Lifetime under-nutrition and lactation performance of Zebu and Zebu x Holstein cows in the tropics

Insufficient feed supply is a major limiting factor for milk production in the tropics. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of feeding level on live-weight and performance of Zebu (Boran) and crossbred (Boran × Holstein, 50–75% Holstein) lactating cows. Twenty-four heifers of each breed 20 to 36 months of age were allocated to three feeding levels (1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 times of maintenance energy requirements) until the end of the second lactation. The results of the two lactations are reported here. The diet consisted of grass hay and wheat bran in a ratio 2:1. A mineral block and water were given ad libitum. In both lactations, increasing feeding level resulted in higher daily milk yields by cross- bred but not by Zebu cows. Milk composition was not affected by level of nutrition. How- ever, the milk of Zebu cows contained more fat, protein and solids than that of crossbred cows. Average live-weights during lactation increased with feeding level in both breeds but the response was higher in crossbred cows. However, the effect of feeding level on weight changes during the lactation was not significant. Lactation length significantly differed between genotypes. Zebu cows ceased producing milk at less than 250 days after calving whereas crossbred cows had more than 300 days of lactation. The calving interval did not differ between genotypes. Compared to the first lactation, live-weight and milk yield were maintained and lactation length slightly decreased in the second lactation. These results suggest that the response to increased feeding level of crossbred cows is higher than that of Zebu cows. Therefore, crossbreds would be an appropriate option in those areas where more and better quality feed can be produced and with access to milk markets

Long-term response to feeding level in lactational performance of Boran (Bos indicus) and Boran X Holstein cows

In an experiment lasting from 1.5 years before, first calving until third parturition, 24 purebred indigenous Bos indicus (Boran) cows and 24 Boran crosses will; Holstein (proportionately 0.50 and 0 75 Holstein blood level) were given a diet composed of Bermuda grass hay and wheat bran (0 65: 0 35) offered at low, medium and high level. This level was adapted in amount to actual body weight every 2nd week corresponding to assumed 1 0, 1 2 and 1 4 times maintenance energy requirements. Cows were subjected to working exercise before and after first parturition. Body weight differences (lower with low and medium feeding level) developed mostly before calving for the first time and showed the typical decline at the start of lactation and increase in the dry period. Additionally, Boran cows given the high level increased their body weight from the first to the second lactation cycle. Body condition scores were higher in the Boran cows and, in both genotypes, with high feeding level. Independent of feeding level and genotype, calving intervals in cycles 1 and 2 were 530 and 421 days, respectively. Lactation length was considerably shorter in the Boran cows than in the crossbred cows. Milk yield, calculated over the first 13 weeks of lactation and over the whole lactation in both cycles, was 2.06 and 3.06 times higher in the crossbreds than in the Boran. Milk of Boran cows had 1 30, 1.15 and 1 20 times higher contents of fat, total solids and protein. In the first 13 weeks of lactation, milk yield of crossbreds with high feeding level (8 7 kg/day) was higher (P < 0 05) than that of the crossbreds with medium (6 5 kg/day) and low feeding level (5 4 kg/day), respectively. Boran cows never showed a significant response in milk yield to feeding level. Accordingly, the amount of organic matter intake required per kg milk increased with feeding level in the Boran cows while it remained unaffected in the crossbreds. Organic matter digestibility, as measured in lactation cycle 1, was higher (P < 0 Ol) in Boran. Response to high feeding level and estimated maintenance requirements of crossbred cows corresponded with current assumptions, but crossbreds subjected to medium feeding level expressed unexpectedly little difference from those receiving the low level. It seems that current recommendations are not generally applicable to indigenous tropical breeds as these responded differently from crossbreds to feeding level

Addressing tobacco in Australian alcohol and other drug treatment settings: A cross-sectional survey of staff attitudes and perceived barriers

© 2017 The Author(s). Background: Within alcohol and other drug (AOD) services, staff attitudes and beliefs are important influences determining provision of smoking cessation care. This study of AOD staff aimed to examine: a) current attitudes toward smoking cessation care; b) service and staff characteristics associated with unsupportive smoking cessation care attitudes, and c) perceived barriers to providing smoking cessation care. Methods: Between July-October 2014, 506 staff from 31 Australian AOD services completed an online cross-sectional survey which assessed agreement with 6 attitudinal statements (supportive and unsupportive) and 10 perceived barriers to smoking cessation care in the AOD setting. Logistic regressions examined service (sector) and staff (age, gender, smoking status and number of years in AOD field) characteristics associated with unsupportive smoking cessation care attitudes. Results: A large proportion agreed with supportive statements: Smoking cessation care should be part of usual care (87%), smoking cessation care is as important as counselling about other drugs (72%) and staff have the organisational support to provide smoking cessation care (58%). Some respondents agreed with unsupportive statements: AOD clients are not interested in addressing their smoking (40%), increasing smoking restrictions would lead to client aggression (23%), smoking is a personal choice and it is not the service's role to interfere (16%). Respondents from non-government managed services, current tobacco smokers (compared to ex-smokers) and those with less AOD experience had higher odds of agreeing with unsupportive smoking cessation care statements. The most frequently identified barriers to providing smoking cessation care were: client inability to afford cessation medicines, insufficient funding and lack of a coordinated treatment approach (all 61%). Conclusions: Overall, staff hold largely supportive smoking cessation care attitudes but perceive a large number of barriers to providing smoking cessation care

Is it possible to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in pastoral ecosystems of the tropics?

Climate change science has been discussed and synthesized by the world's best minds at unprecedented scales. Now that the Kyoto Protocol may become a reality, it is time to be realistic about the likelihood of success of mitigation activities. Pastoral lands in the tropics hold tremendous sequestration potential but also strong challenges to potential mitigation efforts. Here we present new analyses of the global distribution of pastoral systems in the tropics and the changes they will likely undergo in the next 50 years. We then briefly summarize current mitigation options for these lands. We then conclude by attempting a pragmatic look at the realities of mitigation. Mitigation activities have the greatest chance of success if they build on traditional pastoral institutions and knowledge (excellent communication, strong understanding of ecosystem goods and services) and provide pastoral people with food security benefits at the same time