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Animals
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Improving Sustainability of Ruminant Agriculture: New Strategies and Tools
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Improving Sustainability of Ruminant Agriculture: New Strategies and Tools

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal System and Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 October 2024) | Viewed by 18742

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Francesco Serrapica

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy
Interests: ruminant nutrition; animal production; dairy science; crop production; feeding; animal welfare; by-products; environmental impact

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Ruminants are a vital component of many cultures, rural economies, and landscapes around the world. They contribute to human well-being by increasing food security and providing farm income, and employment. However, ruminant production systems are often the focus of public debates, as they are often considered liable for significant environmental pollution and low resource use efficiency. In recent years, many efforts have been made to attain a reduction of excretion and emission of environmental pollutants from ruminants. Nevertheless, there is still room for further improvement in ruminant sustainability. Thus, with this Special Issue, we are looking for cross-discipline studies that cover aspects ranging from the environmental impact assessment to animal feeding/management and consumer sciences with a common objective of updating the available options to improve the sustainability of ruminant production systems.

In particular, the original manuscripts may include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

(i) environmental footprint assessment of ruminant production systems and possible mitigation options;
(ii) practical strategies designed to increase production efficiency;
(iii) use and promotion of alternative feed sources to reduce human-animal food competition and foster circular economy paths between agricultural production chains;
(iv) valorization of locally available feed resources;
(v) sustainable practices for on-farm forage production;
(vi) manure management.

Emphasis will be given to strategies to reduce the excretion of nutrients and to mitigate enteric emissions through precision feeding approaches, feed digestibility improvement, and rumen microbiome selection. Related topics, such as farm waste recycling, alternative producing strategies, organic farming, social sustainability, and consumers’ willingness to pay for eco-labeled and welfare-friendly ruminants products will be also covered. For each of the topics updated reviews are also welcome.

Dr. Francesco Serrapica
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • ruminants
  • environmental footprint
  • sustainable agriculture
  • production efficiency
  • nutrients utilization

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

15 pages, 1961 KiB  
Article
Effect of the Lactation Phases on the Amplitude of Variation in Blood Serum Steroid Hormones and Some Hematochemical Analytes in Three Dairy Cow Breeds
by Esterina Fazio, Arianna Bionda, George Attard, Pietro Medica, Deborah La Fauci, Annalisa Amato, Luigi Liotta and Vincenzo Lopreiato
Animals 2024, 14(22), 3336; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14223336 - 20 Nov 2024
Viewed by 331
Abstract
Lactation in dairy cows implies comprehensive endocrine and metabolic changes including a systemic electrolytic reaction. Previous studies have rarely considered these specific demands due to the influence of lactation periods. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of early, middle, and late [...] Read more.
Lactation in dairy cows implies comprehensive endocrine and metabolic changes including a systemic electrolytic reaction. Previous studies have rarely considered these specific demands due to the influence of lactation periods. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of early, middle, and late lactation phases on the dynamic changes in serum concentrations of progesterone (P4), 17β-oestradiol (E2), cortisol, and some electrolytes (Ca++, Mg++, Na+, K+, Cl−, Pi) and biochemical parameters (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), total bilirubin, urea, and iron (Fe++) in 10 Holstein, 10 Brown Swiss, and 10 Modicana multiparous healthy dairy cows (4.2 ± 1.7 years of age) sampled at 60-day intervals throughout lactation. Lactation induced significant changes in the concentrations of P4, which peaked at >120–180 days, decreased at >240–300 days, and increased again after 300 days. Cortisol showed an opposite trend to P4, with concentrations progressively decreasing, except for the phase between >240 and 300 days, and a steep drop at >300 days compared to previous phases. Na+ concentrations showed the lowest values at 0–60 d and the highest ones at >180–240 days, whereas Mg++ showed the highest values at >60–120 d and the lowest at >300 d. Significant correlations were found between P4 with cortisol, Cl− and K+, and cortisol with Ca++ and LDH. Significant differences in average concentrations of AST, ALT, LDH, Ca++, Mg++, and Fe++ were observed among different dairy cow breeds. Understanding the dynamic changes in hormone levels, electrolytes, and biochemical parameters during different lactation phases, while considering breed differences in dairy cows, is crucial for improving herd health management and milk production in commercial dairy farms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Sustainability of Ruminant Agriculture: New Strategies and Tools)
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33 pages, 6399 KiB  
Article
Effects of Early Lactation Milking Frequency in an Automated Milking System on Cow Performance
by Erin M. Kammann, Elizabeth A. French, Natalie S. Jozik, Wenli Li and Ryan S. Pralle
Animals 2024, 14(16), 2293; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14162293 - 6 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1318
Abstract
Automated milking systems (AMS) are increasingly adopted for dairy cow production, promoting individualized cow management dependent on factors like lactation stage, age, and productivity. The study objective was to investigate the effects of early lactation milking frequency on cows milked via [...] Read more.
Automated milking systems (AMS) are increasingly adopted for dairy cow production, promoting individualized cow management dependent on factors like lactation stage, age, and productivity. The study objective was to investigate the effects of early lactation milking frequency on cows milked via AMS. Multiparous Holstein cows blocked by parity and due date were randomly assigned to treatments (n = 8 per treatment): three (3X) or six (6X) milkings per day (MPD). The experimental phase (EXP) was defined as 4 to 29 days in milk (DIM). The AMS settings were programed so 3X cows were limited to three MPD while 6X cows were allowed six MPD. Afterwards was the carry over phase (CO) ranging from 30 to 90 DIM; all cows were allowed up to six MPD. Measurements by the AMS included bodyweight, milk yield (MY), and pellet intake. Weekly composite milk samples were analyzed for macronutrient composition and fatty acid (FA) profile. Coccygeal blood was sampled at 3, 8 ± 1, and 13 ± 1 DIM; concentrations of blood plasma analytes were quantified. Greater MPD was achieved for 6X cows versus 3X cows during EXP, but similar during the CO. Daily MY was non-separable during the EXP while 6X cows in their third or greater lactation group (3 + LG) had greater MY than 3X cows of the same LG during the CO. Milk fat content and 4% fat-corrected MY were both greater for 6X, 3 + LG cows during the EXP compared to 3X, 3 + LG cows. Milk FA methyl esters (FAME) proportions were different between MPD groups, with 6X, 3 + LG cows having the lowest short, even-chain FA from de novo or post-absorptive origin. Differences in analytes indicated that 6X, 3 + LG cows experienced metabolic stress and incorporated greater FA from adipose tissue. Greater early lactation MPD in AMS may shift cow nutrient partitioning to support greater production in 3+ parity cows. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Sustainability of Ruminant Agriculture: New Strategies and Tools)
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25 pages, 683 KiB  
Article
Quantifying the Impact of Different Dietary Rumen Modulating Strategies on Enteric Methane Emission and Productivity in Ruminant Livestock: A Meta-Analysis
by Bulelani N. Pepeta, Abubeker Hassen and Eyob H. Tesfamariam
Animals 2024, 14(5), 763; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14050763 - 29 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2857
Abstract
A meta-analysis was conducted with an aim to quantify the beneficial effects of nine different dietary rumen modulating strategies which includes: the use of plant-based bioactive compounds (saponin, tannins, oils, and ether extract), feed additives (nitrate, biochar, seaweed, and 3-nitroxy propanol), and diet [...] Read more.
A meta-analysis was conducted with an aim to quantify the beneficial effects of nine different dietary rumen modulating strategies which includes: the use of plant-based bioactive compounds (saponin, tannins, oils, and ether extract), feed additives (nitrate, biochar, seaweed, and 3-nitroxy propanol), and diet manipulation (concentrate feeding) on rumen fermentation, enteric methane (CH4) production (g/day), CH4 yield (g/kg dry matter intake) and CH4 emission intensity (g/kg meat or milk), and production performance parameters (the average daily gain, milk yield and milk quality) of ruminant livestock. The dataset was constructed by compiling global data from 110 refereed publications on in vivo studies conducted in ruminants from 2005 to 2023 and anlayzed using a meta-analytical approach.. Of these dietary rumen manipulation strategies, saponin and biochar reduced CH4 production on average by 21%. Equally, CH4 yield was reduced by 15% on average in response to nitrate, oils, and 3-nitroxy propanol (3-NOP). In dairy ruminants, nitrate, oils, and 3-NOP reduced the intensity of CH4 emission (CH4 in g/kg milk) on average by 28.7%. Tannins and 3-NOP increased on average ruminal propionate and butyrate while reducing the acetate:propionate (A:P) ratio by 12%, 13.5% and 13%, respectively. Oils increased propionate by 2% while reducing butyrate and the A:P ratio by 2.9% and 3.8%, respectively. Use of 3-NOP increased the production of milk fat (g/kg DMI) by 15% whereas oils improved the yield of milk fat and protein (kg/d) by 16% and 20%, respectively. On the other hand, concentrate feeding improved dry matter intake and milk yield (g/kg DMI) by 23.4% and 19%, respectively. However, feed efficiency was not affected by any of the dietary rumen modulating strategies. Generally, the use of nitrate, saponin, oils, biochar and 3-NOP were effective as CH4 mitigating strategies, and specifically oils and 3-NOP provided a co-benefit of improving production parameters in ruminant livestock. Equally concentrate feeding improved production parameters in ruminant livestock without any significant effect on enteric methane emission. Therefore, it is advisable to refine further these strategies through life cycle assessment or modelling approaches to accurately capture their influence on farm-scale production, profitability and net greenhouse gas emissions. The adoption of the most viable, region-specific strategies should be based on factors such as the availability and cost of the strategy in the region, the specific goals to be achieved, and the cost–benefit ratio associated with implementing these strategies in ruminant livestock production systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Sustainability of Ruminant Agriculture: New Strategies and Tools)
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17 pages, 1732 KiB  
Article
Methane Emission, Carbon Footprint and Productivity of Specialized Dairy Cows Supplemented with Bitter Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)
by Isabel Cristina Molina-Botero, Xiomara Gaviria-Uribe, Juan Pablo Rios-Betancur, Manuela Medina-Campuzano, Mercedes Toro-Trujillo, Ricardo González-Quintero, Bernardo Ospina and Jacobo Arango
Animals 2024, 14(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14010019 - 20 Dec 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1880
Abstract
The objective of this research was to determine the effect of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) supplementation on enteric methane (CH4) emissions, carbon footprint, and production parameters in dairy cows. Daily concentrate supply for Jersey and Jersey * Holstein breeds was [...] Read more.
The objective of this research was to determine the effect of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) supplementation on enteric methane (CH4) emissions, carbon footprint, and production parameters in dairy cows. Daily concentrate supply for Jersey and Jersey * Holstein breeds was evaluated in four treatments (T): T1: 100% commercial concentrate; T2: 70% concentrate + 30% cassava leaves; T3: 70% concentrate + 30% cassava roots; and T4: 70% concentrate + 15% cassava leaves + 15% cassava root chips. Measurements of CH4 emissions were performed using the polytunnel technique. Average daily dry matter intake ranged from 7.8 to 8.5 kg dry matter (DM). Cassava leaves were characterized by a high crude protein (CP) content (171 g CP/kg DM), with 5 times more neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content than cassava root (587 vs. 108 g NDF/kg DM). Average enteric CH4 emissions per animal ranged from 194 to 234 g/d (p > 0.05). The carbon footprint was reduced by replacing 30% of the concentrate with cassava leaves and/or roots. Energy-corrected milk production was 1.15 times higher in Jersey * Holstein animals than Jersey cows (47 vs. 55 kg). Therefore, supplementation with cassava leaves and/or roots is a nutritionally and environmentally sustainable strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Sustainability of Ruminant Agriculture: New Strategies and Tools)
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11 pages, 276 KiB  
Article
Potential Use of Kasedbok (Neptunia javanica Miq.) on Feed Intake, Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, and Microbial Populations in Thai Native Beef Cattle
by Pongsatorn Gunun, Anusorn Cherdthong, Pichad Khejornsart, Sineenart Polyorach, Walailuck Kaewwongsa and Nirawan Gunun
Animals 2023, 13(4), 733; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13040733 - 18 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2125
Abstract
This experiment was conducted to determine the influence of Kasedbok (Neptunia javanica Miq.) on the feed utilization, rumen fermentation, and microbial population in Thai Native beef cattle. Four animals with a mean body weight of 295 ± 15 kg were randomly arranged [...] Read more.
This experiment was conducted to determine the influence of Kasedbok (Neptunia javanica Miq.) on the feed utilization, rumen fermentation, and microbial population in Thai Native beef cattle. Four animals with a mean body weight of 295 ± 15 kg were randomly arranged in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. There were four treatments, utilizing 0, 80, 160, and 240 g/kg Kasedbok in concentrate. Local feed resources, including cassava chips, rice bran, palm kernel meal, and soybean meal, were utilized to formulate the concentrate diets, which contained between 11.8 and 12.0% crude protein (CP). The trial was conducted for four periods of three weeks each. The first two weeks consisted of an adaptation period, while the final week was a sampling period. The findings of the current study reveal that feed intake, dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility were similar between treatments. In addition, there was no effect of Kasedbok levels on rumen pH, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration, or volatile fatty acid. However, increasing the inclusion level of Kasedbok linearly decreased CP digestibility and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration (p = 0.04). In contrast, the population of fungal zoospores improved significantly (p = 0.03), while the bacterial and protozoal counts remained unchanged (p > 0.05). Furthermore, when the level of Kasedbok was increased from 0 to 80, 160, and 240 g/kg DM, the cost of concentrate decreased by 4.1, 7.8, and 10.6 USD/100 kg DM, respectively. The results of this experiment suggest that utilizing 240 g/kg of Kasedbok in a concentrated mixture will not affect feed utilization, rumen fermentation, improve microbial population, and reduce feed cost in Thai native beef cattle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Sustainability of Ruminant Agriculture: New Strategies and Tools)

Review

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25 pages, 500 KiB  
Review
The Economic Impact of Parasitism from Nematodes, Trematodes and Ticks on Beef Cattle Production
by Tom Strydom, Robert P. Lavan, Siddhartha Torres and Kathleen Heaney
Animals 2023, 13(10), 1599; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13101599 - 10 May 2023
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 9274
Abstract
Global human population growth requires the consumption of more meat such as beef to meet human needs for protein intake. Cattle parasites are a constant and serious threat to the development of the beef cattle industry. Studies have shown that parasites not only [...] Read more.
Global human population growth requires the consumption of more meat such as beef to meet human needs for protein intake. Cattle parasites are a constant and serious threat to the development of the beef cattle industry. Studies have shown that parasites not only reduce the performance of beef cattle, but also negatively affect the profitability of beef agriculture and have many other impacts, including contributing to the production of greenhouse gases. In addition, some zoonotic parasitic diseases may also threaten human health. Therefore, ongoing cattle parasite research is crucial for continual parasite control and the development of the beef cattle industry. Parasitism challenges profitable beef production by reducing feed efficiency, immune function, reproductive efficiency, liveweight, milk yield, calf yield and carcass weight, and leads to liver condemnations and disease transmission. Globally, beef cattle producers incur billions (US$) in losses due to parasitism annually, with gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) and cattle ticks causing the greatest economic impact. The enormity of losses justifies parasitic control measures to protect profits and improve animal welfare. Geographical differences in production environment, management practices, climate, cattle age and genotype, parasite epidemiology and susceptibility to chemotherapies necessitate control methods customized for each farm. Appropriate use of anthelmintics, endectocides and acaricides have widely been shown to result in net positive return on investment. Implementing strategic parasite control measures, with thorough knowledge of parasite risk, prevalence, parasiticide resistance profiles and prices can result in positive economic returns for beef cattle farmers in all sectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Sustainability of Ruminant Agriculture: New Strategies and Tools)
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