Feeding Treatments Research Articles

Inhibitor treatment and subcellular localization analysis reveal the contribution of a cytosolic terpene synthase to the substantial release of anti-insect monoterpenes by Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski.

Bird strikes are one of the greatest threats to aviation safety in the worldwide. Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski has anti-insect effects that may indirectly decrease bird populations, thereby reducing bird strikes. However, it is unclear how S. trilobata exerts its anti-insect effects. Moreover, the mechanism mediating the biosynthesis of its main volatile compounds is unknown. This study was conducted to identify the major anti-insect volatile compounds in S. trilobata and elucidate their biosynthetic mechanisms. A continuous sampling method was used to analyze the released volatiles of S. trilobata. Direct feeding or fumigation treatments with the main monoterpenes were followed by the evaluation of anti-insect functions. Evolutionary and enzyme activity analyses were performed to verify the functions of target enzymes. The subcellular localization and potential functions of the target enzymes were revealed by quantitative analyses of synthase gene expression, subcellular localization experiments, inhibitor experiments, and enzyme activity analysis of proteins from different subcellular organelles. α-Phellandrene, limonene, and p-cymene, which had a circadian release pattern, were the major volatiles in S. trilobata. These three monoterpenes have anti-insect functions. Additionally, StTPS3 has a relatively broad substrate specificity in vitro, which may result in the production of limonene, p-cymene, and β-caryophyllene. The circadian rhythm in StTPS3 expression was consistent with the changes in volatile compound levels. The encoded enzyme was localized in the cytoplasm. Inhibition of the mevalonate pathway reduced monoterpene formation. Proteins extracted from the cytoplasm and chloroplasts may catalyze the synthesis and conversion of monoterpene precursors. The study data provide direct evidence for the anti-insect effects of S. trilobata, while positively elucidating the biosynthesis of key volatiles from cytoplasmic GPP and NPP. Furthermore, the findings may be relevant for the control of bird populations at airports and the reduction of the risk of bird strikes.

Performance of 1-year-old camel calves fed a basal ration of alfalfa hay supplemented with different levels of concentrate

BackgroundThe use of a high-concentrate diet in fattening camels may have significant effects on growth performance and digestion as well as economic returns. This experiment was designed to study the effects of feeding different levels of concentrate in their diet on growth performance and digestion in a desert climate.MethodsEighteen 12-month-old male camel calves were used, and divided into three treatments of six each. The concentrate was administered based on their body weight (BW) at 0.7 (low), 1.0 (medium), and 1.3% (high), with free access to alfalfa and water. The experiment lasted for 6 months, in which digestibility trials took place at 14, 16, and 18 months of age, which corresponded to 2, 4, and 6 months of the experimental period.ResultsNo significant variations were observed in final BW, BW changes, or average daily gain among feeding treatments. Increasing the concentrate level had a negative effect on roughage intake, impacting the roughage-to-concentrate ratio (P < 0.05) and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (P < 0.05). Increasing concentrate levels significantly increased total intake (P < 0.05), leading to a worse feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). However, animal age had no negative effect on nutrient digestibility, and there were no interactions between concentrate supplement level and animal age. Significant increases in plasma total protein (P < 0.05) and urea (P < 0.05) were observed when the leve lof concentrate was increased. A similar trend was observed in rumen ammonia concentration. Camel calves fed low vs. medium or high levels of concentrate showed a greater rumen pH (P < 0.05), which was linked to a lower concentration of volatile fatty acids (P < 0.010).ConclusionsThe present study concluded that yearling camel calves receiving different levels of concentrate with ad lib alfalfa hay could cover their nutrient requirements for maintenance and growth with a daily gain of 630 g/day when the level of concentrate was limited to 0.7% of BW and the total intake was only around 1.65% of BW, or 70.6 g/kg metabolic BW.

Depletion of fenbendazole sulfone residues in Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) liver following medicated feed treatment.

Northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) are an important game bird that generates substantial revenue for rural communities and is also an important grassland conservation species. Unfortunately, Northern bobwhite populations have been declining across their range for over 50 years. In the southwest bobwhite range, parasites are suspected to contribute substantially to the decline. To test the relationship of parasites and wild Northern bobwhite populations, an anthelmintic medicated feed was developed. The medicated feed was then tested as part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration registration process. Because Northern bobwhite are a game species and harvested birds are ingested by people, it was necessary to estimate the tissue clearance rate of the drug. This study examined how quickly the conjugated metabolite fenbendazole sulphone was cleared from quail liver. A validated LC/MS-MS method was used to determine clearance rate from pen-reared northern bobwhite fed the anthelmintic at 110 ppm in feed. Results of the tissue clearance study found the drug never exceeded the maximum allowable concentration of 6 ppm and was cleared from the liver in 9.38 hours. Based on the Center for Veterinary Medicine guidance for industry #3, a 0-day withdrawal period was assigned to the recently registered medicated feed in wild northern bobwhite. Thus, the anthelmintic fenbendazole was shown to be rapidly cleared from Northern bobwhite and represents a viable option for treating wild populations for parasite infections while treated game birds remain safe for human consumption.

Agroecological mapping of livestock feed resources for sustain productivity and climate resilience in Benin (West Africa)

Feed availability and accessibility are two of the main challenges for Benin livestock systems, which are currently subject to environmental stress and changing climatic conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the main fodder resources used by livestock in Benin by estimating fodder supply and demand for livestock in Benin's agroecological zones (AEZs) and establishing a fodder balance. A total of 314 agrofarmers were surveyed using simple random sampling. Data were collected through discussions with agropastoralists, structured questionnaires, secondary data and observations. The survey in the eight AEZs of Benin revealed that maize residues are the main crop residues used in livestock feed (53.14%), followed by sorghum residues (8.41%), millet (5.91%), soya (8.1%) and rice (5). It also found that natural grazing areas are the main fodder resources used in Benin, with a dry matter contribution of 74% compared with 26% for crop residues. The study of the availability of fodder resources revealed a positive fodder balance for dry matter (DM) in each agroecological zone, but a negative balance in all AEZs for metabolizable energy (ME) and digestible crude protein (DCP). Thus, with an average annual availability of almost 3.15 million tons of DM across all Benin AEZs, zones 2, 3 and 5 had the highest DM availability rates, while AEZs 1, 7 and 8 had the lowest DM availability. To alleviate this problem of food shortages for livestock, we suggest interventions to improve the productivity of grazing areas; The introduction of fodder crops with the emphasis on legumes and efficient use of available fodder resources, such as the treatment of livestock feed (treatment of poor fodder with urea is one example).

Characterization of probiotic Bacillus sp. NP5 metabolites and its effect on female catfish broodstock rematuration

Probiotics are believed to contain active components that affect fish reproduction. This study aimed to evaluate the metabolite compounds contained in the probiotic Bacillus sp. NP5 and its effect on female catfish broodstock rematuration. The first step was to analyze the metabolite content of probiotic using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry LCMS/MS. Furthermore, feed supplementation was implemented with probiotic at concentrations of 106 CFU g-1 (P6), 108 CFU g-1 (P8), and control (C). Parameters observed included metabolite content of Bacillus sp. NP5, gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI), gonad histology, gonad maturity rate, fecundity, number of matured eggs, distribution of egg diameter, fertilization rate (FR), hatching rate (HR), larval survival (SR), rematuration period, and percentage of matured broodstock. The results showed that metabolites such as resveratrol (22.45%) and indoline (7.11%) are probably directly affecting reproduction. Other metabolites such as oxyresveratrol (22.95%) and vestitol (4.14%) are also thought to play an indirect role. Supplementation results showed the best reproductive performance in 108 CFU g-1 feed treatment with an increase in GSI (14.74%), HSI (1.65%), gonad maturity rate, percentage of mature eggs (86.00%), rematuration period (4 weeks), percentage of matured broodstock (100%), fecundity (243605.02 eggs/broodstock), FR (98.74%), HR (80.62%), and SR (87.31%). Application of probiotic Bacillus sp. NP5 can accelerate rematuration and improve reproductive performance of female catfish broodstock. Probiotics contain metabolites that have a positive effect on reproduction and can be an alternative in improving reproductive performance in female catfish broodstock. Keywords: Bacillus sp. NP5, female catfish, metabolites, probiotics, rematuration

Enhancing Broiler Growth and Carcass Quality: Impact of Diets Enriched with Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder Conjugated with Zinc Nanoparticles

This study evaluated the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf powder extract stabilized with zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs-MLPE) as a natural growth promoter in broiler diets. Randomly assigned 264 one-day-old Ross 308 chicks to four different feeding treatments, with each group being subdivided into six replicates, each comprising 11 unsexed chicks. The control group was fed a basic diet without additives, while the experimental groups were supplemented with 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 cm³ of ZnNPs-MLPE/L of diet. The findings demonstrated that 2.0 and 3.0 cm³/L ZnNPs-MLPE supplementation significantly enhanced live body weight (LBW) and weight gain (BWG). Feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) did not show significant differences between the treated groups and the control, indicating that the additive did not negatively affect feed efficiency. However, an increase in abdominal fat was noted in the ZnNPs-MLPE treatments relative to the control. Blood analysis revealed that the ZnNPs-MLPE groups had significantly lower levels of "total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and alanine transaminase (ALT) compared to the control group. In contrast, total protein (TP), albumin, and the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio" were higher in the ZnNPs-MLPE groups. Immunoglobulins IgY and IgM, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, were elevated. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were reduced, indicating improved antioxidant capacity and immune function in the ZnNPs-MLPE-treated groups. In conclusion, supplementation with ZnNPs-MLPE at 2.0 and 3.0 cm³/L positively impacted broiler growth efficiency, antioxidant capacity, and immunological functionality. These findings support the potential of ZnNPs-MLPE as an effective natural growth enhancer for producing healthier poultry products.

Transcriptome-wide identification and characterization of Toll pathway genes in Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae)

The Toll pathway was first identified in Drosophila and plays an essential role in defense against infection by various pathogens. To date, various noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been demonstrated to maintain immune homeostasis by regulating several target genes in the insect Toll pathway. However, the characterization and function of Toll pathway genes involved in the response to environmental changes at the posttranscriptional level associated with gut bacterial changes in Riptortus pedestris, which is a significant pest of soybeans, remain unclear. In this study, we identified and classified six Toll genes into three subtypes with typical Toll domain arrangements, including a Toll/interleukin receptor (TIR) domain, a transmembrane domain, and multiple leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domains; in addition, only one positive selection site was found in hemipteran sPP-Tolls, and a total of five downstream members in the Toll signaling pathway were selected and characterized. The expression patterns revealed that all these genes were widely expressed at all developmental stages of R. pedestris, and they presented variable expression levels among the different feeding treatments in the R. pedestris gut. Our comprehensive prediction analysis revealed that there are sixty miRNA‒mRNA interaction pairs, including fifty-six miRNA and six Toll pathway genes (P‒Toll1, sP‒Toll, Myd88, Pelle, Tube, and Cactus), and a ceRNA network comprising two lncRNA‒miRNA‒Toll pairs was constructed in response to environmental changes. Finally, the expression of some above genes and ncRNAs from the ceRNA network exhibited positive or negative association with the most changes in gut bacterial genera via Pearson correlation analysis. These findings provide valuable insights into how the Toll pathway of R. pedestris is involved in environmental adaptation at the posttranscriptional level and identifies new avenues for developing more effective methods for pest control through integration with gut bacteria.

Influence of Dietary Incorporation of Vegetable Oils and Microalgae on Laying Hens Egg Yolk Fatty Acids Profile and Health Lipid Indices

Table eggs are a good source of nutrients. The nutritional properties of eggs are influenced by the composition of laying hens’ feed mixtures. An important compo-nent in the feed mixtures are the oils, which, in addition to their energy value, are also important for the absorption of liposoluble vitamins. Oils differ in the content of fatty acids, which play a significant role in metabolism and health maintenance. The lipid indices, such as the atherogenic (AI), thrombogenic (TI), and hypo/hypercho-lesterolemic fatty-acid ratio index (HH), are used when evaluating the lipid-quality indicators in eggs. This study aimed to produce the eggs enriched with the n-3 PUFA and to determine which feeding treatment yields the eggs with the most favorable lipid quality. The three groups of layers (treatments A, B, and C) were used in the experiment, which were fed with the mixtures of a modified composition considering the oils and microalgae used. The mixtures were balanced at the level of 17% crude protein and 12.10 MJ/kg ME. The produced eggs were used for an analysis of fatty-acid content (SFA, MUFA, n-6 PUFA, and n-3 PUFA), on the basis of which the lipid indices were calculated. The research results of eggs from the A, B, and C feeding treatments showed that the AIs were 0.485, 0.476, and 0.453; the TIs were 0.802, 0.681, and 0.653, and the HH indices amounted to 2.976, 2.983, and 3.068. The activi-ties of the Λ5- and Λ6 desaturases in the synthesis of the n-6 PUFA and the n-3 PUFA in eggs differed between the feeding treatments. The influence of a composition of feed mixtures in the laying hens’ diet on the quality of lipid indices was determined, and the eggs from the treatment C had the most favorable health-lipid indices.

The Use of an In Chemico Digestibility Assay to Reduce the In Vivo Fish Bioaccumulation Testing of Nanomaterials.

Currently for engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), there are no alternatives to bioaccumulation testing in fish as prescribed by OECD TG 305. New approaches are being sought, in order to reduce the numbers of animals used and address the ethical concerns associated with the use of vertebrates in such testing. This study aimed to demonstrate the value of an alternative method - the in chemico digestibility assay - as a tool to assess the bioaccumulation potential of ENMs. Titanium dioxide ENMs, or their equivalent bulk form, were incorporated onto a commercial fish diet and the fish digestion process was simulated in vitro at pH 2 (simulated stomach phase) and pH 7.8 (simulated intestinal phase). Only the 1000 mg/kg dry weight feed treatment showed measurable Ti release in the stomach phase, with the results being similar for the TiO2 ENM and the bulk form. More Ti from TiO2 was released from the feed during the intestinal phase of digestion compared to the stomach phase, but there were no statistically significant differences between either the ENM or bulk form. There was higher incidental Ti release from untreated control feed in the intestinal phase compared to the stomach phase. On a percentage basis, the stomach generally showed a statistically significant digestibility of around 3% of the total Ti in the feed, compared to around 7% in the intestine. The in chemico digestibility assay shows potential for use in the determination of the bioaccessible fraction of ENMs, and could be a useful screening tool to identify ENMs of concern for bioaccumulation.

Effect of Floating and Sinking Formulated Feed on Growth and Production of GIFT Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Earthen Ponds

Tilapia farming is a significant sector in global aquaculture, with Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) being one of the most widely cultivated species. However, the continued increase in tilapia production raises concerns about genetic deterioration. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different types of farm-made and floating feeds on the growth performance of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) tilapia in an on-farm trial (OFT) conducted in a farmer’s pond in Namakkal District, India. GIFT tilapia fingerlings with an average weight of 3.25 ± 0.15g were stocked at a density of 50,000 fingerlings/ha across three feeding treatments. In Treatment 1 (T1), fish were fed low-cost handmade feed, while Treatment 2 (T2) used TNJFU feed, and Treatment 3 (T3) involved a commercially available floating feed with 34.53% crude protein. Fingerlings were initially fed twice a day at 18% of their body weight for the first 15 days, after which the feeding rate was gradually reduced to 1.8% until harvest. Growth was measured biweekly using a measuring board and balance. Water quality parameters, including temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia (NH3), nitrite (NO2), and nitrate (NO3) concentrations, were monitored, as these factors significantly influence fish growth, feed intake, health, and survival. Results cleared that final mean weight and weight gain were significantly (P≤0.05) better with (T3), while lower values were recorded with (T2 and T1), Feed intake was significantly decreased with (T3). FCR values were significantly better with T3 than T2 and T3. Survival rates insignificantly affected and ranged between 96 ± 0.88 (T3) and 85 ± 0.88(T2) 72± 0.58(T1). The Production and net profit showed significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) in gross production and net profit per hectare across the treatments. Treatment (T3) resulted in the highest production (7247.47 ± 9.63 kg/ha) and net profit ($203,740), followed by Treatment (T2) with 6588.88 ± 38.14 kg/ha and $195,080, and Treatment (T1) with 5354.36 ± 23.61 kg/ha and $2,567.73. Based on results obtained in this study and on the economical evaluation, it could be concluded that feeding floating pellets were better than feeding sinking other types of pellets, in addition to the increasing of protein percentage in diet was best in terms of economic efficiency compared with other treatments.

Effectiveness of Sanitation Treatment for Natural Bloodworms (Tubifex sp.) in Breeding Siamese Catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus)

The demand for Siamese catfish seeds continues to increase every year. Therefore, it is essential to maintain high-quality seeds in adequate quantities, supported by the availability of natural feed such as bloodworms (Tubifex sp.). One of the efforts to improve hygiene and reduce pathogenic bacteria is through the sanitation treatment of feed using fermented tofu waste and mustard greens waste. The fermentation of tofu waste and mustard greens has a high protein content, which can enhance the nutritional value essential for the growth of fish seeds. The objective of this research is to analyze the effectiveness of using hygienic bloodworms treated with fermented tofu waste and mustard greens waste on the performance of Siamese catfish seed breeding. The method employed is a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments and three replications. The research data were analyzed using ANOVA statistical tests and Tukey's post-hoc test at a 5% significance level. The sanitation treatment of feed with the addition of fermented tofu waste and mustard greens resulted in the highest nutritional content and the highest abundance of beneficial bacteria on the fifth day of maintenance. The results showed a significant effect () on the absolute growth and specific growth rate of Siamese catfish seeds. The absolute length growth of the Siamese catfish seeds was 9.37±0.044 mm, while the absolute weight growth was 0.08±0.0169 grams. The specific length growth rate of the Siamese catfish seeds was 7.10±0.017%, and the specific weight growth rate was 18.35±0.025%. The survival rate of Siamese catfish seeds across all treatments reached 98%. The sanitation treatment of natural bloodworms with fermented tofu waste and mustard greens is recommended to enhance the nutritional content of bloodworms and accelerate the growth of Siamese catfish seeds.

33. Comparing the effect of chronic alcohol feeding and corticosterone treatment on the gut-liver axis in C57BL6 and DBA mouse strains

33. Comparing the effect of chronic alcohol feeding and corticosterone treatment on the gut-liver axis in C57BL6 and DBA mouse strains

Prenatal to Adulthood: The Responsibility of the Speech-Language Pathologist on the Comprehensive Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Team.

Comprehensive cleft care is an important component when caring for a child with cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP ± L). Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) serve different capacities on comprehensive cleft palate and craniofacial teams. This tutorial highlights the role of the SLP on the cleft palate and craniofacial team from the prenatal consultation to adulthood. This tutorial emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the cleft team SLP and other professionals on a comprehensive cleft team. Additionally, the tutorial provides education for feeding infants with CP ± L and focuses on assessment and treatment of children with CP ± L before and after the palate repair. Finally, this tutorial underscores the importance of working as part of and collaborating with interdisciplinary team members. SLPs are an essential member of comprehensive cleft teams in addition to other medical providers. SLPs play a critical role on these multidisciplinary teams and are fundamental to the assessment and treatment of feeding, speech, language, and resonance disorders in children with CP ± L. It is critical that SLPs are involved in comprehensive cleft team care from the prenatal consultation through adulthood to monitor resonance, speech, and language development and outcomes.

SAFETY OF BLACK SOLDIER FLY LARVAE: MICROBIAL AND HEAVY METAL RISKS

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are considered a sustainable protein source and an effective means of recycling organic waste. They are rich in nutrients, including proteins and lipids, making them suitable for animal feed and potentially for human consumption. In addition to their nutritional benefits, BSFL also have environmental benefits, i.e., reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions. However, concerns about their safety persist, particularly regarding contamination by pathogenic microorganisms, toxins, and heavy metals. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of different feedstuffs on heavy metal accumulation and on the microcenosis (Enterobacteriaceae, aerobic bacterial endospores, microscopic filamentous fungi) of BSFL. BSFL were fed four feed treatments (I: egg pasta cooked in whole milk; II: cooked rice with peas; III: poultry feed; and IV: cooked couscous, boiled eggs, and raw carrot peels). The results of our study showed that feed variants significantly affect the microbial safety of BSFL. Using MALDI-TOF, we identified 13 species of family Enterobacteriaceae in BSFL, including facultative pathogenic species Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Morganella morganii, and Proteus mirabilis. Our research confirmed that BSFL fed different feed variants under experimental laboratory conditions contained heavy metals, including cadmium, copper, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, lead, and zinc. Cadmium concentrations in BSFL ranged from 0.12 to 0.18 mg.kg-1, with the highest values measured in BSFL in variant IV.

Impact of artificial feeding on the phenolic composition of Mandaçaia honey (Melipona quadrifasciata)

This pioneering study explored juçara fruit formulations as an artificial feeding strategy for Mandaçaia bees (Melipona quadrifasciata) with three main objectives: to develop different juçara artificial feeding formulations, evaluate their acceptability by the bees, and assess their influence on the honey’s phenolic profile. Artificial feeding has been an increasingly valuable practice that supports bee nutrition and honey production, particularly in regions facing seasonal nectar shortages. Two groups of juçara-based formulations were designed: one using a juçara stock solution (1:1; m/v) diluted with water in varying proportions - T1 (50:50; v/v), T2 (30:70; v/v), and T3 (10:90; v/v), and another combining the juçara stock solution (1:1; m/v) with syrup - T4 (50:50; v/v), T5 (30:70; v/v), and T6 (10:90; v/v). Among these, T1 (A1) and T4 (A2) were chosen for the feeding trials, along a standard syrup solution as the control (A3). Feeding treatments A1 and A2 were associated with an increase in glycosylated compounds (hesperidin, rutin, kaempferol, and kaempferol-3-rutinoside) compared to control honey, suggesting potential deglycosylation of these compounds during honey maturation. Most samples met honey maturity standards, with one exception in the A1 group. Although a definitive statistical correlation between phenolic profile and specific feeding formulations was not established, juçara-based feedings significantly elevated total phenolic levels in the honey. These results provide critical insights into the application of juçara formulations, establishing a basis for future research into enhanced feeding strategies to optimize honey production and quality.

Positive effect of fermented sorghum on productivity, jejunal histomorphology, and tight junction gene expression in broiler chickens

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary fermented sorghum (FS) as a substitute for corn on growth performance, jejunal histomorphology, cecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, and gene expression of tight junctions in broiler chickens. A total of 240 one-day-old male New Lohmann Indian River chicks were randomly divided into five groups, with each group receiving different dietary treatments: a control group (CTRL) with a basal diet, groups supplemented with 10% (NFS10) and 20% (NFS20) non-fermented sorghum, and groups supplemented with 10% (FS10) and 20% (FS20) fermented sorghum. Each group was further divided into six replications, with eight birds per replicate. Orthogonal contrasts were used to compare the feed treatments (fermented sorghum and non-fermented sorghum) to the control. The results revealed that the inclusion of 20% fermented sorghum significantly increased feed intake (FI, P = 0.005), body weight (BW; P = 0.025), and body weight gain (BWG; P = 0.010) compared to other groups. Additionally, the FS20 group exhibited a notable increase in villus height (P = 0.001). There were significant differences in cecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production among the treatment groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, fermented sorghum notably upregulated the gene expression of occludin (OCLN, P = 0.008), without significant impacts on the expression of claudin-1 (CLDN-1), junctional adhesion molecules-2 (JAM-2), and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). In conclusion, addition of 20% fermented sorghum in broiler diets could enhance growth performance and intestinal histomorphology, indicating its potential as a beneficial feed ingredient for poultry production.

Dynamic Changes of Gut Microbiome in Borneo Earless Monitor Lizard Across Different Diets

The Borneo earless monitor lizard (Lanthanotus borneensis) is one of the endemic animals of Indonesia. In 2019, the IUCN listed L. borneensis as an ‘endangered’ species. The declining population of the L. borneensis is a major concern for conservation efforts. One of the efforts to conserve endangered wild animals is to know the gut microbiome profile and the relationship between the host and the bacterial community in the body, which is associated with an influence on health. This research aims to determine the gut microbiome profile of animals with metagenomic analysis using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). This research was carried out by providing three feed types: earthworms, shrimp, and fish. Sample feces was collected by cloacal swabs and the DNA was sequenced using the Illumina NGS technique in the V4 16S rRNA region to examine the gut microbiome. The results of the metagenomic analysis showed differences in bacterial abundance in each feed treatment. The L. borneensis treated with earthworms and fish were dominated at the phylum level by Proteobacteria and Bacteriodota, while in shrimp, the phyla were Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. Index Shanon, Simpson, and the rarefaction curve also showed the highest bacterial diversity found in the fish treatment. This study can be used as a reference in designing suitable feed formulations for effective captive breeding for the conservation of L. borneensis

Short and Medium-chain Fatty Acid Profile of Goat Milk Fed with Pineapple Peel Silage

This study aims to determine the profile of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) in goat milk-fed pineapple peel silage. The pineapple waste was milled and mixed with 5% (w/w) of rice brand, put into an anaerobic plastic bag, and stored for 21 days to produce pineapple peel silage. The materials used in this research were 12 female Etawa cross-breed dairy goats allocated into randomized block designs with four kinds of feed treatments and three groups of lactation periods. The feed treatments were P0 (60% forage + 40% concentrate); P1 (30% forage + 30% pineapple peel silage + 40% concentrate); P2 (15% forage + 45% pineapple peel silage + 40% concentrate); P3 (60% pineapple peel silage + 40% concentrate). Forage contains native grass and rubber leaves. The concentrate consists of 58% bran, 25% fine corn, 6% soybean meal, 9% coconut meal, 1% mineral mixture, and 1% salt. The variables observed were feed consumption, fat milk, and short-chain and medium-chain milk fatty acids. The data obtained were analyzed using ANOVA, and if there were differences between treatments, a Duncan test. The result of this study showed that the use of pineapple peel silage as a forage source had affected the feed consumption (P&lt;0.05) but did not significantly affect SCFA acid and MCFA profile (P&gt; 0.05) in goat milk. Using pineapple peel silage as forage replacement up to 45 % in Fed, the dairy Ettawa cross-breed (EC) goat’s diet significantly affects the short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids profile. The content of short-chain fatty acids and medium-chain fatty acids in goat's milk decreases, and there is no musty smell due to the addition of pineapple peel silage in the feed.

Back Fat Thickness, Body Condition Score and Rib Eye Muscle Area of Young Sheep Fed with Carica Dieng Seeds Based on Ultrasonography

A study to compare the back fat thickness, rib eye muscle area, and body condition score (BCS) of young thin-tailed lambs fed various levels of carica Dieng seeds in rations. Eighteen male lambs aged 3-4 months with an initial body weight of 10.68 ± 1.30 kg were applied three feeding treatments (T) following a completely randomized design, T1 = complete feed containing 5% carica seeds, T2 = complete feed containing 12.5% carica seeds, and T3 = complete feed containing 20% carica seeds, with six replications each. At the end of 14 weeks of feeding treatment, back fat thickness and rib eye muscle area were measured using the Digital Veterinary Ultrasound Imaging System CTS-800. Yield grade value was determined using back fat thickness data, while the BCS assessment was carried out visually. The results showed that various levels of carica seeds addition to complete feed did not produce significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in all variables measured. Back fat thickness, BCS, and rib eye muscle area in young thin-tailed sheep were 1.46 mm, 3.06, and 15.52 cm2, respectively. It might be concluded that supplementation of carica Dieng seeds up to 20% in the complete feed can still be utilized by young thin-tailed sheep.

Effect of Processed Coffee Husk on Feed Intake, Nutrient Digestibility, Body Weight Changes and Economic Feasibility of Bonga Sheep Fed on Natural Pasture Hay as a Basal Diet.

Ethiopia is one of the world's coffee producers, generating about 192,000 metric tonnes of coffee husks annually as by-products. The material can be used for ruminant diets to improve the nutrient utilisation of animals. However, coffee husk has toxic compounds, which can be minimised through different processing methods. Though the above techniques can minimise the toxicity level of coffee husk and increase the bioavailability of nutrients, there is scanty information on the comparative efficacy of these techniques, especially in ruminant nutrition. The study was conducted to examine the effect of processed coffee husk on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, body weight changes and profitability of Bonga rams based on natural pasture hay. In the experiment, 24 rams were used, and the rams were grouped into six blocks based on initial body weight (mean BW 21.5 ± 1.01kg). The rams were quarantined for 21 days, and each ram was randomly assigned to one of the experimental feed treatments in a randomised complete block design (RCBD). The experimental treatment feeds include 400g conventional concentrate mix (CM) containing Noug seed cake and wheat bran (T1); 200g boiled coffee husk + 200g CM (T2); 200g roasted coffee husk + 200g CM (T3) and 200g raw coffee husk + 200g CM (T4). The CM was made in the ratio of 1:1. The data collected from the 90-day experimental period were: dry matter and nutrient intakes, initial body weight, final body weight and body weight changes. After the growth experiment, a 7-day digestibility trial was followed by collecting faeces using a harness bag. The data were managed using Microsoft (MS) Excel 2010 and analysed using R software (v. 4.3.2). The chemical compositions of the CM had maximum crude protein (22%), followed by boiled coffee husk (14.74%), which was higher than natural pasture hay (6.91%) and raw coffee husk (12.4%). The total dry matter intake (p < 0.05), metabolisable energy, and total nutrient intakes of rams were significantly (p < 0.001) maximised when rams fed on boiled coffee husk (T2) than raw (T4) and roasted (T4) coffee husk, except for NDF and organic matter intakes. The apparent digestibility of nutrients and feed conversion efficiency were maximised for rams assigned to T2. There was maximum daily body weight gain (p < 0.001) when rams were supplemented with boiled coffee husk (T2). Also, body weight changes of rams were significantly (p < 0.001) higher for rams supplementation with boiled coffee husk. Therefore, the boiled coffee husk as an alternative feed resource can be replaced by about half of the commercial CM without adverse effects of anti-nutritional factors and enhance the income of smallholder farmers in the coffee crop-livestock production system.