On-farm factors affecting physical quality of Merino wool. 1. Nutrition, reproduction, health and management

Sustainable cashmere production in Mongolia: A practical framework approach under uncertainties

Sustainable cashmere production in Mongolia needs to reduce the negative impact of production on the environment and society. However, the industry still bears responsibility for significant resource consumption and disposal and has not yet taken the necessary transformative measures to fully sustainable production transition. In this context, the production method enhancement is still insufficient although it is preparing for the transition to sustainable practices. This study aims to determine the valid attributes of sustainable production as a hierarchical structure and the interdependence relationships using a hybrid of the fuzzy Delphi method, fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory, and analytic network process. As a result, 4 aspects and 15 criteria are validated as a sustainable production hierarchical structure. Cleaner production practices and supply chain greening are indicated as the major aspects. The practical criteria are carbon accounting, wastewater reduction, investment in recycling-related research and development, eco-design, and green manufacturing.

Fossil Shell Flour in Livestock Production: A Review

Fossil shell flour (FSF), also known as Diatomaceous earth, or diatomite, consists of amorphous silicates with important physical and chemical characteristics, including porosity and permeability, low density and thermal conductivity, tiny particle size, high surface area, solubility, hydrophobia, and absorption capabilities, which are molecular filter actors, substituting their integral cations without physical changes. The substance is nontoxic, cheap, and readily available in large quantity in many countries. Recently, FSF has been modified as additives for several uses. Recent studies have supported its use as animal growth promoter, vaccine adjuvant in livestock, water purifier, mycotoxin binder, inert dust applications in stored-pest management, pesticide, animal feed additive, as a natural source of silicon in livestock and as natural anthelmintic. Numerous advantages of FSF include its low-cost and availability, its nontoxic characteristics, and the fact that food grade diatomaceous earth is safe for human consumption. In this paper, we review the main uses of FSF in the livestock industry, with reference to similar works earlier published that elucidate their important roles.