Using manure as fertilizer for maize could improve sustainability of milk production

This study evaluated the effect of organic or chemical fertilization of maize on cow performance, economic outcomes, and greenhouse gas emission. Each type of maize silage according its different fertilization was used in two rations offered to two different groups of nine Friesian-Holstein cows throughout 4 months. The production cost of the maize silage was 8.8% lower for organic than for chemical fertilization. Both silages had similar nutritive value, except a higher concentration of starch in maize with organic fertilization, which allowed a reduction in the proportion of concentrate in the ration, saving 25.3 eurocents per cow in the daily ration, generating a positive balance of 21.8 eurocents per cow and day. The milk yield and composition were unaffected depending on the type of fertilization, whereas the estimation of CH4 and N2O emissions with chemical fertilization was higher than emissions with organic fertilization. As a result, it is possible to increase the sustainability and profitability of dairy production with reuse and recycling of manure

Recolección de hongos comestibles silvestres en el contexto del pastoreo de alta montaña en la localidad de Agua Blanca en el Nevado de Toluca, México

Objective: Describe the collection of wild edible mushrooms that occurs in the rainy season in Agua Blanca, located in the Area of Protection of Flora and Fauna Nevado de Toluca Design, methodology and approximation: Simple case study with qualitative perspective and ethnomethodological approach. Results: They were detected 57 species of wild edible mushrooms that are collected in the context of high mountain grazing, being the production and management of sheep the main productive and economic activity in which they spend their time, alternating this activity with the mushrooms harvesting in rainy season. Limitations and implications: It is a descriptive and exploratory work that only allows contributing to the documentation of the phenomenon within the study area. Findings and conclusions: Mushroom harvesting is a complementary activity to livestock grazing and an opportunity to obtain extra income that allows families to survive during this season.Objetivo: Describir la recolección de hongos comestibles silvestres que se da en temporada de lluvias en la localidad Agua Blanca, ubicada en el Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna Nevado de Toluca Diseño, metodología y aproximación: Estudio de caso simple con perspectiva cualitativa y aproximación etnometodológica. Resultados: Fueron detectadas 57 especies de hongos comestibles silvestres que se recolectan en el contexto de pastoreo de alta montaña, siendo la producción y manejo de ganado ovino la principal actividad productiva y económica en la que emplean su tiempo, alternando esta actividad con la recolección de hongos en temporada de lluvias. Limitaciones e implicaciones: Se trata de un trabajo descriptivo y exploratorio que sólo permite contribuir a la documentación del fenómeno dentro del área de estudio. Hallazgos y conclusiones: La recolección de hongos es una actividad complementaria al pastoreo del ganado y una oportunidad de obtener ingresos extras que permiten la subsistencia de las familias durante esta temporada

Respuesta productiva y económica del reemplazo parcial de mazorca de maíz quebrado con maíz molido o melaza para vacas de doble propósito

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of partial replacement of cracked maize ears with ground maize (GM) or sugar cane molasses (SCM) in supplements for dual purpose cows. Eighteen (18) multiparous cows (414 ± 13 kg of body weight and 106 ± 32 d in milk) were randomly assigned to the treatments. Treatments were as follows: 1) Control supplement (CS) which consisted of 87% of cracked maize ears (CME), 11% soybean meal, and 2% urea; 2) Ground maize replacing 20% of CME in CS (GMS); 3) Sugar cane molasses replacing 18% of CME in the CS (MOS). Each cow received 5 kg/d of supplement DM, whereas their calves received 1.8 kg/d DM of the CS. The experiment lasted eleven weeks, and data were recorded once at the end of every week. Data were analysed using a linear mixed model as a completely randomized design. Net profit from milk and beef due to supplements were estimated using the partial budget approach. There were no differences (P>0.05) between treatments on milk composition, body conditions score, nor daily weight gain of cows and calves. However, compared to GM, CS shown greater (9.0 %, P0.05) entre los tratamientos sobre la composición de la leche, la condición corporal ni el aumento de peso diario de las vacas y terneros. Sin embargo, en comparación con el MM, el ST mostró mayor (9.0 %, P0.05) en las demás variables de respuesta. Los márgenes combinados de ganancias netas (ventas de leche y terneros), fueron 9 % mayores para el tratamiento con MCA en comparación con el resto de los suplementos

Comparación entre aves (Gallus gallus) de tipo criollo con aves de líneas comerciales bajo condiciones de traspatio en sistemas de producción campesinos del altiplano mexicano

The productivity of criollo (indigenous) chickens versus commercial line chickens in a low zone and high zone in the municipally of San Felipe del Progreso, México, was compared. Live weight gains were estimated by linear regression analysis; the comparison between the two types of birds by zone and between zones by type of birds was carried out by comparison of regression analysis, Morbidity and mortality were analyzed by a Chi square test. In the low zone live weight gains (g/bird/week) were signiflcantly higher (P<0.05) in commercial line chickens (89.37) compared ta criollo chickens (75.16). In the high zone no significant difference was found (P>0.05) between types of birds (80.58 and 72.83). Between zones, by types of bird, the two growth fitted lines were parallel with common regression coefficients, but with higher intercept for the low zone (P<0.05).  Morbidity did not differ significantly between types of birds, but birds in the low zone were less disease susceptible (P<0.05) than birds in the high zone. Morbidity rates were 33.5% and 68.3% in the low and high zone respectively whereas mortality rates were 25.8% and 68%. The present study suggests that the two types of birds are different elements within the systems. Criollo birds are reared as a way of short term investment while commercial chidcens are purchased for long term specific purposes (self consumption and/or sale).  This determines different kinds of rearing by peasemts.

Grazed barley for dairy cows in small-scale systems in the highlands of Mexico

Small-grain cereals with characteristics of hardiness of, such as barley have been evaluated as conserved forage for cows in small-scale dairy systems (SSDSs); but barley may also be grazed due to its regrowth capability after defoliation. The objective was to assess grazing of barley at 59 (B59), 66 (B66) and 73 (B73) days after seeding with milking cows in SSDSs. Twelve Holstein cows were grouped in a randomised 3 × 3 Latin Square design, replicated four times, with 14-day experimental periods. Measurements of animal variables and collection of feed and milk samples took place over the 4 final days of each period. A partial cost analysis was performed including only feeding expenses. The mean net forage accumulation during the experiment was 97.1 kg DM d−1. The botanical composition was affected by secondary vegetation (Mexican aster and wild radish, among others), where barley content was higher in B73 than in B66 and B59 pastures. The contents of dry matter (189–414 g·kg), neutral detergent fibre (NDF; 456–585 g·kg/DM), acid detergent fibre (ADF; 181–265 g·kg/DM) and crude protein (CP; 86–158 g·kg/DM) showed significant (p < 0.05) interactions among periods and pastures. Milk yield (MY) was 6.5% higher for treatment B66 (18.7 kg) in relation to B59 (17.5 kg), with intermediate values for B73 (18.1 kg). Feeding cost per kg milk was significantly lower in treatments B66 than B59 (p < .05), increasing the profit margins. It is concluded that grazed barley is a viable forage option for SSDSs. Initiating grazing of barley at 66 days post-sowing had a better cow performance than grazing at 59 d, with higher margins over feeding costs. The three treatments proved economically viable, with income/feeding costs ratios above 3.00.Highlights Feeding strategies with small grain cereals (barley) represent a feeding alternative for small-scale dairy farmers. The implementation of barley grazing in small-scale milk production systems is an option given the low rainfall. Barley, as a short cycle crop, allows dairy farmers to obtain good quality forage to feed their cows

Desarrollo de la producción de trucha arcoíris (Oncorhynchus mykiss) en el Centro de México

"El objetivo del artículo fue analizar el desarrollo de la producción de trucha arcoíris en México. Se entrevistaron informantes clave y se realizó un análisis de documentos históricos, identificando una etapa de establecimiento y fomento del cultivo, e

Effect of silage from ryegrass intercropped with winter or common vetch for grazing dairy cows in small-scale dairy systems in Mexico

The objective was to determine the effect of including silages of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) intercropped with winter vetch (Vicia villosa) (ARG-VV) or with common vetch (Vicia sativa) (ARG-VS) compared with maize silage (MS) on milk yield and milk composition of dairy cows grazing cultivated perennial ryegrass–white clover pastures with supplemented concentrate during the dry season. Six Holstein dairy cows with a mean yield of 19.0 kg/cow/day at the beginning of the experiment were randomly assigned to a 3×3 repeated Latin square. Treatments were: 8 h/day intensive grazing, 3.6 kg of dry matter (DM) per cow per day of concentrate plus MS, and ARGVV or ARG-VS ad libitum at a stocking rate of 3.0 cows/ha for three experimental periods of 3 weeks each. Milk yield (MY) and milk composition, live weight and body condition score as well as silage and concentrate intakes were recorded during the third week of each experimental period, and pasture intake was estimated indirectly from utilised metabolisable energy. Economic analysis was obtained by preparing partial budgets. There were no statistical differences (P>0.10) in MY, milk fat or protein content nor for live weight, but there was significant difference (P<0.10) in body condition score. There were non-statistical differences in silage DM intake (P<0.11); however, significant differences (P<0.10) were obtained for estimated grazed herbage intake whilst no differences for total DM intake. Slightly higher economic returns (10%) were obtained with ARG-VS over MS, and this was 7% higher than ARG-VV. It is concluded that ARG-VS could be an option for complementing grazing for smallscale dairy production systems in the dry season as it is comparable to MS in animal performance and slightly better in economic terms