Key words: Amaranthus cruentus, amaranth, laying hens, egg, cholesterol, nutrition. Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) is a food high in protein and lysine content, and has a wellbalanced amino acid composition. In addition, it has shown to be efficient in lowering egg cholesterol. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different inclusion levels of Amaranthus cruentus L. in the diet of laying hens, on egg cholesterol content and production parameters. 200 laying hens of 30 weeks of age were fed on diets that included 0, 15, 30 and 45% (dry matter basis) of A. cruentus. For 2 months, weekly feed intake per hen, egg production per week, egg mass and feed conversion ratio were evaluated. 480 eggs were analyzed to determine cholesterol content by high performance liquid chromatography. The results were analyzed by analysis of variance for a randomized block design. The inclusion of 15% of A. cruentus seeds in the diet decreased egg yolk cholesterol content without significantly affecting the main production parameters.

In order to determine whether organic production may be a viable option for goat farmers of the lower Mixteca region of Puebla, Mexico, in order to increase sustainability of their farms, we evaluated the extent to which these goat farms fulfill organic standards. Additionally, we revised their level of sustainability by calculating an Organic Livestock Conversion Index (OLCI) using 10 indicators and 36 variables. Information was obtained through two means: direct observation and a questionnaire applied to 119 goat farmers of six municipalities of the region. These goat farms principally consist of creole goats that graze in extensive communal rangelands and grasslands in non-arable lands with xerophytic vegetation, and their principal product is meat of adult goats. The goat farms had a moderate level of OLCI (48.0–53.6%) as well as a moderate level of sustainability (46.0–58%) for the goat farms included in this study). Five indicators showed limited compliance of the goat farms, with organic standards. Five showed a high level of compliance. The greater the OLCI value, the greater the sustainability of the goat farms. Increasing the level of compliance of the goat farms of the lower Mixteca region of Puebla, with the organic standards, which would in turn increase their level of sustainability, would require improving technical, social, environmental, and economic aspects of these farms, as well as co-responsibility in promoting sustainable organic goat farming by the different social actors involved (farmers, researchers, technical advisors, and policymakers).

Background: At the present, agricultural production systems need to produce more food, in the shortest possible time, and at the same time conserve natural resources. Among the initiatives that have been implemented, agrosilvopastoral systems are a viable strategy with regard to extensive livestock. Objective: We characterize the historical trajectory as well as technical and socioeconomic indicators of cattle raising using extensive and agrosilvopastoral practices in the municipality of Pijijiapan, Chiapas, Mexico. Methodology: Information was obtained through in-depth interviews with key informants, documentary review, semi-structured interviews, and direct observation in 35 livestock production units (LPU). Qualitative information was organized chronologically and presented in a descriptive, narrative manner. Quantitative data were analyzed using a K-means cluster analysis according to a Livestock Agroecosystem Services Index (ISAGAN according to its Spanish initials) of the LPU. Information was examined using analysis of variance and a non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test in order to identify differences among clusters. Results: Three important stages were identified in the historical trajectory: i) a colonial, pre-livestock raising period with little anthropic intervention, prior to 1900; ii) a period of productive development of livestock raising, from 1900 to 1955, and iii) a period of expansion of extensive livestock raising, beginning in 1955, with significant environmental impacts. More recently, agrosilvopastoral management has been presented as a sustainable alternative to extensive livestock raising. Implications: Livestock raising based on grazing is characterized by a tree gradient, a low level of technological development, low use of external inputs, and holistic diversified resource use. Conclusion: Of 26 technical and socioeconomic indicators evaluated, technical advisory was the only one which varied (p< 0.05) among clusters; upon increasing the values of this indicator, ISAGAN also increased.