Hasil untuk "Agriculture (General)"

André L. A. Neves, Ricardo Augusto Mendonça Vieira, Einar Vargas-Bello-Pérez et al.

The rumen microbiome is central to feed digestion and host performance, making it an important target for improving ruminant productivity and sustainability. This study investigated how feed composition influences rumen microbial abundance and phenotypic traits in beef cattle. Fifty-nine Angus bulls were assigned to forage- and grain-based diets in a randomized block design, evaluating microbial dynamics, methane emissions, and feed efficiency. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) quantified bacterial, archaeal, fungal, and protozoal populations. Grain-based diets reduced bacterial and fungal counts compared to forage diets (1.1 × 10¹¹ vs. 2.8 × 10¹¹ copies of 16S rRNA genes and 1.5 × 10³ vs. 3.5 × 10⁴ copies of 18S rRNA genes/mL, respectively), while protozoan and methanogen populations remained stable. Microbial abundance correlated with feed intake metrics, including dry matter and neutral detergent fiber intakes. Methane emissions were lower in grain-fed bulls (14.8 vs. 18.0 L CH₄/kg DMI), though feed efficiency metrics showed no direct association with microbial abundance. Comparative analysis revealed adaptive microbial shifts in response to dietary changes, with functional redundancy maintaining rumen stability and supporting host performance. These findings provide insights into how feed composition shapes rumen microbial dynamics and host phenotypes, highlighting the functional adaptability of the rumen microbiome during dietary transitions.

Simone Figorilli, Lavinia Moscovini, Simone Vasta et al.

Recently banana plantations have been affected by the Black Sigatoka Disease (BSD), producing streaks, lesions and yellow and brown spots on the leaves until the appearance of entire dead parts. The disease causes reductions in yield making it essential to assess infection by monitoring plants status and implementing agronomical measures. This work aims to develop a physical field device to identify the BSD presence. It consists in a 3D printed prototype embedding a smartphone acquiring and processing banana leaves images. An advanced Artificial Intelligence model was trained and implemented for real-time processing. The algorithm is a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) able to classify the samples into 6 classes representative of different BSD stages infection. The trained model, showing an accuracy of 82 % in training and 78 % in validation, was integrated into a specifically developed mobile application for field use. The Android app allows to acquire, identify the georeferenced infection stage, sync all to a remote dedicated host from which the results can be mapped and exported to a .csv file for easy data management. The distinction between healthy and diseased leaves can be achieved using the Smart BSD device for real-time acquisition, establishing the right intervention strategy.

ZHANG Zhixiang, LIU Songtao, LI Qian et al.

【Background】Soil salinization is a widespread abiotic stress that significantly impacts agricultural productivity and water resource management in the Yinbei region of Ningxia Province. This study explores the inter-annual dynamics of soil salinity and groundwater depth in areas within this region that use surface irrigation and subsurface drainage.【Method】Field investigations were conducted in Huinong, a representative area in northern Yinbei characterized by surface irrigation and subsurface drainage systems. Spatiotemporal variation of soil salinity and groundwater depth were analyzed using measured data with the help of correlation analysis and the inverse distance weighting (IDW) interpolation method.【Result】Temporally, areas with high soil salinity were accounting ting for 23.57% of the study region in April. In contrast, areas with soil salinity greater than 2 g/kg decreased by 52.99% in July and 26.3% in October, compared to April. Soil salinity decreased gradually with increasing groundwater depth, and the relationship between them was well fitted by a proposed model (R2＞ 0.82).【Conclusion】Soil salinity in the region peaks in spring and declines by summer, showing spatial variability influenced primarily by topography and irrigation practices. Salinity in the 40-100 cm soil layer was more responsive to groundwater depth than in the 0-40 cm layer. Maintaining a groundwater depth between 1.8 and 2.2 m can facilitate crop growth and reduce salinization risk.

Peihua Ma, Si Chen, Wenfan Su et al.

This study explores the application of GPT models for automating consumer food survey analysis, focusing on Chinese consumers' acceptance of plant-based foods, cultured meat, insect-based proteins, and microbial proteins. Traditional survey analysis methods face limitations in handling large-scale, open-ended responses, whereas GPT's natural language processing capabilities offer efficient, bias-reduced alternatives. Employing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), we investigate how food technophobia (FTN) and food values (FV) affect perceived benefits (PB) and perceived risks (PR), ultimately influencing consumer acceptance. Results show that acceptance is highest for plant-based foods and lowest for cultured meat, with PB positively and PR negatively impacting consumer willingness to these foods. Mediation analysis reveals that PR and PB mediate the effects of FTN and FV on acceptance, indicating that attitudes toward food safety, naturalness, and production processes shape consumer choices. The findings underscore the value of using GPT for comprehensive, real-time survey analysis and suggest marketing strategies and policies that emphasize product safety, environmental benefits, and consumer education to enhance acceptance of alternative proteins.

S. Yüksel, A. Karaçuhalilar, B. Balta et al.

<p>This study was fictionalized as a prototype for other studies. The effects of breed and sex on the slaughter characteristics, carcass traits, meat quality and fatty acid composition of young animals, which were formed based on the enteric emission (<span class="inline-formula">CH₄</span>) level and animal protein production potential of different geographical regions were investigated. The region where the study was conducted consists of plateaus, and 13.7 % of the population lives in this area. A total of 36 animals, consisting of six males and six females from each of the Brown Swiss <span class="inline-formula">×</span> Eastern Anatolian Red (BSEAR), Holstein Friesian <span class="inline-formula">×</span> Eastern Anatolian Red (HFEAR) and Brown Swiss <span class="inline-formula">×</span> Holstein Friesian (BSHF) genotypes, were used to investigate animal protein production in this study. They were dispatched to be slaughtered at the age of 20 months. The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), and differences between groups were compared with the Duncan test. Enteric <span class="inline-formula">CH₄</span> estimated among regions varied from 30.34 to 36.50 kg head<span class="inline-formula">⁻¹</span> yr<span class="inline-formula">⁻¹</span>. It was 0.215, 0.194, 0.183, 0.195 and 0.198 kg, respectively, per kilogram of edible meat of BSEAR, HFEAR, BSHF, male cattle and female cattle. The results indicated that slaughter traits, carcass characteristics and carcass measurements (<span class="inline-formula"><i>P</i>&lt;0.05</span> to <span class="inline-formula"><i>P</i>&lt;0.01</span>) were associated with breed. Slaughter traits, carcass characteristics and carcass measurements were affected by sex (<span class="inline-formula"><i>P</i>&lt;0.05</span> to <span class="inline-formula"><i>P</i>&lt;0.01</span>). Breed and sex interaction had no effect on carcass characteristics in subgroups (<span class="inline-formula"><i>P</i>&lt;0.05</span>). DM, CP and ash were significantly affected by breed (<span class="inline-formula"><i>P</i>&lt;0.05</span>). pH and <span class="inline-formula"><i>a</i>^∗</span> were also significantly affected by breed (<span class="inline-formula"><i>P</i>&lt;0.05</span>). Sex influenced pH (<span class="inline-formula"><i>P</i>&lt;0.05</span>), <span class="inline-formula"><i>L</i>^∗</span> (<span class="inline-formula"><i>P</i>&lt;0.001</span>), <span class="inline-formula"><i>a</i>^∗</span> (<span class="inline-formula"><i>P</i>&lt;0.01</span>) and <span class="inline-formula"><i>b</i>^∗</span> (<span class="inline-formula"><i>P</i>&lt;0.001</span>). Monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels were found to be significant in different breeds (<span class="inline-formula"><i>P</i>&lt;0.01</span>), and PUFA levels were significant in different sexes (<span class="inline-formula"><i>P</i>&lt;0.05</span>).</p>

Sama' Iradat Tito, Nurul Jadid Mubarakati, Ari Hayati

Scale lice have attacked apple fields in 8 villages in Bumiaji District, Batu City, namely Giripurno, Tulungrejo, Pandanrejo, Sumbergondo, Bulukerto, Punten, Gunungsari, and Bumiaji villages since 2005. Knowledge of the biological aspects of this pest can be done using sticky bands. This is aimed at controlling pests. Determination of sample plants was carried out systematically as many as 18 sample plants on manalagi apple (Malus sylvestris). The sample plants were apple plants that were attacked by scale lice. The type of adhesive treatment was adjusted to the variation of position (east, west, central) and research height (1m and 1.5m). The results obtained were that the pest found was Diaspidiotus perniciosus and the natural enemy found was Encarsia strenua. The part that has the most attacks is the stem/twig. The eastern branch with a height of 1.5 m has a higher even distribution of scale lice than the other parts. The highest dominance index (C) of scale lice of 0.29 was obtained by the middle-adhesive treatment of height 1m or rootstock. The pattern of population distribution based on sticky bands is random and tends to be individualistic. Keywords: apple plant, diaspididae, scale lice

Francesco Toscano, Costanza Fiorentino, Nicola Capece et al.

Digital Precision Agriculture (DPA) is a comprehensive approach to agronomic management that utilizes advanced technologies, such as sensor data analysis and automation, to optimize crop productivity, enhance farm income, and minimize environmental impacts. DPA encompasses various agricultural domains, including pest control, pest management, fertilization, irrigation management, sowing, transplanting, crop health monitoring, yield forecasting, harvesting, and post-harvest stages. Among the enabling technologies for DPA, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have gained significant attention and market growth. The advancements in control systems, robotics, electronics, and artificial intelligence have led to the development of sophisticated agricultural drones. UAVs offer advantages such as versatility, quick and accurate remote sensing capabilities, and high-quality imaging at affordable prices. Furthermore, the miniaturization of sensors and advancements in nanotechnology enable UAVs to perform multiple operations simultaneously without compromising flight autonomy. However, various variables, including aircraft mass, payload capacity, size, battery characteristics, flight autonomy, cost, and environmental conditions, impact the performance and applicability of UAV systems in agriculture. The economic considerations involve the purchase of drones, equipment, and the expertise of trained pilots for flight management and data processing. Payload capacity, flight range, and financial factors influence agriculture&#x2019;s choice and implementation of UAVs. The research and patent trends show the growing interest in UAVs for agricultural applications. This paper provides a general review of UAV types, construction architectures, and their diverse applications in agriculture until 2022.

V. I. Koshevoy, S. V. Naumenko, I. I. Bespalova et al.

Creating a new drug for animals requires detailed preclinical studies of its active ingredient. The problem of mineral element deficiency in animals and poultry, on the one hand, is due to their nutritional deficiency, and on the other hand, is associated with the low bioavailability of compounds presented on the pharmaceutical market. Nanotechnologically synthesized substances are widely introduced in the world, which not only significantly increase the bioavailability of such compounds, but also reduce their toxicity in the macroform. Among them, the most common is zinc oxide – its nanoparticles (NPs), obtained by various methods, are successfully used as an effective source of zinc in poultry diets, with pronounced antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. However, most zinc compounds in nanoform still have a toxic effect on the body, especially with chronic intake. To solve this problem, we developed zinc hydrocarbonate (ZnCN) nanocrystals synthesized by the coprecipitation method, these NPs did not show acute toxicity and were classified as class VI. Further studies are aimed at determining the specific toxicity of ZnCN, including nephrotoxicity, which was the goal of this work. When ZnCN (25–200 mg/kg b. w.) was administered, no signs of intoxication were observed during the experiment. The level of biochemical markers of kidney damage was characterized by a compensatory increase during the administration of the studied compound, and after its cessation in rats of experimental groups 1–3 was at the level of the control group, and in experimental group 4 it had higher values. The urea content and the amount of creatinine in the blood plasma underwent a dose-dependent increase when administering lower doses of 25–50 mg/kg b. w. (experimental groups 1 and 2) these indicators had a slight increase during the study, and at the end of the experiment there were no significant differences from the control group. When administering higher doses of 100–200 mg/kg b. w. in rats of experimental groups 3 and 4 there was an intensification of urea formation and an increase in creatinine levels, which was obviously evidence of the rate of elimination of ZnCN in the animal body. The content of uric acid in the blood of animals of experimental groups 1 and 2 did not show an increase, and in experimental groups 3 and 4 it was higher than the control data throughout the entire period of the study. In general, no signs of pronounced nephrotoxicity of the studied NPs in the studied dosages were noted. Further studies will be aimed at determining the effects of ZnCN on the immune system, antioxidant status, and hormonal balance in animals.

Mahlako Nthabeleng Mokgomo, C. Chagwiza, P. F. Tshilowa

Enormous Literature indicates that agriculture remains a source of livelihood for about 86% of rural people and generates job opportunities for approximately 1.3 billion small-scale farmers and landless workers. Over the past couple of years, the South African government has been offering varied support to households that are engaged in small-scale farming to improve their livelihoods, income and food security. Although the various rounds of the General Households Survey (GHS) gathered information on the type of agricultural support received by the farmers about their food production, agricultural income and food security status, there is still limited pragmatic evidence on the extent to which programme is yielding the intended results. The main aim of the study was to use GHS data spanning the period 2013 to 2016 to assess how government agricultural development support influences the livelihoods of small-scale farmers in South Africa. Using both descriptive analyses with Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and Logistics estimations, the result of the study indicates that the proportion of households who have access to the agricultural development support have decreased marginally by two percent from 16% in 2013 to 14% in 2016. The study also reveals that agriculture development assistance given by the South African government is effective in reducing food insecurity, improving agricultural production and income of the beneficiary small-scale farmers. Following the observed marked gender, racial and geographical differences in households’ access to the agricultural development support, the Ministry of Agriculture and its allied ministries and departments responsible for the implementation of the agricultural development support programmes must streamline policies to account for the lack of support to farmers in general. Addressing such differences is necessary to ensure that the programme achieves its intended overall objectives.

B. Lin, Yu Yvette Zhang

Abstract The COVID-19 outbreak has shocked the world's economies in the year of 2020. As this pandemic spreads around the globe, many experts feared that the global food supplies might start running short, especially if supply chains were disrupted. COVID-19 also added to the uncertainty of the business operation. Therefore, it is critical to understand how COVID-19 pandemic affected global food supply and market. In this study, we investigate the impact of COVID-19 on agricultural export companies in China using a unique firm-level survey data. We found that although on average agricultural businesses experienced declines in the exports, exports of some agricultural products especially grain and oil held strong and even increased, implying the essential demand for staple food during the pandemic. Not surprisingly, exports of medicinal herb also increased significantly during the pandemic. However, exports of goods such as edible fungus and horticultural products sharply decreased. Our results also showed that in general, impact of COVID-19 on smaller firms was more severe than that on larger firms. The results of this study can provide useful guidance and implications for agricultural businesses and policy makers on their COVID-19 mitigation efforts to navigate this global pandemic.

M. Oosten, A. Maggio

W. Mekuria, Kindu Mekonnen

AbstractBackgroundThis paper devotes to determinants of crop–livestock diversification in the mixed farming systems in the Gudo Beret watershed, central highlands of Ethiopia. In the highland agro-ecologies, the mixed farming-dominated agriculture is persistently confronted with food insecurity, feed scarcity and land degradation. During heavy rains or drought periods, farmers become vulnerable to food and feed shortfalls. To fill such gaps, the government of Ethiopia has made efforts to enhance the productive capacity of soils and thereby increase productivity on diversified farms in different agro-systems. Anthropogenic and natural calamities adversely affect the livelihoods of smallholders in general and crop–livestock systems in particular. The aim of this study is to examine the determinants of crop–livestock diversification and evaluate the link between farm activities and household food supplies. MethodsBoth qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 211 randomly selected household-heads in Gudo Beret watershed, central highlands of Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics, inferential tests, and econometric models were employed for analysis.ResultsTobit model results revealed that livestock holding is positive and significantly influence the extent of crop–livestock diversification at 1% significant level. Extension contact and irrigated land are also positive and significantly influence the extent of diversification at 5% level, while land rent-out, improved seed and soil fertility status are negative and significantly influence the crop–livestock diversification at 1, 5, and 5% significant levels. Ordinary least square regression results show that barley, wheat- and faba bean-based farming have positive correlation and significant effects on the household food energy, while vegetables and highland fruits production have negative correlation with the household food supply and significant at 1% level.ConclusionsCrop–livestock diversification is the best potential livelihood strategy for farm households. Barley, wheat and faba bean are the most dominant crops that have immense contribution for human nutrition and crop residue mainly used to feed livestock. Therefore, crop–livestock producers, agricultural practitioners, the Ethiopian government and partner organizations need to give due attention for agricultural extension service, investment for supplementary irrigation and integrated mixed crop–livestock systems.

M. Lefebvre, S. Langrell, S. Gomez-y-Paloma

Chaoran Chen

F. Bosello, M. Lazzarin, R. Roson et al.

Liviu OLARU

In this paper it was achieved a study on the continuity of the Olt corn hybrid cultivated in the Caracal Plane, Olt County, hybrid that is extensively grown in this area being adapted to the conditions of that thermal - hydro stress but also with very good results regarding the production sown in irrigation system combined with the unequal administration of nitrogen and phosphorus doses. For this reason, there were performed biometric measurements in two years as a reference, in two systems for irrigated and non-irrigated crop but also with different administration dose of chemical-based fertilizers of Nitrogen and Phosphorus. These biometric measurements have been made in the support of the production of corn grain in the two systems.

G. Ortmann, R. King

Brittany Hall-Scharf, Charles M. Adams, Alan W. Hodges et al.

Recreational scalloping has become an increasingly popular activity within the Big Bend region of Florida and Hernando County is the southern extent of healthy, harvestable bay scallop populations.  A previous study (Stevens, et al, 2003) found that the recreational scallop fishery generated 35 jobs and $1.6 million in economic impact to the economy of neighboring Citrus County in 2003. State resource managers and County administrators expressed a need to know how the recreational scallop season impacts the local economies. Accessibility Summary: In accordance with Title II regulations this content meets all points of exemption as Archived web content and/or Preexisting conventional electronic documents.

M. Banse, H. Meijl, A. Tabeau et al.