Commercial poultry farming has grown considerably in recent years. This study aims to analyse its protein supply and identify potential for optimising phosphorus utilisation and feed efficiency.
An Agroscope study gives an overview of front-of-pack labels on the packaging of 66 plant-based milk alternatives (hereafter referred to as milk alternatives) available in Swiss supermarkets. It also examines whether the information on the labels accurately reflects product properties.
Standard values for livestock feed intake and excretion are essential for proper farm fertilisation planning and assessment of the farm’s nutrient balance. Agroscope adjusted the standard values for sheep with the aim of improving nutrient-flow assessment.
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 in this regard.
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.
Farm managers are getting older and older on average. Although this trend poses challenges for the Swiss agricultural sector, it also offers opportunities.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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,…
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.
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…
Microalgae do not need soil and produce more biomass than crops in the same period of time. The main applications of microalgae are currently food supplements, cosmetic products, animal feed and biofuels.
A study conducted by Agroscope in collaboration with IP-Suisse, DSP and FFB-Group shows that wheat variety mixtures generally perform better and are more stable than varieties grown in pure stands. Recommendations are made for practical applications.
For the milk production systems in Switzerland, the weights of the traits in the total breeding value are derived using a new method that takes into account not only the revenue but also the direct costs.
The results of the 2023 beef quality survey have been released. They show that the quality of Swiss meat overall is highly satisfactory, in terms of nutrition as well as technological and sensorial aspects.
Agroscope researchers conducted a literature review to summarise which measures are most effective in reducing food waste. Their findings contribute to better identification and implementation of effective interventions.
The green alder encroachment of summer pastures reduces biodiversity, forage quality, and landscape attractiveness. Goat grazing can help limit this process and restore pasture vegetation.
A new study by Agroscope and the ETH shows that there is no rural-urban divide in the prioritisation of agricultural policy goals. From very rural to very urban, the Swiss population puts economic objectives before environmental ones.
A global review of the literature shows that successful strategies for promoting organic agriculture vary from one region to another and require a combination of measures, e.g economic incentives coupled with educational and informational campaigns.
Steering levies can change consumer behaviour. An Agroscope study focusing on a sustainability levy on food showed that social sustainability and animal welfare levies are most likely to meet with acceptance.
A new model for predicting herbage biomass in pastures uses UAV-based image data and machine learning. The method promises greater accuracy and flexibility compared to conventional measurement methods.
A site specific nitrogen fertilisation requirement can be calculated with the help of the ‘corrected norms’ method. The method was applied and evaluated in the AgroCO2ncept project in the Zurich Wine Country, where it demonstrated substantial nitrogen-saving potential.
