scholarly journals Practices to Reduce Milk Carbon Footprint on Grazing Dairy Farms in Southern Uruguay: Case Studies

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Lizarralde ◽  
Valentin Picasso ◽  
C. Alan Rotz ◽  
Monica Cadenazzi ◽  
Laura Astigarraga
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Feeding Management ◽  
The Impact

<p>Carbon footprint (CF) is an increasingly important indicator of the impact of a product on climate change. This study followed international guidelines to quantify the CF of milk produced on 24 grazing-based dairy farms in southern Uruguay. Cows grazed all year-round and were supplemented with concentrate feeds. Dairy farms varied in annual milk yield per cow (5672 ± 1245 kg fat and protein corrected milk [FPCM]), milk production per ha (4075 ± 1360 kg FPCM/ha), cow stocking rate (0.71 ± 0.12 cows/ha), feed intake (13.3 ± 2.2 kg dry matter [DM]/cow/day) and percentage of concentrate in the diet (36 ± 12% DM) giving an average CF of 0.99 ± 0.10 kg CO<sub>2</sub> (equivalent [eq]/kg FPCM) over all farms. Total milk production per ha, milk yield per cow and dry matter intake explained most of the variation in CF. Strategies that provide the highest milk production per ha using high yielding cows and a high portion of lactating cows in the herd were identified as the best management practices for reducing CF. Low forage intake in Uruguay is often a consequence of low yielding pastures and high stocking rates. Overall, this study concluded that a reduction in CF is not achieved through increased concentrate intake unless forage consumption is also unconstrained. Improved pasture and feeding management can be used to reduce the CF of milk produced in Uruguay.</p>

scholarly journals Pasture persistence: how much is it worth?

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 3-6
Author(s):  
R. Brazendale ◽  
J.R. Bryant ◽  
M.G. Lambert ◽  
C.W. Holmes ◽  
T.J. Fraser
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
System Model ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Farm Profitability ◽  
Farm System ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Different Levels

The farm system model, Farmax Dairy Pro, was used to evaluate the impact of new pastures on dairy farm profitability, assuming a range of pasture yields and qualities, and different levels of persistence in the new pastures, which were established on 10% of the farm annually. Scenarios were tested for Waikato, Taranaki, Canterbury and Southland dairy farm systems. Assuming a $6.50/kg MS milk payment and a response to pasture renewal of 10% in dry matter yield and a 0.6 MJ ME/kg DM increase in quality, increasing persistence from 4 years up to 8 years was modelled to increase dairy farm profitability by $271/ha to $478/ha. Management practices, including selections of cultivars and endophytes, that improve pasture persistence are likely to increase dairy farm profitability. Keywords: dairy farms, modelling, pasture renewal, persistence

scholarly journals Financial and economic analyses of the impact of cattle mastitis on the profitability of Egyptian dairy farms

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1750-1759
Author(s):  
M. F. Azooz ◽  
Safaa A. El-Wakeel ◽  
H. M. Yousef
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Economic Loss ◽  
Subclinical Mastitis ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Total Cost ◽  
Bulk Tank ◽  
The Impact

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate and quantify the different factors affecting the costs of mastitis in cattle, to quantify the annual and monthly financial losses attributed to mastitis, and to estimate production losses using average linear scores found on The Dairy Herd Improvement Association somatic cell count (SCC) sheets and bulk tank SCC per lactation number. Materials and Methods: All data (bovine mastitis-associated costs and expenditures in Egyptian dairy herds) were analyzed using SPSS/PCT, 2001. A partial budget technique using spreadsheet software and the general linear model procedure was used to analyze the productive and financial measures. Results: Mastitis was present in 57.1% of cows (240/420), while clinical mastitis (CM) was present in 19% of them (80/420). The geometric mean of SCC/ml in bulk tank milk samples of 150 cattle dairy farms was 556.3×103. The annual subclinical mastitis (SCM)-related economic loss was 21,933,258.6 LE, and the two most important cost components were the subsequent decrease in milk production and quality premium losses (93% and 7% of SCM costs, respectively). The quality premium loss was 1,369,602.1 LE. On the other hand, the annual economic loss due to decreased milk production as a result of SCM was 20,563,656.5 LE. The total cost of 80 CM cases, including the failure and preventive costs, was 1,196,871.4 LE, including 1,169,150.4 LE failure costs (106,336.0 LE in direct costs and 1,062,814.4 LE in indirect costs) and 27,721.0 LE preventive costs. The average cost per CM case was 28,760.9 LE, including veterinary time and consultation fees of 250.0 LE (1%), labor 562.5 LE (2%), premature culling 736,000.0 LE (77%), decreased milk production 4085.18 LE (13.7%), discarded milk 185.3 LE (1%), and drugs and treatments 328.9 LE (1%). The total costs of CM (expenditures) extra control and preventive measures, including the diagnosis of CM for 80 cows annually in 20 Egyptian dairy farms were 27,721.0 LE, representing 346.5 LE or 1% of the total cost of CM cases. The cost of monitoring and diagnostic measures was 8635.2 LE, representing 107.9 LE or 1% of the total cost of a case of CM. Conclusion: The method used for cost estimation, in this study, is highly adaptable to individual cattle farms and had a major role in assessing specific control and management measures. The concepts described in this paper help to improve our understanding of the full economic impact of clinical and subclinical mastitis in cattle in Egypt. Assessing the economic losses from mastitis to determine the economic costs and losses occurring in Egyptian dairy farms is critical for encouraging farmers to acknowledge the scale of the problem and implement effective management practices aimed at improving mastitis control and reducing the associated costs.

scholarly journals Effects of nutrients supply on milk yield, composition, and enteric methane gas emissions from smallholder dairy farms in Rwanda

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-104
Author(s):  
Jean de Dieu Ayabagabo ◽  
◽  
Paul Anthans Onjoro ◽  
Perminus Karubiu Migwi ◽  
Marie Christine Dusingize ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Methane Gas ◽  
Rain Season ◽  
Enteric Methane ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Smallholder Dairy Farms

This study investigated the effects of feed on milk yield and quality through feed monitoring and quality assessment, and the consequent enteric methane gas emissions from smallholder dairy farms in drier areas of Rwanda, using the Tier II approach for four seasons in three zones namely; Mayaga and peripheral Bugesera (MPB), Eastern Savanna and Central Bugesera (ESCB), and Eastern plateau (EP). The study was carried out using 186 dairy cows with a mean live weight of 292 Kg in three communal cowsheds. The milk quality analysis was carried out on 418 samples. Data collected were subjected to ANOVA.The dry matter intake was lower (p<0.05) in the long dry season (7.24 Kg) with the ESCB zone having the highest value of 9.10 Kg. The Dry matter digestibility varied between seasons and zones ranging from 52.5 to 56.4% for seasons and from 51.9 to 57.5% for zones. The daily protein supply was higher (p<0.05) in the long rain season with 969 g. The mean daily milk production of lactating cows was 5.6 L with a lower value (p<0.05) during the long dry season (4.76 L) and MPB zone having the lowest value of 4.65 L. The yearly milk production per cow was 1179 L. The milk fat varied from 3.79 to 5.49% with a seasonal and zone variation. No variation was observed with milk protein. The seasonal daily methane emission varied from 150 g for the long dry season to 174 g for the long rain season (p<0.05). The mean emission factor was 59.4 Kg of methane/year. The methane emission per unit of milk production was lower in EP zone (46.8 g/L). Farmers should use high-quality feeds to increase the milk yield and reduce the methane gas produced per unit of milk

A report on management practices and milk production from jersey cows raised in Ibadan

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-104
Author(s):  
OA Olorunnisomo ◽  
AA Oni ◽  
JO Abiola
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Zebu Cattle ◽  
Tropical Condition ◽  
Jersey Cattle ◽  
Lactation Length ◽  
The University ◽  
University Of Ibadan

In order to kick-start milk production and upgrade genetic base of local zebu cattle at the University of Ibadan, four in-calf Jersey heifers and one bull were acquired in September 2012, from a pure herd of Jersey cattle maintained on a private farm in Shonga, Kwara State, Nigeria. Management at Shonga was based on an intensive, zero-grazing system. The animals were apparently in a good state of health at the time of procurement. At the University of Ibadan, management was also intensive, with partial grazing, fortified grass silage and concentrates supplementation. Health management of Jersey cattle involved preventive and curative measures. Calving occurred within 7 and 156 days of arrival at Ibadan. Two out of four heifers calved successfully while two had still-births. Calves were allowed to suckle their dams for 14 days after calving and bottle-fed from milk collected from their dams afterwards. Milking was done twice daily at 7am and 4pm using a portable milking machine. Milk yield averaged 8.8 kg/cow/day with lactation length ranging between 93 and 246 days. Average composition of milk was 13.69, 3.60, 4.73, 0.65 and 4.71% for total solids, protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate respectively. In order to maximize milk production from Jersey cattle under the humid tropical condition of Ibadan, there is need to maintain a high plane of nutrition, adopt a preventive healthcare system and incorporate a cooling system to ameliorate the effects of high ambient temperatures.Key words: calving age, dairy cattle, lactation length, milk composition, milk yield

scholarly journals A partial life cycle assessment approach to evaluate the energy intensity and related greenhouse gas emission in dairy farms

2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (2s) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lelia Murgia ◽  
Giuseppe Todde ◽  
Maria Caria ◽  
Antonio Pazzona
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emission ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Dairy Farming ◽  
Feeding Management

Dairy farming is constantly evolving towards more intensive levels of mechanization and automation which demand more energy consumption and result in higher economic and environmental costs. The usage of fossil energy in agricultural processes contributes to climate change both with on-farm emissions from the combustion of fuels, and by off-farm emissions due to the use of grid power. As a consequence, a more efficient use of fossil resources together with an increased use of renewable energies can play a key role for the development of more sustainable production systems. The aims of this study were to evaluate the energy requirements (fuels and electricity) in dairy farms, define the distribution of the energy demands among the different farm operations, identify the critical point of the process and estimate the amount of CO2 associated with the energy consumption. The inventory of the energy uses has been outlined by a partial Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, setting the system boundaries at the farm level, from cradle to farm gate. All the flows of materials and energy associated to milk production process, including crops cultivation for fodder production, were investigated in 20 dairy commercial farms over a period of one year. Self-produced energy from renewable sources was also accounted as it influence the overall balance of emissions. Data analysis was focused on the calculation of energy and environmental sustainability indicators (EUI, CO2-eq) referred to the functional units. The production of 1 kg of Fat and Protein Corrected Milk (FPCM) required on average 0.044 kWhel and 0.251 kWhth, corresponding to a total emission of 0.085 kg CO2-eq). The farm activities that contribute most to the electricity requirements were milk cooling, milking and slurry management, while feeding management and crop cultivation were the greatest diesel fuel consuming operation and the largest in terms of environmental impact of milk production (73% of energy CO2-eq emissions). The results of the study can assist in the development of dairy farming models based on a more efficient and profitable use of the energy resources.

scholarly journals Assessing the Potential of Nontraditional Water Sources for Landscape Irrigation

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 436-444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raul I. Cabrera ◽  
James E. Altland ◽  
Genhua Niu
Keyword(s):  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Urban Landscape ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Aesthetic Quality ◽  
The Impact

Scarcity and competition for good quality and potable water resources are limiting their use for urban landscape irrigation, with several nontraditional sources being potentially available for these activities. Some of these alternative sources include rainwater, stormwater, brackish aquifer water, municipal reclaimed water (MRW), air-conditioning (A/C) condensates, and residential graywater. Knowledge on their inherent chemical profile and properties, and associated regional and temporal variability, is needed to assess their irrigation quality and potential short- and long-term effects on landscape plants and soils and to implement best management practices that successfully deal with their quality issues. The primary challenges with the use of these sources are largely associated with high concentrations of total salts and undesirable specific ions [sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), boron (B), and bicarbonate (HCO3−) alkalinity]. Although the impact of these alternative water sources has been largely devoted to human health, plant growth and aesthetic quality, and soil physicochemical properties, there is emergent interest in evaluating their effects on soil biological properties and in natural ecosystems neighboring the urban areas where they are applied.

scholarly journals Characteristics of the productive-economic indicators of cows of Yaroslavl breed of different genotypes

2020 ◽  
pp. 43-52
Author(s):  
N. Kosyachenko ◽  
Marina Abramova ◽  
M. Lapina
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Practical Significance ◽  
Holstein Breed ◽  
Blood Fraction ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract. Aim. The study of the influence of crossbriding on the growth and development of heifers and subsequent productive and reproductive qualities of cows on the first lactation. Methods. Using statistical methods, correlation analysis and ANOVA for evaluated genetic indicators of economic-valuable traits of dairy cattle. In particular was studied live weight of heifers from birth to 18 months, first insemination age and first fecundation age, live weight at fecundation, frequency of insemination, first calving age, days open, live weight at first lactation, milk yield for 305 days (kg), fat (%, kg) and protein (%, kg) in milk. Results. Relationship between productive indicators and the genotype of the animal is established. When assessing the strength of the influence of the factor «blood on the Holstein breed» it was found that the greatest impact can be traced at the age of 6 and 18 months, and is respectively 12.7 % and 17.1 %.The reproductive qualities of the first-calf cows decreased with the increase percent of blood in the Holstein breed. Evaluation of the impact of crossbreeding on milk production at first lactation has revealed significant strong influence on milk yield for 305 days of first lactation, and related signs the amount of milk fat and protein. According to qualitative indicators, the low influence of the Holstein blood fraction was found, while to a greater extent on the fat content than on the protein content in milk. Evaluation of phenotypic and genotypic correlations of milk yield and quality components of milk revealed average negative phenotypic and low negative genotypic correlation in all groups. The exception was in heifers of Yaroslavl breed with percent of Holstein blood less than 50 %, in which the relationship of yield x protein was positive. The relationship between milk yield and fat and protein content in milk has the opposite moderate character and strength. Practical significance. Studies was established that breeding of animals of Holstein and Yaroslavl breeds in one herd allows to receive an optimum ratio of milk production with optimal percentage fat and protein. For this herd among animals of the improved genotypes of the Yaroslavl breed, the use of genotypes with a percent of blood in the Holstein breed from 75.1 % to 87.6 % is optimal, which should be taken into account when selecting bulls to the breeding program.

scholarly journals Perceived vulnerability and propensity to adopt best management practices for huanglongbing disease of citrus in California

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Garcia Figuera ◽  
Holly Deniston-Sheets ◽  
Elizabeth E Grafton-Cardwell ◽  
Bruce Babcock ◽  
Mark Lubell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Perceived Vulnerability ◽  
Best Management ◽  
Preventive Practices ◽  
Citrus Groves ◽  
Plant Disease Management ◽  
The Impact

Huanglongbing (HLB) disease of citrus, associated with the bacterium “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus”, is confined to residential properties in Southern California eight years after it was first detected in the state. To prevent the spread of HLB to commercial citrus groves, growers have been asked to adopt a portfolio of voluntary best management practices. This study evaluates the citrus industry’s propensity to adopt these practices using surveys and a novel multivariate ordinal regression model. We estimate the impact on adoption of perceived vulnerability to HLB, intentions to stay informed and communicate about the disease and various socio-economic factors, and reveal what practices are most likely to be jointly adopted as an integrated approach to HLB. Survey participants were in favor of scouting and surveying for HLB symptoms, but they were reluctant to test trees, use early detection technologies (EDTs) or install barriers around citrus groves. Most practices were perceived as complementary, particularly visual inspections and some combinations of preventive practices with tests and EDTs. Participants who felt more vulnerable to HLB had a higher propensity to adopt several practices, as well as those who intended to stay informed and communicate with the coordinators of the HLB control program, although this effect was modulated by the perceived vulnerability to HLB. Communication with neighbors and the size of citrus operations also influenced practice adoption. Based on these results, we provide recommendations for outreach about HLB management in California and suggest future directions for research about the adoption of plant disease management practices.

scholarly journals The Role of Electric Power Sector in China’s Global Economic Expansion

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 188-202
Author(s):  
R. A. Epikhina
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Power Transmission ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Electricity Sector ◽  
Power Sector ◽  
Economic Expansion ◽  
The Impact

The article discusses some of the major characteristics and trends of China’s economic expansion in the global power industry. It argues that by investing in electricity infrastructure China creates prerequisites for long-term dominance in one of the key sectors in a number of countries and regions. Deals in the power sector are mainly implemented by state-owned companies and facilitated by state-owned financial institutions. In terms of structure and geography, foreign investment in the electricity sector is dominated by traditional types of generation in developing countries. However, China has been diversifying into renewables, nuclear power and grids and entering markets of the developed countries. The creation of a special international organization (GEIDCO) should facilitate its expansion in the electricity sector abroad. It is worth noting that foreign economic expansion plays an important role in supporting China’s slowing economy amid the transformation of its growth model. It allows China to adopt advanced technologies and best management practices in developed countries while forming alternative value chains, as well as promoting its own equipment and standards (especially in ultra-high voltage power transmission) in the developing countries. However, given the impact of the trade war, increasing securitization of the Chinese foreign investments, Chinese authorities’ control over capital outflows and the rising environmental concerns in developing countries, further expansion of the Chinese capital in the global electricity industry is likely to be held back, while competition from non-Chinese electricity companies is likely to grow.

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