A joint FAO and World Bank study which shows how the farming systems approach can be used to identify priorities for the reduction of hunger and poverty in the main farming systems of the six major developing regions of the world.

Xylanolytic Enzymes describes the enzyme structure and its interaction with plant cell walls, the properties and production of different enzymes and their application, and the knowledge gathered on the hydrolysis mechanism of hemicellulose. The knowledge gathered about the hydrolysis mechanism of the hemicelluloses, especially xylans, has greatly promoted the rapid application of these enzymes in new areas. Recently there has been much industrial interest in xylan and its hydrolytic enzymatic complex, as a supplement and for the manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, pulps and paper, and ethanol; and in xylitol production as a fermentation substrate for the production of enzymes. This book describes xylan as a major component of plant hemicelluloses. - Presents a thorough overview of all aspects of xylanolytic enzymes - Gives up-to-date authoritative information and cites pertinent research - Includes studies on xylanase regulation and synergistic action between multiple forms of xylanase

This book is an up to date reference work covering all aspects of macro and trace element nutrition in farm livestock. Sufficient information is given on metabolism, functions and interactions to explain why needs, feeds and imbalances are not always easy to define or anticipate. The major emphasis is on the mineral nutrition of ruminant livestock since they are most likely to be affected by imbalances but where pigs and poultry are the more vulnerable, extensive coverage of the non-ruminant is given. This new edition of a highly successful text has been thoroughly revised and significantly expanded. Many chapters have been extensively updated and several chapters on new topics introduced. * Calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium are now treated separately * Over 40 new figures are presented, and extensive use made oftables to summarise important data * Chapters on trace elements have been drastically revised * Claims for enhanced availability for new chelated sources arecritically reviewed * Completely new chapters focus on: The unique need of the ruminant for elemental sulphur Occasionally beneficial elements and essentially toxic elements The improved conduct and interpretation of supplementation trials

By 2050 the world's population is projected to grow by one-third, reaching between 9 and 10 billion. With globalization and expected growth in global affluence, a substantial increase in per capita meat, dairy, and fish consumption is also anticipated. The demand for calories from animal products will nearly double, highlighting the critical importance of the world's animal agriculture system. Meeting the nutritional needs of this population and its demand for animal products will require a significant investment of resources as well as policy changes that are supportive of agricultural production. Ensuring sustainable agricultural growth will be essential to addressing this global challenge to food security. Critical Role of Animal Science Research in Food Security and Sustainability identifies areas of research and development, technology, and resource needs for research in the field of animal agriculture, both nationally and internationally. This report assesses the global demand for products of animal origin in 2050 within the framework of ensuring global food security; evaluates how climate change and natural resource constraints may impact the ability to meet future global demand for animal products in sustainable production systems; and identifies factors that may impact the ability of the United States to meet demand for animal products, including the need for trained human capital, product safety and quality, and effective communication and adoption of new knowledge, information, and technologies. The agricultural sector worldwide faces numerous daunting challenges that will require innovations, new technologies, and new ways of approaching agriculture if the food, feed, and fiber needs of the global population are to be met. The recommendations of Critical Role of Animal Science Research in Food Security and Sustainability will inform a new roadmap for animal science research to meet the challenges of sustainable animal production in the 21st century.

Increased agricultural productivity is a major stepping stone on the path out of poverty in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, but farmers there face tremendous challenges improving production. Poor soil, inefficient water use, and a lack of access to plant breeding resources, nutritious animal feed, high quality seed, and fuel and electricity-combined with some of the most extreme environmental conditions on Earth-have made yields in crop and animal production far lower in these regions than world averages. Emerging Technologies to Benefit Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia identifies sixty emerging technologies with the potential to significantly improve agricultural productivity in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Eighteen technologies are recommended for immediate development or further exploration. Scientists from all backgrounds have an opportunity to become involved in bringing these and other technologies to fruition. The opportunities suggested in this book offer new approaches that can synergize with each other and with many other activities to transform agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Harvested Forages deals with the subject of food for domestic animal feeding. Such food is called "forage" and includes things like alfalfa and other plants usually referred to as "hay." Topics include the ways that this forage is produced, how it is harvested, and ways that it should be stored. Other issues that are dealt with include various criteria and measurement procedures for assessing forage nutritive quality, potential health hazards associated with particular plants and plant toxins, and various issues of plant growth, pest control, and soil fertility--among other topics. This book is essential for any institution with a strong program in range sciences, animal sciences, animal feeding and nutrition, and related programs. - Synthesizes and summarizes a vast and widely dispersed literature in animal science - Serves as a reference for managers of harvested forages as well as all those involved with the forage production industry