scholarly journals Farm conditions and production methods in Chios sheep flocks

2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 111 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. I. GELASAKIS (A. ΓΕΛΑΣΑΚΗΣ) ◽  
G. E. VALERGAKIS (Γ. ΒΑΛΕΡΓΑΚΗΣ) ◽  
P. FORTOMARIS (Π. ΦΟΡΤΟΜΑΡΗΣ) ◽  
G. ARSENOS (Γ. ΑΡΣΕΝΟΣ)
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Flock Size ◽  
Private Land ◽  
Production Methods ◽  
Feeding Management ◽  
Limited Experience ◽  
Secondary Objective ◽  
Sheep Production ◽  
Chios Sheep ◽  
One Way Anova

The objective was to describe farm conditions and production methods in intensively reared flocks of Chios sheep in Greece. The total of 66 farms of the Chios sheep Breeders Cooperative "Macedonia" were included in the study that was carried out using a purpose-built questionnaire and farm visits for onsite assessment by an experienced veterinarian. A detailed databasewas constructed using the information obtained from individual farms. Thereafter, four parameters concerning structural and management components were selected (flock size, sheep breeding experience, pasture use and application of three milkings daily) and their effect on milk production was estimated using one-way ANOVA. The results showed that the average flock comprisedof 314 sheep (16 rams, 210 ewes and 88 lamb ewes), whereas flock size was positively correlated to milk production (P<0.05). Inaddition, large flocks had more personnel and practiced three milkings per day (P<0.05). The majority of farms (83.3%) had milking parlours and the average milk yield per ewe was 276.6±55.6. The majority of farmers were relatively young (41.2±8.9years old) with limited experience in sheep production. However, they had a good level of education and showed increased interest in intensification and specialization of production methods. The acreage of private land was generally small (7.6 hectares) and was used mainly for production of feedstuffs; grazing was a secondary objective. In most farms, the feeding management wasinappropriate; overfeeding of concentrates and unbalanced rations was the dominant practice. Preventive measures included vaccinations (100% of farms vaccinated for clostridial diseases) and anthelminthic treatments (at least once a year in all flocks). In conclusion, farm conditions and production methods in studied flocks were considered satisfactory and revealed the potential for further improvements that are discussed here.

Impact of Training on Livestock Technology Transfer for Rural Poor Farmers Livelihood Improvement in Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 223-235
Author(s):  
MA Hossain ◽  
MS Islam ◽  
A Akhter ◽  
M Rashiduzzaman
Keyword(s):  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Rural Poor ◽  
Flock Size ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Feeding Management ◽  
Livelihood Improvement ◽  
Logistic Support ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Farming Households

The study was conducted to evaluate the impact of training facilitated by Nuton Jibon Livelihood Improvement Project (NJLIP) under Social Development Foundation (SDF) for transfer livestock technologies and livelihood improvement for rural poor farmers in Bangladesh. A total of 650 farming households were selected by baseline survey during January 2018 to June 2018.The training and non-training beneficiaries were primary level educated and their family size (4.52) was little lower than the national average (4.9). Average age was 36.73 and 35.12 years for training and non-training farmers, respectively. The rate and amount of loan was found higher with respondent received training than without training. Adoption rate of technologies was higher than the level of idea on the concept of housing, feeding, breeding and marketing. The training beneficiaries improved knowledge and skill on feeding, management and health care of livestock and poultry. Training and demonstration are considered two strong tools for adoption and dissemination of livestock technology. Herd and flock size was increased by training beneficiaries than non-training beneficiaries. Beneficiaries having training on various IGAs have expanded their land and asset possession to a greater extent compared to non-training beneficiaries. Housing and sanitation condition of training beneficiaries were higher than non-training beneficiaries. Increased annual income of training and non-training households was 19.43% and 13.30% where income from different IGAs of livestock was 32.19% and 14.53%, respectively. Livestock were not extremely price sensitive but more sensitive on non-price factors logistic support like institutional support, quality of input and availability of input. Thus, training was treated as vital tools for transfer livestock technologies to influence the poor farmer’s livelihood improvement of training household than non-training household. SAARC J. Agric., 19(1): 223-235 (2021)

scholarly journals A partial life cycle assessment approach to evaluate the energy intensity and related greenhouse gas emission in dairy farms

2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (2s) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lelia Murgia ◽  
Giuseppe Todde ◽  
Maria Caria ◽  
Antonio Pazzona
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emission ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Dairy Farming ◽  
Feeding Management

Dairy farming is constantly evolving towards more intensive levels of mechanization and automation which demand more energy consumption and result in higher economic and environmental costs. The usage of fossil energy in agricultural processes contributes to climate change both with on-farm emissions from the combustion of fuels, and by off-farm emissions due to the use of grid power. As a consequence, a more efficient use of fossil resources together with an increased use of renewable energies can play a key role for the development of more sustainable production systems. The aims of this study were to evaluate the energy requirements (fuels and electricity) in dairy farms, define the distribution of the energy demands among the different farm operations, identify the critical point of the process and estimate the amount of CO2 associated with the energy consumption. The inventory of the energy uses has been outlined by a partial Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, setting the system boundaries at the farm level, from cradle to farm gate. All the flows of materials and energy associated to milk production process, including crops cultivation for fodder production, were investigated in 20 dairy commercial farms over a period of one year. Self-produced energy from renewable sources was also accounted as it influence the overall balance of emissions. Data analysis was focused on the calculation of energy and environmental sustainability indicators (EUI, CO2-eq) referred to the functional units. The production of 1 kg of Fat and Protein Corrected Milk (FPCM) required on average 0.044 kWhel and 0.251 kWhth, corresponding to a total emission of 0.085 kg CO2-eq). The farm activities that contribute most to the electricity requirements were milk cooling, milking and slurry management, while feeding management and crop cultivation were the greatest diesel fuel consuming operation and the largest in terms of environmental impact of milk production (73% of energy CO2-eq emissions). The results of the study can assist in the development of dairy farming models based on a more efficient and profitable use of the energy resources.

Effect of body condition at calving and level of feeding in early lactation on milk production of dairy cows

1982 ◽  
Vol 22 (115) ◽  
pp. 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Grainger ◽  
GD Wilhelms ◽  
AA McGowan
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Input Output ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Feeding Management ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Degree Of Confidence

Two experiments were carried out to measure effects of body condition at calving and different levels of feeding after calving on milk and subsequent reproduction.In experiment 1, which was conducted in two consecutive years, 162 cows (77 in year 1 and 85 in year 2) were group feed so as to reach a target body condition (condition scores ranging from 3-6) four weeks before calving. During the last four weeks before calving, all cows were managed so as to maintain their individual condition scores. At calving, cows in similar condition of similar breed and with similar previous milk production were allocated to high and low levels of feeding at pasture for the first five weeks of lactation. Mean pasture intakes were 13.0 and 7.0kg dry matter (DM)/cow.d in year 1 and 15.0 and 8.5 kg DM/cow.d in year 2In experiment 2, 40 cows were offered pasture and hay from 20 weeks before calving to achieve a body condition score of either 4 or 6 by two weeks before calving. During the first five weeks of lactation, cows were individually fed in stalls on freshly cut pasture at one of three levels of intake, 7 or 10 kg DM/cow.d or .In both experiments cows were grazed as one group from week 6 to 20 of lactation.Improved body condition at calving resulted in an extra 4.0, 11.0 and 7.4 kg milk fat per unit condition score over 20 weeks of lactation, for year 1 and 2 of experiment 1, and experiment 2, respectively. Cows in poorer condition partitioned a higher proportion of feed energy to liveweight at the expense of milk production than did the cows in better condition. However, increasing the plane of nutrition in early lactation resulted in higher levels of milk production and reduced the need for cows to mobilize bodyreserves. Improved body condition at calving had a positive effect on milk fat percentage, particularly in early lactation, but did not affect milk protein percentage. Input-output relations calculated from the experimental data showed that the benefit sf to improve body condition before calving was less than that of additional feeding after calvin changes in the condition of the cows were taken into consideration (25.8 vs 1 4.6 kg DM to yi kilogram of milkfat). Improvements in condition and feeding in early lactation reduced the anoestrus interval after calving by 5.7 d for each additional condition score at calving and 1. d for each additional kgDM/cow.d fed over weeks 1-5 of lactation. The input-output relations resented will enable farmers to assess the likely consequenes of changes in their feeding management in the crucial peripartum period with a greater degree of confidence than in the past.

The French sheep industry from farm to table

1990 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 39-43
Author(s):  
J. Barber
Keyword(s):  
Point Of View ◽  
Market Potential ◽  
High Price ◽  
Flock Size ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
High Street ◽  
Sheep Production ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Economic Constraints

AbstractLamb is perceived in an excellent manner in France, conjuring up the image of ‘feast day meat’, which is ‘natural’, mixed with a ‘regional flavour’. Historically lamb in France has been regarded as a meat for special occasions and has carried a high price tag. This price tag is less expensive than it used to be, especially with supermarkets and hypermarkets taking between 50 and 60% of the retail market. Lamb meat is now available to all at a (relatively) low price; a meat which is still regarded as ‘special’.Lamb consumption is increasing in France; in 1988 by an estimated 4%. This is largely due to price, good marketing and very good presentation — in the supermarkets, by top quality high-street butchers and in older traditional country markets. Consumption of lamb has increased by approximately 85 000 t in the last 15 years. French production has been decreasing by about 4% per year over recent years, and France imported 63 500 t in 1984 of which 36 000 came from the United Kingdom (UK). In 1987, 108 200 t were imported, of which 60 000 t came from the UK.There is a greater market potential for lamb in France than her producers can provide. One reason for this is that there are 190 000 producers with 8.15 million ewes; an average flock size of 42. This compares with the UK which has less than half the number of producers, with double the numbers of breeding sheep, and an average flock size nearly five times the size of French flocks.From the long-term point of view, not only is a large number of the flocks too small to be viable in competition with UK producers in the European Community but a high proportion of flock owners tend to be elderly. Sheep production is taking place in areas which are difficult to farm and on small units which are difficult to expand, either because of land law restriction or through economic constraints.

Frequency and risk factors for toxoplasmosis in ovines of various regions of the State of Colima, Mexico

Parasitology ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 135 (12) ◽  
pp. 1385-1389 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. CABALLERO-ORTEGA ◽  
J. M. PALMA ◽  
L. J. GARCÍA-MÁRQUEZ ◽  
A. GILDO-CÁRDENAS ◽  
D. CORREA
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Indirect Elisa ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Flock Size ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Sheep Production ◽  
Wild Cats ◽  
Female Sheep ◽  
Age And Sex

SUMMARYInfection of ewes byToxoplasma gondiimay induce abortions, thus it has consequences for sheep production. Colima, Western State of Mexico, has favourable climatic conditions for transmission and both domestic and wild cats live there. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of specific antibodies in sheep from the coast, a mountain, and a hill of Colima. Serum samples from 351 sheep were tested by a previously standardized indirect ELISA. The frequency of infection was estimated and the farm location and flock size, as well as the animals' age and sex were analysed as risk factors for toxoplasmosis. The frequency of antibodies depended on the altitude, being higher at sea level than at 1200 metres above sea level (OR=3·77, 95% CI=1·79–7·94,P<0·0001), and the size of the flock, being higher in the large ones (OR=2·23, 95% CI=1·35–3·71,P=0·002). Older animals were more frequently positive and with a stronger response than young ones (OR=1·77, 95% CI=1·07–2·93,P=0·016). No differences were observed between male and female sheep. In conclusion, toxoplasmosis is present in sheep of Colima with variations related to altitude, flock size and age.

scholarly journals Practices to Reduce Milk Carbon Footprint on Grazing Dairy Farms in Southern Uruguay: Case Studies

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Lizarralde ◽  
Valentin Picasso ◽  
C. Alan Rotz ◽  
Monica Cadenazzi ◽  
Laura Astigarraga
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Feeding Management ◽  
The Impact

<p>Carbon footprint (CF) is an increasingly important indicator of the impact of a product on climate change. This study followed international guidelines to quantify the CF of milk produced on 24 grazing-based dairy farms in southern Uruguay. Cows grazed all year-round and were supplemented with concentrate feeds. Dairy farms varied in annual milk yield per cow (5672 ± 1245 kg fat and protein corrected milk [FPCM]), milk production per ha (4075 ± 1360 kg FPCM/ha), cow stocking rate (0.71 ± 0.12 cows/ha), feed intake (13.3 ± 2.2 kg dry matter [DM]/cow/day) and percentage of concentrate in the diet (36 ± 12% DM) giving an average CF of 0.99 ± 0.10 kg CO<sub>2</sub> (equivalent [eq]/kg FPCM) over all farms. Total milk production per ha, milk yield per cow and dry matter intake explained most of the variation in CF. Strategies that provide the highest milk production per ha using high yielding cows and a high portion of lactating cows in the herd were identified as the best management practices for reducing CF. Low forage intake in Uruguay is often a consequence of low yielding pastures and high stocking rates. Overall, this study concluded that a reduction in CF is not achieved through increased concentrate intake unless forage consumption is also unconstrained. Improved pasture and feeding management can be used to reduce the CF of milk produced in Uruguay.</p>

Impact Of Training On Transferring Livestock Technology For Improvement Of Livelihoods Of The Rural Farmers

1970 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-115
Author(s):  
M Akteruzzaman ◽  
MAM Miah ◽  
MM Hossain ◽  
KA Fattah ◽  
R Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Flock Size ◽  
Land Area ◽  
Primary Level ◽  
Feeding Management ◽  
Input Quality ◽  
Rural Farmers ◽  
The Family ◽  
Working Age ◽  
Positive Feature ◽  
The Impact

The study was carried out to examine the impact of training conducted by Micro- Finance and Technical Support (MFTS) project under Palli Karma Shohayak Foundation (PKSF) for transferring livestock technologies and improving livelihoods of the rural poor in Bangladesh. A total of 632 households were surveyed during April to September 2006 following a multistage stratified random sampling. Evidence showed that both project and non-project beneficiaries were under the primary level of education and their family size was slightly higher (5.3) than the national average. The family members mostly belonged in the working age group (>15 years) indicated a positive feature of engaging in different income generating activities (IGAs). It is evident that the rate and amount of loan was higher with the respondent received training than without training. The rate of adoption of technologies was higher than the level of idea on the concept of housing, feeding, treatment, breeding and marketing. The training beneficiaries improved knowledge on feeding, management and health care of livestock and poultry. Training and demonstration are suggested two strong tools for adoption and dissemination of livestock technology. The herd and flock size increased to the project beneficiaries than non-project beneficiaries. Beneficiaries having training on various IGAs have increased their land area and asset possession to a greater extent in compare to non-project beneficiaries. The housing and sanitation condition of the training beneficiaries was found higher than non-project beneficiaries. The annual income of the training and non-training households increased to 31.22% and 18.20% respectively where the income from different IGAs of livestock was 56.04% and 68.20%. Livestock IGAs were not necessarily price sensitive but more sensitive on nonprice factors such as institutional support, input quality and availability of input. The training thus contributed transferring livestock technologies which ultimately influenced in improving livelihood of the project beneficiaries than the non-project beneficiaries. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v37i2.9888 BJAS 2008; 37(2): 106-115

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