Caracterización de los sistemas de producción familiar ovina en la Mixteca Oaxaqueña, México

Family sheep production is common in rural Mexico. It is an important element of subsistence systems in these areas but is generally rustic. Better understanding of rustic sheep production is a first step in developing strategies and programs to support family producers. Family sheep production units in two municipalities in the Mixteca region of Oaxaca, Mexico, were characterized in terms of production system, market access and land use. A mixed methodology was applied, employing a structured questionnaire addressing socioeconomic and productive variables, and participatory observation in 29 family sheep producers. All the surveyed producers see sheep farming as their main income source. Most (86 %) use a subsistence system, and all use family labor. The main feeding strategy was grazing of communal land, and production was largely intended for sale of live animals to intermediaries or in local markets for eventual processing for meat, and/or for self-use. Most (83 %) of the production units included a pen built from regional materials, and these pens were most frequently on the family property. Implementation of management plans and animal health and safety measures were minimal. Analysis of these productive systems identified how producers manage sheep production. Management strategies respond to the environmental services available on communal lands, and involve family-type production which fulfills economic, social, environmental and cultural functions, but provides low productivity. Unit productivity and producer livelihood could be improved by implementing measures such as pasture rotation and adopting technological innovations. Broadening producer access to government programs and creating public policy that promotes development in marginal rural areas could greatly improve productivity and consequently reduce poverty and food insecurity.El objetivo fue analizar las características de las unidades de producción familiar ovina de dos municipios de la Mixteca Oaxaqueña teniendo como referencia el sistema de producción, acceso al mercado y el uso del territorio. Se usó una metodología mixta, empleando un cuestionario estructurado donde se analizaron variables de carácter socioeconómico y productivo; y observación participativa en 29 ovinocultores familiares. Los resultados señalan que el 100 % de los productores ven a la ovinocultura como principal fuente de ingresos, 86 % produce bajo un sistema de subsistencia, 100 % emplea la mano de obra familiar, la estrategia alimentaria principal es el pastoreo debido a las características del territorio y el tipo de tenencia de la tierra comunal en un 90 %, la función zootécnica es producción de carne destinada al comercio local y autoconsumo, 83 % de los productores cuentan con corral de encierro construido con material de la región, 86.7 % de los productores mantienen su corral dentro del predio familiar, se aplican escasas medidas de manejo y sanitarias. El análisis de los sistemas productivos permitió identificar formas de gestión de su producción la cual está ligada a los servicios dentro de su territorio, desarrollando una producción de tipo familiar que cumple con funciones económicas, sociales, ambientales y culturales, sin embargo, se cuenta con una baja productividad. Por lo cual, se considera necesario la adopción de tecnología e innovación a través de estrategias y políticas públicas que impulsen el desarrollo rural en zonas marginales tendientes a disminuir el nivel de pobreza e inseguridad alimentaria

Health status and productivity of sheep fed coffee pulp during fattening

The objective of this study was to evaluate the productivity and health of fattening lambs fed different levels of coffee pulp in their diets. Thirty-five crossbred lambs with an average weight of 21.8 kg were fed isoproteic and isoenergetic diets with different percentages of coffee pulp (T0: control; T1: 7%; T2: 14%, T3: 21% and T4: 28%), the base diet was formulated with corn, soybean meal, alfalfa stubble, molasses, urea and mineral salt. The fattening period was 98 days. Productivity was measured by weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion. At the beginning and end of the study, blood samples were taken to determine the health status using a biochemical profile and blood count. Analysis of variance was performed using the initial weight as the covariate for the productive variables and the initial values of the analytes in the blood chemistry and hematological analysis tests. The coffee pulp did not affect productivity, although the amount of neutrophils decreased (P<0.05) as the coffee pulp in the diet increased. In all treatments, urea exceeded the reference values, whereas creatinine was below the reference values. We concluded that the inclusion of up to 28% coffee pulp in the diet did not affect the productive parameters, decreases the neutrophil count without affect health status of lambs during fattening

Stability of milk from dual purpose cows with different types of feeding

Objective: to determinate stability of alcohol-proof milk in cows with different feeding strategy in tropical dairy system. Design/methodology/approach: Ten cows crosses Holstein x Zebu with high frequency to alcohol-positive milk were housed in individual pens and distributed into two groups. Experiment 1. T1: cows were fed dry Pangola (Digitaria eriantha) grass; T2: cows were fed green Maralfalfa (Pennisetum violaceum) grass. Forage was provided at libitum. Experiment 2. T1 cows were supplemented with a higher crude protein percentage and metabolizable energy concentrated than T2, this was gradually increased to 4 kg. Milk was subjected to alcohol test. Analysis of variance was performed under categorical data models. Results: Higher percentages of alcohol positive test cases were observed in cows fed with dry grass than those fed with green grass (P<0.05). Addition of concentrate to dry or green forage diets reduced the positive percentage cases. Implications: A balanced diet improves milk stability. Findings/conclusions: The improvement in the nutritional contribution of the cows decrease the percentage of alcohol-positive test.Objective: To establish milk stability using the alcohol test in cows with different feeding strategies in the tropical dairy system. Design/methodology/approach: Ten crossbred Holstein x Zebu cows whose milk frequently tested positive to the alcohol test were housed in individual yards and distributed into two groups. Experiment 1. T1: cows consumed dry Pangola grass (Digitaria eriantha); T2: cows consumed green Maralfalfa grass (Pennisetum violaceum). Forage was provided ad libitum. Experiment 2. T1 cows were supplemented with a concentrate with higher crude protein and metabolizable energy percentage than T2 cows; this percentage was gradually increased up to 4.0 kg. Milk was subjected to alcohol testing. Variance analyzes were performed under categorical data models. Results: Higher percentages of cases that tested positive for alcohol were observed in cows that consumed dry grass than in cows that consumed green grass (P<0.05). The concentrate addition to diets based on dry or green forage reduced the positive case percentage. Implications: A balanced diet improves milk stability. Findings/conclusions: The improvement in the cows’ nutritional value decreases the percentage of milk with positive results in the alcohol test

Rendimiento y características organolépticas del queso fresco elaborado con leche positiva a la prueba del alcohol

Objective: To determine yield and organoleptic characteristics from cheese made with positive milk to alcohol test. Design/methodology: Fresh milk was used from cows’ crosses of Brahman x American Brown Swiss, which were maintained in grazing. Eleven judges with semi-trained category were selected. The sensorial analysis was made using triangular, two of five, acceptance, flavor and texture profiles tests. In the taste and texture profiles, a ten-centimeter line was used to indicate intensity. Acceptance test was made with fifty untrained consumers. Data obtained were subjected to an analysis of variance, with the positive or negative response of milk to the alcohol test as the fixed effect; a difference between averages was determined by Tukey's test (P?0.05). Results: Cheese made with Positive Milk to Alcohol, presented less consumer acceptance (P?0.05), a higher intensity of hardness, porosity and a lower residual taste (P?0.05). Limitations on study/implications: Alcohol test is variable, so it is necessary to do the test daily to separate the milk. Finding/conclusion: Cheese made from positive milk to alcohol test has less consumer acceptance due to its organoleptic characteristics.Objetivo: Determinar el rendimiento y las características sensoriales de quesos frescos elaborados con leche Positiva a la Prueba del Alcohol. Diseño/metodología: Se utilizó leche fresca proveniente de vacas cruzas de Brahman x Suizo Pardo Americano, las cuales se mantuvieron en pastoreo. Se seleccionaron once jueces con categoría de semientrenados. En el análisis sensorial se utilizaron las pruebas, triangular, dos de cinco, de aceptación, perfil de textura y perfil de sabor. En los perfiles de sabor y textura se utilizó una línea de 10 cm para señalar la intensidad. La prueba de aceptación se realizó a 50 consumidores sin entrenamiento. Los datos obtenidos se sometieron a un análisis de varianza, el efecto fijo y la respuesta positiva o negativa de la leche a la prueba del alcohol; la diferencia entre promedios se determinó con la prueba de Tukey (P? 0.05). Resultados: Se observó que el queso elaborado con leche Positiva a la Prueba del Alcohol presenta una menor aceptación (P?0.05), mayor intensidad de dureza y porosidad y un menor sabor residual (P?0.05). Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: El resultado a la prueba del alcohol es variable, por lo que es necesario hacer la prueba diariamente para separar la leche. Hallazgo/conclusión: El queso elaborado con leche positiva a la prueba del alcohol tiene menor aceptación por el consumidor debido a sus características organolépticas

Genetic Characterization of a Sheep Population in Oaxaca, Mexico: The Chocholteca Creole

Creole sheep in México have undergone crossbreeding, provoking the loss of genetic variability. The objective of the present study is to determine the intra-racial genetic diversity, the genetic relationship with other genotypes, and the populational substructure of the Oaxacan Creole sheep. Twenty-nine blood samples were obtained of Creole sheep of the Oaxaca Mixteca region in México. A genetic analysis was made with 41 microsatellites recommended for studies of genetic diversity in sheep. An analysis was made of genetic diversity, populational structure, and genetic distance with 27 other sheep populations. The study found 205 alleles with a range of 2 to 9 by locus and an effective number of 3.33. The intra-racial analysis showed a moderate genetic diversity with values of expected heterozygosity of 0.686 and observed of 0.756, a mean polymorphic information content of 0.609, and a mean coefficient of consanguinity of −0.002. In interracial genetic diversity for the coefficients of consanguinity, the values were FIS = 0.0774, FIT = 0.16993, and FST = 0.10028, showing an elevated genetic distance with other creole breeds, but close to Argentine Creole, to another Creole of México and the Spanish Merino. Its genetic structure showed that it does not have any populational subdivision nor mixes with the others analyzed. It is concluded that it is a distinct and isolated population and is proposed as the creole breed “Chocholteca” for its conservation

Effect of sunflower oil (Helianthus annuus) in ruminal fermentation in vitro and emission of gases

Objective: The production of total gas, methane (CH4) and in vitro fermentative variables in diets for sheep with 1 and 2 % sunflower oil were evaluated. Design/Methodology/Approach: Serological vials with 0.5 g of treatment and 50 ml of culture medium were incubated at 39 °C for 24, 48 and 72 h. The production of total gas, CH4, and degradation of dry matter (DEGDM), neutral detergent fiber (DEGNDF), acid (DEGADF), production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH3) were estimated. . The experimental design was completely randomized. Results: Total gas production at 48 and 72 h increased (p < 0.05) and at 24 h decreased (p < 0.05) as the oil increased. CH4 production at 24 and 48 h did not present differences (p > 0.05); a linear decrease (p < 0.05) was quantified at 72 h. DEGDM increased (p < 0.05) at 24 and 48 h and decreased (p < 0.05) at 72 h. DEGNDF and DEGADF increased (p < 0.05) at 48 h. Butyric acid content and N-NH3 decreased (p < 0.05) at 48 h. Study Limitation/Implications: An inclusion greater than 2 % of sunflower oil in the diet can reduce the degradability of the food and the microbial protein. Findings/Conclusions: The inclusion of up to 2% of sunflower oil in diets for lambs does not affect the degradation of fibers and is an alternative to reduce the methane emitted into the environment

Respuesta reproductiva, metabólica y cambios corporales en ovejas alimentadas con dos niveles de energía

Objective. To evaluate the reproductive response, metabolic state and body changes in Dorper and Katahdin ewes supplemented with 2 energy levels prior to insemination. Materials and methods. The animals used in this experiment were 14 Katahdin and 13 Dorper ewes distributed in two treatments, in which estrus had been synchronized. Fourteen days prior to synchronization of estrus, the ewes were distributed in two treatments according to the energy level of the diet, T1:2.0 and T2:2.5 Mcal kg-1 of ME. Feeding consisted of 14 days of adaptation and 14 of feeding with integral diet. At the start and finish of each study, measurements were made of backfat thickness, area of the ribeye, body weight, and glucose and insulin concentrations. The principal reproductive parameters were measured, such as response to estrus, percentage of gestation and prolificity. Analyses of variance were made along with ji-squared tests to determine the effect of the energy level and genotype. Results. The genotype and energy level did not affect any of the variables measured, although it was found that with both energy levels there was an increase in glucose concentrations, as well as an increase in weight, body fat and area of the rib-eye. Conclusions. Because there was no difference in the reproductive parameters and body changes with feeding in the 2 energy levels, it is preferable to use the feed with 2.0 Mcal kg-1 of ME, given that it reduces costs.Objetivo. Evaluar la respuesta reproductiva, estado metabólico y cambios corporales en ovejas Dorper y Katahdin suplementadas con dos niveles de energía previo al empadre. Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaron 14 hembras Katahdin y 13 Dorper distribuidas en 2 tratamientos a las cuales se les sincronizó el celo. Catorce días previo a la sincronización de estros, las ovejas se distribuyeron en 2 tratamientos de acuerdo con el nivel de energía en la dieta, T1:2.0 y T2:2.5 Mcal kg-1 de EM. La alimentación abarcó 14 días de adaptación y 14 de alimentación con dieta integral. Al inicio y al final del estudio se midió el espesor de grasa dorsal, área del ojo de la costilla, peso corporal y concentraciones de glucosa e insulina. Se midieron los principales parámetros reproductivos como respuesta a estro, porcentaje de gestación y prolificidad. Se realizaron análisis de varianza y pruebas de ji cuadrada para determinar el efecto del nivel de energía y el genotipo. Resultados. El genotipo y el nivel de energía no afectaron ninguna de las variables medidas, aunque se encontró que con ambos niveles de energía existió un incremento en las concentraciones de glucosa, así como una ganancia en peso, grasa corporal y área del ojo de la costilla. Conclusiones. Debido a que no existió diferencia en los parámetros reproductivos y cambios corporales en ovejas al alimentarlas con los dos niveles de energía, es mejor la alimentación con 2.0 Mcal kg-1 de EM, ya que reduce costos de alimentación

Changes in composition, antioxidant content, and antioxidant capacity of coffee pulp during the ensiling process

The objective of the present study was to determine the nutritive value, the presence of antioxidant compounds, and the antioxidant capacity of coffee pulp ensiled or non-ensiled. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ash, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and lignin, as well as the antioxidant compounds present in coffee pulp and their antioxidant capacity, were determined. A completely randomized design was used. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance. Ensiling of coffee pulp increased the CP content from 98.6 to 111.6 g kg−1 DM, NDF from 414.6 to 519.5 g kg−1 DM, ADF from 383.9 to 439.3 g kg−1 DM, and lignin from 122.9 to 133.6 g kg−1 DM. Caffeine decreased from 5.72 to 5.02 mg g−1 DM. Three antioxidant compounds were detected. Caffeic acid decreased due to ensiling (16.49 vs 14.69 mg g−1 DM). Gallic acid (2.88 vs 2.58 mg g−1 DM) and chlorogenic acid (62.12 vs 56.00 mg g−1 DM) did not differ, and there was similar antioxidant capacity of non-ensiled (215.66 µmol trolox g−1 DM) and ensiled coffee pulp (206.59 µmol trolox g−1 DM). Despite the decrease in the caffeic acid content due to the ensiling process, it is possible to use either ensiled or non-ensiled coffee pulp for animal feeding because of its high antioxidant capacity

Oxidative status and fertility of ewes supplemented coffee pulp during estrous ¤ synchronization and early pregnancy

Background: it is known that coffee pulp can modify the oxidative status and fertility in dairy cows. Objective: to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with coffee pulp on the antioxidant capacity, lipid oxidation and reproductive characteristics of ewes during estrous synchronization and early gestation. Methods: forty Dorset-Suffolk crossbred ewes with 3 or 4 parturitions were allocated to two treatments: T0 (n = 21), ewes supplemented with 450 g of a control feed; and T1 (n = 19), ewes supplemented with 450 g of the feed with 25% coffee pulp. Supplementation began 14 days before estrous synchronization and ended 25 days after breeding. During estrous synchronization, progestogen (CIDR, Controlled Internal Drug Release) was inserted and left in situ for 11 days. Eighteen hours later, estrous detection began with the aid of rams. Blood samples were collected at different times of synchronization and during early pregnancy to determine antioxidant capacity, lipid oxidation and blood progesterone concentration. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed 30 and 60 days after CIDR removal. Results: supplementation with coffee pulp did not affect estrous onset, estrous response or progesterone concentration, but fertility decreased from 100 to 78.95%. The antioxidant capacity measured using the FRAP technique was greater in coffee pulp supplemented ewes only before progestogen insertion. Coffee pulp did not modify lipid oxidation; however, this variable was affected by sampling time, decreasing after progestogen removal to its lowest values at 22 days into pregnancy. Conclusion: although supplementation with coffee pulp at 25% in the concentrate increased antioxidant capacity of ewes before insertion of progestogen, it is not recommended to use this percentage during synchronization or early pregnancy since it can negatively affect gestation rate.Antecedentes: a polpa de café pode modificar o estado oxidativo e a fertilidade em vacas leiteiras. Objetivo: avaliar a polpa de café na capacidade antioxidante, oxidação da gordura e nas características reprodutivas das ovelhas durante sincronização do estro e gestação inicial. Métodos: quarenta ovelhas cruzas Suffolk e Dorset de 3 e 4 nascimentos foram agrupadas no T0 (n = 21), suplementação com 450 g de alimento controle e T1 (n = 19), suplementação com 450 g de alimento com 25% de polpa de café. A suplementação iniciou 14 dias antes da sincronização do estro e terminou 25 dias depois do acasalamento. O hormônio progestina (CIDR, dispositivo intravaginal de libertação controlada de fármaco) foi inserido por 11 dias. Dezoito horas depois da retirada iniciouse a detecção do estro. Fizeram-se amostras de diferentes tempos do período e da gestação inicial para determinar a capacidade antioxidante, oxidação dos lipídeos e concentração de progesterona. Realizou-se o diagnóstico de gestação 30 e 60 dias depois de remover o CIDR. Resultados: a suplementação com a polpa de café não afetou o início do estro, a resposta ao estro e a concentração de progesterona, mas a fertilidade decresceu de 100 a 78,95%. A capacidade antioxidante que foi medida pela técnica de FRAP foi maior nas ovelhas suplementadas com a polpa de café somente antes da inserção do progestágeno. A polpa de café não modificou a oxidação dos lipídeos; no entanto, estes foram modificados pelo tempo de amostra, decrescendo depois de remover o progestágeno até 22 dias de gestação. Conclusão: ainda que a polpa de café a 25% de concentração incrementa a capacidade antioxidante antes da inserção do progestágeno, não é recomendado este percentual para as ovelhas durante a sincronização do estro e a gestação inicial, já que decresce a porcentagem de gestação.Antecedentes: se sabe que la pulpa de café puede modificar el estado oxidativo y la fertilidad en vacas lecheras. Objetivo: evaluar los efectos del suministro dietario de pulpa de café y su capacidad antioxidante, oxidación lipídica, y características reproductivas en ovejas durante la sincronización del estro y la gestación temprana. Métodos: cuarenta ovejas cruzadas Suffolk x Dorset de 3 y 4 partos fueron asignadas a dos grupos: T0 (n = 21), suplementación con 450 g de alimento (grupo testigo); y T1 (n = 19), suplementación con 450 g de alimento con 25% de pulpa de café. La suplementación inició 14 días antes de la sincronización del estro y terminó 25 días después del apareamiento. El progestágeno (CIDR, Dispositivo Intravaginal de Liberación Controlada) fue insertado en los animales por 11 días. Dieciocho horas después de su retiro se inició la detección de estros. Se muestreó a diferentes tiempos después de la sincronización y durante la gestación temprana para determinar capacidad antioxidante, oxidación lipídica y concentración de progesterona. El diagnóstico de preñez se realizó 30 y 60 días después de la remoción del CIDR. Resultados: la suplementación con pulpa de café no afectó el inicio del estro, la respuesta al estro ni la concentración de progesterona. Sin embargo, la fertilidad disminuyó de 100 a 78,95%. La capacidad antioxidante, medida mediante la técnica FRAP, fue mayor en ovejas suplementadas con pulpa de café, pero solo antes de la inserción del progestágeno. La pulpa de café no modificó la oxidación lipídica; sin embargo, si fue modificada por el tiempo de muestreo, decreciendo desde la remoción del progestágeno hasta los 22 días de preñez. Conclusión: aunque la suplementación del concentrado con 25% de pulpa de café incrementó la capacidad antioxidante antes de la inserción del progestágeno, no se recomienda ese porcentaje durante la sincronización y gestación temprana, ya que redujo el porcentaje de gestación de las ovejas

Oxidative status and fertility of ewes supplemented coffee pulp during estrous ¤ synchronization and early pregnancy

Summary Background: it is known that coffee pulp can modify the oxidative status and fertility in dairy cows. Objective: to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with coffee pulp on the antioxidant capacity, lipid oxidation and reproductive characteristics of ewes during estrous synchronization and early gestation. Methods: forty Dorset-Suffolk crossbred ewes with 3 or 4 parturitions were allocated to two treatments: T0 (n = 21), ewes supplemented with 450 g of a control feed; and T1 (n = 19), ewes supplemented with 450 g of the feed with 25% coffee pulp. Supplementation began 14 days before estrous synchronization and ended 25 days after breeding. During estrous synchronization, progestogen (CIDR, Controlled Internal Drug Release) was inserted and left in situ for 11 days. Eighteen hours later, estrous detection began with the aid of rams. Blood samples were collected at different times of synchronization and during early pregnancy to determine antioxidant capacity, lipid oxidation and blood progesterone concentration. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed 30 and 60 days after CIDR removal. Results: supplementation with coffee pulp did not affect estrous onset, estrous response or progesterone concentration, but fertility decreased from 100 to 78.95%. The antioxidant capacity measured using the FRAP technique was greater in coffee pulp supplemented ewes only before progestogen insertion. Coffee pulp did not modify lipid oxidation; however, this variable was affected by sampling time, decreasing after progestogen removal to its lowest values at 22 days into pregnancy. Conclusion: although supplementation with coffee pulp at 25% in the concentrate increased antioxidant capacity of ewes before insertion of progestogen, it is not recommended to use this percentage during synchronization or early pregnancy since it can negatively affect gestation rate