Complete Randomized Design Experiment Research Articles

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.

Digitized Seedbed Soil Quality Assessment from Worn and Edge Hardened Cultivator Sweeps.

Tillage tools for seedbed soil management are often subjected to low stress abrasion wear, which could negatively affect seedbed quality and crop productivity. Limited studies exist that quantify the effects of worn tillage tools on seedbed quality and crop yield. This research investigated the influence of tillage tool wear on seedbed preparation by evaluating the effect of cultivator sweep wear on soil tilth utilizing a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor. The framework consists of a seedbed tillage field experiment using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) experiment in six replicates of two-tillage treatments (new and worn cultivator sweeps). After seedbed tillage, loosely tilled soil aggregates were removed to expose the seedbed soil profile, and then seedbed roughness statistical measures were estimated from LiDAR-scanned seedbed soil surface. Three statistical analyses (Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS), and Earth Mover's Distance (EMD)) were compared to quantitatively evaluate the soil roughness estimated from the LiDAR seedbed surface data. Seedbed prepared by new and worn cultivator sweeps showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in soil roughness variables of standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and kurtosis. Data analysis from the ANOVA and KS methods revealed that LiDAR-extracted soil roughness patterns were statistically influenced by tillage treatment. EMD analysis detected noticeable disparities between the tillage treatments and new versus worn cultivator sweeps. This study concludes that tillage tool wear substantively affects seedbed quality, as evidenced by LiDAR soil profile estimated attributes of soil roughness and three statistical methods (ANOVA, KS, and EMD). Our study supports the adoption of LiDAR technology for seedbed management, highlighting its applicability to evaluate seedbed quality that accounts for the wear life cycle of cultivator sweeps.

Innovation in Making Pia Cake Skin with the Addition of Purple Sweet Potato (Ipomea Batatas L) in the Village of Kimi, Nabire District

Purple sweet potato is one type of tuber. Organoleptic test is a test of a food ingredient based on the level of preference. Shelf life is a time span on a product. Objective: To determine the level of consumer preference and shelf life of pia cake skin with the addition of purple sweet potato (Ipomea Batatas L). Methods: Quantitative research with a completely randomized experimental design (CRD). Panelists in this study were 30 untrained panelists, 15 moderately trained panelists. Results: It is known that the results of research conducted on pia cake skin added purple sweet potato (Ipomea Batatas L) have an effect on the taste p-value 0.01 (&lt;0.05), there is an effect on the aroma p-value 0.02 (&lt;0.05), there is an effect on the color p-value 0.00 (&lt;0.05), there is an effect on the texture p-value 0.00 (&lt;0.05), for the shelf life of pia cake skin in treatments X, Y, V and Z at cold temperature and room temperature there is a relationship p-value &lt;0.05. Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that there are differences in the variables of taste, aroma, color, texture and shelf life of pia cake skin with the addition of purple sweet potato (Ipomea Batatas L) in Kimi Village, which obtained p-value &lt;0.05. Suggestion: There is a need for skills, knowledge related to purple sweet potatoes to increase creativity and the economy of the community.

IMPACT OF SELECTED PLANT LEAF EXTRACTS ON HAEMATOLOGY OF BROILER CHICKS

The effect of some leaf extracts (Cortus afer, Jatropha curcas and Psidium guajava) delivered in drinking water on the haematology of broiler chickens was assessed using 120 broiler chicks randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups consisting of 30 birds per treatment, subdivided into 10 birds per replicate in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) experiment. The treatments were T1 or control (water + proprietary organic tonic), T2 (water + Costus afer leaf extract), T3 (water + Jatropha curcas leaf extract) and T4 (water + Psidium guajava leaf extract). On the last day of the 5-week study, blood samples from the birds were analysed for PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, MCHC, MCH and MCV. Results revealed that PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, MCHC, MCH and MCV values ranged from 28.20–32.84%, 10.34–12.62g/dL, 2.62–3.76 (x106/mm3), 20.09–25.46(x103/mm3), 102.59–122.70fl, 31.86–34.62% and 40.06–44.04pg, respectively. There were significant (p&lt;0.05) differences for all indices measured. The values were normal for all the groups. It can be recommended that poultry farmers use Jatropha curcas leaf extract in drinking water (T3) for broiler birds to improve their haematological markers.

Impact of Iba and Naa Concentrations on Growth Characteristics of MR2 Mulberry (Morus sinensis) Using Mini-Clonal Technology at Nursery Level

Using mini-clonal technology, an experiment was carried out to examine the effects of rooting hormone on the growth and rooting characteristics of the mulberry (Morus sinensis L.) variety 'MR2'. Cuttings from the apical shoots of the mulberry variety MR2, which is the popular variety among farmers and have good resistance towards mildew attack was taken for the study. The experiment was conducted at the Department of Sericulture, Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam. Four replications of the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) experiment were used to arrange the data. Two hormones, such as Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and Napthalene acetic acid (NAA), were used in the experiment. The hormones were replicated four times in each of the following concentration ranges: 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 ppm. Different hormone concentrations were applied to apical shoot cuttings before they were planted in the appropriate rooting medium in a greenhouse. At the 90th day, measurements were taken of the following parameters like shoot length (cm), number of roots per plant (no’s), root length (cm) and number of leaves per plant (no’s). IBA and NAA at 5000 ppm out performed all other treatments in terms of mulberry mini cutting growth and root characteristics.

EFFECT OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAF MEAL ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND FECAL BACTERIAL COUNT IN BROILER CHICKS

Antibiotic growth promoters (AGPS) have been an integral part of the poultry industry for more than sixty years. The AGPs were however suspected to cause cross and multiple antibiotic resistances, leading to a ban on their use in broiler nutrition. Phytogenic additives in animal nutrition have thus attracted attention for their potential role as alternatives to AGPS. Moringa oleifera is known to possess important medicinal properties including antibacterial and antifungal activities. This experiment, which was carried out in a rural part of Kogi State of Nigeria, was conducted to evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal (MOLM) on the growth performance and fecal bacterial count of broiler chicks. A total of 48 day-old Abor acre commercial broiler chickens were used. They were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatment groups in a complete randomized design experiment, each treatment consisting of three replicates, with four birds per replicate. The dietary treatments were maize-based commercial starter ration supplemented with MOLM at levels of 0% (T1 = control), 2.5% (T2), 5% (T3) and 7.5% (T4) respectively. Inclusion of MOLM in broiler starter diets resulted in a non-significant but steady improvement in feed intake of birds with increase in the inclusion level of MOLM. There was also a non-significant improvement in the final weight, weight gain and feed conversion efficiency of starter birds placed on diets enriched with MOLM, with the control group having the highest FCR and feed cost per gram of meat produced. There was however no noticeable effect of MOLM on fecal bacterial count of the chicks. Moringa oleiferaLeaf Meal can therefore be added to broiler diets particularly at 5% level for the purpose of improving the feed conversion efficiency of the chicks which may also result in reduced feed cost.

GROWTH PROMOTION OF RADISH MICROGREENS WITH Trichoderma harzianum INOCULATION

The fungus Trichoderma harzianum is a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for use in agriculture. Its application stimulates the growth of radish microgreens, a short-cycle crop, standing out as an agricultural practice that meets the growing demand for healthier crops. This study aimed to evaluate the use of Trichoderma harzianum on the growth and quality of radish microgreens. The research was conducted in a greenhouse, using a completely randomized experimental design (CRD) with three treatments and eight replications. The treatments included a control, the application of the fungus on the seeds, and the application of the fungus on the substrate. The phytotechnical and post-harvest characteristics were evaluated. The application of the Trichoderma harzianum to the substrate resulted in a 19.75% increase in yield, a 19.87% increase in the conversion of seed mass into fresh mass, a 2.94% increase in the shoot dry mass, a 2.31% increase in water content, and a 28.29% increase in hypocotyl length compared to the control. The use of Trichoderma harzianum proved to be effective in promoting the growth of radish microgreens.

Fitness costs on herbicide-resistant Digitaria insularis (L.) Fedde germination.

Digitaria insularis poses a significant challenge in weed control due to its perennial habit, dense clumping growth, and the widespread presence of herbicide-resistant biotypes. Our research investigates whether single or multiple herbicide resistance biotypes of D. insularis experience fitness costs, specifically affecting their germination. To determine the resistance factor, a dose-response curve was employed using glyphosate and haloxyfop-P-methyl herbicides separately in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replicates per dose (nine doses total). Shoot dry mass was measured at 100 days after herbicide application (DAA), with control assessments performed at 14, 28, and 42 DAA. Subsequently, a separate CRD experiment examined the germination rate as a function of temperature and photoperiod for each biotype. This factorial scheme tested six temperatures across three biotypes (susceptible and two resistant types) under three light exposure periods (0, 8, and 12 hours). Germination percentage and the germination speed index (GSI) were calculated for 14 days, with counts of healthy seedlings recorded daily. Statistical analysis confirmed the resistance/susceptibility of the biotypes based on the dose-response curve. For the susceptible and simple resistance biotypes, the most favorable temperatures for germination were 20, 30 and 40 °C, at which the highest germination percentages and a higher germination speed index were observed. On the other hand, for the biotype with multiple resistance, the temperatures of 25, 30 and 35 °C were more favorable, promoting superior results in both parameters studied.

Drought Tolerance in Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) Genotypes during the Flowering Stage of Development

Aims: To access the responses of 22 soybean genotypes under drought stress during the flowering stage of development.&#x0D; Study Design: A completely randomized experimental design (CRD) was adopted in this study. Five seeds of each of the 22 soybean genotypes were planted in 12-liter (L) plastic buckets (with holes at the bottom) containing sandy loam soil. There was one genotype per pot with three replications. The setup was repeated to represent experimental (drought-stressed (DS) and control (well-watered (WW) groups.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Teaching and Research Farm of the School of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana in 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Twenty-one exotic soybean genotypes and a local variety were assessed for their responses to drought stress at the flowering stage of development using pot experiment in the greenhouse. One group (experimental) was exposed to drought stress by withholding water for 15 days whilst the other group (control) was watered regularly at three-day intervals. Data collected were the number of leaves, plant height, stem girth, leaf area, and number of flowers, at 5, 10, and 15 days after treatment (DAT) and relative leaf water content at 15 DAT. The number of days to permanent wilting of the genotypes was also recorded.&#x0D; Results: Drought stress reduced the number of leaves and plant height significantly (P-values = 0.033, 0.000) and (P-values = 0.004, 0.000) at 10 and 15 days after drought treatment respectively. Also, stem girth, leaf area, and number of flowers were significantly reduced at all sampling dates (P-value = 0.002, 0.000, 0.000), (P-values = 0.004, 0.000, 0.000) and (P-values = 0.009, 0.000, 0.000) respectively. At 15 DAT, drought significantly (P &lt; 0.001) reduced relative leaf water content. Genotypes TGX-1989-11F and TGX-1987-62F were the first and last to wilt at 7 days and 16 days after rewatering respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: The pot screening method revealed that the number of leaves, plant height, stem girth, leaf area, number of flowers, relative leaf water content, and days to permanent wilting differed significantly (P = 0.05) at 15 days of drought exposure.

PRODUCTIVE RESPONSE OF LACTATING DUAL-PURPOSE COWS GRAZING IN AN AGROSILVOPASTORAL SYSTEM DURING THE DRY SEASON SUPPLEMENTED WITH LOW LEVELS OF CRUDE PROTEIN

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background. &lt;/strong&gt;Cattle production in tropical regions of Mexico is in dual-purpose farms (DP) on unintended agrosilvopastoral systems (ASPS) with pastures dominated by tropical grasses with scattered shrubs and trees. During the dry season due to the forage diminished nutritional value and availability most farmers supplement their cattle to sustain milk production and weight gains of calves, without taking into consideration the wide variety of forages available in grazing lands to decide the composition of supplements offered to their cattle. &lt;strong&gt;Objective/hypothesis. &lt;/strong&gt;The objective of the study was to determine the effect of low levels of crude protein (CP) content in supplements (S10 = 100, S11 = 110 and S12 = 120 g CP/kg of DM) on the performance of lactating Brown Swiss (BS) cows on an ASPS during the dry season. We hypothesize that low levels of CP in supplements of lactating grazing cows on an agrosilvopastoral system during the dry season would not affect animal performance. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology. &lt;/strong&gt;The study was carried out in the dry season (March to June of 2012), in a commercial DP in the State of Mexico. Eighteen multiparous BS cows and their calves were used in the study, randomly allocated to three groups (six cows/group), to receive one of three supplements (4.5 kg DM/cow/day), consisting of 100, 110 or 120 g/kg DM of crude protein (CP) S10, S11 and S12, respectively. Data were analysed as a complete random experimental design with a mixed model. &lt;strong&gt;Results. &lt;/strong&gt;There were no significant differences in most of the animal performance variables (P &amp;gt; 0.05), except for fat protein corrected milk (FPCM) where S12 (6.4) was significantly higher than S10 and S11 (4.7 and 4.5 kg/day, respectively). Milk protein yields (kg/day) significantly increased as the CP level increased in supplements. High levels of milk urea nitrogen (MUN) were detected (mean 14.0 mg/dL). &lt;strong&gt;Implications. &lt;/strong&gt;In similar DP farms where cattle have access to other sources of forages like shrubs and trees, it is possible to reduce the CP content of supplements and to increase the efficiency of utilization of those alternative forages as well as a reduction in supplementation costs. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion. &lt;/strong&gt;There were no significant differences in the performance of BS cows grazing on an ASPS during the dry season receiving supplements with low crude protein levels. When correcting to fat-protein milk yields a significant difference was found in favour of supplement with 120 g CP/kg of DM.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Bioecology Study of Brackish Pond Waters for Saline Tilapia in Petta Barat Village Sangihe Archipelago District

Problems that often arise in the fisheries sector, especially in the development of saline tilapia aquaculture, are always related to constraints in feed supply. Therefore, feed management involving the use of immunostimulants is required as an effort to improve the growth and survival of saline tilapia. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify the relationship between the use of immunostimulant yeast derived from natural extracts of cucumber fruit on the relative growth rate of saline tilapia and its relationship with ecological characteristics and water quality in saline tilapia ponds in Petta Barat Village, Sangihe Regency. This study applied a completely randomized experimental design (CRED) with four treatment groups and repeated it three times. The treatment groups were A (no addition of natural yeast in feed), B (10 ml natural yeast/kg feed), C (20 ml natural yeast/kg feed), and D (30 ml natural yeast/kg feed). Feeding was done twice a day, with the amount of feed given as 5% of the fish body weight. The findings of this study indicated that variations in the addition of natural yeast of cucumber fruit extract to the feed did not result in a significant impact on the relative growth rate of saline tilapia. In addition, water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), salinity, nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia remained within appropriate ranges and supported the survival of saline tilapia.

Milk production and milk fatty acid profile as a response to feeding dairy cows with flax products during the persistence period.

The response of enhanced dietary dairy cows with linolenic-rich sources during the persistence period was studied to determine its effectiveness on some blood constituents, milk yield and milk fatty acid profile. A complete randomized design experiment was conducted in the spring and involved 20 Friesian cows (60 days in milk) that were divided into four groups of five animals by milk production according to different types of flax source in isonitrogenous and isoenergetic rations: a traditional diet with no flax source (CO), a diet contains flaxseed meal (FLM), a diet contains whole flaxseed (FLS) and a diet contains flax oil (FLO). DM intake and DMI% of weight were increased for cows fed FLM. However, Omega-3 intake was reduced for cows fed on CO ration. Although, blood serum metabolites did not differ among treatments (p < 0.05) except serum cholesterol which was increased with FLO cows, and serum total lipid which was reduced with FLM cows. Cows fed on flax product and control peaked in milk production at the same time (8-week post-partum), and cows fed on FLM continued in peak production for a longer period. Using flax products enhanced milk production, cows fed FLM had higher milk yield than those fed CO (20.76 vs.16.32 kg/d), and there was no difference between cows fed FLO (17.87 kg/d) and those fed FLS (18.01 kg/d). Also, energy-corrected milk yield and 3.5 fat-corrected milk yield were increased with cows fed on FLM as compared with cows fed CO ration. Flax products had no significant effect on milk fat and protein %, whereas cows fed FLM had the greatest fat% value (3.35%) and FLS had the greatest protein% value (2.66%). Moreover, fat and protein yield increased significantly in treatment groups compared to the CO group, whereas they were the greatest in FLM g (0.700 and 0.540 kg/d), respectively. Concentrations of omega-3-fatty acids in milk fat were increased by using FLO in the ration; using flaxseed meal enhanced conjugated linoleic acids in milk fat and resulted in the highest omega-6-to-omega-3-fatty-acids ratio. The data suggest that flax seed meals can be used as a fat source in the diet of dairy cows during the persistence period with a good response to milk production and its health properties. Moreover, flax oil should be protected before use in rations to prevent its components from saturation or being changed in the rumen.

Pleurotus Ostreatus Polyphenols Extract Based Diets Enhanced Hepatic Cholesterol Metabolism Related Gene Expression in Weaned Rabbits

Mycelium of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) contain active flavonoids that have antioxidant and suppressive cholesterolemic effects. This study was conducted to explore the mechanism and effects of dietary Pleurotus ostreatus phenolic supplementation on levels of cellular cholesterol deposition and metabolism in weaned rabbits. Twenty four (24) weaned rabbits were randomly divided into three groups with eight (8) replicates per group in a complete randomized design experiment. Rabbits were fed control diet (basal) and/or a control diet supplemented with 450 mg/kg or 900 mg/kg P. ostreatus phenolic extracts (POPE) for seven weeks. Blood and liver samples were collected to determine serum adiponectin and hepatic cholesterolic related genes. 3-hydroxyl-3 methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoAR) and cholesterol 7 α-hydroxylase (CTP7A1) mRNA levels and sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1(SREBF1) were down regulated while, Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) and sterol co enzyme A desaturase gene (SCD) were up regulated to decrease fat mass, serum triglycerides (TG), serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in rabbits on 450 and 900mg/kg P. ostreatus phenolic extract supplementation diets. Serum adiponectin concentration and High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased from 22.5 to 32.09 and 1.21 to 1.56 mmol/L, respectively for control and POPE based diets. The results suggested that dietary supplementation of P. ostreatus extract at 900 mg/ kg diets could improve lipid metabolism in rabbits by regulating hepatic cholesterol metabolism gene expression and optimizing fatty acid uptake and synthesis.

Effect of Substrate, Growth Condition and Nutrient Application Methods in Morphological and Commercial Attributes of Hybrid Rose (Rosa indica L.) Cv. Kardinal

Rose is an important plant around the world. The largest trader of rose cut-flower and hybrid varieties is Netherland. Countless varieties are introduced in agriculture business for commercial production. While countless soil and soilless substrates are also utilized for commercial production of rose around the globe. Due to that it is important to standardize and see the best soil or soilless substrate for better production of commercial cut-flowers in Rose. Various soil substrates and growing environment (Under partial shade, 70% sunlight and open sun light) was observed for better commercial yield in Rose. The balance fertilizer was applied in both A: Foliar spray (300:300:300 ppm of NPK) along with the various soil substrates of GS: PR: CCD (1:1:1), GS: LC (1:1), GS: PR (100%) and FYM: SL: CL (1:1:1). The liquid substrate was distilled water for foliar application. The foliar application was done after each day. The other nutrient application process was B: soil application of macro nutrient (2g/L of 17:17:17-NPK) along with GS: PR: CCD (1:1:1), GS: LC (1:1), GS: PR (100%) and FYM: SL: CL (1:1:1). Each plant was saturated with 2 days interval. The fertigation was carried by mixing above mentioned fertilizer with the canal water having EC: 0.4 dSm-1 and pH: 6.9 pH. The performance of plants was observed by observing the attributes such as Plant survival (%), Number of flowers per plant, Plowers stem length (cm), Plant health (Number of leaves, leaf size (cm), Flower diameter (mm), Flower stem size (mm) and Flower stem diameter (mm). Completely randomized experimental design (CRD) was used for calculating means of various treatments. The best treatment was FYM: SL: CL for both under partial shade (70%) and open sun light for the significant growth and development of plant morphological and commercial attributes. The same treatment with soil application of 2g/L of NPK (17:17:17) after each day is recommended to the commercial growers of Rose throughout the flowering season.

Adaptation of Some Quinoa Genotypes (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), Grown in a Saharan Climate in Algeria.

Agriculture in southern Algeria faces several challenges that hinder its development, including drought, high temperatures and the excessive salinity of soil and groundwater. The introduction of crops resistant to these factors is one of the solutions chosen to address these abiotic constraints. This research aimed to evaluate the behavior of quinoa (Chenopodium Quinoa Willd.) grown in the Ouargla region of southeastern Algeria. Five varieties of quinoa (Santa maria, Giza1, Amarilla Sacaca, Blanca de Junin and Kancolla) were tested at two sites that differed in terms of soil salinity (9.95 mS/cm and 0.85 mS/cm) during 2019 and 2020. A complete random block experimental design with four repetitions was used for the agronomic tests. Our results clearly show that higher grain yields were obtained at the high salinity site (site 1) compared to the low salinity site (site 2). However, plant height, grain yield per plant and harvest index differed between varieties and sites. In contrast, stem diameter was not greatly affected by salinity. The varieties that seem to be best adapted to the growing conditions of the Ouargla region are, in descending order: Santa Maria, Giza1, Amarilla Sacaca and Blanca de Junin. When testing quinoa in new environments, it is critical to adapt the cropping cycle of varieties to avoid very high temperatures. The choice to switch to winter cultivation instead of spring cultivation can be an essential criterion for success. The biogeographical approach conducted in this research opens up new perspectives for the adaptation and cultivation of quinoa outside its region of origin to satisfy the food security of the people of North Africa.

Performance and blood profile of Noiler chickens fed diets containing graded levels of Parkia biglobosa leaf meal

A study was undertaken for 56 days to determine the growth performance and blood profile of Noiler chicks fed diets with different levels of Parkia biglobosa leaf meal (PBLM) as a partial replacement of soya bean meal (SBM). A total of ninety-six unsexed Noiler day-old chicks were allotted into four dietary groups of 24 chicks with three replicates of eight per group based on weight equalization using a Completely Randomized experimental design. Group 1 containing 0% PBLM (control), groups 2 to 4 had SBM replaced at 5% 10% and 15% in their diets respectively. Data were collected on feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, feed cost reduction, haematological and serum indices. Results showed that PBLM had an effect (p&lt;0.05) on the growth performance, feed cost reduction, and blood profiles. There was better performance up to 10% PBLM but the performance declined significantly at a higher inclusion level. There was an improvement in the haematological parameters up to 10% PBLM inclusion. The AST and ALP increased significantly with the increased level of PBLM while the total protein, albumin, cholesterol and glucose reduced with the increased level of PBLM: nevertheless, there were no influences (P &gt; 0.05) on the protein and albumin values. The result of this study, therefore, suggested that soya bean meal in Noiler chick diets can be replaced by up to 10% of PBLM without harmful effects on the growth and blood profile.

Effect of feeding frequency of curcuma longa supplemented diets on nutrients intake, growth performance and rumen fermentation characteristics of goats

Natural feed additives are gaining increased attention due to their ability to improve animal performance. Hence, this study was carried out to determine the effect of feeding frequency of diets supplemented turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome powder on goats’ performance. Thus, a basal diet was formulated such that 10g of turmeric rhizome powder (TRP) was supplemented with 300g feed as ration for goats. Twenty goats were used for this trial, balanced for weight, arranged in Completely Randomized Design experiment, of five goats per group. The goats were fed the ration once a week, alternate days/skip a day, daily while the control had no TRP in their diet. The feeding trial lasted 56 days. Parameters were taken on nutrients intake, utilization, weight change, microbial evaluation, rumen fermentation characteristics and all data generated were subjected to statistical analysis. From the results, TRP supplemented diets did not significantly (P&gt;0.05) influence the nutrients intake except for crude protein intake (CPI). Nitrogen retention (NR), daily weight gain (DWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced. NR (86.64%), DWG (55g/d) and FCR (9.96) of goat-does fed TRP supplemented diets on daily basis was the best. Feeding frequency of TRP supplemented diet linearly decreased total bacteria count (TBC) and rumen pH, as the frequency increases while total fungi count (TFC) non-linearly increases. Meanwhile, total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) did not follow a particular trend. Conclusively, daily supplementing of goats’ diet with TRP at 10g/300g feed optimally improved goats’ performance and is thus recommended.

Growth Performance and Cost Benefits of Broilers Fed Diets Containing Ipomoea asarifolia Leaf Meal

This experiment was conducted to determine growth performance and cost benefit of including cooked Ipomoea asarifolia leaf meal (CIALM) in broiler diets. Eight diets were compounded by including Ipomoea asarifolia leaf meal at 0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5% to form T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively of both starter and finisher diets. One hundred and twenty broiler birds were used in a Complete Randomized Design experiment that lasted for eight weeks. Daily feed intake and weekly weight gain were measured. Average daily feed intake, average daily weight gain, total feed consumed, feed conversion ratio and cost benefit parameters were calculated. In starter phase results showed that there were significant differences (P0.05) between treatment means in all the parameters except initial weight of the birds. There were significant differences (p0.05) between treatment means in all the parameters measured during the finisher phase including the cost analysis parameters except that feed cost decreasing with increasing levels of CIALM and net profit decreased from T1 to T4 because of the decrease in total weight gain from T1 to T4. Final weight gain, total weight gain, average daily feed intake, total feed intake, average daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, feed cost and feed cost per kg weight gain all decreased with increasing levels of CIALM. Results control diet performed better than other treatment diets which suggest that lower levels of inclusion that is less than 2.5% may give positive results.

Perendaman Sari Belimbing Wuluh dengan Konsentrasi Berbeda terhadap Nilai pH dan Kadar Air Daging Paha Itik Magelang

Magelang duck is a native duck from Magelang Regency in Central Java. Duck meat has a higher fat content than chicken meat, making it more perishable. Meat quality can be maintained in various ways, one of them is using bilimbi fruit (Averrhoa bilimbi L.). The purpose of this study was to find out whether there was a differences in bilimbi fruit concentration in maintaning quality meat can lower pH value and water content of Magelang duck thigh meat. The ducks used in this study were two months old. This study used a Completely Randomized Experimental Design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 5 replications, then proceed with Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) if the treatments were different. The result showed that soaking bilimbi fruit for 30 minutes at a concentration difference of 20-60% significantly reduced the pH value of the Magelang duck thigh meat to 4,55-4,91, compared to 5,75 for controls. The water content did not affected by 57,01-59,85 value. The concentration of bilimbi fruit up to 60% was able to reduce the pH value of the Magelang duck thigh meat, but did not have an effect on the water content of the Magelang duck thigh meat. Keywords: bilimbi fruit, magelang duck, water content, pH value.

Efektivitas Sari Belimbing Wuluh terhadap Daya Ikat Air dan Susut Masak Daging Paha Itik Magelang

Duck is a type of poultry that can be consumed as a new option other than chicken meat. Several types of local ducks can be utilized their potential for community consumption, one of which is Magelang duck. Duck meat is one of the foodstuffs of livestock origin that contains nutrients that are good for the human body. The weakness of meat with a high nutritional content that can cause meat susceptible to contamination by decaying microorganisms. Efforts to maintain meat quality are to prevent microbial contamination of Magelang duck meat by using bilimbi fruit liquid (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) to maintain the quality of duck meat. This study aims to determine the efficiency using bilimbi fruit liquid with different concentrations on the value of water holding capacity and cooking loss of Magelang duck thigh meat. The experiment plan used in this study was a Completely Randomized Experimental Design (CRD) with 4 treatments differences concentration of using bilimbi fruit liquid (0, 20, 40, 60%) and 5 replays with immersion for 30 minutes. The data obtained was analyzed with a variety analysis (ANOVA) and the apparent differences between treatments were analyzed with the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) advanced test. The results showed that soaking magelang duck thigh meat up to a concentration of 60% of using bilimbi fruit liquid for 30 minutes did not give a noticeable influence or has not been able to increase DIA and decrease cooking. The range of DIA values in this study is 40.67˗44.93% and cooked stacking 47.19–52.37%.&#x0D; Keywords: magelang duck, water holding capacity, starfruit juice, cooking loss.