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Agroscope, FiBL, Qualitas AG, 6300 Zug
A1/A2 Genetic Background of Cows, But Not Their Horn Status, Influences Milk Protein Digestion
The influence of horn status and the genetic variant of the (A1/A2) β-Casein milk protein on milk quality and digestion is the subject of much debate. This study shows that the milk of cows with a genetic difference in β-Casein is digested slightly differently in the human stomach, but that horn status has no effect…
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Foliar Fertilisation in Viticulture: Comparison of Two Mineral Fertilisers
Foliar fertilisation around veraison improves grape nitrogen levels without affecting vigour. A trial shows that the fertilisers ‘Safe N 300’ and ‘Folur’ effectively increase assimilable nitrogen in the grape must; however, their degree of effectiveness depends on climatic conditions.
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Swiss Agriculture is Ageing – What Does This Mean for the Future?
Farm managers are getting older and older on average. Although this trend poses challenges for the Swiss agricultural sector, it also offers opportunities.
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Fodder Trees: a Supplementary Forage Resource for Livestock
Summer droughts reduce grassland yields and forage quality. More drought-resistant than herbaceous species, certain trees can provide supplementary forage of good nutritional value in summer. Increasingly intense summer droughts have led to a sharp decline in the yields and nutritional value of grassland forages. Producing sufficient supplies of quality forage has therefore become a genuine…
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Using Crop Rotation to Regulate the Pest Ditylenchus dipsaci in Arable and Vegetable Farming
The stem nematode Ditylenchus dipsaci causes damage to field crops. The pest attacks many different host plants. We examined these plants’ susceptibility to D. dispaci and, based on our findings, recommend crop rotation.
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Supplementary Feed for Piglets with Prenatal Growth Retardation
Piglets which as fetuses suffered from growth restriction in the uterus have lower birth weights and higher mortality. Postpartum targeted feeding enables improved development and weight gain.
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Farm Managers in the Swiss Canton of Solothurn Take Effective Measures to Build up Humus
An eight-year project is helping farmers in the canton of Solothurn to maintain and increase the fertility of their arable land by building up humus.
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Agroscope, University of Lausanne, Direction générale de l’agriculture, de la viticulture et des affaires vétérinaires (DGAV), INRAE
Carryover Effects of Yield Regulation Practices on Grape Nitrogen Composition
A study conducted on Chasselas vines in Switzerland shows the effects of yield regulation practices on grape ripening and nitrogen composition and suggests a two-year approach for optimising quality and sustainability.
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Agroscope, ETH Zurich, University of Lausanne
Where Is It Worth Protecting Birds in Agricultural Landscapes?
A focus map created by Agroscope, ETH Zürich and the University of Lausanne shows where biodiversity measures could have a positive impact on birds, and where not. These findings will contribute towards planning land use more effectively.
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Result-based Agri-environmental Payments: How They Are Designed Affects Biodiversity
A study on result-based agri-environmental payments in Switzerland shows how payment design can affect biodiversity.
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Agroscope, University of London, Victoria University of Wellington, Global Monitoring Laboratory, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Nottingham, Imperial College, International Livestock Research Institute, Spark Climate Solutions, Utrecht University, University of Manchester, TNO, Technical University of Denmark, Twin Paradox Labs
Methane: Strategies and Potential for Mitigating Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Methane emissions are rising rapidly and accelerating climate change. A new review reveals effective measures that can quickly reduce them.
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Contact with Humans and Grazing Intensity Influence Meat Quality in Beef Heifers
Meat quality is influenced by many animal-related factors. An Agroscope study shows that intensive grazing on smaller paddocks with a corresponding frequent change of paddocks and contact with humans is positively associated with meat quality.
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Agroscope, University of Fribourg
Suppressing Broad-leaved Dock by Combining Root-boring Larvae and Plant Competition
The combination of competition by forage plants and herbivory by native root-boring moth larvae can significantly reduce the growth of small broad-leaved dock plants in permanent grasslands.
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Environmental Labels: How Life Cycle Assessment Can Help with their Definition
Numerous environmental labels are based on life cycle assessment in combination with other methods. Are these methods compatible, and is it actually necessary to combine them? An Agroscope study investigates with the issue. Environmental labels offer guidance to consumers for making quick environmentally friendly purchasing decisions. Some environmental labels use results from life cycle assessment,…
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Agroscope, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL
Flavescence Dorée: Sizeable Reservoirs of the Disease around Vineyards
A formidable disease of grapevine, flavescence dorée continues to spread in Switzerland. The most recent knowledge acquired in Ticino allows us to better understand the role played in the risk of infection by gone-wild grapevines in woodlands around vineyards.
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Survey of the Nitrogen Nutrition of Chasselas and Petite Arvine Musts in the Valais
A survey conducted by the Experimental Station for Viticulture and Oenology has furthered our understanding of nitrogen nutrition management practices in the vineyard and wine cellar for the Chasselas and Petite Arvine grape varieties in the Valais, highlighting potential avenues for improvement. In 2023, a questionnaire was sent to the producers of the Vitival network…