Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.2
3.0
Journals
Animals
Special Issues
Feed and Water Resources, Climate Changes, and Environmental Impact: Challenges...
share announcement

Feed and Water Resources, Climate Changes, and Environmental Impact: Challenges and Opportunities for the Sustainable Development of the Animal Production Systems

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal System and Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2021) | Viewed by 45132

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Pier Paolo Danieli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, Via S. C. de Lellis snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Interests: animal feeding and nutrition; alternative protein sources; animal food quality and safety; beekeeping; insects for feed; circularity and sustainability; prevision livestock farming; precision beekeeping; in vitro models; agro-environmental contaminants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Animal food products are recognized as having a high added value for human nutrition, and in the next decades, it is expected that the world’s demand of food of animal origin will sharply increase along with the global population growth. In this scenario, the animal production systems will have to deal with increasing production standards despite the evident limits concerning the feed and water resources availability, the need to reduce the environmental impact per unit of product, and the even more unfavorable environmental conditions due to ongoing climate change. On the other hand, the animal food sector and the related/supporting ones, such as the agricultural research and technology development, own the skills and tools to face this great challenge, transforming it into a great development opportunity for a true sustainable animal husbandry.

Original manuscripts that address any aspects of the development of livestock farming in a changing World are invited for this Special Issue. In particular, the manuscripts should address one or more of the following (not exhaustively) listed topics: (i) quantitative and qualitative estimates of water resource needs and availability for animal husbandry; (ii) feed and feedstuff needs and availability for a growing animal husbandry at local and/or global level; (iii) effect of climate change on the livestock farming systems and possible reactive strategies; (iv) environmental impact of animal production systems and methods for mitigating it; and (v) “breakthrough” technological solutions and genetic improvement for reducing the hindrances toward a more sustainable livestock farming. For each of the listed topics, a reasoned, updated review is also welcome.

Dr. Pier Paolo Danieli
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Feed quality and availability
  • Water resources
  • Livestock farming
  • Sustainability
  • Climate changes
  • Green house gases
  • Technological development
  • Genetic improvement
  • Scenario analysis
  • Impact assessment

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

17 pages, 21044 KiB  
Article
Effect of a Heating System Using a Ground Source Geothermal Heat Pump on Production Performance, Energy-Saving and Housing Environment of Pigs
by Hong Seok Mun, Muhammad Ammar Dilawar, Myeong Gil Jeong, Dhanushka Rathnayake, Jun Sung Won, Kwang Woo Park, Sang Ro Lee, Sang Bum Ryu and Chul Ju Yang
Animals 2020, 10(11), 2075; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani10112075 - 9 Nov 2020
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2563
Abstract
This study examined the effects of a heating system using a ground source geothermal heat pump (GHP). A GHP was installed in a pig house, and a comparative analysis was performed between the GHP and the control (conventional heating system) in terms of [...] Read more.
This study examined the effects of a heating system using a ground source geothermal heat pump (GHP). A GHP was installed in a pig house, and a comparative analysis was performed between the GHP and the control (conventional heating system) in terms of the production performance, housing environment, noxious gas emissions, electricity consumption, and economics. The geothermal system performance index, such as the coefficient of performance (COP), inlet, and outlet temperature, were also evaluated. The outflow temperature during each period (weaning, growing, and finishing) was significantly higher than the inflow temperature in all three components of the GHP system. Similarly, the average internal temperature of the GHP-connected pig house was increased (p < 0.05) during each period. The carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, electricity usage, and cost of electricity during the 16-week experimental period were reduced significantly in the GHP system relative to the control. The concentrations of ammonia (NH3) during the growing and finishing period and the concentrations of formaldehyde during the weaning phase were also lower in the GHP-installed pig house (p < 0.05). These results indicate that the GHP system can be used as an environmentally friendly renewable energy source in pig houses for sustainable pig production without harming the growth performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed and Water Resources, Climate Changes, and Environmental Impact: Challenges and Opportunities for the Sustainable Development of the Animal Production Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1833 KiB  
Article
Carbon Footprint of Mediterranean Pasture-Based Native Beef: Effects of Agronomic Practices and Pasture Management under Different Climate Change Scenarios
by Giampiero Grossi, Andrea Vitali, Nicola Lacetera, Pier Paolo Danieli, Umberto Bernabucci and Alessandro Nardone
Animals 2020, 10(3), 415; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani10030415 - 2 Mar 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3072
Abstract
A better understanding of soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics is needed when assessing the carbon footprint (CFP) of livestock products and the effectiveness of possible agriculture mitigation strategies. This study aimed (i) to perform a cradle-to-gate CFP of pasture-based beef cattle in a [...] Read more.
A better understanding of soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics is needed when assessing the carbon footprint (CFP) of livestock products and the effectiveness of possible agriculture mitigation strategies. This study aimed (i) to perform a cradle-to-gate CFP of pasture-based beef cattle in a Mediterranean agropastoral system (ii) and to assess the effects on the CFP of alternative tillage, fertilizing, and grazing practices under current (NCC) and future climate change (CC) scenarios. Minimum (Mt) and no-tillage (Nt) practices were compared to current tillage (Ct); a 50% increase (Hf) and decrease (Lf) in fertilization was evaluated against the current (Cf) rate; and rotational grazing (Rg) was evaluated versus the current continuous grazing (Cg) system. The denitrification–decomposition (DNDC) model was run using NCC as well as representative concentration pathways to investigate the effects of farm management practices coupled with future CC scenarios on SOC dynamics, N2O fluxes, and crop yield. Within NCC and CtCf, an emission intensity of 26.9 ± 0.7 kg CO2eq per kg live body weight was estimated. Compared to Ct, the adoption of Mt and Nt reduced the CFP by 20% and 35%, respectively, while NtHf reduced it by 40%. Conservation tillage practices were thus shown to be effective in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed and Water Resources, Climate Changes, and Environmental Impact: Challenges and Opportunities for the Sustainable Development of the Animal Production Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 954 KiB  
Article
Construction and Operation of a Respiration Chamber of the Head-Box Type for Methane Measurement from Cattle
by Octavio Alonso Castelán Ortega, Paulina Elizabeth Pedraza Beltrán, Gloria Stefanny Hernández Pineda, Mohammed Benaouda, Manuel González Ronquillo, Luisa T Molina, Juan Carlos Ku Vera, Hugo Daniel Montelongo Pérez and María Fernanda Vázquez Carrillo
Animals 2020, 10(2), 227; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani10020227 - 31 Jan 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4477
Abstract
This paper aims to describe the construction and operation of a respiration chamber of the head-box type for methane (CH4) measurements in bovines. The system consists of (1) a head box with a stainless steel frame and acrylic walls, floor, and [...] Read more.
This paper aims to describe the construction and operation of a respiration chamber of the head-box type for methane (CH4) measurements in bovines. The system consists of (1) a head box with a stainless steel frame and acrylic walls, floor, and ceiling; (2) a stainless steel feeder; (3) an automatic drinking water bowl; (4) a hood made from reinforced canvas; (5) an infrared (IR) CH4 gas analyzer, a mass flow generator, a data-acquisition system; and (6) a steel metabolic box. Six assays were conducted to determine the pure CH4 recovery rate of the whole system in order to validate it and comply with standards of chamber operation. The gravimetrical method was used for the recovery test and the recovery rate obtained was 1.04 ± 0.05. Once the system was calibrated, measurements of CH4 were conducted using eight animals consisting of four Holstein cows with a live weight of 593.8 ± 51 kg and an average milk yield of 23.3 ± 1.8 kg d−1 and four heifers with a live weight of 339 ± 28 kg. The CH4 production values were 687 ± 123 and 248 ± 40 L CH4 d−1 for cows and heifers, respectively. The CH4 yield was 19.7 ± 3.4 g and 17.1 ± 3.4 g CH4 kg−1 of dry matter consumed for cows and heifers, respectively. These results are consistent with those reported in the literature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed and Water Resources, Climate Changes, and Environmental Impact: Challenges and Opportunities for the Sustainable Development of the Animal Production Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 3480 KiB  
Article
Organic Farming as a Strategy to Reduce Carbon Footprint in Dehesa Agroecosystems: A Case Study Comparing Different Livestock Products
by Andrés Horrillo, Paula Gaspar and Miguel Escribano
Animals 2020, 10(1), 162; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani10010162 - 17 Jan 2020
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 8487
Abstract
This study employs life cycle assessment (LCA) for the calculation of the balance (emissions minus sequestration) of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the organic livestock production systems of dehesas in the southwest region of Spain. European organic production standards regulate these systems. As [...] Read more.
This study employs life cycle assessment (LCA) for the calculation of the balance (emissions minus sequestration) of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the organic livestock production systems of dehesas in the southwest region of Spain. European organic production standards regulate these systems. As well as calculating the system’s emissions, this method also takes into account the soil carbon sequestration values. In this sense, the study of carbon sequestration in organic systems is of great interest from a legislation viewpoint. The results reveal that the farms producing meat cattle with calves sold at weaning age provide the highest levels of carbon footprint (16.27 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq)/kg of live weight), whereas the farms with the lowest levels of carbon emissions are montanera pig and semi-extensive dairy goat farms, i.e., 4.16 and 2.94 kg CO2eq/kg of live weight and 1.19 CO2eq/kg of fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM), respectively. Enteric fermentation represents 42.8% and 79.9% of the total emissions of ruminants’ farms. However, in pig farms, the highest percentage of the emissions derives from manure management (36.5%–42.9%) and animal feed (31%–37.7%). The soil sequestration level has been seen to range between 419.7 and 576.4 kg CO2eq/ha/year, which represents a considerable compensation of carbon emissions. It should be noted that these systems cannot be compared with other more intensive systems in terms of product units and therefore, the carbon footprint values of dehesa organic systems must always be associated to the territory. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed and Water Resources, Climate Changes, and Environmental Impact: Challenges and Opportunities for the Sustainable Development of the Animal Production Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

23 pages, 1873 KiB  
Review
Voisin Rational Grazing as a Sustainable Alternative for Livestock Production
by Luiz C. Pinheiro Machado Filho, Hizumi L. S. Seó, Ruan R. Daros, Daniel Enriquez-Hidalgo, Adenor V. Wendling and Luiz C. Pinheiro Machado
Animals 2021, 11(12), 3494; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11123494 - 8 Dec 2021
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 7020
Abstract
Current livestock practices do not meet current real-world social and environmental requirements, pushing farmers away from rural areas and only sustaining high productivity through the overuse of fossil fuels, causing numerous environmental side effects. In this narrative review, we explore how the Voisin [...] Read more.
Current livestock practices do not meet current real-world social and environmental requirements, pushing farmers away from rural areas and only sustaining high productivity through the overuse of fossil fuels, causing numerous environmental side effects. In this narrative review, we explore how the Voisin Rational Grazing (VRG) system responds to this problem. VRG is an agroecological system based on four principles that maximise pasture growth and ruminant intake, while, at the same time, maintaining system sustainability. It applies a wide range of regenerative agricultural practices, such as the use of multispecies swards combined with agroforestry. Planning allows grazing to take place when pastures reach their optimal resting period, thus promoting vigorous pasture regrowth. Moreover, paddocks are designed in a way that allow animals to have free access to water and shade, improving overall animal welfare. In combination, these practices result in increased soil C uptake and soil health, boost water retention, and protect water quality. VRG may be used to provide ecosystem services that mitigate some of the current global challenges and create opportunities for farmers to apply greener practices and become more resilient. It can be said that VRG practitioners are part of the initiatives that are rethinking modern livestock agriculture. Its main challenges, however, arise from social constraints. More specifically, local incentives and initiatives that encourage farmers to take an interest in the ecological processes involved in livestock farming are still lacking. Little research has been conducted to validate the empirical evidence of VRG benefits on animal performance or to overcome VRG limitations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed and Water Resources, Climate Changes, and Environmental Impact: Challenges and Opportunities for the Sustainable Development of the Animal Production Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1187 KiB  
Review
A Multipurpose Leguminous Plant for the Mediterranean Countries: Leucaena leucocephala as an Alternative Protein Source: A Review
by Anna De Angelis, Laura Gasco, Giuliana Parisi and Pier Paolo Danieli
Animals 2021, 11(8), 2230; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11082230 - 29 Jul 2021
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 9124
Abstract
In tropical and subtropical regions, as well as in the internal and/or marginal Mediterranean areas, one of the most important problems related to animal production is represented by the inadequate nutritional supplies. The low productivity of the animals, often connected to reduced annual [...] Read more.
In tropical and subtropical regions, as well as in the internal and/or marginal Mediterranean areas, one of the most important problems related to animal production is represented by the inadequate nutritional supplies. The low productivity of the animals, often connected to reduced annual growth, is, in fact, not infrequently attributable to the low nitrogen content and the high fiber content of the local plant species and crop residues that constitute the base ingredients of the rations commonly adopted by farmers. The use of the supplementation with arboreal and shrub fodder, although often containing anti-nutritional factors and toxins that limit its use, could be a profitable way to alleviate the nutritional deficiencies of the basic diets. Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit is native to Central America and widely naturalized in the majority of Latin American countries. It is a legume suitable for tropical and subtropical environments including the countries of the Mediterranean area. Moreover, its spread is desirable if we consider the multiple uses to which it is suitable, the considerable amount of biomass produced, and its role in preserving the environment. The aim of this work was to highlight the characteristics of Leucaena that can justify its wide diffusion. A structured analysis of strengths and weaknesses was performed accordingly. Being a good protein source for feeding livestock, it could be a species to be introduced in the inland areas of the Mediterranean countries as an alternative protein source; the limit represented by the presence of anti-nutritional factors could be overcome by feed processing and by launching targeted research programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed and Water Resources, Climate Changes, and Environmental Impact: Challenges and Opportunities for the Sustainable Development of the Animal Production Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 692 KiB  
Review
A Review of Enteric Methane Emission Measurement Techniques in Ruminants
by Yiguang Zhao, Xuemei Nan, Liang Yang, Shanshan Zheng, Linshu Jiang and Benhai Xiong
Animals 2020, 10(6), 1004; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani10061004 - 8 Jun 2020
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 8911
Abstract
To identify relationships between animal, dietary and management factors and the resulting methane (CH4) emissions, and to identify potential mitigation strategies for CH4 production, it is vital to develop reliable and accurate CH4 measurement techniques. This review outlines various [...] Read more.
To identify relationships between animal, dietary and management factors and the resulting methane (CH4) emissions, and to identify potential mitigation strategies for CH4 production, it is vital to develop reliable and accurate CH4 measurement techniques. This review outlines various methods for measuring enteric CH4 emissions from ruminants such as respiration chambers (RC), sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) tracer, GreenFeed, sniffer method, ventilated hood, facemask, laser CH4 detector and portable accumulation chamber. The advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are discussed. In general, RC, SF6 and ventilated hood are capable of 24 h continuous measurements for each individual animal, providing accurate reference methods used for research and inventory purposes. However, they require high labor input, animal training and are time consuming. In contrast, short-term measurement techniques (i.e., GreenFeed, sniffer method, facemask, laser CH4 detector and portable accumulation chamber) contain additional variations in timing and frequency of measurements obtained relative to the 24 h feeding cycle. However, they are suitable for large-scale measurements under commercial conditions due to their simplicity and high throughput. Successful use of these techniques relies on optimal matching between the objectives of the studies and the mechanism of each method with consideration of animal behavior and welfare. This review can provide useful information in selecting suitable techniques for CH4 emission measurement in ruminants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed and Water Resources, Climate Changes, and Environmental Impact: Challenges and Opportunities for the Sustainable Development of the Animal Production Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop