Relevance of farm-scale indicators and tools for farmers to assess sustainability of their mixed crop-ruminant livestock systems.

Ensuring the sustainability and circularity of mixed crop-ruminant livestock systems is essential if they are to deliver on the enhancement of long-term productivity and profitability with a smaller footprint. The objectives of this study were to select indicators in the environmental, economic and social dimensions of sustainability of crop-livestock systems, to assess if these indicators are relevant in the operational schedule of farmers, and to score the indicators in these farm systems. The scoring system was based on relevance to farmers, data availability, frequency of use, and policy. The study was successful in the assemblage of a suite of indicators comprising three dimensions of sustainability and the development of criteria to assess the usefulness of these indicators in crop-ruminant livestock systems in distinct agro-climatic regions across the globe. Except for ammonia emissions, indicators within the Emissions to air theme obtained high scores, as expected from mixed crop-ruminant systems in countries transitioning towards low emission production systems. Despite the inherent association between nutrient losses and water quality, the sum of scores was numerically greater for the former, attributed to a mix of economic and policy incentives. The sum of indicator scores within the Profitability theme (farm net income, expenditure and revenue) received the highest scores in the economic dimension. The Workforce theme (diversity, education, succession) stood out within the social dimension, reflecting the need for an engaged labor force that requires knowledge and skills in both crop and livestock husbandry. The development of surveys with farmers/stakeholders to assess the relevance of farm-scale indicators and tools is important to support direct actions and policies in support of sustainable mixed crop-ruminant livestock farm systems.

Behavioural responses of beef cattle to different grazing systems and the influence of these responses on water productivity of livestock in a tropical savannah.

Environmental conditions and available forage on pastures greatly differ between different farming systems, which can affect the behaviour of grazing cattle. The interplay between environment-, forage-, and animal-related variables may affect the use of feed and water resources in grazing-based systems. Hence, our objectives were (i) to study the differences between grazing-based systems and seasons in environment- and pasture-related variables as well as the behaviour, feed intake, performance, and water productivity of Nellore heifers, and (ii) to understand the interrelationships between these variables. The measurements were performed in a conventional grazing system (CON), an integrated crop-livestock (ICL), and a crop-livestock-forestry (ICLF) systems in the Brazilian Cerrado during the rainy and dry seasons. Ambient temperature and relative air humidity were hourly measured in both seasons. Forage biomass and sward height were determined every month. Forage samples were taken to determine the proportions of alive leaves, alive stems, and dead plant material and to analyse their nutritive value. Forage intake, drinking water intake, and liveweight changes were quantified in 12 Nellore heifers per system and season. Feeding behaviour was recorded by chewing sensors on nine continuous days in each season. Drinking water intake was measured by water meters attached to drinking water troughs, whereby trial cameras at the troughs recorded the frequency of drinking events of individual animals. Feed conversion efficiency and water productivity were estimated. The ICLF reduced the exposure time to high ambient temperatures so that heifers even grazed during the hottest hours. Forage biomass in ICL and CON had greater proportions of stem and dead plant material than in ICLF. Forage intake rate was greater and grazing events were longer for animals in ICLF than those in CON, whereas the daily number of grazing events was greater in CON. Feed conversion efficiency and water productivity were greater in integrated systems than in CON. Amongst studied variables, thermal environment and forage canopy structure with its proportions of dead plant material are the main driving factors for animal behaviour, forage intake rate, and animal performance. These variables reduce feed conversion efficiency and water productivity in grazing cattle. Further research should analyse strategies for promoting thermal comfort for the animals, increasing the proportions of alive biomass, and enhancing the nutritional value of pastures for more efficient use of forage and water resources in grazing-based systems.

The economic effects of grazing in small-scale lamb fattening production systems in central México through a scenario analysis.

The objective was to assess grazing as an element of profitability and competitiveness of a small-scale lamb fattening production system in central México and compare its economic performance by means of an analysis of scenarios. Two scenarios were analysed to assess the contribution of grazing on profitability and competitiveness. The first analysis was when grazing was the feed base, and secondly, costs of opportunity and economic impacts were studied under the assumption that sheep do not graze, and total feed has to be bought from external suppliers. The economic effect of grazing on the profitability was analysed by means of the Policy Analysis Matrix. Differences were found between strata; farmers with more than 70 sheep have the best profitability indices and the least vulnerability under the non-grazing scenario. Grazing had a positive effect reducing the cost of production and increasing competitiveness in the four strata assessed. However, farmers with higher technical level, specialised breeds and larger flocks (strata 3 and 4) have higher economic profits. The conclusion was that the profitability in fattening sheep is linked to taking advantage of grazing. However, to keep and improve the current financial performance, there is a need for the adoption of strategies for an integral improvement of the system and the adoption of better grazing management to further reduce production costs.

Sistema Santa Fé auxilia na redução do escoamento superficial e melhoria da qualidade da água? / Santa Fé System assists in reducing runoff and improvement the quality of water?

A cobertura vegetal na superfície do solo é uma prática fundamental para o estabelecimento de sistemas conservacionistas do solo e da água. O Sistema Santa Fé consiste na inclusão de espécies forrageiras no sistema de produção de grãos, sobretudo por consorciação. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito do cultivo do milho solteiro e do milho em consórcio com capim U. brizantha cv. marandu, no escoamento superficial e qualidade da água escoada utilizando um simulador de chuvas.O experimento foi realizado na Fazenda Escola do IF Goiano Campus Iporá em Neossolo Quartzarênico argiloso, em uma região do Cerrado. As seguintes coberturas do solo foram avaliadas: solo descoberto, milho híbrido solteiro e Sistema Santa Fé. Para a determinação do volume escoado e a qualidade da água escoada em cada tratamento foram realizados três testes, utilizando-se um simulador de chuvas pendular construído no IF Goiano Campus Iporá. Em cada teste foram contabilizadas o volume total de água escoada e a cada cinco minutos foram coletadas amostras para caracterização da qualidade da água, nas quais foram analisadas a turbidez, pH e condutividade elétrica. As perdas de água foram reduzidas 82% e a turbidez em 96% no sistema Santa Fé, em comparação ao solo descoberto. O Sistema Santa Fé apresentou melhor desempenho com menor volume de escoamento superficial e melhor qualidade da água escoada quando avaliada a turbidez, o que demonstra o seu elevado potencial em minimizar a erosão hídrica do solo.

The cover crop on the soil surface is a fundamental practice for the establishment of soil and water conservation systems.The Santa Fé System consists of the inclusion of forage species in the grain production system, mainly by intercropping. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of cultivation of single maize and maize in consortium with U. brizantha cv. marandu, in runoff and quality of run off using a rainfall simulator. The experiment was carried out at the School Farm of the IF Goiano Campus Iporá in a Quartzipsament, in a Brazilian Savanna region. The following land cover were evaluated: uncovered soil, single hybrid corn and Santa Fé System. For the determination of the runoff volume and the runoff quality, three tests were performed in each treatment, using a pendulum rainfall simulator built at the IF Goiano Campus Iporá. In each test, the total volume of runoff was counted and every five minutes samples were collected to characterize the runoff quality, in which turbidity, pH and electrical conductivity were analyzed. Water losses were reduced by 82% and turbidity by 96% in the Santa Fé system, compared to uncovered soil.The Santa Fé System showed better performance with less runoff volume and better quality of runoff when turbidity was evaluated, which demonstrates its high potential in minimizing soil water erosion.

Sistema Santa Fé auxilia na redução do escoamento superficial e melhoria da qualidade da água? / Santa Fé System assists in reducing runoff and improvement the quality of water?

A cobertura vegetal na superfície do solo é uma prática fundamental para o estabelecimento de sistemas conservacionistas do solo e da água. O Sistema Santa Fé consiste na inclusão de espécies forrageiras no sistema de produção de grãos, sobretudo por consorciação. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito do cultivo do milho solteiro e do milho em consórcio com capim U. brizantha cv. marandu, no escoamento superficial e qualidade da água escoada utilizando um simulador de chuvas.O experimento foi realizado na Fazenda Escola do IF Goiano Campus Iporá em Neossolo Quartzarênico argiloso, em uma região do Cerrado. As seguintes coberturas do solo foram avaliadas: solo descoberto, milho híbrido solteiro e Sistema Santa Fé. Para a determinação do volume escoado e a qualidade da água escoada em cada tratamento foram realizados três testes, utilizando-se um simulador de chuvas pendular construído no IF Goiano Campus Iporá. Em cada teste foram contabilizadas o volume total de água escoada e a cada cinco minutos foram coletadas amostras para caracterização da qualidade da água, nas quais foram analisadas a turbidez, pH e condutividade elétrica. As perdas de água foram reduzidas 82% e a turbidez em 96% no sistema Santa Fé, em comparação ao solo descoberto. O Sistema Santa Fé apresentou melhor desempenho com menor volume de escoamento superficial e melhor qualidade da água escoada quando avaliada a turbidez, o que demonstra o seu elevado potencial em minimizar a erosão hídrica do solo.(AU)

The cover crop on the soil surface is a fundamental practice for the establishment of soil and water conservation systems.The Santa Fé System consists of the inclusion of forage species in the grain production system, mainly by intercropping. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of cultivation of single maize and maize in consortium with U. brizantha cv. marandu, in runoff and quality of run off using a rainfall simulator. The experiment was carried out at the School Farm of the IF Goiano Campus Iporá in a Quartzipsament, in a Brazilian Savanna region. The following land cover were evaluated: uncovered soil, single hybrid corn and Santa Fé System. For the determination of the runoff volume and the runoff quality, three tests were performed in each treatment, using a pendulum rainfall simulator built at the IF Goiano Campus Iporá. In each test, the total volume of runoff was counted and every five minutes samples were collected to characterize the runoff quality, in which turbidity, pH and electrical conductivity were analyzed. Water losses were reduced by 82% and turbidity by 96% in the Santa Fé system, compared to uncovered soil.The Santa Fé System showed better performance with less runoff volume and better quality of runoff when turbidity was evaluated, which demonstrates its high potential in minimizing soil water erosion.(AU)

Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI): Phenotyping of a Core Germplasm Collection of the Tropical Forage Grass Megathyrsus maximus Under Greenhouse Conditions.

Modern intensively managed pastures that receive large external nitrogen (N) inputs account for high N losses in form of nitrate (NO3 -) leaching and emissions of the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O). The natural plant capacity to shape the soil N cycle through exudation of organic compounds can be exploited to favor N retention without affecting productivity. In this study, we estimated the relationship between biological nitrification inhibition (BNI), N2O emissions and plant productivity for 119 germplasm accessions of Guineagrass (Megathyrsus maximus), an important tropical forage crop for livestock production. This relation was tested in a greenhouse experiment measuring BNI as (i) rates of soil nitrification; (ii) abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA); and (iii) the capacity of root tissue extracts to inhibit nitrification in vitro. We then measured N2O emissions, aboveground biomass and forage nutrition quality parameters. Reductions on nitrification activity ranging between 30 and 70% were found across the germplasm collection of M. maximus. Accessions with low nitrification rates showed a lower abundance of AOB as well as a reduction in N2O emissions compared to accessions of high nitrification rates. The BNI capacity was not correlated to N uptake of plants, suggesting that there may be intraspecific variation in the exploitation of different N sources in this grass species. A group of accessions (cluster) with the most desirable agronomic and environmental traits among the collection was identified for further field validation. These results provide evidence of the ability of M. maximus to suppress soil nitrification and N2O emissions and their relationship with productivity and forage quality, pointing a way to develop N conservative improved forage grasses for tropical livestock production.

Diversidad de macro-invertebrados en sistemas silvopastoriles del sur de Quintana Roo, México

La diversidad de macro-invertebrados está relacionada con el estado de conservación del suelo, no obstante, la remoción de la cubierta vegetal natural para el establecimiento de sistemas ganaderos extensivos afecta su integridad. Una estrategia para la conservación de estos organismos es la implementación de sistemas silvopastoriles; no obstante, en el sureste de México la información aún es limitada. El propósito del presente estudio fue evaluar y comparar la riqueza y la abundancia de macro-invertebrados en cuatro agro-ecosistemas contrastantes: dos sistemas silvopastoriles conformados por Leucaena leucocephala y pastos asociados (i.e. Panicum máximum cv mombaza y Cynodon plectostachyus), un pastizal convencional de Brachiaria brizantha con árboles dispersos en baja densidad y una selva mediana subperennifolia. En cada sistema se delimitó una superficie de una hectárea y se estableció un transecto de 50 m de longitud en los que se colocaron cinco trampas de caída tipo pit-fall cada 10 m. El muestreo se realizó en febrero y mayo 2018 y en cada mes se realizaron cinco recolectas con intervalos de cinco días. Se recolectaron un total de 1 737 organismos pertenecientes a 10 órdenes de la clase Insecta y uno a la clase Gastropoda. Los sistemas con mayor abundancia de macro-invertebrados fueron el sistema de selva media subperennifolia (923 individuos) y el sistema silvopastoril de L. leucocephala con C. plectostachyus (354 individuos). Los órdenes más abundantes fueron: Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Araneae y Orthoptera. La mayor diversidad de macro-invertebrados se presentó en los sistemas silvopastoriles de L. leucocephala con P. maximum (H'=1.58) y L. leucocephala con C. plectostachyus (H´=1.44). Los resultados encontrados muestran que los sistemas pecuarios manejados con componentes leñosos (árboles/arbustos) albergan una riqueza y abundancia importante de órdenes de macro-invertebrados en comparación con sistemas como selva mediana subperennifolia. Esta diversidad de macro-invertebrates podría contribuir a la integridad y funcionalidad de los agro-ecosistemas.

The diversity of macro-invertebrates is related to the state of disturbance of the soil, caused mainly by the land-use change for agricultural activities. A strategy for the conservation of these organisms is the implementation of diversified production systems such as silvopastoral systems. However, in the Southeast of Mexico, information is still limited. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the richness, abundance and composition of macro-invertebrates in four contrasting agro-ecosystems: two silvopastoral systems made of Leucaena leucocephala and associated pastures (i.e. Panicum maximum cv mombaza and Cynodon plectostachyus), a pasture of Brachiaria brizantha with scattered trees in low density and, a medium-statured tropical dry forest. In each system, an area of one hectare was delimited and a transect of 50 m in length was established in which five pit-fall traps were placed every 10 m. The sampling was carried out in February and May of 2018 and in each month five collections were made with five-day intervals. A total of 1 737 organisms belonging to 10 orders of the class Insecta and one of the class Gastropoda were collected. The medium-statured tropical dry forest (923 individuals) and the silvopastoral systems of L. leucocephala with C. Plectostachyus (354 individuals) show the highest abundance of macro-invertebrates. The most abundant genera were: Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Aracninae and Orthoptera. The higher macro-invertebrate diversity was found in the silvopastoral systems of L. leucocephala with P. maximum (H '= 1.58) and L. leucocephala with C. plectostachyus (H' = 1.44). The results show that livestock systems managed with woody components (trees or shrubs) are home of an important abundance and richness of macro-invertebrates, compared to tropical forests. This diversity of macro-invertebrates may contribute to the integrity and functionality of the agro-ecosystems.

Soil carbon stock and humification in pastures under different levels of intensification in Brazil

Intensive management of tropical pastures has shown potential for greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation due to high forage production and C accumulation in the soil. This study aimed to evaluate different pasture management options in relation to their effect on soil C stocks and soil organic matter (SOM) humification. Pastures in four beef cattle production systems were assessed: intensive and irrigated pasture with high stocking rate (IHS); dryland pasture with high stocking rate (DHS); dryland pasture with moderate stocking rate (DMS); degraded pasture (DP). The soil under the native forest was also evaluated and soil carbon stocks from the 0-100 and 0-30 cm layers were assessed. Carbon stocks (0-100 cm) ranged from 99.88 to 142.33 Mg ha1 in DP and DMS, respectively and were, respectively, 14 % and 24 % higher compared to the soil under the forest and indicate the capacity of adequately managed tropical pastures to mitigate GHG emissions from livestock production. Humification indexes indicated the presence of more labile C in pastures with greater C accumulation (DHS and DMS), mainly in the upper soil layers, indicating recent C accumulation resulting from correct management. However, more labile C can be easily lost to the atmosphere as CO2, depending on pasture management. Low C stocks associated with high humification indexes are characteristics of DP in which significant amounts of SOM are lost. It is necessary to develop technologies to improve C sequestration in IHS and results indicate the importance of quantifying C stocks in association with C stability.(AU)

Soil carbon stock and humification in pastures under different levels of intensification in Brazil

Intensive management of tropical pastures has shown potential for greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation due to high forage production and C accumulation in the soil. This study aimed to evaluate different pasture management options in relation to their effect on soil C stocks and soil organic matter (SOM) humification. Pastures in four beef cattle production systems were assessed: intensive and irrigated pasture with high stocking rate (IHS); dryland pasture with high stocking rate (DHS); dryland pasture with moderate stocking rate (DMS); degraded pasture (DP). The soil under the native forest was also evaluated and soil carbon stocks from the 0-100 and 0-30 cm layers were assessed. Carbon stocks (0-100 cm) ranged from 99.88 to 142.33 Mg ha1 in DP and DMS, respectively and were, respectively, 14 % and 24 % higher compared to the soil under the forest and indicate the capacity of adequately managed tropical pastures to mitigate GHG emissions from livestock production. Humification indexes indicated the presence of more labile C in pastures with greater C accumulation (DHS and DMS), mainly in the upper soil layers, indicating recent C accumulation resulting from correct management. However, more labile C can be easily lost to the atmosphere as CO2, depending on pasture management. Low C stocks associated with high humification indexes are characteristics of DP in which significant amounts of SOM are lost. It is necessary to develop technologies to improve C sequestration in IHS and results indicate the importance of quantifying C stocks in association with C stability.

Morphogenetic and structural characteristics of alexandergrass pastures under continuous stocking / Características morfogênicas e estruturais de pastos de papuã manejados sob lotação contínua

The aim of this study was to evaluate some morphogenetic and structural characteristics to explain variations in forage accumulation of Alexandergrass (Urochloa (Syn. Brachiaria) plantaginea) under continuous stocking method. The experimental treatments consisted of four grazing heights (10, 20, 30, and 40 cm), allocated to experimental units following a randomized block design with three replicates. The following variables were analyzed: leaf appearance, elongation, and senescence rates, leaf lamina length, number of leaves per tiller, leaf area index (LAI), and forage accumulation rate. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared by Student's t-test (P≤0.05). The main results were: i) different grazing heights had different tissue flows; ii) grazing heights between 30-40 cm showed the highest LAI, and produced similar values; iii) forage accumulation rate increased according to grazing height increments, but did not change above 30 cm. In conclusion, Alexandergrass pastures under continuous stocking should not be maintained at grazing heights lower than 30 cm if the objective is to maximize forage production.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar alguns aspectos morfogênicos e estruturais para explicar eventuais alterações no acúmulo de forragem de pastos de papuã (Urochloa (Syn. Brachiaria) plantaginea) sob lotação contínua. Os tratamentos experimentais corresponderam a quatros alturas de dossel (10, 20, 30 e 40 cm), alocados às unidades experimentais conforme um delineamento de blocos completos casualisados, com três repetições. As variáveis analisadas foram: taxa de alongamento, aparecimento e senescência foliar; densidade populacional de perfilhos; comprimento e número de lâminas foliares por perfilho; índice de área foliar (IAF); taxa de acúmulo de forragem. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste t de "Student" (P≤0,05). Os principais resultados obtidos foram: i) diferentes alturas de manejo apresentam diferentes ritmos de aparecimento, crescimento e morte de tecidos; ii) pastos manejados entre 30-40 cm apresentaram os maiores valores de IAF e foram semelhantes entre si; iii) a taxa de acúmulo aumentou com o aumento da altura de manejo, mas não foi alterada a partir de 30 cm. Recomenda-se manejar pastos de papuã sob lotação contínua com não menos que 30 cm quando o objetivo for maximizar a produção de forragem.(AU)

Morphogenetic and structural characteristics of alexandergrass pastures under continuous stocking / Características morfogênicas e estruturais de pastos de papuã manejados sob lotação contínua

The aim of this study was to evaluate some morphogenetic and structural characteristics to explain variations in forage accumulation of Alexandergrass (Urochloa (Syn. Brachiaria) plantaginea) under continuous stocking method. The experimental treatments consisted of four grazing heights (10, 20, 30, and 40 cm), allocated to experimental units following a randomized block design with three replicates. The following variables were analyzed: leaf appearance, elongation, and senescence rates, leaf lamina length, number of leaves per tiller, leaf area index (LAI), and forage accumulation rate. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared by Student's t-test (P≤0.05). The main results were: i) different grazing heights had different tissue flows; ii) grazing heights between 30-40 cm showed the highest LAI, and produced similar values; iii) forage accumulation rate increased according to grazing height increments, but did not change above 30 cm. In conclusion, Alexandergrass pastures under continuous stocking should not be maintained at grazing heights lower than 30 cm if the objective is to maximize forage production.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar alguns aspectos morfogênicos e estruturais para explicar eventuais alterações no acúmulo de forragem de pastos de papuã (Urochloa (Syn. Brachiaria) plantaginea) sob lotação contínua. Os tratamentos experimentais corresponderam a quatros alturas de dossel (10, 20, 30 e 40 cm), alocados às unidades experimentais conforme um delineamento de blocos completos casualisados, com três repetições. As variáveis analisadas foram: taxa de alongamento, aparecimento e senescência foliar; densidade populacional de perfilhos; comprimento e número de lâminas foliares por perfilho; índice de área foliar (IAF); taxa de acúmulo de forragem. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste t de "Student" (P≤0,05). Os principais resultados obtidos foram: i) diferentes alturas de manejo apresentam diferentes ritmos de aparecimento, crescimento e morte de tecidos; ii) pastos manejados entre 30-40 cm apresentaram os maiores valores de IAF e foram semelhantes entre si; iii) a taxa de acúmulo aumentou com o aumento da altura de manejo, mas não foi alterada a partir de 30 cm. Recomenda-se manejar pastos de papuã sob lotação contínua com não menos que 30 cm quando o objetivo for maximizar a produção de forragem.

Intercropping of sunflower with Brachiaria brizantha cultivars during two sowing seasons in the interim harvest / Consórcio do girassol com cultivares de Brachiaria brizantha em duas épocas de semeadura na safrinha

Intercropping of annual crops with tropical forages is an effective cultivation method to maximize grain production and pasture formation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic characteristics of sunflower and the productive and nutritional characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha cultivars grown with intercropping during two different sowing seasons in the interim harvest of the Center-West region of Brazil. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Rio Verde, Goiás (GO), using a randomized block design with a 3x2+4 factorial scheme and three replicates per treatment. The following factors were tested: three Brachiaria brizantha cultivars (Marandu palisadegrass, Piata palisadegrass and Xaraes palisadegrass) grown with intercropping in the inter-row with the sunflower cultivar Charrua in two different sowing seasons (February and March); four additional treatments of sunflower; and the three tested Brachiaria brizantha cultivars grown in monoculture. Intercropping of sunflower with the Xaraes palisadegrass cultivar negatively affected the agronomic characteristics of sunflower, and intercropping with Marandu palisadegrass and Piata palisadegrass cultivars is recommended. Preference should be given to the Xaraes palisadegrass cultivar for forage production and to the Piata palisadegrass cultivar for the production of forage with higher nutritional value. Sowingin March led to the best sunflower agronomic characteristics, without affecting the productive andnutritional characteristics of the forages. Intercropping of sunflower with Brachiaria brizantha cultivarsis therefore a promising cultivation method for the production of achenes and forage during the interharvestin the Center-West region of Brazil.(AU)

O consórcio de culturas anuais e forrageiras tropicais na mesma área tem-se mostrado como técnica de cultivo eficaz para maximizar a produção de grãos e formação de pastagens. Neste contexto, objetivou-se avaliar as características agronômicas do girassol, bem como as características produtivas e nutricionais de cultivares de Brachiaria brizantha consorciado com o girassol em duas épocas de semeadura, na safrinha na região Centro-Oeste. O experimento foi conduzido no município de Rio Verde-GO no delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso com três repetições em esquema fatorial 3x2+4, sendo três cultivares de Brachiaria brizantha (Marandu; Piatã e Xaraés) consorciadas na entrelinha com o cultivar de girassol Charrua em duas épocas de semeadura (fevereiro e março), além de quatro tratamentos adicionais referentes aos monocultivos do girassol e dos três cultivares de Brachiaria brizantha. Os resultados permitiram constatar que o consórcio do girassol com o capim-xaraés afeta negativamente as características agronômicas do girassol, sendo mais recomendando o consórcio com os capins marandu e piatã. Quando se objetiva a produção de forragem, deve-se dar preferência para o uso do capim-xaraés, e para obtenção de forragem de melhor valor nutricional, deve-se empregar o capim-piatã. A semeadura em março proporciona melhores resultados para características agronômicas do girassol, sem interferência nas características produtivas e nutricionais das forrageiras. Sendo assim,o consórcio de girassol com os cultivares de Brachiaria brizantha na safrinha mostrou-se como técnicade cultivo promissora para produção de aquênios e de forragem na entressafra na região Centro-Oeste.(AU)

Is stockperson welfare essential for animal welfare? / Bem estar do trabalhador é essencial para o bem estar animal?

Increasingly, animal welfare (AW) is gaining ground worldwide because of pressure from importing countries, as well as the demand from a more conscious society regarding the living conditions of farm animals. Despite the growing concern about AW, there are few studies of stock persons welfare and how it might influence AW. The treatment of animals connects to stockpersons attitudes and behaviour, which in turn are associated with several human factors such as initial experience in the activity, welfare, quality of working conditions and human-animal relationship. Many authors have investigated this relationship and its association with positive attitudes of stock persons towards animals, which consequently influence AW and productivity. However, currently, there is no highlighted concern about the human issue, as the stock person welfare (SW), believed to be a key aspect of a successful implementation of AW programs. The present work suggests a broader view concerning AW, its relation to SW and the importance of improving both aspects in livestock systems.(AU)

Cada vez mais o bem-estar animal (BEA) está ganhando espaço mundialmente, tanto pela pressão dos países importadores, quanto pela demanda por uma sociedade mais consciente em relação às condições de vida dos animais de produção. Apesar da crescente preocupação com o BEA, há poucos estudos sobre o bem-estar dos trabalhadores e como isso pode influenciar no BEA. O tratamento dos animais está ligado às atitudes e aos comportamentos dos trabalhadores, que por sua vez estão associados a vários fatores humanos, como experiência inicial na atividade, bem-estar e qualidade das condições de trabalho e relação homem-animal. Muitos autores têm investigado essa relação e sua associação às atitudes positivas dos trabalhadores em relação aos animais, o que, consequentemente, influencia o BEA e a produtividade. No entanto, atualmente, não há nenhuma preocupação destacada sobre a questão humana, como o bem-estar dos trabalhadores (BT), que se acredita ser aspecto chave para uma implementação bem sucedida dos programas de BEA. O presente trabalho sugere uma visão mais ampla sobre o BEA, sua relação com o BT e a importância de se melhorar ambos os aspectos em sistemas de produção animal.(AU)

Intercropping of sunflower with Brachiaria brizantha cultivars during two sowing seasons in the interim harvest / Consórcio do girassol com cultivares de Brachiaria brizantha em duas épocas de semeadura na safrinha

Intercropping of annual crops with tropical forages is an effective cultivation method to maximize grain production and pasture formation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic characteristics of sunflower and the productive and nutritional characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha cultivars grown with intercropping during two different sowing seasons in the interim harvest of the Center-West region of Brazil. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Rio Verde, Goiás (GO), using a randomized block design with a 3x2+4 factorial scheme and three replicates per treatment. The following factors were tested: three Brachiaria brizantha cultivars (Marandu palisadegrass, Piata palisadegrass and Xaraes palisadegrass) grown with intercropping in the inter-row with the sunflower cultivar Charrua in two different sowing seasons (February and March); four additional treatments of sunflower; and the three tested Brachiaria brizantha cultivars grown in monoculture. Intercropping of sunflower with the Xaraes palisadegrass cultivar negatively affected the agronomic characteristics of sunflower, and intercropping with Marandu palisadegrass and Piata palisadegrass cultivars is recommended. Preference should be given to the Xaraes palisadegrass cultivar for forage production and to the Piata palisadegrass cultivar for the production of forage with higher nutritional value. Sowingin March led to the best sunflower agronomic characteristics, without affecting the productive andnutritional characteristics of the forages. Intercropping of sunflower with Brachiaria brizantha cultivarsis therefore a promising cultivation method for the production of achenes and forage during the interharvestin the Center-West region of Brazil.

O consórcio de culturas anuais e forrageiras tropicais na mesma área tem-se mostrado como técnica de cultivo eficaz para maximizar a produção de grãos e formação de pastagens. Neste contexto, objetivou-se avaliar as características agronômicas do girassol, bem como as características produtivas e nutricionais de cultivares de Brachiaria brizantha consorciado com o girassol em duas épocas de semeadura, na safrinha na região Centro-Oeste. O experimento foi conduzido no município de Rio Verde-GO no delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso com três repetições em esquema fatorial 3x2+4, sendo três cultivares de Brachiaria brizantha (Marandu; Piatã e Xaraés) consorciadas na entrelinha com o cultivar de girassol Charrua em duas épocas de semeadura (fevereiro e março), além de quatro tratamentos adicionais referentes aos monocultivos do girassol e dos três cultivares de Brachiaria brizantha. Os resultados permitiram constatar que o consórcio do girassol com o capim-xaraés afeta negativamente as características agronômicas do girassol, sendo mais recomendando o consórcio com os capins marandu e piatã. Quando se objetiva a produção de forragem, deve-se dar preferência para o uso do capim-xaraés, e para obtenção de forragem de melhor valor nutricional, deve-se empregar o capim-piatã. A semeadura em março proporciona melhores resultados para características agronômicas do girassol, sem interferência nas características produtivas e nutricionais das forrageiras. Sendo assim,o consórcio de girassol com os cultivares de Brachiaria brizantha na safrinha mostrou-se como técnicade cultivo promissora para produção de aquênios e de forragem na entressafra na região Centro-Oeste.

Is stockperson welfare essential for animal welfare? / Bem estar do trabalhador é essencial para o bem estar animal?

Increasingly, animal welfare (AW) is gaining ground worldwide because of pressure from importing countries, as well as the demand from a more conscious society regarding the living conditions of farm animals. Despite the growing concern about AW, there are few studies of stock persons welfare and how it might influence AW. The treatment of animals connects to stockpersons attitudes and behaviour, which in turn are associated with several human factors such as initial experience in the activity, welfare, quality of working conditions and human-animal relationship. Many authors have investigated this relationship and its association with positive attitudes of stock persons towards animals, which consequently influence AW and productivity. However, currently, there is no highlighted concern about the human issue, as the stock person welfare (SW), believed to be a key aspect of a successful implementation of AW programs. The present work suggests a broader view concerning AW, its relation to SW and the importance of improving both aspects in livestock systems.

Cada vez mais o bem-estar animal (BEA) está ganhando espaço mundialmente, tanto pela pressão dos países importadores, quanto pela demanda por uma sociedade mais consciente em relação às condições de vida dos animais de produção. Apesar da crescente preocupação com o BEA, há poucos estudos sobre o bem-estar dos trabalhadores e como isso pode influenciar no BEA. O tratamento dos animais está ligado às atitudes e aos comportamentos dos trabalhadores, que por sua vez estão associados a vários fatores humanos, como experiência inicial na atividade, bem-estar e qualidade das condições de trabalho e relação homem-animal. Muitos autores têm investigado essa relação e sua associação às atitudes positivas dos trabalhadores em relação aos animais, o que, consequentemente, influencia o BEA e a produtividade. No entanto, atualmente, não há nenhuma preocupação destacada sobre a questão humana, como o bem-estar dos trabalhadores (BT), que se acredita ser aspecto chave para uma implementação bem sucedida dos programas de BEA. O presente trabalho sugere uma visão mais ampla sobre o BEA, sua relação com o BT e a importância de se melhorar ambos os aspectos em sistemas de produção animal.

La revolución pecuaria: del tradicionalismo a la industrialización / The Livestock Revolution: from Traditionalism to Industrialization

Las espectaculares tasas de crecimiento del sector pecuario mundiales en las últimas dos décadas han conformado una auténtica revolución agraria. Los cambios demográficos, la urbanización acelerada y el rápido crecimiento económico de las economías emergentes son los factores que han impulsado esta revolución. En este proceso el sector pecuario ha sufrido una transformación de su estructura productiva, desde los sistemas tradicionales extensivos hacia los sistemas industrializados intensivos. Esta revolución pecuaria, sin embargo, confronta desafíos y oportunidades globales que solo de manera reciente han llamado la atención sobre la necesidad de desarrollar una institucionalidad coherente con los cambios, y unas políticas que permitan regular los grandes retos que comporta el nuevo entorno del sector pecuario...

The spectacular growth rates of the global livestock sector in the last two decades have formedan agrarian revolution. Demographic changes, rapid urbanization and fast economicgrowth in emerging economies are the factors that have driven this revolution. In this processthe livestock sector has undergone a transformation of its productive structure, from extensivetraditional systems to intensive industrial systems. This livestock revolution, however,confronts a number of global challenges and opportunities, which have only recently drawnattention to the need to develop an institutional framework that is coherent with changesand a series of policies that make it possible to regulate the great challenges involved in thenew environment of the livestock sector...

As espetaculares taxas de crescimento do setor pecuário mundiais nas últimas duas décadaspossibilitaram uma autêntica revolução agrária. As mudanças demográficas, a urbanizaçãoacelerada e o rápido crescimento econômico das economias emergentes são os fatoresque impulsionaram esta revolução. Neste processo o setor pecuário sofreu umatransformação de sua estrutura produtiva, desde os sistemas tradicionais extensivos rumoaos sistemas industrializados intensivos. Esta revolução pecuária, porém, confronta desafios eoportunidades globais, que só de maneira recente chamaram a atenção sobre a necessidadede desenvolver uma institucionalidade coerente com as mudanças e políticas que permitamregular os grandes desafios que comporta o novo entorno do setor pecuário...

Factors determining adoption of water conservation practices in cattle farming systems of the upper basin of the river Guarinó (Caldas, Colombia) / Factores que determinan la adopción de prácticas de conservación del agua en sistemas ganaderos de la cuenca alta del río Guarinó (Caldas, Colombia) / Factores que determinam a adopçäo de prácticas de conservaçäo do água em sistemas pecuários de bacia alta do rio Guarinó (Caldas, Colombia)

Factors determining the adoption of water conservation practices are specific to the study sites and need to be identified to develop local policies. Objective: identify factors that determine the adoption of water conservation practices in cattle farms in a high Andean watershed, given that this area is considered a conservation priority in Caldas province, Colombia. Methods: in this study, five factor categories related to the adoption of conservation practices were used as a reference. The study quantified variables obtained by survey from February to April 2009. A total of 69 farmers were surveyed. A Logit regression model was used to explain adoption of conservation practices. Significant variables were plotted to measure their effect on the probability of practice adoption. Results: model results show that although factors related to biophysical properties (NAC and LIM) along with risk and uncertainty factors (TEN and CAP) were significant, other factors are also significant in the study area, such as those related with decision makers (EDU) and farm resources (TAM). Conclusions: regarding the effect of significant variables on the probability of adoption, it is not necessary to reach a conclusion about which ones are most important; however, the model results and the determination of the effects offer keys to direct the conservation actions in the area, allowing to generate recommendations in this regard that can be used as reference in cattle areas around high Andean aquatic ecosystems.

Los factores que determinan la adopción de prácticas de conservación a nivel agropecuario son específicos de los sitios de estudio e identificarlos es necesario para tomar decisiones a nivel local. Objetivo: en el presente trabajo, tomando como referencia cinco categorías de factores relacionados con la adopción de prácticas de conservación, se buscó identificar aquellos factores que determinan la adopción de prácticas de conservación del agua en sistemas ganaderos de una cuenca alto andina con prioridad de conservación en el departamento de Caldas (Colombia). Métodos: en el estudio se cuantificaron algunas variables, obtenidas a través de una encuesta realizada entre Febrero-Abril del 2009 a 69 tomadores de decisión de predios ganaderos del sector, las cuáles fueron incluidas en un modelo de regresión Logit para explicar la adopción. Las variables significativas fueron graficadas para medir el efecto que ejercen sobre la probabilidad de adopción. Resultados: los resultados del modelo muestran que aunque los factores relacionados con aspectos biofísicos de los predios (NAC y LIM) y los factores de riesgo e incertidumbre (TEN y CAP) son significativos, en la zona de estudio existen otros factores que también son significativos, como los relacionados con los tomadores de decisión (EDU) y los recursos de dotación de los predios (TAM). Conclusiones: con relación al efecto de las variables significativas sobre la probabilidad de adopción, no es preciso llegar a una conclusión sobre cuál o cuáles son las más importantes, sin embargo, los resultados del modelo y la determinación de los efectos, ofrecen elementos para dirigir las acciones de conservación en la zona, permiten generar algunas recomendaciones en tal sentido y pueden servir de referente en zonas ganaderas relacionadas con ecosistemas acuáticos alto andinos.

Os fatores que determinam a adoção de práticas de conservação agrícola são específicos dos locais de estudo. Objetivo: usando como referência 5 categorias de fatores relacionados com a adoção de práticas de conservação ao nível pecuário, neste estudo tentou se identificar os fatores que determinam a adoção de práticas de conservação da água nos sistemas pecuários da bacia alta do rio Guarinó em Caldas. Métodos: no estudo quantificaram-se algumas variáveis obtidas através de enquetes realizados desde Fevereiro até Abril do 2009, para 69 tomadores de decisão, as quais foram incluídas em um modelo de regressão logística para explicar a adoção. As variáveis significativas foram plotadas para medir o efeito que exercem sobre a probabilidade de adoção. Resultados: os resultados do modelo demonstram que embora os fatores relacionados com aspectos biofísicos dos prédios (NAC e LIM) e os fatores de risco e incerteza (TEN e CAP) foram significativos, na zona de estudo existem outros fatores que também foram significativos: os que tem relação com os tomadores de decisão (EDU) e os recursos de dotação dos prédios (TAM). Conclusões: em relação ao efeito das variáveis significativas sobre a probabilidade de adoção, não é preciso chegar a uma conclusão sobre qual ou quais são as de maior importância, entretanto, os resultados do modelo e a determinação dos efeitos, oferecem elementos para dirigir as ações de conservação da região que permitem gerar algumas recomendações. Nesse sentido, podem servir como referência em regiões pecuárias que tenham relação com ecossistemas aquáticos andinos.

Gestión del conocimiento: mayor producción y competitividad: perspectivas para los sistemas de producción ovino-caprinos / Knowledge management: higher production and competitiveness: prospects for ovine and caprine production systems / Gestão do conhecimento: maior nível de produção e competitividade: perspectivas para os sistemas de produção ovino-caprinos

Los ovinos se presentan hoy día en Colombia como una de las especies promisorias para el sector pecuario, con un despertar en la actividad que se manifiesta con un incremento del inventario, que según Faostat (datos debatibles), ha pasado de 2’400.000 cabezas en el año 2000 a 3’400.000 para el 2008; por su lado, las cabras han pasado de 1’200.000 a 1’300.000 cabezas en el mismo periodo, creciendo, aunque con un ritmo menor que el de las ovejas. Según esta base de datos, la misma tendencia se observa en el consumo per cápita de carne ovino-caprina que partiendo de 270 g/persona/año para el 2000 llega a 370 g/persona/año para el 2008. Este crecimiento en el inventario y el consumo per cápita del ovino-caprino impulsa la necesidad de aprovechar no solo las ventajas comparativas, sino también la generación de ventajas competitivas que lleven a la ovino-cultura y la caprino-cultura colombiana por el camino de la competitividad y la globalización, aprovechando las oportunidades en el mercado nacional y de exportación. El eficaz aprovechamiento de dichas ventajas implica la incorporación de los datos, la información y el conocimiento como factores de producción dentro de un proceso ordenado, bajo el marco de un sistema de “gestión de conocimiento”. El presente documento trata los fundamentos teóricos sobre los cuales se discute la manera como los datos, la información y el conocimiento se transforman en productividad y competitividad; se tratan los temas del “Big-Bang”, la entropía y neguentropía, la complejidad, la teoría de sistemas, la teoría del conocimiento, la epistemología, el management, la economía del conocimiento, la planeación estratégica, la espiral del conocimiento en las organizaciones, y la gestión del conocimiento, procurando algunas aproximaciones al sector agropecuario y la contextualización de la gestión del conocimiento en la ovino-cultura y caprino-cultura colombiana.

Nowadays sheep are presented as a promising species for the livestock sector in Colombia, with an awakening of the activity manifested by an increase in inventory, which, according to FAOSTAT (debatable data), increased from 2,400,000 head in 2000 to 3,400,000 in 2008; on the other hand, goats went from 1,200,000 head to 1,300,000 head during the same period, thus showing an increase, albeit at a slower pace than with sheep. According to this database, the same trend is observed in per capita consumption of ovine/caprine meat, which went from 270 g/person/year in 2000 to 370 g/person/year in 2008. This increase in inventory and per capita consumption of lamb and goat meat drives the need to make the most of not only the comparative advantages, but also the generation of competitive advantages that lead the Colombian sheep and goat-culture through the road of competitiveness and globalization, taking advantage of opportunities in the national and export market. The effective use of these benefits involves the incorporation of data, information and knowledge as factors of production within an orderly process under the framework of a “knowledge management” system. This paper addresses a series of theoretical foundations upon which the way data, information and knowledge are transformed into productivity and competitiveness are discussed; the issue of the “Big Bang” is addressed, as are the issues of entropy and negentropy, complexity, systems theory, the theory of knowledge, epistemology, management, knowledge economy, strategic planning, the spiral of knowledge in organizations, and knowledge management, aiming to find some approaches to the agricultural sector and the contextualization of knowledge management in the Colombian sheep and goat-culture.

Os ovinos apresentam-se hoje em dia na Colômbia como uma das espécies promissoras para o setor pecuário, com um despertar na atividade que se manifesta com um aumento do rebanho, que segundo a FAOSTAT (dados contestáveis), passou de 2.400.000 cabeças em 2000 para 3.400.000 em 2008; por outro lado, as cabras passaram de 1.200.000 cabeças a 1.300.000 cabeças no mesmo período, crescendo, ainda que num ritmo menor que o das ovelhas De acordo com este banco de dados, a mesma tendência é observada no consumo per capita de carne ovino-caprina que partindo de 270 g/pessoa/ano em 2000 chega a 370 g/pessoa/ano em 2008. Este crescimento no consumo per capita de ovino-caprino impulsiona a necessidade de aproveitar não só as vantagens comparativas, senão também a geração de vantagens competitivas que levem a ovinocultura e a caprinocultura colombiana pelo caminho da competitividade e da globalização, aproveitando as oportunidades no mercado nacional e de exportação. O eficaz aproveitamento dessas vantagens implica a incorporação dos dados, a informação e o conhecimento como fatores de produção dentro de um processo ordenado, no entorno de um sistema de “gestão do conhecimento”. O presente documento trata fundamentos teóricos sobre os quais se discute a maneira como os dados, a informação e o conhecimento se transformam em produtividade e competitividade; se tratam os temas do “Big-Bang”, a entropia e entropia negativa, a complexidade, a teoria de sistemas, a teoria do conhecimento, a epistemologia, o management, a economia do conhecimento, o planejamento estratégico, o espiral do conhecimento nas organizações, e a gestão do conhecimento, procurando algumas aproximações ao setor agropecuário e a contextualização da gestão do conhecimento na ovinocultura e caprinocultura colombiana.