Semi-intensive Farming Research Articles

Expert knowledge–based system for risk assessment of the occurrence of Amyloodinium ocellatum in semi-intensive fish farms

The implementation of a system to assess the risk of Amyloodinium ocellatum occurrence in rearing ponds in fish farms located in southern Spain is a fundamental aspect to ensure the economic viability of these facilities. For this purpose, a computer program (called Amy) for Windows PCs and an application for mobile devices (AmyAPP), based on the Android operating system, were developed integrating transformation functions and weightings associated with environmental parameters and fish behavioural factors from which it is possible to estimate the level of risk of occurrence of A. ocellatum. The weights for each of the environmental parameters and behavioural factors were estimated from the responses of a panel of experts (the fish farmers) using a Delphi methodology. The results indicate that, under operational validation, Amy/AmyAPP responses were statistically sensitive to the occurrence of A. ocellatum outbreaks in sea bream (Sparus aurata) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) rearing ponds.

Growth Performance and Muscle Composition of Carps (Labeo rohita, Catla catla, Cirrhinus cirrhosus and Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) at Different Protein Diets under Polyculture Farming

This study investigated the effects of three supplemental diets varying in protein percentage (T1- 28%, T2- 30%, and T3- 32%) on the fillet composition of Rohu (Labeo rohita), Catla (Catla catla), Mrigal (Cirrhinus cirrhosus), and Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) reared in ponds with supplemental diets. The control treatment with no supplemental feeding was also included to conduct the experiment. Fish from control ponds had substantially lower mean muscle protein concentrations than fish from ponds that received supplemental feeding, with 28% and 30% protein diets producing the most muscle protein. Compared to other treatments, fish fed a diet containing 32% protein had significantly (p<0.05) higher muscle lipid concentrations (2.22%). The muscle carbohydrates were greater in fish from ponds fed 28% protein diets. The Rohu (L. rohita) had the highest percent of muscle protein among the three sampled fish species, while Silver carp (H. molitrix) had the lowest, with all other species having intermediate values. The Mrigal (C. cirrhosus) and Silver Carp (H. molitrix) had the highest carbohydrate in their muscles, while Rohu (L. rohita) had the least carbohydrate content. During polyculture of cyprinids in ponds, the supplemental feeding of diets with protein ranging from 28 to 30% protein can be recommended as an optimal protein diet to attain the higher growth performance of carps avoiding the wastage of feed at the farmer’s level in semi-intensive polyculture farming.

Assessment of Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) Welfare in the Semi-Intensive and Intensive Culture Systems in Thailand.

Welfare assessments have risen to prominence in the aquaculture industry, with increasing awareness of their significance among stakeholders in Thailand. In this study, we conducted a welfare assessment of tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) farms in Thailand, focusing on health, environmental, behavioural, and nutritional indicators. Comparing semi-intensive (earthen ponds) and intensive farming practices (cage culture), we found significant differences in the overall health score, particularly at farm F due to a disease outbreak (Kruskal-Wallis, p = 0.01). Skin and fin scores varied across farms, indicating their potential as indicators of tilapia health. Environmental assessments revealed differences in transparency between the two culturing systems (Mann-Whitney, p = 0.02). During the harvesting process, tilapia behaviours indicated poor welfare across all farms. However, no statistically significant difference in overall welfare scores was found between the two culturing systems. Correlations were observed between nutritional, environmental, and health indicators, with negative correlations between fish density and water transparency (r = -0.87, p = 0.02), presence of inhabitants (r = -0.78, p = 0.04), feeding behaviours (r = -0.78, p = 0.04), and swimming behaviours during capture (r = -0.98, p = 0.001). These findings provide valuable insights to enhance tilapia-farming practices and welfare in Thailand.

Occurrence of Abortions in Goats Reared under Different Farming Systems

Background: Abortion is a very common health problem of animals including goats and it causes heavy economic losses to the farmers. The current study was planned to assess the occurrence of abortions in goats reared under different farming systems and association of occurrence of abortions with stage of pregnancy, season and parity of the aborted goats. Methods: The data on caprine abortions from semi-intensive and free range farming systems was compiled and analysed. Occurrence of abortion in the goats reared under field conditions and at organized farms under semi-intensive management system was categorized on the basis of stage of pregnancy, season and parity of aborted goats. The statistical analysis of the abortion data was done by using Chi-Square test. Result: Abortion rates in goats reared at different management systems (semi-intensive and free range systems) differed significantly (p less than 0.01). Occurrence of the abortions was found highest in the field goats. Occurrence of the abortions in the different stages of pregnancy (early, mid and late) in the goats reared at organized farms under semi-intensive management system and field conditions differed significantly (p less than 0.01). Maximum abortions were seen in the later stage of pregnancy. Likewise, occurrence of the abortions in various seasons (rainy, winter and summer) in the goats reared at organized farms under semi-intensive system and field conditions differed significantly (p less than 0.01). Highest occurrence of abortion was noticed in winter season. Occurrence of abortion was also significantly associated with parity of pregnancy in the goats from the organised farms as well as in the field goats. The study concludes that abortion rate in goats are significantly associated (p less than 0.01) with management practices, season, parity and stage of pregnancy.

Performa Ayam Kampung Pada Pemeliharaan Intensif Di Kecamatan Salahutu

This study aims to determine the performance of native chickens cultivated by breeders in an intensive rearing system in Salahutu District, Central Maluku Regency. The research method is survey and observation through direct observation and measurement of data related to native chicken performance. The materials used as samples in this study were 71 native chickens aged 6-7 months. The observed variable was the performance of native chickens in intensive rearing. The results showed that the average male body weight was 2059.667 grams and 1163.88 grams for females; the average wing length of males is 16.46 cm and females is 15.45 cm; the average male chest circumference is 30.81 cm and 27.72 cm for females; the average femur length of males is 12.39 cm and females are 6.98 cm; the average tibia length is 14.95 cm for males and 13.07 cm for females; and the average metatarsus length of males is 10.09 cm and females is 8.07 cm. While the average distance between the pubic bones of hens is 3.56 cm with egg production reaching 22.1 eggs/30 days of production. The performance of free-range chickens is still diverse but better than traditional and semi-intensive farming systems.

Semi-Intensive Native Chicken Farming Integrated with Pig Farming: An Economic Analysis

A study was conducted at a native chicken cum pig farm in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India, to evaluate its economic feasibility. The native chicken unit yields regular income to the farmer, where the adult chickens, eggs, and day-old chicks are sold to local households on a demand basis at a premium prize. The poultry unit operates at a yearly benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 3.92, which is attributed to the scavenging nature of the native birds, thereby reducing feed costs. The birds scavenge on maggots produced in the manure pit of the piggery unit, which satisfy the protein requirements of the birds. On the other hand, the piggery unit provides supplementary income to the farmer. The pigs are maintained on swill feed with no additional feed cost. The study demonstrates the feasibility of similar integrated farms with significant production and economic potential.

Seroprevalence and Factors Associated with Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Besnoitia besnoiti Infections in Cattle and Goats in Selangor, Malaysia.

Apicomplexan parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Besnoitia besnoiti are widely recognized as causes of production diseases in ruminants. This study aimed to investigate the serological occurrence of T. gondii, N. caninum, and B. besnoiti in cattle and goats from smallholder farms in Selangor, Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 19 farms by collecting 404 bovine (n = 225) and caprine (n = 179) serum samples, which were then essayed for T. gondii, N. caninum, and B. besnoiti antibodies using commercially available ELISA test kits. Farm data and animal characteristics were documented, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models. The seroprevalence of T. gondii at animal and farm levels in cattle was 5.3% (95% CI 1.2-7.4%) and 36.8% (95% CI 22.4-58.0%), respectively. Animal-level seropositivity for N. caninum was 2.7% (95% CI 0.4-4.2%) and 5.7% for B. besnoiti (95% CI 1.3-9.4%) with corresponding farm-level seropositivity of 21.0% and 31.5%, respectively. For the goat samples, a high animal- (69.8%; 95% CI 34.1-82.0%) and farm-level (92.3%) seropositivity was recorded for T. gondii, but was relatively lower for N. caninum antibodies, at 3.9% (95% CI 1.5-6.2%) and 38.4% (5/13). The factors associated with T. gondii seropositivity were older animals (above 12 months) (OR = 5.3; 95% CI 1.7-16.6), semi-intensive farms (OR = 2.2; 95% CI 1.3-6.2), the presence of either dogs or cats (OR = 3.6; 95% CI 1.1-12.3), a large herd size (>100 animals) (OR = 3.7; 95% CI 1.4-10.0), and a single source of replacement animals (OR = 3.9; 95% CI 1.6-9.6). These findings are vital in developing effective control measures against these parasites in ruminant farms in Selangor, Malaysia. More national epidemiological research is required to elucidate the spatial distribution of these infections and their potential impact on Malaysia's livestock industry.

Drivers of Antibiotic Use in Semi-Intensive Poultry Farms: Evidence from a Survey in Senegal.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the capacity of microbial pathogens to survive in the presence of antimicrobials, is considered one of the greatest threats to human health worldwide and is growing rapidly in importance. AMR is thought to be driven in part by the use of antimicrobials (AMU) in livestock production. AMU reduction in agriculture is therefore important, but doing so may endanger farmers' livelihoods and hamper broader food security. Understanding the drivers for farmers' antibiotics use is essential for designing interventions which avoid harming agricultural output and to safeguard farmers' economic security. In this study, we analyse AMUSE survey data from poultry farmers in Senegal to explore the effects of vaccination, attitudes towards AMR, and biosecurity practices on: AMU, animal mortality, and farm productivity. We found that farmers with more "AMR-aware" attitudes may be less likely to use antibiotics in healthy birds. Stronger on-farm biosecurity was associated with less use of antibiotics in healthy birds, and in some specifications was linked to higher broiler productivity. Vaccination and AMU were both higher in farms with a higher disease prevalence, and both factors appeared conducive to higher broiler productivity. Overall, there is evidence that awareness raising and biosecurity improvements could encourage prudent use of antibiotics, and that biosecurity and vaccination could to some extent replace antibiotic use as productivity-enhancing and disease management tools in broiler farms. Finally, issues of farm antimicrobial stewardship must be considered at the structural level, with farm behaviours contingent on interaction with state and private stakeholders.

Estimating the shrimp farm’s production and their future growth prediction by remote sensing: Case study Gulf of California

Shrimp farms are within the main aquaculture activities and In the last 30 years, shrimp farms have expanded along the Gulf of California. Because the shrimp farm’s production is related to the pond area and the extended location of shrimp farms, we employed a multi-disciplinary approach to study the process of annual shrimp farm expansion, in addition to predicting shrimp production in the short term. Our study hypothesizes that semi-intensive shrimp farm production is dependent on the pond area which can be accurately quantified by using remote sensing image classification combined with the historical production data of shrimp aquaculture. We could calculate the long-term expansion of the total pond area and forecast the total annual shrimp production in the short-term. Our results highlight the development over the last 28 years. The total surface area of the shrimp ponds grew by more than 1100%. The linear regression model between the shrimp farms area, calculated using remote sensing, and statistical data on shrimp production, was strongly positive and significant (r2 = 0.874, p =2.209e-11). Likewise, the linear regression model for the total pond area as a function of time resulted strong positive and statistically significant (r2 = 0.936, p =2.917e-15). We demonstrated that the shrimp production could be assessed based on the total pond area by year, obtained by remote sensing. We estimated the past long-term shrimp farm expansion in the study zone using remote sensing data. This methodology is valuable for monitoring food security, aquaculture management decisions, and coastal ecology.

The influence of dietary protein concentration on digestive enzyme activities, growth, and body composition in juvenile bullseye snakehead (Channa marulius).

The bullseye snakehead (Channa marulius) is considered as an affordable and robust freshwater fish for farming in Asia. However, there is limited knowledge on the species' full nutritional requirements to date with extensive gaps in our knowledge and particularly in precision aspects of protein requirements. Therefore, a three-month feeding trial was conducted under semi-intensive farming conditions to determine the protein requirement of bullseye snakehead using test diets containing 40 (P40), 45 (P45), 50 (P50), and 55% (P55) crude protein levels. The growth performance results revealed that the 55% dietary protein group (P55) had the highest final mean weight (14.09 g fish-1), and net weight gain (12.82 g fish-1). When compared to other dietary treatments, the final weight (R2 = 0.921), and weight gain (R2 = 0.913), displayed a linear increasing trend as dietary protein is raised. The lowest FCR was observed in 50% (1.94±0.01) and 55% (1.97±0.01) CP diet groups compared to dietary treatments. Further analysis has shown that the body protein content also significantly increased as dietary protein was raised to 55%. Although, a reverse trend was found in body lipid levels with increasing protein in the diet. The incremental dietary protein also elevated proximal intestinal protease activity but decreased amylase and lipase activity. The overall essential and non-essential amino acids levels of snakehead fillet muscle reflected an increase in dietary protein. Overall, this study has shown that the fish fed a diet with 55% crude protein attained the highest growth performance and nutrient profile of the whole fish when compared to other dietary treatments tested. It would appear we did not obtain the maximum potential for growth under the present experimental conditions due to the upper protein constraint of 55% in the diet. Further quantitative studies are suggested.

First Report of Enteric Red Plague of Oreochromis Niloticus (Cichlidae) And Cyprinus Carpio (Cyprinidae) Reared in Cameroon: Mortality Rate, Risk Factors and Financial Loss

Diseases are among the major constraints to sustainable aquaculture. Fish pathogens include bacteria responsible for devastating effects on the fish health and even that of consumers. In Cameroon, there is a dearth of quantitative data related to fish diseases and the economic impact. An epidemiological survey was carried out from April 22 to May 23, 2021 during a first epizootic of the enteric red plague in the fishes Oreochromis niloticus and Cyprinus carpio reared in ponds in the Monatélé Subdivision of the Centre Region of Cameroon. The objective was to assess clinical disorders and mortality rate, associated risk factors and economic losses in semi-intensive farms due to red plague in Cameroon. So, the standard epidemiological procedures were used to assess the mortality rates before and after antibiotic (Oxytetracyclin) treatment of the disease. Results showed that clinical signs recorded within three months of observing included lateral recumbency, breathing difficulties (dyspnea) and wide opening of mouths of affected fish. The overall mortality rate of 7.74% (294 dead fishes out of 3800) was recorded. The mortality rate was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in polyculture pond (11.33%) compared to monoculture pond (4.70%). Cyprinus carpio was significantly more affected than Oreochromis niloticus. The mortality rate was higher (p < 0.01) in younger fishes than older ones and was sex independent. The therapy was more effective in monoculture pond than in polyculture pond and in Oreochromis niloticus compared to Cyprinus carpio. Females were more sensitive to antibiotic treatment than males. The direct financial loss was $420.50. This study revealed that the main risk factors of the red plague disease were farming practice, species, age and size of fish. Rigorous epidemiological surveillance of fish diseases was suggested for improved productivity of fish farms in Cameroon.
 Vol. 9, No. 3, December 2022: 323-335

Challenges in Developing Aquaculture for Livelihood Enhancement in Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone

The study investigated socioeconomic characteristics, aquacultural practices and constraints among smallholder fish farmers in the study location of Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone. The present study employed a survey research design. The smallholder farmers who were growing food for themselves, for sale, and for consumption by others as well as those who were primarily growing it for the market were each given 40 questionnaires in total. The results revealed that most of the respondents were male (90.0%), married (60.0%), lacked training in fish farming (57.5%) and the household income of most (60.0%) ranged from NLe600-NLe1,000. The farmers mostly opined low fish farming experience (70.0%), Semi-intensive fish farming (67.5%), low aquaculture development (57.5%), predominantly seasonal fish pond irrigation (77.5%). All of the respondents’ view fish farming as an economically viable enterprise as well as a profitable (87.5%) entity. The mean rank of constraints was significantly (p ≤ 0.006) differed among fish farmers. The key fish farming constraints included culturing fish, fish feed in culturing fish, less interest, fewer fish farmers, high inputs, high cost of fish pond construction and intensive capital investment that could be exploited for improved productivity. The outcomes of these recent studies imply that fish farmers should receive training and funding for their operations to improve their competitiveness in their smallholder fish businesses as well as in the local and international aquaculture industries. Also, the governments and other practitioner authorities ought to implement policies and initiatives that would support fish farming activities, further research development in aquaculture, the development of the nation, and the fish farmers themselves.

COMMERCIAL LAYING HEN PRODUCTION AND EGG VALUE CHAIN MAPPING IN NORTHERN ETH

<p><strong>Background:</strong> In Ethiopia, commercial farms have increased in farm size, and the majority of the large-scale poultry farms are concentrated around Addis Ababa the capital city of Ethiopia. <strong>Objective:</strong> To assess poultry production, map value chains and identify major production challenges in Northern Ethiopia. <strong>Methodology:</strong> A multistage sampling technique along with a proportionate sample size determination method was used to fix the sample size. Accordingly, 147, 109 and 64 poultry producers were selected from semi-intensive, small-scale, and medium-scale farms, respectively. Nine focus group discussions comprising relevant stakeholders were conducted. <strong>Result:</strong> The earlier age at first egg-laying in weeks was reported as 16.7 ± 0.93 in the medium-scale production system. A high laying percentage of 85.47 <strong>± </strong>5.01 was recorded in the medium-scale and the highest mortality 23.5 <strong>± </strong>8.8 was in semi-intensive. The price of eggs varied by about +38% in November 2019/2020 and negatively changed price by -22% in May 2019/2020. In a ranking exercise, feed cost, feed quality, product marketing, disease, predator, and lack of information and training were ranked top five. Further risk factors were ranked, accordingly, lack of vaccine, poor biosecurity measures, and management were ranked as major causes. <strong>Implication: </strong>The government and private sector should promote improving the feeding habit of the community and improve the management practice. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The high price of feed ingredients, limited access to veterinary services, poor market linkages in the value chain, poor feeding habits, and poor extension services aggravated by a lack of awareness of producers were the most important challenges affecting commercial production.</p>

Surtos de filoftalmíase em avestruzes (Struthio camelus) no Nordeste do Brasil

ABSTRACT: This study discusses the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological characteristics of two outbreaks of ocular infection in ostriches (Struthio camelus) caused by the trematode Philophthalmus sp. The outbreaks occurred in the states of Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte in Northeast Brazil. Ostrich farming was categorized as semi-intensive farming with free access to the weir and river. The clinical symptoms for infection included nictitating membrane inflammation, epiphora (tearing), eyelid edema, ocular congestion, eyeball destruction, emaciation, and death, and the infection period ranged from 8 to 16 months. Macroscopically, thickening of the eyelids and conjunctiva were observed, with orange parasites infestation. Histologically, the lesions were characterized as lymphoplasmacytic and heterophilic, multifocal to coalescing, moderate, chronic conjunctivitis associated with hyperplasia and ectasia of the Harderian gland, and numerous parasites. The parasites were oval and flattened with an oral suction cup, acetabulum, and thick cuticle containing spicules. The diagnosis of philophthalmiasis was based on epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings associated with the morphological characteristics of the parasites present in the conjunctival sacs which were similar to the trematode Philophthalmus sp. Philophthalmiasis can occur in ostriches raised on urban and rural properties in Northeastern Brazil, probably associated with the contact of birds with contaminated water, and is characterized by severe conjunctivitis that can result in the loss of the eyeball and death of the animals.

Comparative Analysis of the Economic Viability between Integrated and Conventional Production in Semi-Intensive Shrimp Farming of Litopenaeus vannamei in Brazil

We performed simulations to analyse the economic viability between conventional production (CP) and integrated production (IP) regimes of marine shrimp in ponds under semi-intensive culture in Brazil. The structural and operational characteristics of CP and the zootechnical parameters associated with shrimp production, were defined based on a systematic literature review through the application of the PRISMA method. The structural and operational characteristics, management strategies and zootechnical parameters of integrated production were estimated based on the principles and practices determined by Brazilian legislation and IP international concepts applied for shrimp farming presented in the technical and scientific literature. Comparisons between economic and financial viability of CP and IP were performed through the diagnosis (inventory) of the activities, processes, equipment and inputs that compose the operation of a hypothetical semi-intensive shrimp pond farm. In addition to the cash flows prepared for the two scenarios, the net present value (NPV), gross revenue (GR), operational profit (OP), payback (PB), benefit/cost (B/C) and internal rate of return (IRR) of the CP and IP were estimated. Implementation of specific technical standards (STS) represented the highest costs. The NPV of the CP was USD 758,147.70 and of the IP was USD 97,452.54. The GR was USD 545,2565.00 for CP and USD 364,422.24 for PI. The PF estimated for the CP was USD 217,300.56, whereas that for IP was USD 68,416.72. The PB was estimated for one year for both scenarios. The B/C ratio was 1.66 for CP and 1.23 for IP. The IRR values for CP and IP were 35% and 7%, respectively. IP presented lower economic and financial indicators than those of CP. The results obtained here may be useful as a starting point for the reduction of economic differences between conventional and integrated ventures and for the feasibility of integrated production in shrimp farming.

Assessing the effect of nutrient management on the plankton community: a substantial aquaculture approach

Because of their impact on environmental variables, understanding plankton communities is crucial for aquaculture. This assay was performed with a view to examining the ecological effect of nutrient managements on plankton community in pond with four treatments having three replications; T0 was control without feed and fertilizer, T1 with only fertilizer, T2 with fertilizer and feed and T3 with only feed. Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry was stocked and fed initially at 50% of body weight in T3 and gradually reduced to 5%. Feed in T2 was half of treatment T3; fertilization was done weekly. In the study, four phytoplankton groups were identified: Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, and Euglenophyceae, along with four zooplankton groups: Rotifera, Copepoda, Cladocera, and Crustacea. The most dominant phytoplankton and zooplankton groups were found as Chlorophyceae and Rotifera, respectively. The treatments showed significant difference (P <0.05) in plankton, notably between T2 and T0. The mean plankton abundance was highest in treatment T2. Findings indicated that application of both fertilizers and feed was better for plankton population growth than other treatments. So, the study could recommend that combined application of fertilizers and supplemental feed as the best option for semi-intensive fish farming.

Genetic Comparisons of Body Weight, Average Daily Gain, and Breast Circumference between Slow-Growing Thai Native Chickens (Pradu Hang dum) Raised On-Site Farm and On-Station.

To ensure that any new technology developed within an experimental station is appropriate to the community’s needs and compatible with the existing systems, on-site farm research is an important component in examining the effectiveness of agricultural research. The present study examined the growth performance and genetics of Thai native chickens under conditions typically experienced by farmers on smallholder farms (on-site farms) compared with at an experimental unit (on-station). There were 1694 Thai native chickens (Pradu Hang dum) used in this experiment, and they were divided into 613 chickens for the on-station and 1081 chickens for the on-site farm experiments. The individual chicken data included the birth weight (BW0) and body weight at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age (BW4, BW8, BW12, and BW16, respectively), ADG from 0−4, 4−8, 8−12, 12−16 weeks of age (ADG0−4, ADG4−8, ADG8−12, ADG12−16, respectively), and breast circumference at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age (BrC8, BrC12, BrC16, respectively). A multiple traits animal model and a selection index were used to estimate the variance components, genetic parameters, and breeding values of growth traits. The results showed that the body weight, average daily gain, and breast circumference at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age of Thai native chickens raised on-station were higher than those raised on-site at the farm among mixed-sex and sex-segregated chickens, while the birth weight and body weight at four weeks of age (BW0 and BW4) and ADG from 0−4 weeks of age (ADG0−4) were not significantly different (p > 0.05). The heritability estimates of body weight, average daily gain, and breast circumference in the chickens raised at the on-site farm and on-station were moderate to high, with on-station values slightly higher than on-site farm values. The heritability estimates of body weight were 0.236 to 0.499 for the on-site farm, and 0.291 to 0.499 for on-station. For average daily gain, the heritability estimates were 0.274 to 0.283 for the on-site farm and 0.298 to 0.313 for on-station; meanwhile, and for breast circumference, the heritability estimates were 0.204 to 0.268 for the on-site farm and 0.278 to 0.296 for on-station. Both phenotypic and genetic correlations among and between growth traits were positive and ranged from low to high values. The top 20% of the estimated breeding values and selection indices in the on-site farm and on-station experiments showed that the body weight at eight weeks of age (BW8), ADG from 4−8 weeks of age (ADG4−8), and breast circumference at eight weeks of age (BrC8) should be used as selection criteria for Thai native chicken breeding programs. In conclusion, the genetic parameters and breeding values in on-station experiments showed that the breeding program by selection index for improving growth performance is valid. Therefore, to implement such a breeding program in an on-site farm, an intensive or semi-intensive farm system should be considered to minimize the effect of genotype-environment interaction.

Prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasitism and anthelmintic resistance in GI nematodes of small ruminants in semi-intensive farms of Kalyana -Karnataka region of Karnataka, India

Prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasitism and anthelmintic resistance in GI nematodes of small ruminants in semi-intensive farms of Kalyana -Karnataka region of Karnataka, India

Managing Ducks for Better Production in Ahmed Ecofarm, Keshurbari, under the District of Dinajpur, Bangladesh

Duck farming is not going equal to chicken farming in Bangladesh. Due to some superstitions, many people do not consume ducks’ meat and egg. In this regard, this article will provide those positive pieces of information about successful duck farming to consume its meat and eggs. Being a riverine country, Bangladesh is suitable for rearing ducks, and natural feed is available. Khaki Campbell (laying breed) and Beijing (table breed) were kept as two study birds for qualitative analyses through the questionnaire method. The result suggested that 2-months aged per duck consumed 70 g feed and 6-months adult duck 140 g daily with the cost of 3.22 and 6.44 taka. The semi-intensive farm provided 336 kg of regular feed for 4000 ducks (3200 Khaki Campbell, 800 Beijing duck). 1000 square feet brooding room maintained 30-32oC temperature and 100 watts (60 pieces) bulbs and 200 watts (30 pieces). For egg-laying, only sand was used (100%). After sexing the day-old ducklings, 30% found male ducks during the rearing period. The owner provided snails and hyacinth occasionally with the conventional feed. Ahmed Eco- farm was established only for egg purposes, so out of 3200 Khaki Campbell, 400 ducks laid eggs daily (50-60%) when they reached 150 days with a bodyweight of 1.5 kg. Viral paralysis, kidney disease, and flu were the diseases, and vaccines, antibiotics, and overall hygiene helped control that situation. Ahmed Ecofarm in Dinajpur district is in profit by supplying eggs in the local markets. This study period was from January 2020 to April 2022.

PREVALENCE OF Blastocystis sp. IN CATTLE, GOAT AND SHEEP REARED BY DIFFERENT FARM MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN PAHANG, MALAYSIA

Blastocystis sp. is a familiar parasite in the gastrointestinal tract causing infection in humans and animals. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Blastocystis sp. prevalence in three sorts of livestock; cattle, goats, and sheep in Pahang, Malaysia, which are reared under two management systems; intensive and semi-intensive farm management system. About 92, 96, and 65 cattle, goat, and sheep fecal samples respectively were collected from different farms around Kuantan, Bera, and Pekan. The fecal samples were cultured in Jones’ medium supplemented with 10% heat-inactivated horse serum and incubated at 37 ºC for 2 weeks, then observed under light microscopy daily. The total prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was 29.34% in cattle (27/92), 29.16% in goats (28/96), and 43.07% in sheep (28/65). Supported the results of this study, Blastocystis sp. prevalence was higher in sheep and livestock reared by a semi-intensive farm management system (44.38%). However, further study could be done for Blastocystis sp. subtypes identification to determine its genetic diversity. Notwithstanding, this study has provided additional knowledge on the prevalence of each livestock reared in farms around Pahang that serve as important information in understanding host-parasite relationships, besides determining the best farm management system to be applied by farmers.