Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Role Of Non-Traditional Forages In Livestock Production In India, Bhag Mal, J N. Gupta, J P. Singh

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The paper reports a number of non-traditional forage species which form the life support system for grazing animals in normal conditions as well as scarcity periods like droughts and famines. Such species vary according to climatic and ecological conditions of India. These species play an important role in domestic livestock production as well as providing forage to the game animals. In the arid region the majority of such species are small trees and shrubs; in semi-arid regions majority of such species are shrubs, aquatic weeds and minor millets. In temperate/alpine Himalaya such species range from lichens, ferns, climbers to shrubs …

Smallholder Zebu And Forage Production Development In Central Madagascar, L. Randriamanalina, M. S. Vorontsova, M. T. Rajaonah, O. P. Nanjarisoa, C. E. R. Lehmann, D. Miharinjanahary, H. N. S. Ratovoarinjaka, A. Bendrainy, C. Rijaniaina, A. M. Rabendrina, D. Rabeharison, B. F. Rakotozafy, F. Rakotoarison, D. Tahirinirainy, T. Randriamboavonjy, H. Ralimanana, J. Raharimampionona, C. Birkinshaw, W. Truter

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Poverty in the Central Highlands of Madagascar is partly driven by inefficient exploitation of native forages and poor livestock nutrition. Zebus are of importance as cultural symbols, but this tradition has grown disconnected from agricultural policy. This project is working with three central highland communities near the protected areas of Itremo, Ibity and Ankafobe, to boost rangeland productivity and trial management methods which will support key forage grasses and improve livestock nutrition. A severe nitrogen deficiency compounded by extremely acidic soil conditions and low phosphorus is observed across the three sites. The lowest grazing capacity of an estimated 0.7 livestock …

Harvesting Site Influenced The Concentration Level Of Nitrogen And Mineral Status Of Woody Species In Semi-Arid Areas Of South Africa, K. E. Ravhuhali, H. S. Mudau, H. K. Mokoboki, B. Moyo, L. E. Motsei

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Feed shortages in semi-arid areas cause a major set-back for livestock production. An understanding of the nutritive value of woody species in most parts of savanna regions can be vital to predicting what these species can offer for livestock productivity. The study assessed the variation in nitrogen and mineral concentration of leaves of woody species as influenced by harvesting site in South Africa. The study sites were communal areas in Limpopo and North West provinces. A total of 52 browse species were selected and used for this study. All statistical tests showed that there was a significant effect of species …

Environmental Co-Benefits Of Improved Forages In Smallholder Dairy Systems Of Kenya, A. Notenbaert, S. Mwendia, S. Burkart, P. Karimi, E. Mwema

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Livestock play a major role across Kenya, especially in smallholder mixed farms through provision of household nutrition and income through milk and meat. Equally, fertilization of cropland benefits from livestock manure, and livestock often act as insurance and saving. Despite the opportunities and benefits livestock production presents, livestock systems are also key drivers of environmental degradation, including increased nutrient loads, GHG emissions, water use, grassland degradation and land-use conversion. Low livestock productivity, largely due to use of low-quality crop residues and natural grasses often not endowed with nutrients key for animal performance, limits the potential positive contributions of livestock and …

Physiological Impact Of Ergot Alkaloid Consumption In Ruminant Livestock, J. L. Klotz, S. K. Duckett, D. L. Harmon

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Ergot alkaloids in feeds and forages are a worldwide concern. Consumption of ergot alkaloids by ruminant livestock can range from extreme cases that threaten the life of the animal to more frequent and chronic outcomes where livestock productivity is decreased. Consumption of ergot alkaloids alters ruminant physiology such that it outwardly manifests in lower animal intake and gain, decreased reproductive efficiency, and a compromised circulatory system. This talk will cover current research that is improving our understanding of how ergot alkaloids alter cell and tissue physiology that results in the compromised growth and reproduction observed at the whole animal level.

Weed Management Affects Pasture Productivity And Animal Performance, José C. B. Dubeux Jr., I. L. Brêtas, L. M. D. Queiroz, H. A. Koury

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Weed can be defined as any plant growing in undesirable locations. Weeds are considered one of the main challenges in agricultural fields. Weeds affect pasture productivity mainly because of the competition for limited resources such as nutrients, water, and light with forage plants. Weeds encroach pastures spontaneously and spread quickly through the farm and neighboring areas, making their control difficult. In addition, weeds can affect forage nutritive value, grazing behaviour, voluntary forage intake, animal health, and consequently animal performance. The low efficiency of mechanical weeding and the global concern about indiscriminate use of herbicides impose challenges for producers in grazing …

Ohio Pastures For Profit Online, C. Gelley, E. Lyon, D. Bender, S. Boyles, M. Estadt, C. Finney, A. Gahler, J. Hartschuh, B. Hendershot, A. Holden, C. Jagger, D. Lima, C. Little, J. Morris, C. D. Penrose, R. Purdin, G. Ruff, M. Sulc, C. Turner, G. Wilson, B. Campbell, M. Joyce, T. G. Wiseman

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The Pastures for Profit program is an established course created through a collaboration between Ohio State University Extension, Central State University, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Ohio Department of Agriculture, and the Ohio Forage and Grasslands Council. In 2021, due to COVID-19, the Pastures for Profit curriculum was adapted to a virtual classroom setting and was offered again in 2022. The virtual experience consisted of three live webinars pairing with corresponding modules in Scarlet Canvas. Enrolled students were also mailed traditional course materials for personal use. Module content was newly developed and compiled …

Yield Potential Of Co4 Napier Hybrid Bajra (Pennisetum Perpureum Schumach.) Fodder Crop Under Irrigated Conditions In India, Om Singh, Ayushi Singh, Ananya Singh, Anita Singh

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

A field trial on Co₄ was conducted at ICAR-IVRI, Izatnagar during 2013-14 to 2017-18 to study the effect of harvesting season/time on green, dry matter yield and morphological parameters. Data shows that yield of Co₄ was increased from first year 2013-14 to third year 2015-16 and decreased in fourth year of plantation of crop. Regrowth of ratoon crop was good as it was in first year crop, it may be concluded that crop can be grown upto 5-6 years. The crop yield of first year and second year as par with fifth year. Maximum green fodder yield 307.7 …

Challenges And Opportunities To Increase Carbon Sequestration In Subtropical Grazing Lands, Maria L. S. Silveira, João M. B. Vendramini, Elizabeth H. Boughton, Rosvel Bracho, Marta M. Kohmann, Abmael S. Cardoso

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Livestock production has a significant environmental footprint. However, adoption of regenerative grazing land management practices can serve as a means of producing food with lower, or even net positive environmental impacts. Globally, much of the grazing land ecosystems are degraded due to improper management. This is particularly true in the southeastern US, where extensive areas of planted pastures are degraded due to inadequate nutrient and soil management. In this presentation, we will discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with increasing soil and ecosystem C sequestration in subtropical grazing lands through regenerative management practices. Introduction

Detection Of Endophyte Mycotoxins By Service Laboratories: Providing Answers For Safe Feed, J. Honneffer, M. Sulyok, V. Milojevic, A. Holman, Jennifer Duringer

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

. A global network of service laboratories exists to test livestock feed materials (typically grass hay and pellets) for ergovaline, ergot alkaloids and lolitrem B to ensure ‘safe feeds’ are being given to livestock. These compounds are mycotoxins produced by endophytic fungi that naturally reside in feed material. They have been purposely bred into grass species, as they enhance the plant’s survival from drought and insect predation. Unfortunately, ergovaline and other ergot alkaloids also cause vasoconstrictive effects and reproductive difficulties in livestock, resulting in a $1 million annual loss in production for the cattle industry in the USA alone. Lolitrem …

Toxic Plants In Grasslands And Their Impact On Livestock, A. C. Barr

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Grasslands are critical infrastructure for most cow/calf operations. Quality and abundance of pasture grasses directly influence livestock rate of gain, thereby affecting livestock margins and production costs, which determine the profitability of stocker operations. Successful cattlemen control weeds to preserve healthy pasture but also to prevent plant poisonings that may reduce individual animal performance or cause fatalities. Integrated Toxic Plant Management (ITPM) programs teach ranchers to identify the potentially toxic plants, recognize symptoms of plant poisonings, and use appropriate strategies to control those plants. Toxic plants can produce a range of effects in cattle and other grazing species. Nightshades ( …

The Role Of Grassland Societies In The West Of Scotland, G. E. D. Tiley

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Local grassland societies were first established in the United Kingdom in the 1950s, under the guiding hand of the national, British Grassland Society, itself founded in 1946. In the west of Scotland two local societies were formed: 1) the South West Scotland Grassland Society in 1962, covering the former counties of Ayrshire, Dumfries, Kirkcudbright and Wigtown; and 2) the Central Scotland Grassland Society for Lanark, Stirling, Renfrew, Dumbarton and Clackmannan. The declared aim of these two societies was to promote good grassland farming in all its aspects amongst members and to identify opportunities for improved grassland management, all to the …

Hedgerow Systems And Livestock In Philippine Grasslands: Ghg Emissions, D. B. Magcale-Macandog, E. Abucay, R. G. Visco, R. N. Miole, E. L. Abas, G. M. Comajig, A. D. Calub

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Hedgerow systems are widely adopted in the smallholder farms in the sloping grassland areas of Claveria, Mindanao, Philippines. The system is effective in addressing soil erosion problems and in conserving the topsoil. Gmelina arborea and Eucalyptus deglupta are two fast-growing timber species that are planted in hedgerow systems while maize is planted in the alley areas in between the hedgerows. Livestock holdings are widespread in Claveria, with 74% of the households having livestock. Cattle and carabao are the most common livestock in smallholder farms providing draught power for land preparation and transportation. In hedgerow systems, fodder tree leaves and crop …

Hedgerow Systems And Livestock In Philippine Grasslands: Ghg Emissions, D. B. Magcale-Macandog, E. Abucay, R. G. Visco, R. N. Miole, E. L. Abas, G. M. Comajig, A. D. Calub

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Hedgerow systems are widely adopted in the smallholder farms in the sloping grassland areas of Claveria, Mindanao, Philippines. The system is effective in addressing soil erosion problems and in conserving the topsoil. Gmelina arborea and Eucalyptus deglupta are two fast-growing timber species that are planted in hedgerow systems while maize is planted in the alley areas in between the hedgerows. Livestock holdings are widespread in Claveria, with 74% of the households having livestock. Cattle and carabao are the most common livestock in smallholder farms providing draught power for land preparation and transportation. In hedgerow systems, fodder tree leaves and crop …

Rangeland As A Common Property Resource: Contrasting Insights From Communal Areas Of Central Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, J. E. Bennett, H. R. Barrett

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

In communal areas of South Africa, grazing systems are held under a variety of different common property regimes. However, the social and ecological realities of these communal grazing systems remain poorly understood, particularly with regard to the use of land allocated for crop production. Little is known about how these arable areas are utilised as a common grazing resource but the wide array of tenure arrangements under which they are held suggests that they facilitate some interesting departures from recognised common property systems. A clearer understanding of how common property regimes function at an integrated level in South Africa will …

Challenges And Opportunities For Sustainable Rangeland Pastoral Systems In The Edwards Plateau Of Texas, J. W. Walker, J. L. Johnson, C. A. Taylor Jr.

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

This paper focuses on pastoral systems in an area of west-central Texas known as the Edwards Plateau. These rangelands have a combination of grass, forb and browse species and are used primarily for combinations of grazing by cattle, sheep, goats and wildlife. A major ecological challenge is woody plant encroachment. Stocking rate is the major factor affecting sustainability and historically this area was heavily grazed. Today the stocking rate is half or less of its historical peak. Species of livestock has shifted from predominantly small ruminant to cattle. About 70 % of pastoralists use some sort of rotational grazing system. …

What And Who Has Determined Adoption? A Study On Improved Forage Technologies In Colombia From An Agricultural Innovation System (Ais) Perspective, K. Enciso, N. Triana, M. Díaz, S. Burkart

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The complex process behind the adoption of improved forages in Colombia remains largely unexplored. Despite governmental and scientific efforts to promote and disseminate the implementation of improved forages for the sake of sustainable livestock production, local livestock producers continue to extensively use native species and adoption rates of more efficient forages remain low. This study explores the dynamics behind the development and diffusion of improved forage technologies in Colombia, from the 1960's to the present through an Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS) perspective. Here we map the agents involved, classify the roles they exerted over time and reconstruct the historical context …

Conversion Of Forest To Agro-Silvo-Pastoral System – Montado – In Mediterranean Environments, J. Potes, F. Jorge, T. Montes, D. Palha

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The Mediterranean environment regions are characterized by climate and soil specificities that justify low productive capacity for primary production when compared to other environments on earth. The Mediterranean forests are essentially formed by trees and shrubs. The shrubs are the perfect fuel to feed the forest fires that occur in a natural and cyclical manner in these environmental conditions. Therefore, the Mediterranean Systems of Agriculture have evolved to control the shrubs and the extensification of the systems because of low productivity. Sustainability is achieved by increase of productivity through improvement of the soil and irrigation. The application of these principles …

Global Assessment Of Grassland Carrying Capacities And Relative Stocking Densities Of Livestock, J. Piipponen, M. Jalava, J. De Leeuw, A. Rizayeva, C. Godde, M. Herrero, M. Kummu

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Although many suggest that future diets should include more plant-based proteins, animal-sourced foods are unlikely to completely disappear from our diet. Grasslands yield a notable part of the world’s animal protein production, but thus far, there is no global insight into the relationship between current livestock stocking densities and the availability of grassland forage resources. This inhibits acting upon concerns over the negative effects of overgrazing in some areas and utilising the potential for increasing production in others. Previous research has examined the potential of sustainable grazing but lacks generic and observation-based methods needed to fully understand the opportunities and …

Elephants Mitigate The Effects Of Cattle On Wildlife And Other Ecosystem Traits: Experimental Evidence, Truman P. Young, Duncan N. Kimuyu, Kari E. Veblen, Corinna Riginos, Judith Sitters, Lauren Porensky, Wilfred O. Odadi

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

On rangelands worldwide, cattle interact with many ecosystem components, most obviously with soils, plants, and other large herbivores. Since 1995, we have been manipulating the presence of cattle, mesoherbivores, and megaherbivores (elephants and giraffes) in a series of eighteen 4-ha (10-acre) plots at the Kenya Long-term Exclosure Experiment. We have demonstrated a wide array of cattle effects on this savanna rangeland, including their reduction of grass cover, wildlife use, and soil nitrogen and phosphorus pools, but their increase of primary productivity and termite abundance. Strikingly, we demonstrate that the presence of mega-herbivores (elephants, mainly) reduces the sizes of these cattle. …

The Cleaned Approach For Flagging And Addressing Environmental Issues, A. Notenbaert, B. Paul, R. Van Der Hoek, J. Mukiri

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

While livestock presents an important livelihood strategy for many smallholders, it is also held responsible for important environmental impacts. In this paper, we used an online survey to identify the perceptions of global livestock experts on environmental impacts of livestock and how these might be tackled. We then explored how the CLEANED environmental ex-ante assessment tool (Comprehensive Livestock Environmental Assessment for improved Nutrition, a secured Environment and sustainable Development = CLEANED) responds to this and how it can be used to influence decision making towards more environmentally-friendly livestock production.

According to the survey, there was general agreement between researchers, development …

A Guava-Based Hortipasture System For Mitigating Climate Change And Sustaining Fodder & Fruit Supply In Semi-Arid Regions Of India, Kamini Gautam, Sunil Kumar, Amit Kumar Singh, Avijit Ghosh, Manjanagouda S. S., R. V. Kumar

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Hortipasture systems have huge potential to mitigate climate change via sequestering carbon along with sustaining fodder and fruit supply especially in semi-arid regions. Therefore to evaluate climate change mitigation, fruit and fodder production potential of 10 year old rainfed based Hortipasture system (Psidium guajava (Guava) + Cenchrus ciliaris + Stylosanthes hamata) established at Central Research Farm of ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (Bundelkhand region, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India), carbon stock of tree and under storey pasture components was quantified along with fruit and forage production. The experimental site is drought prone semi arid region characterized by poor …

Describing Cattle Grazing Distribution In Communal Rangelands Of The Eastern Cape South Africa: Towards Improving Livestock Rangeland Use, B. Gusha, A. R. Palmer

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

This study used global positioning systems (GPS) to understand grazing distribution of three cattle in the communal rangeland of Eastern Cape, South Africa. Free ranging cattle were randomly selected from participating households and were fitted with neck GPS collars, which recorded geographic position every five-minute interval during wet and dry season. The study identified three production domains where cattle were reported to be spending most of their time grazing, separated by bound polygons on google earth Pro to further extract MODIS EVI???. The recorded GPS points were loaded into google earth Pro to analyse the distribution of cattle grazing in …

Bioeconomic Model For Decision-Making On Fattening Beef-Cattle, G. Ferreira, O. Cardozo, J. M. Soares De Lima

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Profitability and competitiveness of agricultural systems it is closely related with the technology used. Economic and financial appraisal of investments on pasture improvements, facilities, feed and management plans, etc. are often required in order to make decisions. A bio-economic simulation model was developed in order to support decision making on beef-cattle grazing fattening. The aim of the model is to show the relationship between the technological alternative analysed in physical terms as well as financial and economic. By this way it is possible to asset and relate the bio-economic impact of the different animal and pasture management alternative technologies. Results …

The Role Of Women In Rural Livestock: Which Women? Which Livestock?, Gabriela Litre, Daniela Nogueira, Alessandra Matte, Virginia Courdin

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

We explore the conceptual and empirical limitations of the question about “the role of women in rural livestock production” as well as the widespread assumption that women in livestock are subsistence or smallholder farmers. While this is correct in many situations, “essentialist” development discourses often disregard new demographic trends and the heterogeneity of live-stock production systems. Our research, which focuses on the livelihoods of women involved with livestock production in the Pampas’ grasslands of Brazil, proposes: 1) to critically analyse some of the most widely spread assumptions about women involved in beef livestock production, including the belief that women are …

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 (1997-2023)

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 …

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

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

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 …

Involving Stakeholders In Crop-Livestock Systems Analysis: Innovation Platforms In Burkina Faso And Niger, West Africa, V. Bado, Andre Van Rooyen, C. Umutoni, A. Whitbread

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The development of markets and agricultural productivity need participative research approaches that involve farmers, stakeholders and actors in the value chains of agricultural products and inputs. This study illustrates the use of multi-stakeholder platforms to address critical issues that often curtail effective implementation of development strategies and achievement of objectives. The process used to facilitate stakeholder participation and achieve enhanced understanding of collective actions to achieve objectives is illustrated by case studies in Niger and Burkina Faso. The process that determines the causal relationships among the various problems is also presented; results from the process can be used to determine …

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

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

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 …

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 (1997-2023)

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 …