Academic literature on the topic 'Cattle – Economic aspects – Botswana'

Cattle are paramount to lives, livelihoods and landscapes in Botswana. Human-cattle relations emerge and evolve through historically-situated social relations of power based on gender, ethnicity, and class. Our paper explores intersectional human-cattle relations in Botswana within the contemporary period of enhanced commercialization. Specifically, with data from participant observation and semi-structured interviews with women cattle owners in Ghanzi District, Botswana, we investigate how women across a range of ethnicities become-with cattle and how cattle are becoming-with women cattle owners, directly or mediated through hired labour and/or technology. By operationalizing Haraway’s multispecies ‘becoming-with’ through intersectionality theory we articulate the nuanced ways in which individuals or social groups of two distinct species (here humans and cattle) become who they are. We show that whereas gender and ethnicity dynamics place women as engaging directly with cattle, engaging indirectly with cattle or becoming-without cattle, class most visibly shape the way that cattle become-with women cattle owners and other humans. We offer a novel illustration of an intersectional becoming-with, highlighting human-animal relations in the context of agriculture and socio-economic change in the Global South.

This paper addresses a current issue regarding the increasing problem of a decreasing cattle population in the Polish Carpathians. The problem exacerbated after 1990, as a result of changes in prices of the means of production and agricultural products. It intensified even further after Poland joined the EU. The decrease in cattle population is observed in all districts in the Carpathians. This article includes a diagnosis of four such districts: two with the highest decrease (Łańcut: -67.0% and Sucha: -52.6%) and two with the smallest decrease in cattle population (Bieszczdy: -8.1% and Wadowice: -11.5%). Expert assessments were used to this end. The article includes a definition and analysis of the deanimalisation process and an indication of the consequences of this process in agriculture, in the local environment and in the broadly understood ecological context. It follows from the research that favourable natural conditions, good for breeding ruminants, largely determine high cattle density but, at the same time, these conditions do not impact the decrease in the cattle population to such an extent. The decrease is related to the low concentration of herds, generational changes and the disappearance of local dairy markets. As a result of progressing deanimalisation, abandoned meadows and pastures, as well as part of arable lands, are being permanently lost. Instead, these lands become overgrown with invasive plant species and shrubbery.

A range of potential commercial applications of cloning and genetic modification in cattle has been suggested over the last decade. It includes the rapid multiplication of elite genotypes, production of valuable human proteins, altered production characteristics, increased disease resistance and milk with improved nutritional value and processing capabilities. However, an economic return from the sale of product is far from reality in any of these areas. One impediment to achieving economic sustainability is the extremely low efficiency in producing healthy offspring from transferred cloned embryos. Other significant impediments are societal concerns surrounding such technologies, animal welfare issues and regulatory requirements. This review will focus on current biological limitations and technical capabilities in commercial settings, the changes required to allow the production and sale of products at economically sustainable levels, cryopreservation and the progress towards automation of cloning techniques.

The article conducted with a scientific assessment and substantiated organizational and economic aspects of the functioning of the field of cattle breeding. The field of cattle breeding has been traditionally and remains one of the leading ones for Ukraine. The dynamics of livestock, milk production and beef and veal production were analyzed. It was established that the main producers of products of cattle breeding were the economy of the population, which provide more than 70 % of production volumes. The problematic issues of the functioning of the field of cattle were generalized: a reduction in the number of cattle, reducing its productivity, deterioration of production indices and its efficiency, unsatisfactory level of feed base, breeding and tribal work and technological support, insufficient state support, reduction of the level of consumption of products of cattle breeding. It was substantiated that the further functioning of the industry and its efficiency depends on the policy of the government and the motivational mechanism. The important areas for increasing the efficiency of the field of cattle are the concentration of production, including on the basis of co-operation of manufacturers, improvement of feed base and tribal affairs, modernization of logistical support, investment and innovation activity was argued

The article considers the issues of increasing the efficiency of dairy production in agricultural enterprises and households. The main stages and their features in dairy farming development of the country and their impact on the efficiency of milk production in agricultural enterprises and households were highlighted. The reasons which cause decrease of cow livestock in both agricultural enterprises and households were identified. The inhibitory factors in the development of dairy cattle breeding were identified and the directions of its revival were outlined. It was substantiated that considering the current state and trends of dairy farming in Ukraine, its efficiency, government support measures should be aimed at increasing production mainly in farms of the corporate sector of the agricultural economy, which in the nearest future will become major producers of raw milk. It was determined that without the introduction of an effective system of government support for milk producers, which firstly will include the restoration of the special VAT regime, financing of dairy breeding revival at the state and regional level, it is impossible to have positive changes in increasing cows amount and increasing production efficiency, in addition the population of cows will continue to fall in the households. It is proved that today the system of breeding service, which was previously in Ukraine and allowed to conduct breeding at the appropriate level, is destroyed and does not work. It was concluded that further productivity growth and reproduction of animal’s livestock is extremely problematic due to the lack of a modern selection system in animal husbandry. It was established that the current level of profitability allows to ensure only simple reproduction in independent agricultural enterprises, mostly small and medium.It is true that in this situation, most farms in the corporate sector of the agricultural economy are trying to become part of vertically integrated structures of preserving and expanding their production activities on a qualitatively new material and technical base in the future.It was proved that the innovative type of dairy cattle breeding development will ensure the profitability of production and, accordingly, the growth of the income level of rural residents who are the employees of an agricultural enterprise. Measures of state and regional support of milk production in Ukraine were offered. Key words: dairy cattle breeding, agricultural enterprises, households, government support, milk processing plant.

The rise of wealth and power within the cattle-owning economy of Botswana has been accompanied by the creation of poverty and weakness. The impoverishment of the San and ‘destitutes’ was a structured, comprehensive, and long-term process, caused less by phenomena such as periodic drought than by an elite of economic and political power, and the exploitation which they practised. The growth economy of recent decades has not ameliorated the situation, but has strengthened the wealthy while neglecting or worsening the plight of the San. The state possesses the financial resources and developmental capacities to alleviate poverty, but its controllers continue to prioritise other matters.

Corn-based ethanol production has increased dramatically in the past ten years, causing an increase in demand for corn by ethanol producers and an increase in production of ethanol by-products such as distillers' grains. The increase in ethanol production can be attributed to ethanol policy at the state and federal levels. Because of the increase in production of corn-based ethanol, cattle producers face greater competition for a major feed source, corn, and greater supply of an emerging feed source, distillers' grains. The objective of this study is to analyze and quantify the effects of ethanol policy on cattle production. A theoretical model and an econometric model are used to fulfill the objectives of this study. The theoretical model contains an ethanol model and a general livestock model. Results of the theoretical model present the possibilities of ethanol policy affecting cattle production. The econometric model identifies the indirect and direct effects of ethanol policy on cattle production. The results of the econometric model indicate that there is a relationship between ethanol policy, specifically the Renewable Fuel Standard, and cattle production.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate alternative marketing strategies involving options on live cattle futures contracts during the period of 1966-85. To predict the option premiums that would have occurred at various points in this period of time, the study did research on market premiums of options on live cattle futures contracts from October 30, 1984, to November 22, 1985. The research showed that actual premiums conform closely to the premiums estimated by the Black model of option pricing. The generalized stochastic dominance with absolute risk aversion function intervals is demonstrated in the study in order to make the evaluation. The results showed that under different risk preferences, the commodity options provide the dominant alternative for cattle producers. Options provided protection from losses resulting from falling cash price and in some cases raised average income of hedgers.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2007.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: As the world globalises there is need for economic integration. These integration processes can be both regional and global Africa as one of the world's continents is not immune to these integrations; regions within the continent have formed trade blocs which enhance economic development for individual member states of such blocs. Even though these countries are not equal in terms of economic development the ultimate goal is to have sustainable economic development and be able to compete in the global world. Botswana is one country with such aspirations and dreams. This paper addresses the role of Botswana in the global economy; highlighting its opportunities and challenges. Botswana has been a success story in Africa, with its GOP per capita increasing from less than US$2 000 in 1975 to around USSIO 000 in 2005, recording economic growth rates of over seven per cent. The country's economy has been heavily reliant on mining. tourism. manufacturing and agriculture. Diamonds are by far the most important source of income for Botswana, accounting for more than 70 per cent of total export earnings. The satisfactory performance of the financial sector impacts on overall development and the diversification of the economy. In its efforts to integrate and strengthen bilateral relations with bigger market economies, Botswana is a signatory to a number of trade agreements such as World Trade Organisation (WTO), Cotonou, Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), Africa Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) and Southern African Customs Union (SA CU). As a member of the WTO, the inclusion of China into the organisation implies that Chinese products are now highly competitive when compared to Botswana products due to lower production costs enjoyed by Chinese finns. Chinese finns also enjoy competitive advantage in US markets where Botswana exports some of its textile products under AGOA. However, the country has enjoyed productive relationships with the European countries since its colonial period and through the Cotonou agreement, which was signed between the European Community and the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific countries. Botswana is also a signatory to regional blocs such as the SADC through which it has agreed on a number of economic issues such as trade, gender, water resources, peace and security, democracy and good governance. Through the SADe, member states such as Botswana are able to lobby for support or form partnerships with developed nations such as Sweden. By being a member of SACU, Botswana can export to a large market and complement its smaller domestic market. As players in the global economy, countries are exposed to many challenges and opportunities. There are opportunities for attracting more investment into the country due to its excellent economic performance. Investment can be attracted in financial and manufacturing sectors through encouraging private-public partnerships. This paper discusses some of the growth sectors in the economy and how they can be enhanced to contribute to sustainable development. It is also worth mentioning that Botswana faces challenges such as HIV/AIDS and unemployment. By being landlocked, the country is relatively expensive for investors to manufacture locally and export to foreign countries, which dampens the attraction of foreign direct investment. Some of these challenges and opportunities experienced by Botswana can serve as lessons for other African countries.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Soos die globaliseringsproses wereIdwyd vorder is daar ook 'n proses van toenemende ekonomiese integrasie, wereldwyd en op 'n streeksbasis. Afrika neem ook deel aan die proses. In die verskillende streke van die kontinent is handelsblokke besig om te ontplooi. AI is hierdie lande nog ver agter in die internasionale mededingingsproses strewe hulle daarna om op 'n volhoubare manier internasionaal mee te ding. Botswana het beslis die mikpunt. Hierdie studie spreek Botswana se rol in die wyer streeks- en internasionale ekonomie aan. Die land word algemeen beskou as 'n ontwikkelingsukses, met 'n BBP per capita toename van US$2 000 in 1975 tot US$I0 000 in 2005, en 'n gemiddelde jaarlikse groeikoers van meer as sewe persent. Die landsekonomie is sterk afhanklik van die mynbousektor, landbou, toerisme en fabriekswese, met diamante tot 70 persent van uitvoere. As deel van die proses om nouer in te skakel by die groter markte het Botswana by 'n reeks ooreenkomste aangesluit, naamlik die Wereld Handelsorganisasie, die Cotonou-ooreenkoms, die SADC, AGOA en SACU. Terwyl die aansluiting by hierdie ooreenkomste Botswana se uitvoermarkte uitgebrei het, het Sjina se aansluiting by die WTO vir Botswana se nywerhede groter mededinging veroorsaak. Aan die ander kant het die lidmaatskap van Botswana by die SADC en Sacu vir die land baie geleenthede geopen om meer effektief te pleit en te onderhandel vir ekonomiese, sosiale en ander ontwikkelingsvoordele, veral waar Botswana se eie bevolking en markte so klein is. Om 'n beeld te kry van die uitwerking van die stappe van Botswana word in die studie ook gekyk na ontwikkelingstendense in spesifieke sektore asook na pogings om buitelandse kapitaal na die land te trek. Terselfdertyd moet besef word dat Botswana vanwee sy hoe HIV/Vigs koers tans en in die toekoms te kampe het met 'n reeks heel spesiale struikelblokke wat die ontwikkelingsproses beinvloed.

Recent studies show polymorphisms in the leptin gene significantly impact milk production in dairy cattle. If the leptin gene were to have a similar impact on beef cattle, calf weaning weights would be expected to increase from the increased milk production in the cows. Since weaning weight is a key component of profitability in a cow-calf operation, leptin genotyping may prove to have an economic impact in breeding cattle. However, no research has been done to link the economic impact of increased milk production to breeding cattle. Using 595 observations from genotyped cows spanning 11 years (1995-2005), calf weaning weight by genotype is estimated as a function of calf and dam characteristics and environmental effects. A MIXED procedure, utilizing data from 89 culled cows, is used to determine statistical differences in average cull age by genotype. A simulation model calculates mean annualized equivalent return by genotype and breed using the regression coefficients and residuals and 16 years of price data. results show that at least one T-allele in breeding cows increases calf weaning weight, average cull age, and annualized equivalent return compared to cows with homozygous C-alleles. These results indicate that there may be future premiums and discounts for breeding cattle based on genotype. Seedstock producers could potentially begin to segregate herds based upon genotype so that they could sell genotypic registered products. Cow-calf producers may also benefit from this knowledge by increasing the amount of TT genotype breeding cattle in their herd to maximize profits.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2015.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In an effort to reduce its dependency on mining, (since independence at 1966) the successive governments of Botswana (GoB) have continued to foster national development by diversifying the country’s economy, with agribusiness development strategies at the forefront of discussions. Over decades, a significant number of policies on agri-support have been developed towards this mission. Nevertheless, the performance of the sector continues to decline considerably. Despite its potential to promote and develop small-scale farmers, literature on agri-support programmes has indicated that without scrutiny and continuous evaluation of the programmes in place, the strategy can be another way of which governments lose money. This study examines the Botswana Young Farmers Fund programme that finances aspiring young farmers to start up or expand their agri projects. More particularly, the study investigates how this model in the context of young farmers, impacts and contribute to the development of the agricultural sector in Botswana. The study identified challenges and opportunities of the YFF programme. The major challenge which is also applicable to the general sector, identified by the case study suggests that the agricultural environment in Botswana is fragile, therefore seeks relevant agribusiness development strategies that are tailor-made for specific challenges faced by the sector.

Thesis (PhD (Agric))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: It is generally accepted that feed intake and growth (gain) are the most important economic components when calculating profitability in a growth test or feedlot. Feeding cost of animals is a major determinant of profitability in livestock production enterprises. Genetic selection to improve feed efficiency aims to reduce the cost of feeding in beef cattle production and thereby improve profitability. The objective of this study was to define a clear selection objective to enable South African beef breeders and especially the feedlot industry to select for post-weaning growth or feedlot performance and to identify factors influencing profitability in a feedlot environment. Because of the recording of individual feed intake and weight gain values in the South African Agricultural Research Councils' centralized growth tests, it was also possible to calculate a phenotypic value for feedlot profitability (R-value) for each bull tested in a centralized growth test. (Co)variances, using multitrait as well as random regression models, for and between feedlot profitability, weaning weight and other production, reproduction and efficiency traits were estimated. Residual feed intake (RFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) as efficiency traits were also compared to growth (average daily gain (ADG), weaning weight (WW) and shoulder height (SHD)), reproductive (scrotum circumference (SCR)) and profitability (feedlot profitability) traits measured in growth tests of young Bonsmara bulls. Consequently, a single post-weaning growth selection index value based on the economic and breeding values of different selection criteria related to feedlot profitability was composed. (Co)variance components, heritabilities and genetic correlations for and between initial weight (lW), final weight (FW), total feed intake (FI) and shoulder height (SHD) were estimated through the use of multitrait restricted maximum likelihood (REML) procedures. These breeding values (EBV s) were then used in a selection index to calculate a single economical value for each animal. This economical value is an indication of the gross profitability value or gross test value (GTV) of the animal in a post-weaning growth test. The heritability estimate of 0.36 for R-value, obtained from the multitrait analysis, shows that this trait is genetically inherited and that it can be selected for. The heritability for R-value obtained from the single trait random regression model varied between 0.57 and 0.62. The genetic correlations between the R-value and the other traits, obtained from the multitrait analysis, varied from negligible to high. The heritability estimated for FCR was 0.34 and for RFl 0.31 with a genetic correlation estimate of 0.75 between the traits. The estimated genetic correlation between profitability (R-value) and FCR and RFl were -0.92 and -0.59, respectively. The genetic correlation estimate of -0.92 between FCR and R-value is largely due to the part-whole relationship between these two traits. This is also shown in their genetic trends. The genetic correlations and expected correlated responses between RFl and FCR with R-value suggest that indirect selection for R-value through the direct selection for FCR and/or RFl will result in slower genetic progress in Rvalue than direct selection for R-value. However, where the R-value cannot be calculated and/or where direct selection for R-value is not possible, it would be better to select indirectly for R-value through the use of FCR rather than RF!. Consequently, a regression equation was developed (with an R2 of 0.82) to estimate a feed intake value for all performance-tested Bonsmara bulls which were group fed and whose feed intakes were unknown. These predicted feed intake values made it possible to calculate a feedlot or post-weaning growth profitability value (R-value) for all tested bulls even where individual feed intakes were unknown. Subsequently, an R-value for each bull was calculated in a favourable economic environment (FEE), an average economic environment (AEE) and in an unfavourable economic environment (VEE). The high Pearson and Spearman correlations between the EBV s based on AEE and the other two environments suggested that the average economic environment could be used to calculate EBVs for R-value or feedlot growth profitability. It is therefore not necessary to change the carcass, weaner or feed price on a regular basis to account for possible re-rankings based on R-value EBVs. Heritabilities for lW, FW, Fl and SHD were 0.41, 0.40, 0.33 and 0.51, respectively. The highest genetic correlations between these traits were the 0.78 (between lW and FW) and 0.70 (between Fl and FW). GTV values varied between -R192.l7 and R231.38, with an average of R9.31. The Pearson correlations between EBVs (for production and efficiency traits) and GTV range from -0.51 to 0.68. The lowest correlation (closest to zero) was 0.26 between the Kleiber ratio (KLB) and GTV. Correlations of 0.68 and -0.51 were estimated between average daily gain (ADG) and GTV and feed conversion ratio (FCR) and GTV, respectively. The heritabilities of the different traits included in the selection index suggest that it is possible to select for a GTV. The selection index can benefit feedlotting In selecting offspring of bulls with high GTV values to maximize profitability. The Pearson and Spearman correlations between the R-value EBVs and the index values (GTV) were very high (0.97). This high correlation of 97% indicates that it is not important which method is used to calculate a genetic post-weaning growth of feedlot profitability value. The selection index value is, however, more simplified than the feedlot profitability with less assumption. Therefore, it is recommended that the post-weaning selection index value be used as a selection objective in breeding programmes to improve post-weaning growth profitability rather than the more complex feedlot profitability value.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: 'N GENETIESE ANALIESE VAN DIE BIOLOGIESE EN EKONOMIESE DOELTREFFENTHEID VAN NASPEENSE GROEI IN VLEISBEESTE IN DIE VOERKRAAL: Dit word algemeen aanvaar dat voerinname en groei die twee ekonomies mees belangrike komponente in die berekening van 'n naspeense groei- of voerkraalwinsgewindheidswaarde is. Voerkostes is 'n bepalende faktor van winsgewindheid in enige lewendehawe boerderypraktyk. Seleksie om voerdoeltreffendheid te verbeter, verminder dus die voerkostes in vleisbeesproduksie en gevolglik 'n verhoging in die winsgewindheid. Die doelwit van die studie was om faktore te identifiseer wat 'n invloed op winsgewindheid in die voerkraaiomgewing het asook om 'n duidelike seleksiedoelwit te formuleer wat die Suid- Afrikaanse vleisbeesteiers en veral die voerkraalbedryf instaat sal kan stelom vir naspeense groeidoeltreffendheid ofvoerkraalwinsgewindheid te selekteer. As gevolg van die aantekening en rekordhouding van weeklikse individuele voennnames en gewigstoenames van alle prestasiegetoetsde bulle, in 'n gesentraliseerde groeitoets deur die Suid- Afrikaanse Landbou Navorsingsraad getoets, was dit moontlik om vir elk van hierdie bulle 'n fenotipiese voerkraalwinsgewindheidswaarde (R-waarde) te kon bereken. (Ko)variansies is vir en tussen voerkraalwinsgewindheid, speengewig en ander produksie-, reproduksie- en doeltreffendheidseienskappe bereken deur van meereienskap en ewekansige regressie modelle gebruik te maak. Twee doeltreffendheidseienskappe naamlik residuele voerinname (RFI) en voeromsetverhouding (FCR) is ook met groei (gemiddelde daaglikse toename (ADG), speengewig (WW) en skouerhoogte (SHD)), reproduksie (skrotumomvang (SCR)) en winsgewindheidseienskappe (voerkraalwinsgewindheid (R-waarde)) vergelyk, om sodoende te bepaal watter een die mees geskikte eienskap is om indirek vir voerkraalwinsgewindheid of groei, gebaseer op teeltwaardes en ekonomiese waardes vir die verskillende eienskappe, wat 'n invloed op naspeense groei winsgewindheid het, gestruktueer. (Ko)variansiekomponente, oorerflikhede en genetiese korrelasies vir en tussen begingewig (lW), eindgewig (FW), voerinname (FI) en skouerhoogte (SHD) is bereken deur van 'n meereienskap (REML) ontleding gebruik te maak. Hierdie teelwaardes (EBVs) is vervolgens in 'n seleksie-indeks gebruik om 'n enkele ekonomies of voerkraal-winsgewindheids seleksie-indekswaarde (GTV) vir elke dier te bereken. Hierdie ekonomiese waarde is 'n aanduiding van die bruto winsgewindheidswaarde ofbruto toetswaarde (GTV) van die dier in 'n naspeentoets. Die oorerflikheid, vanuit die meereienskapontleding vir R-waarde beraam, was 0.36. Hierdie oorerflikheid dui daarop dat die eienskap oorerflik is en dat dit wel moontlik is om daarvoor te selekteer. Die ooreflikhede van R-waarde, voorspel vanuit die enkeleienskap ewekansige regressieontleding varieer tussen 0.57 en 0.62. Die genetiese korrelasie tussen R-waarde en ander eienskappe, vanuit die meereienskap ontleding beraam, varieer tussen weglaatbaar klein tot hoog. Die oorerflikheid van FeR was 0.34 en van RFI 0.31 met 'n genetiese korrelasie van 0.75 tussen die twee eienskappe. Die genetiese korrelasie tussen R-waarde en FeR, en R-waarde en RFI was onderskeidelik -0.92 en -0.59. Die rede vir die hoë negatiewe genetiese korrelasie tussen R-waarde en FeR van -0.92 is omdat dieselfde komponente in die berekening van die twee eienskappe gebruik is. Dit word ook in die genetiese tendense weerspeël. Die genetiese korrelasies en verwagte gekorreleerde responsies tussen R-waarde en FeR, en tussen R-waarde en RFI dui daarop dat stadiger genetiese vordering verkry sal word in R-waarde deur direkte seleksie vir beide FeR en RFI as wat verkry sal word deur die direkte seleksie vir R-waarde. Wanneer 'n R-waarde egter nie bereken kan word nie of waar dit nie moontlik is om direk vir R-waarde te selekteer nie, sal vinniger genetiese vordering in R-waarde gemaak word deur die direkte seleksie vir FeR as vir RF!. 'n Regressievergelyking is geformuleer (met 'n R2 van 0.82) om vir alle prestasiegetoetsde bulle, waar bulle in 'n groep gevoer is en individuele voerinnames onbekend is, 'n voerinnamewaarde te voorspel. Hierdie voorspelde voerinnames maak dit moontlik om vir elke prestasiegetoetsde bul ,'n naspeengroei- of voerkraalwinswaarde (R-waarde) te bereken, al is hulle individuele voerinnames onbekend. Vervolgens is drie verskillende R-waarde vir vleisproduksie vir elke bul bereken naamlik, in 'n gunstige ekonomiese omgewing (FEE), 'n gemiddelde ekonomiese omgewing (AEE) en 'n ongunstige ekonomiese omgewing (VEE). Die hoë Pearson en Spearman korrelasies tussen die EBVs vir R-waarde, bereken in die AEE en die EBVs in die ander twee ekonomiese omgewings, dui daarop dat die AEE gebruik kan word om EBVs vir naspeense groeiof voerkraalwins te bereken. Dit is dus nie nodig om op 'n gereelde grondslag die karkasprys, lewendige speenkalfprys of die voerprys te verander nie. Oorerflikhede, vanuit die meereienskap ontledings VIr lW, FW, FI en SHD verkry, was onderskeidelik 0.41, 0.40, 0.33 en 0.51. Die hoogste genetiese korrelasies tussen die eienskappe was 0.78 tussen lW en FW en 0.70 tussen FI en FW. GTV indekswaardes varieer tussen -Rl92.17 en R231.38 met 'n gemiddelde waarde van R9.31. Die Pearson korrelasies tussen die EBVs van produksie- en doeltreffenheidseienskappe en GTV het tussen -0.51 en 0.68 gevarieer. Die korrelasie naaste aan zero, van 0.26, was die korrelasie tussen GTV en die Kleiber-verhouding. Die korrelasies tussen GTV en ADG, en GTV en FeR was onderskeidelik 0.68 en -0.51. Die oorerflikhede van die verskillende eienskappe wat in die seleksie-indeks ingesluit is, dui daarop dat die indekswaarde weloorerflik is en dat seleksie hiervoor wel moontlik is. Hierdie indekswaarde kan deur die voerkraaiindustrie gebruik word om nageslag van diere met hoë GTV waardes te selekteer om sodoende maksimum wins uit die voerkraai te genereer. Die Pearson en Spearman korrelasies tussen R-waarde EBVs en die indekswaardes (GTV) was besonder hoog (0.97). Hierdie hoë korrelasie dui daarop dat dit geen verskil sal maak watter een van die twee metodes gebruik word in die berekeninge van 'n naspeense groei- of voerkraalwinswaarde nie. Die seleksie-indeks metode is egter minder gekompliseerd met minder aannames as in die geval van die rekeningkundige fenotipiese benadering (R-waarde). As gevolg hiervan, word die naspeense seleksie-indeks waardes (GTV) aanbeveel om te gebruik as 'n teeldoelwit in telingsprogramme om naspeense groei- of voerkraaiwins geneties te verbeter, eerder as die meer gekompliseerde fenotipiese voerkraaiwins (R-waardes) metode.

Thesis (DTech (Tourism and Hospitality Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2010
Purpose: Botswana is one of the countries with the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the world. This research aims to investigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on the socio-economic environment in Botswana with special reference to the country’s tourism sector. Tourism plays a vital role in the economy of Botswana. It creates employment, earns foreign exchange, markets Botswana internationally, attracts foreign investments and contributes to Gross Domestic Products (GDP).Methodology: This report explains the HIV/AIDS situation and policy framework relative to the tourism sector in Botswana and in selected African countries through conducting an extensive literature review and empirical surveys. This is a quantitative research in which non-probability method is used to indentify the respondents. Here tourism general managers are identified and asked to identify their subordinates who are available and willing to participate in the survey by answering a self-administered questionnaire.Findings: This study indicates that HIV/AIDS threatens the Botswana tourism and the viability of the socio-economic factors. In general, the Southern African region is experiencing the highest rate of HIV infection in the world. The infection rate is particularly high among the young people (aged 15 – 49). This age group constitutes people who are economically active, and a number of them work directly or indirectly in the tourism sector. HIV/AIDS kills the economically active population – people who hold the skills, do the work, pay taxes, raise children, vote in the elections, and provide leadership. HIV/AIDS results in increased mortality and morbidity rates, and it also results in increased health expenditure. It also results in increased poverty level in the country.Practical implications: When observing the prevalence and impact of HIV/AIDS not only in the tourism sector but in general, it becomes evident that the fight against the disease should be a collaborative approach involving various sectors including tourism. Relying only on government and health sector to address the complex and systematic impact of HIV/AIDS cannot effectively combat the disease and its prevalence rate.Originality/value: This report analyses HIV/AIDS situation in Botswana in a creative way, contributing to the understanding of its impacts on the socio-economic environment as well as identifying strategies that can be used in addressing the impacts. This research is important for public policy makers, government officials, and tourism role-players to be aware of implications HIV/AIDS has on the socio-economic environment and take them into consideration in the policy formulation and implementation, business strategies and processes. It is also imperative to academics who would like to expand their knowledge on HIV/AIDS.

The objective of this study was to compute economic values of traits for dairy cattle improvement using an empirical approach. Field recorded data were obtained from the Programme d'Analyse des Troupeaux Laitiers du Quebec (PATLQ) and genetic evaluation data were obtained from the Canadian Dairy Network (CDN). After the editing procedure, the data set consisted of 195,001 lifetime records of Holstein, Ayrshire, Jersey, Brown Swiss and Canadienne cows which calved for the first time between January 1980 and December 1994.
Different profitability measurements were computed and used as the dependent variables in covariance model to compute different sets of economic values. Since the majority of cows produced 5 lactations or less, results obtained by using lifetime profits and profits until the end of the fifth lactation are similar. A kilogram genetic increase in fat production had higher economic values than the same increase in milk production in all breeds. A unit genetic increase in conformation had the highest positive impact on profit while a same increase in capacity had a negative impact on profit. Results obtained by using lifetime profit adjusted for the opportunity cost of postponed replacement showed that this adjustement reduced the influence of type traits on profit. Finally, profits of first lactations were used to study consequences of changes in pricing systems occurred in Quebec in August 1992. Economic values attached to protein production changed drastically. A kilogram genetic increase in protein production had negative economic values in the 80's and positive economic values after August 1992.

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Mastitis is the most prevalent and costly production disease of dairy cattle; hence mastitis incidence is a distinctly important trait in dairy cattle. The primary objective of the study was to determine the economic value, and develop a model for genetic prediction of clinical mastitis in South African Holstein cattle. These procedures are a prerequisite to including this trait in the breeding objective. The cost of clinical mastitis per incident was calculated as the sum of revenue loss due to discarded milk during the infection period and the associated treatment costs. Economic value (ZAR/incident) was calculated as the change in profit (increase in costs) resulting from a simulated marginal increase in mastitis incidence in an average herd. Average economic losses due to clinical mastitis were estimated at ZAR919.96/cow/year and the average incidence was 0.9cases/cow/year. The economic value of clinical mastitis was ‐ZAR1079.51/incident. A model for predicting estimated breeding values (EBVs) for clinical mastitis using somatic cell score (SCS), fore teat length (FTL), udder depth (UD) and rear udder height (RUH) was developed, using genetic (co)variances among these traits. Since EBVs for SCS, FTL, UD and RUH are routinely estimated under the national genetic evaluation programme, EBVs for clinical mastitis can be predicted from the model developed in the current study. Thus, the results of the study provide the basis for including clinical mastitis in the breeding objective for South African Holstein cattle.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Mastitis is die mees algemeenste en duursteproduksie siekte wat voorkom by melkbeeste, daarom is die voorkoms van mastitis 'n belangrike eienskap in melkbeeste. Die primêre doel van die studie was om die ekonomiese waarde te bepaal, asook die ontwikkeling van 'n model vir genetiese voorspelling van kliniese mastitis in Suid‐Afrikaanse Holstein beeste. Hierdie prosedures is 'n voorvereiste vir insluiting van hierdie eienskap as ‘n teeldoelwit in seleksie programme. Die koste van kliniese mastitis per voorval is bereken as die som van die inkomste verlies weens melk weggegooi tydens die infeksie periode en die gepaardgaande koste vir die behandeling. Ekonomiese waarde (ZAR / voorval) is bereken as die verandering in wins (toename in koste) wat voortspruit uit 'n gesimuleerde marginale toename in mastitis voorkoms in 'n gemiddelde kudde. Gemiddelde ekonomiese verliese as gevolg van kliniese mastitis was beraam op ZAR919.96/koei/jaar en die gemiddelde voorkoms was 0.9gevalle/koei/jaar. Die ekonomiese waarde van kliniese mastitis was ‐ ZAR1079.51/geval. 'n Model vir die voorspelling van beraamde teelwaardes (EBV’s) vir kliniese mastitis is ontwikkel deur gebruik te maak van die ko‐variansies tussen die onderskeie eienskappe: somatiese sel telling (SST), voorspeen lengte (VSL), uier diepte (UD) en agter uier hoogte (AUH). Aangesien teelwaardes vir SST, VSL, UD en AUH gereeld beraam word onder die Nasionale genetiese evaluasie program, kan teelwaardes vir kliniese mastitis voorspel word vanuit die model wat ontwikkel is in die huidige studie. Dus verskaf die resultate van hierdie studie ‘n basis vir die insluiting van kliniese mastitis as ‘n teeldoelwit in seleksie programme van die Suid‐Afrikaanse Holstein beeste.

Approximately one third of dairy cows are replaced every year. Replacement of dairy cattle is an important part of the cost of dairy production and an environmental sustainability concern. Primary culling reasons are reduced health and fertility. Reduced welfare often proceeds culling. This chapter focuses on factors that affect replacement and culling in dairy herds with a focus on cows. The act of culling is simple, but the risk factors and economic considerations are complex. The chapter first presents some data on culling risks and reasons, explores more in depth the effects of poor health on culling, and presents aspects of economic decision making regarding culling and replacement decisions.

A moving map of the progress of neoliberalization on the world stage since 1970 would be hard to construct. To begin with, most states that have taken the neoliberal turn have done so only partially–– the introduction of greater flexibility into labour markets here, a deregulation of financial operations and embrace of monetarism there, a move towards privatization of state-owned sectors somewhere else. Wholesale changes in the wake of crises (such as the collapse of the Soviet Union) can be followed by slow reversals as the unpalatable aspects of neoliberalism become more evident. And in the struggle to restore or establish a distinctive upper-class power all manner of twists and turns occur as political powers change hands and as the instruments of influence are weakened here or strengthened there. Any moving map would therefore feature turbulent currents of uneven geographical development that need to be tracked in order to understand how local transformations relate to broader trends. Competition between territories (states, regions, or cities) as to who had the best model for economic development or the best business climate was relatively insignificant in the 1950s and 1960s. Competition of this sort heightened in the more fluid and open systems of trading relations established after 1970. The general progress of neoliberalization has therefore been increasingly impelled through mechanisms of uneven geographical developments. Successful states or regions put pressure on everyone else to follow their lead. Leapfrogging innovations put this or that state (Japan, Germany, Taiwan, the US, or China), region (Silicon Valley, Bavaria, Third Italy, Bangalore, the Pearl River delta, or Botswana), or even city (Boston, San Francisco, Shanghai, or Munich) in the vanguard of capital accumulation. But the competitive advantages all too often prove ephemeral, introducing an extraordinary volatility into global capitalism. Yet it is also true that powerful impulses of neoliberalization have emanated, and even been orchestrated, from a few major epicentres. Clearly, the UK and the US led the way. But in neither country was the turn unproblematic. While Thatcher could successfully privatize social housing and the public utilities, core public services such as the national health-care system and public education remained largely immune.

The agricultural operations in India are suffering from a serious problem of shortage of electrical power on one side and economic and effective disposal of agriwaste stuff on the other. India being agriculture based country, 70% of its main income (share in GDP) comes from agriculture sector. Any enhancement of income from this sector is based upon adequate supply of basic inputs in this sector. Regular and adequate power supply is one such input. But, the position of power supply in our country defies both these characteristics. With a major portion of power produced being sent to the industrial and urban consumers, there is a perennial shortage of power in the agriculture sector. Consequently, there is an emergent need to produce more power in order to fulfil the needs of this sector effectively. One way of accomplishing this is setting up captive, preferably rural based, small power generation plants. In these power plants, instead of water-head, diesel oil or coal, we can use agri-residue to produce electricity. One such power plant (1–2 MW capacity) can satisfy the power need of 25 to 40 nearby villages. The agriwaste like rice straw, sugarcane-trash, coir-pith, peanut shells, wheat stalks & straw, cottonseed, stalks and husk, soyabean stalks, maize stalks & cobs, sorghum. Bagasse, wallnut shells, sunflower seeds, shells, hulls and kernels and coconut husk, wastewood and saw dust can be fruitfully utilized in power generation. This stuff is otherwise a waste and liability and consumes a lot of effort on its disposal; in addition to being a fire and health hazard. Agriwaste stuff which at present is available in abundance and prospects of its utilization in producing energy are enormous. This material can be procured at reasonably low rates from the farmers who will thus be benefited economically, apart from being relieved of the responsibility of its disposal. Agri-residue has traditionally been a major source of heat energy in rural areas in India. It is a valuable fuel even in the sub-urban areas. Inspite of rapid increase in the supply of, access lo and use of fossil fuels, agri-residue is likely to continue to play an important role, in the foreseeable future. Therefore, developing and promoting techno-economically-viable technologies to utilize agri-residue efficiently should be a persuit of high priority. Though there is no authentic data available with regard to the exact quantity of agricultural and agro-industrial residues, its rough estimate has been put at about 350 mt per annum. It is also estimated that the total cattle refuse generated is nearly 250 mt per year. Further, nearly 20% of the total land is under forest cover, which produces approximately 50 mt of fuel wood and with associated forest waste of about 5 mt.(1). Taking into account the utilization of even a portion (say 30%) of this agri-residue & agro-industrial waste as well as energy plantation on one million hectare (mha) of wastelands for power generation through bioenergy technologies, a potential of some 18000 MW of power has been estimated. From the foregoing, it is clear that there is an enormous untapped potential for energy generation from agri-residue. What is required is an immediate and urgent intensification of dedicated efforts in this field, with a view to bringing down the unit energy cost and improving efficiency and reliability of agri-waste production, conversion and utilisation, leading to subsequent saving of fossil fuels for other pressing applications. The new initiatives in national energy policy are most urgently needed to accelerate the social and economic development of the rural areas. It demands a substantial increase in production and consumption of energy for productive purposes. Such initiatives are vital for promoting the goals of sustainability. cleaner production and reduction of long-term risks of environmental pollution and consequent adverse climatic changes in future. A much needed significant social, economic and industrial development has yet to take place in large parts of rural India; be it North, West, East or South. It can be well appreciated that a conscious management of agri-residue, which is otherwise a serious liability of the farmer, through its economic conversion into electric power can offer a reasonably viable solution to our developmental needs. This vision will have to be converted into a reality within a decade or so through dedicated and planned R&D work in this area. There is a shimmering promise that the whole process of harvesting, collection, transport and economic processing and utilisation of agri-waste can be made technically and economically more viable in future. Thus, the foregoing paras amply highlight the value of agri-residue as a prospective source of electric power, particularly for supplementing the main grid during the lean supply periods or peak load hours and also for serving the remote areas in the form of stand-alone units giving a boost to decentralised power supply. This approach and option seems to be positive in view of its potential contribution to our economic and social development. No doubt, this initiative needs to be backed and perused rigorously for removing regional imbalances as well as strengthening National economy. This paper reviews the current situation with regards to generation of agriwaste and its prospects of economic conversion into electrical power, technologies presently available for this purpose, and the problems faced in such efforts. It emphasizes the need for an integrated approach to devise ways and means for generating electrical power from agriwaste; keeping in mind the requirements of cleaner production and environmental protection so that the initiative leads to a total solution.

The article presents the results of using the SmaXtec internal monitoring system for fattening calmyk calves up to 18 months with the inclusion of local natural feed additives in the diet. For 60 days of fattening, an absolute increase in live weight was obtained from 45 to 55 kg with an average daily increase of 800-900 grams. We studied the monitoring data – the pH level and temperature of the rumen, the activity of the animal during the fattening period when changing the feeding diet. Calculated the costs and cost of feed during fattening.

In this study an attempt was done to profoundly explore the pyrolysis and combustion behaviors and emission characteristics of lignite samples in O2/N2 and O2/CO2 (oxy-fuel conditions) ambients. A special focus was allocated to the effects of three inorganic materials, potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe) on combustion characteristics of Turkish lignite using non-isothermal Thermo-gravimetric Analysis (TGA) technique combined with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and the effects of ambient gases and various oxygen mole fractions were considered. Eventually the co-processing combustion tests of lignite and the ash contents of different biomass fuels were investigated and the possible way of using biomass as a potential source of inexpensive catalysts in combustion processes were discussed. Co-processing combustion tests of lignite and biomass ash contents indicated that the hazelnut shell and walnut shell ash contents were significantly effective in increasing the char reactivity of lignite due to high concentration of potassium based oxides during combustion tests carried out in both air and 30% O2 in CO2 ambients. Furthermore the catalytic reactivity of wheat straw and cattle manure ash contents were observed in the second region of combustion regarding volatile matter release and combustion in both air and 30% O2 in CO2 ambients. These results are thought to be due to high concentrations of Alkali and Alkaline earth metals existed in the impregnated lignite samples with wheat straw and cattle manure ash contents and especially Na-based oxides in the cattle manure form. Finally in the case of lignite sample impregnated with saw dust ash content, it was observed that the impregnated lignite was significantly more reactive in devolatalization process in 30% O2 in CO2 ambients. These results revealed that the ash contents of walnut and hazelnut shell biomass fuels can be used as a potential source of inexpensive K-based catalysts in the co-processing of coal and biomass ash. Furthermore high concentrations of Alkali and Alkaline earth metals existed in the ash contents of biomass fuels like wheat straw, cattle manure and saw dust can make them suitable sources of inexpensive catalysts and develop a step forward in economic aspects of catalytic coal combustion.

Abstract Recent interest in reducing stress on the food-energy-water (FEW) nexus requires the use of renewable, organic products that can subsequently address environmental sustainability concerns, such as mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Pyrolysis-derived biochar from organic wastes (e.g., nutrient-rich agricultural wastes and leftovers, forest harvest residues, and cattle manure) and advanced feedstocks (e.g., algae) is capable of addressing ever-increasing global FEW concerns. Biochar water-nutrient holding capacity and carbon sequestration are key attributes for improving organic farming and irrigation management. The major challenge to commercialize biochar production from organic wastes is the conversion process. Pyrolysis process is a cost-effective and successful approach in comparison to other conversion technologies (e.g., gasification) due to low energy requirement and capital cost, as well as high process efficiency and biochar quality. To determine the environmental impacts of the biochar production process, an analysis of the material, energy, and emission flows of a small-scale pyrolysis process is conducted for a real case study, using life cycle assessment method with the assistance of available life cycle inventory databases within OpenLCA software. The results demonstrate that this study is able to enhance sustainability aspects across FEW systems by (a) employing a portable refinery to address upstream challenges (i.e., collection, transportation, and preprocessing) of waste-to-biochar life cycle, (b) recycling domestic forest and agricultural residues (e.g., pine wood), (c) producing organic biochar-derived soil conditioners that can improve organic cropping and FEW systems. Ultimately, we conclude by discussing techno-economic and socio-environmental implications of biochar production from organic wastes and advanced feedstocks.