https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113276 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:27:23 GMT 2026-04-09T18:27:23Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129363 Title: Review of Urea in milk Abstract: Milk urea nitrogen (MUN) refers to the concentration of urea nitrogen in the milk of lactating animals, primarily dairy cows. It is an important parameter used in dairy farming to assess the efficiency of nitrogen utilization and to monitor the nutritional status of the animals. The physiological bases of MUN involve various factors related to nitrogen metabolism and dietary inputs. Here are the key aspects: - Nitrogen metabolism: When animals consume protein in their diet, it is broken down into amino acids during digestion. Amino acids are then utilized for various purposes, including milk production, tissue growth, and energy production. However, not all amino acids are used, and the excess nitrogen is converted into ammonia in the liver. Ammonia is subsequently converted into urea, which is excreted through urine. A portion of urea is also transferred to the mammary gland and excreted in milk as MUN. Therefore, MUN reflects the level of urea in the blood, which is influenced by the animal's nitrogen metabolism. - Dietary protein content: The level of protein in the diet affects MUN. When animals consume a high-protein diet, more dietary nitrogen is available for metabolism, leading to increased urea production. Consequently, MUN levels tend to be higher in animals fed diets with excessive protein content. Conversely, if the diet is deficient in protein, MUN levels may decrease. - Rumen fermentation: Ruminant animals, such as cows, have a specialized stomach called the rumen, which hosts microbial populations that ferment ingested feed. The balance between dietary carbohydrates and proteins influences rumen fermentation. High levels of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates can lead to an increase in ammonia production in the rumen, which, in turn, stimulates urea synthesis in the liver and subsequently higher MUN levels. Therefore, the composition of the diet and the rumen fermentation process play a significant role in MUN levels. - Liver function: The liver is responsible for synthesizing urea from ammonia and plays a critical role in regulating nitrogen metabolism. Any impairment in liver function can affect urea synthesis and, consequently, MUN levels. Liver health, therefore, is an important consideration in understanding MUN levels. - Water intake: Water consumption is linked to MUN levels as it influences urine production. Increased water intake leads to higher urine production, resulting in a higher excretion of urea and, consequently, higher MUN levels. Description: Dip. Agric.(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129363 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129362 Title: Farm-made biofertilizers Abstract: This work will serve both as a knowledgebase and a manual to the farmer who wish to explore alternative and environmentally friendly practices to look after agricultural land and regenerating the soil health. The author will delve into the plant nutritional requirements and investigate affordable biofertilizer recipes which will satisfy them while helping the surrounding flora and fauna to thrive at the same time. The main aim is to educate the farmer on some available resources and their nutritional value. Such resources are otherwise treated waste or by products of already established industries. The methods described will be making use of simple tools and can easily be prepared on farm in readily available containers. Some of the raw materials used are animal bones, fish scraps, wood ash, wild weeds, manure, milk, brown sugar, water, and seashells. Majority of concoctions can be applied either through a foliar spray or soil drench. The list of recipes described is not exhaustive but will serve as a good starting point for a greener farming industry. Description: Dip. Agric.(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129362 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129361 Title: A proposal to raise free-range hens on a small-scale plot of agricultural land in Gozo Abstract: Since a young age and all throughout my adult life, birds and their behaviors have always been intriguing to me and have captured my attention. The report is an overall holistic concept with regards to raising a small-scale poultry operation in Gozo, utilizing the free-range method of husbandry. The report will briefly discuss the location, resources and the breeds selected for the setup of this project. By properly implementing these strategies the ideal outcome will be the production of quality eggs along with organic methods of farming. Description: Dip. Agric.(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129361 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129360 Title: The importance of soil organic matter : farming for the environment, society and economy Abstract: Put simply, soil organic matter, is what differentiates soil from dirt. Soil is composed of weathered mineral material, organic material, water and air; and it is the organic material present that sets soil apart from simple weathered rock, or dirt. The organic material, which is carbon-based molecules, is referred to as soil organic matter (SOM). A very good definition is, “Soil organic matter is soil material that originates from organisms that were once or are currently living” (Magdoff & Weil, 2019). SOM can be divided into two fractions, the living fraction and the “dead” fraction. The “dead” fraction can be further divided into three pools; active, slow and passive (Grubinger, 2015). The living fraction is composed of living plant roots and various soil dwelling animals; from rodents, to earthworms and to the tiniest of microorganisms. This fraction is essential as it plays the vital role of contributing organic residues to the soil and in the formation of more stable pools of organic matter. Soil microbes, also part of the living fraction, are the drivers of the SOM cycle. There are four main processes in this cycle; decomposition of organic residues, release of nutrients, release of carbon dioxide and transfer of carbon from one SOM pool to another. The three pools of “dead” SOM are determined by the time it takes for them to completely decompose. The active pool is primarily made up of root exudates and fresh plant and animal residues that break down in a very short time, from a few weeks to a few years. High biological activity is associated with this pool. The passive pool, also referred to as humus, provides very little food for soil organisms and hence considered biologically inactive. It may take hundreds or even thousands of years for organic material in this pool to fully decompose, which makes this pool very stable. The slow pool is somewhere in between the active and passive pool; and it may take a few years to a few decades for organic material to completely break down. This pool consists primarily of detritus, partially broken-down cells and tissues that are only gradually decomposing (Grubinger, 2015). Considering that the living fraction is essential for the formation and maintenance of all three pools of the “dead” fraction, it is imperative that farmers manage soils towards maximising the living fraction within. Description: Dip. Agric.(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129360 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z