Case Study:Promoting Sustainable Energy Greenhouse Heating Systems to Small-Scale Local Farms

Biomass energy generated from livestock manure,other agricultural by-products and food waste can be an affordable greenhouse-heating energy source for those seeking lower energy costs.Appalachian State University,North Carolina(NC),USA,has built a 6.1 m×9.1 m greenhouse,called the“Nexus”to test the integrated sustainable energy heating system for growing season extension with less energy cost.This is done by using on-farm biomass resources/wastes such as agricultural waste and wood chips to produce energy coupled with solar water heating to store and supplement required thermal inputs.Growing season extension with heated greenhouses increases the availability of local food throughout the year,expands available markets and increases farmers’profits.Nexus includes an above ground 5,680-L water storage tank and an aquaculture pond.It is supported by a small-scale pyrolysis system,an anaerobic digestion system,solar thermal and compost heating.The preliminary result showed that compared to a conventional space heating system,about 30%of energy was saved to keep the greenhouse temperature available for growing by radiation from the water storage tank.The main purpose of this study was to test the proposed greenhouse heating systems developed at Nexus by implementing pilot systems on two local farms.Pyrolysis and solar thermal system in conjunction with heat storage and delivery system for each farm were built and tested in order to demonstrate how to reduce greenhouse energy use.This paper describes the results of the case study,which showed significant energy savings that can promote the resource-limited farmers’interest.

Planning Evaluation on Spatial Layout of Livestock and Poultry Farms

The problems of spatial layout in livestock and poultry farms were discussed, and the development status of the planning evaluation on the spatial layout in recent years was systematically reviewed. The research progress in planning evaluation systems and methods was mainly intro- duced. And some opinions were proposed to solve these problems.

Construction and Environmental Protection of Large-scale Livestock and Poultry Farms

Large-scale breeding of livestock and poultry is the main way of modern animal husbandry development.This breeding method is widely used by the majority of owners because of its easy technical promotion,low breeding cost and good economic benefits.But with the development of large-scale livestock and poultry breeding,the pollution and damage to the environment caused by fecal pollution from large-scale livestock and poultry breeding has been criticized by many environmentalists.In this paper,through visit and investigation of large-scale livestock and poultry farms,the methods and measures of environmental protection in the construction of large-scale livestock and poultry farms are proposed.

Utilization Survey of Livestock Manure Resources in Large-scale Farms of Yangzhou

Based on surveying the conditions of large -scale farms and commercial manure in the each county of Yangzhou city, the situations and problems for utilization of livestock manure resources were grasped. After an analysis of the potential value of livestock manure, the suggestion and strategy for utilization of livestock manure resources were proposed based on the actual conditions in Yangzhou city.

A Comparative Analysis of Emission of Methane from Livestock Farms in Enugu, Eastern Nigeria

This study compares CH4 emissions from different livestock farms （poultry, cattle and swine farms） in Enugu, Eastern Nigeria. Data on animal type, number and age were obtained by direct observations while the concentrations of CH4 in the livestock farms were measured with the Gasman Crowcrown Gas Monitor. Daily ambient air temperature and rainfall data were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency （NIMET） Enugu. Regression analysis was used to determine possible relationships existing between weather parameters and CH4 emissions while the One-Way ANOVA was used to determine variance equality in means of greenhouse gas emission spatially at P 〈 0.05. Minimum and maximum temperatures ranged between 21.9 and 22.7 ℃ and 26.2 and 30.6 ℃ respectively, with rainfall ranging between 0.0 and 12.5 mm during the study period. Of the livestock farms sampled, swine farm emitted the highest concentrations of the greenhouse gas at both the livestock house （2.88 ± 0.28 ppm） and feaces decomposition site （2.30 ±0.30 ppm）, while poultry emitted the least concentrations of 1.96 ± 0.23 and 1.92 ± 0.10 ppm in the livestock house and faeces decomposition locations respectively. Age and number of livestock did not affect emissions of greenhouse gas. Though the prevailing weather parameters measured （temperature and rainfall） did not exert significant influences on greenhouse gas emissions, significant spatial variations in emissions in the feaces decomposition sites of the farmhouses was observed at P 〈 0.05. CH4emission in cattle farmhouse （2.80 ± 0.46 ppm） and swine farmhouse （2.88 ± 0.28 ppm） as well as those measured in the faeces decomposition locations of swine farmhouse （2.30 ± 0.30 ppm） exceeded the CH4 concentration level of 2.0 ppm measured in dry air at sea level. There is need for a further research on the effects of animal age, growth rate and biochemistry on CH4 emissions at the farmhouses.

Waste Management Practices and Profile of Selected Key Green House Gases at Selected Livestock Farms in Ibadan, Nigeria

Livestock farm waste contributes substantially to annual worldwide emissions of GHG （Greenhouse Gases）, including CH4 （Methane） and CO2 （Carbon Dioxide）. However, despite evidence of global climate change and its adverse health effects, studies on anthropogenic contributions to the increasing levels of GHG, particularly from livestock waste management practices, have not been adequately explored, especially in less developed countries. This study determined waste management practices and outdoor levels of CH4 and CO2 at three selected livestock farms （A-C） in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Each study farm consisted of poultry, cattle and pig units. A 30-point observational checklist documented adequacy of solid waste management practices. Ambient concentrations of CH4 and CO2 at farm buildings and at waste disposal sites were monitored every other day, twice each day of monitoring （morning and evening hours）, for eight weeks during months of September-November in 2013. Average scores for the waste management practices for Farms A-C were 29.6%, 33.3% and 18.5%, respectively. Morning and evening CH4 concentrations in parts per million （ppm） at main buildings of Farms A-C were 2,538 ± 773 and 1,916 ± 662, 2,325 ± 773 and 1,180 ± 483, and 2,389 ± 687 and 1,854 ± 571, respectively. Morning and evening CO2 concentrations （ppm） at Farms A-C main buildings were 350 ± 130 and 330 ± 110, 470 ± 100 and 440 ± 100, and 430 ± 80 and 400 ± 70, respectively. Morning and evening CH4 concentrations （ppm） at Farms A-C waste disposal sites were 2,452 ± 495 and 1,614 ± 372, 1,527 ± 390 and 1,736 ± 269, and 2,345 ± 615 and 1,690 ± 387, respectively. Morning and evening CO2 concentrations （ppm） at Farms A-C waste disposal sites were 330 ± 90, 370 ± 60 and 350 ± 30, respectively. Waste management practices were inadequate; solid waste management practices like infrequent evacuation of slurry waste and open burning of waste may have contributed to the production of CH4 and CO2. This study suggested proper handling, removal and disposal of farm waste which can reduce production of GHGs like CH4 and CO2.

Enhancing Access to Bank Credit for Small-Scale Farmers in Kisumu and Kiambu Districts, Kenya Through Public-Private Partnership Initiative

In Kenya, small-scale fanning has immense potential in poverty reduction. The growth of farming activities requires sustainable access to affordable credit to boost and sustain production. This study is initiated to investigate factors influencing access to bank credit by small-scale farmers in Kisumu and Kiambu Districts, Kenya. It is necessitated by lack of a comprehensive study documenting the effectiveness of the partnership initiative in improving access to credit for small-scale farmers. The study seeks to address the following concerns： what factors influence access to bank credit by small-scale farmers under the initiative？ Are small-scale farmers in various parts of the country accessing bank credit equally？ Through which sources do farmers get to know about credit products provided through the initiative？ Primary data was collected from 144 farmers in Kiambu and 127 farmers in Kisumu, sampled using systematic random procedure. The cross-sectional survey design was applied to guide the research process. Quantitative analysis generated cross-tabulations with chi-square and binary logistic regression. The study found that out of 144 credit applicants in Kiambu about 56.3% were successful, while in Kisumu only 37.8% were successful. Access to bank credit was significantly associated with farmers＇ gender, education level, income level, farm size, and farming experience. Besides, women were 1.3 times less likely to access bank credit than men. In terms of regional variation, a Kiambu farmer was 2.7 times more likely to obtain bank credit than a Kisumu farmer. The initiative is an innovative approach for enhancing access to bank credit; however, its potential has not been fully exploited. The study recommends the need： to inform farmers about credit products to clear misconceptions and myths associated with bank credit; develop innovative financing packages for small-scale farmers that are also gender-sensitive; and to initiate a training program targeting farmers with appropriate information.

Private Livestock Farms At the Southern Edge of the Ba Mountains

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Small-Scale Tomato Cultivators’ Perception on Pesticides Usage and Practices in Buea Cameroon

It has been shown that farmers with limited knowledge of the use and safe handling of pesticides may suffer exposure which results in adverse health effects. In Buea, Cameroon, small-scale tomato farmers commonly use pesticides for pest control. Information was obtained from these tomato farmers to determine the extent and types of their pesticide use, their knowledge of pesticide use and effectiveness, and their perception of potential harm resulting from pesticide use. A standardized questionnaire, interviews, field observations and an analytical ranking game were used to describe the pesticide use of 93 tomato farmers. Many farmers (47.6%) used pyrethiod and organophosphorus insecticides and identified these chemicals as the most effective in pesticide control;these are WHO Class II pesticides which are the most hazardous to humans. Most farmers (83.8%) used knapsack sprayers to apply pesticides, with 76.3% using no or partial personal protective equipment (PPE). It was notable that 55.5% of farmers expressed no concern regarding the wind direction (pesticide drift) during spraying. The results showed a significant association between the method of pesticides application and farm size (P < 0.001). Most farmers (85.0%) reported at least one symptom of acute pesticide poisoning following spraying. This study revealed that the tomato farmers have a high exposure to pesticides secondary to inadequate knowledge of the safe and judicious use of pesticides. Strategies that provide training on the appropriate use of pesticides, how to reduce exposure to and health risks of pesticides and alternative options of pest management and control are required. The study also raised concerns that further control of the sale and distribution of pesticides may be indicated.

The Effect of Land Degradation on Farm Size Dynamics and Crop-Livestock Farming System in Ethiopia: A Review

Ethiopia is among the poorest countries in which poverty, land and resource degradation appear to feed off each other. The irony is that Ethiopia is a country with high biodiversity and distinctive ecosystems and the natural resource base is critical to the economy and the livelihood of a high percentage of the population. Being the owner of varying agro ecology, the country’s agricultural production system had practiced for decades with a maximum potential. However, because of the presence of interrelated problems, the productivity had not sustained as its potential. From the interrelated problems, land degradation takes the first and challengeable problem in many countries. Land degradation refers to a temporary or permanent decline in the productive capacity of the land, or its potential for environmental management as a result;the long-term biological and environmental potential of the land has been compromised. Land degradation in the Ethiopian highlands (i.e. areas above 1500 m.a.s.l.) has been a concern for many years and is a great threat for the future that requires great effort and resources to ameliorate. It had adverse effect on lowering of livestock production by shrinking grazing land, the fertile soil types were washed and the grazing land was dominantly covered by unpalatable pastures and grasses which had low nutritive value and fertility for crop-livestock production system. In other cases, degradation induces farmers to convert land to lower-value uses;for instance, cropland converted to grazing land, or grazing lands converted to shrubs or forests. Equitable and secure access to land is a critical factor for the rural poor, especially livestock owners, who depend on agriculture and animal-related activities for their livelihood. Having secure access to land for agriculture and pastoral activities reduces their vulnerability and enhances their opportunities to invest in land for agriculture and livestock activities. Historical patterns of feudal ownership of land followed by government ownership and despite policy change uncertain status of land ownership. These land distribution and ownership patterns coupled with continuous fragmentations and degradation disrupt the balance between crop, livestock, and forest production. These things nowadays enforce Ethiopian farmers to put more land into crop production than working on livestock sector. Livelihoods are complex, dependent on animal and crop production based on land and water resources, with emerging market opportunities. And from year to year, the size of farms is getting minimized because of land degradation and segmentations, and these make a change in farm size dynamics and farming shift. Currently, there is a great scenario towards the land policy pattern and agricultural production system, which is the backbone of the country’s economy. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to review the effect of land degradation on farm size dynamics and crop-livestock production since the impact of these things is not well measured.

Preliminary Discussion on Farm Animal Welfare and Its Influence on Brand and Consumption of Chinese Livestock Products

Farm animal welfare(FAW) affects the health and sustainable development of animal husbandry. However, at present,there are still a lot of damage to FAW, and the situation of FAW in China is worrying. In this paper, the concept of FAW and brand are sketched and the importance of FAW is emphasized through analyzing the impact of FAW on the brand and consumption of animal products in China. Advices that more importance should be attached to FAW, animal welfare awareness should be promoted to publicity, and FAW legislation should be speed up are proposed.

Role and Effects of Eucommia ulmoides Leaves in the Growth Process of Livestock and Poultry

Substitutes of feed antibiotics have been a key research topic in the new stage of animal husbandry.Chinese veterinary medicine refers to decoction pieces and their preparations processed from natural plants,animals,and minerals and used for animal disease prevention and improvement of animal production performance under the guidance of Chinese veterinary pharmacy theory.Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract has many active functional components such as chlorogenic acid,E.ulmoides polysaccharides and flavonoids,which have many biological properties such as antibacterial,antioxidant,immune-regulation,sugar ester-and bone metabolism-regulation effects.This paper explored active ingredients and biological properties of E.ulmoides leaf extract,as well as its role and effects in livestock and poultry breeding,providing a scientific basis for the use of E.ulmoides leaves in livestock and poultry breeding.

Feeding a Need A Chinese agricultural expert popularizes ecological livestock farming in Sao Toméand Príncipe

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.

畜禽养殖场臭气治理技术研究进展

随着我国畜禽养殖规模逐渐扩大,畜禽养殖场产生的臭气问题日渐突出。在畜禽养殖过程中,养殖场的臭气主要来源于畜禽粪尿、畜禽自身排出气体、饲料残渣、污水、堆肥间等,臭味大多与氨气、硫化氢、吲哚、粪臭素等相关,其中含量较多的成分是氨气和硫化氢,会对生态环境和人体健康甚至畜禽本身产生严重危害,因此对畜禽养殖场臭气的治理迫在眉睫。针对养殖场臭气治理,可采用源头减排、过程控制和末端治理三大途径,从异位和原位进行臭气控制:异位控制是通过物理、化学和生物法对已经释放的臭气进行末端控制;原位控制是通过一些饲料添加剂对畜禽体内进行调控,从而实现过程控制和源头减排臭气,以此减轻养殖场臭气产生的危害。本文基于国内外养殖场臭气治理的相关研究,系统梳理了养殖场臭气的治理技术,并分别对各个技术进行了相关典型案例分析,为养殖场臭气治理的研究提供了一定的技术参考。

深入推进基层畜禽粪污资源化利用的几点思考

畜禽粪污资源化利用是解决畜禽养殖废弃物污染的根本途径。本文简要梳理了我国畜禽粪污资源化利用方面的支撑引领政策及总体发展状况,针对目前面临的农户种植与规模化养殖脱节、政府支持力度不够、相关标准及评价机制不健全、规模以下养殖户养殖环境污染风险相对较高以及个别地方对相关法规认识不充分等问题,提出了强化政府引导支持、培育壮大社会化服务组织、积极探索种养结合绿色发展模式、加大技术及装备研发力度等建议,以期为推进基层畜禽粪污资源化利用提供借鉴。

畜禽机器人技术研究进展与未来展望

随着现代畜禽养殖业面临的挑战日益增加,包括提高生产效率、降低成本、确保动物福利以及应对环境变化等,机器人技术的应用成为推动该行业转型的关键。文章综述了畜禽养殖机器人技术的研究进展,涵盖了饲喂机器人、清洁机器人、巡检机器人、挤奶机器人以及其他相关领域的研究现状和技术特点。机器人技术在提升畜禽养殖业自动化和智能化水平中具有重要作用。其中,饲喂机器人通过精准控制饲料投放,提高了饲喂效率和养殖动物健康水平;清洁机器人能有效地管理畜牧环境,提升养殖场卫生条件;巡检机器人通过实时监测环境和动物健康状况,优化了养殖管理;挤奶机器人则实现了奶牛养殖自动化,提高了生产效率。探讨了畜禽养殖机器人技术面临的挑战与机遇,并对未来的发展趋势进行了展望。

精准畜牧业研究脉络、主题演进与趋势展望

精准畜牧业应用信息技术实时监控和管理动物,改善其健康、福利、生产力和环境影响,促进畜牧业可持续发展,已成为多学科关注的重要议题。为厘清精准畜牧业研究的知识演变和热点更替情况,本研究基于2003-2022年Web of Science和CNKI数据库收录的相关文献数据,利用CiteSpace工具提取国家、机构、作者、关键词等信息绘制图谱,以可视化的方法展示精准畜牧业的研究进展,探测其研究的主要特征、研究脉络及热点主题。结果表明:国内外精准畜牧业研究发文数量呈增长趋势,欧美发达国家发文数量较高且国际合作密切,各国高校是研究的主要力量,Berckmans Daniel是全球研究的领军者,何东健是国内研究的有力推动者,研究主要涉及动物科学、兽医学、计算机科学、农业工程等学科;国外研究热点是智能系统和机器学习,研究方向集中在计算机视觉、机器学习和动物福利,研究前沿为动物形态;国内研究热点是物联网和机器视觉,研究方向集中在物联网、精准奶牛养殖和信息化,研究前沿包括行为识别、深度学习和目标检测。未来精准畜牧业研究应加强机构、学者间的交流与合作、注重多学科与多方法结合研究,并加强计算机视觉、机器学习、物联网、深度学习等技术的应用。

山区农产品主产区种养关联碳减排潜力估算——以四川洪雅、开江、盐亭和兴文县为例

种养关联既可有效利用农业废弃物,又具碳减排效应。已有研究主要聚焦农业废弃物资源化利用及其污染控制,对农业种养关联碳减排缺乏关注。本文以四川盆地山地丘陵农产品主产区的洪雅、开江、盐亭和兴文4县为研究对象,采用草谷比法估算作物秸秆量,依据能量转化构建秸秆饲料化利用碳减排潜力估算法,采用排泄系数法估算畜禽粪便量,依据营养物质循环构建粪便肥料化利用碳减排潜力估算法,探讨2008—2017年该区种养关联碳减排潜力。结果表明:(1)该区种养关联年均碳减排潜力为19.42×10^(4)t,且微弱上升(1.25%)。其中,作物秸秆饲料化利用年均碳减排潜力15.49×10^(4)t,上升8.37%;畜禽粪便肥料化利用年均碳减排潜力3.93×10^(4)t,下降23.09%。(2)该区单位耕地面积种养关联碳减排潜力为2.04 t/hm^(2),其中,开江(2.36 t/hm^(2))>洪雅(2.30 t/hm^(2))>盐亭(2.01 t/hm^(2))>兴文(1.57 t/hm^(2))。(3)该区种养关联碳减排潜力中作物秸秆饲料化利用占比(79.75%)>畜禽粪便肥料化利用(20.25%);作物秸秆饲料化利用碳减排潜力以水稻(35.07%)、玉米(24.99%)、小麦(13.44%)和油菜(12.77%)等作物为主(共86.27%);畜禽粪便肥料化利用碳减排潜力以牛粪便为主(占52.94%)。本研究可以为山地丘陵区种养关联碳减排提供理论依据。

福建省部分规模化畜禽场隐孢子虫感染情况调查

为了解福建省规模化畜禽场隐孢子虫感染情况,对10个规模化畜禽场(牛场、猪场、羊场、鸡场、鸭场各2个)100份粪样采用隐孢子虫通用引物进行荧光定量PCR检测,结果相应牛场、猪场、羊场、鸡场、鸭场的隐孢子虫平均检出率分别为60.0%、45.0%、42.1%、42.9%和15.0%。该结果可为福建省规模化畜禽场的隐孢子虫防控及保障公共卫生安全提供参考。

植物乳杆菌在畜禽养殖中的应用研究

本文回顾植物乳杆菌的发现历程和益生菌理论的发展,以此阐明其在现代畜牧业中的地位。同时,深入探讨植物乳杆菌作为益生菌在肠道微生态稳定、营养物质消化吸收、免疫力提升以及抗病能力增强等方面的科学依据,为后续的深入研究提供理论支撑。系统梳理植物乳杆菌在畜禽养殖领域的研究进展,包括其在蛋鸡、肉鸡、猪、牛等主要养殖动物上的应用效果,并根据相关研究阐述植物乳杆菌在提升饲料转化率、提高生长性能、优化繁殖能力、调节肠道菌群结构、预防和减少疾病发生等方面的作用,从而为提升养殖经济效益提供科学依据。