Private Farms Research Articles

ASSESSING POTATO CULTIVATION TECHNIQUES IN PAKISTAN: AN ANALYSIS OF EXISTING METHODS AND IDENTIFIED GAPS

The potato is an important crop in vegetables. It is grown in sandy to clay-loamy soil in the winter season. Potassium and vitamin C are abundant in potatoes. Both governmental and private agriculture extension services actively educate farmers about suggested techniques for producing potatoes and offer guidance on how to implement these practices. This study aimed to investigate the discrepancy between accepted and advised potato production technology techniques. Pakistan's primary potato hub is Okara. Tehsil Okara was selected randomly from 3 tehsils (Okara, Depalpur, Renala Khurd) of district Okara. A random sampling was carried out for 120 Okara potato growers, the study's key data were gathered through a field survey. According to the survey, most farmers were aware of the suggested potato production technology and many had already embraced it. However, a sizable portion did not follow the advised guidelines. Therefore, to get a high yield of potatoes per acre, it is necessary to strengthen the efforts of extension services and implement more advanced advice. Extension activities must be adjusted to farmers' needs.

Genome-wide association studies for milk production traits and persistency of first calving Holstein cattle in Türkiye

The study presents a comprehensive investigation into the genetic determinants of 100-day milk yield (100DMY), 305-day milk yield (305DMY), total milk yield (TMY), and persistency using first lactation records of 374 Holstein heifers reared in a private farm at Çanakkale province of Türkiye, employing a genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach. The research underscores the substantial genetic component underlying these economically important traits through detailed descriptive statistics and heritability estimations. The estimated moderate to high heritabilities (0.32–0.54) for milk production traits suggest the feasibility of targeted genetic improvement strategies. By leveraging GWAS, the study identifies many significant and suggestively significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with studied traits. Noteworthy genes have identified in this analysis include BCAS3, MALRD1, CTNND2, DOCK1, TMEM132C, NRP1, CNTNAP2, GPRIN2, PLEKHA5, GLRA1, SCN7A, HHEX, KTM2C, RAB40C, RAB11FIP3, and FXYD6. These findings provide valuable understandings of the genetic background of milk production and persistency in Holstein cattle, shedding light on specific genomic regions and candidate genes playing pivotal roles in these traits. This research contributes valuable knowledge to the field of dairy cattle genetics and informs future breeding efforts to improve milk production sustainability and efficiency in Holstein cattle populations.

Landowner economy in the Kazan province in the first half of the 19th century

The article is devoted to the economic development of landowners in the Kazan province during the era of serfdom. The source base of the study contains published memoirs of representatives of the nobility, statistical publications, pre-revolutionary studies of the state of agriculture in private farms, as well as archival material containing economic descriptions of 12 districts of the province, compiled by local leaders of the nobility and individual landowners based on the questions of the questionnaire of the Free Economic Society in 1802. The author analyzed the natural and geographical factors that influenced economic life on the estates; characterized the working inventory and showed attempts to modernize it; studied the specialization of estates and identified the economy-forming industries; considered the features of the corvee and quitrent systems of peasant exploitation. In addition, the article shows examples of organizing market-oriented agricultural production. A conclusion is made about the subsistence nature of the landowner economy in the Kazan province in the pre-reform period, in which the sale of surplus did not mean the commercial nature of production. The availability of free labor deprived the incentive to introduce improved methods of land cultivation – use modern equipment, improved varieties of crops, as well as develop industries such as livestock and crop production. For citation: Mironova E.V. Landowner economy in the Kazan province in the first half of the 19th century. From History and Culture of Peoples of the Middle Volga Region. 2024, vol.14, no.3, pp.118–136. https://doi.org/10.22378/2410-0765.2024-14-3.118-136 (In Russian)

Assessment of Activated Charcoal and Phosphorus for Promoting Maize Production

The most continuous farming practice is the yearly addition of phosphorus fertilizers to soils in arid and semi-arid regions that all suffer from shortages of phosphorus availability. A vital approach is rationalizing applied fertilizers and trying to benefit from their reservoir in yearly-fertilized old soils using an activated charcoal-fertilizer mixture. Thus, a field experiment was conducted at a private farm in Mushtuhur, Toukh, Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt. This trial was set up to study the effect of phosphorus (P) fertilizer sources (phosphoric acid Ph.A and super phosphate S.Ph), the P application rates (P0=control, P1=50%, P2=75% and P3=100% of P requirements), activated charcoal (A.Ch) rates (A.Ch0=control, A.Ch1=1, A.Ch2=3 and A.Ch3=5 g/hole, corresponding to 41, 124, and 207 kg ha-1, respectively) and the interaction between them on promoting maize growth, production and its nutrient status. Generally, adding phosphorus improved plant height (m), dry grains (t ha-1), and ash yield (t ha-1) without a significant difference between all P rates. Phosphoric acid affects most studied parameters, mainly the biological, ear, and ash yield (t ha-1); it was the best compared with superphosphate. Adding the 1st rate of A.Ch improved the studied growth and yield parameters significantly compared with the control. Slight enhancement was induced by the 2nd A.Ch dose, and there was no significant difference between the 3rd and 4th rates in most studied parameters. The heighest value of grain yield resulted from the third interaction between A. Ch3 x P0, followed by A. Ch2 x P0, and the next is Ph.A x A. Ch2 x P1 without significant difference among them. These results shed light on the fact that there is no need to add P fertilizers yearly, as described by the recommendations of the Ministry of Agriculture. Different materials can move the fixed P in old clayey soil, such as A.Ch.

Resistance Induction in Two Alfalfa Varieties to Bean Leafroll Virus and Citrus Excortis Viroid Using Some Botanicals and Amino Acids Preparations

Many researches have been conducted so far in the topic of controlling the Bean leafroll virus and Citrus exocortis viroid. This study was conducted in a private farm at Balad district from September 1, 2023, to January 6, 2024, and aimed to evaluate the efficacy of azolla and clover plant extract, fosetyl aluminum pesticide, and Debal against Bean leafroll virus in the presence of Citrus exocortis viroid in diseased alfalfa. The diagnosis was confirmed for the whole genome of the virus and viroid under study using next generation sequencing technology. The resulting sequences were compared in the International Gene Bank database NCBI. The virus was the 1st record registered in Iraq, which was registered with a accession number PP889325, and the viroid genome was registered for the first time in the NCBI database with an accession number PP869624. Findings of the field experiment showed that the treatments were effective in reducing infection rates and disease severity beside increasing plant defense enzymes (catalase, polyphenol oxidase, and peroxidase) in virus infected alfalfa. Debal treatment, individual or in combination, recorded the highest rate leaf content of catalase (8.00), polyphenol oxidase (3.70), and peroxidase (4.13), with values significantly differed from infected untreated control treatment that recorded 3.33, 0.91, and 0.81, respectively.

Agrotourism in Kazakhstan as a factor of economic empowerment of rural population

Nowadays agrotourism is one of the most important tools for improving the image of the village and its attractiveness for economically active population, an effective mechanism for spreading entrepreneurship in rural areas and increasing economic opportunities for rural residents by diversifying the activities of peasant (farmer) farms. Purpose - the concept of "agrotourism", factors constraining the development of the industry are considered, new approaches to expanding the range of tourism services in rural areas of Kazakhstan on the basis of the model "One Village - One Product" (OVOP) are studied. Methods - empirical for the purpose of data selection, observation and research of specific phenomena, establishing links between them; statistical, economic analysis, logical - to identify general trends or effects, use of international experience and generalization of results. Results - the authors note that rural tourism in the country is fragmented, there is no concept and system principles in the tourism sector, which are the key barriers to the development of tourism agribusiness in the country. Popularization of the OVOP movement in the regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan will contribute to the creation of new jobs, the growth of rural people's welfare. It is shown that the agritourism sector is one of the rapidly developing directions in modern tourism. In Kazakhstan there are potential reserves of its wide distribution, which allow to diversify the tourist product and create an additional item of income to the budget of the republic. Conclusions - agrarian tourism is an important segment of modernization of agrarian sector economy, promising innovative rural entrepreneurship. The development of tourism infrastructure in rural areas contributes to the diversification of rural economy, increasing employment and income of rural population, increasing the number of small business enterprises, the volume of production of environmentally friendly products of private subsidiary plots and farms, reducing the outflow of rural population to the cities. Agritourism industry has a large reserve of natural and human resources. However, the authors state that farmers need information and consulting support of tourist firms.

Effect of zeolite on growth, yield, and active substances of genotypes of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) and its Half–Diallel Crosses

Two field experiments were conducted on the private farms of a farmer in the village of Al-Jilawiyah in Al-Musayyab district (40 km north of the center of Babylon province) for the years 2021 and 2023 for the purpose of studying some genetic features of four genotypes of Roselle and their Half – Diallel Crosses. They gave the following results:The eggplant cultivar excelled in all the studied traits (plant height, chlorophyll content of leaves, number of branches in the plant, number of bolls in the plant, total yield of sepal leaves and anthospanin content), giving averages of (184.86 cm, 42.83 spad, 48.30 leaves.plant -1, 153.50 bolls.Plant -1, 1208.16 kg ha -1, 0.338%) respectively. As for the hybrids, the hybrid (1*2) excelled on the other hybrids by giving it the highest average for the studied traits (plant height, chlorophyll content of the leaves, number of branches, number of bolls in the plant, anthocyanin content, giving the averages (191.98 cm, 43.04 spad, 50 branches. plant -1, 157.22 bolls.plant -1, 0.345%), respectively. As for the hybrid strength, the hybrid (1*2) excelled giving it the highest hybrid strength at level Z 10, amounting to 19.97%, while the hybrid (2*4) gave it the lowest hybrid strength at level Z10, amounting to - 0.30%. As for the gene action, it gave the trait of chlorophyll content the highest percentage of heritability in the broad sense, amounting to 99.48%, at the level Z 10, while it gave the lowest percentage of heritability in the broad sense, amounting to 75.65%, for the trait of plant height, at the level Z 10. As for the heritability rate in the narrow sense, it reached its highest average of 60.06% for the trait number of branches at level Z 20. While it gave the lowest percentage of heritability in the narrow sense of 4.16% at the Z10 level. The average degree of dominance was 4.44% for the trait of plant height, while the lowest value for the average degree of heritability was 1.27 for the trait of the number of bolls. plant-1.

THE ECONOMIC AND LEGAL NATURE OF THE MINIMUM TAX LIABILITY

The relevance of the study of the economic and legal nature of the minimum tax liability is due to several factors. Firstly, being relatively new for Ukraine, this type of tax has not yet been sufficiently studied by scholars. Secondly, due to the specifics of the object of taxation, the introduction of the minimum tax liability significantly affects the taxation of farmers – owners of agricultural land and land users, producers of agricultural products, who are among the most vulnerable segments of the population. Thirdly, such a reform of the tax burden on business entities in agriculture, as one of the sectors most affected by Russia's armed aggression, requires a thorough analysis of its timeliness and appropriateness. This necessitates a study of theoretical and practical aspects, potential risks of introducing the minimum tax liability, as well as the formulation of proposals for solving problematic issues in this area, which is the purpose of the study. The research methodology includes a number of methods of scientific knowledge: the philosophical (dialectical) method, general scientific methods (the method of analysis and the formal logical method), as well as methods related to special scientific methods (formal legal and comparative legal). Results. The study of the economic and legal nature of the minimum tax liability concluded that there is a tendency to expand the range of taxpayers. In particular, at the expense of individuals – members of private farms. The article proves that such innovations lead to the loss of existing tax privileges for farms and increase the tax burden for these entities. The authors identify the risks of introducing a minimum tax liability, including incentives for farmers to alienate agricultural land or transfer it to other persons, alienation of farmers from the main means of production, and increased unemployment. It is established that the introduction of the minimum tax liability under the existing conditions is a violation of the fundamental principles of tax legislation of Ukraine. The generalisations obtained can be used to amend the tax legislation and will be useful in conducting scientific research on tax and agricultural legal relations.

Comparative Analysis of the Distribution of the Main Helminthiasis Causative Agents in the Absheron Peninsula and Khizi Region

The research was conducted on sheep farms located in the Absheron region in 2015-2020. The major helminth fauna in sheep in the private and farmer farms of the Absheron region was found to consist of helminth species: Fasciola hepatica, F. gigantica, Dicrocoelium lanceatum, Paramphistomum cervi, Moniezia expansa, M. benedeni, Taenia hydatigena, T. ovis, Multiceps multiceps, Echinococcus granulosus, Protostrongylus hobmaieri, P. kochi, P. railleti, Muellerius capillaris, Trichocephalus ovis, Chabertia ovina, Haemonchus contortus, Dictyocaulus filaria. The extensiveness and intensity of the distribution of the 18 main helminths detected in the region by the complete helminthological dissection method in 19 research areas (14 in the Absheron peninsula: Zire, Hovsan, Mashtagha, Mehdiabad, Gobu, Sulutepe, Z. Taghiyev, Fatmayi, Novkhani, Mammadli, Khirdalan, Jeyranbatan, Mushvigabad, Guzdek; 5 in the Khizi region: Yeni Yashma, Shorabad, Altiaghaj, Gizilgazma, Tudar) are described in tables. Higher invasion levels were identifi­ed for T. ovis(43.2%, 1-53 samples), E. granulosus (39.2%, 1-18 samples), H. contortus (35.0%, 2-56 samp­les), and they we­re con­si­de­red the do­mi­nant hel­minth spe­ci­es of the re­gi­on. Ba­sed on the complete helminthological dissection, in the Absheron peninsula, IE was 17.7% and II was 1-64 samples, and in the Khizi district, IE was 29.0% and II was 1-83 samples. Thus, complete helminthological examination methods allowed us to conclude that the infection rate in the Khizi region is higher than in the Absheron Peninsula. This makes it necessary for farmers and veterinarians to start veterinary sanitary measures, both prophylactic and treatment measures against helminths in the Khizi district.

Prevalence of GIT Nematodes and Associated Risk Factors of Exotic Chickens in Selected Farm of Poultry in and Around Ambo, Ethiopia

Poultry are raised worldwide in backyards and commercial systems with fewer social and religious taboos than other livestock. However, the chicken industry faces significant challenges from nematode parasites. A cross-sectional study with a random sampling technique was conducted from April to June 2019 to estimate gastrointestinal (GI) nematode parasites in chickens in selected farms in and around Ambo, Ethiopia. The fecal analysis results revealed that out of 70 samples collected, 60% were positive for gastrointestinal (GI) nematode eggs. Prevalence varied significantly by body condition, with the highest rates in chickens in poor condition (78.57%), followed by medium (54.54%) and good condition (40%). Location also played a significant role, with Ambo University Poultry Farm having the highest prevalence (83.87%), followed by Abebe Private Farm (55%) and Guder Campus Poultry Farm (26.31%). The main nematode species identified were Ascaridia galli (57.1%) and Heterakis gallinarum (2.9%). Infestation rates differed significantly by sex, age, location, and body condition, with males having higher rates of Ascaridia galli (61.53%) than females (56.14%), and Heterakis gallinarum exclusively affecting females (3.51%). Adults showed significantly higher rates of Ascaridia galli (85.71%) than young chickens (38.09%), with some infestation of Heterakis gallinarum (7.14%) observed in adults but absent in young chickens. This prevalence rate suggests limited awareness among chicken producers and insufficient control strategies in the study area. Hence, implementing targeted control strategies is advisable.

Fungal endophytes: A study on molecular taxonomy, nanoformulation, biophysical characterization and entomopathogenicity against insect pests of tropical timber trees In India

Forest cover of India aims to increase thirty three per cent by 2030 through planting trees outside forests boundaries, cultivating and breeding in private farmer’s wastelands. Despite efforts to boost greenery, approximately one million hectares of forest area are lost annually to insect pests, underscoring the need for effective pest management. Synthetic organic insecticides are widely used, with India accounting for 3 % of global pesticide usage, leading to environmental and health concerns. To address this, ecologically sound pest management strategies are imperative. Biological control, particularly using microorganisms, offers a promising approach. Endophytic fungi, found in commercially important tree species like Teak, Ailanthus, Red Sanders, and Gmelina, show potential for insect pest management. In this study, 112 endophytic fungi were isolated, with eight common across all species. Fourteen species, identified through molecular taxonomy, exhibit entomopathogenic properties, paving the way for the development of novel biopesticides.

First record of iridovirus (ISKNV) infections in Fourfinger threadfin from Kuwait

Following an initiative by the Govt. of Kuwait and the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), the institute started simultaneous efforts of domestication of locally caught fish and hatchery production of Fourfinger threadfin (FFT, Eleutheronema tetradactylum), locally called Sheem. A private farm and KISR are working together to optimize the conditions for growth and spawning performances under the environmental conditions of Kuwait. During these efforts, infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV), an important fish pathogen from Iridoviridae, caused mortalities of the FFT sub-adults (150–200 g). We noticed that the mortality was associated with anorexia, haemorrhages of the snout, fin bases, and scale pockets. We also noticed that this was typical to one of the tanks that had consistently high ammonia (0.2–0.25 ppm) levels in the water, and all 35 sub-adults died within 4–5 days. Diagnostics (molecular and electron microscopy examinations) revealed ISKN iridovirus as the causative. We noticed viral particles of 150–200 nm in the tissue sections of the skin, gills, heart, liver, spleen, kidney, and intestine. The major capsid protein (MCP) gene sequence analysis confirmed the results, revealing 98 % similarity with the laminin-type epidermal growth factor-like protein gene of ISKNV. The present report is the first record of ISKNV infections in FFT and from Kuwait. The study aimed to decipher the cause of illness and mortality of cultured FFT.

Feed distribution mechanism for family farms: dependence of the amount of feed on the width and height of the exhaust chamber

Abstract The article provides information on the ongoing research on the development of feed preparation and distribution equipment for livestock farms. As a result of scientific analysis, 85% of the livestock and poultry available in livestock farming belong to livestock farms with a small number of livestock, private and family farms. One of the urgent tasks is to create feed preparation and distribution facilities in these small livestock farms. Based on the above, scientific work was carried out to develop a feed distribution device for small livestock farms intended for feeding 20-30 head of cattle. The primary indicators of the feed distribution device’s technical qualities were established, and its technological scheme was developed, based on the results of the research that was done and the needs of the farms. The impact of feed spreader discharge window width and height on feed distribution quality was studied in preliminary research.

Development of recommendations for Ukrainian farming crediting based on the experience of other countries

The study aimed to address the farmers financing practices in Poland, France, Germany and Romania and to develop recommendations for reducing credit constraints in Ukrainian agriculture. Providing farms with financial resources is one of the most critical tasks for maintaining national resilience and stability in difficult times of military resistance. The study analysed statistical and economic indicators, the structure of farms and land use, financial instruments, features of financial institutions, practices and experience in lending in Poland, France, Germany, Romania and Ukraine. The impact of gross fixed capital formation on the volume of farm sales in comparable countries was addressed. The main reasons for the shortage of financing for medium, small, and micro-enterprises in the agro-industrial sector and numerous households that run private farms without establishing a legal entity were identified. The study noted that the main consequences of limited access to credit are low efficiency of land use, a decrease in gross domestic product and a deterioration in the viability of farms. The study analysed the impact of the state programme “Affordable Loans 5-7-9%” and other programmes to support medium, small and micro enterprises created with the help of international partners on the financial support of agricultural businesses. In recent years, these new financial instruments have significantly increased access to loans for farmers. The study addressed proposals of economic scientists of these countries on the elimination of credit restrictions in the activity of small agricultural producers. The analysis highlights the problems of farmers' lending that are common to all countries, as well as the many years of experience that have gradually resolved these issues. Recommendations on the implementation of the necessary measures for the timely receipt of affordable credit resources by small rural enterprises and family farms in Ukraine have been developed

Plant-parasitic nematodes associated with maize, and their relationship with soil properties in southern and southwestern Ethiopia

Summary Maize is an important cereal crop in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Plant-parasitic nematodes significantly impact maize production. However, research on maize nematodes in SSA is limited. The current study aimed to assess the occurrences and densities of nematodes associated with maize and to assess the correlation of some soil physicochemical properties with nematodes in southern and southwestern Ethiopia. One hundred and eighty-six soil and root samples were collected from 62 maize fields (31 from Hawassa Zuria and 31 from Mana districts). Eleven plant-parasitic nematode genera were identified. The most important genera of plant-parasitic nematodes identified were Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus, followed by Helicotylenchus and Tylenchorhynchus. The nematodes Pratylenchus and Criconemoides were significantly and positively associated with pH, soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil organic matter (SOM). Additionally, Tylenchorhynchus, Pratylenchus and Rotylenchulus were significantly positively correlated with soil available phosphorus (SAP). However, Criconemoides and Meloidogyne had a strong negative correlation with soil bulk density (SBD). This study provides useful baseline information on maize-associated nematodes, and will be useful for agricultural policy makers, private farmers, non-governmental organisations and agricultural extension workers enabling them to establish sustainable maize nematode management strategies.

Anatomical, Histological and Transmission Electron Microscopic Examination of Liver in Chinese Goose (Anser cygnoides)

Background: The liver, the main organ in the continuity of energy supply, is the largest gland in the body. The liver, which has functions such as cleansing the body from toxins, synthesizing bile, secreting the synthesized bile and regulating metabolism, acts as an endocrine and exocrine gland. The liver is a complex organ that processes the digested and absorbed substances, stores them for the benefit of other organs or transfers them to the circulatory system, thus creating a transition zone between the digestive system and the circulatory system. The aim of this study is to examine the Chinese goose (Anser cygnoides) liver Anatomically, Histologically and by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Methods: In this study Chinese geese (Anser cygnoides) were procured from a private farm in Aksaray, 6 females and 6 males, were utilized. Result: Tissue samples were examined under a light microscope with Hematoxylin Eosin (HE) staining method. Histologically, it was observed that the liver in Chinese goose (Anser cygnoides) did not have the typical lobule structure, consisted of many lobules and the interlobular septum was thin. Hepatocytes were oval and centrally located and merged to form remark cords and these remark cords were separated by sinusoids. Kupffer cells were present. Lymph nodules were intensely observed in the examined tissues. Bile duct, arteria hepatica and vena porta forming the Kiernan’s space were found. It was determined that each unit with the vena centralis was similar to the lobule structure. Healthy mitochondrial structures and heterochromatic-appearing hepatocytes and Kupffer cells were observed electron microscopically. The nucleus of the hepatocyte was round and euchromatic, the nuclear membrane was healthy and intact and the nucleolus was centrally located. The cytoplasm contained a very small number of small vacuoles. It was observed that the cytoplasm was homogeneously distributed. Mitochondria were normal in appearance, with regular double membranes and healthy cristae. A very prominent bile duct and a healthy endoplasmic reticulum structure were observed.

Models for creating innovative cooperatives for processing and sales of milk in private farms

The purpose of the article is to study the models for creating innovative “milk processing cooperative”, created on the basis of cooperative relations with dairy-producing personal subsidiary farms, to give recommendations. Based on the creation of dairy processing cooperatives in private subsidiary farms for processing and selling milk within the country, their great potential is being used and dependence on dairy products is being reduced. The models and options for creating dairy processing cooperatives based on the cooperation of private subsidiary farms in the dairy industry of the country are presented: 1) the creation of a “dairy processing innovation cooperative” based on a cooperative relationship with personal subsidiary farms; 2) under a cooperative agreement with personal subsidiary farms of the Turkistan region, the activities of the innovative dairy processing company FoodMaster-Shymkent LLP were considered; 3) the creation of a “dairy production cooperative” with a commercial dairy farm in the settlements of the district is suggested, based on the cooperation process. This is due to the fact that dairy processing and marketing cooperatives, along with the collection, processing, and sale of milk from personal subsidiary farms, of which they were members, assume responsibilities for processing land plots, foraging, providing breeding young animals, providing production and technical services, and state support for personal subsidiary farms. State support (subsidies, tax and credit benefits) through “milk-producing cooperatives”, in which personal subsidiary farms are created, support for personal subsidiary farms is provided through milk-producing cooperatives and milk-processing cooperatives.

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

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

Spatiotemporal Variabilities in Evapotranspiration of Alfalfa: A Case Study Using Remote Sensing METRIC and SSEBop Models and Eddy Covariance

Prolonged drought exacerbated by climate change in the Mesilla Valley, one of the major agricultural areas of New Mexico, USA, is causing a shortage of surface water from the Rio Grande for irrigation. Farmers in the Valley are using groundwater for irrigation and complementing it with limited surface water from the river (Rio Grande). Managing irrigation water better is vital to sustaining agriculture in the Valley. Remote sensing (RS)-based crop evapotranspiration (ETa) models offer significant advantages over traditional methods. The ET maps generated by these RS models provide valuable information that can be used to manage irrigation water and crops in water-scarce areas. This study used METRIC and SSEBop RS models to map the ET of alfalfa on a private farm that is managed as commonly practiced in the Valley. The integrated ET values of the two models are compared to those of the ETa measured using the eddy covariance method. The comparison showed that 91.55% of the variability in SSEBop ETa estimates can be explained by the variability in the METRIC ETa estimates, and the variability in eddy covariance ETa can explain 93.07% of the variability in METRIC ETa and 86.01% in the SSEBop Eta estimates. Both METRIC and SSEBop reflected the ETa of alfalfa during full growth and harvesting periods. However, the absolute percent mean relative difference (MRD) of ET was higher for two out of three cuttings by SSEBop (&gt;32%) compared to those for METRIC and eddy covariance. The spatiotemporal variabilities in crop ET estimates using METRIC and SSEBop showed a need to improve on-farm irrigation conveyance and on-the-field irrigation efficiency. Overall, RS models can provide spatiotemporal maps of ET that can be used for decision-making to manage irrigation water better and improve crop yield on a field, farm, and regional scale.

Enhancing Tomato Production by Using Non-Conventional Water Resources within Integrated Sprinkler Irrigation Systems in Arid Regions

This research evaluated the importance of establishing an integrated sprinkler irrigation design connected to fish farm ponds in order to achieve environmental and financial benefits. To achieve the aim of the study, two field experiments were conducted at a private farm in the Nubaria area of Beheira Governorate during the 2022 and 2023 seasons to quantify all the benefits from using fish water effluent (FWE) in irrigation. The obtained results indicated that the effluent could represent a good source of irrigation and bio-fertilization. The yield of tomato was higher when using FWE for irrigation compared with using groundwater for irrigation (IW). This was due to the additional amounts of dissolved bio-nitrogen along with other nutrients present in the FWE. The proportion of dissolved nitrogen added by using FWE was 22.3 kg nitrogen per hectare in 2022 and 24.6 kg nitrogen per hectare in 2023, in addition to some other major elements such as phosphorus and potassium, which are also among the main nutrients needed by crops. It has also been noticed that the fertility of the sandy soil increased with the use of FWE for irrigation. One of the most important results was the possibility of reducing the addition of nitrogen mineral fertilizers by 25%, thus saving on N fertilizers when growing tomato. In addition to the vitality of the FWE and its macro- and microelements, algae, microorganisms, and other organic materials, the use of this type of water as an alternative source for irrigation, along with the reduction in the amount of added mineral fertilizers, will reduce the degree of groundwater contamination with mineral fertilizers and increase the income of farmers. It was also observed that the air temperature decreased during the growing season when compared with the temperature of uncultivated surrounding areas.