Small Herds Research Articles

Identifying cows at risk of subclinical ketosis as part of the milk recording of dairy cattle in Poland in 2014-2022

In 2013, the Polish Federation of Cattle Breeders and Dairy Farmers introduced a new service – identifying cows in a state of subclinical ketosis (SK). Based on the content of ketone bodies in milk, i.e. β-hydroxybutyrate and acetone determined in a milk sample taken on the day of the trial milking, cows that were probably in the SK state on the test day are identified using a logistic regression model. Such cows are indicated to breeders in the reports from milk recording. The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence of SK in the recorded population. During 10 years of SK monitoring, the incidence of SK in cows decreased with each subsequent year. SK occurred more often in cows with lower milk yield and in smaller herds. The results indicate a constant improvement in the health situation of recorded cows in Poland, in the context of the incidence of SK.

Efficacy of targeted therapy of environmental mastitis using on-farm culturing in small dairy herds

The aim of the study was to evaluate treatment protocols for improvement of clinical and bacteriological cure rate of non-severe clinical mastitis (CM) and selective dry cow therapy (SDCT). Mastitis management based on on-farm commercial culture system MicroMastTM and data analysis were implemented into two dairy herds. Quarters with evidence of Gram-positive agents were treated using benzyl penicillin or amoxicillin and/or by amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. In herd A, 31 quarters of non-severe CM were recorded. Of them, Streptococcus uberis was isolated in 16 (51.6%), non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) in 8 (25.8%), E. coli in 5 (16.1%) and no growth in 2 (6.5%) cases. Bacteriological cure was observed in 24/29 (82.8%) quarters. Antimicrobial consumption was reduced from 3.56 to 2.33 doses per case. Under the SDCT protocol, 28 quarters (13.2%) of 53 cows dried-off were included, achieving a reduction by 86.8% on the quarter level. In herd B, 23 quarters of non-severe CM were recorded. Of them, S. uberis and Escherichia coli were identified equally in 8 (34.8%) samples and NAS in 2 (8.7%) samples and with no growth in 5 (21.7%) cases. Bacteriological cure was achieved in 17/18 quarters (94.4%). Antimicrobial consumption was reduced from 4.45 to 1.83 doses per case. Only 5 (1.7%) quarters of 72 cows were included for SDCT with reduction in consumption of antimicrobials by 98.3% on the quarter level. In summary, innovated treatment protocols based on results of on-farm culture enabled a significant reduction of antimicrobial consumption and improvement of bacteriological cure rate in conditions of practise.

Milk quality and production under climate change uncertainty: case of the Algerian cattle breed

Algerian indigenous cattle breeds are well adapted to the harsh local arid and semi-arid environments. This study aims to summarize livestock practices, milk quality, and discuss the potential of local cattle breeds to maintain production capacity in the face of global warming conditions. A total of 175 smallholder farmers who practice the breeding of the Algerian local cattle breed were interviewed using a formal questionnaire. Following that, 122 milk samples were collected for physicochemical and bacteriological analyses. Climate data variability in the study area was evaluated. Results reveal that between 1980 and 2018, the average annual temperature rose by 0.3 ± 0.001 °C per year. Predictions suggest that by 2081 to 2100, temperatures could increase by 1.18°C under SSP1-2.6, 2.33°C under SSP2-4.5, and 4.59°C under SSP5-8.5. In the same period from 1980 to 2018, annual precipitation decreased by -0.99 ± 0.24 mm per year. Projections indicate a further decline of 22.5 mm for SSP1-2.6, 44.4 mm for SSP2-4.5, and 95.2 mm for SSP5-8.5 from 1980-2000 to 2081-2100. These changes in temperature and precipitation coincided with an expansion of cropland, which increased by 90.3% from 1992 to 2005. Conversely, pasture areas decreased by 53.7% between 1993 and 2009. A socio-demographic survey revealed that breeders have a low educational level (39.4% are unlettered). They own a small herd (6.84 ± 8.66 cattle). Moreover, the average daily milk production was 4.13 ± 2.12 Liters/cow, with acceptable physicochemical quality but poor bacteriological quality. Considering the climate change vulnerability of the study area, we can conclude that the exploitation of local breeds seems to be the best adaptation strategy to climate change effects. Conservation programs for local breeds can enhance biodiversity and ecosystem balance. Concurrently, genetic improvement programs have the potential to boost productivity and profitability, making substantial contributions to social equity and local economies.

Conserving localized endemic butterflies through demographic and ecological studies: Polyommatus humedasae

1.Polyommatus humedasae is an endemic species narrowly distributed in a few sites in the Aosta Valley (NW Italy). Similarly to other alpine butterflies, the survival of the species is closely linked to the conservation of semi-natural grasslands.2.Despite the species being known since 1976, this is the first comprehensive data collection and analysis on this species, firstly to understand its distribution. At Pont d'Ael, the species core site, we applied the mark-release-recapture (MRR) method to estimate population size and density. To understand the species ecology, we collected data on preimaginal stages (eggs and larvae), host plants, and vegetation composition.3.The new data on species distribution (with 5 new sites and 2 subpopulations already extinct) permitted to update the extinction risk through IUCN assessment to Critically Endangered (CR). The estimated size (881 individuals) and density (73 N/ha) of the studied population are higher than those of other endemic Polyommatus species. Data suggest the species is monophagous on Onobrychis arenaria and prefers to lay eggs where the host plant is abundant, in ecotonal areas with some shrub cover (average 8 %), high herbaceous cover (average 68 %) and on plants in better physiological conditions.4.For species such as P. humedasae, which are threaten by woody encroachment, climate change, fires and collection, we propose the application of a management plan that includes: 1) mechanical cut of wood species; 2) small herds on a rotational basis to reduce woody encroachment and maintain shrub patches; 3) dissemination events to highlight the population importance.

Serological evidence of Maedi-Visna and Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis in sheep and goats in the Korça region in Albania

Lentiviruses infect small ruminants and cause similar but different two significant diseases: Maedi-Visna in sheep and Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis in goats. In the current study, 91 of 413 adult sheep and goats from the Korça region tested positive for small ruminant lentiviruses. Furthermore, 11 of the 25 small ruminant herds have at least one positive animal for small ruminant lentiviruses. The overall observed herd prevalence was 44.0% (95% CI: 29–59) for both diseases, 38.6% (95% CI: 18.6-55.1) for Maedi-Visna in sheep, and 66.7% (95% CI: 43.1-90.2) for Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis in goats. The average observed prevalence rate ranges from 20% to 82.9% (95% CI: 12–89.2) within positive goat’s herds, while within sheep-positive herds, it varies from 23.1% to 57.1% (95% CI: 11.7–70.4). There was a positive correlation between seroprevalence rate and animal species; goats seem to have an odd 2.36 (OR 95% CI: 1.48-3.76) higher than sheep to test positive in ELISA. Other risk factors, such as farm size, indoor versus outdoor rearing, and close farm biosecurity, may play a role in disease transmission between and within small ruminant animals’ herds. This is the first study on the prevalence of Maedi-Visna infection in sheep and one of the few published Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis studies in Albania. These findings support the presence of Small Ruminant Lentiviruses (SRLV) in the Korça district emphasize the need for monitoring and controlling SRLV infection in sheep and goats. According to the study’s conclusions, a yearly monitoring program is essential and must be developed in the future to keep the disease under control. This initiative aims to help owners understand SRLV and the need to raise seronegative animals

Epidemiological Assessment of Bovine Foot and Mouth Disease in different Sized Herds and among Species and Breed in Tamil Nadu, India

The dairy industry encounters substantial challenges due to livestock diseases that pose a threat to farmers' livelihood, food security and economy. Among the bovine diseases, Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) is most contagious and economically important. Epidemiological survey was conducted among dairy farmers and the results indicated that the prevalence of FMD was more in large herds (6.58%) followed by medium (6.32%) and small herds (5.55%).The mortality rates were more in large herds (1.15%) than medium (0.91%), and small herds (0.85%). Case Fatality Rate (CFR) was higher in large herds (16.92%) compared to medium (14.03%) and small herds (12.50%).However, the prevalence, mortality and CFR did not vary significantly (P>.05) between different herd sizes. Among breeds, the prevalence of FMD was high in indigenous cattle (8.63%) followed by crossbreds (6.32%) and buffaloes (3.09%) and the difference was significant (χ2=9.04; P=.01). The mortality rate was higher in crossbreds (1.42%) compared to indigenous breeds (0.45%) but non-significant (P>.05). Notably, the CFR was significantly higher (Fischer’s exact=5.531; P=.02) in crossbreds (22.61%) than in indigenous breeds (5.26%). To avoid sporadic incidences, it is essential to enhance vaccination coverage, biosecurity measures, farmers’ awareness, treatment facilities, movement restrictions and quarantine practices.

Factors influencing Scottish dairy farmers’ antimicrobial usage, knowledge and attitude towards antimicrobial resistance

Understanding how farmers use antimicrobials and their awareness and beliefs about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is essential to improve antimicrobial usage (AMU) practices and combat AMR on dairy farms. A cross-sectional online survey was carried out to identify the factors affecting attitudes, knowledge and behaviour of Scottish dairy producers regarding prudent AMU and the emergence of AMR in livestock. The survey was designed based on the earlier findings of two focus groups and was disseminated online via multiple methods (e.g., social media; farming press). Participation was voluntary and answers were obtained from 61 respondents (7.3% of the total population of Scottish dairy farmers). Logistic and ordinal regression analyses were performed to identify predictors for farmers’ level of knowledge about antimicrobials and AMR, AMU behaviour and attitudes towards AMR mitigation. Associations were described with odds ratios (OR) and the associated 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Farmers were more likely to have better knowledge of antimicrobials and AMR if they had undertaken a university degree (OR = 28.28, P < 0.001), worked with mixed livestock (dairy plus sheep/beef) (OR = 4.82, P < 0.05), and trusted only veterinarians’ information about responsible AMU (OR = 4.42, P < 0.05). In the survey disease scenarios, younger farmers were less likely to be classed as low antimicrobial users (OR = 0.18, P < 0.05) compared to older farmers. Respondents working on larger herds were also less likely to be low antimicrobial users compared to those working on smaller herds (OR = 0.12, P < 0.01). Conversely, farmers who did not consider economic factors (e.g., cost and withdrawal period) in antimicrobial choice were more likely to be classed as low antimicrobial users (OR = 6.17, P < 0.01). Respondents were more likely to show positive attitudes towards AMR mitigation if they worked in larger (OR = 4.67, P < 0.05) or organic dairy farms (OR = 18.35, P < 0.05). These results suggest that several practices, social, demographic, and economic factors influence dairy farmers’ perception and awareness of AMR and AMU. Efforts should be made to consider these variables when developing strategies to improve AMU in dairy farming. Veterinarians and advisors should focus AMU training and AMR awareness-raising activities towards younger, less experienced farmers as well as those with a lower educational qualification (high school vs. university degree). This study can inform the development of targeted educational initiatives to encourage responsible AMU on dairy farms.

Molecular prevalence and phylogeny of Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma ovis and Theileria ovis in goats and sheep enrolled from a hill station in Punjab, Pakistan.

Anaplasma marginale (A. marginale), Anaplasma ovis (A. ovis) and Theileria ovis (T. ovis) are among the most commonly reported intracellular tick borne pathogens that infect ruminants across the globe causing huge economic losses. This study aims to report the prevalence and phylogenetic evaluation of these three pathogens infecting sheep and goats (n = 333) that were enrolled from Fort Munro region in Pakistan by using msp1b, msp4 and 18S rRNA genes for A. marginale, A. ovis and T. ovis respectively. Results revealed almost similar infection rates in sheep and goats with an overall prevalence of 11% for A. marginale, 28% for A. ovis and 3% for T. ovis. Concurrent infection was also recorded, however, the number of animals infected with two pathogens (n = 24; 7.2%) was higher than infection with three pathogens (n = 2; 0.6%). Risk factor analysis revealed that sheep reared in small herds had higher A. marginale (P = 0.03) and A. ovis (P = 0.04) infection rates compared to those from large herds. In addition, it was observed that bucks (P ≤ 0.05) and tick-free goats (P ≤ 0.05) exhibited higher A. ovis infection rates than nannies. Phylogenetic analysis of all three pathogens showed that Pakistani isolates were clustered together and were closely related to previously deposited Pakistani isolates as well as with those that were reported from worldwide countries. In conclusion, we are reporting that Pakistani sheep and goats have A. marginale, A. ovis and T. ovis mediated infections and control measures should be taken against them to improve the productivity of the livestock sector.

Genome-wide runs of homozygosity in Indian goat breeds reared under small holder production system

Small holder goat production system is often constrained by high inbreeding due to small herd size and uncontrolled breeding. Runs of homozygosity (ROH), the long stretches of homozygous genomic DNA is the most reliable measure of autozygosity. The objective of present study was to investigate the number and coverage of ROH in the genome and to estimate the genomic inbreeding coefficient (FROH) in two divergent Indian goat breeds viz; Attappady Black and Malabari goats farmed under small holder production system. The genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker data obtained by Illumina SNP50 goat BeadChip genotyping of 48 goats (24 each of Attappady Black and Malabari goats) sampled from farmers flock in their respective breeding tract was utilised for ROH detection. The ROH of > 1 Mb was defined as tracts of homozygous genotypes with at least 15 SNPs and less than five missing SNPs. The ROH detection was carried out with PLINK 1.9 version. The proportion of goats lacking ROH (per cent) was 66.67 in Attappady Black and 39.13 in Malabari goats. The mean number and length of ROH of 1 Mb or more was higher in Malabari goats (2.1304 ± 0.6369 and 6.0016 ± 0.5271 Mb) compared to Attappady Black goats (0.4583 ± 0.1343 and 4.0197 ± 0.3755 Mb). Mean ± S.E of sum of ROH coverage of genome per individual (SROH) was 1.8423 ± 0.05976 and 8.8236 ± 1.2785 Mb in Attappady Black and Malabari goats, respectively and differed among the two breeds significantly (p ≤ 0.05). Analysis of the distribution of ROH according to their length showed that majority of the detected ROH were < 8 Mb in length in both breeds with no ROH of > 8 Mb in Attappady Black goats. Mean ± S.E of genomic inbreeding coefficient (FROH≥1 Mb) in per cent was 0.519 ± 0.19 and 0.07480 ± 0.0243 in Malabari goats and Attappady Black goats, respectively. The pattern of ROH estimated in the present analysis indicates the inbreeding history of the goats farmed under small holder production system. Results of present study indicate that both breeds are less consanguineous and showed no evidence of recent inbreeding.

To move or not to move—factors influencing small-scale herder and livestock movements in the Dzungarian Gobi, Mongolia

In Mongolia, where nomadic pastoralism is still practiced by around one-third of the population, increasing livestock numbers, socio-economic constraints and climate change raise concerns over rangeland health. Little empirical evidence explains what triggers camp moves of pastoralists in the Dzungarian Gobi in Mongolia, which factors influence grazing mobility around camps, and how altitudinal migration benefits small livestock. We combined GPS tracking data of 19 small livestock herds monitored from September 2018 to April 2020 with remotely sensed climate and environmental data. We used general linear-mixed models to analyse variables influencing camp use duration and daily mobility patterns. To understand the importance of the altitudinal migration, we compared climatic conditions along the elevation gradient and looked at seasonal body weight changes of small livestock. We found that available plant biomass and season best explained camp use duration. Daily walking distance and maximum distance from camp increased with camp use duration. Pasture time increased with increasing biomass and rising temperatures. We conclude that herders in the Dzungarian Gobi have optimized pasture use by reacting to changes in biomass availability at landscape and local scale, and by embracing altitudinal migration. Flexibility in grazing mobility seems to have enabled local herder communities to practise sustainable pasture use. Maintaining this mobility will most likely be the best strategy to deal with environmental change under the current climate change scenarios.

Can low-input agriculture in semi-arid Burkina Faso feed its soil, livestock and people?

Agriculture in semi-arid Burkina Faso is dominated by mixed crop-livestock smallholder farms with limited investment capacity in production factors, such as improved seeds, fertilizer and equipment. Hence, to make a living, farmers try to make the best use of available resources based on principles of agro-ecology, including crop diversity and nutrient and biomass recycling. We investigated farm-level management of resources (soil, crops and livestock) through time to assess whether the current management options were able to sustain crop and livestock production and fulfil household food requirements. We ran a one-year detailed farm monitoring campaign in collaboration with 22 volunteer farmers representing the diversity of the farming system in our study area. We quantified inputs and outputs in the cropping system (177 fields) for one rainy season. In addition, the weekly dynamics of crop residues left on field were quantified. Moreover, inflow and outflow of resources at farm level were quantified weekly. The cropping system was characterized by a negative nitrogen balance of about 12 kg N/ha/year, with market-oriented farms and large livestock owners having the most negative balance. Legumes grown (sole and intercropping) contributed to alleviate the nitrogen depletion by adding 15 kg N/ha/year to the nitrogen inputs through atmospheric fixation. However, cereal-legume intercropping did not significantly reduce the nitrogen deficit in comparison to sole cereal cropping mainly because of the small proportion of legumes (8%) in intercropped fields. Livestock grazed crop residues left on the soil (739 kg dry matter/ha on average) at a rate of 26 − 76 kg/ha/week, thus strongly reducing the potential for mulching in the region. Livestock protein requirements were rarely met from farm-produced feed with average feed gaps ranging between 40% and 89% of the daily requirements for small and large herd keepers respectively. Large livestock (cattle) owners relied on transhumance during the rainy season, grazing and frequent purchase of crop residues and concentrates to feed their livestock. We estimated that grazed biomass provided on average at least 73% and 58% of metabolizable energy and protein feed requirement of livestock respectively. Concerning food availability, the amount of grain produced was generally enough to fulfil household energy requirements (89–175% of required energy, in kcal), even if households with higher people to land ratio were not self-sufficient. We concluded that the current farm management, even if it provides enough food for the majority of investigated farms, results in soil fertility mining and poor crop livestock production and integration. Our detailed farm data indicate that an appropriate diversity of crops and a better integration of legume crops in the cropping system, associated to improved manure and forage management is needed to sustain crop and livestock production.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Egypt

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii and affecting all warm-blooded animals. The available data about the epidemiological situation of T. gondii in water buffaloes in Egypt are scarce. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in water buffaloes in three Egyptian governorates and to evaluate the associated risk factors for the infection. A total of 430 sera samples were examined using commercial Indirect ELISA Multi-species kit. The overall seroprevalence rate of T. gondii in examined water buffaloes was 7.4 %, and the highest rate (9.3 %) was found in Kafr ElSheikh governorate. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that adult buffalo (OR = 7.10; 95 % CI: 0.87–57.68; P = 0.067) and small herds (OR = 8.42; 95 % CI: 1.07–66.02; P = 0.043) were more likely than young buffalo and large herds to become infected with T. gondii. Moreover, the risk of buffaloes contracting T. gondii infection was higher in winter and especially among animals contacted with cats. It is necessary to identify risk factors in order to determine what mitigation, control, and prevention strategies to implement in order to reduce, control, and prevent T. gondii infection in domestic animals, which will in turn reduce human infection with the disease.

Utilisation of Actiphage in combination with IS900 qPCR as a diagnostic tool for rapid determination of paratuberculosis infection status in small ruminant herds.

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the causative agent of paratuberculosis, a chronic infectious intestinal disease occurring in domestic and wild ruminants. Early diagnosis of infected herds enabling timely adoption of control measures is tremendously important in view of the fact that the disease has a significant economic impact on farmers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of rapid detection of viable MAP on small ruminant farms based on environmental sample examination using a novel phage-based test named Actiphage. A total of 9 fresh and 28 frozen (8 or 11 years at -70°C) environmental samples originating from paratuberculosis-affected farms were analysed for the presence of MAP by four different diagnostic methods: Actiphage combined with real-time PCR targeting insertion sequence 900 (IS900 qPCR), conventional phage amplification assay, culture (frozen samples only), and direct ĪS900 qPCR. Viable MAP was detected in one fresh environmental sample using Actiphage-IS900 qPCR. None of the frozen samples tested positive using this diagnostic approach, which was consistent with the results of culture examination also providing information on viability. This study describes other possible and innovative uses of phage-based methods in paratuberculosis control strategies. The Actiphage-qPCR was found to be less laborious than culture and provided results within six hours, suggesting that it may be a valuable tool for rapid initial determination of the infectious status of farmed animals based on environmental sample examination.

Winning strategies against Hemonchus

Hemonchus contortus is the most serious parasite facing small ruminant herds and flocks. Anthelmintic resistance and gastro­intestinal parasitism due to this parasite have been identified as the greatest threats to small ruminant production worldwide (Waller 1997). Critical management areas for control of Hemon­chus include refugia, environment, nutrition, genetics and drugs.

Labour in suckler cow herds – a study on enterprises in southern Sweden

ABSTRACT This study aimed at examining labour demand in Swedish suckler cow operations grazing biodiverse semi-natural grasslands. Labour time was successfully recorded by 49 randomly selected farmers and their employees using an application in their mobile phone to register time for different labour tasks every 8th day for one year, crop production excluded. Median labour time for all herds was 17 hours/cow/year with a general lower workload per cow for large herds compared to small herds. Labour demand during the grazing period was however more dependent on the structure of pastures than herd size. The calving period was the most labour-intensive period, whereas supervision on pasture was the most time-consuming task both during the grazing period and the entire year. Large variations among herds indicates that there are often great opportunities for achieving a decreased labour time, not the least in small herds.

Ammonia and methane emissions from small herd cattle buildings in a cold climate

Ammonia (NH3) and methane (CH4) emission measurements that reflect local production conditions are required to track progress in national emission policies and verify emission factors. The findings can also be used to better understand key factors influencing emissions. This is especially important in Norway, which has long cold winters, and small cattle herds in mechanically ventilated buildings. However, until now, NH3 and CH4 emissions from Norwegian cattle buildings have not been reported in literature. Moreover, in other cold climates, NH3 and CH4 emissions are often taken from large dairy herds in naturally ventilated buildings, with less focus on suckler cows. The objectives were to assess indoor climate, report NH3 and CH4 emissions and examine the impact of climatic factors on NH3 and CH4 emissions in three small herd dairy and suckler cow buildings over three seasons. Three of the buildings had mechanical ventilation, while one was naturally ventilated. The suckler building had higher relative humidity (RH > 90 %) and NH3 concentrations (> 25 ppm) due to lower minimum air change rate (ACH = 1.2 h−1). The suckler building also had the highest NH3 emissions (2.04 g Livestock Unit (LU)−1 h−1) followed by the mechanically ventilated dairy building (1.92 g LU−1 h−1) with the highest ACH. These two buildings had the lowest stocking densities and floor areas. In contrast, the suckler building had the lowest CH4 emissions (6.8–10.7 g LU−1 h−1). Methane emissions from the dairy building with the supply-exhaust air mixing system (16.4–19.3 g LU−1 h−1) was higher than the other dairy buildings (11.7–13.8 g LU−1 h−1). Temperature influenced NH3 emissions however, the direction of association between temperature and NH3 emissions differed among buildings. Relationship between RH and NH3 emissions was positive, but the correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.67) was strongest in the building with the highest RH.

Heterogeneity of preferences and breeders’ willingness to pay for improved livestock system in Benin, West Africa

The productivity of livestock, including small ruminants, in Benin, is very low, and their management practices in terms of feeding, health and reproduction do not ensure their optimal production. This research aimed to assess the willingness of sheep and goat keepers to pay for an improved breeding system. Data collection from 118 sheep and 375 goat breeders selected in six agroecological zones of Benin was undertaken using the choice experiments. The mixed logit model revealed heterogeneity in the preferences of small ruminant keepers for breeds, feeding practices, health treatments and reproductive control. This heterogeneity of preferences was confirmed by the latent class logit model results, which revealed the existence of four classes of sheep breeders and three classes of goat breeders. Irrespective of species, small ruminant breeders were generally willing to use herbal medicine or combine it with modern veterinary medicine and adopt Sahelian breeds or crossbreeds (Sahelian x Djallonke). They were not willing to adapt neither zero grazing nor controlled reproduction. The combination of the coefficient estimates of the latent class logit model and the determinants of class membership showed that herders in southern Benin with small and monospecific herds were the most willing to introduce changes in their breeding system.

Development of competencies for new graduates in small ruminant practice by utilizing a survey of current practitioners

There are no standardized clinical competencies for new gradu­ates interested in small ruminant herd health, medicine and surgery. This void is obvious as other professional veterinary associations publish competency guidelines for new graduates. Small ruminants are becoming increasingly popular with the development of niche markets, low startup cost and increased interest in livestock production for home consumption by own­ers in suburban areas, which leads to more mixed and small animal practitioners being tasked with seeing small ruminants. A survey was sent to small ruminant practitioners in North America to gauge the type of small ruminants seen by the prac­tice, procedures performed on small ruminants, and small ruminant disease prevalence in the practice. Results from this survey will be used to establish clinical competencies for new graduates interested in small ruminant practice.

ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE AND TRENDS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS IN BREEDING DAIRY FARMS OF UKRAINE

The global dairy sector has been significantly impacted in recent years, with experts assessing the consequences as a serious threat to the food security of the world's population. The biggest destabilising factors for the industry were the effects of the pandemic, war, inflation and high energy prices. Despite the steady increase in demand for milk, there is currently no trend towards a recovery in production growth. Dairy producers are under constant pressure from the above factors, resulting in lower margins, difficult access to competitive capital, and constant adaptation to new regulations. In the current political, economic and climatic conditions, one of the possible ways to increase the profitability of the dairy industry as a major incentive to increase production is the widespread introduction of innovative technological approaches to milk production.&#x0D; The purpose of the article is to assess the state and trends in the implementation of innovative technological solutions in dairy farming in Ukraine on the example of Ukrainian breeding dairy farms.&#x0D; Research results. In order to ensure the survival of the national dairy industry during the active military phase, as well as its rapid development in the post-war period, created a Roadmap for the restoration of the dairy industry. The Roadmap is primarily aimed at ensuring sustainable long-term development of the dairy industry; creation and operation of highly efficient and financially sustainable dairy farms; stimulating the construction of modern dairy enterprises with widespread introduction of innovations aimed at increasing the international competitiveness of the industry.&#x0D; Our research has shown that in recent years, the dynamics of modernisation processes in Ukrainian dairy farming has accelerated. In particular, in the Holstein herds, the productivity of cows kept in dairy complexes increased by 1882 kg per cow, or 470 kg per year on average, in 2016–2020.&#x0D; At the same time, increasing the efficiency of milk production through the introduction of innovative technological solutions will result in a mega-trend of farm consolidation in the future. For example, in the US, 50.3% of milk is produced at industrial large-scale dairies with more than 1.000 cows, where the latest science and technology is used. The influence of the factor of production concentration on the efficiency of the use of breeding animals of dairy and dairy-meat cattle breeds was studied. The average number of cows in the controlled breeding herds of dairy breeds in Ukraine (n = 350) in 2019 was 400 cows. The average milk yield per cow was 7.540 kg. According to the results of the analysis, as the number of cows in the farms grows, economic indicators such as revenue, profitability, and profitability increase.&#x0D; Conclusions. In recent years, a quarter of breeding farms for the most numerous specialised dairy breeds have been involved in the innovation process in pedigree dairy cattle breeding, with more than 50% of the number of breeding cows of these breeds concentrated there. The small herds used traditional technologies for keeping and using cows.&#x0D; The introduction of the latest innovative technological solutions for industrial milk production ensures an increase in revenues from its sale due to the growth of cow productivity. As the concentration of cows increases, the industry's performance indicators, such as milk yield, feed intake and the intensity of land use, are also increasing. The industry's profitability is increasing from 14.7% to over 24.2%.&#x0D; When creating new livestock complexes in the post-war period, the best international and domestic experience of the industry should be taken into account. The development of the dairy farming sector should be aimed at breeding specialised dairy cattle breeds and introducing innovative technologies for their maintenance, feeding and operation. Domestic specialised dairy breeds are at the level of the best European analogues in terms of productivity in industrial dairy complexes, and are superior in terms of reproduction and health, are economically viable and should become the basis for further development of the dairy cattle industry in Ukraine.

Dairy cattle breeding practices, production and constraints in arid and semi-arid Algerian bioclimatic environments

ABSTRACT The present study aims to characterise dairy cattle farms in two Algerian agro-ecological regions; the semi-arid region (SAR) and the arid region (AR). The survey was carried out on 213 farms. Accordingly, more than 40% of farms are characterised by small herds with ≤15 heads/farm and ≤5 dairy cows/herd. SAR farms benefit from both agricultural land types of 1–300 ha (Used Agricultural Area UAA and pastoral area), while the Saharan ones rely on small UAA. Fertility levels were higher in SAR farms where is recorded a fertility index ≤2 in 92.6% and open period ≤90 days postpartum in 68.6% with a mean lactation length exceeding 305 days in 44.6% farms. The average daily milk yield is 15 litres/cow in both regions. It is recommended to implement strategic and reliable farm management to improve herd management, minimise constraints, and maximise production, particularly in the AR.