Feed Brands Research Articles

Improving Profit for Small-scale Broiler Enterprise Using Self Formulated Diet in Sokoto State

This study was undertaken to assess the role of self formulated diet in reducing broiler feed cost in Sokoto State. To source for data, the experiment was conducted at the research farm of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto. Three diets containing nutrient levels recommended by literature were self formulated using local ingredients. Ultima brand of commercial feed was used as a control. One hundred and eighty strains of Ross chicks were procured and divided into four groups of forty-five birds per diet and 15 per replicate in a completely randomized design. Diets were coded as Local Diet 1 (LDI), Local Diet 2 (LD2), Local Diet 3 (LD3) and CR (Commercial diet). Feed and water were fed ad libitum; the experiment lasted 49 days. Farm budgetary tools were used to calculate profitability and economic efficiency for each enterprise. The results of the study showed that birds fed commercial diet were more profitable to keep.

Prevalence of Escherichia coli in retail poultry feeds in Southeastern Nigeria

Poultry feed manufacturing and distribution are confronted with feed microbial quality challenges arising from disease outbreaks traceable to contaminated feeds. Lack of feed biosecurity measures at sales depots, exposure of feeds for retailing, and unhygienic handling compromise the microbial quality of feeds. Feed could hence become a source of pathogenic microbes to poultry and humans. This study evaluated the prevalence of Escherichia coli in retail poultry feeds in three States of Southeastern Nigeria using a purposive sampling method. A total of 389 feed samples were collected from four feed types (broiler finisher, broiler starter, chick grower, and layer ration) belonging to 11 feed brands (coded A to K) from retail outlets in Umuahia (Abia State), Abakaliki (Ebonyi State) and Enugu (Enugu State) for the study. Escherichia coli was isolated from some of the feed samples following standard laboratory procedures. Samples from Abia were the most bacterial and E. coli positive (87.7 and 74.6%, respectively) while feed brands G and F (100%, respectively) followed by J and A (80.7 and 72.7%, respectively) were the most contaminated. No bacterial contaminant was detected in brand D while layer ration was the most contaminated feed type (76.8%). The source of samples was significantly related to the frequency of bacterial contamination (χ2: 68.473, p < 0.000 for State; and χ2: 92.765, p < 0.000 for feed brand). Feed brand and feed type did not affect E. coli colony count but colony counts were higher than the permissible level for coliforms in feeds, and values reported for feeds in intact bags. In conclusion, exposing feeds for retailing compromises feed microbial quality. Graded bagging of retail quantities would help to preserve the microbial quality of poultry feeds from factory to farm.

Nutritional and microbial safety of common commercial aquafeeds sold in Ogun State, Nigeria

The nutritional and microbial safety of fish feeds were investigated in this study. Commercially available fish feed brands (Eco-float, Skretting, Top-Feeds, Blue Crown) were procured from sales outlets in Ogun State, Nigeria. Moisture ranged from 8.15 to 8.82 and these values were not significantly different (p>0.05) except for Topfeed. Skretting had the highest crude protein value (48.49±0.03) while Ecofloat recorded the least value of 45.30±0.06 (p<0.05). The values obtained for crude fibre, crude fat, ash, and carbohydrate were significantly different (p<0.05) across the sampled feeds. Crude fibre ranged from 4.31±0.04 in Ecofloat to 3.20±0.03 in Skretting. Skretting had the highest value recorded for crude fat (6.27±0.11) and ash (10.06±0.18) while Ecofloat had the least value of 1.29±0.00 and 8.01±0.17 respectively. Ecofloat had the highest value for carbohydrate (32.95±0.07), marginally followed by Topfeed (28.79±0.13) and Bluecrown (28.65±0.06) with Skretting recording the lowest value (23.55±0.38). The values for all the minerals analyzed were significantly different (p<0.05). Calcium had the highest values across the sampled feeds, followed by sodium while potassium recorded the lowest values. Tannin recorded the highest value amongst all the phytochemicals, followed by flavonoids and the least value was recorded for glycosides. Total aerobic count, total coliform count and total fungal count ranged from 1.61±0.01 to 3.53±0.0, 0.00±0.00 to 3.10±0.01 and 0.00±0.00 to 2.34±0.05 respectively. Isolated bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus, S. saprophyticus, Klebsiella spp, Bacillus spp, and Escherichia coli. The fungi identified were Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus spp, Aspergillus flavus, Geotrichum spp, and Saccharomyces spp. Hence, there is a need for quality monitoring.Keywords: aquafeed safety, microbial risk, Nigeria

Nutritional and microbial safety of common commercial aquafeeds sold in Ogun State, Nigeria

The nutritional and microbial safety of fish feeds were investigated in this study. Commercially available fish feed brands (Eco-float, Skretting, Top-Feeds, Blue Crown) were procured from sales outlets in Ogun State, Nigeria. Moisture ranged from 8.15 to 8.82 and these values were not significantly different (p>0.05) except for Topfeed. Skretting had the highest crude protein value (48.49±0.03) while Ecofloat recorded the least value of 45.30±0.06 (p<0.05). The values obtained for crude fibre, crude fat, ash and carbohydrate were significantly different (p<0.05) across the sampled feeds. Crude fibre ranged from 4.31±0.04 in Ecofloat to 3.20±0.03 in Skretting. Skretting had the highest value recorded for crude fat (6.27±0.11) and ash (10.06±0.18) while Ecofloat had the least value of 1.29±0.00 and 8.01±0.17 respectively. Ecofloat had the highest value for carbohydrate (32.95±0.07), marginally followed by Topfeed (28.79±0.13) and Bluecrown (28.65±0.06) with Skretting recording the lowest value (23.55±0.38). The values for all the minerals analyzed were significantly different (p<0.05). Calcium had the highest values across the sampled feeds, followed by sodium while potassium recorded the lowest values. Tannin recorded the highest value amongst all the phytochemicals, followed by flavonoids and the least value was recorded for glycosides. Total aerobic count, total coliform count and total fungal count ranged from 1.61±0.01 to 3.53±0.0, 0.00±0.00 to 3.10±0.01 and 0.00±0.00 to 2.34±0.05 respectively. Isolated bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus, S. saprophyticus, Klebsiella spp, Bacillus spp and Escherichia coli. Fungi identified were Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus spp, Aspergillus flavus, Geotrichum spp and Saccharomyces spp. Hence, there is need for quality monitoring.Keywords: aquafeed safety, microbial risk, Nigeria

Heavy metal concentration in some commercial poultry feeds available in Abuja, Nigeria

The concentrations of heavy metals in some commercial poultry feeds available in Abuja, Nigeria was investigated. Poultry feed rations (starter, grower, finisher and layer) of seven different feed brands available in Abuja were purchased from their various distribution outlets. The nitric acid digestion method followed by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry technique were used for metal content quantification. Analytical method validation was performed using IAEA-V-8 Rye flour certified reference material and good recoveries were obtained in all the metals indicating the accuracy of the applied analytical procedure. The mean of heavy metal concentrations (μg/g dry weight) in the poultry feeds were 2.31 ± 1.23, 0.43 ± 0.20, 1.66 ± 0.82, 23.35 ± 5.26, 238.09 ± 45.80, 0.61 ± 0.26, 99.57 ± 15.63 and 68.21 ± 11.92 for Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu, Fe, Co, Mn and Zn respectively. Generally, the levels of iron, manganese, zinc and copper in the poultry feeds were higher than FAO/WHO, National Research Council (NRC) and Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) maximum recommended limits in feeds. Pearson correlation analysis on the metals in poultry feeds showed a significant (p < 0.01) positive strong correlations between Co/Ni (0.658), Mn/Cu (r = 0.566), Zn/Cu (r = 0.683) and Zn/Mn (r = 0.758) suggesting that these metals could have had the same pathway into the feeds.

Proximate Composition and Metabolizable Energy of Some Commercial Poultry Feeds Available in Abuja, Nigeria

Poultry feeds are prepared to contain all the nutrients in their right proportions necessary for good health, proper growth and egg production of the chicken. This study was undertaken to determine the proximate composition and variations of nutrient in some commercial poultry feeds sold in Abuja, Nigeria. Seven poultry feed brands in their various ratios were subjected to proximate analysis using standard methods. The results of the analysis revealed that the poultry feeds had proximate composition ranging from 6.58 ± 0.02 - 10.88 ± 0.19 % moisture content, 6.03 ± 0.16 - 14.78 ± 0.73 % ash content, 9.98 ± 0.81 - 20.05 ± 0.08 % crude lipid, 3.57 ± 0.11 - 14.77 ± 0.14 % crude fiber, 16.55 ± 0.07 % - 34.01 ± 0.09 % crude protein, 26.28 ± 1.80 % - 48.21 ± 2.07 % carbohydrate and 2971.48 ± 65.44 - 3686.18 ± 29.08 Kcal/kg metabolizable energy. Generally, there were differences in the proximate composition of the poultry feed brands analyzed, however, the poultry feeds have optimum nutrients in their feeds which meet most of the requirements recommended by SON and NRC. The moisture contents in all the feeds were within the recommended value of not more than 12 % while the mean values obtained in crude lipid were all higher than the maximum recommended requirements in poultry feeds.

Delving Deeper into Market Concentration of Poultry Feed and the Driving Factors for Brand Switching: Evidence from Commercial Egg Producers in Nigeria

An increase in the price of branded feed has been a major problem for the poultry subsector of Nigerian agriculture, and brand switching for a cheap feed at the expense of quality is a common strategy used by egg-producing farmers. Using descriptive statistics, the Markov chain model and the logistic regression model, our study shows that almost 96% of the egg producers use branded feed while 43.1% switched feed brands because of the increase in the price of their preferred brands. Most farmers used Chikun (39.3%) and Top feed (23.2%) six months before data collection and during data collection, respectively. Our study found that approximately 37% of the feed sellers sold at least 10–50 bags per day. We revealed great inequality regarding market concentration: 50% of the feed sellers accounted for 89.5% of the total bags of feed sold per day. Hybrid had the highest customer loyalty. The study shows that Chikun gained 23.7% and 7.1% from Hybrid and Top feed, respectively, while Hybrid gained 36.0% and 35.7% from Chikun and Top feed (change in loyalty by egg producers), respectively. Membership of an association, distance to feed sellers, flock size and the average price of feed per bag were factors that influenced brand switching of poultry feed among egg producers. The study recommends that the government assists in subsidizing the price of critical ingredients (maize and soya bean) in feed production to prevent the price of eggs (the cheap source of protein) from becoming out of reach for most Nigerians.

POULTRY FEED MARKET ANALYSIS IN A RURAL PERI-URBAN AREA OF AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

The study evaluated the poultry feed market situation in the rural peri-urban area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study analyzed demand trend of the different types of feed in the study area, determine the supply pattern of the different types of poultry feed in Ikono Local Government Area. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 160 farms and structured questionnaire was administered on 144 farmers that sufficiently responded to the questionnaire for inclusion in the statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency, percentages, incidence index analysis and factor analysis were used to analyze the specific objectives. Analysis of the feed brand preference among poultry farmers in the study area showed that 69% of the farmers used Top Feed, about 19% of the farmers used Hybrid feed while 7% of the farmers used Amo Byng Feed. It was gathered that Top Feed was the most preferred feed used in Ikono Local Government Area. The study therefore concluded that to enable farmers maximize profit, there is need for them to choose feed brands that are easily available in the shop, support growth and fast weight gain. Recommendations were directed towards manufacturer’s improvement in production, effective distribution methods and access to credit facilities.

Korelasi antara jenis pakan komersial dengan jenis kristal pada kasus kucing flutd (feline lower urinary tract disease) di rumah sakit hewan dinas peternakan Jawa Timur

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a term used to describe various causes of lower urinary tract disorders in cats which include idiopathic, urolithiasis, urinary tract infections, anatomical and neurological disorders. Use of commercial feed is one of the causes of Flutd formation. This study was to determine the correlation between commercial feed types and crystal types in the case of FLUTD cats at the Animal Hospital of East Java Province. The sample is primary data obtained directly by collection of fresh urine and through interviews with animal owners. As many as 30 fresh urine samples were sedimented and then observed under a microscope. The results of observations of urine sedimentation with a microscope showed that 16 cats had crystals in their urine. The highest percentage of struvite crystals was 12 cats (40%). Meanwhile, in 14 cats (46.7%) no crystals were found in the urine. It is known that the sensitivity of the urine sedimentation test is 64% and the specificity is 97%. There are different types of crystals in commercial feed with the same brand. the same brand of commercial feed can produce different types of crystals. This is due to many other factors that trigger the formation of crystallization. The urine sedimentation test is very accurate to detect cases of FLUTD and crystals in the urine

Starter broiler feed brand preferences by small scale poultry farmers versus performance of broiler chickens fed the preferred feed brands in Owerri zone, Imo State, Nigeria

The production and sale of 28 day-old broiler chicks, a business known locally as “brood and sell” is rapidly growing among small scale poultry farmers in Owerri zone, Imo state, South East Nigeria. Feed however, is a major budget item that affects profit in the business. This study therefore, evaluated the preferences of farmers for the different starter broiler feed brands versus the performance of such broilers on these feed brands. A purposively structured questionnaire was designed and administered to forty eight small scale poultry farmers in seven local government areas in the zone. Based on the responses from the farmers, a 28-day feeding trial was carried out at our station using 210, one-day old Marshal broiler chicks to determine their performance on feed brands preferred by the farmers. Results of the survey indicated that five feed brands coded TF, VF, AF, HF and ZF were actively distributed in the zone. VF brand was the most preferred (49.10%) and TF second most preferred (29.07%) while HF brand was the least preferred (3.66%). Results of the feeding trial indicated that TF recorded the best body weight gain (495.22g), feed conversion ratio (FCR), 2.53 and 0.00% mortality while HF recorded the least body weight gain (214.29g), poorest FCR (5.57) and highest mortality rate (14.28%). The VF brand mostly preferred by the farmers from our survey recorded 469.04g body weight gain, 2.87 FCR and 0.00% mortality. TF which outperformed other brands however, cost much more per kg. Preference of feed brand by small scale poultry farmers in Owerri zone, from the results obtained is influenced by cost but the quality of such feed brand was also a major consideration.

Diet matrix of stored proprietary feeds: Implications on growth response, health status and carcass yield of broiler chickens

This study examined growth responses, health status and carcass yield of broiler chickens from 22 to 42 days of age provided with proprietary finished feeds (4 brands; P, Q, R & S) exposed to two storage conditions (lit or dark room) for four weeks. Four hundred and eighty chicks (802.7±14.3 g), at 21-day-old, were randomly allocated to eight groups of 60 chicks each (6 replicates; 10 birds each). Broiler chickens were fed one of the eight resultant diets from storage exercise for 21 d. Results revealed that performance of finishing broiler chickens were influenced by both the main and interaction effects of feed brands and storage condition. Chickens fed feeds stored in dark room gained 5.39% heavier weight with better FCR (5.07%) and higher (P<0.001) crude fat (2.97%), protein (2.36%), fibre (2.43%) and ash (3.89%) digestibilities compared to birds fed feeds stored in lit room. Chickens fed with feed R had higher (P<0.05) PCV, RBC, total protein, albumin, and uric acid. Duodenal and ileal villus height (VH) and villus to crypt ratio (VCR) were higher in broilers fed feed R stored in dark room, whereas jejunal VH and VCR were higher in birds fed feed Q stored in dark room. Salmonella and lactobacillus counts were greater in birds fed feeds R and S stored in lit room, respectively. Higher (P=0.008) dressed yield was obtained in broilers fed feed S stored in lit room. The study revealed that exposure of similar or different finished feeds to varying storage conditions would impart broiler's performance differently.

The occurrence of drug-resistant bacteria and screening the possible presence of residual antibiotics in poultry feed samples

The use of antibiotics in the poultry and livestock industries for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases, and as growth promoters in poultry feeds has increased worldwide. Such frequent employment of antibiotics may contribute to the development and dissemination of bacterial antibiotic resistance. The present study was an attempt to isolate drug-resistant bacteria and to screen the probability of having residual antibiotics in the poultry feed samples. Therefore, a total of 18 samples inclusive of starter, grower and finisher of two poultry feed brands of reputed Bangladeshi feed companies were collected and subjected to microbiological analysis, antibiogram and agar well diffusion assay. All the samples contained extended numbers of total viable bacteria and fungi in an average of 108 and 107 cfu/g, respectively. Klebsiellaspp., Pseudomonas spp. and Bacillus spp. were predominantly present in the tested samples. E. coli and Vibrio spp. were also found in most of the samples. Most isolates have been determined to be multidrug-resistant. All the isolates showed resistance against Cefuroxime. Penicillin resistance was found in most of the isolates in greater proportion. Higher rate of resistance was evident against Novobiocin, Cephradine and Rifampicin. However, the bacterial isolates showed sensitivity to Tobramycin, Nalidixic acid and Neomycin. The poultry feed samples, especially starter and finisher of both brands noticeably had significant antimicrobial activity against the laboratory isolates indicative of the probable presence of residual antibiotics which might be used as supplements in the poultry feed samples.
 Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.10 (1) 2020: 30-34

Incidence of Aflatoxin B1 in Commercial Poultry Feed and Tissues of Broiler ‎Chickens in Ibadan, Nigeria

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) belongs to a group of hepatocarcinogenic and hepatotoxic mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus found in food or feed products. In this study we analyzed 180 feed of six different brands of commercial poultry feeds from three feed distribution outlets in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria for the occurrence and concentrations of AFB1. In addition, to the transfer of AFB1 to broiler meat from chicken fed for four weeks with one brand of feed associated with the highest AFB1 contamination. The study was carried out between April and June, 2019. The presence/concentration of AFB1 was determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) following solid phase extraction of sample and preparation. Aflatoxin B1 was detected in all (100 %) the brands of feed and 48 % of chicken samples tested. The concentration of AFB1 in feed ranged between 10.5 ± 4.0 and 47.78 ± 6.4, while the mean AFB1 residues obtained in chicken muscle, gizzards and liver after four weeks were 0.07 ± 0.02, 0.18 ± 0.05 and 0.13 ± 0.02 μg/kg, respectively. The presence of AFB1 in all the brands of poultry feeds tested in this study and its possible transfer into chicken meat poses food/feed safety and public health concern. There is therefore, the need to screen feed and apply Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point to feed manufacturing, storage and broiler chicken production to prevent aflatoxicosis.

Risk assessment of the exposure to mycotoxins in dogs and cats through the consumption of commercial dry food

Dry feed for dogs and cats sold in Europe are mostly formulated with cereals and cereal by-products, so the contamination of this food with mycotoxins represents a potential risk for these pets. We analyzed a representation of the best-selling feed brands in Spain. The presence of Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, and G2), Ochratoxin A, T-2 and HT-2 toxins, Deoxynivalenol, Zearalenone, and Fumonisins (B1 and B2) was quantified, using immunoaffinity columns and LC-MS/MS. In general, mycotoxins were frequently and simultaneously (6–11) detected, with AFB1, FB1, FB2, Deoxynivalenol, and HT-2 detected in 100% of the samples. However, the concentrations of most of them are among the lowest reported so far. Fumonisins were the exception since we report the highest concentrations to date, particularly in cat feed. We practically found no significant differences in the level of mycotoxin contamination in relation to the presumed quality of the feed. We also calculated the daily exposure, and evaluated the acute and chronic health risk posed by these feeds. None of the brands analyzed presented acute risk for any of the mycotoxins. However, the high levels of fumonisins found in some samples could become problematic, if there are hidden forms of them. This is also evident in relation to long-term risk, since in the case of fumonisins the level of exposure exceeds the tolerable daily intake level in 3.5 and 12 times, for dogs and cats respectively. The exposure levels to zearalenone and deoxynivalenol could also be of long-term concern, especially considering the possibility that the continuous exposure to several mycotoxins simultaneously might produce potentiated toxic effects as a result of their synergistic action. Further research on the potential adverse health effects deriving from chronic exposure to low doses of multi-mycotoxin mixtures in pets is needed.

168 Effects of feeding different feed brands to caged laying hens on egg physical attributes during storage in Ibadan, Nigeria.

168 Effects of feeding different feed brands to caged laying hens on egg physical attributes during storage in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Cambios físico-químicos y de composición en los piensos comerciales de finalización almacenados en diferentes condiciones

El almacenamiento de piensos desempeña un papel importante en el aspecto económico y sanitario de la producción pecuaria. Este estudio se llevó a cabo para investigar los efectos de diferentes condiciones de almacenamiento (luz y espacio oscuro) sobre los cambios físicos, la presencia de insectos en el alimento almacenado, la pérdida por almacenamiento y la composición de nutrientes de piensos comerciales de terminación para pollos de engorde. En el día de la producción se obtuvieron, sacos de 25 kg de pienso de acabado para pollos de engorde producidos en cuatro empresas de alimentación (A, B, C y D) y se almacenaron en dos condiciones de almacenamiento (iluminación y oscuridad) durante un período de 8 semanas. El experimento se dispuso en un esquema factorial 4 x 2 para formar ocho tratamientos con 5 repeticiones. Al cabo de dos semanas se analizaron el color del pienso, la pérdida de almacenamiento, la aparición de insectos y el análisis inmediato. Los datos generados se analizaron estadísticamente mediante la técnica ANOVA en un diseño factorial 4 x 2 utilizando el procedimiento PROC GLM de SAS (2007). La temperatura de almacenamiento (27,27 °C y 26,65 °C para las habitaciones iluminada y oscura, respectivamente) y la humedad relativa (79,83 % y 80,64 % respectivamente) no fueron significativamente diferentes (p>0,05). Se observaron cambios de color en el pienso a partir del 29º día de almacenamiento. A los 42 días, se observó presencia de barrenador menor del grano (Rhyzopertha dominica F.) en todos los piensos. Se observó la aparición de residuos, partículas polvorientas y estructuras en los alimentos almacenados en iluminación el día 42 y en oscuridad el día 56. La pérdida de almacenamiento (%) se redujo (p

Microbiological and Physicochemical Qualities of Selected Commercially Produced Poultry Feeds Sold In Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria

Four different commercial poultry feeds namely, Amo, Vital, Top and Animal care poultry feed brands, each consisting of starter, grower, layer and finisher categories respectively, obtained from their trade outlets in Umudike, Nigeria were examined for their microbiological and physicochemical qualities using standard microbiological and analytical methods. The fungal count was highest in Vital layer feed with 9.6 × 105 cfu/g, while the least count of 3.0 × 104 cfu/g was recorded in Animal care grower feed. Bacterial count was highest in Amo starter (2.70 × 107 cfu/g) and least in Amo layer (2.0 × 106 cfu/g). A total of twelve microorganisms were isolated. Fungal isolates include Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium spp, Penicillium spp and Rhizopus spp with Aspergillus flavus having the highest percentage occurrence of 25.4%. Bacterial isolates include Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, Pseudomonas spp, Klebsiella spp, Streptococcus spp, and Listeria spp with Staphylococcus aureus having the highest percentage occurrence of 19.9%. Physicochemical analyses revealed the presence of moisture, ash, carbohydrate, crude fibre, crude fat and protein contents. The presence of microorganisms in poultry feeds could pose a threat to the poultry birds and humans, therefore the need for constant assessment of the safe quality of these feeds.

Can environment management integrate into supply chain management? Information sharing via shrimp aquaculture cooperatives in northwestern Sri Lanka

This paper examines the effects of information sharing via community cooperatives on supply chain management (SCM) in community-based shrimp aquaculture in northwestern Sri Lanka. Further, it identifies how environment management integrates into SCM. The paper examined shrimp aquaculture operations in northwestern Sri Lanka using the case study approach. Main actors of the shrimp aquaculture supply chain (SC) are: brood-stock suppliers; hatcheries; farmers; collectors; and processing companies. Information shared is: post-larvae prices; feed brands; harvest prices; production quotas; disease spread; farming techniques; and management practices. This paper explores the existing information sharing network. Its findings reveal that community cooperatives play crucial roles within this network while functioning under a mixed governance regime (private; communal; government). Membership gives farmers a mechanism for networking and accessing information. This article discusses how such information can act as commons. An efficient network of information sharing is vital for the community's socio-economic wellbeing, as well as social-ecological sustainability. Sri Lankan shrimp aquaculture exemplifies SCM that integrates environment and commons management.

Bioaccumulation of Pb and Cd on Broiler Chicken Fed in Difference Diets

The study was aimed to compute Pb and Cd bioaccumulation in different organs of broiler. Carcass, heart, liver, gizzard, intestine, and excreta. The data were obtained from broiler reared in the litter cage. Four treatments of feed were given to the broiler chicken, i.e. T 1 = X brand of commercial feed, T 2 = Y brand of commercial feed, T 3 = self-prepared feed without fish meal addition and T 4 = self prepared feed without fish meal but contaminated with cadmium chloride (Cd.Cl 2 .4H 2 O). For each treatment, five broiler chicken were grouped each week (from week I up to week VI). Results of the first stage of this study was analyzed descriptively. A polinomial regression equation was used as an empirical model to describe the heavy metal bioaccumulation phenomenon in broiler carcasses. The quadratic equation turned out to be the most suitable model for describing the bioaccumulation of heavy metal in broiler carcasses. From the simulation, it was found that quadratic model fit to 61.31% and 54.17% bioaccumulation data of Pb and Cd respectively. According to the model, initially metal concentrations declined since the first week and started to rebound at the fifth week, both in terms of chronological and physiological age. The patterns of Pb and Cd bioaccumulation in this study can be used as a reference to determine the proper slaughter period. It can be concluded that for reducing the risk of metal contamination the proper slaughter time of the broiler is before the fifth week.

Performance Evaluation of Some Commercial Broiler Finisher Rations Sold in Nigeria

A study was carried out with one-hundred and twenty 4-week old Hubbard broilers to compare the quality of some commercial feeds by assessing the performance of finisher broilers fed these diets. The commercial feed brands were collected and branded ZF, VF and EF. A formulated Control Feed (CF), T and 1 three other commercial feeds ZF (T ), VF (T ) and EF (T ) were fed to the finisher broilers for 28 days in a 2 3 4 completely randomized design experiment. The results showed that CF, VF and EF performed better than ZF in daily weight gain. Among the commercial feeds, however, VF achieved the fastest daily weight gain and therefore promoted the fasted growth rate, hence indicating a better balance in nutrient composition and improved feed quality.