Proposal of environmental indicators of sustainability for ruminant pastoral production system

Este artículo es la continuación de un estudio previo presentado por los autores en el Seminario FAO-CIEHAM (Organización para la Agricultura y la Alimentación- Centro Internacional de Altos Estudios Agronómicos Mediterráneos) celebrado en Sevilla, España, en 2005, en el cual se realizó un análisis preliminar acerca del uso de los indicadores de la FAO-CIEHAM para evaluar la sustentabilidad de granjas con pequeños rumiantes. El artículo que se presenta ofrece una lista de 48 indicadores ambientales genéricos, adaptada a las granjas con pequeños rumiantes con relación a ocho aspectos: prácticas agrícolas, suelo, agua, paisaje, energía, residuos, bienestar animal y biodiversidad. Se necesita trabajo adicional para completar y perfeccionar esta lista, la cual se ha obtenido a partir de la consulta a expertos y de una revisión de metodologías existentes.This paper is the continuation of a previous study presented by the authors in the FAO-CIEHAM (Food and Agriculture OrganizationInternational Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies) seminar in Seville in 2005, in which, a preliminary analysis was made of the use of FAO-CIHEAM indicators to evaluate sustainability of small ruminant farms. The paper presented provides a list of 48 generic environmental indicators adapted to small ruminant farms with respect to eight aspects: agricultural practices, soil, water, landscape, energy, residues, animal welfare, and biodiversity. Further work is necessary to complete and perfect this list which has been obtained from a review of methodologi

Evaporative Mist Cooling as Heat Dissipation Technique: Experimental Assessment and Modelling

The severity of extreme weather conditions brought on by climate change are conditioning quality of life, economic development, and well-being in today’s cities. Conventional measures have been shown to be insu cient for tackling climate change and must be supplemented with ecofriendly approaches. Hence, the scientific community’s endeavor to develop natural cooling techniques that lower energy consumption while delivering satisfactory comfort levels. For its simplicity and low cost, evaporative cooling has gained in popularity in recent years. The substantial cooling power to be drawn from evaporative mist cooling, makes it an attractive alternative to conventional systems. Research conducted to date on the technique has focused on producing cold air, whilst cooling the water involved has been neither assessed nor experimentally validated. No readily applicable simplified model for the system able to use operating parameters as input variables has been defined either. The present study consequently aimed to experimentally assess the cooling power of the evaporation of sprayed water and experimentally validate a simplified model to assess and design such systems. The findings confirmed the cooling power of the technique, with declines in water temperature of up to 6 C, and with it the promise a orded by this natural air conditioning method. Finally, simplified model developed allows to evaluate this technique like a conventional system for producing fresh water.Urban Innovation Actions by the CartujaQanat UIA03-30

Social indicators for evaluating sustainability of goat livestock farms: methodological approach

Currently, sustainability is an objective for any economic activity or development process. Many studies with theoretical reflections relating to the concept of sustainability exist, but few methodological contributions adequately quantify and evaluate the level of sustainability of agraricultural systems, specifically with respect to small ruminant. The level of sustainability of these systems should be estimated taking into account not only economic and environmental aspects, but also social ones. Despite its importance to the functioning of agraricultural systems, the social dimension has been little addressed, and is frequently ignored in studies of this nature. Then, the objective of this study is to carry out methodological reflections based on identification and quantification of social indicators applied to goat livestock farms. Furthermore, this study forms part of a broader comparative study on sustainable development of animal systems in Andalusia (Spain) and Chiapas (Mexico), in which economic, environmental, and social indicators are used in an integrated manner. The methodology used to obtain indicators is based on the authors´ knowledge of the functioning of goat livestock systems, focus groups and opinions of experts in the field, and revision of the available bibliography. As a result of the study, we propose a group of indicators made up of several variables based on the logical-mathematical principals of different scales of measurement as well as on multicriteria analysis. The social indicators proposed refer to several themes: i) multi-functionality; ii) membership in professional associations; iii) implication for local life; iv) social well-being (quality of life, especially that related to work); and v) continuity of the goats livestock activity

Evaluación de la proximidad de sistemas ovinos de la raza Segureña a un modelo de producción agroecológico

La sociedad europea demanda cada vez más que la producción de alimentos sea respetuosa con el medio ambiente, cuidando además su calidad nutritiva. Muchos de los sistemas pastorales de pequeños rumiantes presentes en España cumplen con la mayoría de los criterios de sostenibilidad. Los sistemas de la raza Segureña se basan en un modelo pastoral en una de las zonas más desfavorecidas del territorio español. Con el presente trabajo se pretende valorar la cercanía que dichos sistemas tienen a un modelo agroecológico optimizado. Los resultados muestran un valor de cercanía o proximidad del 64,4%, pudiendo este valor aumentar realizando algunas modificaciones funcionales o de manejo. El manejo alimentario es el aspecto que tiene una mayor proximidad, en cambio los factores relacionados con la sanidad son los que presentan menores valores de proximidad. Potenciar los aspectos agroecológicos que favorezcan la sostenibilidad a través de criterios que sean fácilmente comprensibles por los consumidores, mejora las posibilidades de comercialización de los productos de estos sistemas en nichos de mercado especializados

Caracterización y propuesta técnica de la acuacultura en la zona de quijos, provincia de Napo

Belonging to the province of Napo, Quijos canton is located in the middle of the Sierra and Amazon regions of our country, this strategic location makes the paradise site an attractive addition aquaculture activities specifically to develop the culture of Rainbow Trout (Onchorichus Mykiss). As we´ve seen through the routes to that site, in the last decade the community has been dedicated to small-scale production of such species, which has contributed to the daily livelihood of many in the sector, but due to the limited training this activity has not developed as it could and indeed is wasting the existing installed capacity. Found 8 fish farm of which are 6 products that contribute to 44 lb/m2. Of annual production, they also offer a research and production development class called CENIAC (Centro Nacional de Investigación Acuícola), located in Papallacta. Of course population growth is generating jobs and lack of income which leads to the search for news sources and this particular case the optimization of current resources to help improve the quality of life for members of the community involved

Appraisal of the conversion possibilities of pastoral meat sheep systems to the organic production model

In the Mediterranean Basin, sheep meat production systems are based on grazing, and help to conserve biodiversity, mitigate the greenhouse gases emissions and maintain the population in rural areas. However, the lack of differentiation of pastoral systems, as opposed to the intensive model, puts its continuity at risk. In this sense, organic farming can be an alternative to sustain extensive sheep-cereal production systems in marginal Mediterranean drylands. The aim of this research was to evaluate the conversion possibilities of pastoral meat sheep production systems to the organic production model in the Mediterranean Basin, working with the autochthonous Segureña breed sheep. 46 farms were studied, classified into four clusters by mean of multivari ate analysis. In order to determine the degree to which farms approached the organic model, 60 variables, grouped into nine indicators were analyzed to obtain an Organic Conversion Index (OCI). The Nutritional management indicator has a high value of approaching the organic model, as well as Animal welfare and Food safety. Marketing and business management, Breeds and reproduction, Weed and pest control and Sustainable pasture management indicators also reach a good approximation level. Only the Breeds and reproduction indicator presented values with significant differences between clusters. The average value of the OCI for the 46 farms ranges from 63 to 70%, and therefore it can be concluded that extensive meat sheep herds in the region are close to this production model. Among the recommendations that can be made to improve the conversion possibilities to the organic model are: (i) to increase own fodder production or find a way to obtain it easily and economically; (ii) to complete the plant−soil−animal cycle, (iii) to seek greater marketing autonomy and (iv) to achieve closer contact with the final consumer. At the same time, government policy both in Spain and other parts of Europe should persevere to find more ways to support the progress of this type of pro duction, in an effort to address limitations and overcome the lack of alternative markets

Proximity to the organic model of dairy goat systems in the Andalusian mountains (Spain)

Interest is growing in promoting sustainable animal production systems because of their healthy relation to the natural environment. Ecological systems stand out, as they pay special attention to preserving natural resources, promoting biodiversity, guaranteeing animal well-being, and obtaining healthy products from raw materials and natural processes. The objective of this study is to evaluate proximity to the ecological model of dairy goat systems in mountainous areas of Andalusia, Spain. Furthermore, those aspects which could be improved in order to convert these farms into ecological systems were analyzed. A questionnaire was designed for the farms, including 53 variables integrated into 10 indicators. Twenty three farms were surveyed (5 meat farms and 18 milk farms), of which 6 (2 meat and 4 milk) are certified in ecological production. The ecological farms show an 81% fit with the agroecological model for animal production, and the conventional farms show a 55% fit. Principal actions which should be carried out in order to adapt conventional Andalusia mountain systems to the ecological model are: (i) diminishing outside dependence on concentrated feed, (ii) improving quality of natural grasses and optimizing their use by the animals, (iii) adapting animal productive level to environmental carrying capacity, (iv) observing strict sanitary conditions of the facility and equipment, using products permitted by ecological goat farm regulations, (v) improving farmer training, particularly in relation to management, and (vi) promoting direct marketing channels and farmer participation in value added of processed goat products

PROXIMIDAD AL MODELO ORG�NICO DE SISTEMAS CAPRINOS LECHEROS DE �REAS DE SIERRA DE ANDALUC�A (ESPAÑA)

Because of their healthy relation to the natural environment there is a growing interest in promoting sustainable animal production systems. Organic systems stand out, as they pay special attention to preserving natural resources, promoting biodiversity, guaranteeing animal well-being, and obtaining healthy products from raw materials and natural processes. The objective of this study is to evaluate proximity to the organic model of dairy goat systems in mountainous areas of Andalusia, Spain. Furthermore, those aspects which could be improved in order to convert these farms into organic systems were analyzed. A questionnaire was designed for the farms, including 53 variables integrated into 10 indicators. Twenty three farms were surveyed (5 meat farms and 18 milk farms), of which 6 (2 meat and 4 milk) are certified in organic production. The organic farms show an 81% fit with the agroecological model for animal production, and the conventional farms show a 55% fit. Principal actions which should be carried out in order to adapt conventional Andalusia mountain systems to the organic model are: (i) diminishing outside dependence on concentrated feed, (ii) improving quality of natural grasses and optimizing their use by the animals, (iii) adapting animal productive level to environmental carrying capacity, (iv) observing strict sanitary conditions of the facility and equipment, using products permitted by organic goat farm regulations, (v) improving farmer training, particularly in relation to management, and (vi) promoting direct marketing channels and farmer participation in value added of processed goat products

Kaposiform lymphangiomatosis: a case report and literature review

La linfangiomatosis es una patología benigna, de etiología desconocida, que afecta especialmente a población pediátrica, caracterizándose por desarrollo de masas subcutáneas que involucran uno o más órganos. Cuando se asocia con coagulopatía y derrames quilosos, recibe el nombre de linfangiomatosis kaposiforme (LK), cuya evidencia disponible es escasa. El objetivo de este manuscrito es reportar un caso de LK pediátrico atendido en el Instituto del Cáncer SOLCA, Cuenca, Ecuador. Paciente femenina de 1 año 7 meses, con hernia inguinal bilaterales y alteración de los tiempos de coagulación. En los estudios de imagen se evidenció una masa mediastínica asociada a presencia de líquido en espacio pleural y cavidad abdomino-pélvica. Además, se evidenció la existencia de múltiples imágenes hipogénicas en el bazo. Se practicó timectomía mínima, toma de biopsia de linfonodos mediastínicos para establecer el diagnóstico, y se instaló un dren en el tórax para tratar el derrame pleural antes señalado. Se descartaron patologías similares (linfomas, lupus, inmunológicas, etc.). Dado el continúo deterioro respiratorio, coagulopatía, lesiones hipogénicas esplénicas y drenaje abundante del quilotórax por el tubo torácico, se planteó el diagnóstico de LK. Se inició apoyo nutricional vía parenteral (sin lípidos); se indicó vincristina, y se realizó una pleurodesis con bleomicina sin buena respuesta. La paciente falleció a los 16 días de su ingreso. Se trata de un caso de mal pronóstico, con evolución rápidamente progresiva hacia un desenlace fatalLymphangiomatosis is a benign pathology, of unknown etiology. Affects especially to pediatric population and is characterized by development of subcutaneous masses that involve one or more organs. When it presents with coagulopathy and chylous effusions, it is called kaposiform lymphangiomatosis (KL). The available evidence of KL is scarce. The objective of this manuscript was to report a case of pediatric KL treated at SOLCA Cancer Institute, Cuenca, Ecuador. Female patient of 1 year and 7 months age. She had a bilateral inguinal hernia and altered coagulation times. Imaging studies revealed a mediastinal mass associated with fluid in the pleural space and in the abdominal-pelvic cavity. Furthermore, the existence of multiple hypogenic images in the spleen was evidenced. Minimal thymectomy, biopsy of mediastinal lymph nodes was performed to establish the diagnosis, and a drain was installed in the chest to treat the aforementioned pleural effusion. Other pathologies like lymphomas, lupus, etc. were ruled out. Given the continuous respiratory deterioration, coagulopathy, splenic hypogenic lesions and abundant drainage of the chylothorax through the chest tube, the diagnosis of KL was raised. Parenteral nutrition (lipid-free) was started; Vincristine was indicated, and a pleurodesis with bleomycin was performed without a good response. The patient died 16 days after her admission. It is a case of very bad prognosis, with a rapidly progressive evolution towards a fatal outcome