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Human population growth constantly requires an increase in the production of food and products from the timber industry. To meet this demand, agriculture and planted forests are advancing over natural areas. In view of this, it is necessary to know the effects of land use for different purposes (grain production, pastures, planted forests, fruit production and among other uses) on the genetic diversity of populations of native species. This knowledge can assist in land use planning as well as in the development of conservation strategies for native species. In this study, we evaluated the effect of land use for agriculture (mainly for cereal production) and planted forests on the genetic diversity of Baccharis crispa Spreng. a herb native to South America. To achieve our goals, we compared population genetic data obtained with three molecular markers (microsatellites, inter-simple sequence repeat and isoenzymes) with data on land use for agriculture and planted forests from 15 different locations. Our results showed that regardless of the molecular marker used, the greater the use of land for agriculture and planted forests, the lower was the genetic diversity of B. crispa populations. Baccharis crispa is a semi-perennial species that needs at least one year to reach its reproductive period, which is prevented in agricultural areas due to the land being turned over or dissected with herbicides every 6 months. In the studied regions, the planted forests are of eucalypt and/or pine, which besides being species with a high production of allelopathic substances, produce strong shading and B. crispa is a species that inhabits open grassland that needs a high incidence of sunlight for development. The data obtained in our study can assist in the decision-making to use land in order to reconcile the production of supplies for humanity and for the conservation of nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lands of the world covered with grass or fodder crops that are used to feed the animal in any way of feeding without exploiting that land in the cultivation of other crops for humans because the cultivation of this land with field crops requires soil service operations to be prepared for cultivation and that such a process leads to the gradual eradication of natural plants, pasture grasses and grasses growing in that land. Rangelands are the main source of the necessary fodder resources for livestock, which in turn convert unpalatable materials by man into animal products of high nutritional value with their amino acids necessary for the human body. These rangelands may be cultivated fields or lands covered with mostly green plants belonging to the falconry and legumes and used in grazing animals or feeding them in any of the different feeding methods. It is known that each pasture has an energy called the pasture load, which is the ability of the pasture to support the largest number of animals so that we get the largest animal yield without damage or degradation of the pasture's plants or soil. The United Nations at the Desertification Conference has developed critical numbers to identify the extent of animal pressure on the land. These numbers are an animal unit (29) per five hectares in dry areas and an animal unit per hectare in semi-arid areas. Otherwise, the pasture and its soil will be degraded, and the load of the pasture is affected by many factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess the potential for use of species present in grassland and forest areas located in the Fazenda Santa Rita, with about 200 hectares, located in the Coxilha Rica region, Lages - SC. For the floristic survey, the walking collection method was adopted, from March 2021 to December 2022. Fertile specimens collected in the field were cataloged and incorporated into the LUSC Herbarium, at the University of the State of Santa Catarina. 110 Asteraceae species were identified. For the species use verification stage, scientific articles published in digital journals available in the Scielo, CAPES, and Web of Science databases were searched. In addition, printed books and articles published in specialized botanical journals were consulted to select relevant works on the potential use of Asteraceae species. The keywords used in the research were: "economic use of the Asteraceae family", "Asteraceae for ornamental use", "Asteraceae for medicinal use", "Asteraceae for honey and beekeeping use", "Asteraceae for conventional and non-conventional food use". The name "Asteraceae" was also replaced by "Compositae" in each of the uses, to locate the articles, as well as the individual analysis of the species, which were subsequently evaluated for their potential use. Of the species confirmed in the study area, 60 (54.55%) have information on their use, while for the other 50 (45.45%) species, it was not possible to locate their potential use in the literature. This research highlights the need for basic studies on native species, and the importance of deepening knowledge about their functionalities for the maintenance of ecosystems, which could offer a variety of potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amphicarpic plants produce aerial and subterranean fruits on the same plant. Trifolium polymorphum Poir. is an amphicarpic legume that also reproduces vegetatively by regrowing storage roots. Because of this, resource allocation information for different reproductive strategies is of great interest. In this study, the production of aerial and subterranean seeds and storage roots was evaluated in populations of T. polymorphum. The Pinheiro Machado and Eldorado do Sul populations produced on average the highest (165.50) and lowest (61.87) number of inflorescences per plant, respectively. Total aerial seed production did not differ between populations. Aerial flowers produced more seeds than subterranean flowers. There were positive correlations between number of inflorescences and total aerial seeds (r = 0.73), the number of subterranean legumes and total subterranean seeds (0.94) and between number and weight of storage roots (r = 0.83). Amphicarpy associated with vegetative reproduction is an important strategy for the persistence and increase frequency of T. polymorphum in the natural pastures of the Rio Grande do Sul, where intense grazing and trampling can destroy periodically the aerial part of the plants.

Awassi is a fat-tailed sheep breed, and the best breed in Syria is famous. Awassi sheep are Syria's main source of red meat and milk production. In this study, we estimated the influence of various factors on sheep meat and milk production using time-series data from 1961 to 2020. This study employed the Cobb-Douglas production function to analyze the data. The results obtained indicate that Awassi meat production in Syria was positively and significantly influenced by carcass weight (p

Abstract Background The effects of climate change, loss of pastureland to other land usage and presence of large carnivores are the main reasons for the increase in supplementary feeding of semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in Fennoscandia over the last decades. Feeding might expose reindeer to stress and increased animal-to-animal contact, leading to an increased risk of infectious disease transmission, such as infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC). As it can develop rapidly and be very painful, IKC is described as an important animal welfare concern and a potential source of economic loss. The aim of this study was to investigate the current presence of IKC and potential associations between IKC and supplementary feeding through an online questionnaire survey, distributed among reindeer herders in Norway and Sweden in 2021. Results Seventy-six reindeer herders (33 from Norway and 43 from Sweden) responded to the questionnaire, representing 6% and 4% of the registered reindeer herding groups in Norway and Sweden, respectively. Infectious keratoconjunctivitis was common, with 54 (71%) of the 76 herders that responded having observed clinical signs during the past 10 years. These signs were mainly observed as increased lacrimation, causing “wet cheeks”, but also as keratitis and conjunctivitis. Autumn and winter were the seasons in which IKC was observed most. The herders reported several measures, such as slaughter and isolation of affected reindeer, to counteract the spread of disease. The herding year 2019/2020 was associated with reports of outbreaks of IKC in herds as well as being the herding year where most herders (80%) had performed supplementary feeding. A significant association was found between IKC and feeding performed in an enclosure (odds ratio = 15.20), while feeding on free-range areas had a non-significant, negative, relationship with the appearance of IKC outbreaks (odds ratio = 0.29). Finally, there was a trend in the data suggesting that IKC affected calves especially. Conclusions Infectious keratoconjunctivitis is a common disease, mainly observed in winter and autumn. It usually has mild to moderately severe clinical signs. Our results imply that IKC is associated with stress and feeding situations and that calves might be more susceptible than adults, however, this needs to be confirmed with further studies, preferably at an individual animal level.

Small ruminants are of great importance to the livelihoods of many people in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) since they act as a source of meat, income, hides and skins and for cultural identity. Despite their great importance, especially to rural smallholder farmers, their production in Africa is hindered by poor nutrition. The first stage of establishing development strategies to increase feed quality and quantity is to conduct a comprehensive inventory of the feed resources that are currently available, especially in SSA. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the availability and nature of the common feed resources that are used in the feeding of small ruminants in Uganda. This study involved a comprehensive review of various scientific, technical and economic literature that has been published up to date. Our results show that the available feed resources in Uganda can be grouped mainly into:- crop wastes and residues, agro-industrial by-products, conserved feeds, natural pastures and browse. The main feed resources for small ruminants in Uganda have been identified as natural pastures, which are generally characterised by a low nutritive value. However, browses are seen to have a high crude protein content and could be used as a supplement to grass forages and crop residues. It has been noted that farmers lack knowledge related to feed processing and management, in addition to a lack of policy governing feed quality. Therefore, there is a need to train farmers on how to process and utilise crop residues, in addition to proper feed management practices like pasture cultivation and conservation. It is also necessary to introduce widely new pasture species with better nutritional values that are suitable for the local production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic feasibility of integrating Jamnapari goats into underutilized pasture lands under coconut cultivations managed by the Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka. Naturally grown and improved pasture samples were collected from coconut estates in the intermediate zone of Sri Lanka. Samples were taken randomly using a quadrant, and analyzed for dry matter (DM) yield (kg/ha), crude protein (CP), and crude fiber (CF) contents. An economic feasibility analysis was carried out based on average DM yields and respective carrying capacities of pastures and related production and economics data. The mean DM yield of natural and improved pastures ranged from 2141 ± 193 kg/ha to 3314 ± 212 kg/ha and 4231 ± 407 kg/ha to 9152 ± 531 kg/ha, respectively. Accordingly, CP and CF of natural and improved pastures ranged from 6.3 ± 0.2% to 18.5 ± 0.2% and 30.0 ± 0.4% to 33 ± 0.3%, respectively. Estimated Jamnapari goat carrying capacities for natural and improved pastures were 8 heads/ha and 24 heads/ha, respectively, including does, kids, and a buck. At a 15% discount rate for 10 years, the net present value (NPV) for the coconut monoculture system was approximately 0.45 million rupees, and for integrated systems with natural and improved pastures, it was 1.4 and 4.7 million rupees, respectively. This study concluded that, when goats are integrated with improved and natural pastures rather than maintaining a monoculture, the economic feasibility and profitability will be higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degree of knowledge of the pastoral behavior of the breeders studied and its impact on the development or deterioration of natural pastures and some of the independent variables studied. To collect data, reliance was placed on personal interviews of the breeders studied, who numbered 40 breeders who were selected from, the total number of 200 educators is 20%. To analyze the data, used tabular display with frequency and percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, weighted average, simple correlation coefficient, and the Chi-Mar's test, and used the social sciences program SPSS.The most important results were as follows:- The majority of the educators surveyed are middle-aged (44-62 years) (75%), their education is secondary, university, or post-university (55%). Their sources of information about pastoral behavior are derived from the Ministry of Agriculture, audio and video radio, and the agricultural extension, and that expatriate workers are a component of Main for shepherds by 63%.- The main sources of information for the respondents about improving vegetation cover were the Ministry of Agriculture, the audio-visual radio, and then the agricultural guide.Most of the pastoral areas consist of vegetation cover of either shrubs or trees at a rate of 47.50%, or grass and weeds at a rate of 37.50%.The most important reasons for the deterioration of vegetation cover were due to human activities such as land consumption and overgrazing, which led to the decline of trees and shrubs and their production.The degree of breeders’ knowledge is moderate regarding the impact of grazing on the condition of pastures and their productivity, observing the hooves of grazing animals on pasture land, the shallowness of the soil, the failure to apply the correct methods in exploiting and managing natural resources, the increase in the number of animals, especially small ones, which reduces the quality of pastures, and harmful daily activities. And affecting the condition of pastures, as shown by the low degree of knowledge about the adequacy of the load of natural pastures.- It was found that the degree of knowledge of the breeders in question on how to improve and preserve pastures was low, and that increasing soil fertility leads to increasing plant cover, protecting areas by creating a fence around pastures, reforesting degraded pasture lands, scattering seeds as a means of improving pastures, and the consistent use of local pastures.-The most important obstacles to the process of improving and preserving pastures are grazing in pastures that are not fully prepared for grazing, the lack of a sufficient number of local guides and technicians specialized in following up on the condition of pastures, and the lack of commitment to the duration and period of grazing allocated to herders.-It was found that there is no correlation between age, type of employment, the degree of breeders’ knowledge of pastoral behavior and its impact on the development or deterioration of natural pastures, and the degree of breeders’ knowledge of methods for improving and preserving pastures.- It was found that there is a correlation at the level of 0.01 between the educational level, the sources of educators’ information about pastoral behavior, and the degree of educators’ knowledge of pastoral behavior and its impact on the development or deterioration of natural pastures, and the degree of educators’ knowledge of methods for improving and preserving pastures, while it was found that there is no relationship. There is a correlation between the degree of breeders’ knowledge of pastoral behavior and the degree of breeders’ knowledge of methods for improving and preserving pastures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effects of climate change, loss of pastureland to other land usage and presence of large carnivores are the main reasons for the increase in supplementary feeding of semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in Fennoscandia over the last decades. Feeding might expose reindeer to stress and increased animal-to-animal contact, leading to an increased risk of infectious disease transmission, such as infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC). As it can develop rapidly and be very painful, IKC is described as an important animal welfare concern and a potential source of economic loss. The aim of this study was to investigate the current presence of IKC and potential associations between IKC and supplementary feeding through an online questionnaire survey, distributed among reindeer herders in Norway and Sweden in 2021. Results: Seventy-six reindeer herders (33 from Norway and 43 from Sweden) responded to the questionnaire, representing 6% and 4% of the registered reindeer herding groups in Norway and Sweden, respectively. Infectious keratoconjunctivitis was common, with 54 (71%) of the 76 herders that responded having observed clinical signs during the past 10 years. These signs were mainly observed as increased lacrimation, causing "wet cheeks", but also as keratitis and conjunctivitis. Autumn and winter were the seasons in which IKC was observed most. The herders reported several measures, such as slaughter and isolation of affected reindeer, to counteract the spread of disease. The herding year 2019/2020 was associated with reports of outbreaks of IKC in herds as well as being the herding year where most herders (80%) had performed supplementary feeding. A significant association was found between IKC and feeding performed in an enclosure (odds ratio = 15.20), while feeding on free-range areas had a non-significant, negative, relationship with the appearance of IKC outbreaks (odds ratio = 0.29). Finally, there was a trend in the data suggesting that IKC affected calves especially. Conclusions: Infectious keratoconjunctivitis is a common disease, mainly observed in winter and autumn. It usually has mild to moderately severe clinical signs. Our results imply that IKC is associated with stress and feeding situations and that calves might be more susceptible than adults, however, this needs to be confirmed with further studies, preferably at an individual animal level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modern use of plain pastures in the Caspian Sea region is accompanied by deflation outbreaks affecting light soils; as a result, barkhan sands and slightly overgrown hilly sands are formed and the resistance of natural forage lands to deflation decreases. In the past century, afforestation amelioration was applied to such sands in dry subhumid areas of the Nogai steppe and they were transformed into silvopastoral lands with strip, narrow-belt, and diffuse layouts of the tree storey. The most commonly used afforestation amelioration technique involved the creation of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila L.) plantings and facilitation of their natural expansion. Silvopastoral lands form nontraditional, environmentally capacious, and sustainable landscapes that are attractive both as pastures for domestic animals and as wildlife habitats. This paper presents data on the state of forest stands, their productivity, structure, and nutritional value of forage produced on silvopastoral lands created on the Bazhigan sand massif and used for many years for unregulated grazing of bovine and small cattle. The studies were conducted in 2018–2021 using methods commonly accepted in forest inventory and geobotany. It has been established that at the age of 20–35 years, Siberian elm and black locust stands reach a height of 5.5–12.0 m and effectively protect soils from deflation and animals from overheating, and produce extra forage. Forage reserves in silvopastoral lands consist of grasses (mainly ephemerals) growing under the tree canopy, available woody greens whose nutritional value is not inferior to the nutritional value of predominant species in grass stands of natural pastures, and grazing phytomass in open areas. The total soil-feeding capacity of silvopastoral lands is up to 6 times higher than the soil-feeding capacity of natural pastures; furthermore, it is less dependent on weather conditions and makes it possible to increase the safe pasture load, grazing livestock numbers, and efficiency of grazing animal husbandry by 2–3 times. Taking the scientifically substantiated bovine cattle (BC) feed consumption norms per 1 kg of gain, on average, 100 ha of silvopastoral lands make it possible to additionally gain some 5 t of beef or an income of 750 000 rubles (at 2021 values). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Actual Problems of Jurisprudence / Habaršy. Zan̦ Seriâsy is the property of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The researches performed on pasture vegetation are oriented especially on the study of bioform spectrum. In the two types of pastures edified by the association Trifolio repenti-Lolietum and Artemisio-Festucetum pseudovinae located in the region Ciacova, county Timiş, we carried out studies upon flora and made the list of species (for each pasture separately), then we analyzed the bioform spectrum for the two pastures.

This paperwork has a special importance because pastures grazed by animals represent the most important and cheapest source of feed for animals during the vegetation period. Pasture management aims at the increase of the total green mass yield and its quality, in concordance with the increase of animal breeding economic efficiency, especially of cattle and sheep livestock, under the conditions avoiding pasture degradation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic feasibility of integrating Jamnapari goats into underutilized pasture lands under coconut cultivations managed by the Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka. Naturally grown and improved pasture samples were collected from coconut estates in the intermediate zone of Sri Lanka. Samples were taken randomly using a quadrant, and analyzed for dry matter (DM) yield (kg/ha), crude protein (CP), and crude fiber (CF) contents. An economic feasibility analysis was carried out based on average DM yields and respective carrying capacities of pastures and related production and economics data. The mean DM yield of natural and improved pastures ranged from 2141 ± 193 kg/ha to 3314 ± 212 kg/ha and 4231 ± 407 kg/ha to 9152 ± 531 kg/ha, respectively. Accordingly, CP and CF of natural and improved pastures ranged from 6.3 ± 0.2% to 18.5 ± 0.2% and 30.0 ± 0.4% to 33 ± 0.3%, respectively. Estimated Jamnapari goat carrying capacities for natural and improved pastures were 8 heads/ha and 24 heads/ha, respectively, including does, kids, and a buck. At a 15% discount rate for 10 years, the net present value (NPV) for the coconut monoculture system was approximately 0.45 million rupees, and for integrated systems with natural and improved pastures, it was 1.4 and 4.7 million rupees, respectively. This study concluded that, when goats are integrated with improved and natural pastures rather than maintaining a monoculture, the economic feasibility and profitability will be higher.

Copyright of Journal of Tikrit University for Humanities is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We aimed to evaluate the dynamics of magnesium (Mg) in the soil - plant – animal chain. It was conducted in two natural rangeland areas on two types of undisturbed (virgin) soils (medium/clayey texture) in the Serra do Sudeste (Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil). In each of these areas, 12 animals (heifers) were kept under continuous extensive grazing for twelve months without mineral supplementation. Every month, samples of soil and vegetation were collected at 16 fixed points (radius: 25 m) as well as blood serum from each of the animals in each area for the determination of Mg and other minerals levels. The data were analyzed using the analysis of variance, decomposition of the annual variation of the response variables and periodic regression (harmonic analysis) for adjustment of function to express this variation. The relationship of Mg with other variables within the links of the soil-plant-animal chain is influenced by some factors such as physicochemical and biological soil reactions, floristic composition and environmental conditions. In natural non perturbed rangeland areas the organic matter is the main colloid of the soil for the availability of magnesium to plants and, consequently, to the animals.

A study was carried out to investigate the level of awareness, knowledge and information of small-holder farmers (SHLF) on the impact of climatic change (CC) and extremes on livestock production in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces. At least 366 small-holder farmers were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire to elicit responses on vulnerability. Almost all the farmers (96 %) have heard about CC only a few farmers (4 %) did not know CC. The medium for the conveyance of CC information was the main radio (94.32%). Newspapers and television were also efficient mediums in the conveyance of this information, each with the outreach of 16.76 and 32.67%, respectively. Central to the impact of CC was the fact that (90%) of the farmers confirmed that there was a change in grass availability; which contributed to major livestock fatalities of which over half of the farmers (55.19%) attested as the cause. The study found that 86.67% of SHLF who attended awareness meetings indicated that the discussions prioritized adapting to CC. However, SHLF (80.77%) did not have an early warning system. This was coupled with a lack of contingency plans by (84.36%) the farmers to deal with the impact of the said drought on their farms. SHLF (19%) who had facilitated contingency plans indicated that improved aspects of the plan should incorporate the support of their provision feeds, drilling of boreholes, and erection of dams. Based on SHLF perceptions there is a need for strategic shifts from grazing to small scale feed-lots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article summarizes the scientific results on the assimilation surface and the content of pho-tosynthetic pigments in the leaves of plants in the main meadow groups of the southwestern slope of Mount Aragats (1300-1900 m above sea level). Under the strong influence of environmental and an-thropogenic factors these territories are characterized by low productivity, therefore, they need effi-cient improvement. Within the framework of this scientific article, the task was set to create a data-base of experimental data on biological parameters responsible for the yield farming. The objects of the current research were the following types of cereals – Goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica), Cheat grass (Bromus tectorium), Bluegrass (Poa bulbosa), Wheatgrass (Agropyron repens), Barley (Hordeum bulbosum), legumes – Sainfoins (Onobrychis radiata), Clover (Trifolium pratenium), Cow vetch (Vicia variabilis), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), and herbs – Leafy spurge (Euphorbia virgata), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Scabiosa (Scabiosa bipinnata), Catnip (Nepeta Mussini), Yarrow (Achillea milleteminium), Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). The leaf area was determined by the gravimetric method, pigment extraction was carried out using dimethyl sulfoxide, and their content was measured on an SF-16 spectrophotometer. A wide range of fluctuations in the leaf area in individual species was revealed (0.9-11.5), while the difference between meadow groups was insignificant (4.0-5.9 dm2/plant). The amount of pigments in the leaves of herbs was 22% less than that in cereals and legumes, and the ratio of chlorophylls A and B varied within 1.8-3.5. Thus, on the studied foraging grounds, the maxi-mum leaf area was found in perennial cereals, the sum of pigments and chlorophyll A – in legumes, and chlorophyll B – in herbs.

Awassi is a fat-tailed sheep breed, and the best breed in Syria is famous. Awassi sheep are Syria's main source of red meat and milk production. In this study, we estimated the influence of various factors on sheep meat and milk production using time-series data from 1961 to 2020. This study employed the Cobb-Douglas production function to analyze the data. The results obtained indicate that Awassi meat production in Syria was positively and significantly influenced by carcass weight ( p  < 0.001) and quantity of slaughtered sheep ( p  < 0.001), with elasticity coefficients of 0.994 and 1.000, respectively. The model results show that raw milk yield and milk animals have a positive and significant influence on milk production at the 0.1 % significance level, with an elasticity coefficient of 0.998. However, climatic factors (precipitation and temperature) have a significant effect and negative influence on milk production at the 1 % and 5 % significance levels, respectively. This result sheds light on the policies and procedures the government should implement to develop sheep production in Syria. Therefore, it can be stated that policymakers should enhance the quality and productivity characterization of sheep through the implementation of breeding programs, improve grazing potential, and protect natural pastures. Furthermore, feed rations should be supported to help breeders overcome the effects of drought and high feed prices., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Author.)

Twenty lactating Hungarian native goats were randomly divided into two groups to evaluate the effect of extensive grazing on the somatic cell counts (SCC), composition and fatty acid profile of milk and semi-hard cheese. The following important nutritional indices of goat milk and cheese fat were calculated: atherogenic index (AI), health-promoting index (HPI), hypercholesterolemic saturated fatty acids (HFA), hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (H/H), linoleic acid/α-linolenic acid ratio (LA/ALA) and thrombogenicity index (TI). The experimental period lasted for 38 days, encompassing the first four weeks as the period of adaptation to the natural pasture and the last ten days as the experimental period. The extensive grazing resulted in significantly higher concentrations of rumenic acid and lower n-6/n-3 ratio in milk (0.49 vs 0.67%, P < 0.01; 3.97 vs 1.49, P < 0.001) and in cheese (0.44 vs 0.63%, P < 0.001; 3.96 vs 1.54, P < 0.001). The extensive grazing significantly decreased the AI, HFA and LA/ALA, but on the other hand, increased the HPI and H/H indices in goat milk and cheese, respectively. The study results suggest that consumers have greater nutraceutical benefits from consuming milk and cheese from goats kept on natural pasture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. The aim of the research was to study the features of formation of adaptive ability, meat productivity and quality indicators of mutton obtained in the arid conditions of the Volga region from sheep of the Edilbaev breed of different genotypes. Material and Methods. A package of teaching materials has been developed concerning an increase in the productive qualities of different genotypes of the studied breed in the conditions of arid regions of southern Russia. Results. The authors’ research has demonstrated the high adaptive abilities of animals of the Edilbaev breed, their economic and biological qualities, food and taste indicators of their meat, as well as the possibility of further development of the breed in the arid conditions of southern Russia. As a research base, we selected the Volgograd‐Edilbay LLC breeding farm (the world's only breeding and genetic center for raising Edilbaev sheep) which is located in the Volgograd region and specializes in breeding pure‐bred animals in arid steppe, semi‐desert and desert zones. Due to the great demand for the livestock of this breed from farms located in arid territories, this study of the comparative aspects of production characteristics of animals of original and new types in the arid conditions of the Volga region is of interest to both science and practical animal husbandry. Conclusion. An assessment of the nutritional value of mutton obtained from animals of the Edilbaev breed has shown its high nutritional and biological qualities.

Ecological and botanical data analysis allow to evaluate state and quality of natural pastures on the outskirts of Lomé. Phytosociological and ecological surveys were conducted on 43 plots. Inventory of woody species was carried out on area of 50 m x 20 m. Herbs was performed on the plots of 10 m x 10 m following a linear transect of 10 m. Surveys and observations allowed to identify 264 plants species belonging to 67 families and 193 genera. Ten (10) forages species were found at the cattle markets where Panicum maximum and Milletia thonningii are the most exploited. 62 forages species have been found in natural grassland. Three types of pastures were identified: pastures of Lonchocarpus sericeus and Sporobolus pyramidalis (G1), pastures of Lonchocarpus sericeus and Paspalum scrobiculatum (G2), and pastures of Mitragyna inermis and Brachiaria deflexa (G3). Pastures G1 contain 46 forage species with a high proportion of perennial grasses fodder (67.6 %). Their pastoral value is 71.6 %. Pastures G2 have a wealth of 42 forage species. The contribution of "other fodder" is important (17.9 %). Its pastoral value is 66.15%. Pastures G3 contain 22 forage species. Annual grasses (55.5 %) are the most abundant in these environments. Its pastoral value is 63.02%. The outskirts of Lomé have considerable potential for livestock production. However, the surveyed pastures are being degraded.

This scientific article presents the results of experimental research to determine the level of nutritional needs of local goats grazed throughout the year in the mountain and foothill pastures of Navoi region. The data obtained were obtained over 2 years using modern zootechnical and biochemical inspection methods, providing a high level of opportunity to achieve the set goal. According to the results, the experimental goats consumed 4.60 kg of pasture feed per day in spring, -6.67 kg in summer, and 2.47 and 0.73 kg in autumn and winter, respectively. At this time, goats consumed 0.66 energy feed units and 110.4 digestible protein in the spring, compared with 1.11 and 149.5 in the summer, respectively; in autumn - 0.58 and 57.9 g, and in winter - 0.18 and 23.9 g. According to the results, in the second half of pregnancy, which is very important in the lives of farms and goats, it is recommended to feed the mother goats with 0.92 energy units and 81 g of digestible protein -containing ration per day in addition to the diet during the last 75 days of pregnancy to save the developing fetus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on the state of natural pastures and methods for improving degraded pastures by overseeding perennial drought-resistant forage crops using resource-saving technologies adapted to the conditions of global climate change.

Submeridional Lowlands region is a large area covering 5 millions of hectare in Santa Fe, Chaco and Santiago del Estero provinces. Extensive cattle raising is the most important economic activity in the Submeridional Lowlands region. The main constraints of forage production are soil salinity and alternating flooding and drying cycles. Preserving grasslands that support commercial beef cattle production and the use of native and naturalized forage species to increase quantity and quality of forage become necessary. The flora of Submeridional Lowlands region contains a significant number of species that must be considered as forage genetic resources. This work examines different aspects to consider in breeding programs of native and naturalized forage species in the Submeridional Lowland Region. References about the identification and characterization of promissory species are scarce. We propose a list the native y naturalized species, which in our opinion, are important forage genetic resources. We discuss criteria of prioritization of the forage species in breeding programs and review successful examples of use of native and naturalized forage genetic resources in Argentina. We highlight keys aspects related with the interdisciplinary works, parti- cipatory plant breeding and public funding needs for conservation of native and naturalized plant genetic resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seasonal dynamics and distribution of ticks play a pivotal role in the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases. The objective of this study was to establish the seasonal abundance and species richness of questing ixodid ticks on Amathole Montane Grassland camps grazed by sheep. Ticks questing for hosts were collected monthly for a period of three years by dragging flannel strips attached to a wooden spar over the vegetation. At each occasion, six replicate drag-samples were made in camps grazed by sheep. Of the questing ticks (n = 14 891) collected from the vegetation, the most abundant larvae were those of Rhipicephalus microplus (95.04%) followed by Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (2.32%) , Rhipicephalus evertsi (1.56%), Rhipicephalus decoloratus (1.03%), Rhipicephalus simus (0.03) and Amblyomma hebraeum (0.02%). Comparing the two Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp., R. microplus (98.9%) outcompete the indigenous tick, R. decoloratus (1.1%). The R. microplus larvae were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in 2015 (2.11±0.108), 2016 (2.02 ± 0.076) and 2017 (1.94±0.075) during spring than any other season. There were no significant differences (P ˃ 0.05) from R. appendiculatus questing ticks collected in autumn (0.27±0.007; 0.30±0.052) and spring (0.33±0.007; 0.20±0.052) for 2015 and 2016, respectively. The study showed that the cattle tick, R. microplus adapted very well on host species, in this case sheep, and encroached to areas that were too cold for its adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this item are given materials and analysis about Amu Darya River downstream and also given recommendations for optimization of the main crop rotation on farm areas depending on the level of water availability without negative substantive impact for functioning of the agricultural sector in conditions of water deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During pre and post calving periods, it was evaluated the influence of the following forage systems on reproductive performance of primiparous cows: natural pasture during pre and post-calving periods; natural pastures during pre-calving period and improved pastures during post-calving period; improved pastures during pre-calving and natural pasture during post-calving; improved pasture during pre- and post-calving periods. The lowest body weights and body condition scores were observed on cows kept on natural pastures pre-calving (384.3 kg and 3.31; 391.4 kg and 3.60), followed by those on improved pastures during pre-calving and on natural pasture during post-calving period (424.4 kg and 3.60), finally, cows on improved pasture during pre- and post-calving period (421.2 kg and 3.59). Cows on improved pastures pre and post-calving showed higher body weight and body condition score in the beginning of the breeding season (442.1 kg and 3.76), higher pregnancy rate (82.3%) and they conceived earlier. Natural system during pre-calving and improved on post-calving and that with improved pasture in pre-calving and natural in post-calving did not differ on weight at the beginning of breeding season (417.2 and 409.8 kg) and on pregnancy rate (65.8 and 62.8%), respectively. However, cows on natural pasture in pre-calving and on improved pasture in post-calving conceived earlier. Cows on natural pastures showed lower weight in the beginning of breeding season (391.2 kg), the lowest pregnancy rate (52.7%), and they conceived later. Cows maintained on improved pastures pre- and post-calving improved weight and body condition score at calving and beginning of the breeding season making high reproductive performance possible.Durante os períodos pré e pós-parto, foi avaliada a influência de sistemas forrageiros no desempenho reprodutivo de vacas primíparas: pastagem natural nos períodos pré e pós-parto; pastagem natural no pré-parto e pastagem melhorada no pós-parto; pastagem melhorada no pré-parto e pastagem natural no pós-parto; pastagem melhorada nos períodos pré e pós-parto. Os menores pesos e condições corporais foram observados nas vacas mantidas em pastagem natural no pré-parto, (384,3 kg e 3,31; 391,4 kg e 3,60), seguidas daquelas em pastagem melhorada no pré-parto e natural no pós-parto (424,4 kg e 3,60); e, por ultimo, das vacas em pastagem melhorada no pré e pós- parto (421,2 kg e 3,59). As vacas em pastagem melhorada no pré e pós-parto tiveram maior peso e condição corporal ao início do acasalamento (442,1 kg e 3,76), maior taxa de prenhez (82,3%) e emprenharam mais cedo. Os sistemas com pastagem natural no pré-parto e melhorada no pós-parto e aquele com pastagem melhorada no pré-parto e natural no pós-parto não diferiram quanto a peso ao início do acasalamento (417,2 e 409,8 kg) e taxa de prenhez (65,8 e 62,8%), respectivamente. Entretanto, as vacas em pastagem natural no pré-parto e melhorada no pós-parto emprenharam mais cedo. As vacas mantidas em pastagem natural tiveram o menor peso ao início do acasalamento (391,2 kg), a menor taxa de prenhez (52,7%) e emprenharam mais tarde. Pastagens melhoradas no pré e pós-parto melhoraram os pesos e as condições corporais ao parto e ao início da reprodução, possibilitando alto desempenho reprodutivo.

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência do escore de condição corporal (ECC) sobre a eficiência reprodutiva de vacas de cria nos períodos pré e pós-parto e a probabilidade de parição, usando o escore de condição corporal e a variação ponderal no período crítico do ciclo reprodutivo. Utilizaram-se 248 vacas multíparas mantidas em pastagens nativas distribuídas em quatro estratégias de suplementação: mistura mineral (controle); suplemento farelado; suplemento líquido; suplemento líquido para vacas e bezerros. As avaliações de peso e ECC, na escala de 1 a 9, foram realizadas no período crítico: em agosto (período pré-parto, 60-90 dias antes da parição) e em janeiro (período pós-parto e reprodutivo) durante quatro anos consecutivos. Para a análise dos anos consecutivos de reprodução, criou-se um escore de reprodução, ou seja, somou-se o número de parições de cada vaca durante os quatro anos pecuários avaliados. O escore de condição corporal nos períodos pré e pós-parto e a idade da vaca influenciaram o escore de reprodução. Portanto, para avaliação da probabilidade de parição, foram utilizadas todas as vacas, classificadas em paridas e vazias. Utilizando equações de estimação generalizadas (EEG), foi modelada a probabilidade de as matrizes serem classificadas como paridas considerando variáveis exploratórias ao longo do tempo. Para se obter probabilidade de parição superior a 80%, as vacas devem possuir escore de aproximadamente 5,5 no período pré-parto. Aproximadamente 60% das vacas paridas mantiveram ou ganharam peso no período crítico do ano, o que levou a maior probabilidade de reconcepção, similar ao observado para as vacas vazias, porém com probabilidade menor de parição. O período pré-parto é o melhor para estimar a probabilidade de parição das vacas por meio da avaliação do escore corporal. A seleção de vacas adaptadas às condições bioclimáticas do Pantanal aumenta a probabilidade de produção de um bezerro por vaca por ano.The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of body condition score (BCS) on reproductive performance of beef cows before and after calving and to evaluate the calving probability using body condition score and weight variation during critical periods of the cow reproductive cycle. From 2001 to 2005, the body condition score was recorded in 248 multiparous cows raised in native pastures, submitted to different supplementation treatments (mineral mixture only - control; dry supplement; liquid supplement and liquid supplement for cow and calves). Weighing and body condition evaluation were made on a 1-9 point scale in August (prepartum period, 60-90 days before parturition) and January (postpartum and reproductive period). A reproduction score was created in function of the body scores in four consecutive years. Except for the treatment, the other factors (body condition score in the prepartum and postpartum periods and cow age) influenced the reproduction score. Thus, the calving probabilities were estimated for all cows. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to evaluate the calving probability in function of the exploratory variables over time. Calving probability higher than 80% was obtained when cows scored 5,5 before calving. In relation to weight, the results showed that about 60% of calving cows maintained or gained weight in the postpartum period, leading to increase in the rebreeding probability. Similar situation occurred with single cows; however, the calving probability was lower. These results indicate that the calving probability using BCS is better estimated before calving. Furthermore, it indicates the presence of cows more adapted to the Pantanal climatic and feeding conditions than others.

Question The encroachment of woody species has been globally reported over much of arid and semi-arid biomes, and has been associated with a decrease in cover and number of herbaceous species. How does the encroachment of a woody shrub affect herbaceous community structure and species composition in grasslands of a wetland ecosystem? Location Seasonally flooded grasslands in a Neotropical Hyperseasonal Savanna, the Pantanal wetland, Brazil. Methods We investigated the effect of the encroaching plant Combretum laxum on a herbaceous community from seasonally flooded grasslands in the Pantanal wetland using 29 vegetation samples representing encroachment at different spatio-temporal stages. The point quadrat method was used to acquire vegetation data, as plant cover, species richness (S) and Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H'). We evaluated the existence of stages of encroachment related to differences in vegetation structure and species composition using non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination and analysis of similarity. The response of the herbaceous community to shrub advance was analysed using linear and quadratic polynomial regression models. Model fitness was tested using the ACI. Results The advance of the woody encroaching plant C. laxum over the seasonally flooded grassland occurs in three stages: grassland stage, shrub islands stage and shrubland stage. The initial advance of C. laxum over the grassland, represented by the shrub islands stage was correlated to an increase in species richness and a decrease in important native forage grasses. Critical changes in the herbaceous community were observed when the encroaching plant covered >30% of the periodically flooded grassland, when the richness of herbaceous species dropped from 22 to four. Conclusions Woody encroachment causes impoverishment and simplification of the herbaceous community . The shift from a grass- to a shrub-dominated state is related to the reduction in important grassland-obligate species, forage resources for herbivore livestock and wild animals, affecting the ecological dynamics and the economy of rangelands. Conservation of these grassland ecosystems depends on rangeland management practices guided by scientific knowledge on the causes and consequences of plant community changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural policies and common pasture access in the village territory of Ouara in Western Burkina Faso: an economic and environmental analysis using linear programming model. This study uses a linear programming model to estimate economic and environmental impacts of common pastures management policies at village territory level in western Burkina Faso. Results show that considerable economic surplus can be locally released by negotiating taxes for common resources access. The model makes it possible moreover to determine the maximum number of transhumant livestock, which the village territory can accommodate according to the constraint of animal feeding and that of erosion. These indicators can be used to facilitate the assistance with the collective negotiation in the framework of village territory management committees.