Abstract In light of global sustainability challenges and the limited availability of conventional protein sources for livestock, it became essential to find alternative protein sources. In this context, the reintroduction of grain legumes into crop production systems may represent a promising strategy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the replacement of soybean meal by Lupinus albus, on gut microbiota modulation in weaned piglets’ diet. Twenty weaned piglets (Landrace x Large White) were involved in the trial for 28 days. Animals were divided into two experimental groups balanced per weight and sex: the control (CTRL, n = 10) receiving basal diet with 7.3 % soybean meal and the treatment (LUP, n = 10) receiving 10 % of Lupinus albus ( L. albus ) meal. Microbiota analysis showed a limited modulation in terms of richness and evenness in LUP group compared to CTRL group. However, the dietary inclusion of lupin seed meal resulted in changes in the relative abundance of several bacterial genera, with higher abundances of Methanobrevibacter , a hydrogenotrophic methanogen associated with microbial fermentation, as well as Allobaculum and Romboutsia , which have been associated with the utilization of fibre and complex carbohydrates. In conclusion, the inclusion of L. albus as a replacement for soybean meal, in piglets’ diets could represent a viable strategy to reduce dependence on soybean protein by supporting local protein production systems, particularly suitable for organic farming as well as for extensive livestock systems supplying local markets.
Abstract Understanding how large-scale climate teleconnections affect staple crop yield is essential for anticipating production risks and strengthening food security in a warming world. This study examines the influence of major teleconnection patterns on potato yield across Europe, where potatoes remain a key component of the food supply. To account for differences in cropping calendars, Europe was divided into three regions (North, Center, South) based on potato growing season timing. Nine machine learning techniques were applied to model regional yield responses using a dataset spanning 1961–2023, incorporating multiple teleconnection indices with lags of up to 36 months. Among all models, the Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) performed best in every region, with the highest accuracy in the South ( R 2 = 0.79) and lower but still robust skill in the North ( R 2 = 0.62). Explainable artificial intelligence using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) showed that the East Atlantic (EA) and East Atlantic/West Russia (EA/WR) patterns were consistently the most influential predictors, although their importance varied regionally. Lagged EA indices emerged as particularly significant, indicating a strong climate-memory effect in potato production. Despite the highest prediction accuracy in the South, this region exhibited the lowest historical yield levels, likely reflecting combined heat and water stress. By demonstrating that regional potato yield is strongly modulated by specific teleconnection patterns, these findings highlight the value of teleconnection-aware prediction systems for climate-risk management and underscore the need to integrate climate indices into long-term agricultural and food security planning in Europe.
Abstract The cultivation of elephant grass [ Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone] may help mitigate dry-season forage shortages due to its high regrowth potential and nutritive value. In this context, cultivar selection and harvest frequency are key factors affecting forage accumulation and nutritive value. This study evaluated the nutritive value of elephant grass cultivars of different plant sizes (two tall: Elephant B and IRI 381; and two dwarf: Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37) under irrigation and two harvest frequencies (60 and 90 days) during dry and rainy seasons. The experiment was conducted under tropical conditions in Brazil, from September 2019 to May 2022. The experimental design used was randomized complete block with split plots arrangement and four replications. Greater crude protein (CP) concentrations (109.9 vs. 89.1 g/kg DM) were observed during both rainy and dry seasons under 60-day harvest frequency. Ether extract and hemicellulose concentrations were greater during the rainy season, while total carbohydrates and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) were greater in the dry season. Tall-size genotypes exhibited greater neutral and acid detergent fibre concentrations in leaves, whereas the dwarf-type Mott showed lower stem fibre fractions and greater stem IVDMD. In general, harvesting every 60 days improved forage nutritive value, while extending the regrowth period promoted genotype- and season-dependent changes in CP and fibre fractions. Overall, harvest frequency exerted a greater influence on forage nutritive value than plant size, indicating that harvest management should be adjusted according to genotype and seasonal conditions.
In broiler breeders, while floor eggs are associated with a negative impact on hatching performance, the role of laying sequence position remains poorly understood and may contribute a further source of variation to egg quality and embryo development. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of laying environment and sequence position. In Experiment 1, eggs were classified as first collection floor eggs (FCFE) or second collection floor eggs (SCFE) and incubated to embryonic day 12 (ED12). In Experiment 2, eggs were classified as first collection nest eggs (FCNE), FCFE and SCFE to assess internal and external quality, compositional traits and eggshell mineral composition. In Experiment 1, embryos from FCFE were significantly lighter at ED12 compared with those from SCFE, despite greater initial egg size. In Experiment 2, albumen parameters differed, with first collection eggs, FCNE and FCFE, showing greater albumen weight and proportion than second collection eggs, SCFE. Shell thickness was greater in FCNE and FCFE. Mineral analysis revealed higher sodium concentrations in first collection eggs, lower zinc and molybdenum concentrations in floor eggs, reduced manganese in FCNE and higher arsenic in FCFE. Together, these findings demonstrate that laying sequence and environment alter egg composition, shell quality and mineral deposition, with egg-laying sequence demonstrating potential downstream effects on embryonic development. Improved understanding of the underlying mechanistic contribution of egg sequence to egg quality and embryo development will contribute to our understanding of achieving high and consistent hatch success in broiler breeders.
Abstract Livestock manure is a major source of agricultural air ammonia (NH 3 ) emissions that pose significant environmental and health concerns, particularly in intensive livestock housing systems. This experiment investigated the effects of temperature and manure urea concentration on NH 3 production from simulated cattle manure using an in-vitro microchamber system. Fresh cattle faeces were combined with simulated urine containing varying urea concentrations (0, 5, 12.5, 20 g urea-N/L) to produce simulated manure with concentrations of 0, 2.4, 6.0 and 9.6 g urea/kg. A 4 × 3 factorial randomized block design tested four urea treatments at three temperatures (25, 30 and 35 °C), with matched air and manure temperatures, using microchambers with controlled airflow. Ammonia concentrations were measured over 90 min using acid traps and colorimetric analysis and NH 3 production rates were calculated from these. Both temperature and urea concentration increased NH 3 production rates, with a significant interaction between urea concentration and temperature (P < 0.001). Relative to 25 °C, temperatures of 30 and 35 °C substantially increased NH 3 production rates across all urea concentrations, with estimated increases of 3.9 to 5.2 and 7.5 to 10.0 mg NH 3 /m 2 /min, respectively. At 25 °C, NH 3 production was similar across all urea amended treatments, whereas at 30 and 35 °C production increased from 2.4 to 6.0 g urea/kg manure, but showed little additional increase at 9.6 g urea/kg manure. Adding urea immediately increased manure pH (by approximately 1.2 units) and also increased final pH values. Temperature exerted a greater influence on NH 3 production than urea concentration within the range tested.
