Health

Burgkirchen, Germany – Farmers seeking efficient and precise liquid manure application now have access to the Vogelsang Unispread 7.5m, a versatile trailing shoe system currently available for purchase through Team Mauch. This equipment is designed to optimize nutrient distribution while minimizing environmental impact, a growing concern in modern agriculture.

The Unispread 7.5m offers a flexible solution for both grassland and arable farming, allowing operators to choose between dribble bar or trailing shoe application methods. This adaptability, combined with its relatively lightweight design and compact transport width (less than three meters), makes it a practical choice for a variety of farm sizes and operational needs. The system’s core functionality centers around precise manure distribution, a critical factor in maximizing fertilizer efficiency and reducing runoff.

The Vogelsang Unispread 7.5m boasts a working width of 7.5 meters and a row spacing of 25 centimeters. It’s equipped with a three- or four-point mounting system for attachment to a tanker, and features a sophisticated ExaCut distributor to ensure even application across the entire working width. According to Team Mauch, the unit also incorporates a follow-control system, requiring a minimum of two double-acting and one single-acting hydraulic valve for operation. The price, including 20% VAT, is listed at €21,900, with an ex-VAT price of €18,250. Landwirt.com details these specifications.

Beyond basic application, the Unispread 7.5m incorporates features designed to enhance reliability and reduce maintenance. An integrated heavy material separator prevents clogging of the discharge hoses by removing stones and metal parts. The hoses themselves are constructed from a durable, UV-resistant material, extending their lifespan and minimizing the need for frequent replacements. A DropStop mechanism further minimizes waste and environmental concerns by preventing dripping during transport and at the headland. Vogelsang’s website highlights these durability features.

The Unispread system isn’t limited to just one application method. As Vogelsang explains, the UniSpread can function as either a dribble bar or trailing shoe system, offering farmers the flexibility to adapt to different crop types and field conditions. This versatility is further enhanced by variable suspension options for quick installation and various safety features for secure transport.

Steenblock Landtechnik also lists a 2025 model of the Vogelsang UniSpread 7,5 available for immediate delivery, priced at €22,491 (including 19% VAT). Their listing details features like a four-point mounting system, a 7.5m working width, and a 250mm row spacing, along with an integrated Vogelsang ECQ 30 cutter for optimal distribution.

As agricultural technology continues to evolve, precision application systems like the Vogelsang Unispread 7.5m are becoming increasingly critical for maximizing resource efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. The availability of this equipment through dealers like Team Mauch and Steenblock Landtechnik provides farmers with access to innovative solutions for sustainable manure management. Further advancements in this area are likely to focus on even greater precision, automation, and integration with farm management systems.

Interested parties are encouraged to contact Team Mauch directly via phone or email to schedule a viewing and discuss specific requirements. The unit is currently in stock in Burgkirchen, Austria.

Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about agricultural equipment and is not intended to provide professional agricultural or financial advice. Consult with qualified professionals for specific recommendations tailored to your farm’s needs.

What are your thoughts on the future of precision agriculture? Share your comments below!

Intermittent fasting (IF) has surged in popularity as a weight loss strategy, fueled by social media trends and anecdotal success stories. But does the science back up the hype? A new, comprehensive review from Cochrane, a globally recognized organization dedicated to evidence-based medicine, suggests the benefits of intermittent fasting may be less significant than often claimed, performing similarly to traditional calorie restriction diets.

The review, published on February 18, 2026, analyzed data from 22 clinical trials encompassing nearly 2,000 adults with overweight or obesity. Researchers examined various IF methods – alternate-day fasting, the 5:2 diet, and time-restricted eating – comparing them to standard dietary advice and no intervention at all. The findings challenge the notion that intermittent fasting offers a unique metabolic advantage for weight loss.

The core question driving this research was whether intermittent fasting provides a superior approach to weight management compared to simply reducing overall calorie intake. The Cochrane review’s findings indicate that, in the short term (3 to 12 months), intermittent fasting doesn’t lead to significantly different weight loss results than consistently eating fewer calories each day. Participants in both groups experienced comparable reductions in weight.

However, intermittent fasting did demonstrate a modest benefit when compared to making no dietary changes at all, resulting in a weight reduction of 3% to 5%. Importantly, the review found no substantial differences in key metabolic markers – such as cholesterol, glucose, or blood pressure – between intermittent fasting and other balanced eating plans with controlled calorie intake. According to the analysis, intermittent fasting may have little to no effect on total cholesterol (12 studies, 899 participants), HDL cholesterol (13 studies, 968 participants), or triglycerides (14 studies, 989 participants) according to Cochrane.

What the Research Examined

The Cochrane review evaluated three common approaches to intermittent fasting:

• Alternate-day fasting: Alternating 24-hour periods of fasting with 24-hour periods of eating.
• 5:2 Diet: Restricting calorie intake significantly for two days per week.
• Time-restricted eating: Limiting the window of time during which food is consumed, such as the popular 16:8 method (16 hours of fasting, 8 hours of eating).

Limitations and Certainty of Evidence

The researchers emphasize that the certainty of the evidence is low to moderate. Many of the included studies had small sample sizes and short follow-up periods. Crucially, there is a lack of consistent data on the long-term effects of intermittent fasting beyond 12 months. The reporting of side effects – which were generally mild, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, and irritability – was also inconsistent across trials, making a definitive assessment of long-term safety difficult.

“Intermittent fasting simply doesn’t seem to operate for adults with overweight or obesity who are trying to lose weight,” stated Luis Garegnani, lead author of the review from the Cochrane Associated Centre at the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires as reported by La Voz del Sur. Garegnani cautioned against the widespread enthusiasm for intermittent fasting seen on social media, noting that it may be a reasonable option for some, but the current evidence doesn’t justify the level of hype.

Personalized Nutrition is Key

The updated evidence suggests that intermittent fasting can be an effective initial strategy for weight loss in individuals with obesity, but its results are comparable to those achieved with any well-structured, calorie-restricted diet. The Cochrane review underscores that the most effective dietary approach is often the one that individuals can adhere to consistently. If someone finds it easier to follow a restricted eating window than to meticulously count calories daily, intermittent fasting may be a viable option – provided the nutritional quality of their diet is carefully monitored.

the decision to adopt an intermittent fasting regimen should be based on individual preference and adherence, rather than on the expectation of a unique metabolic advantage. As El Diario NY reports, the largest scientific review to date suggests intermittent fasting isn’t living up to its reputation.

Disclaimer: This article provides informational content and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance on diet and weight management.

What are your thoughts on the latest research regarding intermittent fasting? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article with anyone considering this dietary approach!