Traditional livestock breeding practices of men and women Somali pastoralists: trait preferences and selection of breeding animals

Somalia, one of the world's poorest countries, has livestock as the mainstay of the economy, with an estimated 65% of the population engaged in the livestock sector. This paper presents a gendered study on the traditional livestock breeding practices of Somali pastoralists for camels, cattle, sheep and goats, with a focus on documenting livestock traits of importance, the criteria used to select male breeding animals and the criteria used to cull female breeding animals. Data for the study were obtained by performing participatory rural appraisals (PRAs) with separate male and female pastoral groups from 20 settlements of the Tog‐Dheer region of Somaliland (in north‐western Somalia). In total, more than 500 pastoralists were involved. In terms of livestock ownership, goats were the most common species kept (97% of all households), followed by sheep (64%), camels (37%) and cattle (9%), with considerable herd size variation across households. Traits of key importance to the pastoralists varied by species and gender of the PRA group, but included adaptedness to harsh environmental conditions, high market value/high meat production and high milk production. The pastoralists practised sensible criteria for the selection of male breeding animals for all species, capturing aspects of productivity (milk yield, reproduction), adaptedness (good hardiness) and marketability (body size and conformation). Similarly, they practised sensible criteria for culling of female breeding animals, with females removed from the herd primarily for poor performance, but also to meet the livelihood needs of the family. Differences in the selection and culling criteria were noted by species, as well as gender of the pastoralists. On the whole, there was strong alignment between the livestock selection criteria used by the Somali pastoralists, their reasons for keeping livestock and the market requirements. This is not surprising given the intimate and long‐standing relationship between Somali pastoralists and their livestock.     

Re-infection of wildlife populations with rinderpest virus on the periphery of the Somali ecosystem in East Africa

We report surveillance for rinderpest virus in wildlife populations in three major ecosystems of East Africa: Great Rift Valley, Somali and Tsavo from 1994 to 2003. Three hundred and eighty wild animals were sampled for detection of rinderpest virus, antigen or genome and 1133 sampled for antibody in sera from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Tanzania from 20 species. This was done modifying for wildlife the internationally recommended standards for rinderpest investigation and diagnosis in livestock. The animals were selected according to susceptibility and preference given to gregarious species, and populations were selected according to abundance, availability and association with livestock. Rinderpest virus, antigen and/or genome were detected in Kenya; within Tsavo, Nairobi and Meru National Parks. Serological results from 864 animals (of which 65% were buffalo) from the region were selected as unequivocal; showing the temporal and spatial aspects of past epidemics. Recent infection has been only in or peripheral to the Somali ecosystem (in Kenya). Our evidence supports the hypothesis that wildlife is not important in the long-term maintenance of rinderpest and that wildlife are infected sporadically most likely from a cattle source, although this needs to be proven in the Somali ecosystem. Wildlife will continue to be a key to monitoring the remaining virus circulation in Africa.     

广西畜禽现代生态养殖场认证存在问题及对策

为深化生态文明建设成效,推动生态养殖业的整体发展,广西自2016年开始实施畜禽现代生态养殖场认证工作,要求2020年全区90%规模养殖场都需要与现代生态养殖标准所符合。目前广西畜禽现代生态养殖场认证工作成效显著,在较大程度上推动现代生态养殖业的整体发展。但依然有一些问题存在于畜禽现代生态养殖场认证工作中,相关部门及人员需加强重视,及时探索针对性的对策。     

Certification for regional and international trade in livestock commodities: the need to balance credibility and enterprise

The current system for the certification of internationally traded animal commodities can act as a barrier to developing countries accessing high-value international markets. In this Viewpoint article, Gavin Thomson and colleagues discuss the situation as it stands and identify inconsistencies with respect to the certification process. They suggest ways to address the lack of capacity for credible certification in some developing countries that will encourage market access for livestock commodities. They emphasise the role of mechanisms other than demonstrating that an area of production is free from a range of animal diseases, arguing that this could be of significant benefit to developing regions and countries, but that a reliable and independent system of certification based on international standards is essential.     

Low prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in Somali pastoral livestock, southeast Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) detected by the comparative intradermal tuberculin test (CIDT) was conducted in livestock of the Somali region in southeast Ethiopia??in four pastoral associations from January to August 2009. In 94 herds, each of 15 cattle, camels, and goats was tested per herd leading to a total of 1,418 CIDT tested animals, with 421 cattle, 479 camels, and 518 goats. A herd was considered positive if it had at least one reactor. Prevalence per animal species was calculated using a xtgee model for each species. The individual animal prevalence was 2.0% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.5?C8.4], 0.4% (95% CI, 0.1?C3%), and 0.2% (95% CI, 0.03?C1.3) in cattle, camels, and goats, respectively. Prevalence of avian mycobacterium purified protein derivative (PPD) reactors in cattle, camels, and goats was 0.7% (95% CI, 0.2?C2.0%), 10.0% (95% CI, 7.0?C14.0%), and 1.9 (95% CI, 0.9?C4.0%), respectively, whereby camels had an odds ratio of 16.5 (95% CI, 5.0?C55.0) when compared to cattle. There was no significant difference between livestock species in BTB positivity. In the present study, the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis was low in Somali pastoral livestock in general and in camels and goats in particular. The high proportion of camel reactors to avian PPD needs further investigation of its impact on camel production.     

The importance of the zona pellucida for disease control in livestock by embryo transfer

From the point of view of disease risk, the movement of livestock by embryo transfer is undoubtedly much safer for trading than the movement of live animals or semen. Nevertheless, strict governmental control by veterinary certification of health of embryos is still vital. In cattle, sheep and pigs, unlike laboratory species such as the mouse, infectious agents do not appear to pass through the zona pellucida (ZP) into the embryo proper. Some agents do, however, adhere firmly to the outer surface of the ZP, especially onto those of the pig. Disease risks associated with the inadvertent transmission of infectious agents when embryos are moved are, therefore, intimately connected with the nature and properties of the ZP. This article reviews current knowledge on the physical and adhesive properties of the ZP and discusses how risks associated with the possible presence of infection on its surface can be minimized. Further research is urgently needed so that realistic but safe veterinary certification of the health of embryos for international trade can be devised.     

A model of lineage-1 and lineage-2 rinderpest virus transmission in pastoral areas of East Africa

The development of a stochastic, state-transition model of rinderpest transmission dynamics is described using parameter estimates obtained from both laboratory and participatory research. Using serological data, the basic reproduction numbers for lineage-1 rinderpest virus in southern Sudan and for lineage-2 rinderpest virus in Somali livestock were estimated as 4.4 and between 1.2 and 1.9, respectively. The model predictions for the inter-epidemic period in Sudan and Somalia (1.2 and 4.2 years, respectively) were in agreement with analysis of livestock-owner reports (1–2 years and 5 years, respectively).     

International trade in livestock and livestock products: the need for a commodity-based approach

International animal health standards designed to facilitate safe trade in livestock and livestock products are set by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and documented in the OIE's Terrestrial Animal Health Code. A core principle of the Code is the need for countries to eradicate important transboundary animal diseases (TADs) to reduce the risk of exporting disease to trading partners. International food safety standards are set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, administered jointly by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The goal of global eradication of most TADs is unachievable for the foreseeable future, other than in the case of rinderpest, and this prevents many countries, especially developing nations, from engaging in international trade under WTO rules. This paper proposes an alternative, commodity-based approach to the formulation of international animal health and food safety standards, based on the fact that different commodities pose very different risks when it comes to the spread of human and animal pathogens. Therefore, the risk mitigation strategies required are equally commodity-dependent. The authors conclude that more focused commodity standards would improve access to international markets for all countries, especially those in the developing world. For this objective to be realised, credible and independent certification is required.     

Dairy farmers' reasons for participation in the Danish control programme on bovine paratuberculosis

The Danish dairy industry initiated a voluntary, producer-paid control programme on Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in 2006. Approximately 28% of the dairy herds, including 40% of the cows, are part of the programme. Farmers' reasons for participation are of great importance for the success of voluntary disease control programmes. This study was carried out to determine these reasons. Questionnaires with seven close-ended questions were mailed to the 1177 voluntary participants in 2008. A total of 1013 (86%) responded, and multiple reasons could be given by each farmer. The distribution of reasons for participation in the programme was: (1) control to increase animal health (91%); (2) certification "free of MAP infection" within 4-10 years (87%); (3) control to avoid production losses associated with MAP infections (86%); (4) control of MAP infections to increase consumer safety (64%); (5) certification for sale of livestock (58%); (6) control following production losses (48%); and (7) certification "free of MAP infection" within 1-3 years (31%). It was not possible to rank the reasons for participation since weighting of responses was not included. Therefore, the relative importance of the reasons given could not be determined. Based on the farmers' responses, control of MAP infections to increase animal health and avoid production losses were frequent reasons for participating in the Danish paratuberculosis control programme. The results also indicate that implementation of a certification programme would be desired by farmers. Animal health advisors should consider the diversity of participation reasons and address the specific reasons of individual farmers when establishing a strategy for control of MAP infections in a herd.     

The Potential Economic Impact of an Outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Canada

The possibility of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease is of concern to Canada's livestock industry due to the resulting economic consequences. The primary economic impact of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak would arise from the trade embargo placed on Canadian exports of animals and animal products to countries free of the disease. Agriculture Canada's Food and Agriculture Regional Model was used to estimate the economic impact of such a trade embargo. Two scenarios, a small and large outbreak, were simulated over a five year period (1986-90). The results indicate that even a small outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease would have serious economic consequences for the livestock sector with farm cash receipts declining by $2 billion. The largest impact would be on the pork sector followed by the beef sector.     

畜禽舍氨气排放规律及对畜禽健康的危害

随着畜禽养殖规模的不断增加和集约化养殖方式的快速发展,大量畜禽粪尿集中排放。挥发的氨气(NH3)不仅对环境造成巨大污染,同时也严重影响畜禽的健康,诱发各种疾病,导致生产性能下降。因此,分析畜禽的氨气排放规律及其对畜禽生产和健康的影响,对控制畜禽舍氨气浓度具有重要意义。本文主要阐述了畜禽舍氨气排放影响因素,以及氨气排放规律;分析了氨气对畜禽健康的影响及其对机体的损伤机理,为规模化畜禽生产提供参考。     

建设与完善乡镇兽医站 构建动物防疫体系

乡镇畜牧兽医站是我国动物防疫的基础单位,是保障食品安全和公共卫生安全的第一道屏障。做好乡镇畜牧兽医站的建设,加强动物防疫体系不仅关系到养殖业发展和农民增收,而且关系到人民健康安全和社会稳定。本文从乡镇兽医站存在的问题入手,提出了继续推进乡镇兽医站改革的对策及建议。     

基于PIC18F2580的畜禽舍温湿环境控制系统

温度和湿度是畜禽养殖环境中重要的环境因素,它们的高低是否合适直接影响到畜禽养殖中畜禽的健康和生长性能,对畜禽养殖有着重要的意义.根据畜禽舍温湿度控制的要求,应用单片机技术设计了畜禽舍温湿度控制系统,该系统采用PIC18F2580芯片,在控制软件的支持下,CPU对外围电路进行控制,实现了对温度的控制,有良好的适应性.实践表明,系统运行稳定,降温效果明显,平均降温幅度为4.15℃,温度测量精度可达到±0.4℃,湿度测量精度可达到±3.0%RH,有效地缓和了温度过高对于畜禽产生的影响,有较高的推广价值.     

Significant contagious diseases which spread primarily through livestock trade and products of animal origin

Against the background of the certification system based on trust, an overview is given of the risk potential posed by the introduction of major animal diseases using tables setting out live animals and livestock products moved and/or imported into Germany as well as maps on the global occurrence of selected diseases figuring on List A of O.I.E.     

Small ruminant brucellosis and community perception in Jijiga District,Somali Regional State,Eastern Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study of brucellosis in small ruminants was carried out from October 2008 to March 2009 in Jijiga District, Somali Regional State of Ethiopia. Seven hundred thirty sera samples (421 of sheep and 309 of goats) were randomly collected from purposively selected villages of the study area. Structured questionnaire format was developed, pre-tested and administered to assess the perception of the community pertaining to brucellosis in sheep and goats. Sera samples were screened by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), and all samples tested positive by the RBPT were subjected to Complement Fixation Test (CFT) for confirmation. Of 12 serum samples that were positive by RBPT, 11 were positive by CFT. Statistically significant differences were not observed between the species as well as the sex groups (P > 0.05); however, the variation between the age groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Analysis of the questionnaire survey suggests that improper handling of aborted materials, consumption of raw milk, and lack of awareness about the disease, among others, might greatly contribute to further spread of brucellosis in their livestock and exposes the community to a public health hazard. In general, the sero-prevalence in the study area was not so high; nevertheless, appropriate brucellosis control and prevention methods should be implemented to circumvent future potential for economic losses and the public health hazard of the disease.     

畜禽生产中氧化应激分子调控机理及营养策略研究进展

现代畜禽生产过程中发生的氧化应激损害畜禽健康,降低畜禽生产性能。现代系统动物营养学认为畜禽体内自由基稳态失衡是导致氧化应激—炎症反应—免疫功能失衡,威胁畜禽健康,降低畜禽生产性能的根本原因。畜禽体内多种信号通路组成的调控网络共同维持自由基稳态。综述了p38MAPK、Nrf2-ARE、NF-κB等氧化应激相关信号通路在畜禽生产中的调控机制及其营养策略研究进展,以期为畜禽生产中缓解氧化应激损伤,保障动物福利,提高生产性能提供参考。     

甘露寡糖对肠道健康和免疫的调控机制及其在畜禽生产中的应用

过去几十年来,由于饲用抗生素在畜牧养殖业中的滥用,导致畜禽正常的肠道菌群被破坏并引起肠道细菌耐药性和环境污染等一系列问题,严重损害了畜禽的肠道健康。同时,近年来集约化养殖已经成为畜牧业的发展方向,养殖规模越来越大,如何有效地提高畜禽免疫力已然成为重点的研究方向。健康的肠道是保障畜禽健康生长的基础,保持健康的肠道菌群,能有效提高动物机体的免疫力和抗病能力。甘露寡糖是一种绿色新型饲料添加剂,作为一类功能性寡糖,具有改善畜禽肠道健康和提高免疫应答等作用。在猪生产中,添加甘露寡糖能够提高断奶仔猪的生长性能和免疫力。在家禽生产中,添加甘露寡糖能够改善家禽肠道菌群并提高生产性能和肉品质。作者主要介绍了甘露寡糖的结构及理化性质、改善肠道健康和免疫调控机制及其在断奶仔猪、育肥猪、蛋鸡和肉鸡生产中的应用效果。重点总结了甘露寡糖对畜禽肠道健康和免疫的调控机制及免疫途径,旨在为甘露寡糖在肠道健康和免疫调控方面的深入研究及其在畜禽养殖中的应用提供理论依据。     

Constraints and challenges of meeting the water requirements of livestock in Ethiopia: cases of Lume and Siraro districts

Compared to the total water use in livestock production systems, water for livestock drinking is small in amount but is an important requirement for health and productivity of animals. This study was carried out to assess constraints and challenges of meeting drinking water requirements of livestock in rural mixed smallholder crop–livestock farming districts in the Ethiopian Rift Valley area. Data was collected by individual interviews with randomly selected respondents and farmer group discussions. Farmers ranked feed and water scarcity as the two most important constraints for livestock husbandry, although the ranking order differed between districts and villages. Poor quality water was a concern for the communities in proximity to urban settlements or industrial establishments. Water provision for livestock was challenging during the dry season, since alternative water sources dried up or were polluted. Though rainwater harvesting by dugout constructions was practiced to cope with water scarcity, farmers indicated that mismanagement of the harvested water was posing health risks on both livestock and people. A sustainable water provision for livestock in the area, thus, depends on use of different water sources (intermittent or perennial) that should be properly managed. Industrial establishments should adopt an environment-friendly production to minimize pollution of water resources used for livestock consumption. Technical support to farmers is required in proper design and use of existing rainwater harvesting systems. Further investigations are recommended on effect of poor quality water (perceived by farmers) on performance of livestock.     

兴平市畜禽定点屠宰和检疫监督现状及对策

畜禽定点屠宰与动物卫生监督是关乎食品安全的大事,是推动我国畜牧产业健康发展的重要保障。该文分析了兴平市畜禽定点屠宰和监督检疫现状,针对相关问题进行了思考,并提出了对策和建议,以期为畜禽疫病防控、畜产品质量安全提供有益参考。     

Recycling of livestock manure in a whole-farm perspective

Intensification increases the environmental impact of livestock production systems. Efforts to recycle nutrients in livestock manure for crop production will effectively reduce several pollution problems, although general solutions are difficult to devise in view of the diversity in production systems, management strategies and legislation between countries and regions. This paper argues that a whole-farm perspective taking side-effects and on-farm interactions into account is needed to determine the cost-effectiveness of strategies to mitigate pollution from livestock manure management. Animal feeding plays a key role in the control of nutrient flows on livestock farms, since the diet affects the composition of excreta. There is a great potential for manipulating manure composition by diet manipulations. Manure is a significant source of heavy metals in soil, and in Europe the permitted levels of Cu and Zn in livestock diets have been lowered to reduce their environmental impact. A variety of environmental technologies are being developed for treatment of manure, many of which have a significant potential for reducing nutrient losses. Internationally agreed and enforced regulations that link pollution control with the adoption of best available technologies could provide the demand that is needed to drive research and development. In the past, policy-makers have typically focused on individual environmental problems. It is essential, however, that the efforts to close nutrient cycles on the farm are accompanied by a corresponding reduction in total inputs, otherwise losses after field application will increase. Integrated assessment tools are needed which can evaluate all internal flows of nutrients, imports and exports, energy use, hygienic risks and contaminants, as well as costs, at the farm-scale and beyond. It is important to consider pollution control strategies for a farm in the framework of local and regional pollution control planning.