Effect of zeranol and estradiol-17â on carcass and sensory characteristics of zero-grazed White Fulani bulls

Transhumance is one of the major factors contributing to farmers-herders conflict. Therefore, a strategy that encourages zero-grazing without adversely affecting cattle growth may contribute to reducing such conflict. This study investigated a method for zero-grazing. Twenty-seven stocker White Fulani bulls were evaluated over 60 days in feedlot to determine the effect of zeranol and estradiol-17β as growth promoters on carcass and beef sensory characteristics. Cattle, finished on 14% CP ration, were allotted to non-implanted (control), estradiol- and zeranol-implanted treatments at nine animals/treatment in three replicates of three animals each. Carcass characteristics of finished cattle were determined, liver samples were assayed for hormone residue and beef samples were assessed for eating qualities. Implanted animals had significantly (P<0.05) greater loin eye area and heavier live and hot carcass weights than non-implanted but similar (P>0.05) dressing % and relative weights of cut-up carcass parts and organs. Hormone residues of liver from implanted and non-implanted cattle were comparable and significantly lower than the maximum recommended safe limits, indicating that meat from implanted cattle pose no health risk for consumption. Consumer panelists preferred beef from implanted cattle for tenderness, juiciness and flavor and beef from estradiol-implanted cattle very much liked above that from zeranol-implanted or non-implanted cattle. Implanting finishing White Fulani cattle with estradiol is beneficial for improving carcass value and beef eating quality. Adoption of this management strategy or a modification may contribute significantly towards reducing the incessant herders-farmers conflict because of its low pressure on land resources.

The Mode of Grass Supply to Dairy Cows Impacts on Fatty Acid and Antioxidant Profile of Milk

The optimization of milk production includes a rational use of forages, respect for the environment and offers the best quality to consumers. Milk production based on grass and forages produces healthier milk and it is widely spread throughout the Atlantic arc to maximize milk yield per hectare. However, the mode of offering the grass can have a major influence on milk composition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of grass supply mode (grazing, zero-grazing or ensiling) on dairy cows’ performance, with particular reference to fatty acids and fat-soluble antioxidants concentration. A three by three Latin square experiment was performed with 18 dairy cows. Experimental treatments consisted of exclusive feeding with grass silage and zero-grazing, both offered ad libitum indoors, or grazing for 24 h. The results showed that grazing cows had a higher dry matter intake and greater milk yield than cows feeding on grass silage and zero-grazing, as well as higher concentrations of protein, lactose, nonfat-solids and urea in milk than housed cows. Milk fat from grazing cows had a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids than from cows feeding on grass silage and zero-grazing, with significant differences in the proportion of vaccenic and rumenic acids. The 18:1 trans-11 to 18:1 trans-10 ratio is proposed as biomarker to identify the milk produced from the management system of grazing cattle. Milk from grazing cows had a greater proportion of lutein than cows eating grass silage, with the zero-grazing system having intermediate values. In conclusion, the mode of grass supply affects fatty acid and antioxidant profiles of milk.

Blood-sucking midges ecology in pastures and cattle farms of the Tyumen Region

The article presents materials on the seasonal dynamics of the population of gnat on pasture and farm, shows the feasibility of protecting cattle from these insects both when grazing, and zero grazing, comparative harmfulness in conditional units, and presumed loss of animal productivity. The purpose of the study is to determine the parasitological situation on insects of the gnat complex, the terms of protection depending on the technology of cattle management. One of the topical tasks for the successful development of livestock in the Tyumen region is to eliminate the harm caused by blood-sucking dipterous insects as hematophages and vectors pathogens of a number of dangerous diseases for humans and animals. When zero grazing indoor there is a mass attack of mosquitoes and black gnats on animals from mid-June to the middle of the first decade of July. The main gnat component in the specified time interval is mosquitoes, which have averaged 2.1 cu. The malicious population of gnat as a whole during this period amounted to 2.216 cu, and the estimated loss of productivity of animals — 8.2%.

Analysis of Institutional Factors Influencing Adoption of Zero-grazing Dairy Farming Technology among Smallholder Farmers in Bondo Sub County, Kenya

Adoption of zero-grazing addresses challenges faced by smallholder farmers. In Bondo Sub-County adoption of zero-grazing technology has remained low at 4-8 percent despite its introduction in the area in 1990s. No in-depth analysis has ever been conducted on the factors responsible for low adoption of this technology. The purpose of this study was to analyze institutional factors influencing adoption of zero grazing dairy farming technology. The study was carried in Bondo Sub-County, Kenya between February to November 2018. A study was conducted on a sampled population of 279 from a target population of 4253 smallholder farmers. These consisted of adopters and non-adopters of zero-grazing dairy technology. Purposive, proportionate, simple random and systematic sampling techniques were used to select households. Structured questionnaire was administered during primary data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The double hurdle model was used in the study to measure the adoption and performance of zero grazing dairy technology. Institutional factors that had significant (p-value 0.000< 0.05) influence on adoption of zero-grazing dairy technology were access to extension services, frequency of extension officer’s visits, group membership and distance to nearest market. In conclusion access to extension services, frequency of extension officer’s visits, group membership and distance to nearest market influenced adoption of zero grazing farming technology in Bondo sub County. Platforms for farmers’ training should be enhanced through employment of more extension workers. The institutions supporting dairy farming should be strengthened.

The feeding of rams on farms of the "Macedonia" Cooperative of Chios sheep breeders

The aim of this study was to verify the adequacy of ram rations in intensively reared flocks of the Chios breed. Data were collected from the 66 farms of the "Macedonia" Cooperative of Chios Sheep Breeders and were evaluated using requirements published by INRA and NRC. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance. Ram requirements for net energy lactation, digestible protein, absorbable calcium and absorbable phosphorus were greatly exceeded. Farm classification in three groups (A, Β and C, 26,15 and 25 farms, respectively), based on net energy offered during maintenance (100%, 122% and 154% of requirements, respectively), showed that there was considerable area for improvement; the use of large quantities of concentrates is unjustified. Location, considerable on-farm feed production and zero grazing were associated with farm classification in group C. Rations used during the pre-breeding and the breeding periods offered 40-50% more net energy than required. Protein requirements were greatly exceeded (200-250%); alfalfa hay was the basic roughage and soybean and other oilseed meals (10% and 5%, respectively) were included in the concentrates. Calcium requirements were greatly exceeded as well. However, 1 out of 4 farms was providing inadequate amounts of phosphorus during maintenance. Moreover, adequate amounts of vitamins and trace minerals were offered by 37.9% of farms only, during maintenance. This situation was improved during the pre-breeding and the reeding periods (54.5% and 74.2%, respectively), but it was still far from desirable. It was estimated that balanced rations would decrease annual ram feeding expenses by at least 20€. At the same time, incidences of elevated body condition scores and their detrimental effects on ram fertility and some diseases, like urolithiasis, would be greatly reduced.