Evaluation of increased feed supply and different fattening strategies for an Ethiopian sheep population by system dynamics modelling

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (17) ◽  
pp. 2050
Author(s):  
K. T. Gebre ◽  
M. Wurzinger ◽  
S. Gizaw ◽  
A. Haile ◽  
B. Rischkowsky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Model ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Dynamic Modelling ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Forage Crops ◽  
Sheep Population ◽  
Alternative Feed ◽  
Dynamic Stochastic ◽  
Supply Systems

Context The productivity of Ethiopian smallholder farms is considered to be low owing to different factors such as feed shortage, lack of breeding strategies, disease prevalence and missing marketing strategies. Aim The main objective of the study was to develop a dynamic, stochastic herd model by adopting system dynamic modelling methodology for evaluation of the effect of increased feed availability (forage production) in combination with different fattening strategies on herd dynamics and profitability of an Ethiopian sheep population. Methods Forage production utilising part of smallholder farmers’ cropland was built into a dynamic simulation model. Two alternative feed-supply systems were evaluated: turning 25% and 50% of the current cropland into area used for forage production. The simulation period was 20 years, the first 10 years representing the baseline fattening scenario (culled rams fattened). For the last 10 years, genetic selection was introduced and two scenarios were evaluated: fattening of culled rams (Scenario I) and fattening of young rams (Scenario II). Key results Increasing the feed supply resulted in an increase to the herd size when the model balanced dry matter supply and demand of the herd. Fattening of young rams (Scenario II) with genetic selection was significantly more profitable than the baseline and Scenario I in both of the simulated alternative feed-supply systems. This can be used for regular cash generation, which might reduce disposal of animals at lower price in cases of need for emergency cash. Conclusions Overall, the simulation model demonstrates that production of improved forage crops should be combined with selective breeding and an appropriate finishing strategy. The competition for resources (land and labour) with crop production, forage seed shortage and extended family size are other challenges raised by smallholder farmers for the feasibility of the two alternative feed-supply systems.

scholarly journals Forage supply systems for dryland dairy farms in southern Australia

2006 ◽  
pp. 255-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.F. Chapman ◽  
J.L. Jacobs ◽  
G.N. Ward ◽  
G.B. O'Brien ◽  
S.N. Kenny ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Models ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Forage Crops ◽  
Winter Cereal ◽  
Operating Profit ◽  
Winter Cereals ◽  
Double Cropping ◽  
Productivity Gains ◽  
Supply Systems

Continued improvements in home grown forage consumption are needed to support the long-term profitability of the dairy industry in southern Australia. Most home grown forage currently comes from perennial ryegrass pastures, which have significant limitations in the southern Australia environment. These limitations threaten future productivity gains, and we therefore consider opportunities for using other plant species. Data on the production of alternative perennial grasses, brassica summer crops, C4 summer crops and winter cereals grown for whole-crop silage are limited and generally show large variation in yields between sites and years. Simulation models suggest that, once the base ryegrass pasture is well-utilised, incorporating complementary forages can return $70 - $100/ha extra operating profit for every additional tonne of home grown forage DM consumed per ha. Double cropping (winter cereal or annual ryegrass followed by a summer crop of turnips or maize) and summer-active pastures such as tall fescue show particular promise. Further information is required on how to integrate these forages into whole farm feeding systems to realise the additional profit with manageable business and environmental risk. Keywords: dairy systems, forage production, pastures, forage crops, simulation models

scholarly journals Estimating the economic impact of subclinical ketosis in dairy cattle using a dynamic stochastic simulation model

animal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.F. Mostert ◽  
E.A.M. Bokkers ◽  
C.E. van Middelaar ◽  
H. Hogeveen ◽  
I.J.M. de Boer
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Simulation Model ◽  
Economic Impact ◽  
Stochastic Simulation ◽  
Subclinical Ketosis ◽  
Dynamic Stochastic ◽  
Stochastic Simulation Model

scholarly journals An innovative technical solution to the issue of conditioning forage grasses

2021 ◽  
Vol 901 (1) ◽  
pp. 012049
Author(s):  
S A Otroshko ◽  
A V Shevtsov ◽  
N D Sharikov
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Vertical Axis ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Technical Solution ◽  
Forage Grasses ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Meadow Fescue ◽  
Forage Crops ◽  
High Quality Protein ◽  
Working Bodies

Abstract Acceleration of wilting of forage grasses treated during mowing by the working bodies of dynamic conditioners installed on disc mowers is a prerequisite for improving the quality of forage, primarily in terms of the concentration of high-quality protein, vitamins and other biologically active substances, as well as energy. The main working body of modern conditioning devices is a horizontal shaft rotating at a speed of 18-29 m / s with hinged beaters of various configurations placed on its surface, which ensure grass dragging along the surface of corrugated decks, through combs, etc. [1]. Such devices significantly increase the weight of the mowers, which increases their cost by about 1/3, and the use of an additional drive of the conditioner shaft leads to operational difficulties. In this regard, the search for innovative technical solutions aimed at improving this situation is a very urgent task. The article describes the design and principle of operation of a rotary conditioner with a vertical axis of rotation developed in Federal Williams Research Center of Forage Production & Agroecology for the KR-2.1M mower of the “Agramak” company, the articulated beams of which are installed directly on its discs. The mower with an innovative conditioner was tested on a mixture of reed fescue with clover of the first cut and on tetraploid meadow fescue of the second. The yield of green mass, the composition of the herbage, its height and lodging, as well as the phase of development were determined in accordance with the guidelines for conducting field experiments with forage crops. The work of the mower was evaluated according to GOST 28722-90. The article presents data on the degree of damage to treated plants and the dynamics of the rate of their dehydration.

Forage production for dairy farming in terms of the Research Station “Poyma”

2021 ◽  
pp. 8-16
Author(s):  
А.А. Анисимов ◽  
П.И. Комахин ◽  
В.Н. Золотарев
Keyword(s):  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Forage Crops ◽  
Animal Product ◽  
Advanced Experience ◽  
Stable Production ◽  
Annual Grasses ◽  
Silage Production

Важнейшей проблемой продовольственной безопасности страны является уровень обеспеченности населения молочными продуктами. В связи с этим большое значение имеет опыт работы передовых хозяйств такого профиля в определённых почвенно-климатических и природно-экологических условиях. ФГБУ «Опытная станция «Пойма» является одним из наиболее эффективных хозяйств в Московской области по производству молока. Общая площадь сельскохозяйственных угодий составляет 6135 га, из них 2000 га пашни. В структуре посевных площадей 95% и более занимают кормовые культуры, в том числе 12–14% — однолетние травы, 68–70% — многолетние травы и природные кормовые угодья, 15–16% — кукуруза на силос. Основное производство кормов сосредоточено на высокоплодородных пойменных землях, на долю которых приходится 84% кормовых угодий. В статье изложены результаты системного применения достижений науки и передового опыта по стабильному производству высококачественных объёмистых кормов. Проведён анализ состояния кормопроизводства и животноводства хозяйства с 1982 по 2020 год, освещены научные подходы к увеличению производства кормов и животноводческой продукции. Системное освоение передовых научных разработок по созданию высокопродуктивных кормовых посевов и стабильному производству высококачественных объёмистых кормов, их рациональному хранению и использованию, техническая модернизация позволили увеличить среднегодовой надой на корову с 4079 до 9708 кг, или более чем в 2,3 раза, при одновременном снижении расхода кормов на 1 кг молока с 1,37 до 0,90 корм. ед. при повышении рентабельности с 16 до 28%. Food safety of the country is highly affected by the availability of milk products. Therefore, the experience of leading farms is of great importance under certain environmental conditions. The Research Station “Poyma” is one of the leading milk producers in the Moscow region. Its fields occupy around 6135 ha. The proportion of forage crops amounts to 95% including 12–14% of annual grasses, 68–70% of perennial grasses and natural forage lands as well as 15–16% of maize for silage production. 84% of the total cultivation area are high-fertile floodlands. This article focuses on the application of the latest scientific findings and advanced experience for stable production of high-quality bulk fodder. The efficiency of forage production and Animal Husbandry was analyzed in the period from 1982 to 2020. The methods and practices were reviewed to optimize forage and animal product resources. Average annual milk yield was improved from 4079 to 9708 kg per cow, or by more than 2.3 times due to the introduction of the latest findings into the production process including the cultivation of high-productive forage crops, stabilization of bulk fodder supplies, feed effective storage and use. Forage consumption dropped from 1.37 to 0.90 feed units for the production of 1 kg of milk, payback increased from 16 to 28%.

scholarly journals Adoption and Utilization of Cactus Pear in South Asia—Smallholder Farmers’ Perceptions

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 3625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mounir Louhaichi ◽  
Suresh Kumar ◽  
Sunil Tiwari ◽  
Muhammad Islam ◽  
Sawsan Hassan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Asia ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Technical Information ◽  
Livestock Production ◽  
Considerable Proportion ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Livestock Farming ◽  
Livestock Feed ◽  
Farmer Education ◽  
Potential Use

Livestock production in arid and semi-arid regions is facing the challenges of low and erratic rainfall, poor nutrient soils, and high temperatures, which all contribute to inadequate forage production to support livestock. Under these challenging conditions, promoting forage species, such as cacti, that are tolerant and well adapted is important to sustain and improve livestock production. This study analyzes the potential of adopting a spineless cactus through analysis of smallholder farmers’ perceptions with respect to its potential use as a livestock feed in South Asia. A total of 456 households were stratified into three groups in 2017: Farmers not familiar with cactus (non-adopters), farmers familiar with cactus but not growing it (potential adopters), and those already growing it (actual adopters). Main findings confirm that farmers already growing cactus are satisfied with its potential. A considerable proportion of non-adopter farmers cited the unavailability of plant material and technical information as the main reason for their lack of interest in cultivating spineless cactus. Therefore, the potential gains of livestock farming from spineless cactus production in the world’s dry areas could be immense, although more efforts, through farmer education and information sharing, are needed to ensure that the plant’s potential is effectively realized.

Change of physical and chemical properties of grey forest soil of Tatarstan agrocenosis under the influence of Alfalfa cultivated on different mineral nutrition backgrounds

10.12737/1382 ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 139-143
Author(s):  
Сочнева ◽  
Svetlana Sochneva ◽  
Миннулин ◽  
Genadiy Minnulin ◽  
Сафиоллин ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Nutrition ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Meadow Fescue ◽  
Forage Crops ◽  
The World ◽  
Leading Position ◽  
The Republic ◽  
The Impact

In the world more than 100 types of crops are cultivated on the fodder purposes, including perennial grasses, corn, fodder and forage crops account, which provides about 70% of the livestock’s necessity. Among the perennial grasses, the leading position, both in areas under crops and the yield, is alfalfa crop, which is grown in 165 countries around the world according to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, especially in the countries of Americas (20-25 million hectares). Furthermore, the palatability ratio of green and dry alfalfa is significantly higher, compared to other legumes perennial grasses. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of alfalfa forage production in the modern forage production. This paper presents the current issues of growing alfalfa on different backgrounds of mineral nutrition. In our country its acreage needs to be expanded to 350 hectares (40% of the acreage of perennial grasses), because the farming biologization without the inclusion this crop in the field, forage and farms crop rotation is theoretically impossible and not feasible. In order to obtain the high biomass of at least 23 tons per hectare and agriculture biologization on gray forest soils of the Republic of Tatarstan we recommend to cultivate alfalfa mixed with awnless rump and meadow fescue in the ratio of 0,70:0,15:0,15. In households with high use of chemicals so that to obtain for more than 36 tons per hectare of green herbage mass in polyspecific grasses, it should prevail crop components (awnless rump and meadow fescue), which are in a leading position, according to the impact on the agro biological properties of the soil of Kama zone of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Feed gaps in mixed-farming systems: insights from the Grain & Graze program

2009 ◽  
Vol 49 (10) ◽  
pp. 736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew D. Moore ◽  
Lindsay W. Bell ◽  
Dean K. Revell
Keyword(s):  
Resource Management ◽  
Natural Resource Management ◽  
Natural Resource ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Summer Rainfall ◽  
Supply Side ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Forage Crops ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Practical Tool

A central concern of the Grain & Graze research, development and extension program has been improving the management of the feedbase on mixed farms through addressing ‘feed gaps’ – times of year during which the supply of forage is insufficient to meet livestock demand. In this review, we use the available data on pasture growth and quality, supplemented by modelling results, to describe the characteristic timing of feed gaps across the Australian cereal-livestock zone. Feedbase interventions studied during the Grain & Graze program have mainly addressed the supply side of the feed balance equation. We review these studies, paying particular attention to the time scale of the variability in the feed balance that each intervention is intended to address. We conclude that grazing of cereals (either dual-purpose or forage crops) is the most promising means of alleviating winter feed gaps in regions where they are important. Reducing feed gaps in summer by relying on unpredictable summer rainfall events will increase year-to-year variability in forage production and will therefore require more flexible livestock management systems to exploit it. The use of forage shrubs offers a practical tool for increasing the predictability of summer and autumn feed supply, but given their moderate capacity for providing additional metabolisable energy it remains important to carefully manage livestock over autumn and to manage the herbaceous inter-row pasture. Feed gaps mainly arise from an interaction between biology and economics. We find, however, that the options studied in the Grain & Graze program for addressing feed gaps require either greater complexity in pasture and grazing management or more opportunistic livestock trading; they therefore come at a cost to the manager’s limited decision-making time. Times with feed gaps are also times when particular natural resource management risks (especially erosion) need to be managed. Supply-side interventions to relieve feed gaps will generally use more soil water, which will often have positive effects on natural resource management outcomes.

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