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Keywords = livestock face normalization

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16 pages, 1242 KiB  
Article
Empowering Resilience: The Impact of Farmer Field Schools on Smallholder Livestock Farmers’ Climate Change Perceptions in Raymond Local Municipality
by Lwandiso Mdiya, Michael Aliber, Lelethu Mdoda, Johan Van Niekerk, Jan Swanepoel and Saul Ngarava
Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8784; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208784 - 11 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1279
Abstract
Experiential learning and discovery through farmer field schools (FFS) have the potential to empower smallholder livestock farmers who face heightened vulnerability to climate change. However, there are various levels of learning and discovery in FFS that can inform smallholder livestock farmer knowledge and [...] Read more.
Experiential learning and discovery through farmer field schools (FFS) have the potential to empower smallholder livestock farmers who face heightened vulnerability to climate change. However, there are various levels of learning and discovery in FFS that can inform smallholder livestock farmer knowledge and perception. Understanding this is vital, as farmers’ perceptions influence their readiness to adopt climate-smart practices, informing effective resilience-building strategies. Therefore, this study sought to investigate and assess the impact of the FFS approach on smallholder livestock farmers’ perceptions of climate change, taking Raymond Local Municipality in South Africa as a case. The design followed by the study was a longitudinal survey, with three pools each signifying various FFS intervention points. The study utilized simple random sampling to collect data from 80 smallholder livestock farmers using structured questionnaires in each of the three cross-sectional pools, while descriptive statistics, Min–Max Normalization, and t-tests were used for analysis. The results show that there was an increase in the awareness of climate change due to the interventions of the FFS. Furthermore, there are cumulative differences between the knowledge and perception towards climate change between the three pooled cross-sections. In conclusion, participating in FFS had a significant impact on farmers’ level of understanding and adaptation to climate change. The study recommends that the government and policymakers extensively promote FFS and support them financially so that they can provide more support to rural farmers as well as enhance knowledge on climate change. This study recommends the provision of workshops and awareness campaigns on climate change for farmers through FFS as this will assist farmers to be more sustainable on their farming systems and production. Full article
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37 pages, 2065 KiB  
Review
Research Progress and Production Status of Edible Insects as Food in China
by Boxuan Xie, Yuxuan Zhu, Xiaoyi Chu, Sabin Saurav Pokharel, Lei Qian and Fajun Chen
Foods 2024, 13(13), 1986; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13131986 - 24 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2225
Abstract
Based on the background of the exacerbating food shortage in the world, it is particularly important to diversify food resources in every possible direction. Among the choices available, edible insects have become an important alternative source of animal food with their high nutritional [...] Read more.
Based on the background of the exacerbating food shortage in the world, it is particularly important to diversify food resources in every possible direction. Among the choices available, edible insects have become an important alternative source of animal food with their high nutritional and functional (pharmacological) values, partially replacing normally consumed animal and livestock protein food sources. The utilization of edible insects has been an ancient custom since the dawn of civilization, attributed to their rich nutrition, alternate protein source, medicinal values, and presence of diverse secondary metabolites and alkaloids. This review provides an introduction to three key aspects of edible insects as food: freshness, long-term preservation, and medicinal value. It also provides details on the food source and products of edible insect species, their detailed nutritional composition and medicinal values, and their potential in producing alternative protein sources. Additionally, the review also encompasses rearing and producing technologies, resource utilization, and industrial development in China. Simultaneously, the problems and challenges faced in the artificial rearing and production development of edible insects, the production advantages over traditional livestock, and the farming evaluation and prospects of edible insects, as well as the lack of specific legislation on edible insects in China, are discussed. This review will be helpful in scientific knowledge propagation regarding edible insects for the public, guiding consumers to establish a diverse perception of sustainable agriculture and food sources in the world that has, as yet, been thwarted by food insecurity. Moreover, though edible insects could potentially serve as part of a commercial and industrial agri-enterprise that could generate a huge income, artificial rearing technology and edible insect product manufacturing and processing have not received sufficient attention from the government on a policy level, thereby leaving an open space for extensive research on edible insects as an alternate food source as well as an examination of the industrial prospects of edible insect products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture for Food and Nutrition Security)
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12 pages, 9872 KiB  
Article
Research and Preliminary Evaluation of Key Technologies for 3D Reconstruction of Pig Bodies Based on 3D Point Clouds
by Kaidong Lei, Xiangfang Tang, Xiaoli Li, Qinggen Lu, Teng Long, Xinghang Zhang and Benhai Xiong
Agriculture 2024, 14(6), 793; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14060793 - 22 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1198
Abstract
In precision livestock farming, the non-contact perception of live pig body measurement data is a critical technological branch that can significantly enhance breeding efficiency, improve animal welfare, and effectively prevent and control diseases. Monitoring pig body measurements allows for accurate assessment of their [...] Read more.
In precision livestock farming, the non-contact perception of live pig body measurement data is a critical technological branch that can significantly enhance breeding efficiency, improve animal welfare, and effectively prevent and control diseases. Monitoring pig body measurements allows for accurate assessment of their growth and production performance. Currently, traditional sensing methods rely heavily on manual measurements, which not only have large errors and high workloads but also may cause stress responses in pigs, increasing the risk of African swine fever, and its costs of prevention and control. Therefore, we integrated and developed a system based on a 3D reconstruction model that includes the following contributions: 1. We developed a non-contact system for perceiving pig body measurements using a depth camera. This system, tailored to the specific needs of laboratory and on-site pig farming processes, can accurately acquire pig body data while avoiding stress and considering animal welfare. 2. Data preprocessing was performed using Gaussian filtering, mean filtering, and median filtering, followed by effective estimation of normals using methods such as least squares, principal component analysis (PCA), and random sample consensus (RANSAC). These steps enhance the quality and efficiency of point cloud processing, ensuring the reliability of 3D reconstruction tasks. 3. Experimental evidence showed that the use of the RANSAC method can significantly speed up 3D reconstruction, effectively reconstructing smooth surfaces of pigs. 4. For the acquisition of smooth surfaces in 3D reconstruction, experimental evidence demonstrated that the RANSAC method significantly improves the speed of reconstruction. 5. Experimental results indicated that the relative errors for chest girth and hip width were 3.55% and 2.83%, respectively. Faced with complex pigsty application scenarios, the technology we provided can effectively perceive pig body measurement data, meeting the needs of modern production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Sensor Technologies in Livestock Farming)
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9 pages, 601 KiB  
Proceeding Paper
Promotion of Safe Food to Consumers of Milk and Dairy Products in Kibaha Town Council
by Damas Theobald Msaki
Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 19(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023019008 - 12 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1171
Abstract
A cross-sectional baseline survey was conducted at Kibaha Town Council (KTC), Pwani Region (Tanzania), to assess the awareness and practices of smallholder dairy producers towards antimicrobial use (AMU), a major cause of foodborne antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock production systems. The aim was [...] Read more.
A cross-sectional baseline survey was conducted at Kibaha Town Council (KTC), Pwani Region (Tanzania), to assess the awareness and practices of smallholder dairy producers towards antimicrobial use (AMU), a major cause of foodborne antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock production systems. The aim was to improve consumers’ confidence in the consumption of milk and other dairy products. Quantitative data were collected from a total of 30 randomly selected respondents from a sampling frame of households keeping dairy cattle in 3 administrative wards of Tumbi, Picha ya Ndege, and Maili Moja. A structured questionnaire was administered through face-to-face conversations between the interviewer and the interviewees. Six other respondents participated in the Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) for qualitative data collection. The quantitative data were analyzed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS, Version 16) and MS Office Excel 2010 for window packages. There were more male respondents (63.3%) than female respondents, whereas the level of education was primary for 46.7%, secondary for 33.3%, and tertiary level for the remaining 20%. About 76.6% of them were using antimicrobials to treat lactating dairy cows, mainly oxytetracycline (OTC 20%), penicillin, and Peni-Strep. Twice the number of males (53.3%) used antimicrobials compared to females (23.3%). Respondents with tertiary education rarely administered antimicrobials themselves. The common diseases being treated were diarrhea (46.7%), mastitis (43.3%), and respiratory diseases (36.7%). A proportion of milk from sick animals (those treated with antimicrobials) was fed to calves (33.3%), sold to milk collection centers (26.7%) where it goes through normal market channels, 26.7% fed to other animals while little is consumed by the family at home (6.7%). In conclusion, it should be noted that milk producers administer antimicrobials themselves even when the animals are being milked. This situation poses health challenges among milk consumers. We advise dairy producers to avoid unnecessary AMU. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of International One Health Conference)
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19 pages, 7279 KiB  
Article
LAD-RCNN: A Powerful Tool for Livestock Face Detection and Normalization
by Ling Sun, Guiqiong Liu, Huiguo Yang, Xunping Jiang, Junrui Liu, Xu Wang, Han Yang and Shiping Yang
Animals 2023, 13(9), 1446; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091446 - 24 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2290
Abstract
With the demand for standardized large-scale livestock farming and the development of artificial intelligence technology, a lot of research in the area of animal face detection and face identification was conducted. However, there are no specialized studies on livestock face normalization, which may [...] Read more.
With the demand for standardized large-scale livestock farming and the development of artificial intelligence technology, a lot of research in the area of animal face detection and face identification was conducted. However, there are no specialized studies on livestock face normalization, which may significantly reduce the performance of face identification. The keypoint detection technology, which has been widely applied in human face normalization, is not suitable for animal face normalization due to the arbitrary directions of animal face images captured from uncooperative animals. It is necessary to develop a livestock face normalization method that can handle arbitrary face directions. In this study, a lightweight angle detection and region-based convolutional network (LAD-RCNN) was developed, which contains a new rotation angle coding method that can detect the rotation angle and the location of the animal’s face in one stage. LAD-RCNN also includes a series of image enhancement methods to improve its performance. LAD-RCNN has been evaluated on multiple datasets, including a goat dataset and infrared images of goats. Evaluation results show that the average precision of face detection was more than 97%, and the deviations between the detected rotation angle and the ground-truth rotation angle were less than 6.42° on all the test datasets. LAD-RCNN runs very fast and only takes 13.7 ms to process a picture on a single RTX 2080Ti GPU. This shows that LAD-RCNN has an excellent performance in livestock face recognition and direction detection, and therefore it is very suitable for livestock face detection and normalization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence Tools to Optimize Livestock Production)
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16 pages, 6627 KiB  
Article
Physiological and Biochemical Changes in the Seeds of Naturally Aged Wenling Medic (Medicago polymorpha) with Its Recovery of Viability
by Jiaqing Li, Zhenwu Wei, Xueyang Min, Peizhou Zhao, Linghua Yang and Nana Liu
Agronomy 2023, 13(3), 787; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13030787 - 9 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2320
Abstract
Wenling Medic (Medicago polymorpha) is common in southern China and has long been utilized as a vegetable in eastern China, as well as a significant raw ingredient for livestock and pickled meals. As a legume, there is still a research vacuum, [...] Read more.
Wenling Medic (Medicago polymorpha) is common in southern China and has long been utilized as a vegetable in eastern China, as well as a significant raw ingredient for livestock and pickled meals. As a legume, there is still a research vacuum, and the first problem Wenling Medic faces in production is the problem of seed germination. The germination percentage of Wenling Medic was low, according to production practice and laboratory tests performed in this work. Furthermore, after more than two years of storage, the germination percentage of Wenling Medic dropped sharply, and it lacked a long enough seed life. An attempt was made to restore the viability of the seeds using the polyethylene glycol (PEG) osmoregulation-mediated priming method, after the physiological and biochemical characteristics of the seeds were assessed using the anthrone method, Bradford assay, 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) method, and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method. The findings showed that it has a relatively short storage age and, with a useable life of only two years under normal aging circumstances, is not deactivated soon after harvesting. In addition, whereas protein content and α-amylase concentration did not significantly correlate (p > 0.05) with storage life, the conductivity of exudate, malondialdehyde content, and carbohydrate content did (p < 0.05). The seed viability was not considerably increased by the saturation initiation mediated by osmoregulation, utilizing PEG. In conclusion, the decrease in Wenling Medic seeds’ germination ability was substantially connected with higher levels of lipid peroxidation and decreased carbohydrate levels, but not with protein concentrations or α-amylase activity. The timing of dehydration may need to be carefully controlled when using PEG osmoregulation to prime Wenling Medic seeds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Grassland and Pasture Science)
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20 pages, 5011 KiB  
Article
Tree Cover Loss in the Mediterranean Region—An Increasingly Serious Environmental Issue
by Ana-Maria Ciobotaru, Nilanchal Patel and Radu-Daniel Pintilii
Forests 2021, 12(10), 1341; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12101341 - 30 Sep 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2811
Abstract
The Mediterranean Region currently faces major environmental issues that require constant analysis and monitoring. This study presents a thorough approach based on the application of Landsat imagery from Global Forest Change during 2001–2019. Spatial distribution mapping was one of the objectives of the [...] Read more.
The Mediterranean Region currently faces major environmental issues that require constant analysis and monitoring. This study presents a thorough approach based on the application of Landsat imagery from Global Forest Change during 2001–2019. Spatial distribution mapping was one of the objectives of the study. We approached the analysis of tree cover loss areas by analyzing the cumulative tree cover loss and Tree Cover Loss Rate. This indicator offers information about the trend of tree cover loss in each Mediterranean country. A total of 581 Mha of deforested area was mapped during the analyzed period. Analysis was further supplemented by some statistical operations (distributions shown via histograms, validation via Shapiro–Wilk normality test, and testing via one-sample t-test). Agricultural expansion, intense forest fires, illegal logging, overgrazing (especially in the northern part of Africa), and extensive livestock farming have influenced the Mediterranean forest ecosystem’s stability. The continuation of these activities could cause extreme climatic events, severe degradation, and desertification. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Recreation and Landscape Protection)
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13 pages, 508 KiB  
Review
The Circadian Physiology: Implications in Livestock Health
by Hao Li, Kaiqi Li, Kexin Zhang, Yanwei Li, Haotian Gu, Haoyu Liu, Zhangping Yang and Demin Cai
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(4), 2111; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22042111 - 20 Feb 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6206
Abstract
Circadian rhythms exist in almost all types of cells in mammals. Thousands of genes exhibit approximately 24 h oscillations in their expression levels, making the circadian clock a crucial regulator of their normal functioning. In this regard, environmental factors to which internal physiological [...] Read more.
Circadian rhythms exist in almost all types of cells in mammals. Thousands of genes exhibit approximately 24 h oscillations in their expression levels, making the circadian clock a crucial regulator of their normal functioning. In this regard, environmental factors to which internal physiological processes are synchronized (e.g., nutrition, feeding/eating patterns, timing and light exposure), become critical to optimize animal physiology, both by managing energy use and by realigning the incompatible processes. Once the circadian clock is disrupted, animals will face the increased risks of diseases, especially metabolic phenotypes. However, little is known about the molecular components of these clocks in domestic species and by which they respond to external stimuli. Here we review evidence for rhythmic control of livestock production and summarize the associated physiological functions, and the molecular mechanisms of the circadian regulation in pig, sheep and cattle. Identification of environmental and physiological inputs that affect circadian gene expressions will help development of novel targets and the corresponding approaches to optimize production efficiency in farm animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics of Circadian Rhythms and Sleep)
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10 pages, 1493 KiB  
Article
Detecting Long-Term Dry Matter Yield Trend of Sorghum-Sudangrass Hybrid and Climatic Factors Using Time Series Analysis in the Republic of Korea
by Befekadu Chemere, Jiyung Kim, Baehun Lee, Moonju Kim, Byongwan Kim and Kyungil Sung
Agriculture 2018, 8(12), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture8120197 - 11 Dec 2018
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3718
Abstract
Despite the gradual increase in livestock feed demands, the supply faces enormous challenges due to extreme climatic conditions. As the presence of these climatic condition has the potential to affect the yield of sorghum-sudangrass hybrid (SSH), understanding the yield variation in relation to [...] Read more.
Despite the gradual increase in livestock feed demands, the supply faces enormous challenges due to extreme climatic conditions. As the presence of these climatic condition has the potential to affect the yield of sorghum-sudangrass hybrid (SSH), understanding the yield variation in relation to the climatic conditions provides the ability to come up with proper mitigation strategies. This study was designed to detect the effect of climatic factors on the long-term dry matter yield (DMY) trend of SSH using time series analysis in the Republic of Korea. The collected data consisted of DMY, seeding-harvesting dates, the location where the cultivation took place, cultivars, and climatic factors related to cultivation of SSH. Based on the assumption of normality, the final data set (n = 420) was generated after outliers had been removed using Box-plot analysis. To evaluate the seasonality of DMY, an augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) test and a correlogram of Autocorrelation Function (ACF) were used. Prior to detecting the effect of climatic factors on the DMY trend, the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model was fitted to non-seasonal DMY series, and ARIMA (2, 1, 1) was found to be the optimal model to describe the long-term DMY trend of SSH. ARIMA with climatic factors (ARIMAX) detected significance (p < 0.05) of Seeding-Harvesting Precipitation Amount (SHPA) and Seeding-Harvesting Accumulated Temperature (SHAMT) on DMY trend. This does not mean that the average temperature and duration of exposure to sunshine do not affect the growth and development of SSH. The result underlines the impact of the precipitation model as a major factor for the seasonality of long-term DMY of SSH in the Republic of Korea. Full article
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682 KiB  
Review
Breeding for Quality Protein Maize (QPM) Varieties: A Review
by Liliane N. Tandzi, Charles S. Mutengwa, Eddy L. M. Ngonkeu, Noé Woïn and Vernon Gracen
Agronomy 2017, 7(4), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy7040080 - 28 Nov 2017
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 11189
Abstract
The nutritional evaluation of quality protein maize (QPM) in feeding trials has proved its nutritional superiority over non-QPM varieties for human and livestock consumption. The present paper reviews some of the most recent achievements in development of QPM varieties using both conventional and [...] Read more.
The nutritional evaluation of quality protein maize (QPM) in feeding trials has proved its nutritional superiority over non-QPM varieties for human and livestock consumption. The present paper reviews some of the most recent achievements in development of QPM varieties using both conventional and molecular breeding under stressed and non-stressed environments. It is evident that numerous QPM varieties have been developed and released around the world over the past few decades. While the review points out some gaps in information or research efforts, challenges associated with adoption QPM varieties are highlighted and suggestions to overcome them are presented. The adoption of released varieties and challenges facing QPM production at the farmer level are also mentioned. Several breeding methods have been conventionally used to develop QPM varieties in stressed (drought, low soil nitrogen, resistance to grey leaf spot, Turcicum leaf blight, ear rot, and Striga) and non-stressed environments. At least three genetic loci have been found to be implicated in controlling the levels of a protein synthesis factor correlated with lysine. They have been mapped on chromosomes 2, 4, and 7. While the use of molecular approaches will improve the efficiency and speed of variety development, the cost implications might limit the use of these technologies in the developing world. More emphasis should be given to breeding QPM for tolerance to environmental stresses, such as low soil pH, heat, and combined heat and drought stress. The post-harvest attack of QPM grains should also be considered. The adoption of QPM genotypes by farmers has been found to be limited mainly due to the minimal collaboration between maize breeders, farmers, agricultural extension workers, and other relevant stakeholders, as well as the need for isolating QPM varieties from normal maize. Therefore, there is need to use participatory plant breeding (PPB) and/or participatory variety selection (PVS) to enhance and improve the adoption of QPM varieties. Full article
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