Toyamara Da Vera Cruz is all ears when Peng Yansen, her teacher, glves instructions. Although she has extensive experience in farming herself. coming from a long line of livestock breeders, Cruz is now learning a new ...Toyamara Da Vera Cruz is all ears when Peng Yansen, her teacher, glves instructions. Although she has extensive experience in farming herself. coming from a long line of livestock breeders, Cruz is now learning a new skill from Peng.展开更多
The heavy metals pollution in poultry and livestock feeds and manures under intensive farming in Jiangsu Province was investigated. 97 feed and manure samples were sampled from 31 farming plants in 10 major cities of ...The heavy metals pollution in poultry and livestock feeds and manures under intensive farming in Jiangsu Province was investigated. 97 feed and manure samples were sampled from 31 farming plants in 10 major cities of Jiangsu. 14 metals, including Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Mo, Mn, Ba, Co, Sr, Ti, As and Hg, were analyzed after samples acid digestion. The results showed that the most feed samples contained high concentration of metals exceeding National Hygienical Standard for Feeds. Meanwhile, it was found that Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd and Cr concentrations in animal manures were also high, for example, Cu concentration in a manure sample reached to as much as 1726 3 mg/kg. Heavy metals loading quantities in soil per year were then calculated when metals contaminated organic fertilizers were applied, and its effects on soil environmental quality were further evaluated.展开更多
Many reviews and evaluations of contract farming and its importance for small-scale farmers in the developing nations have been conducted. While some scholars opined that contractual terms were unfavourable to farmers...Many reviews and evaluations of contract farming and its importance for small-scale farmers in the developing nations have been conducted. While some scholars opined that contractual terms were unfavourable to farmers, others considerd them as being beneficial to them. These contrasting views were not likely to discourage it since it provided encouragement for farmers' involvement in markets. It was therefore worthwhile to investigate previous experiences with the aim of improving on it. This study investigated contract farming entered into by farmers in Delta State of Nigeria and livestock feed companies with the objective of seeking ways to make such contractual agreements beneficial to small-scale farmers. The study utilized convergence of science approach. The study unveiled the constraints experienced by farmers and they included technical and institutional challenges. The technical problem was the planting date, while the institutional problem was the contractual arrangements. It was recommended that all the stakeholders in the contract should converge and negotiate technological adoptions of the improved maize varieties; contract needed to be clearly def'med and risks and uncertainties should be parts of the contract; scientific investigations should be carded out to determine the best planting date; and there was need for legislation to particularly protect farmers in contract farming.展开更多
Abstract: Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis was used to identify the aquaculture-derived organic matter in the sediment in and around a coastal fish farm in China. Results showed that mean δ13C value in fi...Abstract: Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis was used to identify the aquaculture-derived organic matter in the sediment in and around a coastal fish farm in China. Results showed that mean δ13C value in fish farm area (within 1 O0 m from the edge of cages) and control area (500 m from the edge of cages) was -17.72±1.29/oo and -12.73± 0.380/00, respectively. Mean δ15N value of fish farm area and control area was 6.44 4±0.2%0 and 5.61 4±0.2%0, respectively. The sediment in the fish farm area was characterized by high waste food (47.70%) and faeces (27.71%) ratio, as the distance from the fish cages increased, aquaculture-derived organic matter decreased expontially (y = 97.167e-0.0074x, R2= 0.8481). The spatial extent of waste dispersal extended to an area up to 400 m.展开更多
The aim was to clarify effects of ad libitum and restricted feeding with Ca:P ratios on foot welfare in blue foxes. Experiment was started at weaning on August 6th and finished at pelting on November 26th, 2013. Treat...The aim was to clarify effects of ad libitum and restricted feeding with Ca:P ratios on foot welfare in blue foxes. Experiment was started at weaning on August 6th and finished at pelting on November 26th, 2013. Treatments were: 1) restricted feeding, Ca:P ratio 1.5:1;2) restricted feeding, Ca:P ratio 2.9:1;3) restricted feeding Ca:P ratio control level;4) ad libitum feeding, Ca:P ratio 1.5:1;5) ad libitum feeding, Ca:P-ratio 2.9:1;6) ad libitum feeding Ca:P ratio control level. Body growth variables, feed intake and welfare variables were measured. The behaviour was video recorded. Foreleg carpal joint angle as an indicator of leg weakness and the fox’s ability to move were evaluated. During weeks 32 - 35 and 37 - 47 animals from restricted groups ate 60% - 65% and 67% - 68% of the given feed, respectively. Body weight gain was faster in foxes fed ad libitum than with a restricted diet (P ad libitum groups compared to restricted ones. The body condition score was significantly (P ad libitum animals. Body length was greater for ad libitum than for restricted groups (P ad libitum and restricted groups展开更多
In order to be able to produce safe,uniform,cheap,environmentally-and welfare-friendly food products and market these products in an increasingly complex international agricultural market,livestock producers must have...In order to be able to produce safe,uniform,cheap,environmentally-and welfare-friendly food products and market these products in an increasingly complex international agricultural market,livestock producers must have access to timely production related information.Especially the information related to feeding/nutritional issues is important,as feeding related costs are always significant part of variables costs for all types of livestock production.Therefore,automating the collection,analysis and use of production related information on livestock farms will be essential for improving livestock productivity in the future.Electronically-controlled livestock production systems with an information and communication technology(ICT)focus are required to ensure that information is collected in a cost effective and timely manner and readily acted upon on farms.New electronic and ICT related technologies introduced on farms as part of Precision Livestock Farming(PLF)systems will facilitate livestock management methods that are more responsive to market signals.The PLF technologies encompass methods for electronically measuring the critical components of the production system that indicate the efficiency of resource use,interpreting the information captured and controlling processes to ensure optimum efficiency of both resource use and livestock productivity.These envisaged real-time monitoring and control systems could dramatically improve production efficiency of livestock enterprises.However,further research and development is required,as some of the components of PLF systems are in different stages of development.In addition,an overall strategy for the adoption and commercial exploitation of PLF systems needs to be developed in collaboration with private companies.This article outlines the potential role PLF can play in ensuring that the best possible management processes are implemented on farms to improve farm profitability,quality of products,welfare of livestock and sustainability of the farm environment,especially as it related to intensive livestock species.展开更多
文摘Toyamara Da Vera Cruz is all ears when Peng Yansen, her teacher, glves instructions. Although she has extensive experience in farming herself. coming from a long line of livestock breeders, Cruz is now learning a new skill from Peng.
文摘The heavy metals pollution in poultry and livestock feeds and manures under intensive farming in Jiangsu Province was investigated. 97 feed and manure samples were sampled from 31 farming plants in 10 major cities of Jiangsu. 14 metals, including Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Mo, Mn, Ba, Co, Sr, Ti, As and Hg, were analyzed after samples acid digestion. The results showed that the most feed samples contained high concentration of metals exceeding National Hygienical Standard for Feeds. Meanwhile, it was found that Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd and Cr concentrations in animal manures were also high, for example, Cu concentration in a manure sample reached to as much as 1726 3 mg/kg. Heavy metals loading quantities in soil per year were then calculated when metals contaminated organic fertilizers were applied, and its effects on soil environmental quality were further evaluated.
文摘Many reviews and evaluations of contract farming and its importance for small-scale farmers in the developing nations have been conducted. While some scholars opined that contractual terms were unfavourable to farmers, others considerd them as being beneficial to them. These contrasting views were not likely to discourage it since it provided encouragement for farmers' involvement in markets. It was therefore worthwhile to investigate previous experiences with the aim of improving on it. This study investigated contract farming entered into by farmers in Delta State of Nigeria and livestock feed companies with the objective of seeking ways to make such contractual agreements beneficial to small-scale farmers. The study utilized convergence of science approach. The study unveiled the constraints experienced by farmers and they included technical and institutional challenges. The technical problem was the planting date, while the institutional problem was the contractual arrangements. It was recommended that all the stakeholders in the contract should converge and negotiate technological adoptions of the improved maize varieties; contract needed to be clearly def'med and risks and uncertainties should be parts of the contract; scientific investigations should be carded out to determine the best planting date; and there was need for legislation to particularly protect farmers in contract farming.
文摘Abstract: Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis was used to identify the aquaculture-derived organic matter in the sediment in and around a coastal fish farm in China. Results showed that mean δ13C value in fish farm area (within 1 O0 m from the edge of cages) and control area (500 m from the edge of cages) was -17.72±1.29/oo and -12.73± 0.380/00, respectively. Mean δ15N value of fish farm area and control area was 6.44 4±0.2%0 and 5.61 4±0.2%0, respectively. The sediment in the fish farm area was characterized by high waste food (47.70%) and faeces (27.71%) ratio, as the distance from the fish cages increased, aquaculture-derived organic matter decreased expontially (y = 97.167e-0.0074x, R2= 0.8481). The spatial extent of waste dispersal extended to an area up to 400 m.
文摘The aim was to clarify effects of ad libitum and restricted feeding with Ca:P ratios on foot welfare in blue foxes. Experiment was started at weaning on August 6th and finished at pelting on November 26th, 2013. Treatments were: 1) restricted feeding, Ca:P ratio 1.5:1;2) restricted feeding, Ca:P ratio 2.9:1;3) restricted feeding Ca:P ratio control level;4) ad libitum feeding, Ca:P ratio 1.5:1;5) ad libitum feeding, Ca:P-ratio 2.9:1;6) ad libitum feeding Ca:P ratio control level. Body growth variables, feed intake and welfare variables were measured. The behaviour was video recorded. Foreleg carpal joint angle as an indicator of leg weakness and the fox’s ability to move were evaluated. During weeks 32 - 35 and 37 - 47 animals from restricted groups ate 60% - 65% and 67% - 68% of the given feed, respectively. Body weight gain was faster in foxes fed ad libitum than with a restricted diet (P ad libitum groups compared to restricted ones. The body condition score was significantly (P ad libitum animals. Body length was greater for ad libitum than for restricted groups (P ad libitum and restricted groups
文摘In order to be able to produce safe,uniform,cheap,environmentally-and welfare-friendly food products and market these products in an increasingly complex international agricultural market,livestock producers must have access to timely production related information.Especially the information related to feeding/nutritional issues is important,as feeding related costs are always significant part of variables costs for all types of livestock production.Therefore,automating the collection,analysis and use of production related information on livestock farms will be essential for improving livestock productivity in the future.Electronically-controlled livestock production systems with an information and communication technology(ICT)focus are required to ensure that information is collected in a cost effective and timely manner and readily acted upon on farms.New electronic and ICT related technologies introduced on farms as part of Precision Livestock Farming(PLF)systems will facilitate livestock management methods that are more responsive to market signals.The PLF technologies encompass methods for electronically measuring the critical components of the production system that indicate the efficiency of resource use,interpreting the information captured and controlling processes to ensure optimum efficiency of both resource use and livestock productivity.These envisaged real-time monitoring and control systems could dramatically improve production efficiency of livestock enterprises.However,further research and development is required,as some of the components of PLF systems are in different stages of development.In addition,an overall strategy for the adoption and commercial exploitation of PLF systems needs to be developed in collaboration with private companies.This article outlines the potential role PLF can play in ensuring that the best possible management processes are implemented on farms to improve farm profitability,quality of products,welfare of livestock and sustainability of the farm environment,especially as it related to intensive livestock species.