Simulating the effect of climate on star grass growth and quality and its capacity to support milk production in the tropical regions of Mexico

The objective of the present study was to simulate the effect of the seasonal variation of climate on the nutritional value and dry matter yield of star grass and its capacity to support milk production alone or with concentrate supplementation in small- scale milk production systems in the tropical regions of Mexico. Two mathematical simulation models were used, the fi rst model simulates the growth and yield of star grass ( Cynodon plectostachyus ), and the second model simulates the productive performance of dairy cows. Both models were integrated in a decision-making support system (DSSTROP). Models predictions were validated by a calibration exercise for each data set from three experiments on the effect of concentrate supplementation on milk yield. The DSSTROP predictions and the results from the experiments were compared by regression analysis. The results suggest that the DSSTROP adequately predicts milk production (R 2 =0.74). The DSSTROP predictions suggest that milk production based solely on star grass may occur only between June to August. The highest milk yield (8.5kg cow -1 day -1 ) sustained solely on grass was achieved in June, followed by lower yields of <5kg cow -1 day -1 in July and August. Milk production without concentrates can be explained by the positive effects of the rain observed during June to August on grass growth, and to the fact that grass quality is best at the beginning of the rainy season. It is concluded that June to August is the best time of the year for milk production base solely on grass. It also was concluded that the use of large quantities of concentrates by farmers may be justi fi ed because milk production with star grass alone may not be possible especially during the dry season

ESTIMACIÓN DEL CONSUMO DE PASTO ESTRELLA (Cynodon plectostachyus K. Schum.) POR VACAS LECHERAS EN PASTOREO MEDIANTE LAS TÉCNICAS DE N-ALCANOS, DIFERENCIA EN MASA FORRAJERA Y COMPORTAMIENTO AL PASTOREO

El objetivo de este trabajo fue comparar tres técnicas para estimar el consumo de materia seca (CMS) de pasto estrella por vacas lecheras en pastoreo: n alcanos, diferencia en masa forrajera y comportamiento al pastoreo. Para ello, se realizaron dos experimen tos con un diseño experimental de cuadrado latino 4 x 4 . En ambos experimentos se proporcionó 6 kg de un concentrado constituido de 8 1 % de maíz molido, 10 % de canola, 7 % de melaza y 2 % de urea más 0, 600, 900 y 1200 g de pulpa de café para cada tratamiento , respectivamente . En el experimento uno no existieron diferencias en el CMS de pasto estrella (P>0.05) entre n alcanos y diferen cia en masa forrajera con 2.9 y 3.3 kg de materia seca (MS) vaca 1 día 1 . En el segundo experimento no existieron diferencias (P>0.05) entre n alcanos y comportamiento al pastoreo en la estimación del CMS del pasto estrella con 6.7 y 6.3 kg de MS vaca 1 dí a 1 . Los n alcanos y diferencia en masa forrajera se relacionaron bien en el primer experimento (r 2 =0.80) y en el segundo experimento, los n alcanos y comportamiento al pastoreo presentaron una relación baja con un r 2 de 0.42. Se concluyó que la técnica de n alcanos , fue la más precisa para conocer el consumo de pasto estrella, de vacas en pastoreo , y que las técnicas de comportamiento al pastoreo y por diferencia en masa forrajera resultaron menos precisas . L a adición de pulpa de café entre 15 y 20% no a fect ó el consumo de pasto estrella en vacas lecheras , por lo que el empleo de este subproducto es recomendable para reducir los costos de alimentación del ganado lechero

Evaluación productiva y económica de un Sistema Silvopastoril Intensivo en bovinos doble propósito en Michoacán, México

Se evaluó el comportamiento productivo de bovinos doble propósito en un sistema silvopastoril intensivo (SSPi) en Apatzingán, Michoacán. La actividad se llevó a cabo mediante seguimientos técnico-económicos. Se monitorearon variables productivas y económicas (consumo de forraje, producción de leche, peso, ingresos y egresos) de 60 vacas de la raza Gyr, analizadas mediante estadística descriptiva y presupuestos por actividad. La carga animal fue de 2.06 UA ha-1, la producción de leche de 9.15 kg vaca-1 día-1, el ingreso de $1 495 225.15, el costo de producción de$406 042.43 y el margen bruto de $1 089 182.71 año-1. Se concluyó que el manejo de vacas Gyr en un SSPi favorece la producción de leche y carne y el ingreso en la unidad de producción (UP).UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA DEL ESTADO DE MÉXIC

Evaluación productiva y económica de un sistema silvopastoril intensivo en bovinos doble propósito en Michoacán, México

Se evaluó el comportamiento productivo de bovinos doble propósito en un sistema silvopastoril intensivo (SSPi) en Apatzingán, Michoacán. La actividad se llevó a cabo mediante seguimientos técnico-económicos. Se monitorearon variables productivas y económicas (consumo de forraje, producción de leche, peso, ingresos y egresos) de 60 vacas de la raza Gyr, analizadas mediante estadística descriptiva y presupuestos por actividad. La carga animal fue de 2.06 UA ha-1, la producción de leche de 9.15 kg vaca-1 día-1, el ingreso de $1 495 225.15, el costo de producción de$406 042.43 y el margen bruto de $1 089 182.71 año-1. Se concluyó que el manejo de vacas Gyr en un SSPi favorece la producción de leche y carne y el ingreso en la unidad de producción (UP)

Effect of Increasing Supplementation Levels of Coffee Pulp on Milk Yield and Food Intake in Dual-Purpose Cows: An Alternative Feed Byproduct for Smallholder Dairy Systems of Tropical Climate Regions

Se presenta el artículo en texto completoCoffee is one of the main traded commodities worldwide, unfortunately, it generates massive amounts of by-products like coffee pulp (CoP), which could be utilized as an alternative feedstuff for cattle contributing to mitigate coffee production environmental damage. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of CoP supplementation on milk production, milk composition, and grass dry matter intake (GDMI) by dual-purpose tropical cows. A 4 × 4 Latin square experimental design was conducted, where four multiparous dual-purpose Holstein x Cebu cows with an average live weight of 477 ± 7 kg and milk yield of 12.1 ± 2.7 kg/d were used. The cows grazed 10 h/d on a Cynodon plectostachius sward with a stocking rate of three cows/ha. All cows received 6 kg/d DM of an experimental concentrate (EC), and the treatments consisted of four supplementation levels of CoP: T1 = 0, T2 = 0.6, T3 = 0.9, and T4 = 1.2 kg DM/d, which was provided on top of the concentrate and mixed with the EC. Grass intake was determined by the n-alkanes technique. A significant difference was observed for the average total daily DM intake (p 0.05) were observed for milk yield, milk composition, body weight, and GDMI for all the inclusion levels of CoP. It was concluded that CoP can be included at levels of 0.6 to 0.9 kg DM/d in the diets of cows without compromising milk yield or GDMI.This research was funded by the ICAMEX-Estado de México under grant number 15-2005- 0724 and the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México under grant number 1873/2009C

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Correction to: Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat