Revista Agro Productividad
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Marafalfa grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) and mucuna (Stizolobium pruriens L. Medik) silage in a semi-confined sheep system in southeastern Mexico
No full textObjective: The objective of this work was to evaluate an alternative for feeding with silage to limit the decrease in productivity in dry seasons for sheep producers.
Design/methodology/approach: A silage was made with the marafalfa grass Pennisetum purpureum and the endemic mucuna Stizolobium pruriens. The feeding method evaluated consisted of a semi-stall system, allowing the sheep to graze for a period of 5 hours a day, to later supplement it with the proposed silage. Studies of bromatological parameters were carried out on the three proposed silage treatments, and the weight of the lambs was measured at the beginning, during and at the end of fattening.
Results: The results suggest that the Pennisetum purpureum silo demonstrates significant weight gain, which is why it is proposed as an alternative for dry seasons.
Limitations of the study/implications: In the state of Campeche, sheep production is carried out under extensive direct grazing systems on grasslands, with little technology and low productivity. In the dry season, the productivity of these systems suffers a significant loss, due to limitations.
Findings/conclusions: Silage without the addition of mucuna obtained better results in the growth of sheep, this may be due to palatability. It is suggested to include a drying process prior to adding the mucuna.Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate an alternative for feeding with silage to limit the decrease in productivity in dry seasons for sheep producers.
Design/methodology/approach: Ensilage was made with marafalfa grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) and endemic mucuna (Stizolobium pruriens (L.) Medik). The feeding method evaluated consisted of a semi-confined system, allowing the sheep to graze for a period of five hours per day, to later supplement it with the proposed silage. Studies of bromatological parameters were carried out with the three proposed silage treatments, and the weight of the sheep was measured at the beginning, during and at the end of fattening.
Results: The results suggest that the P. purpureum silo demonstrates significant weight gain, which is why it is proposed as an alternative for dry seasons.
Limitations on the study/implications: In the state of Campeche, sheep production is carried out under extensive direct grazing systems on grasslands, with scarce technology and low productivity. In the dry season, the productivity of these systems suffers a significant loss, due to limitations.
Findings/conclusions: Ensilage without the addition of mucuna (S. pruriens) obtained better results in sheep growth and this may be due to palatability. It is suggested to include a drying process prior to adding the mucuna (S. pruriens
Characterization and description of beekeeping agroecosystems in Hopelchén, Campeche, Mexico
Get PDFObjective: to characterize honey bee (Apis mellifera) production systems in the municipality of Hopelchén, Campeche, Mexico.
Design/methodology/approach: the sample was made up by 10% of the beekeepers in Holpechén, identified through the snowball method. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed with 94 questions grouped into five sections (general information, structure of the systems, product trade, technologies used, and decision making). The questionnaire was applied through the technique of interviewing those responsible for the 118 beekeeping production systems. The information obtained with the questionnaires was analyzed with descriptive statistics.
Results: beekeeping is an important productive activity in the region of Los Chenes and La Montaña in Hopelchén, which are undergoing the process of generational replacement and are currently maintained by young adult producers who are younger than 45 years old. They own 55 hives on average per producer, which are located at a distance of 7.7 km from their households. The main technology is the use of sugar for feed, by 50% of producers, followed by the diagnosis of Varroa infestation and determination of moisture with 35 and 21.5% of beekeepers.
Limitations on study/implications: the limited access to regions with beekeeping potential, as well as the lack of monitoring by outside staff, does not ease open-mindedness of beekeepers toward researchers.
Findings/conclusions: the characterization of beekeeping production systems with high potential allows proposing improvement strategies to promote the development of small-scale producers
Infestation of Cattle with the Tick Amblyomma mixtum in the States with the Highest Cattle Inventory in Mexico
Get PDFBackground. The Amblyomma mixtum tick is one of the main parasites affecting cattle in Mexico. Epidemiological records of A. mixtum in leading states in the national cattle industry, such as Jalisco, Chiapas, Michoacan, Tabasco and Veracruz, are outdated, since this tick species was previously classified as A. cajennense. Objective. Update the records of the A. mixtum tick in the states of Jalisco, Chiapas, Michoacán, Tabasco, and Veracruz, as well as the main ixodicide molecules used for its control. Methodology. From March 2022 to July 2023, ticks were collected from cattle in 46 bovine production units (UPB) distributed in the states mentioned above. Identification was performed using standardized taxonomic keys. Scanning electron microscopy was performed on specimens corresponding to A. mixtum. Results. Of a total of 619 specimens of the genus Amblyomma from 22 UPB, it was confirmed that 100% correspond to the species A. mixtum. Amitraz, an ixodicide molecule belonging to the chemical class of amidines, was used in 63.2% of the UPBs where the presence of A. mixtum was also reported. Conclusions. This research confirms the infestation of cattle with A. mixtum in states with the highest cattle production in Mexico. Further studies with a focus on resistance and extension are required to prolong the usefulness of available tools, including ixodicides, for integrated control of A. mixtum infestations where this tick infests cattle in Mexico.A
Objective: The Amblyomma mixtum tick is one of the main parasites affecting cattle in Mexico. Epidemiological records of A. mixtum in leading states in the national cattle industry, such as Jalisco, Chiapas, Michoacán, Tabasco, and Veracruz, are outdated since this tick species was previously classified as A. cajennense. The objective was to update the records of the A. mixtum tick in the states of Jalisco, Chiapas, Michoacán, Tabasco, and Veracruz, as well as the main ixodicide molecules used for its control.
Methodology: From March 2022 to July 2023, ticks were collected from cattle in 46 bovine production units (BPUs) distributed in the states mentioned above. Identification was performed using standardized taxonomic keys. Scanning electron microscopy was performed on specimens corresponding to A. mixtum.
Results: Out of a total of 619 specimens of the genus Amblyomma from 22 PBUs, it was confirmed that 100% correspond to the species A. mixtum. Amitraz, an ixodicide molecule belonging to the chemical class of amidines, was used in 63.2% of the BPUs where the presence of A. mixtum was also reported.
Conclusions: This research confirms cattle infestation with A. mixtum in states with the highest cattle production in Mexico. Further studies with a focus on resistance and extension are required to prolong the usefulness of available tools, including ixodicides, for integrated control of A. mixtum infestations where this tick infests cattle in Mexico
The regenerative and multifunctional livestock value network in La Antigua Basin, Veracruz, Mexico
Get PDFObjective: To identify and to characterize production units (PUs) and economic and non-economic stakeholders that belong in the regenerative and multifunctional livestock value network in La Antigua Basin, Veracruz.
Design/methodology/approach: Farmers with regenerative and multifunctional livestock production, who were selected by directed and snowball sampling, were interviewed with semi-structured interviews with key actors, and review of documental information was carried out.
Results: Producers who manage their livestock systems based on agroforestry, with water management were identified, both in harvesting, storage, caring for water springs and efficient use; and who, in addition, promote composting of organic residues and grassland management. Livestock feeding is carried out in grasslands with support of electric fencing. In general, the PUs present 20 years since their production began, with a size of 11 ha; decision makers are 57 years old, and education profile of undergraduate and graduate studies, 57% with agrarian sciences orientation; and they employ 4 people. The value network is characterized by non-economic actors, mainly those that complement, who promote regenerative and multifunctional livestock production through consultancy, training and financing of projects.
Limitations on study/implications: The need to promote a participative innovation agenda is identified.
Findings/Conclusions: In La Antigua Basin, various economic actors were found that apply regenerative and multifunctional livestock production as their productive system, where they have found strengths to maintain or recover their natural resources, and based on the characteristics of their products they recognize the market segments where they must be destined
Control of Macrophomina pseudophaseolina Crous, Sarr & Ndiaye with Trichoderma spp. and botanical and chemical pesticides
Get PDFChili is the most important traditionally consumed vegetable in Mexico; however, production is reduced by soil fungi. The objective of the research was to evaluate in in vitro, greenhouse and field conditions, the effectiveness of biological, botanical and chemical pesticides for the control of Macrophomina pseudophaseolina. In vitro, greenhouse and field experiments were carried out to evaluate the control effect of different pesticides for the control of M. pseudophaseolina. It was determined that all the evaluated strains of Trichoderma spp. They had a fungistatic effect against M. pseudophaseolina, and T. reesei showed the greatest antagonism and antibiosis against M. pseudophaseolina. High, medium and low doses of NeemAcar® and high and medium doses of Regalia® Maxx inhibited 100% the growth of M. pseudophaseolina mycelium. In the greenhouse, the lowest percentage of severity was obtained in the treatment with Regalia® Maxx + T. reesei. In the field, the lowest severity was determined with the application of NeemAcar® CE + Headline®. The preventive or curative application of biological, botanical and chemical pesticides did not influence the severity of the disease.Objective: The objective of the research was to evaluate in in vitro, greenhouse and field conditions, the effectiveness of biological, botanical and chemical pesticides for the control of Macrophomina pseudophaseolina.
Design/methodology/approach: In vitro, greenhouse and field experiments were carried out to evaluate the control effect of different pesticides for the control of M. pseudophaseolina.
Results: It was determined that all the evaluated strains of Trichoderma spp. they had a fungistatic effect against M. pseudophaseolina, and T. reesei showed the greatest antagonism and antibiosis against M. pseudophaseolina. High, medium and low doses of NeemAcar® and high and medium doses of Regalia® Maxx inhibited 100% the growth of M. pseudophaseolina mycelium. In the greenhouse, the lowest percentage of severity was obtained in the treatment with Regalia® Maxx + T. reesei. In the field, the lowest severity was determined with the application of NeemAcar® CE + Headline®.
Limitations on study/implications: Our results are essential for the management of this disease by producers.
Findings/conclusions: The implementation of the use of Trichoderma spp., botanical pesticides and chemical insecticides is recommended for the control of M. pseudophaseolina,
Productive and Ruminal Microbiological Behavior of Sheep Fed with Two Levels of Dehydrated Orange Residue
No full textThe productive and ruminal microbiological behavior of 30 sheep crossed Dorper x Katahdin with average body weight of 22 ± 1 kg fed with two levels of dehydrated waste of orange was evaluated (DWO). The animals were distributed in a completely randomized design, with three treatments and 10 repetitions. The treatments were defined using different levels of inclusion of DWO (0, 15 y 30%). Daily weight gain, dry matter intake and feed conversion were determined, which did not show significant differences (p>0.05) due to the inclusion of DWO in the diet. Similarly, the concentration of rumen microorganisms was not affected by treatments. It is concluded that it is possible to replace up to 30% of corn grain by DWO as an energy source, without affecting the productive variables and rumen microorganismsObjective: To evaluate the productive and ruminal microbiological behavior of sheep fed with two levels of dehydrated orange residue (DOR).
Design/methodology/approach: Thirty Dorper x Katahdin crossbred male sheep with an average live weight of 22 ± 1.0 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design, with three treatments and ten repetitions. The distribution of treatments was as follows: T1 = diet with 0% DOR (control), T2 = diet with 15% DOR, and T3 = diet with 30% DOR. The variables evaluated were daily weight gain, dry matter intake, feed conversion, ruminal pH, and microbiological analysis.
Results: There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the productive variables due to the inclusion of DOR in the diet. Similarly, the concentration of ruminal microorganisms did not present significant differences between treatments.
Study limitations/implications: The study did not include an economic analysis that would demonstrate a reduction in production costs by decreasing the inclusion of maize in the diet.
Conclusions: Maize grain is one of the most commonly used cereals as an energy source in sheep feeding; however, it can be replaced by DOR up to 30% without affecting the productive and ruminal microbiological variables in fattening sheep
Assessment of dry matter yield, nutritional value, and calf weight gain in Mombaza-Kudzu pasture associations.
Get PDFObjective: Evaluate the effect of grazing on biomass production, nutritional value and animal production of a grass-legume association.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The associated meadow was Mombaza (Megathyrsus maximus) – Kudzú (Pueraria phaseoloides), and Mombaza in monoculture was the control meadow. Ten calves, five for each pasture were used in rotational grazing for seven months. Every 36 days, dry matter yield, proportion of Kudzu in association, protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, ash and daily weight gain were evaluated.
Results: The dry matter yield was not different between meadow types, but it was different between sampling dates, being higher at the beginning of the rainy season (May 20). The proportion of Kudzu in the association was low and decreased during the study from 8.42% to 1.71%. Lignin increased in the association in the driest month (April). The daily weight gain in the monoculture meadow was 978 g vs 678 g an-1d-1 of the association, without being significantly different.
Limitations of the study/implications: The low persistence of the legume in the association is a limitation to improve the nutritional value of the meadow; and, consequently, to improve grazing animal production.
Findings/Conclusions: In the dry season, both meadows register the highest concentration of protein, and at the beginning of this period, the greatest weight gain of the animals occurs, without registering greater weight gains in the association due to the low persistence of the legume. .
Keywords: Pueraria phaseoloides, dry matter yield, protein, grazing, animal productionO
Objective: To evaluate the biomass production, nutritional value and animal production of an association with fabaceae species and grasses with grazing calves.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The study compared Mombaza (Megathyrsus maximus) – Kudzu (Pueraria phaseoloides) association pasture against a Mombaza in monoculture control. Ten calves, five in each pasture type, were grazed in rotation for seven months. Dry matter yield, proportion of Kudzu in the association, protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ash, and daily weight gain were evaluated every 36 days.
Results: Dry matter yield did not differ between pasture types, but varied by sampling dates, being higher at the onset of the rainy season (May 20th). The proportion of Kudzu in the association was low, decreasing from 8.42% to 1.71% over the study period. Lignin content increased in the association during the driest month (April). Daily weight gain was 978 g in the monoculture pasture and 678 g/day in the association, with no significant difference.
Study Limitations/Implications: The low persistence of the fabaceae in the association limits the nutritional value of the pasture, consequently, the improvement of grazing animal production.
Findings/Conclusions: During the drought season, both pastures exhibited the highest protein concentration and the greatest weight gain at the beginning of this period. However, the association did not result in greater weight gains due to the low persistence of the fabaceae
Productive response of two species of chickens (Mexican native and Sasso), in confinement and grazing white clover (Trifolium repens L.)
No full textObjective: To determine the productive behavior and forage consumption (Trifolium repens L.) of Mexican native and Sasso chickens, under two rearing systems (confinement or grazing).
Design/Methodology/Approach: One-hundred twenty-eight chickens (64 Mexican native (MN) and 64 Sasso (S)) of 35 d of age were randomly distributed in two production systems to obtain four repetitions (eight chickens per repetition) of each of the following genotype × system combinations: Mexican native in grazing, Mexican native in confinement, Sasso in grazing, and Sasso in confinement. A completely randomized experimental design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement was used, with genotype and production system as its main factors. The following variables were evaluated: feed consumption, weight gain, and feed conversion. Additionally, forage consumption in grazing birds was determined.
Results: The productive performance variables were not affected by the production system factors or by its interaction with the bird genotype. However, the genotype did influence the variables considered: the Sasso birds recorded better values (p ≤ 0.05) than Mexican native specimens. Regarding forage consumption, no differences were observed (p ≤ 0.05) between bird genotypes and, in both cases, the accumulated consumption at the 49 d of study was close to 60 g of DM.
Study Limitations/Implications: It is necessary to carry out a socioeconomic study as well as a defoliation level analysis with the aim of improving the use of the resource.
Findings/Conclusions: Mexican native birds had a lower productive performance with a similar forage consumption
Comparative analysis of the chemical quality of fishmeal produced on the Northwest coast of Mexico
Get PDFObjective: To evaluate the physico-chemical quality of fishmeal produced by four companies in different states of the Republic (Baja California Sur, Jalisco and Sinaloa).
Design/methodology/approach: The analyzed fishmeals were from six batches, sardine meal from California pilchard and Pacific thread herring (S. sagax and O. libertate), and skipjack tuna and (K. pelamis) processed by different Mexican companies. Proximal chemical analysis was carried out at the Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR).
Results: The fishmeal’s quality parameters analyzed in this study showed similar values to those reported in the literature. The variations observed in their proximate chemical composition allow them to be classified according to the results of the analyses.
Limitations on study/implications: Considering that four of the six flours were produced from the same raw material, S. sagax, the high variability in their physico-chemical quality parameters indicates a lack of standardization in both production methods and quality controls among the producing companies.
Findings/conclusions: K. pelamis by-products can produce meals of equal or better physico-chemical quality than those produced from S. sagax. The development of official regulations establishing quality standards to fishmeal production at national level is desirable for competitiveness.Objective: To evaluate the physico-chemical quality of fishmeal produced by four companies in different states of the Republic (Baja California Sur, Jalisco, and Sinaloa).
Design/methodology/approach: The analyzed fishmeals were from six batches, sardine meal from California pilchard and Pacific thread herring (S. sagax and O. libertate), and skipjack tuna and (K. pelamis) processed by different Mexican companies. Proximal chemical analysis was carried out at the Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR).
Results: The fishmeal’s quality parameters analyzed in this study showed similar values to those reported in the literature. The variations observed in their proximate chemical composition allow them to be classified according to the results of the analyses.
Limitations on study/implications: Considering that four of the six flours were produced from the same raw material, S. sagax, the high variability in their physico-chemical quality parameters indicates a lack of standardization in both production methods and quality controls among the producing companies.
Findings/conclusions: K. pelamis by-products can produce meals of equal or better physico-chemical quality than those produced from S. sagax. The development of official regulations establishing quality standards to fishmeal production at national level is desirable for competitiveness
Productive Characteristics, Nesting Substrates, and Colonies of the Escamolera Ant (Liometopum apiculatum M.) in Zacatecas, Mexico
Get PDFObjective: The objective of this study was to connect measurements, weights, and production of escamoles with nesting substrates, foraging paths, nest types, and colony sizes of the escamolera ant.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The data about nests, colonies, and larvae were gathered during morning and evening field walks, with the support of escamoles harvesters. The basic statistics of the data were estimated (N = 59 nests/colonies) and analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis H test. In addition, the Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine the differences per nest type.
Results: The highest production of escamoles was recorded in the Prosopis laevigata substrate (x=551.08 g/N=1), while the lowest production was recorded in the Echinocereus stramineus substrate (x=228.31 g/N=4). The length and width of the larvae (N=1,100 larvae) were similar in all the substrates. The weight of the larvae varied from 0.09 g, in the Prosopis levigata substrate, to 0.16 g, in the dry palm (Yucca spp.) substrate; therefore, 11,111 and 6,250 larvae are required, respectively, to obtain 1 kg of escamoles.
Study Limitations/Implications: The information of this study is limited to a single harvesting region.
Findings/Conclusions: The low escamoles production indicates that its harvesting must comply with a regulatory framework and a better organization, in order to guarantee the continuous presence of Liometopum apiculatum colonies