Commercial Feed Research Articles

Value Chain Analysis of Cattle Feed Market in Banaskantha District, India

India has vast resources of livestock and poultry, which play a vital role in improving the socio-economic conditions of rural masses. Livestock sector contributed 4.90 per cent of total GVA in 2020-21. Birthal and Jha [1] has found feed scarcity as the main limiting factor to improving livestock productivity. Therefore, to increase the productivity potential of milch animals the use of commercial compound feed is inevitable as supply of feed & fodder is shortening due to shrinking pasture land in the country. The Indian feed industry is about 57 years old. India is deficient in fodder and its availability is shrinking day by day due to decrease in cultivable area and increased share in food crop production so more thrust should be directed towards compound feeds by identifying the constraints and removing them.This study focused on the effectiveness of the feed industry and the performance of the value chain when mapping the cattle feed value chain in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat state. Total of ten feed manufacturing units and 120 farmers were selected for the study. The study was based on primary data and secondary data, the primary data were collected through personal interviews with the help of a structured survey schedule. Secondary data on livestock population were collected through the livestock census, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India. A multi stage random sampling method was adopted as an appropriate sampling procedure for the study. Banaskantha district was purposely selected for the study as Banaskantha district has highest livestock population in overall Gujarat State. Four talukas from Banaskantha district were selected randomly and feed manufacturing units were selected by snowball sampling method. From each taluka, five villages were selected randomly. From each village, six farmers were selected randomly. The study focused on buying behavior of farmers regarding cattle feed purchase and to estimate demand for concentrated feed requirements for the future in Banaskantha district. The study found that among the eight explanatory (independent) variables, five variables viz., livestock population, farm size, feed price, income from livestock, total feed fed per day were found to be significantly associated with expenditure of cattle feed price per animal per month and other variables such as average age of the animal, technology adoption and distance from buying location were statistically non-significant. The required feed demand for future livestock populations in Banaskantha district are 3651480 metric tonnes, 4487461 metric tonnes, 5514543 metric tonnes, 6774097 metric tonnes and 8315523 metric tonnes for the year 2024, 2029,2034, 2039 and 2044 respectively.

The causes of asymmetry in the chelae of the mud crab Scylla paramamosain Estampador, 1950 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Portunidae)

Abstract The asymmetry trait in brachyuran crabs is mostly expressed by the different sizes or particular details of the two chelae. The causes for this asymmetry have been rarely investigated in the economically important crab Scylla paramamosainEstampador, 1950. We found that the asymmetric chelae first appeared in the megalopa stage. The examination of four “right-handed” and two “left-handed” mothers and their 521 megalopa offspring indicated that this trait might not be influenced by dominant alleles, since 86.0% –99.0% of megalopae exhibited the right-handed phenotype in the four offspring of the right-handed mother, whereas about 93.1% and 100% megalopae exhibited the right-handed phenotype in the two left-handed-mothers’ offspring. The percentage of left-handed individuals at different stages also supports this hypothesis. We provide evidence that the amputation of the handed chela will result in a “handedness reversal,” and that the food type might influence the speed of the reversal. Crabs that were fed with fish blocks had a faster handedness reversal than those who were fed with commercial pellets feed, perhaps because of the increase in effort in individuals feeding on fish blocks.

Can commercial aquafeeds improve the nutritional value of brine shrimp? Proximal composition and lipid profile of alternative enhancers

Artemia, commonly known as brine shrimp, holds a significant role as live prey in ornamental and commercial fish aquaculture. This study addressed the nutritional deficiency in adult Artemia biomass, exploring alternative enrichers available in Brazil. Evaluating a commercial aquafeed (Polinutre Poli Camarão 400PL) and a lipid emulsion (BioViv HUFA Continum), adult Artemia were subjected to different enrichment protocols, including periods of 1, 12, and 24 hours with each enricher, as well as a test group raised 100% on the commercial feed. Protein content for Artemia exclusively fed the commercial aquafeed (CF100) reached values very similar to those provided by the main commercial products available worldwide and other commonly used live prey. Enrichment time effects were observed from 12 h onwards, showing positive impacts on protein accumulation. Lipid content peaked at 12 h, followed by a decrease at 24 h. Further studies are needed to assess whether the combination of feed-based protocols followed by 12-h lipid emulsion enrichment can surpass the current results, providing high levels of protein content while maintaining a complete lipid profile.

Growth performance and enzymatic activities in monosex tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) supplemented with Najas indica along with the compound identification of the extracts.

Recent research has looked at various macroalgae species as dietary components or feed additives for a variety of fish species due to their nutritional value. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of Najas indica, a macroalgae extract, on the growth performance, proximate composition, and metabolic activities of monosex tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), while also isolating the compounds present. Three distinct solvents (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol) were used to extract bioactive compounds from a coarse powder of macroalgae after drying and grinding, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used to detect bioactive compounds. The extracts were combined with commercial feed (0.4%) and applied to the treatment with three replications and a control containing 50 fingerlings per tank for 5 weeks. The findings indicated a significant increase in the final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), and survival rate among the treated fish, whereas the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed to decrease in comparison to the control group. Significantly higher levels of protein and lipids were found in treated fish, whereas moisture and ash levels were significantly lower compared to control fish. In treated fish, the digestive enzyme amylase was significantly higher, but the protease enzyme reduced significantly. The antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) was significantly higher in the treatment group, whereas the catalase (CAT) enzyme did not differ significantly. A total of 47 bioactive compounds were identified in N. indica, among which the prominent compounds included n-hexadecanoic acid, neophytadiene, phytyl palmitate, d-mannitol, and heptanoic acid. The results obtained from this study indicate that the utilization of N. indica macroalgae extract has the potential to serve as an additional dietary component, therefore, enhancing the growth performance and metabolic functions of fish.

Phytochemical Screening of Seaweed Flour (Eucheuma cottonii) Using Various Organic Solvents and Its Application in Tilapia Feed (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study aims to qualitatively analyze the bioactive compounds in Eucheuma cottonii seaweed flour extract and its application in commercial feed for tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The methodology employed is experimental and consists of two phases. Phase 1 involves the extraction of E. cottonii flour using three different organic solvents with varying polarity (ethanol, ethyl acetate, and a combination of ethanol + ethyl acetate). The testing parameters include qualitative phytochemical tests for alkaloids, steroids/triterpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, and tannins. Phase 2 consists of the application of the extract to tilapia over a 30-day rearing period with four treatments: control/commercial feed (P0), commercial feed + ethanol extract (P1), commercial feed + ethyl acetate extract (P2), and commercial feed + combined ethanol and ethyl acetate extract (P3). The parameters tested include absolute weight, specific growth rate, survival rate, and water quality. Phytochemical and water quality data are presented in table format. Meanwhile, growth and survival data are analyzed using ANOVA, followed by Duncan’s test for significant differences. The results of the researches carried out, it can be concluded that the phytochemical analysis of E. cottonii extract in ethanol and the ethanol + ethyl acetate combination yielded similar compounds: alkaloids, steroids/triterpenoids, and flavonoids. The ethyl acetate extract contained triterpenoids and flavonoids. Both saponins and tannins returned negative results across all organic solvent treatments. All treatments with the addition of E. cottonii seaweed extract in various organic solvents demonstrated better growth in tilapia compared to the control treatment.

Comparative growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) sex groups intank culture: A hormone-free approach for sustainable aquaculture in Dodoma, Tanzania

Male tilapia are globally preferred in aquaculture for their superior growth and uniform harvest sizes. However, hormonal sex reversal techniques used to produce all-male populations can pose health and environmental risks. This study investigated the growth performance of manually separated monosex males, monosex females, and mixed-sex groups of Nile tilapia in tank culture as a sustainable and hormone-free alternative. Over six weeks, the study measured various morphometric parameters, weight gain, specific growth rates, water quality parameters, and condition factors. The fish were fed isonitrogenous commercial feed, and the feeding regime was adjusted based on their weight. Results revealed that monosex tilapia groups attained higher growth rates than mixed-sex groups, with males achieving an average final weight of 56.5 g, followed by females at 53.3 g, and mixed-sex groups at 43.3 g. Males had higher morphometric values compared to females and mixed-sex groups. The water quality parameters remained optimal across all groups, indicating that sex composition does not impact water management. Monosex females and mixed-sex groups exhibited better condition factors. The study concludes that tilapia farming can be effectively conducted with either mono-sex male or mono-sex female tilapia, as their growth rates do not differ significantly. Further research and development of techniques to ease the separation of sexes and enhance the growth rates of monosex female tilapia are recommended as a viable, hormone-free alternative for sustainable aquaculture.

Effects of Natural Carotenoid Source Enriched Feed on the Growth, Flesh Carotenoid, Composition, and Palatability of a Silver Barb (Barbonymus gonionotus)

Aim: The study compared the effects of different natural carotenoid-enriched feeds with a commercial carp feed on the growth, flesh carotenoid, composition, and palatability of Barbonymus gonionotus. Study Design: The study was conducted with four feeds treated as four treatments where, a commercial carp grower feed was used as control feed (CF) and three test feed were made by adding the powder of three carotenoid sources, viz., tomato (TMP), carrot (CRP), and beetroot (BRP) in the control feed at a rate of 2g/kg. Fifteen juveniles of B. gonionotus were stocked in each cage. The fish were fed with test feed twice a day at the rate of 5% (2.5% + 2.5%) of body weight and weighed fortnightly to adjust the ration size. Place and Duration of Study: The trial was conducted in twelve cages set in a pond at the Department of Fisheries, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh, for 90 days. Methodology: At the end of the trial, the growth and feed utilization parameters, viz., weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER), flesh carotenoid and composition, and palatability indicators of the fish were evaluated according to standard formulae, spectrophotometry, AOAC, and organoleptic sensory technique, respectively. Results: The higher WG (193.89±12.31 g) and SGR (1.41±0.08 %), better FCR (1.59±0.16) and PER (3.07±0.31), and higher carotenoids content (4.31±0.29 mg/g) were found in the fish fed with carrot-enriched feed, followed by the fish fed with tomato-enriched feed (WG: 174.86±11.50 g, SGR: 1.33±0.01 %, FCR: 1.74±0.04, PER: 2.78±0.06 and Carotenoids: 1.59±0.09 mg/g) and the beetroot-enriched feed (WG: 168.56±12.87 g, SGR: 1.30±0.08 %, FCR: 1.84±0.19, PER: 2.66±0.28 and carotenoids: 1.44±0.40 mg/g) when compared to the control fish. No significant difference in the flesh composition was found among the treatments. A significantly higher organoleptic sensory score (25.54±0.57) was recorded in the fish fed with carrot-enriched feed and lower in the control feed (19.52±0.77). Conclusion: The study concludes that 2g/kg carrot powder supplementation in feed is better for enhancing the growth, carotenoid deposition, and palatability of B. gonionotus.

Enhancing growth performance and health of coloured-broiler chickens with signal grass meal (Brachiaria decumbens) supplementation under tropical conditions

This study examines the impact of signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens) as a phytobiotic supplement on the production performance and health of coloured-broiler chickens reared in tropical environments. A total of 216 day-old Sasso broiler chicks were randomly assigned to six treatment groups with six replications each. All six treatments received the same commercial diets with some adjustments: Treatment 1 (negative control) with only commercial feed, Treatment 2 (positive control) with 100 mg kg-1g kg-1 oxytetracycline, Treatment 3, 4, 5, and 6 with 1.25, 2.50, 3.75, and 5.00 g kg-1 of B. decumbens grass meal, respectively, without antibiotic. Throughout the eight-week study, body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly for each replicate to calculate body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Additional evaluations included nutrient digestibility, gut histomorphology, cecal microflora population, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Blood biomarkers and biochemistry were also analysed to evaluate the chickens' health status. Results indicated that broilers supplemented with B. decumbens grass meal, particularly T6 showed significantly (p<0.05) superior growth performance compared to the negative with reduced FCR of 6.8%. Apparent ileal digestibility was also significantly improved in T6, with 22.32% higher CP digestibility. Enhanced gut histomorphology and a healthier cecal microbial population supported improved nutrient absorption and overall gut health, as evidenced by significant increases in the villi-to-crypt ratio and a higher coliform count than the control. Enhanced carcass characteristics, such as higher full gizzard and gastrointestinal tract weights of T6 broilers, further supported improved digestibility. The supplementation also improved meat quality, with blood biomarkers indicating lower stress and inflammation levels comparable to T2. Additionally, the blood biochemistry of T6 broilers suggested hepatoprotective and hypocholesterolemic effects. Therefore, broilers in T6 demonstrated that B. decumbens has significant potential as an effective feed additive to replace antibiotics in the tropical poultry sector due to its phytocompounds profile, including high saponin content.

Effect of Adding Cannabis (Cannabis Sativa) in Balanced Feed as a Growth Promoter in Cobb 500 Broiler Chickens

Objective: The purpose of the research was to evaluate the productive behavior of Cobb 500 Broiler Chickens with the addition of Cannabis in the Balanced Feed. Theoretical Framework: There is a growing interest in the use of cannabis in animal feed, not only for its nutritional contribution but also for the effects of the various compounds present in this plant; cannabis oil and seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can be transferred to egg yolks and chicken meat. Method: The research was carried out in the field phase, as a descriptive experimental with the Completely Randomized Experimental Design (C.R.D.), with four treatments and three repetitions. The total sample size was 96 Broiler chickens of the Cobb 500 line. Results and Discussion: The highest feed consumption, initial weight, final weight and economic benefit were reported in the treatment with 10 kg of commercial Balanced Feed + 40 g of Cannabis. Research implications: This study shows that Cannabis as a feed additive can be used as a growth promoter in the diet of Cobb 500 Broiler Chickens. Originality/Value: This study contributes with a new alternative to improve poultry feeding, through the use of Cannabis in the daily diet, which has been shown to be effective in increasing weight gain in chickens.

Broiler Chicken Performance with The Addition of Moringa Leaf Flour (Moringa oleifera) and Garlic Flour (Allium sativum L)

This study aims to determine the effect of giving Moringa leaf flour at 1, 2.5% and 5% and garlic flour at 2% on the performance of broiler chickens. The materials used are 64 broiler chickens. Moringa leaf flour and garlic flour. This study used a completely randomized design with four treatments and four replications. P0 = 100% commercial feed, P1 = 1% Moringa leaf flour and 2% garlic flour, P2 = 2.5% Moringa leaf flour and 2% garlic flour, P3 = 5% Moringa leaf flour and 2% garlic flour for 35 days. The variables observed were feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, mortality and performance index. The data obtained were analyzed using variance analysis, and the Duncan test was continued. The results showed that the treatment had no significant effect (P&gt;0.05) on feed intake, weight gain, FCR, mortality and IP. Based on the study results, it can be concluded that administering Moringa leaf flour at up to 5% and garlic flour at 2% yielded good results on weight gain, FCR, and mortality.

Application of Biofloc Techznology as an Environmentally Friendly Solution to Increase the Productivity of Freshwater Fish Cultivation

This study explores the application of Biofloc Technology (BFT) as an environmentally friendly solution to increase the productivity of freshwater fish cultivation. Using a qualitative research approach based on a comprehensive literature review and library research, the paper examines the effectiveness of Biofloc in improving water quality, reducing feed costs, and enhancing fish growth rates. BFT promotes the growth of beneficial microbial communities that convert organic waste into protein-rich bioflocs, which serve as a supplementary feed for fish. This technology minimizes water exchange, conserves resources, and mitigates environmental pollution in aquaculture systems. The study highlights various successful implementations of Biofloc in freshwater aquaculture, noting significant improvements in production efficiency and sustainability compared to traditional farming methods. Moreover, the paper discusses the economic and environmental benefits of adopting Biofloc Technology, including reduced dependency on high-cost commercial feed and lower environmental impact due to decreased water usage and waste output. The findings suggest that Biofloc Technology is a promising innovation for sustainable aquaculture, providing both ecological and economic advantages. This research provides insights for policymakers, fish farmers, and aquaculture industry stakeholders interested in adopting eco-friendly practices to enhance productivity while protecting aquatic ecosystems

Enhancing Aquaculture Productivity through Integrated Farming Systems: A Comparative Study of Fish-Pig and Fish-Duck Systems

Integrated farming systems involving fish-animal are of high relevance in current scenario. Studies like this asses the suitability of such systems in improving the aquaculture productivity and overall benefits to the ecosystem. It plays a crucial role in optimizing the use of small water resources in rural areas to enhance animal production. Given the potential of pig and duck manure as nutrient inputs in fish culture, a grow-out trial was conducted in a 0.1 ha earthen pond located in Elangitampatty, Kezhisenkattupatti, and Asakkattuppatti villages of Kollihills Taluk in Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu. The pond was stocked with four carp species: Catla, Rohu, Mrigal, and Grass carp in a ratio of 40:20:30:10 at a density of 7500 fish per hectare. Three treatments were employed: (1) Control (T0), where fish were fed with commercial feed, (2) Integrated fish-duck farming (T1), and (3) Integrated pig-fish farming (T2). In the control group (T0), fish were fed commercial fish feed (24% crude protein, 4 mm pellet size) at 4% of body weight, while in T1 and T2, fish received 50% of the commercial feed and were supplemented with duck and pig excreta, respectively. After an 8-month grow-out period, fish weights and total production in each group were recorded. Water quality parameters, such as pH, dissolved oxygen, free carbon dioxide, alkalinity, and hardness, were measured using standard methods (APHA, 2019). Results showed that pond fertilization with pig and duck excreta promoted the growth of algae, phytoplankton, and zooplankton, providing a natural food source for the fish. Total fish production was highest in the fish-pig integration system (T2), with a recorded yield of 4960.09 kg. Catla (Catla catla) had the highest individual species yield, with a total harvested weight of 2225.98 kg, followed by Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) at 1490.37 kg. The final average weight of Grass carp in T0, T1, and T2 was 1047 ± 13.27 g, 1151.10 ± 12.85 g, and 1490.37 ± 13.52 g, respectively. For Catla, the final average weight in T0, T1, and T2 was 910 ± 9.45 g, 960 ± 10.26 g, and 980 ± 12.20 g, respectively. Similarly, Rohu in T0, T1, and T2 weighed 850 ± 7.98 g, 900 ± 11.23 g, and 910 ± 11.16 g, respectively, while Mrigal in T0, T1, and T2 weighed 600 ± 6.04 g, 720 ± 8.50 g, and 730 ± 10.56 g, respectively. The results highlight that the fish-pig system outperformed the fish-duck system in terms of fish productivity, which may be due to the better nutrient composition in pig manure and the genetic potential of the fish species. An economic analysis revealed that the fish-pig integration system generated the highest net income (Rs. 555,353.90) and benefit-cost ratio (2.12), indicating that integrated fish-pig farming is more profitable than both fish-duck farming and the control group without integration.

Higher education and public good in England

AbstractIn the Anglophone jurisdictions, higher education policy is over-determined by economic policy and subjected to neoliberal regulation based on quasi-market competition between corporatised institutions, regulated by performative comparisons, tuition fees, and outputs imagined as commodities. England installed marketisation in successive policy changes between the Thatcher government’s introduction of commercial fees for international students in 1979 and the full-fee market for domestic students, supported by subsidised income-contingent loans, in 2012. Policy commitment to public good outcomes (the collective and non-pecuniary individual benefits of higher education) was largely emptied out, leaving only attenuated proxies such as widening participation and research impact. Responsibility for public good outcomes was transferred from government to institutions. Following a discussion of Anglophone concepts of ‘public’ and an overview of key policy reports from 1963–2019, the paper reports on qualitative research into approaches to higher education and public good in England. There were 24 semi-structured interviews, with middle and senior manager-leaders in two universities and policy professionals. Nearly all advocated a broad public good role, in contrast to policy in England, and provided examples of public outcomes in higher education. However, these concepts lacked clarity, while at the same time the shaping effects of the market were sharply understood.

The Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Commercial Feed on Feed Utilization Efficiency, Growth Performance, and Blood Profile of Freshwater Pomfret (Colossoma macropomum) Fingerlings

The Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Commercial Feed on Feed Utilization Efficiency, Growth Performance, and Blood Profile of Freshwater Pomfret (Colossoma macropomum) Fingerlings

The Effect of Synbiotics and Probiotics on Ochratoxin Concentrations in Blood and Tissues, Health Status, and Gastrointestinal Function in Turkeys Fed Diets Contaminated with Ochratoxin A.

The aim of this study was to evaluate carcass quality and analyze gastrointestinal functional status, ochratoxin A (OTA) accumulation in tissues and organs, and the health status of turkeys fed diets contaminated with OTA and supplemented with synbiotic preparations in comparison with commercial probiotic feed additives. The research involved 120 female BIG 6 turkeys, divided into six treatment groups (five replicates, four birds per replicate). Wheat naturally contaminated with OTA (662.03 μg/kg) was used in turkey diets. Turkeys in group 1 received an OTA-contaminated diet without additives. Groups 2 and 3 received 0.4 g/kg of probiotic preparation BioPlus 2B or Cylactin. Groups 4, 5, and 6 received 0.5 g/kg of synbiotics S1, S2, or S3. The following parameters were monitored: growth performance, carcass quality, gastrointestinal tract structure and digesta pH, health status, and concentrations of OTA in the blood and tissues of turkeys. The study found no significant differences in the growth performance and carcass quality of turkey. However, the introduction of probiotics or synbiotics into OTA-contaminated feed mixtures resulted in a reduced pH of the digesta in certain sections of the turkey digestive tract (p < 0.05). Additionally, the tested synbiotic additives significantly reduced liver weight in turkeys at weeks 6 and 15 (p < 0.05). The addition of probiotic and synbiotic preparations based on lactic acid bacteria strains, inulin, and S. cerevisiae yeasts to OTA-contaminated diets in commercial turkey farming may improve health status (p < 0.05) and reduce mycotoxin accumulation in organs and tissues of poultry (p < 0.05).

Effect of Using Prickly Pear Seed Cake (Opuntia ficus indica L.) on Growth Performance, Digestibility, Physiological and Histometric Parameters in Rabbits

Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica L.) could be used in rabbit nutrition in compliance with circular economy principles, global warming issues, and reduction of production costs. This study aims to evaluate the effects of dietary incorporation of prickly pear seed cake (PPSC) on growth, physiological, and histometric parameters in rabbits. A total of 105 rabbits were divided into three experimental groups (n = 35) and fed different diets: a commercial feed (C group), the same feed with alfalfa replaced by PPSC at 10% (10PP group), and at 20% (20PP group). They were group-housed in cages with 5 animals per cage from weaning until slaughtering. While body weights and weight gains were similar in all groups, the coefficients of nutrient digestibility of dry matter, fibers, and ashes, as well as the characteristics of intestinal villi, were improved in the 10PP group compared to the others (p &lt; 0.05). The 20PP group showed a reduction in perirenal and interscapular fat (p &lt; 0.05), as well as lower plasma concentrations of triglycerides and cholesterol compared to the C group (p &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, PPSC can be incorporated into the diets of growing rabbits up to 20% as a partial substitute for alfalfa without the impairment of growth performance. Additionally, the inclusion of PPSC enhanced nutrient digestibility and increased the intestinal absorption surface area.

Effects of Dietary Microalgae Schizochytrium sp. Supplementation on Growth Performance and Skin Color in Jack Dempsey cichlid (Rocio octofasciata)

Growth retardation and decreased vivid coloration are significant issues in the ornamental fish market, particularly among cichlids. This study investigates the effects of Schizochytrium sp. microalgae supplementation on the growth and skin coloration of the Jack Dempsey cichlid (Rocio octofasciata). Three experimental groups were established: a control group (C) with no supplementation, and two microalgae-supplemented groups with 0.5% (S05) and 1% (S10). The control group was fed a commercial diet, while the S05 and S10 groups received the microalgae mixed with the commercial feed via spraying. A total of 135 Jack Dempsey fish (mean initial weight: 1.17 ± 0.14 g) were stocked into nine glass tanks (100 L each), with three replicates per group. After a 60-day feeding trial, growth indices revealed significant differences (p&lt;0.05) between the control and algae-supplemented groups. The S10 group exhibited the highest final weight (FW) and the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR). Additionally, the weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) values for the S10 group were significantly higher than those of both the control and S05 groups (p&lt;0.05). However, skin color parameters, including L* (brightness), a* (+red/-green axis), b* (+yellow/-blue axis), chroma (Ch), and hue angle (Hue), showed no statistical differences among the groups. This study demonstrates that a diet supplemented with 1% Schizochytrium sp. can enhance growth parameters and serve as a beneficial feed additive for Jack Dempsey cichlids.

Impacts of Breed, Production System and Feeding Type on Nutritional, Organoleptic Characteristics and Oxidative Status on Beef Cattle in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of breed, production system, and feeding type on meat quality, evaluating organoleptic and physicochemical traits and antioxidant status across selected local cattle breeds. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on sirloin and blood samples taken in slaughterhouses from the hot carcass of male cattle, divided according to breed, production system and type of feed. The nutritional, organoleptic characteristics and oxidative status was assessed. Findings: The results revealed that meat from Goudali breed raised in a sedentary system exhibited significantly lower tenderness (p&lt;.) and higher lipid (p&lt;.) and protein (p&lt;.) contents. Additionally, the meat displayed notably lower pH (p=.), reduced cortisol (p&lt;.), and lower catalase (p&lt;.), TAC (p&lt;.), and FRAP (p=.) activities. Consumers preferred the meat of the White Fulani breed due to its color (p&lt;.). In transhumant system, the meat was richer in dry matter (p=.), lipids (p&lt;.), and fibres (p=.), while the sedentary system resulted in more tender (p=.) and red-dark colored meat (p&lt;.), which consumers favored. Meat from cows under commercial feed were preferred by consumers (p&lt;.) compared to grass-fed cows, exhibiting significantly higher lipid (p&lt;.) and protein (p&lt;.) levels as well as intense color (p=.). However, meat from grass-fed cows had significantly higher fibre content (p&lt;.), tenderness (p&lt;.), better taste (p=.), juiciness (p=.), and higher catalase (p=.) and TAC (p&lt;.) activities. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: These findings underscore the importance of considering breed, production system, and feeding type when conserving, selecting, or improving beef breeds for both meat quantity and quality.

Diseminasi Teknologi Mesin Feed Grinder dan Pelatihan Pembuatan Silasi Berbahan Limbah pertanian untuk Menghasilkan Pakan Domba Bernutrisi

This community service activity aims to disseminate feed grinder machine technology and provide training on making silage from agricultural waste as an alternative, nutritious feed for sheep in collaboration with the Sumber Mendho Nusantara livestock group. The implementation method involves four stages: preparation, which focuses on identifying the partner's problems and needs; training, which includes socializing the use of agricultural waste and demonstrating the feed grinder machine; mentoring, which focuses on follow-up and monitoring previous activities; and reporting and sustainability to ensure that the program continues to be implemented by the partner. The outcomes of this community service are that the partners are able to understand and apply appropriate technology to process waste, such as cassava and corn cobs, into quality feed. This activity not only reduces the farmers' dependence on commercial feed but also increases operational efficiency and opens up new opportunities in agropreneurship. The results also indicate a positive change in the partners' mindset, skills, and ability to manage agricultural waste. Furthermore, the increased knowledge of operating and maintaining appropriate technology provides a strong foundation for the program's sustainability in the future. With the support of proper technology and training, the livestock group can improve the quality of animal feed and optimize local economic potential.

Effects of supplemental medusa (Rhopilema esculentum) on intestinal microbiota and metabolites in silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus).

Pampus argenteus demonstrates a preference for Rhopilema esculentum as prey, yet the ramifications of consuming supplemental medusa on fish microbiota and metabolism remain elusive. To elucidate these effects, 300 juvenile fish were divided into two groups: control group (C, given commercial food only) and supplemental medusa (SM) group (given supplemental medusa + commercial feed). After 15 days, fish in the SM group exhibited a significant increase in fatness, the amylase activity in the intestine significantly increased, and the intestinal microvilli were arranged more neatly. The comprehensive approach involving 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and metabolomics was employed, leading to the identification of five genera within the SM group, namely Lactococcus, Cohaesibacter, Maritalea, Sulfitobacter, and Carnobacterium. Functional prediction analysis of the microbiota indicated that the consumption of supplemental medusa facilitated processes such as glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and amino acid absorption. Metabolomics analysis revealed significant enrichment of 85 differential metabolites, most of them belonging to fatty acids and conjugates. These differential metabolites primarily participated in processes such as amino acid metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, and disease. Notably, the consumption of medusa resulted in a significant reduction in nine lysophospholipids associated with cardiovascular disease and inflammation. Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis revealed associations between specific microorganisms and metabolites, indicating that Cobetia, Weissella, and Macrococcus exhibited an increased abundance in the SM group, positively correlating with apocynin, 12-Hete, and delta 9-THC-d3. The indicator bacteria Psychrobacter reduced in the SM group, exhibiting a negative correlation with cystathionine (a compound involved in glutathione synthesis). Overall, the supplementation of medusa may confer a beneficial effect on the immunity of the fish. This study contributes to the theoretical framework for fish feed development.