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19 pages, 1618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Antioxidants in Apple Pomace (var. Belorusskoje malinovoje) Using Response Surface Methodology: Scope and Opportunity to Develop as a Potential Feed Supplement or Feed Ingredient

by Dunja Malenica, Larissa Silva Maciel, Koit Herodes, Marko Kass and Rajeev Bhat

Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2765; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072765 - 27 Mar 2024

Viewed by 765

Abstract

Apple pomace represents an underexploited source of bioactive compounds. This study examines the optimization of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant extraction yield of apple pomace (variety: Belorusskoje malinovoje) using response surface methodology. The green extraction technique used was ultrasound-assisted extraction, and [...] Read more.

Apple pomace represents an underexploited source of bioactive compounds. This study examines the optimization of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant extraction yield of apple pomace (variety: Belorusskoje malinovoje) using response surface methodology. The green extraction technique used was ultrasound-assisted extraction, and it was compared with conventional solvent extraction. The impact of extraction time and amplitude of ultrasound-assisted extraction on the yield of polyphenols and antioxidants has been evaluated. Total phenolic content was determined using an established TPC assay. The antioxidant activity of the apple pomace was determined using established assays 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH^•) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS^•+). Furthermore, the potential of apple pomace as a feed material was explored by assessing its nutritional composition, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acid content. The extraction of antioxidants and phenolic compounds was efficiently optimized using RSM. The optimal conditions for TPC and DPPH^• analyses were achieved with an extraction time of 17.5 min and an ultrasound-assisted extraction amplitude of 20%. Optimal conditions for ABTS^•+ were 5 min extraction time and 20% amplitude. Conventional and ultrasound-assisted extraction methods yielded comparable results. Moreover, apple pomace exhibits potential as a feed ingredient despite its modest protein content. This study contributes to the utilization of apple pomace by providing additional information on its antioxidant content and nutritional composition, thus contributing to its sustainable utilization in various industries, especially the livestock feed sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in the Global Dairy Sector: Challenges and Opportunities)

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22 pages, 889 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Technology, Factor Allocation and Environmental Efficiency of Dairy Farms in China: Based on Carbon Emission Constraint Perspective

by Chenyang Liu, Xiuyi Shi and Cuixia Li

Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15455; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115455 - 30 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 768

Abstract

The emission of carbon pollutants stemming from dairy farms has emerged as a significant obstacle in mitigating the effects of global warming. China, being a prominent nation in the field of dairy farming, encounters significant challenges related to excessive component input and elevated [...] Read more.

The emission of carbon pollutants stemming from dairy farms has emerged as a significant obstacle in mitigating the effects of global warming. China, being a prominent nation in the field of dairy farming, encounters significant challenges related to excessive component input and elevated environmental pollution. Digital technology presents an opportunity to enhance the factor allocation of dairy farms and thus increase their environmental efficiency. This study utilizes survey data from 278 dairy farms in China to examine the effect of digital technology on the allocation of land, labor, and capital variables in dairy farms. The IV-Probit model, IV-Tobit model, treatment effect model, and two-stage least square technique are employed to empirically analyze these impacts. Simultaneously, the intermediate effect model was employed to examine the mediating function of factor allocation in the effect of digital technology on environmental efficiency. The findings indicate that digital technology has the potential to greatly enhance land transfer and land utilization rates in dairy farms. Additionally, it has been observed that digital technology may lead to a decrease in both the proportion and time of labor input. Furthermore, digital technology has the potential to decrease short-term productive input while simultaneously enhancing long-term productive input within dairy farming operations. Digital technology has been found to have an indirect yet beneficial influence on environmental efficiency. This is mostly achieved through the facilitation of resource allocation, specifically in terms of land, labor, and capital aspects. The article presents a set of policy recommendations, including the promotion of extensive integration of digital technology within dairy farms, the facilitation of optimal allocation of production factors in dairy farms, and the implementation of specialized training programs focused on digital technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in the Global Dairy Sector: Challenges and Opportunities)

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15 pages, 2902 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Raw Milk Price Based on Depth Time Series Features for Consumer Behavior Analysis

by Zongyu Li, Anmin Zuo and Cuixia Li

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6647; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086647 - 14 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1872

Abstract

The dairy industry has a long supply chain that involves dairy farmers, enterprises, consumers, and the government. The stable growth of consumer groups is the driving force for the sustainable development of the dairy industry. However, in recent years, sustainable development of the [...] Read more.

The dairy industry has a long supply chain that involves dairy farmers, enterprises, consumers, and the government. The stable growth of consumer groups is the driving force for the sustainable development of the dairy industry. However, in recent years, sustainable development of the dairy industry has faced great challenges due to the constant changes in the global climate environment and the increasing uncertainty of the international economic environment. Therefore, it is essential to systematically monitor and accurately predict the consumption market of dairy products to ensure that the government, dairy enterprises, and dairy farmers can share information in a timely manner and take effective measures to cope with the changes in the dairy consumption market without disturbing the normal pricing mechanism of the dairy market. The purpose of the conducted research is to systematically monitor and accurately predict the dairy product consumption market while consistently delivering dependable forecasts of consumer behavior in the dairy industry. In this paper, we proposed a raw milk price prediction framework (RMP-CPR) to analyze consumer behavior based on the relationship between milk price and dairy consumption. This study concludes that dairy consumption behavior can be predicted accurately by predicting the price of raw milk based on the proposed framework (RMP-CPR). Our research explores a new angle for studying consumer behavior. The results can assist dairy enterprises in developing accurate marketing strategies based on the forecast results of dairy consumption, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in the market. Policymakers can also use the forecast results of the development trend of the dairy consumption market to adjust corresponding policies in a timely manner. This can help to balance the interests among consumers, dairy enterprises, dairy farmers, and other relevant stakeholders and effectively maintain the sustainable and healthy development of the dairy market. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in the Global Dairy Sector: Challenges and Opportunities)

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13 pages, 456 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tasmanian Dairy Farmers’ Attitudes towards Using E-Extension Methods; Strengthening the Dairy Extension System for a Sustainable Dairy Industry in Tasmania, Australia

by Adeel Afzal, Sue Kilpatrick and Lydia R. Turner

Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 14585; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114585 - 6 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1564

Abstract

The Tasmanian dairy industry is one of the major contributors to the Tasmanian economy and Australia’s export portfolio. The Tasmanian Government funding plan (2018–2023) for RD&E focuses on sustainable dairy farm production with an impact pathway incorporating provisions for extension services. Considering the [...] Read more.

The Tasmanian dairy industry is one of the major contributors to the Tasmanian economy and Australia’s export portfolio. The Tasmanian Government funding plan (2018–2023) for RD&E focuses on sustainable dairy farm production with an impact pathway incorporating provisions for extension services. Considering the need for an effective extension system, the continued adaptation of extension services is required to ensure that there is a collaborative and learning mechanism between extension experts and farmers that supports relationship building and innovation. E-extension methods can increase dairy farmers’ access to timely information while addressing time and cost challenges by reducing personal visits and establishing frequent communications between farmers and extension workers. This study uses the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to understand the attitudes of dairy farmers toward using E-extension methods. It was revealed that dairy farmers who are young, educated, and managing dairy farms with large herd sizes hold positive attitudes toward E-extension. These farmers regularly seek online dairy-related guidance as well as regularly participate in different extension activities. This study concludes that establishing a hybrid framework incorporating E-extension methods with complementary face-to-face extension activities will help maintain a profitable and sustainable dairy industry in Tasmania. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in the Global Dairy Sector: Challenges and Opportunities)

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12 pages, 2946 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Functional Feed Supplements on the Milk Production Efficiency, Feed Utilization, Blood Metabolites, and Health of Holstein Cows during Mid-Lactation

by Shaker B. AlSuwaiegh, Abdalrahman M. Almotham, Yousef Mohammad Alyousef, Abdallah Tageldein Mansour and Adham A. Al-Sagheer

Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8444; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148444 - 11 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2414

Abstract

A 70-day feeding trial was performed to assess the effect of feeding a mixture of functional feed supplements (FFS; contains encapsulated cinnamaldehyde, condensed tannins, capsaicin, piperine, and curcumin) during mid-lactation on the milk production and composition, feed intake, and blood profile of multiparous [...] Read more.

A 70-day feeding trial was performed to assess the effect of feeding a mixture of functional feed supplements (FFS; contains encapsulated cinnamaldehyde, condensed tannins, capsaicin, piperine, and curcumin) during mid-lactation on the milk production and composition, feed intake, and blood profile of multiparous dairy cows. Sixty Holstein dairy cows (116.1 ± 17.1 days in milk, 606 ± 9.3 kg BW, and 45.73 ± 6.7 kg/d milk production) were distributed into two trial groups: control (CON: n = 30), which received a basal diet; and FFS (n = 30) treatment, which received a basal diet fortified with the FFS at a rate of 35 g/day/head. The results revealed that daily milk production (p = 0.01) and solids-not-fat yield (p = 0.05) were significantly higher in dairy cows that had received FFS compared with the control group. In addition, the 3.5% fat-corrected milk, energy-corrected milk, lactose and protein yields, and milk energy output tended to be higher (p ≤ 0.10) in dairy cattle that consumed FFS during the experimental period. Significant treatment x period interactions were identified (p ≤ 0.02) with respect to feed efficiency and somatic cell count. Dry matter intake tended to be greater (p = 0.064) in dairy cattle that consumed FFS during weeks 0–2 and 2–4 of the trial period. Most serum biochemical parameters were not changed (p ≥ 0.114) between FFS and control cows. However, a greater concentration of serum albumin (p = 0.007) was observed in cows fed diets supplemented with FFS. In summary, supplementing FFS to lactating Holstein cows during mid-lactation was associated with enhanced lactation performance, feed efficiency, and a tendency to increase feed intake, with no obvious adverse effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in the Global Dairy Sector: Challenges and Opportunities)

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16 pages, 303 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Qualitative Study of Irish Dairy Farmer Values Relating to Sustainable Grass-Based Production Practices Using the Concept of ‘Good Farming’

by Orla Kathleen Shortall

Sustainability 2022, 14(11), 6604; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14116604 - 27 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2472

Abstract

Ireland’s grass-based dairy system is relatively unique in industrialised countries in its focus on producing milk from grazed grass rather than increasing yields through non-forage feed. The environmental benefits of a grass-based dairy system have been promoted within Ireland and abroad. However, the [...] Read more.

Ireland’s grass-based dairy system is relatively unique in industrialised countries in its focus on producing milk from grazed grass rather than increasing yields through non-forage feed. The environmental benefits of a grass-based dairy system have been promoted within Ireland and abroad. However, the means by which grass is produced is important. There have been environmental concerns about water pollution from nutrient leaching and increasing greenhouse gas emissions from the increased number of cows and higher fertiliser application in the Irish dairy sector. This paper uses qualitative interviews with Irish dairy farmers to assess: (1) how can we understand Irish farmer attitudes towards the grass-based system within a ‘good farmer’ theoretical framework? (2) How do concepts of extensive and intensive production fit with good farming norms within the grass-based system? (3) How could cultivation of multispecies swards, including legumes, fit with existing notions of good farming? The research finds that there had been a concerted efforts by researchers, advisory bodies and other actors to foster a definition of good farming to mean good grass management. This definition of good farming excluded the use of feed inputs over a certain level to increase yields but included the use of fertiliser to maximise grass production. There is scope to change the definition of good farming within the industry to include minimal use of fertiliser, for instance through the cultivation of multispecies swards including legumes and the skills and knowledge this involves. In terms of policy implications, the paper identified three strategies for government and industry to facilitate a definition of good farming which involves low fertiliser use: emphasising the cost-saving aspect of reducing fertiliser; identifying visible symbols of ‘good farming’ using multispecies swards; and co-producing the definition of good farming with a diverse range of stakeholders including farmers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in the Global Dairy Sector: Challenges and Opportunities)

Review

Jump to: Research

16 pages, 346 KiB

Open AccessReview

The “Noble Method^®”: A One Health Approach for a Sustainable Improvement in Dairy Farming

by Federico Infascelli, Nadia Musco, Daria Lotito, Eleonora Pacifico, Sara Matuozzo, Fabio Zicarelli, Piera Iommelli, Raffaella Tudisco and Pietro Lombardi

Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15201; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115201 - 24 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1005

Abstract

The Noble Method^® has been successfully introduced in the last few years in Italy and in some foreign countries. This novel livestock management provides, among other rules, a high forage/concentrate ratio, no use of silage and supplements, no GMOs and the availability [...] Read more.

The Noble Method^® has been successfully introduced in the last few years in Italy and in some foreign countries. This novel livestock management provides, among other rules, a high forage/concentrate ratio, no use of silage and supplements, no GMOs and the availability of outdoor paddocks. One of the goals is to achieve high-quality milk in terms of nutritional properties. Other benefits have been reported; amongst them, the forage/concentrate ratio of the diet was shown to reduce the amount of methane produced by animals, also, the system provides economic benefits, mainly for small breeders, in terms of the sustainability and market placement of milk. Thus, the method represents a sustainable approach to improve the production and the supply chain, from the land to the final product. In this review, the most recent studies on Noble Method^® are depicted, showing that, besides the nutritional proprieties of dairy products, the method is able to improve animal welfare, human health and environmental sustainability, thus falling within a “One Health” approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in the Global Dairy Sector: Challenges and Opportunities)

23 pages, 885 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sustainable Management and Valorization of Agri-Food Industrial Wastes and By-Products as Animal Feed: For Ruminants, Non-Ruminants and as Poultry Feed

by Dunja Malenica, Marko Kass and Rajeev Bhat

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010117 - 21 Dec 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4715

Abstract

Substantial increase in the production of agri-food commodities over the past years has resulted in the generation of enormous volumes of wastes and by-products, thus contributing to increased environmental pollution. Being an under-exploited raw material which are rich in bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols, [...] Read more.

Substantial increase in the production of agri-food commodities over the past years has resulted in the generation of enormous volumes of wastes and by-products, thus contributing to increased environmental pollution. Being an under-exploited raw material which are rich in bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols, dietary fibre, oils, essential vitamins, minerals, etc), novel strategies and initiatives have been proposed and implemented for the effective management and valorization of these wastes and by-products. The proposed initiatives and strategies support the concepts of EU circular economy and green biorefinery, thus promoting sustainability. One of the strategies of management of waste and by-products includes the effectual development of nutritious low-cost sustainable animal feed. Currently, in the world market, there are a range of fruit and vegetable wastes and by-products that have been effectively introduced in animal diets. Within this context, this systematic review focuses on a diversified group of agri-food wastes (and the industrial by-products), their bioactive components, the opportunities for the development of animal feed or feed supplements (for Ruminants, Non-Ruminants and as Poultry feed) and conclusively the health benefits imparted. In addition, the safety issues and regulations aspects are also covered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in the Global Dairy Sector: Challenges and Opportunities)

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