Natural Feed Research Articles

The Effect Of Liquid Organic Fertilizer (Lof) From Rice Washing Water and Coconut Water Using Em4 On The Growth Of Chorella sp. At Laboratory Scale

Chlorella sp. has significantly higher nutritional content compared to artificial feed. To obtain Chlorella sp. as a natural feed, it was necessary to cultivate pure phytoplankton to meet the availability of crude feed in sufficient quantities. In conducting the cultivation, there was a need for liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) that could be easily obtained and was available in nature, which was liquid organic fertilizer made from a mixture of rice washing water and coconut water fermented using EM4. This research aimed to determine the density of Chlorella sp. using liquid organic fertilizer from rice washing water, and coconut water fermented using EM4 and the effect of the best fertilizer dosage on the growth of Chlorella sp. This research used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 4 treatments with four replications. The highest average cell density of Chlorella sp. throughout the research was obtained in treatment C (15 ml dosage), followed by treatment B (10 ml dosage), treatment D (20 ml dosage), and the lowest in treatment A (control). The application of liquid organic fertilizer from rice washing water and coconut water significantly affected the density of Chlorella sp. (p <0.05). The highest density was recorded on day 6 in treatment C with a dosage of rice washing water and coconut water of 15 ml, with a population density of 12,466.25 x 104 cells/ml.

Exploring the potential of natural feed additives from herbs as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters for Mojosari layer duck (Anas javanica) farming: in-silico and in-vivo studies

Using synthetic feed additive, such as antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), is common in Mojosari layer duck (Anas javanica) farms. Their purpose is to enhance growth and productivity. However, the indiscriminate use of AGPs has been associated with the emergence of bacterial resistance. This leads to lingering effects and potential health hazards for poultry and consumers. In light of these concerns, natural herb feed additives have emerged as an alternative strategy to AGPs in poultry feed. The active compounds in natural feed additives can improve feed efficiency and enhance production performance, resulting in higher-quality poultry products, especially eggs. However, it is known that the active compounds in phytobiotics derived from herbs contain anti-nutrients that can affect productivity and alpha-amylase in poultry. This study was aimed to investigate the interconnection between active compounds in phytobiotics and alpha-amylase using in-silico methods and verify the findings with field data using in-vivo methods. Alpha-Amylase is a vital enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of the glycosidic bonds present in glycogen, resulting in the formation of maltose, a water-soluble disaccharide. Based on the results of docking involving nine phytobiotic compounds and their interaction with glycogen, it was observed that andrographidine E showed a binding affinity of 8.8 kcal/mol. Furthermore, these compounds form conventional hydrogen bonds, facilitated the formation of stable bonds between proteins and compounds. In particular, the interacting amino acids did not exhibit unfavourable bonds. Therefore, andrographidine E was more stable compared to other compounds. Nonetheless, the results show that several compounds have weaker binding affinity than the enzyme's binding to glycogen. However, the hydrophobic binding types of these compounds did not seem to impact the performance of the alpha-amylase enzyme, as demonstrated by in vivo data.

Artificial Spawning Techniques for Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) at the Cultivated Fisheries Production Business Service Center, Karawang, Indonesia

One of the primary challenges in the catfish cultivation industry is the uncertainty (mostly due to weather conditions, natural feed availability, pests and diseases), limited availability, and often poor quality of catfish frys. Fry quality is crucial in aquaculture, yet its reliability is hampered by the natural spawning process, which is influenced by seasonal variations. To address this issue, artificial spawning techniques offer a viable solution. This activity aims to comprehend and effectively execute the precise methods of artificial spawning for catfish, ultimately striving for the production of high-quality fingerlings. Data collection involved the acquirement of both primary and secondary data. The artificial spawning process encompasses container and medium preparation, meticulous broodstock selection and breeding, the artificial spawning procedure, larval rearing, and nursery management. Results from the artificial spawning efforts revealed a fecundity of 75,000 individuals, a remarkable 90% fertilization rate, an 89% hatching success, and an impressive 90% survival rate. Notably, catfish fingerlings were found to harbor parasites such as Gyrodactylus sp., Trichodina sp., and Dactylogyrus sp. This occurrence can be attributed to the high population density of fish, which contributes to a decline in water quality, emphasizing the importance of cautious management practices in aquaculture.

PENINGKATAN PERAN DAN FUNGSI KELOMPOK MELALUI PENDAMPINGAN BUDIDAYA CACING SUTRA (Tubifex sp) DI KECAMATAN BUNTU PANE KABUPATEN ASAHAN PROVINSI SUMATERA UTARA

The development of the fisheries fresh water in cultivation especially in Buntu Pane sub district have challenges in funds are not independently fulfill the needs of feed natural silk worms ( Tubifex sp ) and hope for nature of the catch, leading to the need for community empowerment cultivator of the fish in cultivation feed natural silk worm (Tubifex sp). The purpose of the implementation of this activity is to empower the community cultivator of the increase of knowledge, a cultivator of the catfishes and skill of a pilot cultivation silk worm (Tubifex sp) that meets the needs of the cultivator of the natural feed and increase knowledge and attitudes in the application of he groups function as the vehicle cooperation and unity through swadaya dan swadana in group meeting. Extension activity was carried out on september 16 march to 18 may 2023 with the total number of as many as 10 people consisting of a representation of two groups cultivation fisheries fresh water that consist of Mekar Jaya and Kelompok Berkah. Data collection method through questionnaire, interview, observation, and documentation, while extension activities are carried out through the method of discourse, discussion, and pilot demonstrations using print extension media (folder) and real media. The activities of extension related to demonstrations of silkworm culture show the result of early evaluations and the end aspect of knowledge on demonstrations of silkworm culture with response by 10 people obtained an average of 48 and a change of 52 so that the average final evaluation becomes 100 or there is an increase of 52 %, aspect of attitude of 90.8 % of disapproving attitude becomes a agreeing attitude, section 66 % skill about making the maintenance media fast and precise, determines the dense thread of silk worms and makes a medium of silk worms with adoption at the end of 4 targets during the try and 1 target at the adoption stage. Group function extension activity has increased regarding the function of group aspects of knowledge of 18 %, aspect 93 % attitude of hesitation becomes a agreeing attitude, with adoption at the end of activity as many as 5 targets in the trying stage and 9 targets in the application stage.Key Word: cultivation; pilot demonstration; group function; extension

НАУКОВО-ПРАКТИЧНИЙ АНАЛІЗ СТАНУ ПРИРОДНОЇ КОРМОВОЇ БАЗИ СТАВІВ ПІВЛНЯ УКРАЇНИ НА ФОНІ ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЙ АБІОТИЧНИХ ТА БІОТИЧНИХ ЧИННИКІВ

Conducted research on the basis of the breeding ponds of the Kherson production and experimental plant for breeding of the ordinary fish indicate atypical dynamics of the development of the components of the natural feed base. Such aspects form a low fod

Linoleic acid: a natural feed compound against porcine epidemic diarrhea disease.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a pig coronavirus that causes severe diarrhea and high mortality in piglets, but as no effective drugs are available, this virus threatens the pig industry. Here, we found that the intestinal contents of specific pathogen-free pigs effectively blocked PEDV invasion. Through proteomic and metabolic analyses of the intestinal contents, we screened 10 metabolites to investigate their function and found that linoleic acid (LA) significantly inhibited PEDV replication. Further investigations revealed that LA inhibited viral replication and release mainly by binding with PEDV NSP5 to regulate the PI3K pathway and, in particular, inhibiting AKT phosphorylation. In vivo experiments illustrated that orally administered LA protected pigs from PEDV challenge and severe diarrhea. These findings provide strong support for exploring antiviral drugs for coronavirus treatment.

Antioxidant feed additive Dihydroquercetin in the feeding of broiler chickens

Currently, the production of poultry products intended for healthy nutrition is relevant. Consumption of such products allows us to stabilize the metabolism in the body and improve human health. Raw meat is susceptible not only to rapid microbiological spoilage, but also to oxidative spoilage, which preservatives help combat. Oxidative processes reduce the shelf life of fi nished products due to the deterioration of organoleptic characteristics and nutritional value of products. Therefore, one of the modern trends in the production of poultry products for a healthy diet is a focus on the use of natural feed additives when obtaining raw meat, through the lifetime development of quality. The purpose of the work was to study the antioxidant feed additive Dihydroquercetin in feeding of broiler chickens. When carrying out a scientific and farm experiment using the method of analogous groups, 4 groups of broiler chickens (control and three experimental) were formed at one day of age. Chickens of the 1st control group received only special compound feed as the main diet (MD), chickens the 2nd experimental group in addition to the MD received the antioxidant additive Dihydroquercetin in the amount of 0,50 g per 100 g of compound feed, chickens the 3rd group received 0,75 g per 100 g of compound feed and chickens of the 4st group received 1 g per 100 g of compound feed. It was found that the studied antioxidant additive contributed to better realization of the productive potential of poultry, increasing the livability of livestock, increasing meat productivity and improving the quality of meat raw materials. It has been proven that there is no negative impact of the feed additive on the main safety indicators of broiler chicken meat. Additional reserves have been identifi ed for increasing the economic effi ciency of broiler chickens rearing and producing of meat products from the resulting raw materials.

Effects of the Fibrous Root of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Immunity, Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Morphology of White-Feathered Broilers.

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of different doses of the fibrous roots of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua on the growth performance, slaughter parameters, meat quality, immune function, cytokines, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal morphology of white-feathered broilers. Also, the mechanism to improve immune functions of broilers was explored through network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. A total of 360 AA-white-feathered broilers were randomly divided into six groups (not separated by sex), with six repetitions per group (n = 10). The groups were as follows: basal diet (CON group), basal diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg aureomycin (ANT group), basal diet supplemented with 2%, 3%, and 4% fibrous root raw powder (LD, MD, and HD group), or basal diet supplemented with 3% fibrous root processed powder (PR group), in a 42-day experiment. The dietary inclusion of P. cyrtonema fibrous roots increased slaughter performance (p < 0.05), reduced the fat rate (p < 0.05), improved intestinal morphology (p < 0.05), and improved the immune organ index to varying degrees. It also significantly improved pH reduction, drip loss, and pressure loss of breast muscle and leg muscle (p < 0.05). Furthermore, it significantly improved immune and antioxidant functions including decreased MDA content of serum (p < 0.01), increased GSH-Px content (p < 0.01), IgG, IgA, and C4 contents (p < 0.05), and increased expression of IL-2 and IFN-γ (p < 0.01). Additionally, the mechanism by which fibrous roots improve immune function in broilers was explored using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. Network pharmacology and molecular docking revealed that flavonoids such as baicalein, 4',5-Dihydroxyflavone, 5,7-dihydroxy-6,8-dimethyl-3-(4'-hydroxybenzyl)-chroman-4-one, and 5,7-dihydroxy-3-(2'-hydroxy-4'-methoxybenzyl)-6,8-dimethyl-chroman-4-one were key components that enhanced immune function through the MAPK1 and other key targets involved in regulating the MAPK signaling pathway. From the findings, it can be concluded that incorporating P. cyrtonema Hua fibrous root as a natural feed supplement and growth promoter in broiler diets had a positive impact on bird health and performance.

Growth and survival of banggai cardinalfish, Pterapogon kauderni Koumans, 1933 with different natural feeds

The Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni Koumans, 1933) is a conservation priority species in Indonesia. To date there has been no effort to rear Banggai cardinalfish on a commercial scale, so that fish are still mainly captured from the wild. Therefore, efforts are being made to develop ex-situ Banggai cardinalfish culture using different types of natural feed. This research aimed to determine the best type of natural feed to promote the growth and survival of juvenile Banggai cardinalfish. The research was conducted during December 2021-January 2022, at the Central Sulawesi Provincial Marine Affairs and Fisheries Service Hatchery, in Mamboro Village, Palu City. The study used 3 treatments with 6 replicates each: A (Artemia), B (Cullex), and C (Tubifex). The use of different natural feeds had a significant effect on net weight gain but did not have a significant effect on daily growth rate and net growth in length. Treatment B (Cullex) gave the highest net weight gain and daily growth rate of 0.08 ± 0.3 g and 0.25 ± 0.1 % respectively; treatment A (Artemia) gave the highest net growth in length of 0.5 ± 0.2; and survival rate was highest (100%) under treatment B (Cullex).

Karakteristik Morfologi dan Organ Reproduksi pada Bebek Betina

This research aims to determine the morphology of female ducks from two different feeds andalso determine the reproductive organs in female ducks. The data collection technique was carried out directly by observing the development of the morphological characteristics of the ducks every week. In this study, two female ducks were used with two different feeds, namely 1 duck eating bran and the other duck eating pellets as the main feed. Based on the observations made, it can be concluded that ducks that eat bran (natural feed) and pellets (artificial feed) have a morphology that is not much different from each other, namely they have a slender body shape and a relatively long neck. The main difference lies only in the diet. and the nutritional quality obtained from the food. The reproductive organs of female ducks are located inside their bodies. The main reproductive organs in female ducks consist of the ovaries, oviducts (egg tubes), and cloaca. The ovaries of female ducks generally have an oval shape like small eggs at the end of the cloaca.

Assessment of Lavandula angustifolia L. essential oil as a natural feed additive on broiler chicken’s growth, blood physiological markers, immunological status, intestinal histomorphology, and immunoexpression of CD3 and CD20

Lavender essential oil (LVEO) (Lavandula angustifolia L) was investigated for its impacts on broiler chicken growth, intestinal histomorphology, blood biomarkers, and immunological status. Four hundred 3-days-old male chicks (ROSS 308 broilers) (91.47 ± 0.15 g) were randomised to receive four test groups and nourished on basal diets having four levels of LVEO: 0, 200, 400, and 600 mg Kg−1 over 35 days. Dietary addition of LVEO linearly increased the body weight and weight gain during the grower period, while its addition did not affect the overall growth performance. Dietary LVEO increased the villous height, and the higher villous height was detected in the LVEO600 group. Dietary LVEO increased cluster of differentiation (CD3 and CD20) immunoexpression within the spleens of birds given LVEO400 and LVEO600 diets. Serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine hormone levels were the highest in the LVEO400 and LVEO600 groups. LVEO supplementation raised serum growth hormone levels in a dosage-dependent manner. The serum concentrations of glucose and leptin hormone did not vary significantly between the LVEO-supplemented and LVEO0 groups. All levels of supplemental LVEO diminished serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, while raising the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration. Total protein values were augmented in all LVEO groups, with the highest concentrations of albumin and globulin in the LVEO600 group, followed by the LVEO400 group. Supplemental LVEO increased serum concentration of complement 3, interleukin-10, and lysozyme activity in a level-dependent manner. Modifications in the birds’ physiological activities, blood biochemical, intestinal morphological characteristics, and immunological status support the conclusion that dietary LVEO supplementation had numerous positive effects. However, it didn’t influence the birds’ growth.

Dried tea residue can alter the blood metabolism and the composition and functionality of the intestinal microbiota in Hu sheep.

Ruminant animals face multiple challenges during the rearing process, including immune disorders and oxidative stress. Green tea by-products have gained widespread attention for their significant immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects, leading to their application in livestock production. In this study, we investigated the effects of Dried Tea Residue (DTR) as a feed additive on the growth performance, blood biochemical indicators, and hindgut microbial structure and function of Hu sheep. Sixteen Hu sheep were randomly divided into two groups and fed with 0 and 100 g/d of DTR, respectively. Data were recorded over a 56-day feeding period. Compared to the control group, there were no significant changes in the production performance of Hu sheep fed with DTR. However, the sheep fed with DTR showed a significant increase in IgA (p < 0.001), IgG (p = 0.005), IgM (p = 0.003), T-SOD (p = 0.013), GSH-Px (p = 0.005), and CAT (p < 0.001) in the blood, along with a significant decrease in albumin (p = 0.019), high density lipoprotein (p = 0.050), and triglyceride (p = 0.021). DTR supplementation enhanced the fiber digestion ability of hindgut microbiota, optimized the microbial community structure, and increased the abundance of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes. Therefore, DTR can be used as a natural feed additive in ruminant animal production to enhance their immune and antioxidant capabilities, thereby improving the health status of ruminant animals.

The Gastrointestinal Parasite Cow in The Work Area of UPTD Laboratory of Animal and Veterinary Public Health in Jambi Province in 2020-2022

Background: Jambi Province consists of 11 regencies and cities, which have a quite high potential for cattle breeding because the availability of natural feed for livestock is still very abundant. Jambi province has high rainfall and humidity. High rainfall and humidity cause the growth of helminth eggs, which can infect the digestive tract of cows. Helminths infestation in the digestive tract can cause damage to the intestinal mucosa, which can reduce the efficiency of absorption of food, causing a loss in cattle productivity in body weight, milk production, and meat quality. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the incidence of helminthiasis and the types of worms that infect livestock in the work area UPTD Laboratory of Animal and Veterinary Public Health Jambi Province. Methods: A total of 2.720 feces were screened for parasite digestive tract in this study using floating and sedimentation methods. Results: It was found that the highest prevalence in 2020 occurred in Bungo Regency, which was 4.47%, while the lowest was in Sarolangun Regency, which was 0%. In 2021, the highest prevalence was in Jambi City, which was 7%, while the lowest was in Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency, which was 0.28%. The highest prevalence in 2022 will be in Jambi City, which is 6.19%, while the lowest will be in Sungai Full City, which is 0.52%. The type of helminth that infected cattle in 2020-2022 is Paramphistomum sp., with as many as 87, 48, and 205 cases, with the highest incidence in Bungo Regency, namely 23 cases, while Jambi City, namely, 21 and 51 cases. Conclusion: The highest incidence of helminthiasis in Jambi City, with the highest identified type of helminth egg, was Paramphistomum sp.

Effects of dietary mannan oligosaccharides and coated calcium butyrate on performance, carcass parameters, blood biochemistry and meat quality of growing Japanese quails

Aim of study: Despite previous research into mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) and calcium butyrate coated with palm oil (CCB) in poultry, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding the effects of these feed additives, either individually or in combination, on the growth performance, carcass values, blood biochemistry, immune response, and meat quality of growing Japanese quails. Area of study: Türkiye Material and methods: A total of 168 mixed-sex one-day-old quails were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups, with each group containing 7 birds per cage. The control group was fed a basal diet, while the treatment groups received the following additives: 1 g/kg of CCB, 2 g/kg of MOS, and a combination of MOS+CCB added to the basal diet, respectively. Main results: None of the treatments had a significant impact on performance, relative organ weights, total protein, albumin, globulin, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipoprotein lipase concentrations in blood serum, or humoral immunity on day 28. However, the inclusion of MOS and CCB in the diet, either individually or in combination, increased carcass yield and reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood serum. Additionally, these additives helped maintain optimal pH levels and lower malondialdehyde concentrations in the breast meat. Moreover, the combination of MOS + CCB significantly improved water holding capacity and antibody titers against the Newcastle Disease vaccine on day 42 in Japanese quails. Research highlights: The natural feed additives CCB and MOS contribute to enhanced carcass yield, improved meat quality, and strengthened humoral immunity, while simultaneously lowering lipid values in the bloodstream.

In vitro bioaccessibility of macro and trace elements in biofortified and conventional farmed gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Biofortification is a promising strategy to improve the nutrient profile of farmed fish but requires consideration of the nutrient bioaccessible fraction. In this study, the in vitro bioaccessibility of macro and trace elements was investigated in biofortified and conventional farmed gilthead seabream and common carp, also taking into account the effect of cooking (by steaming). Biofortification enhanced iodine and selenium levels in seabream and carp fillets. Steaming increased iodine and selenium contents in biofortified seabream, and increased selenium and decreased copper levels in biofortified carp. Higher iodine bioaccessibilty (> 80%) was observed in biofortified seabream compared to biofortified carp (45%). In both species, selenium, iron, and zinc bioaccessibility was ≥ 70%. Upon steaming iodine and iron bioaccessibility decreased in seabream, while selenium bioaccessibility decreased in carp. The consumption of steamed biofortified seabream and carp contributes to significantly higher daily intakes of iodine (up to 12% and 10%, respectively) and selenium (up to 54% and above 100%, respectively) compared to conventional counterparts. The present study demonstrates the potential of developing innovative biofortified farmed fish using natural sustainable feed ingredients to improve the intake of important nutrients for human health.

Efecto de la suplementación con mioinositol en la estructura fisicoquímica de la carga viral en el alimento para gatos contaminados con SARS–CoV–2 mediante la simulación de estornudos

The study was carried to investigate the effect of myo–inositol supplementation on feed physicochemical structure and viral load of dry cat food contaminated with inactive SARS–CoV–2 by simulating sneezing. The most natural infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS–CoV–2) in animals is related to close contact with their owners with COVID–19 which is handling, taking care and feeding them. SARS–CoV–2 can survive on food, fomites and surfaces for extended periods related to environmental conditions. Many natural feed additives and supplements have been a candidate in recent antiviral treatment strategies against COVID–19. In this study, myo–inositol which is permitted in animal nutrition was used at different concentrations (0, 12.5, 25 and 50 mg·100 g-1 cat food) and conditions (22°C at room temperature and 4°C in the refrigerator) to investigate its effects on feed physicochemical structure and viral load of dry cat food contaminated with inactive SARS–CoV–2 by simulating sneezing. For the interactions between myo–inositol, feed structure and viral load, dry matter, moisture, water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), pH and virus gene copy (GC) by RT–qPCR were measured. As only storage temperature affected both WAI and WSI as expected, myo–inostol supplementation dose–dependently decreased gene copy in dry cat food (IC50:366.4–581.5 mg·100 g-1 cat food) at 22°C storage temperature. Virus GC did not correlate with the dry matter, moisture content, pH and WAI after the 30 min contact time (except WSI). In conclusion, myo–inositol as a feed additive might have the potential to control serious viral infections such as COVID–19 for human–animal interactions in a One–Health context.

The Efficacy of Yeast Supplementation on Monogastric Animal Performance-A Short Review.

Due to a continual growth in the world's population and the prohibition of antibiotics in animal production, the livestock industry faces significant challenges in the global demand for meat, eggs, and dairy products. The growing demand for organic products and the prohibition on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) have compelled animal nutrition experts to search for natural substitutes that include medical plants and beneficial microorganisms. Natural feed additives like probiotics are found to be more effective than AGPs in reducing the load of harmful intestinal pathogens. One of the probiotics that has generated considerable interest since ancient times is yeast. Yeast is used as a supplement in animal feeds due to its relatively high protein, amino acid, energy, and micronutrient content. Yeast byproducts such as yeast cells and cell walls contain nutraceutical compounds (i.e., β-glucans, mannooligosaccharides, and nucleotides) and have been shown to improve animal growth performance and health. Though the application of yeast supplements has been reviewed to date, only a scarce amount of information exists on the yeast-derived products in non-ruminant nutrition. Additionally, it is difficult for nutritionists to differentiate the characteristics, composition, and optimal feeding among the diverse number of yeast-containing products. Due to the increasing popularity of using yeast-based products in animal feeds, the development of analytical approaches to estimate yeast and its components in these products is greatly needed. Thus, in this review, we intend to provide current knowledge of different categories of commercially available yeast and yeast-derived additives, along with their role in improving animal growth performance and health, their proposed mechanisms of action, and the challenges of quantifying yeast content and biologically active components.

Silybum marianum seed extract as a potential phytogenic feed additive for improving growth performance and nutrient digestibility in growing pigs

Silymarin is the flavonoid extracted from Silybum marianum seed. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and it supports liver health. The growth performance parameters, nutrient digestibility, and blood profile in growing pigs fed the dietary Silybum marianum seed extract were analyzed in this study. A total of 196 crossbred growing pigs ((Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc) were allocated into three dietary groups: CON: basal diet; TRT1: basal diet with 0.05% Silybum marianum seed extract; and TRT2: basal diet with 0.10% Silybum marianum seed extract. Results showed that pigs fed with Silybum marianum seed extract up to 0.10% increased average daily gain ( p &lt; 0.10) and feed intake ( p &lt; 0.05). The digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, and energy were increased linearly ( p &lt; 0.05) with addition of Silybum marianum seed extract up to 0.10%. However, serum bile acids, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspertate aminotransferase (AST) were not changed ( p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, the significant improvements in average daily gain, feed intake, and nutrient digestibility indicate that Silybum marianum seed extract can positively influence the growth of growing pigs. Finally, natural feed additives like Silybum marianum seed extract may be used as an efficacious growth promoter and ultimately contributing to sustainable pig farming.

Food Preferences of Captive Siberian Musk Deer — a Producer of Pharmaceutical Raw Materials

Under the conditions of captivity, adequate and balanced feeding becomes a determining factor in the safety of musk deer, contributing to maintaining the health of animals and their reproductive functions and increasing the productivity of deer musk. In this work, the nutrition patterns of Siberian musk deer in the winter period are established. The animals are kept in the nursery of the Altai Branch of the Scientific Center of Biomedical Technologies of FMBA of Russia. The most preferred feed types in the winter diet were found to include (on average, g/head per day): wood lichens Usnea spp. — 290; Betula spp. — 70; Urtica spp. — 80; oatmeal — 70). The nutritional indicators of the identified feed objects were determined. The content of metabolizable energy and nutrients in the daily diet consumed by musk deer was calculated. Thus, one individual consumes 520 g of natural moisture feed or 453 g of dry matter, which contains 3.57 MJ of metabolizable energy per day. The obtained data form a scientific basis for developing feeding diets for captive musk deer.

Optimum feeding of schemes of beluga (Huso huso L.) at the early stages of ontogenesis in the conditions of industrial aquaculture

Aquaculture is the fastest growing food production industry. The priority direction of freshwater aquaculture is sturgeon breeding. One of the significant stages of the technological cycle of industrial rearing of sturgeons is the maintenance of juveniles during the transition to exogenous nutrition. In industrial fish farming, based on keeping fish under fully controlled aquatic conditions, the use of natural feed is becoming increasingly limited.Despite the use of artificial compound feed, balanced in terms of the main nutrients, only live food serves as a supplier of all biologically active substances, contains proteins that include all essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, enzymes and other vital substances, and also helps to increase the activity of all digestive enzymes, causing the overall activity of the body. The article describes the experience of growing beluga (Huso huso L.) in the pools installed in the RAS “Educational and Scientific Complex of Pilot Aquaculture Production” LLP (Uralsk, Kazakhstan).The results of an experiment to determine the optimal feeding schemes for the sturgeon in the early stages of ontogenesis are presented. It has been established that feeding only аrtemia nauplii and decapsulated аrtemia cysts leads to a mass departure of larvae, and analysis of their stomach contents showed that there was no food in them. To facilitate the transition from feeding live food to artificial food, it is optimal to combine different types of live food with pelleted food. The addition of brine shrimp and bloodworms to the diet of dry granulated food contributes to the greatest increase in the growth rate and survival of larvae and juvenile beluga.