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Alpaca husbandry in Sweden : what are the most common deficiencies and how is the welfare of the alpacas affected by deficient animal husbandry?
Get PDFAlpacas are a relatively new species in Swedish animal husbandry. Alpacas are kept for various reasons such as hobby, companionship, and production. The knowledge about the species is still limited and there are nearly no species-specific regulations regarding the alpaca husbandry in Swe-den. This work aimed to investigate animal welfare deficiencies occurring in alpaca husbandry in Sweden and to investigate which deficiencies that are most common in alpaca husbandry for various purposes. Data was collected by requesting documents with discovered deficiencies from animal welfare controls carried out by the County board of administration. The aim was also to find out how the welfare of the alpacas is affected by these deficiencies, which was done through a literature study. Due to limited data, it is difficult to determine a true conclusion about the most occurred deficiencies in different kinds of alpaca husbandry in Sweden. However, the results suggest that risk of injury in the animals' environment is one of the most common welfare deficiencies. Lack of substrate and wet, uncleaned lying surfaces is also a common deficiency according to this study. These deficiencies may affect the animals in various ways, partly through injuries, but also in the form of parasitic diseases, and thus animal welfare is negatively affected. The result clearly shows the alpacas are negatively affected by insufficient animal husbandry, which highlights the need for species-specific regulations which also requires more research on alpacas and their needs
On-farm slaughter and emergency slaughter in Sweden : prerequisites for reducing food loss of pigs and cattle
Get PDFAlthough consumers are responsible for much food waste, recent studies have shown significant losses on farm-level. A recent report published by the Swedish Board of Agriculture presented that 3% and 8% of pigs and cattle are lost respectively, requesting further research regarding the potential in salvaging meat through on-farm slaughter (OFS) and on-farm emergency slaughter (OFES). Thus, the aim of this study was set to investigate the attitudes and interests of abattoirs and key industry actors to initiate or increase the use of OFS and OFES. A qualitative study was conducted by interviewing six abattoirs, one veterinary consultant, one meat industry trade group, the Swedish National Food Agency, and 11 game-handling establishments (GHE). The results showed overall concerns regarding economic and technical limitations of performing OFES and OFS, as well as limitations due to official veterinary controls. GHE was observed as having potential in a system of OFES or OFS, due to their current ability to receive carcasses of wild game. Future recommendations include investigating the potential of expanding the regulatory framework for official veterinary controls, to use OFS as a tool for non-acute injuries and to include GHE in a functioning system of OFS and OFES.Trots att konsumenter är ansvariga för en stor del av det totala matsvinnet, har nya studier visat betydande livsmedelsförluster sker redan på gårdsnivå. En ny rapport från Jordbruksverket presenterar att 3 % respektive 8 % av allt nötdjur och grisar förloras på gårdsnivå, och rekommenderar att utreda potentialen att minska köttförluster genom slakt på jordbruksanläggning och nödslakt. På grund av detta syftade denna studie att utreda attityder och intressen hos slakterier och andra nyckelaktörer att påbörja, eller utöka, användandet av slakt på jordbruksanläggning och nödslakt. En kvalitativ studie genomfördes, där intervjuer gjordes med sex slakterier, en veterinärkonsult, Livsmedelsverket samt 11 vilthanteringsanläggningar. Resultatet vidare en övergripande oro gällande ekonomiska och tekniska möjligheter för slakt på jordbruksanläggning och nödslakt, samt begränsningar kopplat till de officiella veterinärkontrollerna. Vilthanteringsanläggningar ansågs som potentiella mottagare av djurkroppar genom slakt på jordbruksanläggning och nödslakt, tack vare sin nuvarande förmåga att ta emot djurkroppar av vilt. Förslag till framtida studier inkluderar att utreda potentialen av att utöka regelverket för officiella veterinärkontroller, att använda slakt på jordbruksanläggning som ett verktyg för icke-akuta skador samt att använda vilthanteringsanläggningar i ett fungerande system för slakt på jordbruksanläggning och nödslakt
Characterization of a novel bacteriumoriginating from a biogas process
Get PDFAn anaerobic bacterium, isolated from an enrichment culture originating from a biogas reactor operating at high ammonia conditions, was characterised via various tests. An analysis of the 16S rRNA gene confirmed that the closest relative was Desulfotomaculum halophilum with 92,5 % similarity. The isolated bacterium had a narrow substrate range and only used three compounds for growth, which of pyruvate was the optimal, used as a substrate for most inoculations in this study. Lactate was also tested as substrate, together with sulphate to evaluate if the isolate could use it as an electron acceptor. Neither of those inoculations formed growth. The bacterium ferments pyruvate and acetate are formed. It is a gram positive mesophilic bacterium and growth was measured between 25 °C and 38.5 °C. It grows well in high concentrations of ammonia, tested up to 0.24 M, and can also grow in high sodium salinity, here tested until 0.18 M. Microscopic analyses showed that the cells are rod shaped and they move by twisting around. The described bacterium is most likely a new species
Implementing corporate sustainability strategy : A multiple case study of Swedish pharmacy chains, focusing on the sustainability initiative Välvald
Get PDFThe study addresses the existing literature gap regarding the role of and the relationship between organisational communication and motivation when implementing a corporate sustainability strategy within the specific context of the sustainability initiative Välvald. The findings of the study are based on the experiences of the Swedish Pharmacy Association, Apoteksgruppen, Apoteket AB and Apotek Hjärtat, all engaged in the Välvald initiative.
The study aims to contribute to the academic literature by shedding light on the effect that communication and motivation have on the implementation of corporate sustainability strategy. In order to achieve this, the author adopted a qualitative approach and employed a multiple case study design, which involved conducting semi-structured interviews with representatives from the aforementioned organisations.
The findings indicate that organisational communication does play a significant role in influencing motivation, indicating that there is strong communication-motivation relationship. More specifically, the findings suggest that effective organisational communication enables understanding which facilitates employee engagement powered by motivation. The significance of organisational communication in the studied context, highlights its direct impact on employee motivation and by extension the success of the strategy used to implement the sustainability initiative Välvald
Swedish “tofu” from faba beans
Get PDFTofu, a traditional soybean product, is a popular plant-based alternative which could potentially be produced from Swedish-grown faba beans (Vicia faba L.). The aim of this project was to asses the viability of producing a tofu-like faba bean product using food grade gypsum (calcium sulphate) as coagulant. Bean milk from faba beans and soybeans, respectively, was prepared with a bean-water ratio of 1:6 and 1:9. The prepated milk was heated to a boiling temperature and then coagulated at 80°C using 0,4% (w/v) of calcium sulphate. Faba bean starch was removed from the milk prior to coagulation using enzymatic hydrolysis (amylase) and decantation, respectively. Solids content, moisture content, water-holding capacity, yield, texture and gel microstructural properties of faba bean tofu variants was analysed and compared to soybean tofu produced under the same processing conditions. Tofu texture was analysed using texture-profile analysis (TPA), and tofu microstructure using light microscopy (LM) and confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM). Starch removal methods varied in efficiency. Compared to soybean tofu variants, the faba bean tofu variants exhibited a lower tofu yield, lower milk solids content, higher WHC, harder and less springy texture, and a densely aggregated and compacted gel structure. Nonetheless, the results indicate that there is potential for developing a tofu-like faba bean product, although further research and development is required to optimize textural and structural characteristics. Ultimately, industrial-scale testing and sensory panels will be decisive in determining the viability of commercial production
Växthuset En grön miljö att vistas i under hela året
Get PDFTraditionella växthus har genom åren främst används för odling, men utvecklingen och
designen gjort att växthusen idag allt mera används som ett extra rum i trädgården.
Dessa rum nyttas främst under vår, sommar och höst och under vinterhalvåret står
växthusen ofta tomma eller utan grönska. Anledning till detta är främst bristande
kunskap när det gäller att veta vilka växter som fungerar.
Oavsett om du har ett mindre eller större växthus, finns det växter som klarar av
växthusets förutsättningar och lever i en liknande miljö i en annan del av världen. Det
kräver kunskap att veta vilka växter som klarar av dessa förutsättningar och samtidigt
kunna säkerställa växternas överlevnad och trivsel för att erbjuda en grön miljö året
runt.
Rapporten tar utgångspunkt i en av Classicum mest sålda växthus. Utifrån växthusets
klimat och ståndort tillkommer en växtlista som slutligen sammanställs och
presenteras i ett gestaltningsförslag. Resultatet av rapporten ska fungera som en
inspiration för privatpersoner och underlätta skapandet av gröna miljöer att vistas i
under hela året.Over the years, traditional greenhouses have mainly been used for cultivation, but
the development and design have meant that today greenhouses are increasingly
used as an extra room in the garden. These rooms are mainly used during spring,
summer, and autumn and during the winter months the greenhouses are often empty
or without greenery. The reason for this is mainly lack of knowledge when it comes to
knowing which plants that work in this environment. Regardless of whether you have
a smaller or larger greenhouse, there are plants that can handle the conditions of the
greenhouse and live in a similar environment in another part of the world. Knowledge
is required to know which plants can cope with these conditions and at the same time
to be able to provide the plants' survival and well-being to offer a green environment
all year round.
The report is based on one of Classicum's best-selling greenhouses. Based on the
climate and location of the greenhouse, a plant list is added which is finally compiled
and presented in a design proposal. The result of the report should work as a
inspiration for private individuals and inspirate them to create these green
environments
Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii från svensk rödklöver har stor likhet i 16S genen till skillnad från nod generna som påvisar stora sekvensskillnader
Get PDFRhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii (Rlt) is a root-associated soil bacterium (rhizobia) capable of entering a symbiotic relationship with various species of clover (Trifolium sp.) and fix nitrogen within root nodules. Many rhizobial genes required for host infection and nitrogen fixation are located on symbiotic plasmids, which are highly mobile between strains. In this study the genetic diversity of one chromosomal phylogenetic marker gene (16S rRNA) and four symbiotically associated plasmidlocated nodulation genes (nodA, nodB, nodD1, and nodD2) of thirteen isolates were analysed. The isolated Rlt were derived from red clover root nodules collected in various locations in Sweden. It was determined that Swedish Rlt isolates were highly similar regarding the chromosomal marker 16S gene sequences but displayed sequence variations regarding the symbiotic nod genes nodA, nodB, and nodD1. The gene nodD2 was not detected. The variations among these genes could be partly geographically grouped in the north and south of Sweden. Similarities in the marker gene confirms a close genetic relationship, whereas the divergence in nod genes suggests variations in competitiveness between the strains. Considering the differences seen in the nod genes, comparison to international sequences showed that the Swedish Rlt strains are closely related. The high genetic similarities among the isolates suggest that the Rlt strains in Sweden may share a common origin. Further genetic and phenotypic analyses must be conducted to determine whether the nod gene variants result in a difference in competitiveness
En trädslagsjämförelse från låg till hög bonitet i skogliga försök i södra Sverige
Get PDFThe dilemma of climate change, biodiversity conservation and economic efficiency in nowadays forestry leads us to search for the new solutions. Introduction of non-native tree species becomes a more frequently explored field as a solution for the future problems. However, introduction is limited by adaptability, susceptibility and productivity which all together control the success and risks of their potential. This thesis studies three native and nine introduced tree species planted in tree species experiments across the low, moderate and high site productivity gradients in southern Sweden. Evaluated native species are Norway spruce, Scots pine, silver birch and introduced- white spruce, black spruce, Sitka spruce, lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, grand fir, balsam poplar, hybrid larch, hybrid aspen. The early growth of tree species provides us a better understanding of potential and expectations in the following growth periods. Besides the native tree species, a few of the non-native species such as lodgepole pine or Douglas fir have already been introduced in Swedish forestry. But for others, such as grand fir, black spruce or white spruce research is rather scarce.
Evaluation included a review of the species-specific literature on ecology, soil preference, growth and known biotic/abiotic risks as well as the early-growth analysis and comparison of diameter, height, basal area and total volume between and inside the low, moderate and high productivity sites in the southern Sweden.
Among the studied native species, based on total volume growth, Scots pine was most productive in low productivity, while Norway spruce- in moderate and high productivity sites. In comparison silver birch produced lowest total volume out of the three native species.
In the low productivity site volume growth of hybrid larch and lodgepole pine was higher than of the Scots pine, Douglas fir growth was similar to the growth of Norway spruce, while white spruce total volume growth was the lowest.
In the moderate productivity site Sitka spruce, grand fir and hybrid larch productivity was higher than of the Norway spruce. Hybrid aspen productivity was similar to Norway spruce. The lowest productivity was measured in black spruce and Douglas fir plots, not reaching either of the native species.
In the high productivity site, the highest production was measured by grand fir, there as Sitka spruce, balsam poplar and hybrid larch total volume growth were similar to the Norway spruce. Douglas fir total volume was slightly higher than of the silver birch, although was significantly lower than of the Norway spruce. Fast-growing hybrid aspen total volume by the age 18 was equivalent to the growth of Norway spruce by the age 30, showing the high suitability for short-rotation plantations
The climate effects of electrofuel in aviation
Get PDFKan elektrobränsle vara den nyckeln som flygindustrin behöver för att bekämpa klimatförändringarna? Detta arbete handlar om att utföra en livscykelanalys av elektrobränsle för att bedöma dess effektivitet som en hållbar lösning för att minska klimatpåverkan från flygindustrin. Elektrobränsle är en variant av hållbart flygbränsle, SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel). Vid tillverkning av elektrobränsle används enbart fossilfri elektricitet, återvunnen koldioxid och vätgas i stället för fossila ämnen som används vid produktionen av fossilt flygfotogen. Flyget står för en betydande del av växthusgasutsläppen och elektrobränsle kan vara en potentiell lösning. Målet med rapporten är att undersöka elektrobränslets totala klimatpåverkan jämfört med fossila bränslen och bedöma dess bidrag till att uppfylla Sveriges miljömål.
Livscykelanalysen av elektrobränsle baserades på data för fem olika processer. Dessa inkluderade infångning av 200 000 ton CO2/år, transporten av CO2, elförbrukningen för tillverkning av vätgas samt elektrobränsle, transporten av elektrobränsle och förbränningen av elektrobränsle på hög höjdseffekten. Dessa processer var viktiga för att få en förståelse för hela livscykeln för elektrobränsle och dess klimatpåverkan.
Rapporten avser särskilt på HySkies-projektet, som syftar till att fånga in 200 000 ton CO2 per år och producera 50 000 ton elektrobränsle per år i Sverige. Efter livscykelanalys resulterar det i att utsläppen av CO2-e per kilowattimme (kWh) är lägre för elektrobränsle jämfört med fossilt flygfotogen. Elektrobränsle har en utsläppsnivå på 307 g CO2-e/kWh på hög höjd, medan fossil flygfotogen har en utsläppsnivå på 543 g CO2-e/kWh. Om man exkluderar utsläppen från höghöjdseffekten har elektrobränslet en lägre utsläppsnivå på 73 g CO2-e/kWh. Detta motsvarar en minskning på cirka 87% jämfört med fossil flygfotogen.
HySkies projekt har potential att bli en hållbar lösning för att minska klimatpåverkan, men det kräver fortsatta analyser och åtgärder för att minska utsläppen så mycket som möjligt. Det är också viktigt att fokusera på att få flygplan certifierade för användning av 100% hållbart flygbränsle och fortsätta den tekniska utvecklingen av flygplansmotorer och bränslesystem.Can electrofuel be the key that the aviation industry needs to combat climate change? This work is about conducting a life cycle analysis of electrofuel to assess its effectiveness as a sustainable solution for reducing the climate impact of the aviation industry. Electrofuel is a variant of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). During the production of electrofuel, only fossil-free electricity, recycled carbon dioxide, and hydrogen are used instead of fossil materials used in the production of conventional aviation fuel. Aviation accounts for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, and electrofuel could be a potential solution. The goal of the study is to examine the overall climate impact of electrofuel compared to fossil fuels and assess its contribution to achieving Sweden's environmental goals.
The life cycle analysis of electrofuel was based on data from five different processes. These included the capture of 200,000 tons of CO2 per year, the transport of CO2, the electricity consumption for hydrogen production and electrofuel production, the transport of electrofuel, and the combustion of electrofuel at high altitude. These processes were important to understand the entire life cycle of electrofuel and its climate impact.
The report specifically focuses on the HySkies project, which aims to capture 200,000 tons of CO2 per year and produce 50,000 tons of electrofuel per year in Sweden. After the life cycle analysis, it results in lower CO2-e emissions per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for electrofuel compared to fossil aviation fuel. Electrofuel has an emission level of 307 g CO2-e/kWh at high altitude, while fossil aviation fuel has an emission level of 543 g CO2-e/kWh. Excluding the emissions from high altitude effects, electrofuel has a lower emission level of 73 g CO2-e/kWh. This corresponds to a reduction of approximately 87% compared to fossil aviation fuel.
The HySkies project has the potential to be a sustainable solution for reducing climate impact, but it requires further analysis and measures to minimize emissions as much as possible. It is also important to focus on certifying aircraft for the use of 100% sustainable aviation fuel and continue the technical development of aircraft engines and fuel systems