Feed Mixture Research Articles

Zearalenone in feed, urine and meat from three pig farms in Croatia

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin of the genus Fusarium which belongs to the group of macrocyclic lactones. ZEN contamination occurs during cereal harvest or in the early phase of storage if drying was insufficient. The aim of this study was to determine the level of ZEN in feed mixtures given to pigs during the fattening period at three different farms in the Republic of Croatia, as also to determine ZEN levels in urine and meat taken from the same animals. The study also examined correlation between ZEN concentrations in urine and meat with the estimation of ZEN intake in the human body through meat consumption, expressed as a percentage of the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI). In total, 9 feed mixtures (3 samples per farm), 45 urine and 45 meat samples (from 15 animals per farm) were taken during 2021 from three pig farms located in eastern and central Croatia. ZEN concentrations were determined by the competitive enzyme ELISA method. All values in feed from all three farms were within maximum recommended limit (MRL) given in EU Recommendation, i.e., 250 μg/kg, though at one far, the levels recorded were just under the MRL. Monitoring of ZEN levels in urine can be used as an indicator for the detection of feed contamination with this mycotoxin. Although pigs were fed with feed with near the MRL level of contamination, a negligible percentage of TDI value was obtained for this mycotoxin for humans through meat consumption. However, since meat is just one component of the human diet, and in view of the fact that ZEN can be present in a number of foodstuffs, especially cereals, its total intake could be significantly higher than estimated herein.

Stiffening Polymer Brush Membranes for Enhanced Organic Solvent Nanofiltration Selectivity.

Membrane-based separations allow energy-efficient purification of organic solvents which are typically carried out by energy-intensive distillation. Polymer membranes are inexpensive and have obtained widespread industrial acceptance for water and biotech applications but not organic solvent nanofiltration due to relatively low selectivities. In this work, a new class of polymer brush membranes was prepared with high selectivities for methanol-toluene separation. Stiffening the brush structure by cross-linking with aromatic trimesic acid and aliphatic itaconic acid resulted in an increase in selectivity from 1.4 to 6.5-11.5. This was achieved by graft polymerization of a primary amine monomer (aminoethyl methacrylate) using single electron transfer-living radical polymerization (SET-LRP) followed by cross-linking. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and captive bubble contact angle measurements were used to characterize these membranes. The stiffness of the brush membranes was measured using a quartz crystal microbalance-dissipation (QCM-D) and correlated positively with selectivity for separating organic feed mixtures. This new class of membranes offers a tunable and scalable method for purification of organics.

Fertility Augmentation of Non-Descript Delayed Pubertal Cattle Heifers through Mineral Mixture Supplementation and Hormonal Intervention

Normal productive and reproductive behavior in domestic animal is closely associated with interaction between hormonal and nutritional status of the animal system. Twenty-four non-descript delayed pubertal cattle of Rewa district, aged between 3-5 years were used to study the effect of dietary mineral mixture supplementation and double PG protocol on reproductive performance. Cows were randomly allocated into four equal groups (A, B, C & D), comprising three treatment groups (n=6), and control (n=6) group. Control group was fed ration containing same CP and energy level according to the body weight. Group A (n=6) was fed ration containing 0% mineral mixture feeding in total per day. Group B (n=6) was fed ration containing mineral mixture 1 % of ration feeding in total per day diet. Group C (n=6) were subjected for double PG protocol and GnRH. Group D (n=6) was fed ration containing mineral mixture 1 % of ration and double PG protocol and GnRH. Group D has slightly more progesterone levels comparison to group C because of pregnancy in more cows. Plasma progesterone concentration of B, C and D Group, which supplemented with mineral mixture and hormonal protocol were significantly high. At 60-day Group A and C has similar values of progesterone. Group D has low Estrogen values due to more number or non-cyclic cows then other groups. Mineral concentrations were also significantly high in treatment groups comparatively. Pregnancy rate obtained in non-descript delayed pubertal heifers after artificial insemination was recorded as 83.33% in Group D, while it was 100% in all other three groups. Estrus submission rate is 33.33%, 50.00%, 66.66% and 83.33 % in all four groups, respectively. Accordingly reproductive efficiency calculated in experimental groups is 33.33, 50.00, 66.66 and 69.44, respectively. Combination of hormonal protocol with mineral mixture supplementation showed comparatively better result with respect to submission rate and reproductive efficiency.

Modelling and experimental studies for the recovery of valuable chemical intermediates from mustard husk pyrolysis oil

Abstract This work presents a study on the separation of model compounds representative of mustard husk pyrolysis oil, through a combination of experimental and modelling approaches. Atmospheric and vacuum distillation were used to perform the separation, and the obtained results were validated by means of an Aspen simulation model. To simulate the pyrolysis oil, different fractions present in mustard husk pyrolysis oil were used. Atmospheric distillation was performed at temperatures ranging from 50 to 180 °C, while vacuum distillation was conducted at varying temperatures and pressures. The composition of the distillate and residue was analysed, and it was found that coking occurred due to polymerization reactions, even at moderate temperatures up to ∼100 °C during atmospheric distillation. Therefore, vacuum rotary evaporation was employed to carry out further studies at lower temperatures (50 °C) and pressures (50 mbar), resulting in a recovery percentage of 56 % for lighter fractions and 36 % for heavier fractions, with complete water (62 %) collected in the distillate phase. The simulated feed mixture, which consisted of Guaiacols, furfurals and furan methanols, was distributed equally in both the distillate and residue phases, and the experimental recoveries in distillate and residue phases were found to be similar with simulation values. Further studies are needed to comprehend the separation behaviour of real pyrolysis oil and to minimize polymerization reactions in the column.

Development and evaluation of a fish feed mixture containing the probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum prepared using an innovative pellet coating method.

Due to the intensification of fish farming and the associated spread of antimicrobial resistance among animals and humans, it is necessary to discover new alternatives in the therapy and prophylaxis of diseases. Probiotics appear to be promising candidates because of their ability to stimulate immune responses and suppress the growth of pathogens. The aim of this study was to prepare fish feed mixtures with various compositions and, based on their physical characteristics (sphericity, flow rate, density, hardness, friability, and loss on drying), choose the most suitable one for coating with the selected probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum R2 Biocenol™ CCM 8674 (new nom. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum). The probiotic strain was examined through sequence analysis for the presence of plantaricin- related genes. An invented coating technology based on a dry coating with colloidal silica followed by starch hydrogel containing L. plantarum was applied to pellets and tested for the viability of probiotics during an 11-month period at different temperatures (4°C and 22°C). The release kinetics of probiotics in artificial gastric juice and in water (pH = 2 and pH = 7) were also determined. Chemical and nutritional analyses were conducted for comparison of the quality of the control and coated pellets. The results showed a gradual and sufficient release of probiotics for a 24-hour period, from 104 CFU at 10 mi up to 106 at the end of measurement in both environments. The number of living probiotic bacteria was stable during the whole storage period at 4°C (108), and no significant decrease in living probiotic bacteria was observed. Sanger sequencing revealed the presence of plantaricin A and plantaricin EF. Chemical analysis revealed an increase in multiple nutrients compared to the uncoated cores. These findings disclose that the invented coating method with a selected probiotic strain improved nutrient composition and did not worsen any of the physical characteristics of pellets. Applied probiotics are also gradually released into the environment and have a high survival rate when stored at 4°C for a long period of time. The outputs of this study confirm the potential of prepared and tested probiotic fish mixtures for future use in in vivo experiments and in fish farms for the prevention of infectious diseases.

Economics of Feeding Rice DDGS and Mixture of Wheat Straw and Groundnut Straw to Growing Crossbred Heifers

Feeding of growing heifers is generally ignored by the farmers as they do not want to spend their limited recourses during their non-productive growing phase. This deprives heifers of essential nutrients. Present study was planned on twenty-four HF×Kankrej heifers (avg. BW=116.13±4.74kg) and conducted for 168 days to note the effect of feeding rice DDGS and mixture of wheat straw and groundnut straw on feeding cost and feed efficiency. Three different concentrates containing 0%, 20% and 40% rice DDGS (RDDGS) were offered to T1, T2 and T3 group heifers, respectively. Under each group half of the heifers were offered wheat straw and another half a mixture of wheat straw (50%) and groundnut straw (50%). The protein requirement of heifers was fulfilled as per ICAR (2013) feeding standards. Cost of feeding under different treatments was calculated from the records of daily feed consumption and by considering the procurement cost of feeds and fodders. The recorded data was analyzed by RBD factorial design. Daily feed cost (₹/head/d) reduced linearly and significantly (p<0.05) on replacing soyaDOC with RDDGS. Feed cost (₹/kg BW gain) also reduced linearly but there was significant (p<0.05) reduction only when 40% soyaDOC in concentrate was replaced with RDDGS. There was net saving of ₹ 11.91 and ₹ 23.83/kg BW gain on replacing half and full soyaDOC with RDDGS. Daily feed cost (₹/head/d) increased significantly on feeding mixture of groundnut straw and wheat straw but the feed efficiency improved as feed cost (₹/kg BW gain) reduced by 4.74 % in heifers.

Cobalt, Chromium and lead heavy metals accumulation from animal dung, soil and rice grain through Vermic-activity by Lampito mauritii Kinberg

Heavy metals are a severe concern that causes a variety of health issues in both human beings and animals. They also have an impact on the variety of soil organisms and the ecosystem. The inoculation of earthworms in their natural environments can assist in monitoring heavy metal concentrations. The earthworm Lampito mauritii is a significant species for bioaccumulating highly toxic metals from soil and organic wastes for vermicomposting. This research aims to investigate the concentrations of heavy metals such as cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) found in various animal dungs, earthworm Lampito mauritii body tissues before and after vermicomposting, soil, and rice grains (Oryza sativa L.). Compared to the initial feed mixture of various animal dungs, it was found that the Co, Cr, and Pb heavy metal concentrations decreased (P < 0.05) in the final vermicompost. When the soil was mixed with cow dung vermicompost that had been inoculated with the earthworm Lampito mauritii, the highest concentrations of cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) were found to decrease by nearly 44.03% and 17.08%, respectively, while the maximum concentration of lead (Pb) was significantly reduced by 32.46% when the soil was mixed with goat dung. Heavy metal concentrations in rice grains were measured both before and after harvesting. When the soil was combined with goat dung vermicompost, the highest concentrations of Co, Cr, and Pb were found to decrease. Before and after crop harvesting, heavy metal concentrations were also investigated in the earthworm body in soil and soil with vermicompost of different animal dungs. When soil and cow dung were combined, the highest amount of cobalt (Co) was found to increase by 29.91% in the earthworm Lampito mauritii body, whereas the highest concentrations of chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) were found to increase by 18.05% and 30.22%, respectively, in the earthworm body when soil and buffalo dung were combined. For the protection of both the health of humans and the environment, vermicomposting and the utilization of Lampito mauritii are considered to be efficient methods for extracting these harmful metals from rice field soil.

Incidence of Trichothecenes Deoxynivalenol and T-2 Toxin in Poultry Feed Mixtures

Abstract Trichothecenes are among the most important fusariotoxins. According to their chemical structure, they are divided into 4 groups (A – D). In terms of agriculture, trichothecenes of groups A and B are of greatest importance. In this study, the incidence of trichothecenes (deoxynivalenol and T-2 toxin) in mixed feed for broilers and turkeys were determined. Deoxynivalenol was detected in all analysed samples of feed mixture for broilers and turkeys (100 %) at an average concentration of 1.776 ppm; 0.675 ppm, respectively. T-2 toxin was present in 93.8 % of mixed feed for broilers at an average concentration of 36.625 ppb and in all of the tested samples (100 %) of turkey mixed feed (average level 25.899 ppb). The trichothecenes deoxynivalenol and T-2 toxin in feed samples for poultry did not exceed concentrations recommended by legislation.

Influence of Genotype on Productivity and Egg Quality of Three Hen Strains Included in a Biodiversity Program.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of genotype on the productivity and egg quality of three hen strains included in the genetic resource protection program in Poland. The study encompassed populations of laying hens, i.e., Rhode Island Red/RIR (R-11 and K-22) and Rhode Island White (A-33). The analysis over five generations included the basic production traits, i.e., the weight of the birds at 20 weeks (g), egg weights at 33 and 53 weeks, sexual maturity, the number of eggs laid up to 56 weeks of age, and hatchability parameters. In addition, the effective population size (Ne) and flock homozygosity coefficient (Fx) were calculated for each breed. Population health during the rearing and production periods was also recorded. The study also determined egg content and shell quality traits in relation to the age of the hens. The birds were kept on litter at a stocking rate of 5 hens/m2 and fed ad libitum with a standard feed mixture for hens. Based on the results, it was concluded that the evaluated hen populations (R-11, K-22, and A-33) are valuable strains, representing a reservoir of unique phenotypic and egg quality traits. It was shown that the random mating system used in the reproduction of flocks effectively protects the populations from an increase in the degree of inbreeding. An influence of hens' origin (genotype) and age on the performance results, as well as egg quality traits, was found. Over five generations, the evaluated hen strains were characterized by high survival rates (above 98%). The study also found a large variation between the R-11 and K-22 strains and the A-33 strain in terms of the evaluated performance traits, especially in the body and egg weights, sexual maturity age, and laying performance of hens. The earliest to start laying were hens from the K-22 strains, which also showed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher laying performances compared to R-11 hens. The results also indicate that the quality of eggs from hens of the compared strains varied. This was particularly true for such traits as shell color; egg, shell, and yolk weight; and shell quality. It was also shown that many egg and shell quality traits change with the age of the hens. The analysis of the obtained data indicates that the adopted methods of conservative breeding for these populations have influenced the success of the conservation program.

Evaluasi Kebutuhan Energi dari Teknologi Distilasi Spray sebagai Alternatif Hijau Proses Hilirisasi Bioetanol

Bioethanol downstream processing is consuming 40-60% of total energy requirement in production of bioethanol as fuel, with highest consumption being the evaporation and distillation process. One of the technologies currently in development stage is spray distillation. In spray distillation, ethanol-water mixture feed is dispersed as micro droplets into a heated column at 40oC, while counter current air is flown upward to collect the vapor and discharged into condensation column. Since the spray distillation principles has been tested in controlled laboratory scale, this research objective is to evaluate the energy requirement for such process and comparison to conventional distillation. Testing was conducted on 20 L batch stainless steel column distillation and spray distillation of the same capacity. The ethanol concentration in feed was set to 15%-v to simulate fermentation broth, and operating parameters were sets to obtain 80%-v product. Batch distillation was heated using LPG gas and calculation shows that heat requirement 3.34 MJ/L pure ethanol equivalent. Alternatively, spray distillation running with feed rate of 5.05 ml/s at 40oC only requires 2.2-2.6 MJ/L pure ethanol equivalent. The study shows potential of spray distillation technology in reducing the energy requirement in downstream processing of bioethanol to 62-79% of conventional distillation.

Survival persistence of the 3 common Salmonella enterica serotypes isolated from broilers' in different matrices

Broiler meat is the predominant source of Salmonella as a foodborne pathogen. Several control strategies have focused on the reduction of Salmonella spp. levels at different production stages. However, the persistence of Salmonella between consecutive flocks is still of great concern. This study was designed to understand the cause of reinfection in broiler flocks due to survival of Salmonella in feeding lines of related matrices. Salmonella (S.) Enteritidis, S. Infantis, and S. Typhimurium isolated from broiler farms in North-West Germany were used. Four types of matrices (phosphate buffer saline (PBS), dietary plant fat, fat with feed mixture, and feed) were applied to evaluate Salmonella survival (with the initial dose about 8.0 log10 CFU/mL) during a simulation of 4 production cycles. To evaluate the growth and survival status of Salmonella ISO 6579-1:2017 were performed (quantitatively by plate count method (PCM) and most probable number method (MPN)) and qualitatively) at 5 defined time points (-7, 0, 4, 7, and 35 d). In all matrices and for the 3 serovars, the Salmonella count decreased at the end of the fourth cycle in comparison to the beginning of the experimental infection, and was still cultivated except for fat matrix. The PBS matrices showed the highest survival level of Salmonella and did not decline drastically by the end of the fourth cycle (5.93 ± 0.00, 5.87 ± 0.02, 5.73 ± 0.05 log10 CFU/mL, respectively). However, the fat matrices showed the lowest survival level for the 3 isolates at d 35 since the first cycle (0log10 CFU/mL using PCM). Regarding the fat-feed mixture, and feed matrices, there was a fluctuation in the survival rate of Salmonella (all serovars) within each cycle. For the qualitative method, the 3 serovars persisted in all matrices until the end of the fourth cycle except for fat matrices. The present study highlights the ability of Salmonella to survive for a long time in different temperatures and matrices despite efficient cleaning and disinfection processes in the feeding lines, which may influence reinfection with Salmonella in poultry houses.

Feeding system for cattle based on a wheeled robotic feeder

BACKGROUND:An analysis of the current state of production of dairy cattle products shows that the effective development of this industry can only be ensured at a breakthrough technological level. There is a wide variety of automatic feeding systems (AFS) on the market, differing in the level of automation, technical complexity and other parameters. They are actively used on foreign farms, however they are not widely used in Russia, mainly because of their high cost.
 AIMS:Development of a conceptual model of an automatic cattle feeding system based on a wheeled robotic feeder for servicing animals on domestic farms and plants.
 METHODS:The development was based on the following studies: the analysis of products made by manufacturers of systems for the preparation and distribution of feed mixtures at cattle farms; studying the works of foreign scientists devoted to the research of automatic feeding systems; modeling the operation of a robotic feeder and a mobile feed mixer-distributor using the developed mathematical apparatus based on graph theory; the experiments carried out at Russian farms with functioning automatic feeding systems and at farms that are potential consumers of these technologies.
 RESULTS:The paper presents the results of statistical processing of information obtained during the review of robotic feeders made by the worlds leading manufacturers. It is noted that the existing AFSs are suitable for relatively small European farms. For Russian farms, capable to contain 800 or more cows, the structure of the AFS with two main configurations is proposed. A description of each of the configurations is given, the schematic implementation plan for one of the configurations is given.
 CONCLUSIONS:The proposed AFS makes it possible to effectively use robotic feed dispensers with a relatively small amount of required technological equipment. Its efficiency increases with an increase in the number of livestock serviced, especially in farms with combined animal husbandry, as the specific costs of technological equipment per head decrease.

Highly-selective xenon–krypton separation using hydrate-based technology

Xenon (Xe) and krypton (Kr) are used in many important industries such as lighting, lasers, double glazing for insulation, and medicine. As Xe and Kr are found in extremely low concentrations in the atmosphere, only small quantities of the mixture of these gases are obtained as byproducts from air separation processes. As the further separation of Kr from Xe is achieved via a costly energy-intensive cryogenic distillation method, the development of a new cost-effective approach for Xe–Kr separation is essential. In this study, we demonstrated that clathrate hydrates can be used as a promising Xe trap to separate a Xe–Kr mixture and produce Kr-rich vapors. The Xe and Kr guest distributions in mixed clathrate hydrates were experimentally identified using powder X-ray diffraction, solid-state 129Xe NMR spectroscopy, and gas chromatography. The mixed Xe + Kr hydrates have a Pm3¯n structure, termed structure I (sI), regardless of the concentration of Xe in the feed vapor in the range of 3% to 100%, and the sI hydrate selectively captures Xe from the feed mixture. The phase equilibria of the mixed Xe + Kr hydrates were also investigated, and it was confirmed that the hydrate-based Xe–Kr separation process requires milder temperature conditions than the cryogenic distillation process. Overall, the findings in this work suggest that the hydrate-based Xe–Kr separation process is an excellent alternative to the energy-intensive cryogenic distillation method.

The influence of the addition of Agaricus bisporus to the diet on the volatile profile of lamb meat

The aim of the research was to qualitatively determine volatile aroma compounds in the M. longissimus dorsi of lambs. The research included a total of 30 lamb carcasses divided into three groups. The animals were fed with a regular commercial feed mixture, which was supplemented with chopped dried or fresh common mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) in various proportions. Volatile compounds were determined using headspace solid-phase microextraction, coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The identified compounds are classified into the following chemical groups: aldehydes, esters, alcohols, amino acids, peptides, lactones, ketones, fatty acids, complex organic compounds, ethers and furans. Further research is needed to determine whether the differences between the groups in the volatile compounds identified affect the acceptability of lamb meat to consumers.

Converting sludge to slag through a high temperature slagging co-gasification process: An evaluation based on a demonstration trial and life cycle assessment

A variety of sludge-based waste materials with distinctive physical and chemical characteristics are co-treated with municipal solid waste (MSW) in a demonstration-scale high-temperature slagging gasifier. The waste materials tested include dewatered sewage sludge (originated from industrial and municipal wastewater treatment processes, respectively), dried sewage sludge, sludge incineration ashes, and waterworks sludge (originated from freshwater treatment process). Up to 49.5% by mass of dried sewage sludge is successfully co-gasified with MSW and up to 89.5% of the solid residues from the gasification process is recovered as reusable slag and recyclable metals. Despite feeding of various waste mixtures, stable operation of the slagging gasifier is achieved with the proper control of the temperature profiles inside the gasifier, the melting of inorganic residues, smooth discharge of the molten slag, and effective flue gas emissions control. Various types of waste-derived slag are characterized to evaluate their potentials to be applied as sustainable construction materials. Toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) and compliance batch leaching test results indicate that the sludge-derived slag is environmentally safe with very low pollution potential. In addition, life cycle assessment (LCA) is performed to comprehensively evaluate the treatment of sludge-based waste materials via slagging co-gasification technology. These findings reveal the promising potentials of converting sludge to slag through the high temperature slagging gasification process based on both engineering and environmental aspects, as well as the possible areas for further advancement in the future.

Partial replacement of corn with chocolate byproducts or protected fat in diets of early lactating Holstein cows: feed utilization and lactational performance

This study determined the effects of the partial replacement of corn with chocolate byproducts or protected fat on the performance of cows. Forty multiparous Holstein cows were assigned to four treatments in a completely randomized design for 90 d. The control diet was a complete diet containing 41.2% concentrate feed mixture, 41.2% corn silage, and 17.6% berseem hay. In the other experimental diets, each kg of crushed corn grain in the control diet (DM basis) was replaced with 600 g chocolate byproducts (CH), 400 g protected fat (PF), or 500 g of a mixture of chocolate byproducts and protected fat (1:1 DM basis) (CHPF). Both amounts of PF and CH had the same energy concentration as 1 kg of corn. The experimental treatments did not affect total intake; however, they increased (p < 0.001) daily production of milk, milk fat content, and feed efficiency. Moreover, treatments increased (p < 0.05) blood total protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride. The CH, PF, and CHPF treatments increased (p < 0.01) nutrient digestibility. It is concluded that replacing 1 kg of corn in the diet of lactating Holstein cows with PF at 400 g, followed by CHPF at 500 g, and CH at 600 g enhanced milk production and feed efficiency.

EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTAL RED GRAPE POMACE ON TECHNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF ROSS 308 BROILER CHICKENS MEAT

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the effects of adding red grape pomace (RGP) of variety Alibernet to the diet of broiler chickens Ross 308 on the technological properties of their meat. 200 one-day Ross 308 broiler chicks of mixed gender were initially split into 4 groups at random (n = 50). The control group (Group C) did not get any extra supplements. The feed for experimental group E1 was enhanced with 1% RGP per 1 kg of feed mixture (FM), 2% RGP per 1 kg of FM in group E2, and 3% RGP per 1 kg of FM in group E3, respectively. The 42-day fattening period was conducted without the use of any coccidiostats or antibiotics in FMs. After slaughter and processing, chicken halves were tested for weight losses by cooling, freezing, respectively defreezing and cooking. Breast and thigh meat was subjected for analysis – pH of fresh meat 45 and 120 minutes postmortem, its color by CIEL*a*b* system and shear force after cooking. Based on the results, we can conclude that the addition of GPA negatively affected weight loss after freezing, as these were the lowest (P≤0.05) in the control group – 2.74% compared to groups E1 – 3.64 and E2 – 3.94%. Losses by cooling and baking were similar in all groups (P≥0.05). pH values in breast muscle were not significantly affected by selected feed supplement, what is in the contrary with pH of thigh muscle, where we detected significant differences after 45 and also 120 minutes postmortem (P≤0.05). The highest shear force (P≤0.05) was recorded in control group (breast – 4.40, thigh – 3.68 kg.cm-2), while the lowest and therefore softest meat was found after application of 2% RGP (breast – 3.63, thigh – 2.52 kg.cm-2). Color characteristics were the most influenced by selected feed supplement, as we did not detect significant differences (P≤0.05) only in L* of thigh meat. The highest differences were observed in a* and b* in both breast and thigh muscle (P≤0.05) – highest values were found in group with 3% of supplemental RGP (breast – -0.88 and 9.78, respectively; thigh – 4.09 and 13.42, respectively).

ANALYSIS OF BACTERIAL ABUNDANCE IN THE INTESTINES OF COMMON CARP Cyprinus carpio TREATED WITH THE PROBIOTIC Bacillus subtilis

Efforts to increase microbial populations in fish intestines tract can be done by utilizing microbes in the fish's digestive tract as probiotics. The application of Bacillus subtilis in fish feed mixtures can provide better growth performance in modifying microbes in the intestines of fish. The aim of this research was to analyze the bacterial community in the intestines of Common Carp(Cyprinus carpio) that have been given probiotics from the bacteria Bacillus subtilis with metagenome sequencing using 16S rRNA through Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology. Common carp samples were collected from maintenance conducted with different treatments, namely control fish without probiotic administration and fish treatment with mixed feed probiotic Bacillus subtilis. This research was conducted in the Laboratory of Fisheries Biotechnology, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Padjajaran University. Then molecular identification was carried out using Illumina's NGS in Novogene, Singapore. The results of the identification of using probiotic bacteria Bacillus subtilis in Common carp(Cyprinus carpio) feed affect the bacterial community in the fish intestine. In the intestines of carp that were given probiotics, the highest abundance was Proteobacteria, Fusobacteriota, and firmicutes.The highest abundance at the genus level in both samples was domiciled by the genus Cetobacterium followed by the Sphingomonas and Aeromonas.

Model of Feed Preparation in the Conditions of Small Farms

. A model of fodder preparation for small farms is proposed. The main ways of increasing the efficiency of fodder production have been identified. Equipment has been developed and proposed, from which technological schemes for the production of dry and wet mixtures of concentrated feed, fermented feed in the conditions of small farms are made. The effectiveness of the use of this equipment is shown.

Estimation of physico-chemical parameters of different combinations of buffalo dung with cane sugar bagasse by Vermic activity of earthworm Lampito mauritii

Overpopulation, pollution, industrialization, and urbanization are the main contributors to environmental deterioration and the production of solid waste. There are many ways to reduce the amount of organic waste that is disposed of in landfills. This covers vermicomposting, recycling, and composting of organic materials. With the aid of earthworms, vermicomposting is one of the most effective, affordable, and environmentally sustainable ways to turn organic wastes into high-quality manure. This study is aimed to investigate the physico-chemical alterations of sugarcane bagasse mixed with various combinations of buffalo dung following the processing of the earthworm Lampito mauritii. After vermic activity of Lampito mauritii, different combinations of sugarcane bagasse combined with buffalo dung showed a substantial decline in pH, EC, TOC, and C/N ratio and a significant rise in TKN, TK, TAP, and TCa when compared to the initial feed mixture. There was significant increase in total kjeldhal nitrogen (TKN) 46.25% in SCB+BD (1:1), total avilable phosphorus (TAP) 52.63% in SCB+BD (2:1), total potassium (TK) 35.13% in SCB+BD (1:1), total calcium (TCa) 52 % in BD and significant decreased in C:N ratio 69.74% in SCB+BD (1:1), total organic carbon (TOC) 54.82% in BD, electrical conductivity (EC) 54.16% in BD of final vermicompost with respect to initial feed mixture. The pH of initial feed mixture in all the combination tends to decrease. According to the findings, Lampito mauritii speed up the mineralization process and transformed manures into castings with increased nutritional content. These composts are suitable for use in agricultural fields since they have a low C: N ratio and high nutritional content, which will improve crop output.