The current study evaluates the macro- and micro-mineral profiles, assesses heavy metal concentrations, and determines the in-vitro digestibility of various aquatic macrophytes collected from Dal Lake, Manasbal Lake, Hokersar Lake, and Anchar Lake. The macro-mineral analysis reveals significant variations among different species in each lake, highlighting the nutritional diversity of these aquatic plants. Lemna minor from Dal Lake, Azolla cristata from Manasbal Lake, Rumex rupestris from Hokersar Lake, and Lemna minor and Azolla cristata from Anchar Lake exhibited noteworthy macro-mineral concentrations. In terms of micro-minerals, Copper (Cu) concentrations were consistent among macrophytes from Dal Lake, while Fe levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in Nymphaea tetragona. The study found similar trends in micro-mineral concentrations in macrophytes from other lakes. The heavy metal analysis demonstrated varying concentrations among macrophytes in Dal Lake and Manasbal Lake, with some species showing potential as phytoremediators. The outcomes of in-vitro digestibility revealed significantly higher (p < 0.05) digestibilities of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in weeds Nelumbo nucifera, Trapa natans, and Lemna minor sourced from Dal Lake, whereas, Nymphaea tetragona from Manasbal Lake also revealed significantly higher values (p < 0.05). Significantly lower (p < 0.05) in-vitro digestibility values were revealed by Typha angustata, Nymphoides aquatica, and Ceratophyllum demersum from Nigeen Lake, likewise Nymphoides peltata sourced from Anchar Lake exhibited lower values. The study emphasizes the impact of environmental factors on mineral accumulation and the potential use of aquatic plants for nutrient removal and phytoremediation.
This study aims to analyze quality control in layer chicken production using Statistical Quality Control (SQC) and the Fishbone Diagram approach at one of CV Layer Farm’s partners in South Lampung. Primary data were collected through direct observation, interviews, and environmental measurements, while secondary data consisted of daily production records and feed consumption over an 11 week period. The results show an average Hen Day Production (HDP) of 90.91 %, with a Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) of 2.22 and mortality rate of 1.2 %. However, House 3 ( 89,65 % ) did not reach the optimal standard of 92,7 %, with the lowest fluctuation occurring in week 27 (84.54%). Fishbone analysis identified root causes such as environmental factors (heat stress at 33°C), managerial issues (absence of written SOPs and reliance on manual recording), and limited monitoring facilities. Economically, the farm remains efficient with a positive R/C ratio, though improving HDP in House 3 could further enhance profitability. Recommended corrective actions include digitalizing recording systems, mitigating heat stress through housing modifications, and standardizing SOPs for farm management.This study highlights that applying SQC and Fishbone analysis is effective in detecting production variability and provides strategic recommendations to improve quality, efficiency, and sustainability in layer chicken farming.
The present study was conducted to assess the effect of incorporating monensin sodium as a feed additive on growth performance, nutrient utilization, blood biochemistry, rumen fermentation parameters, and carcass characteristics of feedlot sheep. Twelve crossbred, finishing male lambs were selected and assigned to two treatments, viz., FLT and FLT-MS. Only in the FLT-MS group was monensin sodium fed as a feed additive. The results revealed that incorporation of monensin sodium had no effect (p > 0.05) on dry matter intake, digestibility of nutrients (except cellulose; p = 0.012), and balance of nutrients. Total gain in body weight, average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed significantly (p < 0.05) improved results by supplementing monensin sodium. Blood biochemicals [except aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)], rumen fermentation parameters (except total nitrogen), and carcass characteristics showed no significant effect (p > 0.05) between treatments. These findings support the positive effect of monensin sodium on growth performance without any adverse effects on the health status of feedlot sheep.
Abstract Aflatoxin contamination in corn presents significant risks to feed safety and animal performance, emphasizing the importance of effective control methods such as fermentation with Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus oligosporus to lower toxin levels. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of initial aflatoxin levels, microbial fermentation type, and their interaction on the concentration of aflatoxin in ground corn following fermentation. An experimental approach was employed using a two-factor completely randomized design. The first factor consisted of aflatoxin levels (38.53 and 88.06 μg/kg), while the second factor comprised microbial treatments: non-fermented control, Aspergillus niger (0.25%), and Rhizopus oligosporus (0.25%). Fermentation was conducted for 60 hours, and Aflatoxin concentration was analyzed using LC-MS/MS. Statistical analysis revealed that both aflatoxin level and fungal treatment significantly affected (P<0.01) AFB1, AFB2, and total aflatoxin content in ground corn. Higher initial contamination (88.06 μg/kg) resulted in greater residual aflatoxin compared to the lower level (38.53 μg/kg ). Fermentation with Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus oligosporus markedly (P<0.05) reduced AFB1, AFB2, and total aflatoxin to very low levels (<1–1.33 μg/kg), while the control treatments retained high toxin concentrations. A significant interaction (P<0.05) between aflatoxin level and fungal type indicated that detoxification efficiency depended on both initial contamination and the fermenting microorganism. Overall, fermentation with A. niger and R. oligosporus proved to be an effective biological approach for reducing aflatoxin levels in ground corn. Therefore, fermentation can be considered a promising biological approach for mitigating aflatoxin contamination in corn.
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly contagious and fatal transboundary viral disease of cattle and water buffaloes caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease virus (LSDV) which belongs to the genus Capripoxvirus of the Poxviridae family. The disease causes huge economic impact and has been listed as a notifiable disease by World Organization for Animal Health. We present the molecular epidemiology of an LSD outbreak, the first-ever outbreak of the disease in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir, India; a region lying in Northern Himalayas. During the outbreak, 1661 samples were collected from clinically affected, in-contact cattle as well as apparently healthy animals and screened for LSDV by qPCR. From these 1661 samples, 643 (38.7%) were found positive. Five LSDV-positive samples were randomly selected and the GPCR gene was amplified, cloned and sequenced. A 12-nucleotide deletion was observed in the GPCR gene when compared to the 2019 Indian LSDV isolate from Odhisa, India. Based on the data obtained by qPCR analysis, the occurrence of LSD was determined with respect to the age, sex and breed of the animals. Furthermore, ticks collected from the affected animals and flies on the farm were identified and were found positive for LSDV.
