Make African grasslands climate-change resilient

Climate change has negatively impacted grassland productivity in Africa. Climate-smart technologies such as forage grass, legume, and herb mixtures could enhance grassland productivity and resilience, offering a sustainable solution for African pasture-based livestock systems. Grasslands (intensive and extensive) are Africa’s dominant land use type, accounting for 44.8% of the total land area, which provides feed for livestock and wild animals. Approximately 70% of people in rural Africa depend on livestock for their livelihoods. As human populations increase, grasslands are increasingly being transformed into arable land and other uses. The remaining grasslands often experience overgrazing due to livestock production, resulting in significant land degradation. This is exacerbated by climate change, with shifting weather patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events (e.g. drought and flooding), the spread of invasive species, and bush encroachment. Consequently, there is a significant reduction in forage quality and quantity, increased livestock disease vulnerability, and mortality rates, threatening regional food security. Given the importance of livestock production to smallholder farmers’ livelihoods in Africa, we believe in adopting sustainable practices that could enhance the productivity of intensively and extensively managed African grasslands for economic, social, and environmental benefits. The Global Farm Platform initiative, a community of collaborative practitioners investigating sustainable ruminant livestock systems around the globe (www.globalfarmplatform.org), highlighted management strategies for sustainable livestock systems. Here, we argue that various forage species mixtures could enhance the sustainability of agricultural grasslands in Africa

Management of stubby root nematodes (Trichodorus and Paratrichodorus spp.), associated with Docking disorder of Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L) using brassica and non-brassica cover crops

This study investigated the impact of utilizing cover crops in the suppression of stubby root nematodes (Trichodorus and Paratrichodorus spp.) — SRN, and the subsequent effects on quality and quantity of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris). The active compounds associated with some of these cover crops were also evaluated for their potential nematicidal/nematostatic effects on SRN in in-vitro assays. Pure Isothiocyanates (ITCs), associated with brassicas, namely 2-phenylethyl (PEITC), allyl (AITC), and sulforaphane (SITC) were tested at different concentrations (1.625, 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 μg ml−1). Effect on nematode mobility was evaluated after 24, 48, and 72 h, and mortality of SRN was assessed after 48 h of incubation in distilled water following ITC treatment. The mortality for all ITCs at all tested concentrations was significantly higher than the controls, distilled water, and 1% DMSO. The concentration and type of ITC had a significant effect on SRN mobility and mortality, while an increase in exposure time did not significantly increase the immobility of SRN. The average 24-hour ED50 (dose resulting in 50% immobility) for SRN were 7, 5, and 44 μgml−1, and the average LD50 (dose resulting in 50% mortality) after 48 h of recovery in distilled water was 7, 11, and 24.3 μgml−1 for PEITC, AITC and SITC, respectively. The efficacy of cover crops under field conditions was tested at three locations in England: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk (site 1) and Docking, Norfolk (site 2) and Tibberton Grange, Shropshire (site 3). Brassica and non-brassica cover crops were tested. The cover crops included Indian mustard (Brassica juncea), oilseed radish (Raphanus sativus), daikon radish (Raphanus sativus subsp.Longipinnatus), grass with endophyte (E+), grass without endophyte (E-) (Festulolium loliaceum), Italian rye grass (Lolium multiflorum), Phacelia (Phacelia tanacefolia), and opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), stubble turnips (B. rapa), strigosa oats (Avena strigosa), clover (Trifolium alexandrinum), vetch (Vicia sativa) and vitality mix. At site 1, plots sown with brassica cover crops, specifically Indian mustard, and oilseed radish, exhibited significantly lower SRN reproduction factor (Rf) (P<0.05) compared to the fallow control and daikon radish. In site 2, plots sown with Italian rye grass, Indian mustard, grass without endophyte (E-), or left fallow and undisturbed had a significantly higher Rf (P<0.05) compared to plots with Phacelia, opium poppy, and disturbed or sterile fallows, while in site 3, clover had significantly higher multiplication rate of SRN compared to all the other cover crops. It was four times higher than the vitality mix, three times than radish and vetch and twice higher than oats and stubble turnips. The vitality mix had the lowest SRN multiplication rate. Results from assessment of sugar beet quantity and quality parameters post cover crops indicated that sugar beet root fanging (%) and root soil tare (%) was significantly lower in cover crops and fallow plots with lower SRN Rf values, such as Phacelia, opium poppy, sterile fallow, and disturbed fallow. Environmental factors like rainfall and soil temperature also significantly impacted SRN densities at different sampling points, where SRN decreased with decreasing rain and increasing soil temperatures. The findings suggest that certain cover crops can impede SRN multiplication, despite SRN's polyphagous nature. Furthermore, factors such as weed occurrence, soil temperature, rainfall, and soil disturbance significantly affect SRN densities under field conditions. Following the observed difference in SRN reproduction between grass with endophyte (E+) and grass without (E-) in the field trial, in-vitro experiments with shoot and root extracts were conducted to test the sensitivity of SRN to the associated compounds. Both E+ and E- extracts obtained from shoots and roots had the ability to immobilise SRN, despite the presence of the endophyte. However, a comparison of the LD50values revealed that the presence of the endophyte significantly impacted the mortality of SRN. The LD50 values of E+ extracts were lower (P<0.05) than E- extracts across all ages. Specifically, the LD50 value for shoot extracts of endophyte grass (E+) was significantly lower at 8 weeks old compared to all other ages, being twice as low as 12 weeks, 11 times lower than 16 weeks, and six times lower than 20 weeks extracts. The LD50 for E+ root extracts at 20 weeks were half that of 12 weeks, although not significantly different from 16 weeks. In contrast, the LD50 values of root extracts from grass without endophyte followed a different pattern, increasing with the age of the grass. The LD50 value for 20-week-old plants was five times higher than that of 12- and 16-week-old plants. No mortality was recorded in the 8-week-old root extracts of both E+ and E- grass. The LD50 values also revealed that root extracts from E+ grass were more potent than those from E- grass, with the LD50 values at 12 weeks being twice as low for E+ compared to E-, and nearly 50 times lower at 20 weeks when compared to E-. Age of the grass significantly affected loline concentration in both shoots and roots, where the concentration increased with increasing age in both shoots and roots. On the other hand, the total flavonoid content (TFC) and total phenol content (TPC) in shoot extracts decreased with age in both E+ and E- grass, with no significant differences recorded between E+ and E- grass. A negative correlation between shoot biomass and TFC (R = -0.94), and between shoot biomass and TPC (R = - 0.67) and root biomass and TPC (R = -0.79) was recorded. Upon bruising and wounding of endophyte grass (E+), the change in composition and total concentration of lolines was recorded. Specifically, NFL, NAL, and NANL were present in the 3, 7, and 11 dpb extracts but absent in the 30 days post bruising (dpb)extracts and the control. Total loline alkaloid content in the shoot extracts at 3, 7, and 11 dpb was significantly higher compared to the 30 dpb extracts and the control unbruised. This translated into lower LD50 values for shoot extracts from regrowth tissue at 3-, 7-, and 11-days post bruising (dpb) when compared to 30 dpb extracts and the control. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated potential of using brassica cover crops and non-brassica cover crops for managing SRN

New strategies for enhancing the value of fibre in modern poultry nutrition

This PhD project aimed to investigate the potential prebiotic effects of natural feed fibres, fibre degrading enzymes and their interactions in diets when fed to Ross 308 broiler chickens. Throughout the duration of this project, three live animal experiments were completed. The first study investigated the impact of wheat bran, xylanase (XYL), xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS), and XYL+XOS on the growth performance, energy and nutrient availability, jejunum histomorphometry and caecal production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in chicks. Feeding the XYL+XOS combination was most efficient at degrading dietary fibre and improving bird production performance. The second experiment studied the efficiency of XYL and XYL+XOS supplementation to diets with low (LV), medium (MV) and high (HV) viscosity, on energy and nutrient availability, gastrointestinal tract development and production performance of broiler chickens. Overall, birds fed LV diet had greater feed efficiency compared to the other treatment groups. The N-corrected apparent metabolisable energy (AMEn) increased in the LV diet when supplemented with XYL and XYL+XOS. In addition, fibre and nutrient retention coefficients were greater for HV diet (P < 0.001) and coincided with better developed caeca in those birds. The third study involved two different sources of XOS, with 2-6 and 2-9 degrees of polymerisation, fed at two levels (50 and 500 g/t), on AMEn, nutrient availability, ileal and caecal SCFA production and production performance of broilers fed XYL supplemented maize-based diets. Compared to the control diet, feeding XOS improved production performance, AMEn and nutrient availability. Feeding 50 g/t of either XOS sources produced a greater concentration of caecal SCFA but did not modulate production performance. In conclusion, feeding XYL and XOS may improve bird performance and nutrient availability regardless of XOS level fed

Subjective Measures of Career Outcomes from National Surveys in the United Kingdom and Australia

This article considers various subjective and qualitative measurements of career outcomes and success found in national-level graduate surveys in the United Kingdom and Australia. It reviews how these measures might add to our broader understanding of career success aligned with social cognitive career theory (Lent et al.,2002) and reflects on the concept of “scarring” (Borland,2020). These considerations help assess the value of measuring subjective and qualitative information on graduate career outcomes and how such insights might inform career and employability services and inclusive and integrated career-focused activities in higher education

Forecasting the performance of alternative sheep production systems grazing perennial pastures

Context: Grazing enterprises employ a range of management strategies in rain-fed Australian sheep production systems, which alters both production potential and profitability. This research used a stochastic whole-farm simulation modelling methodology to assess the impact of six different management regimes on the long-term profitability of a model farm simulated from August 1971 to July 2018. Objective: We aimed to 1) compare the whole farm productivity and economics of the different sheep production systems, 2) identify the factors that were driving the differences between systems, and 3) determine if the profitability and ranking of systems changed in response to different market and environmental conditions. Method: Stochastic simulation whole-farm modelling, combined AusFarm® biophysical simulation data, with forecasted @Risk modelling price time series data. The economic and financial performance of different sheep management systems were assessed using gross margins, cash flows, net present values (NPV), coefficient of variation (CoV) and cash flow modified internal rates of return (MIRR). Results and conclusions: Decisions on the management of sheep system mating times, breed of ram, type of pasture grazed and retention of ewe lambs affected supplementary feeding costs as well as production of wool and meat. Production differences along with variation in prices received explained why the six sheep systems had significantly different economic gross margins and NPVs. The systems also had different risks in achieving economic returns. Higher economic returns were associated with higher risks of variable returns and lower returns with lower risk of variation. The earlier mated (February) and terminal systems did not perform economically as well as the later mated (April) systems, but were more reliable with lower risk. The winter lambing Merino system had the lowest gross margins and NPV, but also the lowest risk CoV and MIRR. Investment in additional lucerne pasture for early summer feed paid off with greater gross margins and NPV, but with highest risk CoV and MIRR that these economic returns may vary. Significance: Modelling incorporating historical long-term price and production risk clarified the complex effects of sheep system management decisions on production and economic returns. The more basic gross margin analysis gave the same ranking of the different sheep production systems as the more complex NPV and MIRR. Potential economic effects and risks of variable returns can be understood by examining past variability in production and prices received (revenues) on gross margins then assessing expected risk of future variability

A Re-evaluation of the Optimal Liver Copper Concentrations for Health, Performance and Fertility of Replacement Holstein–Friesian Heifers

Excessive copper (Cu) supplementation is common on dairy farms worldwide, despite a growing body of research highlighting the risks of over-supplementation, including liver damage, impaired growth, and reduced fertility. However, diagnosing Cu toxicity remains challenging due to the liver’s allostatic regulation of blood Cu levels and debate surrounding toxicity thresholds. This study utilised secondary data from a longitudinal study conducted between September 2016 and September 2018 involving 80 replacement Holstein–Friesian heifers. Data was utilised to generate receiver operating characteristic curves which established liver Cu thresholds associated with suboptimal liver function and fertility. Results indicated that hepatic Cu concentrations exceeding 167 mg/kg of dry matter (DM) were associated with reduced conception rates to first service, while concentrations above 260 mg/kg of DM reduced conception probability to first and second services. Hepatic Cu concentrations exceeding 322 mg/kg of DM were linked to impaired liver function, as evidenced by elevated serum glutamate dehydrogenase activity. In contrast, a toxicity threshold value could not be generated for plasma Cu, underscoring its inadequacy as a biomarker. The fertility thresholds identified in this study may be more closely related to optimizing Cu levels for animal performance rather than indicative of liver Cu toxicity, suggesting the need for further research

Ruminant livestock farmers and industry are leading innovation to deliver human nutrition and improved environmental outcomes through sector lifecycle collaboration: a review of case studies

Implications Well-managed systems like adaptive grazing and silvopasture enhance soil health, biodiversity, and water retention while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Intensive feeding practices, from supplementation to feedlots, increase meat production and manage emissions effectively through controlled feeding and manure strategies. Combining sustainable grazing with intensive systems balances land use, nutrition, and emissions reduction, addressing global food demand. Livestock’s up-cycling efficiency converts inedible grasses and by-products into nutrient-dense food, critical for food security. Farmers and industry leaders, through innovation and life-cycle analysis, use data-driven decisions to optimize sustainability, showcasing livestock’s essential role in achieving environmental and nutritional goals in agriculture

Towards Equity? Advancing Rural Consideration in Flood Risk Management

Flood risk management (FRM) in England and Wales predominantly follows a utilitarian approach guided by cost–benefit analysis, with a corresponding focus on urban areas. This approach has been criticised for being unjust, as it neglects vulnerabilities that cannot be readily monetised, resulting in some of the most vulnerable flood-affected communities being excluded from FRM provision. This issue is especially pronounced in rural areas. Ironically, rural communities are often overlooked despite many contributing to the protection of urban settlements. In response to increasing research on social injustices in FRM and policy calls for more equitable approaches, greater consideration of rural flooding is required. Using the River Severn catchment as a case study, this paper employs a questionnaire survey of 176 rural residents to gather perspectives on their engagement with FRM agencies. Their responses were then discussed with FRM organisations active in the region through interviews. The combined perspectives of rural communities and FRM organisations reveal challenges and opportunities for achieving just consideration of rural areas in FRM. The findings emphasise the need for a more inclusive approach to FRM in the River Severn catchment and offer valuable lessons for other rural areas in the United Kingdom and beyond

Factors influencing mycotoxin production in grass silage, and their effects on rumen metabolism and the microbiome in dairy cows

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites that can contaminate agricultural crops and forages (Eskola et al., 2020; Pusztahelyi et al., 2015) and are mainly synthesised by Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi, with harmful effects on humans and animals (Hussein and Brasel, 2001; Zain, 2011). Maize silage has been a focus of mycotoxin research as a matter of animal and public health, due to the acute toxicity of aflatoxin B1, and the potential carryover of this metabolite into milk (Min et al., 2021). In Great Britain, however, a considerable proportion of grass silage is produced for feeding dairy cows (Franco et al., 2021), where its mycotoxin profile has been understudied, and little is known of the effect on the rumen microbiome and metabolism. Previous studies identified mycotoxins of often Penicillium associated origin are dominant in grass silages, with non European Union (EU) regulated mycotoxins such as mycophenolic acid (MPA), present (O’Brien, 2010; Schneweis et al., 2000; Tangni et al., 2013). Most non-regulated grass silage mycotoxins identified to date, can elicit antibacterial and antifungal effects and even immunosuppressive effects (i.e. MPA (Heischmann et al., 2017)), that may lead to rumen dysbiosis and poorer dairy cow performance (Fink-Gremmels, 2008). Moreover, no correlation has been found between the presence of visible mould in silages and level of mycotoxin contamination (Manni et al., 2022), which could mean cows are exposed, unbeknownst to the farmer. This thesis details a range of studies with the following aims: 1) to identify grass silage mycotoxins in Great Britain, 2) to elucidate effects of silage fermentation and management on mycotoxin production, 3) to understand the effect of grass silage mycotoxins on rumen fermentation, and also, 4) on the rumen microbiome, and dairy cow performance. The findings of this thesis support that grass silage mycotoxin synthesis is influenced by fermentation parameters such as dry matter content, lactic acid and acetic acid concentration as well as management such as minimising oxygen proliferation through the clamp at opening. British grass silages often contain non EU regulated mycotoxins such as penicillic and fusaric acid that demonstrate the ability to alter rumen volatile fatty acid production, when in combination with other mycotoxins, at levels observed naturally synthesised on farm. Relative abundance of species of Succiniclasticum, Methanobrevibacter and Prevotella were impacted by the inclusion of MPA in the diet of dairy cows, with the potential to impact rumen function and animal performance, if fed for a prolonged duration. It highlights the necessity for regular mycotoxin testing on farm and for the EU Food and Safety Authority to consider synergistic mycotoxin combinations when deciding on guidance values in order to minimise impacts on the health and performance of cows in the British dairy industry

Undergraduate student attitudes towards animal welfare science: An investigation to inform teaching approaches

Abstract The study of animal welfare is essential for undergraduates seeking to pursue careers with animals, yet pedagogical research on this topic is limited. While animal welfare is an accepted (albeit relatively new) scientific discipline, student views on animal welfare as a science require further exploration. This article reports the findings from a mixed-methods action research project undertaken at Harper Adams University (HAU) in the UK. Undergraduate student questionnaire responses (n = 123) revealed key attitudinal constructs related to animal welfare, and relationships to demographic factors. Students overwhelmingly defined animal welfare in terms of health; however, rural (compared to urban) students more often perceived ‘naturalness’ as important in the maintenance of good welfare. Notions of what constitutes good animal welfare appeared to be mediated by prospective career paths. For instance, veterinary nursing students were more likely to define animal welfare based upon resource-based measures and appropriate treatment of animals, which may link to their future role in educating clients on these topics. Finally, student attitudes toward animal welfare science revealed deeper epistemological views on the meaning of ‘science’. That is, natural sciences were seen as trustworthy; students invoked the Scientific Method and disciplines such as neurobiology to bring credence to animal welfare science. Conversely, aspects of animal welfare addressed by the social sciences were dismissed as unscientific. Based on these results, recommendations for action are proposed, which include further research into the attitudes of educators, strategies for engaging with dissatisfied student groups, and elevating the social sciences within animal welfare curricula