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Background Animal and human brucelloses have been reported in Rwanda, human brucellosis being linked to drinking inadequately heat‐treated milk. However, information on Brucella detection and prevalence in milk produced in Rwanda is limited. Objectives To determine the sero‐prevalence and risk factors of Brucella in farm bulk milk from zero and open grazing cattle production systems in Rwanda. Methods A total of 330 farm bulk milk samples were collected from 198 zero grazing farms and 132 open grazing farms in a cross‐sectional study in Rwanda. Sero‐prevalence of Brucella in milk was analysed using indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. A questionnaire was administered to farmers to determine the risk factors of milk contamination with Brucella. Results Anti‐Brucella antibodies were prevalent in 19.7% (95% confidence interval (CI), 15.5–24.4) of the 330 collected farm bulk milk. Sero‐prevalence was significantly higher (p, This is a cross sectional study which determined the sero‐prevalence and risk factors of Brucella prevalence in farm bulk milk in Rwanda. Brucella was found to be more prevalent in milk from open grazing farms, compared to milk from zero grazing farms. Practising open grazing system, histories of abortion and placenta retention were the significant risk factors for the presence of anti‐Brucella antibodies in farm bulk milk.

Adoption of zero-grazing addresses challenges faced by smallholder farmers. In Bondo Sub-County adoption of zero-grazing technology has remained low at 4-8 percent despite its introduction in the area in 1990s. No in-depth analysis has ever been conducted on the factors responsible for low adoption of this technology. The purpose of this study was to analyze institutional factors influencing adoption of zero grazing dairy farming technology. The study was carried in Bondo Sub-County, Kenya between February to November 2018. A study was conducted on a sampled population of 279 from a target population of 4253 smallholder farmers. These consisted of adopters and non-adopters of zero-grazing dairy technology. Purposive, proportionate, simple random and systematic sampling techniques were used to select households. Structured questionnaire was administered during primary data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The double hurdle model was used in the study to measure the adoption and performance of zero grazing dairy technology. Institutional factors that had significant (p-value 0.000< 0.05) influence on adoption of zero-grazing dairy technology were access to extension services, frequency of extension officer’s visits, group membership and distance to nearest market. In conclusion access to extension services, frequency of extension officer’s visits, group membership and distance to nearest market influenced adoption of zero grazing farming technology in Bondo sub County. Platforms for farmers’ training should be enhanced through employment of more extension workers. The institutions supporting dairy farming should be strengthened.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in five regions in Saudi Arabia to investigate the epidemiology of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) during April and May2015. Serum and nasal swab samples were tested for MERS-CoV antibodies andribonucleic acid (RNA) using a recombinant enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (rELISA) and real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR), respectively. The overall MERS-CoV antibody seroprevalence was 80.5%, whereas the overall viral RNA prevalence was 2.4%. The associations of risk factors with each prevalence were quantified using univariate and multivariate analyses. The multivariate models identified region, age, grazing system, exposure to wild animals and dung removal as factors significantly associated with seroprevalence (p ??0.05). A higher seroprevalence was more likely to occur in camels from the Riyadh, Eastern, Northern and Makkah regions than those from the Jazan region; camels ??4 and 1-3 years of age (marginally significant) than calves < 1 year; and camels raised in zero grazing and semi-open grazing systems than those raised in an open grazing system. However, the presence of wild animals and daily dung removal were negatively associated with seroprevalence. On the other hand, region and sex were significantly associated with MERS-CoV RNA prevalence(p ??0.05). A higher viral RNA prevalence was more likely to occur in camels from the Riyadh region and Eastern region (marginally significant) than in those from the Makkah region, and in male camels than female camels. In conclusion, the risk factors identified in this study can be considered to be predictors of MERS-CoV infection in camels and should be taken into account when developing an efficient and cost-effective control strategy.

Zero-grazing (ZG; the mechanical harvesting and feeding of fresh grass) is increasingly used in grass-based milk production systems alongside conventional grazing. It allows farmers to supply fresh grass from land parcels that are outside of the main grazing block during seasonal shortages and periods when climatic conditions limit animal grazing opportunities. The objective of this study was to establish an understanding of current ZG practices on Irish dairy farms, to capture farmer perceptions on the implementation of this management practice, and to identify farmer knowledge requirements on ZG. An online survey was distributed and completed by 130 dairy farmers who use or have used ZG. Zero-grazing was used alongside conventional grazing by 92% of respondents. These farms were particularly fragmented, with between 1 and 14 separate land blocks. Respondents felt ZG helped them overcome fragmentation, increase grass use, and extend grass feeding in spring and autumn. However, extra cost and time input associated with ZG were recognized as key challenges. The majority of respondents rated current technical information available on ZG in the Republic of Ireland as “poor” or “very poor,” and knowledge deficits were identified in the areas of cost analysis, grass management and productivity, cow productivity, cow health and nutrition, and soil fertility.

In order to investigate the practices of goat breeding and establish a classification of goat herds, a survey was conducted with 106 goat breeders in the semi-arid region of Laghouat. Two indigenous breeds were encountered in this survey: the Arabia and the Mekatia; the Arabia being found as the dominant. The results show that breeders choose the breeding goats with a goal of generating more income in cash from the sale of products. The goat milk marketing chain appears to be weak. The milk produced is primary used for home consumption. A multivariate analysis categorized the goat farming of Laghouat region into three groups corresponding to three different farming systems: cluster 1 (pastoral system), cluster 2 (mixed crop-livestock system) and cluster 3 (small herds in zero grazing system). The in-depth study of the goals and contexts of goat farming in Laghouat will allow policy makers to design strategies for sustainable development of goat breeding in the region.

A study was conducted to characterize the cattle production systems in Nyagatare District, Eastern Province of Rwanda using pre-tested questionnaires, interviews with key informants as well as focus group discussions in a period of 2 months. The respondents were selected by multi-stage sampling at sector and cell levels. Based on the procedure of Krejcie and Morgan (Educational and Psychological Measurement 30:607-610, 1970) to determine the overall sample size, the result indicated that the majority (98.3%) of farms were privately owned by large families of five to seven members, and most farmers (53.9%) had only primary education. Most respondents (52.6%) were in the age bracket of 41-50 years and were mainly (48.3%) located within 3 km from trading centers. The farm size averaged 6.5 ± 0.8 ha and most farms (64.7%) were fenced except in Rukomo Sector (50%) where zero grazing prevailed. Natural pastures (savanna grass land) were the main feed resource; tethering (9%) and communal grazing had diminished. Napier grass was the main planted forage (93.2%), followed by Chloris guyana (3.1%) and Brachiara (1.2%). Leguminous forages were rarely (2.5%) reported. Vita-mineral and salt block supplements, hay, and crop residues were the predominant supplementary feed stuffs used except in Karangazi and Rwemiyaga Sectors where only vita-mineral block predominated. However, maize and rice brans were reported to be the main feed stuffs used in supplementary feeding of lactating cows. Most farmers (89.7%) reported shortage of water as most of the farmers trekked their cattle to the nearest valley dams (59.2%), rivers (21.1%), and a few 6% had water on farms. Indigenous cattle were predominant (67.03%) followed by cross-breeds (28.37%) and exotics (4.6%) while all farmers kept small ruminants. Natural breeding predominated (74.9%) and most farms (60.6%) had animal houses most of which were temporary (52.8%). The reported mean age at first calving (AFC) was highest (40.2 ± .33) for Ankole and the lowest (29.1 ± .50) months for exotic cattle. Calving interval was shorter in local breeds than 65.7 ± 3.0 in exotic. The mean dairy milk yield was lowest for Ankole cattle 2.4 ± .08 as compared to the exotics (10.42 ± .36) and their crosses (7.2 ± .34). The main challenges were diseases, shortage of water, feeds, and inadequate extension services. Same observation was reported by Okello (African Journal of Range and Forage Science 22(3), 2005) in Uganda.

Dairy cows are increasingly housed indoors, either year-round or for long stretches over the winter and around parturition. This may create health and welfare issues. In cattle, lying and walking are highly motivated, and herds synchronize lying behavior when they have comfortable surfaces and little competition for space. Lying and walking activity can, therefore, indicate good welfare. Using a repeated measures crossover design, we gave 29 Holstein&ndash, Friesian dairy cows 18 days of overnight pasture access (PAS treatment) and 18 days of indoor housing (PEN treatment). Accelerometers recorded their lying and locomotory behavior. We measured behavioral synchrony with Fleiss&rsquo, Kappa and analyzed the accelerometry data using linear mixed models. Compared to the PEN treatment, the PAS treatment had longer overnight lying durations (&chi, 21 = 27.51, p &lt, 0.001), fewer lying bouts (&chi, 21 = 22.53, p &lt, 0.001), longer lying bouts (&chi, 21 = 25.53, p &lt, 0.001), and fewer transitions up or down (&chi, 21 = 16.83, p &lt, 0.001). Herd lying behavior was also more synchronous at pasture (&chi, 21 = 230.25, p &lt, 0.001). In addition, nightly step counts were higher in the PAS treatment than the PEN treatment (&chi, 21 = 2946.31, p &lt, 0.001). These results suggest pasture access improves dairy cow welfare by increasing comfort, reducing competition and boredom, and facilitating motivated behavior.

Dairy cow cleanliness provides information about animal welfare, along with risk of diseases and quality of housing environments. This study determined animal- and farm-level factors associated with upper hind leg cleanliness in smallholder dairy cows. All lactating cows (n=234) on 118 randomly selected zero-grazing fams participated in this cross-sectional study between May to August 2015 in the Naari area of Meru County, Kenya. Cleanliness scores of hind legs were assessed visually on a 1-4 ordinal scale (clean to very soiled). Potential risk factors for poor leg cleanliness were evaluated by inspection of cows and their housing, along with a questionnaire about herd management. Descriptive statistics, and univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to determine factors associated with soiled legs (cleanliness score>2) in the analyses. Prevalence of soiled legs was 59.0% (137/234). In the final model, factors positively associated with soiled legs included failure of the knee wetness test on the stall floor (OR=11.2; 95%CI: 5.1, 24.7), animal restlessness in the stall (OR=4.9; 95%CI: 1.8, 13.5), and milk production in kg/cow/day (OR=1.09; 95%CI: 1.02, 1.16). Protective factors for soiled legs included having stalls without excessive space (OR=0.25; 95%CI: 0.11, 0.57), and having an intact stall roof (OR=0.34; 95%CI; 0.15, 0.76). Our results suggest that farmers should address both housing design (especially the roof and stall size) and management issues (especially stall cleanliness) to enhance leg cleanliness and animal welfare.

A study was carried out at urban and peri-urban areas of Nekemte and Ijaji towns to evaluate the effects of formulated concentrate feeds on feed intake and milk yield of upgraded dairy cows kept by smallholder dairy keepers. Twenty four lactating dairy cows within their 2nd months after calving and with similar status were selected from smallholder dairy keepers under zero grazing system whereby feed intake, BCS and milk yield data were recorded for a period of 90 days. The cows were randomly allocated to four feeding groups (T1, T2, T3 and T4) in a completely randomized design (CRD). Cows in T1, T2, T3 and T4 were fed commercial dairy feed, recommended concentrate feed of ATRC, recommended concentrate feed of HARC and recommended concentrate feed of BARC, respectively. Basal diet for all dietary treatments were natural grass hay adlibtum. The average CP (%) and IVDMD % of the natural grass hay and recommended concentrates of BARC were (8.2, 7.95) and (25.88, 10.59), respectively. The daily concentrate DM) and CP intakes were significantly different (p

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Brucella antibodies in Jalingo using the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and the serum agglutination test (SAT). A total of 90 adult horses that were on zero grazing management system were sampled. The sampling sites were selected based on the availability of horses. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of Brucella antibodies in horses as well as the distribution of the infection according to sex. There was no association of horses seen with other animals. The samples collected comprised of 88 males and 02 female horses from four locations in Jalingo: Barade, Sarkin dawaki, Sintali and Turaki. All the sera samples were subjected to initial screening by RBPT and positive cases were then analyzed with SAT. The overall prevalence of Brucella antibodies was 07 (07.8%) with all positive cases recorded from male horses for RBPT, while none was positive for SAT among the male and female horses. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of horse Brucella antibodies between male and female (P>0.05). Horses in Jalingo are in the four wards identified and were all sampled. Turaki ward recorded the highest prevalence of 13.3%, while Barade Ward had the lowest prevalence with 00.0%. However, there is no significant difference in the prevalence between the male and female (P>0.05). Further studies need to be conducted to determine the involvement of other species and humans. Key words: Horse, Brucellosis, Jalingo, Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), serum agglutination test (SAT).

The study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding diets, on growth performance and relationship between carcass measurements, slaughter weight and hot carcass weight, of 72 intact male desert bucks divided randomly into three groups; each group (24 males), the animals were slaughtered according to halal standard procedures. The results obtained indicated that correlation coefficients between slaughters weight and carcass measurements were significantly higher (P

A cross-sectional study was conducted on the seroprevalence of horse brucellosis using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Serum Agglutination Test (SAT) on the Mambilla plateau of Taraba state, Nigeria where horses are reared under a free range management system on cattle farms. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of brucella antibodies in horses as well as the distribution of the infection according to sex and age. A total of 100 horses were sampled, 25 each from four locations where horses were concentrated on the plateau: Gembu, Nguroje, Dorofi, and Mayo Ndaga. Sixty-two of the horses were males, and 38 were females. Eighty of the horses were adults, while 20 were young. All horses were reared under a free range management system together with cattle. The overall seroprevalence rate was 16 (16%) according to the RBPT and 6 (6%) according to the SAT. The seroprevalence rates were 19.40% (12/62) according to the RBPT and 6.50% (4/62) according to the SAT in the males and 10.50% (4/38) according to the RBPT and 5.30% (2/38) according to the SAT in the females. The prevalence was highest in Nguroje (8/25, 32%) followed by Gembu (5/25, 20%), Dorofi (3/25, 12%) and Mayo Ndaga (0%). Adult horses showed a seroprevalence of 18.8% (n=15) according to the RBPT and 7.5% (n=1) according to the SAT. Young horses had a seroprevalence rate of only 5% (n=1) according to the RBPT and 0% (n=0) according to the SAT. There was no statistically significance association with location, sex, and age (P>0.05). From this result, it can be concluded that brucellosis in horses on the Mambilla plateau of Taraba state, Nigeria was essentially a disease of adult horses and more prevalent in male horses than female horses. Further studies need to be conducted to determine the disease status in lowland areas of the state where horses are reared on zero grazing or are tethered and also to determine the involvement of other species and humans.

This study examined the relationship between the testicular and epididymal biometry compare to semen characteristics in Yankasa rams. Fifteen apparently healthy rams aged between 1-2 years with average weight of 20 kg were used for the study. They were acclimated for four weeks, screened and treated against endo and ecto parasite. They were kept in small ruminant pens under zero grazing, fed with hay, ground nut leaves/straw ‘harawa’ and wheat offal with water supplied ad-libitum. The scrotal circumference was measured in centimeters using a measuring tape. The testicular length (L), width (W), depth and epididymal head axis, length and tail axis were measured by caliper and testicular volume and weight were calculated by formula methods. Semen samples were collected using an electro-ejaculator and immediately evaluated for colour, volume, motility, pH, sperm concentration, sperm morphology and live/dead ratio. The right testicular and epidydimal biometry were non-significantly greater than that of the left. Semen parameters correlate positively (right testicules, r=0.225) and (left testicles, r=0.346) with testicular volume except for bent tail, coil tail and motility. The left epididymal head’s long axis and right epididymal tail axis showed significant positive correlation (r= 0.55) with semen parameters and right epididymal head’s long axis and left epididymal tail axis showed negative correlation with semen characteristics. It was concluded that testicular and epididymal biometry increase with increase testicular function and output..Keywords: Yankasa ram, testicular biometry, epididymal biometry, and semen characteristics

A dead, three-and-a-half year-old, female Greater Kudu antelope, weighing 194 kg was presented to the State House Veterinary Clinic Abuja, and was reported to have died the previous night. It had been showing frequent attempt to urinate, rolling on the ground, depression and off-feed for a few of days immediately prior to its death. It was said to have been in an enclosure, on zero grazing, but fed routinely on groundnut haulms and brewer’s bran. There was no cutaneous or muscular damage, except for signs of rigor mortis on physical examination of the carcass. Post mortem examination conducted revealed an irregular-shaped oblong mass in the rumen amidst the ingesta, which when exteriorized, felt hard and compact. The mass was discovered to be a rumenolith (mineral concretion in the rumen) weighing 2 kg. Other foreign materials found were a band of rubber tube and a broken piece of dry cell lead battery. Obstruction of the normal flow of rumen

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Public Policy and Management at Strathmore University. This study was undertaken in Keiyo South, Elgeyo-Marakwet County to identify factors affecting dairy technology adoption. Specifically, the study investigates the role of market availability, labour availability and gender in determining technology adoption. The three technologies under study were: grade cattle, Artificial Insemination (AI) and zero grazing. The study also tested if the technologies are jointly adopted as complements or substitutes. The primary data collected from 250 sample households was analyzed with multivariate probit model. The study established that the three technologies are strongly correlated i.e. they are complementary where adoption of one technology increases the likelihood of adopting either of the other two technologies. Using a multivariate probit model, the study finds that gender differences in the adoption of some technologies do exist. Jointly managed dairy projects were more likely to adopt zero grazing and AI whereas female managed dairy projects are more likely to adopt grade cattle compared to male managed dairy projects. Market and labour availability influenced adoption of zero grazing, however, there was no influence on the two dairy technologies under study i.e. Artificial Insemination and grade cattle. Availability of extension services influenced the adoption of Artificial Insemination and grade cattle. Land size did not influence the adoption of any of the three technologies. Capital costs and running costs were identified as the main challenges inhibiting the adoption of zero grazing and grade cattle. Other than the cost of semen, other challenges which were noted by the farmers included the low success rates, delays in response by the Artificial Insemination providers and the unavailability of this technology through government extension officers. Understanding the key determinants of adoption and challenges of these technologies is critical as adoption leads to improved production which in effect has an impact on the welfare of the households. The study recommends that enabling policies should be set up to ensure that small scale farmers have access to affordable credit to improve adoption technologies such as grade cattle. Improved extension services will also ensure dairy farmers are able to access affordable and reliable dairy cattle breeding services such as Artificial Insemination. Reliable extension services by the government should be accessible to the farmers.

To develop forward-scatter radar (FSR) systems for use in maritime applications, a fundamental understanding of the operating environment is required. Currently, there is a lack of published experimental FSR sea clutter data at very low (near-zero) grazing angle over the sea. This data is necessary for the development of FSR systems for maritime applications. Therefore to facilitate further investigation, clutter data for such a system has been recorded at frequencies of 7.5 and 24 GHz with static, medium gain antennas for low sea states 1-3 on the Douglas scale. Analysis of forward scatter propagation phenomena is presented, and spectral and statistical analysis of forward-scatter clutter is performed.

INTRODUCTION: Mastitis is one among the top three threats faced by dairy farmers. The study was carried out to assess sub-clinical mastitis, management practices and associated risk factors for mastitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted in Chandreshwor and Archalbot VDCs of Lamjung district taking 63 dairy livestock randomly each from a herd along with questionnaire survey to respective owner. Tem ml of milk sample from each quarter was taken in a sterilized syringe for further laboratory investigation. California Mastitis Test (CMT) was performed at farmer’s shed. Organisms were identified based on colony characteristics, Gram's staining and various biochemical tests. RESULTS: On CMT, subclinical mastitis was 46.1% (n=29) and 30.15% (n=76) on animal and quarter basis respectively, however, culture showed, 28.6% and 24.2%. Streptococcal mastitis was the commonest (11.1%) followed by coliform (9.5%) and staphylococcal (7.9%). Mastitis was highest in left fore quarter (34.92%) followed by left hind (31.76%), right hind (28.57%) and right fore (25.39%). Coliform & Staphylococcal mastitis was highest in left fore and right hind quarter respectively. Most of dairy animals (86%) were on zero grazing, 30% (n=19) of the farmers had forage trees and only 29% (n=18) had known about subclinical mastitis. The average milk production was 3.5 ±1.47 liters. Subclinical mastitis was associated significantly (p

There is concern that cows that are continuously housed year-round may lack the opportunity to express a full range of natural behaviour. Providing these cows with a loafing or exercise area may allow them the space to express a greater behavioural repertoire. Little is known about the factors that affect the use of loafing areas. The aim of this study was to determine whether access to a view across the surroundings, dominance rank of the cow or weather conditions influence the use of a loafing area. Four groups of cows were housed in a cubicle house with an adjoining roofed, concrete floored loafing area, with a view out across adjacent fields. Each group was tested over a period of 16 days with 2 four-day periods in which the cows could see the area beyond the loafing area and two periods when they could not. The dominance rank of each cow was assessed prior to the testing period and weather and climatic conditions were recorded regularly throughout the observation period. Overall, cows spent 14% of the observation period in the loafing area. Low-ranking cows were more often in the loafing area during feeding times than high-ranking cows, with all cows using the area most once feeding was completed (P

A total of forty 24 kg male Dorset weaning lambs were allocated in four dietary treatment groups: ad libitum concentrates (C), restricted concentrates (RC), zero grazing (ZGR), and grazing (GR). La...

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of farmers who choose to keep their cows indoors throughout the year. Indoor housing of cows allows farmers to provide high yielding individuals with a nutritionally balanced diet fit for their needs, and it has important welfare benefits for both cows and their calves, such as protection from predators, parasites and exposure to extreme weather conditions. However, it also confronts cows and calves with a wide range of environmental challenges. These include abiotic environmental sources of stress (e.g. exposure to loud and aversive sound) and confinement-specific stressors (e.g. restricted movement and maintenance in abnormal social groups). Cows and calves that live indoors are also faced with the challenge of occupying long periods of time with a limited range of possible behavioural patterns. Environmental enrichment can improve biological functioning (measured as increased lifetime reproductive success, increased inclusive fitness or a correlate of these such as improved health), help animals to cope with stressors in their surroundings, prevent frustration, increase the fulfillment of behavioural needs, and promote more positive affective states. Here we review recent findings on the effect of social, occupational, physical, sensory and nutritional enrichment on dairy cows and calves, and we assess the appropriateness and practicality of implementing different enrichment practices in commercial dairy farms. Some of the enrichment methods reviewed here may also be applied to those more extensive cattle raising systems, where similar challenges occur.

Objective : Banana is ranked first among staple crops in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). Depending on the agro-ecological conditions, cultivars grown, cultural and socio-economic factors, the use of other banana plant parts other than the fruit pulp, has been widely reported. This has not been documented in this region. This study examined the other household uses of banana in North and South Kivu provinces, eastern DR Congo. Methodology and results : This study was conducted through surveys covering 200 randomly sampled households (with at least 50 banana mats), each in North and South Kivu in the years 2011. Data were collected on the use of different banana parts, other than the fruit pulp, using a structured questionnaire. All the banana parts were found to be useful, though with varying levels of importance. Commonly used parts included the leaves (green/dry), pseudostem and the peels. The corms/rhizomes were the least used parts. The most prevalent uses across plant parts included use for mulch and compost, feed for livestock, construction materials, ropes for tethering small ruminants and play items. A small fraction of the households used male buds for food, feed and medicine. Other uses included extraction of fibre, arts and crafts and use as medicine. Conclusion and application of findings: Culinary and medicinal attributes, use for art and crafts however, look to be underexploited and yet could be of great benefit to resource constrained communities. An in-depth study is recommended especially to verify and understand the culinary and medicinal attributes reported for the different plant parts in the region. Use of the male bud as a vegetable was also reported and could be promoted among communities in the region. The nutrient value of the pseudostem is high and could be promoted as animal feed in this highly populated region to enable zero grazing of small ruminants. Key words: Culinary, medicinal attributes, tethering

The role of institutions providing rules, norms and regulations, in addressing challenges in communal resources management has been debated for several decades. This article analyses the role of informal institutions for addressing shortage of grazing land, conflicts among users of communal grazing land and resistance among users to shift from free grazing to zero grazing in Tigray, Ethiopia. We used in depth interviews and focus group discussions for data collection. We argue that informal institutions are important mechanisms for addressing the challenges in communal grazing land management. The contributions of informal institutions for addressing challenges in communal grazing lands varied with type of challenge and were influenced by distances from markets and Wereda towns. Although the informal institutions were crucial in reversing the shortage of grazing land by regulating access to communal grazing land and enhancing controlled use of grass, they did not contribute to resolving conflicts that aro...

Forty male Dorset lambs were divided at weaning into four dietary treatment groups: ad libitum concentrates (C), restricted concentrates (RC), zero grazing (ZGR) and grazing (GR). All the lambs were weaned and slaughtered at similar weights, 24 kg for weaning and 47 kg for slaughter. The average daily gain (ADG) of the RC-fed lambs (347 g/d) was lower than that of the C-fed lambs (449 g/d) but higher than that of the lambs in the ZGR (267 g/d) and GR (295 g/d) treatments (P 0.05). However, the loins of the C-fed lambs obtained a higher classification score than those of the lambs raised under ZGR or GR (P

Present investigation was carried out to study feeding management practices adopted by goat farmers in South-West Punjab (Bathinda, Moga and Ferozepur districts). Information was collected through personal interview (multistage stratified sampling procedure) from 90 goat farmers (30 from each district). Majority of the goat keepers fed their animals on common property resources (85.56%) followed by cultivated fodder (13.33%) and purchased fodder (1.11%). Large chunk of goat farmers depends only on grazing (77.78%) for feeding their animals followed by grazing-cum-stall feeding (14.44%) and stall-feeding (zero grazing) alone (7.78%). However, in Bathinda significantly (p

The single pulse dose method may be one of the few practical techniques for estimating fecal output and herbage intake in animals in large scale free-ranging systems because the method reduces labor and time involved in capturing animals and collecting feces. This study aimed to evaluate the single pulse dose method using rare earth marker-labeled herbage for estimating fecal output and herbage intake by cattle, in comparison with the actual values and the continuous dose method using chromium oxide. In experiment 1, the fecal output and herbage intake estimated by the single pulse dose method (FOS and HIS) and by the continuous dose method (FOC and HIC) were compared with the actual values in the zero grazing condition. Six Japanese Black cows were kept in individual pens and fed fresh herbage ad libitum. Average FOS and HIS were 104% and 108% of the actual values, respectively, and were closer to the actual values than FOC and HIC (85% and 89%). However, the animal-to-animal variation represented by the standard deviation in the single pulse dose method was greater than that in the continuous dose method. In experiment 2, the single pulse dose and the continuous dose methods were compared in the grazing condition, using six Japanese Black cows grazing a 77-ha pasture. Although the differences of the mean fecal output and herbage intake between the two methods were greater than those in the zero grazing condition, the same tendency as that under the zero grazing condition was observed. The results suggest that the single pulse dose method slightly overestimates the herbage intake compared with the actual value and produces slightly less stable estimates than the continuous dose method. However, the method can be useful for estimating herbage intake by animals in large scale free-ranging systems where the use of other estimation methods is difficult.

Traceability is an essential tool in reassuring consumers and traders that food is as safe, authentic, and of good quality as expected. Today, food traceability procedures often consist of attached documents and declarations, but scientific parameters that could objectively identify a product would be preferable. Scientific efforts in this area are mostly focused on selection and validation of experimental indicators that would be useful for tracing a food product in any step of its commercial life, describing its raw materials, processing procedures, and storage conditions. In this research, milk and cheese samples from zero grazing and grazing goats were studied to identify a tracing parameter correlated to the feeding system. In particular, alpha-tocopherol and cholesterol were analyzed by HPLC on a normal phase column and were combined to calculate the degree of antioxidant protection (DAP). This parameter, expressed as the molar ratio between antioxidant compounds and an oxidation target, is useful for tracing and distinguishing products from grazing and zero-grazing animals. Degree of antioxidant protection values greater than 7.0 x 10(-3) were found in samples from grazing goats and values lower than 7.0 x 10(-3) were found in samples from zero-grazing goats, for both milk and cheese, meaning that cholesterol was highly protected against oxidative reactions when herbage was the only feed or was dominant in the goat diet. The reliability of DAP to measure the antioxidant protection of cholesterol appeared more effective when the feeding system was based on grazing than when cut herbage was utilized indoors by animals. The DAP index was able to distinguish dairy products when the grazed herbage in the goats' diet exceeded 15%.

In order to evaluate the influence of management decisions on the nutrient balance of dairy farms a simulation model was developed. Three farm systems have been simulated: zero grazing, winter milk and summer milk. From the simulated farm systems the zero grazing farm has in all scenarios the lowest N-surplus. The winter milk farm system has a higher N-surplus than zero grazing but lower than the summer milk farm system. The results further indicate the positive effects of maize feeding in addition to grazing. More maize in the ration is especially good to lower the N-surplus during the grazing period in the summer. The benefits of more maize in the ration decrease when the fertilizer application rates decrease.

Haematological changes due to Trypanosoma evansi infection were studied in 12 Barbari male goats of 6–9 months of age. These were divided in two groups, A and B, consisting of eight infected and four control animals, respectively. The animals were kept in strict hygienic conditions and on a zero grazing schedule. Animals of group A were exposed to 1×106 T. evansi subcutaneously. Animals of both the groups were bled weekly and blood samples were examined for different haematological parameters including PCV, Hgb and total RBC count, and erythrocytic indexes of MCV, MCH and MCHC were calculated. Analysis of data revealed significant changes in all these parameters and erythrocytic indexes in infected goats when compared with controls. Observations showed macrocytic anaemia with reticulocytosis in response to early haemolysis.

A 1-year study was conducted to measure the forage volume necessary to maintain a goat herd in the semiarid zone of Mexico in terms of economic feasibility and seasonal grazing to conserve range land. The average weight of the adult females was 53 ± 5 kg and yearlings weighed 40 ± 3 kg at first kidding. Average milk production was 400 ± 67 kg in 210 days. A concentrate of 2.9 Mcal ME and 16% CP was offered twice a day. Average voluntary feed intake was 1.880 kg DM day−1 with an annual total of 686.3 kg; of those, 248.7 kg DM was provided by alfalfa hay from a forage bank corresponding to 36.2% of the total feed intake; 210.9 kg or 30.7% of the diet was concentrate and 226.6 kg or 33.0% was from the range land (grasses, shrubs and tree leaves). Alfalfa hay varied greatly in price during the year, being cheapest during October to December. Therefore to make most economic use of alfalfa as a forage bank for the rest of the year total supply of alfalfa had to be purchased during that time. Under the system of this study, alfalfa use was greatest during the time of zero grazing which was from February to April to avoid overgrazing and maintain biosustainability of the range land. From July through September grazing was the main source of nutrient supply because of the previous rain, thereby saving alfalfa hay and supplement feeding which diminished cost of production.

No Abstract.

Lameness in cattle is one of the major causes of economic losses in dairy production systems (Hernandez et al., 2005; Kossaibati & Esslemont, 1997). These losses occur through various negative impact directly on cattle and indirectly on the dairy production system. These include reduced milk yield (Hernandez et al., 2005), discarding of milk due to withdrawal period of drugs used to treat some of the lameness conditions, cost of veterinary drugs and professional services in managing the conditions (Enting et al., 1997), lowered conception rate and increased calving interval (Melendez et al., 2003; Sogstad et al.,2006), reduced ovarian activity during early postpartum period (Garbarino et al., 2004), as well as premature culling and occasional mortalities (Enting et al., 1997). Lameness has also been identified as a major welfare determinant in cattle because of discomfort and pain that it causes (Offer et al., 2000).

An Economic Opportunity Survey was conducted on dairy farms in the North West Province of Cameroon. Results showed that median (range) number of cows in milk per farm was zero point six (0–4) and six (3–12) in the zero grazing and transhumance systems, respectively. Medians (range) of three (0–24) and four (3–10) litres of milk were sold per farm per day, corresponding to 30% and 60% of milk produced. 24% and 13% of total cattle per herd were milking cows in the zero grazing and transhumance systems respectively. Median milk production per cow on one day was two (0–25) and two (1–3) litres. Median calf production interval was 14.5 (12–25) and. 21.5 (14–29) months. More milk produced per day represented the best economic opportunity in both systems while reduced age at first calving and longer lactation length were the next in both. Wastage of milk through spoilage from poor hygiene and lack of cooling was a major problem. Holstein cows, which were in the zero grazing system, had unexpectedly short lactations. Constraints identified led to the setting up of interventions of training and advice for farmers and of better nutrition.

Factors associated with growth and weight gains were examined in a prospective observational study that was conducted in 5 cohorts of female calves. A total of 225 calves on 1888 smallholder dairy farms were observed a period of one and a half years. The calves were distributed in 5 agro-ecological zones (AEZ) –grazing strata namely: Upper Midlands (UM)1, zerograzing, UM1 open-grazing, UM2, UM4 zero grazing and UM 4 open grazing. The calves were recruited within the first year of study that was conducted between March 1995 and August 1996. During each visit, the calves were weighed and data on calf management practice on the farm during the visits were also recorded. The overall mean daily weight gain were 0.26 kg and 0.25kg in UM1 zero-grazing and UM 1 open grazing respectively, 0.29 kg in UM2 and 0.26 kg and 0.24kg in UM4 zero-grazing and UM4 open grazing respectively. The main factors associated with calf mean dairy weight gains were mainly age of calf, concentrate feeds, T.parva antibodies, general calf sickness and occurrence of East Coast Fever. The Kenya Veterinarian Vol. 25 2002: pp. 36-39

The sound absorption mechanism of multiple micro-flow resonators at the presence of grazing flows is investigated by direct numerical simulation (DNS). To validate the developed DNS method, several cases at zero grazing flow are firstly studied. And the present numerical results are compared with the experimental and numerical results by Tam et al. Furthermore, one, two and multiple micro-flow resonators with grazing flows are numerically studied to show the effects of grazing flow and the interaction of multiple resonators.

Om te kijken in hoeverre het voeren van vers gras in de zomer op stal goedkoper zou kunnen heeft door het netwerk 'Vers en veilig in de pens' verschillende voermethoden doorgerekend voor een bestaand bedrijf met 120 melkkoeien, waar een rantsoen van vers gras, snijmais, natuurhooi en aardappels wordt gevoerd

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of grazing (G) vs. zero-grazing (ZG), level of milk production, and quality and type of housing system [free stalls (FS) and straw yards (SY)] on the prevalence of lameness and leg injuries in dairy cows. Observations were made on 37 commercial dairy farms across Great Britain. A single visit of 5 d duration was made to each farm. During this visit, lameness scores and the incidence of swellings, rubs, and injuries to hocks and knees were recorded on all the peak- or mid-lactation cows. Aspects of the quality of housing and management that were likely to affect foot and leg health were recorded. There were more lame cows on ZG farms (39 +/- 0.02%) than on grazing (G) farms (15 +/- 0.01%), and lameness scores were higher on FS farms compared with SY farms (0.25 +/- 0.01 vs. 0.05 +/- 0.01). Cows on SY farms had fewer hock and knee injuries compared with FS farms. The frequency of knee swellings was higher on ZG farms (0.31 +/- 0.02) than on G farms (0.15 +/- 0.01). Aspects of the free-stall design affected foot and leg health. The number of hock swellings increased with increasing stall gradient (0.16 +/- 0.01 with no slope vs. 0.39 +/- 0.02 at a 0 to 1.5% slope). There was an interaction between the length of the free-stall lunging space and the hip width of the cow, indicating that the incidence of lameness is generally highest on farms with small free stalls and heavy cows. High levels of milk production did not affect lameness or leg injury. The results indicate that housing cows throughout the year potentially has a detrimental effect on foot and leg health. However, good free-stall design may reduce lameness and leg lesions.

International audience

De melkveehouders binnen het netwerk 'Vers en veilig in de pens' staan voor het voeren van vers gras, willen dat graag blijven doen, maar willen liever niet twee maal per dag hoeven te voeren. Daarvoor moet het gras wel langer vers blijven. Nu kan het met een halve dag al warm worden door broei. Het doel is een techniek of systeem te vinden wat het gras langer vers houdt, dat ook toepasbaar is bij (gras-)silage en wat liefst arbeid bespaart. Of het netwerk hier in slaagt valt te lezen in dit verslag