite this, within advisory education and professional development, it is considered that greater emphasis is given to advisory technical knowledge acquisition, than how to work effectively with others to support learning and change(6). Accordingly, this study aims to implement a behaviour change communication training programme for farm advisors and evaluate its efficacy. As much work within the health and social care field has been undertaken to support health related behaviour change, this study aims to adapt a behaviour change communication training programme originally developed for use within this field to the advisory setting(7,8).A mixed-methods case study under the pragmatic worldview was conducted. Ethical approval was obtained from the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences Research Ethics Committee at Queen’s University Belfast. The programme was adapted from the ‘MAP of Health Behaviour Change Learning Programme’ (MAP) created by NHS Education for Scotland(9). Eight farm advisors completed the programme delivered by health psychologists, which involved the completion of a 40-minute online module and a one-day in-person workshop about the principles of person-centred communication and behaviour change techniques. The Brinkerhoff training evaluation model guided the evaluation(10). Quantitative questionnaire data, including perceived knowledge and confidence, was descriptively analysed. Qualitative data including surveys, logs and focus group/interview data was thematically analysed.Descriptive analysis found advisors scored highly in perceived knowledge (mean: 5.5) and confidence (mean: 5.5) post-training (measured on 6-point Likert scale). Thematic analysis determined three themes: valuable activities, takeaways, and programme evolution. Advisors valued open discussions and role-playing activities. A key takeaway was how to structure conversations about change; firstly, identifying a person’s stage of change, then delivering behaviour change techniques tailored to that stage. Further training on how to support individuals to explore and build motivation towards change was deemed beneficial.MAP was shown to be an effective training programme with applications in agriculture. This study offers insights for those involved in advisory education. Incorporating behaviour change communication courses into advisory programmes helps advisors develop knowledge surrounding the psychology behind behaviour change and additional competencies in supporting behaviour change at the farm level.

Micro RNA profiles in colostrum exosomes obtained from primiparous or multiparous dairy cows.

Colostrum is rich in membranous vesicles of endocytic origin named exosomes, with proteins, lipids, RNA, and/or DNA cargos which can play different roles in physiological processes. Like other colostrum bioactive compounds, exosomes could be also influenced by individual characteristics. The objective of the study was to characterize miRNA cargo of colostrum exosomes from primiparous and multiparous cows in different farms. Twenty-seven colostrum samples of clinically healthy Holstein cows (11 primiparous and 16 multiparous) from 3 different farms were obtained and frozen. After thawing, exosomes were isolated following an ultracentrifugation protocol, and characterized morphologically. Particle size distribution and western immunoblotting were also analyzMaed. After RNA extraction, miRNAs were sequenced and analyzed to assess potential differences in profiles between primiparous and multiparous cows from different farms. Fourteen miRNA were upregulated and 11 miRNAs downregulated in primiparous compared with multiparous cows. Most of the miRNA differences between primiparous and multiparous cows regulate the gene expression of factors involved in mammary gland development and differentiation, and lipogenesis. In addition, miRNAs from one of the farms showed 8 miRNAs downregulated and 12 upregulated compared with the other 2 farms, independently of parity. Differences in miRNA between farms were mainly associated with immune and inflammatory-related genes. In conclusion, miRNA cargos of bovine colostrum exosomes differ in primiparous and multiparous cows, and some on-farm practices might also determine the content and activity of miRNA in colostrum exosomes.

Digital sustainability tracing in smallholder context: Ex-ante insights from the Peruvian cocoa supply chain

Global demand for sustainable agri-food products creates opportunities for smallholder farmers. But on-farm verification of sustainable practices is costly, making third-party certification inaccessible to many poor farmers. Digital technologies for tracing agri-food products from farm to fork could help: novel traceability systems, based on blockchain technology, can make data about on-farm practices transparently available to downstream stakeholders, enabling them to verify sustainability claims without external audits. There is limited understanding, however, of how such digital tracing systems fit local needs and capacities in smallholder contexts. Through a grounded theory approach, we explore the potential of digital traceability for sustainability monitoring in a case study in the Ucayali region of Peru. Based on interviews with local cocoa sector stakeholders, we identify two major challenges: first, setting up digital traceability systems requires investments that do not seem justified by corresponding increases in income. And second, relying on farmer-supplied data creates the risk of inaccurate information due to insufficient capacity as well as incentives for providing distorted data. Our findings suggest that strong cooperation along the supply chain is needed to ensure adequate return on farmer-side costs and investments. Focusing on sustainability metrics at the community level, in addition to the farm level, may be promising, as these metrics can be reliably collected by external stakeholders and add value beyond existing third-party certification standards. Our case study provides recommendations for local policy makers and supply chain stakeholders to develop inclusive digital sustainability tracing systems with smallholder farmers.

Australian Alpaca Demographics and Management: A National Survey.

The Australian alpaca industry has continued to grow since the introduction of alpacas in the 1980s. Little is known about the geographical distribution of alpacas or on-farm management practices. This study aimed to address this and identify key producer knowledge through an online survey. The survey consisted of 25 questions grouped into 3 areas: demographics, farm production and alpaca nutrition. The highest concentration of alpaca producers was along the east coast of Australia, primarily in high-rainfall zones, which could be attributed to more consistent year-round pasture availability and market access opportunities. The Huacaya breed accounted for 93% of the animal numbers reported in this survey. Respondents identified 12 key pasture species being grazed, with Kikuyu being the most common, followed by Subterranean Clover and Phalaris, likely due to the majority of respondents being located in suitable high-rainfall environments. Pasture species were not identified by 25% of respondents. There are no registered anthelmintics or vaccinations for alpacas, resulting in a variation in dosage rates and administration frequency, raising concerns for effective disease and parasite management. This survey has identified key knowledge gaps in alpaca management practices in Australia that will be further investigated to provide industry recommendations to improve alpaca production.

Animal health as a function of farmer personality and attitude: using the HEXACO model of personality structure to predict farm-level seropositivity for Fasciola hepatica and Ostertagia ostertagi in dairy cows.

Infections with Fasciola hepatica and Ostertagia ostertagi impinge upon dairy cow health and welfare and represent a major economic factor in livestock industry. Control measures largely rely on the use of anthelminthic drugs. However, reports of anthelmintic resistance necessitate sustainable approaches. Farmer characteristics such as attitude and personality are crucial for the implementation of control strategies and on-farm practices. In the present study, the HEXACO (Honesty-Humility, Emotionality, eXtraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Openness to experience) model of personality structure, which conceptualizes human personality, was used to evaluate the relationship of farmer aspects with on-farm bulk tank milk seropositivity for F. hepatica and O. ostertagi. Moreover, information on farm structure, housing, management, and farmers' attitude was collected in a face-to-face interview. Farm-level seropositivity for F. hepatica and O. ostertagi was predicted via elastic net regression. Out of 193 farms housing 8,774 cows in the German Federal State of Bavaria, 47 farms (24.4%) were seropositive for F. hepatica, 77 farms (39.9%) for O. ostertagi, and 42 farms (21.8%) for both endoparasites. The model for F. hepatica seropositivity selected the covariates pasture access, O. ostertagi seropositivity, higher farmer conscientiousness, and organic farming as relevant predictors. Seropositivity for O. ostertagi was predicted by F. hepatica seropositivity, pasture access, organic farming, and farmers being neutral regarding their satisfaction with animal health on their farm. Higher values for the HEXACO factors extraversion and emotionality were inversely associated with O. ostertagi seropositivity. The present work emphasizes the importance of farmer traits in regard to animal health and parasite occurrence. For the effective acceptance and implementation of sustainable control strategies for livestock helminth infections, it is crucial to consider these aspects to holistically address the challenges of managing parasitic diseases. Moreover, tailored communication strategies can be developed incorporating the understanding of individual stockman characteristics and subsequently ensuring encouragement of stakeholders.

Strengthening plant health systems in South Sudan: addressing challenges and enhancing system efficiency and sustainability

Climate change-induced invasive pests remain a major bottleneck to agricultural productivity and food security in South Sudan. Strengthening the plant health system has the potential to contribute to reducing crop losses caused by pests. A situational analysis was conducted to assess the current state and effectiveness of plant health functions in three counties in South Sudan. Descriptive findings of data collected from 960 farmers in Juba, Yambio, and Yei indicated low access to plant health services, including advisory and extension, training, and information. There was a high dependence on NGOs and UN agencies to provide plant health services, indicating a gap in government-led initiatives. The findings demonstrate a complex relationship between plant health services and on-farm practices and regional variations in access to plant health services and resources. The findings have crucial implications for the plant health system in South Sudan, requiring the need for service accessibility, government involvement in plant health systems, strengthening of the policy and regulatory frameworks, and inclusivity in service provision.

Disparities in nitrogen and phosphorus management across time and space: a case study of the Chesapeake Bay using the CAFE framework

Abstract Efficient management of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) is imperative for sustainable agriculture, resource conservation, and reducing environmental pollution. Despite progress in on-farm practices and urban wastewater treatment in the Chesapeake Bay (CB) watershed, limited attention has been given to nutrient transport, use, and handling between farms and urban environments. This study uses the hierarchical CAFE (Cropping system, Animal-crop system, Food system, and Ecosystem) framework to evaluate nutrient management performances within the watershed. We first develop a three-decade, county-level nutrient budget database (1985–2019), then analyze the spatiotemporal patterns of N and P budgets, as well as N and P use efficiencies, within the four CAFE hierarchies. Our results indicate a sizable increase in potential N and P losses beyond crop fields (i.e. in the Animal-crop system, Food system, and Ecosystem), surpassing losses from cropland in over 90% of counties. To address these system-wide trade-offs, we estimate the nutrient resources in waste streams beyond croplands, which, if recovered and recycled, could theoretically offset mineral fertilizer inputs in over 60% of counties. Additionally, the growing imbalance in excess N versus P across systems, which increases the N:P ratio of potential losses, could pose an emerging risk to downstream aquatic ecosystems. By utilizing a systematic approach, our novel application of the CAFE framework reveals trade-offs and synergies in nutrient management outcomes that transcend agro-environmental and political boundaries, underscores disparities in N and P management, and helps to identify unique opportunities for enhancing holistic nutrient management across systems within the CB watershed.

Assessing Produce Growers’ Perceptions and Adoption of Agricultural Water Safety Practices in the United States

The Produce Rule regulates food safety among produce growers in the United States. Policy exemptions (e.g., for farms with average produce sales under USD 30,000 over three years) pose a threat to local food safety, particularly given exempt growers’ role in fresh produce production. Understanding exempt growers’ perceptions of food safety practices and the factors influencing their voluntary adoption is crucial. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted to assess growers’ current engagement, their perceptions of agricultural water safety practices, and their influence on adoption decisions. The findings indicate inadequate engagement with agricultural water safety practices, with production water-related safety practices showing higher engagement compared to post-harvest water practices. Overall, growers reported favorable perceptions toward agricultural water safety practices. The perceived compatibility, relative advantage, and observability predicted adoption decisions among exempt growers, with the perceived compatibility being the strongest predictor. Policymakers and education professionals should design strategies and tailored educational interventions and messaging for exempt growers to emphasize the compatibility, relative advantage, and observability of agricultural water safety practices. Furthermore, it is recommended to explore policies and other mechanisms to increase the perceived relative advantage (immediacy of rewards and direct benefits) for exempt growers to promote voluntary adoption of these on-farm food safety practices.

A Review of Landraces’ On-farm Conservation, Practices and Management: An Indian Perspective

Plant genetic resources are the most valuable and essential basic raw materials to meet the current and future needs of crop improvement programs to enhance the genetic base of a crop. With erosion playing a crucial role in diminishing diversity, different conservation methods come to play a massive role in preserving these resources. Thus, in the present paper, the authors tried to provide a gist about the on-farm conservation activities practiced in India and the importance of on-farm diversity in terms of economic importance. Different key words like on-farm conservation, landraces, custodian farmers, on-farm diversity were used to collect the different articles on on-farm conservation. Research articles from different states and regions around the country were gathered to collate the data and knowledge. In managing the key farm resources, the role of community seed banks, kitchen gardens, custodian farmers, their communities and organizations has been highlighted, along with a few case studies of on-farm conservation activities across the sites in the country. With the collection and documentation of on-farm material for genebanks and databases, it may provide easy access to on-farm material for potential users in the future. Providing incentives, identifying key problems, and providing necessary facilities may sustain on-farm conservation.

Influence of biosecurity on the occurrence of various enteric viruses in broiler flocks

ABSTRACT Common enteric viruses affecting commercial broiler flocks include fowl adenovirus (FAdV), chicken parvovirus (ChPV), chicken astrovirus (CAstV), avian reovirus (ARV) and avian rotavirus (AvRV). To investigate their prevalence and to identify single and multiple infections we collected intestinal samples from 49 Austrian broiler flocks during necropsy of dead-on-farm birds twice during a production cycle (7–14 days and 28–35 days). Altogether, up to three consecutive clinically healthy flocks without signs of gastrointestinal disease were sampled from 17 different farms. Samples were analysed using virus isolation and PCR/RT–PCR methods. Virus prevalence was correlated with production data and on-farm biosecurity and management practices. Overall, ARV (75%) was most commonly detected in the flocks, followed by CAstV (61%), ChPV (61%), FAdV (57%) and AvRV (8%). Only in three (6%) flocks were none of the investigated enteric viruses detected. Flock infection profiles were very heterogeneous and included individual detection of the investigated viruses as well as different combinations thereof (up to all five investigated viruses). Even in the absence of clinical diarrhoea and/or macroscopic intestinal lesions, statistical analysis confirmed that the number of viruses detected had a significant economic impact characterised by poor weight gain and increased mortality, particularly due to the presence of FAdV, CAstV and/or ARV. Furthermore, the use of barn-specific clothing and/or footbaths as well as regular vermin control, resulted in lower prevalence of enteric viruses in the flocks studied. This highlights the importance of common biosecurity measures in poultry production to prevent economic losses. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Detection timepoints and patterns indicate horizontal introduction of various enteric viruses. Flock infection profiles were very heterogeneous; no dominating virus profile. Broiler production was negatively affected by the number of enteric viruses detected. Common biosecurity measures had a significant negative effect on virus prevalence.

Ungrazed seminatural habitats around farms benefit bird conservation without enhancing foodborne pathogen risks

ContextConservation in working landscapes is critical for halting biodiversity declines and ensuring farming system sustainability. However, concerns that wildlife may carry foodborne pathogens has created pressure on farmers to remove habitat and reduce biodiversity, undermining farmland conservation. Nonetheless, simplified farming landscapes may host bird communities that carry higher foodborne disease risks.ObjectivesWe analyzed the effects of local farming practices and surrounding landscapes on bird communities and food-safety risks across 30 California lettuce farms. Specifically, we sought to determine how farmland diversification affects bird diversity, fecal contamination, and foodborne pathogen incidences, thereby identifying potential tradeoffs between managing farms for bird conservation versus food safety.MethodsWe surveyed birds at 227 point-count locations, quantified fecal contamination along 120 transects, and assayed 601 bird feces for pathogenic E. coli, Campylobacter spp., and Salmonella spp. We then used hierarchical models to quantify effects of farm management and landscape context on bird communities and food-safety risks.ResultsSurrounding ungrazed seminatural areas were associated with higher bird diversity, more species of conservation concern, and fewer flocks that may increase risks from foodborne pathogens. In contrast, on-farm diversification practices and surrounding grazing lands offered weaker bird conservation benefits. Surrounding grazed lands were associated with more potentially pathogenic bird feces in crop fields.ConclusionsOur results suggest that habitat conservation around produce farms could support bird conservation without increasing foodborne pathogens, especially on farms further from grazing lands. Thus, interventions that diversify farming systems offer potential to simultaneously conserve biodiversity and provide safe food for human consumption.

The water footprint of pig farms in Ireland based on commercial farm data

Livestock production is getting increased attention due to its impact on natural resources, and freshwater is one such limited resource. To reduce the pressure on freshwater use and develop sustainable livestock systems from farm-to-fork we need to study the whole production cycle, and look for hotspots of major freshwater use. Considering this, we chose intensive pork production as our focal livestock system, since it is one the most eaten meats globally. We focused on pork production in Ireland and studied the freshwater use (green and blue) from cradle-to-farm gate using the water footprint (WFP) method. Detailed farm data (e.g. diet composition, production data) were combined with on-farm water meter data to explore variations in water consumption between farms, and potential explanatory variables for differences in consumption between farms. So far, there have been no WFP studies in pork production that explored this, and insight into variation could help to identify options for improvement. We analyzed the direct (on-farm) and indirect (off-farm) green and blue water footprint of 10 Irish pig farms. Our results show that the average total WFP, including the direct and indirect water footprint, was 2537 L/kg pork, which is at the low end of previously published studies. The indirect green water footprint related to the production of purchased feed was responsible for the largest share (99 %) of the total WFP. The direct blue water footprint formed only a minor component of the total WFP (14 L/kg pork), with drinking water playing the major role. We can conclude from this study that variation in WFP between the least and most efficient farms was small (Q3-Q1 = 181 L/kg pork); nevertheless, this indicates that efficiencies of around 7 % could be gained by the least efficient cohort of farms by adjusting on-farm management practices. We also found a weak negative correlation between WFP and farm size, and WFP and meat produced. Overall, this study suggests that to reduce the burden on freshwater resources and reduce the pork WFP, future research should focus on the feed related impacts.

A longitudinal study of tick infestations and management practices in young stock smallholder dairy cattle in the Tanga region, Tanzania

A longitudinal study involving cohorts of young stock animals (<3 years old) kept on smallholder dairy farms in the Tanga region, Tanzania, was conducted to identify and quantify tick infestations and describe on-farm tick management practices. A total of 549 young stock were followed for 23 months, and 3127 grazing and acaricide treatment observations were obtained. Tick counts were low in the present study, and while more than 30% of animals had a tick on one occasion, most animals had no ticks at most examinations. The most commonly encountered spp. were R. appendiculatus, Boophilus spp., A. variegatum and R. evertsi. Most animals were zero-grazed, a management system that significantly limits animal exposure to ticks; however, grazed calves were more than three times more likely to carry R. appendiclatus and Boophilus spp. ticks than zero-grazed calves were (OR [odds ratio] = 4.4, P < 0.001; 3.6, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences among sampling rounds in the numbers of animals carrying R. appendiculatus ticks (likelihood ratio test P = 0.520). Hand spraying was the common method used, acaricides that require on farm dilution were most commonly used, and most farmers used this method at concentrations considerably less than those recommended by the manufacturer, most likely due to poor understanding, high cost (tempting them to over dilute) and weak extension/veterinary services. Variation in acaricide treatment frequency was not associated with variations in tick attachment, suggesting that most farms were under a strong acaricide regime or at irregular intervals or with tick-building resistance. Our findings suggest that geographic variations in vector densities might partly influence the extent of infection caused by tick-borne pathogens. The applicability of this study to large and extensive cattle production systems is recommended to widen the scope of tick management practices while generating additional data that will inform national tick and tick-borne disease control policy reform in Tanzania.

Redefining on-farm practices: The perceived effect of a responsible antimicrobial use regulation on dairy farmers

The global food animal industry faces a growing concern regarding antimicrobial resistance (AMR), primarily driven by the use of antimicrobials (AM) for the treatment, control, and prevention of diseases. Addressing this challenge requires promoting responsible antimicrobial use (AMU) practices. In 2019, the province of Québec, Canada, took a significant step by implementing a regulation that limits the use of AM of very high importance for human medicine (category I AM as defined by Health Canada) in the food animal industry. However, the implementation of such regulation can significantly influence behavioral shifts among producers, contributing to the wider effort against AMR. Therefore, the objective of this observational study was to describe the perceived changes in dairy producers' knowledge and on-farm practices following the implementation of this regulation, using a cohort design. Data collection involved administering questionnaires to 87 dairy producers from 3 regions of the province of Québec (Estrie, Montérégie, Centre-Du-Québec) before (2017-2018) and after (2020-2021) the implementation of the regulation. The questionnaires explored the descriptive characteristics of farms, the knowledge of producers about the categorization of AM, the on-farm treatment practices, and the perceived effects of the regulation. Statistical analysis included t-tests and McNemar tests to compare the paired data obtained using the 2 questionnaires. The results indicated an increase in the knowledge score (the number of AM correctly categorized by the producers by their importance for human medicine) after the implementation of the regulation, suggesting an improved understanding of the categorization of AM based on their importance for human medicine. Trends in AMU practices for treating clinical mastitis and reproductive diseases suggested that category I AM were less likely to be reported as the primary treatment after the regulation, whereas category II AM were more often reported as primary treatment. Adoption of the selective dry cow therapy method significantly increased, whereas the use of teat sealants remained unchanged. Moreover, producers had divergent perceptions regarding the effect of the regulation on the cure rates and disease frequencies. This disparity emphasizes the need for comprehensive data collection to discern the risks associated with such regulatory shifts. The study acknowledges several limitations, including the potential for recall bias, confirmation bias, and desirability bias. Despite these limitations, this study shows that implementing regulations to encourage responsible AMU drives positive transformations in producers' knowledge and on-farm practices. This underscores the pivotal effect of proactive interventions in combating the escalating threat of AMR within the global food animal industry.

Evaluating the Environmental Impacts of Pretreatment and Nanoparticles in Solid-State Anaerobic Digestion Using Life Cycle Assessment

The yield of green energy from solid-state anaerobic co-digestion (SSAD) has recently been enhanced by incorporating innovative pretreatment methods and nanoparticles. However, the environmental consequences of employing new processes have not been fully examined. In this study, the environmental impacts of three high-methane-yielding scenarios including SSAD of corn stover blended with dairy manure (DM) denoted as (SYM1), calcium hydroxide-pretreated corn stover (CpCS) blended with DM (SYM2), and the CpCS blended with DM and nanoparticles (SYM3) were assessed and compared the baselines of solid-state and semi-solid-state anaerobic digestion using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. The approach investigated the best management practices that would result in high methane yield and low environmental impact. Results of the life cycle assessment indicate the inclusion of calcium hydroxide and nanoparticle has minimal negative environmental impact. There was an environmental gain in GWP when corn stover was co-digestion with DM (SYM1) relative to DM mono-digestions (baselines) and the carbon footprint of SYM1 was less by more than 85% compared to SYM2 and SYM3. However, the large volume of untreated corn stover harnessed for SYM1 scenario resulted in over 75% fossil fuel depletion compared to the other scenarios. The surplus methane from the SYM3 (at least twofold of other scenarios and baselines) in conjunction with being the least with the environmental implication makes the scenario the most attractive option for on-farm practice capable of harnessing the growing organic waste volume. These outcomes can guide trade-off between pretreatment and nanoparticle application to reduce solid-state anaerobic digestion’s negative environmental impact.