Farm Production Research Articles

Dietary inclusion of white lupine seeds and their byproducts in rabbits can contribute to EU agricultural sustainability: a review

This review explores the potential of white lupin seeds (Lupinus albus) as a sustainable protein source for rabbit nutrition and examines their effects on growth performance, carcass traits, health status, milk yield, milk composition and nutrient availability. The dietary inclusion of white lupin seeds leads to comparable or superior growth, milk yield, milk composition, nutrient digestibility and digestive health of rabbits, as well as meat quality and carcass outcomes relative to traditionally used protein sources for feeding rabbits, such as soybean meal and sunflower meal. Studies also show that it is possible to use white lupin byproducts, such as the hull and bran, for rabbit diets, which can be convenient in terms of providing an adequate supply of lignocellulose and enhancing the sustainability of rabbit feed, promoting circular economy principles. The cultivation of white lupin can contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the use of synthetic fertiliser. Future research should focus on breeding improvements and comprehensive environmental assessments of white lupin seeds to maximise the benefits of white lupin for rabbit nutrition. These findings support the role of white lupin as a viable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional protein sources, such as soybean meal, which could support productivity and sustainability in rabbit farming.

Enhancing Coconut Processing Efficiency: Design and Evaluation of A Cost-Effective Coconut De-Husking Machine

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) plays a crucial role in agricultural economies, particularly in coconut-producing regions, where traditional de-husking methods are labor-intensive and time-consuming. This study focuses on the design, fabrication, and evaluation of a coconut de-husking machine aimed at improving processing efficiency, reducing labor demands, and increasing throughput. The machine was designed to address key performance factors such as frame stability, blade strength, and spring tension. Testing demonstrated that the machine consistently outperformed manual methods, reducing de-husking time to an average of 96.4 seconds compared to 164.8 seconds for traditional techniques. The machine achieved an efficiency rate of 80%, with a throughput capacity of 0.0086 kg/s, significantly higher than the manual method's 0.005 kg/s. Additionally, the machine's cost, approximately N32,000, makes it accessible to smallholder farmers, offering a practical solution for improving productivity and sustainability in coconut farming. The study highlights the potential for mechanized de-husking to transform traditional practices, reduce labor costs, and contribute to economic growth in coconut-rich regions. Future research should explore further optimization of the machine design and its adaptability to different coconut varieties and moisture levels, ensuring broad applicability in diverse farming contexts.

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.

Smart Aquaculture Design for Vannamei Shrimp Farming Based on Quality Function Development

In the fishery industry, Indonesia’s large water area has the potential for developing and cultivating fisheries such as vannamei shrimp. For this reason, aquaculture, particularly vannamei shrimp farming, can play a crucial role in Indonesia’s economy and food supply. However, challenges such as fluctuating water quality, disease outbreaks, turbidity levels, and irregular shrimp feeding schedules in ponds can affect the productivity and sustainability of shrimp farming. The smart aquaculture system integrates technologies, such as IoT-based sensors, automated feeding mechanisms, and real-time water quality monitoring to optimize the farming process. The research proposes a smart aquaculture design for vannamei shrimp farming based on the Quality Function Development (QFD) method. It starts by creating questionnaires to identify stakeholders’ level of interest. The questionnaire results are used as a reference for system redesign using the QFD method to improve the quality and quantity of shrimp harvest, cultivating effectively and efficiently and helping and facilitating the supervision of pond managers on pond water quality, feeding, and feed availability. The result highlights the application of QFD in creating a tailored, technology-driven solution that supports better decision-making, resource optimization, and improved shrimp health. The system reduces human error, enhances farm management, and promotes higher yields by providing real-time data and automation. The evaluation results show that the proposed design can achieve high stakeholder satisfaction. It also achieves better scores compared to the other two competitor’s designs.

Функционирование умного сельского хозяйства в АПК городской агломерации

The article describes the possibilities and feasibility of using digital technologies in agriculture; population growth trends in the world and the need to use smart technologies to ensure increased labor productivity in the industry. The article identifies barriers to the implementation of digitalization in agriculture: lack of accessible infrastructure (broadband and incomplete Internet coverage in the re-gions); partial use of digital technology capabilities; lack of financial resources for the implementation of technologies; distrust of digital technologies; the presence of a large number of reporting forms in the industry; lack of information on digital technologies and the results of their use; low qualification of personnel in the field of digital technologies. The article reflects digital technologies for the formation of smart agriculture in the agro-industrial complex in modern conditions. The produc-tion and financial indicators of the Krasnodarskoye educational farm of the Kuban State Agrarian University over the past 5 years are analyzed as successfully demonstrating the experience of functioning of smart agriculture in the agro-industrial complex of the Krasnodar urban agglomeration.

Determinan Yang Memengaruhi Pemilihan Saluran Pemasaran Kopi Robusta Di Kabupaten Malang

The demand for coffee in Malang Regency by determining the quantity of commodities is very dependent on the marketing subsystem. Robusta coffee marketing channels in Malang Regency include marketing institutions, namely small traders, sub-district collectors and large traders. Coffee marketing is dominated by small traders. This research aims to analyze the determinants that influence the choice of marketing channels for Robusta coffee in Malang Regency. The location of this research was carried out in two villages, namely Srimulyo Village and Sukodono Village, Kec. Dampit, Kab. Poor. The respondents in this research were Robusta coffee farmers in two villages in a total of 60 respondents. Marketing agency respondents were then determined using snowball sampling techniques. Snowball sampling method by collecting data based on information from previous respondents based on existing marketing patterns in Malang Regency. This research uses multinomial logit analysis by determining efficient marketing channels as a reference variable. Based on the results of marketing channel analysis, it was found that there are 5 marketing channel patterns. Marketing channel 1 consists of 27 farmers and the largest channel choice is 45%, while the results of the marketing efficiency analysis show that channel 5, namely direct farmers to wholesalers, is the most efficient. Marketing channel 5 consists of 11 farmers with a percentage of 18.3%. The results of the research show that 3 variables influence the choice of marketing channels, namely production volume, farming experience, and education level. Suggestions from research for extension workers and local governments need to assist farmers regarding financing and coffee market information so that marketing channel choices are more varied.

Vegetable growing in Atyrau region: status and prospects

The aim is to substantiate the development of vegetable growing industry in the process of diversification of the economy of Atyrau region. In the methodological aspect, the research on vegetable crops cultivation was carried out on the basis of the deduction method, the consequence of which is the logical conclusion that vegetable production of farms in the region is environmentally safe. Methods of analysis and synthesis were used in determining the competitive parameters of production and the level of its intensification in the period of rising prices for fuels and lubricants. Results - the current state of the vegetable sector of the region, problems and potential opportunities were analyzed, the profitability of the vegetable subcomplex was shown. Recommendations aimed at expanding the scope of management, providing agricultural enterprises with timely and objective information important for making management decisions have been developed. Conclusions - it is necessary to constantly intensify research and development work on the development of new vegetable varieties, their approbation and introduction into practice, which will increase productivity at lower costs. Sectors should pay attention to the quality of vegetable products, their shelf life, useful properties for human health and adaptation to local climatic conditions. The authors note the feasibility of establishing workshops for processing biomass waste and rejected low-grade products. It is concluded that the vegetable market has a high capacity and is characterized by stable demand, which makes it attractive for investment. Investments are the decisive factor of technological, economic and social renewal of economic entities. In dynamics, the innovation activity of agricultural entities is increasing, although it is lower than in the economic system as a whole. The state should become the coordinator of innovation processes in the industry. There are all prerequisites for building up the competitive advantages of the industry.

Farm size and the quality and quantity of jobs—Insights from Nigeria

Debates on the role of farm size for farm productivity and economic development are longstanding in agricultural and development economics. However, the link between farm size and achieving decent work and full employment—Sustainable Development Goal 8—remains unexplored, despite many African countries facing huge unemployment challenges alongside important changes in farm sizes. This paper addresses this gap by focusing on Nigeria’s labor-intensive tomato sector and using unique primary data from a matched farm-to-worker survey. We analyze the relationship between farm size and both the quantity and quality of jobs, which has never been studied before, employing multivariate regression analysis. Additionally, we account for factors that commonly differentiate larger and smaller farms, including technology use, market arrangement, crop diversification, and the reliance on seasonal versus casual labor. Our findings reveal a trade-off: smaller farms offer more jobs per hectare, while larger farms offer better jobs (i.e., higher wages and some non-monetary benefits). We conclude that neither larger nor smaller farms fully align with all dimensions of decent work and full employment, highlighting the need for greater policy and research focus on the employment quality versus quantity dilemma.

Search for antibiotic-resistant strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms in poultry products

Research on the search for antibiotic-resistant strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms inpoultry products is an urgent and important topic in modern medicine and the food industry. Antibiotics arewidely used in poultry farming for the prevention and treatment of infections, but this also contributes to thedevelopment of antibiotic resistance in microorganisms. The purpose of this study is to identify and assess thelevel of antibiotic resistance of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria present in meat and poultryderivedproducts. The methods include analyzing food samples, namely chicken fillets and chicken eggs, forthe presence and identification of resistant strains, as well as testing their sensitivity to various antibiotics.During the study, it was found that 19.05 % of Gram-positive strains and 26.09 % of Gram-negative strainsisolated from farm products exhibit resistance or multi-resistance properties. At the same time, 58.28 % ofGram-positive and 59.42 % of Gram-negative microorganisms also exhibit resistance or multi-resistanceproperties.

Turnip hoeing matches in Aberdeenshire, 1840–1940: Material practice and cultural impact

Abstract This article explores the competitive hoeing matches, which were a significant feature of certain parts of Scottish rural life in the period 1840 to 1940. An analysis of newspaper reports shows how important such matches were in Aberdeenshire, attracting significant numbers of both competitors and spectators. By contrast, similar reports for the rest of Scotland show only a small number of such matches outside the northeast. Reasons for the differences are attributed to both material factors, such as the visibility of cultivation, and the social structure of the areas. In Aberdeenshire, a culture valorising hard work and skill was set in a social structure of small farmers and farm servants, which led to self-sustaining organisational forms. By contrast, elsewhere a top-down form of organisation prioritising the needs of farm productivity meant that competitive hoeing matches failed to kindle much enthusiasm. The value of a focus on taken-for-granted practices is the way it can shed light on such contrasts.

Analysis of the prospects for the development of organic pig farming in Russia

The paper is devoted to the study of factors that form the conditions for the development of organic pig production. The relevance of this topic is due to the growing interest of consumers both domestically and abroad in organic products as the basis for a healthy lifestyle and the resource potential available in Russia, which is sufficient to form a sector of producers — competitive participants in the world market. Based on the use of statistical methods for time series alignment, the authors have identified positive trends in traditional pig production, meat consumption and outpacing growth rates of demand for pig products. It has been determined that stable growth of real incomes of the population in all constituent entities of the Russian Federation can become the basis for the growth of effective demand for organic pig products. The paper summarizes the requirements for the organization of organic production in pig farming, taking into account internal regulatory documentation and foreign experience. Previous studies conducted by the authors showed that the existing soil and climatic conditions in the regions of the Russian Federation make it possible to produce organic feed for this industry, and the expansion of production is one of the target indicators of the Strategy for the Development of Organic Agriculture in the Russian Federation until 2030. The authors identified a number of risks in the work that must be taken into account when creating projects for the development of organic pig farming at the micro and macro levels.

Light distribution at the fruit tree-crop interface and consequences for yield in sloping upland agroforestry

Agroforestry can improve soil conservation and overall farm productivity compared with sole-crop systems, but its benefits are limited by competitive interactions between tree and crop components. Studies on light competition have been performed on relatively flat land, but slope can influence light distribution. Little is known about optimizing light utilization and enhancing system productivity and/or income from agroforestry on sloping land.This study examined how slope influences light distribution and performance of maize and coffee crops in fruit tree-crop agroforestry. Starting hypotheses were that 1) crops upslope of tree rows receive and intercept greater amounts of light than those downslope; and 2) position of the crop is more important for light interception and yield when fruit trees have a large, dense canopy.Five-year-old fruit-crop agroforestry experiments on west-southwest facing slopes were revisited. Each agroforestry treatment was divided into nine zones relative to the tree rows (zone 5), with zones 1–4 upslope and 6–9 downslope of the fruit tree row. Light distribution was assessed using Hemiview and SunScan and compared with that in sole-maize and sole-coffee systems. Crop growth and yield were also recorded.Incident light to the crop was higher in the sole-crop system than in agroforestry. In agroforestry, incident light to the crops was lower downslope of trees than upslope but increased with increasing distance from the tree rows. On average, 0.40–0.50 fraction of total light reached the soil surface. Downslope had a stronger negative effect on light distribution and crop yield than upslope. The available light at the soil surface provides scope for additional components. Further studies on the light demands of different crops during the season could improve system design.

Assessing the Impact of Land Fragmentation on Agricultural Productivity and Rural Development in Vihiga County, Kenya

Increased population pressures affect land as it is divided again and again resulting in poor yields in agriculture. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to establish the Legislative changes and population growth as factors leading to land fragmentation in Vihiga County, Kenya. Following the Agricultural Production Function Model, the study was descriptively cross-sectional. The study was undertaken in Vihiga County. Purposive sampling together with the stratified random sampling technique was adopted to recruit participants to the study. The population was over 10,000 therefore sample determination was done using Fisher’s formula which gave 384 peasant farmers with subdivided farms. Quantitative data were gathered using, Likert-scale questionnaires that were semi-structured, while qualitative data were gathered using interview guides. Quasi-experimental research design incorporated both quantitative and qualitative data that used both descriptive and inferential analysis. The study showed that 58percent of the households had land of half-quarter to half acre, 71 percent. 3 percent of farmers are owning the land for farming. On the issue of land fragmentation 94 % of the respondents agreed that this was prevalent mainly as a result of inheritance. Also, 48% of subdivisions produced subdivided plots that were less than a quarter acre, therefore reducing the productivity of farm land and posing difficultly in managing it. While 84% of responded farmers had less than one acre of land, only 16% had more than one acre of land which was strongly indicating the level of land fragmentation. Additionally, on 66 percent of the agricultural: land size farmed was between a quarter and half an acre. It revealed that farm productivity had positive relation with larger land size (r = 0. 888). Descriptive statistics and inferential tests showed a strong positive relationship between land size, land ownership and productivity found out that large block of size is productive. This also affected the investment in modern and mechanized farming practices with a correlation of -0. 598 as the fragmentation was associated with low yields and low profitability or economic return with r = - 0. 443. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher concludes that land consolidation is crucial in increasing agriculture productivity and supports the policies dealing with efficient use of the limited land resources. This study recommended that in the event of addressing the issue of fragmentation prioritization of land consolidation and the encouragement of land ownership reforms to accommodate investments in different techniques in support of superior usage of land, thereby increasing agricultural, production and sustainability levels.

Economic Efficiency Of Pineapple Farming Using The Stochastic Frontier Approach

Central Aceh Regency is the province's largest pineapple producer. However, pineapple farming is facing the problem of low pineapple productivity and input use efficiency. The research aims to analyze the factors that influence the level of technical efficiency and the allocative and economic efficiency of pineapple farming in Pegasing District, Central Aceh Regency. The sampling process employs the stratified random sampling method. The total sample consisted of 62 respondents. The stochastic frontier is used. The research revealed that the production factor of land area, with a variable coefficient value of 0.0312, seeds with a variable coefficient value of seeds of 1.0152, and pesticides with a coefficient value of 5.6239, significantly influenced pineapple farming production in Pegasing District. Conversely, the labor factor, with a coefficient value of 0.0408, and fertilizer, with a coefficient value of 0.1198, had an insignificant effect. The use of inputs in pineapple farming has reached technical efficiency values, but there are ​still opportunities to increase optimally. However, neither allocatively nor economically have we achieved efficiency. The technical efficiency value for pineapple farmers was 0.80, the allocative efficiency value reached 0.427, and the economic efficiency was 0.351. Farmers, as actors in farming activities, need to pay attention to the use of the right combination of inputs; economic efficiency will be obtained from the use of production factors so that pineapple farmers' income will increase.

Geographic Analysis of Distribution and Development of Goat Farms

This study investigates the distribution and development of goat farms in Limapuluh Kota District with two main objectives: (a) to map the spatial distribution and development areas of goat farms, and (b) to enhance the capacity of the goat population within the district. Spatial analysis was conducted using ArcGIS 10.9, Location Quotient, and Shift Share Analysis to identify key areas for goat farm distribution and development. The capacity of livestock populations was evaluated through the CIRP method using Microsoft Excel, based on potential land resources. Secondary data from 2017 to 2021 on goat farm production was sourced from the Livestock and Animal Health Service Office and BPS Limapuluh Kota. Results indicated that goat farms are primarily concentrated in the Harau, Suliki, and Bukit Barisan Districts, while the Mungka, Payakumbuh, Guguak, Lareh Sago Halaban, and Kapur Sembilan Districts are identified as development areas. The Situjuh Limo Nagari, Luak, Akabiluru, and Pangkalan Koto Baru Districts are classified as consolidation areas, and the Gunuang Omeh District serves as a supporting area. The analysis highlights that 13 districts have potential for boosting the goat population, whereas Situjuh Limo Nagari and Guguak are categorized in the low group due to their goat population being below the threshold of 200 LU.

Factors affecting the adoption of farm mechanization in Rupandehi, Nepal

Agricultural mechanization is pivotal in farmer’s fields as it functions more efficiently and helps increase farm productivity. Despite the massive involvement of people in agriculture, farm productivity is relatively low. One main reason for this is the staggered implementation of farm mechanization. This paper aims to explore the factors affecting the adoption of farm mechanization using the Chi-square test and identify the major problems using relative frequency values. A total of 112 respondents, 28 each from 4 municipalities of Rupandehi district were interviewed based on stratified random sampling technique. The results showed that the adoption rates of various farm machinery were notably high, with tractors, cultivators, mills, and sprayers being universally employed by 93.75 % of the surveyed individuals. The government subsidies to only 7% of farmers facilitate machinery procurement. The size of the total cultivated land was found to be significant over the use of harvester, grass cutter, and power tiller, and owing of milling machine. The availability of subsidies and owning of mills were found inter dependent. The annual expenditures of farmers and their access to theCusto m Hiring Centre were found to be significant. Lastly, with index values of 0.402 and 0.393, the high costs of farm machinery and small land holdings were major problems in the adoption of farm mechanization. Therefore, addressing the high initial costs of modern farm equipment, providing targeted subsidies, innovative institution formation to provide better services to marginalized farmers, and expanding extension services are essential steps to promote the adoption of farm mechanization.

ASSESSMENT OF ADULT YOUTHS’ PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND ITS IMPACT ON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN ZARIA, KADUNA STATE

This study assessed the adult youth’s participation in agricultural production and its impact on employment opportunities in Zaria, Kaduna state, Nigeria. Three specific objectives and three research questions were formulated. Descriptive survey design was adopted and population of the study was all youths participated in farming production in Zaria Birni Constituency. A sample of 60 adult youths was purposively selected from 3 wards out of 6 wards in Zaria Birni and its surrounding. Instrument used was a structured questionnaire with a four rating scale titled “Adult Youths Participation in Agricultural Production and its Impact on Employment Opportunity” (AYPAPIEO)”. It was validated by three senior researchers in the faculty of education Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. Descriptive statistics (percentage, mean and standard deviation) was used to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that the adult youth in the study area participated actively in agricultural production to produce foods for their family and provide employment opportunity to their family, friend and community. The findings also revealed that the adult youth participated in the agricultural production because of the food security and to have other sources of income for the family. The findings of the study equally revealed that adult youth participation in agricultural production reduces the level of social vices. It was therefore recommended among others that government and non-governmental organizations should increase efforts to provide adult youth with easier access to land, credit facilities, and inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and machinery. This can be achieved through targeted subsidy programs, low-interest loans, and land reform policies that prioritize youth engagement in agriculture. KEY WORDS: Adult youths, Agricultural production, Employment opportunities

VETERINARY ETHOLOGY APPLIED TO A DAIRY GOAT HERD: CLASS REPORT

Environmental stress on farm animals is a limiting factor for all livestock farming. In this sense, the action of professionals, such as veterinarians is essential to outline the best management and the best actions to develop with livestock in a region. In this manner the results from the study performed by Furtado (2007) presented information on the behavior of dairy goats that favor new evaluations. The influence of the environment on the behavioral parameters of dairy goats was observed in Lajes do Cabugi, Rio Grande do Norte, on a dairy goat production farm. Ethology is a science that favors the understanding of the adaptation of animals (i.e. behavior) to the environment in which they are found. Therefore, this knowledge field helps the veterinarian in the clinical assessment of animals’ health and well-being, promoting animal aid to achieve greater productivity, which is one of the objectives of the animals' actions professionals. Through research carried out in a brief bibliographical-secondary survey, the objective of this study is to evaluate the recorded ethogram of a goat herd, which had been exposed at two different times of breeding. The environmental variations recorded at the beginning and end of the experiment (June and September 2007) were, respectively: i) ambient temperature 25.82ºC and 25.88 ºC; ii) relative humidity 67.48% and 66.64%. The outcome obtained with ethogram was that the animals had many more episodes of lying under the shade in August compared to June, as well as grazing in the shade, brooding in the shade, standing still in the shade and walking. These results show that the herd spent much more energy to maintain homeostasis under heat stress (FURTADO; SILVA; TELES, 2018; GAIA et al., 2019). It was concluded that the herd must be relocated in terms of access to nutritional supplementation with hay and concentrates, have access to more shaded areas and promote relocation in grazing and stabling hours, with the aim of preventing pathologies linked to heat stress, as well as having a better quality of life and animal well-being.

Genetic improvement and conservation of goats in tropic

Goats indeed have a significant historical and contemporary importance in human civilization, particularly in the realm of agriculture and food production. Their adaptability and widespread distribution have made them crucial for various societies across the world. Goats have played a central role in the Neolithic agricultural revolution, aiding in the spread of human civilization globally. Their adaptability allowed them to thrive in diverse environments, contributing to the sustenance and expansion of human settlements. Goats are highly adaptable and are found in a wide range of geographical regions. Their presence spans across continents, from tropical to temperate climates, showcasing their ability to thrive in various environmental conditions. There is diversity in the production performance of goats based on the region of the world and the specific breeds. Genetic improvement programs aim to enhance economically important traits such as milk production, growth rates and fiber production, thereby increasing productivity and income for goat farmers. Understanding the genetic parameters such as heritabilities and repeatabilities for various traits is crucial for designing effective breeding programs. These parameters provide insights into the genetic potential of goats for traits like milk production, growth and fiber quality. Heritability estimates for reproductive traits, body weight, daily gain and direct and maternal heritability are important for implementing selective breeding strategies aimed at improving overall productivity and efficiency in goat farming. Genetic improvement programs have been implemented in tropical environments to enhance milk production traits in goats. Genetic improvements have also targeted fiber production in goats, with a focus on traits such as grease fleece weight and average fiber diameter. These efforts aim to enhance the quality and quantity of fiber produced by goats for various commercial purposes. Despite the importance of conserving goat breeds with unique characteristics, planned conservation programs in tropical regions are often neglected. It’s emphasized that preserving indigenous goat breeds in their native habitats is essential for maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring future resilience in goat farming.

Co-Design of a Wind–Hydrogen System: The Effect of Varying Wind Turbine Types on Techno-Economic Parameters

Green hydrogen is crucial for achieving climate neutrality and replacing fossil fuels in processes that are hard to electrify. Wind farms producing electricity and hydrogen can help mitigate stress on electricity grids and enable new markets for operators. While optimizing wind farms for electricity production is well-established, optimizing combined wind–hydrogen systems is a relatively new research field. This study examines the potential profit of wind–hydrogen systems by conducting a case study of an onshore wind farm near the North Sea. Varying turbine types from high wind-speed turbines (with high annual energy production) to low wind-speed turbines (with high full-load hours) are examined. Findings indicate that in a combined hydrogen system, the low wind-speed turbines, which are sub-optimal for mere electricity production, yield lower levelized costs of hydrogen at a higher hydrogen production. Although high wind-speed turbines generate higher profits under current market conditions, at high hydrogen prices and low electricity prices, low wind-speed turbines can yield higher total profit at this site. Therefore, an integrated optimization approach of wind–hydrogen systems can, in certain cases, lead to better results compared to an isolated, sequential optimization of each individual system.