Digital Commons Network^™

Does Intensification Of Grassland And Forage Use Lead To Efficient, Profitable And Sustainable Ecosystems?, Oene Oenema, Cecile De Klein, Marta Alfaro

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The increasing demand for safe and nutritional dairy and beef products in our globalizing world, together with the needs to increase resource use efficiency and to protect biodiversity, provide strong incentives for intensification of grassland and forage use. This paper addresses the question in the title. Firstly, we present some notions about ‘intensification of agricultural production’. Secondly, we discuss the intensification of grassland-based dairy production in The Netherlands (NL), Chile and New Zealand (NZ). Finally, we arrive at some conclusions. External driving forces and ‘the law of the optimum’ provide strong incentives for intensification, i.e., for increasing the output per …

New Frontiers And Perspectives In Grassland Technology, Jürgen Schellberg, E. Verbruggen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grassland scientists and farmers are increasingly faced with emerging new technologies and in-formation systems that have been primarily developed by engineering sciences in particular: precision agriculture, remote sensing, geographic localization and biotechnology. Whether the implementation of any of these technologies may be beneficial in economic and ecological respect is a challenging judgment call, especially for those who have to carry over that decision on their farm. Compared to arable land, new technologies have been applied on grassland only partially and with some delay. However, as we will demonstrate, there is place for a successful implementation of new technologies in various …

Diversity, Trends, Opportunities And Challenges In Australian Grasslands–Meeting The Sustainability And Productivity Imperatives Of The Future?, Lindsay W. Bell, Richard C. Hayes, Keith G. Pembleton, Cathy M. Waters

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grassland production systems contribute 40% to Australia’s gross agricultural production value and utilise over 50% of its land area. Across this area a broad diversity of systems exist, but these can be broadly classified into four main production systems: 1. Pastoral grazing of mainly cattle at low intensity (i.e. < 0.4 DSE/ha) on relatively unimproved native rangelands in the arid and semi-arid regions of northern and central Australia; 2. Crop-livestock systems in the semi-arid zone where livestock graze a mixture of pastures and crops which are often integrated; 3. High rainfall permanent pasture zone in the coastal hinterland and highlands and; 4. Dairy systems covering a broad range of environments and production intensities. A notable trend across these systems has been the replacement of wool sheep with beef cattle or meat sheep breeds, which has been driven by low wool prices. Although there is evidence that most of these systems have lifted production efficiencies over the past 30 years, total factor productivity growth has failed to match the decline in terms of trade. This has renewed attention on how research and development can help increase productivity. In addition, these industries are facing increasing scrutiny to improve their environmental performance and develop sustainable production practices. We propose several areas in which grasslands research and development might help provide gains in system productivity and sustainability. In particular, pasture productivity might be improved by filling gaps in the array of pastures available either through exploring new species or improving the adaptation and agronomic characteristics of species currently sown. Meanwhile there is a need to maintain efforts to overcome persistent and emerging constraints to pasture productivity. Improving livestock forage feed systems and more precise and lower cost management of grasslands would translate into improved utilisation and conversion of forage produced into livestock products. There is significant scope to capture value from the ecological services grasslands provide and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from livestock production. Multi-purpose grasslands provide not only grazing for livestock but produce other food products such as grain which may also have potential to integrate livestock with cropping. However, reduced human research capacity in pasture science will challenge our ability to realise these potential opportunities unless efforts are made to attract and support a new generation of pasture scientists.

Managing Grassland Systems In A Changing Climate: The Search For Practical Solutions, Jean-François Soussana, Luis Gustavo Barioni, Tamara Ben Ari, Rich Conant, Pierre Gerber, Petr Havlik, Alexandre Ickowicz, Mark Howden

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

By the end of the XXI^st century, a global temperature rise between 1.5 and 4°C compared to 1980-1999 and CO₂ concentrations in the range 550-900 ppm are expected, together with an increased frequency of extreme climatic events (heat waves, droughts, and heavy rain) that is likely to negatively affect grassland production and livestock systems in a number of world regions. Grassland management has a large potential to mitigate livestock greenhouse gas emissions at a low (or even negative) cost, by combining a moderate intensification, the restoration of degraded pastures and the development of silvo-pastoral systems. Climate change vulnerability …

Feeding The World In 2050: Trade-Offs, Synergies And Tough Choices For The Livestock Sector, Jimmy Smith, Shirley Tarawali, Delia Grace, Keith Sones

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Feeding the World in 2050 is a major challenge at the forefront of the global development agenda. The importance of agriculture in addressing this challenge has re-emerged in recent years as food security issues are considered in a more holistic manner. The role of livestock as part of the solution is, however, often not considered. This article presents a brief overview of the global food security challenge, and considers the increased focus on holistic food systems. It contends that animal agriculture is relevant to this complex, multifaceted and dynamic global challenge. However, if livestock-based solutions are to become a reality …

Front Matter [22nd International Grassland Congress Proceedings], Organizing Committee, International Grassland Congress

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

No abstract provided.

Tort & Sweet: An Occasional Law Library Newsletter, November 15, 2019, University Of Kentucky Law Library

Tort & Sweet: An Occasional Law Library Newsletter

https://sway.office.com/CsML7GtHGtBf7oJx

Interleukin 1 Alpha Administration Is Neuroprotective And Neuro-Restorative Following Experimental Ischemic Stroke, Kathleen E. Salmeron, Michael E. Maniskas, Danielle N. Edwards, Raymond Wong, Ivana Rajkovic, Amanda L. Trout, Abir A. Rahman, Samantha Hamilton, Justin F. Fraser, Emmanuel Pinteaux, Gregory J. Bix

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability worldwide despite recent treatment breakthroughs. A primary event in stroke pathogenesis is the development of a potent and deleterious local and peripheral inflammatory response regulated by the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1). While the role of IL-1β (main released isoform) has been well studied in stroke, the role of the IL-1α isoform remains largely unknown. With increasing utilization of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) or thrombectomy to pharmacologically or mechanically remove ischemic stroke causing blood clots, respectively, there is interest in pairing successful cerebrovascular recanalization with neurotherapeutic pharmacological interventions (Fraser et …

Method Of Predicting Obesity Comprising Measuring Neurotensin, B. Mark Evers, Jing Li, Paul Dobner, Olle Melander

Surgery Faculty Patents

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a method for predicting increased risk of obesity on a non-obese subject. More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to a method of predicting increased risk of obesity in a non-obese subject by determining a level of neurotensin expression in a biological sample from the subject and comparing the level of neurotensin expression in the sample with a control level. The presently disclosed subject matter further relates to a method of preventing and/or treating obesity in a subject in need thereof by administering to the subject an effective amount of an agent …

Tort & Sweet: An Occasional Law Library Newsletter, November 1, 2019, University Of Kentucky Law Library

Tort & Sweet: An Occasional Law Library Newsletter

https://sway.office.com/VovdDJ4cD2m0yAhH

Forage News [2019-11], Department Of Plant And Soil Sciences, University Of Kentucky

Forage News

• Climate Change: Are Livestock a Problem
• Kentucky Alfalfa Conference
• Get the Most from Grazing Cornstalks
• The More You Know, the Smarter You Grow
• Wendell Berry Center hosts First Grazing School
• USDA Hay Markets - October 22, 2019
• Publication of the Month: Using Dry Lots to Conserve Pastures
• Kids these Days...

Numerical, Secondary Big Data Quality Issues, Quality Threshold Establishment, & Guidelines For Journal Policy Development, Anita Lee-Post, Ram Pakath

Marketing & Supply Chain Faculty Publications

An IS researcher may obtain Big Data from primary or secondary data sources. Sometimes, acquiring primary Big Data is infeasible due to availability, accessibility, cost, time, and/or complexity considerations. In this paper, we focus on Big Data-based IS research and discuss ways in which one may, post hoc, establish quality thresholds for numerical Big Data obtained from secondary sources. We also present guidelines for developing journal policies aimed at ensuring the veracity and verifiability of such data when used for research purposes.

Simulated Biological Fluid Exposure Changes Nanoceria’S Surface Properties But Not Its Biological Response, Robert A. Yokel, Matthew L. Hancock, Benjamin Cherian, Alexandra J. Brooks, Marsha L. Ensor, Hemendra J. Vekaria, Patrick G. Sullivan, Eric A. Grulke

Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Publications

Nanoscale cerium dioxide (nanoceria) has industrial applications, capitalizing on its catalytic, abrasive, and energy storage properties. It auto-catalytically cycles between Ce³⁺ and Ce⁴⁺, giving it pro-and anti-oxidative properties. The latter mediates beneficial effects in models of diseases that have oxidative stress/inflammation components. Engineered nanoparticles become coated after body fluid exposure, creating a corona, which can greatly influence their fate and effects. Very little has been reported about nanoceria surface changes and biological effects after pulmonary or gastrointestinal fluid exposure. The study objective was to address the hypothesis that simulated biological fluid (SBF) exposure changes nanoceria’s surface properties …

Practical Planning For Successful Winter Grazing, Jim Gerrish

Kentucky Grazing Conference

Most farmers and ranchers consider feeding hay to their stock to be a fairly simple task. You go to the bale yard, pick up some hay, drive out to the stock, and feed them some hay. Simple, but very expensive. Like almost everything else in life, convenience comes at a price. It is up to you to determine what the true cost of each alternative strategy might be and then decide if you’re willing and able to pay the price for the option you choose.

Winter grazing can be as simple and as convenient as feeding hay, but much less …

Applying Kentucky Dairy Forage Research For Beef Producers, S. Ray Smith

Kentucky Grazing Conference

In 2015 the University of Kentucky and the University of Tennessee was awarded a USDA-NIFA grant that we refer to as the Southeast Organic Dairy Project. The goal of this project was to develop science-based recommendations to efficiently manage forages, herd health, and overall farm productivity on organic dairies in the Southeastern US. There are only about 40 organic dairies in Kentucky, but the over 35,000 beef cattle operations in the state will also benefit from this research. We are learning the best forage combinations for Kentucky and Tennessee soils and growing conditions. We are learning how to maximize forage …

How Good Is Our Kentucky Haylage? A Summary Of 2017-18 Farm Results, Jimmy C. Henning

Kentucky Grazing Conference

The ability to harvest moist forage as hay gives Kentucky producers many advantages, including timely harvest, higher forage quality, and less weathering loss over hay systems. The baleage system allows producers to utilize commonly available forage equipment (mowers, rakes, balers) rather than requiring choppers and silo structures or bags. Making high quality baleage requires timely access to bale wrappers.

Grazing On My Farm, Will Bowling, Debby Dulworth

Kentucky Grazing Conference

The downloadable document provides the presenters' bios only. No presentation content is available.

Summer Stockpiling, Christopher D. Teutsch

Kentucky Grazing Conference

The downloadable document includes these components:

• Stockpiling Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue for Summer Grazing
• The Yield and Nutritive Value of Tall Fescue Stockpiled for Summer Grazing
• Using a Summer Stockpiling System to Extend the Grazing Season

Hay Storage And Feeding: Avoiding Train Wrecks, Jeff Lehmkuhler

Kentucky Grazing Conference

When looking back at the Standardized Performance Analysis data collected from cow-calf operations, the data clearly illustrates that beyond the actual investment in the livestock, feed costs are the major expense in the cattle enterprise. In a report of 135 beef cow-calf operations with an average number of 80 cows/operation in the FINBIN data set, the cost of production was reported to be an average of $169.54/cwt or $847.70 for a 500 lb calf (Nordquist and Van Nurden, 2019). This includes all costs including land, labor, feed and so forth. The profit margin is narrow when all expenses are included …

Grazing Management 2020, Mark Harris

Kentucky Grazing Conference

Bill Gallagher Senior had the idea to use an electric shock to deter his horse Joe from rubbing on the families Essex car. After jury rigging a magneto to produce a shock, the experiment was successful enough for him to build a battery powered ticking fence unit for use on his pastoral dairy farm. Word got around and as a result Gallagher the animal management company was founded in 1938 in Hamilton New Zealand.

Selecting Cattle For Optimal Production In Pasture Settings, Gordon F. Jones

Kentucky Grazing Conference

Cattle are ruminants and capable of utilizing various forages to support body maintenance and production. However, the major question that needs to be answered “is it possible to select animals that allow for optimal production per acre of land without supplying purchased feedstuffs to supplement the pasture that is provided?” As I have pondered over this issue for many years, it has become quite clear that “environmental and forage adaptability trumps every other criterion that may be used in selection”. This does NOT mean that quantitative genetic values are not available to aid in the selection process, but it is …

Why You Should Be Out Of The Hay Business, Jim Gerrish

Kentucky Grazing Conference

Winter feeding costs are typically the single greatest line-item cost in most cow-calf budgets. The irony of this is it doesn’t seem to matter whether you live in Minnesota, Missouri, or Mississippi, winter feed costs are still the highest cost. If you want to improve profitability in any resource-based production business, your first best strategy is to tackle your biggest cost items. The best way to manage a cost is to eliminate it. Shaving a little here and there does not make a big impact. Think elimination, not reduction.

Contributing Factors To Diabetic Brain Injury And Cognitive Decline, Nirmal Verma, Florin Despa

Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

The link of diabetes with co-occurring disorders in the brain involves complex and multifactorial pathways. Genetically engineered rodents that express familial Alzheimer's disease-associated mutant forms of amyloid precursor protein and presenilin 1 (PSEN1) genes provided invaluable insights into the mechanisms and consequences of amyloid deposition in the brain. Adding diabetes factors (obesity, insulin impairment) to these animal models to predict success in translation to clinic have proven useful at some extent only. Here, we focus on contributing factors to diabetic brain injury with the aim of identifying appropriate animal models that can be used to mechanistically dissect the …

A Genome-Wide Assessment Of The Ancestral Neural Crest Gene Regulatory Network, Dorit Hockman, Vanessa Chong-Morrison, Stephen A. Green, Daria Gavriouchkina, Ivan Candido-Ferreira, Irving T. C. Ling, Ruth M. Williams, Chris T. Amemiya, Jeramiah J. Smith, Marianne E. Bronner, Tatjana Sauka-Spengler

Biology Faculty Publications

The neural crest (NC) is an embryonic cell population that contributes to key vertebrate-specific features including the craniofacial skeleton and peripheral nervous system. Here we examine the transcriptional and epigenomic profiles of NC cells in the sea lamprey, in order to gain insight into the ancestral state of the NC gene regulatory network (GRN). Transcriptome analyses identify clusters of co-regulated genes during NC specification and migration that show high conservation across vertebrates but also identify transcription factors (TFs) and cell-adhesion molecules not previously implicated in NC migration. ATAC-seq analysis uncovers an ensemble of cis-regulatory elements, including enhancers of Tfap2B, …

Visualization And Quantification Of Post-Stroke Neural Connectivity And Neuroinflammation Using Serial Two-Photon Tomography In The Whole Mouse Brain, Katherine Poinsatte, Dene Betz, Vanessa O. Torres, Apoorva D. Ajay, Shazia Mirza, Uma M. Selvaraj, Erik J. Plautz, Xiangmei Kong, Sankalp Gokhale, Julian P. Meeks, Denise M. O. Ramirez, Mark P. Goldberg, Ann M. Stowe

Neurology Faculty Publications

Whole-brain volumetric microscopy techniques such as serial two-photon tomography (STPT) can provide detailed information on the roles of neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity throughout the whole brain post-stroke. STPT automatically generates high-resolution images of coronal sections of the entire mouse brain that can be readily visualized in three dimensions. We developed a pipeline for whole brain image analysis that includes supervised machine learning (pixel-wise random forest models via the “ilastik” software package) followed by registration to a standardized 3-D atlas of the adult mouse brain (Common Coordinate Framework v3.0; Allen Institute for Brain Science). These procedures allow the detection of cellular fluorescent …

Forage News [2019-10], Department Of Plant And Soil Sciences, University Of Kentucky

Forage News

• Register now for the Heart of America Grazing Conference
• Western KY Grazing Conference
• Pasture Walk with Jim Gerrish
• Harvest Drought Stressed Soybeans for Hay

Usgs 104(B) Grant Program: Kentucky’S Fy 2018 Projects, Emily Koyagi, Steve Evans, Lindell Ormsbee

KWRRI Annual Technical Reports (USGS’s 104b Grant Program)

The Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute (KWRRI) is one of 54 federally authorized water resource institutes or centers throughout the United States and its territories. It operates under the authority of the Water Resources Research Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-379 codified at 42 U.S.C. 10301 et seq.) through the Water Resources Research Institutes Program administered by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). KWRRI’s annual base grant program under section 104(b) supports the following objectives specified in the Water Resources Research Act:

1. Plan, conduct, or otherwise arrange for competent applied and peer reviewed research that fosters: a. improvements in water …

Multiple Sclerosis Outcomes After Cancer Immunotherapy, Catherine R. Garcia, Rani Jayswal, Val R. Adams, Lowell B. Anthony, John L. Villano

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: Neurological immune-related adverse events are a rare but potentially deadly complication after immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment. As multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease, it is unknown how ICI treatment may affect outcomes.

METHODS: We analyzed the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database for pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, nivolumab, ipilimumab, avelumab, and durvalumab 2 years prior their FDA approval until December 31, 2017, to include all cases with confirmed diagnosis/relapse of MS. We also included cases reported in the literature and a patient from our institution.

RESULTS: We identified 14 cases of MS …

Connective Tissue Fibroblasts From Highly Regenerative Mammals Are Refractory To Ros-Induced Cellular Senescence, Sandeep Saxena, Hemendra J. Vekaria, Patrick G. Sullivan, Ashley W. Seifert

Biology Faculty Publications

A surveillance system in mammals constantly monitors cell activity to protect against aberrant proliferation in response to damage, injury and oncogenic stress. Here we isolate and culture connective tissue fibroblasts from highly regenerative mammals (Acomys and Oryctolagus) to determine how these cells interpret signals that normally induce cellular senescence in non-regenerating mammals (Mus and Rattus). While H₂O₂ exposure substantially decreases cell proliferation and increases p53, p21, p16, and p19 in cells from mice and rats, cells from spiny mice and rabbits are highly resistant to H₂O₂. Quantifying oxygen consumption …

Fgf-Signaling Is Compartmentalized Within The Mesenchyme And Controls Proliferation During Salamander Limb Development, Sruthi Purushothaman, Ahmed Elewa, Ashley W. Seifert

Biology Faculty Publications

Although decades of studies have produced a generalized model for tetrapod limb development, urodeles deviate from anurans and amniotes in at least two key respects: their limbs exhibit preaxial skeletal differentiation and do not develop an apical ectodermal ridge (AER). Here, we investigated how Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and Fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) signaling regulate limb development in the axolotl. We found that Shh-expressing cells contributed to the most posterior digit, and that inhibiting Shh-signaling inhibited Fgf8 expression, anteroposterior patterning, and distal cell proliferation. In addition to lack of a morphological AER, we found that salamander …