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Simple Summary: The rational use of agriculture and agro-industrial by-products in ruminant nutrition contributes to greater respect for the environment in addition to a better final product quality. Artichoke crops are widespread in the Mediterranean region but mostly not properly valued. Previous studies carried out with artichoke by-product silage at 25, 40 and 60% inclusion in dairy goat feed for one month showed that 40% inclusion would be a good option without any harm to milk yield and composition or animal health status. Therefore, it is worth studying the effect of feeding animals with 40% artichoke by-product silage during a full lactation period. No negative effects were observed on animal performances and productivity, allowing us to reduce agroindustry wastes and offering a long-term preserved by-product that promotes a sustainable circular economy and the production of animal products with high nutritional value, like goat milk. The aim of this work is to study the effect of 40% inclusion of artichoke by-product silage (AB) in dairy goat diets on milk yield, composition and animal health status during a full lactation period compared to an isoenergetic and isoproteic mixed ration based on alfalfa hay and a cereal and legume mixture. Milk yield was not affected by the dietary treatments, and neither was body weight. AB treatment reduced whey protein (0.38 vs. 0.42%, p < 0.05) and milk urea concentrations (687 vs. 773 mg/L, respectively, p < 0.001), and did not affect total true protein (3.22 vs. 3.24% p > 0.05) or other macro-composition variables. AB treatment showed higher milk concentrations of Ca (p < 0.05), Mn (p < 0.01), Cu (p < 0.01) and Zn (p < 0.001) compared to the control group (C). Slight differences were observed in milk fatty acid profile without any negative effects (p > 0.05) on the blood cholesterol and glucose of goats. The AB group reduced blood urea due to its high dietary total phenol content. However, it had a positive effect on β-hydroxybutyrate (p < 0.05) and nonesterified fatty acids (p > 0.05). It was concluded that 40% artichoke by-product inclusion in dairy goat feed for the whole lactation period (23 weeks) is a sustainable solution, reducing feeding cost by 12.5% per kg of dry matter, contributing to a better circular economy without any negative repercussions on the productivity and health of Murciano–Granadina dairy goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This article studies the effect of the onset of intramammary infection (IMI) in dairy sheep on milk production, electrical conductivity (EC), SCC and milk quality, together with other physiological variation factors. In addition, it analyses the performance of different algorithms that use the variable EC of gland milk (a variable that can be automated in the milking parlour) for economic and early detection of IMI. The onset of IMI was found to cause an increase in SCC and a significant drop in production, more pronounced in bilaterally than unilaterally infected ewes, while EC was significantly higher when infection occurred bilaterally. The best algorithm for IMI detection using EC achieved 50% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the onset of intramammary infection (IMI) on the electrical conductivity (EC) of ewe milk and assess the detection capability of various algorithms based on daily glandular milk EC measurement. An experiment was carried out with 26 Manchega sheep located at the farm of the Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain. The variables in milk from the gland (production, EC) were monitored daily for 2 weeks during the morning and evening milking; once infection was established in the gland, the variables were measured for a further 4 weeks. In addition, the SCC, sodium, potassium, chloride and milk macro-compositions were analysed. The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values for IMI detection of different algorithms were calculated using the EC variable. It was observed that the onset of IMI resulted in an increase in SCC and a significant decrease in yield, and EC rose significantly when infection occurred bilaterally. The best results for IMI detection were obtained with the algorithm that detected deviations greater than 3σ of the conductivity ratio between collateral glands with respect to a moving average calculated with a time horizon of 10 days (50% sensitivity and 100% specificity). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: There were not long-term studies in the literature reviewed on how machine milking parameters (pulsation rate, pulsation ratio and system vacuum) affect milk production, milk composition, animal welfare and udder health throughout the lactation of Murciano-Granadina goats. After previous experiments developed in short term by this research group, the aim of the present experiments was to test during one entire lactation duration the best combination of system vacuum and pulsation parameters using two types of milking parlours, one with low-line pipes and the other with mid-line pipes to obtain optimal values of milking duration, milk yield, animal welfare and udder health. The results confirmed that the optimal parameters to milk Murciano-Granadina goats are different in mid-line milking parlours and in low-line milking parlours. The milking parameters must be correctly programmed to achieve optimal milking efficiency and milk quality values, enhancing the animals' sanitary status and farm profitability. The conclusions of this project have established work guidelines for small ruminants' farmers and technicians to improve milk quantity, milk quality and animal welfare. Recent short-term studies on Murciano-Granadina goats have established that the optimal parameters to set up the milking machines are different according to the milk pipes height. Two groups of 52 fresh goats each were employed in 2 different experiments to confirm during an entire lactation period the best combinations of system vacuum pulsation rate and pulsator ratio in low-line and mid-line milking parlours. The experiment performed in the low-line milking parlour included one group milked with 40 KPa vacuum system level, 90 puls/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsation and a second group milked with 38 KPa vacuum system level, 90 puls/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsation ratio. The experiment carried out in mid-line included one group milked with 40 KPa vacuum system level, 90 puls/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsation ratio and a second group milked with 40 KPa vacuum system level, 120 puls/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsation ratio. Variables studied included milking efficiency, milk composition, cortisol, SCC and intramammary infections, teat-end oedema after milking and vacuum dynamics during milking. Considering the results of an entire lactation period, it was confirmed that when milking in mid-line, the combination of 40 KPa system vacuum, 90 cycles/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsator ratio showed optimal results of the above-mentioned variables. On the other hand, the use of 40 KPa in a low-line system increased the milk cortisol values (0.34 ± 0.1 vs. 0.44 ± 0.1 ng/mL) without any other advantage. Thus, the recommendation is to use a combination of 38 KPa system vacuum, 90 cycles/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsator ratio to enhance animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a methodological approach for the location, characterisation and prospects of multifunctional agrifood systems territorialised on the Spanish State administrative scale. The proposal is applied to Spain, although it can be extrapolated to other locations. It is based on the determination of these systems' dimensions (spatiality, sustainability, proximity, governance and multifunctionality) and attributes. Indicators of each of the dimensions are identified from the perspective of sustainability. The research has shown that multifunctional territorialised agrifood systems present internal territorial contrasts and differentiated features, and three basic models have initially been identified: (i) metropolitan; (ii) mountain and highland areas, and (iii) great inland plains and coasts. It is concluded that a fourth, mixed metropolitan–mountain model exists; complex and multi-scale approaches must be included in the study of the models; state scales are the most suitable for analytical purposes; the sources are limited, and acknowledgement of these approaches by public policies is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large amount of vegetal by-products are generated during production and processing steps. Introducing silage from vegetable by-products into dairy goat feed would be of great interest from the point of view of reducing costs and supporting the circular economy. The aim of this research was to study the effect of 40% inclusion of silage broccoli by-products and artichoke plant by-products in the diet of Murciano-Granadina goats throughout the lactation to establish milk suitability for fermented milks production. The novelty of this study is the use of milk from goats fed for a long term with a high inclusion of silages from artichoke plant and broccoli by-products, being the first one on broccoli inclusion. Two starter cultures thermophilic (YO-MIXTM300), and, mesophilic (MA400) were used and fermented milks were analyzed at two storage times after fermentation. Fermentation enhances antioxidant properties of fermented milks from all diets (p < 0.05), especially when mesophilic starter cultures are used. The main findings are that long term inclusion of 40% silage from broccoli and artichoke plant by-products in balanced diets of dairy goats yields milk suitable for fermentation by yogurt and cheese cultures, the inclusion of broccoli silage enhances antioxidant properties (p < 0.05), and, the inclusion of plant artichoke enhances fatty acids health indexes (p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional farming practices include the use of local agricultural by-products in the diet of ruminants. Artichoke harvesting and transformation yield high amounts of by-products that, if properly used, may reduce farming costs and the environmental impact of farming. The present study tests the inclusion of silages from artichoke by-products (plant and outer bracts) in the diet of dairy goats (0%, 12.5% and 25% inclusion) on the technological and sensory properties of milk during a five-month study. Milk composition, color, stability, coagulation and fermentation properties remained unaffected by diet changes. Panelists were not able to differentiate among yogurts obtained from those milks by discriminant triangular sensory tests. Silages of artichoke by-products can be included in isoproteic and isoenergetic diets for dairy goats, up to a 25% (feed dry matter), without negatively affecting milk technological and sensory properties whereas reducing feeding costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The theoretical literature makes a connection between the notions of landscape and territorialised agrifood systems, but these connections are rarely specified or explained. Their consideration in development proposals requires the relationship between the two and their magnitude to be made explicit. This article enquires into this and explores its programmatic forecasts from both the theoretical and empirical perspectives. An epistemological and regulatory review points to the FAO Globally Important Agriculture Heritage System (GIAHS) programme as the instrument that articulates the logic of landscape and territorialised agrifood in marginal rural areas. The empirical part of the study focuses on the dried grape (raisin) agrifood system in Axarquía (Malaga province, Spain) GIAHS since 2018. Territorial recognition and semi-structured interviews have enabled a deep study of the praxis of these connections. Axarquía is seen to be an excellent laboratory of the synergies between territorialised agrifood system synergies and landscapes. GIAHS is substantiated as a virtual instrument that can contribute to agriculture-based territorial development. It acts as a stimulus to development and combines forces through territorial governance processes. It highlights the value of agriculture as a cornerstone of development, examines agricultural functionalities in detail, and gives meaning to agricultural landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurement of the milk electrical conductivity (EC) during mechanical milking has been widely studied for mastitis detection on cows because its improving of welfare and animal health, although research about small ruminants is scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of three commercial conductimeters to be used during mechanical milking of small ruminant halves, especially Murciano-Granadina goats. The objective of this research was to integrate the probes on the milking unit and to check the suitability of the probe selected. The results presented in this research have guided authors to discard the commercial probes and to establish the requirements of a new probe design that is briefly outlined in the conclusions of this contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In recent years, several studies have been carried out to optimize milking efficiency in Murciano-Granadina goats, but to our knowledge there are no experiments combining different milking parameters (system vacuum, pulsation rate and pulsator ratio) in two different height level milking machines. In two short experiments, testing different combinations of the parameters mentioned, milk fractioning, milking efficiency, teat end status and animal welfare were analyzed. Results showed that the height of the milking machine pipes can have an influence on which parameters are most optimal for milking efficiency and animal welfare in the milking of Murciano-Granadina goats. The Murciano-Granadina goat breed has been described as a slow milking breed. As milking machine parameters can affect milk extraction in terms of yield and time employed, two experiments of one-month duration were performed with 88 goats in Latin square design to find the best combination of these parameters. One of them was carried out in a mid-line milking machine and one in a low-line milking machine. For each of them, two vacuum levels (36 and 40 kPa), two pulsation rates (90 and 120 cycles/min) and two pulsator ratios (50 and 60%) were used and milking efficiency, sanitary status of the mammary gland, milk cortisol, and teat end status were evaluated. Results showed that in milking machines installed in mid- and low-line, the use of 40 kPa system vacuum, 60% pulsator ratio and 90 or 120 cycles/min pulsation rate achieved optimum milking fractioning and efficiency. In the case of low-level milking machines, a similar combination with 36 kPa not only showed worse milking fractioning values, but also provided better values of teat end status and cortisol level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of local agricultural by-products for animal feed is an alternative that reduces livestock production costs and allows food production of greater environmental sustainability. The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of the inclusion in the dairy goat ration of artichoke by-product silage (ABS) at three levels (25%, 40% and 60%, on a dry matter basis) on the milk yield, composition and quality, and on the metabolic profile of dairy goats. Thirty-six Murciano-Granadina dairy goats in mid-lactation were divided into four groups with homogeneous characteristics. Each group was assigned a diet: a control treatment (C) that consisted of a conventional diet of alfalfa hay and concentrate, and three other treatments that included 25, 40 and 60% ABS: ABS25, ABS40 and ABS60. Small differences were observed in the milk yield and quality and the health status of the animals. Only ABS60 presented a slightly lower milk yield (−20% compared to control group), without relevant differences in the milk composition and mineral profile. Regarding the lipid profile, ABS40 was the treatment with the best milk quality, due to a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (4.37%) and lower atherogenicity (1.90) and thrombogenicity indices (3.05), without differences from C. It was concluded that the maximum inclusion level of ABS in dairy goats' diet should be equal to 40%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The hypothesis of this experiment proposes that it could be possible to identify pregnant goats through maximum progesterone milk levels at any time in the pregnancy, and that there is an optimal moment to apply a lactation inhibitor to dry off lactating goats. The maximum progesterone concentration in milk varied depending on the season of the year, and those concentrations were similar for pregnant and non-pregnant goats, but significantly higher in the case of gestating goats with four foetuses, for which it would be possible to distinguish the pregnancy. The milk yield of goats at mating does not affect fertility until a value of at least 3250 mL/day. If using lactation inhibitors, their application up to the 10th week post-mating would be optimal for drying off lactating goats. Two of the most important problems in high-yielding dairy goat farms are early and accurate pregnancy diagnosis and the appropriate dry off of lactating does before the next kidding. The hypothesis posits that it could be possible to identify pregnant does through maximum progesterone milk levels at any time during the pregnancy, and that there is an optimal time to apply a lactation inhibitor to help dry off lactating does. Therefore, 114 Murciano-Granadina breed goats were used, from which 74 goats were inseminated at week 20 of lactation and samples of milk from pregnant and non-pregnant goats were taken at two-week intervals. The average maximum progesterone milk levels were higher outside the natural breeding season (40° latitude) than in the breeding season (11.6 ± 1.13 vs. 8.6 ± 1.02 ng/mL), although the levels from pregnant and non-pregnant goats were similar (10.85 ± 1.3 vs. 9.74 ± 1.6 ng/mL), except in the case of pregnancy with four foetuses (12.5 ± 1.3 ng/mL). Milk yield at mating does not affect fertility until a value of at least 3250 mL/day. Pregnancy started to affect milk yield up to the +7th week and was 59.9% lower in the +10th week after mating, so the use of lactation inhibitors could be more effective from this latter week. In conclusion, the results show that it is not possible to detect gestation in goats reliably through the maximum concentration of progesterone in milk at any time during lactation, except in the case of goats gestating four foetuses, that the milk yield of goats at mating does not affect fertility until a value of at least 3250 mL/day, and that from the 10th week post-mating, the application of lactation inhibitors would be optimal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing operational efficiency is an objective relevant for all institutions, but it is essential in public entities and even more in public health systems because of the number of resources they consume and their impact on general welfare. This research analyses the effect that CEOs' gender has on the operational efficiency of the entities they manage. Despite the impact that the management team and notably the CEO have on the development of institutions, studies on their effect on performance are practically non-existent, especially for public organisations. We have used data from acute care hospital trusts belonging to the English National Health System (NHS) concerning its development. The results were obtained from a two-stage analysis. First, the entities' economic efficiency and health/social efficiency (two operational efficiency measures) were evaluated using two data envelopment analysis (DEA) models. Secondly, the results have been regressed with the CEOs' gender. The results obtained are robust and consistent, revealing that male CEOs have greater performance than female CEOs. This result provides insight into determining features that relate to operational efficiency, which it is of interest to the research and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In the literature reviewed, there were no studies about how automatic mechanical stimulation affects milking efficiency and teat-end status in dairy goats. Three experiments were performed at the onset, middle, and end of lactation on Murciano-Granadina goats. In each experiment, milking with and without previous mechanical stimulation was tested. Milk fractioning, milking time, milk flows, and teat-end status assessed by ultrasonography and vacuum levels in the short milk tubes and short pulsation tubes were registered. Results showed that, conversely to dairy cows, investing in equipment for performing mechanical prestimulation in dairy goats is not needed, as it did not offer any advantage regarding the above mentioned variables. Experiments carried out in dairy cows show that mechanical stimulation prior to milking offers a good release of oxytocin without involving changes in milk yield or a reduction of the milking time. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of automatic prestimulation on milk fractioning, milking duration and milk flows, teat-end status, and vacuum levels at the short milk tubes and in the pulsation tubes of dairy goats. With this aim, three experiments in Latin square design were developed employing goats in different moments of the lactation: one of them at the onset of lactation, one at mid-lactation, and the last at the end of lactation. Two treatments were tested: milking with a mechanical prestimulation of 300 ppm for a 20-s period and milking without prestimulation. Results showed that prestimulation at the end of lactation showed slightly lower average milk flow (kg/min) values (0.53 ± 0.02 vs. 0.60 ± 0.02; p = 0.03) and lower maximum vacuum level values (Kpa) in the pulsation tubes (27.08 ± 0.15 vs. 39.48 ± 0.25; p < 0.01). No other differences were found in the variables related to milking efficiency or teat-end status in the three experiments carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In the Mediterranean region, artichoke and broccoli are major crops with a high number of by-products that can be used as alternative feedstuffs for ruminants, lowering feed costs and enhancing milk sustainability while reducing the environmental impact of dairy production. However, the nutritional quality of milk needs to be assured under these production conditions. A 40% inclusion of these silage by-products has proven to be a good short-term option (1 month). Therefore, it is interesting to study the effect of feeding animals with these by-products for a longer time, such as full lactation (6 months). With this type of feeding, the performance of the animals fed with the artichoke plant silage was similar to that of those fed with a conventional diet (alfalfa and cereals), even improving the milk quality from the point of view of bioactive compounds. However, the performance of goats fed with broccoli by-product silage in high amounts worsened due to a low intake of the diet containing that by-product. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce its level of inclusion. The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of a 40% inclusion of broccoli by-product (BB) and artichoke plant (AP) silages in dairy goat diets on the milk yield, composition and animal health status during a full lactation. Feed consumption was lower in AP and BB animals due to their composition and higher moisture content, and BB animals showed a significant reduction in body weight. Milk from the BB treatment had the highest fat content, total solids and useful dry matter content (5.02, 13.9 and 8.39%, respectively). The Se level was slightly lower in AP and BB animals; however, the milk of these treatments was the lowest in Na and, in the case of BB animals, the richest in Ca (1267 mg/kg). Control and AP milk showed a similar fatty acid profile, although AP had a more beneficial aptitude for human health (lower ratio of n6/n3, 12.5). Plasma components, as metabolic parameters, were adequate for goats. It was concluded that a 40% inclusion of AP is an adequate solution to reduce the cost of feeding without harming the animals' health or performance and to improve the nutritional milk quality. It is necessary to lower the BB level of inclusion to increase feed consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Mediterranean region, artichoke and broccoli are major crops with a high amount of by-products that can be used as alternative feedstuffs for ruminants, lowering feed costs and enhancing milk sustainability while reducing the environmental impact of dairy production. However, nutritional quality of milk needs to be assured under these production conditions and an optimal inclusion ratio of silages should be determined. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of three inclusion levels (25%, 40%, and 60%) of these silages (artichoke plant, AP, and broccoli by-product, BB) in goat diets on milk yield, composition, and mineral and fatty profiles. Treatments with 60% inclusion of AP and BB presented the lowest milk yield. No differences were found on the milk mineral profile. Inclusion of AP in the animals' diet improved the milk lipid profile from the point of view of human health (AI, TI) compared to BB due to a lower saturated fatty acid content (C12:0, C14:0, and C16:0) and a higher concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially vaccenic acid (C18:1 trans11) and rumenic acid (CLA cis9, trans11), without any differences with the control treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Artichoke and broccoli crops are widespread throughout the world, mainly in the Mediterranean region. After artichoke harvests and industrial processing of artichoke and broccoli, large amounts of by-products are generated. The use of these alternative and cheaper feedstuffs in ruminants' diets would reduce waste caused by the agri-food industry, disposal costs, and the land and natural resources used in animal feed production, contributing to the circular economy. Because of the high water content and the seasonality of these feedstuffs, ensiling might be a technology to preserve its nutritional quality for a long time, and this must be considered and studied at commercial scale. This paper looks into the viability of ensiling broccoli and artichoke by-products as commercial round bale silos (300 kg), their shelf life, and their suitability for ruminant feeding. The three silage by-products are stabilised on day 30. The high microbial quality and the appropriate nutritional composition at final stage (day 200) make them suitable for inclusion in ruminant diet, in combination with other energy and protein sources over a long period after the crop season. Wastes from artichoke and broccoli crops and cannery industries represent an environmental problem. A viable option to this problem is ensiling them for use as ruminants feed. The aim of this study was to characterise the ensiling process of broccoli and artichoke by-products and assess their suitability to be part of the ruminant diet, as well their minimum shelf life. Twenty-one commercial round bale silos (300 kg and 0.64 m3) of each by-product were made. Samples were analysed at days 0, 7, 15, 30, 60, and 200 to determine microbial populations, fermentation metabolites, nutritional components, and phytosanitary residues. Feedstuffs showed good suitability for ensiling, and stabilisation was achieved on day 30. The variables with the greatest significant differences among sampling times were microbial populations and fermentative components. There were no important dry matter losses, and some significant differences were observed in the nutritional composition, especially in crude protein and fibrous fractions, but they were not relevant for the loss of nutritional quality of silages. The phytosanitary residues determined on day 200 were below the maximum residue limits set by European legislation. So, ensiling these by-products in commercial round bale silos is a suitable and profitable technique that allows their preservation for a long time (200 days). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The use of artichoke by-products, both from the canning industry or from the stubble that remains in the field, provides a cheaper source of nutrients, suitable for ruminant feeding due to their ability to digest fibre-rich foods. The use of these by-products for animal feed is also a way to reduce waste caused by the canning industry and disposal costs, as well as the area and resources allocated to the production of food for livestock, contributing to the circular economy. Evaluating the effect of the inclusion of silage artichoke by-products (bracts and rest of crop plant) in dairy goat rations on the milk yield and composition, animal health status, mineral and lipid profile is an effective way to explore the suitability of these alternative feedstuffs for goat cattle. The use of artichoke bracts and whole plant silage in dairy goat diets does not lead to marked differences in the milk yield and quality or the animals' health status. From a nutritional point of view for human health, slightly better mineral and lipid profiles are observed in milk from goats fed artichoke plant silage, due to its higher polyunsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid contents. Artichoke by-products represent a high amount of waste whose removal entails several costs. Moreover, feed is the main cost in a farm. So, including these by-products in ruminant diets would lower feed costs. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of two levels of inclusion, 12.5% and 25.0%, of two silages of artichoke by-products (artichoke bracts, AB and artichoke plant, AP) in the diet of goats on the milk yield, composition and quality and on the metabolic profile of the animals. AB presented the lowest blood urea content and there were no differences in milk yield in the two experiments. However, with 25.0% of silage by-product in the diet, a higher fat content was observed in AB and of protein in AP, as well as this treatment showing a slightly higher Se content. Regarding the milk lipid profile, milk from 12.5% of AP treatment presented a higher PUFA content. In conclusion, the use of silage artichoke by-products in dairy goat diets does not jeopardise milk yield and quality and health status of animals and, from a nutritional point of view for human health, a slightly better mineral and lipid profile is observed in milk from AP treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]