Natural Feed Research Articles

Application of inorganic fertilizer combination with various kinds of organic fertilizer in the nursery phase of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

The purpose of this research is to determine the effect of natural feed growth on the growth and survival rate of white shrimp, specifically in relation to the usage of inorganic fertilizers in conjunction with various organic fertilizers. The experimental design consisted of four treatments, each replicated three times. The treatments included a combination of urea, SP-36, and organic fertilizer derived from superintensive shrimp pond waste (Treatment A), a combination of urea, SP-36, and petroganic (Treatment B), a combination of urea, SP-36, and chicken manure (Treatment C), and a control treatment consisting of only urea and SP-36 without any organic fertilizer (Treatment D). Urea was administered at a dosage of 5.2 grams per container, SP-36 at a dosage of 2.6 grams per container, and organic fertilizer at a dosage of 52 grams per container. The factors that were monitored included the composition of plankton, the growth of benthic algae, the growth and survival of white shrimp, and the quality of pond water. The study’s findings revealed no statistically significant difference in the growth of live feed when inorganic and organic fertilizers were combined (P>0.05). However, the survival rate of white shrimp exhibited a significant difference (P<0.05). Using a mixture of inorganic fertilizer (namely urea and sp-36) and organic fertilizer, within the context of a super-intensive shrimp pond, yielded the most favorable outcome regarding white shrimp survival rate, with a recorded percentage of 94.67%.

THE EFFECT OF THE SOAKING PERIOD IN NATURAL FEED TATTS of Chaetoceros sp. ON THE GROWTH AND VIABILITY OF PEARL CLASS (Pinctada maxima) SEEDS

Pearl oysters are a marine aquaculture commodity with high economic value. However, there are still many obstacles in pearl oyster cultivation activities, such as the need for quality seeds. This study aims to determine the effect of immersing pearl seeds in natural feed tanks of Chaetocheros sp. with different immersion periods on the growth and survival rate of pearl oyster (Pinctada maxima) seeds. The method used in this study is an experimental method using a completely randomized design (CRD), with 5 treatments and 3 replications, namely A (control/without immersion), B (0.5 hours), C (1 hour), D (1, 5 Hours) and E (2 Hours). The results showed that soaking the seeds in natural feed tanks had a significant effect on the growth of the shell (dorsal-ventral) of the pearl oyster Pinctada maxima (p<0.05). The highest growth was achieved in the 2-hour immersion period with an absolute growth value of 1.67 mm, a relative growth of 68.49% from the initial size, and a daily specific growth rate of 3.31% per day. This method must be tested on larger pearl oyster seeds and using other natural feed species and various natural mixes (multi-species).

PENGGUNAAN SILIKAT TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN UDANG VANNAME SKALA RUMAH TANGGA

Natural feed such as phytoplankton, contains high levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to enhance the growth performance and immunity in shrimp. Moreover, the presence of phytoplankton in the water column can make the waters shady so that it stimulates the shrimp to actively look for food during the day. Silicate is a macro element that used to promote the cell growth and cell wall formation of plankton. Ceraclean fertilizer product is an artificial hydrated calcium silicate with many small pores so that it is easily soluble in water to facilitate nutrient absorption by plankton cells. This study aims to determine the abundance of plankton in vaname shrimp culture ponds with the addition of ceraclean fertilizer and its correlation to the growth of vaname shrimp. This study uses a household-scale circular pond equipped with microbubble aerator technology with a power of 0.5 HP. The stocking density used was 700 fish/m3 and the maintenance period at DOC was 75. The average weight of shrimp growth at harvest was 9.8 grams with a total biomass of 273 Kg with an FCR of 1.1. A total of 262 ind/ml plankton were identified in household-scale aquaculture ponds with a percentage of Chlorophyta 57.20%, Cyanophyta 37%, Crysophyta 5%, Dinoflagellates 0.8% and Protozoa 0%. This study explains the low intake of feed used during the rearing period and the low FCR value because the shrimp utilizes natural feed. This also causes the growth of vaname shrimp in this study to continue to increase every week with an SR value of 90.1%.

Trigona Honey Bee Cultivation as a Sustainable Agricultural Alternative in Bandarsari Village, Padangratu District, Central Lampung Regency

Padangratu District, Central Lampung Regency, is home to Bandarsari Village. The majority of the population works as farmers, mostly in oil palm plantations, rubber plantations, and rice fields. This village's location is ideal for the growth of honey bee agriculture. This service activity seeks to assist in the development of Trigona honey bee farming training as an alternative approach to sustainable agriculture. Residents were instructed in the production of Trigona honey bee growing techniques using lecture methods and field coaching. This is an ideal environment for the production of Trigona honey bees, since it is supported by plentiful natural resources such as fruit trees, plantations, and flowers. This activity is projected to produce information on Trigona honey bee culture and its benefits, knowledge of different forms of natural honey bee feed, and video lessons on Trigona honey bee cultivation. The outputs of Trigona honey bee farming are not just economically valuable. Bees' ecological role will also aid to preserve the plantation ecology and pollinate the fruit and flowers of the inhabitants. Trigona honey products are also advantageous as a source of living pharmacy that generates money. The most significant aspect is that the Trigona bee is stingless, making it safe for inhabitants and simple to care for.

Comparison of Production Performance of Striped Catfish Larvae (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) Fed With Live And Frozen Daphnia

Daphnia magna as a live feed in the maintenance of striped catfish larvae in the form of frozen feed is still limited. Evaluation of the production performance of striped catfish larvae using live feed D. magna in both live and frozen compared with feeding Tubifex became the objective of this research activity. The experimental design used feed treatment with Tubifex (P1) as a control, live D. magna (P2), and frozen D. magna (P3) with four experimental replications for 15 days of rearing using a completely randomized design. Twelve aquariums with a water volume of 150 L were used in the experiment. Striped catfish larvae (1.5 cm TL), as many as 9 fish/L were stocked in each aerated aquarium. The amount of feed given was 15% of the weight of fish biomass with a frequency of 4 times a day and increased every day by 10% from the total feed of the first day. Results of the experiment showed different feeding significantly affected absolute length growth, total biomass, and feed conversion, with the best treatment being Tubifex (P1) with values of 0.6 ± 0.02 cm, 83.93 ± 5.99 g, and 1.31, respectively. The best growth rate of weight and length were obtained on larvae fed Tubifex (P1). The best protein efficiency and retention ratio resulted from frozen D. magna feed (P3) treatment of 12.45 and 7.11%, respectively. Live and frozen D. magna was not significantly different, so frozen D. magna feed can be used as an alternative natural feed with a high level of availability.

Effect of Vitamin B Complex and Phosphorus on Stress Resistance and Phosphorus Uptake in Barramundi

Barramundi, the Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer Bloch 1790), is a valuable aquaculture commodity, but seed survival is generally low. This study used a completely randomized design (two factors; 16 treatments; 3 replicates) to examine the effect of adding vitamin B complex and phosphorus to the rearing media on the survival, stress resistance, and phosphorus content of barramundi larvae. Barramundi larvae aged two days were stocked at a density of 25 fish L-1 in 40 L green plastic basins (30 L water) and reared for 30 days with natural feed (Chlorella and rotifers). The factor I was vitamin B complex with 4 levels: 0, 75, 150, and 225 mg L-1. Factor II was phosphorus with four levels: 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg L-1. Commercially available B vitamin complex and phosphorus mineral supplements were dissolved in water and added to the larval-rearing media. Analysis of variance showed that the combination of vitamin B complex and phosphorus treatments had a significant effect (P < 0.01) on survival, stress resistance, and phosphorus uptake. Survival and phosphorus content in barramundi larvae were highest with a combination of 150 mg L-1 vitamin B complex and 1.0 mg L-1 phosphorus and lowest in control (0 mg L-1 of both additives).

Feed preference and feeding behavior of different mouse species in laboratory housing

The feed preference of two species of wild mice, the house mouse (Mus musculus), and the mound-building mouse (Mus spicilegus) was investigated (kept in our laboratory for 25 generations). Our interest focused on the feed preference (i.e. if the mice choose the type of feed closest to their natural food). The proximate composition of the two granulated feeds offered to mice differed minimally; the crude fat and crude fibre content of the natural feed mixture was higher, and only this feed contained insect protein. Based on the obtained results, both wild mice species approached the natural feed mixture more frequently than the two other granulated feeds. The same tendency was observed for feed consumption where the animals mostly consumed the natural feed mixture. During the 5-day long study, the consumption of the natural feed mixture increased continuously, while the consumption of the granulated laboratory feed decreased significantly. The average feed consumption was also influenced by room temperature. Our studies can help to develop the optimized indoor keeping and breeding of small domesticated mammals.

Process design and techno-economic analysis of CO2 reformation to synthetic crude oil using H2 produced by decomposition of CH4 in a molten media

This work introduces a new process concept for the conversion of CO2 to gas-to liquid (GTL) products. CO2 is first reformed to syngas via the reverse water gas shift reaction using hydrogen produced by catalytic thermal decomposition of CH4 in a Cu-Bi molten media. The produced syngas is then used to manufacture 30,000 bbl per day of syncrude in a low temperature Fischer-Tropsch reactor. The carbon and energy efficiencies of the GTL plant are 85 % and 35 %, respectively. The plant emits 21.1 g of CO2 per 1 MJ of syncrude when considering upstream emissions associated with the supply of natural gas and CO2 feed streams. This is at least 48 % lower than the CO2 emissions of GTL plants that reform CH4 to syngas, but is higher than water electrolysis-based GTL plants. The fixed capital investment of the plant and the manufacturing cost of syncrude are $1.81 billion and $140 bbl−1, respectively. The levelized price of the produced solid carbon is estimated to be $720 tonne-1 for a syncrude market price of $59 bbl−1.

Effect of Allicin and Illite Supplementation on the Methane Production and Growth Performance of the Beef Cattle

Background: Methane reduction technology has not yet been put into practical use because of problems such as reduced digestibility, increased costs, additives remaining and microbial adaptations. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of allicin and illite supplementation on ruminal methane production, growth performance and carcass characteristics of the Hanwoo steers. Methods: For the in vitro experiment, 3 Hanwoo cows equipped with rumen fistula were used. The 28 Hanwoo steers were randomly assigned to one of the four dietary groups: control (CON), T1 (1.0% illite), T2 (0.1% allicin), or T3 (1.0% illite and 0.1% allicin). All data were analyzed using the generalized linear model procedure. Result: The methane production was rapidly increased for all the treatments after 8 h, but decreased compared to the control after 24 h (P less than 0.05) of incubation. There was no difference in the growth performance and carcass characteristics of steers among the treatments. Thus, allicin 0.1% and/or illite 1.0% have the potential to be used as natural feed additives to reduce methane production.

Effects of Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.) Supplementation on production performance, egg quality traits, and biochemical parameters of blood and egg in laying hens at later stages of the production period

According to the promising outcomes acquired in recent studies that focused on using natural feed additives in animal nutrition, poultry nutritionists have also been interested in investigating these medicinal herbs' effects on poultry performance and egg characteristics. Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.), a natural source of antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, etc. compounds, is recommended as a potential alternative for antibiotics, with similar benefits and no adverse effects on animal health or their products. Considerable effects have been reported on laying hens' performance and their eggs' internal and external traits by pennyroyal inclusion in their diets. Due to the different results reported by pennyroyal inclusion in laying hens' diets in recent limited studies, this study was designed to reinvestigate the impacts of pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.) supplementation (PS) on productive performance, egg quality traits, and biochemical compounds in blood and egg yolk in aged laying hens. The findings of this experiment may help for a better understanding of PS impacts on desired parameters, along with improving aged laying hens' performance. A total of 144 Leghorn (Hyline-W36 strain) laying hens (53 weeks old) were used to investigate the effects of PS on performance, egg quality, and biochemical parameters of blood and egg yolk in old laying hens. The animals were distributed into three treatment groups; including a control diet (without PS), 0.5%, and 1% PS diets with six replicates and eight birds per replicate. The results indicated that the egg production rate (except for week eight) and egg mass were significantly reduced by PS in the laying hens' diet during the first four weeks and the total period of the experiment (P<0.05). However, the feed conversion ratio increased by PS (P<0.05). Based on the egg quality trait evaluations (week 4), the yolk percentage, yolk height, and yolk index reduced, while shell-breaking strength represented a significant increase in PS groups (P<0.05). However, shell thickness and albumen percentage reduced and increased by 1% PS, respectively (P<0.05). At week eight, the Haugh unit reduced while the albumen pH increased by PS (P<0.05). The findings revealed a decline in the egg density in 1% PS groups (P<0.05). In the case of serum biochemical parameters, alanine aminotransferase increased, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) levels reduced in the PS groups (P<0.05). Moreover, the triglyceride levels of both serum and egg yolk (accompanied by the very low-density lipoprotein level of serum) decreased by PS (P<0.05). In conclusion, PS reduced serum and egg yolk triglyceride levels, accompanied by serum MDA, along with reducing production performance.

THE EFFECT OF N/P RATIO OF UREA AND TSP FERTILIZERS IN WALNE MEDIA ON THE GROWTH PATTERN OF AND PROTEIN CONTENT OF Thalassiosira Sp. DIATOM CELLS

The availability of natural feed needed in hatchery business is very significant due to the fact that natural feed will help the hatchery process to produce good and hi-quality seeds. Thalassiosira sp. is a type of diatom phytoplankton widely used to feed shrimp larvae. Walne media is a medium commonly used in the process of phytoplankton culture. Nutrient has considerable effect on the biochemical composition of phytoplankton, such as the content of protein, amino acids, carbohydrates, fats, and fatty acids. Nitrates and phosphorus contained in water are the main nutrients for phytoplankton to produce chlorophyll. One of the fertilizers which can be used for phytoplankton culture is agricultural fertilizers such as urea and TSP. The aims of this study were (1) to examine the effect of the application of the N/P ratio of urea and TSP in Walne media on the growth pattern and protein content of Thalassiosira sp. diatom cells; and (2) to determine the best value of the N/P ratio of urea and TSP fertilizers in Walne media which provides growth patterns and protein content of diatom cells of Thalassiosira sp. The method used in this research was an experimental method. The experimental method used was a completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 4 designs, each treatment was as follows: applying different N/P ratios of urea and TSP fertilizers in Walne media, i.e. (A) 1:1; (B) 4:1; (C) 8:1; (D) 12:1; and (E) 16:1. The results of this study showed that algae growth increased from 0:0 to 16:0 N:P ratio. The growth of diatoms with the highest density occurred in treatments A and B with cell densities of 2.255×106 to 2.256×106 cells/ml compared to the other N:P ratios. It can be concluded the 1:1 N/P ratio of urea and TSP fertilizers in Walne media had a significant effect on growth patterns and protein content of diatom cells of Thalassiosira sp.

The effect of vitamin B complex and phosphorus on the RNA/DNA ratio and larval growth of barramundi (Lates calcarifer Bloch, 1790)

Barramundi (L. calcarifer) is a valuable fish with aquaculture potential. One of the factors determining the success of barramundi aquaculture is the availability of seeds, however larviculture success is often low. This research examined the effect of supplementation with various combinations of vitamin B complex and phosphorus on the RNA/DNA ratio and growth of captive-bred barramundi larvae. Barramundi larvae aged 2 days were stocked at a density of 25 fish/L and reared for 30 days with natural feed (Chlorella and rotifers) in 40 L containers filled with 30 L water. Commercial vitamin B complex and mineral phosphorus were dissolved in water and added to the larval rearing media. The research used a completely randomized factorial design with 2 factors, 4 levels and 3 replicates, giving 16 treatments and 48 experimental units. The factors were vitamin B complex (0, 75, 150, and 225 mg/L) and phosphorus (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/L). Analysis of variance showed that the combination of vitamin B complex and phosphorus had a highly significant effect (p<0.01) on the RNA/DNA ratio. Barramundi larval growth was lowest with 0 mg/L of both supplements (control) and highest with 150mg/L vitamin B complex and 1.0 mg/L phosphorus, decreasing with higher levels of either additive.

Interactions of natural colloids with microplastics in aquatic environment and its impact on FTIR characterization of polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics

The demand for plastics is expected to rise due to the exponential growth of the manufacturing sector. The plastic industries get subsidies from Governments to boost foreign exchange. The mismanagement of plastic waste has contaminated water bodies with macro, micro, and nano plastics ultimately causing varied toxicological impairment to the aquatic and terrestrial environments. We have investigated the interaction of polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE) microplastics with the natural colloids in waters. Eco-corona formation due to adsorption of colloids and dissolved contaminants on the microplastic’s surface was observed upon suspending PS and PE microplastics in natural marine and freshwater tagged with 2 µg ml−1 acridine orange. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies revealed a diminishing intensity in the characteristic peaks of the and the disappearance of minor vibrations in IR spectra of the polymers upon suspension in natural waters for over 40 days. The alterations in the peaks were restored, and PE was recovered upon treatment with 30 % hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In contrast, the recovery of PS was only partial, denoting the strong interactions of PS with natural colloids. The active groups on the polymer structure interacting with the colloids creates an eco-corona layer absorbing the light. The ecocorona formation hinders light transmission and detection by analytical methods such as FTIR, thereby substantiating the lower quantities of PS isolated and detected from aquatic animals and environmental samples. Eco-coronated microplastics could mimic the natural feed for small fishes and lower marine animals, facilitating their uptake and further transfer across the aquatic food web.

Food habits of fish species in the Cipeles River, Sumedang Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia

Cipeles River is a tributary of the Cimanuk River that flows in Sumedang Regency and has available fish and food resources. This study aims to determine the food habits which include the prependerant index and trophic level of fish species in the Cipeles River. The method used is a survey by setting 3 observation stations and 4 repetitions which were carried out from September 2020 to October 2020. The results showed that the 7 fish species caught based on observations of natural feed on gastric contents, the preponderant index value ranged from 0.6 to 76. 51% of the main food is phytoplankton and animal fraction with the trophic level ranges from 2.13 to 2.85, meaning that fish are omnivore to carnivore.

Using Marine Algae (Nannochloropsis oculata) as Natural Feed Additives to Improve Reproductive Performance in Rabbits

Using Marine Algae (Nannochloropsis oculata) as Natural Feed Additives to Improve Reproductive Performance in Rabbits

Влияние кормовых добавок из природного сырья на показатели роста молодняка крупного рогатого скота

Исследования по влиянию кормовых добавок из природного сырья проводили в 2022 году в ОПХ «Михайловское» – филиале ФИЦ КНЦ СО РАН Красноярского края. Болезни желудочно-кишечного тракта с симптомом диареи замедляют рост и развитие молодняка, что в дальнейшем может привести к снижению продуктивности животных и большому экономическому ущербу. Актуальным способом профилактики таких болезней в современной практике кормления является использование в рационах телят кормовых добавок из природных минералов и отходов переработки леса. Опыт проводился в течение 60 дней на тёлочках чёрно-пёстрой породы в возрасте 4 месяцев. По принципу аналогов были сформированы четыре опытных и контрольная группы телят по 7 голов в каждой. Все телята получали основной рацион, опытные группы в дополнение к основному рациону получали кормовые добавки, включающие (г на голову в сутки) в 1-й группе: арабиногалактан — 2,5, сосновую хвою — 15, скорлупу кедрового ореха — 15, бентонитовую глину — 15; во 2-й группе: арабиногалактан — 2,5, сосновую хвою — 20, скорлупу кедрового ореха — 20, бентонитовую глину — 20; в 3-й группе: арабиногалактан — 2,5, сосновую хвою — 15, скорлупу кедрового ореха — 15, вспученный вермикулит — 15; в 4-й группе: арабиногалактан — 2,5, сосновую хвою — 20, скорлупу кедрового ореха — 20, вспученный вермикулит — 20. В результате исследований было определено, что наилучший эффект от скармливания добавки был получен в 4-й опытной группе телят, что выразилось в увеличении абсолютного прироста живой массы на 14,08%, относительного — на 3,11%, среднесуточного — на 14,09%, а также в повышении коэффициента прироста линейных промеров (ширина груди за лопатками) на 13,01%. Отрицательного влияния на рост и развитие телят кормовые добавки не оказали, сохранность составила 100%. An investigation took place at the OPKH “Mikhaylovskoe” – branch of the Federal Research Center “Krasnoyarsk Research Center of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences” in 2022 and was aimed at testing the effect of natural feed additives on the health of calves. Disorders of a gastrointestinal tract causing diarrhea negatively affect the growth of young animals leading to low productivity and serious economic losses. Currently to prevent such pathological processes feed additives are effectively used in the diet of calves produced from natural minerals and byproducts of forest harvesting. This experiment was conducted on 4-month-old female black-and-white calves and lasted for 60 days. Formed four experimental and one control analogue groups consisted of 7 heads each. All the calves consumed basic diet but the ones from the experimental groups additionally obtained various feed additives. The 1st group was supplied with arabinogalactan — 2.5, pine needles — 15, pine nut shells — 15, bentonite clay — 15 g/head; the 2nd one — arabinogalactan — 2.5, pine needles — 20, pine nut shells — 20, bentonite clay — 20 g/head; the 3rd one — arabinogalactan — 2.5, pine needles — 15, pine nut shells — 15, expanded vermiculite — 15 g/head; the 4th one — arabinogalactan — 2.5, pine needles — 20, pine nut shells — 20, expanded vermiculite — 20 g/head. The 4th group showed the best response to the feed additives resulting in the absolute body weight gain of 14.08%, the relative body weight gain of 3.11%, the average daily weight gain of 14.09% as well as the increase in growth rate of chest width behind the shoulder blades of 13.01%. Mortality or any other negative effects from the feed additives weren’t observed.

Effect of Diet Supplemented with Graded Levels of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Powder on Growth Performance, Hematological Parameters, and Serum Lipids of Broiler Chickens.

The present study was conducted at the Poultry Research Center, Faculty of Agriculture; Sebha University, Libya. The feeding trial lasted 42 days in total. A local hatchery provided 240 unsexed one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308). The birds were randomly distributed into four groups, and each group was then divided into four replicates, with 15 birds in each group. The objective of the current study was to examine the impact of ginger powder as a natural feed supplement on broiler chickens' growth performance, hematological parameters, and serum lipids. Four dietary treatments were formulated and supplemented with ginger powder at levels 0%, 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6%. The findings exhibited substantial differences in body weight and weight gain across the experimental groups. Birds fed ginger-enriched diets had higher feed conversion and lower feed intake than control birds (P<0.05). Birds fed a 0.6% ginger powder diet compared to the control group had considerably superior productive performance (P<0.05), while feed consumption was lowered. Dietary ginger powder supplementation improved hematological parameters; white blood cells, lymphocytes, heterophils, and the lymphocyte to heterophil ratio were improved with dietary ginger powder supplementation (P<0.05). Additionally, as compared to the control group, ginger powder groups significantly (P<0.05) lowered serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein. While supplementation of dietary ginger powder significantly increased (P<0.05), the levels of high-density lipoprotein against the control group. In conclusion, ginger supplementation had a positive effect on the performance of chickens when supplemented on broiler ration and can be considered an alternative growth promoter in feeding broiler ration.

Gastric Contents Analysis of Gulamah Fish (Johnius belangerii) Obtained In West Dumai Subdistrict and East Dumai Subdistrict

Gulamah fish (Johnius belangerii) is one type of marine fish found in Dumai waters. The study aimed to analyze the composition of natural feed on the stomach contents of gulamah fish obtained in Dumai. Research methods are survey methods, sampling is done by purposive sampling. The study was conducted in April-June 2022. Gulamah fish samples collected were 60 fish (in West Dumai Subdistrict 30 fish and East Dumai Subdistrict 30 fish). Fish samples were divided into 3 size classes, namely 3.1-8.3 cm; 8.4-13.5 cm and 13.6-18.7 cm. The results showed that the composition of food in the stomach contents of gulamah fish obtained in West Dumai Subdistrict is the size of class I (detritus IP 50%; and fish IP 50%), Class II (detritus IP 64%; fish IP 17.8%; shrimp IP 13.4%; and shellfish IP 4.8%) and Class III (detritus IP 5.6%; fish IP 83%; shrimp IP 5.6%; and shellfish IP 5.9%). The composition of food on the stomach contents of fish obtained in East Dumai Subdistrict consists of class I Size (detritus IP 57%; fish IP 10%; and shrimp IP 33%); Class II (empty stomach contents); and Class III (shrimp IP 100%). This indicates that gulamah fish (J. belangerii) is classified as a carnivorous fish.

Nano and natural zeolite feed supplements for dairy goats: Feed intake, ruminal fermentation, blood metabolites, and milk yield and fatty acids profile

Zeolite particle size can affect its characteristics as a rumen modifier, thus its form may not only affects the goats' health during the transition period but also their milk quantity and quality. Our objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of zeolite supplementation either in its natural or nano form on ruminal fermentation characteristics, blood biochemical parameters, and milk production and chemical composition of dairy goats. Thirty-nine late pregnant Damascus goats (initial body waight: 26.1 ± 0.93 kg, mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to three experimental dietary treatments (n = 13/ treatment) for 90 days of an experimental period: The control treatment was fed a basal diet without feed additives, natural zeolite [supplemented at 20 g/kg of dry matter (DM) to the basal diet], and nano zeolite (supplemented at 0.4 g/kg DM to the basal diet). Both zeolite forms increased (P < 0.05) ruminal pH, total protozoal count, Diplodinium spp ciliates, and reduced (P < 0.01) ammonia, while nano zeolite enhanced the total short-chain fatty acids concentration compared to the control. Supplementation of nano zeolite increased (P = 0.01) the blood calcium and reduced (P < 0.05) total cholesterol, total lipids, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase activities compared to other diets. Goats fed nano zeolite produced higher (P < 0.01) milk yield without affecting the feed intake, while both zeolite forms resulted in similar reductions (P < 0.05) in milk fat, protein, lactose, solid not fat, and somatic cell count. No differences were detected in milk total saturated fatty acids and total odd and branched-chain fatty acids among treatments while, nano zeolite reduced (P = 0.03) milk concentration of eicosanoic acid (C20:0). Natural zeolite tended to reduce (P = 0.08) the concentrations of total mono-unsaturated fatty acids in milk, while nano zeolite resulted in higher (P = 0.04) miristoleic (C14:1-Cis9; omega 5) than the control. No differences were detected in the total and individual polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to the control. In conclusion, nano zeolite was more pronounced as a feed additive than its natural form to support goats through late pregnancy to early lactation and to enhance milk quality.

“TUBIFEX INSTAN (FEXTAN)”: PAKAN ALTERNATIF BAGI UNIT PERBENIHAN IKAN LELE DI WILAYAH KABUPATEN NAGAN RAYA PROPINSI ACEH

One of the critical phases in the production of lele sangkuriang (catfish) seeds is the rearing of larvae - post larvae - seed. During this phase, its growth is strongly influenced by feed, in particular natural feed and or feed that suits the needs of the fish. Tubifex sp type natural feed is one type of feed that is generally used by Balai Benih Ikan,BBI, fish state hatchery) during the rearing period of lele sangkuriang seed. The results of discussions and sharing with technicians and employees of BBI Parom Nagan Raya and surrounding fish farmers, information was obtained that so far they have been very dependent on live tubifex type natural feed ordered from North Sumatera Province for lele sangkuriang rearing (for fourteen days of rearing). The need for live tubifex for one cycle of activity is 5 kg-10 kg, at a price of Rp.100.000/kg (IDR), excluding the cost of box packing + shipping costs to Nagan Raya. Departing from the problem of these partners (BBI), the implementation team of the Pengabdian Berbasis Riset (PBR) of Universitas Teuku Umar (UTU), has agreed to introduce science and technology in the form of introduction of instant tubifex/fexTan artificial feed. "Instant tubifex" is a type of artificial feed that is designed to resemble/ mimic which physically (color, shape) is like the original tubifex. It's just that this fexTan feed is easy to produce, raw materials in Aceh are very available, and the price per kg is still affordable/economically calculated and uses simple equipment. This PBR activity is carried out through two methods, namely lectures and discussions and demonstrations at partner locations. For information that this fexTan is produced from the main raw material for baby tuna (Thunnus sp) or known as sisik fish (local name), priced at Rp.50.000/kg and crude protein ±30%. Baby tuna fish that has undergone certain stages/processes, which are then molded based on the desired meshsize and put in plastic cups as packing containers and for subsequent use can be stored in the freezer. The results of PBR's activities for two days show that: i) there has been an increase in partner knowledge and competence about fexTan, ii) the availability of fexTan production facilities, iii) partner productivity has increased, iv) increased partner profits.