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Chen Z, Liu W, Qin T, Wu M, Li Z, Zhang Y, Wu D, Abakumov E, Chebykina E, Zhang Y, Dai J, Xiao H, Xie X, Kong M. Phosphorus flow characteristics in the waste system of Poyang Lake Watershed over the past 70 years. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 941:173704. [PMID: 38844222 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
With the intensification of human activities, the amount of phosphorus (P)-containing waste has increased. When such waste is not recycled, P is released into the environment, leading to environmental issues such as the eutrophication of water bodies. In this study, based on the material flow analysis method, a P Waste Flow analysis model (P-WFA) was developed to analyze the P flow in the waste system of Poyang Lake, the largest freshwater lake in China. To address the research gap in long-term P flow analysis at the watershed scale, this study quantified the P content in the waste system of the Poyang Lake Watershed from 1950 to 2020. The analysis revealed that from 1950 to 2020, the total P input into the waste system increased from 5.49 × 104 tons in 1950 to 2.28 × 105 tons in 2020. The breeding industry system was identified as the primary source, accounting for 25.19-41.59 % of the total waste system. Over the past 70 years, P loss to surface water from waste systems has been primarily facilitated by manure from the breeding industry, as well as drainage from crop farming systems (77.74 % in 2020). At the same time, the P recycling rate (PRR) of the waste system exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease, increasing from 44.14 % to 47.75 % before dropping to 44.41 %. Population growth, urbanization, and changes in consumption levels in Jiangxi Province have led to changes in the dietary structure and fertilizer use, consequently affecting the P cycling pattern. This study presents a comprehensive P flow model for waste systems in the Poyang Lake Watershed. This model can be used as a reference to enhance P cycling and manage P loss in other large freshwater lakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, School of Resource and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, School of Resource and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Tian Qin
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, School of Resource and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Mengting Wu
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, School of Resource and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Zhiwen Li
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, School of Resource and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Yalan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, School of Resource and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Daishe Wu
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, School of Resource and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Pingxiang University, Pingxiang City of Jiangxi Province 337000, China
| | - Evgeny Abakumov
- Department of Applied Ecology, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg 199178, Russian Federation
| | - Ekaterina Chebykina
- Department of Applied Ecology, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg 199178, Russian Federation
| | - Yondong Zhang
- Jiangxi Nanxin Environmental Protection Technology Co. LTD, Jiujiang City of Jiangxi Province 330300, China
| | - Jianjun Dai
- Jiangxi Nanxin Environmental Protection Technology Co. LTD, Jiujiang City of Jiangxi Province 330300, China
| | - Huoqing Xiao
- Jiangxi Academy of Eco-environmental Sciences and Planning, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330039, China
| | - Xianchuan Xie
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, School of Resource and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China.
| | - Ming Kong
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China.
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Ma J, Liu H, Liu M, Xu J, Lu J, Cao S, Li S, Ma S, Wang Z, Zhu X, Li D, Sun H, Shi Y, Cui Y. Effects of Diets Combining Peanut Vine and Whole-Plant Corn Silage on Growth Performance, Meat Quality and Rumen Microbiota of Simmental Crossbred Cattle. Foods 2023; 12:3786. [PMID: 37893679 PMCID: PMC10606686 DOI: 10.3390/foods12203786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Peanut vine is a typical peanut by-product and can be used as a quality roughage resource. Whole-plant corn silage is a commonly used roughage. However, few studies have investigated the effects of diets combining peanut vine and whole-plant corn silage on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, meat quality, rumen fermentation and microbiota of beef cattle. To investigate these effects, eighty Simmental crossbred cattle (body weight, 451.27 ± 10.38 kg) approximately 14 months old were randomly divided into four treatments for a 90-day feeding experiment. A one-way design method was used in this experiment. According to the roughage composition, the cattle were divided into a control treatment of 45% wheat straw and 55% whole-plant corn silage (WG), and three treatments of 25% peanut vine and 75% whole-plant corn silage (LPG), 45% peanut vine and 55% whole-plant corn silage (MPG), and 65% peanut vine and 35% whole-plant corn silage (HPG), and the concentrate was the same for all four treatment diets. The results showed that compared to the WG group, the MPG group experienced an increase in their average daily feed intake of 14%, an average daily gain of 32%, and an increase in SOD activity in the spleen of 33%; in the meat, dry matter content increased by 11%, crude protein by 9%, and ether extract content by 40%; in the rumen, the NH3-N content was reduced by 36%, the relative abundance of Firmicutes increased, and the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes decreased (p < 0.05). These results showed the composition of 45% peanut vine and 55% whole-plant corn silage in the roughage improved growth performance, antioxidant capacity, meat quality, rumen fermentation, and microbiota of beef cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixiang Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China (Y.C.)
| | - Hua Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China (Y.C.)
| | - Mengqi Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China (Y.C.)
| | - Junying Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China (Y.C.)
| | - Jiading Lu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China (Y.C.)
| | - Shixi Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China (Y.C.)
| | - Shouren Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China (Y.C.)
| | - Sen Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China (Y.C.)
- Henan Key Laboratory of Innovation and Utilization of Grassland Resources, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- Henan Forage Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Zhichang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China (Y.C.)
- Henan Key Laboratory of Innovation and Utilization of Grassland Resources, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- Henan Forage Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China (Y.C.)
- Henan Key Laboratory of Innovation and Utilization of Grassland Resources, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- Henan Forage Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Defeng Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China (Y.C.)
- Henan Key Laboratory of Innovation and Utilization of Grassland Resources, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- Henan Forage Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Hao Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China (Y.C.)
- Henan Key Laboratory of Innovation and Utilization of Grassland Resources, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- Henan Forage Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Yinghua Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China (Y.C.)
- Henan Key Laboratory of Innovation and Utilization of Grassland Resources, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- Henan Forage Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Yalei Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China (Y.C.)
- Henan Key Laboratory of Innovation and Utilization of Grassland Resources, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- Henan Forage Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhengzhou 450002, China
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Mariottini F, Giuliotti L, Gracci M, Benvenuti MN, Salari F, Arzilli L, Martini M, Roncoroni C, Brajon G. The ClassyFarm System in Tuscan Beef Cattle Farms and the Association between Animal Welfare Level and Productive Performance. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12151924. [PMID: 35953913 PMCID: PMC9367565 DOI: 10.3390/ani12151924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Interest in animal welfare has increased due to the growing ethical sensitivity of consumers and the awareness of its impact on food security and safety. In addition, respecting a high standard of animal welfare helps in the prevention of transmissible infectious diseases and the control of antimicrobial resistance. As a response to these needs, in 2018, the Italian Ministry of Health introduced the ClassyFarm system, which categorizes the level of risk arising from farm animal welfare and provides a specific checklist. This paper investigates the relationship between animal welfare and productive parameters on beef cattle farms. Animal welfare was assessed using the ClassyFarm system checklist for beef cattle. Our results demonstrated the influence of animal welfare on productive performance, suggesting that respecting high animal welfare levels helps to reach the full growth potential of beef cattle. Abstract In 2018, the Italian Ministry of Health introduced the ClassyFarm system in order to categorize the level of risk related to animal welfare. The ClassyFarm checklist for beef cattle is divided into four areas: Areas A “Farm management and personnel”; B “Structures and equipment”; C “Animal-based measures”; and “Emergency plan and alert system”. Answers contribute to the final Animal Welfare Score (AWS) and to the score of each area. The aim of this work was to assess the animal welfare level on 10 Tuscan beef cattle farms through the ClassyFarm checklist and to examine the relationship between the level of animal welfare on final weight (FW), carcass weight (CW), weight gain (WG), and average daily gain (ADG). The AWS was divided into four classes, and the scores for each area were divided into three classes. The analysis of variance was applied, and AWS class, sex, and breeding techniques (open and closed cycle) were included in the model. The AWS class and sex had a highly significant influence on all parameters, while the breeding technique did not significantly influence any parameter. Farms classified as excellent presented a higher FW (677.9 kg) than those classified as good and insufficient, and the same trend was found for the ADG. The classes obtained in Areas A and C had a highly significant influence on all the parameters investigated. The classes obtained in Area B significantly influenced FW and WG. In conclusion, the productive response of the animals seemed to benefit from the welfare conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Mariottini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Castelpulci 43, 50018 Florence, Italy; (F.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Lorella Giuliotti
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.); (M.N.B.); (F.S.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Marta Gracci
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.); (M.N.B.); (F.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Novella Benvenuti
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.); (M.N.B.); (F.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Federica Salari
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.); (M.N.B.); (F.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Luca Arzilli
- Associazione Regionale Allevatori della Toscana, Piazza Eugenio Artom 12, 50127 Florence, Italy;
| | - Mina Martini
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.); (M.N.B.); (F.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Cristina Roncoroni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Brajon
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Castelpulci 43, 50018 Florence, Italy; (F.M.); (G.B.)
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Zhang H, Xue X, Song M, Zhang X, Wang H, Wang F, Zhang L, Gao T. Comparison of feeding value, ruminal fermentation and bacterial community of a diet comprised of various corn silages or combination with wheat straw in finishing beef cattle. Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2022.104876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Zhang H, Zhang L, Xue X, Zhang X, Wang H, Gao T, Phillips C. Effect of feeding a diet comprised of various corn silages inclusion with peanut vine or wheat straw on performance, digestion, serum parameters and meat nutrients in finishing beef cattle. Anim Biosci 2021; 35:29-38. [PMID: 34237922 PMCID: PMC8738933 DOI: 10.5713/ab.21.0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to compare the feeding value, meat nutrients and associative effects of a diet comprised of various corn silages inclusion with peanut vine or wheat straw in finishing beef cattle. Methods One hundred and eighty Simmental crossbred beef steers were blocked and assigned to the follow treatments: i) whole plant corn silage-based diet (control, WPCS), ii) mixed forages-based diet (replacing a portion of corn silage with wheat straw, WPCSW), iii) corn stalklage-based diet (CS), and iv) sweet corn stalklage-based diet (SCS). Each group consisted of 5 repeated pens with 9 steers/pen. The diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isoenergetic with same forage to concentrate ratio. Experimental diets were fed for 90 d. Results The effective ruminal degradability of dry matter and crude protein were highest for WPCS diet (p<0.05), for neutral detergent fiber was highest in SCS diet (p<0.05). The average daily gain was greater for cattle offered the WPCS diet, intermediate with WPCSW and SCS and lowest with CS (p<0.001). The concentration of non-esterified fatty acid in serum was higher for steers fed with CS and SCS diets than those offered WPCS and WPCSW steers (p<0.001). The treatments did not affect the general nutritional contents and amino acids composition of Longissimus dorsi of steers (p>0.05). Conclusion The corn silage-based diet exhibited the highest feeding value. The sweet corn stalklage and wheat straw as an alternative to corn silage offered to beef cattle had limited influence on feeding value and meat nutrients. However, the value of a corn stalklage-based diet was relatively poor. To sum up, when the high quality forage resources, such as corn silage, are in short supply, or the growth rate of beef cattle decreases in the later finishing period, the sweet stalklage and wheat straw could be used as a cheaper alternative in feedlot cattle diet without sharp reducing economic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongrui Zhang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nutrition Regulation and Ecological Raising of Domestic Animal, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Liyang Zhang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nutrition Regulation and Ecological Raising of Domestic Animal, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Xiao Xue
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nutrition Regulation and Ecological Raising of Domestic Animal, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhang
- Henan Forage Feeding Technology Extension Station, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Hongyi Wang
- Nanyang Animal Husbandry Technology Extension Station, Nanyang 473068, China
| | - Tengyun Gao
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nutrition Regulation and Ecological Raising of Domestic Animal, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Clive Phillips
- Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia
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Khaki S, Pham H, Han Y, Kuhl A, Kent W, Wang L. DeepCorn: A semi-supervised deep learning method for high-throughput image-based corn kernel counting and yield estimation. Knowl Based Syst 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.knosys.2021.106874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Romero T, Palomares JL, Moya VJ, Loor JJ, Fernández C. Alterations in Energy Partitioning and Methane Emissions in Murciano-Granadina Goats Fed Orange Leaves and Rice Straw as a Replacement for Beet Pulp and Barley Straw. Animals (Basel) 2020; 11:ani11010038. [PMID: 33375425 PMCID: PMC7824651 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering the huge quantities of crops by-products and pruning waste such as rice straw and citrus leaves produced annually worldwide, and their potential pollution capacity, recycling as feed for livestock is an alternative. The objective was to study these by-products effect on energy balance and methane emissions in 10 Murciano-Granadina goats at maintenance. The control diet (CTR) included barley straw and beet pulp while the experimental diet (ORG) consisted of rice straw and orange leaves. Differences were found for energy intake (248 kJ/kg of BW0.75 greater for CTR than ORG). The intake of metabolizable energy was 199 kJ/kg of BW0.75 lower in ORG than CTR, and the energy efficiency was higher with CTR (0.61) than ORG (0.48). Protein retained in the body was 9 g/goat greater with CTR than ORG, and fat retention in the body was approximately 108 g/goat greater with CTR than ORG. Despite more unfavorable energy balance in response to feeding ORG than CTR, the retention of body energy was always positive. Reductions in CH4 emissions were detected when goats were fed ORG diet (from 22.3 to 20.0 g/d). Overall results suggested that feeding orange leaves and rice straw was effective in reducing CH4 emissions without adversely affecting energy balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Romero
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (T.R.); (J.L.P.); (V.J.M.)
| | - José L. Palomares
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (T.R.); (J.L.P.); (V.J.M.)
| | - Vicente J. Moya
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (T.R.); (J.L.P.); (V.J.M.)
| | - Juan J. Loor
- Department of Animal Sciences, Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
| | - Carlos Fernández
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (T.R.); (J.L.P.); (V.J.M.)
- Correspondence:
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Ahmad AR, Mohd Nasir AS. THE PRACTICES AND FACTORS AFFECTING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INTEGRATED CATTLE AND OIL PALM FARMING SYSTEM IN MALAYSIA. HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES REVIEWS 2020; 8:693-700. [DOI: 10.18510/hssr.2020.8468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of the study: The Malaysian government had encouraged the adoption of integrated cattle and oil palm farming systems (ICOFS) since the year 1998. This is due to large areas of land suitable for ICOFS in Malaysia that can be well utilized. The efforts made in increasing the demand for meat nationwide and growing dependency on imported meat are among the reasons that ICOFS has become significant to be implemented today. Apart from that, Malaysia needs to increase the self-sufficiency level of national meat production to 32.7% by 2020 as stated in the National Agri-Food Policy 2011-2020. Despite this, only a small number of farmers have adopted ICOFS in Malaysia and less is known so far about the farmer's attitudes towards the ICOFS in Malaysia.
Methodology: Therefore, this study aimed to explore the current practice as well as factors affecting and constraints to the adoption of ICOFS in Malaysia. Interviews of four selected experts in ICOFS were held to examine the current practice of ICOFS in Malaysia.
Main Findings: Results from the interviews and literature review have been cross-compared to develop questionnaire instruments. Then, the survey questionnaire was carried out to 153 adopters and non-adopters of ICOFS in Johor, Malaysia to identify the key factors that influence the adoption of ICOFS.
Applications of this study: The study found that information and know-how and availability of skilled labor are the significant factors that encourage farmers to adopt ICOFS. On the other hand, government support and policy constraint and production and on-farm constraint are the significant constraints hindering the adoption of ICOFS.
Novelty/Originality of this study: Based on the findings of this study, one of the measures to increase the rate of adoption of ICOFS is by helping the farmers to hire extra labor and to have skills needed. Furthermore, the rate of ICOFS could also be increased by helping the farmers to have better control over weed, pests, and diseases on the farm as well as not interrupting their oil palm production. In addition, it is suggested to provide them with more opportunities for incentives, training, and technical support from the field officers. It is suggested for future research to explore the effect of factors affecting adoption and constraints to adoption on other attitudinal and psychological outcomes such as satisfaction, success, involvement, and degree of use.
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Makau DN, VanLeeuwen JA, Gitau GK, McKenna SL, Walton C, Muraya J, Wichtel JJ. Effects of Calliandra and Sesbania supplementation on weight gain in dairy calves on smallholder farms in Kenya. Prev Vet Med 2019; 172:104787. [PMID: 31689581 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.104787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The growth rate of female calves on dairy farms is one of the crucial factors which influence age at first calving, affecting lifetime lactation productivity of a dairy cow. Diets with adequate crude protein are necessary to support calf growth. The study objective was to determine the effects of nutritional advice and diet supplementation with Calliandra calothyrsus and Sesbania sesban on average daily weight gain in dairy calves on semi-commercial smallholder dairy farms in Kenya. This trial involved 155 calves from 73 smallholder dairy farms, in Kenya, randomly selected and allocated to either intervention or control groups. The intervention group received nutritional advice and seedlings of Calliandra calothyrsus and Sesbania sesban, while the control group did not receive these interventions. Every 1-2 months for 16 months, data on farm nutritional practices and management were collected in a questionnaire, and physical examinations were done to monitor weight and health status. Descriptive and univariable statistical analyses were conducted, and multivariable mixed linear regression models were used for identification of factors associated (P < 0.05) with the natural log transformation of weight gain of calves on a given farm, controlling for clustering of visits within calves. Feeding at least 0.2 kg/day (wet weight) of Calliandra or Sesbania to calves <6 months old resulted in 33.2% increase in daily weight gain, while controlling for confounding by breed and sex of the calf. For calves ≥6 months, there was a significant interaction between amount of hay fed and if calves were also fed on Calliandra or Sesbania. When no Calliandra or Sesbania supplementation was provided, the mean weight gain was low and relatively constant even with increasing amounts of hay. When Calliandra or Sesbania supplement was added to the diet, the mean weight gain increased from 0.17 kg to 0.48 kg when hay was fed at 1 and 5 kg, respectively, while controlling for confounding by amount of maize silage fed and the prevailing season. In conclusion, supplementation of calf diets with at least 0.2 kg/calf/day of Calliandra or Sesbania is beneficial for faster weight gains.
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Affiliation(s)
- D N Makau
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada.
| | - J A VanLeeuwen
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - G K Gitau
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | - S L McKenna
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - C Walton
- Department of Applied Human Sciences, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - J Muraya
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - J J Wichtel
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, University of Guelph, Canada
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Nazli MH, Halim RA, Abdullah AM, Hussin G, Samsudin AA. Potential of four corn varieties at different harvest stages for silage production in Malaysia. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2018; 32:224-232. [PMID: 29879832 PMCID: PMC6325392 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.18.0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Objective Apart from various climatic differences, corn harvest stage and varieties are two major factors that can influence the yield and quality of corn silage in the tropics. A study was conducted to determine the optimum harvest stage of four corn varieties for silage production in Malaysia. Methods Corn was harvested at four growth stages; silking, milk, dough, and dent stages from four varieties; Sweet Corn hybrid 926, Suwan, breeding test line (BTL) 1 and BTL 2. Using a split plot design, the treatments were then analysed based on the plant growth performance, yield, nutritive and feeding values followed by a financial feasibility study for potential commercialization. Results Significant differences and interactions were detected across the parameters suggesting varying responses among the varieties towards the harvest stages. Sweet Corn was best harvested early in the dough stage due to high dry matter (DM) yield, digestible nutrient, and energy content with low fibre portion. Suwan was recommended to be harvested at the dent stage when it gave the highest DM yield with optimum digestible nutrient and energy content with low acid detergent fibre. BTL 1 and BTL 2 varieties can either be harvested at dough or dent stages as the crude protein, crude fibre, DM yield, DM content, digestible nutrient and energy were not significantly different at either stage. Further financial analysis showed that only Sweet Corn production was not financially feasible while Suwan had the best financial appraisal values among the grain varieties. Conclusion In conclusion, only the grain varieties tested had the potential for silage making according to their optimum harvest stage but Suwan is highly recommended for commercialization as it was the most profitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhamad Hazim Nazli
- Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia
| | - Ridzwan Abdul Halim
- Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia
| | - Amin Mahir Abdullah
- Department of Agribusiness and Bioresource Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia
| | - Ghazali Hussin
- Livestock Science Research Centre, Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia
| | - Anjas Asmara Samsudin
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia
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