Search Results (172)

This literature-based review draws on studies of thirty-four fish species; most are from northern temperate regions. Fish have flexible and indeterminate growth, and often they do not reach their growth and size potential. They may become stunted with impaired growth and early maturity, chiefly as a phenotypically plastic reaction. The main causes of stunted growth are negatively density-dependent food availability and keen intraspecific competition leading to environmental stress. Typically, their growth levels off early in life as energy consumptions approach energy costs of maintenance. Females typically attain maturity soon after the energy surplus from feeding starts to decrease. Males are often more variable in size at maturity owing to alternative mating strategies, and their size at maturity depends on both species-specific mating behaviours and environmental opportunities. In polyphenic/polymorphic populations, one phenotype may be stunted and the other phenotype non-stunted; stunted individuals do not perform the required ontogenetic niche shift needed to grow larger. The adult morphology of stunted fish is typically like the morphology of juveniles. Their secondary sexual characters are less pronounced, and they phenotypically retain adaptation to their early feeding niche, which is different from that of large-growing individuals. There are open questions regarding to what extent genetics and epigenetics regulate the life histories of stunted phenotypes. Full article

Small-scale fisheries and aquaculture play a crucial role in securing food, income, and nutrition for millions, especially in the Global South. Rural small-scale aquaculture (SSA) is characterized by limited investment and technical training among farmers, diversification and dispersion of farms over large areas, reduced access to competitive markets for inputs and products, and family labor. Small-scale integrated circular aquaponic (ICAq) systems, in which systems’ component outputs are transformed into component inputs, have significant potential to increase circularity and promote economic development, especially in a rural context. We offer an integrated and comprehensive approach centered on aquaponics or aquaponic farming for small-scale aquaculture units. It aims to identify and describe a series of circular processes and causal links that can be implemented based on deep study in SSA and ICAq. Circular processes to treat by-products in ICAq include components like composting, vermicomposting, aerobic and anaerobic digestion, silage, and insect production. These processes can produce ICAq inputs such as seedling substrates, plant fertilizers, bioenergy, or feed ingredients. In addition, the plant component can supply therapeutic compounds. Further research on characterization of aquaponic components outputs and its quantifications, the impact of using circular inputs generated within the ICAq, and the technical feasibility and economic viability of circular processes in the context of SSA is needed. Full article

Against the backdrop of the green circular economy, the exploration of reliable and sustainable applications of lignocellulosic biomass (LCBM) has emerged as a critical research frontier. The utilization of LCBM as a ruminant roughage source offers a promising strategy to address two pressing issues: the “human-animal competition for food” dilemma and the environmental degradation resulting from improper LCBM disposal. However, the high degree of lignification in LCBM significantly restricts its utilization efficiency in ruminant diets. In recent years, microbial pretreatment has gained considerable attention as a viable approach to reduce lignification prior to LCBM application as ruminant feed. White-rot fungi (WRF) have emerged as particularly noteworthy among various microbial agents due to their environmentally benign characteristics and unique lignin degradation selectivity. WRF demonstrates remarkable efficacy in enzymatically breaking down the rigid lignocellulosic matrix (comprising lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose) within LCBM cell walls, thereby reducing lignin content—a largely indigestible component for ruminants—while simultaneously enhancing the nutritional profile through increased protein availability and improved digestibility. Solid-state fermentation mediated by WRF enhances LCBM utilization rates and optimizes its nutritional value for ruminant consumption, thereby contributing to the advancement of sustainable livestock production, agroforestry systems, and global environmental conservation efforts. This review systematically examines recent technological advancements in WRF-mediated solid-state fermentation of LCBM, evaluates its outcomes of nutritional enhancement and animal utilization efficiency, and critically assesses current limitations and future prospects of this innovative approach within the framework of circular bioeconomy principles. Full article

Competition for resources with invasive species can negatively impact native fauna. Invasive species often exhibit higher aggressiveness and monopolize resources through behavioral interference. However, their feeding behavior also plays a central role in invasion success. We investigated how food resource availability influences agonistic interactions between the invasive cichlid Oreochromis niloticus and the native cichlid Geophagus iporangensis. Specifically, we assessed whether the invasive species interferes with the native species’ feeding behavior. Using neutral arenas, we staged competition trials under two conditions: initially without food and subsequently with food present. The native species served as the focal animal and was exposed to either a conspecific or an invasive competitor. Results showed that native species aggressiveness toward the invasive competitor was three times higher in the absence of food. Although O. niloticus was 1.6 times more aggressive than conspecifics, its presence did not affect the native species’ feeding rate, and no behavioral interference was observed. Instead, the invasive species relied primarily on scramble competition, initiating nine of ten trials and consuming seven times more food than the native cichlid. Our findings suggest that, beyond aggression, feeding behavior and resource exploitation are key mechanisms driving competitive exclusion by invasive species. Full article

As a typical agricultural waste, the resource utilization of corn stover (CS) plays a crucial role in the coordinated optimization of ecological and economic benefits. In order to enhance the utilization of CS resources, Lentilactobacillus (L.) buchneri (LB) and different proportions of Artemisia argyi (AA) were added to CS to investigate the impact of additives on the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of corn stover silage (CSS). This study revealed that the separate addition of AA or LB in CS effectively improved the silage quality and aerobic stability. Specifically, LB exhibited the lowest pH value of 3.72 at 90 d of fermentation, while the NH₃-N content was 0.07 g/kg DM during the anaerobic fermentation stage and 0.19 g/kg DM during the aerobic exposure stage (p < 0.05). Mixing 30% AA increased the lactic acid content, lowered the pH, maintained a higher relative abundance of Lactobacillus, and reduced mycotoxin levels. In terms of aerobic stability, all AA-treated groups demonstrated superior performance compared to the LB treatment. Additionally, it was observed, that in the 30% AA group, Candida exhibited the highest relative abundance. Importantly, the addition of AA upregulated carbohydrate metabolism and lipid metabolism during the ensiling process, and their relative abundances remained high during aerobic exposure. Fully utilizing CS resources as feed to provide fiber and nutrients for ruminants can not only reduce the pressure on forage demand but meet the development needs of “grain-saving” animal husbandry, which is conducive to solving the contradictions of “human–animal competition for food” and “human animal competition for land”. Full article

Agricultural waste poses significant environmental, economic, and social challenges globally, with estimates indicating that 10–50% of agricultural products are discarded annually as waste. This review explores strategies for managing agricultural waste to mitigate its adverse impacts and promote sustainable development. Agricultural residues, such as those from sugarcane, rice, and wheat, contribute to pollution when improperly disposed of through burning or burying, contaminating soil, water, and air. However, these residues also represent untapped resources for bioenergy production, composting, mulching, and the creation of value-added products like biochar, bioplastics, single-cell protein and biobased building blocks. The paper highlights various solutions, including integrating agricultural waste into livestock feed formulations to reduce competition for human food crops, producing biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel from lignocellulosic materials, and adopting circular economy practices to upcycle waste into high-value products. Technologies such as anaerobic digestion for biogas production and gasification for synthesis gas offer renewable energy alternatives and ample feedstocks for gas fermentation while addressing waste management issues. Composting and vermicomposting enhance soil fertility, while mulching improves moisture retention and reduces erosion. Moreover, the review emphasizes the importance of policy frameworks, public-private partnerships, and farmer education in promoting effective waste management practices. By implementing these strategies, agricultural waste can be transformed into a resource, contributing to food security, environmental conservation, and economic growth. Full article

Microecological preparations (MPs), encompassing probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics, are microbial feed supplements that enhance host health through gut microbiota modulation. Unlike the narrow definition of probiotics (viable microorganisms), MPs constitute a broader category including non-viable microbial derivatives and selectively fermented substrates. Their application in aquaculture significantly reduces antibiotic dependence. Given the industry’s intensification challenges, while meeting global protein demands, high-density aquaculture elevates disease risks, driving prophylactic antibiotic overuse. This practice accelerates antimicrobial resistance (AMR) development, compromising treatment efficacy and causing residual antibiotics in aquatic products. Such residues violate international food safety standards, triggering trade disputes. As sustainable alternatives, MPs operate through multiple mechanisms: the competitive exclusion of pathogens, immune stimulation, and nutrient absorption enhancement. This review examines the patterns of antibiotic abuse and the emergence of AMR in carp aquaculture, evaluates MP-based mitigation strategies from the perspective of antibiotic alternatives, and analyzes the advantages, disadvantages, and application progress of MPs. Based on existing evidence, we propose targeted research priorities for MP optimization, advocating for scientifically guided implementation in commercial cyprinid aquaculture. Full article

Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) is the primary Campylobacter species and a major cause of foodborne illness associated with poultry products. This review focuses on lactic acid bacteria (LAB), especially Lactobacillus species, and acid whey as a dairy by-product for C. jejuni control in poultry as a sustainable method. LAB strains L. crispatus exhibit a cecal colonization reduction of >90% by competitive exclusion and bacteriocin activity, while L. johnsonii FI9785 decrease bacterial load 4–5 log₁₀. Acid whey, which is abundant in organic acids (e.g., lactic acid) and bioactive peptides (e.g., lactoferrin), reduces C. jejuni viability, decreasing the food product contamination on the carcass for a short time by 40%. LAB antimicrobial function becomes more effective when used with acid whey, although specific farm-related variables require additional optimization. Some of the key strategies include co-encapsulating LAB with acid whey or plant-derived antimicrobials for improving survival, conducting in vivo trials in commercial farm conditions to evaluate scalability, and adding whey into feed (1–2% inclusion) or applying it as a pre-slaughter spray. These strategies enable the antibiotic-free production and circular economy goals through repurposing low-cost acid whey. Future studies should directly compare them with standard antimicrobials to confirm their scalability for poultry safety. Full article

In ecosystems where multiple carnivores coexist, interspecific interactions are crucial in shaping behavioral adaptations and resource utilization strategies. This study examines the competitive dynamics between Indian leopards (Panthera pardus fusca) and striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena) in the Jhalana Reserve Forest, an urban-enclosed wildlife habitat in Jaipur, India. Using direct observations, citizen science contributions, and camera-trap data, we document kleptoparasitism and competitive exclusion instances where hyenas successfully outnumber leopards to gain access to food. Our findings indicate that hyenas exhibit an acute ability to locate leopard kills, often arriving within minutes of a leopard beginning to feed. Additionally, spatial constraints imposed by the reserve’s fencing create an ecological imbalance, as leopards can access external food sources while hyenas remain confined. We also discuss the potential consequences of supplementary feeding practices, which may influence predator behavior and interspecific interactions. This study highlights the importance of understanding competitive dynamics in fragmented landscapes to inform conservation strategies that promote coexistence. Full article

Zearalenone (ZEN), a toxic estrogenic mycotoxin in cereals, threatens human and animal health through reproductive, immune, and cytotoxic effects, necessitating sensitive detection methods. While nanobodies offer advantages over conventional antibodies for on-site ZEN detection, their application remains unexplored. This study aimed to develop an anti-ZEN nanobody derived from an anti-ZEN phage display nanobody library. An alpaca was immunized with a ZEN-bovine serum albumin (ZEN-BSA) antigen, achieving peak serum antibody titers (1:25,600) following four immunizations. A high-capacity phage display nanobody library (1.0 × 10¹¹ plaque-forming units/mL) was constructed. Following four rounds of biopanning, an enrichment factor of 479 was achieved. Phage ELISA screening identified six phage display nanobodies with specific ZEN-binding activity, and multiple sequence alignment revealed four unique nanobody sequences. The selected phage display nanobody, designated phage-V44, was expressed and purified, and its presence was validated by SDS-PAGE and western blotting, which detected a single approximately 17 kDa band consistent with the expected nanobody size. We established a working curve for an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) for ZEN, which showed an IC50 value of 7.55 ng/mL. The specificity and affinity of the V44 were also verified. Collectively, the study successfully constructed an anti-ZEN phage display nanobody library, screened four specific ZEN-binding phage display nanobodies, and prepared the anti-ZEN nanobody V44. Thereby establishing a foundation for the nanobody’s future integration into rapid on-site detection methods for ZEN in both animal feed and human food products. Full article

The cassava production system in Colombia is relevant for food security and agro-industrial development, especially in the Caribbean region. To optimize this system, it is necessary to understand the technical and socioeconomic particularities of the crop, which facilitates cost improvements and increased yields. Two main market segments are recognized in this country, cassava for human consumption and for industrial purposes (starch and animal feed). There is still no comprehensive study on the characterization of industrial cassava production systems; therefore, this work aims to identify typologies of farmers according to their technological and socioeconomic characteristics, to contribute to research and production planning. The information related to sociodemographic and technological conditions was collected through a structured survey applied to 53 organizations selected by random sampling that compiles consensual information of 1470 producers. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and a multivariate analysis of variables, such as cultivated area, yield, and proximity to markets, using the Gower method. The results indicated that in the Caribbean industrial cassava production, the average age of farmers is 47 years, with mostly men (72%), and a predominant educational level of secondary school (35%). Two groups of farmers were identified from multivariate analysis, from which group 2 (G2) represented four producer organizations (119 producers) and showed the highest yields and a larger cultivated area, suggesting that a larger scale of production is associated with better yields, which is associated with major access to technological tools and possibly technical knowledge. However, the most cassava producers (49 producer organizations and 1361 producers) had a lower cultivated area and yield, confirming that the technological level and management optimization is related to competitiveness and profitability. Full article

Farmers are an important and fundamental professional class on which the food, health and well-being of all citizens depend. Recently, and similar to what has happened in other European countries, in Portugal there were also demonstrations of civic and spontaneous movements of farmers dissatisfied with the current Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan (PEPAC), with the excessive bureaucracy and with the increase in the costs of production and unfair competition from agricultural products from other countries, especially from outside the European bloc, which do not meet the same production requirements and which are available to consumers. This work consists of a synthesis and reflection on the reasons, arguments and demands made by civic movements of farmers in the northern region of Portugal (NUT II). Among the most frequent allegations was the need to consider specific aspects of the northern Portuguese region, small family farming and some specific sectors. Although the factor that triggered farmers’ indignation was the reduction in support payable under eco-schemes, the consideration of the common land areas for subsidies and for certification in organic farming (in the mountain region), the installation of anti-hail towers in the fruit growing area and compensation for increases in energy and animal feeding costs are among the most frequently mentioned reasons for which farmers require answers. Full article

Agroecology is increasingly used to study the evolution of farms and food systems, in which livestock plays a significant part. While large-scale specialized livestock farms are sometimes criticized for their contribution to climate change and nutrient cycle disruption, interest in alternative practices such as raising multiple species, integrating crop and livestock, relying on pasture, and marketing through short supply chains is growing. Through a narrative review, we aimed to determine if the scientific literature allowed for an evaluation of the agroecological contribution of alternative livestock farming practices. Taking advantage of ruminants’ capacity to digest human-inedible plant material such as hay and pasture on marginal land reduces the competition between livestock feed and human food for arable land. Taking advantage of monogastric animals’ capacity to digest food waste or byproducts limits the need for grain feed. Pasturing spreads manure directly on the field and allows for the expression of natural animal behavior. Animals raised on alternative livestock farms, however, grow slower and live longer than those raised on large specialized farms. This causes them to consume more feed and to emit more greenhouse gases per unit of meat produced. Direct or short supply chain marketing fosters geographical and relational proximity, but alternative livestock farms’ contribution to the social equity and responsibility principles of agroecology are not well documented. Policy aimed at promoting practices currently in place on alternative livestock farms is compatible with agroecology but has to be envisioned in parallel with a reduction in animal consumption in order to balance nutrient and carbon cycles. Full article

School meals play a critical role in supporting students’ biopsychosocial growth, development, learning, academic performance, and the establishment of healthy eating habits. In public institutions, food procurement is conducted through formal public procurement processes. However, emphasizing cost-effectiveness in bidding criteria, such as prioritizing the lowest product price, may inadvertently encourage the acquisition of foods high in critical nutrients. In Brazil, specific guidelines for public school food procurement have been introduced to improve the nutritional quality of foods included in school menus. Objective: To evaluate the impact of legislative measures and regulations implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic on the nutritional composition of school meals provided by federal high schools in Rio Grande do Norte, located in northeastern Brazil. It also compared the composition and origin of foods procured before and after the pandemic. Methods: This is a longitudinal observational panel study conducted across 20 federal schools. Procurement documents from 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2021 (post-pandemic) were analyzed to assess changes in the nutritional profile of procured foods. Results: Post-pandemic, the procurement of natural and minimally processed and processed foods increased, representing 73.39% and 10.34%, respectively, of the total approved foods. There was also a 39% reduction in ultra-processed foods compared to 2019, in addition to a reduction in culinary ingredients. Additionally, the proportion of foods containing excessive levels of critical nutrients declined. A significant shift was observed in the origin of procured foods, with a notable increase in the purchase of locally sourced items. Conclusions: The findings indicate a positive shift in the nutritional quality of foods procured after the COVID-19 pandemic, with a decrease in ultra-processed food purchases and an increase in the procurement of natural and minimally processed options. Nonetheless, the continued presence of ultra-processed foods and items with excessive critical nutrients highlights the need for further improvements in public procurement practices to fully align with nutritional guidelines. Full article

The war in Ukraine and the related disruptions in its supply chains shook global markets for agricultural and energy commodities, causing their prices to increase to unprecedented levels. At the same time, this situation highlighted the fact that Ukraine is an important global producer and exporter of certain agricultural products. The complete opening of the EU market to duty-free imports from Ukraine showed that Ukrainian products constitute competition for both EU and Polish food producers. This, in turn, caused further disruptions in the food supply chains within the EU. The aim of this article is to assess the competitive position of Polish and Ukrainian food producers in the EU market and the prospects for the evolution of their competitive advantages. The analysis was carried out using selected quantitative indicators of competitive position, namely Balassa’s Revealed Comparative Advantage Index (RCA) and the Trade Coverage Index (TC). The calculations were made using statistical data from the World Bank WITS-Comtrade database. The research covered the period from 2018 to 2023, inclusive. The research shows that between 2018 and 2023, the share of products in Polish exports to the EU, in which both countries compete, increased to 37.5%; that is, both countries had comparative advantages in these products on this market. The current competition includes, among others, poultry meat, bakery products, wafers and cookies, chocolate, corn, fruit juices, frozen fruit, water and other non-alcoholic drinks, and wheat. At the same time, more than half of Polish exports consisted of products that may become the subject of such competition in the future (currently, only Poland has comparative advantages in the export of these products). These may include, among others, cigarettes, animal feed, fresh or chilled beef, other food products, smoked fish, canned meat, fish fillets, pork, canned fish, and liquid milk and cream. Therefore, Polish food producers face big challenges; the process of the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine and its potential integration with the single European market will strengthen the competitive position of Ukrainian food producers in the EU market. The current competitive strategy of Polish producers, based on cost and price advantages, may turn out to be ineffective under these conditions. Therefore, they must look for new sources of competitive advantage that will distinguish Polish products from the cheaper Ukrainian ones. Therefore, a strategy of competing on quality may prove effective. Full article