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Projeto de investigação
Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability
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Eco-labelling food products as an integral part of the transition to a sustainable food system
Publication . Borges, Eduardo; Campos, Susana; Teixeira, Mário Sérgio; Lucas, Maria Raquel; Correia, Ricardo Jorge
Purpose | The eco-labelling of food products is an integral part of the transition to a sustainable food system, as it allows consumers to make informed, healthier and more sustainable choices. It reinforces the reputation of companies, showing that they are socially responsible and concerned about environmental issues. The aim of this study is to identify the determinants of the purchase of eco-labelled food products in the Portuguese context.
Methodology/Approach | An online questionnaire was carried out among the Portuguese population over 18 years old.
Data analysis techniques including descriptive analyses, parametric and non-parametric tests, linear correlation and regression analysis were applied.
Expected Results | We expect to identify a positive correlation between consumers' attention to companies' Green Marketing communication and green purchasing behaviour, as well to obtain a positive correlation between the Communicated Socio-environmental Use (CSU) of the producer's declared commitment and green purchasing behaviour. These results are valuable for companies’ managers to develop and evaluate specific communication and marketing actions to the markets, taking into account current consumer preferences.
Impact of Kiwifruit Waste Compost on Soil Bacteriome and Lettuce Growth
Publication . Fernandes, Paulo; Pinto, Rui; Correia, Cláudia; Mourão, Isabel; Moura, Luísa; Brito, Luís Miguel
Composts produced with kiwifruit waste from the calibration process (KW), mixed with 5%, 10%, and 20% wheat straw (WS), were evaluated as crop fertilizers through a pot experiment with lettuce, arranged as a randomized block design. Highest lettuce yields were achieved with 20 and 40 t·ha−1 5%WS compost and 40 t·ha−1 10%WS compost, suggesting that the physical characteristics of the composts increased soil water holding capacity and root growth, whereas chemical characteristics such as pH, organic matter, and nutrient contents contributed to improving soil reaction and nutrient availability. The type of soil amendment used influenced the development of different bacterial consortia in the bulk soil and rhizosphere, leading to increased levels of potentially beneficial bacteria and enhanced levels of relevant functions for plant growth, such as nitrogen fixation. Composted KW as an organic amendment can be used to improve soil quality and the circular economy.
Pulmonary and Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections in Small Ruminant Autochthonous Breeds from Centre Region of Portugal—A Cross Sectional Study
Publication . Pereira, Maria; Vila-Viçosa, Maria João M.; Coelho, Catarina; Santos, Carla; Esteves, Fernando; Cruz, Rita; Gomes, Liliana; Henriques, Diogo; Vala, Helena; Nóbrega, Carmen; Mega, Ana; Melo, Carolina de; Malva, Madalena; Braguez, Joana; Mateus, Teresa
The production of small ruminant autochthonous breeds in the Centre region of Portugal is practiced in a semi-extensive husbandry system, exposing animals to parasitic infections. The main objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of lungworm infection and identify risk factors. Fecal samples of 203 goats and 208 sheep from 30 herds were collected per rectum and subjected to the modified Baermann test. The overall prevalence of infection was 57.7%, significantly higher in goats (95.6%) than in sheep (20.7%) (p < 0.001). According to the binary logistic regression model, sheep dewormed with albendazole, mebendazole plus closantel, or ivermectin plus clorsulon presented a risk of Protostrongylidae infection 29.702, 7.426, or 8.720 times higher, respectively, than those dewormed with eprinomectin. Additionally, the presence of gastrointestinal parasites was investigated in 307 fecal samples using Mini-FLOTAC (R). The overall prevalence of infection was 86.3%, also significantly higher in goats (93.2%) than in sheep (79.9%) (p < 0.001). Strongyle-type eggs were the most frequently identified, both in sheep (69.8%) and goats (87.8%), followed by Eimeria oocysts (40.3% in sheep and 68.9% in goats). Considering the high prevalence and the burden of lungworm parasitic infection, it is urgent to determine its economic impact and the repercussions in animal health in the Centre region of Portugal to establish appropriate therapeutic guidelines.
Valorization of kiwi waste through composting
Publication . Fernandes, Paulo; Pinto, Rui; Correia, Cláudia; Mourão, Isabel; Moura, Luísa; Brito, Luís Miguel
Kiwi waste from the calibration process is a major environmental problem of kiwi production due to landfill deposition. This work aims to contribute to the agronomic use of recycled kiwi waste through composting. With this objective, a composting experiment was carried out with kiwi fruit waste mixed with 5%, 10% and 20% (fresh weight) of wheat straw from bundles used to protect kiwifruit trunks from frost, as abulking agent to increase aeration, in the piles 5S, 10S and 20S, respectively. The highest temperatures for piles 5S and 10S were above 60 degrees C, whereas the temperature did not reach 40 degrees C in the pile with the highest straw content (20S) because the aeration increased heat loss in addition to increased C/N ratio of this pile. Also, the amount of organic matter mineralized decreased with increasing amount of straw because of the high C/N ratio of the straw. The highest total N (29.7 g kg(-1)) and the lowest C/N ratio (13) of the compost with 5% of straw is important from the agricultural point of view to promote N availability. In contrast, the high electrical conductivity (4.6 dS m(-1)) of this compost increases the risk of salt accumulation in the soil. Our results show that the compost with 10% straw, with high degree of maturation, absence of poor hygiene indicators as coliforms and pathogens as Salmonella sp., high organic matter content and rich in nutrients, together with the adequate compost pH and low electrical conductivity improves compost quality.
Acute Leptospirosis Outbreak in Cattle: A Case Report
Publication . Paixão, Gustavo; Botelho‐Fontela, Sofia; Gandra, Filipe; Reis, Joana
Leptospirosis is a globally distributed re-emerging zoonotic disease caused by Leptospira species. In cattle, the clinical course varies from a subclinical-chronic infection, commonly found in adult animals, to a severe acute syndrome mostly found in calves. The present study reports an outbreak of acute leptospirosis, following favourable climacteric conditions. Seven affected farms were monitored. Clinical observations from infected animals (n = 30) revealed two distinct patterns: lactating calves experienced hyperacute courses, often culminating in death, and older animals, mainly steers, displayed signs of apathy, anorexia, icterus and haemoglobinuria. Necropsies confirmed jaundice and haemoglobinuria, aligning with a presumptive diagnosis of leptospirosis. Haematology and serology results further supported this diagnosis. Pomona and Mozdok serovars were the most prevalent (62.5%) and had the highest mean agglutination titres, 1:1160 and 1:700, respectively. Antimicrobial treatment of sick animals consisted of oxytetracycline. Chemical metaphylaxis and prophylactic measures were established to control the outbreak in cohabiting animals. Environmental factors like climate change are expected to contribute to more frequent leptospirosis outbreaks. Comprehensive serological surveys are recommended to develop region-specific control measures, emphasising the importance of vaccination as a practical and effective prophylactic measure.
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Entidade financiadora
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Programa de financiamento
6817 - DCRRNI ID
Número da atribuição
UIDP/05937/2020