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Morada Nova breed has a low effective herd, and its white variety is in risk of extinction. The selection of individuals based on breed standard without correlation with productive aptitude is predominant today. We believe that the best way to rescue this valuable genetic resource is to describe its productive potential for commercial use. Thus, this study described the meat production potential of Morada Nova lambs through morphological and zoometric data, performance and carcass characteristics. Twenty-four non-castrated male lambs from two genetic groups were used: Morada Nova red (MNR) and crossbreed Morada Nova (red x Morada Nova white-MNF1) distributed in a completely randomized design. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used. The yields of commercial cuts and the physicochemical characteristics and qualitative measurements of the carcass were similar between the genetic groups. Seven of the 28 characteristics of the carcass were greater in MNF1 lambs. The chest height, rump height and anamorphosis index showed to be important variables in the choice of MN lambs with meat production potential. Based on factor and hierarchical cluster analysis, the Morada Nova beef morphometric index (MNBMI) was created. Both of groups have high thoracic development, ability to produce meat, weight gain, feeding efficiency and breathing capacity, infusing greater rusticity and adaptability; however, the application and validation of the developed index showed superiority for meat production in the crossed lambs. Thus, the MNF1 lambs are a sustainable option for sheep production in drylands. RESUMO: A raça Morada Nova possui um baixo rebanho efetivo, e sua variedade branca está em risco de extinção. A seleção de indivíduos com base no padrão racial sem correlação com a aptidão produtiva é predominante até hoje. Acreditamos que a melhor forma de resgatar esse valioso recurso genético é descrever seu potencial produtivo para uso comercial. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo descrever o potencial de produção de carne de cordeiros Morada Nova por meio de dados morfológicos e zoométricos, desempenho e características de carcaça. Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros machos não castrados de dois grupos genéticos: Morada Nova Vermelho (MNV) e mestiços Morada Nova (vermelho x Morada Nova branco-MNF1) distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Análises univariadas e multivariadas foram utilizadas. Os rendimentos dos cortes comerciais e as características físico-químicas e medidas qualitativas da carcaça foram semelhantes entre os grupos genéticos. Sete, das 28 características da carcaça, foram maiores nos cordeiros MNF1. A altura do peito, altura da garupa e índice de anamorfose mostraram-se variáveis importantes na escolha de cordeiros MN com potencial de produção de carne. Com base na análise fatorial e hierárquica de agrupamento, foi elaborado o índice morfométrico da carne da raça Morada Nova (IMCMN). Ambos os grupos apresentam alto desenvolvimento torácico, capacidade de produção de carne, ganho de peso, eficiência alimentar e capacidade respiratória, infundindo maior rusticidade e adaptabilidade, porém, a aplicação e validação do índice desenvolvido mostrou superioridade para produção de carne nos cordeiros cruzados. Assim, os cordeiros MNF1 são uma opção sustentável para a produção ovina em terras áridas.

In order to manage important transformations affecting a steppe area, it is necessary to analyze the existing pastoral system by evaluating the sustainability of its subsystems of production. For this reason, in this study, a tool for the evaluation of the sustainability of livestock production in the steppe area was used in order to identify the most sustainable systems. The study was conducted using a survey of 87 livestock farmers (production units) in the region ranked first in terms of sheep production. Principal component analysis (PCA) enabled us to identify two production systems: (i) the pastoral production system, characterized by the mobility of livestock and its high dependence on concentrated feed; (ii) the agropastoral system, combining fodder and livestock production, which is sedentary and semi-extensive. Using a grid for evaluating the sustainability of livestock systems in steppe regions, the impact of each system on the environment (environmental, economic, and social) was examined, and the results showed that the feed system was unbalanced, with high pressure on steppe rangelands. Nevertheless, multiple ways of improving these systems emerged from the analysis, such as encouraging the production of fodder and its association with livestock, on new spatial, temporal, regional, and national levels.

The aim of the article was to compare sheep meat production in Austria and Poland. The level of sheep population in both countries was similar. The sources of the materials were a literature review and data obtained from Statistics Austria and Statistics Poland. The research period concerned the years 1992–2018. Methods of data analysis were used, such as constant dynamics indicators, Gini coefficient and Lorenzo curve, Pearson correlation coefficients. A number of differences were found, e.g. in the direction of changes in the size of the sheep population, the scale of total slaughtering and industrial slaughtering, the share of self-supply in total meat production, traditional consumption of lamb during holidays, the average carcass weight of sheep, prices of lamb meat, interdependence of the sheep population with changes in economic parameters. The similarities concerned the level of concentration of the sheep population and their regional slaughtering, prejudices regarding the consumption of lamb, the share of lambs in slaughtering and meat production, the productivity of meat obtained from the slaughter of sheep.

The silvopastoral system has the potential to alleviate the negative impacts of heat stress on livestock. Through a preliminary study, we assessed the thermal environment experienced by hair coat lambs, as well as the impacts on their bio-thermal and behavioural responses, when either kept in either the silvopastoral system, or exposed to full sun. Twelve hair coat lambs (Dorper × Santa Ines) were randomly assigned to a silvopastoral system or full sun exposure during the summer (from January to February 2017). Parameters, including air temperature, black globe temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and ground surface temperature, were measured daily for both thermal environments. From 14:00 to 16:00, lambs kept in silvopastoral areas experienced lower levels of air temperature, radiant heat load, and ground surface temperature. Consequently, they had a lower hair coat surface and lower body rectal temperatures. Lambs exposed to a shaded environment spent more time grazing and walking, and less time standing at rest. In conclusion, lambs kept in a silvopastoral system experienced lower levels of radiant heat load and ground surface temperature. In addition, the animals showed a reduced requirement for evaporative cooling and expressed behaviours that indicated a comfortable thermal environment.

This study aimed to evaluate the productive performance and carcass characteristics of lambs fed diets with different types of carbohydrates associated with polyunsaturated fatty acids. Thirty castrated male lambs (20.5 ± 7.6 kg) were used, distributed in a randomized block design under three experimental diets: High proportion of non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) diet; High NFC diet + spineless cactus (high proportion of NFC and spineless cactus) and Low NFC diet (low proportion of NFC), in a 60 day experimental period. The variables of nutrient intake, performance, and carcass characteristics were evaluated. The animals fed the High NFC + spineless cactus diet presented a higher dry matter intake, organic matter, mineral matter, crude protein, and total carbohydrates intake (p

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of four water salinity levels on productive performance, physiological and behavioral responses of confined sheep. Thus, 24 crossbred sheep, 1/2 Dorper x 1/2 Santa Inês were evaluated while receiving ration and water ad libitum. The experimental design was completely randomized, composed of four treatments (1.5; 3.0; 6.0 and 9.0 dSm -1) and six replicates. The water supply with salinity of up to 9.0 dSm -1 did not affect (P > 0.05) the physiological indexes, performance, or ingestive behavior of the animals, which were able to maintain normal physiological conditions even at times when the thermal comfort indexes were above the ideal. For voluntary water consumption, it was observed that there was a significant difference between treatments (P < 0.05), where animals consuming water with a conductivity of 1.5; 3.0 dSm -1 had lower consumption than those who received six dSm-1. The supply of water with a salinity of up to 9.0 dSm -1 did not affect the performance or the ingestive behavior of the animals, so waters with this salinity can be a valid alternative for crossbred sheep in the semi-arid region, as long as it is used seasonally and strategically. O objetivo com este estudo foi avaliar a influência de quatro níveis de salinidade da água no desempenho produtivo, respostas fisiológicas e comportamentais de ovinos confinados. Assim, foram avaliados 24 ovinos mestiços, 1/2 Dorper x 1/2 Santa Inês, recebendo ração e água ad libitum. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, composto por quatro tratamentos (1,5; 3,0; 6,0 e 9,0 dSm 1-) e seis repetições. O fornecimento de água com salinidade de até 9,0 dSm -1 não afetou (P > 0,05) os índices fisiológicos, desempenho ou comportamento ingestivo dos animais, que foram capazes de manter as condições fisiológicas normais mesmo nos momentos em que os índices de conforto térmico foram acima do ideal. Para o consumo voluntário de água, observou-se que houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos (P < 0,05), onde os animais consumiram água com condutividade de 1,5; 3,0 dSm -1 tiveram consumo menor do que aqueles que receberam seis dSm-1. O fornecimento de água com salinidade de até 9,0 dSm-1 não afetou o desempenho ou o comportamento ingestivo dos animais, portanto águas com essa salinidade podem ser uma alternativa válida para ovinos mestiços no semi-árido, desde que é usado sazonalmente e estrategicamente.

Some grain processing by-products rich in digestible fiber are good feed resources for ruminants. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing a portion of corn and corn stover with the combinations of corn bran and soybean hulls in the diet of fattening lambs on nutrient digestion, rumen microbial protein synthesis, and growth performance. A total of 36 Dorper × Small Thin-Tailed crossbred ram lambs (BW = 22.2 ± 0.92 kg; mean ± SD) were randomly divided into three groups, and each group was fed 1 of 3 treatment diets: 1) 0% corn bran and soybean hulls (control); 2) 9% corn bran and 9% soybean hulls (18MIX); and 3) 17% corn bran and 17% soybean hulls (34MIX). The feeding experiment was conducted for 70 days, with the first 10 days for adaption. The DM intake was higher for 34MIX (1635.3 g/d) than for control diet (1434.7 g/d; P = 0.001). Lambs fed 18MIX and 34MIX diets (230.2 and 263.6 g/d, respectively) had higher average daily gain and feed efficiency than those fed control diet (194.8 g/d; P 0.05). The metabolizable protein supplies were improved with increasing co-products inclusion rate. The results indicated that corn bran and soybean hulls in combination can effectively replace a portion of corn and corn stover in the ration of finishing lambs with positive effect on nutrient digestion and growth performance.

The objective was to evaluate increasing levels of substitution (0, 25, 50, 75% DM) of the crude protein of the concentrate by the crude protein of the crambe bran. 24 male lambs were used, with an average initial live weight of 17.50 ± 3.90 kg distributed in a completely randomized design. All dietary ingredients, leftovers and feces were subjected to chemical analysis. Animal digestibility assay was performed. Spot urine collection was performed to determine purine derivatives, efficiency of microbial synthesis of urinary urea nitrogen and blood collection to determine serum urea nitrogen and to measure liver enzymes alanine aminotrasferase and aspartan aminotrasferase. The results were subjected to analysis of variance and regression study at the 5% significance level. There was no significant effect on average daily gain, feed efficiency and feed conversion. There was a significant decreasing linear effect on the consumption in kg.day-1 of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and non-fibrous carbohydrates corrected for ash and protein. There was no effect of including crambe bran in the diet on nutrient digestibility. There was a growing linear effect on the parameters for evaluating the efficiency of microbial synthesis, flow of microbial nitrogen compounds, relative intestinal flow of microbial nitrogen. However, there was no effect on liver enzymes. It can be concluded that crambe bran from biodiesel production can be used as an alternative protein food and can replace up to 75% of the crude protein in the concentrate without compromising animal performance. El objetivo fue evaluar niveles crecientes de sustitución (0, 25, 50, 75% MS) de la proteína cruda del concentrado por la proteína cruda del salvado de crambe. Se utilizaron 24 corderos machos, con un peso vivo inicial promedio de 17,50 ± 3,90 kg distribuidos en un diseño completamente al azar. Todos los ingredientes de la dieta, las sobras y las heces se sometieron a análisis químicos. Se realizó un ensayo de digestibilidad animal. La recolección de orina puntual se realizó para determinar los derivados de purina, la eficiencia de la síntesis microbiana de nitrógeno ureico urinario y la recolección de sangre para determinar el nitrógeno ureico sérico y para medir las enzimas hepáticas alanina aminotrasferasa y aspartano aminotrasferasa. Los resultados se sometieron a análisis de varianza y estudio de regresión al nivel de significancia del 5%. No hubo un efecto significativo en la ganancia diaria promedio, la eficiencia alimenticia y la conversión alimenticia. Hubo un efecto lineal decreciente significativo sobre el consumo en kg. Día-1 de materia seca, materia orgánica, proteína cruda y carbohidratos no fibrosos corregidos por cenizas y proteínas. La inclusión de salvado de crambe en la dieta no tuvo ningún efecto sobre la digestibilidad de los nutrientes. Hubo un efecto lineal creciente sobre los parámetros para evaluar la eficiencia de la síntesis microbiana, el flujo de compuestos nitrogenados microbianos, el flujo intestinal relativo de nitrógeno microbiano. Sin embargo, no hubo ningún efecto sobre las enzimas hepáticas. Se puede concluir que el salvado de crambe de la producción de biodiesel se puede utilizar como alimento proteico alternativo y puede reemplazar hasta el 75% de la proteína cruda en el concentrado sin comprometer el rendimiento animal. Objetivou-se avaliar níveis crescentes de substituição (0, 25, 50, 75%MS) da proteína bruta do concentrado pela proteína bruta do farelo de crambe. Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros machos, peso vivo médio inicial de 17,50±3,90 kg distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Todos os ingredientes da dieta, sobras e fezes foram submetidos às análises bromatológicas. Foi realizado ensaio de digestibilidade dos animais. Foi realizada coleta spot de urina para a determinação dos derivados de purina, eficiência de síntese microbiana nitrogênio ureico urinário e coleta de sangue para determinação de nitrogênio uréico sérico e para mensuração das enzimas hepáticas alanina aminotrasferase e aspartano aminotrasferase. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância e estudo de regressão ao nível de significância de 5%. Não houve efeito significativo para ganho médio diário, eficiência alimentar e conversão alimentar. Houve efeito significativo linear decrescente para o consumo em kg.dia-1 de matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta e carboidratos não fibrosos corrigidos para cinzas e proteína. Não houve efeito da inclusão do farelo de crambe na dieta sobre a digestibilidade dos nutrientes. Verificou-se efeito linear crescente nos parâmetros de avaliação de eficiência de síntese microbiana, fluxo de compostos nitrogenados microbianos, fluxo intestinal relativo de nitrogênio microbiano. Contudo não houve efeito em relação às enzimas hepáticas. Pode-se concluir que o farelo de crambe oriundo da produção de biodiesel pode ser utilizado como alimento alternativo proteico podendo substituir em até 75% da proteína bruta do concentrado sem comprometer o desempenho animal.

Cilj ovog rada bio je definiranje karakteristika uzgoja ovaca na primjeru obiteljskog gospodarstva. U Hrvatskoj se ovce uzgajaju stoljećima dok se broj ovaca i njihova važnost tijekom povijesti značajno mijenjao. U počecima su ovce bile glavni izvor bjelančevina životinjskog porijekla. Nešto kasnije razvojem tekstilne industrije dolazi do veće potražnje za vunom. U Republici Hrvatskoj u ovčarskoj proizvodnji glavni uzgojni cilj je proizvodnja mesa, prvenstveno janjetine, a samo mali postotak ovaca uzgaja se zbog proizvodnje mlijeka. Prema podacima HPA u 2019. godini označeno je i registrirano 290.513 ovaca. Najviše označenih i registriranih ovaca je u Zadarskoj županiji. Nadalje, u posljednjim se godinama bilježi i trend porasta populacije ovaca. U uvjetima kada pojedini proizvođač u svim segmentima vodi brigu o svom gospodarstvu te na tržište plasira kvalitetan proizvod, kupci se uvijek iznova vraćaju i vrlo rado odabiru domaći kvalitetniji proizvod. Takvim slijedom događaja perspektiva ovčarstva znatno je porasla posljednjih godina, zbog sve većeg zanimanja već postojećih uzgajivača kao i onih koji to tek žele postati., The aim of this final work was to define the characteristics of sheep breeding on the example of a family farm. In Croatia, sheep have been bred for centuries, while the number of sheep and their importance have changed significantly throughout history. In the beginning, sheep were the main source of protein of animal origin. Somewhat later, with the development of the textile industry, there was a greater demand for wool. In the Republic of Croatia, the main breeding goal in sheep production is the production of meat, primarily lamb, and only a small percentage of sheep are raised for milk production. According to HPA data, in 2019, 290,513 sheep were marked and registered. Most marked and registered sheep are in Zadar County. Furthermore, in recent years there has been a trend of increasing the sheep population. In conditions when an individual producer in all segments takes care of his economy and places a quality product on the market, customers always come back and are very happy to choose a higher quality domestic product. With such a sequence of events, the perspective of sheep breeding has increased significantly in recent years, due to the growing interest of existing breeders as well as those who just want to become one.

High lamb mortality rates reduce profitability and reduce the perceived animal welfare standards of the industry. This study aimed to understand producer knowledge of lamb mortality rates and causes of lamb mortality, and to investigate various practices and perceptions of producers that may contribute to lamb deaths. Postal and online surveys gathered data on Australian sheep producer&rsquo, s knowledge and practices around lambing and management practices. Based on results, approximately 50% of producers estimated less than 10% mortality of lambs between birth and marking, compared to published data estimates of 20&ndash, 25% mortality. Pre-lambing vaccination of ewes was not undertaken by 10&ndash, 20% of producers. Ninety-six percent of producers vaccinated lambs, however, 17% of Merino and 23% of crossbred lamb producers only gave a single vaccination instead of the recommended initial vaccine and booster. The lower estimated mortality impacts producer&rsquo, s perceived benefits of management strategies being undertaken. Research undertaken needs to be more effectively distributed to producers via extension services to ensure producers understand the causes of mortality. Important messages to convey to producers include the limited impact of predation in most cases and the total costs of lamb mortality on-farm.

Spatio-temporal patterns of climatic variability have effects on the environmental conditions of a given land territory and consequently determine the evolution of its productive activities. One of the most direct ways to evaluate this relationship is to measure the condition of the vegetation cover and land-use information. In southernmost South America there is a limited number of long-term studies on these matters, an incomplete network of weather stations and almost no database on ecosystems productivity. In the present work, we characterized the climate variability of the Magellan Region, southernmost Chilean Patagonia, for the last 34 years, studying key variables associated with one of its main economic sectors, sheep production, and evaluating the effect of extreme weather events on ecosystem productivity and sheep production. Our results show a marked multi-decadal character of the climatic variables, with a trend to more arid conditions for the last 8 years, together with an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events. Significant percentages of aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) variance is explained by high precipitation, mesic temperatures, and low evapotranspiration. These conditions are, however, spatially distributed in the transition zone between deciduous forests and steppe and do not represent a general pattern for the entire region. Strong precipitation and wind velocity negatively affect lamb survival, while temperature and ANPP are positively correlated. The impact of extreme weather events on ANP and sheep production (SP) was in most of the cases significantly negative, with the exception of maximum temperature that correlated with an increase of ANPP, and droughts that showed a non-significant negative trend in ANPP. The examination of these relationships is urgent under the current scenario of climate change with the acceleration of the environmental trends here detected.

The sheep farming mainly in the southern region of Brazil. In Paraná State the production is mainly performed in small areas with large capacity of animals, favoring the contamination of pastures and the infection of animals by gastrointestinal parasites that mostly present quickly spread. The small breeding, mostly found in this region, do not follow standards of breeding sheep, however, it was observed a higher prevalence of sheep breeding woolless, probably due to the weather favorable to the creation of these animals. In this study performed in the northwest of Paraná State, samples were randomly collected in 87 animals from five different properties. In each property was collected 30% of each category stipulated in the flock: one to three months, three to six months, six months dose, and animals over one year of age. After collecttion the feces were sent to the Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of UNINGA, applying method of OPG. We calculated the prevalence of identified parasites. The results demonstrated a higher prevalence (68,96%) of eggs of nematodas Strongylida type, being 60/87 parasitized animals; Strongyloides (Bavay, 1876) 25/87 samples (28,73%); Nematodiros sp. (Ransom, 1907) 6/87 (6,98%), Tricuris sp. (Ransom, 1911) 3/87 (3,44%); toxocara vitulorum (Stiles, 1905) 2/87 (2,29%); there were eggs of trematodes digenetics Dicrocolium sp. (Loos, 1907) 2/87 (2.29%), and oocysts of protozoa of the genus Eimeria sp. (Schneider, 1875) appearing on 39/87 samples (44,82%), and Cryptosporidium sp. (Tyzzer, 1907) 1/87 (1,14%). In a property was performed the autopsy of an animal, and found Oesophagostomum columbianum (Railliet & Henry, 1913), where probably the eggs Strongylidae found are due to infection by this parasite.

Sheep production is a crucial sector of human activity. There are an estimated 1 billion sheep in the world. The major sheep farming areas are located within the latitudes 35-55 degree north in Europe and Asia and between 30-45 degree south in South America, Australia and New Zealand. There are three major management systems for sheep production that exist in the world; extensive production for wool and meat, intensive dairy production and traditional pastoralism. While regarded by some experts as the healthy red meat option, the current world consumption of sheep meat stands at about 2.5 kg per person annually out of an annual meat consumption of 41.6 kg per person*1. In the European Union (EU), sheep meat production is predominantly based on extensive or semi-extensive grazing systems. The level of self-sufficiency in the EU for this sector stands at approximately 77% and holds great importance as a major source of livelihood for the small farmer and the landless in rural communities while also contributing to peri-urban and urban households by providing food, clothing, income and other socio-cultural wealth. Consequently, increasing sheep meat production without causing environmental damage, as well as improving its quality to make sheep meat more healthy, attractive and sustainable is essential to guaranteeing a decent level of performance for sheep producers. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The aim of the study was to investigate factors that may prevent small-scale farmers from succeeding. Poor sheep production is generally associated with the ineffective management of these production systems. It would therefore be valuable to assess small-scale farmers’ management of sheep production systems to investigate what causes the high rate of morbidity and mortality as well as increased costs of maintenance associated with ineffective sheep production systems. The management practices followed in the production of sheep, including reproduction, nutrition, and health management; the management of farming equipment; and marketing strategies were also investigated. Structured questionnaires were used to gather the required data from small-scale farmers in the Eastern Free State, South Africa. The questionnaire was designed to include both open and closed-ended questions and was administered through personal interviews. A total of 40 small-scale farmers participated in the study. The results revealed that the specific limiting factors that small-scale farmers face are poor animal health management skills, poor animal nutritional management, and inadequate support services from the government and other related stakeholders. Furthermore, insufficient land availability to expand production, inadequate agricultural farming equipment, a lack of reproduction and production management skills, and poor marketing skills were the most obvious challenges. Finally, the results from the study highlighted that agricultural extensionists have a crucial role to play in improving the sheep production systems of smallscale farmers as they are well positioned to render training and advisory services. If the Department of Agriculture (DoA) joins forces with agricultural institutions like the Red Meat Producers Organisation (RPO), the National Wool Growers Association (NWGA), and breeders’ societies, this objective will be achieved. Keywords: Emerging sheep farmer, sheep production, constraints, production systems, Eastern Free State

The hilly-mountain villages are important factor in food production and rural development of Serbia. The sheep production is in the fourth place of importance among branches of livestock production in Serbia, behind the cattle, pig and poultry productions. The aim of the paper is to analyze economic indicators of the sheep farming on family farms in Serbian hilly-mountain regions on the basis of 4 models which differ in intensity of crop and sheep production and to consider possibilities for improvement. The analysis has been done on the basis of data collected on 30 family farms. The economic indicators have been calculated on the basis of Direct costing calculation method and gross margins. The results have shown that production of lamb meat and sheep cheese represent the main source of the family farms' income in the hilly-mountain regions. The Model D with intensive crop and sheep production obtained the best economic results.

Financial institutions are indirectly exposed to risks associated with the impacts and dependencies on natural capital and ecosystem services of the companies that they invest in, lend to, and insure. This is particularly true for banks lending to agriculture: a sector with both significant impacts and critical dependencies on natural capital. Bank lending is a vital source of new finance for the sector, which is essential to achieve sustainable intensification targets. Yet current credit decision-making practice is still based on conventional financial and management indicators, lacking any systematic assessment of natural capital risks, especially those associated with dependencies. Operationalising natural capital risk assessment requires practicable indicators and data to evaluate the most material natural capital risks for a given sub-sector and geography, but it is unclear to what extent these are available. We assess the practicability of natural capital dependency risk indicators and data sources for a critical case study of Australian sheep production. We find that at least moderately practicable indicators and data sources are available to assess the 11 major dependency risks that are material for this industry. Challenges remain in determining risk thresholds for most indicators, and quantifying risk impacts on profitability.

This study aimed to evaluate the economic and environmental performance of a Brazilian sheep production system (in the São José do Rio Preto (SJRP) region). The cost of production and the emergy indicators were calculated, and compared with other scientific results. The study was divided into three stages: (i) construction of the conceptual model, (ii) transformation of all resources and stocks by unit emergy value, and (iii) analysis of emergy indices. For emergy analysis, imported purchased inputs (P) represented 59.84% of all emergy, in which soy and corn contributed 16.14% and 11.38%, respectively. These inputs also contributed significantly to the economic cost of production as 14.63% and 12.55% of the total cost, respectively. Compared to other production systems, the SJRP system presented a lower emergy production rate and a higher environmental load rate, reducing the emergy sustainability index. In addition, it had the highest level of investment in emergy, suggesting that its sustainability is inferior to other referenced production systems. However, the SJRP system had the lowest emergy exchange ratio, indicating that this system is the closest to a fair price. In conclusion, the system must be reconsidered to become more sustainable, mainly with regard to the confinement of lambs that consume large amounts of concentrate (corn and soybean) from outside the system.

Context Selenium (Se) is a trace element essential for cellular function in animals as a component of the enzymes glutathione peroxidase and iodothyronine-5-deiodinase. In many parts of Europe, Se is often deficient in livestock diets due to the low Se status of soil. Supplementation of diets with selenised yeast (predominately as seleno-methionine) or inorganic sodium selenite is common practice in most livestock systems, including ruminants. Lactic acid bacteria have been shown to convert inorganic Se into predominantly elemental nano-Se, which has been used recently in human pro-biotics as a less toxic form of Se. Therefore, silage lactic acid bacteria may provide a supplementation route of bioavailable nano-Se for ruminants. Aim Here, we report on the effect of feeding inoculated silage enriched with a supra-nutritional level of nano-Se (Selage) versus control inoculated silage (Silage) on the Se status of finishing lambs and their products, followed by a second study where blood parameters were investigated in ewes. Methods In the first study, 40 Charollais × Suffolk lambs (42 ± 1.7 kg) were paired according to weight and sex, then allocated to the two treatments for 8 or 10 weeks. Uptake of Se into wool was temporally assessed, as well as excretion of Se into faeces. Selenium concentrations in blood and muscle, carcass characteristics and meat quality are reported postmortem. In the second study, individually penned Suffolk × Mule ewes (n = 12; 76 ± 4.5 kg) were offered the same diets as in the first study. Blood parameters were assessed at the start and after 6 weeks, with intake and excretion into faeces and urine assessed temporally throughout the study. Key results In the first study, dry-matter (DM) intake was similar in both treatment groups, at 0.8 ± 0.03 kg/day, but Se concentrations of the diets were significantly different, resulting in intakes of ~0.14 and 1.60 mg/day on the Silage and Selage diets, respectively. This was reflected in higher Se concentrations in faeces (0.4 vs 2.0 mg/kg DM; P < 0.001), wool (0.11 vs 0.25 mg/kg DM; P < 0.001), blood (0.19 vs 0.46 mg/L; P < 0.001) and muscle (0.31 vs 0.41 mg/kg: P < 0.01) on the Selage than on the Silage diet. Colour (chroma) shelf life of the meat was significantly higher on the Selage treatment (8.05 vs 9.2 days; P < 0.05). In the second trial, for ewes fed Selage, blood seleno-methionine increased from 0.21 to 0.25 mg/L and seleno-cysteine from 0.25 to 0.35 mg/L after 6 weeks on the treatment, whereas there was no change in ewes fed Silage. Glutathione peroxidase increased, whereas haematocrit, haemoglobin and platelet count were decreased across time during the study, but there was no difference between the treatments. Conclusions Nano-Se provided by the Selage treatment was shown to be available to sheep and improve shelf life, with no adverse haematological effects. Implications There is potential to use silage inoculants to provide bioavailable Se to ruminants. Further research is required to determine the most appropriate dose for animal performance and product quality.

Resumo Ao revisitar os aportes teóricos da nova sociologia econômica e suas principais contribuições ao estudo dos mercados, buscou-se refletir sobre formas alternativas de compreender a natureza e o funcionamento dos mercados da ovinocultura na pecuária familiar do Rio Grande do Sul, território historicamente atrelado à criação da espécie ovina. Dessa forma, discorreu-se no estilo de um ensaio teórico sobre as principais perspectivas teórico-metodológicas utilizadas atualmente no estudo dos mercados da ovinocultura, suas contribuições e limitações e, de forma complementar, são apresentadas proposições para o estudo dos mercados da ovinocultura na pecuária familiar a partir das recomendações encontradas na abordagem da nova sociologia econômica. Considerações são tecidas em relação ao potencial desta abordagem no que diz respeito à elaboração de uma tipologia para aqueles mercados, contemplando o entendimento do processo de construção social dos mesmos. Abstract Revisiting the theoretical contributions of the new economic sociology and its main contributions to the study of the markets, this article aims to reflect on alternative ways of understanding the nature and functioning of sheep markets in the family livestock of Rio Grande do Sul, which is historically linked to the creation of ovine species. In this way, a theoretical essay was presented on the main theoretical-methodological perspectives currently used in the study of sheep markets, their contributions and limitations, and in addition, propositions are presented for the study of the sheep industry markets on family livestock from the recomendations found in the approach of the new economic sociology. Considerations about the potential of this approach with regard to the elaboration of a typology for those markets are presented, including the understanding of the process of social construction.

Este artículo tiene como objetivo estudiar la dinámica de la ovinocultura de corte en el estado de Rio Grande do Sul, a partir de la configuración de las cadenas de suministros de empresas del segmento frigorífico, frente a los requisitos del mercado consumidor. Se emplea la estrategia de métodos mixtos de análisis, por medio de la realización de un estudio multicaso. Así, se realizaron tres estudios de caso a partir de entrevistas en frigoríficos, entrevistas y cuestionarios aplicados con proveedores y clientes directos de los frigoríficos, así como el análisis de datos provenientes de registros oficiales. La naturaleza de las formas organizativas del segmento frigorífico fue verificada con base en las dimensiones estratégica, estructural y relacional de las cadenas de suministros, mientras que el comportamiento de las cadenas de suministros frente a los requisitos del mercado es percibido a través del análisis de la Matriz Importancia-Desempeño (Slack, Chambers & Johnston, 2009), metodología evaluada en el contexto del presente estudio. Las diferencias y semejanzas de las cadenas de suministros de los frigoríficos son expuestas en los resultados, apuntando a la heterogeneidad de formas organizacionales presentes en el sector. Se observa que la utilización de la matriz importancia-desempeño, en conjunto con el abordaje de cadenas de suministros, resulta adecuada para análisis del segmento frigorífico proporcionando una visión rápida de las configuraciones de las cadenas de suministros en relación con las especificidades de la demanda. This article aims at studying the dynamics of the cutting sheep industry of Rio Grande do Sul based on the configuration of supply chains of companies fridge front consumer market requirements. The strategy of mixed methods analysis, through implementation of a parallel study, was employed. Thus, three case studies were conducted from interviews in refrigerators, interviews and questionnaires applied with direct suppliers and customers of refrigerators, and analysis of data from official records. The nature of the organizational forms of the refrigerator segment is checked on the basis of the strategic, structural and relational dimensions of the supply chain, and the behavior of supply chains against the requirements of the market is perceived through the analysis of Array Importance-Performance (Slack, Chambers & Johnston, 2009), evaluated in the context of the present study. The differences and similarities of the supply chains of refrigerators are exposed in the results, pointing to the diversity of organizational forms present in the sector. It turns out that the use of the importanceperformance matrix, together with the approach of supply chains, if shows suitable for analysis of refrigerator segment providing an accurate vision of the configurations of supply chains against the specifics of demand. Cet article vise à étudier la dynamique de l’abattage des moutons dans le Rio Grande do Sul à partir de la configuration des chaînes d’approvisionnement des entreprises du secteur des du froid par rapport aux exigences du marché de consommation. La stratégie des méthodes mixtes d’analyse est utilisée, à travers une étude de multiples cas. Ainsi, trois études de cas ont été réalisées à partir d’entretiens réalisés dans des réfrigérateurs, d’entretiens et de questionnaires auprès de fournisseurs et de clients directs des réfrigérateurs, et d’analyses de données issues de dossiers officiels. La nature des formes d’organisation du segment réfrigérateur est vérifiée sur la base des dimensions stratégiques, structurelles et relationnelles des chaînes d’approvisionnement et le comportement des chaînes d’approvisionnement face aux demandes du marché. Ce comportement est perçu à travers l’analyse de la Matrice d’Importance-Performance (Slack, Chambers & Johnston, 2009), méthodologie évaluée dans le cadre de la présente étude. Les différences et les similitudes des chaînes d’approvisionnement des réfrigérateurs sont exposées dans les résultats, soulignant l’hétérogénéité des formes organisationnelles présentes dans le secteur. Il est vérifié que l’utilisation de la matrice importance-performance, associée à l’approche des chaînes d’approvisionnement, est adéquate pour l’analyse du secteur de la réfrigération, et en même temps fournissent une vision précise des configurations des chaînes d’approvisionnement en fonction des spécificités de la demande. Este artigo tem como objetivo estudar a dinâmica da ovinocultura de corte do Rio Grande do Sul a partir da configuração das cadeias de suprimentos de empresas do segmento frigorifico frente aos requisitos do mercado consumidor. Emprega-se a estratégia de métodos mistos de análise, por meio realização de um estudo multicaso. Assim, três estudos de caso foram realizados a partir de entrevistas em frigoríficos, entrevistas e questionários aplicados com fornecedores e clientes diretos dos frigoríficos, e, análise de dados oriundos de registros oficiais. A natureza das formas organizacionais do segmento frigorifico é verificada com base nas dimensões estratégica, estrutural e relacional das cadeias de suprimentos, e, o comportamento das cadeias de suprimentos frente aos requisitos do mercado é percebido através da análise da Matriz Importância-Desempenho (Slack, Chambers & Johnston, 2009), metodologia avaliada no contexto do presente estudo. As diferenças e semelhanças das cadeias de suprimentos dos frigoríficos são expostas nos resultados, apontando para a heterogeneidade de formas organizacionais presente no setor. Verifica-se que a utilização da matriz importância-desempenho, em conjunto com a abordagem de cadeias de suprimentos, se mostra adequada para análise do segmento frigorifico proporcionando uma visão apurada das configurações das cadeias de suprimentos em relação as especificidades da demanda. 159-177 rodrigo.gisler@gmail.com aparbage@yahoo.com.br Semestral

Bu tezde, İzmir ilinde koyunculuk işletmelerinin demografik yapısı, sosyo-ekonomik özellikleri ve koyunculuk faaliyetinin sürdürülebilirliği analiz edilmiştir. Çalışmanın verileri 2018 yılına ait olup bu veriler ana faaliyeti koyunculuk olan 126 adet işletmeden elde edilmiştir. Sürdürülebilirlik analizi için, sürdürülebilirliğin üç boyutunu (ekonomik, sosyal ve çevresel) kapsayan 8 gösterge (Ekonomik Etkinlik, Emek Kârlılığı, Hayvan Karlılığı, Hayvan Verimliliği, Tarım Dışı Gelir, İstihdam, Doğal Mera Alanı Varlığı ve Hayvan Yoğunluğu) seçilmiştir. Temel Bileşenler Analizi yöntemiyle göstergeler 3 boyuta indirgenmiş, Normalleştirme (Min-Max: 0-1 arası yeni değerler) yöntemiyle ölçek yanılgısı ortadan kaldırılmış, Analitik Hiyerarşi Prosesi yöntemiyle gösterge ağırlıkları hesaplanmış ve son olarak elde edilen temel bileşen değerleri bütünleştirilerek kompozit sürdürülebilirlik endeksi hesaplanmıştır. Çalışmada ayrıca, Türkiye genelinde koyunculuk faaliyetine yönelik SWOT analizi yapılmıştır. Sonuç olarak; koyunculuk faaliyetinin geleceğine ilişkin strateji ve politika önerileri geliştirilmiştir. Araştırma bölgesinde, faaliyette bulunan işletmelerin ortalama koyun varlığı 150,74 baştır. İşletmecilerin yaş ortalaması 49,59, eğitim düzeyleri 5,94 yıl ve koyunculuk faaliyeti deneyim süreleri 31,27 yıldır. İşletmecilerin %55,56'sı 50 ve üstü yaştadır. Aile işgücü kullanım oranı %88,43'tür. İşletmelerde yem bitkisi üretimi sınırlı, teknoloji kullanım düzeyi düşük, ağıl vd. binalar oldukça yıpranmıştır. İşletmenin değişken masrafları içerisinde en yüksek payı %60 ile yem maliyetleri; sabit masraflar içerisinde en yüksek payı %44 ile faiz giderleri oluşturmaktadır. İşletmelerin en önemli gelir unsuru kuzu ve toklu satışlarıdır. Araştırmada, sürdürülebilirlik kompozit endeksi %28,30 (ekonomik sürdürülebilirlik %14,13, sosyal sürdürülebilirlik %4,76 ve çevresel sürdürülebilirlik %9,42) olarak hesaplanmıştır. FAO sürdürülebilirlik düzeyi referansına göre, İzmir ilinde koyunculuk faaliyetinin sürdürülebilirliği sınırdadır. Çalışmada, ekonomik faktörlerin koyunculuk faaliyetinin sürdürülebilirliği açısından sosyal ve çevresel faktörlere göre daha etkili olduğu bulunmuştur. Aşırı otlatma ve bakımsız meralar çevresel sürdürülebilirliği olumsuz etkilemektedir. Tarım dışı gelirin ve yabancı işgücü kullanımının az olması sosyal sürdürülebilirliği olumsuz etkileyen temel faktörlerdir. Türkiye'de koyunculuk faaliyetinin öne çıkan güçlü yönleri; mera varlığı, koyun varlığı, tecrübe, aile işletme sayısı, geniş faaliyet alanı, yerli ırklar. Zayıf yönleri; üretim maliyeti ve rekabet, meraların ot kalitesi, meraların amaç dışı kullanımı, piyasa eksikliği, kırsal göç, desteklemeler. Fırsatlar; genç ve dinamik nüfus, ihracat potansiyeli, fiziki ve kültürel altyapı, bilimsel çalışmalar, kamu kurumları, üretim çiftlikleri ve enstitü. Tehditler; yaşlanan tarım nüfusu, isteksizlik, ilgisizlik, damızlık kesimleri, hijyen koşulları. Koyunculuk faaliyeti ekonomik, sosyal ve çevresel yönleriyle bir bütün halinde değerlendirilmelidir. Siyasi gelişmelerden etkilenmeyecek uzun vadeli politikalara ihtiyaç vardır. Uygulanabilir makro ölçekli projeler (Ör: mera ekosisteminin korunması, verim ve ıslah çalışmaları vb.) devreye sokulmalıdır. Özellikle küçük ölçekli aile işletmelerinin sürdürülebilirliği için koyunculuk faaliyetinde piyasa mekanizması işletilmelidir. Doğru fiyat için canlı hayvan, kırmızı et, yapağı ve yem borsası devreye girmelidir. Tanıtım faaliyetleriyle (fuar, yemek programları, yöresel ürünler vb.) koyun eti, sütü ve bunların türevlerinin insan sağlığındaki önemi anlatılmalıdır., In this thesis, the demographic structure, socio-economic characteristics and the sustainability of sheep production in İzmir are analyzed. The data of the study belongs to 2018 and these data were obtained from 126 enterprises whose main job is sheep production. For sustainability analysis, 8 indicators (Economic efficiency, Labor profitability, Animal profitability, Animal productivity, Non-agricultural income, Employment, Natural pasture area, Animal density) covering three dimensions of sustainability (economic, social and environmental) were selected. By the Principal Component Analysis method the indicators have been reduced to three dimensions; the scale error was eliminated with the normalization (new values between Min-Max: 0-1) method, the indicator weights were calculated by the Analytical Hierarchy Process method and finally the composite sustainability index was calculated by totalization of the obtained component values. In addition, the SWOT analysis of sheep production is performed for overall Turkey; strategy and policy recommendations have been developed for the future of sheep production in Turkey. In the study, the average number of sheep in the enterprises is 150.74. The average age of the farmers is 49.59 year old, level of education is 5.94 years and the sheep production experience period is 31.27 years. 55.56% of the operators are 50 years or older. The rate of family labor use is 88.43%. Forage crop production is limited; technology usage level is low, pen, hayloft etc. buildings are quite worn. The highest share in variable costs is feed outgoings with 60%; 44% of the fixed expenses is composed of interest expenses. The most important income comes from lamb and sheep sales. The sustainability composite index calculated as 28.30% (economic sustainability 14.13%, social sustainability 4.76% and environmental sustainability 9.42%). According to FAO sustainability reference; the sustainability of sheep production in İzmir is at the limit. It is understood that economic factors are more effective in terms of sustainability of sheep production than social and environmental factors. Overgrazing and neglected pastures adversely affect environmental sustainability. The low non-agricultural income and the use of foreign labor are the main factors adversely affecting social sustainability. The strengths of sheep production in Turkey; pasture presence, number of sheep, experience, number of family businesses, wide range area for the activity, native breeds, etc. Weaknesses; production cost and competition, pasture weed quality, misuse of pastureland, lack of market, rural migration, agricultural subsidies, etc. Opportunities; young and dynamic population, export potential, physical and cultural infrastructure, scientific studies, public institutions etc. Threats; aging agricultural population, reluctance and indifference, ewe slaughtering, hygiene conditions etc. Sheep production should be evaluated as a whole in terms of economic, social and environmental aspects. There is a need for long-term policies that will not be affected by politics. Feasible macro scale projects (e.g. protecting pasture ecosystem, yield and improvement works etc.) must be activated. Especially for the sustainability of small-scale family businesses, market mechanism should be operated for sheep production. For accurate and reliable prices, livestock, red meat, fleece and feed exchange should be engaged. The importance of sheep and lamb meat, sheep milk and it's derivatives in human health should be explained through promotional activities (fairs, cooking programs, local products festival, etc.).

The European small ruminants (i.e. sheep and goats) farming sector (ESRS) provides economic, social and environmental benefits to society, but is also one of the most vulnerable livestock sectors in Europe. This sector has diverse livestock species, breeds, production systems and products, which makes difficult to have a clear vision of its challenges through using conventional analyses. A multi-stakeholder and multi-step approach, including 90 surveys, was used to identify and assess the main challenges for the sustainability of the ESRS to prioritize actions. These challenges and actions were identified by ESRS experts including farmers, cooperatives, breeding associations, advisers and researchers of six EU countries and Turkey. From the 30 identified challenges, the most relevant were economy-related challenges such as ‘uncertainty of meat and milk prices’, ‘volatility of commodity prices’, ‘low farm income’, ‘high subsidy dependency’ and ‘uncertainty in future changes in subsidies’ resulting in ‘a sector not attractive to young farmers’. Most of these challenges were beyond the farmer's control and perceived as difficult to address. Challenges were prioritized using an index, calculated by multiplying the relevance and the feasibility to address measures. The identified challenges had a similar priority index across the whole sector with small differences across livestock species (sheep vs goats), type of products (meat vs dairy) and intensification levels (intensive vs semi-intensive vs extensive). The priorities were different, however, between socio-geographical regions (Southern vs Central Europe). Some of the top prioritized challenges were linked to aspects related to the production systems (‘low promotion of local breeds’ and ‘slow adaptability of high producing breeds’) and market practices (‘unfair trade/lack of traceability’). The majority of the priority challenges, however, were associated with a deficient knowledge or training at farm level (‘poor business management training’, ‘lack of professionalization’, ‘slow adoption of innovations’), academia (‘researchers do not address real problems’) and society as a whole (‘low consumer education in local products’, ‘low social knowledge about farming’, ‘poor recognition of farming public services’). Thus, improved collaboration among the different stakeholders across the food chain with special implication of farmers, associations of producers, academia and governments is needed to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building. These actions can contribute to make ESRS economically more sustainable and to adapt the production systems and policy to the current and future societal needs in a more region-contextualized framework., This study was supported by the EU Horizon 2020 Research and In-novation Action (RIA) through the project‘Innovation for sustainablesheep and Goat production in Europe (iSAGE)’under grant agreement 679302

European sheep and goat farming faces diverse challenges at global or local scales and constitutes an important sector for many countries, playing important sociocultural, economic and environmental roles. A closer examination of the overall sustainability of the sector is necessary to assess the performance of different farm types in various geographical settings. This comparative study evaluates the use of a common sustainability assessment (SA) tool for the major European countries in the sheep and goat sector. In particular, the study reports the results of a SA using the Public Goods (PG) Tool, adapted within the Innovation for Sustainable Sheep and Goat Production in Europe (iSAGE) Horizon 2020 project, which includes questions accounting for 13 dimensions of a sheep and goat farm sustainability. In total, 206 farmers from Greece, Italy, Spain, Finland, United Kingdom, France and Turkey were interviewed, all of which were typical of specific types of a pan-European sheep and goat farm typologies elaborated within iSAGE. The study resulted in composite indicators of performance in each dimension for each country. Finland, Italy and the United Kingdom performed better than other countries, while Turkey and Greece performed below average in most categories. The results highlight challenges for each country but also at the European level, the latter mainly relating to generational renewal and an unwillingness to invest in the adoption of a more sustainable approach with long-term results.

This study aimed to use multivariate techniques of principal component analysis and canonical discriminant analysis in a data set from Morada Nova sheep carcass to reduce the dimensions of the original data set, identify variables with the best discriminatory power among the treatments, and quantify the association between biometric and performance traits. The principal components obtained were efficient in reducing the total variation accumulated in 19 original variables correlated to five linear combinations, which explained 80% of the total variation present in the original variables. The first two principal components together accounted for 56.12% of the total variation of the evaluated variables. Eight variables were selected using the stepwise method. The first three canonical variables were significant, explaining 92.25% of the total variation. The first canonical variable showed a canonical correlation coefficient of 0.94, indicating a strong association between biometric traits and animal performance. Slaughter weight and hind width were selected because these variables presented the highest discriminatory power among all treatments, based on standard canonical coefficients. RESUMO: Este estudo teve o objetivo de aplicar as técnicas multivariadas de componentes principais e discriminante canônica em um conjunto de dados de carcaça de ovinos da raça Morada Nova, a fim de reduzir a dimensionalidade do conjunto de variáveis originais, identificar quais as variáveis com o melhor poder discriminatório entre os tratamentos, além de quantificar a associação entre características biométricas e de desempenho. Os componentes principais gerados foram eficientes em reduzir a variação total acumulada em 19 variáveis originais, correlacionadas para cinco combinações lineares, os quais explicaram 80% da variação total contida nas variáveis originais. Os dois primeiros componentes principais juntos explicam 56,12% da variação total das variáveis avaliadas. Oito variáveis foram selecionadas pelo método stepwise. As três primeiras variáveis canônicas foram significativas, explicando 92,25% da variação total. A primeira variável canônica apresentou o coeficiente de correlação canônica de 0,94, o que indica uma alta associação entre as características de medidas biométricas e de desempenho animal. O peso corporal ao abate e a largura de garupa foram as variáveis selecionadas por apresentar o mais alto poder discriminatório dos tratamentos, com base nos coeficientes canônicos padronizados.

This study aimed to use multivariate techniques of principal component analysis and canonical discriminant analysis in a data set from Morada Nova sheep carcass to reduce the dimensions of the original data set, identify variables with the best discriminatory power among the treatments, and quantify the association between biometric and performance traits. The principal components obtained were efficient in reducing the total variation accumulated in 19 original variables correlated to five linear combinations, which explained 80% of the total variation present in the original variables. The first two principal components together accounted for 56.12% of the total variation of the evaluated variables. Eight variables were selected using the stepwise method. The first three canonical variables were significant, explaining 92.25% of the total variation. The first canonical variable showed a canonical correlation coefficient of 0.94, indicating a strong association between biometric traits and animal performance. Slaughter weight and hind width were selected because these variables presented the highest discriminatory power among all treatments, based on standard canonical coefficients.

This thesis describes the development of an integrated, farm level, bioeconomic systems model of Irish sheep production using nationally representative data from the National Farm Survey (NFS). A systems approach is applied to develop three sub-model components which enable an integrated assessment of the impact of policy reform and farm management practice on the financial, technical and environmental performance of Irish sheep farms. The framework is bioeconomic in that, alongside financial analysis it seeks to capture the biophysical attributes of livestock and crops and the variability in farm environmental conditions that are an inherent feature of agriculture production systems. The framework is subsequently applied to provide input to the Irish Bioeconomy Input-Output model (BIO) in order to simulate the economy wide economic and environmental impact of achieving Food Wise 2025 (FW 2025) National policy objectives in terms of economic output, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This systems approach, using NFS data, enables the disaggregation of the agriculture sector and the extension of I-O tables to an environmental account of GHG emissions. It is proposed that the linking of micro and macro analysis is necessary for integrated systems assessment in the context of national policy, which straddles both farm level production targets and national macroeconomic targets. A number of economic models of production are specified to analyse the distribution in technical management performance and associated financial performance across the distribution of sheep farms and to examine the farm level effects of a policy reform. In the context of the growing emphasis on production efficiency per unit output, as promoted by recent EU Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) reform, World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreements, and international climate change legislation, Chapter 2 describes the “Animal Nutrition” component of the systems model. This is applied to assess the impact of flock nutrition management practices on financial and technical performance across all sheep farms. Results from a single equation econometric input demand model finds concentrate demand on Irish sheep farms to be elastic and thus sensitive to price changes. A second model specification indicates the presence of spatially heterogeneous effects of lambing date on concentrate demand across regions. Chapter 3 describes the ‘animal demographics’ subcomponent which is applied to estimate the impact of an improved efficiency simulation on farm income. Results indicate the potential impacts on farm output and gross margins for a series of improved animal performance scenarios which are achievable through specific technology adoptions and which are in-line with national policy objections for the sector as set down under Food Harvest 2020 (FH 2020). Chapter 4 describes the ‘environmental component’ of the model by performing a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Irish sheep farms to account for GHG emissions and land occupation. Results provide an estimate of the farm level carbon footprint and land occupation of sheep farms. The distribution in performance witnessed across farms points towards higher technical performance and increased production intensity as a means of mitigating GHG emissions from sheep production systems. This is in line with previous `hypothetical’ or average production systems LCAs for Ireland. Chapter 5 takes data generated from the systems model developed previously and scales results to be representative at the national economy level. This information is used as input to the Bioeconomy Input-Output (BIO) model for Ireland, adapted here to simulate the environmental and economic impacts of meeting FW 2025 growth targets. This is achieved through an extension of the BIO model to include an environmental account of GHG emissions and land occupation. In the context of potentially conflicting economic and environmental policies for Irish Agriculture, a scenario analysis is undertaken which assesses the potential increase in GHG emissions arising from the achievement of agriculture sector expansion plans. This thesis informs the current production literature through an analysis of the full distribution of Irish sheep producers. Detailed farm level production data not previously used in applied economic research provides information here on animal and crop performance, and the technical proficiency and management choices of the range of producers. This new information illuminates the management behaviour of these agents in response to policy and environmental stimulus. This provides a unique contribution to knowledge by establishing a framework under which the economic and environmental impacts of policy and farm management for the full distribution of sheep farms can be assessed. Unlike previous systems models applied to Irish agriculture, which modelled `representative’, average farms or `hypothetical’ farms based on experiment from research farms, this thesis models actual farms. Using NFS data means results are representative of the national population of farms and inference can be made on distribution of performance taking account of site specific environmental and agronomic conditions. Furthermore, results can be scaled to the national level to incorporate an integrated assessment of the impact of policy shocks on economic and environmental outputs across the entire value chain from `cradle to grave’.

In the context of water use for agricultural production, water footprints (WFs) have become an important sustainability indicator. To understand better the water demand for beef and sheep meat produced on pasture-based systems, a WF of individual farms is required. The main objective of this study was to determine the primary contributors to freshwater consumption up to the farm gate expressed as a volumetric WF and associated impacts for the production of 1 kg of beef and 1 kg of sheep meat from a selection of pasture-based farms for 2 consecutive years, 2014 and 2015. The WF included green water, from the consumption of soil moisture due to evapotranspiration, and blue water, from the consumption of ground and surface waters. The impact of freshwater consumption on global water stress from the production of beef and sheep meat in Ireland was also computed. The average WF of the beef farms was 8391 l/kg carcass weight (CW) of which 8222 l/kg CW was green water and 169 l/kg CW was blue water; water for the production of pasture (including silage and grass) contributed 88% to the WF, concentrate production – 10% and on-farm water use – 1%. The average stress-weighted WF of beef was 91 l H2O eq/kg CW, implying that each kg of beef produced in Ireland contributed to freshwater scarcity equivalent to the consumption of 91 l of freshwater by an average world citizen. The average WF of the sheep farms was 7672 l/kg CW of which 7635 l/kg CW was green water and 37 l/kg CW was blue water; water for the production of pasture contributed 87% to the WF, concentrate production – 12% and on-farm water use – 1%. The average stress-weighted WF was 2 l H2O eq/kg CW for sheep. This study also evaluated the sustainability of recent intensification initiatives in Ireland and found that increases in productivity were supported through an increase in green water use and higher grass yields per hectare on both beef and sheep farms. Teagasc E-Ruminant Research Stimulus Fund

Submitted by LEONARDO GUIMARÃES SILVA (leocrado@hotmail.com) on 2018-04-25T15:27:54Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação_Leonardo_Guimarães_Silva.pdf: 1870039 bytes, checksum: 82b04833f9b7134d6178f681b813154c (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Alexandra Maria Donadon Lusser Segali null (alexmar@fcav.unesp.br) on 2018-04-25T16:08:57Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 silva_lg_me_jabo.pdf: 1870039 bytes, checksum: 82b04833f9b7134d6178f681b813154c (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2018-04-25T16:08:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 silva_lg_me_jabo.pdf: 1870039 bytes, checksum: 82b04833f9b7134d6178f681b813154c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-03-02 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) O trabalho foi dividido em dois estudos. No estudo 1, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da inclusão de farinha de algas marinhas Schizochytrium sp. associada ou não a vitamina E, na dieta de cordeiros Ile de France, sobre o consumo, digestibilidade, desempenho, balanço de nitrogênio, comportamento ingestivo e características quantitativas de carcaça, realizados no Laboratório de Produção Ovina pertencente ao Departamento de Zootecnia da FCAV, Unesp, Campus Jaboticabal, SP. Foram utilizados 32 cordeiros Ile de France, machos não castrados, com peso inicial de 20,0 ± 0,2 kg recebendo as dietas: CO = silagem de milho + concentrado; FA = silagem de milho + concentrado com 4% de farinha de algas marinhas; VE = silagem de milho + concentrado contendo 1000 mg de vitamina E e FAVE = silagem de milho + concentrado contendo 4% de farinha de algas marinhas e 1000 mg de vitamina E, com base na matéria seca (MS), e relação volumoso:concentrado 40:60, fornecidos às 7 e 17 h, até atingirem o peso de abate de 35,0 ± 0,2 kg. As avaliações de digestibilidade e balanço de nitrogênio foram realizadas em gaiolas de metabolismo quando os animais atingiram 27 kg de peso corporal, representando a média de peso de entrada e saída no confinamento. Os parâmetros quantitativos da carcaça foram obtidos após abate humanitário dos animais. No estudo 2, foram avaliados parâmetros ruminais in vitro, tendo como variáveis pH, nitrogênio amoniacal (N-NH3) e ácidos graxos de cadeia curta (AGCC), realizados na Unidade Animal de Estudos Digestivos e Metabólicos da mesma unidade universitária. Foram usados oito ovinos canulados adultos da raça Santa Inês, castrados, com peso corporal médio de 50,0 kg, como doadores do líquido ruminal, sendo dois animais por dieta. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos e oito repetições para o estudo um e quatro tratamentos e seis repetições para o estudo dois, com auxílio do programa estatístico SAS versão 9.2, e comparações das médias pelo teste Tukey a 5% de significância. O consumo de nutrientes, desempenho, balanço aparente de nitrogênio, parâmetros quantitativos de carcaça, medidas no músculo Longissimus e tamanho de cortes não diferiram (P>0,05) entre as dietas. A inclusão de farinha de algas marinhas e vitamina E resultaram em maior (P0.05) between diets. The inclusion of marine algae meal and vitamin E resulted in higher (P

Technical and economic-financial performance of pantaneiro lamb finishing in feedlot (F) and semi-feedlot (SF) was evaluated. When analyzing the profitability, economic efficiency and the price sensitivity, was profit in all the scenarios evaluated. The gross margin (GM) was 69% and 52%, net margin (NM) was 65% and 48% and profitability index (PI) was 39% and 29%, as well as total productivity of factors (TPF) was R$1.53 and R$1.36, respectively, in the systems F and SF. Investment analysis showed that the activity is economically viable, remunerating all production factors and capital invested. Internal return tax was, respectively, 27% and 16% for the in feedlot and semi-feedlot systems. [Viabilidade econômico-financeira de sistemas de terminação de cordeiros pantaneiros]. Resumo: O desempenho técnico e econômico-financeiro de sistemas de terminação de cordeiros pantaneiros em confinamento (C) e semiconfinamento (SC) foi avaliado. Ao se analisar a rentabilidade, a eficiência econômica e a sensibilidade dos preços, foi apurado lucro em todos os cenários avaliados. A margem bruta (MB) foi de 69% e 52%, a margem liquida (ML) foi de 65% e 48% e o índice de lucratividade (IL) foi de 39% e 29%, bem como a produtividade total dos fatores (PTF) foi de R$ 1,53 e R$ 1,36, respectivamente, nos sistemas C e SC. A análise de investimento mostrou que a atividade é economicamente viável, remunerando todos os fatores de produção e o capital investido. A taxa interna de retorno foi, respectivamente, de 27% e 16% para a terminação em confinamento e semiconfinamento. Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-12T23:44:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 CNPC2018Economicfinancial.pdf: 798790 bytes, checksum: 207b51f56453d00d345640e0410d4131 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-11-12

Subject and purpose of work: The objective of the thesis was to present the differentiation of sheep production represented in the sheep population in Poland and to determine directions of changes in the sheep population in Poland. Disparities in the regional differentiation of sheep production and their causes were also shown. Materials and methods: The spatial range of research covered 16 provinces, while the time range covered the year 2015. Sources of the materials were: domestic and foreign literature as well as data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS in Polish). Data analysis and presentations were based on descriptive, tabular, graphical and indicatory methods, as well as the Pearson linear correlation coefficient. Results: The conducted research shows the presence of disparities between provinces, because there are provinces with large populations and stocking density of these animals but there also exist territorial units with a very small number of sheep. There was also a large decrease in the number of sheep found in most provinces. Conclusions: The existence of a significant link between the share of pastures in AL (agricultural land) and the sheep population in provinces was confirmed. Correlation occurred only in the case of this parameter. The conducted research should be treated as a pilot study.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar o zoneamento bioclimático para ovinos da raça Dorper, no Estado de Pernambuco. Foram utilizados dados meteorológicos médios diários de 246 postos meteorológicos no estado. As variáveis temperatura do ar e umidade relativa do ar foram utilizadas para o cálculo do índice de temperatura e umidade. Com os valores destas variáveis, traçaram-se as isolinhas por meio do programa Surfer. A região do Agreste pernambucano apresenta melhores condições climáticas para a raça Dorper, durante todo o ano, do que a região que compreende o litoral, a Zona da Mata e o Semiárido. Nos meses mais quentes e nas regiões mais críticas, como o Sertão, é necessária a implementação de manejo, como o provimento de sombra, para amenizar o estresse pelo calor e não comprometer o desempenho produtivo da raça. The objective of this work was to perform the bioclimatic zoning for Dorper sheep, in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Average daily meteorological data from 246 meteorological stations in the state were used. The variables air temperature and air relative humidity were used to calculate the temperature and humidity index. With the values of these variables, isolines were traced using the Surfer software. The Agreste region of Pernambuco shows the best weather conditions for Dorper breed throughout the year than the region comprising the coast, "Zona da Mata", and "Semiárido". In the warmer months and in critical regions, as the "Sertão", the implementation of management is required, to provide shade to mitigate heat stress and not compromise the productive performance of the breed.

The objective of this research was to characterize the efficiency and convenience of sheep identification system and its implementation costs. Therefore we quantified the time for implementation, reading and data transfer to a management program in a manual system (earrings) and electronic system (subcutaneous transponders). Furthermore, it was evaluated the implementation costs of the traceability systems by analysis of the absorption costs and comparison between systems. It was observed that the implementation time for the manual system was shorter (2.2 s animal−1) than the electronic system (4.67 s animal−1). As for reading time, the electronic system presented shorter time (2.89 s animal−1) than the manual system (4.67 s animal−1). As for the data transfer time, the electronic system also presented shorter time (16 s) than manual system (6 min and 42 s). In terms of economic costs, the manual system presented lower implementation costs and lower values per tracked animal to ensure the economic viability. In conclusion, the producer must analyze the context around the production unit to choose the best traceability system.

This dissertation seeks to study the dynamics of the Rio Grande do Sul sheep production from the configuration of slaughterhose industry supply chains front cnsumer market requirements. Employed the strategy of mixed methods analysis, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches in conducting a multicase study. Therefore, three case studies were conducted from interviews in focal firms (slaughterhouse) in the municipalities of Santana do Livramento/RS, Pântano Grande/RS and Sapiranga/RS, interviews and questionnaires applied by the suppliers and customers of the focal firms and analysis of data from official records of the sheep industry in the State. The nature of the organizational forms of the slaughterhouse segment is checked based on the assumptions of supply chain management, through its strategic, structural and relational dimensions and the behavior of the various supply chains front requirements of the consumers is perceived through the analysis of the Importance-Performance Matrix, methodology proposed by Slack et al. (2009) and evaluated in the context of the present study. The differences and similarities in the slaughterhouse supply chains are exposed in the results, pointing to the diversity of organizational forms present in sheep meat production of Rio Grande do Sul and indicating a limitation of delimiters elements of a guiding the configuration of the supply chains of the slaughterhouse segment. It turns out that the use of the Importance-Performance Matrix in conjunction with the mesoanalitic approach of supply chains shown suitable as analysis methodology for the sector studied, providing an accurate vision of the relationship between the ways companies organize their supply chains and the specifics of demand. A presente dissertação busca estudar a dinâmica da ovinocultura de corte do Rio Grande do Sul a partir da configuração das cadeias de suprimentos de empresas do segmento frigorífico frente aos requisitos do mercado consumidor. Emprega-se a estratégia de métodos mistos de análise, combinando as abordagens qualitativa e quantitativa na realização de um estudo multicaso. Para tanto, três estudos de caso foram realizados a partir de entrevistas em empresas focais (frigoríficos) nos municípios de Santana do Livramento/RS, Pântano Grande/RS e Sapiranga/RS, entrevistas e questionários aplicados junto à fornecedores e clientes das empresas focais, e, análise de dados oriundos de registros oficiais do setor ovino do estado. A natureza das formas organizacionais do segmento frigorífico é verificada com base nos pressupostos da gestão da cadeia de suprimentos, através de suas dimensões estratégica, estrutural e relacional, e, o comportamento das diferentes cadeias de suprimentos frente aos requisitos dos consumidores é percebido através da análise da Matriz Importância-Desempenho, metodologia proposta por Slack et al. (2009) e avaliada no contexto do presente estudo. As diferenças e semelhanças presentes nas cadeias de suprimentos dos frigoríficos são expostas nos resultados, apontando para a heterogeneidade de formas organizacionais presente na ovinocultura de corte do Rio Grande do Sul e indicando uma limitação de elementos conformadores de um padrão norteador na configuração das cadeias de suprimentos do segmento frigorífico. Verifica-se que a utilização da Matriz Importância-Desempenho em conjunto com a abordagem mesoanalítica de cadeias de suprimentos se mostra adequada como metodologia de análise para o setor estudado, proporcionando uma visão apurada da relação entre as formas como as empresas organizam suas cadeias de suprimentos e as especificidades da demanda.

El alto costo de la carne bovina está amenazando gravemente la seguridad alimentaria. Es por esta razón que existe una necesidad de diversificar la producción de carne, con el fin de ofrecerle a la población otras alternativas de proteína animal, como por ejemplo la carne ovina. El sector ovino en Santander ha crecido aceleradamente y esto se debe al incremento del consumo de esta carne, por lo cual se adelantará un proyecto de inversión o proyecto productivo consistente en la cría de ovinos en el municipio de Lebrija – Santander, al cual se le realizó un estudio de factibilidad financiera, haciendo además un análisis del sector y sus antecedentes, los aspectos técnicos y administrativos a implementar, así como la aplicación de herramientas financieras como la tasa interna de retorno, el costo beneficio y el diseño de balances para determinar los niveles de productividad y rentabilidad del negocio. Se concluyó que el proyecto productivo de cría de ovinos es viable desde el punto de vista económico o factible desde el punto de vista financiero, toda vez que los indicadores fueron positivos y se recuperará la totalidad de la inversión al cabo del tercer año de funcionamiento de la empresa “Ovinos y Corderos AB”. The high cost of beef is seriously threatening food security. It is for this reason that there is a need to diversify the production of meat, in order to offer the population other alternatives of consumption, such as sheep meat. The sheep sector in Santander has grown rapidly and this is due to the increase in the consumption of this meat, so an investment project or production project will be carried out, consisting of the rearing of sheep in the municipality of Lebrija - Santander, to which Carried out a financial feasibility study, also making an analysis of the sector and its background, the technical and administrative aspects to be implemented, as well as the application of financial tools such as internal rate of return, cost benefit and the design of balance sheets to determine The levels of productivity and profitability of the business. It was concluded that the productive sheep breeding project is economically viable or feasible from the financial point of view, since the indicators were positive and the entire investment will be recovered after four years of operation. The company "Ovinos y Corderos AB". Magíster en Administración - MBA Maestría

La utilización racional de los recursos genéticos animales implica estudiar sus características zootécnicas y productivas mediante datos objetivos. Para cumplir con esta premisa en el caso de la raza ovina Criolla argentina, aún falta mucho por hacer. Es la primera raza ovina del país, está distribuida en casi todas las provincias y ocupa el lugar tercero de las existencias ovinas actuales. El objetivo del trabajo fue estudiar la morfología de las ovejas Criollas de cuatro provincias argentinas utilizando índices zoométricos, de tal manera de reconocer sus características etnológicas y sus aptitudes funcionales. Para ello se trabajó con 203 ovejas adultas de acuerdo a su cronometría dentaria: 59 pertenecientes a la provincia de Buenos Aires (BA); 40 a Corrientes (CO); 60 a Santiago del Estero (SE) y 44 a Salta (SA). Se calcularon ocho índices zoométricos, cuatro de tipo etnológico: Índice cefálico (ICE); Índice torácico (ITO); Índice corporal (ICO); Índice Pelviano (IPE) y cuatro de tipo funcional: Índice de profundidad relativa (IPR); Índice pelviano transversal (IPT); Índice pelviano longitudinal (IPL); Índice de cortedad relativa (ICR). Se efectuaron análisis estadísticos descriptivos, ANOVA y test de Tukey para detectar diferencias entre regiones, correlaciones lineales entre los índices y análisis de componentes principales para los índices etnológicos y para los funcionales separadamente. Los resultados respecto de los índices etnológicos revelan que las cuatro regiones comparten características raciales en común, aunque presentan variabilidad intrapoblacional, siendo las más homogéneas las ovejas salteñas y las de mayor variabilidad las bonaerenses, probablemente obedeciendo a la adaptación de los animales a los ambientes de cada región. Los índices funcionales indican que en las cuatro regiones las ovejas son aptas para ser utilizadas con doble propósito: carne-lana, resultando también las ovejas salteñas las más uniformes y con mejor conformación carnicera. The rational use of animal genetic resources, involves studying their zootechnical and productive characteristics by objective data. To fulfil this premise in the case of the Argentinean Creole sheep breed, much remains to be done. It is the first sheep breed in the country, is distributed in almost all provinces and occupies the third place of the current sheep stock. The objective of this work was to study the morphology of Creole sheep from four Argentine provinces using zoometric indexes, in order to recognize their ethnic characteristics and functional abilities. We worked with 203 adult sheep according to their dental chronometry: 59 belonging to Buenos Aires province (BA); 40 to Corrientes (CO); 60 to Santiago del Estero (SE) and 44 to Salta (SA). Eight zoometric indexes were calculated: four belonging to the ethnological type: Cephalic index (ICE); Thoracic index (ITO); Corporal index (ICO); Pelvic index (IPE) and four belonging to the functional type: Relative depth index (IPR); Pelvic transversal index (IPT); Pelvic longitudinal index (IPL); Shortsightedness relative index (ICR). Descriptive statistical analyzes were performed, ANOVA and Tukey test to detect differences between regions, linear correlations between indexes and Principal Component Analysis for ethnological and functional indexes separately. The results regarding to the ethnological indexes show that the four regions shared racial characteristics in common, although they present variability within population, the sheep from Salta are more homogeneous and then those from Buenos Aires which present more variability probably because of adaptation of animals to the different environments. The functional indexes indicate that in the four regions, sheep are suitable as meat-wool dual purpose animals. Salta’s sheep resulted to be the most uniform one and to have the best meat conformation.

O objetivo do artigo é desenvolver conceitos institucionais e evolucionários a fim de subsidiar a análise de mercados agrícolas. A construção teórica e analítica foi aplicada no caso da evolução da ovinocultura para responder à questão: variáveis institucionais e evolucionárias são determinantes para o aumento da produção de ovinos no Brasil e no Uruguai? A hipótese da pesquisa reside na importância das variáveis institucionais e evolucionárias no processo produtivo, sendo decisivo o papel das regras informais e da dinâmica econômica para o desenvolvimento futuro da atividade. Os dados do caso empírico foram analisados por meio de testes de hipóteses paramétricos e análise de regressão logística. Os resultados encontrados demonstram que fatores institucionais foram determinantes, tanto na manutenção de ovinocultores após um processo de mudança estrutural, como na pretensão futura de aumento da produção ovina nas duas regiões estudadas, apontando um papel decisivo para as regras informais da sociedade (costumes, tradições etc.) e modos não econômicos de pensar na dinâmica econômica da atividade após períodos de desequilíbrios. A pesquisa demonstrou a possibilidade da aplicação de pressupostos econômicos evolucionários, buscando, além de compreender o fenômeno, estimular o fortalecimento desta aproximação teórico-empírica em diversos temas da área da economia agrícola. The objective of this article was to develop institutional and evolutionary concepts to subsidize the analysis of agricultural markets. The analytical and theoretical constructions were applied in the case of the evolution of sheep production to answer the question: institutional and evolutionary variables are determinant to increase the sheep raising in Brazil and Uruguay? The hypothesis of the research is the importance of institutional and evolutionary variables in the production process, with the decisive role of informal rules and economic dynamics for the future development of the activity. The data of empirical case were analyzed using parametric hypothesis tests and logistic regression analysis. The results show that institutional factors were decisive in both the maintenance of sheep farmers after a process of structural change, which has a future pretension of increasing sheep production in the two studied regions, indicating a decisive role in informal rules of society (customs, traditions etc.) and non-economic ways of thinking in the dynamics of economic activity after periods of imbalances. The research demonstrated the possibility of applying evolutionary economic assumptions, seeking to understand the phenomenon as well as stimulating the strengthening of this approach in several theoretical and empirical issues in the field of agricultural economics.

Castor bean hulls (CBH), co-products of castor oil extraction, are high in dry matter (DM) and fiber and are emerging as alternative roughage in sheep feed. This could reduce feed costs since other sources of roughage can be more expensive. The effects of replacing Tifton 85 hay with CBH at 0, 33, 66 and 100% in the diet of sheep on the carcass characteristics, weights and yields of retail cuts and carcass measurements were studied. Twenty-eight non-castrated sheep averaging 7 ± 1.4 months of age with an initial weight of 19.5 ± 4.3 kg were slaughtered after 70 days of confinement. There was a linear decline (P ≤ 0.05) in slaughter body weight, empty body weight, hot and cold carcass weight and longissimus muscle area (LMA) as the percentage of dietary CBH increased. A linear decrease (P≤0.05) of the weights of all retail cuts and a quadratic effect (minimum yield of 9.84% with the replacement of 56.9%) of the neck yield were also detected as the percentage of CBH increased. No treatment effects (P > 0.05) on the yield of the other cuts were observed, but there was a linear decline (P ≤ 0.05) in the perimeters of the thorax, leg and rump and the carcass compactness index. Replacing Tifton 85 hay with CBH in sheep diets is not recommended because it decreases the slaughter body weight, cold and hot carcass weight, retail cut weights and morphometric measurements.A casca da mamona, coproduto da extração do óleo da mamona, por apresentar em sua composição elevados teores de matéria seca e fibra, surge como fonte alternativa de volumoso na alimentação de ovinos, podendo diminuir os custos com alimentação, uma vez que outras fontes são comercializadas a preços superiores. Avaliou-se o efeito da substituição do feno de capim Tifton 85 pela casca de mamona em 0, 33, 66 e 100% na dieta de ovinos sobre as características de carcaça, os pesos e rendimentos dos cortes comerciais e a morfometria da carcaça. Vinte e oito animais não castrados, com 7 ± 1,4 meses de idade e peso inicial médio de 19,5 ± 4,3 kg, foram abatidos após 70 dias de confinamento. Houve efeito linear decrescente (P≤0.05) para o peso corporal ao abate, peso de corpo vazio, peso de carcaça quente, peso de carcaça fria e área de olho-de-lombo, de acordo com os níveis crescentes de substituição. O decréscimo linear (P≤0,05) no peso de todos os cortes comerciais e o efeito quadrático do rendimento do pescoço (rendimento mínimo de 9,84% quando a substituição foi de 56,9%) também foram verificados com o aumento percentual da casca de mamona. Não houve efeito (P > 0,05) sobre os rendimentos dos demais cortes, mas o perímetro do tórax, da perna e da garupa e o índice de compacidade da carcaça decresceram linearmente (P≤0,05) com a substituição. A substituição do feno de capim Tifton 85 pela casca de mamona para ovinos diminui o peso corporal ao abate, os pesos de carcaça quente e fria, os pesos dos cortes comerciais e as medidas morfométricas.

Irrigation return flows increase the salt concentrations of receiving water bodies and cause water logging which affect agricultural productivity in Turkmenistan. Flooding irrigation drainage water using on natural pastures has also had adverse effects on the long-term productivity of desert ranges. This study examines the economics of halophytes as feed for sheep using saline irrigation water from drainage collector systems on a representative farm. Cost-benefit and rate of return analyses show that the project is economically feasible for reused water with 1400 mg/l mineralization levels or less. At higher mineral concentrations in water, or in more saline soils, bioremediation through halophyte fodder production can be profitably implemented if new market incentives exist. Value chain analysis is applied to evaluate alternative incentive systems for sheep operations based on saline water irrigated halophyte fodder production.

Cilj rada bio je utvrditi proizvodna i ekonomska obilježja ovčarske proizvodnje te gospodarski položaj i razvojnu usmjerenost uzgajivača ovaca na području otoka Paga. Podaci o proizvodnim i ekonomskim odlikama ovčarske proizvodnje na području otoka Paga prikupljeni su anketiranjem i obrađeni odgovarajućim metodama deskriptivne statistike. Anketirani uzgajivači ovaca imaju u prosjeku 47 rasplodnih ovaca, 2 ovna i 9 grla namijenjenih obnovi stada (u dobi do jedne godine), pa je prosječna veličina stada bila 58 grla. Prosječni ukupni prihod od ovčarske proizvodnje u 2009. godini iznosio je 72.460,10 kn, dok su ukupni troškovi prosječno iznosili 13.260,10 kn, a koji su obuhvaćali trošak stočne hrane i veterinarskih usluga. Sva istraživanjem obuhvaćena gospodarstva ostvarila su pozitivan financijski rezultat koji je prosječno iznosio 59.199,90 kn. Kao osnovni motiv bavljenja ovčarstvom čak 3/4 ispitanika navodi isplativost ovčarske proizvodnje, a mali broj kao motiv ističe nasljedstvo ili ovčarsku tradiciju te nemogućnost bavljenja drugom djelatnošću na otoku. Nepostojanje potencijalnog nasljednika u većini gospodarstava uz visoku prosječnu starosnu dob nositelja gospodarstva čini bitne ograničavajuće čimbenike budućeg razvoja ovčarstva na otoku Pagu. Kao odgovor na djelovanje ulaska u Europsku uniju polovica uzgajivača namjerava unaprijediti proizvodnju prilagođavajući ju zahtjevima i standardima Europske unije, četvrtina namjerava zadržati postojeći kapacitet proizvodnje, dok preostala četvrtina namjerava prestati s ovčarskom proizvodnjom., The aim of the research was to learn from a survey about the production and economic characteristics of sheep production as well as economic position and developmental orientation of sheep breeders on the island of Pag. Data on production and economic characteristics of sheep production on the island of Pag were collected from a survey and processed through relevant descriptive statistics methods. The respondents have on average 47 breeding sheep, 2 rams and 9 sheep intended for flock renewal rate (not older than one year); which means an average flock has 58 sheep. The average total income from sheep production in 2009 was 72,460.10 HRK. The average total production costs in 2009 were 13,260.10 HRK, including the costs of fodder and veterinary services. All farms achieved positive financial results of 59,199.90 HRK in average. As many as three quarters of respondents indicated profitability of sheep production as the main motivation to engage in sheep production; very few indicated that heritage and inability to do other jobs were the main motivation. Important limiting factors for future development of sheep breeding on the island of Pag in most farms are lack of potential heirs and high average age of farm holders. Regarding the effects of joining the European Union, half the breeders intend to improve their production and harmonise it with the EU requirements and standards; one quarter of them intend to keep the existing production capacity; and another quarter intend to quit with production.

En el primer semestre de 2014 se realizó una encuesta en Costa Rica a 184 productores de ovinos con el fin de caracterizar sus variables sociales, comerciales y zootécnicas de sus explotaciones. Se consideró variables generales como la mano de obra empleada en la finca, el uso del suelo y el inventario de los animales, el manejo zootécnico, la comercialización, y la percepción del productor hacia el sector. Para la mayoría de los productores, la actividad de la cría de ovejas (53,2%) no importa mucho económicamente, ni representan su principal fuente de ingresos. La edad media de los agricultores es de 45 años. La mayoría de ellos tienen un alto nivel educativo. La experiencia media de la cría de ovejas es de 5,3 años. El capital humano involucrado viene de dentro de la familia y de la mano de obra contratada también. El tamaño medio del hato llegar a ser de 93 animales. La cuenta total de animales fue de 17.360, con una proporción del 56% de hembras reproductoras en el inventario total, y una proporción de hembras / sementales de 25 a 1. Se estimó una tasa media global de 5,56 animales por hectárea. La raza más mencionada entre los productores fue la Kathadin. El uso de un sistema de semipastoreo fue predominante. Dado el carácter novedoso de la actividad, la mitad de los productores aún no han comercializado animales en pie. Se observaron diferencias importantes de hasta el 200% y más cuando se trata del pago por kg / canal. El productor de ovejas de Costa Rica hace un mal uso de la intervención técnica, un hecho que puede conducir a una potencial pérdida de productividad. Es necesario fortalecer sus procesos desde el punto de vista de una producción de carne más eficiente. In the first half of 2014 a survey was conducted in Costa Rica to 184 sheep producers in order to characterize their social, commercial and zootechnical variables of their husbandry. General variables such as employment within the husbandry, land use and animal inventory, zootechnical handling, marketing and perception of the producer toward the sector was considered. For most producers, the activity of sheep farming (53.2%) does not matter greatly economically, neither represent their main source of revenue. The average age of farmers is 45 years. Most of them have a high educational level. The average experience raising sheep is 5.3 years. The involved human capital comes from within the family and from hired labor as well. The average herd size turn out to be 93 animals. The total account of animals was 17360 with a proportion of 56% of breeding females in the total inventory, and a ratio of females/stallions of 25 to 1. An overall stocking rate of 5.56 animals per hectare was estimated. The most mentioned breed among producers was Kathadin. Using a system of semi-pastoralis areas was predominant. Given the novel nature of the activity, half of the producers have not yet commercialized animals. Important differences of up to 200% and more were observed when it comes to the payment per kg/carcass. The Costa Rican sheep producer makes a poor use of technical intervention, a fact that may lead to a potential lost of productivity. It is necessary to strengthen its processes from the point of view of a more efficient meat production. Universidad de Costa Rica/[737-B4-061]/UCR/Costa Rica UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Agroalimentarias::Estación Experimental de Ganado Lechero Alfredo Volio Mata (EEAVM) UCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Agroalimentarias::Facultad de Ciencias Agroalimentarias::Escuela de Zootecnia

A random sample of sheep producers in the dry areas of Syria were surveyed in 2002. Based on sheep movement, four production systems were identified; migratory, transhumance, semi-sedentary and sedentary. The survey data was analyzed using a single-stage model for estimating the technical inefficiencies of each production and its determinants. Technical efficiency ranges from 0.67 to 0.97, with considerable variation within each of the four production systems. The sedentary production system was the most efficient, and the migratory system the least efficient. The major factors causing inefficiencies included high abortion rate, low fertility, high lamb mortality, and long distances to markets and water sources. Improving the physiological conditions of the sheep and selecting the appropriate system of sheep production according to the location of the farm would improve efficiency of the sheep production substantially. Efficiency of sheep production in Syria can be improved by encouraging producers to shift to more intensive systems. As production and market conditions are fairly stable in Syria, the results and their implications are still valid. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Foram analisados quatro grupos de ovinos machos da raça Santa Inês nascidos em quatro estações do ano, no Distrito Federal, a fim de observar as idades e o peso corporal em que estes atingiram a puberdade. A partir dos cortes histológicos dos testículos, foram analisados parâmetros celulares e mensurações dos túbulos seminíferos. O efeito da data de nascimento sobre os parâmetros avaliados foi significativo (PFour groups of Santa Inês male sheep born in four seasons in the Distrito Federal were analyzed to evaluate the age and body weight at puberty, at which point were castrated. Histological measurements were carried out on the testicles to evaluate cellular parameters and size measurements of the seminiferous tubules. The effect of the group on cellular parameters was significant (P

O presente trabalho objetiva relatar os principais tipos de distocias em ovelhas, no Agreste e Sertão de Pernambuco, e avaliar alguns fatores relacionados com sua ocorrência, bem como determinar a eficiência dos tratamentos utilizados. A maior incidência de partos distócicos ocorreu na estação chuvosa, com 61,7% dos casos. Os resultados mostraram predominância de distocias de origem materna (71,6%) sobre a fetal (29,4%), com maior incidência em ovelhas primíparas da raça Santa Inês, com gestações gemelares. A principal distocia materna foi a ausência ou dilatação cervical insuficiente, e fetal, a má disposição na apresentação anterior. A taxa de sobrevivência das mães correspondeu a 100 e 88,6%, enquanto das crias alcançou 41,2 e 46,7%, após manobra obstétrica e cesariana, respectivamente, com predominância de cordeiros inviáveis em ambos os procedimentos. As manobras obstétricas e a cesariana pelo flanco esquerdo permanecem opções seguras para o tratamento de distocias em ovelhas, sendo ainda importantes coadjuvantes, minimizando o impacto econômico causado por essa enfermidade em Pernambuco.The aim of the present study was to report the main dystocia causes in sheep in Agreste and semiarid region of Pernambuco and to evaluate some factors related to their occurrence, besides of determining the efficiency of the treatment choices. The higher incidence of dystocia occurred in rainy season corresponding to 61.7%. Results showed a major predominance of maternal dystocia (71.6%) over fetal dystocia (29.4%) with higher incidence in primiparous and gemelar pregnant Santa Inês ewes. The main maternal dystocia was ringwomb while fetal dystocia was maldisposition in anterior presentation. Maternal survival rate correspond to 100% and 88.6%, while lambs achieved 41.2% and 46.7% after obstetrical maneuver and caesarean section, respectively, with predominance of unviable lambs in both procedures. Obstetrical maneuver and left flank cesarean section remain as safe options for the treatment of sheep dystocia and are also important coadjutants in minimizing the economical impact that this disease causes in Pernambuco.

The paper presents the characteristics of sheep production as a subsystem of the sustainable bioeconomy. The potential of this production is very large. Sheep provide many products that have multiple uses. Key features of sheep production is the production of healthy food, utilization of resources of agricultural origin in the industry, supporting of ecology and tourism, generation of renewable energy from biogas. It all makes the sheep production is a subsystem of the sustainable bioeconomy.

he objective of this article was to develop institutional and evolutionary concepts to subsidize the analysis of agricultural markets. The analytical and theoretical constructions were applied in the case of the evolution of sheep production to answer the question: institutional and evolutionary variables are determinant to increase the sheep raising in Brazil and Uruguay? The hypothesis of the research is the importance of institutional and evolutionary variables in the production process, with the decisive role of informal rules and economic dynamics for the future development of the activity. The data of empirical case were analyzed using parametric hypothesis tests and logistic regression analysis. The results show that institutional factors were decisive in both the maintenance of sheep farmers after a process of structural change, which has a future pretension of increasing sheep production in the two studied regions, indicating a decisive role in informal rules of society (customs, traditions etc.) and non-economic ways of thinking in the dynamics of economic activity after periods of imbalances. The research demonstrated the possibility of applying evolutionary economic assumptions, seeking to understand the phenomenon as well as stimulating the strengthening of this approach in several theoretical and empirical issues in the field of agricultural economics.

This study investigated the gastrointestinal parasitism by helminths and protozoa in sheep (Ovis aries) Santa Inês breed, municipality of Lajes, Rio Grande do Norte. Monthly, from April 2005 to August 2007, stool samples were collected from two tracer lambs in the first day of the experiment and performed a necropsy of these animals in 44th day. A total of 64 lambs were sampled, but only 62 lambs were slaughtered. The fecal samples were examined by sedimentation in water. The contents of the abomasum, small intestine and large intestine were examined for the recovery of helminths. The parasitological examination revealed eggs of the following groups of helminths: Strongyloidea, Strongyloides sp., Trichuris sp., and Moniezia sp. Also were found oocysts of Eimeria spp., cysts of Entamoeba ovis and Giardia duodenalis. The helminths identified from examining the contents were: Haemonchus contortus, Cooperia pectinata, Cooperia punctata, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Moniezia expansa, Oesophagostomum sp. Skrjabinema ovis and Trichuris sp.O presente estudo investigou o parasitismo gastrintestinal por helmintos e protozoários em ovinos (Ovis aries) da raça Santa Inês, no município de Lajes, Rio Grande do Norte. Mensalmente, entre abril de 2005 e agosto de 2007, foram coletadas amostras fecais de dois cordeiros traçadores no primeiro dia do experimento e realizada a necropsia desses animais no 44º dia. O total de cordeiros amostrados foi 64, mas apenas 62 foram necropsiados. As amostras fecais foram examinadas pela técnica de sedimentação espontânea em água. Os conteúdos do abomaso, intestino delgado e intestino grosso dos cordeiros necropsiados foram examinados para a recuperação dos helmintos. Os exames parasitológicos evidenciaram ovos dos seguintes grupos de helmintos: Strongyloidea, Strongyloides sp. , Trichuris sp., e Moniezia sp. Também foram encontrados oocistos de Eimeria spp., cistos de Entamoeba ovis e de Giardia duodenalis. Os helmintos identificados a partir do exame dos conteúdos foram: Haemonchus contortus, Cooperia pectinata, Cooperia punctata, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Moniezia expansa, Oesophagostomum sp. , Skrjabinema ovis . Trichuris sp.

The once bred ewe slaughter method proposes the use of female lamb to produce a lamb and then both are slaughtered, increasing income and high quality meat production. Thus, this study evaluated the growth and reproduction performance of ewe lamb from Santa Inês (SI), a naturalized genetic resource, and their crosses (Dorper x Santa Inês (DOR), Texel x Santa Inês (TEX), Ile de France x Santa Inês (ILE)), as well as the survivability and development of their offspring. The animals were weighed monthly from birth to 12-months age. Samples of milk were collected on approximately 30 days of lactation. The physical-chemical analysis of milk was performed. SI females (2.94 kg) had significantly lower birth weight than DOR (3.80 kg) and TEX (3.87 kg). ILE females had higher weaning weight and weight at 12 months than SI females, which reflected in higher daily weight gain (ADG) (108.46 g/day) than TEX and SI. The pregnancy rates at 12 months were ILE (57.14%), TEX (25%), DOR (50%), and SI (28.57%), with TEX and SI differing of ILE and DOR (p = 0.03). Therefore, in semi-confinement and in a once-bred ewe production system using crossbreeding and allying meat production and reproduction, we recommend the use of Dorper and Ile de France breeds for crossbreeding with Santa Inês females. These results demonstrated the useful of a local genetic resource in productive system aiming a low cost meat production.

In the Mallee region of southern Australia, the dry and variable climate results in frequent summer–autumn feed gaps, restricting the profitability of farms that combine livestock and crop enterprises. To assess the suitability of summer-growing perennial grasses to fill such feed gaps, two replicated field experiments comparing the persistence and productivity of several cultivars were conducted at Hopetoun and Karoonda. The data from these experiments also served to validate a C4 grass model, which was then used in a simulation experiment comparing productivity on two different soil types at three locations. Most grass cultivars established well except on sandy, non-wetting soils. At Hopetoun, four of five cultivars persisted over 6 years, demonstrating the tolerance of the selected cultivars to the typical long, dry summers and cold, wet winters of the region. Biomass production showed little difference between cultivars and a strong response to the amount of summer rainfall, ranging from 1500 to 3000 kg ha–1 under average seasonal conditions and peaking at 9000 kg ha–1 in the very wet summer of 2010–2011. Model performance was satisfactory (R2 0.85–0.93, RMSE 476–1673 kg ha–1, depending on the cultivar), in terms of predicting both the magnitude and the timing of biomass production. Simulation outputs indicated that biomass production closely followed seasonal trends in temperature and moisture availability. Grazing potential was highest from early summer to autumn, which coincides with the period of feed shortages and highest marginal value of forage. In areas with warm-season (October–April) rainfall averages of 175 and 225 mm, the grazing of C4 grass pastures on marginal soils would be possible in at least 40% of the years for 2 and 3 months, respectively. It was concluded that summer-growing perennials are a promising option to alleviate feed gaps on mixed crop–livestock farms in areas with at least 150 mm of rainfall from October to April.

The once bred ewe slaughter method proposes the use of female lamb to produce a lamb and then both are slaughtered, increasing income and high quality meat production. Thus, this study evaluated the growth and reproduction performance of ewe lamb from Santa Inês (SI), a naturalized genetic resource, and their crosses (Dorper x Santa Inês (DOR), Texel x Santa Inês (TEX), Ile de France x Santa Inês (ILE)), as well as the survivability and development of their offspring. The animals were weighed monthly from birth to 12-months age. Samples of milk were collected on approximately 30 days of lactation. The physical-chemical analysis of milk was performed. SI females (2.94 kg) had significantly lower birth weight than DOR (3.80 kg) and TEX (3.87 kg). ILE females had higher weaning weight and weight at 12 months than SI females, which reflected in higher daily weight gain (ADG) (108.46 g/day) than TEX and SI. The pregnancy rates at 12 months were ILE (57.14%), TEX (25%), DOR (50%), and SI (28.57%), with TEX and SI differing of ILE and DOR (p = 0.03). Therefore, in semi-confinement and in a once-bred ewe production system using crossbreeding and allying meat production and reproduction, we recommend the use of Dorper and Ile de France breeds for crossbreeding with Santa Inês females. These results demonstrated the useful of a local genetic resource in productive system aiming a low cost meat production.

The aim of this study was to evaluate individual farms which predominantly dealt with crop production, but also kept sheep. Information about the farms’ cash flow was collected by way of direct interviews with the owners of the farms. The cash flow analysis revealed problems with liquidity. Therefore, it was necessary for some farms to have financial resources available for periods of negative financial flows or to be able to sell farm products. The national sheep industry which focuses on the production of lambs for slaughter, gives the opportunity to improve revenue. This was especially necessary in the second quarter, in which a lack of liquidity was observed. The share of income from sheep production in total revenues ranged from 19 to 50%, and proved that keeping sheep as a supplementary activity was beneficial.