Development and application of a livestock phenomics platform to enhance productivity and efficiency at pasture

2016 ◽  
Vol 56 (8) ◽  
pp. 1299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul L. Greenwood ◽  
Gregory J. Bishop-Hurley ◽  
Luciano A. González ◽  
Aaron B. Ingham
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Gain ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Biological Traits ◽  
Timely Manner ◽  
Phenotypic Data ◽  
Phenotypic Information ◽  
Future Demands ◽  
Trait Measurement ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Grazing Livestock

Our capacity to measure performance- and efficiency-related phenotypes in grazing livestock in a timely manner, ideally in real-time without human interference, has been severely limited. Future demands and constraints on grazing livestock production will require a step change beyond our current approaches to obtaining phenotypic data. Animal phenomics is a relatively new term that describes the next generation of animal trait measurement, including methodologies and equipment used to acquire data on traits, and computational approaches required to turn data into phenotypic information. Phenomics offers a range of emerging opportunities to define new traits specific to grazing livestock, including intake and efficiency at pasture, and to measure many traits simultaneously or at a level of detail previously unachievable in the grazing environment. Application of this approach to phenotyping can improve the precision with which nutritional and other management strategies are applied, enable development of predictive biological traits, and accelerate the rate at which genetic gain is achieved for existing and new traits. In the present paper, we briefly outline the potential for livestock phenomics and describe (1) on-animal sensory-based approaches to develop traits diagnostic of productivity and efficiency, as well as resilience, health and welfare and (2) on-farm methods for data collection that drive management solutions to reduce input costs and accelerate genetic gain. The technological and analytical challenges associated with these objectives are also briefly considered, along with a brief overview of a promising field of work in which phenomics will affect animal agriculture, namely efficiency at pasture.

Addressing on-farm management to enhance pasture productivity and persistence

2013 ◽  
pp. 241-244
Author(s):  
W.N. Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Pasture Management ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Operating Profit ◽  
The North ◽  
The Cost ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Attention To Detail

Following the 2007/08 drought, we experienced poor pasture production and persistence on our dairy farm in north Waikato, leading to decreased milksolids production and a greater reliance on bought-in feed. It is estimated that the cost of this to our farming operation was about $1300 per hectare per year in lost operating profit. While climate and black beetle were factors, they did not explain everything, and other factors were also involved. In the last 3 years we have changed our management strategies to better withstand dry summers, the catalyst for which was becoming the DairyNZ Pasture Improvement Focus Farm for the north Waikato. The major changes we made were to reduce stocking rate, actively manage pastures in summer to reduce over-grazing, and pay more attention to detail in our pasture renewal programme. To date the result has been a reduced need for pasture renewal, a lift in whole farm performance and increased profitability. Keywords: Focus farm, over-grazing, pasture management, pasture persistence, profitability

scholarly journals Zucchini yellow mosaic virus: Contact Transmission, Stability on Surfaces, and Inactivation with Disinfectants

Plant Disease ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 97 (6) ◽  
pp. 765-771 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. A. Coutts ◽  
M. A. Kehoe ◽  
R. A. C. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Mosaic Virus ◽  
Human Skin ◽  
Sodium Hypochlorite ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus ◽  
Yellow Mosaic Virus ◽  
Hygiene Practices ◽  
Contact Transmission ◽  
Metal Rubber ◽  
On Farm

In glasshouse experiments, Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) was transmitted from infected to healthy zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) plants by direct contact when leaves were rubbed against each other, crushed, or trampled, and, to a lesser extent, on ZYMV-contaminated blades. When sap from zucchini plants infected with three ZYMV isolates was kept at room temperature for up to 6 h, it infected healthy plants readily. Also, when sap from ZYMV-infected leaves was applied to seven surfaces (cotton, plastic, leather, metal, rubber vehicle tire, rubber-soled footwear, and human skin) and left for up to 48 h before the ZYMV-contaminated surface was rubbed onto healthy zucchini plants, ZYMV remained infective for 48 h on tire, 24 h on plastic and leather, and up to 6 h on cotton, metal, and footwear. On human skin, ZYMV remained infective for 5 min only. The effectiveness of 13 disinfectants at inactivating ZYMV was evaluated by adding them to sap from ZYMV-infected leaves which was then rubbed on to healthy zucchini plants. None of the plants became infected when nonfat dried milk (20%, wt/vol) or bleach (sodium hypochlorite at 42 g/liter, diluted 1:4) were used. When ZYMV-infected pumpkin leaves were trampled by footwear and then used to trample healthy plants, all plants became infected; however, when contaminated footwear was dipped in a footbath containing bleach (sodium hypochlorite at 42 g/liter, diluted 1:4) before trampling, none became infected. This study demonstrates that ZYMV can be transmitted by contact and highlights the need for on-farm hygiene practices (decontaminating tools, machinery, clothing, and so on) to be included in integrated disease management strategies for ZYMV in cucurbit crops.

scholarly journals Small size today, aquarium dumping tomorrow: sales of juvenile non-native large fish as an important threat in Brazil

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
André L. B. Magalhães ◽  
Mário Luis Orsi ◽  
Fernando M. Pelicice ◽  
Valter M. Azevedo-Santos ◽  
Jean R. S. Vitule ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Biological Traits ◽  
Large Fish ◽  
Native Range ◽  
Invasion Risk ◽  
Pangasianodon Hypophthalmus ◽  
Arapaima Gigas ◽  
Geographical Regions ◽  
Astronotus Ocellatus ◽  
Amphilophus Citrinellus

ABSTRACT Informal sales of large-bodied non-native aquarium fishes (known as “tankbusters”) is increasing among Brazilian hobbyists. In this study, we surveyed this non-regulated trade on Facebook® from May 2012 to September 2016, systematically collecting information about the fishes available for trading: species, family, common/scientific names, native range, juvenile length, behavior, number of specimens available in five geographical regions from Brazil. We also assessed the invasion risk of the most frequently sold species using the Fish Invasiveness Screening Test (FIST). We found 93 taxa belonging to 35 families. Cichlidae was the dominant family, and most species were native to South America. All species are sold at very small sizes (< 10.0 cm), and most display aggressive behavior. The hybrid Amphilophus trimaculatus × Amphilophus citrinellus, Astronotus ocellatus, Uaru amphiacanthoides, Osteoglossum bicirrhosum, Cichla piquiti, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, Datnioides microlepis and Cichla kelberi were the main species available. The southeast region showed the greatest trading activity. Based on biological traits, the FIST indicated that Arapaima gigas, C. kelberi and C. temensis are high-risk species in terms of biological invasions via aquarium dumping. We suggest management strategies such as trade regulations, monitoring, euthanasia and educational programs to prevent further introductions via aquarium dumping.

scholarly journals Yield and performance of sugarcane in on-farm interface with rubber in Brazil

2006 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-255
Author(s):  
Luís Fernando Guedes Pinto ◽  
Marcos Silveira Bernardes ◽  
Antônio Roberto Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Crop Yield ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Saccharum Officinarum ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Plant Performance ◽  
Matter Production ◽  
And Performance ◽  
On Farm

Agroforestry systems are indicated as an alternative for sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) cultivation in Piracicaba, SP, Brazil, however there are not many field experiments on plant performance under these conditions in the world. The objective of this work was to assess crop yield and partitioning in a sugarcane-rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) interface in on-farm conditions. The availability of irradiance for the crop along the interface was simulated and its effe ct over sugarcane dry matter production was tested. Crop yield was negatively affected by distance of the trees, but development and sucrose were not affected. Above ground dry matter increased from 16.6 to 51.5 t ha-1 from trees. Partitioning did not have a defined standard, as harvest index increased from 0.85 to 0.93, but specific leaf area was not significant along the transect, ranging from 13.48 to 15.73 m² kg-1. Light is the main factor of competition between the trees and the crop, but the relative importance of below ground interactions increases closer to the trees. Feasibility of the system depends on maturity of the trees and management strategies.

Genotype to phenotype: identification of diagnostic vibrio phenotypes using whole genome sequences

2014 ◽  
Vol 64 (Pt_2) ◽  
pp. 357-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilda Rose S. Amaral ◽  
Graciela M. Dias ◽  
Michiyo Wellington-Oguri ◽  
Luciane Chimetto ◽  
Mariana E. Campeão ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phenotypic Characterization ◽  
Whole Genome ◽  
Genome Sequences ◽  
Diagnostic Features ◽  
Phenotypic Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ecological Relationships ◽  
Phenotypic Information ◽  
Specific Proteins

Vibrios are ubiquitous in the aquatic environment and can be found in association with animal or plant hosts. The range of ecological relationships includes pathogenic and mutualistic associations. To gain a better understanding of the ecology of these microbes, it is important to determine their phenotypic features. However, the traditional phenotypic characterization of vibrios has been expensive, time-consuming and restricted in scope to a limited number of features. In addition, most of the commercial systems applied for phenotypic characterization cannot characterize the broad spectrum of environmental strains. A reliable and possible alternative is to obtain phenotypic information directly from whole genome sequences. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of whole genome sequences as a source of phenotypic information. We performed a comparison of the vibrio phenotypes obtained from the literature with the phenotypes obtained from whole genome sequences. We observed a significant correlation between the previously published phenotypic data and the phenotypic data retrieved from whole genome sequences of vibrios. Analysis of 26 vibrio genomes revealed that all genes coding for the specific proteins involved in the metabolic pathways responsible for positive phenotypes of the 14 diagnostic features (Voges–Proskauer reaction, indole production, arginine dihydrolase, ornithine decarboxylase, utilization of myo-inositol, sucrose and l-leucine, and fermentation of d-mannitol, d-sorbitol, l-arabinose, trehalose, cellobiose, d-mannose and d-galactose) were found in the majority of the vibrios genomes. Vibrio species that were negative for a given phenotype revealed the absence of all or several genes involved in the respective biochemical pathways, indicating the utility of this approach to characterize the phenotypes of vibrios. The absence of the global regulation and regulatory proteins in the Vibrio parahaemolyticus genome indicated a non-vibrio phenotype. Whole genome sequences represent an important source for the phenotypic identification of vibrios.

scholarly journals A Biocontrol Option to Control a Foodborne Pathogen; Using Campylobacter Bacteriophages to Control Campylobacter in Poultry

Proceedings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 162
Author(s):  
Nalini Chinivasagam ◽  
Wiyada Estella ◽  
Samuel Cockerill ◽  
Lance Maddock ◽  
David Mayer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Environmental Science ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Collaborative Study ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Foodborne Pathogen ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
High Performing ◽  
The Uk ◽  
On Farm

Campylobacter is a leading cause of foodborne illnesses both in Australia and internationally, and is frequently found in poultry. There is a need for sustainable options to support current farm management strategies that address food-safety. The use of bacteriophages provides a safe biocontrol option. A collaborative study by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QLD), the University of Nottingham (UK) and the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (NZ) is focused on the control of Campylobacter in broiler chickens. Campylobacter bacteriophages were sourced from Queensland poultry farms and following extensive screening, suitable candidates to be used in cocktails were identified. This followed an on-farm proof of concept study on a small sample of chickens, using selected cocktail candidates, to provide an understanding of the hurdles for practical application. The trial demonstrated a 2-log CFU/g reduction of Campylobacter in the caeca of treated birds compared to non-treated (p < 0.05). Another important finding of this study was the absence of bacteriophage resistance, a concern with phage therapy. Work at ESR has addressed approaches to select and adapt bacteriophage cocktails to particular hosts, which included screening against NZ and Australian hosts. This approach enabled the formulation of high performing bacteriophage cocktails for Australian and international markets. Work in the UK is exploring the understanding of the host-bacteriophage relationships to ensure safety to meet regulatory requirements and support potential scale-up options. In summary, the work in progress via international collaborations is aimed at delivering a safe biocontrol option that can meet both commercial and regulatory needs aiming at controlling on-farm Campylobacter.

scholarly journals Beef cattle breeding in Australia with genomics: opportunities and needs

2012 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 100 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Johnston ◽  
B. Tier ◽  
H.-U. Graser
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Genomic Selection ◽  
Genetic Gain ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Genomic Information ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Genetic Progress ◽  
Cattle Breeding ◽  
Phenotypic Data ◽  
Genomic Predictions

Opportunities exist in beef cattle breeding to significantly increase the rates of genetic gain by increasing the accuracy of selection at earlier ages. Currently, selection of young beef bulls incorporates several economically important traits but estimated breeding values for these traits have a large range in accuracies. While there is potential to increase accuracy through increased levels of performance recording, several traits cannot be recorded on the young bull. Increasing the accuracy of these traits is where genomic selection can offer substantial improvements in current rates of genetic gain for beef. The immediate challenge for beef is to increase the genetic variation explained by the genomic predictions for those traits of high economic value that have low accuracies at the time of selection. Currently, the accuracies of genomic predictions are low in beef, compared with those in dairy cattle. This is likely to be due to the relatively low number of animals with genotypes and phenotypes that have been used in developing genomic prediction equations. Improving the accuracy of genomic predictions will require the collection of genotypes and phenotypes on many more animals, with even greater numbers needed for lowly heritable traits, such as female reproduction and other fitness traits. Further challenges exist in beef to have genomic predictions for the large number of important breeds and also for multi-breed populations. Results suggest that single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chips that are denser than 50 000 SNPs in the current use will be required to achieve this goal. For genomic selection to contribute to genetic progress, the information needs to be correctly combined with traditional pedigree and performance data. Several methods have emerged for combining the two sources of data into current genetic evaluation systems; however, challenges exist for the beef industry to implement these effectively. Changes will also be needed to the structure of the breeding sector to allow optimal use of genomic information for the benefit of the industry. Genomic information will need to be cost effective and a major driver of this will be increasing the accuracy of the predictions, which requires the collection of much more phenotypic data than are currently available.

scholarly journals On farm testing of integrated nutrient management strategies in eastern Uganda

2005 ◽  
Vol 86 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.O. Esilaba ◽  
J.B. Byalebeka ◽  
R.J. Delve ◽  
J.R. Okalebo ◽  
D. Ssenyange ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Integrated Nutrient Management ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Eastern Uganda

Participatory research in dryland cropping systems — monitoring and simulation of soil water and nitrogen in farmers' paddocks in Central Queensland

2004 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 321 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Foale ◽  
M. E. Probert ◽  
P. S. Carberry ◽  
D. Lack ◽  
S. Yeates ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Mineral Nitrogen ◽  
Soil Behaviour ◽  
On Farm

Collaboration of researchers and service-providers with farmers in addressing crop and soil management, using on-farm experiments and cropping system simulation, was negotiated in 2 districts in Central Queensland, Australia. The 2 most influential variables affecting crop productivity in this region (soil water and mineral nitrogen contents) and the growth of sown crops, were monitored and simulated for 3 years beginning in December 1992. Periodic soil sampling of large experimental strips on 3 farms, from paddocks that differed in cropping history and soil properties, provided robust datasets of change, over time, of soil water and mineral nitrogen status. Farmers participated in twice-yearly discussions with researchers, informed by the accumulating data, which influenced thinking about soil behaviour and possible new management strategies. As the study period coincided with a prolonged drought, so that cropping opportunities were few, the objectives of the work were modified to concentrate almost exclusively on the soil variables.The contribution of the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator, which was used to simulate the measured changes in soil water and mineral nitrogen, was found by all participants to be useful. The APSIM output generally demonstrated close correspondence with field observations, which raised confidence in its applicability to local cropping systems. Exploration of hypothetical situations of interest to farmer participants, in the form of what-if scenarios, provided insights into the behaviour of the production system for a range of soil and seasonal conditions. The informed speculation of the simulator became a substitute for the farmers' own, more tentative, efforts.The regular participative review sessions proved to be highly effective in stimulating the learning of both farmers and researchers. The farmers were able to feel comfortable as owners of the collaborative experiments and custodians of the learning environment. Clear evidence for the ongoing learning of these farmers appeared in post-collaboration practices and experiences.

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