Sustainable Production Practices Research Articles

REPORT OF PRACTICAL CLASS IN AGRICULTURAL AREA WITH THE BACHELOR CLASS IN AGRONOMY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF TRACUATEUA-PA

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a highly consumed root and a significant source of carbohydrates in Brazil and around the world. In the state of Pará, cassava is vital to the local economy, especially in the municipality of Tracuateua. The culture involves family farmers and serves as an important source of income and subsistence. Different cultivars are used, such as BRS Tapioqueira and BRS Verdinha, which exceed 70 thousand kg/ha with good management. Adequate fertilization, pest control and weed management are essential for high productivity. Irrigation can significantly increase production. On the property of Mr. Benedito Dutra, member of the RENIVA project, the production of seed cassava and cowpea is highlighted. It uses cultivars developed by Embrapa, such as BRS Kiriris, BRS Formosa and BRS Novo Horizonte, which are recommended for industrial use. Dutra also grows cowpeas, using varieties such as BRS Guirá and BRS Natalina, which are highly productive and adapted to local conditions. The property has an irrigated area of ​​23 hectares per central pivot, ensuring crop hydration during dry periods. During the field visit, several areas of experimentation were observed. The experimental plots of cassava and cowpea showed good performance, with a high survival rate and resistance to pests. The integration of advanced soil management, pest control and irrigation practices highlighted the property as an example of innovative agriculture. The experience on Mr. Dutra’s property demonstrated the importance of innovation and adoption of advanced agricultural practices for sustainable and productive agricultural production.

Metabolic Profile of “Guineo Paso” Aracataca Magdalena Colombia

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the social metabolism of the production of "Guineo paso" in Aracataca, Magdalena, in order to analyze its relationship with strong sustainability and food sovereignty in the region. Theoretical Framework: In this section, the main concepts and theories that underpin the research are presented. Social metabolism, strong sustainability, and food sovereignty are highlighted, providing a solid foundation for understanding the context of the investigation. Method: The methodology adopted for this research includes a qualitative and quantitative approach, involving semi-structured interviews with social leaders and the application of the metabolic profile method. Data collection was carried out through interviews and analysis of historical data on biomass appropriation and the number of workers involved in production. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed a significant increase in biomass appropriation over the years, rising from 13.8 kilograms in 2000 to 90 kilograms in 2022. In the discussion section, these results are contextualized in light of the theoretical framework, highlighting the implications for sustainability and the resilience of agroecological systems. Possible discrepancies and limitations of the study, such as variability in labor data, are also considered in this section. Implications of the Research: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of agroecology and food security. These implications may encompass agricultural policies, sustainable production practices, and community resilience strategies. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by offering a detailed analysis of social metabolism in a specific context, highlighting the relationship between agricultural production and sustainability. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by its ability to inform sustainable practices and public policies that promote food sovereignty and resilience in agricultural communities.

Unraveling the intriguing potential of protein-rich microbial biostimulants for horticultural crops

Nutritional security and minimizing the impact of farming practices on the environment are major challenges in modern farming systems. Currently, the horticulture sector is growing fast and moving towards sustainability and profitability. Indiscriminate and improper use of chemical inputs to ensure high yields of horticultural products could lead to significant contamination of soil and water bodies. Under these circumstances, farmers must optimize their input management to reduce pollution and preserve the economic margin by following sustainable production practices. The use of precision horticulture techniques is more sustainable than conventional to intensive farming methods. Among the various eco-friendly inputs, plant biostimulants are highly effective and can enhance plant growth and production as well as mitigate the adverse effects of abiotic stressors. Protein Hydrolysates (PHs) are a significant class of plant biostimulants based on amino acid and peptide mixtures. Because of their beneficial effects on crop performance, PHs has drawn increased amounts of attention recently. Compared with other biostimulants microbial biostimulants are more prevalent in crop production. A new approach is the formulation of a mixture of plant growth-promoting microorganisms/microbe-derived metabolites and protein hydrolysates as single biostimulants, to nourish the soil, plants and microbes. This review presents a thorough summary of recent research on the postulated modes of action of PHs and microbial biostimulants in horticultural crops. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential of protein hydrolysates and microbial biostimulants and the potential of the protein-rich microbial biostimulants to make horticulture more profitable and to safeguard the environment.

Analysis of Determinants of Envitonmrntal Awareness Among Beef Consumers

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

Machine learning-based analysis of nutrient and water uptake in hydroponically grown soybeans

Recent advancements in sustainable agriculture have spurred interest in hydroponics as an alternative to conventional farming methods. However, the lack of data-driven approaches in hydroponic growth presents a significant challenge. This study addresses this gap by varying nitrogen, magnesium, and potassium concentrations in hydroponically grown soybeans and conducting essential nutrient profiling across the growth cycle. Statistical techniques like Linear Interpolation are employed to interpolate nutrient data and a feature selection pipeline consisting of chi-squared testing methods, Linear Regression with Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) and ExtraTreesClassifier have been used to select important nutrients for predicting water uptake using non-parametric regression methods. For different nutrient growth media, i.e. for soybeans grown in Hoagland + Nitrogen and Hoagland + Magnesium media, the Random Forest regressor outperformed other methods in predicting water uptake, achieving testing Mean Squared Error (MSE) scores of 24.55 (R2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ ext{R}}^{2}$$\\end{document} score 0.63) and 8.23 (R2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ ext{R}}^{2}$$\\end{document} score 0.81), respectively. Similarly, for soybeans grown in Hoagland + Potassium media, Support Vector Regression demonstrated superior performance with a testing MSE of 4.37 and R2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ ext{R}}^{2}$$\\end{document} score of 0.85. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values are examined in each case to elucidate the contributions of individual nutrients to water uptake predictions. This research aims to provide data-driven insights to optimize hydroponic practices for sustainable food production.

From kitchen to cosmetics: Study on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of waste cooking oil-derived soap

A large amount of used cooking oil (UCO) is improperly disposed of in sewage and rivers, leading to environmental pollution and posing health risks such as carcinogenic diseases. This study explores an eco-friendly approach to addressing this issue by repurposing UCO for laundry soap production, contributing to waste management and environmental decontamination. The soap was prepared by treating UCO with an alkaline solution (NaOH) through a simple saponification process, providing a greener alternative to traditional methods that rely on imported vegetable oils. The prepared soaps were evaluated for cleansing capacity as well as physical, chemical, and physicochemical properties. The results showed moisture content of 9.27 % to 10.34 %, pH ranging from 6.03 to 4.46, chloride percentage from 0.055 % to 0.29 %, free caustic alkali between 0.152 and 0.175, and total alkali content from 0.29 % to 0.73 %. These values meet the requirements of East African Standards (EAS), validating the quality of UCO-based soaps. By diverting UCO from waste streams and utilizing it in soap production, this approach supports waste management, minimizes environmental pollution, and contributes to sustainable production practices.

Characterization, generative design, and fabrication of a carbon fiber-reinforced industrial robot gripper via additive manufacturing

Robot grippers are crucial components across various industrial applications, requiring special design and production for obtaining the optimal performance. Conventional plastic injection moulding techniques fall short in achieving the specificity needed for these grippers. To address this challenge, current paper focuses on developing a robot gripper using carbon fiber-reinforced polyamide with a next-generation composite filament and employing the innovative Generative Design technique. In the work, we began by characterizing and optimizing the composite material specifications. Then, the tensile strength and fracture mechanics of standard samples based on printing parameters, applying Taguchi experimental design for optimization were evaluated. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used for factor analysis to fine-tune the process. Using the Generative Design technique, we determined optimal geometries, which were then fabricated through Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). As a result, the optimization efforts led to significant improvements i.e., tensile strength increased from 103.2 to 116 MPa, and the elasticity modulus from 8386 to 8990 MPa. In practical industrial applications, we achieved a reduction in material weight from 14 to 4 g, lowered production costs from $5.16 to $1.50, and cut production time from 58 to 28 min. This study presents a validated method for developing industrial products with reduced material usage and costs, promoting sustainable production practices.

Role Of Government Policies In Shaping Vegetable Marketing Practices: Evidence FromRajasthan

This study examines the impact of government policies on vegetable marketing practices in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Using primary data collected from surveys of 500 farmers, 100 wholesalers, and 50 retailers across five districts of Rajasthan, as well as secondary data fromgovernment reports and academic literature, the paper analyzes how various national and state-level agricultural policies have influenced the structure and functioning of vegetable value chains in the region. Key policies considered include the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act, contract farming laws, minimum support prices (MSP), and agricultural subsidies. The results show that the APMC Act has led to the development of a network of regulated wholesale markets which serve as the main marketing channel for vegetables, but its provisions restricting sales outside these markets have hindered direct linkages between producers and buyers. Recent reforms aimed at allowing private markets and removing barriers to interstate trade have had limited impact so far. Contract farming remains underdeveloped due to regulatory uncertainty and lack of trust between stakeholders. MSP haslittle relevance for most vegetable crops given their perishability and lack of public procurement. Input subsidies, while increasing yields, have exacerbated problems of overuse of chemicals and declining water tables. The paper argues for a more holistic, nutrition-sensitive approach to agricultural policy that goes beyond a narrow focus on boosting production and marketable surplus. Specific recommendations include investments in storage and cold-chain infrastructure, expansion of crop insurance coverage, promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations and shorter supply chains, and greater emphasis on sustainable production practices and nutrition education. Enhancing smallholder access to credit, information, and input-output markets remains critical

Briefing for Circularity. Translating EU policies into operational guidelines for the building project

Abstract The current EU interest in Circular Economy offers novel opportunities to move towards more sustainable production and consumption practices. Literature confirms that building stakeholders are expressing a growing demand of common references and tools to support the integration of circular principles in building processes. The paper introduces a methodological approach meant as an information support tool to translate EU circularity policies into guidelines for building design and management. Indeed, the challenge is to translate circularity objectives and targets into specific requirements expressed from one stakeholder to another, up to the last operator involved in the supply chain. The requests along the different levels of the supply chain must be consistent with each other and with the initial circularity objectives expressed at the origin by the client. Hence, starting by outlining the complexity of the fragmented building supply-chain, the paper identifies the proper level of detail for expressing circularity requirements and, therefore, for communicating mutually consistent circularity objectives at the different levels of the supply chain. Supporting the integration of circularity requirements within Project Briefs (design phase) and Invitations to Tender (management phase), the proposed tool lays the foundations for the experimentation of circular building practices and for the systemic evaluation of compliance with EU circularity objectives.

Integrating life cycle assessment and multi criteria decision making analysis towards sustainable cocoa production system in Indonesia: An environmental, economic, and social impact perspective

Sustainable Cocoa production practices should be investigated comprehensively to address sustainability requirements and mitigate Cocoa production issues in Indonesia. This study aims to identify the sustainable Cocoa production system considering the environmental, economic, and social impacts. Life cycle framework and multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) were integrated to obtain the study's objectives by comparing Cocoa monocropping system (CM) and Cocoa intercropping systems (IC). The result indicated that in the environmental sustainability aspect, the monocropping system (CM) showed higher performance as indicated by the lower environmental impact in all indicators; for example, CM emitted a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) that has a lower margin of 34.5–55.9 % compared to the intercropping system (IC-I and IC-II). In the economic aspect, both on the short-term and long-term analysis, the Cocoa intercropping system (IC-II) generated higher value-added and economic feasibility, with a higher profit margin of 150–205 % compared to CM and IC-1. Along with the increase of economic benefits in IC II, this system also significantly provides social benefits, as presented by the higher social index margin of 4.9–23.7 % compared to other systems. Furthermore, by applying decision-making analysis, the result determines the highest index on the Cocoa intercropping system II (IC-II). These findings highlight that applying the intercropping system II is recommended to overcome the cocoa issue at the farmer and decision-maker levels. Additionally, the proposed method that combined LCA-MCDM can be applied to another agricultural commodity to achieve sustainable agriculture production.

Assessment of Physico-Chemical Properties of Biogas Slurry as an Organic Fertilizer for Sustainable Agriculture

Chemical fertilizers have been extensively used for growing crops and controlling plant diseases, but they pose potential hazards to the environment, soil health, plants, and people. The current world situation highlights the need to implement eco-friendly agricultural practices for sustainable crop production. Using environmentally friendly manure, such as biogas slurry, can help reduce the negative effects of chemical fertilizers. Biogas slurry is an efficient waste material and organic fertilizer, making it an ideal supplement for sustainable crop production and waste management. An experiment was conducted at IARI, New Delhi, to explore the nutrient potential of biogas slurry. The main objective of this study was to assess biogas slurry's physico-chemical characteristics and nutrient contents. Samples of biogas slurry were collected in three replications and analyzed using standard methods for macro and micronutrients. The data revealed that biogas slurry has a pH of 7.2-8.5, EC of 1.06 to 1.12 dS/m, and organic carbon content of 41.7 to 45.8%. In terms of fertility, it contains significant amounts of nitrogen (1.98-2.17%), phosphorus (0.97 to 1.15%), and potassium (1.98 to 2.17%). Additionally, biogas slurry contains micronutrients such as Zn (0.023-0.027 ppm), Cu (0.005-0.009 ppm), Fe (0.32-0.38 ppm), and Mn (0.089-0.094 ppm). Statistical analysis using ANOVA and Post Hoc tests indicated that the mean data values among all three replications do not differ significantly. Therefore, it can be concluded that the nutritive value of biogas slurry is sufficient to reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers in agriculture. It represents an optimal long-term organic remedy for developing fertile soil, ensuring enduring agricultural productivity, and mitigating the negative environmental impacts associated with waste management.

An Assessment of Promoting Culinary Tourism in Ghana

Purpose: Ghana's tourism and hospitality industry has been extensively researched over the past five decades, primarily focusing on culture and heritage tourism, nature and economic tourism, marketing, and service quality. The aim is to assess the potential of culinary tourism as a powerful tool for creating sustainable livelihood empowerment channels, offering a beacon of hope for the future. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was conducted with a rigorous qualitative research design and desk review approach, ensuring a comprehensive topic exploration. Published data and literature on the food tourism prospects of eight regions in Ghana were analysed. The gathered data was then subjected to content analysis, a common technique in qualitative research. Research Limitation: The findings derived from the desk review may not be generalisable to other contexts, populations, or geographic areas due to the reliance on specific literature that may not capture all perspectives. This acknowledgement ensures that the audience is fully informed about the scope of the study. Findings: The study exposes the stark reality that the culinary tourism market in Ghana, despite its significant potential, remains underdeveloped. This underscores the crucial need for strategic interventions and the active participation of all stakeholders in the industry's development. Practical Implication: From a practical point of view, the Ghana Tourism Authority must show greater interest in developing the sector by organising regional and national food festivals annually. This effort must be publicised internationally to attract tourists interested in exploring Ghana's culinary diversity. Social Implication: Culinary tourism promotes sustainable food production and consumption practices by emphasising local, seasonal, and environmentally friendly ingredients. This reduces tourism's carbon footprint and supports responsible consumption patterns. Originality/Value: This study has revealed a significant research gap with practical implications. Thus, narratives on the potential of culinary tourism across eight regions in Ghana have known to have been provided practical actions towards enhancing culinary tourism in Ghana.

Comparative Analysis of Biochar Derived from Rice Straw and Soybean Straw

Aim: Recycling agricultural postharvest waste and re-introducing it again into farmland is one of the tangible ways to address zero waste dream, soil infertility and climate change. Pyrolysis of crop leftovers into biochar remains the most acceptable alternative for proper management of crop waste. The possibility of sustainable biochar production practices and multi-functionality features makes it promising to fufill an increasing demand for soil amendment, agricultural sustainability, environmental protection, cutting-edge materials and mitigation of climate change. Methodology: Same amount (14450 g) in feedstock of rice straw (RS) and soybean straw (SS) undergo slow pyrolysis separately to produce biochar. Physical (percentage yield, moisture, ash, volatile matter, bulk density, pH, electrical conductivity), chemical characterization (Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP-AES), Scanning Electron Microscope Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric Analysis and Derivative Thermogravimetry (TGA and DTA)) and evaluation of bochar was determined. Results: Rice straw biochar (RSB) recorded a higher char yield of 42.1%. Both lignocellulosic biochars were black and porous with a higher silica (10.6%) content in RSB and higher carbon (82.2%) content in SSB as was revealed by SEM-EDX. Higher ash 27.1%, volatile matter (VM) 31.3% and moisture 29.4% content was seen in RSB compared to SSB because of feedstock composition. Rice straw biochar show higher peaks of macro and micro mineral elements K(14561.21mg/kg), Ca (2401.28 mg/kg), and Na(1735.27 mg/kg) than soybean straw biochar. FTIR was used to identify functional groups that might act as cation adsorbents. As the temperature increased, the TGA and DTG graphs showed mass loss and sample breakdown. Conclusion: Rice and soybean crop wastes were converted into biochar, a nutrient-rich material that maybe utilized to balance acidic soils promoting healthy plant growth and also protecting the environment.

Global value chain participation, globalisation-Energy Nexus and sustainable development in ASEAN

Achieving net zero carbon emissions necessitates a systemic reorganization of global value chains, particularly in the ASEAN region, due to its growing role as a manufacturing hub. This study explores the interaction between global value chains (GVCs), globalization and sustainable development in ASEAN countries from 2014 to 2022. Using data from sources like the World Development Indicators, Human Development Index, Eora Global Value Chain Database, and others, the study employs a system-generalized method of moments to address endogeneity. The findings reveal that GVC participation significantly impacts sustainable development, with a 1 % increase in GVC involvement leading to a 0.11 % rise in sustainable development. Additionally, globalization metrics such as trade openness and merchandise trade, excluding foreign direct investment, also positively influence sustainable development. When combined with GVCs, these factors further enhance sustainable outcomes. The study also highlights the positive impact of trading in low-carbon goods on sustainable development. Based on these findings, the study recommends policies that promote sustainable production practices within GVCs, sustainable urban planning, good governance, and investment in green infrastructure. Additionally, increased investment in renewable energy technologies and infrastructure is essential to ensure equitable access to clean energy. Governments should prioritize transitioning to low-carbon energy sources to mitigate the negative effects of greenhouse gas emissions.

Proposing the Model to Accelerate SMEs to Apply Green Economy Practices Through the Utilization of Social Crowdfunding

Following Indonesia's commitment to promoting the achievement sustainable consumption and production practices (RCP- SDGs Number 12), a plan must be put in place to motivate important players (SMEs) to support the green economy. The limitations of SMEs in terms of funding to be able to implement green economic practices are accommodated through access to financial technology, namely social crowdfunding. To gain insight into how SMEs implement green economic practices by utilizing social crowdfunding, a survey was conducted on 75 SMEs use descriptive research design. The results of the descriptive analysis found that some SMEs have not been able to take advantage of social crowdfunding due to several reasons: not being able to access the right website, having requirements that are difficult to fulfill and their technology skills are not yet good. An interesting insight that was extracted from the results of this survey is the high level of confidence among SMEs that implementing green economic practices using social crowdfunding can improve business performance and are confident that they can overcome all difficulties. The proposed conceptual model can apparently be supported by research results which produce the proposition namely:" willingness to participate in implementing green economic practices using social crowdfunding needs to be driven by creating strong awareness and interest by triggering 3 important determinants, namely stakeholder management, community engagement and entrepreneurship strategy”. In the future, this conceptual modeling can be used to conduct quantitative research so that it can explore the facts in the field in a comprehensive manner.

Synthesis and characterization of Lanthanum Oxide nanoparticles using Citrus aurantium and their effects on Citrus limon Germination and Callogenesis

The plant extract-mediated method is eco-friendly, simple, safe, and low-cost, using biomolecules as a reducing agent to separate nanoparticles. Lanthanum (La) is a rare earth metal that positively affects plant growth and agriculture. Citrus limon is a leading citrus fruit with many varieties. Conventional vegetative propagation methods depend on season, availability of plant material and are time-consuming. It is the main reason for limiting the acceptance of new varieties. So, In-vitro propagation of the lemon method is practiced overcoming all these problems. Lanthanum oxide nanoparticles (La2O3-NPs) were synthesized using plant extract of C. aurantium. Ultraviolet (UV)-Visible Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) were used to characterize the synthesized La2O3-NPs. Fabricated La2O3-NPs were oval and spherical, with an average size of 51.1 nm. UV-visible absorption spectra of La2O3-NPs were shown at a sharp single peak at 342 nm and FTIR showed stretching frequency at 455 cm−1-516 cm−1. In the TGA outcome, mass loss was 9.1%. In vitro experiments demonstrated that La2O3-NPs significantly enhanced the germination and growth of C. limon seeds, achieving an 83% germination rate at 5 mg/L concentration, with uncoated seeds showing root initiation at 10 days and shoot formation at 15 days. Furthermore, La2O3-NPs effectively stimulated callus induction and maturation, with optimal responses observed in media containing MS and 2 mg/L 2,4-D, resulting in a maximum callus frequency of 100% from leaves and 87.5% from shoots at 5 mg/L concentration. These findings underscore the potential of La2O3-NPs to improve seed germination rates, seedling vigor, and callogenesis efficiency, suggesting their promising integration into agricultural practices for sustainable crop production, especially in suboptimal growing conditions. Future research is recommended to explore the mechanisms and broader applications of La2O3-NPs across various plant species and environments.

452 Data-driven strategic sustainability initiatives of beef and dairy genetics consortiums: A comprehensive landscape analysis for USA, Brazil, and Europe

Abstract The past two decades have witnessed beef and dairy genetic consortiums implementing data-driven germplasm propagation programs in global cattle systems. These programs optimize for multi-dimensional economic, environmental, and animal welfare related sustainability goals and are driven by consumer demands and shifts in supply chains. To summarize these programs and gain insights into the sustainability journey of industry, we did a comprehensive landscape analysis of the strategic initiatives of key global genetics companies, their germplasm offerings, and data platforms offered in three major cattle producing geographies, namely the USA, Brazil, and Europe. Within these locales, they followed selection index-based genomic and reproductive management strategies for both beef, dairy, and beef-on-dairy production, tailored to relevant market and climatic conditions (Figure 1). While individual traits in selection indices ranged between 40 to 90 traits, all traits could be broadly grouped into three: namely production, longevity, health and reproduction. In the USA, companies like ABS Global, Select Sires, Genex Cooperative, STGenetics, Zoetis, Vytelle offer genomic selection programs encompassing germplasm products, and genetic and production data tracking platforms across the beef, dairy, and beef-on-dairy value chains. These companies have implemented reproductive management programs such as in-vitro fertilized embryo transfer, sexed semen, along with genomic selection with a focus on future replacements based on multi-trait sustainability indices. These initiatives are customized for each of the cow-calf, backgrounding, and feedlot sector of beef production. In dairy, these companies have diversified data-driven production programs customizable to conventional and organic production systems. In Europe, companies like CRV, Viking Genetics, and Alta Genetics prioritize traits related to resource efficiency, animal welfare and environmental impact. Semen companies also offer data management tools tailored to European market requirements, alongside services for on-farm semen production and storage to reduce transportation-related emissions. In Brazil, companies such as ABS Pecplan, CRV Brazil, and Semex Brazil, developed herd management solutions focusing on traits like heat tolerance, tropical environmental adaptability, and disease resistance. The landscape analysis revealed a dynamic industry, evolving to meet sustainability goals and market demands. These enterprises collaborate with stakeholders across the value chain, including producers, policymakers, and industry associations, to scale data-driven production systems that balance profitability and environmental footprint of cattle production. As such, they have positioned themselves to capitalize on the growing interest in sustainable livestock production practices worldwide by aligning scientific and technical strategies with evolving regulatory requirements and consumer demands. The global cattle industry is positioned to venture forward by leveraging niche carbon markets and new marketing channels propelled by emerging principles of environmental, social, and corporate governance. Strategic germplasm and data-tracking platform initiatives by these groups thus become an integral part of the livestock sustainability solution palette and will contribute its share to a climate-neutral Earth by 2050.

Dried Chlorella powder supplementation: Impact on broiler chicken growth, health, and intestinal microflora

The use of dried Chlorella as an immune and growth stimulant to enhance nonspecific host defense mechanisms or as an antimicrobial to inhibit bacterial growth has been reported. This study aimed to assess the effects of dried Chlorella powder (DCP) supplementation on the growth, health, and intestinal microflora of commercial broiler chicks, comparing a diet containing DCP with an antibiotic-based diet. A total of 120 pieces day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were reared at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Poultry Farm, Dhaka, and randomly divided into four experimental groups of three replicates each, with 10 chicks per replication. One group was fed a control diet, while the remaining three groups were fed diets with 0.5% and 1.0% DCP, and antibiotics, respectively. Results indicated significant (P<0.05) improvements in body weight and dressing percentage with DCP inclusion compared to control-fed broilers. A linear increase in body weight was observed with higher DCP levels, with birds on the 1% DCP diet achieving superior body weights (1665.13±8.82) compared to the control and antibiotic groups. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and feed consumption were also significantly (P<0.05) improved, with the best FCR at 1% DCP (1.37±0.01) and the highest FCR in the control group (1.45±0.00). The highest feed consumption was noted in the control group. No significant (P>0.05) differences were observed in the relative weight of spleen and bursa among the groups. DCP had no significant (P>0.05) effects on liver, gizzard, intestine, and heart weights. Hematological studies revealed no significant (P>0.05) differences, except for Hemoglobin and Red Blood Cells (RBC), which were significantly (P<0.05) increased by DCP compared to control and antibiotic groups. DCP supplementation significantly (P<0.05) reduced E. coli and Salmonella sp. counts while increasing Lactobacillus sp. counts. Additionally, treatments with DCP significantly (P<0.05) boosted Newcastle disease (ND) titre levels compared to the control group. The study showed that DCP can be effectively replaced antibiotics in broiler diets, enhancing growth, health, and immune response, thereby promoting sustainable and safer poultry production practices.

Proteomic Insights into Trichome Responses to Elevated Elemental Stress in Cation Exchanger (CAX) Mutants.

Research on elemental distribution in plants is crucial for understanding nutrient uptake, environmental adaptation, and optimizing agricultural practices for sustainable food production. Plant trichomes, with their self-contained structures and easy accessibility, offer a robust model system for investigating elemental repartitioning. Transport proteins, such as the four functional cation exchangers (CAXs) in Arabidopsis, are low-affinity, high-capacity transporters primarily located on the vacuole. Mutants in these transporters have been partially characterized, with one of the phenotypes of the CAX1 mutant being altered tolerance to low-oxygen conditions. A simple visual screen demonstrated trichome density and morphology in cax1 and quadruple CAX (cax1-4: qKO) mutants remained unaltered. Here we used SXRF (Synchrotron X-Ray Fluorescence) to show that trichomes in CAX-deficient lines accumulated high levels of chlorine, potassium, calcium, and manganese. Proteomic analysis on isolated Arabidopsis trichomes. showed changes in protein abundance in response to changes in element accumulation. The CAX mutants showed an increased abundance of plasma membrane ATPase and vacuolar H-pumping proteins, and proteins associated with water movement and endocytosis, while also showing changes in proteins associated with the regulation of plasmodesmata. These findings advance our understanding of the integration of CAX transport with elemental homeostasis within trichomes and shed light on how plants modulate protein abundance under conditions of altered elemental levels.

Inovasi Dan Optimalisasi Proses Produksi Sirup Bunga Rosella Di Desa Karangtengah Kabupaten Kendal

The main focus of this research is to deeply analyze the existing production process, evaluate the technology and equipment used, and identify ways to improve raw material and energy management. Through the application of the latest technology, such as more efficient processing machines and more modern processing methods, it is expected to improve production efficiency, reduce operational costs, and ensure consistent product quality. The research method includes data collection from observations of the current production process, interviews with local producers, and analysis of the equipment and techniques used. In addition, this research also involves testing the implementation of innovations and evaluating their impact on the final product results and production costs. The expected results of this research include improved syrup quality, better operational efficiency, and reduced production costs, which overall can increase the competitiveness of Karangtengah syrup products in the market. The benefits of this research are not only limited to improving the quality and efficiency of production but also include positive economic impacts for the local community. By improving the production process and expanding market reach, it is expected to create new economic opportunities, improve the welfare of local communities, and provide a model for other food processing industries in the region. This research aims to make a significant contribution to the development of the local industry and encourage the adoption of more sustainable and innovative production practices.