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Interventions For Mitigating Drought-Related Livestock Mortality In Africa’S Pastoral Areas: A Review Of Their Relevance And Effectiveness With Special Reference To Kenya, Hallo Dabasso Bulle

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

One of the key challenges facing pastoral livestock production in Africa’s drylands is the recurring drought which triggers shortage of grazing resources and massive losses of livestock. Though the pastoralists have traditional drought coping mechanisms, the changing land use, insecure land-tenure arrangements, and the declining natural resource base, have undermined the effectiveness of the mechanisms and worsen the drought impacts. Several interventions have hence been implemented over the years to mitigate the increasing drought impacts and to create more resilient pastoralist societies. Focusing on Kenyan pastoral areas, this study reviewed the relevance and effectiveness of various interventions in reducing the …

Risk Of Climate-Related Impacts On Global Rangelands – A Review And Modelling Study, C. M. Godde, R. B. Boone, A. Ash, K. Waha, L. Sloat, P. Thornton, D. Mason-D’Croz, D. Mayberry, M. Herrero

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Climate change threatens the ability of global rangelands to provide food, support livelihoods and deliver important ecosystems services. The extent and magnitude of potential impacts are however poorly understood. In this study, we review the risk of climate impacts along the rangeland systems food supply chain. We also present results from biophysical modelling simulations and spatial data analyses to identify where and to what extent rangelands may be at climatic risk. Although a quantification of the net impacts of climate change on rangeland production systems is beyond the reach of our current understanding, there is strong evidence that there will …

Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Emissions Attributable To Smallholder Livestock Systems In Western Kenya: Cradle To Farm Gate Life Cycle Assessment, P. W. Ndung’U, T. Takahashi, C. J. L. Du Toit, M. Robertson-Dean, K. Butterbach-Bahl, G. Mcauliffe, L. Merbold, J. P. Goopy

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Ruminants are central to the economic and nutritional life of much of sub-Saharan Africa, but cattle are now blamed for having disproportionately large negative environmental impact through (amongst other things) emissions of greenhouse gases. However, the exact mechanism behind these emissions is not well-understood and indeed accurate estimates themselves are lacking due to a paucity of reliable data. Employing individual animal records obtained at regular farm visits, this study quantified emissions intensities (EIs) of smallholder farms in three counties of Western Kenya through life cycle assessment (LCA). Crude protein (CP) was chosen as the functional unit to capture outputs of …

Pairwise Correlation Analysis Of The Alzheimer’S Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (Adni) Dataset Reveals Significant Feature Correlation, Erik D. Huckvale, Matthew W. Hodgman, Brianna B. Greenwood, Devorah O. Stucki, Katrisa M. Ward, Mark T. W. Ebbert, John S. K. Kauwe, The Alzheimer’S Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, The Alzheimer’S Disease Metabolomics Consortium, Justin B. Miller

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

The Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) contains extensive patient measurements (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], biometrics, RNA expression, etc.) from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cases and controls that have recently been used by machine learning algorithms to evaluate AD onset and progression. While using a variety of biomarkers is essential to AD research, highly correlated input features can significantly decrease machine learning model generalizability and performance. Additionally, redundant features unnecessarily increase computational time and resources necessary to train predictive models. Therefore, we used 49,288 biomarkers and 793,600 extracted MRI features to assess feature correlation within the ADNI dataset to determine the …

Why We Need A Ruminant Revolution: Combating Malnutrition And Metabolic Illnesses To Enable Sustainable Development, Peter J. Ballerstedt, David B. Hannaway, T. D. Noakes

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Animal source foods (ASF) are essential for proper human development and function. Livestock in general, and ruminants in particular, are essential components of our sustainable global food systems. Of significant worldwide impact, diets with higher-than-recommended levels of ASF can correct the symptoms of metabolic illnesses, offering hope in arresting the current worldwide epidemic of diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Most dietary policy and recommendations are based on the ill-founded belief that plant-based, high-carbohydrate diets are “healthy.” High-quality scientific evidence does not support the belief that vegetarian diets are healthier than omnivorous or animal-based diets. A Therapeutic Carbohydrate Reduction (TCR) lifestyle …

Food Security In Crop, Livestock And Mixed Farming Systems In Mali, C. Reiber, A. Carbajal, S. Traoré, R. Birner, M. Chagunda

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This study evaluates the food security status, its determinants and the coping strategies in crop, livestock and mixed crop-livestock systems in southern Mali. Interviews were conducted with 258 households that were categorized into the three farming systems based on the revenue from livestock and crop production. A linear mixed model was used to analyse the effects of household characteristics on food security using the food consumption score (FCS), household dietary diversity score (HDDS), a modified household food insecurity access scale (mHFIAS) and coping strategies as indicators. Food consumption score was significantly influenced by the farming system with highest FCS for …

Ewe Daily-Weight Gain Grazing Leucaena Leucocephala-Megathyrsus Maximus Cv Mombasa Silvopastoral System And Tropical Native Unimproved Range, L. K. Trejo-Arista, Enrique Cortés-Díaz, P. A. Martínez-Hernández, J. A. Cadena-Meneses

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Silvopastoral systems are a viable option to increase livestock productivity, The silvopastoral arrangement of Leucaena leucocephala associated with Megathyrsus maximus CV Mombasa (LMS) is successfully cultivated in tropical environments.. The objective of the study was to determine ewe daily-weight gain grazing LMS and a tropical unimproved native range. Two LMS were tested: high and low leucaena densities, 4700 and 2383 plants/ha, respectively. Grazing was rotational, lasted 150 d (rainy season) at equivalent stocking rate of 59 ewes/ha/150 d. Experimental design was a completely random design with three replications, the experimental unit was a 192 m² plot. Variables measured on …

Assessing The Potential Of Diverse Forage Mixtures To Reduce Enteric Ch4 Emissions, C. Loza, S. Verma, S. Wolffram, A. Susenbeth, R. Blank, Friedhelm Taube, Ralf Loges, M. Hasler, C. S. Malisch

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Enteric methane (CH₄) is a main source of agriculture-related greenhouse gasses. Conversely, pasture is increasingly demanded by customers due to both perceived and real benefits regarding animal welfare, environmental aspects and product quality. However, if implemented poorly, CH₄ emissions can increase, thus contributing to climate change. One promising option to reduce enteric CH₄ emissions are plant specialized metabolites (PSM), and particularly tannins. Consequently, we conducted two complementary experiments to determine to what extent enteric CH₄ emissions can be reduced, and how this affects milk yields: a) an in vivo experiment with grazing Jersey cows, where …

What Are The Main Limits To Smallholder Livestock Production In The Tropics – According To Farmers?, A. J. Duncan

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Livestock production is central to the livelihoods of a billion poor people. Transforming livestock production would have transformative effects on local economies in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Development efforts in the livestock sector have tended to be top-down without enough feedback loops to understand farmer realities and aspirations. This, despite the Farmer First movement that began in the 1990s. The Feed Assessment Tool (FEAST) was developed as a reaction to top down livestock feed development approaches. FEAST facilitates a structured conversation with farming communities about their livestock production system and how it connects with the overall farming system. FEAST …

Analysis Of Actors And Activities At Dagoretti Livestock Market In Nairobi City, Kenya, Walter Magero Wafula, Oliver Vivian Wasonga

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Pastoralism is the main economic activity in the massive drylands of Kenya, consisting over 70% of the countries’ livestock population. It employs 90% of communities living the arid and semi-arid parts of the country. Although few small-scale livestock markets exist in rural pastoral areas, most of the animals end up in the urban markets with peak demand of livestock-based commodities. Dagoretti livestock market, located in Nairobi City (the capital of Kenya) is the largest and terminal market for pastoralist communities countrywide as well as a source of income to various market actors and government revenue. Despite this immense contribution, there …

Revisiting The Reciprocity Of Human-Ecological Systems: Integrating Extensive Agriculture And Transhumant Pastoralism In The Northern States Of India, Aayushi Malhotra, Sailaja Nandigama

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

India’s primary sector is characterised by the age-old practices of agriculture and pastoralism that have traditionally remained symbiotic in nature. However, these relationships are dwindling in the light of uneven development focus and increasing climatic hazards. The current mode of local development practices is directly affecting the overall environment while simultaneously increasing the vulnerability of the resource-dependent communities. Pastoralism, along with the agricultural enterprise that is expanding with the support of irrigation network, is recognised as a major community-based occupation in the northern region of India. Despite that, pastoralism remains highly neglected in policy circles, whereas agriculture persists to be …

Short-Term High-Performance Pastures In Temperate Eastern Australia, Rob Eccles

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In exclusively rain-fed/grass-fed grazing systems, Short Term High-Performance Pastures (HPP) are used in specialised finishing paddocks to produce high-quality feed, enabling livestock to maximise their genetic production potential and meet market carcass specifications at the youngest age possible. This strategy not only achieves premium prices but also requires just 8% of a breeding enterprise’s land to finish animals. Described are the range of species choices and combinations used in different environments of the Australian Eastern high rainfall zone, the reasons these species are used and the options available to meet animal requirements strategically. Instead of a monoculture of fodder crops, …

Restoring Value To Grassland Initiative: To Maintain The Environmental And Economic Value Of Grasslands And To Promote Their Social And Cultural Functions, Liz Wedderburn, Alexandre Ickowicz, Rogerio M. Mauricio, M. Quiroga Mendiola, M. Blanchard, Le Thi Thanh Huyen, B. Hubert, J. Lasseur, V. Blanfort, J.-P. Müller

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock (GASL), a multi-stakeholder partnership started in 2013 includes nine action networks (ANs). The networks are the working engine of GASL and are tasked with implementing activities, reports, providing evidence, guidelines and information on good practices demonstrated by the livestock sector. This paper outlines the activities of the network AN2 “Restoring Value to Grassland”, the purpose of which is to “maintain, restore and enhance environmental and economic value of grasslands, while promoting their social and cultural functions globally”. Since 2014, AN2 workshops have been held annually with scientists and stakeholders from rangeland/grassland biomes in Latin …

A Systematic Review Of Ecological And Production Outcomes Under Rest-Grazing Systems, S. E. Mcdonald, R. Lawrence, R. Rader

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

With increasing pressure on grazing lands throughout the world, there is a growing need to balance sustainable management of livestock to meet food production and environmental impacts. Grazing management practices that incorporate periods of planned rest between grazing events (RG) may achieve both ecological and production goals simultaneously. We conducted a systematic review of global literature that compared ecological and production outcomes of RG systems with either continuously grazed (CG) or ungrazed (UG) areas. In addition, we evaluated the extent to which ecological and livestock production outcomes have been assessed simultaneously in these studies and identified future research needs. A …

Conservation And Utilization Of Grassland Resources For Sustainable Livestock Production In Different Agro-Climatic Zones Of India, Om Singh

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The competent authority has approved the modifications in the Centrally Sponsored Fodder and Feed Development Scheme (CSFFDS), within the budget provision for the year 2012-13. The modifications are (i) Including a new component of ‘Establishment of Fodder Banks’ under the CSFFDS within the budget provision, for the financial year 2012-13 (i) The Central share for the component of Establishment of Fodder Block Making Units under the SDFFDS has been increased from 50% to 75% for the financial year 2012-13 for Cooperatives or Milk unions or Federations, and for State Government to facilitate harvesting and storage of surplus fodder in areas …

The Importance Of Campos Ecosystem As A World Food Producer And As A Provider Of Ecosystem Services, Walter Ayala, D. Bendersky, J. Paruelo, P. Rovira

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The Campos ecosystem represent one of the largest grassland areas on the world, with great biodiversity in plants and animals. It contributes to improve world food security, based on ruminant livestock production, providing animal protein to feed more than 160.000.000 people. The research agenda for Campos ecosystem demands attention on the productivity and increasing variability phenomena, overgrazing, biodiversity standards and water contamination among other factors. It provides services including genetic resources, carbon storage, control of soil erosion, nutrient recycling, water production with low nutrient concentration and pest control. Overall, there is available technology to improve long-term livestock productivity and preserve …

The Hunt For The “Holy Grail”: Condensed Tannins In Perennial Forage Legumes, John R. Caradus, Christine R. Voisey, G. R. Cousin, D. R. Woodfield, A. Blanc, M. B. Roldan

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A recent advance using molecular biology has identified a transcription factor or master switch that can ‘turn on’ the condensed tannin pathway present in white clover, and with the appropriate promoters allows biologically significant levels of condensed tannin expression in leaf tissue. In vitro tests have demonstrated that the condensed tannins produced in white clover leaves can bind protein at a pH 6.5, as found in the rumen, and then release them at pH 2.5, the pH in the abomasum, before entering the small intestine for amino acid absorption. Additional tests have demonstrated that these condensed tannins can reduce methane …

Understanding The Effects Of A Tannin Extract On Forage Protein Digestion In The Rumen And Abomasum Using A Dynamic Artificial Digestive System Coupled To A Digestomic Approach, T. Sayd, C. Chambon, A. Torrent, S. Blinet, L. Theron, V. Niderkorn

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Improving the use efficiency of dietary protein in ruminants is a major challenge to decrease feed supplementation and significantly decrease nitrogen (N) losses to the environment. The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of tannins on protein digestion in the rumen and in conditions simulating the abomasum, using a dynamic in vitro digestive system coupled to a digestomic approach. Three ruminally-cannulated sheep fed with alfalfa hay were infused daily with a solution of tannins, while three other sheep were infused with water (control). Standardized ruminal fluid was introduced into the digester, which simulated the transit of digesta …

Shelf Life Potential And Microbial Load Of Varying Mixtures Of Grass-Legume Pellets: A Dry Season Feed, O. A. Aderinola, S. T. Oyewole, D. O. Okunlola

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The effects of storage duration (0, 6 and 12 weeks), storage medium (plastic container, polythene bag and jute sack) and varying mixture of grass-legume (60% Panicum maximum (6Pm); 30% Panicum maximum + 30% Lablab purpureus (3Pm3Lp); 40% Panicum maximum + 20% Lablab purpureus (4Pm2Lp); 40% Panicum maximum + 20% Stylosanthes hamata (4Pm2Sh) and 30% Panicum maximum + 30% Stylosanthes hamata (3Pm3Sh)) on shelf life and microbial load of grass-legume pellets were examined in the derived savanna zone of Nigeria (Latitude 8⁰N, Longitude 4⁰E) using a 3 x 3 x 5 factorial arrangement using completely randomized design …

The Morphological, Crude Protein And In-Vitro Dry Matter Degradability Characterisation Of Nine Native Grass Species For Veld Restoration In Semi-Arid Environment, N. H. Msiza, K. E. Ravhuhali, H. K. Mokoboki, Sydney Mavengahama

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Pasture production is dependent on results from favourable conditions that allow for stimulation of tillers and absence thereof does not promote the development of tillers. The study sought to investigate the comparative characterisation of the morphology, crude protein and in-vitro dry matter degradability (DMD) of nine native grass species (Anthephora pubescens, Cenchrus ciliaris, Chloris gayana, Dactylis glomerata, Digitaria eriantha, Eragrostis curvula, Festuca arundinacea, Panicum maximum & Themeda triandra), subjected under controlled conditions. Plants were assessed for germination percentage, chlorophyll, number of leaves and tillers, crude protein and in-vitro dry matter degradability (DMD). Data on these parameters was analysed …

Formononetin Of Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense L.) As Affected By Water Availability, Fernando Ortega-Klose, Rafael López-Olivari, Muriel Melo, Andrés Quiroz, L. Bardehle

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Red clover is a valuable legume in the world. Among the biotic factors limiting persistence of the species in Chile is the root borer Hylastinus obscurus (Marsham). Our previous studies have shown a negative effect of formononetin content of the plant on the root borer fitness The purpose of this research was to assess the relationship between water availability and formononetin concentration. Two independent growth chamber experiments were established at Carillanca Research Center, INIA-Chile in order to study the effect of water availability on formononetin concentration in the aerial and root parts of the plants. In experiment I, three levels …

Farmer Perceptions Of Adopting Novel Legumes In Traditional Maize-Based Farming Systems In The Yucatan Peninsula, Jacques Fils Pierre, Luis Latournerie-Moreno, René Garruña-Hernández, Krista L. Jacobsen, Carrie A. M. Laboski, Lucila De Lourdes Salazar-Barrientos, Esaú Ruiz-Sánchez

Horticulture Faculty Publications

Intercropping constitutes the traditional farming system practice used in various forms for maize production in the Yucatan peninsula. Although practiced for centuries, problems persist with competition for water, nutrients and light between crop species in traditional farming systems. Furthermore, little is known about farmers’ perceptions regarding changes to traditional maize-legume intercropping systems and their interest in novel crop adoption to increase yields in the system while maintaining the practice. The objective of this study was to investigate the maize-based traditional cropping system by assessing the underlying motives and concepts of farmers to practice intercropping in the Yucatan Peninsula and to …

Prescribers' Satisfaction With Delivering Medications For Opioid Use Disorder, Hannah K. Knudsen, Randy Brown, Nora Jacobson, Julie Horst, Jee-Seon Kim, Hanna Kim, Lynn M. Madden, Eric Haram, Todd Molfenter

Behavioral Science Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Expanding access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), such as buprenorphine and extended release (XR) naltrexone, is critical to addressing the US opioid epidemic, but little is known about prescriber satisfaction with delivering these two types of MOUD. The current study describes the satisfaction of prescribers delivering buprenorphine and XR-naltrexone while examining whether satisfaction is associated with current patient census and organizational environment.

METHODS: As part of a cluster randomized clinical trial (RCT) focused on expanding access to medication for opioid use disorder, 41 MOUD prescribers in Florida, Ohio, and Wisconsin completed a web-based survey. The survey included …

Title Evaluation Of Yields And Nutritive Composition Of Dual Purpose Sweet Potato Vine Cultivars For Forage Use, R. S. Kenana, A. I. Hoka, N. Ondabu, F. Ondabu, J. Mercy

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The sweet potato vine (SPV) is a widely grown but underutilized feed resource for livestock. The vines have desirable characteristics suitable for fodder production due to high contents of protein and digestible energy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield and nutritive composition of five dual purpose cultivars based on vine production for forage use. The experimental design was arranged in randomized complete block design where six cultivars of sweet potato were established in plots of 2.5m x 2.5m in three replicates. The cultivars used were; Kenspot 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. An improved forage type …

Growth Performance And Yield Of Three Brachiaria Cultivars Subjected To Different Eco-Climatic Zones Of Tanzania, Ismail S. Selemani

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Replacement of high quality (perennial forage) with low quality (annual forage) due to the effects of climate change has resulted into low milk production in Tanzania to 4.5L which is below the genetic potential of producing at least 15L of milk per cow per day. Though high yield fodder grasses such as Brachiaria have been recommended as climate smart fodder grass, little information has been documented in Tanzania particularly with respect to the growth performance of these grasses across different eco-climatic zones. The current study determine the performance and yield of three cultivars of Brachiaria (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piata, …

Nutritional Characteristics Of Brachiaria Ruziziensis (Germain & Evrard) Subjected To Different Doses Of Gamma Rays, A. I. Hoka, M. Gicheru, S. Otieno

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Appropriate methods of mutation induction are of high importance in pastures for increased genetic variability and improved forage performance. The objective of this research was to improve agronomic and nutritive performance of mutant lines through induced mutagenesis to seeds of a local landrace Brachiaria ruziziensis. The seeds were irradiated with 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40Gy doses of gamma radiation from Cobalt 60 (⁶⁰Co). Treatments were; KE 0Gy, KE 10Gy, KE 20Gy, KE 30Gy, and KE 40Gy resulting into M1 seeds. The seeds were planted in the greenhouse in germination pots then transplanted to the field. Seeds …

Climate Smart Urochloa Grasses Improves Soil Health In The Semi-Arid Tropics Of Kenya, Elias M. Gichangi, Donald M. G. Njarui, Mwangi Gatheru

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The measurement of soil aggregates stability and soil microbial biomass can be used as an early indicator of long-term changes in soil quality. A study was conducted to quantify the amounts of shoots and roots biomass of Urochloa grass cultivars (commonly known as Brachiaria) and their effects on changes in the size distribution and stability of soil aggregates and on microbial biomass carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in a structurally unstable sandy loam soil at Ithookwe and Katumani in semi-arid tropical Kenya. The Urochloa grass cultivars included Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk, U. brizantha cvs Marandu, MG-4, Piatã and …

Forage Production And Utilisation: Forage Production For Improved On-Farm Wealth And Wellness, John Caradus

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

It is often overlooked that the world’s largest agricultural land use by far is grassland, where these are mostly grazed by livestock, either domesticated or wild animals. Native grasslands are referred to as savanna (in Africa), steppe (in sub- Artic Eurasia), prairie (in North America), or pampas (in South America). Grasslands contribute to the livelihoods of more than 800 million people (FAO 2000). Native grasslands are maintained by restricted rainfall that reduces the opportunity for succession by forest. Grasslands are not only food for livestock, but also provide a habitat for wildlife, prevent soil erosion, support pollinators, and capture carbon …

Sustainable Use Of Grassland Resources For Improved Livelihoods, Liana Jank, Cacilda Borges Do Valle, Rosangela Maria Simeão, Roberto Giolo De Almeida, Mateus Figueiredo Santos, Sanzio Carvalho Barrios

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grasslands occupy about 80% of global agricultural land and represent a wide range of ecosystems (Bosi et al., 2020). Pastureland represents approximately 889 million ha in Africa, followed by China (~506 million ha), Oceania (~345 million ha), Asia (~307 million ha, excluding China and India), United States (~252 million ha) and Brazil (~149 million ha) (Goldewijk et al. 2017; Bosi et al. 2020; Landau et al., 2020). Rangelands alone are the world largest land surface, and in 28 countries they represent more than 60 percent of total land area (FAO, 2009). The livelihoods of almost one billion people depend on …

Woody Plant Species Composition And Diversity In Rusinga Island, Homa Bay County, Kenya, M. N. Nyaga, S. M. Mureithi, V. O. Wasonga, O. K. Koech

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Information on the state of woody vegetation of Rusinga Island is urgently needed in order to develop appropriate and effective conservation guidelines. Rusinga Island is an ancient historic area with numerous archeological sites and a bountiful of birdlife. However, the Island is characterized by highly degraded ecosystems from human disturbances such as cutting down of trees for fuel, construction poles, and overgrazing resulting in a remarkable degradation of flora, alteration of the ecosystems and loss of biodiversity. This study sought to determine the composition and diversity of woody plant species in Rusinga Island to understand the current status in order …