scholarly journals The Environmental Impact of Changes in Cow Productivity and Its Component Traits in South Africa's Landrace Beef Breeds

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frans J. Jordaan ◽  
Frederick W. C. Neser ◽  
Azwihangwisi Maiwashe ◽  
Zelda King ◽  
Michiel M. Scholtz
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
South African ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Selection Indices ◽  
Component Traits ◽  
Emissions Factor ◽  
Genetic Trends

Any reduction in the carbon footprint of beef production will contribute to future sustainability. This study investigates the environmental impact (carbon footprint) of the changes that occurred in cow productivity in the cowherds of four South African landrace breeds over a period of 25–30 years. Cow productivity, defined as kilogram calf weaned per large stock unit mated, increased by 18.3, 10.0, 14.2, and 10.4% in the Afrikaner, Bonsmara, Drakensberger, and Nguni, respectively. This resulted in a decrease in the carbon footprint, as defined by the enteric methane emissions factor, of between 6.6 and 12.0%. Changes in the cow productivity component traits, viz. weaning weight, cow weight, and fertility (as measured by inter-calving period) was also investigated. In all breeds, except the Nguni, the change in the environmental trends were less than that of the direct genetic or phenotypic trends. The genetic trends for direct weaning weight in the Afrikaner, Bonsmara, and Drakensberger were +6.7, +11.7, and +6.2 kg, respectively. In the case of the Bonsmara and Drakensberger breeds, the genetic trends were larger than the phenotypic trends, which may indicate that the environment cannot support the higher “genetic” weaning weights. The genetic trends for mature cow weight in Bonsmara and Drakensberger were +15.9 and +15.1 kg, respectively, whereas in the Afrikaner and Nguni it was not significantly different from zero (R2 ≤ 0.24). The trends in the phenotypic mature cow weights were −8.3, +17.5, +8.5, and −17.2 kg for in the Afrikaner, Bonsmara, Drakensberger, and Nguni, respectively. Although the observed inter-calving period of all breeds declined, there was no genetic change in inter-calving period for any of the breeds. It is proposed that selection indices are developed for cow productivity, which can be extended to a carbon footprint selection index. It is recommended that similar studies be done on all the major beef breeds in South Africa, especially those that rely on regular importation of genetic material.

scholarly journals Genetic dissimilarity, selection index and correlation estimation in a melon germplasm

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-51
Author(s):  
Danilo A Gomes ◽  
Igor M Alves ◽  
Gabriel M Maciel ◽  
Ana Carolina S Siquieroli ◽  
Joicy Vitória M Peixoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cavity Length ◽  
Multivariate Analyses ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Correlation Estimation ◽  
Selection Indices ◽  
Genetic Dissimilarity ◽  
Selection For

ABSTRACT The success of breeding programs depends on genetic variability. Individuals selected based on a few traits may be a limitation. One alternative is the use of nonparametric indices. However, there is no information on the use of selection indices in melon germplasms. The present study aimed to estimate genetic dissimilarity in a melon germplasm and select potential parent plants for future breeding programs. The genetic material consisted of 37 melon accessions. The traits assessed were fruit diameter and length, diameter and length of the fruit cavity and total soluble solids. Genetic dissimilarity was assessed by multivariate analyses (UPGMA and Tocher). Selection gain estimates were analyzed by comparing the classic Smith-Hazel and sum of ranks indices. Genetic diversity was observed between accessions. The variable that contributed most to genetic dissimilarity was fruit cavity length. Simultaneous selection for the traits assessed based on the sum of ranks index is better suited to melon germplasm assessment. The best accessions for the five variables simultaneously were UFU07, UFU23, UFU09, UFU21, UFU28 and UFU30.

scholarly journals Differential response from selection for high calving ease vs. low birth weight in American Simmental beef cattle

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamad M Saad ◽  
Milton G Thomas ◽  
Scott E Speidel ◽  
Richard K Peel ◽  
W Marshall Frasier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Differential Response ◽  
Direct Selection ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Calving Ease ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Maternal Grandsire ◽  
Genetic Trends

Abstract Data on calving ease (CE) and birth, weaning weight (WW), and yearling weight (YW) were obtained from the American Simmental Association (ASA) and included pedigree and performance information on 11,640,735 animals. Our objective was to quantify differential response from selection for high CE vs. low birth weight (LBW) in first-calf Simmental heifers. We hypothesized that direct selection for CE should be used as the primary approach to reduce dystocia and mitigate losses in growth-related traits. WW and YW were adjusted to 205 and 365 d of age, respectively. Sire and maternal grandsire (co)variance components for CE, birth weight (BW), and 205-d weaning weight (205-d WW), and sire covariance components for 160-d postweaning gain (160-d gain) were estimated using a sire-maternal grandsire model. Direct and maternal expected progeny differences (EPD) for CE, BW, and 205-d WW and direct EPD for 160-d gain and 365-d yearling weight (365-d YW) for first-calf Simmental heifers population (465,710 animals) were estimated using a threshold-linear multivariate maternal animal model. This population was used to estimate genetic trends and as a selection pool (control) for various selection scenarios. Selection scenarios were high CE (HCE), LBW, the all-purpose selection index (API = −1.8 BW + 1.3 CE + 0.10 WW + 0.20 YW) of the ASA and its two derived subindices: (API1 = 1.3 CE + 0.20 YW) and (API2 = −1.8 BW + 0.20 YW), and lastly Dickerson’s selection index (DSI = −3.2 BW + YW). Data for each selection scenario were created by selecting sires with EPD greater than or equal to the average along with the top 75% of dams. Comparison between selection scenarios involved evaluating the direct and maternal genetic trends from these scenarios. Direct heritabilities for CE, BW, 205-d WW, 160-d gain, and 365-d YW of Simmental cattle were 0.23, 0.52, 0.28, 0.21, and 0.33, respectively. The single trait, HCE, selection scenario, as opposed to LBW, increased the intercept for CE by 57.7% and the slopes (P < 0.001) for BW, 205-d WW, 160-d gain, and 365-d YW by 27.9%, 37.5%, 16%, and 28%, respectively. Comparisons of various selection scenarios revealed that the CE-based selection scenarios (HCE, API, and API1) had a greater response for CE and growth traits.

scholarly journals What Is the Environmental Impact of Wine Entering Global Value Chains? Studying the Evolution of CO2 Emissions from the Export of Spanish Denomination of Origin Wines

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1664
Author(s):  
Juan Sebastián Castillo-Valero ◽  
Inmaculada Carrasco ◽  
Marcos Carchano ◽  
Carmen Córcoles
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
International Markets ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Input Output ◽  
Continuous Growth ◽  
Wine Trade

The continuous growth of the international wine trade and the expansion of international markets is having significant commercial, but also environmental, impacts. The benefits of vineyards in terms of ecosystem service provision are offset by the increase in CO2 emissions generated by transportation. Denominations of Origin, as quality labels, emphasise a wine’s links to the terroir, where specific elements of culture and environment merge together. However, Denominations of Origin can also have differentiating elements as regards environmental performance. Drawing on an extended multiregional input–output model applied to the Spanish Denominations of Origin with the largest presence in the international wine trade, this study shows that wines with the greatest exporting tradition are those that most reduced their carbon footprint per litre of exported wine in the period 2005–2018, thus being the most environmentally efficient.

scholarly journals Dying to Go Green: The Introduction of Resomation in the United Kingdom

Religions ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 97
Author(s):  
Georgina M. Robinson
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Human Body ◽  
Alkaline Hydrolysis ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Religious Perspectives ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Hydrolysis Of

In an age where concern for the environment is paramount, individuals are continuously looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint—does this now extend to in one’s own death? How can one reduce the environmental impact of their own death? This paper considers various methods of disposing the human body after death, with a particular focus on the environmental impact that the different disposal techniques have. The practices of ‘traditional’ burial, cremation, ‘natural’ burial, and ‘resomation’ will be discussed, with focus on the prospective introduction of the funerary innovation of the alkaline hydrolysis of human corpses, trademarked as ‘Resomation’, in the United Kingdom. The paper situates this process within the history of innovative corpse disposal in the UK in order to consider how this innovation may function within the UK funeral industry in the future, with reference made to possible religious perspectives on the process.

scholarly journals The Ecological Footprint of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines: Estimating Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7425
Author(s):  
Peter Kurzweil ◽  
Alfred Müller ◽  
Steffen Wahler
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Ecological Footprint ◽  
Vaccine Dose ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Road Transportation ◽  
Last Mile ◽  
Cooling Technology ◽  
Chain Organization ◽  
Last Mile Delivery

Compared to the medical, economic and social implications of COVID-19 vaccinations, little attention has been paid to the ecological balance to date. This study is an attempt to estimate the environmental impact of two mRNA vaccines in terms of CO2 equivalents with respect to their different freezing strategies and supply chain organization. Although it is impossible to accurately calculate the actual environmental impact of the new biochemical synthesis technology, it becomes apparent that transport accounts for up to 99% of the total carbon footprint. The emissions for air freight, road transportation and last-mile delivery are nearly as 19 times the emissions generated from ultra-deep freeze technologies, the production of dry ice, glass and medical polymers for packaging. The carbon footprint of a single mRNA vaccine dose injected into a patient is about 0.01 to 0.2 kg CO2 equivalents, depending on the cooling technology and the logistic routes to the vaccination sites in Germany.

Carbon footprint model for reverse logistics of waste disposal in interior design industry

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 889-906 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chih-Chin Liang ◽  
Jia-Ping Lee
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Interior Design ◽  
Waste Disposal ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Reverse Logistics ◽  
Corporate Image ◽  
Demolition Waste ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analytical Results ◽  
Market Competitiveness

Purpose Due to the increasing awareness of the need to protect the environment, reverse logistics (RL) is being promoted to improve the ecological sustainability of production. RL can lower the costs of waste disposal, increase market competitiveness, and maintain a good corporate image. Hence, modern companies are focusing on environmental protection to demonstrate social responsibility. According to the OECD report of 2003, buildings consume 32 percent of resources, 12 percent of water, and 40 percent of energy worldwide, and the building waste comprises almost 40 percent of the all waste in the world. Therefore, controlling waste from the interior design sector may help slow global warming. This paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This investigation models the current and new RL of disposing interior design waste in Taiwan. Modeling the carbon footprint (CF) of disposing interior design waste can help companies be aware of the environmental impact of disposing of waste, and how to improve it through RL. This investigation models the CFs of disposing interior design waste based on studies from Benjaafar et al. (2013), Pishvaee et al. (2009, 2010), and Tascione et al. (2014). Findings Analytical results showed that the RL significantly decreases the environmental impact of wastes. Companies can control carbon emission through the findings of this study and find how to improve their recycling process through RL. Research limitations/implications This study used the model proposed by Tascione et al. (2014) to develop an RL model for Taiwan. Whereas most studies in the literature analyze the carbon emissions from the comparison between cost and benefit, this study considered the logistics for the whole lifecycle of a product. The analytical results of this study reveal that that RL can reduce the environmental impact of wastes. This case study is the first to obtain results that can be extended to other countries. This study also reveals the importance of recycling plants that can process demolition waste for reuse. Originality/value This is the first study to model the RL based on literatures. The findings of this study can be extended to other cases.

scholarly journals An Investigation into the Environmental Impact of Product Recovery Methods to Support Sustainable Manufacturing within Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)

2012 ◽  
pp. 73-90
Author(s):  
Michaela R. Appleby ◽  
Chris G. Lambert ◽  
Allan E. W. Rennie ◽  
Adam B. Buckley
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Sustainable Manufacturing ◽  
Product Recovery ◽  
Waste Hierarchy ◽  
Government Legislation ◽  
Lower Carbon ◽  
Recovery Methods

The effects of climate change and government legislation has changed the way in which manufacturers can dispose of their waste, encouraging SMEs to source alternative disposal methods such as those indicated in the waste hierarchy. It is economically and environmentally beneficial to use product recovery methods to divert waste from landfill. The environmental impact of two product recovery methods, remanufacturing and repairing, has been compared via a carbon footprint calculation for a UK-based SME. The calculation has identified that repairing has a lower carbon footprint than remanufacturing, however this only extends the original life-cycle of the product, whereas remanufacturing provides a new life-cycle and warranty, and therefore seen as the most preferable method of product recovery to support sustainable manufacturing.

scholarly journals Yield traits as selection indices in seedling populations of cassava

2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry Fred Ojulong ◽  
Maryke Tine Labuschagne ◽  
Liezel Herselman ◽  
Martin Fregene
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Tuber Yield ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Root Weight ◽  
Dry Matter Content ◽  
Root Yield ◽  
Breeding Scheme ◽  
Selection Indices ◽  
Root Quality

The cassava breeding scheme currently used is long, because initial stages concentrate mainly on improving yield, with root quality selection following later. To shorten the scheme, yield and root quality should be selected simultaneously, starting at the seedling nursery. In this study, a nursery comprising of eight cassava families and 1885 seedlings developed from parents adapted to three major agro-ecologies, were evaluated for yield related traits in Colombia. Percentage dry matter content (DMC) and harvest index produced similar ranking of the parents. Tuber yield, weight, and number showed potential of increasing yield through conventional breeding. A selection index including fresh root yield, percentage DMC, root weight and roots per plant, with heavier weights being assigned to root weight and roots per plant, should be used.

WEIGHTED AVERAGES OF SIRE PROGENY TESTS FOR GROWTH TRAITS IN RECORD OF PERFORMANCE BEEF HERDS

1981 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. R. SCHAEFFER ◽  
J. A. ERIKSSON ◽  
J. W. WILTON
Keyword(s):  
Growth Traits ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Test Program ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Declining Enrollment ◽  
Beef Herds ◽  
Progeny Tests ◽  
Annual Trends ◽  
Genetic Trends

Growth records of 281 744 calves born from 1971 to 1978 were used to calculate annual phenotypic and genetic trends for weaning weight and yearling weight. Genetic trends were computed as the weighted average of sire-transmitting abilities obtained from the Record of Performance National Beef Sire Monitoring Program. There were no significant differences between the genetic trends of all calves vs. calves which made a yearling weight for either weaning weight or yearling weight. Annual trends were positive for Angus, Hereford, and Shorthorn breeds, and were negative for Charolais, Limousin, Maine-Anjou and Simmental breeds. The interpretation of annual trends was complicated by the declining enrollment of herds on the test program which could have artificially altered the averages.

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