Alternative Nutrient Sources Research Articles

Crop and Soil Response to Organic Management Under Mediterranean Conditions

Organic agriculture can contribute to maintain the long-term sustainability of the agroecosystems, preserve and improve soil quality and guarantee good quality food products. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different organic fertilizers and a biostimulant on crop performance and soil properties. The research was performed in an experimental farm in Southern Italy and covered a 2-year rotation of lentil and durum wheat for a period of 4 years. An organic commercial fertilizer and a compost, obtained from municipal wastes, with and without a commercial biostimulant, were compared in a randomized complete block design. The results showed that compost, as the only nutrient source, did not significantly decrease lentil and wheat grain yields, even though, in 2011 and 2012, wheat grain quality was better with the organic commercial fertilizer. Probably, the mineralization rate of compost, depending also on environmental conditions, and, consequently, the nutrient availability was not enough to meet the needs of wheat crop. Biostimulant significantly increased the straw yield of lentil by 20% and the weight of 1000 seeds of wheat by 4%. At the end of the experiment, the compost, applied at low doses, significantly increased soil TOC content (+ 3.4%) compared to the organic commercial fertilizers. Conversely, the biostimulant seemed to have no effect on the soil properties. Overall, under the local Mediterranean conditions, the compost may be used as an alternative nutrient source, with positive effects for lentil and wheat productivity, economic sustainability and soil fertility.

Modelling microbial communities using biochemical resource allocation analysis.

To understand the functioning and dynamics of microbial communities is a fundamental challenge in current biology. To tackle this challenge, the construction of computational models of interacting microbes is an indispensable tool. There is, however, a large chasm between ecologically motivated descriptions of microbial growth used in many current ecosystems simulations, and detailed metabolic pathway and genome-based descriptions developed in the context of systems and synthetic biology. Here, we seek to demonstrate how resource allocation models of microbial growth offer the potential to advance ecosystem simulations and their parametrization. In particular, recent work on quantitative resource allocation allow us to formulate mechanistic models of microbial growth that are physiologically meaningful while remaining computationally tractable. These models go beyond Michaelis–Menten and Monod-type growth models, and are capable of accounting for emergent properties that underlie the remarkable plasticity of microbial growth. We outline the utility and advantages of using biochemical resource allocation models by considering a coarse-grained model of cyanobacterial growth and demonstrate how the model allows us to address specific questions of relevance for the simulation of marine microbial ecosystems, including the physiological acclimation of protein expression to different environments, the description of co-limitation by several nutrients and the differential use of alternative nutrient sources, as well as the description of metabolic diversity based on our increasing knowledge about quantitative cell physiology.

Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomydae) larvae and prepupae: Biomass production, fatty acid profile and expression of key genes involved in lipid metabolism

The Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Hermetia illucens provides a promising strategy in the waste valorisation process and a sustainable alternative source of valuable nutrients, including lipids for food and feed. In the present study, the differences in growth performances and nutritional values of BSF V instar larvae and prepupae reared on vegetable waste were analyzed and compared focusing on fat content. V instar larvae showed higher capacity to bioconvert the substrate into biomass than prepupae. The nutritional composition and the fatty acid profiles were dependent on the developmental stage. The expression levels of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (acc), fatty acid synthase (fas), lipase (lip) and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (acd) genes involved in the lipid metabolism pathway and herein characterized for the first time, were evaluated in order to understand the molecular basis underlying the observed differences in fatty acid profiles. Our results suggest that the different fatty acid profiles of BSF V instar larvae and prepupae may be related to the modulation of the lipid metabolism-related genes expression during larval development. Our study highlights substantial differences between H. illucens V instar larvae and prepupae giving important features regarding the opportunity to modulate the preferable fatty acid profile to meet the industrial requirements.

Yield, content and nutrient uptake by winter wheat and spring barley in response to applications of digestate, cattle slurry and NPK mineral fertilizers

ABSTRACT Digestate represents an alternative source of nutrients for crops in sustainable agriculture. We aimed to evaluate the effects of digestate fertilization on grain (GY) and straw yield (SY) and nutrient content and uptake in winter wheat (WW) and spring barley (SB). The study duration was from 2012 to 2016, with the following crop rotation: WW/WW/SB/WW. Every year, the same fertilizers were applied to each respective plot: control, digestate, digestate + straw, cattle slurry and mineral NPK fertilizer. Significantly higher GY and SY were noted after fertilizer application each year compared to the non-fertilized control. The average effect of the fertilizers on GY of WW was control < NPK ≤ digestate + straw ≤ cattle slurry ≤ digestate. Fertilizer application also increased N, S, Na, Zn and Fe content in the grains, especially when digestate was used as fertilizer. However, in non-fertilized plants (control), only the K content increased in the grains, although the uptake of K is positively correlated with GY. Our results show that digestate can be used not only as a replacement for cattle slurry but also as an alternative fertilizer, which, under certain soil conditions, is more effective than NPK fertilizer.

Insects as a source of nutrients in animal feed

Global production of compound feed in 2018 was 1.103 billion tonnes, which was an increase of 3% compared to 2017. To meet the needs of the growing livestock population, a further increase in compound feed production is necessary. The need for new, alternative nutrient sources for feed production, in order to meet the anticipated consumer demand for animal products, has led to an increase in research on the potential uses and effects of insect-derived products, such as whole insects or insect meals and oils. Insects appear to be one of the most promising alternatives to nutrient sources such as soybean and fish meal, commonly used in feed for livestock and aquaculture. The purpose of the review was to present the currently available literature on the use of insects as feed in livestock production and to systematize it in one easy-to-read document. Particular focus has been placed on the use of insect products for animals such as poultry, rabbits and pigs, as well as their effect on productivity, nutrient digestibility, performance, and product quality. The results of numerous studies suggest that insects can be a source of nutrients in feed for poultry, rabbits and pigs.

Comparison of phytochemicals, antioxidant and hypoglycemic activity of four different Brown rice varieties

Abstract Our study investigated the nutrient profiles, bioactive metabolites, antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties of traditional rice varieties such as Puzhuthikar (PTS), Elupaipoo Samba (EPS), Valan Samba (VS) and Garudan Samba (GS). The total phenols and flavonoids were significantly higher in PTS followed by GS, EPS and VS. Gas chromatography and Mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) spectra showed therapeutically relevant secondary metabolites present in the rice varieties. Precisely, this is the first report about the metabolites of traditional rice varieties to the best of our knowledge. PTS displayed higher DPPH radical scavenging and total antioxidant activity, whereas, EPS had the significant capacity to reduce ferric ions and superoxide anions. The α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory concentration reveal the effectiveness of PTS and EPS in type-II diabetes management. Overall, the results suggested that EPS and PTS extracts may afford a novel and an alternative source of nutrients, therapeutically relevant metabolites, antioxidants and blood glucose regulators.

POME: An Alternative Nutrient Source for Bio-Organic Plant Tissue Culture Media

One of the methods in sustainable agriculture is transforming crop wastes into beneficial products such as bio-fertilizer, which will improve the soil fertility, preserving the natural sources, and cost-effective practices. Currently, these practices also need to be applied in plant tissue culture technology to enhance an eco-friendly and sustainable resources which are abundant and locally available. To date, the new bio-organic media derived from different types of agricultural wastes, especially from fruit wastes were successfully established. The objective of this study was to determine the efficiency of agricultural waste, i.e. Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) through a natural fermentation process as a potential nutrient source to substitute the existing standard and synthetic plant tissue culture media (PTC) such as Murashige and Skoog’s (1962) (MS) Medium, Woody Plant Medium (WPM), N6 (Chu) Medium and Gamborg’s (B-5) Medium, available in the market. 100 mL (v/v) POME solution was added with 100 mL (v/v) molasses and then were fermented naturally for 4 weeks in dark condition at room temperature. The results showed that the nutritional value of the fermented POME solution was higher than the synthetic MS basal salt medium. The new POME PTC medium was successfully formulated as a new bio-plant tissue culture media for in vitro regeneration of Musa acuminata.

Production of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) from a dairy industry wastewater using Bacillus subtilis EPAH18: Bioprocess development and simulation

The production of biopolymers such as poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) from renewable resources has gained revived attention; although, fermenting media cost affects the production price. Whilst cheese whey (CW) is an alternative source of nutrients it is managed as wastewater in rural dairy factories. Thus, this can serve as a low-cost fermenting media improving the economics of PHB production. The aim of this work is to develop the fermentation conditions for enhanced Bacillus subtilis EPAH18 PHB biosynthesis and evaluate the economics of the bioprocess by process simulation. Shake flask fermentations performed in order to identify improved PHB biosynthesis conditions were obtained at 37 °C, 24 h of fermentation, 200 rpm, 0.5% (w/v) ammonium sulphate and an inoculum of 5% (v/v). PHB biosynthesis was scaled-up to a batch bioreactor where the optimized fermentation conditions were an agitation of 500 rpm, carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N) of 17.5/1 and pH of 7.6. The highest values of PHB production and yield (YP/S) were 0.54 g/L and 0.057 g/g respectively. The bioprocess was competitive at 1000 ton/h CW feed achieving a PHB production cost of 10.2 US$/kg. It can be concluded that CW could be exploited as a platform for a PHB biorefinery.

Utilization of prickly pear waste for baker's yeast production.

The feasibility of baker's yeast production using fruits and peels of Opuntia ficus indica (OFI) as carbohydrate feedstock was investigated. Two response surface methodologies involving central composite face centered design (CCFD) were successfully applied. The effects of four independent variables on baker's yeast production from OFI fruit juice was evaluated using the first CCFD. The best results were obtained with 24H of inoculum age, 30°C temperature, 200rpm of agitation, and 10% inoculum size. At the maximum point, the biomass concentration reached 9.29g/L. A second CCFD was performed to optimize the sugar extraction from OFI fruit peels. The potential of these latter as a fermentation substrate was determined. From the experimental results, the OFI fruit peel is an appropriate carbon source for the production of baker's yeast. The maximum biomass concentration was 12.51g/L. Different nitrogen supplements were added to promote the yields of baker's yeast. Corn steep liquor was found to be the best alternative nutrient source of casein hydrolysate and yeast extract for baker's yeast production.

Former Foodstuff Products in Tenebrio Molitor Rearing: Effects on Growth, Chemical Composition, Microbiological Load, and Antioxidant Status.

Simple SummaryInsects represent a possible alternative nutrient source for food and feed purposes. Insects could be reared on a feed basis alternative to conventional ones of animal origin and could help to face the rising demand of proteins. Mealworm could be reared directly on former foodstuff products allowing to reduce waste materials and enhance profits in several sectors. This study demonstrates that Tenebrio molitor rearing can be done on leftovers and by-products with proficient outcomes and high-quality final products. However, rearing substrates must be carefully selected in order to maximize the outcomes in relation to the prefixed goals.Tenebrio molitor (mealworm) larvae represent one of the most interesting edible insects and could be reared on alternative feeds, such as former foodstuff products (FFPs). In the present work, five different FFPs (brewery spent grains, bread and cookie leftovers, and mixes of brewer’s spent grain or bread with cookies) were employed as feeding substrates. Larvae’s growth performances, chemical composition, microbial loads, and antioxidant status were determined. Chemical compositions of the substrates affected all the tested parameters. Brewery spent grains-fed larvae showed a faster growth period and higher crude protein and carbohydrate contents. The use of cookies as a single substrate or their addition to spent grains or bread increased the lipids contents, while growth was delayed. Microbial loads were partially affected by the fed diet. The antioxidant status of larvae showed different concentrations of tocopherols isoforms (δ, γ, α) in relation to the diet; however, no differences were detected in relation to the global antioxidant capacity (2,2-azinobis-(3 ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), ABTS reducing activity; 1,1-diphenyl-2-pircydrazyl, DPPH radical scavenging activity; ferric reducing ability, FRAP). Results point out a high plasticity of mealworm larvae and the potential to tailor the final outcomes in relation to the substrate employed. Mealworms could be practically reared on FFPs to produce food-feed with high nutrient values.

Subsurface banding of poultry litter influence on runoff nutrient losses in a no-tillage maize cropping system

Poultry litter (PL) is often used as an alternative nutrient source to inorganic fertilization for crop production in the southeastern US. Historically, PL has been broadcast applied on the soil surface, leaving the nutrients susceptible to runoff. Developments made in recent years allow for placing PL in narrow bands below the soil surface with minimal disturbance. This technological advancement could reduce the transport of P in surface water runoff from fields managed under conservation agricultural systems. Thus, a study was conducted to evaluate the influence of banding PL into a no-tillage corn (Zea Mays L.) field on P loss. Treatments consisted of surface banded PL, subsurface banded PL (3–5 cm below the surface), broadcasted PL, broadcasted commercial fertilizer (CF), and a nonfertilized control. The PL treatments were applied based on an N rate of 168 kg total N ha−1. For the CF, inorganic N was applied at a rate of 168 kg total N ha-1 and P at a rate of 45 kg P ha−1. Runoff events (40 min) were created using rainfall simulations (rainfall was applied at 89 mm hr−1). The greatest losses of dissolved reactive P and inorganic N occurred with the surface broadcast treatments. Subsurface band applying PL reduced P concentration losses and loading in surface water runoff to levels of the control. No differences were observed in runoff volume between treatments. Thus, total P losses mimic those observed for dissolved reactive P concentration in surface water runoff and loads. Approximately 60–80% of the total P concentration was dissolved reactive P regardless of application method. Subsurface band application reduced total P concentration by 95% when compared to surface broadcasted litter. These results show that subsurface band-applied PL can greatly reduce the impact of P loss to the environment when compared to conventional surface-applied PL and CF practices.

Characterization and utilization of hydrothermal carbonization aqueous phase as nutrient source for microalgal growth

This study investigated the feasibility of using hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) aqueous phase as an alternative nutrient source for microalgae cultivation, and the microalgae cultivation capability to treat this complex medium to a level enabling its reuse or discharge. HTC of activated sludge was optimized in terms of the energy content of the solid hydrochar and the nutrient content of the HTC aqueous phase adequate for microalgal growth. Growth rates of Coelastrella sp. and Chlorella sp. in the HTC aqueous phase based growth medium and a control medium (mBG11) were similar, indicating that the HTC aqueous phase does not inhibit the microalgae growth. Nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations were reduced by >90% and dissolved organic carbon by 80% after 6 days of cultivation, resulting in water quality suitable for reuse or discharge. This study confirms the microalgae high potential in a circular bio-economy to valorize wet bio-waste streams from various treatment methods.

Amending marginal sandy soils with biochar and lignocellulosic fermentation residual sustains fertility in elephantgrass bioenergy cropping systems

Perennial grasses offer potential for high lignocellulosic biomass yields on marginal land that can be used for conversion to biofuels. However, fertilizer nutrient inputs are often required to maintain high yields. This study evaluated biochar and fermentation residuals as alternative supplemental nutrient sources for elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum (L.) Schum.) feedstock production. Treatments were (1) 50 kg N ha−1 (E50); (2) 50 kg N ha−1 + fermentation residual (E50FR); (3) 50 kg N ha−1 + biochar (E50BC); and (4) 250 kg N ha−1 (E250). The E50 treatment was not enough to sustain elephantgrass yields over time, as E250 biomass yields were greater in years 3 and 4 compared with E50. Residual amendments had little effect on yield. Plant N concentration in E250 (7.5 g kg−1) was twofold greater compared with all other treatments along with generally greater N removal. Residuals were largely unable to supply additional N, as they did not increase tissue N concentrations or N removal compared with E50. Across years, soil P and Ca levels were 59 and 46% lower, respectively, for E50 and E250 than for E50FR and E50BC, which maintained nearly constant levels throughout the study. Application of biochar (E50BC) increased soil concentrations of Mg, B, Zn, and Mn. Supplemental nutrients are needed to sustain long-term elephantgrass productivity on marginal land of the southeastern U.S. Bioenergy residuals may fill this role when combined with low fertilizer N and possibly K inputs. Identifying optimal amendment application rates will be important to prevent excess accumulation of some elements.

Bleaching forces coral's heterotrophy on diazotrophs and Synechococcus.

Coral reefs are threatened by global warming, which disrupts the symbiosis between corals and their photosynthetic symbionts (Symbiodiniaceae), leading to mass coral bleaching. Planktonic diazotrophs or dinitrogen (N2)-fixing prokaryotes are abundant in coral lagoon waters and could be an alternative nutrient source for corals. Here we incubated untreated and bleached coral colonies of Stylophora pistillata with a 15N2-pre-labelled natural plankton assemblage containing diazotrophs. 15N2 assimilation rates in Symbiodiniaceae cells and tissues of bleached corals were 5- and 30-fold higher, respectively, than those measured in untreated corals, demonstrating that corals incorporate more nitrogen derived from planktonic diazotrophs under bleaching conditions. Bleached corals also preferentially fed on Synechococcus, nitrogen-rich picophytoplanktonic cells, instead of Prochlorococcus and picoeukaryotes, which have a lower cellular nitrogen content. By providing an alternative source of bioavailable nitrogen, both the incorporation of nitrogen derived from planktonic diazotrophs and the ingestion of Synechococcus may have profound consequences for coral bleaching recovery, especially for the many coral reef ecosystems characterized by high abundance and activity of planktonic diazotrophs.

Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Gaseous Nitrogen Losses from the Concentrated Liquid Fraction of Pig Slurries

Processed manure can be an alternative source of nutrients for untreated manure and mineral fertilizers. Mineral concentrates (MCs) are derived from reversed osmosis of the liquid fraction of separated pig slurries. The emissions of ammonia (NH3) and nitrous oxide (N2O) from different (processed) manures and fertilizers were tested in an incubation experiment and a greenhouse experiment with grass as a test crop. Dry matter yields and nitrogen (N) uptake were also determined in the greenhouse experiment. Incorporation into the soil decreased on NH3 emission but increased N2O emission for all nitrogen products (mineral fertilizer, untreated slurry, MC, and solid fraction of separated slurry). Incorporation of both MC, slurries, and mineral fertilizers increased N2O emission in the incubation experiment. The lowest apparent N recovery (ANR) in the pot experiment with grass was obtained for incorporated pig slurry (30–39%) and surface-applied MC (33–38%), while the highest ANRs were obtained for liquid ammonium nitrate (45–53%) and acidified MC (43–55%). It is concluded that MCs have a similar N fertilizer value as mineral N fertilizers if NH3 emission is reduced by incorporation or acidification.

Animals Fed Insect-Based Diets: State-of-the-Art on Digestibility, Performance and Product Quality.

Simple SummaryThe need for new alternative nutrient sources for feed production, to face the expected future consumer demand for animal products, has led to an increase in research on the possible uses and effects of insect-derived products (meals and oils). Insects seem to be one of the most promising alternatives to other nutrient sources, such as the soybean and fish meals commonly used in feeds for livestock and aquaculture. When using alternative nutrient sources, not only do the effects on animal performance have to be evaluated, but also such parameters as nutrient digestibility and product quality as they are of primary importance for feed producers and consumers, respectively.In 2018, the industrial compound feed production throughout the world was 1.103 metric billion tons, which was an increase of 3% compared to 2017. In order to meet the needs of the increasing population, a further increment in compound feed production is necessary. Conventional protein sources are no longer suitable to completely satisfy the increment of feed production in a sustainable way. Insects are one of the most promising options, due to their valuable nutritional features. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art of research on the use of insect meals and oils in aquatic, avian and other animal species diets, focusing mainly on the effects on digestibility, performance and product quality. In general, insect-derived product digestibility is affected by the insect species, the inclusion levels and by the process. Sometimes, the presence of chitin can lead to a decrease in nutrient digestibility. The same considerations are true for animal performance. As far as product quality is concerned, a dramatic effect of insect products has been recorded for the fatty acid profile, with a decrease in valuable n3 fatty acids. Sensory analyses have reported no or slight differences. Insect-derived products seem to be a good alternative to conventional feed sources and can make an important contribution to the sustainable development of the livestock industry.

Effect of dietary inclusion of fermented sea mustard by-product on growth performance, blood profiles, and meat quality in broilers.

Sea mustards are traditionally consumed as human food in many Asian countries. However, owing to the large consumption of seaweed, there are a substantial number of by-products produced during processing. These by-products after fermentation can provide a good alternative nutrient source for broilers and serve as a recycled resource reducing the environmental pollution of the seaweed industry. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of fermented sea mustard by-product (FSM) supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, excreta microflora, blood profiles, relative organ weight, and meat quality in broilers. The treatments were: control (CON), basal diet; FSM, CON +2g kg-1 FSM. During days 1 to 35, with the supplementation of 2g kg-1 FSM, body weight gain (BWG) increased (P < 0.05), whereas the feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased (P < 0.05). On day 35, with the supplementation of 2g kg-1 FSM, excreta Lactobacillus counts increased (P < 0.05), and the excreta Escherichia coli counts decreased (P < 0.05). There were no significant effects (P > 0.05) on nutrient digestibility, blood profile, relative organ weight, and breast meat quality of broilers fed with FSM diets. Dietary supplementation of 2g kg-1 FSM can improve growth performance, and shifted excreta microflora by increasing the proliferation of Lactobacillus counts and by decreasing E. coli counts. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Loss of the Retinoblastoma Protein Modulates Glucose Metabolism in Lung Cancer

Dysregulated metabolism is a hallmark of cancer cells and is driven in part by specific genetic alterations in various oncogenes or tumor suppressors. The retinoblastoma protein (Rb) is a tumor suppressor that was initially characterized in regulating cell cycle progression but recent studies have highlighted a functional role for Rb in controlling cellular metabolism. As such, we aim to characterize the metabolic phenotype caused by genetic loss of Rb in a mouse model of lung cancer. We have employed the Kras+/LSLG12D/Rb1lox/lox and Kras+/LSLG12D/Rb1+/+ transgenic model to study the metabolic effects of Rb1 loss in lung cancer. Cre‐exposed Kras+/LSLG12D/Rb1lox/lox mice exhibit increased tumor burden as well as decreased overall survival compared to Kras+/LSLG12D/Rb1+/+ mice. Our tracer studies using bolus dosing of 13C‐glucose revealed an increase in glucose carbon incorporation into select glycolytic intermediates. Consistent with this result, Rb1 depleted tumors expressed higher hexokinase 2 and glucose transporter 1. Additionally, compared to Rb1‐proficient tumors, Rb1 null tumors exhibit decreased one and three carbon labeled aspartate, which is indicative of pyruvate carboxylase (PC) activity. However, Rb1−/− tumors were found to express higher PC compared to Rb1+/+ tumors, suggesting these tumors may utilize an alternative nutrient source for TCA anaplerosis other than glucose. Taken together, these data have identified several metabolic genes under Rb control, and suggest Rb may regulate differential nutrient utilization in lung tumors.Support or Funding InformationNCI RO1CA166327, American Cancer Society RSG 13‐139‐01This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Comparative Study of Selected Macro and Micronutrients in Bio Slurry Samples from Different Feed Stocks and Inorganic Fertilizers

In Kenya overuse of inorganic fertilizers have rendered soils in arable areas acidic leading to poor crop production and hence great risk of food insecurity. An alternative source of plant nutrients that can also address soil acidity is needed if the country is to be food secure. Bio slurry, a by-product from the biogas plant, can successfully be used to improve crop productivity and soil health. This study was conducted to determine the levels of macro and micro nutrients in bio-slurry from different feed stocks and compare with nutrients from conventional chemical fertilizers. Physical parameters were determined on site. The samples were digested using protein digestion method for nitrogen and acid digestion method for phosphorus, potassium, sodium and magnesium. Phosphorus was then determined using UV-Vis while metals a flame emission spectrophotometer was used. The levels of macro and micronutrients were found to be significantly high in bio slurry samples than in select inorganic fertilizers. This study indicates that bio slurry has basic pH and can be used to raise the pH of acidic soil upon prolonged application. In addition, pig waste slurry can serve better as a planting fertilizer due to its high P content while Cow dung slurry would best serve as a top dresser due to the high nitrogen content.

Utilization of “Narik Layang” medium as alternative in high school biology practicum

Many schools do not organize the biological practice with the topic of bacterial inoculation and Gram staining, especially remote schools in the archipelago due to the difficulty of obtaining bacterial growth medium (Nutrient Agar/NA). This study aims to find alternative sources of nutrients used in NA medium that can be used by teachers in remote areas of the archipelago to be able to carry out bacterial and Gram staining breeding practicum. This research consisted of several stages, namely: (1) sample preparation; (2) manufacture of NA control medium; (3) the production of an alternative medium by the treatment of the use of Layang fish extract (Decapterus russelli) with peptone and without peptone; (4) bacterial inoculation with three different sources; and (5) the calculation of bacterial colonies. The data obtained were analyzed by using Descriptive Analysis. The results showed that the medium of “Narik Layang” using the extract of Layang fish (Decapterus russelli) could be used as an alternative to NA medium that using beef extract. Based on these results, the biology teacher can use the extract of Layang fish as a substitute for beef extract in the manufacture NA medium to carry out bacterial inoculation and Gram staining practicum.