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Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a pesticide widely used in Colombia´s agriculture, including crops, farm animals and pets, despite it has been banned for use in the European Union and the United States. Studies demonstrate that even low blood levels of CPF -which do not inhibit blood acetylcholinesterase- can lead to child developmental and neurological disorders such as smaller head circumference and brain alterations, and psychomotor and cognitive deficits related to learning ability, attention and memory. In adults, CPF is an endocrine disruptor and breast carcinogen. High direct and indirect economic costs have been associated with CPF exposure. Not only farmers and their families -who have the highest exposures- but the general population consuming crops sprayed with CPF are also at risk. For these reasons CPF was recently banned by the European Union (2020) and the USA (2021). Pesticide regulation policies vary greatly depending on which and how scientific studies are used to assess health risks. Pesticide evaluations funded by the chemical industry should be rectified to avoid conflicts of interest. Furthermore, political alignment with the interests of the industry should not take precedence over independent scientific evidence. It is discouraging, to say the least, that until stricter health laws are passed in Colombia, CPFs and related pesticides will continue to be imported from those countries that have already banned them. Colombian scientists should raise their voice to challenge blind acceptance of profits over unintended consequences, and efforts to prevent pesticide´s abuse should be encouraged.

El clorpirifos (CPF) es un pesticida ampliamente utilizado en la agricultura de Colombia, incluidos cultivos, animales de granja y mascotas, a pesar de haber sido prohibido en la Unión Europea y Estados Unidos. Los estudios han demostrado que incluso niveles bajos de CPF en sangre -que no inhiben la acetilcolinesterasa sanguínea- pueden provocar trastornos neurológicos y del desarrollo infantil, como menor circunferencia de la cabeza y alteraciones cerebrales, y déficits psicomotores y cognitivos relacionados con la capacidad de aprendizaje, la atención y la memoria. En adultos, el CPF es un disruptor endocrino y causante de cáncer de mama. Altos costos económicos directos e indirectos se han asociado con la exposición al CPF. No solo los trabajadores agrícolas y sus familias, que están más expuestos, sino también la población en general que consume cultivos rociados con CPF también están en riesgo. Por estas razones el CPF fue prohibido recientemente por la Unión Europea (2020) y los EE. UU. (2021). Las políticas de regulación de plaguicidas varían mucho según los estudios científicos escogidos para evaluar los riesgos para la salud. Las evaluaciones de plaguicidas financiadas por la industria química deben rectificarse para evitar conflictos de interés. Además, ante la evidencia científica independiente no debería prevalecer la alineación política con los intereses de dicha industria. Es desalentador, por decir lo menos, que hasta que se aprueben leyes de salud más estrictas en Colombia se seguirán importando CPF y pesticidas relacionados desde aquellos países que ya los han prohibido. Los científicos colombianos deben alzar la voz para desafiar la aceptación ciega de ganancias por encima de las consecuencias no deseadas en salud pública, y se deben alentar los esfuerzos para prevenir el abuso de pesticidas.

Clorpirifós (CPF) é um pesticida registrado amplamente utilizado na agricultura colombiana, incluindo lavouras, animais de fazenda e animais de estimação, apesar de ter sido proibido na União Europeia e nos Estados Unidos. Estudos têm demonstrado que mesmo níveis baixos de CPF no sangue -que não inibem a acetilcolinesterase sanguínea-podem levar a distúrbios neurológicos e de desenvolvimento em crianças, como menor perímetro cefálico e alterações cerebrais, além de déficits psicomotores e cognitivos relacionados à capacidade de aprendizagem, atenção e memoria. Em adultos, o CPF é um desregulador endócrino e cancerígeno da mama. Altos custos econômicos diretos (devido ao tratamento) e indiretos (devido à perda de produtividade) têm sido associados à exposição ao CPF. Não apenas os trabalhadores agrícolas e suas famílias, que têm as maiores exposições, mas a população em geral que consome culturas pulverizadas com CPF também estão em risco. Por essas razões, o CPF foi recentemente proibido pela União Europeia (2020) e pelos EUA (2021). As políticas de regulamentação de pesticidas variam muito, dependendo de quais (e como) os estudos científicos são usados para avaliar os riscos à saúde. As avaliações de pesticidas financiadas pela indústria química devem ser retificadas para evitar conflitos de interesse. Além disso, o alinhamento político com os interesses da indústria não deve ter precedência sobre as evidências científicas independentes. É desanimador - para dizer o mínimo - que até que leis de saúde mais rígidas sejam aprovadas na Colômbia, o CPF e tóxicos relacionados continuarão a ser importados dos países que já os proibiram.

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This research analyzed the efficiency of a channel on the YouTube platform as a strategy for scientific dissemination and rural extension. The channel was created at the end of 2018 and the last video published in March 2021, totaling 58 videos. Through the metrics made available by YouTube Analytics, the information related to the channel, the audience, the searches on the platform and the engagement of the public were analyzed. Regarding the channel's metrics, an average of 15 minutes of total viewing duration, 144 subscriptions obtained and 8 lost. The audience metrics show that the channel has WhatsApp ©, Gmail ©, university website and Google© research as its main external sources. Furthermore, there is an audience, mostly female, Brazilian, between 18 and 24 years old, with access mainly by cell phone, computer and TV. The channel searches were more relevant than those coming from the platform itself, in addition to direct or unknown origin, they had a longer average duration and hours watching, but a lower viewing rate. In the engagement, the use of the elements of the final screen was positive and more used after such confirmation, in addition, in the majority of the videos, they generated positive interactions with a majority of "I liked" instead of "I didn't like". We concluded, therefore, that in matters of scientific dissemination, the channel gained relevance when observing the growing metrics in relation to the public, while the rural extension also, however, with the participation of younger producers, requiring analyzes of how to reach the other age groups. Furthermore, it highlights the need for further research to understand better ways of engaging the public.

Esta pesquisa analisou a eficiência de um canal na plataforma YouTube como estratégia para divulgação científica e extensão rural. O canal foi criado no final de 2018 e o último vídeo publicado em março de 2021, totalizando 58 vídeos. Por meio das métricas disponibilizadas pelo YouTube Analytics, foram analisadas informações referentes ao canal, audiência, buscas na plataforma e engajamento do público. Em relação às métricas do canal, obteve-se uma média de 15 minutos de duração da visualização total. As métricas de audiência mostraram que as principais origens externas do canal são o WhatsApp©, Gmail©, sites universitários e a pesquisa do Google©. Constata-se um público majoritariamente feminino, brasileiro, entre os 18 e 24 anos de idade, com acesso principalmente pelo celular, computador e TV. As buscas do canal tiveram maior relevância em comparação àquelas oriundas da própria plataforma, além de origem direta ou desconhecida e apresentaram maior duração média e horas assistidas, porém, menor taxa de visualização. No engajamento, a utilização dos elementos da tela final foi positiva e mais utilizada após tal constatação, além disso em sua maioria os vídeos geraram interações positivas com uma maioria de "Gostei". Conclui-se, portanto, que em questões de divulgação científica o canal obteve relevância ao constatar as crescentes métricas em relação ao público. Quanto à extensão rural, foram atingidos principalmente produtores jovens, necessitando análises de como atingir as demais faixas etárias. Ademais, ressalta-se a importância de continuidade da pesquisa para entender melhores formas de engajamento do público.

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Abstract The lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus has an important role in cattle health and productivity worldwide, since infections can lead to substantial economic losses. Despite its importance, few studies investigating the epidemiological aspects of infection by this parasite have been conducted. The aim of this study was to report the occurrence of lungworm infection in beef cattle herds reared in an area of livestock production in the northeastern region of Brazil. From September 2020 to August 2021, monthly fecal samples (n = 493) were collected from 46 beef cattle. Among all the animals assessed, lungworm larvae were detected in 8.7% (4/46). None of them presented any clinical sign suggestive of infection by lungworm parasites. Twenty larvae were retrieved, with the minimum number (n = 1) detected in October and December, and the maximum number (n = 13) in November. These presented a mean length of 363 μm (± 28.65 μm) and mean width of 19 μm (± 1.03 μm), and were morphologically similar to Dictyocaulus sp.. This study reports the occurrence of this parasite in this livestock production area. Lastly, local veterinarians need to be aware of inclusion of this parasite in the differential diagnosis of other respiratory infections in beef cattle.

Resumo O parasito pulmonar Dictyocaulus viviparus tem um papel importante na saúde e produtividade bovina em todo o mundo, uma vez que infecções podem levar a perdas econômicas. Além de sua importância, poucos estudos que investigam aspectos epidemiológicos das infecções por esse parasito têm sido realizados. Objetivou-se, nesta pesquisa, relatar a ocorrência de infecção por nematódeos pulmonares em rebanhos bovinos de corte, criados em uma importante área de produção pecuária, na região Nordeste do Brasil. De setembro de 2020 a agosto de 2021, foram coletadas, mensalmente, amostras fecais (n = 493) de 46 bovinos de corte. De todos os animais avaliados, larvas de nematódeos pulmonares foram detectadas em 8,7% (4/46). Os animais não apresentaram nenhum sinal clínico sugestivo de infecção por parasitos pulmonares. Vinte larvas foram recuperadas, com o número mínimo (n = 1) detectado em outubro e dezembro, e o número máximo (n = 13) em novembro. Apresentavam comprimento médio de 363 μm (± 28,65 μm), largura média de 19 μm (±1,03 μm) e eram morfologicamente semelhantes a Dictyocaulus sp.. Este estudo relata a ocorrência desse parasito nesta área. Logo, os veterinários locais devem estar atentos à inclusão desse parasito no diagnóstico diferencial de outras infecções respiratórias em bovinos de corte.

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In Colombia, the beef production chain accounts for approximately 11.6 million cattle heads and annually produces 933 million kg of the beef carcass. There are no life cycle assessment (LCA) studies that have evaluated the environmental performance of Colombian beef systems. The present study aimed to estimate the carbon footprint (CF), non-renewable energy use, and land use of 251 cow-calf and 275 fattening farms in Colombia. The study also aimed to identify the main hotspots of adverse environmental impacts and propose possible mitigation options and their cost-effectiveness. The impact categories were estimated using the 2006 IPCC and the 2019 Refinement to 2006 IPCC guidelines, databases, and locally estimated emission factors. The functional units used were 1 kg fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM) and 1 kg live weight gain (LWG), leaving the farm gate. Three methods of allocating environmental burdens to meat and milk products were applied: economic, energy, and mass allocation. The adoption of improved pastures was considered a mitigation measure, and an economic assessment was performed to estimate the relative cost-effectiveness of its establishment. A principal component multivariate analysis and a Hierarchical Clustering on Principal Components were performed. The economic allocation method assigned a greater environmental burden to meat (83%), followed by energy content (80%) and mass production (73%). The largest sources of GHG emissions were enteric fermentation and manure deposited on pasture. Both cow-calf and fattening systems had a cluster of farms with better productivity, pasture and cattle management practices, and environmental performance. The CF for meat could be reduced by 33 to 56% for cow-calf and 21 to 25% for fattening farms, by adopting improved pastures. Therefore, our results suggest that GHG emissions can be reduced by adopting improved pastures, better agricultural management practices, efficient fertilizer usage, using the optimal stocking rate, and increasing productivity.

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The increasing distribution and prevalence of fasciolosis in both human and livestock are concerning. Here, we examine the various types of factors influencing fasciolosis transmission and burden and the interrelations that may exist between them. We present the arsenal of molecules, 'adjusting' capabilities and parasitic strategies of Fasciola to infect. Such features define the high adaptability of Fasciola species for parasitism that facilitate their transmission. We discuss current environmental perturbations (increase of livestock and land use, climate change, introduction of alien species and biodiversity loss) in relation to fasciolosis dynamics. As Fasciola infection is directly and ultimately linked to livestock management, living conditions and cultural habits, which are also changing under the pressure of globalization and climate change, the social component of transmission is also discussed. Lastly, we examine the implication of increasing scientific and political awareness in highlighting the current circulation of fasciolosis and boosting epidemiological surveys and novel diagnostic techniques. From a joint perspective, it becomes clear that factors weight differently at each place and moment, depending on the biological, environmental, social and political interrelating contexts. Therefore, the analyses of a disease as complex as fasciolosis should be as integrative as possible to dissect the realities featuring each epidemiological scenario. Such a comprehensive appraisal is presented in this review and constitutes its main asset to serve as a fresh integrative understanding of fasciolosis.

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In agroforestry systems, trees modify climatic parameters over a given area and create a complex microclimate through interactions between topography, plant composition and organizational structure of trees. In this way, indicators such as surface temperature of tree canopy and pasture, monitored by infrared thermography, are important to monitor the thermal environment of animal production and pasture establishment. Goals of this study were (1) to evaluate temporal and local variations of temperature and humidity leaf surface of tree canopy and pasture in agroforestry systems by infrared remote sensing and, (2) to validate infrared thermography as a potential tool for assessment microclimate in agroforestry systems. The study was carried out between June 2015 and February 2016 in an experimental area located at 54°370'W, 20°270'S and 530 m altitude, in Brazil. Surface temperatures and humidity of tree canopy and pasture in two agroforestry systems with different densities and tree spatial arrangements were determined using infrared thermography. Air, black globe and dew point temperatures, relative humidity and wind speed were measured using digital thermo-hygrometers with datalogger. Moderate to strong associations have been identified between microclimate parameters and those monitored by means of thermography measurements (0.45 ≥ r ≤ 0.78), suggesting positive relationships and equally well explained by air temperature, black globe temperature and relative air humidity (R2 = 0.68 ≥ R2 ≤ 0.98). Variations in hourly averages of temperatures and humidity of pasture and tree canopy show similar patterns between seasons, with consistently higheraverages during summer and under full sun, indicating the existence of a thermal band with leaf temperatures above air temperature. Therefore, this work's findings support use of infrared thermography as a tool for microclimate assessment in agroforestry systems.

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This data article provides an extensive and complete description of the high spatial resolution inventory (HSRI) estimation shown in the article "High resolution inventory of atmospheric emissions from livestock production, agriculture, and biomass burning sectors of Argentina" Puliafito et al. [1], and its comparison with several sectors in Argentina. The dataset provided are high-resolution inventories (0.025° × 0.025° lat/long) for CO2, CH4, N2O and another 8 species from livestock, biomass burning, agriculture and another 12 sectors (based on 2016 year). In addition, we also provide the database for 2014 using the same methodology. The dataset presented are necessary to improve input inventories for air quality models. Also, they are better to inform and guide the stakeholders, in making decisions related to environmental protection and health promotion, as well as assessing the environmental performance in terms of atmospheric emissions of an activity, sector or region in Argentina.

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The nutrition transition towards western diets in developing countries occurs at multiple levels, impacting health and society and also the environment. In Mexico, the shift in food consumption and production patterns, particularly in relation to animal source foods (ASF), has changed land use. We studied the consumption and production of ASF and change in agricultural land use in Mexico during the second half of the twentieth century and until 2013; using domestic and international data sources, our findings show an increasing proportion of farmed area devoted to the production of feed crops domestically, and also an increasing demand of farmed feed beyond national borders. We discuss how the intensification of livestock production is associated to major environmental threats and suggest that opportunities are available for sustainable and healthy food options.

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Livestock production is increasingly subjected to environmental and economic challenges related to water quantities being utilized, expressed as green (evapotranspiration from rainwater), blue (surface and groundwater), or gray (waste) water footprints at each stage of the product life cycle. Published data indicated that the largest share of water being used for producing beef in the United States can be traced back to growing forage and feed (>90%), whereby the green water footprint was substantially greater (12,933 liters of water per kg of product) than the blue water footprint, as only a small amount of pasture- and cropland is irrigated (525 L/kg). Based on prevailing quantification methods, feed conversion ratios, and grazing land required, water footprints for beef produced through grazing alone can be relatively high. Green water footprints can easily reach more than 19,000 L/kg for beef from grazing compared with a maximum of 1,731 L/kg for chicken under a typical scenario. However, much of the existing grazing land cannot or should not be converted to cropland for various ecological reasons, and large water footprints would remain for the vegetation even if cattle were removed. Life cycle assessments (LCA) were historically developed to provide a framework for evaluation of the full life cycle of a product or service and to ultimately model environmental impacts through life cycle impact assessment methods. Life cycle assessments grew more refined during past years and efforts are being made to reflect the environmental and economic consequences of different livestock and crop production systems more accurately than in the past. Typical beef production systems on natural and naturalized grasslands in North America generate environmental, economic, and societal benefits that should be reflected in future LCA, farm policies, and regulations. To increase the water use efficiency of each segment of the beef supply chain and thereby to reduce water footprints, grazing systems and methods as well as external inputs should be further optimized and integrated toward enhanced ecosystem services, thereby lowering the overall environmental impact of livestock production.

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The loss of carbon stocks through agricultural land-use change is a key driver of greenhouse gas emissions [1-4], and the methods used to manage agricultural land will have major impacts on the global climate in the 21st century [4-9]. It remains unresolved whether carbon losses would be minimized by increasing farm yields and limiting the conversion of natural habitats ("land sparing"), or maximizing on-farm carbon stocks, even at the cost of reduced yields and therefore greater habitat clearance ("land sharing"). In this paper, we use field surveys of over 11,000 trees, in-depth interviews with farmers, and existing agricultural data, to evaluate the potential impacts of these contrasting approaches, and plausible intermediate strategies, on above-ground carbon stocks across a diverse range of agricultural and natural systems. Our analyses include agroforestry and oil palm plantations in the humid tropics of Ghana; cattle ranching in dry tropical forest in Mexico; and arable cropping in temperate wetlands and forests in Poland. Strikingly, despite the range of systems investigated, land sparing consistently had a higher potential to sustain regional above-ground carbon stocks than any other strategy. This was the case in all three regions and at all plausible levels of food production, including falls in demand. However, if agricultural production increases to meet likely future demand levels, we project large decreases in above-ground carbon stocks, regardless of land-use strategy. Our results strongly suggest that maintaining above-ground carbon stocks will depend on both limiting future food demand and minimizing agricultural expansion through linking high-yield farming with conserving or restoring natural habitats.

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La demanda global de agua se ha incrementado durante los últimos años debido al crecimiento de la población y a la necesidad de producir mayor cantidad de bienes y servicios. Sumado a esto, el cambio climático ha modificado los patrones del clima de algunas regiones alterando los periodos de sequía y lluvia. Por tal motivo, se proponen sistemas de cosecha y almacenamiento de agua que permitan almacenar los excesos de agua para su posterior uso en los periodos secos, sin que se interrumpa la producción de alimentos. En la altillanura colombiana se evidencian estos efectos del cambio climático, generando pérdidas a los productores de ganado principalmente debido a la escasez hídrica en la época seca. Basados en lo anterior, el presente estudio tiene como objetivos; 1) caracterizar la dinámica de la precipitación del área de estudio con énfasis en la frecuencia e intensidad, 2) determinar el potencial de cosecha de agua del sistema a pequeña escala. Inicialmente se recopiló información en el periodo 2009­2014, de una estación pluviométrica propia de la granja. Asimismo, se calcularon las dimensiones de la infraestructura del sistema de cosecha para determinar su potencial. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto que en la zona se presenta una distribución de lluvias monomodal, donde el periodo de lluvias comprende los meses de abril a octubre y el periodo seco de noviembre a marzo. Por otro lado, el potencial de cosecha de agua de acuerdo a las condiciones del sistema fue de 820 m3/año y el consumo de los vacunos fue de 540 m3/año. En conclusión, el sistema de cosecha es una estrategia de adaptación al cambio climático ya que mitiga sus efectos negativos; además garantiza que los productores a pequeña escala y de regiones con temporalidad climática marcada tengan producción durante todo el año.

The global water demand has increased during the last years due to the growth of the population and the need to produce more goods and services. Added to this, climate change has varied weather patterns in some regions altering periods of drought and rain. For this reason, water harvesting and storage systems that allow storing excess water for later use in dry periods without interrupting food production are proposed. The effects of climate change are evident in the Colombian eastern highlands (the Altillanura), generating losses to livestock producers mainly because of water shortage in the dry season. Based on the above, this study aims 1) to characterize the dynamics of rainfall in the area of study with emphasis on frequency and intensity; 2) to determine the potential of a small-scale water harvesting system. Initially, information was compiled in the period 2009 - 2014 from a rainfall station typical of the farm. Likewise, the dimensions of the harvesting system infrastructure were calculated to determine their potential. The results show that a monomodal distribution of rainfall is present in the area, where the rainy season covers the months from April to October, and the dry season from November to March. On the other hand, the potential water harvesting, according to the system conditions, was 820 m3 / year, and the consumption of cattle was 540 m3 / year. In conclusion, the harvesting system is an adaptation strategy to climate change since it mitigates its potential damage and guarantees that small-scale producers and regions with marked climate temporality continue to produce all year.

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A produção pecuária consiste numa das principais atividades econômicas do Ceará. Contudo, muitos rebanhos no estado ainda sofrem com a escassez de forragens em períodos de estiagem. A baixa eficiência das forrageiras tradicionais em condições de semiaridez indica a necessidade de espécies mais adequadas à realidade da região. Nesse sentido, esta revisão objetiva avaliar a situação atual e perspectivas para o cultivo da palma forrageira no semiárido cearense, apresentando características gerais da espécie bem como da região em estudo. Devido sua adaptação às condições de baixa disponibilidade hídrica, a palma forrageira é de grande importância para a produção pecuária no Ceará e consiste em tecnologia chave para a convivência com o semiárido. Estudos de zoneamento agrícola revelam que as exigências edafoclimáticas para o cultivo dessa espécie são semelhantes às condições disponíveis na maior parte do semiárido cearense. Atualmente, diversas iniciativas governamentais e privadas visam incentivar o plantio da palma no estado. Todas elas buscam melhorar as condições da atividade pecuária, reduzindo o êxodo rural e garantindo o desenvolvimento sustentável da região.(AU)

Livestock production is one of the main economic activities in Ceará, Brazil. However, many herds in the state still suffer from forage shortage during dry seasons. The low efficiency of traditional fodder in semi-arid conditions indicates the need for species more suitable to the reality of the region. Thus, this review aims to evaluate the current status and perspectives for the cultivation of spineless cactus in the semi-arid region of Ceará, presenting the general characteristics of the species as well as of the region under study. Due to its adaptation to conditions of low water availability, the spineless cactus is of great importance for livestock production in Ceará and is considered as a key technology for coexistence with the semi-arid region. Agricultural zoning studies show that soil and climatic requirements for growing this species are similar to those available in most parts of the semi-arid region in Ceará. Currently, several governmental and private initiatives aim to encourage the cultivation of spineless cactus in the state. All of them seek to improve livestock farming conditions, reducing rural exodus and ensuring the sustainable development of the region.(AU)

La producción ganadera consiste en una de las principales actividades económicas de Ceará. Sin embargo, muchos rebaños en el estado todavía sufren la escasez de forrajes en períodos de sequía. La baja eficiencia de las forrajeras tradicionales en condiciones de semiáridos indica la necesidad de especies más adecuadas a la realidad de la región. En ese sentido, esta revisión objetiva evaluar la situación actual y perspectivas para el cultivo de la palma forrajera en la región semiárida de Ceará, presentando características generales de la especie, así como de la región en estudio. Debido a su adaptación a las condiciones de baja disponibilidad hídrica, la palma forrajera es de gran importancia para la producción ganadera en Ceará y consiste en tecnología clave para la convivencia con el semiárido. Los estudios de zonificación agrícola revelan que las exigencias edáficas y climáticas para el cultivo de esta especie son similares a las condiciones disponibles en la mayor parte de la región semiárida de Ceará. Actualmente, diversas iniciativas gubernamentales y privadas apuntan a incentivar el plantío de palma en el estado. Todas ellas buscan mejorar las condiciones de la actividad ganadera, reduciendo el éxodo rural y garantizando el desarrollo sostenible de la región.(AU)

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A produção pecuária consiste numa das principais atividades econômicas do Ceará. Contudo, muitos rebanhos no estado ainda sofrem com a escassez de forragens em períodos de estiagem. A baixa eficiência das forrageiras tradicionais em condições de semiaridez indica a necessidade de espécies mais adequadas à realidade da região. Nesse sentido, esta revisão objetiva avaliar a situação atual e perspectivas para o cultivo da palma forrageira no semiárido cearense, apresentando características gerais da espécie bem como da região em estudo. Devido sua adaptação às condições de baixa disponibilidade hídrica, a palma forrageira é de grande importância para a produção pecuária no Ceará e consiste em tecnologia chave para a convivência com o semiárido. Estudos de zoneamento agrícola revelam que as exigências edafoclimáticas para o cultivo dessa espécie são semelhantes às condições disponíveis na maior parte do semiárido cearense. Atualmente, diversas iniciativas governamentais e privadas visam incentivar o plantio da palma no estado. Todas elas buscam melhorar as condições da atividade pecuária, reduzindo o êxodo rural e garantindo o desenvolvimento sustentável da região.(AU)

Livestock production is one of the main economic activities in Ceará, Brazil. However, many herds in the state still suffer from forage shortage during dry seasons. The low efficiency of traditional fodder in semi-arid conditions indicates the need for species more suitable to the reality of the region. Thus, this review aims to evaluate the current status and perspectives for the cultivation of spineless cactus in the semi-arid region of Ceará, presenting the general characteristics of the species as well as of the region under study. Due to its adaptation to conditions of low water availability, the spineless cactus is of great importance for livestock production in Ceará and is considered as a key technology for coexistence with the semi-arid region. Agricultural zoning studies show that soil and climatic requirements for growing this species are similar to those available in most parts of the semi-arid region in Ceará. Currently, several governmental and private initiatives aim to encourage the cultivation of spineless cactus in the state. All of them seek to improve livestock farming conditions, reducing rural exodus and ensuring the sustainable development of the region.(AU)

La producción ganadera consiste en una de las principales actividades económicas de Ceará. Sin embargo, muchos rebaños en el estado todavía sufren la escasez de forrajes en períodos de sequía. La baja eficiencia de las forrajeras tradicionales en condiciones de semiáridos indica la necesidad de especies más adecuadas a la realidad de la región. En ese sentido, esta revisión objetiva evaluar la situación actual y perspectivas para el cultivo de la palma forrajera en la región semiárida de Ceará, presentando características generales de la especie, así como de la región en estudio. Debido a su adaptación a las condiciones de baja disponibilidad hídrica, la palma forrajera es de gran importancia para la producción ganadera en Ceará y consiste en tecnología clave para la convivencia con el semiárido. Los estudios de zonificación agrícola revelan que las exigencias edáficas y climáticas para el cultivo de esta especie son similares a las condiciones disponibles en la mayor parte de la región semiárida de Ceará. Actualmente, diversas iniciativas gubernamentales y privadas apuntan a incentivar el plantío de palma en el estado. Todas ellas buscan mejorar las condiciones de la actividad ganadera, reduciendo el éxodo rural y garantizando el desarrollo sostenible de la región.(AU)

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The inclusion of societal input is needed for food animal production industries to retain their "social license to operate"; failure to engage with the public on this topic risks the long-term sustainability of these industries. The primary aim of this study was to explore the beliefs and attitudes of Brazilians citizens not associated with livestock production towards farm animal production. A related secondary aim was to identify the specific beliefs and attitudes towards systems that are associated with restriction of movement. Each participant was shown pictures representing two of five possible major food animal industries (laying hens, beef cattle, pregnant sows, lactating sows, and poultry meat). Participants were presented a six pages survey that included demographic questions plus two sets of two pictures and a series of questions pertaining to the pictures. Each set of pictures represented a particular industry where one picture represented a housing type that is associated with behavioural restrictions and the other picture represented a system that allowed for a greater degree of movement. Participants were asked their perceptions on the prevalence of each system in Brazil, then their preference of one picture vs. the other, and the reasons justifying their preference. Immediately following, the participant repeated the same exercise with the second set of two pictures representing another industry followed by the same series of questions as described above. Quantitative data were analysed with mixed effects logistic regression, and qualitative responses were coded into themes. The proportion of participants that believed animals are reared in confinement varied by animal production type: 23% (beef cattle), 82% (poultry), 81% (laying hens), and 60% (swine). A large majority (79%) stated that farm animals are not well-treated in Brazil. Overall, participants preferred systems that were not associated with behavioural restriction. The preference for free-range or cage-free systems was justified based on the following reasons: naturalness, animals' freedom to move, and ethics. A minority of participants indicated a preference for more restrictive systems, citing reasons associated with food security and food safety, increased productivity and hygiene. Our results suggest that the majority of our participants, preferred farm animal production systems that provide greater freedom of movement, which aligned with their perception that these systems are better for the animal. Our results provide some evidence that the current farm animal housing practices that are associated with restriction of movement, which are gaining traction in Brazil, may not align with societal expectations.

RESUMO

The concept of developmental programming states that the function of an adult animal depends on environmental conditions to which it was exposed to before birth. Developmental programming can occur in the preimplantation period. Accordingly, certain environmental signals, acting either on the mother (for pregnancies established in vivo) or on the embryo directly (for cultured embryos), can program development of the preimplantation embryo to have effects on postnatal life. It is proposed that research on developmental programming in cattle could lead not only to elimination of adverse outcomes associated with in vitro production of embryos but also to discovery of approaches to produce a neonatal animal with superior prospects for achieving optimal production later in life.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The concept of developmental programming states that the function of an adult animal depends on environmental conditions to which it was exposed to before birth. Developmental programming can occur in the preimplantation period. Accordingly, certain environmental signals, acting either on the mother (for pregnancies established in vivo) or on the embryo directly (for cultured embryos), can program development of the preimplantation embryo to have effects on postnatal life. It is proposed that research on developmental programming in cattle could lead not only to elimination of adverse outcomes associated with in vitro production of embryos but also to discovery of approaches to produce a neonatal animal with superior prospects for achieving optimal production later in life.(AU)

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RESUMO

Wool production oriented sheep keeping is the most important rural activity in Patagonia, Argentina, followed by goat and at a lower extent cattle production. The existing perception on the smallholder production systems from most decision makers (e.g., policy) is that they are marginal, with low productivity and have negative returns. Since the Argentinean economic scenario has changed drastically in the last decade, the aim of this study was to analyze the economic and productive contribution of different livestock species in smallholdings. The results showed that the post-1990's economic scenario turned most smallholder livestock systems to have positive economic performance, but there were still productive restrictions that limited to fully benefit from these favorable circumstances. Goats were the most profitable livestock due to their higher productive performance, followed by sheep and cattle, with poorer performances. A strong cooperation between the intervention programs and research institutions is recommended to overcome the current production bottlenecks, by focusing on cattle and sheep production systems.

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Objetivou-se com este trabalho estimar o bem-estar de suínos a partir de registros de sua vocalização, durante alojamento em granja comercial. Foram utilizados 150 suínos machos castrados, distribuídos aleatoriamente em cinco baias. Os suínos foram submetidos a diferentes situações de estresse: sede (sem acesso a água), fome (sem acesso ao alimento), estresse térmico (Índice de temperatura e umidade - ITU >74). Para o tratamento controle, os animais foram mantidos em situação de conforto, com acesso a alimento e água, e ambiente com ITU <70. Foram registrados os sinais acústicos a cada 30 minutos, durante período ininterrupto de três horas, totalizando seis coletas para cada situação de estresse. Os sinais foram digitalizados a uma frequência de até 44.100Hz, por um período de 3 minutos. Posteriormente, os áudios foram analisados pelo software Praat(r) 5.1.19. Os atributos gerados a partir desse software foram a energia do sinal (Pa²*s), amplitude máxima e amplitude mínima (Pa), a frequência de picht (Hz), a intensidade sonora (dB) e quatro níveis de formantes (F1; F2; F3 e F4), também chamados de harmônicas (Hz). Verificou-se que, dependendo do estímulo estressor e de sua duração, os atributos acústicos energia e intensidade do sinal, frequência de pitch e as formantes 2 e 4 apresentaram diferenciação. Os atributos sonoros da vocalização de suínos variam de maneira distinta em função do tipo e duração do estímulo estressante, funcionando, quando associados, como ferramenta eficiente para quantificar o grau de estresse dos animais(AU)

This work aimed to estimate the welfare of pigs using their vocalization records during rearing in a commercial swine farm. A total of 150 barrow pigs were randomly distributed into five pens. Pigs were exposed to different stressful situations: Thirst (no access to water), hunger (no access to the food), thermal stress (Temperature and Humidity Index - THI >74). For the control treatment, the animals were kept in a situation of comfort, with full access to food and water, and environment THI <70. Acoustic signals were recorded every 30 minutes during a continuous period of three hours, totaling six samples for each stress exposure. The signals were digitized at a frequency of up to 44,100 Hz, for a period of 3 minutes. Later the audios were analyzed using the Praat (r) 5.1.19 software. The attributes generated from this software were the signal energy (Pa² * s), the maximum amplitude and the minimum amplitude (Pa), the frequency of pitch (Hz), the sound intensity (dB) and four levels of formants (F1, F2, F3 and F4), also called harmonics (Hz). It was found that depending on the acoustic attributes, the stressor stimuli and its duration indicate energy and signal strength, frequency of pitch and formants 2 and 4 showed differentiation. The sound attributes of the pig vocalization varied in different ways depending on the type and duration of the stressful exposure, functioning as an efficient tool to quantify the degree of animal degree(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Objetivou-se com este trabalho estimar o bem-estar de suínos a partir de registros de sua vocalização, durante alojamento em granja comercial. Foram utilizados 150 suínos machos castrados, distribuídos aleatoriamente em cinco baias. Os suínos foram submetidos a diferentes situações de estresse: sede (sem acesso a água), fome (sem acesso ao alimento), estresse térmico (Índice de temperatura e umidade - ITU >74). Para o tratamento controle, os animais foram mantidos em situação de conforto, com acesso a alimento e água, e ambiente com ITU <70. Foram registrados os sinais acústicos a cada 30 minutos, durante período ininterrupto de três horas, totalizando seis coletas para cada situação de estresse. Os sinais foram digitalizados a uma frequência de até 44.100Hz, por um período de 3 minutos. Posteriormente, os áudios foram analisados pelo software Praat(r) 5.1.19. Os atributos gerados a partir desse software foram a energia do sinal (Pa²*s), amplitude máxima e amplitude mínima (Pa), a frequência de picht (Hz), a intensidade sonora (dB) e quatro níveis de formantes (F1; F2; F3 e F4), também chamados de harmônicas (Hz). Verificou-se que, dependendo do estímulo estressor e de sua duração, os atributos acústicos energia e intensidade do sinal, frequência de pitch e as formantes 2 e 4 apresentaram diferenciação. Os atributos sonoros da vocalização de suínos variam de maneira distinta em função do tipo e duração do estímulo estressante, funcionando, quando associados, como ferramenta eficiente para quantificar o grau de estresse dos animais.

This work aimed to estimate the welfare of pigs using their vocalization records during rearing in a commercial swine farm. A total of 150 barrow pigs were randomly distributed into five pens. Pigs were exposed to different stressful situations: Thirst (no access to water), hunger (no access to the food), thermal stress (Temperature and Humidity Index - THI >74). For the control treatment, the animals were kept in a situation of comfort, with full access to food and water, and environment THI <70. Acoustic signals were recorded every 30 minutes during a continuous period of three hours, totaling six samples for each stress exposure. The signals were digitized at a frequency of up to 44,100 Hz, for a period of 3 minutes. Later the audios were analyzed using the Praat (r) 5.1.19 software. The attributes generated from this software were the signal energy (Pa² * s), the maximum amplitude and the minimum amplitude (Pa), the frequency of pitch (Hz), the sound intensity (dB) and four levels of formants (F1, F2, F3 and F4), also called harmonics (Hz). It was found that depending on the acoustic attributes, the stressor stimuli and its duration indicate energy and signal strength, frequency of pitch and formants 2 and 4 showed differentiation. The sound attributes of the pig vocalization varied in different ways depending on the type and duration of the stressful exposure, functioning as an efficient tool to quantify the degree of animal degree.

Assuntos

RESUMO

In the Neotropics the control of tick infestations in red deer (Cervus elaphus) is achieved primarily through the use of acaricides and macrocyclic lactones. In Mexico, resistance to one or multiple classes of acaricides has been reported in Rhipicephalus microplus infesting cattle, but information on acaricide susceptibility in R. microplus infesting red deer is lacking. In this study we report the level of resistance to different classes of acaricides and ivermectin in R. microplus collected from red deer in the Mexican tropics. Engorged R. microplus females were collected from a red deer farm in Yucatan, Mexico. The larval packet test was used to detect resistance to the organophosphates (OPs) chlorpyrifos and coumaphos, synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) cypermethrin and permethrin, and the phenylpyrazol, fipronil. Resistance to the formamidine amitraz (Am), and ivermectin was ascertained using the larval immersion test. Data were subjected to probit analysis to determine lethal concentrations and resistance ratios to kill 50% (RR50) and 99% (RR99) of the tick population under evaluation in relation to susceptible reference strains. Additionally, allele specific polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the sodium channel F1550I mutation associated with SP resistance in R. microplus. The R. microplus population from red deer in Yucatan showed very high resistance to the two SPs evaluated (RRs>72.2 for cypermethrin; RR for permethrin resistance was so high a dose-response curve was not possible). All individual larvae tested to detect the sodium channel F1550I mutation associated with SP resistance in R. microplus were homozygous. The same tick population showed different levels of resistance to OPs (chlorpyrifos: RR50=1.55, RR99=0.63; coumaphos: RR50=6.8, RR99=5.9), fipronil (RR50=1.8, RR99=0.9), and amitraz (RR50=2.3, RR99=4.4). Resistance to ivermectin was regarded as moderate (RR50=7.1, RR99=5.0). This is the first report of R. microplus ticks collected from red deer in Mexico with different levels of resistance to four acaricide groups and ivermectin.

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