Production Performance Research Articles

The impact of irrigation duration on crop N uptake, lint yield and internal NUE in cotton using standard urea

Context This is the first research to investigate the impact of irrigation duration on crop productivity and nitrogen (N) performance indicators in southern New South Wales (SNSW), Australia, as the industry strives for improved N productivity. Aim To benchmark the impact of different irrigation durations on waterlogging and related impacts on available soil and fertiliser N, cotton productivity and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Methods Two field experiments were conducted in SNSW where cotton was grown with varying rates of fertiliser N application interacting with different durations of furrow irrigation applications during the period from first flower to crop maturity. Key results Waterlogged conditions occurred within the top 20 cm of the soil profile during irrigations. These conditions coincided with fertiliser placement and high concentrations of available mineral N, which created conditions conducive for N loss. However, the internal NUE (kg lint kg crop N uptake−1) and N balance were not impacted by irrigation duration in either experiment, despite differences in duration of waterlogged conditions that averaged 15 h irrigation−1. Partial N budgets suggested that 48% of the available N to the crop could not be found in the plant or soil mineral N pools after harvest. Conclusion Modification of the duration of irrigation applications was not an effective management option to improve NUE in irrigated cotton; however, it improved water productivity (bales per megalitre). Implications Further research is required to consider the implications of other irrigation systems such as overhead sprinkler and drip systems for improvement of NUE.

Spatiotemporal variation in grain production performance and efficiency of the cultivated landscapes in Upper Blue Nile Basin of Ethiopia: the impact of residual moisture-based farming on water and food security

Analysis of grain production performance can provide reference information to explore multiple cropping options and further improve the resource use efficiency of farming methods. This study investigated the spatiotemporal dynamics of grain production performance and efficiency of major crop production systems (CPS) in the Ethiopia’s Blue Nile Basin. The results show that only 39% of the basin is currently cultivated, although a significant cropland expansion (10%) was recorded between 1985 and 2020. The study identified 11 major CPS, mostly practiced in the basin. Of these, single cropping based on the main rainy season (Meher-Only) covers the largest area (26%), followed by Meher-Residual-Intermittent (12%) and Meher-Belg-Dependable (11%). Extended-Meher, Meher-Residual-Dependable, Meher-Residual-Intermittent, and Meher-Belg-Dependable are the four more powerful CPS with higher efficiency. Comparatively, CPS practiced in Wet-Woyna-Dega and Wet-Dega have better overall performance. Findings confirm that agricultural space management (land) and green-water (rainfall) utilization are the most influential factors, followed by land use planning and land use systems (CPS) invention. As landscape suitability for grain production governs future performance, in the low elevation and flood plains parts of the basin, the possibility of creating additional space into the food system is very high. In mountainous and high-altitude regions, the efficiency of grain production will decrease because incorporating additional arable land into the food system is trivial. In the last three decades, in BNB, only 10% of arable land (equivalent to 30 million quintals of food) has been added to the good system, which can support approximately 6 million people. Compared to the population growth of the basin (12 million 1985–2020), its contribution to the food system was less than 50%. This confirms that multiple cropping systems, such as Residual moisture-based CPS, have played a significant role in boosting the food system in the basin. Therefore, improving grain production performance/efficiency requires targeted investments, including the invention of more adaptable crop varieties, efficient cropping practices, and the introduction of advanced agricultural space and water management technologies. The results of the study will help identify important policy gaps and suggest possible options to enhance residual farming and other multiple cropping systems.

Mitigation of Oxidized Oil Effects on Production Performances and Meat Quality of Broilers by Dietary Supplementation of Allicin

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary oxidized oil and allicin (two different dietary sources) as natural antioxidants on the growth performance and meat quality of broilers. A total of 200 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into four dietary groups (50 birds/group). The experimental groups (OO—oxidized oil; OOA—oxidized oil and allicin; OOG—oxidized oil and garlic leaves) differed from the control one by the presence of oxidized oil in their dietary structure (peroxide value 9.07 (OO, OOA and OOG groups) vs. 1.70 (C group) meq active oxygen/kg). The diets given to the experimental groups differed from each other by the presence of allicin (100 mg/kg inclusion rate as extract (OOA) and 0.5% as garlic leaf powder (OOG)). At the end of the experiment, six animals/group were slaughtered, meat samples (breast and thigh) were collected, and nutritional value was established. The results showed that the allicin included in the experimental diet did not influence the proximate composition of breast meat (crude protein, fat, ash, and dry matter). The fatty acid profile was determined for each group of samples; a significant decrease in omega 3 FAs was noticed between the C group and the E groups (3.27% vs. 1.46%, 1.60%, and 1.56%) in breast meat samples, and a corresponding increase was noticed in saturated fatty acid (SFA) concentrations. Health indices with implications for atheroma and thrombus formation and cholesterol level were negatively affected by the presence of oxidized oil in the experimental diets, but the allicin extract supplement appeared to mitigate its influence. A positive influence of the dietary supplement was noticed on antioxidant capacity and polyphenol concentrations determined in breast and thigh samples under allicin supplement influence. The results of the current study revealed that the use of low oxidized oil in broilers diets did not affect productive performance. The nutritional quality of meat (breast and thigh) was negatively influenced by the presence of oxidized oil, but allicin supplements (extract or garlic leaves) improved lipid quality indices and antioxidant potential.

Effects of Dietary Fiber and Copper on the Performance and Gut Microbiota of Finishing Pigs

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary fiber (DF) levels and copper concentrations on the production performance and cecal microbial diversity of finishing pigs. A 2 × 2 factorial experimental design was used, with different levels of dietary fiber (low [23% DF]: L and high [30% DF]: H) and copper concentrations (normal [25 mg/kg]: N and supplemented [45 mg/kg]: S) resulting in four diets (LN, LS, HN, and HS). Forty-eight hybrid barrows (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire), with an initial body weight of 76 kg ± 1.5 kg, were randomly assigned to four groups: LN, LS, HN, and HS, with 12 replicates per group and one pig per replicate. There was a 7-day adaptation period followed by a 56-day feeding trial, after which all pigs were slaughtered for sampling. Results indicated that in finishing pigs, the low dietary fiber group exhibited a higher final weight, a higher average daily gain, and a lower feed-to-gain ratio compared to the high fiber group (p < 0.05). The LS group showed higher digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ash, neutral detergent fiber, and DF than the HN and HS groups (p < 0.05). Blood total protein levels were higher in the high fiber group, whereas blood Cu levels were higher in the supplemented copper group (p < 0.05). High dietary fiber increased the activities of colonic carboxymethylcellulase and β-glucanase (p < 0.05). Concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, and total volatile fatty acids were elevated in the high fiber group (p < 0.05). Microbial α-diversity indices (observed species, Chao 1, and Shannon indices) increased with fiber but decreased with copper supplementation (p < 0.05). The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio increased with fiber levels, with a higher relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the LS group. In conclusion, appropriate copper supplementation in diets can mitigate the negative effects of high fiber levels on finishing pig production performance by enhancing nutrient digestibility, fiber-degrading enzyme activity, regulating the microbial community, and its metabolic products.

Productive Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens Fed on Diets with Different Protein, Energy Levels, and Essential Oils During the Warm Season in Dry Tropics

This study evaluated the productive performance and carcass traits of broiler chickens during the warm season in dry tropical conditions. Two hundred, 1-day-old chicks were used. Birds were fed on reduced (RED) and standard (STD) diets, and two essential oils (EOs) levels, 0 and 200 ppm. The RED diets were formulated with 10% less energy and 10% less protein than STD diets. In the starter phase, weight gain was greater (p < 0.01) in birds fed STD than birds fed RED. In the starter phase, productive variables were not affected (p ≥ 0.14) by EOs. In the finisher phase, greater feed intake (p = 0.02) and higher weight gain (p = 0.04) were observed in chickens on STD. Feed conversion ratio was similar (p = 0.97) for STD and RED. Throughout this study (1–42 d), greater feed intake (p = 0.02) and higher weight gain (p < 0.01) were found in chickens on STD. Feed conversion ratio was similar (p = 0.51) for STD and RED. Broiler chickens on EO-supplemented diets had better feed conversion (p ≥ 0.08). Hot carcass weight was greater (p < 0.01) in birds on STD. Greater yields of leg-thigh (p = 0.01), back (p = 0.01), and wings (p < 0.01) were observed in RED. Carcass yields, breast yield, pH, and meat temperature were not influenced (p ≥ 0.14) by nutrient concentrations in the diet. Carcass evaluations were not affected (p ≥ 0.11) by EOs. Body temperature was lower (p = 0.03) in birds receiving RED, however EOs had no effect (p ≥ 0.22) on body temperature. For the length of the study, at 20:00 h, broiler chickens fed on RED diets showed lower (p = 0.04) body temperatures. In conclusion, broiler chickens were under heat stress during the study, and body temperatures were reduced in chickens fed on RED diets or with EOs. Diet modification or EO-supplementation may improve feed conversion, though RED diets may have a negative effect on weight gain or carcass values.

Impact of Material Consumption and Circular Economy on National Income in Europe – Chapter 1

Objective: This study investigates resource productivity by exploring the factors that influence it and the strength of their impact using sustainability statistics from Eurostat. Theoretical Framework: The research analyzes the interdependence between national income and material consumption, with a focus on the paradoxical effects of circular material use on these variables. Method: Data from bibliographic sources are analyzed using statistical methods, including regression and path models, to assess the relationships between material consumption, national income, and the use of circular materials. Results and Discussion: The study concludes that national income and material consumption are interdependent, with material consumption directly affecting national income. Notably, the use of circular materials, contrary to expectations, increases material use and decreases national income. The cases of Hungary and the Netherlands are specifically examined to illustrate these findings. Research Implications: The findings suggest that strategies to increase resource productivity and sustainability performance need to consider the complex and sometimes counterintuitive impacts of circular material use on national income and material consumption. Originality/Value: This study provides new insights into the relationship between resource productivity, national income, and material consumption, highlighting the unexpected effects of circular material use. It contributes to the broader understanding of sustainability performance, particularly in the context of Hungary and the Netherlands.

Impact of Material Consumption and Circular Economy on National Income in Europe – Chapter 2

Objective: This study investigates resource productivity by exploring the factors that influence it and the strength of their impact using sustainability statistics from Eurostat. Theoretical Framework: The research analyzes the interdependence between national income and material consumption, with a focus on the paradoxical effects of circular material use on these variables. Method: Data from bibliographic sources are analyzed using statistical methods, including regression and path models, to assess the relationships between material consumption, national income, and the use of circular materials. Results and Discussion: The study concludes that national income and material consumption are interdependent, with material consumption directly affecting national income. Notably, the use of circular materials, contrary to expectations, increases material use and decreases national income. The cases of Hungary and the Netherlands are specifically examined to illustrate these findings. Research Implications: The findings suggest that strategies to increase resource productivity and sustainability performance need to consider the complex and sometimes counterintuitive impacts of circular material use on national income and material consumption. Originality/Value: This study provides new insights into the relationship between resource productivity, national income, and material consumption, highlighting the unexpected effects of circular material use. It contributes to the broader understanding of sustainability performance, particularly in the context of Hungary and the Netherlands.

Prickly Ash Seeds Improve the Ruminal Epithelial Development and Growth Performance of Hu Sheep by Modulating the Rumen Microbiota and Metabolome

It is known that the addition of feed rich in bioactive components to animal diets will affect rumen fermentation parameters and flora structure. However, research on the regulatory effects of prickly ash seeds (PASs) during rumen development or on the rumen microbiome and its metabolites in sheep is limited. The current study was designed to explore the effects of PASs on sheep rumen development and growth performance using metagenomics and metabolomics. Eighteen 3-month-old Hu lambs were randomly allotted to three different dietary treatment groups: 0% (basal diet, CK), 3% (CK with 3% PAS, low-dose PAS, LPS), and 6% (CK with 6% PAS, high-dose PAS, HPS) PASs. The lambs were slaughtered to evaluate production performance. Our results showed that dietary PAS addition improved the average daily gain and reduced the F/G ratio of the experimental animals. Additionally, the height and width of the rumen papilla in the treatment groups were significantly higher than those in the CK group. The fermentation parameters showed that the levels of acetate and butyrate were significantly higher in the LPS group than in the CK and HPS groups. The propionate levels in the HPS group were significantly higher than those in the CK and LPS groups. Metagenomics analysis revealed that PAS dietary supplementation improved the abundance of Clostridiales and Bacteroidales and reduced the abundance of Prevotella, Butyrivibrio, and Methanococcus. Metabolomic analyses revealed that increased metabolite levels, such as those of serotonin, L-isoleucine, and L-valine, were closely related to growth-related metabolic pathways. The correlations analyzed showed that papilla height and muscular thickness were positively and negatively correlated with serotonin and L-valine, respectively. Average daily gain (ADG) was positively and negatively correlated with L-valine and several Prevotella, respectively. In addition, muscular thickness was positively correlated with Sodaliphilus pleomorphus, four Prevotella strains, Sarcina_sp_DSM_11001, and Methanobrevibacter_thaueri. Overall, PAS addition improved sheep growth performance by regulating beneficial microorganism and metabolite abundances, facilitating bacterial and viral invasion resistance.

Effect of Melatonin on the Production Performance, Blood Biochemical Parameters, Nutrient Digestibility, and Gastrointestinal Microbiome of Liaoning Cashmere Goats

Melatonin’s capacity to improve cashmere production and quality in goats is well established, but its underlying mechanisms, particularly those concerning the gastrointestinal microbiome, remain inadequately understood. This study aims to elucidate the effects of melatonin implantation on the production performance, blood biochemical parameters, nutrient digestibility, and gastrointestinal microbiome of Liaoning cashmere goats. Thirty newborn Liaoning cashmere goat lambs were selected and randomly assigned to control and melatonin groups using a paired test design. The melatonin group received three melatonin implantations at 15, 75, and 135 days of age, respectively, with a dosage of 2 mg/kg body weight, while the control group received no treatment. Digestive metabolism tests were conducted at 150 and 300 days of age; prior to these tests, blood, rumen fluid, and rectal feces were collected. Apparent nutrient digestibility and blood biochemical indexes were determined, and rumen fluid and rectal feces were analyzed using microbial 16S rRNA sequencing. The results indicated that melatonin significantly reduced daily weight gain and body weight at 60 days (p < 0.05) while significantly increasing daily weight gain at 300 days (p < 0.05). Additionally, it significantly increased cashmere length and reduced its fineness (p < 0.05). Melatonin significantly enhanced nitrogen deposition (p < 0.05), elevated plasma levels of T-AOC, CAT, GSH-PX, and BUN (p < 0.05), and reduced plasma levels of MDA, GOT, GPT, and AKP (p < 0.05). Moreover, melatonin significantly elevated the microbial Ace and Chao1 indices in rectal feces (p < 0.05), increasing genera beneficial for feed digestion and absorption, including Prevotella, Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcus, and Synergistaceae (p < 0.05); the abundance of these beneficial genera were positively correlated with improved cashmere production performance, antioxidant activity, and liver and kidney function. In conclusion, melatonin enhances cashmere production by modulating gastrointestinal microbiota, antioxidant activity, liver and kidney function, and nitrogen metabolism in cashmere goats. This study provides a theoretical foundation for melatonin’s role in microbiota modulation, which is essential for promoting high-quality and sustainable development in the cashmere goat industry.

Pediococcus pentosaceus RC007 and Saccharomyces boulardii RC009 as antibiotic alternatives for gut health in post-weaning pigs.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate a novel probiotic Pediococcus pentosaceus RC007 used alone and convined with Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii RC009, as in-feed additives to substitute the non-therapeutic use of antibiotics, and evaluate the different structural characteristics of intestinal bacterial populations between groups, correlated with pig production performance. The in vivo study was conducted on post-weaning pigs, from 21 to 56 days-old. Three dietary treatments were included: T1- basal diet (BD - Control group); T2- BD with P. pentosaceus RC007; and T3- BD with a mix of P. pentosaceus RC007 and S. boulardii RC009. The weight gain increase of pigs consuming non-therapeutic antibiotics was similar to those that did not consume antibiotics during the study (p=0.0234), but had better health indicators. The use of a probiotic combination increased carcass weight and significantly reduced the lumbar fat thickness. In terms of taxonomic composition, there was a tendency to modify the abundance of Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillaceae in pigs that consumed the additives. The genus Butyricicoccus, Collinsella and Ruminococcus tended to be more abundant in the microbiota of pigs at T3. For the first time, the results of the present study indicate that P. pentosaceus RC007 and S. boulardii RC009, a probiotic combination, could be a good substitute for antibiotics in improving pig production performance, while also contributing to a healthier gut microbiota, especially with the reduced abundance of Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria.

Exploring local lignocellulosic substrates for the production of edible mushrooms in Northwestern Argentina

La Rioja province annually produces approximately 75,000 tons of agricultural residues and derived materials from agro-industrial activities, which could potentially be incorporated into oyster mushroom cultivation. This study aimed to evaluate the viability of this lignocellulosic biomass as a substrate for the cultivation of edible mushrooms belonging to the genus Pleurotus. Initially, the mycelial growth of two species (P. ostreatus and P. djamor) was assessed by formulating combinations of local substrates. Experimental crops were grown employing the most promising substrates, which were subsequently selected for chemical characterization. It was found that both strains exhibited maximum mycelial growth in the substrate formulated with jojoba leaf litter. A comparison of the two strains revealed no direct correlation between mycelium growth and productive performance. The highest biological efficiency (BE) values were obtained when P. ostreatus was cultivated in treatments combining jojoba leaf litter and grape pomace with olive pomace. Furthermore, these treatments showed suitable chemical properties and were formulated from problematic waste generated in large quantities in the region without proper processing and disposal methods. In this context, there is potential to ensure a continuous supply of this lignocellulosic biomass for cultivating these mushroom species over an extended period of time, thus providing a sustainable alternative for these regional by-products.

The Millet Scenario in India during the Last Three Decades

The nutrient rich millet crops are cultivated in marginal and poor soil as rainfed crop in India.Millets are rich in proteins, and minerals like Zinc, Iron and Phytochemicals, because of it rich nutrient status it’s called as Nutri-cereals. The market demand on millets in increasing day by day. So, this study focussed on the growth performance and instability in area, production and productivity. This study considered the period from 1990 to 2021. The secondary data like area, production and productivity were collected from various publications like APEDA, Agriculture StatisticsHandbook and India Stat. Over the entire period the area, production and productivity showed a decreasing trend. The estimated CDVI (Cuddy-Della Valle Index) value revealed that the production of millets had high instability while the area had the lowest instability. Hence the government should create awareness among the farmers and consumers.

Effect of NR1D1 on the proliferation and differentiation of yak skeletal muscle satellite cells

The severe conditions at high altitudes, where yaks inhabit, contribute to delayed muscular growth and compromised tenderness of their muscle tissue. Myosatellite cells are responsible for the growth and regeneration of skeletal muscle after birth and have the potential to proliferate and differentiate, its development is closely related to meat quality, and the nuclear receptor gene NR1D1 is involved in muscle formation and skeletal muscle regulation. Therefore, in order to understand the effect of NR1D1 on muscle satellite cells, we identified the mRNA expression levels of marker genes specifically expressed in muscle satellite cells at different stages to determine the type of cells isolated. Eventually, we successfully constructed a primary cell line of yak muscle satellite cells. Then we constructed NR1D1 overexpression vector and interference RNA, and introduced them into isolated yak skeletal muscle satellite cells. We performed qPCR, CCK8, and fluorescence-specific to detect the expression of genes or abundance of proteins as markers of cell proliferation and differentiation. Compared with those in the control group, the expression levels of proliferation marker genes KI-67, CYCLIND1, and CYCLINA were significantly inhibited after NR1D1 overexpression, which was also supported by the CCK-8 test, whereas differentiation marker genes MYOD, MYOG, and MYF5 were significantly inhibited. Fluorescence-specific staining showed that KI-67 protein abundance and the number of microfilaments both decreased, while the opposite trend was observed after NR1D1 interference. In conclusion, we confirmed that NR1D1 inhibited the proliferation and differentiation of yak skeletal muscle satellite cells, which provides a theoretical basis for further research on the effect of NR1D1 on improving meat quality traits and meat production performance of yaks.

Analisis Kompetensi, Produktivitas Kerja, dan Kinerja Pegawai pada Pusat Pengelolaan Pendapatan Daerah Wilayah Karawang

This research aims to find out and understand the results of competency analysis, work productivity and employee performance at the P3DW Karawang Office. This research uses qualitative methods with a descriptive approach, and data is collected through interviews, observation and documentation. The research results show that employee competency at the P3DW Karawang Office is good, but special training and providing equal development opportunities for all employees are still needed to improve their skills. Employee work productivity is considered quite good, supported by effective communication and cooperation with superiors. However, this research also found that several facilities and infrastructure in the office were still inadequate. Therefore, it is necessary to make efforts to improve facilities and develop human resources more intensively to ensure employee performance can continue to improve and support the achievement of organizational goals..

Pengaruh Pemberdayaan Karyawan dan Lingkungan Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan dengan Produktivitas Kerja Sebagai Variabel Mediasi pada UMKM di Madura

This study aims to explore and analyze the influence of employee empowerment and work environment on employee performance in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with work productivity as a mediating variable. In the context of MSMEs, employee empowerment and work environment are considered important factors that can affect employee performance. Employee empowerment involves giving authority, autonomy, and opportunities to develop, while the work environment includes physical and psychological aspects that affect work comfort and effectiveness. This study uses a quantitative method with a survey on MSMEs in Madura Island, and involves data collection through questionnaires filled out by employees and managers. Data collected as many as 103 samples will be analyzed using the smartPLS 4.0 technique to test the relationship between employee empowerment, work environment, work productivity, and employee performance. The results of the study indicate that employee empowerment does not significantly affect employee performance, employee empowerment significantly affects work productivity, work environment significantly affects employee performance, work environment significantly does not affect work productivity, work productivity significantly does not affect employee performance in MSMEs in Madura Island. These findings provide important insights for MSME owners and managers in designing empowerment strategies and creating a supportive work environment. By increasing employee empowerment and creating a conducive work environment, MSMEs can improve overall employee productivity and performance. This study suggests that MSMEs should pay more attention to these factors in an effort to improve their competitiveness and business success.

Renewable syngas production and technoeconomic validation in a pilot-scale reactor of air and air-steam gasification of biomass

Optimal conditions for the gasification at the pilot scale of pine chips biomass feedstock with two different gasifying agents (air and an air/steam mixture) are determined. Ten experimental tests were performed at a fixed temperature, air stoichiometric ratio, and steam-to-biomass ratio. Results showed cold gas efficiencies circa 75 % (air) and 95 % (air/steam), yielding ∼3 Nm3syngas/kgbiomass, in both cases, and lower heating values of 7.6 and 8.5 MJ/Nm3, respectively. Hydrogen production and process performance were assessed and compared to those found in literature, showing a good performance considering biomass, ca. 35 g H2/kg biomass. A techno-economic model fed with the experimental results obtained was validated. The model established that air gasification could be more profitable for energy than air/steam gasification, especially at higher scales. The internal return rate was less than 1.5 years; nevertheless, air/steam mixture as a gasifying agent more adequate for H2/biofuel production.

Culture Suitability of Macrobrachium rude with Carp Polyculture in Bangladesh

The experiment assessed the production performance of Gura Chingri (Macrobrachium rude) in polyculture systems across different stocking densities over six months from February 2023 to July 2023. Three treatments (T1, T2, and T3), replicated three times each, were implemented, with varying stocking densities for Gura Chingri, Suborno Rui, Catla, and Silver carp. Following stocking, formulated feeds containing 28-30 % protein was administered, initially at 8% of biomass, gradually reduced to 3%. After six months, the highest mean final weights for individual Prawn (1.10±0.10) g, Suborno Rui (445.68±24.6) g, Catla (511.80±15.72) g, and Silver carp (560.15±13.26) g were recorded in the T2 treatment. Suborno Rui exhibited significantly lower growth performance in T1 compared to T2 and T3, while Chingri showed statistically significant higher growth performance in T2 compared to T1 and T3 (p < 0.05). The food conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly lowest in T2 (1.66) and highest in T1 (1.78) (p < 0.05). Additionally, the highest survival rates were observed in T2 for Prawn (62.21%) g, Suborno Rui (98.7%) g, Catla (98.5%) g, and Silver carp (99.82%) g. Based on these findings, carp polyculture can be an effective way for the farmers to achieve optimal production and financial benefits in Gura chingri culture. Further research is needed to develop consistant and environmentaly sustainable culture system of Gura chingri.

Effects and interactions of dietary lysine and apparent nitrogen corrected metabolizable energy on yellow-feathered broiler breeder hens

BackgroundDietary lysine and apparent nitrogen-corrected metabolizable energy (AMEn) are two key variables affecting the production of breeder hens. In this study, the effects and interactions of lysine and AMEn on yellow-feathered broiler breeder hens were investigated. A total of 720 30-week-old breeder hens were fed in a 5 (lysine: 0.56%, 0.68%, 0.80%, 0.92%, and 1.04%) × 2 (AMEn: 11.50 and 11.10 MJ/kg) factorial arrangement for 12 weeks. The productive performance, reproductive traits, biochemical variables of breeder hens, the amino acid concentration and quality of eggs, and the growth performance of offspring broilers were determined.Result(1) Dietary lysine had quadratic effects (P < 0.05) on laying rate, average daily egg mass and feed intake/egg mass of breeder hens; birds with 11.50 MJ/kg AMEn (high AMEn) had higher (P < 0.05) BW than those with 11.10 MJ/kg AMEn (low AMEn); (2) dietary lysine significantly affected on the relative ovarian weight (quadratic and linear), and numbers of large yellow follicles (LYF, quadratic); birds with high AMEn had longer fallopian tube and more LYF than those with low AMEn (P < 0.05); (3) dietary lysine had significant effects (linear and quadratic) on eggshell thickness and shell strength of eggs from breeder hens; birds with high AMEn had thinner eggshells and deeper yolk color than those with low AMEn (P < 0.05); (4) there were higher (P < 0.05) contents of protein and concentrations of all measured animo acids (AAs) in eggs from birds fed low AMEn; (5) supplementation with high AMEn to breeder hens significantly increased the hatchability of fertilized eggs; (6) neither dietary lysine level or AMEn affected growth performance of offspring broilers; (7) both dietary lysine level and AMEn significantly affected gonadotropin concentrations and biochemical variables of breeder hens.ConclusionsDietary lysine had significant influences on productive performance, reproductive traits, and egg quality of yellow-feathered breeder hens. Based on productive performance, the optimal levels of dietary lysine were 0.81% to 0.83%, while 0.71% to 72% lysine was enough to obtain the best quality of breeding eggs. High AMEn was more beneficial to breeder hens for reproductive traits and hatchability of the fertilized eggs, while it showed detrimental effects on eggshell thickness and AA concentrations of breeding eggs.

Effects of Housing Systems on Production Performance, Egg Quality, Tonic Immobility and Feather Score in Laying Hens.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of different housing systems on production performance, egg quality and welfare in laying hens. One hundred and twenty 42-week-old "Atak S" laying hens, purchased from a manufacturing company, were randomly assigned to 4 housing systems: conventional cages, furnished cages, deep-litter system and free-range. Each system housed 30 hens, which were kept in these systems for 6 weeks. Parameters regarding production performance, egg quality, plumage condition scores and tonic immobility were assessed at the end of the housing period. Egg production and egg mass were lower in cage-free rearing systems than in caged systems. Mean egg weight in free-range hens, and albumen height and Haugh unit in deep-litter hens, were lower than in other housing systems. Eggshell weight in hens housed in furnished cages was greater than in free-range hens, while eggshell strength was better compared to that of hens in conventional cages. The housing system did not impact fearfulness; however, the deep-litter housing increased the sensitivity to touch or capture. Whole body and regional plumage condition scores of free-range hens elicited more favourable results than those kept in conventional cages. Because the plumage condition indicates welfare, the results proved the superiority of free-range over conventional rearing regarding welfare. Concerning the parameters, such as egg production, animal welfare and fear level, overall data revealed the pros and cons of all housing systems investigated. We consider that this study's findings might contribute to the researchers and breeders seeking alternative housing for laying hens.

Study Explores Fracture-Driven Interaction Mitigation Strategies for Field Development

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper URTeC 4055561, “Numerical Investigation of Fracture-Driven-Interaction Mitigation Strategies and Field Development Optimization,” by Ruiting Wu, SPE, Xiaolong Liu, and Lili Xu, Chevron, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ Numerical modeling of fracture-driven interactions (FDI) using a coupled hydraulic-fracturing-propagation, reservoir-flow, and geomechanics tool has been conducted. The numerical study showed that, for the basins studied, FDI and some mitigation strategies have minimal effect on long-term parent-well productions. Parent depletion (volume and areal extent), well spacing, and child-fracture asymmetry, however, greatly affect child-well production as the result of FDI. Introduction Interwell FDI, also known as frac hits, has garnered recent attention given that more than 60% of new wells drilled in US unconventional reservoirs are infill drilling. Whereas uncontrollable parameters, such as natural fractures and matrix permeability, do contribute to the effect of FDI on well production, the authors’ primary focus lies on controllable factors. Field observations have shown that tighter well spacing and smaller completion sizes tend to result in fewer negative effects on both parent- and child-well production. Additionally, fracture-fluid injection rates, the number of clusters, and cluster spacing all influence FDI effects. Simulation Tool and Workflow A coupled hydraulic-fracture, reservoir, and wellbore simulator was used to simulate the fracturing and production stage of the parent and child wells and related fracture-driven well interaction. The simulator simultaneously solves the equations of fluid flow, proppant transport, water/solute transport, fracture mechanics, and poroelasticity in the well, fracture, and matrix domains. Fracture propagation is calculated using the multilayer-tip-elements algorithm. Fracture elements are represented by uniformly sized rectangles. Fracture-to-fracture stress shadow is calculated with the 3D displacement discontinuity method, and the poroelastic stress responses during fracture propagation and depletion are calculated with a finite-volume method. The tool is designed to simulate the entire life cycle of the FDI interaction. The modeling workflow also includes calibration with field observations of fracture geometry, the pressure response at the parent well during fracturing of the child well, the water cut change at the parent well as the result of FDI, and production performance. Field Case Study: Permian Basin The primary objective of this study is to identify the key parameters that contribute to FDI and mitigate the negative effects of FDI. Two field case studies were conducted in two basins, the Permian Basin and the DJ Basin. In both field studies, a history match of parent and child well performance was first conducted. Then, a sensitivity study was performed on various key parameters to understand their effects on the production performance at both parent and child wells. Both field case studies are focused on the lateral FDI. The first case study is included in this synopsis.