Alternative Feed Research Articles

Optimizing Feed Formulation Strategies for Attaining Optimal Nutritional Balance in High-Performing Dairy Goats in Intensive Farming Production Systems

Abstract Genetic factors play a pivotal role in shaping feed formulation strategies for dairy goats, influencing milk production, composition, and overall productivity through the modulation of genetic parameters and polymorphisms associated with milk protein fractions and yield. Moreover, environmental challenges, including heat stress and feed availability fluctuations, pose significant hurdles in achieving optimal nutrition and performance, necessitating precision livestock farming and the utilization of local by-products to mitigate their impact on herd health and productivity. In addition, nutritional interventions, such as supplement utilization and alternative feed incorporation, offer promising avenues for addressing specific deficiencies and enhancing overall performance, from fatty acid supplementation to herbal feed additives, while balancing rations to meet evolving nutritional needs and ensuring long-term sustainability remains paramount for optimizing herd nutrition, health, and performance in intensive dairy goat production systems. The aim of this study was to explore the multifaceted influences of genetic factors, environmental challenges, and nutritional interventions on feed formulation strategies and overall herd nutrition, health, and performance in intensive dairy goat production systems.

Increasing Farmers' Knowledge in Making Super Local Chicken Feed in Watubangga Village, Baruga District, Kendari City

This service was carried out in Watubangga Village, Baruga District, Southeast Sulawesi Province. This Community Service (PKM-MD) program applies group counseling methods with non-physical and physical activities to increase farmers' understanding of feed quality and the potential of local resources as raw materials. The outreach is designed to increase farmers' awareness of the importance of understanding animal feed. In addition, this program provides knowledge about local resources that can be used as alternative feed, which are rich in nutrients and can be processed into quality feed. It is hoped that through this activity, farmers can improve the quality of their animal feed, reduce the risk of disease, and increase the productivity of livestock businesses in a sustainable manner.

ANALISIS HARGA POKOK PRODUKSI USAHA BUDIDAYA MAGGOT SEBAGAI PAKAN ALTERNATIF PERTUMBUHAN IKAN LELE

One of the problems that occurs is the production of artificial feed that is still imported so that the price of feed is relatively expensive and tends to increase, therefore the right solution is the manufacture of feed using local raw materials, one of which is maggot feed which is used as an alternative as artificial feed for catfish growth and suppresses feed prices. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficiency of production costs that occur by utilizing Black Soldier Fly larvae as an alternative feed for catfish for their growth. This research uses a hybrid approach between quantitative and qualitative with descriptive analysis and cost of goods produced by maggot cultivation. The data obtained in this study was processed using statistical formulas through the Microsoft Excel program. The calculation of cost of goods produced using the full costing method is carried out quantitatively and evaluates the growth of catfish by feeding dry maggots. The location of the research was carried out in CV. Millenial Agro Farm Jl. Toddopuli Raya Timur, Paropo Village, Panakukkang District, Makassar City. Cost of Goods Production of Dry Maggot as much as Rp. 99,789 in one cycle. The recommendation from the study is that the efficiency of the cost of goods produced can be done in several cycles.

Growth Performance in Laying Ducks Fed Protein Diets supplemented by Fresh Black Soldier Fly Larva

Live black soldier fly (BSF) maggots serve as an alternative feed for ducks and other poultry, boasting a protein composition similar to fish meal. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of live BSF maggot supplementation as a protein source on increasing duck daily production, feed conversion ratio, and egg quality. A total of 120 female Alabio ducks aged 7 months were randomly divided into 24 cages with four treatments and six replications. Each cage consisted of five ducks. Performance parameters such as daily egg production, feed conversion ratio, and egg mass production were evaluated, along with the quality of duck eggs, including egg weight, yolk weight, yolk crude protein, and albumen crude protein. The results revealed that protein levels did not significantly affect feed consumption during the laying phase for ducks. However, the comparison of duck day production between treatment groups indicated that ducks receiving lower protein levels (13.43%) exhibited lower production, compared to those with higher protein levels (18.29%). Furthermore, feed protein content had a notable impact on egg weight, yolk weight, and albumen crude protein. The study demonstrated a significant increase in egg yolk weight, while the percentages of egg yolk weight and eggshell weight showed no significant differences. In conclusion, this research suggests that supplementing duck diets with live BSF maggots can enhance egg quality and performance parameters. Keywords: Black soldier fly, Duck, Egg quality, Maggot, Performance, Source of protein

Pengembangan Pakan Ternak Bergizi Tinggi dengan Bahan Baku Azolla microphylla di Desa Baletbaru, Kabupaten Jember

Azolla (Azolla microphylla) is a highly nutritious fern that can be used as organic fertilizer and animal feed. As the primary raw material for animal feed, Azolla processing needs to be developed to be durable, have complete nutrition, and have high economic value. The people of Balletbaru Village, who are partners in implementing the assisted village service program, are familiar with Azolla cultivation. However, innovation in processing Azolla crops is needed. This activity aims to form a business group to produce high-nutritional animal feed with Azolla as the main ingredient in Balletbaru village. The series of activities carried out included socialization about the potential use of Azolla as animal feed, training on production and processing techniques of Azolla as animal feed, training on how to prepare highly nutritious animal feed made from Azolla as raw material for ruminants, training in the manufacture of processed feed, training on marketing, monitoring, and evaluation. The results of this community service activity include technology transfer regarding the production of Azolla as an alternative high-nutrition feed where 100% of the community participating in the service program activities can understand and practice making animal feed made from the primary raw material of Azolla. Other outputs are instructions on cultivating and using Azolla as animal feed and products ready to be marketed under the trademark Pazoruso. It is hoped that this product will become an economical source to increase the income and welfare of the service partner community and its surroundings.

The effects of including sprouted barley with alfalfa hay in the diet on ruminal health and performance of cow-calf pairs.

The world population is growing exponentially, increasing demand to produce high-quality protein for human consumption. Changes in weather patterns, drought, and decreased land resources due to urbanization have increased thestrain on the agriculture sector to meet world demands. An alternative method to combat these issues and continue to produce high-quality livestock feed would be through a controlled environment vertical farming system. Commonly, cereal grains, such as barley, are used in these systems to produce livestock feed. However, there is little information on the viability of feeding sprouted grains to beef cattle. Two diets of either feeder-quality alfalfa hay (n = 10 pairs; ALF) or the same alfalfa hay and sprouted barley (SB; 12.6% dry matter [DM]; n = 10 pairs) were fed for 90 d to Angus pairs with a steer calf during mid to late lactation. On days 0 and 90, body weight (BW), milk, rumen fluid, and body condition score were collected from cows and hip height and BW were recorded for calves. On day 10, BW was recorded for cows and calves and rumen fluid was collected from cows. Rumen fluid was also collected from cows on day 45. On day 55, BW was collected for both cows and calves and milk from cows. Intake was recorded throughout the trial via bunks with Vytelle technology. The PROC MIXED procedure of SAS was used to analyze all data with the day as a repeated measure to determine the main effect of diet. Individual volatile fatty acids (VFA) were measured as a percent of total VFA. No differences (P ≥ 0.16) were observed in calf BW, hip height, milk protein, fat, lactose, calf DM intake (DMI), or cow DMI. Cows fed SB tended (P = 0.08) to have a decreased somatic cell count compared to ALF. Percent butyrate was impacted by diet × day (P = 0.02), but no difference (P > 0.09) at any time points were detected. Additionally, a diet × day effect (P = 0.001) on rumen pH demonstrated that both groups stayed consistent until day 45 and then SB pH decreased the last 45 d. There was a day effect for total VFA (P = 0.0009), acetate:propionate (Ac:Pr; P < 0.0001), acetate (P < 0.0001), and propionate (P < 0.0001) demonstrating that total VFA, acetate, and Ac:Pr all increased throughout the trial, while propionate decreased. These results indicate that SB can be a potential alternative feed at this stage of production as it does not negatively impact health or production, but does affect the rumen pH and proportion of some VFA.

Effect of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract on the Growth Performance, Hematology, Innate Immunity, and Disease Resistance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) against Streptococcus agalactiae Biotype 2.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf (MLE) extract-supplemented diets on the growth, feed utilization, hematology, innate immune response, and disease resistance of Nile tilapia against Streptococcus agalactiae Biotype 2. Four hundred and fifty Nile tilapia (32.61 ± 0.2 g/fish) were randomly allocated into fifteen tanks (30 fish/tank). Different concentrations of MLE at 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% were fed to the Nile tilapia for 30 days, and the growth, feed utilization, hematology, and innate immune response of the Nile tilapia were determined. After the feeding trial, the Nile tilapia were challenged with a S. agalactiae Biotype 2 infection, and the relative percentage of survival (RPS) was determined. Results revealed the presence of quercetin, kaempferol, and p-coumaric acid in the MLE extract, exhibiting stronger antimicrobial activity against S. agalactiae Biotype 2. The diets supplemented with the MLE-0.5 group showed a significantly higher growth, feed utilization, hematology, and innate immune response in the Nile tilapia compared to the control and other MLE groups. Additionally, the MLE-0.5 group exhibited a significantly higher RPS of the Nile tilapia against S. agalactiae Biotype 2. Therefore, MLE-0.5 can be employed as an alternative feed supplement in sustainable Nile tilapia farming to protect against S. agalactiae Biotype 2.

Alternative Approaches to Feeding Small Ruminants and Their Potential Benefits.

Small ruminants, such as sheep (Ovisaries) and goats (Capra hircus), contribute to approximately 475 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for approximately 6.5% of the global emissions in the agriculture sector. Crop residues, silage, grasses, hay, browse, plant leaves, shrubs, agro-industrial by-products, poultry litter, and other alternative feed sources are frequently utilized for small ruminant production. The use of these valuable alternative feeds can significantly improve animal productivity and reduce carbon footprints and GHG fluxes, making it both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Additionally, these alternative feeds possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties that can enhance the quality of the meat and milk produced. By impacting the bacteria involved in ruminal biohydrogenation, alternative feeds can reduce methane emissions and contribute to a decrease in the carbon footprint. Overall, the use of alternative feed sources for small ruminants generally improves their apparent nutrient digestibility and productivity, and has an impact on the production of greenhouse gases, especially methane. Finally, this review recommends evaluating the economic analysis of reducing methane emissions in small ruminants by utilizing different feed sources and feeding techniques.

Analysis of Management Practices and Breeders' Perceptions of Climate Change's Impact to Enhance the Resilience of Sheep Production Systems: A Case Study in the Tunisian Semi-Arid Zone.

Global climate change inflicts unambiguous risks on agricultural systems and food security. Small ruminants are known for their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. This paper aims to characterize sheep production systems in a vulnerable agricultural zone and the breeders' perceptions of climate change to apprehend challenges that they are confronting, and formulate resilience actions. The data analysis is based on 94 semi-structured surveys of sheep farmers carried out in the Tunisian semi-arid region. The PCA analysis results revealed three main sheep production systems. The agro-pastoral rain-fed system (AGPRF) is dominant (55%), with large farms and common pastures integrating cereals and fodder. The agro-pastoral irrigated system (AGPI: 20%) is characterized by small-area and forage irrigation (1.8 ha) and a smaller number of ewes but a greater use of animal feed supplementation. The agro-sylvo-pastoral system (AGSP: 25%) is a system where grazing is based on common lands and using tree sub-products, while the agricultural area is exclusively used to cultivate cereal crops. Sheep breeders' climate perceptions are summarized as unpredictable climate events, a decrease in precipitation, and an increase in temperature. Resilience actions principally consist of reducing flocks' numbers, using alternative local feed, fodder, and water resources, and building more shelters and planting more trees in the grazing areas. Nevertheless, cost-effectiveness should be considered in such vulnerable zones to insure the sheep production systems' sustainability.

Pengelolaan Sampah Organik Melalui Budidaya Maggot

Garbage is a consequence of human activity. Waste generation will increase along with population growth and community consumption patterns. Processing organic waste requires appropriate technology so that the processed products do not produce waste again. Bioconversion technology using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) maggots can be used to convert organic material so that it has economic potential. Even BSF maggots are able to degrade organic waste faster than other insects. Apart from that, the products produced from processing organic waste by BSF maggots have high economic value. For example, BSF maggots can be a source of protein that can be used as an alternative feed for livestock such as catfish and chickens, and kasgot (maggot former) can be used as an alternative solution to substitute NPK fertilizer from the government. It is hoped that this outreach &amp; training on BSF maggot cultivation will increase the knowledge and skills of training participants to solve environmental problems related to organic waste through bioconversion technology. The implementation method is carried out by lectures/socialization and training. High public enthusiasm and increasing public knowledge, especially mothers, who are the biggest producers of organic waste from their kitchens, achieved 100% in cultivating BSF maggots, which is a measure of success in this training. Thus, the people of Bersole Village have the potential to become a target village for cultivating BSF maggots.

Fermentasi Kulit Singkong Sebagai Pakan Alternatif Pengganti Hijauan Saat Kemarau Di Desa Bandungrejo, Kecamatan Ngablak, Kabupaten Magelang

The purpose of the community service in Bandungrejo Village is to provide feed processing technology that produces higher nutritional content and increases the shelf life of feed. A commonly used method to increase the shelf life of feed is fermentation. Fermented feed can use agricultural waste in the form of cassava peel. Through training and counselling on making cassava peel fermented feed, it is hoped that it can increase the shelf life of feed and reduce feed limitations during the dry season. With the training on making fermented feed using cassava peel, it is expected that a reduction in animal feed costs and an increase in the productivity of livestock will occur. Training in making fermented animal feed can also improve community skills in innovating to make alternative feed. This community service activity shows that independently produced animal feed can reduce dependence and has the potential to replace forage feed with a variety of higher quality feeds.

91 Mealworm and black soldier fly larvae as protein supplements for beef steers consuming forage

Abstract The global population is projected to increase, indicating there will be greater demand for animal protein to meet the associated food needs. This demand will place additional pressure on livestock systems to increase output while also minimizing natural resource inputs. Insect protein has emerged as a potential environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional protein feeds, such as soybean meal. Further, insect protein does not compete in the human food market as the products of conventional oil crops often do. Mealworm larvae (MWL) has been studied in poultry and swine as an alternative protein feed; however, there is not currently research evaluating MWL for cattle. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) has also received attention for its potential use in livestock feed due to its scalability and nutritional value, but research in cattle is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of whole dried MWL and defatted BSFL as protein supplements for cattle consuming forage. These procedures were approved by IACUC at Texas State University (#7726). Five ruminally cannulated steers were utilized in a 5×5 Latin square experiment to determine how MWL and BSFL supplementation affect forage utilization. Steers consuming low-quality forage (4.2% crude protein) were provided one of five treatments each period: 1) control with no supplement (CON), 2) soybean meal (CONV), 3) BSFL, 4) MWL, and a 5) 50% BSFL and 50% MWL by-weight (MIX). Supplements were provided at 100 mg N/kg BW. Periods included 8-d for treatment adaptation, 5-d for intake and digestion measurements, and 1-d for ruminal fermentation measures. Dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), CP, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were determined for diet, ort, and feces. Protein supplementation stimulated forage OM intake (P ≤ 0.01) relative to CON. There was a significant difference in FOMI (P ≤ 0.01) between BSFL and CONV. Steers receiving CONV treatment consumed 4.71 kg FOMI/d, which was significantly greater (P ≤ 0.01) than those receiving BSFL (4.30 kg/d). There were not differences in FOMI between other treatment groups. Total digestible OM intake (TDOMI) was stimulated by protein supplementation (P ≤ 0.01) from 1.94 kg/d for CON to an average of 3.24 kg/d across protein supplements. Organic matter digestibility (OMD) and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) were not affected by treatment (P ≥ 0.37), for an average OMD of 66.5% and NDFD of 62.7%. There was also not a treatment effect (P = 0.96) on total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations, although there were some shifts in molar proportions of individual VFAs across treatments. These data indicate that MWL may be more efficacious than BSFL in stimulating forage utilization in beef cattle, but both are viable protein supplements.

THE EFFECT OF LAMTORO LEAF FLOUR (Leucaena leucocephala) IN FEED ON THE GROWTH OF TILAPIA (Oreochromis niloticus)

Tilapia is favored for its rapid growth and adaptability to diverse aquatic environments, making it a widely cultivated fish. In fish farming activities, feed provides the largest contribution to the total production cost. So that farmers must use alternative feed to reduce feed costs. One alternative feed for tilapia that is easy to obtain, affordable and sustainably available is lamtoro leaves. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of adding lamtoro leaf flour to feed at different concentrations on the growth of tilapia (O. niloticus). The average weight of tilapia at the beginning of the study was 5,7 grams. This research was conducted for 40 days starting in May until June 2023, taking place in Kertayasa Village, Cijulang District, Pangandaran Regency. The method used in this research was an experimental method using a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 3 replications, namely treatment A: 100% commercial feed (control), treatment B: commercial feed + 5% lamtoro leaf flour, treatment C: commercial feed + 10% lamtoro leaf meal, and treatment D: commercial feed + 15% lamtoro leaf meal. Parameters observed included daily growth rate (SGR), absolute length growth, and water quality. The results indicated a significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on the daily growth rate (SGR) by incorporating lamtoro leaf flour into the feed. The highest treatment, observed in treatment C at 50%/day, resulted in the maximum absolute length growth of 4.63 cm. The water quality parameters during the study were in the proper range for the life of tilapia (O. niloticus). Providing lamtoro leaf flour in feed does not have a negative effect on growth and water quality. Keywords: Tilapia fish, lamtoro leaf meal, growth.

Alternative Feeding Strategy to Reduce the Production Cost of the Cultivated Common Carp Cyprinus carpio

Alternative Feeding Strategy to Reduce the Production Cost of the Cultivated Common Carp Cyprinus carpio

Handling Agricultural Waste as Alternative Feed in Beef Cattle Business Groups in Baruga Village, Kendari City

UNSULTRA Internal Community Service Activities (PKM-UNSULTRA) carried out by a team of lecturers from the Faculty of Agricultural Technology located in Baruga Village, Kendari City. Introducing how to make cattle feed using agricultural waste feed ingredients using appropriate processing methods in the beef cattle farming business group. Community service activities aim tutilize and apply feed from agricultural waste. Processing in the manufacture of feed from agricultural waste as an alternative feed to replace forage during the dry season. This is intended so that farmers can make their own feed and run their livestock business in a more focused manner. The results of the activity show that there has been an increase in knowledge and skills in better feed processing in the use of agricultural waste into feed for beef cattle as well as business management.

Fish Responses to Alternative Feeding Ingredients under Abiotic Chronic Stress.

Aquaculture has become one of the most attractive food production activities as it provides high-quality protein for the growing human population. However, the abiotic chronic stress of fish in intensive fish farming leads to a detrimental condition that affects their health and somatic growth, comprising productive performance. This work aims to comprehensively review the impact of alternative and novel dietary protein sources on fish somatic growth, metabolism, and antioxidative capacity under environmental/abiotic stressors. The documental research indicates that ingredients from rendered animal by-products, insects, bacteria as single-cell proteins, and fungal organisms (e.g., yeast, filamentous fungus, and mushrooms) benefit fish health and performance. A set of responses allows fish growth, health, and survival to remain unaffected by feeding with alternative ingredients during chronic environmental stress. Those ingredients stimulate the production of enzymes such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and selenoproteins that counteract ROS effects. In addition, the humoral immune system promotes immunoglobulin production (IgM) and cortisol plasmatic reduction. Further investigation must be carried out to establish the specific effect by species. Additionally, the mixture and the pre-treatment of ingredients such as hydrolysates, solid fermentations, and metabolite extraction potentialize the beneficial effects of diets in chronically stressed fish.

Application Of Lights in The Nursery of Snubnose Pompano Trachinotus blochii (Lacepède, 1801) In Ponds as An Effort to Increase Feed Cost Efficiency

The snubnose pompano (Trachinotus blochii), which is an introduced fish, is currently in increasing demand, both for the domestic market (Jakarta and other big cities) and international markets such as Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China. The snubnose pompano can be cultivated in ponds because it is tolerant to changes in salinity (5-40 ppt). In this study, the use of lights installed in cages used to maintain the snubnose pompano nursery will be responded to natural food that is positively phototactic (zooplankton, shrimp, and small fish species) which will gather as feed at night. So, it is hoped that the use of these organisms as an alternative feed source can increase feed efficiency. The urgency of this research is to determine efforts to save on the use of artificial feed and to suppress parasite attacks. A t-test was carried out to compare the averages of two different samples, on the growth rate and health of snubnose pompano fish. Research using lights resulted in optimum growth of snubnose pompano with 100% survival rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR) value of 0.9 and produced snubnose pompano size 80–100 g/head within two months as well as healthy fish seeds. With indicators of parasitic attack that are lower than the treatment without light with a prevalence value of 25% (with lights); range of 25%-75% (without lights) and intensity 6-8 (with lights); range 11-35.67 (without light). The snubnose pompano seeds are always actively moving when the light is on, the use of the light can effectively catch organisms such as small shrimp or small crustaceans so that the snubnose pompano seeds can be used to be digested as an alternative food (as observed in the stomach contents and intestines of the snubnose pompano). The light also indicates that parasitic attacks on the snubnose pompano are less common.

Comparison of prematurity-related outcomes and complications in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates fed with mother`s own milk versus donor milk: a comparative study.

When mother`s own milk (MOM) is unavailable or insufficient, donor milk (DM) from a human milk bank serves as an alternative feeding option. Our study sought to investigate and compare the outcomes and complications of very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants who receive MOM versus DM. In this retrospective cohort study conducted between 2018 and 2022, we compared 70 VLBW preterm infants exclusively fed with DM to 70 randomly selected counterparts fed with MOM. Both groups began enteral feeding within 72 hours of birth. Various clinical outcomes were investigated during a three-month follow-up. The clinical outcomes were compared via independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, and Fisher`s exact test. The mean gestational age of the infants who were included was 29.6 ± 1.6 weeks, 84 (60%) were males, and the average birth weight was 1217 ± 151 grams. Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. The results of the study demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of hospital length of stay (37±16.3 days in MOM vs 40.3±16.9 days in DM group, P= 0.17), growth rate (13±4 gram/day in MOM vs 13±4 gram/day in DM group, P=0.51), growth velocity (9.8±3.0g/kg/d in MOM vs 9.5±3.2 g/kg/d in DM group), infants with in-hospital vomiting (51 cases in MOM vs 59 cases in DM group, P=0.15),vomiting frequency (1.3±1.1 times in MOM vs 1.5±1.0 times in DM group), incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (4 cases in MOM vs 5 cases in DM group, P > 0.999) and incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (7 cases in MOM vs 6 cases in DM group, P > 0.999). Our study findings indicate that the utilization of DM didn`t have a substantial negative impact on infants` outcomes nor any complications in comparison with MOM.

In vitro Evaluation of Different Levels of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) Nut Meal Supplementation on Rumen Fermentation Kinetics and Digestibility

Background: Globally, safeguarding food and nutritional security of ever increasing population demands sustainable crop and livestock production. While urbanization, decrease in cultivable land and stiff feed-fuel-food competition accompanied with skyrocketing price of conventional feedstuffs hinders the sustainable livestock production. Hence, it necessitates search and exploration of alternative feed resources along with judicious utilization of existing feed resources. In this context, Cashew nut meal (CNM) is one such alternative feed resource but the studies pertaining to its optimum level of inclusion in animal diet is scanty. Therefore, the study was conducted to assess the effect of incorporating varying levels of cashew nut meal (CNM) as a supplement on in vitro rumen fermentation kinetics and digestibility. Methods: Seven distinct compounded feed mixtures (CFM) were formulated, with CNM progressively replacing 0 (C0), 10 (C1), 20 (C2), 30 (C3), 40 (C4), 50 (C5), and 60 (C6) per cent of the soybean meal (SBM) protein present in the control CFM. Additionally, seven experimental complete diets (T0 to T6) were prepared by blending these CFM with Super Napier (Pennisetum purpureum x Pennisetum glaucum) hay in a 40:60 ratio. These diets were subjected to rumen in vitro gas production (RIVGP) study with cumulative gas production measured at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 and 96 h post-incubation. Subsequently, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVTDMD) and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) of the diets were determined using a modified in vitro two-stage technique. Later, total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) were estimated using gas chromatography. Result: Analysis of chemical composition revealed that CNM contains good protein of 256.5 g/kg. The potential gas production (D) and the rate and extent of gas production (c) for diets containing CNM ranged from 54.63 to 60.24 mL and 0.036 to 0.043 h-1, respectively. IVTDMD and NDFD analysis of the seven diets fell within the range of 79.12% to 80.80% and 64.72% to 66.47%, respectively. The estimated TVFA for seven diets ranged from 17.87 to 23.65 mM. Further, the metabolisable energy (ME) of diets ranged from 7.89 to 8.08 MJ/kg DM. Importantly, no significant differences were observed in rumen fermentation kinetics parameters, IVTDMD, NDFD and TVFA among treatments (T0 to T6). In conclusion, cashew nut meal could be used as an alternative to soybean meal in compounded feed mixtures of ruminants up to 30% (w/w) without any adverse effect on rumen fermentation pattern and digestibility.

- Invited Review - Current status, challenges and prospects for pig production in Asia.

Asia is not only the primary region for global pig production but also the largest consumer of pork worldwide. Although the pig production in Asia has made great progress in the past, it still is confronted with numerous challenges. These challenges include: inadequate land and feed resources, a substantial number of small-scale pig farms, escalating pressure to ensure environmental conservation, control of devastating infectious diseases, as well as coping with high temperatures and high humidity. To solve these problems, important investments of human and financial capital are required to promote large-scale production systems, exploit alternative feed resources, implement precision feeding, and focus on preventive medicine and vaccines as alternatives to antibiotics, improve pig breeding, and increase manure recycling. Implementation of these techniques and management practices will facilitate development of more environmentally-friendly and economically sustainable pig production systems in Asia, ultimately providing consumers with healthy pork products around the world.