This is the latest of a series of news bulletins, which are being produced monthly. Each bulletin will highlight topics of interest to VetSalus consultants and other interested parties.
Update - El Nino
Previous news bulletins have written about the prediction from climate scientists that the pending El Nino event will be the biggest seen for at least 150 years. The periodic oscillation of water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean is known to have a major effect on the planet’s climate, although the current European heatwave is not thought to be directly linked. Nature recently reported that all the signs around this particular El Nino continue to rise and are likely to exceed the previous records of 2015-2016. There is a strong possibility that the event will finally push the planet’s average warming over the 1.5C set by the Paris COP meeting.
Camels suffering heat stress
Reports of increased deaths in camels which are linked to high temperatures are emerging from parts of Africa. One report cited by the BBC tells of increased deaths from dehydration and exhaustion - and this is in a species renowned for its ability to tolerate extreme desert conditions. One veterinarian, working in southern Ethiopia, reports a 15% increase in camel deaths and this trend is supported by another report from north Africa. Camels are known to tolerate temperatures of up to 40C with little effect but summer temperatures in the Sahara regions frequently exceed 50C and this can impact upon kidney function, immune systems and parasitic disease. Camels are a major factor in the economies of these countries and their demise has significant economic and social impact.
More on methane
Accurate measurement of methane emissions from cattle are an important element of any efforts to mitigate the output of this potent greenhouse gas, so it was interesting to read of new research being undertaken by Massey University, New Zealand which will evaluate current techniques. The work, being undertaken by Dr Amelia Almeida, Senior Lecturer in Animal Science, is based on her research in Australia and New England and seeks to test the accuracy of the equations used to predict methane outputs from grazing cattle. She notes that these equations feed models which are always simplified but which are also used to influence major policy decisions.
The work is being performed under the umbrella of Whenua Haumanu, a seven year project in which Massey University is engaging with a number of other organisations, including New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries, to explore the relevance of regenerative agriculture to New Zealand. You can read more of their work here .
In a separate article, the NZ Farmers Weekly reports that a new facility has been opened near Taupo, New Zealand to specifically measure the methane outputs of cattle. The new facility, owned by Pamu, a government owned farming business (previously known as Landcorp), will test both beef and dairy stock and allow accurate measurement of their methane outputs and food conversion efficiencies.
Rice and methane
Livestock are frequently blamed as the major culprits of methane emission and it is often forgotten that arable farming systems, especially rice grown in flooded paddy fields, also emit their share. Recent work in South Korea has shown that selection of strains and growing systems can achieve high yields while reducing methane output. The trial reported that one rice strain achieved a 10.6% reduction in methane output while producing over 9 tonnes per hectare.
Biosecurity And Borders
The Vet Times reported recently of biosecurity fears linked to the discovery of fourteen tonnes of illegal meat by the Dover Port Authority in one week, earlier this spring. The fears were strongly expressed by MP and vet, Neil Hudson, at departmental question time who stated “We are facing nothing short of a potential biosecurity disaster at our borders from illegal meat imports….”
The concerns are based on the fact that Foot and Mouth disease and African Swine Fever are currently present in Europe and that vehicles arriving at Dover, travel 20 miles inland for inspection, with many vehicles flagged for checking, frequently failing to report.
DEFRA is reported as treating the issue very seriously.
Here comes the ‘Spud Cell’
New Scientist recently reported on an innovative piece of synthetic biology which saw researchers produce a synthetic cell, containing only 36 genes, producing its own proteins. It is claimed that ‘The Spud Cell’,( its name is linked to its resemblance to a potato), could be as innovative as the first Sputnik satellite but is currently a very clunky cell-like bubble. A lot more development will be required before the cell can be relied upon to manufacture items like plastics and fertilisers, thereby reducing the consumption of fossil fuels. This may seem like something of a long shot, but so was Sputnik!
Publication pending: ’How Vets Change the Carbon Footprints of Farms’
September will see the launch of a compilation booklet produced by VetSalus which will feature updated articles on a number of themes linked to the self-explanatory title. Written by VetSalus founding director, Lewis Griffiths, each piece is written in an easy read, short summary format but references are supplied for those who want to dig deeper. The booklet, which will be downloadable from the VetSalus website, should provide busy vets with a wide range of easily accessible information.
This newsletter has used A.I. resources to search for references but these were reviewed before use and the articles have been written and edited by a human brain.
If you are interested in the work of VetSalus, you will find a wider range of articles and educational material on our web site: www.vetsalus.com