Assessment of developed paper strip based sensor with pesticide residues in different dairy environmental samples?5 answersThe developed paper strip biosensors have shown promising results in detecting pesticide residues in various dairy environmental samples. These sensors can detect a wide range of pesticides, including organophosphates, carbamates, organochlorines, fungicides, and herbicides, at low concentrations in animal feed, water, milk, soil, cereal-based food, and fruit juices. The sensors have been successful in identifying pesticide-positive samples in milk, cereal-based food, and fruit juices, with subsequent confirmation using GC-MS/MS. Additionally, the sensors have been validated for use in dairy farm matrices, offering a semi-quantitative approach for pesticide monitoring and screening of primary produce for organic certification. The technology's portability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use make it a valuable tool for rapid and efficient screening of pesticide residues in dairy farm environments.
How do dairy farms contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change?5 answersDairy farming significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change through various processes. The emissions primarily consist of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Methane emissions stem from enteric fermentation in cows and manure management, with CH4 being a potent greenhouse gas. Studies have shown that dairy farms release substantial amounts of CO2 equivalents, with a significant portion attributed to enteric fermentation and feeding practices. Additionally, the type of farm management, such as intensive, extensive, or organic, influences carbon storage in the soil, impacting climate change mitigation efforts. Implementing strategies like anaerobic digestion and feed additives can help reduce methane emissions, potentially leading to climate neutrality in the dairy sector.
Does technology adoption influence dairy farms' technical efficiency?4 answersTechnology adoption has a significant influence on dairy farms' technical efficiency. Automation, such as automated technologies in Irish dairy farms, has been found to improve technical efficiency, particularly in larger and more intensive farms. The implementation of digital technology in Chinese dairy farms has also shown positive effects on carbon emission efficiency, with precision feeding digital technology having the most profound influence. In the case of Indian dairy farms, challenges in technology adoption have been identified, and addressing these challenges can lead to improved performance and operational efficiency. Similarly, in Nepalese dairy farms, the adoption of improved technologies has been associated with higher technical efficiency and increased income. Furthermore, the adoption of both technical and organizational dairy innovations has been found to enhance milk production and supply chain efficiency in Kenyan dairy farms.
What are the main factors that influence the level of technology adoption in dairy farming?5 answersThe main factors that influence the level of technology adoption in dairy farming include farm and farmer attributes such as age, education, off-farm work, farm size, and specialization. Lack of government support, lack of educational opportunities in dairy-based education, high cost, huge investment, and low acceptance of decision-makers are also significant challenges to technology adoption. In addition, personal, demographic, economic, and institutional factors such as respondent age, access to credit services, size of household landholding, frequency of extension contact, involvement of outside income, livestock ownership, and distance from the nearest market play a role in hindering adoption. Access to credit, hired employees, dairy records, total dairy cows, household head education, income, farm size, and dairy information access are factors that positively influence technology adoption.
How is sensors technology improved phenotyping in dairy?3 answersSensors technology has improved phenotyping in dairy by providing continuous measurements of animal performance and detailed milk composition. Wearable sensors, such as neck, ear, leg, or tail sensors, have been used to monitor physiological, behavioral, and production indicators on individual animals. These sensors can measure behaviors like rumination, lying, standing, feeding, and activity, which can be used for early detection of transition cow disorders. Additionally, sensor data patterns have been analyzed to develop proxies for complex traits like resilience and feed efficiency. The use of sensor technologies has also led to more efficient performance of dairy cows in terms of both physiology and profitability. Overall, the adoption of sensor technologies in dairy farming has allowed for real-time monitoring of animal behavior and development, leading to optimized management decisions and improved genetic improvement.
What are the research gaps in adoption of precision farming technologies such as wireless network sensors?5 answersThe research gaps in the adoption of precision farming technologies, such as wireless network sensors, can be summarized as follows. Firstly, there is a lag in farmer adoption of precision agriculture tools despite increased availability of technological offerings. Secondly, the lack of telecommunications infrastructure coverage in most farms poses a challenge to the usage of sensors and wireless communication technologies for precision farming. Thirdly, designing wireless sensor networks (WSNs) that can sustain for longer periods and efficiently utilize available energy remains a challenging issue. Lastly, the identification of redundant data traffic and the timely provision of necessary information to farmers, such as water pressure and soil conditions, are significant research problems.