Integrating feeding programmes into organic production systems.

2021 ◽  
pp. 177-217
Author(s):  
Robert Blair
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Feed Additives ◽  
Feed Quality ◽  
Feed Supplements ◽  
Cattle Farming

Abstract This chapter describes the effects of feeding programmes (including feed quality, feed supplements and feed additives) on the reproductive performance, beef and milk production and quality and environmental impact in organic cattle farming systems.

Conclusions and recommendations for the future.

2021 ◽  
pp. 218-220
Author(s):  
Robert Blair
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Feed Quality ◽  
The Future ◽  
Cattle Farming ◽  
Breed Selection

Abstract This chapter describes some recommendations for improving animal welfare, breed selection, feed quality, beef and milk production and quality and reducing environmental impacts in organic cattle farming systems.

Development of profitable milk production systems for northern Australia: a field assessment of the productivity of five potential farming systems using farmlets

2010 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 246 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. G. Chataway ◽  
R. G. Walker ◽  
M. N. Callow
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Model Development ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Field Evaluation ◽  
Nutrient Inputs ◽  
Tropical Pastures ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
Forage Base

Farmlets, each of 20 cows, were established to field test five milk production systems and provide a learning platform for farmers and researchers in a subtropical environment. The systems were developed through desktop modelling and industry consultation in response to the need for substantial increases in farm milk production following deregulation of the industry. Four of the systems were based on grazing and the continued use of existing farmland resource bases, whereas the fifth comprised a feedlot and associated forage base developed as a greenfield site. The field evaluation was conducted over 4 years under more adverse environmental conditions than anticipated with below average rainfall and restrictions on irrigation. For the grazed systems, mean annual milk yield per cow ranged from 6330 kg/year (1.9 cows/ha) for a herd based on rain-grown tropical pastures to 7617 kg/year (3.0 cows/ha) where animals were based on temperate and tropical irrigated forages. For the feedlot herd, production of 9460 kg/cow.year (4.3 cows/ha of forage base) was achieved. For all herds, the level of production achieved required annual inputs of concentrates of ~3 t DM/animal and purchased conserved fodder from 0.3 to 1.5 t DM/animal. This level of supplementary feeding made a major contribution to total farm nutrient inputs, contributing 50% or more of the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium entering the farming system, and presents challenges to the management of manure and urine that results from the higher stocking rates enabled. Mean annual milk production for the five systems ranged from 88 to 105% of that predicted by the desktop modelling. This level of agreement for the grazed systems was achieved with minimal overall change in predicted feed inputs; however, the feedlot system required a substantial increase in inputs over those predicted. Reproductive performance for all systems was poorer than anticipated, particularly over the summer mating period. We conclude that the desktop model, developed as a rapid response to assist farmers modify their current farming systems, provided a reasonable prediction of inputs required and milk production. Further model development would need to consider more closely climate variability, the limitations summer temperatures place on reproductive success and the feed requirements of feedlot herds.

Intake and milk production responses to legume silages offered to Holstein-Friesian cows

2000 ◽  
Vol 2000 ◽  
pp. 11-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Dewhurst ◽  
D. W. R. Davies ◽  
W. J. Fisher ◽  
J. Bertilsson ◽  
R. J. Wilkins
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Considerable Potential ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Legume Breeding ◽  
Conservation Technology ◽  
Agenda 2000 ◽  
Friesian Cows

Earlier work showed that red clover silage has considerable potential for milk production (e.g. Thomas et al., 1985), though low digestibility and difficulties ensiling clovers were seen as problems that needed to be addressed. Advances in legume breeding and conservation technology as well as a renewed emphasis on extensive organic production systems within Agenda 2000 meant that it was timely to reconsider the potential of legume silages for milk production.

scholarly journals Incorporating leucaena into goat production systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-181
Author(s):  
Frances C. Cowley ◽  
Romana Roschinsky
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Silvopastoral Systems ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Keynote Paper ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
Worm Control ◽  
Farming Systems Research ◽  
Feeding Systems

Keynote paper presented at the International Leucaena Conference, 1‒3 November 2018, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.The integration of leucaena into goat production systems in the tropics and subtropics is reviewed. Goats are well adapted to leucaena, and able to be productive on diets containing up to 100% leucaena as a result of bacterial and hepatic detoxification. Incorporation of leucaena into goat production systems can improve liveweight gains, milk production, worm control and reproduction. Successful feeding systems for goats can be based on both grazed silvopastoral systems and cut-and-carry intensive systems, although there is a lack of farming systems research examining the integration of leucaena into goat production systems, or documentation of the practicalities of these practices.

Nutrition and feeding of organic cattle

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Regulatory Agencies ◽  
Cattle Production ◽  
College Teachers ◽  
Organic Milk ◽  
Feed Ingredients ◽  
Cattle Breeds

Abstract The second edition of this book contains 7 chapters that describe the introductory concepts of cattle nutrition, the aims and principles of organic cattle production, the elements of cattle nutrition, ingredients for organic diets, cattle breeds for organic production, integration of feeding programmes into organic production systems and conclusions and recommendations for the future of nutrition of cattle in organic beef and milk production systems. It provides an important source of peer-reviewed references on the organic feeding of cattle from the international scientific literature. Details on permitted feed ingredients, with an emphasis on those grown or available locally, and on suitable dietary formulations are included in the book. It will be of interest to the advisory personnel that service the organic milk and beef industries, researchers, university and college teachers, students, veterinarians, regulatory agencies, feed manufacturers and feed supply companies.

Economic and social impacts of organic production systems

2007 ◽  
Vol 87 (5) ◽  
pp. 1037-1044 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. MacRae ◽  
B. Frick ◽  
R. C. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Social Impacts ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Weather Extremes ◽  
Organic Farms ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
The Face ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Organic Farming Systems

Given relatively low adoption levels to date, the potential benefits of organic farming systems are not yet very visible. However, there is growing evidence in the literature that adoption of such systems produces multiple environmental, social, and financial benefits that can solve pressing agricultural problems in Canada. Compared with their duration as conventional operations, most organic farms in North America perform better under organic management. This outcome is usually a product of lower input costs, more diversified production and marketing channels, resilience in the face of variable market conditions, higher premiums, and a better capacity to adapt to weather extremes. However, the performance of farming systems including some horticultural and animal production systems, for which our ecological understanding is limited, is still frequently inferior. The data on social impacts are less conclusive, but there is some evidence that when a community has many sustainable (including organic) producers , there are positive shifts in community economic development and social interaction. The reasons appear to be related to the need to hire more labour, the increased demand for local goods and services, and a greater commitment to participation in civic in stitutions. Key words: Organic agriculture, economic performance, social benefits

scholarly journals Prediction of nutrient flows with potential impacts on the environment in a rabbit farm: a modelling approach

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (12) ◽  
pp. 2042 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bertrand Méda ◽  
Laurence Fortun-Lamothe ◽  
Mélynda Hassouna
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Dynamic Models ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Livestock Farming ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Total N ◽  
Nutrient Flows ◽  
Animal Populations

To face the increasing demand for animal products throughout the world, livestock-farming systems have been intensified. This intensification has proven to be economically effective but is noted for its negative impact on the environment through the production of ammonia (NH3) and the greenhouse gases nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane. In this context, dynamic models are useful tools to evaluate the effects of farming practice on nutrient flows and losses to the environment. This paper presents the development of a model simulating the flows of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in a rabbit production farm. The model is comprised of two submodels. The first submodel simulates the number of animals in the farm (births, deaths, culling of does/fatteners) and their respective performances (growth, feed intake, milk production). The second one simulates the excretion of N and P for each animal category using a mass-balance approach between intake (feed and/or milk intake) and exports (body deposition, milk production, gestation). Specific emission factors are then applied to the excreted N amounts to estimate total N, NH3 and N2O losses in the housing unit and during manure storage. Methane emissions from enteric fermentations and manure are also estimated. A simulation example based on French technico-economic data illustrates how the model could be used to study the dynamics of animal populations within the system and of nutrient flows. Finally, there is a need for new knowledge (experimental data) to improve the model and help design more sustainable rabbit production systems by identifying best practices that minimise environmental impacts.

scholarly journals Living Mulches For Organic Farming Systems

2000 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 692-698 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Leary ◽  
Joe DeFrank
Keyword(s):  
Pest Management ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Living Mulch ◽  
Organic System ◽  
Nutrient Runoff ◽  
Organic Farmers

An important aspect of organic farming is to minimize the detrimental impact of human intervention to the surrounding environment by adopting a natural protocol in system management. Traditionally, organic farming has focused on the elimination of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and a reliance on biological cycles that contribute to improving soil health in terms of fertility and pest management. Organic production systems are ecologically and economically sustainable when practices designed to build soil organic matter, fertility, and structure also mitigate soil erosion and nutrient runoff. We found no research conducted under traditional organic farming conditions, comparing bareground monoculture systems to systems incorporating the use of living mulches. We will be focusing on living mulch studies conducted under conventional methodology that can be extrapolated to beneficial uses in an organic system. This article discusses how organic farmers can use living mulches to reduce erosion, runoff, and leaching and also demonstrate the potential of living mulch systems as comprehensive integrated pest management plans that allow for an overall reduction in pesticide applications. The pesticide reducing potential of the living mulch system is examined to gain insight on application within organic agriculture.

scholarly journals Welfare assessment of three chicken breeds (Gallus Gallus Domesticus) under different production systems

2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 1705-1713 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Bozakova ◽  
V. Gerzilov ◽  
S. Popova-Ralcheva ◽  
V. Sredkova
Keyword(s):  
New Hampshire ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Plasma Corticosterone ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Poultry Production ◽  
Welfare Assessment ◽  
Chicken Breeds ◽  
Microclimatic Conditions

The objective assessment of welfare in poultry under different rearing systems has gained an increasing importance. In particular, organic rearing systems are examined in relation to improving poultry welfare and the quality of poultry production at a worldwide scale. The aim of the present study was to assess the welfare of parent flocks - White Plymouth Rock, Barred Plymouth Rock (Line F) and New Hampshire, reared under two production systems - indoor on a litter and organic (sleep houses and walk yards). The rearing and microclimatic conditions, the poultry behaviour and blood plasma corticosterone concentrations under both farming systems were examined. The welfare assessment score of White Plymouth Rock, New Hampshire and Barred Plymouth Rock, reared indoor on a litter was 60%, whereas in an organic production system - 90%. The higher welfare of birds reared organically was determined by the greater number of birds spending their time in dust bathing (P<0.01) and feather cleaning (P<0.05) as well as by fewer episodes of aggression (P<0.01) and plasma corticosterone levels (P<0.01), as compared to chickens reared indoor on a litter.

Effect of organic production system on productive and reproductive performance of cattle

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. K. Shandilya ◽  
A. P. Singh ◽  
B. K. Ojha ◽  
Alok Mishra ◽  
Manu Jaiswal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Management System ◽  
Production Management ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Organic System ◽  
Organic Management ◽  
Green Fodder ◽  
Concentrate Mixture ◽  
Organic Farming Systems

The present investigation was carried out with the objective to study the productive and reproductive performances of dairy cattle under organic farming systems. Total 24 medium to high yielding cattle has been selected for the study, out of which 12 were reared under organic management system and 12 under conventional management system. For cows maintained under organic management system, the animals were fed ad lib quality green fodder grown organically and limited quantity (1.5 to 2.0 kg/cows/day) of concentrate mixture. Production and reproduction performance of animals of both the groups were compared. The results revealed that the reproductive performance was better in cows maintained under organic production management system than their conventional counterparts. The study on milk quality in terms of composition revealed significantly (P less than 0.05) higher fat % of milk, while lower (P less than 0.05) protein % of milk for the cows maintained under organic system as compared to those under conventional system. It can be concluded that the organic management system of dairy cows can be beneficial as depicted by better reproductive efficiency of cows with higher fat % of the milk.

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