Revista Agro Productividad
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Mineral Profile in Soil and Forages of Rangelands of the Huasteca Potosina, Mexico
Get PDFMineral imbalances in soils and forages may cause suboptimal production of forage biomass and livestock.
Objective: To determine the concentrations of minerals in soil and forage during the dry and wet seasons in the Huasteca Potosina.
Materials and Methods: Samples from the soil and the main forage species consumed by livestock were collected in 17 production units (PU). The P content in soil and forage was determined by colorimetry, while the Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Co content was established by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and flame photometry was used to calculate Na and K content. The data were subjected to an analysis of variance; the effect of PU, season, and interactions was considered as fixed effect. Means were compared using Tukey’s test.
Results and Discussion: P and Cu content was below the minimum critical level required for adequate plant growth. Furthermore, the P, Mg, K, Na, Cu, Co, and Zn concentration in forage failed to meet the minimum requirements for livestock.
Conclusions: The mineral imbalances in the grazing areas and the forages do not meet the minimum mineral requirements of dual-purpose cattle in the Huasteca Potosina
The Research Station Centro-Altos de Jalisco CIRPAC-INIFAP: celebration of its 50th anniversary
Get PDFNational Research Institute for Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock (INIFAP by its acronym in Spanish
Relationship between Neutral Detergent Fiber and In Vitro Digestibility in Test Crosses of Maize Hybrids
Get PDFfiber (NDF) and in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) of test crosses of maize.
Design/methodology/approach: Crosses of early, intermediate, and late maize lines (total=75) from high valleys and subtropical/tropical testers were sowed in three regions of Central-North Mexico. Male and female flowering days (MFD, FFD); days to harvest (Dcor); plant and cob length (PL, CL); forage, corn stover (CS), and cobs humid base (HB) and dry matter (DM) yields; and NDF, acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose (Hem), crude protein (CP), and IVDMD were analyzed.
Results: High valleys lines had more MFD, FFD, Dcor, and PL, therefore better forage, MS, and cob yields. More MDF, FFD, and H were related to better HB and DM yields, and CP content, but also were related to more NDF, ADF, and Hem proportions, and therefore to a less IVDMD (r=0.47 to 0.98); however, crosslines with high cob yields also had high CS yields (r=0.57-0.68). Regression linear models showed that one unit of NDF might reduce 0.49 to 56% the IVDMD (R2=0.59-0.78); additionally, NDF<68% was related to IVDMD>60% (R2=0.63-0.78).
Limitations on study/implications: ADF correlated negatively with IVDMD in early lines; NDF composition should also be related to its degradability (NDFD).
Findings/conclusions: Maize-breeding might be directed to obtain hybrids with less NDF CS contents to use them in ruminant diets, maintaining the cob yields for human nutrition and resistance to plant lodging. 
Avifauna associated to a home garden in Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico
Get PDFObjective: Identify the birds associated with a family garden in Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico and know which ones use cultivated plants as a food resource.
Methodology: As part of the project “Fauna associated with cultivated plants in the south-southeast region of Mexico”, 36 field trips were carried out, six hours per day (6:00 – 10:00 and 16:00-18:00) in the period from March 2022 to April 2023, in a home garden in Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico. The birds were observed with binoculars, photographed with digital cameras and identified with field guides.
Results: We observed 67 species of birds belonging to 14 orders and 28 families. Of these species, 14 are migratory, 3 endemics and 4 subject to special protection in Mexico. Additionally, we recorded 21 species of birds feeding on 22 species of cultivated plants. The plant resource most used by birds were fruits (16), followed by nectar (5) and young leaves (1). The plant species most consumed by birds were Manilkara zapota L., Carica papaya L. and Spondias purpurea L., which were used by 3 species of birds each. The bird that consumed the most cultivated plants was the Melanerpes aurifrons Wagler, which fed on 5 species.
Study limitations: It was not possible to specifically identify two species of birds: Contopus sp. and Myarchus sp.
Conclusions: This study contributes to the knowledge of birds associated with home gardens in Valladolid, Yucatan and constitutes a basis for future studies on bird-plant trophic interactions in Mexico.Objective: To identify the birds associated to a home garden in Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico, and to understand which ones use cultivated plants as food.Methodology: As part of the project “Fauna associated to cultivated plants in the south-southeast region of Mexico”, 36 field visits were carried out, for six hours per day (6:00-10:00 and 16:00-18:00 hrs.), in the period from March 2022 to April 2023, in a home garden in Valladolid, Yucatan. The birds were watched with binoculars, photographed with digital cameras, and identified with field guides.Results: A total of 67 bird species were observed, which belonged to 14 orders and 28 families. Of the species, 14 are migratory, three endemic, and four subject to special protection in Mexico. In addition, 21 bird species were found feeding off 22 species of cultivated plants. The most frequently used plant resource by the birds were fruits (16), followed by nectar (5) and tender leaves (1). The most consumed plants species by the birds were Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen, Carica papaya L. and Spondias purpurea L., which were used by three bird species each. The bird that consumed more cultivated plants was the Golden-fronted Woodpecker (Melanerpesaurifrons Wagler) that fed off five species.Limitations on study: It was not possible to identify two birds at the species level: Contopus sp. and Myiarchus sp.Conclusions: This study contributes to the knowledge of birds associated to home gardens and constitutes the basis for future studies on bird-plant trophic interactions in Mexico
Value networks, consolidation, and risks of an agricultural territory
Get PDFObjective: Producer and marketer value networks in an agricultural land in Veracruz, Mexico were identified and characterized, to determine its consolidation level (primary, emergent, potential, or combined), as well as to detect risks and to establish an improvement proposal.
Design/Methodology/Approach: An area of the Altas Montañas Veracruz, Mexico was used for the experiment. Surveys were conducted with producers (n=131) and marketers (n=42) of agricultural produce. Socioeconomic, environmental, technical, commercial, and chain link variables were analyzed to detect risks, opportunities, and revaluations. The study was carried out with the RStudio v. 4.3.3 software.
Results: Six producer value networks and three marketer value networks were identified. Socioeconomic, environmental, commercial, and technological risks were detected. However, public health risks were different depending on the application of raw manure. Chayote and avocado have displaced other crops. The revaluation proposals for emergent and potential producer and marketer networks were focused on technical support (i.e., commercialization and generational change)
Seasonal anestrus of sheep flocks
Get PDFObjective: Determine the presence of seasonal anestrus in relation to the seasons of the year, type of food, breed type and social environment in sheep production systems in Singuilucan, Hidalgo.
Design/methodology/approach: From the data obtained from 41 semi-structured surveys applied to sheep producers, a logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine the degree of intervention that the study variables have on the presentation of seasonal anestrus in the production systems. sheep production in the study regionResults: Thirty-nine production units with seasonal anestrus periods were identified, which is influenced by the variables seasons of the year, type of food, breed type and social environment (P<0.05). Spring within the seasons of the year, as well as free and stable grazing within the feeding type, wool sheep within the racial type, and the presence of males or absence of males within the social environment, respectively, have an influence on the presence of periods of anestrus (P<0.05)..
Limitations on study/implications: Knowing the variables that influence the presentation of seasonal anestrus will help to establish reproductive programs in sheep.
Findings/conclusions: Seasonal anestrus occurs in wool sheep during the spring and is influenced by the seasons of the year, type of feeding, breed type and social environment in the sheep production systems of Singuilucan, Hidalgo.Objective: To determine seasonal anestrus in relation to the season of the year, feeding type, breed, and social environment variables of sheep production systems in Singuilucan, Hidalgo, Mexico.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Based on n=41 semi-structured surveys applied to the producers of the study area, a logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine the influence of the study variables on the seasonal anestrus of sheep production systems.
Results: Thirty-nine production units with seasonal anestrus periods were identified. Seasonal anestrus was influenced by the season of the year, feeding type, breed, and social environment variables (P<0.05). The anestrus periods were influenced (P<0.05) by spring (season of the year), range and shed system with concentrate feeding (feeding type), wool sheep (breeds), and the presence or absence of rams in the flock (social environment).
Study Limitations/Implications: Determining which variables influence seasonal anestrus will help to develop sheep reproductive programs.
Findings/Conclusions: Wool sheep have a seasonal anestrus in spring. The season of the year, feeding type, breed, and social environment variables influenced the seasonal anestrus of sheep production systems in Singuilucan, Hidalgo, Mexico
Effect of annatto and alfalfa on egg yolk pigmentation in Creole hens
Get PDFABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the effect of the addition of annatto on the external and internal physical characteristics of the eggs of creole hens.
Design/methodology: 116 eggs were used (alfalfa=58 and annatto=58) collected from 22 hens which were divided into two treatments: fed with alfalfa (n=11 females and one male) and annatto (n=11 females and one male). The collected egg was stored in a refrigerator until analysis. The external physical characteristics were: weight, length, width of the egg and eggshel thickness, the internal physical characteristics were: weight of the yolk and white, and pigmentation of the yolk. Yolk color was evaluated with the DSM color fan.
Study Limitations/implications: in the literature review, little information was found on the addition of annatto in the diet of creole hens and its effect on the external and internal physical characteristics of the egg.
Results: The addition of annatto did not affect the weight, length and width of the egg, nor did it affect the eggshell thickness. However, the addition of annatto to the feed of Creole hens increased the color of the yolk, without affecting the weight of the yolk and white.
Conclusion: The annatto added to the diet of Creole hens increases the color of the yolk, it does not affect the external and internal physical characteristics of the egg. The use of annatto in the feeding of Creole hens is an effective alternative to pigment the yolk, it is a natural pigment that has no negative effects on human health compared to synthetic pigments.
Keywords: Egg, yolk, color, natural pigment.Objective: To evaluate the effect of an alfalfa- and annatto-enriched diet on the external and internal characteristics of eggs laid by Creole hens.
Design/Methodology: A set of 22 Creole hens was divided into two treatment groups. The first group (n=11 females and one male) was fed alfalfa, while the second (n=11 females and one male) consumed alfalfa and annatto. For the study, 116 eggs (alfalfa=58 and annatto=58) were collected and stored in refrigeration until further analysis. The data encompassed external physical characteristics (egg weight, length, width, and shell thickness) and internal physical characteristics (yolk weight, white weight, and yolk pigmentation). Yolk color was evaluated as per the DSM color spectrum.
Study Limitations/implications: Backyard poultry farming does not use artificial pigments to color egg yolks due to their high cost and low availability. Annatto and alfalfa are low-cost, handy alternatives.
Results: Adding fresh alfalfa or annatto to the Creole hens' diet did not significantly affect (P>0.05) egg weight, length, or width, nor (P>0.05) eggshell thickness. Yolk and white weight were not affected (P>0.05) either. However, supplementing the hens’ diet with annatto intensified yolk pigmentation.
Conclusion: Adding annatto to the Creole hens' diet intensifies yolk color without affecting the external or internal physical characteristics of eggs. Annatto (known in Mexico as achiote) is a natural pigment with no harmful effects on human health compared to synthetic alternatives. It is also inexpensive and easily accessible
Strategy to improve the micropropagation of sugarcane plants using carbon dioxide injection
Get PDFObjective: To develop a strategy for the improvement of micropropagation of sugarcane plants in the central region of Veracruz, using carbon dioxide injection.
Design/methodology/approach: Intelligent control and micropropagation techniques are used in this development.
Results: Improved micropropagation of sugarcane plants using carbon dioxide injection is demonstrated using intelligent control techniques.
Findings/conclusions: With this controlled carbon dioxide injection system, research can be carried out to obtain the most approximate values to contribute to better growth and adaptability in sugarcane crops. This can guarantee shorter adaptation times and thus generate greater economic gains for the producers
Cabbage plant (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) quantification culti-vated under different soil covers using aerial photographs
Get PDFvar. capitata L.) quantification cultivated under different types of mulching, using aerial images captured by RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System).
Design/methodology/approach: The cabbage plantation used for the study was established under a completely randomized block design with different types of mulch as treatments: black plastic, white plastic, straw, and bare soil. Manual plant counts and automated estimates were performed using two agricultural artificial intelligence platforms (Platforms A and B). The relationship was evaluated using linear regression correlation (R²), and the following indicators were subsequently used: estimation accuracy (Ps), estimation error percentage (Es), mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean square error (RMSE).
Results: Platform A showed a correlation coefficient range of R²=0.41 to 0.91. Platform B obtained R² values ranging from 0.77 to 0.88. Platform A exhibited the highest estimation accuracy (Ps) with 98.3% and an estimation error (Es) of -1.7% for straw mulch, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 2.0% and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1 for bare soil. Both platforms showed underestimations in the number of detected plants, ranging from -6.7% to -1.7%.
Limitations on study/implications: The use of RPAS was limited by atmospheric conditions such as wind and rain.
Findings/conclusions: The effectiveness of counting cabbage plants using RPAS was validated
Bioprospecting of rhizobacteria with antagonistic activity against Fusarium spp., a parasite of cucumber (Cucumis sativus)
Get PDFObjective: To identify bacteria of genus Bacillus which, isolated from the tomato and cucumber rhizosphere, have an antagonistic effect against Fusarium spp. isolated from cucumber plants in Culiacan, Sinaloa.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Both the in vitro and in vivo antagonisms of rhizobacterial isolates against Fusarium spp. on cucumber plants were evaluated. Bacteria with the highest antagonistic effect were identified based on their morphological and molecular characteristics.
Results: Isolates FA15 and FA16 showed the highest in vitro biological efficacy against Fusarium spp., with 50.0% and 61.36% inhibition of mycelial growth, respectively. Rhizobacterium FA15 achieved the highest biological efficacy (88.89%) against Fusarium spp. in cucumber plants, while rhizobacterium FA16 recorded a 59.27% efficacy. The morphological and molecular characterization of isolates FA15 and FA16 confirmed a 100% molecular identity between FA15 and Bacillus velezensis and FA16 and B. subtilis.
Study Limitations/Implications: The rhizobacteria identified in this study inhibited the mycelial growth of the phytoparasite. Therefore, further studies about these rhizobacteria should be carried out to determine the potential antibiosis that may cause the inhibitory effect.
Findings/Conclusions: During the search for native beneficial rhizobacteria, two bacteria that exercise a biologically-effective control over Fusarium spp were identified in Culiacan: Bacillus velezensis and B. subtilis. This finding offers an opportunity in the agricultural biotechnology field to study beneficial native species that could provide an alternative to the use of chemicals