Estimation of economic losses due to leptospirosis in dairy cattle.

There are few studies that effectively quantify the economic losses resulting from problems caused by leptospirosis in naturally infected dairy cattle. Given this gap, the objective of this study was to propose and apply a method to quantify the economic losses resulting from productive and reproductive problems in a commercial dairy herd naturally infected by Leptospira spp. For this study, the zootechnical and economic indicators at a property with Jersey cattle were analyzed during the period from 2014 to 2017. The leptospirosis outbreak occurred in 2014, and the therapeutic approach was carried out between 2015 and 2017, with the latter considered the year of control of the outbreak. The adopted integrated control strategy consisted of dividing the herd according to the serological results obtained through the microscopic agglutination test, the treatment of reagents with streptomycin, and vaccination against leptospirosis of non-reagent heifers and cows. The method used to evaluate the economic indicators of the property was the calculation of the gross margin by taking into account the implicit and explicit cost parameters associated with the manifestation of leptospirosis. The prevalence rate of leptospirosis decreased from 49.4 % in 2015 to 21.6 % in 2017. There was a reduction in the abortion rate (from 40.00 % in 2014 to 9.00 % in 2017), in the stillborn rate (from 2.63 % in 2014 to 1.69 % in 2017) and an increase in the calving rate (from 65.00 % in 2014 to 86.00 % in 2017). In addition, there were increases in the number of lactating cows (from 38 in 2014-57 in 2017) and the mean times of lactation duration, which increased from 275 days in 2014-295 days in 2017. As a result, the average annual production of milk increased from 164,655 liters in 2014-248,521 liters in 2017. In 2014, when treatment hadn't yet started, the gross margin per liter of milk sold, considering implicit and explicit costs, was US$0.00. In 2015 and 2016, US$0.27 and US$0.30 were obtained, respectively, for this variable. In 2017, with the disease under control on the property, the gross margin per liter of milk reached US$0.36. The gross margin per liter of milk sold was higher in the period when the disease was controlled, showing losses of up to 84 % of the gross margin during the outbreak. Immediate treatment of positive cows and preventive measures had a significant impact on improving the productive and economic efficiency of the property.

Understanding nitrogen dynamics in the Brazilian beef industry: A comprehensive decadal analysis.

Brazil stands as a prominent beef producer and exporter, witnessing major transformations and expansions in its production chain over the past 20 years. These changes have prompted concerns regarding waste generation and environmental pressure. This study employs material flow analysis (MFA) to quantify nitrogen flows throughout the cattle slaughter process and subsequent beef consumption in Brazil, spanning from 2011 to 2021. The analysis encompasses co-production streams like leather, tallow, viscera, and blood. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and the nitrogen cascade indicator (NCI) were used to evaluate efficiency and nitrogen accumulation in the production chain. Nitrogen inputs in the system increased by 8.47 %, while beef production rose by 7.29 %. In contrast, per capita beef consumption decreased by 1.29 kg, despite an overall consumption increase of 2.84 %, attributed to population growth in Brazil. Beef exports witnessed a notable surge of 86.03 %. Conversely, human excreta and food waste losses experienced increments of 10.88 % and 2.84 %, respectively. Examining NUE reveals the highest values during the slaughter phase (90 %), followed by processing, transportation, and storage stages (79-88 %). The consumption phase exhibited the lowest NUE values (29-34 %). Regarding the cumulative nitrogen effect, the NCI varied between 77 % and 82 % throughout the study period. This highlights opportunities for enhancing nitrogen use efficiency, particularly by addressing food waste at the consumer level. Notably, the study observes nitrogen accumulation across the Brazilian beef production chain, potentially contributing to the nitrogen cascade effect and heightening environmental pressure. Recognizing these dynamics provides avenues for targeted improvements, emphasizing the need to address nitrogen-related challenges and enhance sustainability in the beef production and consumption landscape.

Brazilian soybeans as feed for livestock in Europe: an insight into the nitrogen flows.

Given the agricultural demand to supply animals with food, the scope of today's soybean production and international trade can influence the nitrogen cycle. Rather than using soybeans from within the region of animal production, animal producers import nutritional supplements from distant growers. This widely opens the biogeochemical cycle of nitrogen, which reduces local recycling and increases carriage of reactive nitrogen via the supply chain. Ultimately, this potentiates the effects of a "nitrogen cascade" process. This study estimates nitrogen flows for Brazilian soybean transported to feed European livestock and attempts to quantify the understanding of how this flow can impact the nitrogen cascade effect. The hypothesis is that the growing trade of Brazilian soybean products is sufficient to spike reactive nitrogen production that can potentially cause distant environmental impacts of the nitrogen cascade. In this respect, the estimation of the nitrogen flows was evaluated using material flow analysis, and the cascade effect was quantified by means of a nitrogen cascade indicator (NCI). Notably, NCI can calculate the released amount of nitrogen in the environment along the entire supply chain of livestock products. NCI-based evaluation of Brazilian soybean products consumed by European livestock indicated the accumulation of nitrogen levels. There was also an increase in nitrogen flows in the Brazilian phase (0.058 Gg in 2007 to 139.86 Gg in 2019 for soybean meal; 584.28 Gg in 2007 to 309.78 Gg in 2019 for soybeans) accompanying a stability in European livestock production. This highlights the necessity for adjustments in nitrogen circularity between all levels of food production and improved strategies of more localised feed autonomy for sustainable global development. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10113-023-02034-1.

Development of a Swine Production Cost Calculation Model.

This paper aims to present a tool that offers pig producers a standard method to calculate and control their production costs and, consequently, provides the necessary information to guide strategic decision-making. Following these premises, a mathematical model to estimate swine production costs were developed using Microsoft Excel® software (version 2207). Case studies were used to assist in the characterization and construction of the model. Through the panel method, the tool was validated by professionals in the sector. Costs were considered according to the Neoclassical Economic Theory of Costs and allocated in the order of variable costs, fixed operating costs, and opportunity costs of capital and land. These costs together create the total cost. The model provides the total cost per batch, per market pig, per arroba, and per kilogram, which facilitates the interpretation of the results and economic evaluations of the system. The model is adaptable to different types of swine farming, as well as the consideration of all costs involved in the production system, whether explicit or implicit. The model developed has the potential to be used as a management tool in commercial swine production systems, assisting the producer in the decision-making process through the management and control of production costs.

Homemade versus extruded and wet commercial diets for dogs: Cost comparison.

The present study aimed to verify and compare the costs of homemade diets with extruded and wet commercial diets for dogs in maintenance and consuming therapeutic diets (obesity, congestive heart failure, diabetes, hepatic encephalopathy, chronic kidney disease, and food hypersensitivity), which is important information that impacts in the choice of food by the owners. The maintenance energy requirements (MER) were estimated for adult dogs of different sizes (3 kg, 15 kg, 30 kg, and 50 kg) and the daily amounts of food intake were estimated for each type of food. The costs were calculated per day, per 1000 kcal of metabolizable energy of product and per kg of metabolic weight of the animal. Fourteen complete and balanced homemade diets were formulated, and in each proposed group, two diets with different protein sources were used. Under the conditions of the present study, it was possible to conclude that homemade diets were more expensive than dry maintenance diets and dry therapeutic diets, while commercial wet diets were more expensive in all of the scenarios.

Economic feasibility of hay enriched extruded production as a complete diet for equine / Viabilidade econômica da produção de feno enriquecido extrusado como dieta completa para equinos

The present study aimed to evaluate the economic feasibility of production and commercialization project of Hay Enriched Extruded (HEE) as a complete diet for horses. The study was based on survey data and quotation activities involving price from the land preparation (repair, planting and fertilization) to the processing of the product at the factory (extrusion) and marketing. Transportation costs and taxes were also considered. Discounted Cash Flow (30 years) was used to calculate the profitability indicator and the Profit and Loss Statement (PLS). Calculations were developed using Microsoft Office Excel® spreadsheets. Three production scenarios were simulated with different consumer prices: Scenario 1 - equivalent to the complete diet, where the ingredients are supplied together, but purchased separately; Scenario 2 - Considering a value 10% higher than the complete diet; Scenario 3 - Considering a value 20% higher than the complete diet. We observed that the project was economically viable in the three suggested scenarios with positive Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return greater than 9.4% and payback of 11 to 2 years. The results enable us to conclude that the product may be a promising investment for both product quality and ease of use as the rapid return on invested capital...

O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a viabilidade econômica de um projeto de produção e comercialização do Feno Enriquecido Extrusado (FEE) como dieta completa para equinos. O estudo baseou-se em levantamento de dados e cotação de preços de atividades que envolvem desde o preparo da terra (correção, plantio e adubação) até o beneficiamento do produto na fábrica (extrusão) e comercialização. Foram considerados também os custos com transporte e tributações. Para o cálculo dos indicadores de rentabilidade utilizou-se o método do Fluxo de Caixa Descontado (período de 30 anos) e da Demonstração de Resultados do Exercício (DRE). Os cálculos foram desenvolvidos utilizando planilhas eletrônicas do pacote Microsoft Office Excel®. Foram simulados três cenários de produção com diferentes preços ao consumidor: Cenário 1) equivalente à dieta completa, onde os ingredientes são fornecidos em conjunto, mas adquiridos separadamente; Cenário 2) considerando um valor 10% maior que o da dieta completa; Cenário 3) considerando um valor 20% maior que o da dieta completa. Pôde-se observar que o projeto foi viável economicamente nos três cenários sugeridos com Valor Presente Líquido (VPL) positivo, Taxa Interna de Retorno (TIR) maior que 9,4% aa e payback de 11 a 2 anos. A produção de FEE pode ser um investimento promissor tanto pela qualidade do produto e facilidade de uso quanto pelo rápido retorno do capital investido...

Technological characterization of sheep production systems in Brazil.

Sheep production has expanded in Brazil focusing on lamb meat, mostly to meet demanding internal markets in the state of São Paulo. Such markets present a demand which internal production is insufficient to meet. However, sheep farmers face many technical difficulties to produce quality lambs at viable costs. This study aimed at investigating the main characteristics of sheep production systems of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, in order to provide resources for the development of technologies, policies and other initiatives focused on the activity. We designed in panel meetings the characteristics of representative sheep farms in five regions of the state, concerning: (i) property and manpower profile; (ii) flock; (iii) handling techniques; (iv) facilities and equipment; (v) food production; and (vi) technical indicators. Results demonstrate that the predominant sheep farming in the state employs low technology, presenting low productivity despite its evolution in recent years. We verified great technical deficiency regarding farmers, who are new in this business and usually do not have access to technologies. Producers' unawareness about basic handling procedures and techniques as well as their lack of flock records can contribute to the activity's unsustainability. There is need for improving rural extension and diffusion of technologies.

Feasibility of grazing sheep production systems using long-term economic indicators and the methodology of the soil expectation value / Viabilidade de sistemas de produção de ovinos a pasto utilizando indicadores econômicos de longo prazo e a metodologia do valor esperado da terra

Due to the high value of land in Brazil, it is necessary to conduct studies about the economic feasibility of the choice of production strategy. The soil expectation value determines the maximum purchase price of the bare land, considering the horizon of infinite time. Therefore, this methodology was used to assess the financial-economic feasibility of sheep production systems in pasture with either creep feeding or creep grazing termination of unweaned lambs. Six scenarios were proposed to evaluate the economic feasibility, according to the finishing strategy, the dry matter (DM) offer per kg of body weight (BW) per day (12% or 8%) and the corresponding percentage of white clover supplementary pasture area (30% to 50% - relative to the main pasture area). The soil expectation value was positive in all of the evaluated systems Creep grazing finishing system with 8% DM offer per kg BW and with 30% of reduction on the white glover area resulted in the largest financial return (R$ 289,043.71) and the highest internal return rate (1.74%). The most economically attractive scenario, however, was the creep feeding finishing system with 8% DM offer per kg of BW, which allowed expenses with the land as high as R$ 22,950.68 per hectare. Adjustments in the main pasture offer, which do not compromise animal performance, can enable economic improvement on the feasibility of grazing sheep production systems. The soil expectation value can be used as an economic indicator in the choice of location or expansion of grazing sheep farms.

Devido ao valor elevado da terra no Brasil, é necessário a realização de estudos de viabilidade econômica durante a escolha da estratégia de produção. O valor esperado da terra determina o preço máximo de compra da terra nua, considerando o horizonte de tempo infinito. Portanto, essa metodologia foi utilizada para avaliar a viabilidade economico-financeira de sistemas de produção de ovinos em pastagem com terminação em creep feeding ou creep grazing de cordeiros não dasmamados. Seis cenários foram propostos para avaliar a viabilidade econômica de acordo com a estrategia de terminação, a oferta de matéria seca (MS) por kg de peso vivo (PV) por dia (12% ou 8%) e a área de pastagem suplementar correspondente de trevo branco (30% a 50% – em relação à área de pastagem principal). O valor esperado da terra foi positivo em todos os sistemas avaliados. O sistema com terminação em creep grazing com 8% de oferta de MS/PV e com redução da área suplementar para 30% apresentou o maior retorno financeiro (R$ 289.043,71) e a maior taxa interna de retorno (1,74%). No entanto, o cenário economicamente mais atraente foi o sistema de creep feeding com 8% de oferta de MS/PV, permitindo despesas de até R$ 22.950,68 por hectare. Ajustes na oferta da pastagem principal, que não comprometam o desempenho do animal, podem permitir melhores resultados econômicos de sistemas de produção de ovinos em pastagem. O valor esperado da terra pode ser usado como um indicador econômico na escolha da localização ou ampliação de sistemas de produção de ovinos em pastejo.

O ensino da extensão rural nos cursos superiores de medicina veterinária no Brasil / The rural extension teaching in undergraduate courses of medicine veterinary in Brazil

Esta pesquisa investigou como os Cursos Superiores de Medicina Veterinária no Brasil (CSMV) estão oferecendoconhecimentos relacionados à “Extensão Rural”. Foram aplicados questionários aos 149 cursos de Medicina Veterináriaem funcionamento. Deste universo, obteve-se uma amostra de 57 entrevistados que responderam à pesquisa (38,3%).Em que pesem as mudanças curriculares após o Parecer 105/2002, a disciplina ainda é oferecida na maioria (97%)dos cursos, evidenciando o reconhecimento de sua importância na formação dos alunos de graduação. Três aspectosobservados merecem reflexão: a heterogeneidade na carga horária da disciplina, variando de 30 a 90 horas/semestre; certaheterogeneidade da inserção (semestre/período) na grade, podendo constar desde o segundo até o último período; e aampla gama de temas que constam nos programas. Sugere-se que os programas da disciplina de Extensão Rural, a seremoferecidos nos CSMV, procurem inserir três pontos que se entende serem importantes, mas nem sempre abordados: i)a “extensão rural” com seus múltiplos enfoques (serviço público para o desenvolvimento holístico das famílias rurais,assistência técnica propriamente dita, difusão de tecnologia, prática pedagógica, processo de comunicação etc.); ii)temas relacionados diretamente à atuação do médico veterinário (tais como a relação da extensão com a sanidade animale humana, a defesa agropecuária etc.); e iii) temas emergentes relacionados a áreas multidisciplinares, especialmente asustentabilidade, o meio ambiente e o bem-estar animal

This research investigates how the Undergraduate Courses of Medicine Veterinary currently provide knowledgeregarding “Rural Extension”. It was applied questionnaires to the 149 courses in activity, out of which 57 answered thesurvey (38.3%). Despite the curricular changes proposed by the government in 2002, the discipline is still offered in themajority of the schools (97%), showing the recognition of its importance in the undergraduate student education. Threecentral aspects needs attention: the heterogeneity regarding the hours of the discipline, ranging from 30 to 90 hours persemester; a relative heterogeneity where the discipline is inserted in the curriculum, ranging from the second to the lastsemester; and the wide range of issues presented in the discipline’s programs. It’s suggested that the programs should tryto include three sets of knowledge that are considered important to professionals of the future, and that appeared withlittle relevance in current programs: i) an extension with its multiple focus; ii) issues directly related to the veterinaryactuation; and iii) emerging issues related to multidisciplinary areas, specially sustainability, the human-animal relationand the animal welfare