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To assess the potential for improving sustainability and efficiency in an important Vietnamese finfish culture, we quantified sustainability indicators for 2 downstream and 2 upstream 3 to 4 m deep ponds for striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878) production along the Mekong River, Vietnam. The resources used per kg fish produced were (downstream vs. upstream): 2.8 vs. 7.1 m3 water, 0.04 vs. 0.14 kWh energy, 0.06 vs. 0.11 h human labour and 0.06 vs. 0.15 g antibiotics (p < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio (kg feed dry matter per kg fish wet weight) was 1.50 vs. 1.65 and feed dry matter utilization efficiency was similar (28 vs. 30%) for both types of ponds (p > 0.05). Nitrogen and phosphorus utilization efficiencies were 44 vs. 40% for nitrogen (p < 0.05) and 17.7 vs. 17.6% for phosphorus (p > 0.05). An advantage of production in deep ponds is the breakdown of organic matter through denitrification and fermentation. Based on the difference between feed input and monitored outputs and sinks, an estimated 29–37% of dry matter volatilized as CO2 and 30–34% of nitrogen was lost as N2. A major disadvantage of the deep pond production system is its dependency on water exchange with the Mekong River, resulting in low biosecurity, which is aggravated by the lack of availability of disease-free fingerlings. Dealing with disease caused farmers to apply suboptimal feeding rations and to lengthen the culture period. Developing (semi-)closed systems that adopt elements from recirculation technology could improve both culture performance and sustainability.

This study presents a seven-step approach to identify and support local climate change (CC) responses in agriculture. The following seven steps comprise this approach: 1. Analyse past trends on the climatic factors and model the future trends. 2. Simulate the possible impacts of CC on the selected system(s) or product(s). 3. Present and discuss the predicted impacts with the local stakeholders. 4. Identify and rank CC responses together with the local stakeholders. 5. Elaborate plans to develop and test the highest ranked response(s). 6. Evaluate the results of the tests and recommend implementation or changes. 7. Report the results to the involved authorities and suggest ways to implement the responses and/or advise new tests if the first ones were not able to sufficiently deal with the impacts. Six pilot studies in Vietnam were funded through two projects led by Wageningen University & Research. The first addressed several production systems in one southern province, and the second in three more northern districts, each with different problems. This paper reflects and communicates the seven-step approach in order to make local CC responses accessible to the larger rural development communities. Most of the identified solutions can spread autonomously, while others will require specific planned interventions.

This study uses the decision tree framework to analyse possible climate change impact adaptation options for pangasius (Pangasianodon hypopthalmus Sauvage) farming in the Mekong Delta. Here we present the risks for impacts and the farmers' autonomous and planned public adaptation by using primary and secondary data. The latter studies showed that a proportion of the pangasius farms located in the coastal provinces will be affected by salinity intrusion in the dry season. Options to adapt to this are: modify pangasius farming practice, stock other species or stock saline-tolerant pangasius. With research and extension support, farmers can further improve their already adapted practice to deal with salinity or use water recirculation systems for prolonged nursery rearing. A breeding program for saline-tolerant striped catfish requires a medium-to long-term investment (0.4% of the production cost) from government and/or private company. Pangasius farms in up- and mid-stream regions and in coastal areas, which are not located within upgraded government dyke-protected areas, will be affected by flooding at the end of each rainy season. This implies an increased cost for dykes to about 0.34% and 0.25% of the total variable costs for one harvest per ha in the up- and mid-stream regions, and in the downstream region, respectively.

Many academic curricula suffer from a teacher-centred focus on knowledge transfer and do not consider the societal needs for competences. This paper reflects on the transformation from theory-centred towards competency-oriented curricula at three Vietnamese Agriculture Universities with support of a Netherlands-funded project. Experts guided the implementation, from analysis of labour market to evaluation of new courses. Based on students' evaluation and lecturers' experiences, both types of respondents reported that after having been exposed to a series of trainings and hands-on experience in and outside classrooms, they gained new sets of knowledge and skills. However, some issues emerged in the process. Among these are the lack of competence among lecturers to design curricula based on outcomes, particularly addressing competence of students' knowledge, skills and attitudes; lack of staff to develop and implement a competence-based curricula; non- aggregation of closely related courses in modules that avoid repetitions and provides time for training of skills and attitudes. There is also a need to train students for competency in performing more complex learning outcomes, such as critical thinking. For this change to happen, lecturers need continuous training in didactics for active teaching, and Universities need to provide means for participative learning.

Vietnamese Universities Transform Agriculture Curricula and Research. This special issue of TROPICULTURA is a fruit of the long-term collaboration of several Vietnamese universities and Wageningen University & Research (WUR). Most of the papers report on activities that were carried out by the NICHE-VNM-105/ACCCU project since 2012. ACCCU supported three Vietnamese universities: Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry (HUAF), Hong Duc University (HDU) and Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA) to move away from "learning to recite" to "learning to perform" in agricultural curricula. Simultaneously, where most appropriate, ACCCU integrated gender and climate change issues in some courses. Next to WUR, the project was supported by Maastricht School of Management (MSM), Can Tho University (CTU) and the Regional Office for Asia of SNV (Netherlands Development Organisation). At the three universities, in total seven curricula were adjusted: Agronomy at HDU, Aquaculture at both HUAF & VNUA, Environmental Sciences at VNUA, Horticulture at both HUAF & VNUA, and Land Management at HUAF. The first two papers discuss the curriculum reforms and provide recommendations on developing students' competences to enable them to perform in society. The present tendency of universities to cater to the "learning to recite" curricula has contributed to a rising unemployment rate among their graduates. At present, employers prefer hiring undergraduates and give them training while they are doing their actual jobs, and then retain the best performers. The authors recommend that government enunciate clear strategies for an educational system that crafts out critical thinking skills as early as in the primary and secondary schools, and prescribe overall learning outcomes instead of lists of courses. Such learning outcomes will allow universities to aggregate closely related courses in interdisciplinary modules, which may, at the same time, prevent repetitions and allow active skill and competency learning activities. However, such undertaking requires training of the lecturers' pedagogical skills and raising their awareness on the necessity to teach skills and attitude. The other papers and the abstracts report on climate change adaptation research. The first describes a seven-step approach that identifies responses to climate change impacts. This is followed by four results of this approach: the paper on Melon cultivation and the abstracts on a water-sharing mechanism, sedge culture and three adaptations in the Mekong delta. The remaining four papers present the results of studies focusing on specific climate change adaptation and mitigation measures: autonomous adaptation by sugar cane growers, breeding of saline-tolerant climbing perch, pollution mitigation from shrimp farming wastewater and Payment for Ecosystem Services for forest conservation to compensate CO2 emissions. The decision making for adaptation of pangasius farming is an invited paper from a lecturer of Nha Trang University who defended his PhD at WUR. In these studies, the lecturers were able to strengthen their skills in conducting stakeholders' consultations and other participatory research methods. Part of the methods and results documenting lessons and actual field experience were captured in video clips as support materials for classroom purposes. Although long and winding, the journey towards transforming Vietnamese agriculture curricula from theory to skills-based has started, and lecturers are using their experiences from field work in their classes. In the near future, students will be better able to respond to the demands of the World of Work in the region.

This study assessed the long-term toxicity of chlorpyrifos on survival and reproduction of Banded Gourami by using mortality, gonado-somatic index (GSI) and histopathological observations as endpoints. Adult fish were exposed to five different concentrations of chlorpyrifos (0, 15, 50, 150, 500 µg/L) in 15 PVC tanks for 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 days. Results showed that all male and female fish died after 15 days of 500 µg/L chlorpyrifos exposure. No consistent significant effect was observed for both male and female GSI. Furthermore, results showed dose- and time-dependent histopathological alterations for both ovary and testes. The 60-d No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC) for most histopathological alterations of Banded Gourami ovary and testes was 50 μg/L, while 60-d NOEC for mortality of both male and female fish was < 15 μg/L. The results show that the long-term exposure to chlorpyrifos not only affect the reproductive tissues of Banded Gourami at exposure concentrations but also cause their mortality. Future studies should evaluate effects at lower concentrations.

Aquaculture witnessed a remarkable growth as one of the fastest-expanding sector in the food production industry; however, it faces serious threat from the unavoidable impacts of climate change. Understanding this threat, the present review explores the consequences of climate change on aquaculture production and provides need based strategies for its sustainable management, with a particular emphasis on climate-resilient approaches. The study examines the multi-dimensional impacts of climate change on aquaculture which includes the shifts in water temperature, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, harmful algal blooms, extreme weather events, and alterations in ecological dynamics. The review subsequently investigates innovative scientific interventions and climate-resilient aquaculture strategies aimed at strengthening the adaptive capacity of aquaculture practices. Some widely established solutions include selective breeding, species diversification, incorporation of ecosystem-based management practices, and the implementation of sustainable and advanced aquaculture systems (aquaponics and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). These strategies work towards fortifying aquaculture systems against climate-induced disturbances, thereby mitigating risks and ensuring sustained production. This review provides a detailed insight to the ongoing discourse on climate-resilient aquaculture, emphasizing an immediate need for prudent measures to secure the future sustainability of fish food production sector., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

The use of organophosphate pesticides (OPPs) to protect a variety of crops has increased in Bangladesh. OPPs may contaminate surrounding aquatic environments through several routes including spray drift, surface runoff and groundwater leaching. Since it is unknown how much OPP end ups in aquatic environment in Bangladesh, the objectives of the present study were to quantify the residues of ten most commonly used OPPs in water and sediment of water bodies of north-west Bangladesh and to assess their ecological risks for aquatic organisms. The risks of the pesticides in surface water and sediment were assessed using a first-tier risk quotient (RQ) approach. The higher-tier PERPEST model was used to refine the ecological risks of pesticides when RQ indicated a potential risk. Results showed the most frequently detected pesticides that appeared in high concentrations were chlorpyrifos, diazinon and quinalphos in surface water and sediment. The highest concentration of OPPs measured in water was 9.1 μg chlorpyrifos/L (median of 1.95 μg/L), while this was 51 μg diazinon/kg dw (median of 11 μg/kg dw) for sediment. Furthermore, results showed high acute and/or chronic RQs (RQ > 1) in surface water and sediment for chlorpyrifos, diazinon, quinalphos, malathion and fenitrothion. The higher-tier PERPEST model confirmed risks of chlorpyrifos, diazinon, quinalphos and fenitrothion for aquatic insects, micro- and macro-crustaceans which were previously derived by RQ-based risk assessment for aquatic organisms. Furthermore, the results of the PERPEST model also indicated possible indirect effects of these pesticides on algae and macrophytes, community metabolism, rotifers and other macro-invertebrates., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid is used in Bangladesh for a variety of crop protection purposes. Imidacloprid may contaminate aquatic ecosystems via spray drift, surface runoff and ground water leaching. The present study aimed at assessing the fate and effects of imidacloprid on structural (phytoplankton, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates and periphyton) and functional (organic matter decomposition) endpoints of freshwater, sub-tropical ecosystems in Bangladesh. Imidacloprid was applied weekly to 16 freshwater microcosms (PVC tanks containing 400 L de-chlorinated tap water) at nominal concentrations of 0, 30, 300, 3000 ng/L over a period of 4 weeks. Results indicated that imidacloprid concentrations from the microcosm water column declined rapidly. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed significant effects of imidacloprid on the zooplankton and macroinvertebrate community, some individual phytoplankton taxa, and water quality variables (i.e. DO, alkalinity, ammonia and nitrate), with Cloeon sp., Diaptomus sp. and Keratella sp. being the most affected species, i.e. showing lower abundance values in all treatments compared to the control. The observed high sensitivity of Cloeon sp. and Diaptomus sp. was confirmed by the results of single species tests. No significant effects were observed on the species composition of the phytoplankton, periphyton biomass and organic matter decomposition for any of the sampling days. Our study indicates that (sub-)tropical aquatic ecosystems can be much more sensitive to imidacloprid compared to temperate ones., (Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

This study elucidated the acute toxicity of chlorpyrifos on the early life stages of banded gourami (Trichogaster fasciata). To determine the acute effects of chlorpyrifos on their survival and development, we exposedthe embryos and two-day-old larvae to six concentrations (0, 0.01, 0.10, 1.0, 10 and 100 µg L -1 ) of chlorpyrifos in plastic bowls. Log-logistic regression was used to calculate LC10 and LC50 values. Results showed that embryo mortality significantly increased with increasing chlorpyrifos concentrations. The 24-h LC10 and LC50 values (with 95% confidence limits) of chlorpyrifos for embryos were 0.89 (0.50-1.58) and 11.8 (9.12-15.4) µg L -1 , respectively. Hatching success decreased and mortality of larvae significantly increased with increasing concentrations of chlorpyrifos. The 24-h LC10 and LC50 values (with 95% confidence limits) of chlorpyrifos for larvae were 0.53 (0.27-1.06) and 21.7 (15.9-29.4) µg L -1 , respectively; the 48-h LC10 and LC50 for larvae were 0.04 (0.02-0.09) and 5.47 (3.77-7.94) µg L -1 , respectively. The results of this study suggest that 1 µg L -1 of chlorpyrifos in the aquatic environment may adversely affect the development and the reproduction of banded gourami. Our study also suggests that banded gourami fish can serve as an ideal model species for evaluating developmental toxicity of environmental contaminants.

This study investigated the perceptions on and adaptations to climate change impacts of 235 pangasius farmers in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Data were collected using semi-structured household surveys in six provinces, from three regions along the Mekong river branches. A Chi-Square test was used to determine the association between variables, and a logit regression model was employed to identify factors correlated with farmer's perception and adaptation. Less than half of respondents were concerned about climate change and sought suitable adaptation measures to alleviate its impacts. Improving information on climate change and introducing early warning systems could improve the adaptive capacity of pangasius farmers, in particularly for those farmers, who were not concerned yet. Farmers relied strongly on technical support from government agencies, but farmers in the coastal provinces did not express the need for training by these institutions. This contrasting result requires further assessment of the effectiveness of adaptation measures such as breeding salinity tolerant pangasius.

In Vietnam, culturing striped catfish makes an important contribution to the Mekong Delta's economy. Water level rise during rainy season and salt intrusion during dry season affect the water exchange and quality for this culture. Sea level rise as a consequence of climate change will worsen these influences. In this study, water level rise and salt water intrusion for three sea level rise (SLR) scenarios (i.e., +30, +50, and +75 cm) were simulated. The results showed that at SLR +50, the 3-m-flood level would spread downstream and threaten farms located in AnGiang, DongThap and CanTho provinces. Rising salinity levels for SLR +75 would reduce the window appropriate for the culture in SocTrang and BenTre provinces, and in TienGiang's coastal districts. Next to increasing dikes to reduce the impacts, the most tenable and least disruptive option to the farming community would be to shift to a salinity tolerant strain of catfish.

Background: This study examines seasonal and regional trends in chlorophyll-a concentrations and the dynamics of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in 32 fishponds (resulting in 150 pond-year cases) employed for fish production. Fishponds have a poor ecological state, requiring further insights for pond management. To gain those insights, monthly data on the pond environment were collected over the growing seasons from April to September (up to 14 years) across lowland to highland regions in Czechia. We used a ratio of dissolved inorganic nitrogen to total phosphorus (DIN:TP) to investigate seasonal patterns of N and P limitations. Results: Fishponds in the lowland region (below 199 m above sea level, a.s.l.) were predominantly N-limited (80%), while ponds in the midland region (200–449 m a.s.l.) exhibited P limitation at the beginning of the growing season (April–May) and N limitation by the end of the season (August–September; 90% of fishponds). Highland fishponds (above 450 m a.s.l.) showed frequent P limitations, especially during the beginning of the season. Chlorophyll-a concentrations varied on both regional and seasonal scales, with the overall phytoplankton biomass peak at 31 ha of pond surface area. Chlorophyll-a remained stable at the beginning of the season regardless of the DIN:TP ratio but increased with a lower DIN:TP ratio by its end. The chlorophyll-a concentrations were lowest at the beginning and highest at the end of the season and decreased with altitude. Conclusions: Seasonal and regional variations in nutrient limitations and chlorophyll-a occur in fishponds. Our study suggests that targeted seasonal nutrient input and enhanced monitoring can significantly improve fishpond management practices and ecosystem stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify differences in management and cost–benefit characteristics of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) nursery and grow-out farms in freshwater and brackish water areas in the Mekong River Delta (MRD) of Vietnam. One hundred ten striped catfish farms in both areas (50 nursery and 60 grow-out farms) were stratified and sampled for an interview to determine their management and cost–benefit characteristics. The results indicated that the survival rate and yield of fish nursed in brackishwater farms were higher than those in freshwater farms. Fingerling yields and production costs are positively and negatively correlated (p < 0.05) to the period-of-salinity effect, respectively. The net incomes of freshwater and brackishwater nursery farms do not differ significantly (p > 0.05). The fish yield of brackishwater grow-out farms was significantly lower than that of freshwater farms (p < 0.05). Management and cost–benefit parameters of grow-out farms in freshwater and brackishwater areas, if stocking fingerlings reared in the same areas, were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Water salinity strongly affected disease occurrence in the ponds, especially in nursery farms. In the MRD, to improve the climate-resilient farming of striped catfish, a salinity-tolerant strain is essential for nursery and grow-out farming in areas affected by salinity intrusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low sheep productivity in North Benin hampers economic development, and improvement can contribute to reduction of rural poverty and food insecurity. To reduce one of the constraints to the productivity of Djallonké sheep, high mortality during suckling in full rainy and start dry season, we tested hygienic measures and medication in improved housing. The effect of the two treatments and their combination on lamb performance and the internal rate of return (IRR) were compared to a control. For each treatment, survival and growth were observed in 20 lambs, living in 38 herds. Good housing and hygiene (daily cleaning and fortnightly disinfection of stable and water and feed troughs) reduced mortality and increased growth of suckling lambs until 3 months. Good housing plus medication (unique injection of vitamins and amino acids and with ivermectine for deworming, weekly tick treatment by spraying, and in case of diarrhea, antibiotic treatment) reduced mortality, but growth was not higher than the control. Accounting labor opportunity, the IRR was about equal for both, but capital investment was lower for the hygiene treatment which is thus more accessible to poor farmers. The combination of both treatments increased growth and benefits compared with the hygiene treatment, but decreased the IRR.

The 8-week study evaluated the effect of dietary protein reduction on growth performance and water quality of blue streak hap (Labidochromis caeruleus) using biofloc technology (BFT). Fish averaging 0.67 ± 0.13 g in weight were distributed into 15 polyester tanks, each with a water volume of 60 L within 100 L tanks, accommodating 15 fish per tank. Four isolipidic and isoenergetic diets were formulated with gradually decreasing protein levels (40%, 35%, 30%, and 25%). Four biofloc groups (40P + BF, 35P + BF, 30P + BF, and 25P + BF) and control (C) (40P + without BF) were fed twice daily (09:00 and 17:00) at a rate of 5% of their body weight. Molasses was added to the experimental tanks on a daily basis as an organic carbon source. This ensured that the biofloc tanks had a balanced carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio and facilitated control of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), nitrite-nitrogen (NO2-N), and nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) levels. The nutritional composition of the bioflocs obtained from the experimental groups revealed that the crude protein and crude lipid contents were 37.00–38.14% and 1.45–1.52%, respectively (P > 0.05). The best specific growth rate (SGR) (1.68%) and feed conversation ratio (FCR) (2.21) were determined in the 35P group. Based on the overall evaluation of the study's data, it can be concluded that the dietary protein for the blue streak hap (L. caeruleus) can be reduced from 40 to 35% in a biofloc system without any negative effects on health. Improving water quality and providing additional food to fish through zero water exchange and organic carbon addition (BFT) can be considered a sustainable aquaculture technique that can be used in ornamental fish farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reference intervals (RIs) for clinical parameters of fish are crucial to identify abnormal test results. The well-established RIs for hemato-biochemical analytes are lacking for Pangas (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) reared in different culture systems. The present study aimed to analyze the condition factor and generate RIs for hemato-biochemical parameters in diverse culture systems, which are very critical to improve fish welfare and production. Briefly, the fish sampling was conducted from three different fish farms practicing extensive (no supplemented food with a relatively low stocking density of 10–15 fish/m3), semi-intensive (supplementary feed provided with a stocking density of 80 fish/m3), and intensive culture systems (feed-based culture with a high stocking density of 100–150 fish/m3). Results showed that Fulton's condition factor for fish reared in an intensive culture system was significantly higher (0.98 ± 0.18), followed by semi-intensive (0.85 ± 0.30) and extensive (0.72 ± 0.16) systems. Hematological parameters such as hemoglobin, total erythrocyte count, and packed cell volume were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the semi-intensive system. Total leucocyte count and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the intensive system. Serum biochemical parameters, including glucose, cortisol, protein profile, and lipid profile, were significantly (P < 0.05) high in the intensive and semi-intensive systems. The study indicated that the condition factor and haemato-biochemical parameters could serve as indicators of the health status of P. hypophthalmus. The intensive and semi-intensive culture systems of P. hypophthalmus demonstrated better health indicators compared to the extensive system. The established normative database can ensure the correct assessment of health and the growth of P. hypophthalmus in diverse culture systems. The reference intervals established for hemato-biochemical parameters in the current study can provide valuable benchmarks for monitoring the fish in different culture systems, enabling effective management and reducing economic losses associated with stress-related issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effect of hour and day of measurement, and of production factors on the impedance values (IVs) at 24 acupuncture points (APs). This is a first step in assessing whether electro-acupuncture can contribute to reduced antibiotic use in dairy farming. The APs studied were left (L) and right (R) points of the bladder (BL) and stomach (ST) meridians. The effect of time was measured in a 3x3 Latin square on six cows in one herd. The effect of production factors was analyzed using 108 cows from three herds for two months. The effect of time excludes BL 14R, 16R, 21R, 22R, 30R, 46-02R, 43-01L and 30L, and ST18 bilaterally for diagnostic use. The contribution of parity, age or lactation period to monthly models of BL21R, 18R and 15R, and ST18R exclude these for diagnostic use. Of the remaining APs, BL19R, BL20R and BL46-02L showed stable IVs and are recommended for reference measurements. APs BL14L, BL16L and BL17L are recommended for diagnostics, and BL 16R, 17R, 18R, 23R, 30R, 15L, 20L, 22L and 29L need further study. Factors contributing to the variation in the IV of several APs were: milk robot, number of inseminations, body condition score, days of the preceding lactation, kg milk and kg milk fat of current and preceding month and preceding year, and milk cell count and urea content.

Sanitary constraints of raising turkey in north-west Benin were studied by using a survey and Haemagglutination Inhibition Test (HIT) to detect antibodies of Newcastle Disease (ND) and Avian Influenza (AI). We tested 85 serums from 7- to 24-month-old turkeys raised in 19 farms. ND prevalence rate was 54% but reactions on four sub-types of AI were negative. Mortality rates varied from 55 to 100% for 0-30 day-old flocks; 30% for 1- to 4-month-old; and 15% for older turkeys. Next to ND, probable causes of mortality are Fowl pox, Gumboro disease, scabies, coccidiosis, histomonosis, capillariosis and colibacillosis. Only one farmer who fed and vaccinated the poults, and provided clean housing for them got a lower mortality rate of 11% in turkeys less than 4-month-old. The question remains why most farmers do not apply these simple practices: are they unaware or are the technologies not profitable?

Rice cultivation plays a vital role in the Southeast Asian (SEA) economy, but it poses environmental challenges and contributes a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions. To address these concerns, sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) for rice production have been introduced to mitigate the environmental impact of rice production while fostering economic and social sustainability. However, the adoption of these practices remains limited, highlighting the need for a critical review of existing literature to gain deeper insights into the factors influencing farmers’ adoption of these practices in SEA countries. This review analyzed 39 manuscripts to assess the current state of SAPs for rice cultivation in SEA. We found that socio-demographic variables and farm management variables were frequently examined in these studies, with varying levels of significance. Economic and institutional variables were moderately studied and tended to have more significant findings. There is a noticeable research gap regarding behavioral factors, emphasizing the need for further investigation in SEA. Furthermore, the findings underscore the importance of conducting additional research to develop effective monetary and non-monetary incentives and explore methodologies to address the gaps in understanding farmers’ trade-offs and preferences among different SAPs. These efforts are crucial for promoting the widespread adoption of SAPs in rice cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peri-urban dairy cattle farms within 50 km of Bobo-Dioulasso were studied to assess herd type, disease incidence, management, feeding and breeding strategy. Out of 417 cattle farmers, 42% had dairy objectives and were studied. Among these peri-urban dairy farmers, 60% were settled, 36% semi-settled, and 4% transhumant. In total, they held 4558 dairy cows, of which 32% lactated during the study. The prevalence of mastitis (55%) increased (p<0.05) with herd size. Advanced strategies for supplementary feeding and breeding were most frequent in small herds (<30 cattle). None of the large herds (>60 cattle) had advanced breeding strategies. Bulls and cows were culled at younger ages in herds with better breeding strategy. Overall, this resulted in higher individual milk offtake in small herds (2.46 L/day) compared with large herds (1.25 L/day). Pure breeds were rarely used, and the presence of Bos taurus baoulé naturally selected for trypanotolerance was low. The prevalence of trypanosomosis (40%) in herds dominated by Bos indicus zebu and Méré (Zebu x Baoulé) is an argument for maintenance of biodiversity and selection of Baoulé for milk production.

The increasing demand on water resources, reduced land for agriculture, and concerns over food and nutrition security have prompted the evolution of innovative and complex food production systems. In this context, efficient and sustainable food production systems such as aquaponics are viewed as an important and environmentally friendly technology for adaptation under resource-limited environments. Producing food in soilless systems is a promising strategy, as this method utilizes significantly less water than traditional agriculture. However, optimizing growing conditions to enhance crop and fish yields in aquaponics is frequently ambiguous and is often not economically feasible. One of the strategies to improve plant yields and supply of nutrients in aquaponics is the application of probiotics. With this strategy, the crop yields in aquaponics are improved via a variety of mechanisms, including nitrogen fixation, solubilization of mineral nutrients, organic matter mineralization, plant hormone modulation, and biocontrol. As a result, incorporating probiotics in aquaponic systems is a strategy for mitigating environmental effects and advancing sustainable agriculture. This review paper provides the current knowledge of the use of probiotics in aquaponics. Suggestions for further studies on the effects of probiotics in aquaponic systems are proposed. Through literature review, integrating probiotics into aquaponic systems has the potential to improve nutrient supply, modulation of water quality parameters, and microbial communities, which are key processes in enhancing the productivity of aquaponic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms like fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants, which has become a crucial source of protein and income. However, bacterial infections pose a significant challenge to the aquaculture industry and traditional treatments, such as antibiotics and chemicals, have limitations and environmental concerns. Disease prevention and control measures, such as the use of probiotics, vaccines, and biosecurity measures, are essential for the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry. Further research is also needed to develop more effective and sustainable strategies for the prevention and control of bacterial fish pathogens in aquaculture, where alternative treatments such as herbal extracts, essential oils, and probiotics require further investigation for efficacy and safety. Microalgae, particularly Chlorella, have potential applications in various industries such as biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and wastewater treatment. However, their large-scale production and commercialization face challenges. Safety of Chlorella to fish is a crucial issue that requires careful evaluation, with hematology being an essential tool to assess its effects on fish health and physiology. Studies show that Chlorella is safe for fish and does not have adverse effects on growth, survival, or immune system function. Chlorella is a safe and sustainable option for aquaculture, free from harmful chemicals and antibiotics. The Green Water System utilizes Chlorella as a natural filter and nutrient recycler, improving water quality and providing a well-balanced diet for aquatic animals. This eco-friendly approach also enhances fish immune systems, growth rates, and survival rates. The scientometric review shows significant research activity, with Chang JS being a prominent author and People's R China and the Chinese Academy of Sciences leading in contributions. The use of Chlorella shows promise as an alternative treatment for bacterial fish pathogens in aquaculture due to its antibacterial properties, safety, and sustainability. However, challenges such as cost-effectiveness and standardization need to be addressed for successful implementation in the aquaculture industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Indonesia there are several production centers for agar-producing seaweeds. Research on agar quality has been frequently conducted everywhere, but comparative agar quality tests from several locations have never been done. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of agar extracted from seaweed species from some biggest seaweed producer locations in Indonesia. The seaweed quality indicators analyzed were moisture content, clean anhydrous weed (CAW), impurities, and heavy metals. Agar quality parameters analyzed were sensory (score and hedonic test), chemical (moisture, ash, acid insoluble ash, and sulphate content) and physical (viscosity, gel strength and color) parameters; microbiological (TPC, E. coli, moulds, and fungi) and heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd, As) contamination. Sensory analysis of powder agars showed that the highest score was achieved by agar extracted from Gracilaria from Ujung Genteng (8.71), and the highest yield was from Gracilaria from Brebes (10.41%). The viscosity and gel strength of agar extracted from Gelidium were higher than that from Gracilaria. It was concluded that environmental conditions affected seaweed and agar characteristics quality. It is recommended that to get a good quality seaweed, the seaweed must be harvested from a good quality waters with high dissolved oxygen and transparency, pH and handled appropriately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integration of livestock farming practices with trees is neglected and poorly explored in the context of climate change (CC) in drylands. However, such knowledge is urgently needed to propose effective strategies in the livestock sector to cope with CC. This study is initiated to characterize the diversity of indigenous integrated livestock systems with trees in drylands of Benin through a survey including 140 smallholder farmers. Descriptive statistics were performed to socio-economic profile of livestock farmers and data were submitted to a multiple correspondence analysis with hierarchical ascending classification and four types of integrated livestock smallholder farmers have been highlighted. The first type is referred to "Traditional silvopastoral systems", consisting of farmers owning high tropical livestock unit (26 ± 0.59 TLU). They did not have land ownership and they exploited trees and shrubs in rangelands and protected areas. They used indigenous trees for treating sick animals and feeding. The second type is "Improved silvopastoral systems" with an average of 11 ± 0.21 TLU. They had a land ownership and combined livestock, forage plants and fodder trees in pasturelands. The third type, referred as "Small Integrated agrosilvopastoral systems" consisted of smallholder farmers who integrated agriculture, livestock and tree plantations. They owned a low livestock tropical unit (6 ± 0.24 TLU). The last type qualified as "Large Integrated agrosilvopastoral systems" owned an average of 18 ± 0.34 TLU and cultivated large areas of land. Leguminous trees are used to improve soil fertility and as animal feed. A probit model analysis results indicated that the adoption of trees on livestock farming were influenced by ecological region, membership of association, Land tenure, farm size and herd size. Based on these identified different agroforestry practices of livestock smallholder farmers in the drylands, indigenous community-based adaptation can be designed to face CC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in crayfish from Jiangsu province, China, were measured and their health risks were evaluated. For crayfish from both crayfish-rice culture system (CRCS) and crayfish intensive culture system (CICS), concentrations of As, Cd and Pb in whole body of crayfish (WB) were significantly higher than those in abdominal muscle of crayfish (AM), while concentration of Hg in WB was significantly lower than that in AM. No significant difference in concentrations of the heavy metals was found between CRCS and CICS. Concentrations of the heavy metals in AM from both systems were below the limit set by the national standard of China. Estimated daily intake values of the heavy metals were far below the provisional tolerable daily intakes set by Joint FAO/WHO committee on Food Additives, and the corresponding hazard quotient and hazard index were below one. Therefore, consumption of crayfish with the average daily consumption rate (DCR) could be generally regarded as safe. For the consumption with two more times of average DCR during peak season, there might be a potential health risk from intakes of As and Hg in abdominal muscle of crayfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being a vital input for the development of environmental policy, scientific research findings are rarely used in evaluating policy efficacy regionally and globally. We used extent of reference to science as a measure for evaluating the efficacy of policies directed at addressing environmental problems facing the Vietnamese Mekong coast. The evaluation was undertaken using a critical review of the literature from two data sources: Web of Science and the Vietnam Portal, along with field investigation. The results show that the policies to date make little reference to existing scientific knowledge during the policy-making process. Consequently, they have not adequately addressed the real problems facing the Vietnamese Mekong coast. The coastal protection is also threatened by delay in the revision of current policies or development of new and more effective policies in response to environmental problems and emerging scientific knowledge. Our methodology in examining the amount of scientific input provides a new and useful measure for investigating policy efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Women's participation in small‐scale aquaculture is growing, but women producers remain in a disadvantaged position compared to men. Reducing gender gaps is at the core of many development programs, but little is known regarding the source of these differences. This paper investigates the main drivers of gender gaps in seaweed small‐scale aquaculture by focusing on the analysis of differences between male and women, and across a series of psychological traits. We use data from a sample of 152 seaweed producers from central‐southern Chile and perform a matching procedure to generate a balanced sample of male and female producers in the dimensions determining their performance in the sector. Our results show that female producers may exhibit more positive psychological traits such as patience and interpersonal trust. However, women's choices in seaweed farming may be incongruent with these characteristics, as expecting more immediate returns than males, and may not be able to exploit the advantages of collaboration in selling in the sector. This supports the notion that opportunity costs (e.g., other activities in the marine area) and outside options (e.g., fishing versus trade) may be one of the major drivers of gender gaps and suggests that there are barriers keeping women from exploiting their potentially advantageous individual characteristics. Results provide important insights for the design of support instruments aimed at reducing these barriers faced by women in the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While coastal habitat conversion was a primary environmental concern in Asia for the mostly extensive shrimp aquaculture sector in previous decades, the transition towards intensive production is creating new environmental risks, primarily water quality impacts from nutrient- rich effluent. There is a need to compare the performance of conventional and Naturebased Solution (NbS) effluent treatment options given the increasing nutrient loads from more intensive aquaculture and historic loss of ecosystem services from mangrove deforestation. This study evaluates the potential for common and emerging effluent treatment systems to address total nitrogen and total phosphorus effluent from shrimp farms across a spectrum of production intensities. Nutrient waste loading for four stocking density scenarios (7PLm-2, 20PLm-2, 75PLm-2, and 120PLm-2) are estimated to compare the treatment efficiency, economic feasibility, spatial requirements, and ecosystem service provision of conventional and NbS effluent treatment systems. We use secondary data to assess effluent treatment systems applicable for shrimp aquaculture in Asia. Findings provide the conceptual framework for comparing the characteristics and tradeoffs of aquaculture effluent treatment systems. Constructed mangrove wetlands are an NbS approach that can meet the intensification needs of aquaculture producers and reduce negative impacts from aquaculture effluent at competitive costs, while also providing ecosystem service co-benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater scarcity, salinity, and poor soil fertility are the major challenges affecting both food and feed productions in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Utilization of brackish water in the production of saline-tolerant fish and valuable field crops under an integrated system is promising in the maximization of yield per crop. The aim of this study, therefore, was to (1) assess the effect of saline aquaculture wastewater on the growth, yield, forage quality, and nutritive composition of sorghum seeds and (2) assess the effect of different water qualities on the survival, growth performance, and health status of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. The experiment was conducted in a randomized completely block design of four salinity treatments with three replicates, i.e., control (freshwater mixed with inorganic fertilizers), 5000 ppm, 10,000 ppm, and 15,000 ppm. Our results indicated that although the control exhibited the highest growth (plant height, leaf number, internode number, leaf area, and soil-plant analysis development), grain, and forage yield, no significant differences were noted among the treatments. Likewise, no significant difference in the grain nutrient composition was noted among all the treatments. Assessment of the forage quality revealed improved crude protein content in the control compared to the saline treatments. However, no significant differences in the leaves and stalks fiber fractions were noted among all the treatments. Furthermore, rumen fermentation in terms of in vitro digestibility indicated no significant differences in the in vitro digestible dry matter, digestible organic matter, metabolic energy, net energy, microbial protein, short-chain fatty acids, and total dissolved nutrients among the treatments. However, rearing P. hypophthalmus in water salinities exceeding 10,000 ppm reduced the growth performance and health status of fish. Therefore, the integration of sorghum and P. hypophthalmus production in water salinities not exceeding 5000 ppm is a viable alternative to maximize brackish water productivity in freshwater-scarce regions., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

To elucidate the individual and multiple roles of physiological bacterial groups involved in biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur, the changes in the abundance of aerobic bacteria (heterotrophs, methane oxidizers, ammonia oxidizers, sulfur oxidizers, phosphate solubilizers, phosphate accumulators) and anaerobic bacteria (total anaerobes, nitrate reducers, denitrifiers and sulfate reducers) were investigated in a biosecured, zero-exchange system stocked with whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei for one production cycle. Key water quality parameters during the 96-day production cycle fell within the normal range for L. vannamei culture. Results of Spearman's correlation matrix revealed that different sets of variables correlated at varying levels of significance of the interrelationships between bacterial abundances and water quality parameters. The three nitrogenous species (ammonia, nitrite and nitrate) strongly influenced the physiological bacterial groups' abundance. The strong relationship of bacterial groups with phytoplankton biomass and abundance clearly showed the trophic interconnections in nutrient exchange/recycling. Canonical correspondence analysis performed to assess the total variation revealed that the three dissolved nitrogen species followed by salinity, temperature, phytoplankton biomass and pH collectively accounted for as much as 82% of the total variation. In conclusion, the results of the study revealed that the major drivers that interweaved biogeochemical cycles are the three dissolved nitrogen species, which microbially mediated various aerobic-anaerobic assimilation/dissimilation processes in the pond ecosystem. Considering the pond microbial ecology becoming an important management tool where applied research could improve the economic and environmental sustainability of the aquaculture industry, the findings of the present study are practically relevant.

In this study, a novel bacteriocin Lactocin C-M2 produced by Lactobacillus panis C-M2, combined with dielectric barrier discharged cold plasma (DBD-CP), was used to evaluate the antibacterial effect on aquatic foods. After the purification procedures of ethyl acetate extraction, cation exchange chromatography and semi-preparative liquid phase, the stability of Lactocin C-M2 under DBD-CP environment was determined, and the preservation effect of these two joint treatments was investigated on fresh white fish samples. As revealed by LC-MS/MS and BLAST analysis, Lactocin C-M2 is a new type of class II bacteriocin, with a molecular weight of 863.52 Da and the N -terminal sequence MVKKTSAV. Application of Lactocin C-M2 showed significantly stronger inhibitory effect on bacteria than on yeasts and mold. All the tested 10 Gram positive bacteria and 3 Gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella flexneri, Bacillus spp, Lactobacillus spp, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and so on, were inhibited. Lactocin C-M2 also presented stable antibacterial activity after exposure to DBD-CP, with the 95% residual activity against Staphylococcus aureus under the 40∼80 kV voltage for 30∼180 s, indicating the possibility of synergistic application. Combined with addition of 0.9 mg/g Lactocin C-M2, the treatment of DBD-CP with voltage at 60 kV for 90 s on fresh white fish (Culter alburnus) could significantly inhibit the microbial growth, the accumulation of volatile nitrogen and histamine during the storage. Therefore, the Lactocin C-M2, used together with the DBD-CP, is effective in food preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine fasciolosis has negative impacts on cattle production worldwide, more so on the African continent and especially in smallholder farming areas with limited level of awareness. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning bovine fasciolosis among smallholder cattle farmers in the North West Province of South Africa. A total of 153 farmers were interviewed from three villages of the Moretele Local Municipality in Bojanala District. The majority of respondents were male (84%) farm owners (81%) that had low education levels (56% primary school or less) and employed extensive cattle management systems (84%). A large number of farms lacked infrastructure including calving pens (88%), restraining equipment (85%), and weight determination equipment (92%) while sourcing drinking water for cattle from rivers or dams (58%). No evaluated factors were significantly associated with a positive fasciolosis epidemiological knowledge score. However, education level (P = 0.046), some cattle breeds (P = 0.022), and management system (P < 0.001) of the smallholder farmers were associated with a positive practice score concerning bovine fasciolosis prevention. We therefore recommend that education programs be introduced that focus on the mode of transmission, risk factors, zoonotic importance, and practices associated with the prevention and control of bovine fasciolosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]