Climate change has increased the interannual and seasonal variation in the average temperature and precipitation rate, which determine forage availability globally. Similar patterns of change have occurred in tropical regions, and Ecuador is no exception. This region includes other influencing factors, such as the conversion of tropical forests to extensive pastures. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate guinea grass (Panicum maximum) cultivated under silvopastoral systems with different management strategies in both of the seasons of the study region in Ecuador (rainy season and dry season). A randomized complete block design was used for the experiment, with three repetitions and three treatments. Agronomic measures, forage production, chemical composition, animal responses, and soil properties were evaluated. Data were analyzed with the Mixed model of SAS. Differences in all evaluated parameters were observed between treatments, and silvopastoral systems (SPSs) produced better results than conventional grass monoculture. Furthermore, there was a strong seasonal effect on forage production, chemical composition, and soil properties. Therefore, management of Panicum maximum with well-planned grazing can enhance animal responses and help to retain natural resources, lowering the pressure on forests.

A study was conducted at the Escuela Superior Politècnica de Chimborazo, Ecuador, to evaluate the influence of litter size of guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) on their development and to establish the economic profitability of the production system. Forty-eight animals were used, distributed into litters of two, three, and four rodents per litter, with a balanced diet and green fresh alfalfa for the weaning, growth, and fattening stage, the rodents and litters were randomly selected, applying the statistical model completely randomly and evaluating different variables across 120 days. The litters of three guinea pigs obtained the best productive responses and economic profitability. With respect to sex, the males presented better productive behavior, greater economic increase, and less cost, evidencing that mixed feeding influences the number of guinea pigs per birth in terms of growth and development. The results serve to improve guinea pig meat production for the rural population.

Objective: The objective of this study is to microbiologically analyse wild meat seized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition in order to contribute to food security in the province of Orellana. The specific objectives are: 1. To obtain samples of seized wild meat using microbiological monitoring techniques. 2. 2. To analyse the samples microbiologically using techniques standardised by the AOAC. 3. To quantify the microorganisms present in order to evaluate the shelf life and safety of the product according to NTE INEN 1338 and NTE INEN 183 standards. Method: The methodology included the collection of samples of wild meat seized in the province of Orellana, microbiological analysis in the laboratory using techniques standardised by AOAC, and evaluation of the results according to Ecuadorian standards NTE INEN 1338 and NTE INEN 183. Statistical analyses including ANOVA were carried out to compare contamination levels between species. Results and Discussion: Samples of 8 wild species were analysed. The results revealed high levels of microbiological contamination in most of the samples, exceeding the limits established by the regulations for Mesophilic Aerobes, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella. 87.5% of the samples did not meet the limits for mesophilic Aerobes, 100% exceeded the limits for E. coli and S. aureus, and 75% had Salmonella. Research Implications: The results have significant implications for food safety and public health in the region. They suggest the need to implement stricter control measures and surveillance of illegal bushmeat trafficking, as well as the importance of educating the population about the risks associated with bushmeat consumption. Originality/Value: This study provides updated and specific data on the microbiological quality of wild meat seized in the province of Orellana, contributing to the literature on food security and wildlife conservation in the Amazon region of Ecuador.