Centrosur Agraria

Automatic livestock monitoring to identify abnormal behavior on the Balcashi ranch, Chimborazo Province

2025-10-14T10:14:34-04:00

Livestock farming, an essential economic pillar in rural areas, faces growing challenges in the early detection of abnormal behavior in cattle, such as lameness or isolation, which affect their welfare and productivity. This study presents an automated monitoring system implemented at Hacienda Balcashi (Chimborazo, Ecuador), which integrates environmental sensors for temperature, humidity, precipitation, and movement with machine learning algorithms. Based on the analysis of historical data from 2019–2024, a significant correlation was found between temperature (r = 0.45, p < 0.01), humidity (r = 0.32, p < 0.05), and the occurrence of abnormal behaviors. Notable differences were identified between breeds, with Holstein being the most vulnerable (1.2 events/day), followed by Jersey (0.8) and Criollo (0.5), highlighting the influence of climate adaptability. The logistic regression model achieved an accuracy of 82% and an AUC-ROC of 0.84. This work contributes to precision livestock farming in high Andean contexts, proposing a replicable approach that optimizes animal welfare and operational efficiency and can be scaled up through regional adjustments.

Characterization of the most common skin tumors in dogs at veterinary clinics in southern Guayaquil

2025-10-17T20:05:35-04:00

This research was carried out in four different veterinary clinics in southern Guayaquil. A total of 87 histopathological reports of skin tumors in dogs from the previous three years were reviewed, and within the two months of the study, it was found that the analysis used to determine neoplasms was biopsy, of which 65 cases (75%) corresponded to neoplastic processes. The skin tumors with the highest incidence were mammary carcinoma and mastocytoma. Among these, a predominance of malignant neoplasms was identified, represented by 43 cases (65%). The topographical areas where these masses were most prevalent were the mammary glands, which accounted for 17 cases (26%), followed by other relevant topographical areas such as the extremities and the back, with 9 cases. The relationship between these neoplasms and factors such as age and race was not significant, but there was a significant relationship with regard to sex, with females being the most affected in this case.

Diagnostis of domestic wastewater quality in the La Cocha neighborhood (Quito): physical-chemical and microbiological assessment for the design of sustainable treatment strategies

2025-10-30T12:42:50-04:00

The study evaluated the quality of domestic wastewater in the La Cocha neighborhood, south of Quito, in order to establish its level of contamination and propose sustainable treatment alternatives. A quantitative, descriptive, and field-based approach was applied, involving sampling at three discharge points and physical-chemical and microbiological analyses following APHA (2017) methods. The parameters analyzed included pH, BOD?, COD, TSS, oils and fats, nutrients, and fecal coliforms. The results showed a high organic and bacteriological load: BOD? varied between 240 and 275 mg/L, COD between 480 and 620 mg/L, and fecal coliforms reached concentrations of up to 3.5 × 10? NMP/100 mL, far exceeding the limits established by Ecuadorian environmental regulations. A significant correlation was observed between organic matter and microbiological contamination, confirming the direct discharge of untreated sewage. It is concluded that the installation of sustainable systems such as constructed wetlands or biodigesters is a viable alternative to reduce pollution and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal No. 6: clean water and sanitation.

Identification of Water Pollution Sources in the Las Abras Stream, Guano

2025-10-30T12:57:24-04:00

The objective of this research was to evaluate the quality of water intended for agricultural irrigation in the Las Abras stream, located in the community of San Pablo, Guano canton, Chimborazo province. Four sampling campaigns were conducted at five representative points during October and November 2024, analyzing physicochemical parameters (pH, turbidity, BOD?, dissolved solids, nitrates, and phosphates), microbiological parameters (fecal and total coliforms), and biological parameters (aquatic macroinvertebrates). The evaluation was carried out using three indices: the Water Quality Index (WQI) of the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), the ETP Biological Index, and the Andean Biological Index (ABI).

The results showed that water quality ranged from fair to poor, mainly in areas downstream of direct anthropogenic discharges. The WQI-NSF classified several sections as contaminated, while the ETP index presented values between 0% and 12.78%, and the ABI ranged from 3% to 39%, indicating a deteriorated ecological state. It is concluded that the water from the Las Abras stream is not suitable for agricultural irrigation, as it fails to meet the limits established by Ministerial Agreement 097-A. The study recommends the implementation of primary treatment systems, along with community environmental education programs, to mitigate pollution and protect water resources.