54 documents found, page 1 of 6
Analysis of the policies and constraints limiting the aquaponics industry in Po...
Mata, Fernando; Dos-Santos, MariaAquaponics is an innovative and potentially sustainable method of producing vegetables and fish, enabling local, inland fish production, and vegetable production without the need for artificial fertilization. With the aim to analyze the potential development of commercial aquaponics in Portugal, a group of Portuguese stakeholders and experts were interviewed to capture their understanding of the challenges face...
Life expectancy of cats in Britain: moggies and mollies live longer
Mata, FernandoThe domestic cat (Felis catus) has been a popular companion animal for about 12,000 years, initially valued for rodent control before evolving into pets that provide affection and companionship. Unlike dogs, cats were not selectively bred for specific roles until the late 1800s, resulting in breeds defined primarily by appearance, which sometimes leads to genetic disorders. Modern animal welfare concerns emphas...
European union citizens perception of the reasons for the cost of the common ag...
Mata, Fernando; Domingues, IvoThe Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is a major instrument to regulate the sustainable use of resources while guaranteeing social cohesion. Understanding people's perception of this policy is mandatory to formalize it without disruptions. This research report was designed to understand the EU citizen's perception of the reasons why we should spend around 30% of the EU budget on the CAP. We used a Eurobarometer ...
Raising entire male pigs: comparison of growth performance and meat quality of ...
Pereira-Pinto, Ricardo; Araújo, José Pedro; Cerqueira, Joaquim Lima; Mata, Fernando; Pires, Preciosa; Vaz-Velho, ManuelaRearing entire male pigs presents several benefits, including enhanced feed efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and improved animal welfare. However, the risk of boar taint poses a significant challenge to pork quality. The objective of this pilot study is to evaluate growth performance, meat quality and the incidence of boar taint in intact male pigs of the Bısara breed (BI) and a terminal cross (TC). Fi...
Innovative fortified kale soup formulation designed for the elderly
Duarte, Cristina; Pinheiro, Rita; Mata, Fernando; Pinto, Elisabete; Fernandes, Ângela; Vaz-Velho, ManuelaThe nutritional needs of the elderly require immediate attention. Strategies to incorporate healthy, high-fibre, protein-rich ingredients into traditional diets have been identified to enhance health benefits. This study aimed to develop a new food product specifically for older adults, using kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC), and to evaluate its nutritional, sensory, and antioxidant properties. Acce...
Cavy lifespan: survival analysis and lifetables for the pet guinea pig (Cavia p...
Mata, FernandoIn Britain, an estimated number of 700,000 guinea pigs are currently kept as pets. Despite their widespread presence, research on pet guinea pig survivability remains limited. While demographic studies exist, they primarily focus on morbidity rather than lifespan analysis. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating factors influencing pet guinea pig longevity and constructing life tables, contributing va...
Innovative fortified kale soup formulation designed for the elderly
Duarte, Cristina; Pinheiro, Rita; Mata, Fernando; Pinto, Elisabete; Fernandes, Ângela; Vaz-Velho, ManuelaThe nutritional needs of the elderly require immediate attention. Strategies to incorporate healthy, high-fibre, protein-rich ingredients into traditional diets have been identified to enhance health benefits. This study aimed to develop a new food product specifically for older adults, using kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC), and to evaluate its nutritional, sensory, and antioxidant properties. Acce...
Fur Farming: EU Citizens’ Stance
Mata, Fernando; Baptista, Nuno; Jesus, Meirielly; Santos, JoanaDespite its economic profitability, fur farming in Europe, responsible for half of global production, faces a growing ethical backlash. Animal welfare concerns, particularly regarding mink, foxes, and raccoon dogs kept in restrictive cages, have intensified due to advocacy, scientific reviews, and COVID-19 outbreaks. In response, several EU nations have implemented bans or stricter regulations. However, limited...
Evaluation of asian hornet (Vespa velutina) trappability in Alto-Minho, Portuga...
Mata, Fernando; Alonso, Joaquim Mamede; Cano-Díaz, ConchaTrapping the Asian hornet remains a viable alternative to monitor its presence, dispersion, and ecological niche. With the objective of evaluating the effectiveness of baits and traps, an Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) capture trial was conducted using combinations of artisanal and commercial baits and traps. The second objective was to explore the relationship between the species’ dispersal patterns and the inf...
European citizens’ evaluation of the common agricultural policy
Mata, Fernando; Dos-Santos, Maria José Palma LampreiaThe Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is crucial in ensuring food safety and security in Europe. Providing a stable and diverse food supply also supports rural economies and promotes social, environmental and economic sustainability. However, as CAP consumes approximately 30% of the EU budget, debates regarding its pertinence have arisen. This paper aimed to understand European citizens’ perceptions of CAP, its ...