Papers by Francisco Solorio
Animals, Apr 23, 2020
In tropical livestock production, forage availability and quality are a serious constraint for mi... more In tropical livestock production, forage availability and quality are a serious constraint for milk and meat production. There is an urgent need to reduce the environmental impact of animal production while increasing productivity. The use of legume trees or shrubs associated with grasses effectively increased milk production and decreased the need to use nitrogen fertilizers by taking advantage of atmospheric nitrogen fixation.
Nutrient Dynamics for Sustainable Crop Production
Animals
The objective was to evaluate milk production, N2-fixation and N transfer, forage yield and compo... more The objective was to evaluate milk production, N2-fixation and N transfer, forage yield and composition (under two cutting intervals) in a silvopastoral system (SPS) with Leucaena leucocephala-Megathyrsus maximus and M. maximus-monoculture (MMM) with crossbred cows in a completely randomized design. Forage yield in the SPS was 6490 and 6907 kg DM ha−1 for cutting intervals (CI) of 35 and 50 days. Forage yield for the MMM was 7284 and 10,843 kg DM ha−1, and forage crude protein (CP) was 29.0% and 26.1% for L. leucocephala, harvested at 35 and 50 days, respectively. CP for the associated M. maximus was 9.9% and 7.8% for CI 35 and 50 days, respectively, and for MMM was 7.4% and 8.4%, harvested at 35 and 50 days. Milk production was 4.7 kg cow−1 day−1 for cows grazing MMM and 7.4 kg cow−1 day−1 under SPS. Nitrogen fixation in L. leucocephala (%Ndfa) was estimated to be 89% and 95%, at 35 and 50 days, with an N2 transfer to the associated grass of 34.3% and 52.9%. SPS has the potential t...
Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2015
The legume Leucaena leucocephala (Leucaena) is widely used to supplement forage in silvopastoral ... more The legume Leucaena leucocephala (Leucaena) is widely used to supplement forage in silvopastoral livestock systems in Latin America. Little is known about its possible effects on the cow reproductive dynamic. The aim was to evaluate the effect of Leucaena foliage intake on re-establishment of ovarian activity and estrus behavior in early postpartum (7-90 days) cows. Twenty-four multiparous Bos taurus × Bos indicus cows were divided into two homogenous groups and assigned to one of two treatments: a silvopastoral system (SS, n = 12), consisting of an association of Cynodon nlemfuensis grass and L. leucocephala; and a control system (CS, n = 12), consisting of C. nlemfuensis alone. Intake of Leucaena in the SS ranged from 3.80 to 6.43 kg DM/cow/day. Plasma mimosine concentrations ranged from 1270 to 1530 μg/mL, and those for 2,3-dihydroxypyridine (DHP) from 147 to 729 μg/mL. No 3,4-DHP was detected in plasma. No difference (P > 0.05) between treatments was observed for the number of cows exhibiting small, medium, or dominant follicles, or estrus behavior. The number of cows which re-established ovarian cyclicity (n = 6) was lower (P < 0.05) in the SS than in the CS (n = 9). Corpus luteum lifespan was longer (P < 0.05) in the SS than in the CS. Intake of Leucaena affected the number of cows exhibiting ovarian cyclicity and extended corpus luteum life, but did not affect follicular development and estrus behavior.
Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2015
The effect of Leucaena leucocephala inclusion in sheep diets upon rumen function was evaluated. N... more The effect of Leucaena leucocephala inclusion in sheep diets upon rumen function was evaluated. Nine Pelibuey sheep, 32.6 ± 5.33 kg live weight (LW), fitted with rumen cannula were used. A complete randomized block design was employed. Two experimental periods of 60 days each, with 60-day intervals between them, were used. Experimental treatments were as follows (n = 6): T1 (control), 100 % Pennisetum purpureum grass; T2, 20 % L. leucocephala + 80 % P. purpureum; T3, 40 % L. leucocephala + 60 % P. purpureum. In situ rumen neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) and crude protein (CP) degradation, dry matter intake (DMI), volatile fatty acids (VFA) production, estimated methane (CH4) yield, rumen pH, ammonia nitrogen (N-NH3), and protozoa counts were measured. The aNDF in situ rumen degradation of P. purpureum and leucaena was higher (P < 0.05) in T2 and T3. Leucaena CP degradation was higher in T2 and T3 but for P. purpureum it was only significantly higher in T3. Leucaena aNDF and CP degradation rate (c) was 50 % higher (P < 0.05) in T2 and T3, but only higher in T3 for P. purpureum. Voluntary intake and rumen (N-NH3) was higher in T2 and T3 (P = 0.0001, P = 0.005, respectively). Molar VFA proportions were similar for all treatments (P > 0.05). Protozoa counts and in vitro gas production (48 h) were lower in T2 and T3 (P < 0.05, P < 0.0001). Estimated methane yield (mol CH4/day) was higher in sheep fed leucaena (P < 0.0001). However, CH4 yield relative to animal performance (mol CH4/g LW gain) was lower in T2 and T3 (P < 0.0001). In summary, these results indicate that including L. leucocephala in sheep diets did not modify rumen fermentation pattern (same VFA ratios) nor reduce the amount of CH4 per unit of DMI (mol CH4/g DMI). However, leucaena inclusion does increase rumen N-NH3, aNDF and CP digestibility, and voluntary intake.
Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2012
The aim of this experiment was to study the suitability of the outdoor system for Rhode Island Re... more The aim of this experiment was to study the suitability of the outdoor system for Rhode Island Red hens under the tropical conditions of southern Mexico. Twelve floor pens, each containing four birds, were divided randomly into two groups. The first group was raised indoors only, while each of the second group replicates had access to an outdoor area with natural-grown vegetation from 0800 to 1700 hours daily. Both groups fed ad libitum on a commercial layers diet. The results revealed no differences in body weight between treatments. The outdoor group recorded significantly higher egg laying rate (86.90 vs. 78.05 %), higher egg mass (50.66 vs. 45.30 g egg/hen/day), and higher feed intake (103.70 vs. 97.67 g/day) versus the indoor group. The outdoor group had eggs with darker yellow yolks (9.46 vs. 5.46), lower yolk, and higher albumen proportions (P<0.05) versus the indoor group. The crop content of the outdoor hens consisted of 86.55 % concentrated feed, 6.30 % plant material, 2.27 % grit stones, 1.69 % snails and oyster shells, 1.25 % seeds, 0.95 % farm wastes, and 0.99 % insects, worms, and larvae. Of the outdoor hens, 43.1 % was observed to be in the range at each scanning time. The outdoor system in the tropics had beneficial effects on Rhode Island Red hen performance, and the hens utilized the outdoor area effectively and obtained various feed items.
How to cite Complete issue More information about this article Journal's homepage in redalyc.org ... more How to cite Complete issue More information about this article Journal's homepage in redalyc.org Scientific Information System Network of Scientific Journals from Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal Non-profit academic project, developed under the open access initiative
Agroforestry Systems, 2014
ABSTRACT In tropical areas of Mexico, Leucaena leucocephala is widely used in silvopastoral syste... more ABSTRACT In tropical areas of Mexico, Leucaena leucocephala is widely used in silvopastoral systems. However, little information exists on other native woody species of high forage potential, such as Guazuma ulmifolia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the components of biomass, forage yield and quality, and availability of N in fodder banks of L. leucocephala, G. ulmifolia, and a mixture of both species during dry and rainy seasons, under sub-humid tropical conditions. The experimental unit was a 5 × 10 m plot, containing three rows with 2 m between rows; each row had 20 plant positions with 0.50 m between plants. Within each plant position there was either a single plant, in the case of pure-crop, or two plants, in the case of mixed of both species. A complete randomized block design with three repetitions was used. In both seasons, there were a significantly greater proportion of leaves in the G. ulmifolia fodder banks (71 %) and in mixed fodder banks (69 %) than in L. leucocephala fodder banks (64 %). Consequently, these systems had leaf-to-stem ratios of 2.4, 2.2 and 1.9, respectively. The forage yield of fodder banks was not influenced by season. The mixed fodder bank had greater forage yield (5.1 t DM ha−1) than the L. leucocephala fodder bank (3.4 t DM ha−1) in each season. Additionally, the mixed fodder bank accumulated more forage yield during the experimental period (10.2 t DM ha−1 year−1) than G. ulmifolia (9.0 t DM ha−1 year−1) or L. leucocephala (6.9 t DM ha−1 year−1). The concentrations of CP, C and C:N were not influenced by season. Forage NDF and ADF concentrations were greater in the rainy season (476 g kg−1 DM) compared with the dry season (325 g kg−1 DM). Mixed fodder banks had the greatest N yield (185.9 kg ha−1) and consequently the greatest availability of N (371.8 kg N ha−1 year−1). We conclude that mixed fodder banks of L. leucocephala and G. ulmifolia are a better option for improving productivity and forage quality in comparison with pure fodder banks in Yucatan, Mexico.
Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 2015
ABSTRACT In order to analyze the risk perception related to the use and handling of organochlorin... more ABSTRACT In order to analyze the risk perception related to the use and handling of organochlorine pesticides (OCP) in agricultural and livestock activities in Maya communities of Yucatan, Mexico, and to gain knowledge about their impact on public health and environment, we conducted an analytical study applying 274 semi-structured interviews in 11 municipalities in the main water recharge zone called “Ring of Cenotes ” -sinkholes-. Specifically, the harmful effects of agrochemicals on water supplies, soils, air, and human health were considered, including the indoor use of pesticides to preserve harvest products. Recent studies showed high levels of OCP in groundwater, such as 13.61 ppm of heptachlore, 10.86 ppm of lindane, 3.26 ppm of endrine, and 1.25 ppm of 4,4&#39;DDE. In the present report results were analyzed considering the frequency of responses and Fisher´s test to assess whether there were differences in the risk perceptions of the communities. The results showed a generalized low perception of risks related to human health and the environment due to pesticide use. Likewise, social parameters were analyzed, including the educational level, as well as risk factors related to groundwater karst vulnerability. Pesticides that have been banned by international conventions are still in use, a phenomenon that is common in developing countries. The occurrence of some diseases in this marginalized region, such as cervical cancer, with a very high prevalence at the national level for the past 20 years, and the custom of obtaining drinking water from polluted wells and sinkholes, may be associated with this low risk perception and with poor social conditions. Establishing programs on health education, agro-ecological production alternatives, and monitoring for the chemical quality of water is recommended.
Recently, several studies have demonstrated that some forms of natural intensification can play a... more Recently, several studies have demonstrated that some forms of natural intensification can play a role on the provision of good quality food, the rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems and the mitigation of climate change, and have also proposed their use to increase agricultural production without the negative effects of industrialized systems (Calle et al., 2013, Gerber 2013, Havlik et al., 2014). Silvopastoral systems (SPS) are a type of agroforestry that allows the intensification of cattle production based on natural processes that are recognized as an integrated approach to sustainable land use (Nair et al., 2009). Intensive Silvopastoral Systems (iSPS) are a type of SPS that combine high-density cultivation of fodder shrubs (4.000 to 40.000 plants per ha) with: (i) improved tropical grasses; and (ii) trees species or palms at densities of 100–600 trees per ha. These systems are managed under rotational grazing with occupation periods of 12 to 24 hours and 40 to 50 day resting ...
A bibliographical review about fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) botanical description, gr... more A bibliographical review about fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) botanical description, growth, and production was carried out, as well as its chemical composition, forage and medicinal quality with the goal to evaluate adaptation possibilities of this species to some ecoregions of Venezuela. Descriptions related to climate, vegetation, slope types and soils in Venezuela have been made, which are compared to fenugreek adaptation in other regions of the world. According to morphological characteristics and suitable conditions of altitude to introduce this species as a crop, it is necessary to identify seed sources more reliable and carry out quality site studies that identify appropriate areas to establish this species under crop production.
Revista científica de veterinaria
RESUMEN El objetivo del presente estudio fue conocer el efecto de un sis-tema silvopastoril inten... more RESUMEN El objetivo del presente estudio fue conocer el efecto de un sis-tema silvopastoril intensivo (SSPi) basado en el pastoreo a li-bre acceso de Panicum maximum y Leucaena leucocephala sobre el perfil de textura, composición físico química y proceso de maduración del Queso Artesanal Tepeque (QAT), en com-paración con el QAT elaborado en el sistema tradicional de producción (ST). Se elaboró un lote de 48 quesos, de los cua-les 24 se procesaron con leche proveniente del SSPi y 24 del ST. Los quesos de cada sistema fueron divididos en cuatro subgrupos y sometidos a cuatro periodos de maduración: 10; 45; 80 y 165 días. Todos los quesos se sometieron a un Análi-sis de Perfil de Textura (APT). Para determinar el efecto del sistema de alimentación y los periodos de maduración sobre el APT se utilizó un diseño experimental completamente al azar. No se observaron diferencias significativas (P>0,05) para la mayoría de los parámetros del APT con excepción de la dure-za, la cual fue may...
Italian Journal of Animal Science
El objetivo del presente estudio fue conocer el efecto de un sistema silvopastoril intensivo (SSP... more El objetivo del presente estudio fue conocer el efecto de un sistema silvopastoril intensivo (SSPi) basado en el pastoreo a libre acceso de Panicum maximum y Leucaena leucocephala sobre el perfil de textura, composición físico química y proceso de maduración del Queso Artesanal Tepeque (QAT), en comparación con el QAT elaborado en el sistema tradicional de producción (ST). Se elaboró un lote de 48 quesos, de los cuales 24 se procesaron con leche proveniente del SSPi y 24 del ST. Los quesos de cada sistema fueron divididos en cuatro subgrupos y sometidos a cuatro periodos de maduración: 10; 45; 80 y 165 días. Todos los quesos se sometieron a un Análisis de Perfil de Textura (APT). Para determinar el efecto del sistema de alimentación y los periodos de maduración sobre el APT se utilizó un diseño experimental completamente al azar. No se observaron diferencias significativas (P>0,05) para la mayoría de los parámetros del APT con excepción de la dureza, la cual fue mayor (P<0,01) en SSPi. Se estima que la mayor dureza del QAT en el SSPi podría ser atribuida al contenido elevado de polifenoles en la Leucaena, los cuales pueden ser transportados al suero y la leche de los animales y por lo tanto al queso. Se plantea la hipótesis de que la presencia de estos compuestos antioxidantes probablemente aminoró la actividad proteolítica de la microflora endógena del queso manteniendo por más tiempo su matriz de proteína, principal barrera a la deformación, permitiendo así el desarrollo de un queso más duro. Se observaron diferencias significativas (P<0,01) entre los periodos de maduración del queso, el cual pasa de uno blando y adhesivo al inicio, a uno de textura dura y no ad-hesivo al final. Se concluye que el SSPi no tiene efectos significativos sobre el perfil general de textura del QAT y sus propiedades físico-químicas.
Tropical Grasslands - Forrajes Tropicales, 2013
The first part of this chapter provides an introduction to Mexican livestock systems. The second ... more The first part of this chapter provides an introduction to Mexican livestock systems. The second part describes silvopastoral systems which are recognized as a strategy for food production, including the integration of annual, forage, legumes such as fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.). The third part highlights the importance of silvopastoral systems for livestock production and how fenugreek can be integrated in to the diet of the Mexican livestock. Overall the current review discusses various agronomics aspects of intercropping with fenugreek mainly as a fodder bank for increased fodder yield and quality. Fenugreek cultivation can not only improve the local animal diet but it can also improve the soil nitrogen content. Based on this current review it can be concluded that integrating fenugreek into silvopastoral systems with livestock production could be a good sustainable solution to enhance the biodiversity of the system as well as increase the margin of profitability for the local producers and growers.
Todos los hombres comprenderán que el reino mineral, vegetal, animal y toda materia esparcida por... more Todos los hombres comprenderán que el reino mineral, vegetal, animal y toda materia esparcida por el universo, a todas escalas desde el átomo hasta la galaxia, son seres vivos con una conciencia evolutiva" Séptima profecía Maya.
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Papers by Francisco Solorio