High Feed Costs Research Articles

Optimizing Hard Clam Production in Taiwan by Accounting for Nonlinear Effects of Stocking Density and Feed Costs on Farm Output of Clams

Despite mass mortality, hard clams remain among the main cultured shellfish in Taiwan. Using cross-sectional data, this study applies threshold regression modeling with stocking density and feed costs as the threshold variables to explore the nonlinear relationship between input and output factors. The findings show that the production output levels may be increased by different combinations of factor inputs and variations in input factors. More specifically, the higher output levels may be achieved by increasing labor input while reducing capital input factors in farming households with a higher stocking density (HSD > 1,087,870 inds/ha) or higher feed cost (HFC > 13,889 NTD/ha). Farming households with a lower stocking density (LSD ≤ 1,087,870 inds/ha) may enhance production output levels by increasing feed input while reducing capital inputs. Moreover, the maximum output level of HSD and HFC farming households was estimated to reach 9255 kg/ha and 9807 kg/ha, respectively. Results of the production output simulation suggest that the feeding cost per hectare in LSD households should not exceed 25,119 NTD to avoid overfeeding, which may cause culture deterioration and lower survival rates. As such, farmers are advised to adjust their feed costs according to the stocking density to maximize production output.

Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Desa Karang Asem Timur dalam Optimalisasi Budi Daya Ikan dan Produk Olahannya

In early 2020, Karang Asem Timur Village received a grant from the Ministry of Marine Affairs in the form of a catfish farming system in buckets (budikdamber). This program is conducted by several business groups that are widely spread in the community. Many of the catfish farmers in Karang Asem Timur Village complain about the high cost of commercial feed which is commonly used, made the profits earned very insignificant and even tend to lose, thus need supervision. The IPB Serving Lecturer Program attempts to empower the people of Karang Asem Timur Village in optimizing fish farming activities and their processed products. This program as an extension of the Thematic Field Apprenticeship Lecture (KKN-T) program, partners with the catfish business group in Karang Asem Timur Village look for other feeding alternatives that are cheaper and have good nutritional content for catfish. In addition, the program also cooperates with youth organizations and family welfare empowerment to open business opportunities for processed catfish products and catfish cultured products. It is hoped that the progress and independence of the village economy can be achieved. The society eagerly participate and propose for the program to be continued gradually and sustainably in the near future.

The Effects of Substituting Fishmeal Based-Diet With Plant Based-Diet on Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fish Growth, Feed Efficiency and Production Cost-Effectiveness

Aquaculture started in The Gambia in 1979 but is still at a rudimentary stage. Many government and private interventions conducted on fish farming failed due to the high cost of feed. Fishmeal based diets are expensive thus using them makes many fish farming in the developing countries unprofitable businesses. There is a need to use locally available plant ingredients to develop fish feeds. This study was conducted to compare the growth, feed efficiency and production cost-effectiveness of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fish fed on fishmeal-based diet (control diet) to that of the same fish fed on plant-based diet (test diet). The two isonitrogenous (30 % CP) experimental diets were tested on 0.81g Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry for a period of six (6) weeks. The control diet composed of fishmeal, soybean meal, cassava flour, and a blend of palm oil and fish oil premixed with mineral and vitamin supplements. The plant-based diet consisted of groundnut cake, wheat flour, brewery waste and rice bran supplemented with mineral and vitamin premixes. Regarding growth performance parameters, there were significant differences between the final mean weight, mean weight gain, percentage mean weight gain and the specific growth rate of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fish fed on the control diet and the plant-based diet. For feed efficiency parameters, there was significant difference between feed conversion ratio for fish fed the control diet and the plant-based diet. However, there was no difference between the fish fed the two diets with regards to the protein efficiency ratio or survival rate. The plant-based diet was inferior to the fishmeal-based diet in terms of growth and feed efficiency parameters of 0.81g Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry. When compared to the fish-meal based diet, the plant based-diet was more cost-effective in producing a kilogram of feed but less cost-effective in producing of a kilogram of fish. Therefore, a plant based-diet cannot replace a fishmeal based-diet without compromising Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fish growth performance and production cost-effectiveness.

PROFIT EFFICIENCY OF POULTRY FARMERS IN IREPODUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

The study was conducted to determine the profit efficiency of poultry production in Irepodun Local Government Areas in Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 85 poultry farmers were selected using a two-stage sampling procedure. Primary data were collected with a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, farm enterprise budgeting technique and stochastic profit frontier model were used to analyze the data collected. Poultry farming was profitable in the area with a gross margin, net farm income and gross ratio of ₦204,692.76, ₦193,492.78 and 0.4923, respectively. Number of brood stock, price of produce, cost of labour and feed, farming experience, access to extension and borrowed capital were significant factors influencing the level of the farmers’ profit efficiency. About 66% of the poultry farmers were profit efficient. The most prevalent constraints faced by the farmers by weighted mean were high cost of feed (3.89), high cost of acquiring credit facilities (3.87), climate change variability (3.87), limited capital (3.52), middlemen exploitation (3.42) and inadequate extension and advisory services (3.41). The study concluded that the farmers were not profit efficient. Thus, it was recommended that farmers should reallocate their resources to attain profit efficiency.

Impact of fish feed formulation training on feed use and farmers' income: Evidence from Ghana

Feed accounts for 60–80% of tilapia production costs, and high feed cost and limited feed access are major issues faced by fish farmers. A potential solution is for farmers to produce their own feeds using cheaper and locally available ingredients. This paper evaluates the feed formulation training implemented in Ghana as part of the Fisheries Commission's activities under the Ghana Aquaculture for Food and Jobs program. This paper analyzes baseline and follow-up survey data using difference-in-difference estimation and analysis of covariance. One year after the training, results show positive impact on the farmers' knowledge of feed formulation, quantity of feed formulated, feeding and management practices, productivity, and income. Feed formulation training encouraged more farmers to formulate their own feeds and maintained or increased total feeds used in their facilities from 2018/2019 to 2020/21. Among the farmers who did not receive training, feed formulation activities and feed quantity used reduced from 2018/19 to 2020/21. A common practice is the use of locally available quality commercial feed as starter feed for smaller fish and own-formulated feeds as a complement for or alternative to commercial growout feeds for bigger fish. Especially when constrained by lack of funds, many farmers reduce the use of commercial feeds and formulate their feeds using cheaper and locally available raw materials to maintain similar levels of feeding intensity. Feed formulation acts as an important coping strategy in the context of small-scale farmers with limited financial resources. This study recommends scaling out feed formulation training and expanding research on optimal fish nutrition using locally available and low-cost raw materials, in combination with commercial feeds, to maximize productivity and incomes for farmers.

Problems and prospects of fish farming in the Chattogram Hill Tracts of Bangladesh: Community-based aquaculture might be a right choice

The study was carried out in Matiranga Upazila, Bandarban district, which is considered one of Bangladesh's major hill tract regions. The study aimed to identify present farming conditions, prospects, and problems and suitable solutions to the problems of fish farming. Different participatory rapid appraisal tools such as focus group discussion, field visits, and farmers' interviews were used to collect relevant fish farming information in the study area. The polyculture method was the most practised aquaculture method. Among the selected farms, eleven fish species were identified as culture species. The transportation cost for seeds purchased from remote areas was high (11% of total seed cost). The average transportation-related mortality of fish fry and fingerlings was 7.2% and 2.8%. Feed cost was found as the major cost (58.4%) in aquaculture. Costs and revenue for fish production per decimal varied from BDT 311 to 3528 and BDT 23 to 1268. Utilization of vacant lake, youth and women engagement, integrated aquaculture, the desire of people to engage in aquaculture, and available human resources were found as significant prospects. The major problems identified were lack of hatchery, high feed cost, lack of stakeholder linkage, lack of capital for fish farming, and lack of proper knowledge, guidelines, and consultancy for fish culture. A community-based aquaculture model was proposed to overcome the present challenges and problems in the study area. The model may help to expand aquaculture and thus improve the livelihood and socio-economic status of the people of the hilly areas of Bangladesh.

Transcriptome Analysis of Breast Muscle Reveals Pathways Related to Protein Deposition in High Feed Efficiency of Native Turkeys.

Simple SummaryDue to the high cost of feed in the poultry production system, improving feed efficiency can reduce production costs. This study aimed to investigate the transcriptome of breast muscle tissue of native male turkeys that have been phenotyped for high and low feed efficiency. After the rearing period, the most efficient and the least efficient male turkeys were selected and slaughtered for RNA-Seq. Genes with different expressions in muscle tissue were identified between high feed efficiency turkeys compared to low feed efficiency turkeys. The results showed that high feed efficiency birds increased the expression of genes related to amino acid biosynthesis and low feed efficiency birds increased the expression of genes related to the immune response. Eleven key genes associated with the phenotypic expression of feed efficiency were selected that may be good potential candidates for biomarkers of feed efficiency in genetic selection in turkeys. This study provides new insights into the differences in transcripts between breast muscle tissues between turkeys with high and low feeding efficiencies.Feed efficiency is important due to the high cost of food, which accounts for about 70% of the total cost of a turkey breeding system. Native poultry are an important genetic resource in poultry breeding programs. This study aimed to conduct a global transcriptome analysis of native male turkeys which have been phenotyped for high and low feed efficiency. Feed efficiency traits were recorded during the experimental period. After slaughter, the three most efficient and three least efficient male turkeys were selected for RNA-Seq analysis. A total of 365 genes with different expressions in muscle tissue were identified between turkeys with a high feed efficiency compared to turkeys with a low feed efficiency. In the pathway analysis of up-regulated genes, major pathways included the “metabolism of glycine, serine, and threonine”; the “adipocytokine signaling pathway” and the “biosynthesis of amino acids”. In the pathway analysis of down-regulated genes, the major pathways included “dorso-ventral axis formation” and “actin cytoskeleton regulation”. In addition, gene set enrichment analyses were performed, which showed that high feed efficiency birds exhibit an increased expression of genes related to the biosynthesis of amino acids and low feed efficiency birds an increased expression of genes related to the immune response. Furthermore, functional analysis and protein network interaction analysis revealed that genes including GATM, PSAT1, PSPH, PHGDH, VCAM1, CD44, KRAS, SRC, CAV3, NEDD9, and PTPRQ were key genes for feed efficiency. These key genes may be good potential candidates for biomarkers of feed efficiency in genetic selection in turkeys.

Exploring the Adoption of Fish Production Using Concrete Tank in the Municipal Area Council, Abuja

This study accessed fish farming in AMAC the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Data were collected from 100 respondents using structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Borehole water 80 percent and river water 20 percent were top sources of water for fish farming in the FCT. 40 percent of the respondents cleaned their concrete tank twice in six weeks. Some of the major constraints faced by farmers were high cost of feed at 30 percent response, 26 percent admitted their constraint, as lack of funds, lack of ready market was found to be 18 percent. 71 percent did not receive any support from the government to enhance their fish farming, only 10 percent of the respondent got loans from the government as support to fund their fish. The study recommended Governments interventions must be integrated into the local development planning to ensure that basic inputs, extension services, loans and grants are provided for small-scale fish farming, while also taking measures to address the negative environmental impacts of such activities through proper mitigation plans.

Fruit Pomaces as Functional Ingredients in Poultry Nutrition: A Review

Sustainable poultry intensification is economically constrained by several factors including high feed costs, which constitute more than 70% of total production costs. Functional feed ingredients such as fruit pomaces can be incorporated into poultry diets as natural sources of nutrients and biologically active substances to deliver sustainable production. Fruit pomaces are agro-industrial waste by-products that have no direct food value for humans. Their utilization as feed ingredients would reduce feed-food competitions, optimize poultry production systems, and promote environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Large quantities of fruit pomaces are generated and disposed in landfills or through incineration with little regard to the environment. Thus, their inclusion in poultry feeds could offer a long-term strategy to protect the environment. Valorising fruit pomaces to enhance poultry production would also contribute toward sustainable development goals and food security through the provision of affordable high-quality protein to the rapidly growing human population. Moreover, the use of fruit pomaces complements food production systems by ensuring that food animals are reared on human inedible feedstuffs. Thus, this review explores the nutritional composition and subsequent feeding values of various fruit pomaces, while examining their environmental benefits when used as feed ingredients in poultry nutrition. Furthermore, strategies that can be employed to negate the effect of anti-nutritional factors in the pomaces are presented. We postulate that the use of fresh or valorised fruit pomaces would improve poultry production and significantly reduce the amounts of waste destined for incineration and/or direct deposition in landfills.

Utilization Of Fermented Tofu Waste As Additional Feed On The Growth Of Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus)

The high cost of commercial feed is a problem that many fish farmers face which results in lower profits. Therefore, it needs additional feed others with a relatively cheap price, but do not inhibit the growth of fish to harvest. Tofu waste which has crude protein of 21.66% so that it can meet the nutritional needs of fish, but tofu waste also has crude fiber of 20.26% so that tofu waste needs to be fermented with probiotics because probiotics can break down undigested components and increase digestibility so that the use of feed become more efficient and growth becomes more optimal. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of tofu waste fermented with probiotics as additional feed to increase growth in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). This research was conducted in September – October 2020. This study used two treatments, namely P0: Control (commercial feed) and P1: the use of 50% commercial feed and 50% additional feed in the form of tofu waste fermented with probiotics. Parameters observed were growth, feed efficiency, and survival of tilapia. The results showed that the P0 treatment resulted in absolute length and absolute weight growth of 0.76 cm and 0.64 g, respectively, feed efficiency 43.43%, and tilapia survival of 88%, while P1 resulted in absolute length growth and absolute weights were 1.11 cm and 1.3 g, respectively, feed efficiency was 82.12%, and tilapia survival was 84%.

52 Weaning Elicits a Distinct Increase in Plasma Cysteine Concentration in Pigs

Abstract Weaning is a stressful event in pigs that is associated with low and variable feed intake, poor nutrient utilization, and high feed costs. The sulfur amino acids (SAA) methionine and cysteine have key roles in pig production, but how SAA metabolism, and thus SAA requirements, is affected by weaning is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to determine weaning-induced changes in SAA metabolism. Pigs (initial BW = 7,233 ± 683 g) were either weaned at 21 d age and euthanized at 23 d age (n = 4) or remained with the sow and euthanized at 23 d age (n = 4). Weaned pigs were fasted but had free access to water. At euthanasia, blood and liver tissue were collected. Plasma amino acids and amino thiols were analyzed by HPLC following pre-column derivatization with 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate and 4-fluoro-7-aminosulfonylbenzofurazan, respectively. The protein abundance of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CTH), enzymes needed for methionine transsulfuration to cysteine, in liver were determined by Western blot. Total plasma non-essential amino acid (NEAA) concentrations declined in weaned compared with unweaned pigs (2,664 versus 4,290 ± 211 µmol/L, P < 0.01). Among NEAA, however, only plasma cysteine concentration increased in weaned compared with unweaned pigs (total cysteine, 253 versus 173 ± 16 µmol/L, P < 0.05; cystine, 43 versus 23 ± 5 µmol/L, P < 0.05). Plasma methionine tended to be less in weaned pigs (53 versus 65 ± 4 µmol/L, P = 0.075), whereas plasma taurine was less in weaned pigs (64 versus 128 ± 10 µmol/L, P < 0.01). The abundance of CBS and CTH protein in liver was not different between groups. Elevated plasma cysteine concentrations after weaning in pigs is likely due to decreased cysteine oxidation to taurine rather than greater methionine transsulfuration to cysteine.

Smallholder sheep farmers’ perception of production constraints and competitiveness strategies in South Africa

Sheep production in South Africa has experienced some growth though very slow, and as such production cannot meet demand in the local market. This study aimed to determine the factor influencing the competitiveness of smallholder sheep farmers’ and constraints faced by sheep farmers in South Africa. A farm-level cross-sectional data of 217 smallholder livestock farmers in South Africa were used to identify the factors influencing the competitiveness of smallholder sheep farmers in South Africa. The Porter's Diamond Model Framework was used to measure the competitiveness of sheep production in the study areas and principal component analysis was applied to assess the constraints faced by sheep farmers. The study results found that smallholder sheep farmers in the study area are faced with numerous production constraints, which inhibit their productivity and competitiveness. The most severe constraints include marketing, stock theft, lack of capital, diseases and parasite, and high feed cost. The study suggest that smallholder sheep farmers in the study areas can be competitive and experience growth through the creation of agribusiness enabling environments by promoting policies and strategies that will boost investments in sheep production across the value chain.

The Effectiveness of Maggot (Hermetia Illucens) Growth in Various Growing Media

Utilization of maggot as a substitute for protein source feed ingredients can be a solution to overcome the high cost of feed. However, the inappropriate growth media caused the growth of maggots to be inhibited. Palm kernel cake, vegetable and fruit waste have high nutritional content which has the potential as a medium for growing maggots. The purpose of this study was to determine the best growth of maggot on various growing media. The treatments given in this study were P0A = 100% palm kernel cake; P0B = 100% vegetable and fruit waste; P1 = palm kernel cake 75% + vegetable and fruit waste 25%; P2 = palm kernel cake 50% + vegetable and fruit waste 50%; P3 = palm kernel cake 25% + vegetable and fruit waste 75%. The results showed that the use of growing media from mixing 25% palm kernel cake + 75% vegetable and fruit waste (P3) gave better results as a growth medium for the effectiveness of the growth of maggot. This is due to the nutritional needs of maggots for its growth have been met from the nutritional content and organic matter available in optimum quantities in the growing media. It was concluded that the growing media from palm kernel cake with vegetable and fruit waste had effectiveness in increasing the growth of maggot.

Time Series Analysis of Egg Prices Across Nigeria for Sustainable Food Security

The ability to forecast the future has always been of great interest to humanity, in order to take one kind of informed decision or the other. In this research work, time series analysis such as Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model was employed to analyse the monthly price of egg (medium size) across all 6 geo-political regions in Nigeria from 2016-2019 with intent to forecast future prices of egg in the 6 regions. Two ARIMA models (ARIMA (3,1,0) & ARIMA (3,1,1)) were used on the dataset, with ARIMA (3,1,0) found to be more suitable for the dataset used. The results show a steadily rising price of eggs across all zones in the country, projecting into 2022; and this could in turn affect the ability of the average Nigerian to afford this meal that is very rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. This rising price could be attributed to the high cost of poultry feed as well as other production inputs. In the long run, the rising prices of poultry eggs may lead to low patronage. Hence both private farmers and government agency should device inclusive policy to stem the tide of this rising cost of eggs for sustainability of food security in the country. Keywords: Egg, Time Series, Food Security, Protein, Vitamins, Minerals CISDI Journal Reference Format Waidor, Tamaramiebi K. & Akpojaro, Jackson (2022): Time Series Analysis of Egg Prices across Nigeria for Sustainable Food Security. Computing, Information Systems, Development Informatics & Allied Research Journal. Vol 13 No 1, Pp 19-30.. DOI: dx.doi.org/1022624/AIMS/CISDI/V13N1P3. Available online at www.isteams.net/cisdijournal

Socioeconomic Survey and Physicochemical Parameters of Chicken Eggs concerning the Breeding Systems in Cameroon

Physicochemical characteristics of eggs are still poorly controlled in poultry farming in the city of Ngaoundéré, Cameroon. The present study was thus conducted to characterize the rearing systems in modern poultry farming and to analyze the physicochemical characteristics of eggs from hens reared in deep litter, battery, and backyard systems from August to October 2020 in Ngaoundéré, Cameroon. To this end, 33 farms with approximately 61100 hens (Cobb500 broiler and layer) were surveyed. At the end of this survey, a sample of 180 eggs was collected, with 60 eggs per system for physicochemical analyses. Data included socio-economic and technical characteristics of modern farming systems as well as the physicochemical parameters of the eggs. The obtained results indicated that 90.9% of Cobb500 chicken owners were men. Of the total of the layer’s buildings, 73% were equipped with nests. The materials used for feeders were made of wood (54.4%), plastic (21.2%), or cement (6.1%). Moreover, 81.1% of the poultry farmers buy chicken feed on the market while the others prepare their own feed from various ingredients. Preventive and curative prophylactic measures were applied by all livestock farmers, yet 54. 5% were still victims of different diseases. The selling price of a 45-day-old broiler chicken was between 4 and 6 USD, while the price of a 30-egg tray varied between 3 and 4 USD, which contributed to 60-80% of family income for 54.5% of poultry farmers. The high feed cost as well as lack of finance, ingredients, and security were the main issues of poultry farming. Concerning the physicochemical characteristics of eggs, a significant increase in egg weight was noted among backyard (43.50 ± 3.15 g), battery (58.19 ± 4.02 g), and deep litter (63.51 ± 3.91 g) systems. The Haugh’s Unit of eggs in the backyard system (72.33 ± 4.42%) was significantly lower than deep litter (82.91 ± 6.76%) and battery systems (86.83 ± 11.42%). The proportions of eggshell and edible contents were similar in all production systems. Yolk lipid (17.63%) and yolk protein (7.11%) in dry matter contents of local breed eggs were higher than those of improved breed from both systems. The findings indicated that modern poultry farming in Ngaoundéré has been poorly developed and backyard eggs were richer in nutrients and consequently highly recommended to use.

Challenges and Opportunities of the Mediterranean Indigenous Bovine Populations: Analysis of the Different Production Systems in Algeria, Greece, and Tunisia

The indigenous cattle populations are threatened by extinction in many countries of the Mediterranean area. The objective of this study is the analysis of local cattle breeds’ production systems in Algeria, Greece, and Tunisia and the identification of their future challenges and opportunities. A total of 385 surveys were conducted in these study areas: central and northern Greece (43); northern and northwestern Tunisia (167), and northeastern Algeria (175). Data collected concerned socio-economic parameters as well as the production system’s functionality, constraints, and opportunities. Results revealed an average farmers’ age of 52.6 years old. The illiteracy rate is high, especially in Algeria (39%) and Tunisia (44%), where the farm size is relatively small with an average of 14 and four animals per farm, respectively. In Greece, much higher numbers were recorded (89 animals/farm). The average cultivated feedstuffs’ area is larger in Greece (12.07 ha) and smaller in Algeria and Tunisia (6.11 and 2.88 ha, respectively). Feeding resources are based on rangelands. Farming systems are traditional extensive and complemented when needed. Milk and meat marketing vary throughout countries and are not well valorized. The main constraints are high feeding costs, low milk and meat prices, and absence of labeling. Local and local-crossbred bovine populations could be valorized based on their good adaptation criteria when applying convenient genetic and development strategies.

A Review and Meta-analysis of the Effects of Replacing Fishmeal with Insect Meals on Growth of Tilapias and Sharptooth Catfish

The high cost of fish feed has affected the culturing of tilapias and sharptooth catfish in Africa. However, Africa is well endowed with terrestrial insects that can potentially replace fishmeal in the diets of fish. In this paper, the nutritional index, availability, and cost of selected insect meals are compared. The SOLVER function in Excel was used to formulate least-cost diets of Musca domestica, Gryllotalpa africana, Schistocerca gregaria, Macrotermes natalensis, and Gonimbrasia belina. The crude protein levels of all the insects were above 50% and met the requirements of both fish species. The essential amino acid index (EAAI) was highest in M. domestica (3.2613). Except for M. natalensis, all the insect meals met the fat requirements for tilapias and sharptooth catfish. The most available insects were S. gregaria and M. domestica. Feed value was highest in fishmeal (15.62) followed by M. domestica (15.52). A meta-analysis of the effects of replacing fishmeal with insect meal on growth performance of tilapias and sharptooth catfish was also carried out. The effect summary for the specific growth rate was significant whereas the effect summary for the food conversion ratio was not significant. The relationship between fishmeal replacement levels and response ratio showed wide scatter. It was thus not possible to determine the optimum replacement level. Musca domestica is recommended in the replacement of fishmeal.

Optimalisasi Operasi Mesin Cetak Pelet MKS-PLT15 Menggunakan Lagrange

Bengkulu Province from Kaur Regency to Moko-Moko Regency is directly adjacent to the Indian Ocean. So that many Bengkulu residents are fishermen and farmers. Of course, with abundant natural resources, there are some fish and agricultural products that have not been utilized optimally, for example, young fish on Bai Island which are still widely discarded and milled rice bran which is very cheap. On the other hand, there is a very big problem experienced by farmers or breeders in Bengkulu Province, namely the price of fish and poultry feed is very high, thus making fish and poultry farmers unable to survive because of the high cost of feed. To reduce the production cost of making pellets, a research was carried out on optimizing the operation of the pellet molding machine Type MKS-PLT 15 with dimensions of 340 x 150 x 325 mm, the power used was 450 watts and the voltage used was 220 v / 50 Hz. The research carried out looked at the machine operation at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%, from the results of the research that had been carried out, it was found that the 25% machine operation cost of 6mm pellet printing was 0.00762 kwh/kg or Rp. 11.021/kg, machine operation 50% production cost 0.009901kwh/kg or Rp. 14.3039/kg machine operation 75% pellet production cost 0.01235kwh/kg or Rp. 17.842/kg while the machine operation is 100% pellet production cost of 0.01084 kwh/kg or Rp. 15.6605/kg. so that from the research carried out, it was found that the operation of the MKS-PLT15 pellet machine, the low production cost, was in machine operation 0-50% of the capacity of the pellet machine's ability to operate.

Economic values for production, fertility and mastitis traits for temperate dairy cattle breeds in tropical Sri Lanka.

Economic values for annual milk yield (MY, kg), annual fat yield (FY, kg), annual protein yield (PY, kg), age at first calving (AFC, days), number of services per conception (NSC), calving interval (CI, days) and mastitis episodes (MS) were derived for temperate dairy cattle breeds in tropical Sri Lanka using a bio‐economic model. Economic values were calculated on a per cow per year basis. Derived economic values in rupees (LKR) for MY, FY and PY were 107, −162 and −15, while for AFC, NSC, CI and MS, economic values were −59, −270, −84 and −8,303. Economic values for FY and PY further decreased with higher feed prices, and a less negative economic value for FY was obtained with increased price for fat. Negative economic values for FY and PY show that genetic improvement for these traits is not economical due to the high feed costs and/or the insufficient payment for fat and protein. Therefore, revision of milk fat and protein payments is recommended. Furthermore, the breeding objective developed in this study was dominated by milk production and fertility traits. Adaptability and functional traits that are important in a temperate dairy cattle breeding programme in tropical Sri Lanka, such as longevity, feed efficiency, disease resistance and heat tolerance should be recorded to incorporate them in the breeding objective. Continued trait recording of all traits is recommended to ensure dairy cows can be selected more effectively in a tropical environment based on a breeding objective that also includes adaptability and functional traits.

Analysis of Small Scale Broiler Poultry Production in South East Nigeria, West Africa

The study analyzed the small scale broiler poultry production in South East Nigeria, West Africa. Specifically, the study examined the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers, the cost and returns of the enterprise, influence of socio-economic characteristics on Net income and challenges to production in the study area. Primary data used for the study was collected using well-structured questionnaire which was administered to 405 sampled broiler poultry farmers in the study area. Descriptive statistical tools (frequencies, percentages and means), enterprise budgeting techniques (Gross margin, Net return on investment, Gross Ratio) and Multiple Regression Analysis were used to analyze the data. Profitability Index (PI) was N0.26 which means that for every naira earned as revenue, 0.26kobo was returned to the farmer as net income. An R2 of .7770 explains 77.7% of the variability of the dependent variable. Four out of the ten parameters included in the model exerted statistic and significant influences on the amount of income realized. Major constraints to Broiler poultry production in the study area were high cost of feed, high cost of vaccines and high cost of day old chicks. Based on the study, the following recommendations are made; since broiler production is profitable, attention should be paid to the broiler farmers to ensure that best practices are adopted for sustainability in the agribusiness.