Partial Budget Analysis Research Articles

Fruitlet Thinning Reduces Biennial Bearing in Seven High-tannin Cider Apple Cultivars

Many European apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) cultivars used for making alcoholic cider have a highly biennial bearing habit. To determine target crop load recommendations, seven cider cultivars grown in a high-density orchard were hand-thinned to crop densities of 0, 3, 6, and 9 fruit/cm2 trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) or left unthinned as a control for 3 consecutive years (2016–18). Treatments were imposed on the same trees for all 3 years. Greater year-to-year yield variability, as measured by the biennial bearing index (BBI), correlated negatively with cumulative yields both within and among cultivars. Greater crop density had a negative correlation with the amount of return bloom in all years, but reducing crop density had a negligible effect on return bloom in the “off” year. When trees were left unthinned in the high-crop “on” years there was little to no return bloom in the following year. Partial budget analysis found that manually reducing crop density would result in a positive net change in 3-year profitability for Dabinett, but not the other cultivars. Over 4 years, under conservative assumptions about fruit set, chemical thinning to 9 fruit/cm2 TCSA would likely result in increased cumulative profitability in all seven cultivars. Hand-thinning was projected to be less profitable than chemical thinning but would still result in increased net profitability over 4 years, for five of the seven cultivars. These findings highlight the horticultural and economic benefits of crop load management for cider apple orchards. Further, many high-tannin cider cultivars can sustain a higher crop density than what is recommended for fresh-market apple production and still have adequate return bloom and cumulative yields.

Bradyrhizobium Inoculation Improved Agrosymbiotic Performances of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp] Varieties at Two Sites in Ethiopia

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp] is an important crop that protects soil fertility, supplements protein deficiency, and provides food security in the face of climate change. However, its productivity in the study area is low due to a lack of high‐yielding varieties, high cost of mineral fertilizer, insufficient information on effective inoculum, and inadequate management practices. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the agrosymbiotic response of inoculated cowpea varieties at Dale and Hawassa sites in Ethiopia. A factorial combination of four cowpea varieties (Bole, TVU, Keti, and White Wonderer Trailing) and two inoculation levels (uninoculated and strain CP‐24 inoculated) were evaluated in two experimental sites using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that phenology, nodulation, growth, yield, and yield components differed significantly (P < 0.05) among the tested cowpea varieties. Among the varieties, the White Wonder Trailing produced the highest grain yield of 2.98 t ha−1. The influence of Bradyrhizobium strain CP‐24 was apparent in most of the studied parameters, except for days to emergence and harvest index. It increased cowpea grain yield by 28.47% compared to the control. The interaction of variety and Bradyrhizobium inoculation revealed a significant effect on nodule number, effective nodules, leaf area (LA), leaf area index (LAI), root dry weight, root length, pod length, aboveground biomass yield, and straw yield. Grain yield was strongly and markedly related to all parameters except for the harvest index. The partial budget analysis revealed that the White Wonder Trailing with inoculation provided the highest net benefit of 67171.3 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) ha−1, with a marginal rate return of 1386.7%. Therefore, using Bradyrhizobium strain CP‐24 in combination with the White Wonder Trailing variety is highly recommended to increase cowpea yield and generate higher economic returns in the research sites and similar agroecological areas.

Use of a novel fodder herb, Commelina species, in Black Head Ogaden lambs: nutrient utilization, weight gain performance, and economic viability

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to determine the effects of supplementing Commelina forage species on nutrient uptake, weight gain, and economic viability in Black Head Ogaden lambs. Twenty yearling lambs were used in four treatments with five replicates in randomized complete block design. The treatments included Teff straw + 120 g dried Moringa stenopetala leaves (DMSL) for treatment 1 (T1), Teff straw + 120 g DMSL + 300 g C.benghalensis (T2), Teff straw + 120 g DMSL + 300 g C.imberbis (T3) and Teff straw + 120 g DMSL + 300 g concentrate (T4). A 60-day feeding trial was followed by a 10-day digestibility investigation. The study used SAS 9.0 for data analysis; the Duncan multiple range test for mean separation and partial budget analysis for financially feasibility testing. With better responses in T4 followed by T3, T2, and T1, supplementation significantly improved total DM, nutritional intakes, and apparent digestibility (P < 0.001). The two Commelina species and conventional concentrate-supplemented treatments resulted in average daily weight gains of 47.58 and 72.69 g, respectively but the former treatments produced higher marginal returns (2.02) than the later ones (0.22). With promising profit, Commelina species could be used as a supplement to improve the animals’ nutrient uptake and growth efficiency.

Weed control with saturated steam in organic highbush blueberry

Weed management is often a predominant and costly problem in the production of organic blueberries. Geotextile weed fabrics of woven polyethylene are widely used in organic blueberry fields to suppress weeds growing within the rows. Weeds, such as Convolvulus arvensis L., grow at the base of the blueberry plants or through openings and around the edges of the weed fabric, thus requiring hand weeding. This study evaluates the integration of saturated steam (SS), a rotary brush (RB), and organic herbicides for weed control in blueberries. Dose–response studies indicated that SS applied at 121°C and at 7.4 m3 ha−1 of steam (3,655 MJ ha−1) resulted in over 90% control and a reduction in the dry weights of C. arvensis. When treatments were directed to the base of the blueberry plants, SS at 7.4 m3 ha−1 provided 80% control of C. arvensis 28 days after treatment (DAT) and was comparable to hand weeding. Both of these treatments outperformed capric plus caprylic acid (CC) (33.2 kg ai ha−1) or ammonium nonanoate (AN) (24.3 kg ai ha−1) applications, despite C. arversis regrowth being observed. Four repetitive basal applications of SS of up to 29.6 m3 ha−1 over two consecutive years caused minimal and transient damage to new basal shoots of ‘Elliot’ and ‘Duke’ blueberries; basal shoot cross-sectional area compared with the non-treated was unaffected. In contrast, basal application of AN treatments damaged or killed basal shoots. When treatments were applied to the edge of the weed fabric, SS (7.4 m3 ha−1) reduced weed biomass by 42% to 93% at 28 DAT compared with the non-treated. The RB treatment reduced weed biomass from 72% to 99% in all experiments, while CC and AN reduced biomass by 18% to 54%. A partial budget analysis indicated that SS and the RB were 3- and 6.5-fold less expensive than organic herbicides, respectively. Integrating physical (SS) and mechanical (RB) treatments improved weed control. The latter, however, damaged the weed-suppressing fabric where preexisting holes were present, generated dust, and increased the chance of fruit contamination. The SS was safe for the weed-suppressing fabric and the blueberry, but weed regrowth following treatment and copious water requirements hindered its feasibility.

Substitution of concentrate mixture with dried brewery spent grains improved biological and economical performance of 50% Dorper × Menz crossbred sheep.

The study aimed to investigate the potential of dried brewery spent grains (DBG) to substitute concentrate mixture (CM) in a diet of growing 50% Dorper × Menz crossbred ram lamb. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used for this study, and experimental animals were stratified into 7 blocks based on their initial body weight and age. Ram lambs from each block were randomly assigned to one of the five treatments. Native pasture hay (NPH) was fed to all experimental animals as a basal diet (ad libtum at 20% refusal) and supplemented with 400g CM (T1) or 300g DBG + 100g CM (T2) or 200g DBG + 200g CM (T3) or 100g DBG + 300g CM (T4) or 400g DBG (T5). Natural pasture hay and total dry matter (TDM) intake were not affected (P > 0.05) by the inclusion of DBG in the CM; however, supplement intake was greater (P < 0.0001) for DBG than CM alone-supplemented group. Metabolizable energy intake was decreased (P < 0.0001) as CM was substituted with DBG, whereas apparent digestibility was comparable (P > 0.05) among treatments. The treatments with the substitution of 50%, 75%, and 100% of CM with DBG were superior (P < 0.001) in body weight gain to the 100% CM-supplemented group, and the substitution of 25% CM with DBG had an intermediate growth rate. The partial budget analysis revealed that the substitution of 50% and 100% CM with DBG gave greater net returns of Birr 881.19 and 854.91 per head, respectively. Based on MRR, 200g CM + 200g DBG is the best treatment, and using this treatment, a farmer can benefit from ETB 8.94 for every 1 ETB investment. Hence, sole DBG or a mixture of DBG with a CM can be used for supplementation in growing 50% Dorper crossbred ram lambs.

Using Partial Budgeting Analyses to Analyze Profitability of Commercial Pumpkin Production, Standardize Bin Size Categories, and Understand Bin Sorting Accuracy

Pumpkins (Cucurbita sp.) are currently sold in retail commercial bins categorized based on fruit size. There are no standards for these fruit sizes, thus creating discrepancies across the industry. Furthermore, there is not a published partial budget analysis for pumpkin fruit yield based on plant area. An observational study was conducted to quantify and standardize the fruit sizes of pumpkins packed into commercial bins. These proposed standardized fruit sizes were then correlated to the expected fruit size and quantity of different plant areas to estimate the total commercial bin yield. Additionally, a partial budget analysis was conducted to calculate the greatest profit per hectare with the varying plant areas. Pumpkins from bins labeled medium, large, extra-large, and jumbo were hand-measured to determine the diameter, length, and weight. Based on a discriminate analysis, 20% of pumpkins were incorrectly sorted based on current practices. The proposed standard fruit diameters for each bin size are as follows: medium, 23.5 to 26.8 cm; large, 26.9 to 29.9 cm; extra-large, 30.0 to 33.6 cm; and jumbo, 33.7 to 35.5 cm. The results of a partial budget analysis showed that the most profitable plant spacing area is 0.9 m2 with a 1.5-m row width, which will earn $37,163/ha. Profit for pumpkin production is contingent on both fruit quantity and fruit size because these factors dictate the quantity and category of commercial bins. Growers should consider both metrics to optimize their operation.

Pasture growth curve impacts the economic merit of extended lactation: a simulation study

Voluntarily increasing the calving interval beyond 12-months (extended lactation; EL) has possible benefits in reducing labour requirements, herd replacement rate, and surplus calf numbers. With limited information on feed balance and economic effects with EL, reductions in profitability were hypothesised. A MS Excel spreadsheet model was developed to compare calving systems: spring calving annually (Base), two herds between spring and autumn calving with 18-month calving intervals (EL18), or two herds calving in alternating springs with 24-month intervals (EL24). Weekly feed balances using pasture growth curves for four regions (Northland, Waikato, Canterbury, Southland) and partial budget analysis informed estimations of supplement costs and net income (NI). The EL24 system had lower supplement costs (-$240 /ha) and higher NI (+$439 /ha) than the Base system for Northland only. The EL18 systemalways had the highest annual milk production and total revenue, but highest supplement costs and lowest NI in the four regions. Replacement, calving, and mating costs were lower for EL systems than Base; however, costs for milking and repairs and maintenance were higher. This preliminary study indicates there is merit in investigating EL systems, particularly for Northland. Further data from EL systems are needed to increase confidence in the system’s potential.

PSIV-15 Economic Impact of a 14-D Cidr Pre-Synchronization on Cost Per Pregnancy in Holstein Heifers

Abstract Feed cost is the largest expense in developing dairy heifers with improved reproductive performance there is opportunity to reduce costs through decreasing days on feed to first calving. The objective of this study was to compare the economic impact of a 14-d CIDR pre-synchronization protocol to no pre-synchronization in Holstein heifers during an 84-d breeding period. Heifers were divided in two treatment groups 1) 14-d CIDR pre-synchronization (pre-synch; n = 20) and 2) control (n = 16). Heifers in the pre-synch treatment received a CIDR on d -30 which were removed on d -16. On d 0 (day of breeding eligibility) heifers in both groups were administered PGF2α and an Estrotect patch for estrus detection. On d 0, body weight of the heifers was estimated using a heart girth tape for large breeds. Estrotect patches were assessed once daily in the morning and heifers with ≥ 50% of the patch scratched received AI the same morning with Holstein sexed semen. After AI, heifers received a new Estrotect patch to facilitate return to estrus. Heifers that failed to express behavioral estrus within 14 d after PGF2α administration received another dose of PGF2α every 14 d until the first behavioral estrus was observed. Approximately thirty days after AI, heifers were subjected to ultrasonography of uterine contents for pregnancy diagnosis, and re-confirmed pregnant at ~60 d. Heifers diagnosed open received an injection of PGF2α and a new Estrotect patch. Partial budget analyses utilize these prices: feed cost ($1.75/heifer/day), PGF2α ($3.29/dose), needle and syringes ($0.12/per injection), Estrotect patch ($1.20/unit), AI procedure ($10.00/AI), semen ($35.00/straw), CIDR ($16.60/unit), pregnancy diagnosis ($5.00/heifer), overall labor ($0.41/heifer/day), and extra labor for CIDR group ($1.25/heifer). The partial budget was calculated per heifer and per pregnant heifer by charging pregnant heifers the cost of the remaining open heifers at the end of the 84-d period. There was no difference (P ≥ 0.26) in weight at d 0 (399.9 ± 15.2 vs 398.4 ± 15.8 kg), age at d 0 (371.6 ± 8.7 vs 371.5 ± 8.9 d), days to first AI (6.85 ± 2.28 vs 6.27 ± 2.50 d), days to pregnancy (20.55 ± 7.52 vs 14.09 ± 8.22 d), average number of services (2.10 ± 0.30 vs 2.06 ± 0.34 AI/heifer), average number of services to pregnancy (1.56 ± 0.24 vs 1.50 ± 0.27 AI/heifer), proportion of heifers receiving AI in the first 7 d (85.0 ± 8.0 vs 68.8 ± 11.6 %), proportion of heifers pregnant at first service (50.5 ± 12.5 vs 56.4 ± 13.5 %) and final pregnancy rates (80.0 ± 8.9 vs 75.0 ± 10.8 %) for pre-synch and control, respectively. Average cost per animal ($ 194.50 ± 30.27 vs 170.44 ± 33.85) and average cost per pregnancy ($ 243.12 ± 37.16 vs 206.95 ± 42.91) were not statistically different (P ≥ 0.53) between pre-synch and control, respectively. In summary, the use of a 14-d CIDR pre-synchronization did not have a significant economic impact on the performance of Holstein heifers during an 84-d breeding period.

Optimum NPSZn blended fertilizer formulation on yield and yield components of barley at EndaMokeni district, tigray

Field studies were done in the EndaMokeni district to see the effects of blended NPSZn levels on barley yield and yield components. The experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven blended NPSZn levels (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 kg ha−1) and a general recommendation of nitrogen and phosphorus as 8th treatment in three replications. The output of the result depicted that barley yields improved as blended levels increased, and the maximum grain yield was attained at 300 kg/ha even though it was statistically similar with 100 and 250 levels. Additionally, the straw and grain yields achieved from applying the recommended NP were statistically comparable with 250 kg/ha NPSZn levels. However, the NPSZn blend’s phosphorus levels (150–250 kg ha−1) are significantly greater than those of the recommended NP. Moreover, the highest agronomic efficiency and partial factor productivity were also obtained at NP fertilizer as compared with the increasing NPSZn rates. Hence, the mixing of S and Zn to the conventional NP in the current formulation had no impact on the barley’s grain and straw yields as compared to the conventional NP fertilizer. In this regard, N and P are the most barley yield- limiting nutrients in the EndaMokeni district. Additionally, adding Zn to the blending didn’t increase the barley grain’s Zn concentration. According to the results of the partial budget analysis study, the marginal rate of return was increasing up to 300 kg/ha NPSZn levels. Hence, further blending formulation is important for the potential yield production of food barley in the area.

Fruitlet Thinning Improves Juice Quality in Seven High-tannin Cider Cultivars

Over 3 years (2016–18), tree productivity, biennial bearing, return bloom, and fruit quality were evaluated for seven high-tannin cider apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) cultivars. Five treatments were evaluated on each of the seven cultivars: hand-thinned of all fruit (a zero crop load treatment); hand-thinned to crop densities of three, six, or nine fruit/cm2 trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA); or left unthinned. In this paper, we report on the fruit maturity and juice quality properties that were analyzed for the three nonzero crop load treatments and the unthinned control. The effects of crop load on fruit maturity, as measured by starch pattern index and preharvest drop, were cultivar dependent. Crop density (fruit/cm2 TCSA) had a significant effect on all fruit maturity and juice quality variables, although effects were weakest in the “off” year (2017) for the whole planting when initial fruit set was low. As crop density increased, total poly phenols, titratable acidity, soluble solids, and primary amino nitrogen decreased in the juice of all seven cultivars. A partial budget analysis indicated that the reduced costs of nitrogen supplements due to increased primary amino nitrogen concentration alone would not justify cost of chemical or hand-thinning. By extrapolating the spring flowering density in the fourth year to potential fruit yields at harvest, we found that reducing crop load was projected to increase cumulative total polyphenol yields per tree over the long term. For the cultivars in this experiment, a target crop density of nine fruit/cm2 was found to adequately decrease biennial bearing while also not diminishing juice quality for hard cider production. High-tannin cider apple growers should consider juice quality, particularly tannin production, when making crop load management decisions.

Optimizing N fertilizer use for sesame under rain fed and irrigation conditions in Northern Ethiopia

Inappropriate use of fertilizers is one of the major production constraints in sesame. Studies on N fertilizer optimization on sesame were conducted at Humera Agricultural Research Center (HuARC) under rain fed and irrigation conditions. Thirteen (13) N doses were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) during 2016–2018 for rainfed conditions and 2017 to 2019 for irrigation conditions. The study was conducted with objective to optimize N fertilizer use for sesame. In the rainfed condition, the results demonstrated a prolonged duration to reach 50% flowering with higher nitrogen (N) application rates. The application of 52.5–110 ​kg ​N ha−1 resulted in significantly higher seed yield, while lower (18 ​kg ​N ha−1) and higher (156 ​kg ​N ha−1) doses of N led to reduced seed yield. Under irrigation conditions, superior seed weights and maximum seed yield were observed at 64 and 75 ​kg ​N ha-1, whereas lower N doses resulted in diminished seed yield. The agronomic efficiency of N fertilizer (N-AE) was found to be highest at the rate of 64 ​kg ​N ha−1 under both growing conditions. The partial budget analysis revealed that applying 64 ​kg ​N ha−1 for rainfed cultivation and between 64 and 75 ​kg ​N ha−1 for irrigated sesame production yielded greater net profit, MRR, and residual ranking. Therefore, it is recommended to apply a rate of 64 ​kg ​N ha−1 for rainfed sesame cultivation and between 64 up to 75 ​kg ​N ha−1 for the irrigated sesame inorder to increase the productivity of this crop.

An economic appraisal of the effect of tire inflation pressure for alternative tillage systems on a silty clay loam soil

AbstractCompacting soil has an adverse effect on soil properties, decreases crop productivity, and subsequently reduces farm income. Low tire inflation pressure (LTP) help in managing soil compaction and protecting the soil environment; however, there is scant economic data available on LTP in US Midwest farming systems. Hence, a 3‐year study investigated the effects of LTP, compared to tires inflated to the standard tire inflation pressure systems, on crop yield and farm economy for a typical maize/soybean rotation. The effect of the two tire inflation pressure systems was factorialized with three tillage systems: deep tillage (DT, 450 mm), shallow tillage (ST, 100 mm), and no‐till systems. The results showed that LTP systems increased maize (Zea mays) yield by 4.51% (2017) and 2.70% (2018) and soybean (Glycine max) by 3.70% in 2018. Annual earnings for both 200‐ and 800‐ha farms increased for all tillage systems with LTP tires based on a partial budget analysis. The payback periods for LTP tires were very short, ranging from 0.32 years for DT on an 800‐ha farm to 1.18 years for ST on a 200‐ha farm. The net present value of the higher returns with LTP tires was substantial, especially for the DT system. This study shows a strong economic benefit from investments in LTP tires on silty clay loam soils in the US Midwest.

Long-term economic impacts of no-till adoption

No-till has long been considered a sustainable agricultural practice because of its potential to provide on-farm productivity benefits as well as off-site environmental benefits. However, “economic concerns” have been identified as one of the largest barriers to adopting no-till (i.e., costs associated with adoption possibly being greater than the returns in the short term). This study evaluates the long-term economic impact of no-till adoption using rich plot-level data from a long-term field experiment over the period 1996–2019. Linear fixed-effect models and partial budgeting techniques are used in the empirical analysis. Estimation results reveal that there are generally no statistically significant differences between long-term yields from no-till relative to the conventional tillage practice when considering corn, soybean, and wheat. Nonetheless, the partial budgeting analysis using the long-term data suggests that net returns (or profits) per acre tend to be greater for no-till compared to conventional tillage for all three crops. This is primarily due to the statistically lower farm operation costs associated with no-till. Moreover, our analysis also suggests that relative profitability of no-till increases as the practice is used longer over time. This insight supports suggestions from previous studies that long-term adoption of continuous no-till is important to best realize the benefits from the practice.

Is relaxing broiler breeder growth restriction cost-effective?

Broiler breeders are subjected to feed restriction programs to control excessive growth. However, current levels of feed restriction and concomitant growth restriction are becoming severe, raising welfare and suboptimal reproductive performance concerns in underfed breeders. To circumvent the issue, our previous studies investigated the effects of new strategic growth curves, with various degrees of relaxed growth restrictions, on broiler breeders and their progeny's performance. The broiler breeder study was conducted with 40 Ross 708 broiler breeder pullets reared on 1 of 10 target growth trajectories using a precision feeding (PF) system. The growth trajectories were designed with 2 levels of the amount of prepubertal BW gain and 5 levels of pubertal growth timing. The prepubertal BW gain (g1) was estimated from the breeder-recommended standard BW gain (Standard g1) target, or 10% higher (High g1). The pubertal growth timing (I2) was advanced such that it happened at I2-0%=22.29 wk, I2-5%=21.16 wk, I2-10%=20.05 wk, I2-15%=18.94 wk, I2-20%=17.82 wk of age. Two broiler experiments with different maternal ages (35 and 42 wk) were conducted as the extension of the breeder experiment to evaluate the intergenerational effects of a reduced degree of maternal prepubertal phase growth restriction and earlier maternal pubertal phase growth on offspring growth and development. The current paper investigated the economic aspects of implementing the growth curves using the partial budget analysis. Increasing prepubertal BW gain by 10% and advancing the pubertal growth phase by 20% (scenario 10) could increase margin over feed and chick cost for the hatching egg producers by CDN$1.97/hen. For broiler chicken supply chain as a whole, the highest differential margin over feed and chick cost was for maternal growth scenario 10 from 42-wk-old hens. The latter margin over feed and chick cost was greater than that of breeder-recommended maternal growth (from 35-wk-old hens) by $0.1053/kg live chicken under the current economic situation.

Field demonstration analyzing the implementation of individual animal electronic identification and genetic testing in western range sheep flocks.

Adoption of electronic identification ear tags (EID) and DNA testing by commercial range sheep producers in the Western United States has been low, despite the availability of these technologies for over a decade. Jointly, these technologies offer an approach to provide individual animal performance data to improve flock health, genetic and reproductive management. This project involved a collaboration with five California sheep producers representing a broad geographic range, varying levels of pre-project EID adoption, and diverse operational practices. Tissue samples were collected from, and ear EIDs were placed in, a total of 2,936 rams and their potential lambs. We partnered with a commercial packing company, Superior Farms, to genotype the animals. Superior Farms used a targeted genotyping panel to assign parentage, and link individual animal identification (ID) to camera-graded carcass measurements. This enabled the collection of individual progeny carcass data and provided insight into sire performance, providing for the within-flock identification of prolific sires that were producing lambs with significantly more saleable meat as compared to their flock mates. Overall, almost 91% of lambs were successfully matched to their sire, and prolificacy ranging from 0-135 lambs per ram. There was as much as an $80 difference in the average edible product from camera-graded carcasses derived from lamb groups sired by different rams. A partial budget analysis modeling investment in an EID system coupled with an autodrafter and scale to collect individual weights and improve labor efficiency during processing, and a sheep flip chute to improve worker safety during foot trimmings, yielded a greater than 7:1 return on investment over a five-year time frame. Ideally, the data collection enabled by EIDs and DNA testing would feed into data-driven genetic evaluation programs to enable selection for more productive and profitable animals, and allow the US sheep industry to accelerate the rate of genetic improvement.

DESEMPEÑO PRODUCTIVO DE VACAS LECHERAS ALIMENTADAS CON PRADERAS DE KIKUYO SOBRESEMBRADAS CON CENTENO EN SISTEMAS DE PRODUCCIÓN DE LECHE EN PEQUEÑA ESCALA EN LOS VALLES ALTOS DE MÉXICO

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Small-scale dairy systems contribute to mitigate rural poverty as they provide a stable source of incomes to farming families, and also contribute with over 30% of national milk production. However, the dependency on external inputs affects their profitability and sustainability, which added to difficult agroclimatic conditions and limiting management factors as high stocking rate in pastures. It is therefore necessary to evaluate feeding strategies better adapted to conditions in these systems to improve cattle diets based on quality forages reducing external dependency and thus, costs. A means to increase herbage yields in pastures is overseeding with annual fast-growing cereals. &lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;The objective was to evaluate the productive performance of dairy cows on two feeding strategies based on grazing, and the analysis of costs in small-scale dairy systems in the highlands of central Mexico. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology: &lt;/strong&gt;Eight Holstein cows were used on continuous day grazing (8 h/day) under on-farm research with a double cross-over design. Treatments ere: continuous intensive grazing of Kikuyu grass pastures (KY) or Kikuyu grass overseeded with rye (KYCEN) from 6:00 to 16:00 h, plus 4.5 kg DM/day of commercial concentrate. Two groups of four cows balanced for days in milk and daily milk yield were formed, and each group randomly assigned to one of the treatment sequences: KY-KYCEN-KY y KYCEN-KY-KYCEN, with three experimental periods of 14-day each, with 10 days for adaptation to diets and four days for sampling. Pastures were assessed with a split-plot design. Records were for milk yield and composition, live weight and body condition. A partial budget analysis was performed to compare income and feeding costs. &lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;There were no statistical differences (P&amp;gt;0.05) in productive performance, with mean 3.5% fat corrected milk yield of 17 kg/cow/day, with 36.6 g/kg, 28.5 g/kg and 43.4 g/kg for milk fat, protein and lactose respectively. There were no significant differences (P&amp;gt;0.05) between treatments for sward height or herbage mass, but there were significant differences (P&amp;lt;0.05) for DM and OM content between treatments, and for CP, NDF, ADF, IVDMD, and EM (P&amp;lt;0.05) between periods. &lt;strong&gt;Implications:&lt;/strong&gt; In the face of complex agroecological scenarios for small-scale dairy systems, it is necessary to assess forages better adapted for these conditions as the inclusion of a fast growing cereal as rye to increase pasture production and increase the forage base in the diets with farm resources as Kikuyo grass, in order to increase the profitability of farms. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;Since there were no statistical differences in the productive performance of dairy cows, or in economic performance, the conclusion is that treatment KY is the recommended option for this season. Treatment KYCEN requires expenditures in seed and labour, so that it is not a viable option for small-scale dairy systems in this season.&lt;/p&gt;

Cultivation of Cassava (Manihot Esculentus C.) With Selected Legumes for Growth, Yield and Economic Advantages as Climate Change Mitigations

Cassava (Manihot esculentus Crantz.) is a monoecious perennial shrub that is extensively cultivated as an annual crop in tropical and subtr++=opical regions for its edible, starchy, tuberous roots. It is ideal for intercropping with short-duration crops, which are often harvested before the cassava canopy closes. Thus, intercropping cassava, especially with legumes, is an important way for poor farmers to provide additional crop yield during the early growth stage. Moreover, the incorporation of legumes into cassava-based cropping systems may offer one of the most feasible ways of enhancing protein intake and nutritional security of farming households. Accordingly, a 1-year field study on cassava intercropped with three legumes (haricot bean, mung bean, and soybean) in southern Ethiopia was conducted to determine the effect of intercropping on the growth, yield, and economic advantage of the cassava. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results revealed that there were significant (P&lt;0.05) differences for cassava plant height, leaf number, stem width, number of storage roots per plant, storage root weight, dry matter, and root yield due to cassava legume intercropping. Cassava- haricot bean intercropping increased root yield by 28% as compared to cassava-mung bean (21%), and cassava-soybean (18 %), respectively. And it can improve land-use efficiency by 31% as compared to cassava-soybean and cassava-mung bean intercropping. The partial budget analysis also revealed that cassava planted with haricot bean gave the highest economic benefit of 199,250 Birr ha-1. Further researches on relative planting time of legumes with cassava and soil fertility variation under sole cassava and intercropping systems are important for improving productivity of growers under the study area.

Economic sustainability of extending lay cycle in the supply-managed Canadian egg industry

The productivity levels of the Canadian egg industry have increased over the years, including hen productivity and feed conversion efficiency. Moreover, genetic improvements combined with improved feed and light management have recently resulted in hens potentially being able to produce 500 eggs in an 80-week laying cycle. Nevertheless, most egg farms in Canada are still on a 51-week production cycle despite high hen productivity levels at culling. Lack of economic impact information, combined with the fact that egg production is under supply management in Canada and that farmers are paid their cost of production reduces the incentive to extend laying cycles despite the savings associated with lower rates of flock replacement. On the other hand, a greater percentage of large eggs is beneficial to the value chain, and the use of fewer resources per egg associated with longer laying cycles generates environmental benefits. This article analyzes the economic sustainability of extending laying cycles in Canada by combining partial budgeting analysis based on farm-level data with a non-linear mathematical programming model to assess the economic costs and benefits of extending laying cycles, while taking into consideration the policy context of supply management in Canada. The results suggest that, for hens housed in an aviary, extending the laying cycles from 51 to 64 weeks would increase profits by approximately 6% per year over a 5-year period. Our optimization model forecast that a laying cycle of 71 weeks would be economically optimal, with an average productivity of 6.7 eggs per hen per week and a cumulative mortality rate of 5.53%. This article, through an innovative methodological approach that combines partial budgeting and non-linear mathematical programming models, generates information to help the egg industry stakeholders to make informed decisions on extending laying cycles while considering the policy context of supply management in Canada.

Economic Analysis of Integrated Striga Management for Striga control as Influenced by Trap Crops and Inorganic Fertilizer Application in Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] at Fedis District, Eastern Ethiopia

Strigais problematic weed causing difficulty in cultivation of sorghum in areas of eastern hararghe where low and erratic rainfall is prevalent and soils are characterized by poor fertility. Knowing these different options of management has been tried however; its cost benefit has never been studied. Therefore, to assess its economic analysis and effect of integrated Striga management on Striga incidence, a field experiment was conducted during the cropping season of 2015 on heavily Striga-infested field in Fedis District, Boko site to determine the effect of trap crops (cowpea, soybean, desmodium, control) and N fertilizer rates (0, 46, 92 and 138 kg N ha-1) on management of Striga incidence and its economic analysis. The experiment was laid out in a factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Trap crops were uprooted at maximum above ground fresh biomass. The results indicated significant (P&lt;0.05) main effects of trap crop on emergence of Striga where the lowest (26%) Striga emergence of about was recorded over the control with use of cowpea.Striga count at harvest of sorghum was significantly (P&lt; 0.05) affected by the interaction effect of trap crop and N fertilizer where 46 kg N ha-1 and use of cowpea as trap crop reduced the number of Striga seed bank by about 52.3% over the control treatment. The partial budget analysis also showed that the highest(47998.8 Birr ha-1) net benefit was obtained with the use of cowpea as a trap crop and 46kgN ha-1 application. Thus, the use of cowpea as trap crop and 46 kg N ha-1was found to be promising both agronomical and economically

Productivity, nutritive value, and profitability of high-digestibility alfalfa cultivars harvested at two stages of development in eastern Canada

Alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) cultivars developed for improved digestibility by conventional breeding or genetic modification have not been evaluated in eastern Canada. This study compared yield, nutritive value, and profitability of two reduced-lignin genetically modified (GM) cultivars, three conventionally selected for low lignin or high pectin, and one population with improved stem degradability, with two commercially adapted cultivars as controls. Alfalfa was harvested at the early bud (intensive management) or early flower (extensive management) stage of development during the first post-seeding year at three sites and the second post-seeding year at one site. All cultivars/populations had similar annual dry matter (DM) yields, except for the lower DM yield (−20%) of the improved stem degradability population. Conventionally selected cultivars for improved digestibility did not differ from control cultivars for in vitro DM digestibility (IVTD) and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFd). Reduced-lignin GM cultivars, however, had a greater IVTD and NDFd (+10%) and less lignin (−10%) than control cultivars at the same stage of development. Reduced-lignin GM cultivars under extensive management had similar NDFd and greater annual DM yield (+1 to 2 Mg DM ha−1), but reduced total digestible nutrients (−41 to 44 g kg−1 DM), in comparison to control cultivars under intensive management. Using partial budget analysis, the comparison of more digestible GM cultivars to the control cultivars resulted in an increase in annual farm net profits ranging from CAD$7.40 to $79.60 cow−1 year−1 depending on stage of development at harvest. Further investigations are needed to quantify the performance of dairy cows fed cultivars with improved digestibility.