A farm-scale framework to assess potential farm- and regional-scale implications of removing palm-kernel expeller as a supplementary feed for dairy cows

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 1336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronaldo Vibart ◽  
Alec Mackay ◽  
Andrew Wall ◽  
Iris Vogeler ◽  
Josef Beautrais ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Palm Kernel ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Barley Grain ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Farm Scale ◽  
Supplementary Feed ◽  
The Impact

Farm-scale models were integrated with spatially discrete estimates of pasture production to examine the potential farm and regional implications of removing palm-kernel expeller (PKE) as a supplementary feed from dairy farms in Southland, New Zealand. The following two farm-production systems representing the majority of dairy farms in the region were modelled: a System 3 farm (D3; mid-intensification, with 10–20% of imported feed) and a System 4 farm (D4; mid- to high intensification, with 20–30% of imported feed). Within each system, the impact of the following four PKE options was explored: (1) a control with PKE (Baseline); (2) no PKE, with fewer cows producing the same amount of milk per cow as in Baseline; (3) no PKE, with the same number of cows producing less milk per cow than in Baseline; and (4) PKE replaced with barley grain. Barley grain provides for similar flexibility (timing of purchase and feeding), and can be sourced locally. Faced with the need to remove PKE as a dietary ingredient, farmers would benefit from adopting the second PKE option (no PKE, with fewer cows producing the same amount of milk per cow as in Baseline); farm-operating profits were reduced by only 3% (compared with 30% of System 4 farms adopting the third PKE option, i.e. no PKE, with the same number of cows producing less milk per cow than in Baseline) relative to the Baseline farms. The narrow range of mean annual nitrate-nitrogen (nitrate-N) leaching losses (estimates ranged from 30 to 33 kg N/ha) reflects similar estimates of N intake and N excreted in urine across the modelled options. Substantial amounts of barley grain would need to be transported into the region or produced locally to replace PKE.

Nitrate leaching and pasture production from different nitrogen sources on a shallow stoney soil under flood-irrigated dairy pasture

Soil Research ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 317 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. J. Di ◽  
K. C. Cameron
Keyword(s):  
Nitrate Leaching ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Environmental Concern ◽  
Nitrogen Sources ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Dairy Effluent ◽  
Leaching Losses ◽  
Rooting Zone ◽  
Leaching Loss

The leaching of nitrate (NO3–) in intensive agricultural production systems, e.g. dairy pastures, is a major environmental concern in many countries. In this lysimeter study we determined the amount of NO3– leached following the application of urea, dairy effluent, urine returns, and pasture renovation to a freedraining Lismore stony silt loam (Udic Haplustept loamy skeletal) growing a mixture of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and white clover (Trifolium repens) pasture. The study showed that NO3–-N leaching losses ranged from 112 to 162 kg N/ha per year, depending on the amount and forms of N applied and pasture conditions. Nitrate leaching under the urine patches was the main contributor to the N leaching loss in a grazed paddock. Nitrate leaching losses were lower for urine applied in the spring (29% of N applied) than for urine applied in the autumn (38–58%). The application of urea or dairy effluent only contributed a small proportion to the total NO3– leaching loss in a grazed paddock. Pasture renovation by direct-drilling may also have caused an increase in NO3– leaching (c. 31 kg N/ha) in the first year. Modelled annual average NO3–-N concentrations in the mixed recharge water in the acquifer were significantly lower than those measured under the rooting zone due to dilution effects by recharge water from other sources (3.9 v. 13–27 mg N/L). Herbage nitrogen offtake and dry matter yield were higher in the urine treatments than in the non-urine treatments. groundwater, denitrification, mineralisation, grazing, forage.

Process-based modelling to understand the impact of ryegrass diversity on production and leaching from grazed grass-clover dairy pastures

2013 ◽  
Vol 64 (10) ◽  
pp. 1020 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. O. Snow ◽  
P. N. Smale ◽  
M. B. Dodd
Keyword(s):  
N Use Efficiency ◽  
Rooting Depth ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Natural Grasslands ◽  
Diversity Effect ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact ◽  
N Use

Ecological studies often suggest that natural grasslands with high species diversity will grow more biomass and leach less nitrogen (N). If this diversity effect also applies to fertilised and irrigated pastures with controlled removal of herbage, it might be exploited to design pastures that can assist the dairy industry to maintain production while reducing N leaching losses. The purpose of this study was to test whether pasture mixtures with a high functional diversity in ryegrass traits will confer on the system higher water- and N-use efficiency. The hypothesis was tested using a process-based model in which pasture mixtures were created with varying levels of diversity in ryegrass traits likely to affect pasture growth. Those traits were: the winter- or summer-dominance of growth, the ability of the plant to intercept radiation at low pasture mass, and rooting depth. Pasture production, leaching and water- and N-use efficiency were simulated for management typical of a dairy pasture. We found that the performance of the diverse ryegrass–clover mixtures was more strongly associated with the performance of the individual components than with the diversity across the components. Diverse pasture mixtures may confer other benefits, e.g. pest or disease resistance and pasture persistence. The testing here was within a selection of ryegrasses, and the greater possible diversity across species may produce different effects. However, these results suggest that highly performing pastures under fertilised and irrigated grazed conditions are best constructed by selecting components that perform well individually than by deliberately introducing diversity between components.

scholarly journals Farm Production Diversity in Aquaculture Has Been Overlooked as a Contributor to Sustainability

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark P. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Production Model ◽  
Farm Production ◽  
Intensive Production ◽  
Sustainable Resource Use ◽  
Farm Scale ◽  
Production Diversity

Like many sectors, the expansion of aquaculture has issues related to sustainable resource use and environmental change. These challenges are widely recognised and are addressed with sectoral strategies. Even when culturing a single species, the specifics of impacts, constraints, and pressures are likely to vary in effects for different farm types. On the other hand, production efficiencies can drive farms towards homogeneity. A simple model is used in this study to demonstrate farm-scale budgets and the pressure to intensify production towards an optimum. A range of interventions can provide incentives for less intensive production: these include price premiums and altered cost bases. Integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) does not offer a route to less intensive production systems if the productivity of the extractive species (e.g., algae) is linked to the intensity of the fish farm, although alternative incentives for IMTA are possible. Increases in the intensity of production (as stocking density) can be mitigated by increasing farm capacity. An expanded production model suggests that this will lead to larger farms at relatively high stocking densities. Where farms are subject to variable economic and biological processes, this can lead to some combinations of intensity and capacity to have less variable earnings than others. The promotion of diverse aquaculture sectors may allow some of the ecological and social synergies available to smaller farms to be combined at a regional scale with the greater production of large farms. Cost, price and/or regulatory incentives are needed to create diverse production systems.

The long-term impact of two pasture production systems on soil acidification in southern Queensland

1998 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 335 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. D. Noble ◽  
R. J. Jones ◽  
C. H. Thompson ◽  
R. M. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Cycle ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Exchangeable Acidity ◽  
Intensively Managed ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
The Impact

Summary. Soil samples to a depth of 90 cm were collected in 1996 from adjacent 1 ha paddocks which had either been established to a leucaena-based or nitrogen-fertilised and irrigated pasture system in 1960 at Samford, south-eastern Queensland, to assess the impact of these production systems on soil chemical properties. The chemical properties were compared with those of soil samples collected from the site in 1960. Soil pH under both the nitrogen-fertilised and leucaena-based systems have declined significantly to a depth of 40 cm against that of the soil samples collected in 1960. However, the extent of acidification was higher under the more intensively managed nitrogen-fertilised system compared with the leucaena-based system. The acidification rates for the nitrogen-fertilised and leucaena-based pasture systems over the 36-year period are 5.1 and 1.0 kmol H+/ha.year, respectively, and are similar to values observed under annual pasture systems of temperate southern Australia. Associated with the decline in pH there was a decline in exchangeable Ca2+ in the nitrogen-fertilised system and a corresponding increase in exchangeable acidity. The contribution of the nitrogen cycle to net acidification for the leucaena-based pasture system was estimated to account for 20% of the total net acid addition. This result is discussed in the light of a similar study undertaken in the semi-arid tropics where the contribution of the nitrogen cycle by a similar leucaena-based system was estimated to be 78% of the net acidification.

scholarly journals Differences in nitrogen uptake and marginal yield response between low and high yielding perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) genotypes

2017 ◽  
Vol 79 ◽  
pp. 245-249
Author(s):  
M. Harmer ◽  
C. Farlow ◽  
A.V. Stewart ◽  
D.R. Woodfield
Keyword(s):  
Lolium Perenne ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Nitrogen Uptake ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
Yield Response ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
Response Functions ◽  
Farm Scale ◽  
The Impact ◽  
N Use

Abstract Current nitrogen (N) use recommendations for perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) were derived from the response of historic genotypes certified or bred between 1930 and 1970. Despite significant increase in the yield of modern cultivars in seasons of lower forage growth (late spring through winter), no existing research considers the impact of this on N response functions or N uptake characteristics. In light of this a multi-year genotype by N rate trial was established. Data analysed confirms significant differences exist in the slope and intercept of genotype N response functions. Higher yielding modern cultivars had more than twice the marginal response to N of old genotypes in summer and autumn in addition they also yielded more when no N fertiliser was applied. Nitrogen uptake characteristics of higher yielding cultivars in the first winter were significantly greater than low yielding genotypes, thus they may present a different N leaching risk than older genotypes. Farm-scale implications of these preliminary findings warrants consideration once a larger dataset is available for analysis. Keywords: pasture, nitrogen fertiliser, genetic gain, N leaching, nitrogen economics

scholarly journals Pasture renewal on Bay of Plenty and Waikato dairy farms: impacts on pasture production and invertebrate populations post-establishment

2013 ◽  
pp. 227-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.N. Tozer ◽  
G.M. Rennie ◽  
W.M. King ◽  
N.R. Mapp ◽  
N.L. Bell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
The Third ◽  
Second Year ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Sampling Times ◽  
Clover Content

The impact of renewal on pasture production was determined by monitoring renewed and unrenewed pastures on five farms in each of Bay of Plenty and Waikato for 3 years, excluding the year after sowing (establishment). Renewed pastures produced an additional 1.5 t dry matter (DM)/ha averaged over both regions in the second year after establishment and 1.9 t DM/ha in each of the third and fourth years. Renewed pastures also had greater clover DM content in spring and summer and lower broadleaf weed DM content in winter. Perennial ryegrass tiller densities were similar in renewed and unrenewed pastures in both regions. There were fewer white-fringed weevil, black beetle and total nematodes in renewed pastures on at least one of the sampling times. It was concluded that higher clover content, fewer weeds, and fewer insect pests contributed to greater DM production in renewed pastures. Keywords: Pasture renewal; dairy pastures; pasture persistence; DM production; regrassing

An evaluation of a strategic de-stocking regime for dairying to improve nitrogen efficiency and reduce nitrate leaching from dairy farms in nitrate-sensitive areas

2000 ◽  
pp. 105-110
Author(s):  
Cecile De Klein ◽  
Jim Paton ◽  
Stewart Ledgard
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Nitrate Leaching ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Nitrogen Efficiency ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Leaching Losses ◽  
Sensitive Areas

Strategic de-stocking in winter is a common management practice on dairy farms in Southland, New Zealand, to protect the soil against pugging damage. This paper examines whether this practice can also be used to reduce nitrate leaching losses. Model analyses and field measurements were used to estimate nitrate leaching losses and pasture production under two strategic de-stocking regimes: 3 months off-farm or 5 months on a feed pad with effluent collected and applied back to the land. The model analyses, based on the results of a long-term farmlet study under conventional grazing and on information for an average New Zealand farm, suggested that the 3- or 5-month de-stocking could reduce nitrate leaching losses by about 20% or 35-50%, respectively compared to a conventional grazing system. Field measurements on the Taieri Plain in Otago support these findings, although the results to date are confounded by drought conditions during the 1998 and 1999 seasons. The average nitrate concentration of the drainage water of a 5-month strategic de-stocking treatment was about 60% lower than under conventional grazing. Pasture production of the 5-month strategic de-stocking regime with effluent return was estimated based on data for apparent N efficiency of excreta patches versus uniformlyspread farm dairy effluent N. The results suggested that a strategic de-stocking regime could increase pasture production by about 2 to 8%. A cost/ benefit analysis of the 5-month de-stocking system using a feed pad, comparing additional capital and operational costs with additional income from a 5% increase in DM production, show a positive return on capital for an average New Zealand dairy farm. This suggests that a strategic destocking system has good potential as a management tool to reduce nitrate leaching losses in nitrate sensitive areas whilst being economically viable, particularly on farms where an effluent application system or a feed pad are already in place. Keywords: dairying, feed pads, nitrate leaching, nitrogen efficiency, productivity, strategic de-stocking

scholarly journals Review: Impacts of shade on cattle well-being in the beef supply chain

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lily N Edwards-Callaway ◽  
M Caitlin Cramer ◽  
Caitlin N Cadaret ◽  
Elizabeth J Bigler ◽  
Terry E Engle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Ambient Temperatures ◽  
Stress Susceptibility ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Shade is a mechanism to reduce heat load providing cattle with an environment supportive of their welfare needs. Although heat stress has been extensively reviewed, researched, and addressed in dairy production systems, it has not been investigated in the same manner in the beef cattle supply chain. Like all animals, beef cattle are susceptible to heat stress if they are unable to dissipate heat during times of elevated ambient temperatures. There are many factors that impact heat stress susceptibility in beef cattle throughout the different supply chain sectors, many of which relate to the production system, i.e. availability of shade, microclimate of environment, and nutrition management. The results from studies evaluating the effects of shade on production and welfare are difficult to compare due to variation in structural design, construction materials used, height, shape, and area of shade provided. Additionally, depending on operation location, shade may or may not be beneficial during all times of the year, which can influence the decision to make shade a permanent part of management systems. Shade has been shown to lessen the physiologic response of cattle to heat stress. Shaded cattle exhibit lower respiration rates, body temperatures, and panting scores compared to un-shaded cattle in weather that increases the risk of heat stress. Results from studies investigating the provision of shade indicate that cattle seek shade in hot weather. The impact of shade on behavioral patterns is inconsistent in the current body of research, some studies indicating shade provision impacts behavior and other studies reporting no difference between shaded and un-shaded groups. Analysis of performance and carcass characteristics across feedlot studies demonstrated that shaded cattle had increased ADG, improved feed efficiency, HCW, and dressing percentage when compared to cattle without shade. Despite the documented benefits of shade, current industry statistics, although severely limited in scope, indicate low shade implementation rates in feedlots and data in other supply chain sectors do not exist. Industry guidelines and third party on-farm certification programs articulate the critical need for protection from extreme weather but are not consistent in providing specific recommendations and requirements. Future efforts should include: updated economic analyses of cost versus benefit of shade implementation, exploration of producer perspectives and needs relative to shade, consideration of shade impacts in the cow-calf and slaughter plant segments of the supply chain, and integration of indicators of affective (mental) state and preference in research studies to enhance the holistic assessment of cattle welfare.

scholarly journals Long-term changes in the plant ecology of an African savanna landscape and the implications for ecosystem theory and conservation management

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Western ◽  
Victor N. Mose ◽  
David Maitumo ◽  
Caroline Mburu
Keyword(s):  
Human Impact ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
Plant Ecology ◽  
Ecological Resilience ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Ecosystem Theory ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Studies of the African savannas have used national parks to test ecological theories of natural ecosystems, including equilibrium, non-equilibrium, complex adaptive systems, and the role of top-down and bottom-up physical and biotic forces. Most such studies have excluded the impact of pastoralists in shaping grassland ecosystems and, over the last half century, the growing human impact on the world’s rangelands. The mounting human impact calls for selecting indicators and integrated monitoring methods able to track ecosystem changes and the role of natural and human agencies. Our study draws on five decades of monitoring the Amboseli landscape in southern Kenya to document the declining role of natural agencies in shaping plant ecology with rising human impact. Results We show that plant diversity and productivity have declined, biomass turnover has increased in response to a downsizing of mean plant size, and that ecological resilience has declined with the rising probability of extreme shortfalls in pasture production. The signature of rainfall and physical agencies in driving ecosystem properties has decreased sharply with growing human impact. We compare the Amboseli findings to the long-term studies of Kruger and Serengeti national parks to show that the human influence, whether by design or default, is increasingly shaping the ecology of savanna ecosystems. We look at the findings in the larger perspective of human impact on African grasslands and the world rangelands, in general, and discuss the implications for ecosystem theory and conservation policy and management. Conclusions The Amboseli study shows the value of using long-term integrated ecological monitoring to track the spatial and temporal changes in the species composition, structure, and function of rangeland ecosystems and the role of natural and human agencies in the process of change. The study echoes the widespread changes underway across African savannas and world’s rangelands, concluding that some level of ecosystem management is needed to prevent land degradation and the erosion of ecological function, services, and resilience. Despite the weak application of ecological theory to conservation management, a plant trait-based approach is shown to be useful in explaining the macroecological changes underway.

Exploring the impact of introducing a physical model into statistical methods on the evaluation of regional scale debris flow susceptibility

2021 ◽  
Vol 106 (1) ◽  
pp. 881-912
Author(s):  
Jingbo Sun ◽  
Shengwu Qin ◽  
Shuangshuang Qiao ◽  
Yang Chen ◽  
Gang Su ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Debris Flow ◽  
Physical Model ◽  
Statistical Methods ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Debris Flow Susceptibility
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