Dwarf Elephant Research Articles

PRODUKSI DAN KANDUNGAN NUTRIEN HIJAUAN RUMPUT Pennisetum purpureum cv Mott, DENGAN PEMBERIAN PUPUK ORGANIK CAIR HASIL VERMICOMPOSTING LIMBAH SAPI POTONG

Fertilization is a very important effort for Dwarf Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv Mott) to achieve forage production and high nutritional quality following its potential. This research aims to determine the yield of dry matter, crude protein content, and crude fiber of Dwarf Elephant Grass by application of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) resulting from vermicomposting of beef cattle waste. The research was conducted at the Field Laboratory of Forage Crop, and the Ruminant Animal Nutrition and Feed Chemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Padjadjaran University from January to June 2018. The research method used was the experimental method with a Completely Randomized Design using 3 treatments, namely P1 (5,000 L per Ha), P2 (10,000 L per Ha), and P3 (15,000 L per Ha), and 6 replications. Data were processed by analysis of variance and continued with Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The results showed that giving LOF increased the production, increased the content of crude protein, and decreased the crude fiber content of Dwarf Elephant Grass forage. Giving LOF from vermicomposting beef cattle waste at a dose of 15,000 L per Ha resulted in the highest forage dry matter yield (1,925 kg per Ha), one-time cutting at dry season, and the best nutrient content seen from the crude protein content (13.95%) and crude fiber content (28.53%).

Chemico-pharmacological evaluations of the dwarf elephant ear (Colocasia affinis Schott) plant metabolites and extracts: health benefits from vegetable source.

Introduction: Colocasia affinis Schott (Family: Araceae), found in the Asian region, is a traditional root vegetable consumed by the locals and well-known as Dwarf Elephant Ear. Methods: For the pharmacological exploration of this root vegetable, four kupchan fractions (i.e. HSF, DCMSF, EASF, and AQSF) from ethanolic extract of C. affinis were employed to in vitro i.e. antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial and in vivo i.e. antidiarrheal and analgesic assays, followed by phytochemical screening and GC-MS protocol. Result and Discussion: In the antioxidant assay, the AQSF showed promising potential with an IC50 value of 29.4μg/mL and additionally, it exhibited the greatest overall phenolic content, measuring 57.23mg GAE/gm. of extract among other fractions. The AQSF also revealed promising cytotoxic activity in brine shrimp lethality assay with an LC50 value of 1.36μg/mL. Both AQSF and EASF exhibited substantial antimicrobial efficacy against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as various fungus species with a remarkable zone of inhibitions compared to standards. Whereas, during both the castor oil-induced antidiarrheal and acetic acid-induced writhing assay, the DCMSF at 400mg/kg dose exhibited the highest 51.16% reduction of diarrhea and 52.33% reduction of writhing. Phytochemical screening revealed several chemical groups while GC-MS study of different fractions of dwarf elephant ear ethanolic extract revealed 48 different bioactive phytochemicals in total. Several targets such as KAS, DHFR for anti-microbial activities, GLR, URO for antioxidant activities, EGFR, BCL-2 for cytotoxicity, KOR, DOR for antidiarrheal activities and COX-2, TNF-α for analgesic activities are considered for molecular docking against identified phytocompounds and standards along with ADME/T studies to ascertain their safety, efficacy and drug likeliness profiles. Conclusion: To recapitulate, our study revealed that vegetables such as dwarf elephant ear can be considered as a prospective source of therapeutics and drug development besides their nutritive food values.

Assessment of Nutritional Potential and Methane Mitigation Efficacy of Napier Grass Cultivars

Napier grass is cultivated as a high-yielding forage crop and widely utilized in the nutrition of grazing animals such as cattle and goats due to its rapid growth rate, expansive leaf surface, and ability to thrive even in low-quality soils, making it a valuable animal feed option. In this study, the chemical compositions, in vitro gas (GP) and methane (CH4) production, metabolizable energy (ME), organic matter digestibility (OMD), true digestible dry matter (TDDM), microbial protein (MP), partitioning factor (PF), microbial protein synthesis efficiency (MPSE, and relative feed values (RFV) of the grasses Packhong1 (Penisetum purpureum x Penisetum americanum), Chinese Pennisetum (Penisetum purpureum x Penisetum alopecurides), and Dwarf Elephant (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) were investigated. Significant differences were found in the chemical contents of napier varieties used in the study (p

Does the presence of tall or dwarf elephant grass genotypes change the nutritive value of butterfly pea in grass–legume intercrops?

Adding tropical legumes into grass-based forage systems may increase the nutritive fodder value, but competition may decrease legume quality. We evaluated the nutritional values and agronomic responses of tall and dwarf elephant grass genotypes (Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone.) and butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) grown as binary intercrops. Two tall (Elephant B and IRI-381) and two dwarf elephant grass genotypes (Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37) were the grass components of intercrops in a two-year trial. Higher acid detergent fibre (ADF) and lignin contents were found in tall than dwarf elephant grass genotypes (p < 0.0001), while lower coefficients of in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) were recorded in tall than dwarf elephant grass genotypes (p < 0.0001). There was no intercrop effect on the herbage accumulation (p = 0.1278), dry matter (DM) contents (p = 0.2338), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (p = 0.2022), lignin (p = 0.7179) and condensed tannins (p = 0.1699) of the butterfly pea. The butterfly pea grown with tall genotypes had higher crude protein (CP) concentrations (p = 0.0001) and coefficients of IVDDM (p = 0.0086) than when intercropped with dwarf genotypes. The study showed that tall elephant grass genotypes improved the butterfly pea’s nutritional value in grass–legume intercrops through increases in leaf/pod ratio. Intercropping with butterfly pea may compensate for the lower nutritive fodder value of tall elephant grasses compared to dwarf genotypes.

Regrowth of Dwarf Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) Treated with Nitrogen Fertilizer in its Initial Development

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengkaji pengaruh perlakuan awal pemupukan nitrogen terhadap pertumbuhan kembali rumput Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott pada penelitian terdahulu pada tahun 2018 setelah tanam dan mengalami 5 kali pemangkasan berulang. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan selama dua bulan, di Kebun Koleksi dan Pengembangan Tanaman Hijauan Makanan Ternak milik CV. Sandtya Saryamkusuma, di Desa Loru Kecamatan Sigi Biromaru, Kabupaten Sigi, Sulawesi Tengah. Perlakuan pemberian pupuk nitrogen dengan dosis berbeda yakni: 0; 50; 100; dan 150 kg N/ha, setara berturut-turut 0 kg/ha; 10,87 kg/ha; 21,74 kg/ha dan 32,61 kg/ha dengan 5 kali ulangan, sehingga diperoleh 20 unit percobaan yang diatur dengan menggunakan Rancangan Acak Kelompok (RAK). Variabel yang diamati meliputi; tinggi tanaman, panjang helaian daun, lebar helaian daun, panjang pelepah daun dan jumlah anakan. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis menggunakan ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) dengan program STAT-27. Hasil analisis keragaman menunjukkan perlakuan tidak berpengaruh nyata (p&gt;0,05) terhadap masing-masing parameter. Disimpulkan bahwa; i) sudah tidak ada residu pupuk dari pemupukan pada penelitian terdahulu atau perbedaan residu yang ada antar perlakuan sudah tidak mampu memicu perbedaan pertumbuhan kembali tanaman percobaan; dan ii) pemupukan nitrogen diperlukan untuk mengembalikan pertumbuhan yang lebih baik dari rumput gajah mini pada kondisi lokasi penelitian ini.

Potential use of coal ash as growing media: Effect on the plant’s growth and future estimation for land reclamation

Coal ash, such as fly ash (FA) and bottom ash (BA) is mostly generated from a Coal-fired Steam Power Generation (PLTU) process. An increase in the number of PLTUs in Indonesia is proportional to the high volume of FA and BA generated, causing adverse environmental impacts if not properly treated. Various studies have highlighted the potential valorization of FA and BA, including building materials, cement ingredients, concrete, and growing media. This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of FA and BA as a growing media and to explore the potential future application for reclamation of heavy-metal-contaminated (or ex-mining) land. The results showed that composting FA with blackwater sludge (BWS) and rice straw (RS) produced compost that complied with the targeted standard. The addition of FA, BA, and composted FA in the growing media impact the growth and Zn adsorption ability of the dwarf elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott). However, the composted FA has superior performance in general as a growing media. The future estimation of the application FA and BA combined with domestic waste (blackwater and greywater) for reclamation of ex-mining land is proposed. By integrating the phytoremediation ability of the grass plants and the biorefinery approach, the proposed future estimation may provide a sustainable valorization pathway of FA and BA for heavy metal-contaminated or ex-mining land reclamation. Thus, transforming FA and BA as a component of growing media could reduce the potential risk of heavy metals distribution into the food chain and the surrounding environment.

Efektivitas Penggunaan Pellet Berbasis Rumput Odot Dan Kombinasinya Terhadap Performans Kelinci Rex Jantan

Abstract This study aims to determine the effectiveness of using Dwarf Elephant Grass -based pellets and the combination on the performance of male Rex Rabbits. This study used 20 male Rex rabbits with an average body weight of 1222.61 ± 49.39 g/head (cv ±4,04%). The design used was a completely randomized design (CRD) with a unidirectional pattern with 4 treatments and 5 replications. The rations given were “Citra Feed” comercial pellets and Dwarf Elephant Grass -based pellets. The treatments were T0 (100% commercial pellet), T1 (70% commercial pellet + 30% Dwarf Elephant Grass pellet), T2 (30% commercial pellet + 70% Odot pellet), T3 (100% Dwarf Elephant Grass pellet). The results of statistical analysis showed that using Dwarf Elephant Grass -based pellets had a very significant effect on dry matter (P&lt;0.01), and had a significant effect on ADG and feed cost per gain (P&lt;0.05), not sicnificantly different to feed convetion ratio (P&gt;0,05). From the results of the study, it was concluded that using Dwarf Elephant Grass based pellets as much as 30% of the total ration increased the performance of male Rex Rabbits. Keywords: dwarf elephant grass, pellets, performance, Rex Rabbit

Proportion of Sawdust as Carbon Sources in Rabbit Manure Compost for Increasing the Growth of Pennisetum purpureum cv Mott

The right proportion of carbon in high N organic matter source in composting process will result good decomposition process. In this study, rabbit manure was composted with different portion of sawdust, and then the chemical properties were evaluated. The compost then applied to determine the growth response of dwarf elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) in terms of plant height, number of leaves, root and shoot dry matter, shoot and shoot ratio, and N content in shoot. The results showed that compost consisted of rabbit manure + sawdust with the ratio of 3:1 and 1:1 had good chemical properties (pH around 7.56 - 7.94, C/N ratio 17 – 19, C- organic 19 – 24%, Nitrogen 0.84 – 1.31%, Phosphor 0.43 – 0.82%, and Potassium 0.27– 0.37%) as well as sole rabbit manure compost. Applying compost to Mott grass resulted a good growth response which reflected in plant height (78.29 - 83.46 cm/plant), leaves number (53.50 - 57.92 blades), shoot dry matter (39.69 – 54.56 g DM/plant), root dry matter (16.50 – 18.16 g DM/plant), shoot : root ratios (2.52 - 3.20), and shoot N content (37.14 - 48.55 g DM/plant). The study concluded that compost rabbit manure + sawdust with ratio of 3:1 resulted the same growth response with sole rabbit manure compost.

GROWTH PROFILE OF ETAWAH CROSSBREDS AT SMALLHOLDER FARMS IN KAMPUNG BUGIS SERANGAN VILLAGE DENPASAR BALI

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The purpose of this study was to identify body dimensions that influenced the growth of goats reared in Bugis Village, Serangan Village, Denpasar, Bali. Data were obtained through direct observations, formal goat farmer in- terviews and key informant interviews that were conducted from April to July 2018. Two of the remaining three farmers who still kept rearing goats in Serangan Village were involved in this study. Each farmer housed his goats with a colony housing system and fed forages 10% of total body weight/day (control). One farmer supplemented ad- ditional feed of dwarf elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) silage (treatment). The variables observed: body weights, chest circumferences, body lengths, height of withers, and rump heights. This result showed that the body weight of 8 control goats was 30.67 ± 239 kg, which was significantly heavier than those of 29 treatment goats 20.65 ± 1.28 kg (P&lt;0,05), however body weight of the treatment goats aged &gt;5 years 38.73 ± 1.09 kg was significan- tly heavier than 33.33 ± 209 kg of those of the control goats (P&lt;0.05). The highest correlation value in this result showed R2=0.964 between body weight and body length.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Palaeohistology reveals a slow pace of life for the dwarfed Sicilian elephant

The 1-m-tall dwarf elephant Palaeoloxodon falconeri from the Pleistocene of Sicily (Italy) is an extreme example of insular dwarfism and epitomizes the Island Rule. Based on scaling of life-history (LH) traits with body mass, P. falconeri is widely considered to be ‘r-selected’ by truncation of the growth period, associated with an early onset of reproduction and an abbreviated lifespan. These conjectures are, however, at odds with predictions from LH models for adaptive shifts in body size on islands. To settle the LH strategy of P. falconeri, we used bone, molar, and tusk histology to infer growth rates, age at first reproduction, and longevity. Our results from all approaches are congruent and provide evidence that the insular dwarf elephant grew at very slow rates over an extended period; attained maturity at the age of 15 years; and had a minimum lifespan of 68 years. This surpasses not only the values predicted from body mass but even those of both its giant sister taxon (P. antiquus) and its large mainland cousin (L. africana). The suite of LH traits of P. falconeri is consistent with the LH data hitherto inferred for other dwarfed insular mammals. P. falconeri, thus, not only epitomizes the Island Rule but it can also be viewed as a paradigm of evolutionary change towards a slow LH that accompanies the process of dwarfing in insular mammals.

PENGARUH DOSIS PENAMBAHAN BOKASHI TERHADAP PROTEIN KASAR DAN SERAT KASAR PADA PEMOTONGAN PERTAMA RUMPUT GAJAH MINI (Pennisetum Purpureum cv. Mott)

This research aimed to determine the effect of bokashi dose on crude protein and crude fiber content at the first cut of dwarf elephant grass (Pennisetum Purpureum cv. Mott). This research was conducted in March—Juli 2020 in Sidodadi Asri village, Jati Agung district, South Lampung regency. This research used a completely randomized design (CRD) applying four treatments of bokashi dose, namely P0 (control), P1 (30 ton/Ha); P2 (40 ton/Ha); dan P3 (50 ton/Ha) with 3 replications each. The experimental unit of this study was plot of land with size of 200 cm x 200 cm. The obtained data were then analyzed using analysis of variance at 5% significant level and tested further with Orthogonal polynomial. The results showed that there was no significant effect (P&gt;0.05) of different dose of bokashi on the crude protein and crude fiber content of dwarf elephant grass.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: : Dwarf Elephant Grass, Dose, Bokashi,Crude Protein, Crude Fiber

PENGARUH DOSIS BOKASHI TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN PRODUKSI PADA PEMOTONGAN PERTAMA RUMPUT GAJAH MINI (Pennisetum Purpureum cv. Mott)

This research aims was to determine the effect of bokashi dose on plant height, number of tillers, percentage of stems, fresh production, and dry matter production and also to determine the optimum dose of bokashi to obtain the best results on growth and production at the first harvest of dwarf elephant grass. This research was conducted in March 2020 - July 2020 in Sidodadi Asri village, Jati Agung district, South Lampung regency. This research used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 levels of treatment, namely P0 (control); P1 (bokashi dosage 30 tons/ha); P2 (bokashi dosage 40 tons/ha); and P3 (bokashi dosage 50 tons/ha). Each experimental treatment unit has plot measuring 2x2 m2. Each trial unit was repeated 3 times, so there were 12 trial units. The data were analyzed by variations analyzed at 5% and or 1% level, after that it was followed by orthogonal polynomial test. The results showed that the dose of bokashi had a significant effect (P&lt;0,05) on plant height, fresh production, and dry production, but had no significant effect (P&gt;0,05) on number of tillers, and percentage of stems. The effect of bokashi fertilizer on plant height was obtained by using the optimum bokashi dose of 36.73 tons/ha and the equation was = 60,13 + 35,38x - 6.62x2 [0 ; 50 ton/Ha] (P&lt;0,01). The optimum dose was not obtained for the number of tillers, percentage of stems, fresh production, and dry production.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Plant height, Number of tillers, Percentage of stems, Fresh production, Dry production

Estimating the dwarfing rate of an extinct Sicilian elephant

Evolution on islands, together with the often extreme phenotypic changes associated with it, has attracted much interest from evolutionary biologists. However, measuring the rate of change of phenotypic traits of extinct animals can be challenging, in part due to the incompleteness of the fossil record. Here, we use combined molecular and fossil evidence to define the minimum and maximum rate of dwarfing in an extinct Mediterranean dwarf elephant from Puntali Cave (Sicily).1 Despite the challenges associated with recovering ancient DNA from warm climates,2 we successfully retrieved a mitogenome from a sample with an estimated age between 175,500 and 50,000 years. Our results suggest that this specific Sicilian elephant lineage evolved from one of the largest terrestrial mammals that ever lived3 to an island species weighing less than 20% of its original mass with an estimated mass reduction between 0.74 and 200.95kg and height reduction between 0.15 and 41.49mm per generation. We show that combining ancient DNA with paleontological and geochronological evidence can constrain the timing of phenotypic changes with greater accuracy than could be achieved using any source of evidence in isolation.

Effect of harvesting age of chicory (Cichorium intybus) on the pattern of planting intercropping dwarf elephant grass in the second regrowth on production and quality

The research was conducted to evaluate the effects of harvesting age in the second regrowth of chicory (Cichorium intybus) in intercropping pattern with dwarf elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) on productivity and quality. Chicory seeds were spread on the interspatial land between the dwarf elephant grass on a 2.5×2.5 m2 plot, with 1×1 m2 of the distance between each dwarf elephant grass. Plants were harvested on the day- 30, 45 and 60 by defoliation 10 cm above the soil surface. Each treatment had 3 replications, totaling 9 plots. The variable measured in the study were production (dry and organic matter) and nutrient contents (dry matter, organic matter, extract ether, and crude fiber). Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance. Significant data were evaluated on Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results of the study showed that plants that were cut later had the highest production and nutrient contents (P<0.05). Groups harvested at later cutting ages had higher dry matter production (chicory and dwarf elephant grass). However, chicory and dwarf elephant grass on older harvesting also had higher crude fiber (13.07% and 26.87%). Crops harvested at 60 days in the second regrowth demonstrated the most improved yield.

The Effect of Harvest Age on Different Regrowth on Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) Forage Yield by Intercropped with Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott

This research was carried out to examine the chicory forage yields on different regrowth which were intercropped with Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott (dwarf elephant grass) on different regrowth due to various harvest age. The research was conducted in the Laboratory of Forage and Pasture, Faculty of Animal Science UGM for 7 months, with a split-plot design and analyzed by Duncan with a total of 9 plots and an area of 2.5x2.5 m2 for each plot. The main plot was the harvest age treatment (30, 45, and 60 days) and the subplot was the regrowth (first and second). In the first stage, as many as 9 cuttings of dwarf elephant grass in one plot were planted with a spacing of 1x1 m2 until the plant height reaches 10 to 15 cm, then the chicory seeds were spread among the dwarf elephant grass plants with the sand mixture. The results showed the harvest age had a significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on chicory's plant height, fresh forage yield, dry matter content, dry matter digestibility, and organic matter digestibility. The 30 to 45 days harvest age performed a higher fresh production more than the 45 days to 60 days harvest age. The 60 days harvest age and second regrowth yielded the highest mixed fresh production compared to the other harvest ages, namely from 12.50 ton/ha to 25.26 ton/ha. Based on the research results showed that the older the harvest age (60 days) increased the biomass of plant production but decreased the plant digestibility. The second regrowth was able to produce higher than the first regrowth, but there was no significant effect on the dry matter content and forage digestibility.

Dwarf versus tall elephant grass in sheep feed: which one is the most recommended for cut-and-carry?

Tall- and dwarf-sized elephant grass cultivars have been developed for cut-and-carry system. Dwarf clones have better digestibility; on the other hand, tall-sized cultivars are more productive. The aim was to verify which grass would be most recommended for cut-and-carry: tall-sized (Elephant B and IRI-381) or dwarf (Taiwan A-146 2.37 and Mott) elephant grass cultivars to feed 24 male sheep, aged between 4 and 5months, uncastrated, weighing approximately 24.08 ± 1.76kg body weight which were sampled on intake, digestibility, performance, ingestive behavior, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis, metabolic parameters, and ruminal degradability. This research was divided into two experiments: experiment 1 lasted 38days, seven for adaptation and 31 for data collection. Elephant grass cultivars were supplied with a mineral mixture. Data collected were intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, metabolic parameters, microbial protein synthesis, and performance submitted to a completely randomized design. For experiment 2, three rumen fistulae animals were sampled, lasting 20days. In this case, a randomized block in split-plot design was applied. Both designs were with P < 0.05 and analyzed through SAS statistical software. Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37 cultivars provided greater intake, digestibility, weight gain, feeding time, nitrogen retention, production and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis, dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradability, and DM, crude protein, and NDF, but shorter rumination time rather than Elephant B and IRI-381. There was also a significant difference for glucose, triglycerides, plasma urea, total serum protein, urinary urea (mg/L), and urea excretion in urine (mg/day). Dwarf elephant grass cultivars as Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37 have greater nutritional value than tall-sized Elephant B and IRI-381. Dwarf elephant grass is recommended for cut-and-carry system.

Grass size and butterfly pea inclusion modify the nutritional value of elephant grass silage

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the nutritional value of silages from tall-sized and dwarf elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) genotypes, intercropped or not with butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea). The experiment was performed in randomized complete blocks, in a 4x2 factorial arrangement (four genotypes × two cropping systems). The genotypes intercropped or not with butterfly pea were: IRI-381 and Elephant B, tall sized; and Taiwan A-146 2.37 and Mott, dwarf. Forage was harvested 60 days after regrowth. In the silage from Mott grass intercropped with butterfly pea, lower contents of lignin (78.1 g kg-1), neutral detergent fiber (636.0 g kg-1), and neutral detergent insoluble protein (13.15 g kg-1), besides a greater dry matter recovery (873.3 g kg-1), were observed. The silage from Taiwan A-146 2.37 intercropped with the legume showed a greater crude protein content (136.1 g kg-1). In both silages, the ammonia nitrogen contents were quite reduced (26.4 g kg-1). However, greater residual water-soluble carbohydrate contents were observed in the silages from the intercrop (1.85 mg g-1) and from the Mott grass monocrop (1.51 mg g-1). Moreover, there was a lower in vitro dry matter digestibility (676.7 g kg-1) for the silage from the intercrop. Dwarf genotypes increase the nutritional value of elephant grass silage, compared with the tall-sized ones. Intercropping with butterfly pea improves silage fermentation characteristics, despite reducing its digestibility. Therefore, the ensilage of dwarf Mott elephant grass intercropped with butterfly pea shows more promising results.

Synchronization Protein-Energy Index of Various Forages for Dairy Livestock: an In Vitro Study

The present study inventoried the protein-energy synchronization (PES) index of various types of grass. The study was conducted using in vitro techniques with material 5 types of grass (elephant, king, dwarf elephant, guinea, and setaria) and rumen fluid of the Friesian Holstein (FH). The PES index is calculated based on the average degradation of g protein and Kg organic matter (OM) per hour at the time of observation of 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 12th, 24th, 48th, and 72nd hours. The hourly degradation rates were analyzed by linear regression to obtain the average hourly degradation rate. The results were included in the PES index calculation formula and discussed descriptively. This study found that all five grass had almost uniform nutritional value. Regression analysis results show a different equation, but with a high coefficient of determination (&gt; 90%) on all types of grass. The PES index obtained in elephant, king, dwarf elephant, guinea, and setaria grass are 0.72, 0.66, 0.69, 0.58, and 0.68. The study concluded that elephant grass has a PES index at a high level, while king, dwarf elephant, guinea, and setaria grass at medium level for compiling dairy rations.

New finds from San Teodoro Cave: an updating of the Middle Pleistocene fossil record from Acquedolci (north-eastern Sicily)

Excavations conducted in 2006 inside San Teodoro Cave (north-eastern Sicily) retrieved remains of Hippopotamus pentlandi; of a medium-sized, dwarf Palaeoloxodon; and of Ursus cf. arctos. The specimens were found under a blackish phosphatic crust, dated to about 120 ky. This stratigraphic position sets an important constraint on the arrival time of the ancestors of both H. pentlandi and Palaeoloxodon elephants in Sicily. The elephant has a size compatible with that of a female individual of the Puntali Cave representatives. By providing insights into its dimorphism, the finds contribute important new information on this still undescribed Sicilian dwarf elephant species. More in general, the San Teodoro elephant adds clues to the possible timing of the arrival of palaeoloxodon proboscideans in Sicily in the course of the second half of the Pleistocene. On the other hand, the presence of Hippopotamus pentlandi confirms that the species survived at least to the late Middle Pleistocene.

The Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum Addition and Fermentation Periods on Nutritive Value Dwarf Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv Mott) Silage

This research aimed to examine the effect of different Lactobacillus plantarum addition and fermentation periods on its physical quality, pH, nutritive value ( dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), extract ether (EE)). This research also to find out the best treatments of dwarf elephant grass silage by Lactobacillus plantarum addition with different fermentation periods. Completely Randomized Factorial Design was used in this experiment, with two factor ie. Lactobacillus plantarum inclusion (0, 0.3; 0.6; 0.9 %) and fermentation periods (0, 7, 14, 21 days). Each treatment was replicated three times. Addition 6 % molasses of fresh weight grass was employed in all the treatment. The result indicated that different of Lactobacillus plantarum addition, fermentation periods and their interaction were highly significant effect on pH, OM, CF and EE value (p<0.01). Interaction of two factors also highly significant influence to DM and CP content of dwarf elephant grass silage. Lactobacillus plantarum addition factor has highly significant effect on CP content and fermentation period was a significant effect on CP value of dwarf elephant grass silage. Physical quality of dwarf elephant grass with various Lactobacillus plantarum addition and fermentation periods shown a good quality of silage with fresh and acidic odor, good texture, a little bit browny color, and no fungi. Average pH of silage was around 3.90 – 4.30 after incubation 7 – 21 days. Average of nutritive value dwarf elephant grass silage were 11.55 – 13.15 % DM, 81.13-82.32 % OM, 10.48 – 12.00 % CP, 22.31 – 25.27 % CF and 1.21 – 2.98% EE. It can be concluded that Lactobacillus plantarum addition can faster ensilage fermentation and the best silage was on treatment 0.6 % Lactobacillus plantarum addition and 7 days fermentation periods.