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Could Molinia caerulea be an alternative forage feed for horses?
No full textMolinia caerulea (Molinia) is a native plant species that dominates large tracts of the UK uplands, with detrimental impacts on floristic diversity and related habitat value. Harvesting Molinia supports biodiversity restoration and conservation, yet there is little incentive for farmers to manage this increasingly dominant species. Our aim was to evaluate Molinia's potential as an alternative forage for feeding horses based on published nutrient analysis data. Though research is limited, chemical analysis suggests Molinia is typically comprised of high energy, low water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC), but is high in fibre, resulting in poor digestibility and low metabolisable energy provision in cattle. However, low WSC, high fibre diets are favoured for feeding domestic horses where inappropriate nutrition is typically associated with obesity and metabolic disorders. Ryegrass hay, commonly fed to horses, typically has a WSC concentration of around 180 g/kg DM, which exceeds recommended thresholds and is far greater than reported for Molinia (50–70 g/kg DM). We recommend further research to understand how this plant is degraded in the equine hindgut, using in vitro gas simulation and production experiments, to explore how Molinia is degraded in the hindgut and the extent to which it could contribute to or affect gastrointestinal health, prior to in vivo studies. Were the potential of Molinia as an equine feed proven, three-fold benefits would result: a new source of low WSC forage suitable for domestic horses susceptible to weight-related metabolic disorders; a new income stream for farmers in marginal areas; improved upland grassland biodiversity.</p
Accounting for the Sustainable Development Goals:Walking the talk or managing impressions?
No full textPurpose – This paper examines the extent, quality, and tone of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) disclosures by UK FTSE 100 firms, assessing whether these reflect genuine commitment or serve impression management purposes.Design/Methodology – A meaning-oriented content analysis of SDG-related disclosures from 75 FTSE 100 company reports is conducted. Drawing on the SDG Compass and KPMG’s SDG reporting criteria, we develop a multidimensional analytical framework to assess disclosure scope, quality (semantic attributes and managerial orientation), and tone (thematic manipulation and structural emphasis).Findings – SDG reporting is widespread but predominantly symbolic. Most firms emphasise a narrow set of high-profile goals (notably SDGs 8, 12, 13), with disclosures often framed in overly optimistic language, reinforcing favourable corporate narratives. Crucially, our targeted analysis reveals that many SDG sub-targets are poorly aligned with existing sustainability reporting frameworks, limiting their operational relevance. We demonstrate that these structural deficiencies, coupled with managerial apathy, foster superficial engagement and constrain meaningful accountability.Originality/value – This study reframes symbolic SDG engagement as the outcome of both managerial choices and structural limitations within the SDG architecture. It contributes to SDG disclosure literature by developing a composite framework that integrates disclosure scope, quality, and narrative tone—offering a multidimensional lens for evaluating sustainability reporting. By extending the analytical lens beyond headline goals, it offers fresh insights into the institutional and managerial conditions that legitimise symbolic reporting. These insights are particularly salient as deliberations on the post-2030 sustainable development agenda gather momentum.Practical implications – The paper calls for the development of more specific, business-relevant SDG sub-targets and performance indicators, enhanced assurance practices, and stronger alignment of post-2030 frameworks with established sustainability reporting standards
Native Welsh ponies as socio-ecological partners:Stakeholder perspectives on landscape management in Wales
No full textEconomic pressures to graze more profitable livestock have reduced Wales’ native semi-feral pony population from around 10 000 to just 700 by 2024. Historically vital to Welsh landscapes, these ponies contribute to socio-ecosystem services—supporting biodiversity, grazing, flood regulation, and cultural traditions such as local horse shows. Despite their value, stakeholder views on their role in integrated landscape management remain underexplored. This study investigated stakeholder perceptions of the benefits and challenges of working with these ponies. Most respondents recognised their value in controlling scrub, maintaining grazing land, and enhancing biodiversity. However, less were aware of their role in soil preservation and reducing ecological risks linked to unmanaged bracken, such as fire hazards and tick spread. Findings highlight the need for greater awareness of the ponies’ full ecological contributions to inform effective conservation strategies and promote their integration into sustainable land management practices.</p
The Urinary Proteome Differs with the Presence and Type of Breast Cancer
No full textDespite advancements in screening and treatment, the incidence of breast cancer (BC) and associated mortality are projected to increase. Therefore, developing a companion diagnostic for BC remains important. Herein, we explore the urinary proteome for biomarkers of BC: 130 urine samples from (1) newly diagnosed breast cancer (BC), n = 46, (2) benign breast disease (BBD), n = 36, (3) symptom control (SC), n = 30, and (4) healthy control (HC), n = 18. The BC class included preinvasive: ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) (n = 3), invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) (n = 23), and IDC accompanied by DCIS (n = 8) classes. Protein profiling was performed using ThermoScientific ProteomeDiscoverer and analyzed using MetaboAnalyst v6.0, DAVID, and STRING v12.0. Analyses identified 346 significantly (p < 0.05) differentially expressed proteins (DEP) across BC, BBD, SC, and HC. Multivariate Receiver Operating Characteristic curves (five proteins) suggested Area Under the Curve values of 0.985, 0.989, and 0.999 distinguishing BC from BBD, SC, and HC, respectively. DEP elevated in BC included beta-glucuronidase isoform 1, fibrinogen gamma chain, alpha-actinin-1, peptidase inhibitor 16, cysteine-rich C-terminal protein 1 isoform X1, guanine nucleotide-binding protein G(I)/G(S)/G(T) subunit beta-1, vascular cell adhesion protein 1, ATP-dependent translocase ABCB1, and tumor protein p63-regulated gene 1 isoform X1. BC types were differentiated based on calpain-2 and cystatin-C expression (p < 0.05). Thus, BC has distinct urinary–protein profiles based on clinical diagnosis, which could be used in real-time noninvasive BC monitoring.</p
Guidelines for environmental life cycle assessment of cultivated meat
No full textPurpose: Cultivated meat is produced by growing animal cells in vitro without using, or reducing the use of, animals for meat, poultry, or seafood production. Responsibly and consistently investigating the environmental impacts of cultivated meat is essential to provide reliable performance benchmarks and realistic comparisons with animal-based production systems. In this contribution, we provide technical, actionable guidelines for conducting life cycle assessments (LCAs) of cultivated meat and highlight further research needs for the field. Methods: We assembled a global team of recognized and active scientists in cultivated meat LCA, livestock systems LCA, and ISO LCA standards to develop this set of guidelines using a workshop (in person and online) and online meetings, as well as asynchronous feedback, to reach consensus. Results and discussion: These guidelines provide specifications throughout the four phases of LCA, from goal definition to the interpretation of LCA results. Data gaps, including the availability and quality of feed or food-grade culture media component inventories, are among the areas highlighted for further exploration. Conclusion: We invite LCA practitioners to apply these guidelines when investigating cultivated meat systems to increase the consistency and reliability of environmental impact evaluations for these emerging products.</p
Could Molinia caerulea be an alternative forage feed for horses?
Get PDFMolinia caerulea (Molinia) is a native plant species that dominates large tracts of the UK uplands, with detrimental impacts on floristic diversity and related habitat value. Harvesting Molinia supports biodiversity restoration and conservation, yet there is little incentive for farmers to manage this increasingly dominant species. Our aim was to evaluate Molinia's potential as an alternative forage for feeding horses based on published nutrient analysis data. Though research is limited, chemical analysis suggests Molinia is typically comprised of high energy, low water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC), but is high in fibre, resulting in poor digestibility and low metabolisable energy provision in cattle. However, low WSC, high fibre diets are favoured for feeding domestic horses where inappropriate nutrition is typically associated with obesity and metabolic disorders. Ryegrass hay, commonly fed to horses, typically has a WSC concentration of around 180 g/kg DM, which exceeds recommended thresholds and is far greater than reported for Molinia (50–70 g/kg DM). We recommend further research to understand how this plant is degraded in the equine hindgut, using in vitro gas simulation and production experiments, to explore how Molinia is degraded in the hindgut and the extent to which it could contribute to or affect gastrointestinal health, prior to in vivo studies. Were the potential of Molinia as an equine feed proven, three-fold benefits would result: a new source of low WSC forage suitable for domestic horses susceptible to weight-related metabolic disorders; a new income stream for farmers in marginal areas; improved upland grassland biodiversity.</p