Pastoralism – Making variability work

Pastoralism – Making variability work
Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 58
Release: 2021-07-21
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 9251347530

Pastoral systems have evolved to function with the natural environment and therefore with variability. By identifying variability as an entry point, this paper aims at (i) engaging FAO in the mainstreaming of pastoralism by establishing the understanding of pastoralism, and its systematic inclusion in the normal operations of FAO, and at (ii) presenting an evidence based narrative on pastoralism to a specialists’ audience. Two main points are made in this document: First, pastoral systems are emblematic of farming with nature. Second, pastoral systems make use of variability in inputs (the environment) by matching it with variability in their own operational processes (flexibility in movements, animal breeds, labour force, etc.) in such a way as to reduce the variability in outputs (animal production and health, household’s food security, etc). Since 2015, the Pastoralist Knowledge Hub (PKH) has helped creating an institutional space for connecting and coordinating work on pastoralism within FAO. An Inter-Departmental Working Group on Pastoralism has been formed. The conceptual framework of this paper and early versions have benefited from comments and guidance of FAO staff as well as of specialists of pastoralism worldwide.

Animal nutrition strategies and options to reduce the use of antimicrobials in animal production

Animal nutrition strategies and options to reduce the use of antimicrobials in animal production
Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 98
Release: 2021-07-15
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 9251346704

Antimicrobial resistance is a global and increasing threat. Stewardship campaigns have been established, and policies implemented, to safeguard the appropriate use of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and plants. Restrictions on their use in animal production are on the agenda worldwide. Producers are investing in measures, involving biosecurity, genetics, health care, farm management, animal welfare, and nutrition, to prevent diseases and minimize the use of antimicrobials. Functional animal nutrition to promote animal health is one of the tools available to decrease the need for antimicrobials in animal production. Nutrition affects the critical functions required for host defence and disease resistance. Animal nutrition strategies should therefore aim to support these host defence systems and reduce the risk of the presence in feed and water of potentially harmful substances, such as mycotoxins, anti-nutritional factors and pathogenic bacteria and other microbes. General dietary measures to promote gastrointestinal tract health include the selective use of a combination of feed additives and feed ingredients to stabilize the intestinal microbiota and support mucosal barrier function. This knowledge, used to establish best practices in animal nutrition, could allow the adoption of strategies to reduce the need for antimicrobials and contain antimicrobial resistance.

Feed Supplementation Blocks

Feed Supplementation Blocks
Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 268
Release: 2007
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9789251054383

In facing ever more limited resources and changing market conditions and in the attempt to enhance productivity for strengthening livelihoods, many technologies have been used to improve feed use and animal performance at the faro level. A particularly successful example, in terms of both geographic range of use and relative simplicity in formulation and preparation, is the urea-molasses multi-nutrient block technology. This publication provides a comprehensive overview of development and use of the block technology in countries around the world and it might be of great practical value to extension workers, students, researchers and those thinking of using such feed supplementation technology or of starting commercial production.

PROBIOTICS IN ANIMAL NUTRITION

PROBIOTICS IN ANIMAL NUTRITION
Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 108
Release: 2018-08-22
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9251093334

This document presents a unique and exhaustive review of the state-of-knowledge on the use of probiotics in diverse livestock production systems, and their impact on animal productivity. It focuses specifically on definitions, production, mechanisms of action, applications, effects, safety and potential public health risks of probiotics. In addition the labelling of probiotic products and global regulatory status of probiotics in animal feed is also covered. This publication will inform those that are interested in identifying and designing interventions for increasing animal productivity. It would also give an impetus to the development of new probiotics having consistent long-term effects that could possibly be used in feed in place of antibiotic growth promoters.

Assessing Quality and Safety of Animal Feeds

Assessing Quality and Safety of Animal Feeds
Author: Samuel Jutzi
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 180
Release: 2004
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9789251050460

This publication provides information on the impact of animal feeds on food quality, food safety, and the environment, and thus improves the basis for managing such risks. The book brings together in printed form six reviews from the FAO electronic journal AGRIPPA (available online).

Sugarcane-based Biofuels and Bioproducts

Sugarcane-based Biofuels and Bioproducts
Author: Ian O'Hara
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 408
Release: 2016-03-17
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1118719824

Sugarcane has garnered much interest for its potential as a viable renewable energy crop. While the use of sugar juice for ethanol production has been in practice for years, a new focus on using the fibrous co-product known as bagasse for producing renewable fuels and bio-based chemicals is growing in interest. The success of these efforts, and the development of new varieties of energy canes, could greatly increase the use of sugarcane and sugarcane biomass for fuels while enhancing industry sustainability and competitiveness. Sugarcane-Based Biofuels and Bioproducts examines the development of a suite of established and developing biofuels and other renewable products derived from sugarcane and sugarcane-based co-products, such as bagasse. Chapters provide broad-ranging coverage of sugarcane biology, biotechnological advances, and breakthroughs in production and processing techniques. This text brings together essential information regarding the development and utilization of new fuels and bioproducts derived from sugarcane. Authored by experts in the field, Sugarcane-Based Biofuels and Bioproducts is an invaluable resource for researchers studying biofuels, sugarcane, and plant biotechnology as well as sugar and biofuels industry personnel.

Employment Generation Through Small-scale Dairy Marketing and Processing

Employment Generation Through Small-scale Dairy Marketing and Processing
Author: Amos O. Omore
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 64
Release: 2004
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9789251049808

The role of employment in poverty-reduction programmes in developing countries has received considerable attention the world over. Many new employment opportunities in many developing countries are created in the informal sector where the rate of growth may be higher than that of the formal sector. Dairy markets offer good opportunities for non-farm rural and urban employment. This may particularly be true in informal milk markets, which rely less on modern milk processing equipment and more on traditional labour-intensive technologies. The case studies from Kenya, Bangladesh and Ghana provide an opportunity to gain strategic insights into how small-scale dairy marketing and processing can contribute significantly to rural and urban employment, most of which occurs in the informal sector. The capacity for small-scale dairy processing and marketing to generate jobs in rural communities, as well as in peri-urban and urban areas, is demonstrated. Although the evidence presented here is based on simple case studies and should be taken as only indicative, it nevertheless demonstrates the strong potential for even small quantities of milk to generate employment in rural and peri-urban areas.

Mulberry for Animal Production

Mulberry for Animal Production
Author: Manuel D. Sanchez
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 352
Release: 2002
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9789251045688

Mulberry, the feed of silkworm, was one of the first domesticated forages in the world and has been the subject of intensive research over the last few decades. Its intensive cultivation and use specifically for animal production only started during the last two decades. This publication presents a number of articles given at the first electronic conference on mulberry for animal production, held during 2000. This conference was organised in response to the growing interest in the cultivation and use of mulberry to feed various domestic animals. Issues discussed include: germplasm resources in various countries, agronomic aspects, chemical composition, nutritive value and animal performance.

Control of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia – A policy for coordinated actions

Control of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia – A policy for coordinated actions
Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 56
Release: 2019-03-27
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9251313547

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is an insidious disease that lingers in herds, causing significant morbidity and mortality. The policies to address the control and management of CBPP are in disarray at both the national and international levels. There has not been significant improvement in the efficacies of available vaccines or diagnostic assays for several decades. Classic strategies of mass vaccination and strict movement control that once were perceived as successful in rolling back the disease have largely fallen due to high costs, concerns of declining impact and growing public resistance. Officially, treatment with antibiotics is discouraged or prohibited, yet their use is widespread. CBPP is by all means an enigmatic disease, whose control probably requires a new paradigm or out-of-the-box thinking and executing approach. The purpose of this document is to provide an evidence-based policy for the implementation of sound control of CBPP by all stakeholders at all levels – global, regional and national. It describes a road map to CBPP control that is cognizant of the situation on the ground. While not being prescriptive, the document includes examples of combinations of interventions and control measures that should offer the opportunity to improve impact and hence offer better livelihoods to livestock producers.