Livestock Production Research Articles

Somatic coliphages as bioindicators of contamination in Lake Guamuez, Colombia

Lake Guamuez is the second largest lake in Colombia and economically supports hundreds of families in the area. The main activities carried out in the region have focused on tourism, agriculture, livestock, and rainbow trout production; however, these activities have been associated with contamination of the lake. This research aimed to evaluate the water quality of Lake Guamuez using somatic coliphages (SCs) as bioindicators. For this purpose, periodic sampling was carried out for six months at 9 strategic points of the lake. For the detection of SCs, the method described in 9211 D of the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater was used. The genomic variability and presence of virulence genes in the isolated SCs were determined. Water contamination in the lake is evident, and the SCs titer is greater in areas with a high flow of anthropogenic activities. An important degree of genetic diversity and a high prevalence of virulence genes could be observed among the SCs analyzed. The results when compared with guidelines and water quality standards from various countries, showed concentrations of SCs higher than those allowed. The high prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases in the region suggests a link to water contamination.

Right to Food Policies, Justice and Sovereignty in Nigeria

This study assessed the right to food policies, justice and sovereignty in Nigeria. The main areas of concentration were: introduction, meaning of food policy, some food policies in Nigeria, types of policies, audit of right to food policies in Nigeria, past policy articulations (1900 – 1999), food policy articulation and policy thrust in 2003, food policy legislations, sovereignty of food and agricultural development among many others. The study indicated that food policy is a public declaration that conveys the decisions to pursue a specific course of action aimed at improving food production practices, ensuring output growth and the overall development of the food sector. Some food policies in Nigeria are; food crop production policy, livestock production policy, food commodity storage policy among others. The study identified three types of polices namely; position declaration, policy statements and discussion papers. Past policy articulations are: Timber/non timber policy 1937, food policy 1946 and food policy for the western region 1952. Some policy legislations were identified, namely: adulteration of produce ordinance No.67 of 1917; 29 of 1920, 8th November 1917, Weight and measurements Act No. 32 of 1974 to June 1975 and River Basin Development Authorities Act No.35 of 1st October, 1986. Some inventory of right to food sovereignty strategies in Nigeria includes: Sovereignty strategy formulations, commodity boards, National Accelerated Food Production Project (NAFPP), National Livestock Development Project (NLDP), Operation Feed the Nation (OFN) and Green Revolution among very many others. One major problem of food policy implementation is lack of a well-defined programme. In conclusion, Right to Food Policy, Justice and Sovereignty Implementation means money spent, laws enforced, employees hired, plan of action formulated and carried out successfully for the development of the Nigerian food sub-sector. But the problem with Nigerian food policies is the structure among which is the absence of central coordinating members. Also, the study recommended that there is the need for government to set institutions that will monitor the planning and execution of food polices projects. Key words: Agricultural Development, Food, Justice, Legislations, Nigeria, Policies, Rights, Sovereignty

Spatially Explicit Life Cycle Global Warming and Eutrophication Potentials of Confined Dairy Production in the Contiguous US

Assessing the spatially explicit life cycle environmental impacts of livestock production systems is critical for understanding the spatial heterogeneity of environmental releases and devising spatially targeted remediation strategies. This study presents the first spatially explicit assessment on life cycle global warming and eutrophication potentials of confined dairy production at a county scale in the contiguous US. The Environmental Policy Integrated Climate model was used to estimate greenhouse gases (GHGs), NH3, and aqueous nutrient releases of feed production. The Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Transportation model and Commodity Flow Survey were used to assess GHGs and NH3 from feed transportation. Emission-factor-based approaches were primarily used to calculate GHGs from enteric fermentation, and GHGs, NH3, and aqueous nutrient releases from manure management. Characterization factors reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and Tool for Reduction and Assessment of Chemicals and other Environmental Impacts model were used to compute global warming and eutrophication potentials, respectively. The analyses revealed that life cycle global warming and eutrophication potentials of confined dairy production presented significant spatial heterogeneity among the US counties. For example, the life cycle global warming potential ranged from 462 kg CO2-eq/head to 14,189 kg CO2-eq/head. Surprisingly, sourcing feed locally cannot effectively reduce life cycle global warming and eutrophication potentials of confined dairy production. The feed supply scenarios with the lowest life cycle environmental impacts depend on the life cycle environmental impacts of feed production, geographic locations of confined dairy production, and specific impact categories. In addition, installing buffer strips in feed-producing hotspots can effectively reduce life cycle nutrient releases of confined dairy production. If 200 counties with the highest life cycle EP of corn adopt buffer strips, the reduction in life cycle EP of confined dairy production could reach 24.4%.

Multi-class, multi-residue analysis of pesticide residues in fishery products using LC and GC-MS/MS

Pesticide residues in agricultural products and the environment have been studied extensively over the years. Through the excessive or illegal use of pesticides, residues enter the surrounding environment and are absorbed by animals. Livestock and fishery products are subject to pesticide residue regulation, which includes the establishment of maximum residue limits. However, currently, fishery products are regulated only for ethoxyquin, neglecting the potential for bioaccumulation. This study aims to develop a method for the multi-class, multi-residue analysis of pesticide residues in fishery products—flatfish, eel, shrimp, and Manila clam—based on the QuEChERS method. A total of 327 compounds, including 263 pesticides and their metabolites, were identified using liquid chromatography and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The method can quantify 263 pesticide residues in flatfish, 265 in eel, 264 in shrimp, and 263 in Manila clam, respectively. Additionally, the method can be applied to quantify 244 pesticide residues in seaweed. The method proves effective and useful for monitoring both food safety and environmental contamination.

Livestock and environment as potential sources and reservoirs for multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli in Malaysia: A Systematic Review

Pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a significant foodborne pathogen that poses a serious global public health risk. These pathogenic strains of E. coli can be found in various environments such as soil, water, livestock, livestock products, and humans. This review aims to evaluate the role of livestock and the environment as potential sources and reservoirs of pathogenic E. coli in Malaysia over the past two decades. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases using standardized keywords (Escherichia coli, Livestock, Abattoir workers, Farm workers, and Malaysia) to identify relevant original research articles published between 2001 and 2023 and our systematic review protocol was published in Prospero (Registration number: CRD42023433199). A total of 20 eligible articles were included in this review. The prevalence of multi-drug resistant E. coli among livestock production system and the environment, ranged from 4% to 100%. E. coli strains isolated from livestock production systems and environment in Malaysia exhibited high potential for pathogenicity, with diverse enterotoxins, genes associated with antimicrobial resistance, and virulence factors. Phylogroup B and D were noted among the E. coli isolates indicating that the strains in Malaysia are highly virulent and extra-intestinal. High levels of resistance to antimicrobials particularly ESBL and colistin which are last resort antimicrobials were noted. Butchering or processing of livestock, contamination of plants via contaminated waterways or livestock manure are the main sources and reservoir for E. coli to spread in Malaysia. Continued surveillance, monitoring and a comprehensive 'One Health' approach are recommended to effectively prevent and control livestock drug-resistant E.coli strains throughout the country.

Assessing the integration of agroecological principles in smallholder farming systems in North African irrigated plains

ABSTRACT This study assesses the extent to which growers integrate the 13 principles of agroecology within their farm activities. This is a first step that helps to determine the changes required in different farm components to foster the adoption of agroecology. We used the holistic Farm-Level Agroecology Criteria Tool (F-ACT) to assess the alignment with agroecological principles of 31 farms representative of smallholder irrigated family farms in the Merguellil Plain region of central Tunisia. Although various agroecological practices were implemented, the results revealed little integration of agroecological principles at the farm level, estimated at 34% of the full transition. In a difficult production resource access context, recycling and reducing inputs were the principles mostly applied, with the goal of improving resource use efficiency and farm system resilience. More specialized and market-oriented farms tended to rely on conventional practices, while diversified farms, often cultivating their own land, exhibited more sustainable practices. Although producers’ dominant rationale was to improve their market access, thereby often resorting to more conventional practices, we nevertheless noted interesting practices such as mixed crop and livestock production, which could facilitate the transition to more agroecological systems in these lowlands where production factors are scarce.

Analysis of Determinants of Envitonmrntal Awareness Among Beef Consumers

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the determinants of environmental awareness among beef consumers in Brazil, focusing on the acceptance of the Carbon Neutral Beef label. Theoretical Framework: The literature review covers the growing consumer concern for sustainability and animal welfare. The concept of Carbon Neutral Beef, developed by EMBRAPA, is discussed as a strategy to mitigate methane emissions in livestock production. Previous studies indicate that factors such as education, income, and environmental awareness influence consumers' willingness to pay more for sustainable beef. Method: The research employed a quantitative approach, applying a survey to beef consumers in Brazil. A total of 256 completed questionnaires were analyzed, and the data were processed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The Tobit econometric model was employed to identify the determinants of consumers' environmental awareness. Results and Discussion: The results show that most consumers prefer beef with sustainability attributes, influenced by income, education, and concern for the environment. The Tobit model indicated that variables such as educational level and household income are significant determinants of environmental awareness. These consumers are willing to pay more for beef that respects the environment and animal welfare. Research Implications: The study provides insights for the beef industry on the importance of adopting sustainable production practices. Originality/Value: The study provides insights for the beef industry on the importance of adopting sustainable production practices.

A Holistic Review on Impact of Demonetization on Animal Husbandry Sector

The impact created in the year 2016 by demonetization policy on India's animal husbandry industry analyse different effects which are critically analysed using different studies. The goal of demonetization, which invalidated ₹500 and ₹1000 banknotes, was to suppress corruption, burden the use of counterfeit money, and encourage online transactions [1,2]. Animal husbandry holds as strongest pillar of India's rural economy, and the current study of demonetization examines the short- and long-term effects on it. The short term effects like Price volatility, lack of liquidity, and decreased market demand particularly impacted small-scale livestock, dairy, and poultry producers [3]. The studies also suitably reveal that farmers faced many significant challenges, including loss of livelihood, disrupted supply chains, and restricted access to banking facilities, increased debt, and limited farm investments [4]. The Long-term effects included a rise in the use of formal banking, a move toward digital payments, and structural modifications to cooperatives. The present agriculture and allied industries scenario, which mainly depends on cash transactions, experienced significant disruptions in labor payments, input procurement, and livestock sales etc [2]. The report also assesses government actions, such as initiatives to promote digital payments, sector-specific relief programs, and financial inclusion The policy recommends the need for more efforts to raise digital literacy in rural communities, improved rural banking infrastructure in order to improve the sector's adaptability to future economic uncertainties [5,3].

Pelatihan Pembuatan Pakan Ternak Fermentasi Berbahan Baku Sumberdaya Lokal Di Kelompok Tani Ternak (KTT) Berlian Desa Sukadana

The purpose of this activity is training in special production technology for fermented feed using local resources such as straw and others. The implementation of preparation for community service activities includes: initial observation/survey activities, identification of potential and problems, preparing an action program plan, determining activities, coordinating and taking care of permits for all parties related to the service activities. The results obtained were that most group members did not utilize local raw materials for animal feed and they did not provide fermented animal feed for their livestock. Providing an understanding of the importance of the concept of increasing livestock production in the form of information transfer, knowledge about the concept of fermented animal feed related to its benefits and functions for increasing production carried out through FGD and lecture methods. During the discussion session, input and feedback were obtained from participants that could be useful for the implementation of the service process. The next session was a demonstration or practice of making fermented animal feed using local resources. In the follow-up stage, assistance was provided in providing fermented animal feed to each farmer's livestock, with the hope that the livestock would accept and eat the results of the fermented feed so that it could increase production and increase the income of livestock farmers. The implementation of community service activities went according to plan and could be realized according to expectations. In order to optimize and massively implement the activity of making fermented animal feed among livestock farmers, especially in the surrounding areas, the next community service activities were carried out in various community groups that could be directly affected by handling vulnerable animal feed.

Trends and future directions of artificial intelligence applications in Iranian livestock production systems

Abstract In recent years, the global quest for livestock intensification driven by ever-increasing demands for animal food products raised concerns about animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and public health. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies such as remote sensing, Internet of Things (IoT), computer vision, and data-driven modeling has become a hotspot in livestock farming that could facilitate animal monitoring, disease detection, feed optimization, and health management. This review includes an assessment of these topics and research done in Iran so far, proposing future steps for the deployment of AI-powered technologies in farm applications. The Iranian livestock sector already seeing benefits from AI advancements and information technologies, however, most studies focused on model development without applications or deployment for the industry. Significant work is needed to address the limitations and challenges namely lack of data, economic feasibility, ethical concerns, infrastructure issues, and regulatory frameworks. Furthermore, reported AI-based methods and approaches have some inconsistencies in Iran that hinder validation. Looking forward, AI could create a new era in the livestock sector of Iran that not only copes with upcoming challenges but also boosts the circular economy making this country a pioneer in the region. However, tackling some potential limitations accompanying AI application in the Iranian livestock sector warrants the multi-disciplinary collaboration of veterinarians, computer scientists, animal nutritionists, agri-engineers, and governmental organizations.

A 30-m annual grassland dataset from 1991 to 2020 for Inner Mongolia, China

Grassland is a widely distributed land use type that provides essential resources for livestock production and serves as a crucial ecosystem component. Over the past decades, grassland has significantly degraded and shrunk due to climate change and human activities, with ongoing changes in its area. This study utilized the Google Earth Engine (GEE) and the Res-UNet++ model to analyze the phenological and spectral characteristics of grasslands in Landsat images for long-term annual monitoring. Additionally, the LandTrendr algorithm was utilized to correct long-term time series data for grasslands, yielding a map of grassland distribution in Inner Mongolia from 1991 to 2020. The results indicate that the overall spatial accuracy from 1991 to 2020 exceeded 96%, with a Kappa coefficient over 0.92, demonstrating high monitoring accuracy. In particular, the 2019 grassland monitoring area showed high consistency with data from the Third National Land Survey (TNLS), with a coefficient of determination (R^2) reaching 0.97, reflecting the high accuracy and reliability.

U.S. livestock producer interest in alternatives to compensation programs for wolf depredation

ABSTRACT Interest in financial compensation programs for wolf-livestock conflict in the United States is growing, yet we know little about livestock producer perceptions concerning existing programs or potential alternatives. We surveyed producers to ask about challenges they perceive in applying for compensation and/or concerns about program rules and procedures. We then looked at whether they would choose alternatives like cost sharing for conflict management and habitat leasing rather than compensation. We found mixed levels of satisfaction with existing compensation, with about 75% of respondents believing that indirect losses caused from predator-induced stress are as, or more, financially damaging than when wolves kill livestock (depredation). Commonly selected perceptions included dissatisfaction with the depredation reporting and confirmation processes, inadequate compensation, and a lack of trust and satisfaction surrounding depredation confirmations. We found compensation was preferred to cost sharing and habitat leases.

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)

Understanding the local implications of climate change: Unpacking the experiences of smallholder farmers in Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Climate change is experienced locally. However, climate change impact assessments are often done at the international, regional and national levels. Local level impacts are less prolific. When international, regional and national level predictions are applied to the local level, they are out of context. Therefore, it is important to understand the local impact of climate change to enhance formulation of suitable adaptation strategies. This study aimed to understand the local impacts of climate change on smallholder farmers in Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The actual experiences of smallholder farmers were unpacked. Face-to-face interviews with farmers in the region were conducted to solicit data on the climatic changes experienced, the impacts on crop and livestock production and social wellbeing. Data on the intensity of the impacts was also solicited. Results show that the experienced climatic changes emanated from temperature changes and shifts in rainfall patterns. The impacts on crop and livestock production as well as social wellbeing are all negative. Farmers indicated that the impacts were mostly average to high. It is concluded that smallholder farmers are aware that climate change impacts are negatively affecting their livelihoods. Investments towards building the capacity of smallholder farmers are pertinent.

Effect of Lentilactobacillus buchneri on Chemical and Microbial Compositions of Herba Leonuri (Leonurus japonicus Houtt.)-Contained Alfalfa Silage

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants are commonly used in silage production, yet their effects on silage containing antimicrobial components, such as those found in Leonurus japonicus, remain less explored. Herein, the harvested alfalfa were thoroughly mixed with dried Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (LJH) at a ratio of 9:1 on a fresh weight basis and treated without (CK) or with a lactic acid bacterial inoculant (L; Lentilactobacillus buchneri). The mixtures were stored under anaerobic conditions in vacuum-sealed polyethylene bags for 30 days at ambient temperature. The L-treated silage exhibited high levels of water-soluble carbohydrates (4.98% dry matter (DM)) and acid detergent fiber (27.88% DM). Compared to that of treatment CK, treatment with L increased the acetic acid content of the silage, as a result of increased (p < 0.05) bacterial dominance and decreased (p < 0.05) bacterial richness indices (e.g., Pielou’s E, Shannon, and Simpson) in the pre-storage period. However, these changes gradually reduced as the storage length increased. Treatment L reshaped the bacterial community structure of silage, by increasing the prevalence of Lactobacillus and reducing relative abundances of Enterococcus and Weissella. However, the principal coordinate and Bray–Curtis index analyses illustrated that samples from the L-treated silages exhibited similarities to the CK samples post-fermentation. Overall, the effect of LJH on LAB was only observed in the later stages of fermentation, which did not sufficiently change the silage quality. Hence, using LJH in silage is vital for clean livestock production without compromising the function of LAB when mixed with alfalfa silage.

Socio-Economic Characteristics of Producers and Economic Size Classes of Enterprises According To Typologies and Risk Attitudes in TR21 Region

The aim of this study was to determine the typologies of agricultural enterprises operating in the TR21 Region according to the Farm Accounting Data Network methodology and the risk attitudes of the producers. According to the typologies and risk attitudes of the enterprises, the socio-economic characteristics of the producers and the economic size classes of the enterprises were determined. As a result of sampling based on a 95% confidence interval and a 10% margin of error, the number of enterprises surveyed was determined as 334. While 63.77% of the enterprises were specialized in field crops, 25.45% engaged in mixed livestock and plant production. Additionally, 7.49% were specialized in pasture livestock and 3.29% were in the perennial plant farming group. In the enterprises examined, 55.09% of the producers were classified as risk-averse and 44.91% as risk-lover. Of the average land holdings, 71.25% was property and 28.75% was rented land. It was noteworthy that the land rental rate in risk-lover enterprises was higher than in risk-averse enterprises. It was concluded that risk-lover enterprises had higher production value in both plant production and animal production, and risk-averse enterprises were engaged with product and animal diversity as they avoided taking risks. On average, in risk-lover enterprises, 53.64% of the operating expenses were vegetative special expenses and 46.36% were animal special expenses. In risk-averse enterprises, the share of vegetative special expenses in total expenses was 47.15%, and the share of animal special expenses was 52.85%. Compared to the average of enterprises and all enterprise typologies, standard gross profit was found to be higher in risk-lover enterprises. In enterprise typology groups, the average ESU values of the enterprises varied between 10.88 and 33.80 ESU. According to enterprise typologies, risk-averse agricultural enterprises in specialized field crop farming and perennial plant farming were in the below-medium enterprise class, while other enterprise groups were in the above-medium enterprise class.

Agricultural resilience: Impact of extreme weather events on the adoption of rural insurance in Brazil

Brazil’s agricultural, livestock, and forestry production is essential, feeding more than 10% of the global population. However, climate change and extremes affect quality and production, challenging the Sustainable Development Goals of eradicating hunger and poverty. Extreme weather events generate economic and social costs, driving the use of adaptation strategies, with rural insurance being one of the main instruments to manage these risks. This study analyzes the impact of extreme weather events on rural insurance contracting in Brazil, using daily precipitation and temperature data to calculate extreme weather indices and perform panel regressions. The analysis of Minimum Comparable Areas (MCAs) between 2006 and 2016 showed that events such as “Frost” and “Hot Days” significantly increased insurance contracting, especially in the South and Central-West regions. The results highlight the importance of extreme variables and the need to consider regional differences and insurance alternatives. Despite the importance of insurance, increasing financial unviability suggests the need for additional strategies, such as crop diversification, community solidarity, and conservation of agricultural practices.

Genetic structure of cattle of the siberian branch by microsatellite loci

Molecular-genetic methods are essential tools for the utilization and conservation of animal genetic resources. These methods facilitate more efficient management and control of breeding programs within livestock production systems. For studying the genetic diversity of a population, the use of STR markers is relevant due to the high variability of repeats. This study presents a genetic characterization of a Holstein and Black Pied cattle population (n = 10233) in Western Siberia using 12 microsatellite loci (BM1818, BM1824, BM2113, ETH10, ETH225, ETH3, INRA023, SPS115, TGLA126, TGLA122, TGLA227, TGLA53). A total of 145 alleles were identified across all loci, with frequencies ranging from 0.00005 to 0.68961. The highest level of genetic diversity was observed at the TGLA122 locus (25 alleles) with an average number of effective alleles (Ne) of 4.5. The least polymorphic locus was BM1824 (7 alleles) with an average Ne of 3.27. The average observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosity across all loci was 0.6. The highest variability was observed at the TGLA53 locus, with a Wright’s fixation index (Fis) of 0.161, indicating a heterozygote deficiency. A similar deficiency was observed at the BM1818 locus. All other loci exhibited a positive Fis, with the highest value observed at the ETH3 locus (-0.074), indicating an excess of heterozygotes. The average Fis across all loci was -0.02, suggesting a sufficient level of heterozygosity within the studied population. These findings provide valuable information for population studies and practical breeding programs aiming to manage genetic diversity and improve selection efficiency in this cattle population.

The role of fulvic acid in feeding heifers of reproductive age in the conditions of the Novgorod region

Many domestic and foreign researchers have drawn attention to humic and fulvic acids, which are successfully used in animal husbandry, poultry farming and aquaculture. In search of new ways to increase livestock productivity, as well as the quality of livestock products, the number of scientific studies on the use of humic substances of various origins in animal husbandry has increased significantly, which emphasizes the role of feed additives obtained from local resources. In the article the effectiveness of the use of fulvic acid in the diets of young cattle is presented. Experimental studies were conducted in the Ilyich Agricultural Cooperative of the Starorussky district of the Novgorod region on heifers of the Holstein breed of Dutch breeding older than a year (repair heifers of reproductive age). The animals of the control group consumed a nutritionally balanced basic diet (HR), the first experimental group – HR + fulvic acid (10 ml/head / day), the second experimental group - HR + fulvic acid (15 ml/head /day), 10 heads in each group. As a result of the conducted studies, the positive effect of the use of fulvic acid in the diets of young animals was determined, its effect on the digestibility of nutrients in diets, biochemical parameters of blood, reproductive function was studied, the optimal dose of fulvic acid feeding in this age period was determined. The use of fulvic acid in the diet of young animals allowed to increase the absorption of nutrients from the diet, improve blood biochemical parameters, and improve the reproductive qualities of heifers by 15.5–20.2 %. The results obtained allow us to recommend fulvic acid for use in the diets of repair heifers of reproductive age on farms in the Northwestern region in the amount of 10 ml per head per day.

Significance of honeybee pollination in increasing seed yield of Trifolium alexandrinum (Fabales: Fabaceae)and its impact on economic sustainability of smallholder farmers.

A major limitation to producing high seed yields in berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) is failure to set seed, predominantly due to lack of pollination. Despite the importance of berseem clover as a leading forage legume, the contribution of pollinators to seed set is scarce. In Pakistan, the honeybee population is declining mainly because of the extensive use of neonicotinoid pesticides and habitat fragmentation. This, combined with the region's harsh environment and the use of inferior, locally bred genotypes, has resulted in low seed yields. Insufficient seed availability leads to limited forage supply, resulting in poor livestock nutrition, which subsequently impacts livestock health and productivity, and reduces farmers' income. The present study estimated the seed production of 3 berseem clover genotypes resulting from honeybees [Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae)] pollination in 2 growing seasons (2012-2014) in the central Punjab region of Pakistan. Experiments had 2 pollination treatments (open pollination and honeybee inclusion) and 3 seed genotypes, viz. farmer own-saved, market, and the improved variety cultivars. For both growing seasons, honeybee pollination resulted in significant increases in seed yields ranging from 35% to 67%, regardless of seed genotype. With the exception of the number of seed heads/m2, all seed yield parameters also increased significantly in response to honeybee inclusion. The combination of improved variety and honeybee inclusion resulted in the production of a maximum number of seeds per head (45.3), 1,000-seed weight (3.7g), and estimated seed yield (375.5kg/ha). In addition, the increase in estimated net income of seed ranged from PKR 82,485 Rs/ha (US$844/ha) to PKR 168,975 Rs/ha (US$1728/ha) with the use of honeybees as an insect pollinator across all the seed genotypes. Honeybee pollination has broader implications for mixed farming systems by playing a key role in preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable agriculture. It also enhances the quality and quantity of berseem crops by increasing the production of high-quality seeds and forage leading to improved livestock productivity and family food security which strengthens the economic resilience of rural communities.