A study led by Agroscope has deepened our understanding of the genetic mechanisms responsible for grape skin colour. New findings have led to a revision of the genealogy of the Rouge du Pays cultivar (Cornalin du Valais) and contributed to a better understanding of the genetic diversity of the grapevine.
State support for the sale of animal products tends to increase the demand for resource-intensive foods. This can increase the environmental impact, including negative effects on biodiversity.
An Agroscope study has analysed the nutritional quality of 66 milk alternatives from Swiss supermarkets. The researchers also considered how the nutritional profile of milk alternatives could be improved.
A study on Chasselas grapevines shows that yield regulation by cluster thinning after foliar fertilisation does not increase grape nitrogen concentration but does encourage N accumulation in the perennial parts of the vine.
Emmentaler PDO has a low-to-very-low salt content compared to other varieties of cheese. Agroscope researchers show how this came about, what sort of effects this has on sensory quality, and what can be done about this.
Drones can save time when looking for livestock or checking the condition of fences on summer pastures. Researchers at Agroscope have studied the factors that influence the use of drones in summer farming.
An Agroscope study shows that pre-flowering removal of the main leaves instead of the lateral shoots appears to be a viable practice with a moderate effect on both yield potential and must composition.
How to verify grassland-based feeding? An approach based on machine learning and milk mid-infrared (MIR) spectra acquired from routine milk quality testing may be the answer.
Custom-tailored communication about the personal benefits in terms of nutrition and sustainable living provided by community-supported agriculture (CSA) can motivate a variety of non-members to join the scheme.
Community gardens, allotments and community-supported agriculture are key for sustainable, resilient food systems. Their future depends on political recognition and inter-institutional network support.
To reduce the use of herbicides to control track-side vegetation, the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) commissioned Agroscope and HEPIA to develop a low-growing plant mix for the track area.
Every two years, the Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) highlights advances in climate mitigation and climate adaptation. Agricultural policy developments and their implications for agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are a key topic.
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 goats with the aim of improving nutrient-flow assessment.
An Agroscope study shows that the Suisse-Bilanz nutrient-balance calculation tool could serve as an environmental indicator for sustainable nutrient use – but only for phosphorus, not for nitrogen.
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.
