Pasture Rotation Research Articles

Variability in Nutrient Content and Biochemical Parameters of Soil Under Rotational Pasture Management of Farmed Fallow Deer

Fallow deer are animals kept on large-scale pastures, which influence soil properties, including the content of nutrients in the soil and the flow of these nutrients in the soil–plant–animal system. Therefore, the aim of this case study was to analyze the variability in the macronutrient content and biochemical properties of soil under rotational grazing conditions of farmed fallow deer. Fallow deer grazed in two summer pens from April to November, and in the winter pen from December to March. The analyses included the determination of several soil parameters to capture sensitive soil changes and assess potential degradation of the soil environment in response to grazing: pHKCl, TOC, TN, N-NO3, N-NH4+, total (P, K, Mg, Ca, and Na) and available (Pav, Kav, Mgav) forms of macronutrients, and selected soil enzymes (dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase, and urease). The results showed that the pHKCl in the plots used by farm fallow deer was lower than in the soil of the control object. Moreover, the TN and TOC content in the soils of all pastures was statistically significantly lower than in the soil without grazing, while for TOC, the same effect was observed in the winter pasture soil. The content of N-NO3− was several times higher than that of N-NH4+ in the soils of the studied breeding plots. The relationships noted indicate that grazing is important in the transformation of soil organic matter, which is influenced by the relationship between carbon and nitrogen. In addition, the grazing of farmed fallow deer had a negative effect on the content of P in the soils of all pastures and a positive impact on the accumulation of K. Winter grazing had a positive effect on the amount of Pav and Kav in the soil, but a negative effect on the content of Mgav, compared to grazing in the summer quarters. In the plots used for pastures, the activity of soil enzymes was higher than in the control soil. It has been shown that the influence of fallow deer farming on the soil environment of pastures is not unequivocal. Therefore, long-term monitoring of changes in the properties of these soils is necessary.

Larval cyathostominosis in horses

Small strongyles are the most common parasites of horses, capable of surviving different climate conditions. Though the infection is usually asymptomatic, young horses are considered more prone to developing a parasitic syndrome called larval cyathostominosis. In most cases, gastrointestinal symptoms are most prevalent. Treatment is based on the use of fenbendazole and moxidectin. Diagnosis is difficult and serological methods are still under development. The main prevention methods include regular coprological testing, pasture rotation, co-grazing with ruminants, and regular removal of faeces from the pasture.

An evaluation of soil carbon models and their role on finding ways to net-zero carbon in agricultural systems

An evaluation of soil carbon models and their role on finding ways to net-zero carbon in agricultural systems

An application for mobile devices as a decision support for the treatment and prevention of bovine fasciolosis - A survey among organic dairy farms in Bavaria

Based on health applications used in human medicine for the self-management of chronic diseases, the aim of this study was to evaluate a mobile app in veterinary medicine using the example of a decision-making aid for the control and prevention of bovine fasciolosis on dairy cattle farms. The study was carried out on 37 organic dairy cattle farms in Bavaria. The farms were divided into two groups: one group received a mobile app (n=17) as a decision-making aid, while the other group received a printed brochure (n=20) with identical content. At the beginning of the study, all participants were questioned by telephone concerning their farm, among other things. After using the respective tool, the participants were again interviewed by telephone. At the beginning of the study, the majority of participants were aware of the options for drainage (n=28; 75.7%) and fencing off wet areas (n=36; 97.3%). 37.8% (n=14) stated that they were familiar with a pasture rotation system. After using the respective aid, the majority of participants described the tool as helpful (94.1% app; 80% brochure). Many participants (app group: n=10 (58.8%); brochure group: n=16 (80%)) stated that they wanted to change their approach based on the new knowledge gained, e. g. introducing a pasture rotation system (app group: n=9 (52.9%); brochure group: n=13 (65.0%)). Both study groups enjoyed working with the tool they used. They viewed the knowledge imparted by the mobile app or brochure as helpful and useful. Most participants expressed a desire to continue using these tools in animal health management on farms in the future. The use of tools such as mobile apps may improve veterinary advice, e. g. in the management of parasitoses in cattle herds.

Исследование площадей кустарника караганы и ее динамика на территории Суусамырской долины Кыргызской Республики

Introduction. This paper describes the features of the growth and distribution of the caragana shrub, widespread in the Suusamyr valley of the Kyrgyz Republic. Based on a study of the conditions of growth and distribution of this weedy shrub, an assessment was made of the area of growth of shrubs in the conditions of mountain pastures located in the study area. Based on the study of collected materials and their processing, using the Earth remote sensing data and using geoinformation technologies, the current state of pasture areas was determined and the distribution area of the caragana shrubs during the period from 2015-2020 was specified. Breach in the grazing load standards and non - compliance with the terms of use of pasture lands, especially due to non - compliance with pasture rotation, leads to the deterioration of the quality of feed on pastures and their productivity, as well as to the disruption of the ecological balance, decrease in feed reserves and overgrowing of pastures with weeds. The relevance of this study is related to the need to regulate the grazing of livestock, which prevents deterioration of the water - physical properties of soils and decrease of the fertility of soils, as well as the losses of productivity of pasture lands. Other reasons for the desertification of pasture lands are related with the failure to implement a number of required measures such as inadequate calculation of livestock load standards, scientifically based grazing methods and conditions, as well as pasture utilization rates and others. The shrub Caragana aurantiaca Kochne (caragana) considered in this work belongs to a harmful and inedible animal plant, therefore it belongs to the unconditional weeds, in addition, it takes a large amount of water and nutrients from the soil. These shrubs also disrupt the grazing conditions due to the impossibility and difficulty of animals’ access to other edible plants around the caragana shrubs. These negative effects significantly reduce the yield and nutrient value of pastures, resulting in the loss of useful feed resources. Purpose of the study. Study of the areas of the Caragana shrub and its dynamics on the territory of the Suusamyr valley of the Kyrgyz Republic. Materials and methods. The study of the area of distribution of the caragana was based on data and methods of remote sensing, field research to clarify the area of their development using the ArcGIS 10.3 software package. To determine the distribution areas of the caragana shrub, open Landsat-7 satellite images for 2015 and 2020, downloaded from the Earth explorer website of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), were used. Based on the results of the classification of satellite images, thematic maps of the distribution of the caragana shrub in the study area were compiled. The results and discussion. When determining the distribution area of the shrub, a controlled classification of satellite images was used with the determination and introduction into the automated calculation of pixel values for different types of vegetation, including caragana, water surface, populated areas, degraded and open areas of the earth’s surface. The values of different bands in each pixel of the images were revealed by visual interpretation using the results of field work performed in the study area. Combinations of different visible spectral bands in “natural” and “artificial” colors were used. After their clarification, the difference in the distribution areas of the caragana shrub was determined, which made it possible to determine their increased range for the last five years under study. Based on Landsat-7 satellite images, the area of the caragana shrub for 2015 and 2020 was clarified, which showed that it is increasing in the study area. Conclusion. Studies using Earth remote sensing data in the form of satellite images, geographic information systems (GIS) and field work showed that unsystematic use and excessive grazing are the main reasons for the formation of pasture digression and severe contamination by toxic plants on natural forage lands. An analysis of the distribution of areas of caragana shrubs from 2015 to 2020 showed the threatening danger of the uncontrolled and ever - increasing spread of these weeds in the Suusamyr Valley, which is one of the vast pasture lands in the country. Resume. The results of the studies can be useful in the analysis of degradation and severe weed infestation in rangelands, as well as in the regulation of grazing for the accurate calculation of load rates and pasture utilization rates.

Prevalence of Helminths in Small Ruminant Farms and Evaluation of Control Practices Used to Counter Anthelmintic Resistance in Southern Italy.

Anthelmintic resistance in small ruminants is a serious worldwide problem. To reduce their spread, it is essential to know the prevalence of helminths on farms and the control practices adopted. As these studies in the Calabria region of southern Italy are fragmentary and outdated, a study on the prevalence of helminths in small ruminant holdings in this area has been conducted. The measures implemented to control helminths were also evaluated through questionnaires administered to farmers. In particular, on 90 farms (45 sheep and 45 goats), 1800 faecal samples from 900 sheep and 900 goats were collected in the spring. Using the FLOTAC dual technique, parasitological examinations demonstrated the presence of gastrointestinal nematodes in 100% of sheep and goat farms, followed by Nematodirus spp. (84.44% sheep and 48.89% goats), Moniezia spp. (73.33% sheep and 35.56% goats), Trichuris ovis (48.89% sheep and 42.22% goats), lungworms (28.89% sheep and 42.22% goats), Strongyloides papillosus (40% sheep and 26.67% goats), Dicrocoelium dendriticum (13.33% sheep and 26.67% goats), Calicophoron daubneyi (6.67% sheep and 31.11% goats), Fasciola hepatica (6.67% sheep and 4.44% goats), and Skrjabinema ovis (4.44% sheep and goats). The questionnaires showed that 82% and 85% of the farmers had applied pasture rotation, and that 93.3% and 86.6% had used anthelmintics in the previous year for sheep and goats, respectively. Only 24.4% of sheep farmers and 11.3% of goat farmers had carried out parasitological tests prior to treatments. The most used classes of anthelmintics were macrocyclic lactones and benzimidazoles, and only in 21.6% and 15.6%, for sheep and goats, respectively, was drug rotation carried out. These results denote that helminths represent a health problem for small ruminants and highlight a lack of knowledge of parasite control strategies among farmers. In these conditions, anthelmintic resistance phenomena could develop over time. Therefore, it is necessary to implement all possible strategies for the control of helminths, and to prevent the spread of anthelmintic resistance phenomena on farms in southern Italy.

Caregiver impact on cattle health, performance and well-being

Animal well-being is founded on positive interactions and building trusting relationships between caregivers and cattle. Trusting relationships between animals and caregivers result in positive performance levels providing the foundation for a holistic system which benefits the whole internal supply chain i.e., from conception to harvest. The positive effect of handling livestock with methods based on handler understanding of cattle behavior inclusive of accli­mation and exercise techniques is seen predominately in quali­tative measures resulting in quantitative results in health and performance. Every human intervention such as calving, processing, wean­ing, pasture rotation, transportation and address change is an opportunity to build cattle confidence, health, performance and well-being.

Efficacy of Rotational Grazing on the Control of Rhipicephalus microplus Infesting Calves in Humid Tropical Conditions.

Grazing management through pasture rotation has been mentioned as a viable alternative for the control of Rhipicephalus microplus; however, there is limited information on rotational grazing at field level. The objectives of this research were (1) to evaluate the effect of rotational grazing with 30 and 45 days of pasture rest and continuous grazing (without rest) on R. microplus tick loads in Brahman heifers and its most common crosses with Holstein; (2) to know the parasite dynamics of R. microplus under the three grazing systems in the humid tropics of Mexico; and (3) to determine the effect of the treatments on the characteristics of the pastures (availability of forage biomass, plant height, and soil cover). The experiment was carried out for 1 year from April 2022 to March 2023, with three grazing treatments: Treatments 1 and 2 considered rotational grazing with 30 (RT30) and 45 days of rest (RT45), respectively, and Treatment 3 as continuous grazing (CT00). Thirty calves from 8 to 12 months of initial age were distributed in each treatment (n = 10). Every 14 days, the number of engorged and semiengorged female ticks in cattle was determined. Concomitantly, the region's temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall were recorded, as well as the agronomic characteristics of the pasture. Rotational grazing animals with 30 days of rest had the highest number of ticks, while grazing animals with 45 days of rest had the least. Tick load dynamics among groups did not correlate with climatic variables (p > 0.05). The height and grass cover presented significant changes due to grazing (p < 0.05), which could influence the tick cycle by the exposure of the soil, modifying the microclimatic conditions and consequently harming the survival and development of R. microplus in the evaluated systems. The negative effect of rotational grazing on the nonparasitic phase of R. microplus deserves further studies.

Control of Rhipicephalus microplus tick larvae in the field based on distancing from the host - Lone tick system

The aim of this study was to evaluate a host-tick distancing control system using Rhipicephalus microplus in cattle. Its impact on the profiles of the pathogens Anaplasma marginale and Babesia bigemina was also assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Experiments were conducted in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. A total of 37 Senepol animals with natural tick infestation were used in this study. The ticks on the animals were counted, and pasture rotation was performed at 28-day intervals. This approach was repeated until the end of the experiment to maintain a low number of ticks, resulting in a final average of 6.3 ticks/host. Cattle maintained an immune response to the cattle tick fever (CTF) agents. DNA copies of A. marginale (X̄ 1.1) and B. bigemina (X̄ 0.05) did not vary significantly with the decrease in tick count throughout the study period. Based on these results, we conclude that a distancing period of 84days between ticks and cattle in conditions of the Cerrado biome can control ticks in animals and maintain enzootic stability. Thus, it is possible to create productive breeds with lower tick control costs.

153 Meat Quality of Barbados Blackbelly and St. Croix Hair Sheep Lambs Rendered Short Scrotum or Castrated at Weaning

Abstract This study evaluated meat quality parameters of short scrotum and castrated Barbados Blackbelly (BB; n = 16) and St. Croix (STX; n = 15) hair sheep ram lambs. Ram lambs born in April (n = 21) and December (n = 10) were rendered short scrotum (SS; n = 17) or castrated (CA; n = 14) using elastrator bands at weaning (63 days of age). Following a transition period of 2 months in a dry lot, ram lambs co-grazed with ewe lambs in a rotational pasture system and were provided soy hull at 3% BW daily. At target weights of app. 40 kg lambs were slaughtered and loin cuts from individual carcasses were collected for meat quality analysis. Data from the two lambing groups were pooled and analyzed as a completely randomized design with a 2 x 2 factorial treatment arrangement for breed (BB or STX) and sex class (SS or CA). The CIE L* (lightness), a* (redness), and b* (yellowness) values of loin cuts were not significantly influenced by breed or sex class. The longissimus muscle (LM) in loin cuts from CA lambs had a greater (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) fat content (3.73 vs 2.55 ± 0.155%) and tended (P = 0.06) to have a decreased moisture content (69.63 vs 70.75 ± 0.413%) than that from SS lambs. Neither breed nor sex class significantly affected the myoglobin content, percent metmyoglobin and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values of LM from lamb cuts. Cuts from SS lambs had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) shear force values (3.22 vs 2.64 ± 0.093 kg) than those from CA lambs. However, the cooking loss of loin cuts was not significantly influenced by breed or sex class. The fatty acid profiles of LM from experimental lambs were significantly influenced by breed and sex class. Compared with BB, STX had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) concentrations of myristic (C14:0;.38 vs.23%), palmitic (C16:0; 20.15 vs8.98%) and oleic (C18:1n9; 45.01 vs 42.81%), but less than (P &amp;lt; 0.05) concentrations of stearic (C18:0;7.29 vs9.33%) and linoleic (C18:2n6; 6.14 vs 7.47%) acids in LM. Furthermore, the LM from SS lambs had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) concentrations of C18:2n6 (8.09 vs 5.51%) and arachidonic (C20:4n6, 2.04 vs.40%), but lless than (P &amp;lt; 0.05) concentrations of C16:0 (19.07 vs 20.06%) and C18:1n9 (41.57 vs 46.24%) acids than that from CA lambs. Data suggest that meat quality parameters were more greatly influenced by sex class than breed when landrace hair sheep lambs were slaughtered at a target weight. Loin cuts from SS lambs were leaner, but less tender than those of CA lambs, and also differed in their fatty acid profiles. Hence meat quality will be impacted by the choice of rendering male lambs sterile.

Stem and Sheath Diseases and Yield Response of Irrigated Rice Rotation Systems with Different Intensification Levels.

Rice cultivation in South America is undergoing several intensification processes for economic reasons that cause more rice to be planted continuously on the same soils. This intensification makes the long-term biological and economic sustainability of systems questionable. Among the most common problems that threaten sustainability in intensified systems is pest and disease pressure. In this context, the primary rice diseases were studied during a 6-year period in a long-term experiment of rice rotations established in 2012 in Uruguay. The experiment consisted of six rice rotations with other crops with different duration and intensification levels. The main disease found was stem rot and, to a lesser extent, aggregate sheath spot and sheath spot of rice. These diseases are of importance in intensified rice systems because they produce sclerotia that accumulate in soils. Disease occurrence was variable among years and rotations. Stem rot incidence increased rapidly in the experiment, reaching values close to 85% in the third year, while the severity varied each year. Sheath spot incidence and severity were low and varied with the year. Continuous rice (CR) reached the highest occurrence values for stem rot, but other systems with short pastures in rotation did not differ. Aggregate sheath spot and sheath spot were of importance only in CR and in some years. When levels of intensification were compared, systems with less time (25 to 60%) occupied with rice showed lower disease severity and higher yields. Comparing CR with rice rotation with pastures of different lengths (1 to 3 years), disease occurrence was higher in 2 of the 4 years analyzed. However, yields were consistently lower, denoting that other factors are influencing productivity. Stem and sheath diseases appear not to be a limiting factor in the medium term in intensified rice systems. Also, there are several alternatives of rice intensification incorporating crops and pastures in the rotation.

The Impact of Rotational Pasture Management for Farm-Bred Fallow Deer (Dama dama) on Fodder Quality in the Context of Animal Welfare

Extensive breeding of farmed cervids, similarly to other livestock, affects the vegetation of grasslands in different seasons. For this reason, the impact of the rotational grazing of fallow deer on the chemical and species composition of the pasture sward was assessed, along with the possibility of using these animals for grasslands conservation. The species composition of the pastures was analysed through the botanical-weight method. A quality index and mineral concentration test by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were used to evaluate the feed. The highest proportion of valuable grasses, such as Dactylis glomerata, Poa pratensis and Lolium perenne, was recorded in the summer pens (65.7–66.1%), while the smallest proportion was recorded in the control area (46.1%). The estimated yield potential was relatively large, from 5.74 to 7.02 t ha−1 dry matter. The lowest total protein content occurred in the control area in the spring and autumn. The summer pens, including the sown one, had a better fodder quality, depending on the species composition. All pens were characterised by a high production potential and similar floristic composition, without the participation of undesirable plant species, which confirms the hypothesis that, under extensive grazing conditions, fallow deer can be used for grassland conservation.

Studi Literatur Pengendalian Koksidiosis pada Ternak Ruminansia di Lahan Kering Nusa Tenggara Timur

Coccidiosis is a gastrointestinal parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Eimeria spp. The infective form of Eimeria is the oocyst that can be found in almost all tropical environmental conditions and the possibility of disease as an opener to other agents. The percentage of coccidiosis incidence in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is increasing from year to year, this is due to many factors that play a role in the spread of coccidiosis in livestock. One of them is the level of resistance of Eimeria oocysts, which can last a long time, so that they remain vigilant and more attention needs to be paid to prevent the spread. The purpose of compiling this literature study is to determine the risk factors associated with the incidence of coccidiosis in ruminants and control of coccidiosis in ruminants in dry land of East Nusa Tenggara. This literature study was obtained from searching and collecting from various reference sources using Google Scholar with the help of the Mendeley application. There are 53 literatures obtained and after being analyzed and known risk factors related to the incidence of coccidiosis are maintenance management, season (temperature and humidity), environmental conditions, age of livestock, and sex. Coccidiosis control in ruminants can be done with coccidiostat therapy and herbal ingredients as well as improving management this case regular sanitation and cleanliness of cages, stables for adults and young livestock, rotation of pastures, containers or feed containers on a regular basis and endeavored to avoid contamination by feces.

Modelling the effectiveness of land‐based natural flood management in a large, permeable catchment

AbstractIn the United Kingdom, woodland planting and soil and crop management are being promoted as approaches to tackling flooding. Although evidence is limited, it is thought tree planting and regenerative agriculture practices such as crop–herbal ley pasture rotations increase infiltration, soil water storage and evapotranspiration, potentially reducing flooding. A process‐based soil–water–vegetation model was coupled with a semi‐distributed groundwater model to explore the impact of these interventions on peak and low flows in a large, groundwater‐dominated catchment. Land use change and management were found to have limited potential to reduce flooding in this setting. Herbal ley–crop rotations produced a &lt;1% reduction in flow for return periods &gt;2 years, and levels of woodland planting judged to be the realistic maximum produced reductions of 0.2%–2.6%, depending on tree species. Broadscale spruce planting was the only scenario to produce significant reductions in peak flow (16.0%–24.7% at return periods 1–15 years); however, the level of spruce planting required to achieve these reductions was estimated to reduce Q95 flow by ~39%, which would likely have negative implications for water security and ecological river flows. The impact of land‐based natural flood management interventions for flood prevention in large, permeable catchments should not be overstated.

Regional differences in nitrogen balance and nitrogen use efficiency in the rice–livestock system of Uruguay

The reintegration of crops with livestock systems is proposed as a way of improving the environmental impacts of food production globally, particularly the impact involving nitrogen (N). A detailed understanding of processes governing N fluxes and budgets is needed to design productive and efficient crop–livestock systems. This study aimed to investigate regional differences in N balance (NBAL, defined as all N inputs minus outputs), N use efficiency (NUE, defined as N outputs/inputs × 100), and N surplus (NSURP, defined as all N inputs minus only outputs in food products) in the rice–livestock system of Uruguay. Three regions across Uruguay are distinguished based on soil fertility and length of pasture rotation. The northern region has high soil fertility and short length of rotation (HFSR); the central region has medium soil fertility and medium length of rotation (MFMR); the eastern region has low fertility and long pasture rotation (LFLR). Results for the last 18 years show a very high NUE (90%) for the rice component in all rotations, associated with negative NBALs ranging from −35 kg N ha−1 yr−1 in HFSR to −3 kg N ha−1 yr−1 in LFLR. However, the livestock component, which overall had low animal productivity (&amp;lt;2 kg N ha−1 yr−1), had low NUE (&amp;lt;10%) but positive NBALs in all the rotations, sustaining N supply in the rice component. At the system level, NUE was high (60%) and NBAL was slightly positive in all rotations (from +2.8 kg N ha−1 yr−1 in HFSR to +8.5 kg N ha−1 yr−1 in LFLR). Because of a recent increase in the N fertilizer dose in rice, NSURP for the overall system was intermediate (40 kg N ha−1 yr−1) and should be monitored in the future. Efforts to improve the system's efficiency should focus on the livestock component.

Sustainable production and distribution practices in Atlantic Canadian short food supply chains: Explorative study

IntroductionHow food is produced, processed, distributed, and consumed significantly impacts the sustainability of food supply chains. Short food supply chains (SFSCs) have been promoted as an alternative approach to offer sustainable solutions. However, empirical studies provide mixed evidence, and the findings greatly vary based on context. This study explores the social, economic, and environmental sustainability practices in Atlantic Canada's SFSCs from the perspective of farm businesses (producers).MethodsA semi-structured survey was conducted among 64 farmers/producers who participated in Atlantic Canadian SFSCs. Participants were asked what channel they used to sell their products and how far this location is in comparison to the production location if sold to an intermediary, how they believe they could better to improve the sustainability of their production methods, what barriers stood in their way of implementation, and how supply chain supporters could help achieve their sustainability goals.ResultsThe findings show that most farm businesses linked to SFCSs have applied ecologically sound production methods such as organic farming, IPM, or other sustainable practices, including regenerative agriculture and no-till farming. Over two-thirds of farm businesses applied sustainable practices such as pasture rotations, green fertilizers, low-carbon couriers, locally sourced inputs, and compostable or recyclable packaging materials. Farm businesses in the Atlantic Provinces highly value the social sustainability of SFSCs, followed by economic and environmental sustainability. Most farm businesses linked to SFSCs were robust to supply- and demand-side shocks, registered a low number of layoffs and fast recovery of operations, and increased their profits during COVID-19 compared to pre-COVID-19 levels. Yet, several barriers remain, the most important ones being high capital costs and longer payback periods. Other barriers include inconsistent inter-provincial trading restrictions, lack of qualified workers and shrinking agricultural land base.DiscussionSFSCs in Atlantic Canadian SFSCs have implemented several sustainable practices in their production and distribution systems. Most of the farm businesses linked to SFSCs are small, are focused on specific product groups, target small towns or rural areas, and rely on direct-on farm sales to individual customers, and thus can play a crucial role by complementing longer food supply chains. By taking SFSCs in Atlantic Provinces as a case, this study expands our understanding of recent efforts and challenges local producers face to adopt sustainable practices in their production and distribution systems.

Deep soil water depletion and soil organic carbon and total nitrogen accumulation in a long‐term alfalfa pasture

AbstractDeep soil resources are essential for improving the production and ecological functions of dryland ecosystems. Relationships between deep soil water depletion and carbon and nitrogen accumulation in long‐term dryland pastures were not well quantified and understood. This study aimed to quantify the changes in deep soil water, soil organic carbon (SOC), and total nitrogen (TN) in alfalfa pasture and identify their relationships with root density. We conducted a field experiment in the south Loess Plateau in 2020 and 2021. Soil water, SOC, and TN contents and alfalfa root length density to 1000‐cm‐depth were measured in alfalfa pastures and annual crop reference fields. Soil water depletion by alfalfa mainly occurred in the first 6 years with a depletion rate of 41.6, 49.1, and 62.1 mm yr−1 in the shallow (0–200 cm), middle (200–500 cm) and deep (500–1000 cm) soil layers, respectively. Total depletion after 6 and 19 years were 916.8 and 1049.4 mm, respectively. SOC and TN storages in the shallow and middle layers continuously increased and peaked at 19 years after planting, and those in the deep soil increased quickly in the early ages but showed few changes in the following years. Final SOC and TN storages in the 0–1000 cm profile in alfalfa pasture reached 61.1 and 5.4 kg m−2, respectively, 13.7% and 20.4% higher than the reference field. Soil in 200–1000 cm contributed to 60.7% and 47.8% of the total SOC and TN storage increments, respectively. The deep rooting system of alfalfa derived soil water depletion and SOC and TN increments, as indicated by the significant relationships between fine root length density and the changes in soil water, SOC and TN storages. Therefore, the deep soil contributed substantially to the carbon and nitrogen sequestration in alfalfa early ages but the contribution was limited by water shortage in the middle and late ages. We suggest stopping alfalfa early (≤6 years) to increase water sustainability and maintain carbon and nitrogen sequestration efficiencies in the alfalfa pasture and crop rotation system on Loess Plateau.

Модель скотоводческого хозяйства населения позднего бронзового века с горно-металлургической производственной специализацией в Южных Мугоджарах (Западный Казахстан)

The paper presents the results of an archaeozoological study of osteological materials of the reference Sarlybay and Shuuldak archaeological microdistricts of the Late Bronze Age in Southern Mugodzhary. Historical and ethnographic data are used for their interpretation. It is established that the seasonality factor played a key role in the implementation of the economic and cultural model of the cattle-breeding population of the Late Bronze Age with mining and metallurgical production specialization in the Southern Mugodzhary. The basis of the life support system was mobile cattle breeding with seasonal rotation of pastures and water sources with the auxiliary role of hunting. In places of permanent summer pastures, dwellings, economic and industrial structures were arranged. During the stay on summer pastures, copper ores were extracted and pre-processed. The stability and efficiency of this model was ensured by the seasonal coincidence of economic cattle breeding and technological cycles of mining and metallurgical production, a single landscape ordination of pasture lands and copper ore sources. The cattle farming system being reconstructed in the Southern Mugodzhary, harmoniously combined with mining and metallurgical production, is a vivid illustration of one of the forms of implementation of the pastoral model of metal production that existed in the steppe regions of Northern Eurasia throughout the Bronze Age.

397 Young Scholar Award Talk: Detecting Livestock Welfare Concerns and Production Issues Using Accelerometer and Global Positioning Systems

Abstract Monitoring behavior changes of livestock may help producers expedite intervention and treatment in both intensive and extensive systems. Sensor technologies can identify behavioral trends, offering the potential to detect abnormal behavior associated with health status and animal welfare changes. The aim of recent studies was to investigate behavior deviations using tri-axial accelerometers and global positioning systems (GPS). Accelerometers were effective tools in determining behavior changes due to the onset of illnesses and parturition. Eight Brahman-cross heifers were fitted with accelerometers to study water consumption behavior. Two of the heifers were diagnosed with Bovine Ephemeral Fever, which symptoms include lameness and stiffness. Movement Intensity (MI), a metric calculated from accelerometer axis data, was lower (P ≤ 0.01) during the day of disease diagnosis compared to 48 h prior. Ten ewes were each fitted with HerdDogg biometric accelerometers, with five ewes also fitted with accelerometers to investigate behavior before and after illness caused by the unintentional feeding of mold-contaminated feedstuffs. Activity levels were lower for days 1 to 4 after feeding (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than day -4 to 0 before feeding. Thirteen Debouillet ewes, with accelerometer ear tags, were used to determine the ability of random forest machine learning techniques to accurately identify and predict parturition-related behavior. Prediction models were able to predict seven mutually-exclusive behaviors and active vs. inactive behavior with 66.7% and 87.2% accuracy, respectively. The use of GPS tracking can help identify proper pasture rotation timing. Thirty-two and twenty-nine cattle were fitted with GPS collars in central Arizona to evaluate the temporal changes in association patterns on two herds of Corriente cattle managed under two different stocking densities: high stocking density (0.417 animal ha-1) and low stocking density (0.123 animals ha-1), respectively. Half-weight index (HWI) value was calculated for each pair of GPS-tracked cattle to determine the time cattle spent within 75 m and 500 m of others. Cattle within both pastures exhibited low mean association values (HWI &amp;lt; 0.25) at both spatial scales at the beginning of the study with increasing levels of independence throughout the study. Cattle dispersed throughout the study (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and traveled farther from water (P &amp;lt; 0.01), likely in search of forages. The combination of GPS and accelerometers can improve detection of welfare issues. Seventeen cattle were tracked with both sensors and sixteen cattle tracked with only GPS across two years to determine the potential of detecting water system failures. Movement intensity was greater (P = 0.03) and cattle remained closer to water (P = 0.01) on the days of simulated water failure compared to control days. Real-time sensors have the potential to provide caretakers notification of changes in livestock behavior that can occur due to disease, parturition, or infrastructure failure.

Fecal microbiome of horses transitioning between warm-season and cool-season grass pasture within integrated rotational grazing systems

BackgroundDiet is a key driver of equine hindgut microbial community structure and composition. The aim of this study was to characterize shifts in the fecal microbiota of grazing horses during transitions between forage types within integrated warm- (WSG) and cool-season grass (CSG) rotational grazing systems (IRS). Eight mares were randomly assigned to two IRS containing mixed cool-season grass and one of two warm-season grasses: bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] or crabgrass [Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.]. Fecal samples were collected during transitions from CSG to WSG pasture sections (C–W) and WSG to CSG (W–C) on days 0, 2, 4, and 6 following pasture rotation and compared using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsRegardless of IRS or transition (C–W vs. W–C), species richness was greater on day 4 and 6 in comparison to day 0 (P < 0.05). Evenness, however, did not differ by day. Weighted UniFrac also did not differ by day, and the most influential factor impacting β-diversity was the individual horse (R2 ≥ 0.24; P = 0.0001). Random forest modeling was unable to accurately predict days within C–W and W–C, but could predict the individual horse based on microbial composition (accuracy: 0.92 ± 0.05). Only three differentially abundant bacterial co-abundance groups (BCG) were identified across days within all C–W and W–C for both IRS (W ≥ 126). The BCG differing by day for all transitions included amplicon sequence variants (ASV) assigned to bacterial groups with known fibrolytic and butyrate-producing functions including members of Lachnospiraceae, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Anaerovorax the NK4A214 group of Oscillospiraceae, and Sarcina maxima. In comparison, 38 BCG were identified as differentially abundant by horse (W ≥ 704). The ASV in these groups were most commonly assigned to genera associated with degradation of structural carbohydrates included Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, Treponema, Christensenellaceae R-7 group, and the NK4A214 group of Oscillospiraceae. Fecal pH also did not differ by day.ConclusionsOverall, these results demonstrated a strong influence of individual horse on the fecal microbial community, particularly on the specific composition of fiber-degraders. The equine fecal microbiota were largely stable across transitions between forages within IRS suggesting that the equine gut microbiota adjusted at the individual level to the subtle dietary changes imposed by these transitions. This adaptive capacity indicates that horses can be managed in IRS without inducing gastrointestinal dysfunction.