Pens Of Cattle Research Articles

Investigation of Feedlot-level Use of a Direct-fed Microbial on Fecal Shedding of E. coli O157:H7

Our objectives were to determine whether the feedlot-level use of a direct-fed microbial (DFM; Lactobacillus animalis LA51 and Propionibacterium freudenreichii PF24; Bovamine Defend®, 2 × 109 CFU/g) was associated with fecal prevalence and concentration of E. coli O157:H7, and determine pen- and feedlot-level risk factors associated with fecal E. coli O157:H7 prevalence in cattle pens from commercial feedlot operations. Twenty commercial feedlots in Nebraska, ten that included DFM (DFM) and ten that did not (no-DFM), were sampled during the summer of 2017. In each sampling month, 22 pen-floor fecal samples were collected from three pens in each feedlot. Samples were subjected to cultural and molecular procedures for the detection of E. coli O157:H7 (immunomagnetic separation, plating on selective media, followed by PCR confirmation) and spiral plating for quantification. A total of 1,320 samples from 180 pens of finishing cattle belonging to 20 feedlots, which were sampled three times throughout a 12-week period, were processed and tested. Across all feedlots and sampling months, the mean within-pen prevalence was 13.5% (95% CI = 2.6–47.4%). The association between DFM status and the within-pen prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 depended significantly (p < 0.05) on the sampling month. The second sampling month between late July and mid-August corresponded to the highest within-pen prevalence estimates reported in this study, with no-DFM pens having a higher prevalence than DFM pens. After accounting for the DFM status, and based on multivariable analyses, sampling month, average pen body weight, and weather conditions were significantly associated with the within-pen fecal prevalence of E. coli O157:H7. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the use of a DFM containing Lactobacillus animalis LA51 and Propionibacterium freudenreichii PF26 in feedlots showed potential in reducing fecal E. coli O157:H7 prevalence in cattle during times when prevalence peaks.

PSLBII-28 Effects of dietary protein manipulation on greenhouse gases and ammonia emissions from feedlot beef steers

Abstract Black Angus steers [n = 112; body weight (BW) = 401 ± 3.6 kg] were used in a randomized incomplete block design to evaluate the effects of 3 rumen available protein to microbial crude protein ratios (RAP:MCP) on growth performance, and gaseous emissions from feedlot steers. Steers were blocked by initial BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment rations. Diets were fed rations either Deficient (-150 gּ animal-1ּ d-1; DEF), Balanced (0 gּ animal-1ּ d-1; BAL), or Excess (+150 gּ animal-1ּ d-1; EXS) in RAP: MCP. Steers were allocated and housed in cattle pen enclosures (CPE), and treatment diets were delivered daily as a total mixed ration. The present study consisted of two 42-d periods. Refusals were collected weekly and BW every 14 d. Gas measurements were obtained daily in sequential order from all CPE. Data were analyzed with R statistical software (4.2.3). The linear mixed effect model procedure within the “lme4” package was used with CPE as the experimental unit, treatment and week as fixed effects, and block and period as random effects. A contrast coefficient matrix was constructed to test for linear and quadratic effects. Initial, intermediary and final BW were not different for steers receiving the varying RAP:MCP (P ≥ 0.239). A treatment effect (P = 0.004) was observed for mean dry matter intake (DMI) where EXS steers consumed 0.46 kg more DM compared with BAL steers, but DEF steers had similar DMI to those fed EXS and BAL (P = 0.189). Average daily gain (ADG) was only affected by treatment (P = 0.007) on d 0 to 14 where steers receiving DEF gained 0.6 kg more than those fed BAL (P = 0.010), but those fed EXS had similar ADG. Similar to ADG, gain to feed (G:F) was affected by treatment (P = 0.012) only during d 0 to 14. Mean CH4 production from steers fed DEF and EXS were 20% and 13% greater (P = 0.010) compared with those fed BAL, respectively; however, CH4 from EXS vs. DEF steers was not different (P = 0.149). Mean cumulative NH3 emissions increased linearly by treatment with EXS steers emitting up to 52% more NH3 compared with those receiving DEF (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Similarly, EXS steers had increased SO2 emissions by up to 44% compared with those fed DEF (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Emissions of CO2, N2O, and H2S were similar (P &amp;gt; 0.100). The manipulation of RAP:MCP in the diets of feedlot steers can drastically reduce NH3 emissions without affecting growth performance and may be a valuable tool to reduce air pollution from beef production systems.

Agricultural Landscape Model Based on the Culture of the Indigenous People of Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi

Abstract The interaction between humans and their environment forms cultural landscape. One of the cultural landscape in Indonesia is Tana Toraja. The Tana Toraja indigenous people’s way of life refers to the Aluk Todolo religion which regulates the relationships of between human-human, human-God (Puang Matua), and human-environment. The regulation influences their environment, settlement, and agriculture management. Agriculture in Tana Toraja is managed by the community not only for the economic sector but also to ensure food security and preserve traditional cultural activities. This study aims to identify and analyze the elements that make up the agricultural landscape of the Tana Toraja indigenous people, as well as develop a local culture-based agricultural landscape model. The method using in this research was spatial descriptive method by tracing customary manuscripts (literature review), interviewing traditional leaders, and field observations. This research has identified the elements that make up the Tana Toraja agricultural landscape were hills, rivers and springs, forests, rice fields, dryland fields, gardens, fish ponds (gusean), yards, and cattle pens. Integrated agriculture that is carried out based on local customs is paddy-fish integrative farming, rice-livestock integrative farming, agroforestry, and crop-livestock integrative farming. The form of integrated agriculture can be seen at the macro and micro levels and consists of spatial concepts, vegetation concepts, and circulation concepts. At the macro level, which consists of four landform hierarchies in the settlement landscape, which indicates their philosophy of life, they are successively a sacred place (hill), their ancestral home, the general settlement and agricultural areas, and development area for their subsequent offspring.

Distribution and seasonal fluctuation of visceral leishmaniasis vectors sandflie in Lüliang City of Shanxi Province in 2023

To investigate the distribution and seasonal fluctuations of visceral leishmaniasis vectors sandflies in Lüliang City, Shanxi Province, so as to provide insights into assessment of the visceral leishmaniasis transmission risk and formulation of visceral leishmaniasis control measures. A total of 12 natural villages were sampled from Shilou County, Lishi District, Lanxian County, Linxian County and Wenshui County in Lüliang City, Shanxi Province from June to September, 2023, and sandflies were captured using light traps from 7 breeding habitats, including farmers' houses, sheep pens, cattle pens, chicken coops, pig pens, mule and horse pens, and loess-cave dwellings. Following morphological identification of the sandfly species, the distribution of sandflies and the seasonal fluctuations of the sandfly density were analyzed. In addition, the Leishmania was detected in sandflies using a real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR assay. A total of 2 831 sandflies were captured with 156 light traps in Lüliang City from June to September, 2023, including 2 638 female sandflies (93.18%) and 193 male sandflies (6.82%), and the average density was 16.91 sandflies/(light-night). The seasonal fluctuations of the sandfly density all appeared a unimodal distribution in all survey sites, and the sandfly density peaked in July and then declined rapidly. Among all types of breeding habitats, the greatest sandfly density was found in sheep pens [39.04 sandflies/(light-night)]. In addition, 4.08% (2/49) of the sandfly samples were tested positive for Leishmania nucleic acid as revealed by the real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR assay. Sandflies were widely distributed in Lüliang City, Shanxi Province in 2023, and the peak of the sandfly density was observed in July, which had a visceral leishmaniasis transmission risk. Intensified surveillance of visceral leishmaniasis and sandfly vectors is required and targeted vector control is recommended.

Training and Educating of Pineapple Farmers in Producing Organic Fertilizer Using The Bio-EM4 Application Technology in Lendang Nangka Utara Village, Masbagik, East Lombok

The aim of this community service activity is to train and mentor farmers to produce organic fertilizer from cattle pen waste to create a village community that is self-sufficient in meeting the fertilizer needs for its pineapple farming business. The activity used a participatory action method, which was carried out for 19 months. The results of the activities show that the implementation of the activities ran smoothly and successfully. Farmers' participation and enthusiasm, which was previously moderate, turned out to be increased to high after implementing direct assistance in the field. Farmers' knowledge and skills are increasing as evidenced by the fertilizer produced based on SNI standards which is classified as good quality. Organic fertilizer produced by farmers can be used as a substitute for Urea, ZK and TSP fertilizer because application of a dose of 25 tons ha-1 plus NPK Ponska dose of 100 kg ha-1 can balance the growth and yield of pineapple in plots fertilized with NPK dose of 500 kg ha-1 . So the recommended application dose for organic fertilizer produced by this program is 25 tons ha-1 plus NPK Ponska 100 kg ha-1 with the application time after soil processing.

Analysis of within-pen and between-pen fenceline temporal contact networks in confined feedlot cattle

Though contact networks are important for describing the dynamics for disease transmission and intervention applications, individual animal contact and barriers between animal populations, such as fences, are not often utilized in the construction of these models. The objective of this study was to use contact network analysis to quantify contacts within two confined pens of feedlot cattle and the shared “fenceline” area between the pens at varying temporal resolutions and contact duration to better inform the construction of network-based disease transmission models for cattle within confined-housing systems. Two neighboring pens of feedlot steers were tagged with Real-Time Location System (RTLS) tags. Within-pen contacts were defined with a spatial threshold (SpTh) of 0.71 m and a minimum contact duration (MCD) of either 10 seconds (10 s), 30 seconds (30 s), or 60 seconds (60 s). For the fenceline network location readings were included within an area extending from 1 m on either side of the shared fence. “Fenceline” contacts could only occur between a steer from each pen. Static, undirected, weighted contact networks for within-pen networks and the between-pen network were generated for the full study duration and for daily (24-h), 6-h period, and hourly networks to better assess network heterogeneity. For the full study duration network, the two within-pen networks were densely homogenous. The within-pen networks showed more heterogeneity when smaller timescales (6-h period and hourly) were applied. When contacts were defined with a MCD of 30 s or 60 s, the total number of contacts seen in each network decreased, indicating that most of the contacts observed in our networks may have been transient passing contacts. Cosine similarity was moderate and stable across days for within pen networks. Of the 90 total tagged steers between the two pens, 86 steers (46 steers from Pen 2 and 40 steers from Pen 3) produced at least one contact across the shared fenceline. The total network density for the network created across the shared fenceline between the two pens was 17%, with few contacts at shorter timescales and for MCD of 30 s or 60 s. Overall, the contact networks created here from high-resolution spatial and temporal contact observation data provide estimates for a contact network within commercial US feedlot pens and the contact network created between two neighboring pens of cattle. These networks can be used to better inform pathogen transmission models on social contact networks.

Potential roles of Culicoides spp. (Culicoides imicola, Culicoides oxystoma) as biological vectors of bluetongue virus in Yuanyang of Yunnan, P. R. China.

Culicoides plays a crucial role as an insect vector in the field of veterinary medicine. The transmission of significant viruses such as bluetongue virus (BTV) and African horse sickness virus (AHSV) by this insect poses a substantial threat, leading to the development of severe diseases in domestic animals. This study aimed to explore the Culicoides species, identify their blood-meal sources, and assess the presence of BTV and AHSV carried by Culicoides in Yuanyang County, Yunnan Province. The aim was to gain insights into the potential vectors of these two viruses and elucidate their potential roles in the transmission of pathogens. The midges were collected from cattle (Bos indicus), pig (Sus scrofa), and goat (Capra hircus) pens in Yuanyang County, Yunnan Province in June 2020. Initial identification of midges was conducted through morphological characteristics, followed by molecular identification using the cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The determination of Culicoides blood-meal sources was accomplished using specific primers targeting the cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene from potential hosts. BTV and AHSV RNA were identified in Culicoides pools through the application of reverse transcriptase PCR and quantitative real-time PCR. Nucleotide homology and phylogenetic analysis were performed using MegAlign (DNAStar) and Mega 6.0 software. A total of 6,300 Culicoides, consisting of C. oxystoma, C. arakawai, C. imicola, and C. innoxius, were collected from cattle, pigs, and goat pens. The engorgement rates for these species were 30.2%, 54.6%, 75%, and 66.7%, respectively. In the cattle pen, the prevailing species is C. oxystoma (100%). In the pig pen, C. arakawai dominates (70%), with C. oxystoma following at 30%. In the goat pen, C. imicola holds the majority (45.45%), trailed by C. oxystoma (25%), C. innoxius (20.45%), and C. arakawai (9.09%). These Culicoides species were identified as feeding on cattle, pigs, goats, chickens (Gallus gallus), and humans (Homo sapiens). The positivity rates for BTV were 20.00% and 11.54% in blood-fed specimens of C. imicola and C. oxystoma, respectively. Conversely, the positivity rates for BTV in non-blood-fed specimens were 0.00% and 6.67% for C. imicola and C. oxystoma, respectively. BTV was not detected in C. arakawai and C. innoxius. The specimens (YY86) from C. imicola that tested positive for BTV had the closest genetic relationship to YTS-4 isolated from Mangshi, Yunnan Province in 1996. All test results for the nucleic acid of AHSV were negative. The study reveals variations in the species distribution, community composition, blood sucking rate, and blood-feeding sources of Culicoides across different habitats. Notably, C. imicola and C. oxystoma emerge as potential vectors for the transmission of BTV in local animals. Accordingly, this investigation provides crucial insights that can serve as a valuable reference for the prevention and control of BTV in local animals, particularly from the perspective of vector management.

Molecular detection of Trypanosoma lewisi in rodents distributed in dairy cattle pens and residential areas

The World Organisation for Animal Health continues to be concerned about the spread of atypical human-animal trypanosomiasis. Trypanosoma lewisi is one of the rodent-origin zoonotic trypanosomiasis. Despite the fact that many cases of T. lewisi in humans have been documented in several nations, the study of this pathogenic parasite in Indonesia remains limited. The objective of this investigation was to use a molecular approach to detect T. lewisi in rats captured in livestock pens and residential areas. In Pondok Ranggon Village, Cipayung District, East Jakarta, 14 traps were placed in dairy cattle pens and a total of 50 traps were installed outside and inside houses in Lhoksukon and Ceubrek Villages, Lhoksukon District, North Aceh. The captured rats were identified, sedated, and examined for ectoparasites. The blood of rats was then analysed using Giemsa-stained thin blood films and PCR with TRYP1R and TRYP1S primers. The majority of the Rattus species captured in three locations were R. tanezumi (62.07%), followed by R. norvegicus (6.90%) and R. exulans (3.4%). Xenopsylla cheopis were predominant insect found in the present study (60%), followed by Laelaps echidninus (20%), Laelaps nutalli (12%), and Ornithonyssus bacoti (8%). According to the total flea index, rats captured from cattle pens had fewer fleas than rats from other locations. The molecular analysis revealed that T. lewisi was present in 46.15% of rats captured in human settlements and 66.67% of rats captured in the dairy cattle pens. PCR result also demonstrated that positive T. lewisi found higher in inside house (66.67%) compared to outside house (28.57%). It indicates that trypanosome infections are prevalent in rats from domestic environments and cattle pens, and that R. tanezumi can potentially serve as a source of parasites for both animals and humans through fleas acting as vectors.

Evaluation of mechanical transmission of Trypanosoma vivax by Stomoxys calcitrans in a region without a cyclic vector.

This work investigated the mechanical transmission of Trypanosoma vivax by Stomoxys calcitrans to cattle in a region without a cyclic vector. The study involved two experiments, one with calves experimentally infected with T. vivax, in the acute phase of trypanosomosis (Experiment 1) and the other in the chronic phase (Experiment 2). In both experiments, two transmission methods were used with flies that had not fed for 24h or had never fed: (i) Method 1: flies released freely in cattle pens (≈3,300 flies/pen for 10days); and (ii) Method 2: flies placed in a feeding chamber (12 flies/animal). To develop Method 1 in the two experiments (acute and chronic phases), T. vivax-positive animals were kept with T. vivax-negative animals. Periodically, the Brener method, Woo method, blood smears, cPCR, ELISA, IFAT, and Imunoteste® were performed to detect T. vivax in the animals. We also recorded the animals' head tossing and hoof stomping and the number of flies near the pens' inner walls. Subsequently, biological testing was performed using lambs. For Method 2 in both experiments, flies inside the feeding chamber first fed on T. vivax-positive animals and later on negative animals. In both experiments and methods, we examined the flies for the presence of T. vivax through blood smears and cPCR of the proboscis and abdomen. In Experiment 2 (chronic phase), a test was conducted to determine how long trypomastigotes forms could survive on the blood of animals with different levels of parasitemia. None of the animals (calves and lambs) became infected with T. vivax or showed antibodies against it. During the evaluation period, the animals in the presence of the flies exhibited more hoof stomping and head tossing compared to those without flies (control). Additionally, there was an increase in the number of flies in the pens during the experiment. Only in Experiment 1 (acute phase) were T. vivax trypomastigotes and DNA found in the abdomen of the flies but not in the proboscis. In Experiment 2 (chronic phase), higher concentrations of trypomastigotes per milliliter of blood were associated with a shorter the lifespan of this stage of the parasite. In conclusion, under the variable conditions of the experiments (hosts, number of flies, and level of parasitemia), S. calcitrans was unable to mechanically transmit T. vivax to cattle.

Seasonal ammonia emissions from an intensive beef cattle feedlot in Victoria Australia

Ammonia (NH3) emitted from concentrated animal feeding operations can cause environmental and health problems, and indirectly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Cattle feedlots are known to be large sources of NH3, but few studies have documented seasonal emissions from Australian feedlots. We conducted two field campaigns to measure NH3 emissions from an intensive beef cattle feedlot in southeast Australia, and these results were combined with previous measurements at the same feedlot to document seasonal variations in emissions and to derive annual feedlot emission factors (EFs). Emission rates were calculated with an inverse dispersion modelling (IDM) technique, based on NH3 concentrations measured at the feedlot with open-path lasers (OPLs). The average area emission rates in spring, summer, autumn and winter were 90.5, 167.4, 96.2 and 86.8 μg NH3 m−2 s−1 from the cattle pens, and 22.5, 18.1, 7.7 and 20.7 μg NH3 m−2 s−1 from the manure stockpile area, respectively. The total per-animal EFs ranged from 126.0 (autumn) to 190.2 g NH3 animal−1 d−1 (summer), representing a loss of 47.5–64.6% of the fed N. Seasonal variations in emissions were related to air temperature. Slight changes in crude protein content of the cattle diet may also have impacted seasonal variability. Taking seasonal variations into consideration, the average feedlot EF was 160.4 g NH3 animal−1 d−1, with 90% of the emissions coming from the cattle pens. Extrapolating the EF to all feedlot cattle in the country, the direct NH3 emissions from Australian feedlots amount to 65.2 Gg NH3 annually, or 3.7% of the national total. Our study benchmarks seasonal and annual EFs and N losses for Australian commercial feedlots, and provides a baseline for extrapolating the impacts of mitigation efforts.

Scale Development of Aofa Farm Limousin Cattle Business Based on Investment Feasibility Analysis

Beef supply in Indonesia has not been able to reach demand. Currently, the need for livestock is increasing, so it is necessary to develop cattle farming. Aofa farm is a cattle farm that focuses on fattening limousine cattle that sells its products only during Eid al-Adha. Aofa farm plans to its business by increasing the number of cattle pens, increasing the number of limousine cattle, and purchasing concentrate feed. In addition, there was an increase in the price of limousine cattle seeds, an increase in feed prices, and a decrease in sales of limousine cattle. So necessary for it to analyze the feasibility of Aofa Farm's limousine cattle farm based on non-financial aspects financial aspects, and switching value analysis. The results of the feasibility of the non-financial aspects of the development of Aofa Farm are feasible to run based on descriptive analysis and quantitative analysis which shows the feasibility score on each non-financial aspect of more than 50 percent. The results of the financial aspect analysis obtained an NPV value of Rp 2,674,602,815, Net B/C of 8.39, IRR of 88.15 percent, and Payback Period of 2.26 years which shows that the Aofa Farm development plan is feasible to run based on financial aspects because the value obtained exceeds the eligibility criteria. The results of the switching value analysis show that Aofa Farm is sensitive to a decrease in limousine cattle sales.

PSIX-23 Fecal Starch in Feedlot Cattle as Affected By Sampling Time and Storage Method

Abstract Fecal starch analysis is a useful tool for monitoring starch digestibility in beef feeding operations. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of time of day and feces storage method on fecal starch concentration. A commercial feedlot was asked to participate in this study. For both experiments, fecal samples were collected from 5 pens (replicates) of cattle, which were consuming the finishing diet for about 40 d. Dry-ground corn was the primary energy source, with an inclusion of 32.6% DM in the diet. Corn silage was another source of starch (15.5% DM in the diet). Cattle were fed 4 times a day (0800, 1000, 1330, and 1600 h). Pens had on average 51 animals and the estimated average body weight was 495 kg. Fecal samples (~20 g) were collected from 10 undisturbed piles and composited. In Exp. 1, sampling was performed at 6 different times within day: 0800, 0930, 1100, 1330, 1500, and 1630 h. After sampling, all composite samples were frozen for further analyses. In Exp. 2, fecal samples were collected at 1000 h and subjected to 5 storage methods, as follows 1) oven dried, 2) dried by an Air Fryer device, 3) frozen, 4) cooled for 24 h in a cooler box at 4oC and subsequently frozen, and 5) addition of 50 g of 70% alcohol in 100 g of feces. Fecal samples were analyzed for DM and total starch. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS, followed by a Tukey test at P ≤ 0.05. Fecal starch was unaffected by sampling time (P = 0.60). Average starch concentration was 4.25% of DM. Regarding storage methods, samples from Air Fryer and those mixed with alcohol had greater starch concentration (5.75 and 5.81% of DM, respectively) than other treatments (4.76, 4.83, and 4.96% of DM for those frozen, oven-dried, and cooled for 24 h, respectively). Overall, time of day did not influence determination of fecal starch concentration. In contrast, storage method influenced fecal starch concentration, but the differences were minimal.

320 Effects of Sorting Strategy on Within-Pen Variation and Profitability

Abstract Decreasing variation in a pen of feedlot cattle reduces overfeeding, increases carcass quality and uniformity, and improves economic returns. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sorting by body weight (BW) or expected days on feed (DOF) on pen performance and profitability. Ninety-six Angus-cross steers (initial BW = 360 ± 28 kg) were randomly assigned to sorting by BW or DOF determined using the Davis Growth Model and initial body measurements for BW, hip height, back fat thickness (BF), and ribeye area. Steers within BW and DOF sort groups were randomly assigned to one of two replicates. Within replicate, BW groups were divided into light and heavy pens (initial BW = 323 and 366 kg, respectively), and DOF groups were divided into short and long pens (DOF = 119 and 160 d, respectively), for a total of 8 pens with 12 steers in each pen. Pen feeding was managed using the slick bunk method and time of marketing was determined based on observation of an average pen BF of 1.1 cm. Steers were harvested at a commercial abattoir and individual carcass characteristics were recorded. Profit was calculated as carcass value minus feed costs. For comparison of sorting treatments, pen was the experimental unit, and treatment means and variances were compared using a t-test and F-test, respectively. Steers were harvested in three groups: both heavy-BW sort pens and both short-DOF sort pens were harvested after 84 d, both long-DOF sort pens and one light-BW sort pen were harvested after 104 d, and the final light-BW sort pen was harvested after 116 d on the finishing ration. There were no differences in mean initial BW (P = 0.95) or initial percent empty body fat (EBF; P = 0.28), but variation in initial BW was reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for the BW sort group. Final mean BW did not differ between sort groups (P = 0.54), but variance in final BW and hot carcass weight was less (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for the group sorted by BW. Final percent EBF also did not differ between groups (P = 0.41), but percent EBF variance was 2.4 %-units for DOF and 2.9 %-units for BW sorted pens, although differences were not statistically significant. There were no differences in average daily gain or feed conversion rate between sort groups. Variation in yield grade, BF, and marbling score were numerically reduced for the DOF group; however, differences were not statistically significant (P &amp;gt; 0.10). Average profit per steer was $ 321.42 and $ 235.05 for DOF and BW sorted groups, respectively. Sorting by DOF increased profitability by 26% by increasing harvest BW, improving uniformity, and decreasing overweight carcasses.

260 Effect of Biochar Inclusion in Finishing Beef Cattle Diets on Enteric Methane Production and Performance

Abstract An experiment was conducted to evaluate the impacts of biochar on methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and interim performance of finishing beef cattle. This experiment used crossbred beef steers (n = 128; initial BW= 347 kg ± 9 kg) fed a biochar sourced from pistachio shells (VGrid Energy Systems). The diet contained 61% dried rolled corn, 30% Sweet Bran (Cargill Corn Milling, Blair, NE), 5% wheat straw, and 4% supplement with Tylan (Elanco Animal Health) targeted at 9.7 mg/kg of dry matter (DM) and Rumensin (Elanco Animal Health) at 33.1 mg/kg of DM in a fine ground corn carrier. Two treatments consisted of a control (CON) group fed a diet containing no biochar and a biochar (BIO) group fed a diet with 0.5% biochar replacing 0.5% dried rolled corn in the diet. Cattle were implanted on d 0 with Revalor XS (Merck Animal Health). Pen was the experimental unit with 8 steers per pen and 8 replications. Interim data were collected on d 90 of the experiment. Four pen replications were rotated twice through a two-chambered barn equipped with open-circuit indirect calorimeters using a negative air pressure system. Within replicate, each pen of cattle was monitored in both chambers. LI-COR (Biosciences, Lincoln, NE) sensors were used to capture emissions (7700 Open-Path CH4 analyzer and 7500DS Open-Path CO2/H2O analyzer). Each replicate was monitored for 5 d in the pen chamber followed by 1 d manure contribution and 1 d used for baseline corrections. Cattle performance data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with treatment as the fixed effect and emissions data were analyzed as a repeated measure. Feeding biochar tended to increase emissions of CH4 in g/d (194 g/d BIO and 176 g/d CON, P = 0.09) but had no other effects on CH4 in g/kg of dry matter intake (DMI) with 16.3 g/kg DMI BIO and 14.2 g/kg DMI CON (P = 0.27). Likewise, feeding BIO had no effect on CO2 as g/day (10854 g/d BIO and 10691 g/d CON, P = 0.78) or as g/kg of DMI (904 g/kg DMI BIO and 860 g/kg DMI CON, P = 0.34). Interim cattle performance showed no differences between treatments in interim body weight (529 kg BIO and 534 kg CON, P = 0.49) and average daily gain (2.02 kg/d BIO and 2.07 kg/d CON, P = 0.50). Dry matter intake (12.3 kg/d BIO and 12.1 kg/d CON, P = 0.45) was not different between groups, which resulted in no differences in feed efficiency (0.165 BIO and 0.169 CON, P = 0.23). Supplementing biochar at 0.5% of the diet DM did not decrease eructed CH4 (slight increase) or impact respired CO2. Interim animal performance was not impacted by feeding biochar.

Common but not connected: high genetic structure and cryptic genetic diversity in the ubiquitous biting midge Culicoides peregrinus Kieffer.

The biting midge Culicoides peregrinus Kieffer is a significant pest and vector species, and knowledge of its genetic diversity and genetic structure is critically important for designing an effective control program. However, such information is limited to only small sample-size DNA barcoding studies. Therefore, in this study, we used mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) to examine genetic structure and diversity of C. peregrinus from northeastern Thailand. In addition, we also inferred genetic relationships between C. peregrinus from Thailand and those reported from other countries across the geographic range of the species. Maximum intraspecific genetic divergence (3.83%) within Thai specimens was relatively high compared to other Culicoides species. Genetic structure analysis revealed that 71% (32 from 45) of population comparisons were highly significantly different. A high level of genetic structure among populations, even between those in close geographic proximity (22 km geographic distance) suggested that there has been little or no movement between local populations. This is possibly due to the ability to exploit diverse types of breeding site and a generalist feeding habit which enables C. peregrinus to complete its life cycle within cattle pens. Genetic relationships between Thai C. peregrinus and those reported from other countries revealed three genetically divergent lineages (A, B and C) associated with geographic origins. Specimens from Thailand + China formed lineage A, those from Australia formed lineage B and India + Bangladesh belonged to lineage C. These genetically divergent lineages also agree with morphological variation of the wing pale marking spots. Further investigation using independent genetic loci from nuclear genes will be very useful to resolve taxonomic status of these divergent lineages.

Pemanfaatan Limbah Feses Dan Urin Sapi Sebagai Alternatif Bahan Bakar Skala Rumah Tangga Di Sekitar Hutan Camplong, Kabupaten Kupang

The objective of this community service was to introduce biogas as an alternative house hold fuel and lighting by using beef cattle pen waste at Camplong forest area, Kupang Regency East Nusa Tenggara Province through integrated farming system. Methods applied were survey, interview, agricultural extension, demonstration and practical work involving 31 farmers on site. Data were descriptively analysed to offer an alternative solution toward feed supply, the used of fuel wood and food crop farming practice of participants. The result was the realization of farmers work pattern by integrating food crop plant, raising cattle and the use of alternative biogas as a source of fuel and lighting. It can be concluded that farmers at the area of Camplong Kupang Regency are able to integrate crop farming and cattle raising by using the available resources through community service.

Identification of Factors Influencing the Presence of Fecal Coliforms in Densely Populated Areas with Centralized Wastewater Treatment Systems

Introduction: Tegal Panggung is a high population density sub-district of 26,326 inhabitants/km2. Most residents utilize wells to meet their water demands, but fecal coliform bacteria were found in several wells at Tegal Panggung. This type of contamination source is typically from on-site wastewater treatments. However, wastewater from Tegal Panggung is treated at a centralized wastewater treatment plant. This study is aimed at identifying the factors leading to the presence of fecal coliform bacteria in Tegal Panggung. Methods: Factors reviewed in this study were the amount of waste, drainage, cattle pens, toilets, types of wells, and building density. Statistical methods and GIS were applied to determine the influence of the factors on the presence of fecal coliform and to map its distribution along with potential sources of pollution. The number of wells tested was 32, with a research period from September to October 2021. The statistical methods used are the Kolmogorov-Smirnov Normality Test, the Spearman Correlation Test, and the spatial analysis method, which was carried out using QGIS. The statistical tests were conducted to determine the correlation value between fecal coliform and pollutant. Results and Discussion: The study showed that only 40.62% met the standard requirements when there should be no fecal coliform contents in well water. Conclusion: Based on the Spearman Correlation Test, it can be deduced that the factors affecting the presence of fecal coliform within 10 meters radius are garbage and of 30 meters radius are toilets and building density.

SOSIALISASI PENYAKIT MULUT DAN KUKU PADA PETERNAK DI DESA BLANG PALA KECAMATAN PEUSANGAN SELATAN

Aceh is the second largest province infected with Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in 2022. This has caused huge losses for farmers, thus the purpose of this community service was as a form of socialization of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) for breeders in Blang Pala Village, Peusangan Selatan District Bireuen Regency. The method of implementing service activities was carried out by counseling related to the material of characteristics and prevention of FMD as well as assisting biosecurity activities in cattle pens. This activity was said to be successful with an increase in the knowledge and understanding of the village breeders regarding the characteristics of FMD and how to control it through biosecurity. Increased understanding of FMD was also evidenced by the increased awareness of farmers regarding the vaccination program as an effort to prevent FMD. Thus, it is necessary to have continuity from the academic community of the Animal Husbandry Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Almuslim University.

Spatial Analysis of Lymphatic Filariasis Case and Mosquito Resting Place in Rural Area of Brebes Regency, Indonesia

Brebes Regency is an endemic area of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) and has the highest number of LF cases in Central Java Province, Indonesia. Despite it is located in the coastal region, which is already known as one of the risk factors of LF, the LF case is distributed more in rural areas, away from the shoreline. Adult mosquitoes need a particular site, called a resting place, to rest after and before biting for a blood meal. The purpose of this study was to analyze spatially the distribution of LF cases and mosquito resting places in three subdistricts whose highest LF case is in the Brebes Regency. The three subdistricts are rural areas. The observed resting places were cattle pens, unmaintained bushes, and maintained bushes. The data of LF patients were obtained from the Health Office of Brebes Regency, which stood at 14 patients. Spatial mapping of LF case and mosquito resting place distribution was composed. 4 patients were located in the mosquito flight radius from unmaintained bushes, 3 patients were located in the mosquito flight radius from cattle pen, and 7 patients were located in the mosquito flight radius from both unmaintained bushes and cattle pen. It indicated unmaintained bushes, together with cattle pen, are the favorable resting place contributing to LF transmission.

Diversity, Abundance and Host Blood Meal Analysis of Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from Cattle Pens in Different Land Use Types from Thailand.

Biting midges of the genus Culicoides Latreille are significant pests and vectors that transmit pathogens to humans and other animals. Cattle are among the important livestock that can potentially be severely affected by Culicoides. In this study, we examined the species diversity, abundance, and host blood meal identification of biting midges in cattle pens located in three different land use types: villages, agricultural areas, and the forest edge. A total of 12,916 biting midges were collected, and most of these were from cattle pens located in villages (34%) and agricultural land (52%). Morphological identification revealed 29 Culicoides species. The most common species were C. oxystoma, C. mahasarakhamense, C. peregrinus, and C. shortti; taken together, these species represented >80% of all specimens collected. Despite midges being less numerous (14% of the total collection), cattle pens located near the forest showed greater diversity (23) than those from villages and agricultural areas. More diverse immature habitats and host blood sources from wildlife in nearby forests possibly explain the greater diversity in the cattle pens near the forest edge. Host blood meal analysis revealed that most (65%) biting midges had fed on buffalo despite the fact that this animal was much less numerous than cows or chickens. Relatively larger size and black-colored skin could be factors that make buffalo more attractive to biting midges than other host species. In this study, we also provided 67 DNA barcoding sequences of 13 species, three of which (C. flaviscutatus, C. geminus, and C. suzukii) were first reported from Thai specimens. DNA barcode analysis indicated cryptic diversity within C. hegneri and C. flavescens in Thailand, and thus, further investigation is required to resolve their species status.