Animal Health Economics

Background: Despite the high prevalence of dermatophytosis in cats, little is known about the impact of this disease on the antioxidant status and trace elements in these animals. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the concentration of serum trace elements (copper, iron, zinc, and selenium) and oxidant/antioxidant status (malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and thiol group) in Persian cats with dermatophytosis compared to healthy controls and other dermatological disorders. Methods: Three groups of cats were selected: Cats with dermatophytosis (n=13), cats with other dermatological conditions (n=6), and clinically and dermatologically healthy cats (n=6). All 25 cats were subjected to clinical and dermatological examinations, including direct microscopic examination and fungal cultures. Additionally, possible contamination with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) were tested. Results: Microsporum canis was the only dermatophyte species isolated from the affected cats, and only two cats were infected with the FIV: One in the dermatophytosis group and one in the other skin disease group. For trace elements, we did not detect any differences between cats with dermatophytosis and healthy cats. However, copper levels were higher in other skin disease groups than healthy controls (P<0.05). Cats with dermatophytosis and other skin diseases revealed a decrease in TAC compared to healthy controls (P<0.01). Conclusion: The present study found variations in the oxidative indices in cats with dermatophytosis and other skin disorders. This result supports the hypothesis that improving antioxidant status through dietary supplementation may be beneficial in preventing and resolving skin diseases in cats.

PREFACE
In Ethiopia’s arid lands, the majority of people are pastoralists who keep camels for a living. The camel is the only large mammal capable of inhabiting the arid lowlands. The unique geographical, economic, social and cultural importance of camel is less known to many Ethiopians, as pastoralists were marginalized in the past. Moreover, while people who keep other livestock have been using modern treatment methods and veterinary drugs for a long time now, camel keeping has lagged behind and pastoralists are getting poorer services. There are still many gaps in knowledge, information and communication among camel keepers (who live in the remote and mobile situations where camels are kept), livestock experts and others interested in camel development.
Therefore, this book “Fundamentals of Camel Production and Management” is initiated to provide the maximum information about the camel and intended to assist those working in situations where resources and veterinary services are limited or unavailable. In such conditions where livestock experts and veterinarian are not existing, livestock extension agents can fill the gap by advising and providing information to camel owners/herders on improving camel production and management.
This book does not try to present all the existing knowledge and skills about camels; instead, a simple and easy to read reference book for hands-on users that can be carried around in the field and covers better camel management with feeding, disease management, camel products, and their processing, I hope this book will serve as reference to improve the knowledge of the livestock extension workers, camel owners and other stakeholders involved in this business in one way or the other.

Taking an animal's live weight helps determine treatment dosage and slaughter weight, but the accepted mechanical scales for measuring live weight are impractical in rural areas. Thus, this study evaluated the Camel meat consumer preferences in Dire Dawa City and estimated the Camel's body weight using morphometric linear body measurements. A total of 72 Camels were randomly selected at Dire Dawa Municipal slaughterhouse and evaluated for liner body measurement and body weight. According to the study, most participants (93.3%) like Camel meat and ranked it first by its: taste, aroma, fat and other nutritional value, affordability, short cooking time, and general acceptability. Most Christians or Orthodox people who live in Dire Dawa City do not eat Camel meat. The majority of camels slaughtered at Dire Dawa Municipal slaughterhouse were adults (86%), in poor physical condition (58.33%), and males (75%). The liner body measurements measured for Camel ranged from 1.83 to 2.14, 2.03-2.20, and 1.85 to 1.95 meters for the chest girth, hump girth, and height at wither, respectively, and with an overall live body weight of 430.06-587.28 kg. Almost all liner body measurements and body weight were significantly higher for camels in male sex, goody body condition, and young ages. The assessment of Camels' body condition had a significant influence (P < 0.0001) on their estimated body weight and all liner body measurements. This study confirmed that Graber's (1966), Field's (1979), and Bucci et al. (1984) formulas are the best option when a scale is not available to weigh a Camel.

This review paper explains the latest advances in veterinary medicine from the perspective of sustainable animal health management and disease prevention. The objective of this study is to evaluate the integration of sustainability into veterinary practice with an emphasis on the role played by emerging technologies, preventive measures, and eco-friendly methods in improving animal health outcomes. Some of the key advances discussed include the use of the One Health principle, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health; the adoption of antibiotic stewardship to combat antimicrobial resistance; and the use of alternative and natural interventions in the management of animal health. The article also discusses the role of new diagnostic methods and genomic technologies in identifying and preventing disease at an early level. The article also highlights environmental sustainability in veterinary businesses, climate change mitigation, and promotion of sustainable farming and waste management. Furthermore, ethical and social considerations such as animal welfare and public education are presented with regard to sustainable veterinary medicine. The findings show that while there has been tremendous progress in veterinary medicine with sustainable strategies, some matters such as economic considerations and the spread of emerging diseases remain problems. Continued study, collaboration, and policy development are needed to enhance the sustainability of veterinary medicine practice, with the vision of advancing long-term improvements in animal and public health.

In this contribution we focus on the role of experts in the assessment of tort damages from an economic point of view. We distinguish two different aspects. First, we examine the role which economists might play in assessing damages in tort cases. This approach focuses on the insights that Law and Economics provides regarding the correct assessment of damages. We spend specific attention to two problematic forms of losses where economic insights may play an important role: pure economic loss and personal injury damage (both loss of income and compensation for immaterial losses due to fatal and nonfatal accidents). Second, we investigate from a Law and Economics point of view the role of experts in general (so not only economists) in the assessment of damages. We discuss i.a. the question why experts may be involved in the assessment of damages, the potential problems (and the possible solutions) when using experts, and differences between party appointed experts and court appointed experts. It turns out that the economic analysis can provide a different, insightful viewpoint in some respects, such as the fact that market based mechanisms may help to provide incentives to party appointed experts to provide an accurate and objective damage assessment. ∆ The authors are grateful to two anonymous referees for useful comments on an earlier version of this paper.

Smallholders can capture opportunities presented by increasing demands for livestock products due to growing populations, incomes and urbanisation. This is only feasible if smallholders remain competitive. The dominance of smallholders among livestock producers, supplying at least half of total supply of livestock products in our target regions, is strong. This is particularly true in ruminant production (beef, small ruminants and milk) and remains the case in developing country pig and poultry (see Figure 1).

Background: Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly infectious poultry disease that causes major economic losses worldwide. The disease is caused by Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) and early detection and identification of the viral strain is essential. Having knowledge of the NDV strain genotype that circulates in some regions would help in designing an effective vaccine to control the disease. In this regard, there is little information on NDV strain in chickens in mid Rift Valley and the central part of Ethiopia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to detect and characterize NDV strain genotype from chickens in mid-Rift Valley and the central part of Ethiopia and test whether this NDV strain genotype matches the vaccine strain currently used in the study area. Methods: A total of 98 samples: 78 (tracheal and cloacal) swabs from chicken pools of five and 20 tissue samples were collected. To detect NDV strain, conserved region of the virus Matrix (M) gene was amplified by qRT-PCR. To characterize NDV strain genotypes, M-gene positive samples were specifically re-amplified by conventional PCR targeting the Fusion (F) gene region and sequenced by Sanger method. Results: 13.26% of tested samples were positive for NDV strain in the study area with statistically significant difference (P<0.05) among the study sites. Further characterization of the F genes from NDV strain isolates by phylogenetic analysis indicated that one field isolate clustered with genotype VII whereas three of the isolates clustered to genotype I, II, and III. The isolate of the current NDV strain vaccine in use in the study area clustered with genotype II. The current study indicates the existence of different NDV strain genotype from that of the vaccine strain currently used. Even though large-scale characterization of several isolates is required at national level, the current study laid baseline information for the existence of variations between field NDV strain genotype and vaccine strain currently used against ND in the country.

Background: The Government of Muna Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province, in Indonesia, made Bali cattle a leading livestock commodity. The problem faced by farmers is the slow increase in population, which is caused by reproduction disorders. Mapping of animal diseases can be used as a guide in determining the location of cattle farming development. This study aims to determine the spread of infectious diseases found in Bali cattle in the Muna Regency. A total of 27 blood samples were obtained from the jugular veins of the cattle in Muna Regency in 9 sub-districts, that were suspected to have an infectious disease. Methods: The samples were then tested using the ELISA method for Septicaemia epizootica, Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis and Trypanosomiasis, while the test for Brucellosis was conducted in parallel between RBT and CFT. Result: Brucellosis and Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis were absent, however, the prevalence of Septicaemia epizootica disease was in all regions. Try...

El Programa Integrando Conocimientos (PIC) que el Plan Agropecuario ha organizado desde hace algunos años promueve una discusión permanente acerca de cuál es el “buen conocimiento” ganadero, dónde se origina, cómo evoluciona, cómo se gana y se pierde, con la esperanza de mejorar la gestión de las explotaciones ganaderas. Los que peinamos canas hemos asistido a numerosas discusiones acerca de cómo es deseable que funcionen y actúen las instituciones de “extensión” que se relacionan con el sector ganadero.

Smallholders can capture opportunities presented by increasing demands for livestock products due to growing populations, incomes and urbanisation. This is only feasible if smallholders remain competitive. The dominance of smallholders among livestock producers, supplying at least half of total supply of livestock products in our target regions, is strong. This is particularly true in ruminant production (beef, small ruminants and milk) and remains the case in developing country pig and poultry (see Figure 1).

Aim: Metabolic illnesses such as milk fever and ketosis in dairy cattle significantly impact productivity and production efficiency, thereby hindering farmers' ability to enhance their income. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the financial implications of metabolic disorders in dairy cattle, providing critical insights into their economic burden on dairy farming systems.

Peternak usaha sapi potong di Kabupaten Grobogan banyak memelihara sapi sebagai usaha sampingan. Permasalahan yang terdapat dalam pengembangan usaha sapi potong keterbatasan modal. Tujuan penelitian (i) menganalisis keragaan faktor kredit; (ii) menganalisis kemampuan anggota Kelompok Tani Ternak dalam memenuhi kewajiban pengembalian kredit; (iii) menganalisis pengaruh faktor-faktor kredit terhadap tingkat pengembalian kredit. Penelitian menggunakan metode survai.Rasio rata-rata tingkat pengembalian kredit dari 100 responden anggota Kelompok Tani Ternak penerima kredit ketahanan pangan dan energi adalah 1.1586. Rasio tersebut diperoleh dari perhitungan rata-rata pokok kredit dan bunga yang telah dibayar (Rp. 30.748.073,00) dengan rata-rata pokok kredit dan bunga yang seharusnya dibayar (Rp. 26.635.545,00). Hasil persamaan regresi menunjukkan bahwa pendapatan (X3), jumlah ternak (X4) dan lama beternak (X5) berpengaruh terhadap tingkat pengembalian kredit. Sedangkan pokok kredit (X1), ...

Animal biotechnology has been practiced in one form or another since the beginning of the domestication of animals. Many of the previously used tools of animal breeding, genetics and nutrition have played an important role in the selection, propagation and management of desirable and economically important characteristics in livestock. Modern livestock production has been dependent on biotechnology for development of improved feedstuffs, feed ingredients, vaccines, biologicals, enzymes, high quality ...

Recent conservation efforts recognize that human needs cannot be ignored. One way to understand the social components of resource management is to evaluate stakeholder perspectives. Stakeholder perspectives are an important component of developing effective natural resource management plans, specifically in the developing world. However, most stakeholder research in Africa focuses on local communities in locales adjacent to protected areas. This research expands the stakeholder population by looking at university students' perspectives regarding the Maasai Mara region of Kenya in relation to two complex and high profile issues: wildlife and grazing. Increased understanding of these topics in a diverse and urbanizing nation like Kenya can lead to better outcomes for conservation efforts. Using Photovoice, a qualitative research method, participants shared their perspective and built upon others' ideas about wildlife and grazing. Results suggest that there was a wide array of perspective regarding wildlife and grazing. Economics played a large part in both wildlife and grazing perspectives. However, there was also concern for the aesthetic and cultural value of wildlife and grazing in Kenya, which is contrary to some previous findings. Due to the varying perspective and multiple stakeholder groups, research should continue to explore the social aspects of natural resource management regarding wildlife and grazing in the Maasai Mara region of Kenya.

Coat colour in cattle is a complex trait that is influenced by various genetic and environmental factors. This study was carried out in Ebonyi and Kogi States of Nigeria. Ranched animals were used for the study. A total of one hundred and fifty-two (152) consisting of 76 each of Muturu and Bunaji cattle breeds were used for the study. Data collected from the study were subjected to descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The frequency and distribution of different coat colours in the cattle breeds indicated that the Bunaji breed has a higher frequency of PWT coat colour (88.20%) than the Muturu breed (0.00%). The frequency of other coat colours such as WSB, SBK and BWP is also different between the two breeds. The frequency of WSB coat colour in the Muturu breed is 5.30%, while in the Bunaji breed, is 9.20%. The frequency of SBK coat colour in the Muturu breed is 63.20%, while in the Bunaji breed, is 0.00%. The frequency of BSW coat colour in the Muturu breed is 7.90%, while in the Bunaji breed, is 1.30%. The frequency of BWP coat colour in the Muturu breed is 0.00%, while in the Bunaji breed, is 1.30%.

Although organic meat production is only a small proportion of the total meat production in EU, it is increasing in size to take demands of certain market segments into account. The current Lithuanian production systems for pig meat are optimized for high production and uniform product quality. However, to adapt to sustainability goals concerning animal welfare and environment impact and to improve the competitiveness of Lithuanian meat, the conventional systems must be continuously evaluated. This study concerns scientific studies results comparing indoor and outdoor pig finishing systems. There are some real differences in pork quality noted in the literature. However, differences in pork quality vary among the different environments that were investigated. Consumer perception is such that when they enter a retail environment they are willing to buy pork products with social assurances.

Background: Brucellosis, especially if caused by Brucella melitensis, remains one of the most common zoonotic diseases worldwide with more than 500,000 human cases reported annually. In Iran, brucellosis was first recognized in 1932 and control of small ruminant brucellosis began in 1963. The aim of this study is to give an overview of the National Sheep and Goat Brucellosis Control Program in Iran. In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from Iran Veterinary Organization over a period of 45 years. The national control program was based on kid and lamb vaccination and testing and slaughtering infected animals. Results: B.melitensis biotype I in sheep, goat, and man was the predominant local infective biotype. This disease was reported in sheep, goat, cattle, horse, camel, and human. In addition, the prevalence of small ruminant brucellosis was estimated around 2.1%. Conclusion: Prevention of brucellosis is dependent upon increasing public awareness of ranchers through health education programs and more active co-operation between health and veterinary medicine organizations as well as animal movement control in the borders.

A atual crise de extinções de espécies em escala planetária, que
vem sendo denominada de Sexta Extinção em Massa, tem
chamado a atenção de um crescente número de pesquisadores
que investigam os impactos das atividades humanas sobre a
biodiversidade. Este artigo traz uma abordagem arqueológica
dessa crise, enfatizando o fato de que houve um explosivo
aumento da produção de formas técnicas, aqui denominada
“tecnodiversidade”, ao mesmo tempo que ocorreu uma
preocupante queda das formas de vida (biodiversidade).
Conclui-se o artigo com a afirmação de que o que está causando
a Sexta Extinção em Massa é o montante de tudo o que foi
produzido pela humanidade em sua luta pela sobrevivência,
fator que denomino de psicotecnosfera.

Bluetongue is an International Office of Epizogtics List A disease described as the century's most economically devastating affliction of sheep. Bluetongue (BLU) viruses were thought to infect only ruminants, shrews, and some rodents, but recently, inadvertent administration of BLU virusâ€"contaminated vaccine resulted in mortality and abortion among domestic dogs. We present evidence of natural BLU virus infection among African carnivores that dramatically widens the spectrum of susceptible hosts. We hypoth esize that such infection occurred after ingestion of meat and organs from BLU virus infected prey species. The effect of BLU virus on endangered carnivores such as the cheetah and African wild dog requires urgent investigation. Also, the role of carnivores in the epizootiology of this disease needs elucidation.

supra note 1. 3id. 4d 'See, e.g., KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 257.160 (West 2011) (outlining lawful disposal methods in Kentucky); 302 KY. ADMIN. REGS. 20:052 (2011) (regulating composting of livestock carcasses); see also infra Section V.A.1. (discussing nuisance law and state police power with regard to state regulation of equine carcass disposal).

The buffalo is imperative to the lives of small farmers and to the economy of the developing countries. Genome analysis of buffalo had advanced significantly in recent years. The completion of whole genome sequencing projects has brought a wealth of information about the structure of animal genome. High throughput technologies made feasible by sequencing and re-sequencing of some economically significant livestock species has led to the foundation of several thousand single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions/deletions (indels), or structural variants. All these biotechnological tools combine with bioinformatics tools and softwares would be of massive assist in understanding of buffalo genomes for efficient production. In the future, the proficient livestock production would be rely on even more profoundly on existing and promising biotechnological advances for better improvement in production efficiency.

Coat colour in cattle is a complex trait that is influenced by various genetic and environmental factors. This study was carried out in Ebonyi and Kogi States of Nigeria. Ranched animals were used for the study. A total of one hundred and fifty-two (152) consisting of 76 each of Muturu and Bunaji cattle breeds were used for the study. Data collected from the study were subjected to descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The frequency and distribution of different coat colours in the cattle breeds indicated that the Bunaji breed has a higher frequency of PWT coat colour (88.20%) than the Muturu breed (0.00%). The frequency of other coat colours such as WSB, SBK and BWP is also different between the two breeds. The frequency of WSB coat colour in the Muturu breed is 5.30%, while in the Bunaji breed, is 9.20%. The frequency of SBK coat colour in the Muturu breed is 63.20%, while in the Bunaji breed, is 0.00%. The frequency of BSW coat colour in the Muturu breed is 7.90%, while in the Bunaji breed, is 1.30%. The frequency of BWP coat colour in the Muturu breed is 0.00%, while in the Bunaji breed, is 1.30%.

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most contagious diseases of animal livestock in the world in terms of economic impact. FMD is endemic in the dry zone of Sri Lanka and considered to be a common disease among cattle and buffaloes in this area. A massive epidemic in 2014 swept through all the Provinces, resulting in 58,645 cases and 1,265 deaths, the largest number recorded since 1987. In Sri Lanka, currently there is no regular, nationwide vaccination programme devised to control FMD. One of the major obstacles in meaningful economic analysis has been the lack of substantive data on the relationship between vaccination strategies and the resultant incidence of FMD. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to estimate the transmission coefficient of FMD and the critical vaccination coverage required to prevent outbreaks. Employing the Susceptible–Exposed–Infectious–Recovered (SEIR) model, the transmission coefficient for FMD incidence was quantified. The transmission coe...

In this study, the authors take the theme of food such as meat gelonggongan control the circulation in the perspective of consumer protection laws. This is motivated because of widespread circulation of meat gelonggongan plaguing the society and harm consumers. Consumers need to be protected from the dangers that may threaten his life. Factors low consumer awareness of food quality and safety that make consumers often harmed. Consumers are often not aware that the goods they buy do not fit because of the quality of businesses that do not provide information on the merchandise. The approach used is to approach the law (statute approach). The primary legal materials that legal materials consisting of legislation based on the hierarchy of legislation. The technique used to search the legal material in a way through library research (library research) which consists of the study of the documentation and study of literature obtained by collecting legal material derived from literature, books, legislation dealing with this legal research. Mechanical analysis of legal materials used are grammatical interpretation which is the way of interpretation or explanation of the simplest to determine the meaning of a statutory provision to parse the language, wording, or sound.

This project would not have been possible without the guidance and support of many public servants at FAS. The research team would especially like to thank Dr. James G. Butler, the Deputy Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services. Beverly Simmons, Bobby Richey, and Rob Fox of the Washington, D.C., office of FAS have also earned our most sincere thanks. They were excellent advisors as well as essential points of contact. Our examination of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) issues for the USDA has allowed us to examine a real-world policy issue. We have gained valuable experience in working with a client as well as experience in applying our education to government service. Also, the researchers wish to thank the public servants at FAS and the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) who contributed to the research. Among other things, they completed an extensive survey on Sanitary and Phytosanitary compliance in Central America. In doing so, they were assisted by numerous officials in the local ministries of agriculture. Although the authors are unable to recognize these local officials by name, the project would have been impossible without their extensive input.

The first complaint of the Sewing-Room managers when inquired about the challenges they face is the "absenteeism" in the factory. While it is true that absenteeism is counterproductive to any institution, the damage it does in the Sri Lanka's garment manufacturing business is enormous and disproportionate to absenteeism. If the efficiency at total attendance is 60%, the efficiency at 90% attendance is 40%. A reduction of 10% in manpower would reduce efficiency by one third. In a majority, if not all of the factories, the attendance is at its peak on the salary day. Does that mean that it is the most efficient one day of the month? A pilot study showed that the highest production is not on the salary day although the attendance is at peak on that day.

, CAMPOLIN, Aldalgiza Inês. Embrapa Pantanal (in memorian). Resumo Estudou-se a percepção de Pantaneiros sobre o porco monteiro (Sus scrofa, em estado asselvajado). Treze peões e dois proprietários rurais das sub-regiões: Paiaguás, Abobral e Nhecolândia foram entrevistados. Todos reconheceram a existência do porco monteiro em suas regiões, apresentando em 87,5 dos casos densidades alta ou moderada. O tipo de pelagem mais comumente observada nos animais é preta, seguida de vermelho e colorações com manchas. Todos os entrevistados consideraram que o porco monteiro é importante, porém a maioria não comercializa os animais. Dentre os entrevistados, 26,66% manifestaram interesse em comercializar porcos monteiros. Quando perguntados sobre o que fariam em dias de folga, se não houvesse o porco monteiro no Pantanal, 38,46% dos peões assumiram que caçariam outros animais. Os pantaneiros possuem uma percepção positiva sobre a presença da espécie exótica na região. A tendência possível de caça dos animais nativos, na ausência da espécie exótica, corrobora a hipótese de que o porco monteiro tem atuado como espécie substituta das espécies cinegéticas nativas no Pantanal do Brasil.

A fauna e um agente que nao pode ser ignorado na gestao de recursos naturais renovaveis. Alem de sua importância direta na conservacao dos ecossistemas, o desenvolvimento do potencial economico das especies silvestres pode viabilizar, em curto prazo, a conservacao de tais organismos tambem de ecossistemas. Este estudo descreve caracteristicas fisicas da carne de queixa das (Tayassu pecari) produzidas em cativeiro. Quinze animais (seis machos e nove femeas) criados no municipio de Mineiros-GO foram abatidos em frigorifico de Formosa-GO, em novembro de 2007. Os parâmetros considerados foram: queda do pH 24h apos o abate, perdas por cozimento (PPC) e capacidade de retencao de agua (CRA) do musculo Longissimus dorsi. O pH medio foi de 6,20, as perdas por cozimento foram em media de 21,57 % e a capacidade de retencao de agua media foi de 68,80 %. Nao houve diferenca entre sexos. Os resultados demonstram que a carne de queixada oriunda de cativeiro apresenta valores semelhantes aos de out...

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The study was carried out at two council wards each in Logo and Tarka local government areas of Benue State, Nigeria. The study was designed to investigate qualitative traits variation and distribution within and between populations of the savannah muturu herds on free range under rural farmers. There were coat color variations of solid black, solid brown, dominating black with irregular distribution of white patches, dominating brown with irregular distribution of black and white patches, dominating white with irregular distribution of black patches, coat colors of irregular black and white patches of uneven distributions, restricted color patterns of black and white, brown and white, and white and black. There was wide deviation from reported coat color patterns of the savannah muturu of multiple coloration, ebony, faun, white and black patches of equal dimensions and uniform distribution over the entire body. It was evidenced that the coat color genes of the savannah muturu cattl...

World agriculture is based on a small number of animal species and a decreasing number of breeds within each species. Several breeds of West African shorthorn cattle (Bos taurus brachyceros) are now at high risk of extinction due to interbreeding. The West African shorthorn breeds are particularly important resources because of their superior abilities to resist diseases, particularly trypanosomiases, and be productive under high humidity, heat stress, water restriction and with poor quality feed. A study was undertaken in the derived savanna area of southwest Nigeria to determine the prospects for conservation through use and possible improvement of the Muturu, a West African shorthorn breed known to be in decline throughout southern Nigeria. An analysis of farmers' breeding practices and breed preferences confirmed a strong trend away from Muturu, and identified the traits farmers find least desirable about the Muturu relative to other breeds. An analysis of cattle market prices found small, but significant, price differences by breed. The best hopes for increased utilization likely in other areas of West Africa, such as southeast Nigeria, where the Muturu is better suited to the farming systems and there is a large market for this breed to provide incentives.

Agriculture plays a very important role in the Mozambican economy as a source of food and income, about 70% of the population practices it, due to the seasonality that agriculture suffers, it puts a large part of the population in a situation of food insecurity, so it is estimated that more than half of Mozambican households are affected by food insecurity. and this seasonality and low production end up putting about 30% of families in poverty or on the limit of food diversification and 80% of families are unable to have adequate food. The present study aimed to analyze the current situation of food and nutritional (in)security in rural communities in the district of Massingir, province of Gaza. Data collection was carried out through dietary and demographic surveys in the rural communities of Chitar, Década da Victoria, Timondzuene, Matxinguetxingue and Banga, where home visits were carried out to 490 households. For the assessment of food (in)security; the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA) was used and the work data were analyzed using the statistical package SPSS v2. The research showed that a large part of the population (84.5%) of the rural communities of Massingir is in a situation of severe food insecurity, due to lack of access and availability of food, which is not physically or economically accessible, 4.3 % are in a state of moderate food insecurity, 8.4% in mild food insecurity and only 3.3% in a state of food and nutritional security, 81.7% of households spend less than 5 thousand meticais on food. KEY WORDS Access to food, food availability, rural community, household, food consumption, food insecurity. Food and nutrition security (FNS) is the realization of everyone's right to regular and permanent access to quality food, in sufficient quantity, without compromising access to other essential needs, based on health-promoting food practices that respect diversity, and are environmentally, economically and socially sustainable". This means that every human being must have access to safe and nutritious food, regardless of race, religion, sex or region (Torres, 2001). As refers Abreu (2001), food security exists when people have permanent physical and economic access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food to satisfy their dietary needs and food preferences in order to lead an active and healthy life. Menezes (2011) mentioned that food and nutrition security is based on several pillars, and it is very important to understand what these pillars mean, as they must all be attended to simultaneously in order to achieve a situation of "security" on the part of families with regard to food and nutrition. These dimensions are as follows: Availability and production; Access; Consumption and use and Stability. Availability refers to the existence of a sufficient quantity of food, of adequate quality, to meet the consumption needs of the population and that are provided through domestic production or import (including food aid), to estimate availability, it is necessary to take into account consideration of post-harvest losses and food exports (LEÃO, 2011). Access, according to FAO (2004), refers to the ability of individuals to acquire food in quantity and quality and a nutritious diet through adequate resources. The impossibility of access to food can be economic, when families have sufficient economic resources to meet their basic food needs, without prejudice to the satisfaction of