scholarly journals Management Strategies to Improve the Economics of Sheep Farms in Norwegian Coastal and Fjord Areas—The Effect of Animal Size and Capacities for Rangeland Utilisation

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 3713
Author(s):  
Muhammad Azher Bhatti ◽  
Lars Olav Eik ◽  
Geir Steinheim ◽  
Tormod Ådnøy ◽  
David L. Hopkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Programming Model ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
Fresh Meat ◽  
Winter Grazing ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Animal Size ◽  
The Impact

The morphological and productive aspects of Norwegian sheep have developed over time and adapted to the diverse environment of the country. Before 1900, native Norwegian sheep were crossed with UK breeds to attain higher body weight and reproductive efficiency. Subsequent selection programs eventually led to the creation of the heavier (adults often >90 kg) Norwegian White Sheep (NWS), today constituting 70% of the recorded ewes. The modern Norwegian (White) Spæl (NS) sheep, mostly <75 kg and accounting for 10% of the recorded ewe population, originated from the native short-tailed breeds that are smaller and are believed to prefer grazing at higher altitudes than NWS. Other registered breeds of the short-tailed spæl type account for another 12% of the recorded sheep. Rugged Norwegian terrain with rich summer pastures makes the NS a complementary breed to the NWS. Increasing demand for year-round fresh meat requires changes at the farm level. Efficient use of local feed resources by extensive feeding of smaller size ewes is an opportunity for attaining economic gains and for year-round fresh meat production. The NS has a lighter bodyweight, requiring less housing space, is efficient in grazing rangeland and local pastures, and is better suited to outdoor winter grazing in coastal and fjord areas. In this paper, we compare the farm profitability (gross margin) of two Norwegian sheep breeds (NS and NWS) using a linear programming model designed for the coastal and fjord areas. The impact of ewe body weight, housing capacity, and meat produced per unit of concentrate are discussed.

scholarly journals The effects of protein supplementation and pasture maintenance on the growth, parasite burden, and economic return of pasture-raised lambs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Braden J Campbell ◽  
Antoinette E Marsh ◽  
Elizabeth M Parker ◽  
Jefferson S McCutcheon ◽  
Francis L Fluharty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Parasite Burden ◽  
Gastrointestinal Nematodes ◽  
Protein Supplementation ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
Protein Rich ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the impact of protein supplementation and pasture contamination with gastrointestinal nematodes on the mitigation of parasitic infection in grazing lambs. We hypothesized that there would be no difference between protein supplementation and newly sown pasture in evaluating lamb growth and health parameters associated with parasitism. Furthermore, we questioned if there would be an interaction between protein supplementation and pasture type. A total of 192, 60-day old lambs (28.3 ± 5.1 kg) were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: 1.) new pasture without supplementation (NN); 2.) new pasture with supplementation (NS); 3.) established pasture without supplementation (EN); and 4.) established pasture with supplementation (ES) and grazed for 112 days. Lambs were supplemented at a rate of 1% body weight/day. Supplemented lambs had greater body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) when compared with non-supplemented lambs (P &lt; 0.04). Additionally, lambs on newly sown pasture demonstrated greater BW and ADG when compared with lambs grazing on established pasture (P &lt; 0.05). For lamb health, lambs in the EN treatment group had the greatest FAMACHA © eye scores and lowest packed cell volume (PCV) over the course of the 112-day grazing period (P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, NS and ES treatment lambs demonstrated similar FAMACHA © eye scores when compared with NN treatment lambs; however, NN treatment lambs showed lower PCV when compared with NS and ES treatment lambs (P &lt; 0.05). In evaluating fecal egg counts (FEC), lambs on new pasture or given supplement demonstrated lesser FEC when compared with those lambs on established pasture or not given supplement (P &lt; 0.05). Sixty-four lambs were harvested to evaluate total abomasum nematode counts which demonstrated that H. contortus represented approximately 80% of total nematodes. Furthermore, based upon gross margin analysis, lambs given a protein rich supplement on pasture had a 9.3 kg increase in lamb BW whereas newly sown pasture had a 1.3 kg increase in lamb BW. A protein rich supplement given to lambs grazing pastures contaminated primarily with H. contortus or placing lambs on newly sown pasture increases lamb BW and improves parasite resiliency. Selection of parasite management strategies may be influenced by cost of production and market opportunities.

scholarly journals Sustainable goat production: modelling optimal performance in extensive systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (6) ◽  
pp. 843
Author(s):  
O. F. Godber ◽  
M. Chentouf ◽  
R. Wall
Keyword(s):  
Key Management ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
High Price ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Holistic Model ◽  
Rangeland Degradation ◽  
Systems Model ◽  
Livestock Productivity ◽  
The Impact

Context Strategies for achieving greater ruminant livestock productivity are essential to meet the food demands of growing populations, but sustainable changes are difficult to identify given the inherent complexity of such systems. Systems models can address this issue by allowing the impact of potential changes to be explored. Aims To develop a holistic systems model for goat production in an extensive Mediterranean environment which could allow changes in key management factors influencing the system to be investigated. Methods Initially, a conceptual comprehensive stock-and-flow model of a representative Mediterranean goat production system was constructed. This was used to identify informative indicators that would represent the overall technical and economic performance of the system. Sub-models were then assembled to build the full systems model. The model was parameterised with data collected over 3 years for goat holdings in northern Morocco. Scenario analysis techniques are used to explore the strategies that optimise performance under climate and feed price challenges. Key results Meat production is particularly important during periods of drought when increased meat yields can counteract the expected reduction in milk yields, to protect human food security, prevent excessive rangeland degradation and preserve natural nutritional resources. Feed price shocks during drought can have significant negative impacts on the system and zero feed input is shown to be a more sustainable strategy than reliance on high price feed during drought. Any alternative feed sources need to have a high forage component to reduce grazing periods significantly and promote rangeland preservation. Implications A diverse management strategy with a mixed meat and dairy semi-intensive production is more stable than specialised dairy systems and allows goat production and financial viability of intensification to be maintained under climatic stress; maintaining meat production was necessary to optimise performance. Conclusions The model allows improved insight into management strategies which could optimise animal husbandry performance in goat subsistence systems. However, the work also demonstrates the difficulty of constructing a truly holistic model since, to be practical, such constructs must necessarily be bounded; parameter selection and the limits to the boundaries imposed are inevitably critical.

Weight Management and Weight Loss Strategies of Professional Jockeys

2002 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan M. Moore ◽  
Anna F. Timperio ◽  
David A. Crawford ◽  
Cate M. Burns ◽  
David Cameron-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Rapid Weight Loss ◽  
Additional Weight ◽  
The Impact

Jockeys are required to maintain very low body weight and precise weight control during competition. This study examined the weight loss and weight management strategies of professional horseracing jockeys in the state of Victoria, Australia. An anonymous, self-completed questionnaire was administered (55% response rate, n=116). Almost half (43%) reported that maintaining riding weight was difficult or very difficult, with 75% routinely skipping meals. In preparation for racing, 60% reported that they typically required additional weight loss, with 81% restricting food intake in the 24 hours prior to racing. Additionally, sauna-induced sweating (29%) and diuretics (22%) were frequently employed to further aid in weight loss prior to racing. These rapid weight loss methods did not differ between the 51% of jockeys who followed a weight management plan compared to those who did not. The impact of these extreme weight loss practices on riding performance and health remains unknown.

scholarly journals Bio-economic modelling of decisions under yield and price risk for suckler cow farms

2015 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Briner ◽  
Niklaus Lehmann ◽  
Robert Finger
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Economic Modelling ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
Farm Model ◽  
Weather Risk ◽  
Risk Management Strategies ◽  
Margin Insurance ◽  
On Farm ◽  
The Impact

Applying a bio-economic whole-farm model, we assess the impact of price and weather risk as well as different risk-management strategies on the variability of the gross margin in Swiss suckler cow production. For instance, flexible adjustment of fodder composition, feed stocks, or land use as well as gross margin insurance are considered. Our results show that assuming moderate risk aversion farms’ gross margin variability is rather high, with a coefficient of variation of gross margin ranging from 19 to 21%. Accounting for on-farm risk-management strategies we find that gross margin variability can be reduced significantly, causing only low reductions of average gross margin levels. We find that the use of maize as a switch crop and a market for the trade of roughage are the most efficient risk-management strategies. Our results also indicate that gross margin insurance is not attractive for farmers. Thus in particular promoting better access to markets for feedstuffs provides a valuable opportunity for farmers to manage gross margin risks.

scholarly journals Genotype, sex and interaction effect on lamb growth traits

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
V.C. Petrovic ◽  
M.P. Petrovic ◽  
D. Ruzic-Muslic ◽  
N. Maksimovic ◽  
M Selionova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
High Growth ◽  
Growth Efficiency ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Genotype 1 ◽  
Genotype 4 ◽  
Genotype 2 ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
The Impact

The pure breeds and crossing have an important role in production. It is essential in sheep meat production to maintain the genetic diversity of the adapted breeds, pure breeds and their crosses. Objective of the study is to determine the impact of genotype and sex on growth traits of lambs. Results of the study showed that male of all genotypes were dominant on body weight in all ages (from BWB to BW90). The highest birth weight (BWB) got male of genotype 2 (W). The lowest body weight at birth was the female lambs of genotype 1 (P). Body weights at ages 30, 60 and 90 days, male and female of genotype 4 (PxWxF) were dominant among other genotypes. Genotype 1 (P) of both sexes had the lowest bodyweights in all ages (BWB, BW30, BW60, BW90). The result showed better growth efficiency from males compared with females. The results of fixed factors and its impact on body weights of lambs showed very significant effect of genotype (P<0.01) on body weights of lambs at birth (BWB), ages 30, 60 and 90 days (BW30, BW60, BW90). The effect of sex had highly significant effects (P<0.001) on all ages. The interaction between genotype x sex showed a very significant effect (P?0.01) on body weight at birth (BWB) but were not significant (P?0.05) on body weights of lambs at ages BW30, BW60 and BW90. Superiority on growth traits of genotype 4 (PxWxF) at ages 30, 60 and 90 days, indicating that three-bred crossing resulted in high growth traits.

Multi-Period Optimization Model for Siting Capacitated Intermodal Facilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 2674 (7) ◽  
pp. 135-147
Author(s):  
Vishal Badyal ◽  
William G. Ferrell ◽  
Nathan Huynh ◽  
Bhavya Padmanabhan
Keyword(s):  
South Carolina ◽  
Network Performance ◽  
Programming Model ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Mixed Integer ◽  
Network Cost ◽  
Volume Mode ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Total Network

The objective of this study is to design an intermodal transport network considering multiple planning periods and accounting for product volume, mode, budget, and inventory at intermodal terminals (IMTs). A mixed integer linear programming model is developed. An experimental study is conducted for the State of South Carolina using the Freight Analysis Framework Version 4.5 (FAF4) dataset. Sensitivity analyses are performed to study the impact of budget, the maximum number of IMTs allowed, and increasing demand on the intermodal network design. The experimental results indicate that Columbia as an IMT location has a significantly effects on the total network cost and intermodal shipping share. Increasing the budget and number of IMTs allowed improved the network performance non-linearly.

THE IMPACT OF UKRAINE'S EXCISE DUTY POLICY ON THE TRANSFORMATION PROCESSES OF THE TOBACCO MARKET

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (10) ◽  
pp. 19-33
Author(s):  
Nadiia NOVYTSKA ◽  
◽  
Inna KHLIEBNIKOVA ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Changes ◽  
Tax Avoidance ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
State Regulation ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Excise Duty ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Transformation Processes

The market of tobacco products in Ukraine is one of the most dynamic and competitive. It develops under the influence of certain factors that cause structural changes, therefore, the aim of the article is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of transformation processes in the market of tobacco and their alternatives in Ukraine and identify the factors that cause them. The high level of tax burden and the proliferation of alternative products with a potentially lower risk to human health, including heating tobacco products and e-cigarettes, are key factors in the market’s transformation process. Their presence leads to an increase in illicit turnover of tobacco products, which accounts for 6.37% of the market, and the gradual replacement of cigarettes with alternative products, which account for 12.95%. The presence on the market of products that are not taxed or taxed at lower rates is one of the reasons for the reduction of excise duty revenues. According to the results of 2019, the planned indicators of revenues were not met by 23.5%. Other reasons for non-fulfillment of excise duty revenues include: declining dynamics of the tobacco products market; reduction in the number of smokers; reorientation of «cheap whites» cigarette flows from Ukraine to neighboring countries; tax avoidance. Prospects for further research are identified, namely the need to develop measures for state regulation and optimization of excise duty taxation of tobacco products and their alternatives, taking into account the risks to public health and increasing demand of illegal products.

Оrganic Meat Production of Broiler Chickens Hubbard Redbro Cross

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Poultry Meat ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Environmentally Safe ◽  
The Impact

This article presents the results of studying the impact of housing and feeding conditions on broiler chickens of Hubbard RedBro cross, as well as the quality of products obtained when using floor and cage content, in a farm. It established that when receiving a mixed feed of own production using feed raw materials grown on a farm without the use of pesticides, a statistically significant decrease in potentially dangerous substances for animal health is recorded. Compared with factory feed, it has reduced the content of pesticides by 14 times, and mercury and arsenic by 24 times, cadmium by five times, and lead by ten times. The results of the study of economic indicators of growing Hubbard RedBro cross broiler chickens, as well as the chemical composition and quality of carcasses, indicated that there was no significant difference between the floor and cell conditions of keeping. Still, the use of a diet based on eco-feeds contributed to a statistically significant decrease in the concentration of toxic metals in the muscles of the poultry of the experimental groups. As a result, it found that the use of the studied compound feed in the diets of broiler chickens increased the indicators of Biosafety and ensured the production of environmentally safe ("organic") poultry meat products.

scholarly journals Immunization Strategies for Funding Multiple Inflation-Linked Retirement Income Benefits

Risks ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 60
Author(s):  
Cláudia Simões ◽  
Luís Oliveira ◽  
Jorge M. Bravo
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rate ◽  
Yield Curve ◽  
Risk Measure ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Interest Rate Risk ◽  
Insurance Companies ◽  
Retirement Income ◽  
Investment Strategies ◽  
Immunization Strategies ◽  
The Impact

Protecting against unexpected yield curve, inflation, and longevity shifts are some of the most critical issues institutional and private investors must solve when managing post-retirement income benefits. This paper empirically investigates the performance of alternative immunization strategies for funding targeted multiple liabilities that are fixed in timing but random in size (inflation-linked), i.e., that change stochastically according to consumer price or wage level indexes. The immunization procedure is based on a targeted minimax strategy considering the M-Absolute as the interest rate risk measure. We investigate to what extent the inflation-hedging properties of ILBs in asset liability management strategies targeted to immunize multiple liabilities of random size are superior to that of nominal bonds. We use two alternative datasets comprising daily closing prices for U.S. Treasuries and U.S. inflation-linked bonds from 2000 to 2018. The immunization performance is tested over 3-year and 5-year investment horizons, uses real and not simulated bond data and takes into consideration the impact of transaction costs in the performance of immunization strategies and in the selection of optimal investment strategies. The results show that the multiple liability immunization strategy using inflation-linked bonds outperforms the equivalent strategy using nominal bonds and is robust even in a nearly zero interest rate scenario. These results have important implications in the design and structuring of ALM liability-driven investment strategies, particularly for retirement income providers such as pension schemes or life insurance companies.

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