Brill | Wageningen Academic – serie

This book analyses processes of desertification from a social science perspective and unravels the policy related to drivers of desertification. Desertification is addressed both as a concept surrounded by a multitude of different discourses and as a tangible unsustainable process that is connected to a complex set of policies and changing land management practices. The focus is on Southern Europe, where desertification has been a long-standing problem in many areas, and where in some places the loss of productive capacity has worsened considerably over the last few decades. By focusing on four specific case study areas in Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece, the scope of the book will cover the ‘human dimension’ of desertification, exploring in particular how the framework of existing policies has affected land management decisions and desertification processes. The emphasis will be on how policies may have contributed to desertification alleviation and mitigation, as well as to a worsening of desertification processes. By using an actor-network approach, the book specifically investigates the importance of networks of actors that shape the nature and direction of policies that affect desertification processes. In this sense, this book aims at providing a first glance into the complex policy, economic and socio-cultural networks that operate at the local, regional and national levels in areas of Southern Europe affected by desertification, and to analyse how these networks hinder, or promote, the implementation of policies aimed at alleviating the threat of desertification. With its broad remit, this exciting book will appeal to many different audiences, not only including academics and students of various disciplines, but also practitioners at the local, regional (Mediterranean) and international (e.g. EU) spatial levels in a variety of fields such as environmental and agricultural policy-making, agricultural extension services, farming organisations, environmental NGOs, media representatives and many other environmental stakeholder groups.

"This book is a synthesis of contributions drawn from the 12th Nitrogen Workshop held at the University of Exeter, UK. It provides a valuable compilation of current research, aimed at reconciling the environmental and economic components of N cycling within the context of a productive agricultural industry. The book is divided into seven main sections, which examine systematically, the nature of the problems associated with losses of N and a range of possible solutions. Section 1, ‘Drivers towards sustainability-why change?’ identifies the need to adopt new strategies to avoid losses to the environment. Section 2 considers the options for ‘Matching supply with demand’, followed by the reasons for, and means of ‘Controlling losses to air’ and to ‘water’ in section 3 and 4. Section 5 describes the challenges of ‘Reconciling productivity with environmental considerations’.The remaining sections describe some mathematical models to assist the researcher, with the final section devoted to reports from the ‘Themed Working Groups’ which debated the following topical questions:Organic matter: does it matter, or can technology overcome most problems related to soil fertility? Optimising N additions: can we integrate fertilizer use and manure use? Controlling gaseous N emissions: what is achievable? Missing N: is the solution in dissolved N? Pollution problems: mitigation, or are we swapping one form of pollution for another? System studies: do we need them, or can they be replaced by desktop studies? Model answers: can we improve their level of confidence and applicability? This book will be of value to researchers, policy makers and all those wishing to promote more efficient use of N."

The rapid and reliable detection of biological and chemical contaminants is extremely important in managing the safety of food and feed. "Rapid Methods" is a comprehensive reference resource for anyone interested in this subject. Developments in analytical techniques have led to the emergence of a wide range of rapid methods to complement the traditional methods. At the same time, the importance of method validation, proficiency testing, quality management, sampling and legislation have all become more widely recognised. "Rapid Methods" presents a firm base and structured framework for considering rapid analysis of biological and chemical contaminants in food and feed. The various chapters concentrate on the state of the art in rapid methods in regards to: legislation, sampling, method validation, microbial pathogens, biological materials like GMOs and allergens, toxins like bacterial food poisoning toxins, marine toxins and biogenic amines, chemicals like veterinary drugs, pesticides and dioxins. The editors firmly believe that the very nature of the theme, the excellence of the peer-reviewed papers and the holistic approach chosen in this book will draw an audience from both the food and feed industry as well as from the scientific community.

This book contains key contributions to the Xth International Symposium on Ruminant Physiology. Proceedings from past ISRP symposia have had a major influence on research and teaching in animal science over the years. Without a doubt the peer-reviewed chapters in this book, written by some of the best scientists in the field, will live up to this fine tradition. The chapters cover a wide range of topics spanning from digestion and absorption to metabolism, reproduction and lactation. Advancement of knowledge within important issues related to rumen fermentation, absorption mechanisms and splanchnic metabolism is treated in nine chapters. A number of chapters address the relationship between nutrition and gene expression illustrating important progress in scientific knowledge that can be obtained by applying the molecular biology methods to the field. Several chapters address the effects of nutrition on immunology and cover topics related to the health and welfare of production animals. In keeping with the increased attention on the relationship between food and human health, the book contains two important chapters on this topic.

Grassland covers 26% of the world’s total land area. It produces feed for livestock; maintains soil fertility; protects and conserves soil and water resources; creates a habitat for wildlife; provides recreational space for sport and leisure and contributes to the general landscape. This book provides an up-to-date account of progress and potential in the genetic improvement of grassland to meet all needs. It encompasses work on a wide range of temperate and tropical grassland species (including grasses, clovers and other forage legumes) and will interest all those concerned with grassland use in livestock-based agriculture, recreation, environmental protection, bio-industry etc. Specifically, it demonstrates how recent advances in molecular techniques are being used to develop breeding objectives and strategies with key-note papers on: Objectives and benefits of molecular breeding, Linkage/physical mapping and map-based cloning, QTL analysis and trait dissection, Genomics, model species, gene discovery and functional analysis, Use of molecular markers and bioinformatics for breeding, Molecular genetics and breeding of endosymbiont and grass/legume associations, Transgenics, Genetic diversity, breeding systems and resources Future directions for research and breeding. State-of-the-art molecular techniques and resources are described that encompass a unique range of expertise in genetic mapping, trait dissection, comparative genomics, bioinformatics, gene discovery and risk assessment. Examples of work in progress or recently completed are provided from across the world. The book has broad educational value and will interest plant geneticists and breeders as well as grassland users and policy makers.

Pastoral systems are some of the most fragile human ecosystems that exist and are under threat from the expansion of cultivation, changes in social patterns and climate change. These ecosystems are of major importance since they contain a rich biological and cultural diversity. The aim of the book is to take a holistic view of pastoral systems by bringing together papers written by specialists in plant and animal ecology with an interest in the application of their research with papers taking an economic and social perspective. The focus is on marginal environments where the issues are in greatest relief with the papers tackling key issues in semi-arid and disadvantaged temperate areas. The key issues relate to identifying the biological constraints of these pastoral systems, understanding soil/plant/animal relationships, exploring biodiversity, landscape and social issues in multi-functional systems and providing solutions to constraints through a number of case studies. By comparing and contrasting these two environments, the book will be taking a completely new approach to understanding how pastoral systems function and how they will evolve in the future. The book is of value to all those with an interest in pastoral systems by providing an up-to-date account of current understanding of these multi-functional systems and new insights into how they function and how they will develop in the future.

"This book is essential reading for all those involved in forage conservation and provides a fascinating insight into current practices and the science underpinning forage conservation. Key subject areas include opportunities to enhance the fermentation process through crop manipulation prior to ensiling and the use of bacterial additives applied during ensiling. Latest developments in techniques for chemical and biological characterisation of silages are reviewed, including grass silage, alternative forages (whole crop wheat and maize silage) and tropical forages. The book also focuses on current developments in feeding of beef and dairy cattle with conserved forage with particular emphasis on factors influencing intake, digestion and animal performance.Overall this is an important reference book, which provides an excellent overview of current developments in forage conservation and utilization of conserved forage in animal production systems."

Leading authorities from wide geographical regions of the globe will review the most up-to-date information in relation to temperate grasslands. Topics covered are: nutritive value of pasture; plant characteristics conducive to high animal intake and performance; modelling of both grass growth and animal production and intake in grazing systems; optimising financial returns from grazing; decision support systems; optimal animal breeds and traits for grazing systems; challenges and opportunities for animal production in the immediate future .In addition, short papers will present the most recent research on the above mentioned topics. One paper will present a comprehensive overview of animal production from pasture in Ireland This book will be of interest to grassland and ruminant production scientists, mathematical modellers working on grazing systems, extension workers, students of agriculture and animal production and progressive livestock farmers.

"The content of this book gives scientifically validated practical hints or state of the art knowledge to veterinarians, breeders, riders and members of the feed industry on:- the nutrition of endurance horses;- the nutrition of growing horses to reduce prevalence of developmental orthopedic disease;- strategies to cope with exertional rhabdomyolysis; - and on the importance of nutrition for the maintenance and rehabilitation of health of teeth, hooves and the gastrointestinal tract without which a horse is no horse."

"It is widely acknowledged that the inclusion of antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) in the diet of livestock increases growth rate. However, many questions arise on whether the benefits outweigh the risks, or vice versa. Recent legislative developments in the European Union and USA, recommendations by the World Health Organization, initiatives taken by the food chain, and consumer concerns all point to a widespread (voluntary) removal of antibiotic feed additives for animal growth promotion. In particular, Regulation (EC) 1831/2003 lays down provisions phasing out the authorisations of AGPs in the European Union as from 1 January 2006.This book discusses how this will affect the use/non-use practice of AGPs. Attention is given to the current status and rational design of developments and strategies for animal feeding without the inclusion of AGPs. Topics covered include benefits and risks of AGPs, risk assessment, consumer concerns and demands, regulatory aspects and international developments, mode of action and innovative alternatives, and recent advances in the analysis of AGPs and related products.This book contains peer-reviewed papers presented at the international conference ""Antimicrobial Growth Promoters: Worldwide Ban on the Horizon?"". The book is filled with valuable information on the pros and cons of use of AGPs as well as on alternative nutritional solutions. It is aimed at professionals and researchers in the feed and food industry."

"Continued genetic development of pigs and poultry has been the foundation of profitable production within a competitive market. However, the challenges of these production increases have undoubtedly taken their toll on reproductive function in all breeding livestock, with the incidence of infertility increasing at an alarming rate. For example, it has recently been estimated that over 40% of sows are culled due to fertility problems, compared to just 12% with feet and leg issues.This edited collection of papers is taken from a series of seminars, devoted to bringing together some of the world’s leading authorities in the field of pig and poultry reproduction. The fundamental aim being to re-examine the current trends in productivity in the pig and poultry industries, and to identify nutritional means to improve fertility. It considers the effects of essential nutrients in optimising productivity, and discusses innovative applications of nutrition that will help to enhance fertility. The success of such innovations within entrepreneurial integrated systems is also covered, together with the importance of producing a quality chick and piglet at birth/hatching. Finally, the role of management and the need for least cost production is discussed. Nutritional Approaches to Arresting the decline in Fertility of Pigs and Poultry is aimed at nutritionists and animal producers as well as students and researchers studying animal and applied biological sciences."

"South American Camelids are receiving increased interest not only in South America but also on a worldwide scale. They possess some unique features such as their fine fibre and their high adaptivity to many climatic regions across the world. Apart from the important productiveaspects, their physical attractiveness also makes them popular as pet animals. However there are still many gaps in the scientific literature with regard to South American Camelids.This collection of papers brings experience of both South American and European experts together. It considers current trends in reproduction, nutrition, health, fibre morphology and genetics and discusses as new topic aspects of the potential of meat production and commercialization in South America. The particular advantages of South American Camelids for the sustainable use of fragile ecosystems with native pastures are outlined. Round tables discussions focus on the interaction between wild and domestic species, the management of alpaca populations outside of South America and health aspects under European conditions.South American Research is aimed at scientists and animal breeders as well as students studying veterinary, animal and applied biological sciences."

Changes in market organisation, climatic conditions and societal demands on food quality, animal welfare and environmental quality have created new conditions for farming families as well as for researchers and policy makers. New social, technical and economic solutions are needed for farming and rural areas. This book presents new perspectives for farms, farm products and rural areas, many of which were collectively developed by coalitions of farmers, farmer representatives, researchers, civilians and/or policy makers. Contributions are made from those involved in crop and animal production worldwide offering sections on natural resources management, development of sustainable rural systems, future perspectives for farming families, knowledge systems in transition and learning processes in multi-stakeholder processes. This unique collection of contributions, presenting insights from bio-physical as well as social sciences, shows where practice meets analysis and reflection and offers new perspectives for rural areas throughout the world.

"Voedsel en voeding staan voortdurend in de belangstelling. Iedereen heeft er een mening over en er wordt veel zinnigs maar ook veel onzinnigs over gezegd en geschreven. De auteurs zetten in dit boek de feiten op een rij, beschrijven de complexiteit van de huidige voedselproductie, maar ontrafelen deze ook en scheiden aldus de zin van de onzin. Demeest relevante zaken op het gebied van voedsel en voeding worden met elkaar in verband gebracht. Het boek is geschreven voor de leek geïnteresseerd in voedsel en voeding, studenten diëtetiek, voeding en levensmiddelentechnologie, beleidsmakers op hetgebied van voedsel en voeding, journalisten, kortom iedereen die beroepsmatig dan wel vanuit een brede interesse meer over voedsel en voeding wil weten.Over de auteurs:Prof. Pieter Walstra is emeritus hoogleraar en Prof. Martinus (Tiny) van Boekel is hoogleraar aan Wageningen Universiteit, allebei in het vakgebied levensmiddelentechnologie. Beiden zijn altijd geïnteresseerd geweest in de bredere context van het vakgebied en hebben dit actief uitgedragen in onderwijs, onderzoek en in contacten met de maatschappij. Dit boek is een weerslag daarvan, toegankelijk gemaakt voor een breed publiek."

"This book contains over 300 offered papers in addition to 4 papers from invited speakers presented at the 52nd International Congress of Meat Science and Technology, held in Dublin, Ireland, from 13-18 August 2006.Under the theme of harnessing and exploiting global opportunities, areas covered in the congress included meat quality encompassing genomics and biotechnology, animal production and production systems, muscle biology and biochemistry; meat safety, meat processing and packaging technology, consumer topics and meat and health. A new approach this year was to address specific hot topics important to the industry and meat scientists, in particular, electrical stimulation and new instrumental methods for evaluation of meat quality characteristics.These proceedings reflect the truly global nature of meat research and give an insight into the current research issues for the industry."