scholarly journals 395 Impact of pig mortality on U.S. pig producers

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 184-185
Author(s):  
Caleb M Shull
Keyword(s):  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Functional Approach ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Significant Challenge ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Positive Step

Abstract Swine producers in the U.S. face a significant challenge. On top of the ever-changing market dynamics that lead to wide swings in profitability or loss, is an underlying issue of pig mortality that the industry must address. While significant improvements in total piglets born per litter have been achieved over the last 10 years, pig mortality has seen no improvement or has worsened (Figure 1). When expressed as a percentage of piglets born (excluding mummies), a total of 7.9% were recorded as stillborn and 13.4% died prior to weaning in 2019. Assuming a typical mortality range of 7–10% from weaning to harvest, a typical U.S. producer could expect to lose around 27–30% of all piglets born. In addition, the average producer had around 12% annual sow mortality (Figure 1). Litter size and post-weaning growth rate and feed efficiency will always factor heavily into research priorities due to the economic impact associated with those traits; however, the opportunity to drive value through reduction in pig losses across the production cycle is staggering. In defense of the industry, improving pig survival is not an easy task for a number of reasons. The sample size (i.e., number of pigs) required to do mortality research correctly is often a limiting factor for many production systems. Furthermore, a cross-functional approach is likely required to make significant improvements in mortality. Specifically, the relationship between genetics, health, and management practices warrant consideration. Recent collaboration across the industry to improve mortality is a positive step forward and this collaboration should continue moving forward.

scholarly journals Farm Animal Welfare and Handling in the Tropics: The Ethiopia Case

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Bimrew Asmare
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Production Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Farm Animal ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Farm Animal Welfare ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Ethical Basis

The issue of farm animal welfare has become increasingly of essence in many countries these days. Farm animal welfare concerns are expressed about the conditions in which farm animals are kept and management practices, particularly in systems where animals are kept in confinement for most of their lives, feed methods, health care, and expression of normal behaviors. The use of an ethical basis for animal welfare standards requires some generally accepted principles on how animals should be treated and used by humans. Animals have enormous capacity to feel a huge range of emotions, to learn from their experiences, to adapt to challenges, and to suffer when their needs are either ignored or disrespected. It is now time, in the evolution of the relationship between humans and animals, to move forward with this knowledge and take real action to improve the lives of farm animals. The use of behavioral principles should improve efficiency of livestock handling and reduce stress on animals. Changing public opinion about the importance of good animal welfare and applying legislative actions will be important in animal production systems especially in developing countries where the poor animal welfare is immense and production management is below substandards.

scholarly journals TINJAUAN MANAJEMEN SUMBER DAYA MANUSIA YANG MEMPENGARUHI KINERJA: SEBUAH AGENDA PENELITIAN

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-176
Author(s):  
Eri Novari
Keyword(s):  
Human Resource Management ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Human Resource Management Practices ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

There is increasing evidence supporting the relationship between so-called high-performance or high-commitment human resource management practices (HRM) and various measures of organizational performance. However, it is not clear why this relationship exists. This paper argues that in order to provide a convincing explanation about this association, we need to improve the theoretical and analytical framework in three main areas namely the nature of HRM, and especially the reasons for a specific list of HR practices; the nature of organizational performance; and the relationship between HRM and performance. A model is presented to explore this connection. Existing literature on HRM and performance is reviewed based on analysis to identify key gaps in knowledge and help focus further research priorities.

scholarly journals Simulación de arreglos agroforestales de cacao como una estrategia de diagnóstico y planificación para productores

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 145
Author(s):  
Faver Álvarez-Carrillo ◽  
Jairo Rojas-Molina ◽  
Jairo Rojas-Molina ◽  
Juan Carlos Suarez-Salazar ◽  
Juan Carlos Suarez-Salazar
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Coverage Level ◽  
Planning Strategy ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Cocoa Agroforestry ◽  
The Ideal

<p>En el trópico los sistemas agroforestales SAFs con cacao y café son los más comunes y cubren alrededor de 17,7 millones de hectáreas y aproximadamente el 70% de la producción de cacao proviene de pequeños agricultores. Como estrategia para la realización del diagnóstico en arreglos agroforestales con cacao se realizaron simulaciones con SExI-FS® para identificar las interacciones y proponer alternativas en el manejo de la estructura de los arreglos agroforestales, dando elementos claves a quienes toman decisiones para optimizar los sistemas de producción. Se evaluó la composición química del suelo y un diagnóstico de cada arreglo para obtener información para la simulación en SExI-FS®. Se encontraron variaciones en las cantidades de Ca, B y Cu debido a las prácticas de manejo de enmiendas. Los porcentajes de cobertura arbórea encontrados en cada arreglo agroforestal fueron bajos, siendo 10,8% para la finca El Salado y 6,3% para la finca El Palmar. En nuestro caso en el que la disponibilidad de nutrientes es un factor limitante, se hace necesario aumentar el nivel de sombra, ya que existe una correlación positiva entre la producción de cacao y luz, el nivel de cobertura se debe aumentar a un 30% que es el nivel ideal de sombra para cacao. La simulación con SExI-FS® nos sirve para implementar planes de manejo dentro de la plantación, como el mejoramiento del nivel de sombra, el manejo de las podas y el tipo de especies a utilizar. </p><p> </p><p><strong>Simulation arrangements cocoa agroforestry as a diagnosis and planning strategy for producers  </strong></p><p>In tropical Latin America, agroforestry systems (AFSs) with cacao and coffee are the most common and cover about 17.7 million hectares; and about 70% of cacao production comes from small farmers. As a strategy for performing diagnosis in cacao agroforestry arrangements, simulations were made with SExI-FS® to identify interactions and propose alternative management for agroforestry arrangement structures, given the key elements for making decisions to optimize production systems. We evaluated the chemical composition of the soil and diagnosed each arrangement to obtain information for the SExI-FS® simulation. Variations in the amounts of Ca, B and Cu due to amended management practices were found. The percentages of tree cover found in each agroforestry arrangement were low, with 10.8% for the El Salado and 6.3% for the El Palmar. In our case, where nutrient availability is a limiting factor, it is necessary to increase the shade level since there is a positive correlation between the production of cacao and light; the coverage level should be increased to 30% for the ideal level of shade for cacao. The SExI-FS® simulation serves to implement management plans within plantations, such as improving the shade level, pruning management and type of species used. </p>

scholarly journals LED Intercanopy Lighting in Blackberry During Spring Improves Yield as a Result of Increased Number of Fruiting Laterals and Has a Positive Carryover Effect on Autumn Yield

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anabel Rivas ◽  
Kang Liu ◽  
Ep Heuvelink
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Market Price ◽  
Yield Component ◽  
Fruit Yield ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Dry Matter Content ◽  
Carryover Effect

High market price and low availability of local winter and spring production has stimulated production of blackberries in glasshouses at northern latitudes. For this production, light is the main limiting factor. We investigated the potential of intercanopy lighting (ICL) using light emitting diodes (LEDs) to improve blackberry fruit yield in a crop with a spring and an autumn production cycle. During the spring production cycle three light treatments were applied: only natural light (no ICL), 93 or 185 μmol m–2 s–1 ICL In summer the lateral shoots were cut back and 93 μmol m–2 s–1 ICL was applied to all plants after cutting back, investigating a possible carryover effect of supplemental light in spring on autumn production. Fresh fruit yield in spring increased by 79 and 122% with 93 and 185 μmol m–2 s–1 ICL, respectively, compared to no ICL. This represents 3.6 and 2.8% increase in harvestable product for every additional 1% of light. A yield component analysis and leaf photosynthesis measurements were conducted. Maximum photosynthetic capacity (Amax) for leaves at 185 μmol m–2 s–1 ICL was about 50% higher, and LAI was 41% higher compared to no ICL. ICL increased the number of fruiting laterals per cane, and this explained 75% of the increase in yield. ICL at 185 μmol m–2 s–1 resulted in a higher yield compared to no ICL, primarily as a result of higher total dry matter production. Furthermore, a higher fraction of dry matter partitioned to the fruits (0.59 compared to 0.52) contributed to yield increase, whereas fruit dry matter content and fruit quality (sugar and acid content) was not affected by ICL. Averaged over the three light treatments autumn yield was 47% lower than spring yield. Autumn yield was 10% higher for plants at ICL 93 μmol m–2 s–1 in spring and 36% higher for plants at 185 μmol m–2 s–1 in spring compared to no ICL in spring. This increased autumn yield was caused by more fruiting laterals (less necrotic buds). It is concluded that management practices in spring can have a carryover effect on the autumn production. This is the first scientific paper on the potential for applying LED ICL in blackberries. Further research should focus on optimal intensity of ICL, positioning of supplementary lighting and economic feasibility.

scholarly journals 177 Strategies to improve the efficiency of beef cattle production

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 183-183
Author(s):  
Tim A McAllister ◽  
John Basarab ◽  
Leluo Guan
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Hybrid Vigor ◽  
Intestinal Microbiome ◽  
Cattle Production ◽  
Livestock Species ◽  
Functional Efficiency

Abstract Globally there are approximately 1 billion beef cattle raised in both intensive and extensive production systems and of the principal livestock species, beef cattle are known to have the poorest feed efficiency. As a result of low feed efficiency, cattle also have a larger environmental footprint per kg of product produced. However, these metrics fail to consider that beef cattle produce high quality protein from feeds that are largely unsuitable for other livestock species. Even in Canada’s intensive beef production system, forages account for more than 80% of feed, with high grain diets only being fed for 3 to 4 months during finishing. Strategies to improve the efficiency of beef cattle are focusing on the genetics of the host, the functional efficiency of the gastrointestinal microbiome and the structure and composition of the feed. Maintenance of hybrid vigor is central to matching the optimal biological type of animal to a variety of management practices and environments. Genotyping can play a key role in ensuring hybrid vigor is maintained so that populations can adapt to changing environmental conditions brought about by influences such as climate change. The central role of microbiome-host interactions in the efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract is becoming increasingly apparent. Microbial markers and gene expression patterns within the intestinal microbiome are being used to identify efficient hosts and to alter the microbiome in a manner that enhances fibre digestion. Finally, feed types and feed processing are being optimized to maximize the value that can be derived from both forages and concentrates. This multi-faceted approach to improving efficiency is coupled with strategies that reduce disease and improve host health. Strategies to improve the efficiency of cattle production are a perquisite for the sustainable intensification that is needed to satisfy the future demand for beef.

Nitrate Leaching to a Shallow Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain Aquifer as Influenced by Conventional No-Till and Low-Input Sustainable Grain Production Systems

1993 ◽  
Vol 28 (3-5) ◽  
pp. 691-700 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. Craig ◽  
R. R. Weil
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Atlantic Coastal Plain ◽  
Grain Production ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
Low Input ◽  
No Till

In December, 1987, the states in the Chesapeake Bay region, along with the federal government, signed an agreement which called for a 40% reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus loadings to the Bay by the year 2000. To accomplish this goal, major reductions in nutrient loadings associated with agricultural management practices were deemed necessary. The objective of this study was to determine if reducing fertilizer inputs to the NT system would result in a reduction in nitrogen contamination of groundwater. In this study, groundwater, soil, and percolate samples were collected from two cropping systems. The first system was a conventional no-till (NT) grain production system with a two-year rotation of corn/winter wheat/double crop soybean. The second system, denoted low-input sustainable agriculture (LISA), produced the same crops using a winter legume and relay-cropped soybeans into standing wheat to reduce nitrogen and herbicide inputs. Nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in groundwater were significantly lower under the LISA system. Over 80% of the NT groundwater samples had NO3-N concentrations greater than 10 mgl-1, compared to only 4% for the LISA cropping system. Significantly lower soil mineral N to a depth of 180 cm was also observed. The NT soil had nearly twice as much mineral N present in the 90-180 cm portion than the LISA cropping system.

Preliminaries

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Lobina
Keyword(s):  
Data Structures ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Specific Data ◽  
Recursive Functions ◽  
Recursive Solution ◽  
Partial Recursive Functions ◽  
Recursive Structures ◽  
Recursive Data Structures ◽  
Recursive Data ◽  
The Relationship

Recursion, or the capacity of ‘self-reference’, has played a central role within mathematical approaches to understanding the nature of computation, from the general recursive functions of Alonzo Church to the partial recursive functions of Stephen C. Kleene and the production systems of Emil Post. Recursion has also played a significant role in the analysis and running of certain computational processes within computer science (viz., those with self-calls and deferred operations). Yet the relationship between the mathematical and computer versions of recursion is subtle and intricate. A recursively specified algorithm, for example, may well proceed iteratively if time and space constraints permit; but the nature of specific data structures—viz., recursive data structures—will also return a recursive solution as the most optimal process. In other words, the correspondence between recursive structures and recursive processes is not automatic; it needs to be demonstrated on a case-by-case basis.

scholarly journals Legumes increase grassland productivity with no effect on nitrous oxide emissions

2019 ◽  
Vol 446 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 163-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arlete S. Barneze ◽  
Jeanette Whitaker ◽  
Niall P. McNamara ◽  
Nicholas J. Ostle
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
Relative Proportion ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
Grassland Productivity

Abstract Aims Grasslands are important agricultural production systems, where ecosystem functioning is affected by land management practices. Grass-legume mixtures are commonly cultivated to increase grassland productivity while reducing the need for nitrogen (N) fertiliser. However, little is known about the effect of this increase in productivity on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in grass-legume mixtures. The aim of this study was to investigate interactions between the proportion of legumes in grass-legume mixtures and N-fertiliser addition on productivity and GHG emissions. We tested the hypotheses that an increase in the relative proportion of legumes would increase plant productivity and decrease GHG emissions, and the magnitude of these effects would be reduced by N-fertiliser addition. Methods This was tested in a controlled environment mesocosm experiment with one grass and one legume species grown in mixtures in different proportions, with or without N-fertiliser. The effects on N cycling processes were assessed by measurement of above- and below-ground biomass, shoot N uptake, soil physico-chemical properties and GHG emissions. Results Above-ground productivity and shoot N uptake were greater in legume-grass mixtures compared to grass or legume monocultures, in fertilised and unfertilised soils. However, we found no effect of legume proportion on N2O emissions, total soil N or mineral-N in fertilised or unfertilised soils. Conclusions This study shows that the inclusion of legumes in grass-legume mixtures positively affected productivity, however N cycle were in the short-term unaffected and mainly affected by nitrogen fertilisation. Legumes can be used in grassland management strategies to mitigate climate change by reducing crop demand for N-fertilisers.

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