Semi-intensive Farming Research Articles

Caracterização da piscicultura continental no Litoral Norte do Rio Grande do Sul

O estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar a piscicultura continental do Litoral Norte/RS a partir de consultas em órgãos ambientais, escritórios da Emater/Ascar-RS e a aplicação de um questionário à 56 produtores rurais/piscicultores da região quanto a alguns aspectos significativos da atividade, tais como: principais espécies criadas, infraestrutura, sistemas de produção, manejo alimentar, fontes de abastecimento de água, monitoramento da qualidade da água, tratamento de efluentes, finalidade da atividade, medidas de prevenção e controle da atividade aquícola. Os resultados mostraram que a piscicultura da região é desenvolvida de forma familiar, predominando o sistema de criação semi-intensivo, em áreas de pequeno porte, de até 0,5 ha, em tanques escavados e destacando-se a criação de espécies exóticas, principalmente carpas e tilápias para consumo próprio e venda esporádica. Quanto aos aspectos ambientais, ficou constatada a carência de algumas medidas de prevenção e regularização ambiental da atividade. Também foi possível identificar “gargalos” que impedem um desenvolvimento eficaz da piscicultura na região, como gestão da atividade, comercialização e regularização ambiental. O apoio técnico aos piscicultores é feito por meio do serviço de extensão da Emater/Ascar-RS. Os dados coletados podem colaborar futuramente no planejamento de ações públicas voltadas para o fortalecimento da atividade que ainda é incipiente na região.

Analysis of virulence traits of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine mastitis in semi-intensive and family dairy farms.

BackgroundStaphylococcus aureus is one of the main microorganisms that causes bovine mastitis, and its well-known virulence characteristics and interactions with the environment are used to aid the design of more efficient therapies.ObjectivesTo determine whether the virulence traits, such as antibiotic resistance and biofilm-forming and internalization abilities, of S. aureus isolated from bovine mastitis are related to dairy production system types.MethodsThe study was performed in the Mexican states of Guanajuato and Michoacan. Semi-intensive dairy farms (SIDFs) and family dairy farms (FDFs) (454 and 363 cows, respectively) were included. The 194 milk samples from mastitis affected quarters were collected and 92 strains of S. aureus were isolated and identified by biochemical and molecular tests. Antibiotic resistance, biofilm and internalization assays were performed on 30 randomly selected isolated strains to determine virulence traits, and these strains were equally allocated to the 2 dairy production systems.ResultsAll 30 selected strains displayed a high degree of resistance (50%–91.7%) to the antibiotics tested, but no significant difference was found between SIDF and FDF isolates. S. aureus strains from SIDFs had an average biofilm forming capacity of up to 36% (18.9%–53.1%), while S. aureus strains from FDFs registered an average of up to 53% (31.5%–77.8%) (p > 0.05). Internalization assays revealed a higher frequency of internalization capacity for strains isolated from FDFs (33.3%) than for those isolated from SIDFs (6.7%) (p > 0.05). fnbpA gen was detected in 46.6% of FDF strains and 33.3% of SIDF strains, and this difference was significant (p < 0.05).ConclusionsOur findings show that the virulence traits of S. aureus isolates analyzed in this study, depend significantly on several factors, such as phenotype, genotype, and environmental conditions, which are significantly related to dairy production system type and daily management practices.

Early intensification of backyard poultry systems in the tropics: a case study

Poultry production is an important way of enhancing the livelihoods of rural populations, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). As poultry production in LMICs remains dominated by backyard systems with low inputs and low outputs, considerable yield gaps exist. Intensification can increase poultry productivity, production and income. This process is relatively recent in LMICs compared to high-income countries. The management practices and the constraints faced by smallholders trying to scale-up their production, in the early stages of intensification, are poorly understood and described. We thus investigated the features of the small-scale commercial chicken sector in a rural area distant from major production centres. We surveyed 111 commercial chicken farms in Kenya in 2016. We targeted farms that sell the majority of their production, owning at least 50 chickens, partly or wholly confined and provided with feeds. We developed a typology of semi-intensive farms. Farms were found mainly to raise dual-purpose chickens of local and improved breeds, in association with crops and were not specialized in any single product or market. We identified four types of semi-intensive farms that were characterized based on two groups of variables related to intensification and accessibility: (i) remote, small-scale old farms, with small flocks, growing a lot of their own feed; (ii) medium-scale, old farms with a larger flock and well located in relation to markets and (iii) large-scale recently established farms, with large flocks, (iii-a) well located and buying chicks from third-party providers and (iii-b) remotely located and hatching their own chicks. The semi-intensive farms we surveyed were highly heterogeneous in terms of size, age, accessibility, management, opportunities and challenges. Farm location affects market access and influences the opportunities available to farmers, resulting in further diversity in farm profiles. The future of these semi-intensive farms could be compromised by several factors, including the competition with large-scale intensive farmers and with importations. Our study suggests that intensification trajectories in rural areas of LMICs are potentially complex, diverse and non-linear. A better understanding of intensification trajectories should, however, be based on longitudinal data. This could, in turn, help designing interventions to support small-scale farmers.

The daily variance of CO2 and CH4 emission from shrimp ponds

Scientist and environmentalist highlight the negative impact of a shrimp farm. The last decade analyzed numerous greenhouse gas emissions and aquaculture activities previously discussed. However, there are limited studies that reveal the emission of CO2 and CH4 related to aquaculture activities. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to examine the daily dynamics of these gases flux across the water-air interface of the shrimp ponds using a 3-day observation method and by examining the environmental factors responsible. This research was carried out in TIR Karawang shrimp farm area, with the gas samples were taken six times daily every 4 hours and analyzed using the gas chromatography. The results of this study show that in 24 hours, the minimum CO2 emission (-0.15841+0.19220 mg m-2 minute-1) found at 00.00 – 02.00 local time, and the maximum (0.22544+0.18361 mg m-2 minute-1) at 12.00-14.00 local time. Conversely, the minimum CH4 emission (-0.00024+0.00023 mg m-2 minute-1) was at 00.00-02.00 local time and the maximum (0.00023+0.00017 mg m-2 minute-1) at 12.00-14.00 local time. The dominant environmental factor influencing both gas is temperature. The semi-intensive shrimp farm CO2-e calculated is 0.02707 g C m-2 day-1, for 2,500 m2 ponds within a 110-day of culture, with 7.44545 kg C emitted.

On-farm welfare assessment in meat goat does raised in semi-intensive and extensive systems in semiarid regions of Ceará, Northeast, Brazil

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to apply a protocol based on the Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN) protocols for small ruminants in Brazilian Northeast farms to evaluate the welfare of meat goat, comparing animals kept on semi-intensive (S) and extensive (E) farms. Fifteen farms located in the Metropolitan Region of Quixadá and Quixeramobim, Ceará, Brazilian Northeast, were recruited. Assessments were performed at group and individual level. Significant differences between S and E farms was set at P&lt;0.05 to all tests. At group level, there was a significant difference between groups, with more goats from E farms affected by heat stress and more animals from S farms presenting oblivion. Resource-based indicators, type of drinkers and access to shelter, differed significantly between S and E systems, with goats on S farms allocated in places with access to water more frequently during night period and protected from wind. Type of facility was more complex for animals on S farms (n=2) than on all E farms due to internal divisions, with S farms presenting feeders, drinking fountains, salt shakers, and slatted or cemented floor. At individual level, abscess and ocular discharge were more frequently observed on S farms and ears lesions were more frequent on E farms, probably due to distinct management of goats. Similarities between results showed that farmers in both production systems faced problems related to heat stress, lack of forage and health issues.

Prevalence of Gastro-Intestinal Parasites in Semi-intensive Pig Farming in Mizoram

Prevalence of Gastro-Intestinal Parasites in Semi-intensive Pig Farming in Mizoram

Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Dairy Goat Farming Systems: Abatement Potential and Cost.

Simple SummaryAgriculture and particularly livestock farming is associated with the production of certain gases that contribute to global warming, commonly referred to as greenhouse gases. These gases are the result of the use of machinery and other inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides or are associated with the digestion process of animals. In this work, we have analyzed data from dairy goat farms in Greece to estimate the amount of greenhouse gases per kilogram of milk produced and identify farming practices that can result in their reduction. We found that greenhouse gases per kilogram of milk are fewer in farms that are characterized by higher milk production per goat. Furthermore, certain practices like the use of homegrown feed instead of purchased feed and the use of compound feedstuffs or oil-rich feedstuffs like cottonseed cake can result in lower greenhouse gases in goat farms. Also, the analysis suggests that the reduction of greenhouse gases can lead to a reduction of farm income, especially in the case of intensive farms. This finding has to be taken into consideration by policy makers and possible measures to compensate for this income loss have to be explored.Dairy goat farming is an important agricultural activity in the Mediterranean region. In Greece the activity offers occupation and income to thousands of families mainly located in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas of the country where it utilizes low productivity pastures and shrub lands. Furthermore, goats are more resilient to climate changes compared to other species, and are often characterized as ideal for keeping in drought areas. However, there is still limited evidence on total greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted from goat farms and their mitigation potential. In this context, this study aims to estimate GHG emissions of goat farms in Greece and explore their abatement options using an economic optimization model. Three case studies are explored i.e., an extensive, a semi-intensive and an intensive goat farm that correspond to the main goat production systems identified in Greece. The analysis aims to assess total GHGs as well as the impact of abatement on the structures, gross margins and labor inputs of the farms under investigation. The issue of the marginal abatement cost is also addressed. The results indicate that the extensive farm causes higher emissions/kg of milk produced (4.08 kg CO2-eq) compared to the semi-intensive and intensive farms (2.04 kg and 1.82 kg of CO2-equivelants, respectively). The results also emphasize the higher marginal abatement cost of the intensive farm. In all farm types, abatement is achieved primarily through the reduction of the livestock capital and secondarily by other appropriate farming practices, like substitution of purchased feed with homegrown feed.

LAND DEALS AND SMALL-SCALE INTENSIVE FARMING DECISIONS

The upsurge of land deals in Northern Ghana is a concern to many stakeholders. In order to reduce the effects of land deals on livelihoods, farmers resort to adopting semi-intensive, intensive or low intensive farming systems. Using a multinomial logit model, this study assessed how land deals influence the decision of a farm household to choose any of the farming regimes. Factors that influence farmers’ decision to choose intensive as against semi-intensive methods of farming are farm size, awareness of land grabbing, intension of cultivating part of grabbed land, number of adults, household expenditure, location, remittances and land grabbed investment type. On the other hand, households’ engagement in low intensive as compared to semi-intensive methods of farming are influenced by age, fallowing period, education, remittances, and household expenditure. Land deals must be accompanied by efforts to diversify livelihoods of smallholder farmers away from land-based systems. This would require skills training for rural peasant farmers to enable them take up emerging livelihood opportunities. In order to safeguard the interests and livelihood of rural peasants, agricultural investment programmes must make community-investor partnership a key condition for gaining access to government and donor incentives.

The Assessment of Housing Conditions, Management, Animal-Based Measure of Dairy Goats’ Welfare and Its Association with Productive and Reproductive Traits.

Simple SummarySmall ruminant production systems are generally perceived by consumers to be associated with a high standard of welfare, notably in relation to aspects of traditional breeding. However, their performances have reached the same levels of the dairy cow sector, with similar negative externalities. We aimed to evaluate the welfare of dairy goats of 32 farms located in Northwestern Italy by the application of an on-farm assessment protocol. The farms were classified as ‘intensive’ or ‘semi-intensive’ according to the access to pasture. Overall, we observed an adequate level of animal wellbeing both in intensive and semi-intensive farming systems. This is possible thanks to the increased knowledge on goat breeding characteristics, and to the fact that veterinarians and farmers understood the importance of welfare protection to achieve a better health, although some challenges remain, such as the farmers’ approach toward animals. The importance of the farmer’s role is highlighted by the positive association between the milk yield and the presence of the owner on the farm.The aim of the study was to evaluate the welfare of dairy goats of 32 farms located in Northwestern Italy, applying an on-farm assessment protocol, centered on animal-, resources- and management-based measures. The farms were classified as ‘intensive’ or ‘semi-intensive’ according to access to pasture. During each on-farm visit, a checklist was compiled, based on specific scores for housing and management conditions, and animals’ nutritional status, health, and behavior. Finally, the possible association between welfare measures and productive and reproductive traits was assessed. Overall, we observed an adequate level of animal wellbeing both in intensive and semi-intensive farming systems. This is possible thanks to the increased knowledge on goat breeding characteristics, and to the fact that veterinarians and farmers understood the importance of welfare protection to achieve a better health. Higher milk production was associated to some management practices (presence of the owner on the farm, high frequency of bedding change), and to seasonal breeding (which was mainly performed in the intensive farming). Moreover, it was associated to a quantity of urea in the milk comprised between 33 and 44 mg/dL. In intensive farms, the prevalence of caseous lymphadenitis was significantly higher compared to non-intensive farms. The semi-intensive breeding system positively influences the animals’ behavior.

Characterization of bacterial isolates from skin lesions of sheep, goat and cattle in different rearing condition

The study was performed to isolate and characterize some selected bacteria from skin lesion of sheep, goat and cattle of different rearing condition. Intensive and semi-intensive housing systems were considered for this study. A total of (n=60) skin wound swab and pus samples were collected for this study during the study period. Among them (n=30) samples were collected from intensive farms and (n=30) samples were collected from semi-intensive farms. Staphylococcus aureus infections were found 70% skin lesion for sheep, 30% for goat and 60% for cattle and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections were found 5% skin lesion for sheep, 15% for goat and 15% for cattle. Semi-intensive farm animals were more infected by bacteria than intensive farm animals. Staphylococcus aureus affected 53.33% in intensive farm animal and 66.67% in semi-intensive farm animal. Pseudomonas aeruginosa affected 10% animal in intensive housing system and 13.33% in semi-intensive housing system. The organisms were isolated and characterized by morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics and identified by polymerase chain reaction. Staphylococcus aureus produced yellowish colony in nutrient agar and golden yellow colony in mannitol salt agar. Positive isolates were produced β–hemolysis in blood agar. Pseudomonas aeruginosa produced characteristic colony in nutrient agar but not produce pigment. Pseudomonas aeruginosa produced colorless colony in MaCconkey agar, violet colony in EMB agar and produced hemolysis in blood agar. Staphylococcus aureus showed Gram positive, cocci shaped and grapes like arrangement and Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed Gram negative, short rod shaped. Staphylococcus aureus fermented five basic sugars and produced gas and Pseudomonas aeruginosa fermented dextrose and mannitol. Both organisms were catalase positive, only Pseudomonas aeruginosa was oxidase positive. Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were further characterized by PCR amplification of toxA gene primer. Staphylococcus aureus skin infection treatment was noticed more effective by erythromycin and gentamicin and Pseudomonas aeruginosa skin infection treatment more effective by ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. Both the organisms were found to be amoxicillin resistant. This is the first and preliminary report of molecular characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from skin lesion of sheep, goat and cattle associated with a different rearing condition of the animals in Bangladesh.&#x0D; Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2019, 5(2): 117-125

Aetiology, Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Control of Foot-Related Lameness in Dairy Sheep.

Simple SummaryDespite improvements in modern livestock management, intensification of farming systems has led to the emergence of infectious and husbandry-related health and welfare challenges. Among them, foot pathology-associated lameness is one of the most significant, as it has been strongly associated with adverse consequences in the well-being of animals, and the productivity and the overall profitability of the farms. The objective of this article is to review the current status of knowledge regarding foot-related lameness in sheep, emphasizing on the etiology, risk factors, diagnostic capabilities and control strategies of foot problems in dairy sheep.During the last twenty years, considerable research efforts have recognized the consequences of foot-related lameness primarily in cattle, and meat and wool sheep. Despite the lack of extensive epidemiological studies, field observations and isolated research reports in dairy sheep have suggested that the problem might be more severe in semi-intensive and intensive farming systems. Footrot, contagious ovine digital dermatitis, ovine interdigital dermatitis, white line disease, and pedal joint abscess are the most common causes of foot-related lameness. Dichelobacter nodosus, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Treponema spp., and Actinomyces pyogenes are the most significant foot-related lameness-associated pathogens. Despite a documented hereditary predisposition, environmental factors are the most important in determining the occurrence of foot-related lameness. Moist and warm environment, increased parity and milk yield, inappropriate housing conditions and infrastructures, inadequate hygiene status, imbalanced nutrition, and insufficient foot care are the most critical risk factors. Furthermore, a foot-lameness control plan should include targeted implementation of claw trimming and footbathing, evidence-based planning of hygiene measures in preventive veterinary practices (i.e., antibiotic administration, vaccinations against footrot), selective breeding to footrot resistance, and, most importantly, the continuous training of farming personnel. Controlling foot-lameness in dairy sheep is critical in determining the well-being of animals, and strongly affects the farm’s profitability and sustainability.

APLIKASI PAKAN PELET BUATAN UNTUK PENINGKATAN PRODUKTIVITAS BUDIDAYA IKAN AIR TAWAR

This activity aims to provide guidance, training, and mentoring to help resolve problems faced by partners, including high operational costs of fish farming because of the high cost of factory-made pellets, limited understanding and knowledge of fish farming techniques, and limited access to business capital in groups of freshwater fish farming in village of Jerukagung Srumbung Magelang. In this activity, the use of semi-intensive farming technology was introduced and the introduction of mixer and fish pellet feed making machines technology were able to produce pellets independently for groups of fish farmers. Semi-intensive system farming techniques are proven to be able to increase productivity at a low cost to replace the conventional methods that have been done so far. The service program was completed in eight months, divided into three stages consisting of competency enhancement, technology development, and partnership development. The use of semi-intensive farming technology by applying good pond water maintenance techniques, selecting the right seeds, and optimal feeding techniques has been shown to increase fish production. High feed costs during the enlargement process which can reach 75% of the total cost can be replaced using pellet feed has made by group using local raw materials that are easily available in the surrounding area or environment, so as to reduce feed costs by up to 25%.

Testing eye temperature assessed with infrared thermography to evaluate stress in meat goats raised in a semi-intensive farming system: a pilot study.

The Blanca Serrana goat is selected for meat production and usually raised in an extensive farm system. The meat goat industry is getting bigger in Spain, evolving to more intensive farming systems. The negative influence of stress produced by daily management on animal welfare is even bigger in these animals as they are not used to getting so close to humans. Eye temperature has recently appeared as an appropriate and noninvasive tool for welfare assessment in cattle, but no previous studies have been developed in goats. Thus, the main aim of this pilot study was to test eye temperature as a noninvasive tool to explore stress levels associated with a semi-intensive farming system for meat goats in comparison with the standard measurements of stress.For that, 24 Blanca Serrana goats were used. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and eye temperature (ET), assessed with infrared thermography samples, were collected just before and just after a stressful situation created to check how the routine management of semi-intensive farming systems affected this species. A factorial ANOVA, least square means and Scheffé post hoc comparison analyses found statistically significant differences due to the stress test moment for RR () and ET () with higher values shown after the stress test than before it. Differences due to age were found just for HR () and RR () stress parameters, with kids showing higher results than adults. Pearson correlations between HR, RR and ET parameters showed a medium–high positive correlation of 0.56 between RR and ET.Thus, ET appears as an appropriate and noninvasive tool to explore stress levels associated with a semi-intensive farming system for meat goats.

Domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos) farming in mangrove forests in southern China: Unsustainable and sustainable patterns

Searching for a sustainable use pattern of mangrove resources is a premise of mangrove conservation in developing countries. In China, uncontrolled domestic duck farming has caused significant damage to mangrove forests and triggered discussions about the conservation and utilization of mangrove forests. This study investigated the effects of three different domestic duck farming patterns (intensive, semi-intensive and quasi-ecological farming patterns) on mangrove ecosystems in southern China to find a farming pattern where mangrove conservation and utilization can coexist. The results showed that domestic duck farming could bring remarkable economic profits for farmers; the return on investment of the quasi-ecological farming pattern is the highest, whereas different farming patterns caused distinct influences on mangrove forests. Intensive and semi-intensive farming patterns significantly destroyed mangrove plants and reduced macrobenthos' biodiversity. In contrast, the quasi-ecological farming pattern had a negligible influence on mangrove forests. Quasi-ecological farming achieved a good balance between the conservation and utilization of mangrove forest resources, making it sustainable. Therefore, controllable domestic duck farming in mangrove forests deserves to be advocated, especially in the areas where ecotourism cannot be carried out. Further study is needed on how to determine the duck farming capacity.

Effect of the feeding system and the production season on the protein fraction content in milk

The objective of the present research was to analyse the protein fraction content in milk, with particular regard to whey proteins, in dependence on the cows’ feeding system (group 1 - extensive, 2 - semi-intensive, 3 - intensive) and production season (spring-summer and autumn-winter). Chemical analysis of the fodder was the base for calculation of energy and protein coverage of nutritional dose. A total of 1,133 milk samples were evaluated (550 in winter and 583 in summer). The milk samples were examined for the somatic cell count (SCC), the basic chemical composition, casein and whey proteins: α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, bovine serum albumin (BSA), lactoferrin and lysozyme. Higher content of crude protein, including casein, was noticed in milk obtained from cows coming from semi-intensive and intensive farms. However, milk taken from cows fed according to the group 1, which was based on fodder from permanent grasslands, had the highest concentration of major whey proteins - both in the summer (pasture and hay) and winter (hay and haylage) seasons. With the increase of silage and industrial fodder in the feed ration, the content of whey proteins - mainly β-lactoglobulin and lactoferrin - decreased, which was confirmed by the obtained negative correlation coefficients.

Perulernaea gamitanae (Crustacea: Lerneaidae) en juveniles de Colossoma macropomum (Characiformes: Sarrasalmidae) en cultivo semi-intensivo en Loreto, Perú

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la presencia del parásito copépodo Perulernaea gamitanae en juveniles de Colossoma macropomum y relacionar la abundancia del parásito con la longitud y peso de los hospederos. Se examinaron 30 especímenes de 29.1 ± 2.8 cm de longitud total y 506.3 ± 124.6 g de peso de un cultivo semi-intensivo en la zona de Maynas, Loreto (Perú). Se colectaron 120 individuos de P. gamitanae localizados en la cavidad bucal y en los cartílagos de las branquias. La prevalencia fue de 90%, la intensidad media fue de 4.4 parásitos/pez infestado y la abundancia media fue de 4 parásitos/pez con un rango de intensidad de 1 a 10 parásitos/pez. La abundancia de este copépodo está relacionada con la longitud y peso de los hospederos. Este el segundo registro de P. gamitanae en C. macropomun en cultivo en la amazonia peruana.

Prevalence of Bovine Fasciolosis in Selected Dairy Farms of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

A cross sectional study is carried out in selected dairy farms in and around Addis Ababa on the prevalence of fasciolosis in Ethiopia, in four sub-cities, locally called Kifele Ketemas. The dairy farms were under intensive and semi-intensive management systems. A total of 384 cattle were randomly selected and sampled which accounts for 95% (N=365) and 5% (N=19) of the samples for intensive and semi-intensive dairy farms, respectively. Fecal samples were examined using the direct fecal microscopic examination and Benedict's sedimentation tests. Out of 384 samples examined, 57 samples were found to be positive using both tests, giving a prevalence of 14.84% (N=57). The prevalence of fasciolosis in study areas (Kifele Ketemas) is 52.63% (N=30) in Yeka, 33.33% (N=19) in Bole, 10.35% (N=6) in Gullele and 3.51% (N=2) in Kality area. The prevalence of bovine fasciolosis in Yeka is significantly higher (P 0.05) is observed between the age groups. Keywords: Bovine; Fasciolosis; Prevalence; Chi-square; Addis Ababa; Ethiopia.

Genetic polymorphisms at candidate genes affecting fat content and fatty acid composition in Modicana cows: effects on milk production traits in different feeding systems

Feeding greatly affects milk yield and composition. The research is highlighting the potential of genetic polymorphism at some loci to affect milk yield and quality traits. These loci can be up/down regulated depending on the production environment; therefore, we hypothesized that milk yield and composition could differ when cows with different genotype at SCD, DGAT1 and ABCG2 loci are reared in different feeding systems. The polymorphisms of SCD, DGAT1 and ABCG2 genes were investigated in Modicana breed. In all, three polymorphic sites, responsible for the genetic variation of quantitative trait loci and therefore defined quantitative trait nucleotides, were genotyped: the transition g.10329C>T in 5th exon determines a substitution p.A293V in the SCD, the dinucleotide mutation g.10433-10434AA>GC in 8th exon responsible for p.K232A substitution in the DGAT1 and the transition g.62569A>C in the 14th exon responsible for p.Y581S substitution in the ABCG2 gene. In the sample of 165 Modicana cows, SCD and DGAT1 genes resulted polymorphic; the alleles g.10329T and g.10433-10434GC were the most frequent in SCD and DGAT1 (0.73 and 0.91) respectively, whereas ABCG2 locus was monomorphic for allele A (p.581Y). Sequencing analysis was carried out on 14 samples with different genotypes to confirm the results of the PCR-RFLP protocols. Based on the genotypes at SCD locus, 47 Modicana cows were selected for the nutritional trial: 24 cows in a semi-intensive farm, with 2 h/day grazing on natural pasture, and 23 cows in an extensive farm, with 8 h/day grazing on natural pasture. Monthly, milk yield and composition were evaluated and individual milk samples were analyzed for fatty acids composition by gas chromatography. No differences in milk yield, fat, protein, lactose, casein and urea were associated to SCD genotype. Feeding systems affected milk yield and composition. No significant genotype×feeding system interaction was observed for milk yield and composition. Fatty acids composition was significantly affected only by the feeding system. Significant interactions were found between SCD genotype and feeding system for six fatty acids: 4:0, 6:0, 8:0, 10:0, 12:0 and t11 18:1. We concluded that the feeding system was the factor that mostly affected milk production and composition; moreover, our results do not confirm what reported in literature as regard the effect of the SCD polymorphism on milk fatty acid composition. The high amount of pasture seemed to have resized the SCD polymorphism effects because of the different fatty acids composition of the diet.

Reproductive performance and body condition score of Deccani sheep during various physiological stages in different farming systems

The research was carried out to study the effect of different farming systems on reproductive traits and body condition score in Deccani sheep. Ewes (36), 9–12 months of age, were divided in to 3 groups, viz. intensive (T1), semi-intensive (T2) and extensive farming system (T3) with 12 ewes in each group following completely randomized design. The results revealed that, body weight at puberty in intensive group (17.6 kg) was significantly higher than extensive (16.3) group. Age at puberty in extensive group was significantly higher (338 days) than intensive group (290 days). The conception rate in intensive group was 75%, which was higher than semi-intensive and extensive (58.3 and 66.6% respectively). Intensive group had achieved significantly higher body weight at lambing (24.74 kg) than semi-intensive (23.12 kg) and extensive (22.23 kg). Birth weight of lambs in intensive group (2.5 kg) was significantly higher than semi-intensive (1.98 kg) and extensive groups (1.82 kg). Length of estrus cycle and duration of oestrus differed nonsignificantly in different farming systems. BCS values were significantly higher during pregnancy in intensive group. BCS near parturition (48 h near) and BCS 3 months (post-parturition) was significantly higher in intensive as compared to semi-intensive and extensive. BCS (48 h after parturition) was significantly higher in intensive and semi-intensive systems with respect to extensive system. It can be concluded that reproductive traits and body condition score were higher in intensive system compared to other systems because care of life stages through provision of concentrate feed, with minimal body energy loss can be assured in intensive farming system.

ANALYSING DAIRY OPERATIONS WITH THE INTERACTIVE MODEL OF A DAIRY FARM

The paper focuses on factors affecting the economics of milk production based on modelling future effects of present managerial decisions. We evaluate a sample Slovak dairy farms from the economic and performance indicator datasets of the National Agricultural and Food Centre – Research institute for animal production Nitra (NPPC-RIAP), referring to semi-intensive dairy farm and typical Holstein dairy farm. The EkonMOD milk decision support tool for dairy farm managers will be used to run various scenarios in heifer replacement strategies. If the average age at first calving (AFC) is reduced from 30 down to 24 months, the dairy could expect additional heifers for potential sale, growth, or culling pressure on the lactating herd. This approach means that in the first two years’ heifer development is emphasized, expenses in feed and management are decreased by 47,520 € per year, and 53,750 € worth of heifers are sold, bringing the total potential income for those two years to 101,270 €. The reduction of AFC in semi-intensive dairy farm in the what-if scenario 1 reduced the number of heifers needed for replacement from 290 to 269 heifers, also having the positive impact on the profitability resulting from these interrelations. In the what-if scenario 2 the AFC remained the same as in what-if scenario 1, meaning that the number of replacements needed was without any change. In the last–different sample farm case scenario presented in this paper, we considered the Holstein dairy farm with 500 productive dairy cows. The reduction in the AFC from 26 to 24 months reduced the number of feeding days in the heifer category by 12 410 feeding days, resulting to the reduction in total costs of at least 22 000 €, in this case.