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Traditionally the lactation cycle of a dairy cow is based around a 12-month calving interval, allowing for 10 months of lactation, followed by a 2-month dry period. This means that the cow has to conceive within 2-3 months after calving, when she is also at peak lactation and metabolically is in a negative energy balance. Such challenging physiological conditions make it challenging for the cow to conceive at this time and many modern high-producing cows fail to get pregnant within the constraints of a 12-month calving interval. In addition, many cows still produce at a high level at drying-off time, increasing the risk of intramammary infections. Therefore, delaying conception past peak production and, as a result, extending the lactation beyond 10 months may increasingly be necessary. Additionally, extended lactation (EL) may offer other advantages such as fewer calves being born and thus fewer 'surplus' calves needing to be culled at a young age, fewer health and welfare issues and improved environmental outcomes (i.e. less greenhouse-gas emission; less antibiotic usage) during the lifetime of the animal. Extending lactation is a straight forward management practice in high-input dairy systems where a consistent supply of feed supplements is readily available, but may be more challenging to implement in low(er)-input pasture-based systems. The latter are much more seasonal, with a 12-month calving interval allowing pasture growth and quality to match the cow's nutritional demands; cows calve in spring when high-quality pasture is abundant and are dried-off during winter when pasture growth is more limited. In this review, we explored the impact of EL in both high-input systems and pasture-based systems. It covers the effects of EL on milk production, composition and processing, as well as on reproductive performance, health and welfare, and environmental and economic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to contribute to the literature on Ottoman common and by analysing how mid-nineteenth century land codes influenced conflicts regarding common pastures in the Balkans. To accomplish this goal, two sets of primary sources are analysed: legal documents (Land Code of 1858 and Title Deed Regulation of 1859) as well as petition records from the Ottoman Imperial Archives. Case studies of land disputes occurring between commoners and large estate (çiftlik) holders in the Balkans are selected from the years following the enactment of these land codes. This selection enables an examination of the impact of these codes on the arguments presented by the conflicting parties. The central argument of this study points out that the Ottoman Empire's efforts to codify land laws played a crucial role in shaping the disputes over communal pastures. However, it is equally important to underline that these legal changes did not signify an unqualified victory for private property rights over commons. Instead, the rural population countered landholders' efforts by employing petitioning as a proactive strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of livestock in riparian areas raises several questions about the conservation and sustainable use of water resources and biodiversity in Brazil. Although the Native Vegetation Protection Law (No. 12,651) focuses on riparian vegetation, protected as Permanent Preservation Areas (APPs), it does not exclude the presence of livestock in these fragile areas. Here, we provide an overview of APPs in Brazil and analyze the legal instruments that enable livestock in these areas, gathering the scientific evidence on associated environmental impacts. Currently, cattle in riparian areas represent a direct threat to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning and services, especially because these animals promote trampling, loss of vegetation, soil erosion, siltation, and pollution through urine and feces. To avoid cattle in APPs, legislation should be revised to implement more stringent restrictions; in parallel, alternatives for watering the animals must be sought, such as, for example, the installation of artificial ponds and drinking fountains. It would be appropriate to propose legislation or create incentives to fence livestock in pasture areas to preventing it from accessing APPs. Increasing cattle confinement is an alternative measure to traditional ranching in open pasture. Riparian zones represent a critical environment for biodiversity and society, so the presence of cattle and its associated negative impacts should be seriously considered by authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION Mare milk has often been considered a food product with potential functional properties. However, the bioactive compound composition of mare milk, including vitamins and other minor bioactive compounds, as well as factors affecting this composition have scarcely been studied. Therefore, the present study aimed to characterize the changes during lactation in the content of water‐ and fat‐soluble vitamins and total polyphenols, and the total antioxidant capacity of mare milk from semi‐extensive farms. A total of 310 individual milk samples from 18 mares belonging to three commercial farms and 12 lactation times were analyzed. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), nicotinic acid and niacinamide (vitamins B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxal and pyridoxine (vitamins B6), folic acid (vitamin B9), cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), tocopherols and tocotrienols (vitamin E) and retinol and retinyl esters (vitamin A) were quantified using liquid chromatography. Total polyphenols and antioxidant capacity assays were analyzed using spectrophotometry.The concentration of most bioactive compounds tended to decline as lactation progressed, with the exception of polyphenols and the total antioxidant capacity that oscillated during lactation. On the other hand, the effect of the different semi‐extensive management of the farms was only significant for vitamin B3 content.To the best of our knowledge, the present study provides the most in‐depth description of the vitamin profile of mare milk as well as new insights into polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity of mare milk. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbivore dung quality (physical and chemical parameters) varies between animal species and animal diet which is influenced by seasonal fluctuations and farm management practices. Subsequently, this influences the reproductive success of dung beetles. In Australian pasture systems, how the introduced dung beetle assemblage interacts in the field with cattle dung derived from different resources is unknown. This study quantifies the colonization by dung beetles (abundance, species richness and evenness) and removal of cattle dung derived from three common temperate pasture systems (improved native, forage oat and rye/clover pasture, henceforth dung type) over 24 h for 12 months. From the three dung types, 13 species of dung beetle were captured. Abundance and species richness were influenced by month and transect, with weak evidence for differences between dung types influencing overall abundance: Onthophagus binodis (49.7%), Aphodius fimetarius (24.4%) and Labarrus lividus (17.1%) were the most abundant species. Dung removal (organic matter) was influenced by month and dung type, with more dung buried in improved native (23.9 g) and rye/clover (24.7 g) derived dung compared with forage oat (12.3 g) dung. Dung beetle abundance was positively correlated with removal of all dung types, with O. binodis biomass significantly influencing dung removal. This study showed that diet of bovine animals weakly influences the abundance of a local dung beetle assemblage, warranting further investigation on the influence of other dung types in different regions. Improvements to reporting of pasture species and growth stage is recommended for comparisons between dung derived sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Alpine pastures are seminatural grasslands which play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, service provisioning, and mountain livestock systems. The soil microbial communities of pasture are fundamental in ecosystem nutrient cycles, but they are relatively underexplored in European Alpine pastures. Aims: We explored the many soil microbial genes encoding key functions in the nitrogen cycle in three historical alpine pastures grazed by dairy cattle, considering different soils, temporal dynamics, and exclusion of cattle grazing for one summer. Methods: 216 samples were collected across four sampling times. The abundance of genetic determinants involved in nitrogen fixation (nifH), nitrification (amoA bacterial and archaeal), and denitrification (nirK and nosZ) were quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Key results: The terminal denitrification nosZ gene was the most sensitive indicator and responded significantly to soil chemical composition and animal grazing. Sampling time affected nitrogen fixation nifH and intermediate denitrification nirK in relation to rainfall cumulation dynamics. The amoA nitrification genes showed high variability but no significant effects from the tested factors. Conclusions: In spite of a general homeostatic trend occurring in these habitats and of the short term analysis, some genes acted as sensitive reporters of soil compositional differences, intraseasonal climatic variations, and grazing disturbance. Implications: A stocking rate of >0.6 livestock units per hectare can be recommended, to combine animal production with conditions that favour complete denitrification, thus potentially reducing the nitrous oxide greenhouse gas emissions. Higher livestock grazing intensity can be withstood by the ecosystem without denitrification-related drawbacks when the preceding 10 days display a cumulated rainfall lower than 22 mm. Soil microbial communities are fundamental for ecosystem nutrient cycles, but they are relatively underexplored in alpine pastures – seminatural grasslands important for mountain livestock systems. We investigated microbial functions related to the nitrogen cycle in three historical alpine pastures for one summer. Microbial nitrogen functions showed a general inertia in respect to soil variation and grazing disturbance. This has ramifications for future improvement of pasture management in mountain livestock systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation of natural habitats for farming is a major driver of tropical biodiversity loss. To mitigate impacts, two alternatives are promoted: intensifying agriculture to offset protected areas (land sparing) or integrating wildlife‐friendly habitats within farmland (land sharing). In the montane and dry tropics, phylogenetic and functional diversity, which underpin evolutionary values and the provision of ecosystem functioning and services, are best protected by land sparing. A key question is how these components of biodiversity are best conserved in the more stable environments of lowland moist tropical forests.Focusing on cattle farming within the Colombian Amazon, we investigated how the occupancy of 280 bird species varies between forest and pasture spanning gradients of wildlife‐friendly features. We then simulated scenarios of land‐sparing and land‐sharing farming to predict impacts on phylogenetic and functional diversity metrics.Predicted metrics differed marginally between forest and pasture. However, community assembly varied significantly. Wildlife‐friendly pastures were inadequate for most forest‐dependent species, while phylogenetic and functional diversity indices showed minimal variation across gradients of wildlife‐friendly features.Land sparing consistently retained higher levels of Faith's phylogenetic diversity (~30%), functional richness (~20%) and evolutionarily distinct lineages (~40%) than land sharing, and did so across a range of landscape sizes. Securing forest protection through land‐sparing practices remains superior for conserving overall community phylogenetic and functional diversity than land sharing.Synthesis and applications: To minimise the loss of avian phylogenetic diversity and functional traits from farming in the Amazon, it is imperative to protect large blocks of undisturbed and regenerating forests. The intensification required within existing farmlands to make space for spared lands while meeting agricultural demand needs to be sustainable, avoiding long‐term negative impacts on soil quality and other ecosystem services. Policies need to secure the delivery of both actions simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bovine milk contains a rich matrix of nutrients such as carbohydrates, fat, protein and various vitamins and minerals, the composition of which is altered by factors including dietary regime. Objectives: The objective of this research was to investigate the impact of dietary regime on the metabolite composition of bovine whole milk powder and buttermilk. Methods: Bovine whole milk powder and buttermilk samples were obtained from spring-calving cows, consuming one of three diets. Group 1 grazed outdoors on perennial ryegrass which was supplemented with 5% concentrates; group 2 were maintained indoors and consumed a total mixed ration diet; and group 3 consumed a partial mixed ration diet consisting of perennial ryegrass during the day and total mixed ration maintained indoors at night. Results: Metabolomic analysis of the whole milk powder (N = 27) and buttermilk (N = 29) samples was preformed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, with 504 and 134 metabolites identified in the samples respectively. In whole milk powder samples, a total of 174 metabolites from various compound classes were significantly different across dietary regimes (FDR adjusted p-value ≤ 0.05), including triglycerides, of which 66% had their highest levels in pasture-fed samples. Triglycerides with highest levels in pasture-fed samples were predominantly polyunsaturated with high total carbon number. Regarding buttermilk samples, metabolites significantly different across dietary regimes included phospholipids, sphingomyelins and an acylcarnitine. Conclusion: In conclusion the results reveal a significant impact of a pasture-fed dietary regime on the metabolite composition of bovine dairy products, with a particular impact on lipid compound classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research evaluating the impact of silvopastoral systems on physical and biological properties of Amazonian soils is scarce. Thus, this study aimed to compare the soil carbon storage potential and physical and chemical soil properties of silvopastoral systems (SPS) and conventional pastoral systems (CPS) in the San Martin region of Peru. Using the Walkley and Black method, we analyzed soil organic matter at two different depths (0–15 cm and 15–30 cm). In addition, bulk density, soil moisture, total porosity, and mechanical resistance were measured in both systems. The highest (P < 0.05) carbon stocks were reported at 0–15 cm of depth with values of 31.4 Mg ha−1 and 34.4 Mg ha−1 for CPS and SPS, respectively. At 15–30 cm depth, the total carbon stock was higher for SPS, with 29.12 Mg ha−1, than for CPS, which had 26.4 Mg ha−1. Despite the absence of statistically significant differences, soil carbon stocks were higher in SPS. No significant differences in soil moisture were found between systems, although soil moisture was slightly greater in SPS than CPS (28 and 25%, respectively). The CPS had 59% of the total porosity, which was higher than the SPS. Mechanical resistance was lower in SPS (2.15 kg/cm2) than in CPS (2.33 kg/cm2) at 10 cm of depth. These results indicated that the SPS has the potential to store more carbon and improve physical and chemical traits in the soil than the CPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides information on nutritional strategies for managing gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in small ruminants such as sheep and goats. GIN infections can have negative impacts on the health and economic well-being of these animals. The article discusses the effects of GIN on nutrition and metabolism and explores various approaches to managing GIN, including pasture management, supplementation, the use of copper oxide wire particles, and the inclusion of plant secondary compounds in the diet. The authors emphasize the importance of taking a holistic approach to nutrition in integrated parasite management programs. They also highlight the benefits of rotational grazing, complementary forages, and protein supplementation in enhancing the resistance and resilience of small ruminants to GIN. The article concludes by calling for further research to evaluate the effectiveness of these nutritional strategies on animal health, performance, and the sustainability of small ruminant production. [Extracted from the article]

Measuring soil quality and the use of indicators for its evaluation is a worldwide challenge. In Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park (northeastern Spain), different parameters related to oribatid mites as indicators of soil quality were evaluated under different land uses: forest, pasture, and a biennial double-crop rotation of forage crops. In forage crops, previous fertilization management (one based on mineral fertilizers, three on cattle manure, and one using both types) was also evaluated. Three samplings (April, June, and September) were performed over one season. Fifty-four oribatid species belonging to 28 families were identified. Abundance was the lowest in June for all land uses (average of 1184 individuals m−2). In the study period, abundance, diversity (Shannon index, H'), and dominance (Berger–Parker index, d) varied with different land uses, with the highest values of abundance and H' in forests (9287 individuals m−2 and 2.19, respectively) and the lowest dominance in forests (d = 0.29) without differences between the other uses. Additionally, in the studied parameters, no differences were associated with previous fertilization management in forage crops. Hypochthoniella minutissima, Xenillus (X.) tegeocranus characterized the forest system, Epilohmannia cylindrica minima the forage crops, and Tectocepheus sarekensis the pasture. In pasture, the dominance of the parthenogenetic species Tectocepheus sarekensis raises concerns about potential management constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degradation of pastures and meadows is a global problem with a wide range of impacts. It affects farmers in different ways, such as decreases in cattle production, milk yield, and forage quality. Still, it also has other side effects, such as loss of biodiversity, loss of resources, etc. In this study, the degradation of a semi-natural pasture near the village of Obichnik, Bulgaria, was evaluated using machine learning algorithms, and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) obtained visual spectrum images. A high-quality (HQ) orthomosaic of the area was created and numerous regions of interest were manually marked for training and validation purposes. Three machine learning algorithms were used—Maximum likelihood, Random trees (RT), and Support Vector Machine (SVM). Furthermore, object-based and pixel-based approaches were utilized. The obtained results indicate that the object-based RT and SVM models provide significantly better accuracy, with their Cohen's Kappa reaching 0.86 and 0.82, respectively. The performed classification showed that approximately 61% of the investigated pasture area is covered with grass, which indicates light-to-medium degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pasture or concentrate-based dietary regime impacts a variety of factors including both ruminal health and function, and consequently milk production and quality. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of feeding differing pasture levels on the metabolite composition of bovine ruminal fluid. Ruminal fluid was obtained from rumen-cannulated spring-calving cows (N = 9, Holstein-Friesian breed, average lactation number = 5) fed one of three diets across a full lactation season. Group 1 (pasture) consumed perennial ryegrass supplemented with 5% concentrates; group 2 received a total mixed ration (TMR) diet; and group 3 received a partial mixed ration (PMR) diet which included pasture and a TMR. Samples were taken at two timepoints: morning and evening. Metabolomic analysis was performed using nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy. Statistical analysis revealed significant changes across the dietary regimes in both morning and evening samples, with distinct alterations in the metabolite composition of ruminal fluid from pasture-fed cows (FDR-adjusted p-value < 0.05). Acetate and butyrate were significantly higher in samples derived from a pasture-based diet whereas sugar-related metabolites were higher in concentrate-based samples. Furthermore, a distinct diurnal impact on the metabolite profile was evident. This work lays the foundation for understanding the complex interaction between dietary regime and ruminal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is not a welfare protocol for horses reared for meat production in semi-extensive systems. The aims of the study were to develop a specific welfare protocol suitable to be applied at pasture and on stable; and to evaluate whether the welfare items were influenced by the farming system (pasture vs stable). 52 non-animal-based measures (N-ABMs) and 14 animal-based measures (ABMs), classified into 6 thematic areas (training, feeding, facilities, ABMs, biosecurity, health management) were selected by a focus group. The protocol was applied on a total of 429 Catria horses located across 26 pastures during the warm seasons and on 7 stables during the cold seasons. Differences obtained within each horse-unit were calculated by using the diversity index (VARNC) and the distance from the ideal (dfi) index. Chi-square test was used for comparing the relative frequencies (%) of the answers (pasture vs stable). Most the welfare items were classified as adequate in both pasture and stable, yet differences were found within ‘training’ (p = 0.02) and ‘feeding’ (p

ABSTRACTA survey was conducted on 302 Sweden dairy farms (response rate 98%) to identify grazing and grassland management strategies and main challenges to grazing in northern Sweden. The most common grazing strategy on all dairy farms was continuous grazing (59%) followed by rotational grazing (45%), while organic dairy farms preferentially adopted rotational grazing (69%). The main challenges reported in grazing dairy cows on temporary grasslands on conventional farms were trampling damage and seasonal variations in grass growth, while for organic dairy farmers, the primary challenge was weed control. Only a few farms had grazing on semi-natural grasslands. Future sustainable grazing should focus on optimising grazing strategy in relation to on-farm grazing locations and nutrient supply for high-yielding dairy cows.

ABSTRACT: Grain mixes varying in proportions of wheat grain, barley grain, canola meal, and corn grain were fed to grazing dairy cows in early lactation to determine the contribution of canola meal and corn grain to milk yield, BW, BCS, eating behavior, and blood serum metabolite concentrations. The experiment used 80 multiparous, seasonally calving Holstein-Friesian dairy cows during the first 100 d of lactation, the treatment period, and over the subsequent carryover period of 100 d, during which all cows were fed a common diet. Cows were divided into 4 cohorts (blocks) based on calving date and within each cohort, 5 cows were randomly allocated to each of the 4 treatments. Dietary treatments included disc-milled grain mixes comprising (on a DM basis) (1) a control treatment of wheat (25%) and barley (75%); (2) wheat (25%), barley (50%), and canola meal (25%); (3) wheat (25%), barley (50%), and corn (25%), and (4) wheat (25%), barley (25%), canola meal (25%), and corn (25%). Treatment diets were introduced at 19 DIM ± 4.7 d, which included a 7-d adaptation period and were applied up until 100 DIM. Each grain mix was fed at 9 kg of DM/cow per day, offered twice daily, in equal proportions in the parlor at milking times. In addition to the grain mix, all cows grazed perennial ryegrass pasture at a daily allowance of ∼35 kg of DM/cow per day (measured to ground level). Results were analyzed in terms of corn and canola presence or absence in the diet. Including canola meal in grain mixes increased grain intake and pasture intake by 0.6 and 2.1 kg of DM/cow per day, respectively, resulting in an increased milk yield of 2.6 kg/cow per day during the first 100 d of lactation. Including canola meal also increased yields of milk fat and protein, and concentrations of milk fat, as well as increasing mean BW and BCS over the 100 d. The inclusion of canola meal in the grain mixes also resulted in greater blood serum BHB and urea concentrations, compared with feeding grain mixes that did not contain canola meal. The inclusion of corn grain provided no milk production benefits and did not change BW, BCS, or any feeding behavior variables. There were no carryover effects on milk production from either canola meal or corn grain after the treatment period. In summary, the results demonstrate that the provision of canola meal in grain mixes can improve milk production and increase mean BCS. Further, there are no benefits to milk yield when a proportion of barley is substituted for corn, in a wheat and barley grain mix fed to grazing dairy cows in early lactation. However, these results are dependent on the level of inclusion and the feeding system employed.

Background. Cattle hypodermosis is a chronic parasitic disease (entomosis) that occurs as a result of parasitizing the larvae of warble flies in the body of animals. Disease is common in more than 55 countries of the world, causing great economic damage. It is considered as a parasitic disease with a certain zoonotic potential. Purpose. To conduct research on biological and ecological features of the warble flies that determines certain epidemiological traits of the caused pathology in Tavush Region of Armenia. Materials and methods. The observations were carried out in Tavush Region, and the experiments were carried out at the Research Center for Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Sanitary Expertise at the Armenian National Agrarian University. The warble flies marked with stain, were released at a distance of 0.5 to 1.5 km from livestock farms with subsequent search and trapping of insects, located on pastures and on the skin of animals. Generally, 275 warble flies were released. Warble fly activity was evaluated visually counting the comparative number of flying insects at the fixed point per minute at different times of the day, as well as animal anxiety state caused by warble flies was identified. Statistical processing of experimental data was performed by means of “Vassart.net” online calculator. Results. Female warble flies Hypoderma bovis flew up to 12.1 km, while female warble flies H. lineatum did it up to 8.6 km. Females of H. bovis and H. lineatum demonstrated various spatial and circadian flying activity that depends on season, and altitude above the sea level. Spring generation of warble flies is more resistant to low air temperatures compared to the summer generation. Mild and humid summers, as well as an increase in the number of animals, contribute to an increase in the population of warble flies, while high temperature and high soil moisture contribute to the mass death of warble fly pupae developing in the ground. Conclusion. The research data cited in the article, detect the presence of a wide range of biocenotic factors that determine the epidemiology of cattle hypodermosis in the Tavush region of the Republic of Armenia. Cattle hypodermosis control plan was designed based on the results of the research, as well as natural and climatic conditions of Tavush region. Pasture prevention activities and periodic treatment of the cattle with insecticides were emphasized.

In the European Union (EU), organic rabbit farming (ORF) remains uncommon (≈50 farms), found mainly in France, and to a much lesser extent in Austria, Switzerland, Spain and Italy. As rabbits are herbivorous, ORF is based mainly on grazing. This review summarises information on the functioning and performance of rabbit farming systems in France, with organic certification and/or access to pasture. Recent studies have quantified the grass intake (30 to 80 g dry matter/d/rabbit) and growth rate of rabbits on pasture (15 to 30 g/d). ORF has an extensive production cycle with a mean of 2.7 parturitions per doe and per year. The main concerns for the farmers developing ORF include available land and managing health and feeding. However, in France, a herd with 40 does on 4 ha (of pastures and complementary crops), can provide a halftime minimum salary. Since January 2022, a new regulation on ORF is applied for all EU member countries that recommends a maximum use of pasture but nevertheless allows farmers to keep a herd with 40 does on only 200 m² of pasture. It also does not require rotating rabbits on the pasture between batches of animals, wich increases the risk of parasitism. A smartphone application (GAELA) was recently developed to assist with daily management of rabbit farming, and to build a database of technical benchmarks to support the development of organic and pastured rabbit farming in France.

Unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) are emerging as useful tools in environmental studies due to their mobility and ability to cover large areas. In this study, we used an air analyzer attached to a UAS to measure gas and particulate matter (PM) emissions from rotationally grazed dairy pastures in northern Wisconsin. UAS-based sampling enabled wireless data transmission using the LoRa protocol to a ground station, synchronizing with a cloud server. During the measurements, latitude, longitude, and altitude were recorded using a high-precision global positioning system (GPS). Over 1200 measurements per parameter were made during each site visit. The spatial distribution of the emission rates was estimated using the Lagrangian mass balance approach and Kriging interpolation. A horizontal sampling probe effectively minimized the impact of propeller downwash on the measurements. The average concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) were 800.1 ± 39.7 mg m−3, 1.38 ± 0.063 mg m−3, and 0.71 ± 0.03 mg m−3, respectively. No significant difference was found between CO2 concentrations measured by the UAS sensor and gas chromatography (p = 0.061). Emission maps highlighted variability across the pasture, with an average CO2 emission rate of 1.52 ± 0.80 g day−1 m−2, which was within the range reported in the literature. Future studies could explore the impact of pasture management on air emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Caraș-Severin County, Romania, the integration of sustainable agricultural practices with organic dairy production represents a unique opportunity to promote agro-tourism farms and guesthouses. This study examines the synergy between the chemical composition of pastures from three farms in different alleys and the impact on the chemical composition of dairy products produced on those farms. Thus, the comparative analysis of two types of traditional cow's cheeses (soft and mature) from three different areas of Caraș-Severin County was pursued, as well as of the feed given to the animals from which the raw material for obtaining the cheeses originated. Initially, the physicochemical profile of the pastures (fresh grass and grass hay) was analyzed in terms of proximate composition (moisture, lipids, proteins, ash and carbohydrates), and the content of bioactive compounds (total polyphenols, antioxidant activity using the DPPH method). The proximate composition of the cheese samples, including moisture, lipids, proteins, ash and carbohydrates was analysed, and the content of fatty acids. A correlation was also made between the content of bioactive compounds in feed samples and fatty acid profile of the cheese samples. Our findings demonstrate that the geographical area and the chemical composition of the pasture have a considerable influence on the physicochemical characterization and fatty acid composition of the cheese. The cheese from the mountain area had a higher fat, protein and polyunsaturated fatty acid content compared to the samples from the hill and plain areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective to examine the effect of management systems on root dry weight, the percentage distribution of root weight in the soil profile, and the soil carbon content. Treatments consisted of 13 management systems established 22 years ago: degraded pasture; continuous pasture, fertilised, and intercropped with a legume species; continuous pasture with fertilisation; continuous pasture without fertilisation; pasture for four years followed by soybean cropping for four years; pasture for four years followed by soybean cropping for four years, with eucalyptus; soybean cropping for four years followed by pasture for four years; soybean cropping for four years followed by pasture for four years, with eucalyptus; soybean cropping for one year followed by pasture for three years; soybean cropping for one year followed by pasture for three years; continuous summer soybean cropping under conventional cultivation; continuous summer soybean cropping under conservation farming; and continuous no-till summer soybean cropping. Except for degraded pastures, pasture systems have higher root dry mass than soybean cropping systems. The integrated production systems increase the dry weight of the roots, and the carbon content of the soil and reduce aluminum saturation and soil acidity. The highest percentages of roots are found in the 0–0.10 m range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pasture systems dominate the landscape of Aotearoa, New Zealand, and are an integral component of sustainable and resilient livestock production. Predicting the response, performance, and dynamics of pasture species and adapting management practices is key to the long-term economic and environmental sustainability and resilience of the agricultural sector. However, there is limited information on the long-term productivity, performance, and persistence of forage cultivars and species for pasture production systems, particularly when linked to grazing and animal performance. Here, we sought to reduce scientific uncertainty, inform modelling efforts, and contribute to a predictive framework for understanding pasture performance, persistence, and renewal. Inter-annual pasture renewal (direct drilling and cultivation) rates vary by region and year, reflecting both opportunity and problem-based drivers, with the highest pasture renewal rates in Waikato and Canterbury on the North and South Island, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensively grazed dairy systems use high inputs of fertiliser nitrogen (N), and often supplementary irrigation, to ensure adequate pasture production to support milk output and meet the growing food demand. However, the efficiency of N use in these systems can be low and potential environmental impacts high. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that (1) use of two inhibitors, the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphorictriamide (NBTPT) and the nitrification inhibitor 3,4-Dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) reduced N loss and improved pasture production compared to conventional N fertiliser (urea) in irrigated temperate perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) dairy pasture, and (2) their efficiency was affected by soil and environmental parameters. The effect of repeated applications of urea, at different rates, and the inhibitors were studied on pasture production and agronomic apparent fertiliser N use efficiency (NUE) over 2.5 years. The fate of a single application of N was determined through recovery of 15N-labeled fertiliser applied at 20 and 40 kg N ha−1 was studied in the field for one year. The highest yield and NUE occurred in spring–summer (from August to February) reflecting optimal growing conditions. The highest NUE occurred at low rates of urea application (20 and 40 kg N ha−1). Mineralisation played a key role in supplying N to pasture with 64–82% of total plant N derived from soil organic matter (SOM). Less than 50% of the applied N was recovered in the pasture (37–43%) with a large component retained in the soil (26–43% after one year, 0–40 cm), and slowly released in small amounts (< 2%) to the pasture over time, highlighting the abundant capacity of the native soil N pool to supply pasture N. Loss of N fertiliser (14–31%) was attributed to primarily ammonia (NH3) volatilisation and nitrate (NO3−) leaching. Use of the inhibitors NBTPT and DMPP did not significantly affect pasture yield or NUE, most likely because fertiliser N saved with the inhibitors only played a minor role in plant nutrition with the majority of the plant nutrition provided by the soil organic matter pool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing plantain (Plantago lanceolata) within pastures reduces nitrate leaching following grazing. Plantain is usually grown with grass and clover species, making selective weed control challenging. One strategy to selectively remove tall weeds in pastures with mixed species is to apply herbicides using weed wipers. However, for many months of the year, plantain has upright leafless flower stems that will intercept herbicide applied using wipers. To determine if this means plantain might be damaged by wipers used in such swards, two glasshouse experiments tested the tolerance of mature plantain plants to the application of herbicides suitable for use in weed wipers (glyphosate, clopyralid, aminopyralid, dicamba, metsulfuron, picloram and triclopyr) to the flower stems. Aminopyralid (0.075% ai solution) and a low rate of glyphosate (1.8% ai) caused the least decrease in plantain biomass and should be safe for weed wiping within swards containing plantain. A higher rate of glyphosate (7.2% ai) and a glyphosate/metsulfuron mix (0.9% + 0.01% ai, respectively) caused the most damage to plantain, particularly following simulated rainfall after application. Thus, applying some herbicides using wipers should be possible for selective weed control within plantain swards even if rain falls soon afterwards, though field trials are required to fine-tune recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain mixes varying in proportions of wheat grain, barley grain, canola meal, and corn grain were fed to grazing dairy cows in early lactation to determine the contribution of canola meal and corn grain to milk yield, BW, BCS, eating behavior, and blood serum metabolite concentrations. The experiment used 80 multiparous, seasonally calving Holstein-Friesian dairy cows during the first 100 d of lactation, the treatment period, and over the subsequent carryover period of 100 d, during which all cows were fed a common diet. Cows were divided into 4 cohorts (blocks) based on calving date and within each cohort, 5 cows were randomly allocated to each of the 4 treatments. Dietary treatments included disc-milled grain mixes comprising (on a DM basis) (1) a control treatment of wheat (25%) and barley (75%); (2) wheat (25%), barley (50%), and canola meal (25%); (3) wheat (25%), barley (50%), and corn (25%), and (4) wheat (25%), barley (25%), canola meal (25%), and corn (25%). Treatment diets were introduced at 19 DIM ± 4.7 d, which included a 7-d adaptation period and were applied up until 100 DIM. Each grain mix was fed at 9 kg of DM/cow per day, offered twice daily, in equal proportions in the parlor at milking times. In addition to the grain mix, all cows grazed perennial ryegrass pasture at a daily allowance of ∼35 kg of DM/cow per day (measured to ground level). Results were analyzed in terms of corn and canola presence or absence in the diet. Including canola meal in grain mixes increased grain intake and pasture intake by 0.6 and 2.1 kg of DM/cow per day, respectively, resulting in an increased milk yield of 2.6 kg/cow per day during the first 100 d of lactation. Including canola meal also increased yields of milk fat and protein, and concentrations of milk fat, as well as increasing mean BW and BCS over the 100 d. The inclusion of canola meal in the grain mixes also resulted in greater blood serum BHB and urea concentrations, compared with feeding grain mixes that did not contain canola meal. The inclusion of corn grain provided no milk production benefits and did not change BW, BCS, or any feeding behavior variables. There were no carryover effects on milk production from either canola meal or corn grain after the treatment period. In summary, the results demonstrate that the provision of canola meal in grain mixes can improve milk production and increase mean BCS. Further, there are no benefits to milk yield when a proportion of barley is substituted for corn, in a wheat and barley grain mix fed to grazing dairy cows in early lactation. However, these results are dependent on the level of inclusion and the feeding system employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study's objective was to compare two options of pasture supplementation: corn silage (CS) alone or corn silage mixed with protein concentrate. The experiment was conducted with 18 lactating Holstein cows in mid‐lactation in a crossover design that included three treatments and three data collection periods. All cows had access to pasture for 17 h/day with an average herbage allowance of 16 kg dry matter (DM)/cow/day and were offered in‐barn corn silage, corn silage mixed with protein concentrate, or no supplementation. Cows were equipped with pH sensors residing in the reticulum and, during the 7‐day data collection periods, with a jaw movement recorder. Nonsupplemented cows produced 21.3 kg energy‐corrected milk (ECM) and ate 13.3 kg DM herbage at pasture. Cows supplemented with corn silage and corn silage plus protein produced 2.5 and 4.5 kg/day more ECM, respectively, consumed 3.4 and 3.3 kg/day more DM in total, respectively, ate for a shorter period of time, and ruminated longer than their nonsupplemented peers. Supplemented cows were almost able to cover their energy requirements and mobilised less body mass in contrast to the nonsupplemented cows. Cows offered corn silage plus protein showed increased ECM production, increased milk urea content and lower nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) compared to cows supplemented with corn silage only. Nonsupplemented dairy cows had the highest milk urea content and performed worst in terms of NUE. The best feed conversion efficiency resulted from the nonsupplemented dairy cows and those supplemented with corn silage plus protein. In nonsupplemented cows, the high feed conversion efficiency seemed to be due to the increased mobilisation of body mass. As a result of the starch‐rich supplementations, the ruminal acetic:propionic acid ratio became smaller, and the proportions of n‐butyric acid increased. The mean reticular pH values did not substantially vary across the three feeding treatments. For the choice of a supplementation option, herbage allowance and cost of supplement will have to be considered, but aspects of feed–food competition as well as animal welfare should not be ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of oil palm and cattle grazing in the tropics continues to alter numerous ecosystem functions. The generated land-use change is potentially impacting stream leaf-litter breakdown, a fundamental process for freshwater ecosystems. To assess the effect of land-use change, we studied breakdown rates of forest (Pachira aquatica, Pouroma aspera, Sloanea ampla, and Hippocratea volubilis) and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) leaves after a 26-day immersion in streams surrounded by rainforests, grazing lands, or oil palm plantations with and without riparian buffers. In addition, we assessed breakdown drivers by deploying litter bags (248) of two mesh sizes (15 mm and 0.5 mm) allowing or restricting macroinvertebrates' access (134 coarse-mesh bags and 114 fine-mesh bags). Forest leaf breakdown by microbes (fine-mesh) was lower by 55% in the plantations compared to forests; while microbial oil palm-leaf breakdown was lower by 32% in the unbuffered plantations compared to forests (p < 0.05). Total litter breakdown was lower (p > 0.05) in the plantations but not when these preserved riparian buffers. Litter breakdown was driven primarily by microbes in all land uses except in the buffered plantations, possibly due to increased shredder biomass. These results suggest that oil palm agriculture may decrease microbial stream leaf-litter breakdown, especially in streams with no riparian buffers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish assemblages in freshwater ecosystems are becoming more homogenous from multiple abiotic, environmental, and physicochemical variables at different scales. Historical fish collections (1976–1977) by Billy Michael Johnson and Dr. Johnson K. Beadles were compared to contemporary fish collections (2018–2019) in tributaries of the Eleven Point River basin in Arkansas to examine patterns of fish assemblage change. Fish assemblage change variables were compared to pasture land use/land cover (LULC) at multiple scales and in‐stream habitat variables to understand relationships and discover potential correlates suggesting biotic homogenization. Fish assemblages in the Eleven Point River basin of Arkansas have experienced significant spatiotemporal changes, and LULC change and habitat alterations may have influenced this process. Increased tolerant species and decreased intolerant species at sites contributed to biotic homogenization, particularly in pool habitats. Surprisingly, expansion of some intolerant fishes was also observed that tend to occupy riffles. Sites with high percentages of pasture LULC at finer spatial scales typically had more homogenised fish assemblages. We hypothesized gravel aggradation from local pasture land use has degraded pools and increased riffle habitat, resulting in homogenised fish assemblages in the Eleven Point River basin over the study period. Few studies link LULC, in‐stream habitat, and biotic homogenization when examining fish assemblage change over time, and these dynamics can be particularly complex in upland streams experiencing gravel aggradation. Similar research in other upland, gravel‐bed river systems would provide a broad understanding of the presented environmental associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigating the herbage quality and mineral composition of pastures is crucial for understanding the nutritional dynamics of grazing ecosystems. This study analyzed the quality of herbage and mineral content in four unique natural pasture regions of the Sivrice District (Hazar Lake) in Elazig Province between 2022 and 2023. The average values determined in dry herbage over two years are as follows: crude protein content in leguminous plants was (CP) 21.21%, acid detergent fibre (ADF) 18.21%, and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) 33.89% of the sample consists of digestible dry matter (DDM) with a content of 74.71% and a dry matter intake (DMI) of 3.58%. The relative feed value (RFV) is 207.79%, while the potassium (K) content is 2.71%, magnesium (Mg) is 0.32%, calcium (Ca) is 2.66%, and phosphorus (P) is 0.42%. In grasses, the crude protein (CP) content is 13.75%, acid detergent fibre (ADF) is 27.49%, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) is 51.30%, with DDM of 67.49%, DMI of 2.37%, RFV of 124.32%, and K, Mg, Ca, and P contents of 2.54%, 0.20%, 0.54%, and 0.40%, respectively. In other plant families, the CP content is 18.30%, ADF is 25.22%, NDF is 35.21%, with DDM of 69.26%, DMI of 3.47%, RFV of 187.10%, and K, Mg, Ca, and P contents of 2.66%, 0.32%, 1.46%, and 0.32%, respectively. The two-year study indicated that all the pastures studied were in generally good condition in terms of herbage quality, but Pasture-4 (Surek village) had higher values than the other pastures in terms of HP, ADF, NDF, DDM, DMI, RFV, Ca and Mg, especially in legumes and plants belonging to other families; and Pasture-3 (Guney village) had higher values than the other pastures in terms of the same characteristics in grasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Growing grass-legume mixtures for forage production improves both yield productivity and nutritional quality, while also benefiting the environment by promoting species biodiversity and enhancing soil fertility (through nitrogen fixation). Consequently, assessing legume proportions in grass-legume mixed swards is essential for breeding and cultivation. This study introduces an approach for automated classification and mapping of species in mixed grass-clover swards using object-based image analysis (OBIA). Methods: The OBIA procedure was established for both RGB and ten band multispectral (MS) images capturedby an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The workflow integrated structural (canopy heights) and spectral variables (bands, vegetation indices) along with a machine learning algorithm (Random Forest) to perform image segmentation and classification. Spatial k-fold cross-validation was employed to assess accuracy. Results and discussion: Results demonstrated good performance, achieving an overall accuracy of approximately 70%, for both RGB and MS-based imagery, with grass and clover classes yielding similar F1 scores, exceeding 0.7 values. The effectiveness of the OBIA procedure and classification was examined by analyzing correlations between predicted clover fractions and dry matter yield (DMY) proportions. This quantification revealed a positive and strong relationship, with R2 values exceeding 0.8 for RGB and MS-based classification outcomes. This indicates the potential of estimating (relative) clover coverage, which could assist breeders but also farmers in a precision agriculture context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between prepartum subclinical hypomagnesemia (pre-SHMg) and the occurrence of dystocia, metritis, clinical mastitis, lameness, and subclinical hypomagnesemia postpartum (post-SHMg) in pasture-based dairy cows. Also, the difference in means of prepartum magnesium (Mg) concentration by postpartum health events was evaluated. A total of 890 dairy cows from 32 commercial farms located in southern Chile were enrolled. Cows were examined twice, once between 30 and 3 days before and once between 3 and 30 days after calving. Blood samples were collected on both assessments, and cows were considered as having SHMg if serum total Mg < 0.65 mmol/L. On the postpartum visit, cows were evaluated for metritis and lameness. Information about clinical mastitis and dystocia was collected from on-farm records. Data were analyzed using multivariable mixed linear models and multivariable mixed logistic regression models. The overall prevalence of pre-SHMg was 9.9%, and its presence was associated with the occurrence of post-SHMg (odd ratio [OR] = 5.7; P < 0.0001) and metritis (OR = 3.1; P = 0.04). However, we did not detect an association between pre-SHMg and dystocia, clinical mastitis, or lameness after calving. Prepartum serum Mg concentrations were lower in cows that developed post-SHMg than those that did not (LSM ± SE = 0.75 ± 0.02 mmol/L vs. 0.83 ± 0.02 mmol/L; P < 0.0001). In conclusion, pre-SHMg was associated with a higher risk of post-SHMg and metritis in grazing dairy cows but not other postpartum health events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protected areas (PAs) in the Brazilian Amazon have proven to be critical in preserving the rainforest but face increasing threats. Since 2019, illegal activities and land conflicts involving PAs have escalated due to the weakening of environmental institutions. Therefore, up-to-date research is needed to evaluate agricultural pressures on PAs—including Sustainable Use Areas, Indigenous Territories, and Strictly Protected Areas—given its importance in driving deforestation in the Amazon, and to identify hotspots of concern. We analyzed property registration, deforestation, pasture expansion, and cattle transaction records within 158 PAs in the Brazilian state of Pará, which holds most of the remaining forest and the highest rates of deforestation. Our findings show that nearly a quarter of Pará's 2019–2022 deforestation occurred within PAs, undermining their effectiveness as conservation tools. Despite prohibitions, we found illegally registered private properties in most PA categories including indigenous territories and over a 100% increase in deforestation within PAs from 2015–2018. Over 90% of PAs contained pasturelands in 2022, but only half of them had registered cattle transactions within their borders, which suggests the presence of clandestine cattle activities in these areas as well. Indirect sales to slaughterhouses coming from PAs increased during the study period, potentially due to efforts by ranchers to obscure such cattle origins from companies that are increasingly monitoring their direct suppliers. Finally, we identified 17 high-risk PAs concentrating most threats. Focusing monitoring efforts on property registries and cattle transactions in these areas could significantly reduce illegal deforestation and illegal cattle ranching. While PAs are considered to be cornerstones of forest conservation efforts, our findings show that current policies fail to prevent cycles of land grabbing, illegal ranching, and deforestation that can eventually lead to the downgrading, downsizing, and degazetting of PAs. Given this context, validating property claims, tracing cattle sales, and penalizing deforestation are urgently needed to halt these cycles that threaten PAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study provides the first record of Lasioglossum subfasciatum (Imhoff, 1832) (Hymenoptera, Apoidea, Halictidae) in the Sila National Park (Calabria, Italy), a Biosphere Reserve included in the UNESCO program. The species has been classified as endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List, throughout Europe. Three specimens were found during a monitoring activity, in May 2022. Here, we provide a description of the species, the environmental characteristics of the site where it was found and a chronological map of its European distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surplus wastewater accumulates in winter and requires a discharging solution. In our study we examined the effects of using treated wastewater (TWW) as supplemental pasture irrigation in winter. To test the effect of TWW irrigation on the vegetation and soil, 10 grazing prevention exclosures were established at Ramat‐Hanadiv Park, Israel, with half of them irrigated with TWW. Soil and vegetation were sampled during 2 years of irrigation and 1 year after cessation of irrigation. Vegetation composition, species richness, and productivity were sampled at the peak of the growing season and various indices of herbage quality were measured. Our results show that irrigation with wastewater increased herbage production by an average of 38% and total pasture protein production by 9% relative to the control subplots. Conversely, TWW irrigation decreased plant protein content while increasing herbage fibre content and lowering its digestibility. Over a period of 2 years, species richness decreased in the irrigated subplots. Most of the soil indices examined were not affected by irrigation, but in the irrigation subplots, sodium values and the sodium adsorption‐ratio were higher than in areas without irrigation. Additional resources in winter enabled the plants to grow rapidly and increased interplant competition. Changes in vegetation composition were revealed through functional group reshuffling and species richness decline. The results of our study show that wastewater irrigation causes an increase in productivity but a decrease in forage quality. At the pastoral system level, the significant increase in productivity leads to increased availability of protein and herbage for animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Several studies with Bos taurus cows report a decrease in voluntary intake close to parturition. However, there are few studies on the evaluation of these parameters in grazing Nellore cows receiving protein supplementation, which could mitigate the decrease in forage intake and improve animal performance. Hence, this study sought to understand how the feed intake and performance of Nellore cows on pasture changes during the peripartum period. Our study found a significant reduction in cows' voluntary intake as they approach parturition, which provides a rational approach to supplementing pregnant cows at the end of gestation, improving production rates in calf–cow systems in the tropics. We aimed to understand the changes in nutritional parameters and performance of beef cows during the peripartum, whether receiving or not receiving protein supplements. Forty cows were used, divided into two treatments: CON—mineral mix and SUP—protein supplementation. Digestibility trial was performed at 45, 30, and 15 days (d) before the parturition and at 20 and 40 d of lactation. The ADG of cows pre- and postpartum was recorded along with the BCS in gestational (GT) and maternal (MT) tissues in the prepartum. There was an effect of treatment and period (p ≤ 0.044) for intakes of DM and CP. The forage intake was similar (p > 0.90) but varied with the effect of days related to parturition (p < 0.001). There was a 14.37% decrease in DM intake from d −30 to d −15 of prepartum. In the postpartum, at 20 d of lactation, there was an increase of 72.7% in relation to d −15 of prepartum. No differences were observed in postpartum ADG or BCS at parturition and postpartum (p ≥ 0.12). However, higher total and MT ADG (p ≤ 0.02) were observed in animals receiving supplementation, while ADG in GT remained similar (p > 0.14). In conclusion, there is a decrease in intake for pregnant cows close to parturition and greater performance of animals supplemented in prepartum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although hoof deformities are frequently encountered in small cattle, this situation is ignored by breeder until the animal shows signs of lameness. Nail deformities, environment, nutrition and individual characteristics of the animal are effective in the occurrence of foot diseases. Overgrowth is the most common cause of lameness. Correctly trimming the nails at regular intervals can prevent lameness. Lack of sufficient movement space in hovels and shelters, dung and urine on the floor of the hovel, inadequate walking and not going out to pasture prevent the nail from being sufficiently worn out and cause the nail to grow excessively and become deformed. Some congenital hoof defects, leg and foot posture disorders and similar structures pave the way for foot diseases in small ruminants. It is very important for the herd that animals with this structure are not used as breeding stock. In intensive breeding, foot diseases and hoof deformations cause significant economic losses. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of hoof deformities in semi-intensive Honamlı goat herds. In the study, 163 Honamlı breed goats were examined for hoof deformities. Hoof deformities were detected in 61 of 163 honamlı goats. In the distribution of hoof deformities in Honamlı goats; 54 (55,10%) of the goats with hoof deformities had lateral deviation hoof, 2 (2,04%) had corkscrew hoof, 2 (2,04%) had cleft hoof and 2 (2,04%) had beak-like hoof. It was concluded that Honamlı goats are more resistant to hoof deformities than other small ruminant species and other goat breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the effects of grazing disturbances in grasslands have shown mixed results for spider diversity, mainly regarding their guilds. While ungrazing, low, and moderate grazing potentially enhance the diversity of orb-weavers in spider communities, heavy grazing seems to reduce species' richness. On the population level though, studies of orb-weavers are scarce, and the effects of grazing in natural grasslands are unknown. In this way, we investigated the effects of different grazing levels on population persistence of orb-weaver spiders, hypothesizing that low to intermediate disturbances benefit populations. We predict that high grazing, due to the removal of vegetation structure, will negatively affect the occupancy and abundance of orb-weavers. For that, we experimentally controlled grazing pressure and obtained population occurrence and counts of two orb-weaver spider species, Argiope argentata and Alpaida quadrilorata. We found that A. argentata was negatively affected by grazing, as it relies on higher vegetation for web-building. In contrast, A. quadrilorata, which occurs in cattle-resistant rosette plants, showed no effects of grazing. Implications for insect conservation: Our study emphasizes the need for balanced grazing practices and habitat conservation to protect orb-weaver spiders and other arthropods, as well as species-specific effects for species from the same guild, underscoring their ecological significance in maintaining ecosystem stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to elucidate the interrelationship between global meat consumption and deforestation in the Amazon region. To this end, empirical research is conducted to investigate land use changes in Rondônia and the expansion of pasture areas and beef production. Brazil is one of the largest beef producers in the world, with products destined for local and global markets. Based on bibliographical research, the paper analyzes maps of land use change between 1985 and 2021, using Landsat satellite imagery and the MapBiomas methodology for Landsat mosaic and classification. The research shows that beef from Rondônia is primarily purchased and consumed in Brazil, but it is also bought and sold on the international market. Landsat imagery analysis shows the predominance of forest conversion to pasture in Rondônia. The results show that deforestation in the Amazon is directly linked to the growth of cattle ranching. Land use change from native forest to pasture for beef cattle production is a reality in the Brazilian Amazon, especially in Rondônia. It suggests the urgent need for more conscious consumption and production practices as well as ethical and sustainable eating habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Products obtained from farm animals meet the need for animal protein, which has an important place in human nutrition. In recent years, the demand for the products of small ruminants has been increasing. Products obtained from small ruminants are important in meeting the nutritional needs of the world population. Especially in light of the effect of global warming, small ruminants production has become even more important. Especially considering the production conditions of small ruminants, the nutritional needs of animals are met by grazing in the existing highlands. This study was conducted in Ordu province, located in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye. The Black Sea region, with its coasts and springs, is a region where breeders engage in nomadic animal husbandry. In the study, it was determined that 86.6% of the nomadic sheep breeders are producing Karayaka breed sheep while 13.4% are breeding Karayaka crossbreds. In the study, 47.9% of the breeders who participated in the survey live in the village and 45.1% live in the district. Percent 94.4 of the breeders were male and 5.6% were female. It was determined that 32.4% of the breeders were between the ages of 41-50 and 40.8% were primary school graduates. The rate of those who contribute to their livelihood through husbandry is 57.2%. The rate of those who want to continue small ruminant farming in the future is 82.9%. Additionally, it was determined that the majority of breeders attach importance to record keeping and animal health protection practices. In the enterprises where the study was conducted, difficulties were encountered in supplying feed and finding shepherds, and high feed prices and labor costs were stated as the most common problems. In nomadic sheep breeding, grazing and climate parameters in pastures and plateaus have a significant impact on the nutrition of the animals. Therefore, facilitating the transportation of sheep to pastures and plateaus and the sustainability of these areas will positively affect nomadic sheep breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding systems on the growth performance of Santa Inês x Dorper lambs, meat quality, fatty acid profile, and gene expression. Thirty lambs at an initial body weight of 22.6 ± 2.59 kg were randomly assigned to one of three feed systems: a grazing system with 1.2% body weight concentrate supplementation (GS); a feedlot system with 28% forage and 72% concentrate (FFC); or feedlot with 85% whole corn grain and 15% pellets (FHG). The lambs were slaughtered after 60 days of experiment. Average daily gain, glucose, and insulin concentration were higher for lambs on FHC than lambs on a GS feeding system. The fatty acid profile in the meat of the lambs fed GS showed a higher proportion of c9t11-C18:2, C20:5, C22:5, and C22:6 compared with FFC and FHC (p < 0.05). Meat tenderness was lower for lambs under FFC treatment compared with GS and FHG. FHG treatment provides better performance and higher deposition of lipid content in meat compared with GS and FHG. The expression of the genes SCD-1, SREBP1-c, and EVOL6 was greater in lambs undergoing GS and FHC treatments compared with FFC. Results of this research showed a reduced performance of grazing lambs compared with the feedlot system; however, it enhanced the fatty acid profile with increased levels of polyunsaturated acids and reduced n6/n3 ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic activities impact soil in varying degrees, from preserving natural landscapes to intensive agriculture which among the farm practices that impact the soil are the cropping systems. Information on cropping systems and soil impacts in northern territories is still missing. This study assesses the effect of different cropping systems on soil health -physical, chemical and biological soil properties and indicators of soil health - at the Lakehead Agricultural Research Station [LUARS] in northern Ontario, Canada. The study compares three cropping systems (perennial crops-pasture, grass, and annual crops -wheat, barley, corn, soybeans) and two forest areas (conifer plantation and naturally regenerating mixed wood forest) at LUARS. Soil samples were collected at different depths and analyzed for various indicators using the Cornell Soil Health Assessment framework. The results showed the soil health scores varied among cropping systems, with natural forest and perennial crops-pasture having higher scores compared to annual crops -wheat, barley, corn, soybeans. Soil organic matter was found to be lowest in annual crops -wheat, barley, corn, soybeans, while aggregate stability was highest in natural forests. The study also identifies the soil health gap, which represents the difference between the health of a particular cropping system and a benchmark. The soil health gap analysis can help farmers implement practices to improve soil health and increase the resilience and sustainability of agroecosystems. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of understanding the effect of cropping systems on soil health and provides insights into potential strategies for improving farm practices.

Abstract The agricultural sector is one of the most polluting economic activities, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions. Brazil is one of the largest agricultural producers worldwide and plays a major role in reducing the environmental impact of this sector. Here, we aimed to determine the impact of the agricultural sector, with special attention to production, prices, and trade openness, on the short- and long-term GHGs emissions of Brazilian agriculture. Employing data from 1974 to 2019, we tested the cointegration of variables and compared the determinants of GHG emissions using Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) methods. Our results show a long-term equilibrium trend for Brazilian agricultural GHGs emissions, a result that correlates with emerging environmental compliance, and society demands the adoption of sustainable technologies, processes, and policies. In the short run, both cattle herds and Agricultural Added Value to GDP per capita showed an expected positive and significant contribution to GHGs emissions, while agricultural crop area demonstrated an inverse relationship. The trade openness index confirmed that foreign trade plays an important role in reducing GHGs emissions. The price index is not significant in our models. Both the private and public sectors have important roles in sustainable agriculture, especially in increasing system efficiency through the adoption of management and technologies that reduce GHG emissions levels.

The relevance of the study lies in the fact that until recently the reaction of various types of perennial grasses to the terms of alienation of herbage in the last cycle of use has not been clarified, which hinders the development and implementation of technology for creating perennial agrophytocoenoses in the continuous pasture system with an extended grazing period for meat livestock in the late autumn period. The purpose of the study was to select the best perennial grasses for late autumn alienation of herbage in the system of an extended continuous pasture for meat breeds of cattle in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe. The results of long-term research on the features of the development of the yield of aboveground biomass, the chemical composition of feed, the stability of certain types of grasses depending on the time of alienation of aboveground biomass in total for all cycles of use and in the last cycle in the autumn period are presented. The highest productivity (at the level of 0.60-0.95 t/ha of dry weight) of all types of grasses in the last (autumn) cycle of use is provided when the green mass is alienated on October 1. When alienated at a later date, the collection of dry mass from 1 ha decreases, while the quality of feed worsens due to a decrease in the content of crude protein and an increase in the concentration of crude fibre to the limits that do not meet the zootechnical norm of feeding cattle and the requirements of DSTU for green feed. Studies have identified the best single-species agrophytocoenoses of grasses, which include smooth brome, cocksfoot grass, and intermediate wheatgrass. On average, for 2008-2015, in the sum of all three cycles of use, they provide a productivity of 6.52-7.19 t/ha of dry weight when applying N120. The results of these studies can be used in the development of recommendations for the creation of continuous pasture with an extended period of grazing grass with meat livestock in the autumn period, which reduces the cost and increases the competitiveness of livestock products

ABSTRACT. This study aims to explore the differences between beef cattle farming systems in Java and Sumba. The research was conducted using a survey method in three districts, two districts in Central Java and one district in Sumba Island, NTT. Data analysis used a descriptive qualitative approach, with the CATWOE Analysis framework to determine the perspectives of stakeholders involved in the beef cattle farming business system. Beef cattle farming in Java has been characterized by a cut and carry system, while in Sumba with a pasture grazing system. The research shows that the main purpose of cattle rearing in Java is to generate income for the family, so more and more are running enlargement and fattening businesses. Cattle rearing in Sumba is prioritized for savings for traditional purposes. Farmers in Sumba predominantly breed cattle without additional feed to save on maintenance costs. Farmers are still faced with the problem of unfairness in pricing. The study concluded that farmers show adaptive ability in allocating their resources to obtain profits. Differences in farming paradigms need to be considered in the preparation of livestock development programs. (Studi eksploratif pada sistem pemeliharaan sapi potong: analisis komparatif pada sistem cut and carry di jawa dengan sistem penggembalaan pastura di pulau Sumba, Indonesia) ABSTRAK. Peternakan sapi potong di Jawa selama ini dicirikan dengan cut and carry sistem, sedangkan di Sumba dengan sistem penggembalaan di pastura. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melakukan eksplorasi lebih mendalam tentang perbedaan sistem usaha peternakan sapi potong di Jawa dengan di Sumba. Penelitian dilakukan dengan metode survey di tiga kabupaten, dua kabupaten di Jawa Tengah dan satu kabupaten di Pulau Sumba, NTT. Analisis data menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif, dengan kerangka CATWOE Analysis untuk mengetahui perspektif dari para stakeholders yang terlibat dalam sistem usaha peternakan sapi potong. Penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tujuan utama pemeliharaan sapi di Jawa adalah untuk menghasilkan pendapatan untuk keluarga, sehingga semakin banyak yang lebih menjalankan usaha pembesaran dan penggemukan. Pemeliharaan sapi di Sumba lebih diutamakan untuk tabungan untuk keperluan adat. Peternak di Sumba didominasi pembiakan sapi tanpa tambahan pakan untuk menghemat biaya pemeliharaan. Peternak masih dihadapkan pada permasalahan ketidakadilan dalam penentuan harga. Penelitian menyimpulkan bahwa peternak menunjukkan kemampuan adaptif dalam mengalokasikan sumber daya yang dimiliki untuk memperoleh keuntungan. Perbedaan paradigma beternak perlu untuk diperhatikan dalam penyusunan program pembangunan peternakan.

Abstract Background Grazing lands provide numerous ecosystem services, including the capacity to store large amounts of soil carbon (C); however, our understanding of the factors affecting soil C responses to management is inadequate. Methods In this paper, we synthesized information about the impacts of grazing land management on soil C within the southeastern region of the United States. Results Most studies (68%) demonstrated that proper management increased soil C stocks with an average C accumulation rate of 1.4 Mg C ha−1 year−1. The remaining (32%) studies showed no effect of management on soil C. None of the studies reported negative impacts of management on soil C. The largest increase in soil C (8 Mg C ha−1 year−1) was associated with the conversion of cropland to pastureland while overseeding legumes into grass pastures resulted in the lowest C sequestration rates (0.2 Mg C ha−1 year−1). Conclusions Considering the rates of soil C accretion and the extensive area occupied by grazing lands, data in this synthesis confirm that the adoption of improved management practices can increase soil C sequestration in the southeastern United States. In addition, because most improved management practices can also have co‐benefits, they may be favorable for forage and livestock production and other ecosystem services.

Diets reliant on grazed, temperate herbage are prone to greater nitrogen (N) losses via urine than balanced stall-fed diets which poses a greater risk for N emissions. Measures for improving the N utilisation in grazing-based dairy cattle systems are predominantly investigated on homogenous clover-ryegrass pastures with high herbage yields and nutritional quality. In contrast, grazing-based systems reliant on less external inputs (e.g., synthetic fertilisers or concentrates) using semi-natural grassland as main feed source, such as in large parts of Central Europe, received less attention. The N utilisation and excretion of grazing cows in low-input dairy farms were, thus, investigated on nine commercial organic dairy farms in South Germany across one to four periods per farm. The dataset captured a diverse set of dairy production systems comprising 323 individual animal observations. A mean (± one SD) milk production, DM intake (DMI), and pasture DMI of 23.9 kg (± 5.35), 21.0 kg (± 3.21), and 11.3 kg/d (± 4.83), respectively, was determined. Feed intake was estimated using titanium dioxide and faecal CP concentration as markers of faecal excretion and diet digestibility, respectively. Milk N use efficiency (MNE; i.e., milk N secretion as share of N intake) averaged 24.7 g/100 g N intake (± 5.91), which is greater than observations in temperate, high-input grazing systems but lower than in cows receiving balanced diets in the barn. The MNE and another seven indicators of N utilisation and excretion displayed a wide range of values. The grazing management factors explaining this variation were, thus, identified via backward elimination. The supplementation strategy had the greatest potential for manipulating N utilisation and excretion of dairy cows. Increasing shares of fresh forages (i.e., meadow grass or clover-grass leys) as well as of hay in supplement DMI increased N utilisation (e.g., MNE) and decreased urinary N excretion (e.g., urinary N to creatinine ratio), while increasing shares of concentrates in supplement DMI are related to lower N losses via urine. At the same time, increases in total supplement DMI reduced N utilisation and increased urinary N excretion. Hence, full-time grazing combined with supplementation of fresh forage and hay in the barn is a viable option for low-input, grazing-based dairy operations with moderate levels of N losses.

Pimelea trichostachya Lindl. is a native Australian forb responsible for livestock poisoning and reducing the productivity and sustainability of grazing enterprises. This study was conducted as a pot trial under controlled conditions to investigate an effective chemical management strategy for P. trichostachya, a method that did not leave standing dead plant material, as such material can also be toxic to grazing cattle. Three herbicides, including one pre-emergence (tebuthiuron) and two post-emergence herbicides (2,4-D and metsulfuron-methyl), were tested in pot trials for their efficacy on P. trichostachya. Results showed that tebuthiuron applied as either a granular (10% active ingredient, a.i.) or pelleted (20% a.i.) form efficiently reduced the emergence of P. trichostachya seedlings. Although some seedlings emerged, they perished within 7 days post treatment, leaving no residual plant matter. Testing now needs to be undertaken under field conditions to validate the findings within vegetation communities where potential non-target impacts need to be accounted for as well. The post-emergence application of 2,4-D and metsulfuron-methyl demonstrated that the highest efficacy and reduced application rates were achieved by treating earlier growth stages (i.e., seedlings) of P. trichostachya plants. In addition, the amount of toxic dead plant material was minimized due to the faster degradation of these small plants. These findings offer practical, cost-effective solutions for sustaining grazing lands from P. trichostachya challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]