• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.154-160
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• 2017

This study was conducted to find out an alternative way of rapid and accurate analysis of chemical composition of permanent pastures in hilly grazing area. Near reflectance infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to evaluate the potential for predicting proximate analysis of permanent pastures in a vegetative stage. 386 pasture samples obtained from hilly grazing area in 2015 and 2016 were scanned for their visible-NIR spectra from 400~2,400nm. 163 samples with different spectral characteristics were selected and analysed for moisture, crude protein (CP), crude ash (CA), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Multiple linear regression was used with wet analysis data and spectra for developing the calibration and validation mode1. Wavelength of 400 to 2500nm and near infrared range with different critical T outlier value 2.5 and 1.5 were used for developing the most suitable equation. The important index in this experiment was SEC and SEP. The $R^2$ value for moisture, CP, CA, CF, Ash, ADF, NDF in calibration set was 0.86, 0.94, 0.91, 0.88, 0.48 and 0.93, respectively. The value in validation set was 0.66, 0.86, 0.83, 0.71, 0.35 and 0.88, respectively. The results of this experiment indicate that NIRS is a reliable analytical method to assess forage quality for CP, CF, NDF except ADF and moisture in permanent pastures when proper samples incorporated into the equation development.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.7
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• pp.1017-1035
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• 2018

The European Union (EU) is the world's third largest producer of beef. This contributes to the economy, rural development, social life, culture and gastronomy of Europe. The diversity of breeds, animal types (cows, bulls, steers, heifers) and farming systems (intensive, extensive on permanent or temporary pastures, mixed, breeders, feeders, etc) is a strength, and a weakness as the industry is often fragmented and poorly connected. There are also societal concerns regarding animal welfare and environmental issues, despite some positive environmental impacts of farming systems. The EU is amongst the most efficient for beef production as demonstrated by a relative low production of greenhouse gases. Due to regional differences in terms of climate, pasture availability, livestock practices and farms characteristics, productivity and incomes of beef producers vary widely across regions, being among the lowest of the agricultural systems. The beef industry is facing unprecedented challenges related to animal welfare, environmental impact, origin, authenticity, nutritional benefits and eating quality of beef. These may affect the whole industry, especially its farmers. It is therefore essential to bring the beef industry together to spread best practice and better exploit research to maintain and develop an economically viable and sustainable beef industry. Meeting consumers' expectations may be achieved by a better prediction of beef palatability using a modelling approach, such as in Australia. There is a need for accurate information and dissemination on the benefits and issues of beef for human health and for environmental impact. A better objective description of goods and services derived from livestock farming is also required. Putting into practice "agroecology" and organic farming principles are other potential avenues for the future. Different future scenarios can be written depending on the major driving forces, notably meat consumption, climate change, environmental policies and future organization of the supply chain.