Frame-based modelling as a method of simulating rangeland production systems in the long term

Rangelands are complex systems with many interacting components. Modelling such systems presents two particular and interrelated problems. Firstly, the processes involved operate on greatly differing time scales: long-term changes in rangelands typically depend on much shorter-term processes such as rainfall, vegetation growth and livestock growth. Secondly, while complex mechanistic models of single animals or small herds have been developed (also involving differing time scales, from minutes to months), extending such models to an entire multi-species rangeland is generally an intractable problem. Recently, a new modelling paradigm has been introduced which facilitates the building of ‘economical’ systems models by using the concept of a frame. Frames are chosen to represent distinct states of the system (e.g. grassland with scattered mature trees, as opposed to dense bush cover). Independent models are constructed for each frame; these models simulate the key processes identified within that frame (and may themselves be simplifications of more complex models). Rules are established for switching frames. In this paper we describe a frame-based model of a typical Southern African rangeland supporting cattle and goats. Simple quantitative models for each frame are developed from the output of a complex mechanistic model, depending on rainfall, stocking density and animal condition. Results from the overall frames model show how long-term responses of the system (in terms of production and vegetation state) to various management strategies (such as livestock sales) may be predicted, and in this way allows comparison of different management strategies.     

IMPACT: Generic household-level databases and diagnostics tools for integrated crop-livestock systems analysis

We outline the need for generic crop-livestock systems databases and data standards for comprehensive systems analysis in developing countries. We also indicate the type of data that such databases should contain and review how they can be collected. We describe IMPACT, a database and analysis tool that we have developed that goes some way to meeting the demands that may be made of such systems data. Analysis tools, links to models and uses of such databases are briefly described and illustrated with case studies from Kenya, Ghana and Sri Lanka. The paper concludes with a discussion of the needs for a more coherent integration of global data collection and improved sharing of data for better articulation of research and development outcomes in developing countries.     

Exploring changes in world ruminant production systems

In the past 30 years world production of ruminant meat and milk has increased by about 40%, while the global area of grassland has increased by only 4%. This is because most of the increase in ruminant meat and milk production has been achieved by increasing the production in mixed and landless production systems and much less so in pastoral systems. Pastoral systems depend almost exclusively on grazing, while mixed and landless systems rely on a mix of concentrates (food crops) and roughage, consisting of grass, fodder crops, crop residues, and other sources of feedstuffs. A model was developed to describe these two aggregated production systems for different world regions, each having typical production characteristics, such as milk production per animal for dairy cattle, and off-take rates and carcass weights for non-dairy cattle, sheep and goats. The energy needed by the animals for the production of meat and milk is calculated on the basis of requirements for maintenance, grazing and labour, pregnancy, and lactation. We implemented the FAO Agriculture Towards 2030 projection for crop and livestock production and assumed that the past trend in the area of grassland will continue in the coming three decades. This assumption implies a rapid intensification of grassland management with a 33% increase in global grass consumption, which will only be possible with increasing fertilizer inputs, use of grass-clover mixtures and improved grassland management.     

A participatory, farming systems approach to improving Bali cattle production in the smallholder crop-livestock systems of Eastern Indonesia

Bali cattle (Bos javanicus) account for about one quarter of the total cattle population in Indonesia and are particularly important in the smallholder farming enterprises of the eastern islands. The population of Bali cattle is declining in most areas of Eastern Indonesia because demand for beef cattle exceeds the local capacity to supply these animals. Indonesian agencies recognise that new strategies are required to improve the productivity of Bali cattle and to address major constraints relating to animal husbandry and nutrition. To date, the adoption of cattle improvement technologies has been historically slow in Indonesia, as is the case elsewhere.This paper reports on key findings from a long-term study conducted between 2001 and 2009 with smallholder households from six villages in South Sulawesi and Central Lombok, to develop and test an approach for evaluating and increasing the adoption of cattle and forage improvement technologies. The approach is based on the principles of farming systems and participatory research and involved four main steps; (1) benchmarking the current farming system; (2) identifying constraints to cattle production and strategies to address them; (3) desktop modelling of the production and economic impacts of selected strategies; and (4) on-farm testing of the most promising strategies with 30 participant smallholder households.The approach was found to be successful based on: (1) sustained adoption of a package of best-bet technologies by the 30 participating households; (2) evidence of positive production, social and economic impacts; and (3) significant diffusion of the cattle improvement technologies to other households in the project regions.     

Agricultural systems in Ethiopia— A review article

Amare Getahun's (1978) paper on agricultural systems in Ethiopia is one of the few attempts to classify agricultural systems in Ethiopia into (a) the highland mixed farming system, (b) low plateaux and valley mixed agriculture, (c) pastoral livestock production of the arid and semi-arid zones and (d) commercial agriculture, and to describe the main characteristics of each system. However, it is not clear what criteria have been used to classify the different agricultural regions into the four general categories developed by Amare Getahun. This review paper discusses agricultural systems by applying the ecological systems approach to agricultural development within the framework of a political economy analysis as a means of evaluating agricultural development strategies.     

Multiple goal feasibility of forage shrub plantations in a semi-arid mediterranean-type agropastoral system

This study is an ex ante analysis of multiple goal feasibility of forage shrub plantations in the context of a sheep and wheat agropastoral system. The goals imposed on the system were ‘farmer's income’ represented by gross margin, ‘regional balance of payments's represented by added foreign currency value per unit area and local currency cost of the added value, and ‘employment’ represented by size of farm unit. The socio-economic scenario is appropriate for a semi-arid Mediterranean environment where rural areas are close to urban centres of population and industry. Under such conditions, multiple goal feasibility of shrub plantations was limited by added foreign currency value and farm size in extensive systems, and by gross margin and cost of the added value in intensive systems. Improved ewe productivity improved overall feasibility. Feed substitution per se could not justify forage shrub plantations, but even a small improvement in the weaning rate consequent on the addition of a forage shrub component would greatly increase multiple goal feasibility, particularly in more intensive systems. However, it needs to be shown that such improvement can indeed be achieved in practice.     

家畜智能养殖设备和饲喂技术应用研究现状与发展趋势

家畜智能养殖设备是智能农机装备的组成部分之一,是国际农业装备产业技术竞争的焦点。本文重点围绕家畜智能养殖设备与饲喂技术在实践中的应用,进行了系统的性能特点分析。目前家畜智能养殖设备的开发对象主要针对猪和奶牛,主要研发的系统包括妊娠母猪电子饲喂站、哺乳母猪精准饲喂系统、奶牛精准饲喂系统和挤奶机器人等。家畜智能养殖设备的工业化应用必须与养殖模式、畜舍结构布局结合起来,才能发挥设备的使用效率,同时从满足动物的福利出发,与动物生理、生长及行为结合起来,形成设备与动物的互作和相互适应。最后指出了智能设备的研究必须与畜牧业生产的理论、目标产品的功能驱动及养殖方式的创新协调一致,要不断地更新换代,才能助推畜牧业的转型升级。     

Crop–animal systems in Asia: implications for research

The importance of crop–animal systems in Asia, the multiple roles played by animals and the opportunities for increasing their contribution to these systems justifies continued research effort. An assessment of the role of livestock in mixed farming systems in 14 countries has identified priority systems, technical constraints and weaknesses in the national organisations. Future research needs to focus on the rain-fed production systems, where most of the livestock are found. There is an overriding need for a farming systems perspective to the research agendas that involves inter-disciplinarity and community-based participation. Such an approach will be more complex, require concentrated effort and more efficient resource use, but will be associated with considerable benefits due to a greater integration of effort.     

Agricultural intensification in the Sahel – The ladder approach

Agricultural intensification in the Sahel can be described as climbing a ladder. The capital, labour, management and institutional requirements increase when farmers climb the ladder, but the potential gains are also higher. The first step on this ladder are agricultural practices without any financial outlay but with increasing labour demand, such as organic fertilizer use, seed priming, water harvesting and harvesting grains at physiological maturity to improve fodder quality. The next step on the ladder is the use of micro-fertilising, popularly known as microdose, at the rate of 0.3 g NPK fertilizer per pocket in sorghum and millet. The following step is the development of improved crop/livestock systems characterized by use of higher rates of mineral fertilisers and manure, increasing cowpea density and improved animal fattening. The last step presented on the ladder is the development of more commercially orientated agriculture characterized by development of cash crops, milk production and/or agroforestry systems. Evidences from the field support the observation that farmers intensify their production in a sequential manner similar to the way described in this paper. The technologies presented can facilitate agricultural intensification by reducing the risks and minimising the cost in agricultural production.     

Life cycle assessment of Swiss farming systems: II. Extensive and intensive production

Extensive or low-input farming is considered a way of remedying many problems associated with intensive farming practices. But do extensive farming systems really result in a clear reduction in environmental impacts, especially if their lower productivity is taken into account? This question is studied for Swiss arable cropping and forage production systems in a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) study.Three long-term experiments (DOC experiment comparing bio-dynamic, bio-organic and conventional farming, the “Burgrain” experiment including integrated intensive, integrated extensive and organic systems and the “Oberacker” experiment with conventional ploughing and no-till soil cultivation, are considered in the LCA study. Furthermore, model systems for arable crops and forage production for feeding livestock are investigated by using the Swiss Agricultural Life Cycle Assessment method (SALCA).The analysis covers an overall extensification of cropping systems and forage production on the one hand and a partial extensification of fertiliser use, plant protection and soil cultivation on the other. The overall extensification of an intensively managed system reduced environmental impacts in general, both per area unit and per product unit. In arable cropping systems medium production intensity gave the best results for the environment, and the intensity should not fall below the environmental optimum in order to avoid a deterioration of eco-efficiency. In grassland systems, on the contrary, a combination of both intensively and extensively managed plots was preferable to medium intensity practices on the whole area. The differences in yield, production intensity and environmental impact were much more pronounced in grassland than in arable cropping systems.Partial extensification of a farming system should be conceived in the context of the whole system in order to be successful. For example, the extensification solely of fertiliser use and soil cultivation resulted in a general improvement in the environmental performance of the farming system, whereas a reduction in plant protection intensity by banning certain pesticide categories reduced negative impacts on ecotoxicity and biodiversity only, while increasing other burdens such as global warming, ozone formation, eutrophication and acidification per product unit. The replacement of mineral fertilisers by farmyard manure as a special form of extensification reduced resource use and improved soil quality, while slightly increasing nutrient losses.These results show that a considerable environmental improvement potential exists in Swiss farming systems and that a detailed eco-efficiency analysis could help to target a further reduction in their environmental impacts.     

Increasing animal productivity on small mixed farms in South Asia: a systems perspective

Smallholder crop–animal systems predominate in south Asia, and most of the projected future demands for ruminant meat and milk are expected to be met from the improved productivity of livestock in these mixed farming systems. Despite their importance in the sub-region, there is a paucity of information on research that incorporates animals interactively with cropping. Livestock research has tended to highlight component technologies, often treating diverse and complex mixed farming operations as a single system. Furthermore, little attention has been paid to social, economic or policy issues. Thus, many of the technological interventions have either failed to become adopted at farm level or their uptake has proved unsustainable. This paper reviews aspects of animal production in South Asia; the trends and forecasts for animal populations and products, constraints to productivity, research opportunities and some key examples of technologies that have failed to achieve their full potential on farm. A systems analysis of small-scale crop–livestock operations is advocated, as a precursor for targeting appropriate interventions at farm level to increase animal productivity and protect the natural resources base.     

Beef production systems and sales strategies in an extensive ranching region in South Africa

Rainfall variability and stocking rate in extensive ranching regions in the Northwestern Transvaal, South Africa, can have substantial influence on feed availability per animal and thus on beef production. A simulation model was developed to compare the degree of variability of revenues from four beef production systems, ranging from inflexible weaner marketing to marketing of 3-year-old oxen. Regression equations relating stocking rate and rainfall to calving percentage and weaning mass, and actual rainfall data over a period of 54 years were used in the analysis. Results indicated a lower mean revenue with a low income variation for the more intensive weaner system as compared to the more flexible 26–28-months and 39–42-months oxen production systems. Thus, in this area, characterised by low and rather variable rainfall, superior economic results can be obtained by choosing flexible production systems and marketing strategies.     

Control of Gaseous Emissions from Livestock Buildings and Manure Stores

Agricultural animal production is increasingly regarded as a source of gases which are both aggravating and ecologically harmful. An overview of the origin, number and quantity of trace gases emitted from animal housing and from manure stores is presented and possible means of preventing or reducing them are discussed.Of the 136 trace gases in the air of animal houses, ammonia and methane present the greatest risk to the environment. Quantitative information on concentrations found in air is available for only 23 of these gases. The gases are emitted principally from freshly deposited and stored excreta, from animal feed and from the animals themselves. Future work should determine sources and quantities of the gases emitted from animal housing more precisely and should aim to investigate the potential of these gases to cause damage to man, animals and environment.Total ammonia emissions from animal production in the former West Germany are estimated as approximately 300 000 to 700 000 t/a. It is calculated that between 10 and 23 kg/ha of nitrogen a year enters the soil via the air from these sources, the average of which is higher than the average "critical loads" for most natural habitats. However, there is still a shortage of satisfactory information on the extent of emissions, in particular on those from naturally ventilated animal houses. Ammonia has a direct effect on the trees in the area surrounding animal houses and is also transported long distances through the air causing eutrophication and acidification of water and soil. This frequently results in changes in plant ecology, hence reducing plant diversity.Reduction measures must begin with the housing and manure removal systems and with feeding and management. Factors such as the protein content of feeds, the pH value of slurry and feed additives, air temperature, air exchange rate and litter affect the extent of ammonia emissions from animal housing. Sustained reduction of emissions from outdoor stores is possible by using various coverings. The greatest research need is perceived to be in the area of feed practices which reduce nitrogen and the development of low emission housing and manure removal systems as well as in a detailed compilation of emission factors.As regards the environment, probably the most important carbon-containing gas is methane, which contributes to the "greenhouse effect". Emissions from animal husbandry in Germany are estimated at about 2Mt/a. This corresponds to 0·15% of the assumed global emission from all sources. There is still little knowledge about the quantities of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N₂0) released from agricultural animals. It is estimated that agriculture in Germany emits between 5 and 23 kt/a.It will take some time for reduction measures to be put into practice and the possibility of reducing livestock numbers should also be included in the discussion. Ammonia emissions from animal production represent a considerable loss in valuable fertilizer nitrogen. A reduction in emissions is therefore necessary not only for environmental protection but also to minimize economic loss.     

Crop–animal interactions in mixed farming systems in Asia

The integration of crop and animal production is well developed in the farming systems of Asia, particularly those in small-scale agriculture. There is marked complementarity in resource use in these systems, with inputs from one sector being supplied to others. Specific examples of the main crop–animal interactions are given for different countries, and reference is made to the results of a number of case studies. These have demonstrated the important contribution that animals make to increased production, income generation, and the improved sustainability of annual and perennial cropping systems.     

Crop–animal systems in Asia: socio-economic benefits and impacts on rural livelihoods

Traditionally, small farmers in Asia have practiced mixed farming. To improve crop and animal productivity, increase farm incomes and maintain the ecological balance, several technology options have been developed through on-station and on-farm research by international organisations and national agricultural research systems. However, a review of the research reveals a paucity of information, particularly in South Asia, on the socio-economic benefits and impacts of these technologies and interventions for poor farming households. This paper presents the few case studies available which document the benefits of new technologies to improve crop–animal systems. Additionally, the paper suggests reasons for the neglect of socio-economics in these studies, and ways to strengthen this dimension.     

A bio-economic evaluation of the profitability of adopting subtropical grasses and pasture-cropping on crop-livestock farms

Pasture-cropping is a novel approach to increasing the area of perennial forages in mixed livestock and cropping systems. It involves planting annual cereals directly into a living perennial pasture. There is interest in using subtropical grasses for pasture-cropping as they are winter dormant and their growth profile is complementary with winter crops. The ability of subtropical grasses to maintain feed quality in summer is likely to be an important attribute. However, a wide range of factors can affect the uptake of such systems. This paper evaluates the farm-system economics of subtropical grasses and pasture-cropping. The research question is: what factors affect the profitability of a new technology such as (1) subtropical grass and (2) subtropical grass that is pasture-cropped. The analysis uses the MIDAS model of a central wheatbelt farm in Western Australia. The results suggest the profitability and adoption of subtropical grasses is likely to be strongly influenced by the mix of soil types present on the farm; the feed quality of the subtropical grass; whether the production emphasis of the farm is for grazing or cropping, and the level of production in summer and early autumn. The same factors are relevant to pasture-cropping, with the addition of yield penalties due to competition between the arable crop and the host perennial. The results were less sensitive to changes in the winter production of subtropical grass. Pasture-cropping was more profitable and likely to involve a larger area of the farm when a meat rather than a wool-dominant sheep system was present. However, there was little difference between the meat and wool flocks in their sensitivity to other factors in this analysis.     

Poverty and biodiversity trade-offs in rural development: A case study for Pujiang county,China

Both, poverty reduction and preservation of biodiversity are high on the global agenda on sustainable development. The relationships between poverty, biodiversity of agro-ecosystems and agricultural development are complex and poorly understood. In this paper, we present an integrated framework for analysis of agricultural development and natural resource management options at agro-ecosystem level, using Pujiang county, in Zhejiang province, China as a case study area to perform the analysis. A regional linear programming (LP) model is applied, maximizing regional economic surplus, given production and labour market conditions in Pujiang. We use the model to examine the consequences for a set of regional poverty and biodiversity indicators, of four so-called poverty reduction strategies, i.e., (i) intensification of production, (ii) diversification towards livestock production, (iii) land expansion, and (iv) an exit from agriculture. The analysis indicates that diversification is the most promising poverty reduction strategy, but requires efficient use of animal manure in cropping systems to avoid environmental problems. Improved nutrient management in cropping systems is effective in reducing the regional nitrogen surplus, but less effective in increasing per capita income. The exit strategy is effective in reducing poverty and achieving biodiversity goals, but may have important social consequences that are not addressed in this study. Further reduction in rural poverty is hampered by labour constraints during the harvesting period in high value crops such as vegetables and fruits, which calls for research and development in the field of agricultural mechanization.