Feed Supply Research Articles

Influence of prepartum feed levels on colostrum production and farrowing performance in highly prolific sows in a tropical environment

Currently, there is a lack of data on the effects of altering feed levels on sow performance and piglet characteristics during the transition period in tropical environments. The present study determined the effect of sow feed levels during the transition period on colostrum yield, colostrum immunoglobulin (Ig) G, colostrum intake of piglets, farrowing duration, proportion of stillborn piglets per litter (SB) and the incidence of farrowing assistance in highly prolific sows. A total of 114 Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred sows and their offspring (n = 2 072) were included in the experiment. Sows were assigned to different feed supply levels from entry to farrowing at 110 days of gestation until farrowing based on their parity number. Three feed-level groups were the control group who received 3.0 kg/day of lactation feed (n = 40), treatment 1 group who received 3.6 kg/day of gestation feed (n = 39) and treatment 2 group who received 4.0 kg/day of lactation feed (n = 35). Colostrum samples (5 ml) were obtained from the sows within 3 h after the onset of farrowing for IgG assay. Piglets were weighed immediately after birth and then again 17–24 h later to estimate their colostrum intake. Colostrum yield was determined by aggregating the colostrum intake of piglets within the litter. The total number of piglets born, SB and farrowing duration were 18.2 ± 3.8, 7.5% and 259.1 ± 138.1 min, respectively. Among these sows, 28.9% experienced a farrowing duration exceeding 300 min and 50.9% required assistance during farrowing. Interestingly, piglets in the treatment 2 group demonstrated a greater colostrum intake (403.1 ± 14.9 g) compared to the control group (360.6 ± 15.1 g, P = 0.046) and the treatment 1 group (361.0 ± 12.9 g, P = 0.033). On average, colostrum yield of sows in the treatment 2 group tended to be higher than in the control group (+0.5 kg, P = 0.081), but did not differ from the treatment 1 group (+0.3 kg, P = 0.191). No significant differences in farrowing duration, SB, farrowing assistance, or colostrum IgG concentration were found across various feed-level groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the study showed that raising lactation feed by 1.0 kg/day prefarrowing increased piglet colostrum intake and tended to boost sow colostrum production, without significantly affecting farrowing duration, stillbirth rates, or need for assistance.

The production and reproductive traits among different goat breeds in southwestern region of Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, a comprehensive study was conducted over one year to compare the reproductive and productive performance of Black Bengal, Jamunapari, and crossbred goats. The study involved a sample size of 226 goats and provided insightful information on the distinctive capabilities of each type of goat breeds. Most of the doe were 21–30 months of age, and their weight was 21–30 kg. The feed supply for the doe was concentrated green grass, whereas the kids got supplementary feed like rice bran. Among the reproductive traits, age at puberty, age of first kidding, and age of the first conception were significantly (P<0.001) higher in Jamunapari goats, whereas aerial kidding intervals were found in 263.77 ± 54.26 days in crossbreeds. Postpartum heat periods were highest at 68.50 ± 5.53 days in Jamunapari goats at 1st and 2nd parity, though at 3rd parity, 22.96 ± 26.66 days were uppermost in Black Bengal. There was no significant effect of parity on lactation length or milk production. Though Jamunapari goats show the highest lactation length at 1st and 2nd parity, at 3rd parity, 2.56 ± 2.89 kg was the largest in Black Bengals. The mortality of kids was high in the second parity in Black Bengal and crossbreeds, whereas in Jamunapari, it was higher in the first and second parities. The mortality rate of kids under 20 days was high, which gradually decreased with the advancement of age. Different periparturient and postpartum diseases, like abortion, dystocia, retained placenta, etc., decreased the reproductive performance of goats. The Black Bengal goat exhibited superior productive and reproductive performance to Jamunapari and crossbred goats. The study's findings suggest that, in the southwestern region of Bangladesh, prioritizing Black Bengal goats for breeding programs could potentially enhance both productive and reproductive traits compared to Jamunapari and crossbred goats. Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2023, 8 (3), 78-87

Preparation of Glutamine-Enriched Fermented Feed from Corn Gluten Meal and Its Functionality Evaluation.

China faces a persistent deficiency in feed protein resources. Enhancing the utilization efficiency of indigenous feed protein resources emerges as a viable strategy to alleviate the current deficit in protein feed supply. Corn gluten meal (CGM), characterized by a high proportion of crude protein and glutamine, is predominantly employed in animal feed. Nonetheless, the water-insolubility of CGM protein hampers its protein bioavailability when utilized as feed material. The aim of this study was to augment protein bioavailability, liberate glutamine peptides from CGM, and produce glutamine-enriched CGM fermented feed. We executed a co-fermentation protocol using Bacillus subtilis A5, Lactobacillus 02002, and acid protease to generate the CGM fermented feed. Subsequent in vivo experiments with broilers were conducted to assess the efficacy of the fermented product. The findings revealed that the soluble protein, glutamine, small peptides, and lactic acid contents in the fermented feed increased by 69.1%, 700%, 47.6%, and 125.9%, respectively. Incorporating 15% and 30% CGM fermented feed into the diet markedly enhanced the growth performance and intestinal health of broilers, positively modulated the cecal microbiota structure, and augmented the population of beneficial bacteria, specifically Lactobacillus. These results furnish both experimental and theoretical foundations for deploying CGM fermented feed as an alternative protein feed resource.

Growing pigs’ diets with increased phytase activity and reduced available phosphorus resulted in similar performance and environmental impacts

The objective of this study was to evaluate, through a life cycle assessment, the environmental impacts of the postweaning growth of pigs fed with diets with reduced levels of available phosphorus and increased phytases. In Trial I (nitrogen and phosphorus balance), 25 crossbreed barrow pigs (BP 400 × BM 500 Biriba’s®), with an average weight of 23.05 ± 3.24 kg and average starting age of 60.75 ± 4.73 days, were assigned to five dietary treatments using a randomized block design, with five replications and each animal as an experimental unit. Five experimental diets were evaluated: each increasing phytase activity units (FTU) (control [0], 250, 500, 750 and 1 000 FTU) and decreasing levels of available phosphorus (0.435, 0.375, 0.315, 0.255 and 0.195%), respectively. Due to phytase supplementation, all diets meet the requirements for available phosphorus. The pigs received two daily meals. Total collection of feces was performed, adding 2 g of ferric oxide as a fecal marker. Feces were collected daily, stored in plastic bags and frozen. All excreted urine was collected in plastic buckets containing 20 mL of HCl (1:1), and a 20% aliquot was frozen for further analysis. In Trial II (performance), 40 crossbreed barrow pigs (BP 400 × BM 500 Biriba’s®) with an initial average weight of 15.11 ± 0.67 kg, average starting age of 50.63 ± 0.81 and finishing age of 72.43 ± 2.07 days were assigned using a randomized block design to five dietary treatments, with eight replications and each animal as an experimental unit. The pigs were weighed at the beginning and at the end of the trial, as were the feed supplies and refusals. These data were used to calculate the feed conversion ratio, average daily gain and average daily feed intake. The life cycle analysis was based on the CML 2001 (baseline) method V3.02, as implemented in the Simapro software, version 8.05 (PRé Consultant, 2014). These data may further serve as a reference for the study of the impact of phytase supplementation during other breeding phases, or even in other animals whose environmental impacts are being studied.

Preparation and Preservation of Maize Stalk Fodder

Shortage of feed supply of the cattle during the dry season or flood period is an important issue which could be partially met by maize stalk. An experiment was conducted to prepare maize stalk fodder for cattle. The BARI chopper was improved for chopping maize stalk (MS) in smaller size (7-8mm) by adding blades and make the chopper safe by adding casing. The capacity of the BARI chopper was 745 and 425 kg/h with fresh and dried maize stalk, respectively. Total chopping cost per hour was Taka 0.23 per kg. The chopped maize stalk in both fresh and dried conditions with different combinations were served to the cattle and found that smaller sized chopped piece of both dried and fresh maize stalk could be feed in both raw and mixing with salt, wheat bran and water with little molasses. Maize stalk block also prepared with different combinations and found that block made by liquid Gur was better in both physically and cattle likeness. Total cost of block per kg was Tk. 13.85, 31.35, 28.85 and 36.35 for MS block 1, MS block 2, MS block 3 and MS block 4, respectively. Chopped and dried maize stalk were preserved in polybag, open drum and store room were liked by the cattle up to three months of the storage. Flatten and dried maize stalk were not liked by the cattle due to their long size and hardness. 
 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 47(3): 333-342, September 2022

Municipal wastewater driven partial-denitrification (PD) aggravated nitrous oxide (N2O) production

Partial Denitrification (PD) provides a new route for nitrate-rich wastewater treatment by combining with energy-efficient anammox. This process was reported to hardly produce N2O despite high nitrite accumulation using acetate as carbon source. This study, however, demonstrated significant N2O would be produced when feeding with real municipal wastewater, the NTR-N2O (NO3−-to-N2O transformation ratio) reached as high as 10%. The supply of feed with a high COD/NO3−-N ratio was unable to alleviate N2O production but was severely aggravated after nitrate was depleted. Excess carbon source resulted in accumulated nitrite further being reduced with NTR-N2O largely improved to 63.4%. Besides, it was observed that acid pH inhibited PD activity and resulted in N2O production significantly increased with the NTR-N2O of 39.9% at an initial pH of 5.5. The increase of pH to alkaline conditions cannot mitigate N2O production. A low feeding proportion of real municipal wastewater for low nitrate wastewater treatment can drastically lower N2O production. The NTR-N2O was only 0.1% at a nitrate concentration of 10 mgN/L (10%), much lower than that at 30 mgN/L with a 30% feeding proportion of municipal wastewater (9.4%). Complex organics and ammonium present in municipal wastewater were supposed to be the primary reasons for the high N2O production. Overall, this work offered a new insight into N2O production during the PD process using the complex organics from wastewater itself.

Optimization of dairy cows diets for crude protein

The influence of the composition of the diet on the productive indicators of cows, in particular on the chemical composition of milk, is analyzed. A reduction in the supply of succulent feed to 46.6% of the total energy nutrition and an increase in the proportion of concentrates (up to 53.4% of the exchange energy) for dairy cows were unacceptable. During the study, the level of milk productivity of black-andwhite cows increased very slightly – by 0.7 kg head /day. It is possible that in the first days of the change of the cow's diet, the total gross milk yield increases, but this period does not last long, and soon cows with acidosis and other metabolic disorders appear on the farm. The increase in the level of concentrated feed in the farm negatively affected the physico-chemical composition of milk, which became unsorted. A negative consequence of the change in the diet of cows was a deterioration in the quality of milk. Thus, the ratio of «fat – protein» has changed in the opposite direction, the urea content has increased (to 48.58–52.97 mg / 100 ml), the titrated acidity of milk has increased (to 19.49–21.04 °T) and the content of somatic cells in milk (to the level of 354.41–450.54 thousand / cm3) in cows of all lactations.

Shortening food supply chain in home-grown school feeding: experiences and lessons from south central China

Abstract Both home-grown school feeding (HGSF) and short food supply chain (SFSC) emphasize on proximity and aim to strengthen the competitiveness of local smallholder farmers. From a theoretical perspective, HGSF implemented as a type of SFSC could help deliver synergies. A pivotal question is how HGSF can be combined with SFSC and the benefits and drawbacks of such combination. Using an HGSF program which was implemented as an integral part of a free preschool lunch pilot in South Central China, this paper shows that HGSF and SFSC (in its full term) could be combined through one structured demand intervention. This study uses both qualitative and quantitative materials. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions with government and preschool staff, parents or caregivers, cooks, World Food Programme representatives and other stakeholders involved in the pilot program. The quantitative part used both small panel data and cross-sectional data from 106 smallholders. This study analyzes the design, implementation, good practices, benefits and constraints of the HGSF-SFSC model. We find that direct purchase from smallholder farmers was linked with higher income and production and dietary diversity. Moreover, this study identifies several constraints of the current HGSF-SFSC model. The policy implications for sustaining and scaling up the current pilot are discussed in the paper.

Upcycling of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus from aquaculture sludge using the polychaete Hediste diversicolor (OF Müller, 1776) (Annelida: Nereididae)

IntroductionFocusing on circular bioeconomy and finding solutions for managing finite and scarce resources such as phosphorus are issues that need to be addressed across sectors to attain food security. Land-based aquaculture of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) smolt and post-smolt results in a large output of aquaculture sludge. These nutrient-rich side streams from aquaculture production constitute a valuable resource for cultivation of polychaetes Hediste diversicolor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of H. diversicolor to upcycle carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) contained in aquaculture sludge from Norwegian salmon production.Material and methodsWe investigated the effect of two diets, smolt sludge and post-smolt sludge, which were supplied at four different feed levels, on the gain of C, N, and P in H. diversicolor and established uptake rates for the upcycling of these nutrients. Additionally, we examined how different feed composition (type of diet) and supply (feel level) influenced C, N, and P content as well as the elemental ratios of H. diversicolor.Results and discussionPolychaetes fed with both types of sludge were shown to incorporate C, N, and P from their diets into biomass. Incorporation of C, N, and P in polychaete biomass was highest at the highest feed levels, following specific growth rates. Uptake of diet C, N, and P into polychaete biomass was similar for both diets and across feed levels. On average, C and N uptake rates amounted to 2–10% and 2–15%, respectively, while values for P uptake were lower at 0.5–1.5%. C, N, and P content of polychaetes was not affected by different diets or feed levels while the C:N ratio increased with increasing feed supply. Overall, we found that H. diversicolor can successfully take up nutrients contained in aquaculture sludge and thus can be beneficial for upcycling of side streams from Atlantic salmon production.

Innovative design of a dome-shaped solar distiller enhanced with a multi-tray conical absorber basin and fountain feeding supply: Experimental study with energy, exergy, and enviro-economic analyses

Augmentation of the condensation cover area of the distiller by using a newly dome-shaped solar distiller could be a low-cost and effective approach for maximization of the distillate product of conventional solar stills. This work aims to evolve an innovative design of a solar distiller that can achieve the highest performance improvement. A novel dome-shaped solar distiller with a multi-tray conical absorber basin and fountain feeding supply is introduced in this study to augment the vaporization rates within the distillation basin and thus augment the freshwater product. Two dome-shaped solar distillers are designed and examined: a modified dome-shaped solar distiller (MDSSD) and a traditional dome-shaped solar distiller (TDSSD), which act as a reference. The energetic, exergetic, and economical analyses of the two stills are conducted regarding freshwater production rate, daily energic and exergic efficiencies, and distillation product cost. The daily freshwater production reached 9.27 kg/m2/d for the MDSSD and 5.57 kg/m2/d for the TDSSD, achieving a 41.0 % enhancement relative to the TDSSD. More so, the daily energic efficiency of MDSSD and TDSSD is evaluated as 69.35 % and 49.30 %, achieving an increase rate of 40.65 % over TDSSD. The daily exergic efficiency of MDSSD and TDSSD reached 6.62 % and 3.40 %, representing an improvement rate of 94.70 %, respectively. Additionally, the findings of cost analysis show that the distilled water cost is appreciated as 0.05073 $/kg and 0.05418 $/kg for MDSSD and TDSSD, respectively. Hence, the MDSSD had a lower distilled product cost than TDSSD by 6.40 %.

Livestock nutrition and feed balance on smallholder farms in Tanqua-Abergelle district, northern Ethiopia

The present study examined the livestock feed balance of smallholder farmers in Tanqua-Abergelle district of central Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Sixty livestock households were randomly selected from two farmer associations chosen systematically based on their livestock production potential. Data were collected on household characteristics, land holding, livestock ownership, feed inventory, feed supply and feed demand using household interviews (N = 60). Field feed samples were collected and representative samples analysed for dry matter content (DM), metabolizable energy (ME) and digestible crude protein (DCP). Annual DM, ME and DCP supply and demand were estimated using proper scientific procedures. Feed balance was quantified by comparing the feed demand with the supply. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics of SPSS statistical software. Crop residues, grazing lands, crop stubble and mixed hay were investigated as the major feed resources for livestock. On average, annual feed production was 3.96 tonnes DM, 30,138 MJ ME and 171 kg DCP at household level for 4.85 TLU. Crop residues contributed to 52 % of the total annual feed supply and grazing lands to 29 %. The feed requirement for maintenance of the livestock holding was estimated at 11.06 tonnes DM, 45,580 MJ ME and 253 kg DCP. The feed balance analysis estimated a 64 % deficiency of dry matter, 34 % of ME and 32 % of protein. Based on the present findings, it is clear that either the quantitative and qualitative feed supply of the livestock must be improved or the number of livestock kept in Tanqua-Abergelle district must be reduced in order to close the feed gap.

Impact of predigestion feed on the growth of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The addition of simplified feed or predigestion feed is one of the alternative solutions in helping the process of utilizing feed by tilapia seeds with incomplete digestive tract conditions or limited secretion of digestive enzymes. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of predigestion feed on the growth of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The design used in this study was a completely randomized design (CRD) with treatments in the form of differences in pancreatic enzyme concentrations (0%, 3%, 6%, and 9%) with 3 replications each. Parameters observed include the coefficient of diversity, specific growth rate (SGR), and feed efficiency. The results of this study showed that the lowest coefficient of diversity, the highest specific growth rate, and the highest feed efficiency were owned by the 9% treatment with a value of 16.07%, 4.95 %/day, and 84.02%, respectively. Provision of predigestion feed on tilapia fry significantly affected the growth of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Provision of predigestion feed with an enzyme concentration of 9% gave optimal results.

STRENGTHENING THE WAQF PRODUCTIVE-BASED ECONOMY IN TAKMIRS AND CONGREGATION OF MASJID AL HIDAYAH WONOGIRI WITH THE “ABCD” APPROACH

Every country has a poverty problem. One way to reduce this problem is by empowering communities with a productive waqf model. This service aims to provide education and assistance to the community in managing productive waqf. The object of service is the community at the Al-Hidayah mosque congregation, Wonogiri Village, Kaliwungu District, Semarang Regency. The service approach uses the ABCD model, namely Asset Based Community Development. Community service is carried out in 3 ways, namely conducting FGD, socialization and mentoring. The results showed that the community began to have a good awareness in managing waqf in the form of goat livestock. Although several problems arise such as feed supply chain constraints during the drought and suboptimal kendang facilities. SWOT analysis shows the potential for economic improvement if carried out sustainably.

Categorization of a Universal Coding System to Distinguish Use of Durable Medical Equipment and Supplies in Pediatric Patients

Although durable medical equipment and supplies (DMES) are commonly used to optimize the health and function in pediatric patients, little is known about the prevalence of use and spending on DMES. To categorize the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) for distinguishing DMES types, and to measure the prevalence and related spending of DMES in pediatric patients using Medicaid. This study is a cross-sectional analysis of the 2018 Merative Medicaid Database and included 4 569 473 pediatric patients aged 0 to 21 years enrolled in Medicaid in 12 US states from January 1 to December 31, 2018. Data were analyzed from February 2019 to April 2023. DMES exposure was identified with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services HCPCS codes. Three pediatricians categorized HCPCS DMES codes submitted by vendors for reimbursement of dispensed DMES into DMES types and end-organ systems; 15 expert reviewers refined the categorization (2576 DMES codes, 164 DMES types, 14 organ systems). The main outcome was DMES prevalence & Medicaid spending. The χ2 test was used to compare DMES prevalence and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to compare per-member-per-year (PMPY) spending by complex chronic conditions (CCC). Of the 4 569 473 patients in the study cohort, 49.3% were female and 56.1% were aged 5 to 15 years. Patients used 133 of 164 (81.1%) DMES types. The DMES prevalence was 17.1% (95% CI, 17.0%-17.2%) ranging from 10.1% (95% CI, 10.0%-10.2%) in patients with no chronic condition to 60.9% (95% CI, 60.8%-61.0%) for patients with 2 or more CCCs. The PMPY DMES spending was $593, ranging from $349 for no chronic condition to $4253 for 2 or more CCCs. Lens (7.9%), vision frames (6.2%), and orthotics for orthopedic injury (0.8%) were the most common DME in patients with no chronic condition. Enteral tube / feeding supplies (19.8%), diapers (19.2%), lower extremity orthotics (12.3%), wheelchair (9.6%), oxygen (9.0%), and urinary catheter equipment (4.2%) were among the most common DMES in children with 2 or more CCCs. In this cross-sectional study, HCPCS distinguished a variety of DME types and use across pediatric populations. Further investigation should assess the utility of the HCPCS DMES categorization with efforts to optimize the quality and safety of DMES use.

The potential of cassava-goat integration in aerial and fertilizer production in Lampung

This study aimed to evaluate the integration potential of cassava plants with goats in aerial production and goat manure-derived fertilizers. This research was conducted by purposive sampling with the consideration that Lampung Province is the central region of cassava production in Indonesia and is the region with the highest population of goats outside Java Island. Sampling was carried out in Central Lampung and East Lampung with high-production cassava and goats. Analysis using LQ, FPCI, carrying capacity, and fertilizer production from goat manure. The data obtained was then presented descriptively. The results showed that FPCI was located in Central Lampung, East Lampung, North Lampung, Tulang Bawang, and Tulang Bawang West. The highest aerial carrying capacity of cassava, 31.6%, was concentrated in Central Lampung, thereby affecting the livestock carrying capacity. LQ analysis obtained showed that around 66.7% of the area in Lampung was a goat livestock base. The highest production of fertilizer from goat manure was obtained by South Lampung, which covers around 24.5% of the total area of Lampung. The conclusion from this study was that areas that have potential for development supported by the provision of feed sourced from aerial sources from cassava plant waste if integrating cassava plants and goat livestock were East Lampung, Central Lampung, North Lampung, Tulang Bawang, and Tulang Bawang Barat districts.

Tracking Livestock Diets Using Stable Isotopes in Complex Mixed Farming Systems

Stable isotope analysis of 13C and 15N has been widely used to provide information regarding short- or long-term animal dietary composition as affected by changes in land or ecological system use. In complex mixed-crop−livestock systems, rangeland biomass, crop residues, and feedstuff contribute to livestock diets with high seasonal variations. Particularly in the Limpopo province, South Africa, livestock feed supply varies considerably throughout the year leading to regular feed gaps. Hence, to estimate livestock diet composition in relation to these variations, we analyzed the stable isotopes of C and N of tail hair and feces samples across free-ranging beef cattle in distinct agroecological zones (AEZs) and farm types. Here, farm types were structured according to mixed-crop−livestock farms and livestock-only farms. We found that farm types did not influence the δ13C of feces and hair (P > 0.05), but AEZ had a strong effect on δ13C patterns (P < 0.01). The contribution of C3-C4 plants in the diet varied considerably across farm types and AEZ (P < 0.01). The δ15N values indicated nutritional stress, probably due to low protein concentrations in feed (e.g., rangeland biomass, crop residues) irrespective of AEZ and farm types. In general, cattle exposed to arid conditions (drier AEZ) had significantly decreased δ13C values and increased δ15N values that could potentially be linked to feed gaps. Moreover, the results from the present study indicate that δ13C of feces and hair samples are more meaningful predictors of cattle diet than δ15N as affected by different farm practices. Therefore, stable isotope analyses potentially have an important role in helping improve the understanding of seasonal shifts in livestock diet intake in diverse production systems.

New Perspective for Macroalgae-Based Animal Feeding in the Context of Challenging Sustainable Food Production.

Food production is facing challenging times due to the pandemic, and climate change. With production expected to double by 2050, there is a need for a new paradigm in sustainable animal feed supply. Seaweeds offer a highly valuable opportunity in this regard. Seaweeds are classified into three categories: brown (Phaeophyceae), red (Rhodophyceae), and green (Chlorophyceae). While they have traditionally been used in aquafeed, their demand in the feed market is growing, parallelly increasing according to the food demand. Additionally, seaweeds are being promoted for their nutritional benefits, which contribute to the health, growth, and performance of animals intended for human consumption. Moreover, seaweeds contain biologically active compounds such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants (polyphenols), and pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids), which possess beneficial properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects and act as prebiotics. This review offers a new perspective on the valorization of macroalgae biomass due to their nutritional profile and bioactive components, which have the potential to play a crucial role in animal growth and making possible new sources of healthy food ingredients.

Influence of the use of enzymes and microelements in the rations of steers of different breeds when fattening on their productivity

Basic nutrients in the form in which they are found in feed cannot be absorbed by animals without enzymatic breakdown. Therefore, for more efficient use of nutrients in the body of animals, biological catalysts or enzymes are necessary. In order to maintain normal vital processes of the body, metabolism and increase productivity, minerals are needed. The importance of microelements in the feeding of farm animals has already been proven and accepted, and now no ration can do without their inclusion. The purpose of the research was to study the infl uence of various enzymes, as well as in combination with microelements in the ration of steers of diff erent breeds during fattening, on their productivity and meat quality. For the experiment newborn bulls were selected and groups were formed per 10 heads in each according to the principle of analogues. The 1st control group included steers of Bestuzhev breed, the 2nd experimental group included steers of Black-and-White breed, the 3rd experimental group included steers of Simmental breed and the 4th experimental group included crossbred steers of Simmental×Ayrshire. It was established that the best ability to transform feed protein into meat protein was characteristic of steers of the 3rd experimental group (Simmental breed), which were superior to their herdmates of control group by 1,58 abs.%, and for others the advantages were slightly lower 0,78–1,12 abs.%. Thus, the use of enzymes in the ration of steers of diff erent breeds for fattening in combination with microelements in relation to the capabilities of the local feed supply and the actual chemical composition of feed made it possible to increase the consumption of basic nutrients by animals, improved their digestibility and increased the beef productivity of steers.

The use of lupin variety “Deco” in the feeding of pigs

The purpose of this research was to study the effect on the digestibility of dietary nutrients and livestock parameters of young pigs of different doses of an alternative feed source such as lupine grain of the variety “Deco” instead of full-fat soybeans in the composition of compound feed. The studies were carried out on young pigs of DanBred genetics under conditions of a pig-breeding enterprise. Clinically healthy pigs were selected for the research. The method of analogues was used when selecting animals into groups, taking into account age, live weight, sex, etc. Four groups of animals were formed to conduct the experiment. There were 48 pigs in each group. The duration of the experiment was 124 days. The control group of young pigs was fed compound feed with full-fat soybeans. Herdmates in the 1st experimental group were fed compound feed with 50 % of full-fat soybeans replaced with the variety “Deco” lupine, in the 2nd experimental group with 75 %, in the 3rd experimental group full-fat soybeans were completely replaced with lupine grain. In relation to full-fat soybeans lupine grain of the variety “Deco” contained more dry matter by 0,08 abs.%, crude protein by 2,45 abs.%, crude ash by 0,35 abs.%, nitrogen-free extractive substances by 2,38 abs.%, the studied amino acids by 1,75 abs.%. Partial or complete replacement of full-fat soybeans in the compound feed with the lupine variety “Deco” led to the increase in the digestibility of nutrients in the body of young pigs with the following results: dry matter was digested more by 0,41–1,15 abs.%, organic matter by 0,23–1,00 abs.%, crude fat by 0,17–1,52 abs.%, crude protein by 0,92–1,83 abs.%, crude fi ber by 2,04–3,21 abs.%, nitrogenfree extractive substances by 0,12–0,43 abs.% compared to the pigs of the control group. The use of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus taken with compound feed in animals was greater in relation to analogues from the control group by 0,76–1,61 abs.%, 0,72–1,61 and 0,19–1,26 abs.%, respectively. At the age of 180 days, the live weight of pigs in the control group was 131,04 kg, and in the experimental groups it was 2,82–3,96 kg higher. There was the decrease in feed expenditures per 1 kg of live weight gain in animals of the experimental groups by 2,57–3,49 % in comparison with control analogues. In order to expand the feed supply in pig farming, increase the nutritional value of compound feed and reduce their cost, as well as increase the meat productivity of pigs we recommend input alkaloid-free lupine of the variety “Deco” into compound feed.

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

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