Managing the Sustainable Ecosystems Across the Globe: An Analysis of the United States of America’s Initiative Towards the Production of Climate Smart Fertilizer as a Solution to World Food Insecurity

The aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic occurrence in various aspects of society is undeniable. One aspect of this is the increasing number of food-insecure nations globally (FAO, 2022), these incidents have had a damaging impact on a key sustainable development goal (SDG) of the United Nations (UN) on reducing global hunger by the year 2030 (FAO, 2021). It is estimated that 1 in 3 people do not have access to affordable and nutritious food, whereas energy prices, fertilizer prices, and food prices continue to increase causing significant distress to mostly affect poorer countries of the world (World Bank Group, 2022). This dire situation calls for concern and urgent attention for resolution because the United States (US) as a major player in the global agricultural trade has a moral duty to support optimized agricultural yield and quality that strengthen global food security (The White House, 2022). The ability to produce climate-smart fertilizers that boost productivity with minimal or no environmental damage will likely position the United States as a leader in managing sustainable ecosystems, thereby achieving the thirteenth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) - Climate Action. Consequently, building the ability to (1) "promote improved access to climate-smart and sustainable fertilizers" and (2) "enable/increase global food security" is essential (UN,2015; White House, 2022). We believe that the United States, with its advanced proprietary technologies, global supply chain systems, and market networks, is capable of resolving the growing issues of food protectionism that impede the export of agricultural produce to meet domestic demand (Espitia et al., 2020) and successfully repositioning as a leading producer and exporter of climate-smart and sustainable fertilizers (Goedde et al., 2020; Pingali, 2012) while increasing her income. Allocating part of the $19.5 billion conservation funds to drive climate-smart agriculture through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will go a long way to develop the production of climate-smart and sustainable fertilizers that helps to reduce global food insecurity (USDA, 2022).  This paper presents analytical insights on how the US can take on the challenge of producing and exporting sustainable and climate-smart fertilizers to help decrease global food insecurity while keeping the environment safe and maintaining its position as a key contributor to ensuring global food security. Keywords: Climate Smart Agriculture, Climate-Smart Fertilizers, Sustainable Agriculture, Food security. DOI: 10.7176/JESD/14-2-03 Publication date: January 31st 202

Dietary sulfur concentration has no effect on In Vitro fermentative activity of ruminal mixed microorganisms

Beef Cattle Research, 2011 is known as Cattlemen’s Day, 2011We previously reported that elevated concentrations of dietary sulfur (0.65% sulfur, dry basis) in finishing diets containing dried distillers grains with solubles decreased dry matter intake and average daily gains of feedlot cattle. Furthermore, high dietary sulfur concentrations yielded lower ruminal concentrations of volatile fatty acids, but were associated with increased ruminal ammonia concentrations and improved total tract digestibility of the diet. The objective of this study was to investigate, in culture tubes, effects of added sulfur on in vitro dry matter disappearance, volatile fatty acid profiles, and ammonia concentrations from substrates containing different sulfur concentrations when fermented by mixed ruminal microorganisms from a steer fed a diet based on corn and alfalfa

Effect of sulfur content in wet or dry distillers grains fed at several inclusions on cattle growth performance, ruminal parameters, and hydrogen sulfide

Effects of S from wet or dry distillers grains with solubles (DGS) containing 0.82 or 1.16% S on animal growth performance, carcass characteristics, apparent total tract digestibility, and ruminal parameters were evaluated. In Exp. 1, crossbred beef steers (n = 120; 345 ± 34 kg BW) were individually fed ad libitum using Calan gates. Treatments were applied as a 2 × 2 × 3 + 1 factorial treatment arrangement with factors of DGS type (wet or dry), S content in DGS (0.82 or 1.16% DM basis), and DGS inclusion (20, 30, and 40%, DM basis), as well as a corn control diet (no DGS). In Exp. 2, ruminally cannulated crossbred beef steers (n = 6; 381 ± 31 kg BW) were assigned to 1 of 5 diets in a 5 × 6 unbalanced Latin Square design and fed ad libitum through five 14-d periods. A 2 × 2 + 1 factorial treatment arrangement was used with the factors of DGS type and S content in DGS (similar to Exp. 1). Inclusion of DGS was 40%, except for a MATCH diet containing wet 1.16% S DGS included at 31.4% (DM basis). Intake of DM decreased linearly (P \u3c 0.01) and quadratically (P \u3c 0.01) for steers fed wet and dry DGS that was 1.16% S, respectively. In addition, steers fed dry DGS consumed 9% more DM (P \u3c 0.01) than those fed wet. Gain decreased linearly (P = 0.02) when wet 1.16% S DGS increased in the diet, representing a 12% drop in ADG between the Control and 40% DGS inclusion. A quadratic (P = 0.02) improvement in G:F was observed for steers fed wet DGS compared with dry, regardless of S content (P = 0.52). Feeding diets with wet 1.16% S DGS linearly decreased (P = 0.03) HCW. In Exp. 2, molar proportion of propionate declined (P = 0.01) 9% and A:P ratio tended (P = 0.13) to be greater when 1.16 compared with 0.82% S DGS was fed. Apparent total tract DMD was not affected (P \u3e 0.16) and only subtle changes (P \u3c 0.01) in ruminal pH parameters were observed. Greater (P = 0.02) ruminal H2S concentration for steers fed wet compared with dry DGS was observed, while 1.16% S DGS tended (P = 0.12) to produce greater ruminal H2S than 0.82% S. Sulfur in wet DGS appears to be more prone to be converted to ruminal H2S, because feeding 1.16% S as wet DGS had a greater impact on ADG, DMI, and ruminal H2S compared with dry DGS

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance

INTRODUCTION Investment in Africa over the past year with regard to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, which, to date, exceeds 100,000 sequences generated to track the pandemic on the continent. These sequences have profoundly affected how public health officials in Africa have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. RATIONALE We demonstrate how the first 100,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Africa have helped monitor the epidemic on the continent, how genomic surveillance expanded over the course of the pandemic, and how we adapted our sequencing methods to deal with an evolving virus. Finally, we also examine how viral lineages have spread across the continent in a phylogeographic framework to gain insights into the underlying temporal and spatial transmission dynamics for several variants of concern (VOCs). RESULTS Our results indicate that the number of countries in Africa that can sequence the virus within their own borders is growing and that this is coupled with a shorter turnaround time from the time of sampling to sequence submission. Ongoing evolution necessitated the continual updating of primer sets, and, as a result, eight primer sets were designed in tandem with viral evolution and used to ensure effective sequencing of the virus. The pandemic unfolded through multiple waves of infection that were each driven by distinct genetic lineages, with B.1-like ancestral strains associated with the first pandemic wave of infections in 2020. Successive waves on the continent were fueled by different VOCs, with Alpha and Beta cocirculating in distinct spatial patterns during the second wave and Delta and Omicron affecting the whole continent during the third and fourth waves, respectively. Phylogeographic reconstruction points toward distinct differences in viral importation and exportation patterns associated with the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants and subvariants, when considering both Africa versus the rest of the world and viral dissemination within the continent. Our epidemiological and phylogenetic inferences therefore underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic on the continent and highlight key insights and challenges, for instance, recognizing the limitations of low testing proportions. We also highlight the early warning capacity that genomic surveillance in Africa has had for the rest of the world with the detection of new lineages and variants, the most recent being the characterization of various Omicron subvariants. CONCLUSION Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve. This is important not only to help combat SARS-CoV-2 on the continent but also because it can be used as a platform to help address the many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats in Africa. In particular, capacity building for local sequencing within countries or within the continent should be prioritized because this is generally associated with shorter turnaround times, providing the most benefit to local public health authorities tasked with pandemic response and mitigation and allowing for the fastest reaction to localized outbreaks. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century

Prior adaptation improves crude glycerin utilization by cattle

Crude glycerin has increased in availability as a feedstock for cattle as a result of expansion of the biodiesel industry in the United States. This byproduct, when ingested by cattle, is fermented by ruminal bacteria to yield volatile fatty acids that are used as sources of energy by cattle. The primary component of crude glycerin is glycerol, and the fermentation of glycerol is carried out by specific populations of microorganisms. Anecdotal observations from our previous research with crude glycerin in feedlot cattle have suggested that a period of adaptation may be necessary to achieve optimal utilization of the byproduct. Our objective in this study was to evaluate this adaptive response by measuring in vitro digestion by ruminal microbes that were obtained from cattle fed diets with or without added glycerin

The effects of feeding dry distiller’s grains with solubles on ruminal metabolism, growth performance, and carcass traits of feedlot cattle

Master of ScienceDepartment of Animal Sciences and IndustryJames S. DrouillardThree trials were conducted using dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS) to evaluate effects on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, ruminal fermentation, and diet digestibility in cattle fed steam-flaked corn-based diets. In trial 1, crossbred yearling heifers were used in a finishing trial to evaluate interactions between corn-DDGS feeding levels and roughage source (alfalfa hay vs corn silage) in terms of impact on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. Experimental diets were based on steam-flaked corn and contained 0% DDGS with 6% alfalfa hay (AH), 0% DDGS with 10% corn silage (CS), 25% DDGS with 6% AH, or 25% DDGS with 10% CS (DM basis). Results indicated no interaction between levels of DDGS and roughage source. Heifers fed DDGS as a partial replacement for steam-flaked corn had similar growth performance and carcass merit compared to heifers fed diets without DDGS. Corn silage and alfalfa hay were comparable roughages when a portion of steam-flaked corn was replaced with DDGS. The second trial was a companion metabolism study in which ruminal fermentation characteristics and diet digestibility were examined in 12 cannulated Holstein steers fed steam-flaked corn finishing diets with or without DDGS, using alfalfa hay or corn silage as roughage sources. Diets were similar to those fed in the performance study and consisted of steam-flaked corn with 0 or 25% DDGS (DM basis) and 6% AH or 10% CS (DM basis). Feeding DDGS decreased ruminal pH and ruminal ammonia concentrations, and digestion of DM and OM were less compared to diets without DDGS. The decrease in digestibility was largely attributable to poorer digestion of CP and, to a lesser extent, a reduction in starch digestion. The third study was designed to investigate effects of pH (5.0, 5.5, and 6.0) on in vitro fermentative activity by ruminal microorganisms from cattle adapted to a finishing diet containing 25% DDGS (DM basis). Higher pH led to greater dry matter disappearance in vitro (P < 0.01). DDGS can be an effective substitute for steam-flaked corn. Efforts to address low ruminal pH and low ruminal ammonia may prove beneficial for improving value of DDGS as cattle feed

Utilization of distillers grains in feedlot cattle diets

Doctor of PhilosophyDepartment of Animal Sciences and IndustryJames S. DrouillardFour studies evaluated effects of dry distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) containing high S concentrations on feedlot performance, ruminal fermentation, and diet digestibility by finishing cattle. Trial 1 used finishing steers fed diets based on steam-flaked corn (SFC) or dry-rolled corn (DRC), and containing 30% DDGS (DM) with 0.42% S (0.42S) or 0.65% S (0.65S). No interaction (P ≥ 0.15) between dietary S and grain processing occurred, but feeding 0.65S decreased DMI (P 0.05) or by the S × substrate interaction (P > 0.05). Study 4 evaluated cattle feedlot performance when exposed to DDGS containing high S levels, either continuously or intermittently. Treatments were chronic high S (CHS; 0.60% DM), chronic intermediate S (CIS; 0.50% DM), and sporadic intermediate S (SIS; oscillating from 0.40 or 0.60% S DM basis). Steers fed CHS had 11.2 and 6.1% less (P 0.10). These studies suggest that changes in cattle performance and digestibility associated with high S are primarily attributable to decreased DMI, but infrequent exposure to high levels is no more harmful than continuous exposure

Beta acid extracts of hops have a modest effect on ruminal metabolism and apparent total tract digestibility by steers fed high- concentrate diets

Hops have been used for centuries to control bacterial contamination in beer production. Today, alpha acids are extracted from hops for use in flavoring beer, leaving residues that are rich in beta acids. Beta acid fractions of hops can selectively inhibit specific ruminal Gram-positive bacteria that are responsible for major digestive disturbances, such as acidosis and bloat, and have a chemical structure similar to that of ionophores used in feedlot production. Use of ionophores improves efficiency of feed utilization and decreases the incidence of digestive disturbances that are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cattle feeding operations. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of beta acid extracts of hops on ruminal fermentation and diet digestibility in cattle fed high-concentrate diets and determine response to different doses of beta acid extracts of hops

Crude glycerin improves feed efficiency in finishing heifers

Crude glycerin is the principal byproduct of biodiesel production. The raw feedstocks, animal fats and vegetable oils, yield approximately 90 lb of biodiesel and 10 lb of crude glycerin for each 100 lb of input. When ingested by cattle, glycerin has two major fates: (1) direct absorption by the rumen epithelium, and (2) fermentation by microorganisms within the rumen to generate volatile fatty acid, mainly propionate. Using glycerin in feedlot cattle diets has become common, particularly as a component of liquid feed supplements. We have evaluated the use of crude glycerin in cattle diets in previous studies and generally have observed positive effects on dry matter intake and feed efficiency when fed up to 8% of the diet on a dry matter basis. Crude glycerin can be highly variable in its composition, however, containing varying proportions of residual alcohol, soaps, and salts. Our focus in the present experiment was on the sodium content of crude glycerin. We hypothesized that the high concentration of sodium in glycerin, when combined with salt that normally is incorporated into feedlot diets, would result in abnormally high levels of sodium that could have deleterious consequences for feed consumption. The objective of this study was to evaluate feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of finishing heifers fed diets containing high levels of crude glycerin in the presence and absence of added salt