Article
Plant Sciences
Alemayehu Teressa Negawo, Habib Olumide Akinmade, Meki S. Muktar, Ermias Habte, Yilikal Assefa, Alice Muchugi, Alieu M. Sartie, Chris S. Jones
Summary: The study investigated the genetic diversity of Sesbania sesban using genome-wide markers. A total of 84,673 SNP and 60,626 SilicoDArT markers were generated, with mean polymorphic information content of 0.153 and 0.123, respectively. The collection showed four main clusters, and a subset of 34 accessions was developed based on SNP markers. The genetic diversity information can be utilized for stress tolerance screening, gap analysis, and acquisition of new genotypes for future improvement programs.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Duy Toan Pham, Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Bui Thi Phuong Thuy, Van De Tran, Thanh Q. C. Nguyen, Ngoc Nha Thao Nguyen
Summary: This study developed a novel silk fibroin in-situ hydrogel containing Sesbania sesban L. extract, which has high anti-inflammatory actions and shows potential for rheumatoid arthritis treatments.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zvonko Antunovic, Boro Mioc, Josip Novoselec, Ivan Siric, Valentino Drzaic, Zeljka Klir Salavardic
Summary: This study investigated the concentrations of essential trace and toxic elements in the milk of Lacaune sheep during lactation in intensive rearing systems. Significant variations in these elements were found during different stages of lactation. The study suggests that the stage of lactation and breed of sheep should be considered when designing experiments.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Shobha Singh, Anil Kumar, Manjoosha Srivastava
Summary: S. sesban is mainly used for economic purposes, while S. grandiflora is known for its medicinal and economic uses. The chemical characterization and antidiabetic activity of seed extracts have not been explored yet.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD PROPERTIES
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
E. E. A. Burgers, A. Kok, R. M. A. Goselink, H. Hogeveen, B. Kemp, A. T. M. van Knegsel
Summary: The study investigated the impact of customized calving interval on dairy cow production and reproductive characteristics across 13 farms. The results showed that extending the calving interval was associated with an increase in services per conception, and had an effect on lactation persistency and milk production.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Nida Zainab, Amna, Amir Abdullah Khan, Muhammad Atif Azeem, Baber Ali, Tongtong Wang, Fuchen Shi, Suliman Mohammed Alghanem, Muhammad Farooq Hussain Munis, Mohamed Hashem, Saad Alamri, Arafat Abdel Hamed Abdel Latef, Omar M. Ali, Mona H. Soliman, Hassan Javed Chaudhary
Summary: The release of harmful wastes via different industrial activities is the main cause of heavy metal toxicity. A study was conducted to assess the effects of heavy metal stress on Sesbania sesban, with the inoculation of heavy-metal-tolerant bacteria. The results showed that the bacterial strains enhanced plant growth by increasing root length, shoot length, fresh weight, proline content, and antioxidant enzyme activity under metal stress conditions.
Article
Forestry
Thabo I. Makhubedu, Brigid A. Letty, Paramu L. Mafongoya, Peter F. Scogings
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different pruning frequencies on biomass, nonstructural carbohydrate levels, and N-2 fixation of Sesbania sesban. The results showed that increasing pruning frequency led to decreased nodulation and levels of nonstructural carbohydrates in the roots.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Angela Costa, Carlo Boselli, Massimo De Marchi, Giuseppe Todde, Maria Caria
Summary: The milk flow curve in ewes can be classified into three types: single-peak, double-peak, and long plateau. Different types of curves reflect varying milking traits, and adjusting milking practices based on curve type and lactation stage can improve ewes' milking ability.
SMALL RUMINANT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Haiyan Wang, Minghui Zhang, Yucui Huo, Xiuxiu Cui, Rui He, Bei Han, Zhongfu Wang, Yuxuan Song, Xin Lv, Jing Zhang, Wupeng Ge
Summary: This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of milk oligosaccharides (MOs) in important domestic animals (goats, cows, camels, and sheep) and compared them with human MOs. The relative abundance of sheep MOs among different breeds and lactation periods was also analyzed. In general, 35, 24, 19, 26, and 16 MOs were identified in human, goat, bovine, camel, and sheep milk respectively. The type of sheep MOs was not greatly influenced by the breeds and lactation period. These findings suggest the potential value of MOs from domestic animal milk for commercial applications.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Magdalena Kowalczyk, Agata Znamirowska-Piotrowska, Magdalena Buniowska-Olejnik, Malgorzata Pawlos
Summary: The study revealed that the addition of inulin and apple fiber positively influenced the survival rate of bacteria during in vitro digestion, especially in the stomach stage. Sheep milk ice cream was shown to be a suitable matrix for the delivery of probiotics and prebiotics, contributing to intestinal homeostasis.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
A. Figueroa Sanchez, J. Perea Munoz, J. Caballero-Villalobos, R. Arias Sanchez, A. Garzon, E. Angon Sanchez de Pedro
Summary: This study evaluated the characteristics of sheep milk and their impact on cheesemaking, finding that lactose concentration, casein content, and initial pH directly influence milk coagulation. Somatic cells and technological parameters, however, showed little to no effect on the process. Factors such as fat content, lactose concentration, casein content, and curd moisture directly affected curd yield.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Javed Ali, Xiukang Wang, Mazhar Rafique, Iftikhar Ahmad, Sajid Fiaz, Muhammad Farooq Hussain Munis, Hassan Javed Chaudhary
Summary: The study found that Bacillus anthracis PM21 can enhance the phyto-remediation potential of Sesbania sesban L. under cadmium stress conditions by increasing plant attributes and improving antioxidant activities to increase plant cadmium tolerance.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Sofia Michailidou, Athanasios Gelasakis, Georgios Banos, George Arsenos, Anagnostis Argiriou
Summary: In the dairy sheep industry, milk production is crucial for determining a ewe's value, with morphology and physiology of the mammary gland being the key factors. Variations in milk production among individual ewes are common, with genetic factors playing a significant role in determining productivity. Transcriptome sequencing reveals differential gene expression in high yielding ewes, particularly in genes related to mammary gland transcriptional activity, lipid transfer, and innate immunity. Management strategies should focus on selecting resilient and productive ewes to improve milk yields and strengthen breeding systems against environmental threats.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Esra Duman, Ozge Ozmen, Selim Kul
Summary: The study aimed to determine the expression pattern of important miRNAs associated with lactation in sheep milk between high and low lactating-yield ewe groups. Significant differences in miRNA expression levels were found between the groups, with certain miRNAs showing negative correlations with milk protein, lactose contents, and milk yield. Additionally, hub genes for the target genes of these miRNAs were identified. This study provides new insights into the relationship between miRNA expression profiles in sheep milk and milk yield and composition in different lactating yield groups.
ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
G. Wanjala, N. Kichamu, P. Strausz, P. K. Astuti, Sz. Kusza
Summary: The reproductive performance of ewes and the survivability of lambs have a significant economic impact on sheep farming globally. Understanding the major causes of mortality can help improve flock management and prevent financial losses. A study conducted on Dorper, Red Maasai (RedM), and Merino breeds in Kenya found that RedM outperformed Dorper and Merino in weaning rate, while there was no significant difference in reproductive performance among the three breeds. However, Dorper had a higher weaning weight per lamb born compared to the other two breeds.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Simon Oosting, Jan van der Lee, Marc Verdegem, Marion de Vries, Adriaan Vernooij, Camila Bonilla-Cedrez, Kazi Kabir
Summary: In the discourse of farmed animal production in the tropics, the key outcomes are to provide healthy diets and mitigate climate change, with circularity emerging as an integrated approach. This approach prioritizes food crops, avoids losses, recycles waste, and utilizes animals to unlock biomass. Collaboration between public, private, and social actors is essential for achieving maximum circularity and sustainability of food systems.
Review
Agronomy
Jan van der Lee, Daniel Kangogo, Seyda Ozkan Gulzari, Domenico Dentoni, Simon Oosting, Jos Bijman, Laurens Klerkx
Summary: This paper systematically reviews the literature on assessing the resilience of farming systems and identifies patterns in theories and methodologies. It introduces four theoretical positions and suggests a complementary causality framework. The paper also provides five design choices for rigorously assessing the resilience of farming systems.
AGRONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
D. B. Akakpo, I. J. M. de Boer, K. E. Giller, S. Adjei-Nsiah, A. J. Duncan, S. J. Oosting
Summary: Crop residues have the potential to address feed shortages and nutrient deficiencies in West Africa. This study assessed the nutritional quality of grain legume fodders under different storage conditions. The results showed that farmers and sheep were able to distinguish quality differences based on physical characteristics, while laboratory analyses could not. Correlations were found between the different quality assessment methods, with crop differences being the important determinants. This highlights the value of farmers' knowledge in formulating and implementing interventions.
SMALL RUMINANT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Eko Nugroho, Rico Ihle, Wim Heijman, Simon J. Oosting
Summary: This study aims to assess the relationship between income source diversification, poverty, and livelihood capital for smallholder farm households combining cattle farming with forest extraction. The findings show no correlation between poverty and income diversification. Cattle breeders rely heavily on forest resources, while feeders exhibit increased income diversification.
SMALL-SCALE FORESTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
A. J. Netshipale, E. N. Raidimi, M. L. Mashiloane, I. J. M. de Boer, S. J. Oosting
Summary: South Africa has implemented land reform in the past two decades to address challenges of inequality, poverty, and unemployment. The lack of systematic classification of farming system types in land reform highlights the importance of understanding different types for targeted agricultural development.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Rui Shi, Wenqi Lou, Bart Ducro, Aart van der Linden, Han A. Mulder, Simon J. Oosting, Shengli Li, Yachun Wang
Summary: This study aimed to develop and validate the best prediction model of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), nitrogen loss (NL), and dry matter intake (DMI) for individual dairy cows in China. The results showed that individual NUE can be predicted with moderate accuracy in both within-herd and external validations, while NL and DMI had lower accuracies. Additionally, the study found that information from MIR spectra variables increased the predictive ability of the models.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Christopher Magona, Abubeker Hassen, Eyob Tesfamariam, Carina Visser, Simon Oosting, A. van der Linden
Summary: This study evaluated the ability of the mechanistic LiGAPS-Beef model to quantify beef production of selected cattle breed types in diverse agro-ecological regions in South Africa. The model simulated average daily gain (ADG) with a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 23% after calibration, and the simulated and measured values were positively correlated (r = 0.88) and largely in agreement (index of agreement=0.92).
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Eko Nugroho, Rico Ihle, Simon J. Oosting, Wim Heijman
Summary: The understanding of the role of forest resource utilization in the livelihood strategies of smallholder farmers is limited. This study conducted a survey of 600 Indonesian cattle farmers to investigate the impact of extracting forest resources on livelihood strategies and household income. The results indicate that forest extraction is a core livelihood strategy for farmers relying on forests, and it increases with income diversification. The promotion of sustainable forest resource usage schemes, such as agroforestry or silvopastoral systems, would contribute to the sustainable future use of forest resources.
OUTLOOK ON AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Wilson C. Wilson, Maja Slingerland, Frederick P. Baijukya, Ken E. Giller, Simon Oosting
Summary: The demand for chicken meat and eggs in Tanzania exceeds production capacity due to low productivity of the sector. This study examines the yield gap in chicken production in Tanzania and explores the potential for increased production by addressing feed deficiencies. The findings highlight inadequate feed quantity and quality, lack of awareness about aflatoxin contamination, and the need for improved feeding strategies to ensure suitable and safe feed formulations.
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Leah A. Germer, Corina E. van Middelaar, Simon J. Oosting, Pierre J. Gerber
Summary: This paper proposes a practical framework for assessing and comparing the synergies and tradeoffs among different livestock systems in achieving food security and climate change objectives. The framework aims to support stakeholders in policy and development to identify the livestock systems that contribute most to food security and climate change objectives over time and space.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Ndungu S. Nyokabi, Imke J. M. de Boer, Jos Bijman, Bockline Bebe, Norman Aguilar-Gallegos, Lisette Phelan, Johanna Lindahl, Bernard Bett, Simon J. Oosting
Summary: The study aimed to examine social networks in dairy value chains in Kenya and understand how power relationships and trust among actors influence milk quality behavior. The researchers conducted stakeholder analysis using the Net-Map tool and analyzed social networks using VisuaLyzer software. They found that formal value chains had more actors and dense social networks with power asymmetries and limited trust, while informal value chains had fewer actors and less dense social networks with higher trust due to personal relationships. They also discovered that milk quality was perceived to be higher in the formal value chain. The study highlights the importance of addressing power asymmetries and enhancing trust to improve compliance with milk quality standards.
NJAS-IMPACT IN AGRICULTURAL AND LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bhavana Rao Kuchimanchi, Raimon Ripoll-Bosch, Fokje A. Steenstra, Renie Thomas, Simon J. Oosting
Summary: The intensification of agriculture in India has improved food self-sufficiency but has also led to negative environmental impacts, particularly on groundwater resources. This study aims to understand the impact of intensified agriculture on water availability in a dryland watershed in Telangana, India. The findings reveal that the crop-dairy system consumes the highest amount of water, followed by the crop with small ruminants system and the crop without livestock system. The overall water balance of the watershed shows a deficit, indicating the over-utilization of water resources and groundwater depletion.
CURRENT RESEARCH IN ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bhavana Rao Kuchimanchi, Raimon Ripoll Bosch, Imke J. M. De Boer, Simon J. Oosting
Summary: This paper investigates the characteristics and economic performance of farming systems in Telangana, India. It finds that the current farming systems have low economic performance, face economic risks and natural resource scarcity, and recommends the reassessment of watershed development policies.
CURRENT RESEARCH IN ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Ndungu S. Nyokabi, Pieternel A. Luning, Jody Emile Phelan, Jos Creemers, Ben Lukuyu, Bockline Omedo Bebe, Simon J. Oosting
Summary: This longitudinal study explored the intra-annual variation in feed availability and the chemical composition of milk and feed resources at smallholder dairy farms in Nakuru county, Kenya. The findings suggest that seasonal feed availability is a persistent challenge in smallholder dairy farms, but it has negligible effects on the physicochemical composition of milk.
NJAS-IMPACT IN AGRICULTURAL AND LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
E. Handayanta, I. Subagiyo, H. Hartutik, K. Kusmartono, F. A. Steenstra, S. J. Oosting
Summary: This study aims to estimate the optimum utilization of ruminant feed resources in tropical dry-land during dry and rainy seasons. The results showed that the maximum production can be achieved by using 14.5% to 46% of available feed.
IRANIAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Adrian Lopez-Catalina, Valentin Costes, Ramon Peiro-Pastor, Helene Kiefer, Oscar Gonzalez-Recio
Summary: Epigenetic marks can explain part of the phenotypic variance in animal breeding models. Nanopore sequencing shows high correlation with bisulphite sequencing in identifying DNA methylation marks. Different sequencing methods highlight differentially methylated genes and positions of economic interest in animal breeding.