Prolactin (PRL) is a key endocrine regulator of lactation, mammary gland growth, and systemic metabolic homeostasis in cattle. The transcriptional architecture of bovine PRL regulation remains incompletely characterized, despite its physiological importance. In this study we used an in silico TSS, CpG island, and TFBS profiling approach to analyze the ~5 kb upstream regulatory region of the Bos taurus PRL gene. By employing Neural Network Promoter Prediction under stringent criteria, we identified three highly reliable TSSs located at -4478, -2123, and -517 base pairs relative to the translational start codon, indicating a multi-TSS promoter complex that facilitates alternative transcript initiation. Canonical CpG islands were absent, consistent with tissue-specific, fine-tuned transcriptional control. TFBS analysis revealed a densely populated, hierarchically organized promoter enriched for pituitary-specific POU1F1 motifs, hormone-responsive ESRRA and RARA elements, signal-dependent STAT5 and AP-1 sites, and developmental transcription factors such as NANOG, HOXD9, and FOXI3. High-affinity TFBS clusters, including cis-regulatory modules of activators and repressors (like PRDM1) suggest combinatorial control and dynamic transcriptional responsiveness. These findings give mechanistic insights into the transcriptional complexity of bovine PRL locus and built an essential resource base on functional genomics studies to enhance efficiency of lactation and endocrine resilience in cattle.
The prohibitive costs of conventional feedstuffs have necessitated the search for other alternatives. Palm kernel cake (PKC) and rice husk (RH) are potential feed resources. PKC contains about 20% crude protein and about 50% nitrogen free extractives (NFE), whilst RH contains about 38% NFE. The use of these ingredients is limited in monogastric diets due to their high content of crude fibre, particularly non starch polysaccharides. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional potential of PKC/ RH based diets, supplemented with exogenous fibrolytic enzymes on performance and carcass/organ weight characteristics of Cobb strain broiler chickens. Six experimental diets were formulated such that diets 1 and 2 contained 0% PKC/RH, and 0% oil palm slurry (OPS), whilst diets 3 and 4 contained 25% PKC, and diets 5 and 6 incorporated PKC at 50%, respectively. The OPS was also included in the diets 3 – 6 at 4% level to boost their primary energy levels, whilst the feed enzyme was added to the diets 2, 4, and 6 at 1% inclusion level. A total of 108, one-day-old chickens were randomly distributed to the six dietary groups, in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. At the end of trial, results showed that all performance parameters in enzyme-treated factorial sets were significantly (P < 0.05) better than those of zero enzyme-treated groups. Similarly, all carcass/organ weight parameters, except weights of thigh/drumstick were also significantly (P < 0.05) better in the enzyme treated groups. The results suggest that PKC/RH based diets supplemented with feed enzymes at 1% inclusion level, could replace 50% of maize in broiler chickens' diets without any deleterious effect on performance, carcass/organ weight characteristics.
This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with a combination of 5% bentonite (clay) and 2% ginger on the productive performance of Ouled Djellal ewes during the periparturient period, from eight weeks before lambing to twelve weeks after lambing. Twelve clinically healthy Ouled Djellal ewes, with a mean age of 3.75±1.22 years, an average body weight of 67.50±8.63 kg, and a mean body conditions score (BCS) of 2.54±0.54 were randomly allocated to two groups (n = 6 per group). Both groups received a basal diet consisting of alfalfa hay and wheat straw ad libitum supplemented with concentrate. The control group received the basal concentrate without additives, whereas the experimental group received concentrates supplemented with 5% bentonite and 2% ginger. The experiment was conducted at the demonstration station of the Technical Institute of Livestock Breeding, Ain M'lila, Algeria. The results showed that no statistical significant differences were observed in body condition score between the two groups throughout the experimental period. However, milk production was significantly higher in the supplemented group during the first and fifth weeks of lactation (P = 0.02), increasing by 30.10% and 14.10%, respectively, compared with the control group. This effect was no longer significant during the eighth week of lactation (P > 0.05). Regarding milk composition, total protein and total solids did not differ significantly between treatments. In contrast, milk fat content was significantly higher (+36.91%; P = 0.01) and lactose concentration was significantly lower (−22.38%; P = 0.03) in the supplemented group during the first week of lactation. During the fourth week, lactose was the only milk component that differed significantly between treatments, showing a 14.44% increase (P = 0.04). No significant differences in milk composition were observed during the second and twelfth weeks of lactation. Dietary supplementation with the bentonite–ginger combination had no significant effect on lamb birth weight or average daily gain throughout the suckling period. The absence of significant effects on lamb growth may be related to the inclusion levels of the additives used in the present study.
This study evaluated the effect of two intravaginal progesterone doses on follicular recruitment, oocyte recovery, and oocyte viability in Brown Swiss cows undergoing ovum pick-up. Eight dry cows were allocated to two treatments: T1 (0.6 g progesterone) and T2 (1.2 g progesterone), with four cows per treatment and five repeated sessions per animal. The responses analyzed were the numbers of 2–4 mm follicles, 4–8 mm follicles, total recovered oocytes, recovery probability, and oocyte viability. Count data were analyzed with negative binomial models, whereas recovery and viability were modeled as binomial responses, with cow included as a random effect. Overall, T1 showed higher adjusted posterior means for the number of 2–4 mm follicles per ovum pick-up (OPU) session (7.62 vs. 5.36 follicles), 4–8 mm follicles per OPU session (4.17 vs. 3.27 follicles), and total recovered oocytes per OPU session (4.75 vs. 3.56 oocytes) compared with T2. Oocyte viability, expressed as an adjusted posterior probability, was also higher in T1 than in T2 (0.750 vs. 0.566, equivalent to 75.0% vs. 56.6%). In contrast, the adjusted posterior probability of oocyte recovery was nearly identical between treatments (0.403 vs. 0.402, equivalent to 40.3% vs. 40.2%). Among the evaluated outcomes, oocyte viability showed the clearest treatment difference, with an odds ratio of 2.50 and a posterior probability of superiority of 0.989 in favor of T1. Under the conditions of this study, the 0.6 g progesterone protocol was associated with a more favorable follicular response and better oocyte viability, while oocyte recovery efficiency remained essentially unchanged.
Modern pig production increasingly requires compliance with welfare-oriented housing standards, prompting farms to modernize farrowing systems while maintaining productive performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of farrowing pen design during the suckling period and boar line on the reproductive performance of sows, piglet growth, and survival under industrial conditions aligned with contemporary animal welfare requirements. The experiment was conducted using a 2 × 2 factorial design involving 192 sows (Large White × Landrace) of second to fourth parity and 2,443 piglets obtained through terminal crossbreeding with Maxter and PIC 337 boars. Animals were fed complete diets and housed under controlled microclimate conditions. Reproductive traits, piglet survival, and sow backfat thickness were assessed using standardized methods and subjected to statistical analysis. Sows housed in fixed traditional farrowing pens exhibited superior reproductive performance compared with those kept in improved welfare-oriented pens. The boar line significantly affected the total number of piglets born and the number born alive, with the highest total number of piglets born (14.1 piglets) recorded in sows inseminated with PIC 337 semen. Farrowing pen design had a significant effect on litter size, litter uniformity, stillbirth rate, litter weight at weaning, sow backfat thickness, and piglet weaning weight. The highest average daily gain and piglet live weight at weaning were observed in Group 1, whereas the lowest values were recorded in Group 4. Piglet survival to weaning was the highest in Group 3 (97.3%). A combined effect of farrowing pen design and boar line was identified for milk performance (defined as total milk output estimated from litter weight gain), litter uniformity index (reflecting within-litter variation in piglet body weight), and piglet survival. The practical significance of these findings lies in providing science-based recommendations for selecting farrowing pen configurations and boar lines that support welfare-compliant and efficient pig production systems in Ukraine. The study demonstrates a performance–welfare trade-off, whereby traditional pens improved piglet growth parameters, while welfare-oriented improved pens enhanced sow mobility. This balance should be considered when implementing welfare-compliant farrowing systems. Keywords: Breeding systems, Fertility, Performance, Pig, Welfare.
Many plant protein leaf meals (LM) remain unassessed for their rumen bypass potential following heat treatment. This study aimed to evaluate whether heat treatment could reduce ruminal degradability and improve bypass protein availability in five LMs—ipil-ipil (ILM), kakawate (KaLM), moringa (MLM), kudzu (KuLM), and gumamela (GLM). A total of 60 nylon bags (3 replicates per treatment) containing untreated or heat-treated LMs were incubated for 24 h in a rumen-fistulated Brahman bull using a completely randomized design. Heat treatment reduced mean crude protein degradability (CPD) by 7.6% (81.41% untreated vs. 73.77% treated; P = 0.006), with the largest reductions recorded in ILM (−23.9%), KuLM (−14.7%), and GLM (−6.8%). In contrast, dry matter degradability (DMD: 69.76% vs. 68.65%) and organic matter degradability (OMD: 74.44% vs. 70.56%) were not significantly affected. Among the LMs, moringa consistently exhibited the highest degradability (CPD = 98.27%, DMD = 94.98%, OMD = 97.00%), whereas kudzu had the lowest (CPD = 68.69%, DMD = 48.52%, OMD = 54.21%). Degradability trends were influenced by drought-resistance, botanical classification (legume vs. non-legume), and growth form (tree, shrub, creeping). Legume LMs were 16% less digestible in protein content than non-legumes, and creeping types were 19% less digestible than non-creeping types. Heat treatment further lowered CPD in both categories, indicating its capacity to enhance bypass protein potential. These findings suggest that targeted application of heat treatment, especially for ipil-ipil, kudzu, and gumamela, offers a practical strategy to improve protein utilization efficiency in ruminant feeding systems by increasing post-ruminal protein supply. Keywords: Brahman cattle, Heat-treatment, In situ degradation, Leaf meal, Rumen.
This study investigated the effects of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on the metabolism of three rabbit breeds: Albino, Brown, and Local. A total of 48 rabbits were assigned to six groups and fed either a control diet or an NSO-supplemented diet (5 g/kg DM). Diets were alternated between groups every 15 days. Blood samples were analyzed for liver enzymes, kidney function parameters, lipid profile, thyroid hormones, and blood proteins. The results showed that NSO had no significant effect (P>0.05) on blood glucose, liver enzymes, or lipid profile. However, numerical differences were observed among breeds. Albino rabbits showed higher total cholesterol 83.6% and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (177.6%) compared with the Local breed (P≤0.01). Brown rabbits exhibited higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity (60-64%) than Albino rabbits (P≤0.02). Additionally, brown rabbits showed higher (51.2%) creatinine levels compared with Albinos (P≤0.0001). Uric acid levels slightly increased (15-18%) during the second treatment period. Protein levels remained relatively constant among groups; however, the brown breed had higher (P≤0.02) albumin levels (9%) than other breeds. In conclusion, rabbit breed had a greater influence on the measured parameters than dietary treatments which indicates that breed-specific genetic variations play an important role in such studies. Keywords: Breeds, Liver function, Lipid profile, Neglia sativa, Rabbits.
Solid-state fermentation (SSF) offers a promising approach to enhance the nutritional value of abundant but underutilized agro-industrial by-products in sub-Saharan Africa. The study investigated the effect of SSF using Pleurotus ostreatus on rice bran (RB), rice husk (RH) and maize cob (MC). The design used was a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD). The factors were three substrates (RB: rice bran, RH: rice husk, and MC: maize cob) and three fermentation periods (0, 30, 45 days). Unfermented and fermented samples were analysed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), ash, crude fibre (CF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL). In vitro gas production (3-96 h) was measured using rumen liquor. In vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), metabolizable energy (ME), net energy (NE), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and microbial protein (MP) were estimated using established models. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in CP and EE contents were observed among RB, RH, and MC within fermentation periods. The CP contents at days 30 and 45 were 9.44%, 8.10% for RB, 3.07%, 4.69% for RH, and 5.32%, 12.19% for MC, respectively. Fibre fractions varied among substrates at each fermentation period, with NDF differing among RB, RH, and MC, and ADL showing significant differences among substrates at day 30. Potential gas production (b) rose in MC (52.7 ml) and RH (53.9 ml) after 45 days. The rate of gas production (c) ranged from 0.03-0.08 h⁻¹ at day 0 and 30, but after 45 days, RH reached 0.08 h⁻¹, while RB and MC slowed to 0.01 h⁻¹. IVOMD, ME, NE, SCFA and MP were all higher in fermented RH and MC, with peak improvements at day 30. The study results indicated that SSF for 30-45 days could improve the nutritional value of agro-industrial by-products. Keywords: Chemical composition, In vitro gas production, Maize cob, Rice bran, Rice husk, Oyster mushroom, Solid-state fermentation.
The purpose of this study was to determine the best composition of sugarcane bagasse and Indigofera (legume plant) as main ingredients for wafer formulation for ruminant feed based on physical properties, nutritional quality and palatability. The research was conducted using a complete randomized design (CRD) consisting of 3 treatments with 5 replicates. The treatment was a ration formulation consisting of 6 feed ingredients arranged by the trials and error method with estimated crude protein content (CP) of 12.1-14.2%. The use of Indigofera from 30% to 40% was significantly (P<0.05) improved wafer color score. The use of 35% and 40% Indigofera was significantly (P<0.05) increased the wafer texture score from 3.06 to 3.35. An increase in Indigofera used from 30% to 40% was significantly (P<0.05) improved wafer odor scores. It was found that the difference in the composition of bagasse and Indigofera in wafer formulation gave a significant (P<0.05) difference to the value of wafer density. The difference in the percentage of bagasse and Indigofera in the formulation was not significantly (P>0.05) affecting the water absorption of wafers. The increase in the percentage of Indigofera was significantly (P<0.05) increased the CP and ash content and decreased crude fibre (CF) content of wafer. The increasing in the percentage of Indigofera from 30% to 35% and 40% was significantly (P<0.05) increased in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and volatile fatty acid (VFA) total of wafer. The increase in the use of Indigofera from 30% to 35% and 40% in wafer formulations was significantly (P<0.05) lowering wafer palatability in goats. Based on data from physical properties, nutrient content, and in vitro digestibility, it can be concluded that the best wafer formulation was 25% bagasse + 40% Indigofera. Keywords: Legume, Nutritional quality, Physical treatment, Physical quality, Sugarcane by-product, Wafer formulation.
This study was conducted to evaluate the growth, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of the Mnu Buon chicken breed (a native breed) raised in Dak Lak province. A total of 200 one-day-old chicks were raised in confinement with a sports field to monitor cumulative growth, absolute growth (ADG), survival rate, feed efficiency, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. The Mnu Buon chickens adapted well to household farming conditions in Dak Lak, with a high survival rate of 91.5%. On Mnu Buon chickens belong to a group of native chicken breeds with small size and medium weight. At 1 day old, the chickens weigh 23.1g/chick, and at 24 weeks old, they reach a weight of 1572.8g (males) and 1233.8g (females). The absolute growth of the chickens gradually increases from week 1 to week 16 and then gradually decreased, absolute growth from 1-24 weeks old reaches 9.2g/day (males) and 7.2g/day (females). Feed intake of Mnu Buon chickens was at an average of 45.4g/day (males) and 39.7g/day (females). Feed consumption per kg of weight gain was 4.9kg (males) and 5.4kg (females). The carcass yield, thigh meat, and breast meat yield of Mnu Buôn broiler chickens were average compared to other native chicken breeds in Vietnam. The breast meat color (CIE L*, a*, and b*) of the chickens was higher than some other native Vietnamese chicken breeds. The breast meat of the chickens has an average shrinkage rate during cooking compared to other native chicken breeds. In summary, the Mnụ Buôn chicken breed has several unique characteristics and many advantages in meat quality, high adaptability to the rearing conditions in Dak Lak, and this information can be helpful for breeders and consumers who prefer high-quality and healthy chicken meat. Keywords: Carcass Characteristics; Growth Performance; Local breeds; Meat Quality; Mnu Buon Chicken.
This study evaluated the effects of replacing grass meal with different inclusion levels of dried rumen content on the growth performance of Kazakh fine-wool sheep. Twenty five-month-old intact male sheep (initial body weight 32.1 ± 0.20 kg) were randomly allocated to four dietary treatment groups for 60 days following a fifteen-day adaptation period. The control diet contained no rumen content, while experimental diets included 10%, 20%, and 30% dried rumen content (a mixture of cattle and sheep rumen content at a ratio of 60:40). Inclusion of rumen content at 10–20% significantly improved average daily gain and feed conversion ratio compared to the control diet (P < 0.05), whereas a 30% inclusion level reduced feed palatability and productive performance. No adverse effects on animal health were observed during the experiment. The results indicate that dried rumen content can be safely used as a partial replacement for grass meal in sheep diets at inclusion levels up to 20%. Keywords: Alternative feedstuffs; Feed palatability; Sheep; Rumen content; Ruminant nutrition
This study aims to evaluate the effect of emulsified high-PUFA oil enriched with natural antioxidants derived from jackfruit leaf extract on in vitro goat rumen fermentability and degradability. The study used a completely randomized design with two treatments and 5 replications. The treatments were supplementation with high-PUFA oil + natural antioxidants separately (P1, as the control), and supplementation with emulsified high-PUFA oil + natural antioxidants (P2). The parameters observed were rumen pH, total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, NH₃ concentration, bacterial population, protozoa population, dry matter digestibility (DMD), and organic matter digestibility (OMD). The results showed that supplementing goat feed ration with emulsified high-PUFA oil enriched with natural antioxidants did not alter (P>0.05) rumen pH, total VFA, NH3 concentration, bacterial and protozoal population, DMD, or OMD. Overall, emulsified high-PUFA oil with natural antioxidants did not alter the examined rumen fermentation parameters and degradability. Thus, emulsified high-PUFA oil with natural antioxidants can be potentially used as an effective feed supplement to support goats' performance. Keywords: Emulsification, Feed supplement, Fermentation characteristics, Jackfruit leaves, Polyunsaturated fatty acid.
This study analyzed the demand for water and its effect on the productivity of broiler production in Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the objectives were to A) estimating the determinants of water demand in broiler farms, B) examining the level of water consumption relative to recommended standards, C) evaluating the productivity of broiler farmers, and D) identifying constraints to water access. Primary data were collected from 120 broiler farmers using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics, the broiler water consumption ratio (BWCR), productivity index, and multiple regression models. Results showed that the exponential functional form was the best fit, with an R² of 0.684, indicating that 68.4% of the variation in water demand was explained by farm and bird characteristics. Age of birds (P < 0.05), stock size (P < 0.01), and bird weight (P < 0.10) significantly influenced water demand. Based on the BWCR, 43.3% of broilers consumed water below optimal levels, 25.0% consumed excessively, and only 31.7% were within the recommended range. Farmers demonstrated high productivity with a ratio of 3.30, suggesting efficient input use; however, sustainability is threatened by persistent water constraints. The most pressing challenges were limited access to water distributors (18.5%), scarcity (15.0%), contamination (13.0%), high fuel costs (13.0%), and climate change (13.0%). The findings underscore the need for policy interventions to strengthen rural water infrastructure, promote solar-powered pumping systems, and improve extension services on water-use efficiency. Addressing these issues will enhance both the productivity and resilience of broiler production in water-scarce environments. Keywords: Broiler productivity, Poultry requirements, Water consumption ratio, Water demand, Nigeria
The effects of supplemented Cordyceps militaris extract in diets has been studied on the survival and immune response of striped catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) fingerlings with bacterial challenge conditions. The experiment was conducted for 60 days with six treatments and three replicates, including negative and positive controls with four dietary supplementation levels of C. militaris extract (0.18%, 0.24%, 0.36%, and 0.47%). After the feeding trial, striped catfish were challenged with Edwardsiella ictaluri at a dose of 10⁵ CFU/mL. Results showed that survival rates of striped catfish increased significantly with higher extract levels, reaching the highest value (70%) at 0.47% supplementation compared with only 16.67% in the positive control group. Hematological indices such as red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) including lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils increased proportionally with extract concentration, which can indicate enhanced immune responses. In conclusion, the findings suggest that dietary supplementation of C. militaris extract at 0.47% improves the disease resistance and health status of striped catfish fingerlings against E. ictaluri infection. This result highlights the potential application of C. militaris extract as a natural immunostimulants to enhance survival and reduce antibiotic use in catfish aquaculture. Keywords: Cordyceps militaris, Edwardsiella ictaluri, Immune response, Pangasius hypophthalmus, Survival rate.
The performance and blood constituents of growing rabbits fed varying ratios of Alternanthera sessilis (Sessilis joyweed; AS) and Tridax procumbens (Tridax Daisy; TP) were evaluated. Thirty growing male rabbits with initial body weight ranging from 617.50g to 657.50g were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments, each comprising six animals housed individually in a completely randomized design. The experimental diets were as follows: T1 (100%AS), T2 (75%AS+25%TP), T3 (50%AS+50%TP), T4 (25% AS+75%TP) and T5 (100%TP). The experiment lasted for seven weeks, during which data on feed intake, body weight gain, hematological indices and serum biochemical parameters were collected and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. The results indicated that dietary treatments had no significant effect (P>0.05) on performance parameters, except for average daily feed intake (ADFI). Rabbits fed T1 and T4 recorded the highest ADFI (96.49 and 96.01 g/day respectively), whereas those on T3 and T5 showed the lowest values. The best (lowest) feed conversion ratio (5.79) was observed in rabbits fed T4. Rabbits on T4 exhibited the highest packed cell volume (32.00%), hemoglobin concentration (10.20 g/dL), red blood cell count (5.64×106/µL), platelet count (140.00×10³/µL), and white blood cell count (32.50×10²/µL). In addition, significantly higher (P<0.05) serum total protein (7.00 g/dL), albumin (2.90 g/dL) and globulin (4.10 g/dL) levels were recorded in rabbits fed T4 compared with other treatments. It can be concluded that the dietary combination of 25%AS+75%TP produced the most favorable performance and blood profile in growing rabbits. This suggests that Alternanthera sessilis can serve as a viable alternative forage resource Tridax procumbens in rabbit nutrition. Keywords: Blood, Forage, Rabbit, Performance, Sessilis joyweed, Tridax daisy.
Soybean meal is the dominant protein source in animal feed, but rising costs have encouraged the search for alternatives. Canavalia gladiata, a tropical legume with good yield potential and resistance to pests, contains about 26% protein. However, its use in non-ruminant diets is constrained by anti-nutritional factors. Fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been shown to enhance protein content and reduce anti-nutrients in various feed ingredients, making it a promising strategy for improving C. gladiata seed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of yeast fermentation on C. gladiata seed meal proximate composition, bioactive compounds, fatty acid profile and amino acid profile. In this study, raw seed meal (RCSM) was prepared from C. gladiata seed grown in Côte d’Ivoire, while fermented seed meal (FCSM) was obtained through a two-step aerobic and anaerobic fermentation with yeast. Proximate composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, fatty acid and amino acid profiles were determined using standard analytical methods. Fermentation increased dry matter by 4% and crude protein by 23%, while reducing carbohydrates and ash. It also enhanced total polyphenols by 11.11% and antioxidant activity by 32.14%, though flavonoids decreased slightly and tannin levels increased. Fatty acid profiles showed stability of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and n-6/n-3 ratios within optimal ranges. Amino acids increased overall, with notable rises in several essential amino acids, though lysine, cystine, and glutamic acid declined. Overall, yeast fermentation significantly improved the nutritional and bioactive properties of C. gladiata seed meal, supporting its potential as an affordable alternative protein source for monogastric animal diets. Keywords: Bioactive compounds, Canavalia gladiata, Fermentation, Nutritional value, Yeast.
Serum minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium are essential for the skeletal system during bone formation and remodeling as well as fracture repair. Present study was intended to assess the serum biochemical parameters of three of the most important macro minerals (calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium), which are key minerals for bone healing or development in healthy and clinical sick goats. Serum samples were collected from a total of 200 goats (healthy=102, clinically sick=98) from a veterinary hospital and three farms of Chattogram, Bangladesh. The overall mean serum calcium level of healthy goats was 8.47±0.11 mg/dl and in sick goats it was 7.63±0.12 mg/dl, and the value was much lower than the reference value in sick goats. The serum phosphorus and magnesium levels did not vary between the two groups and were within (phosphorus) or close to (magnesium) the range of reference values. In healthy goats, their serum calcium level varied significantly considering age, body weight, sex, feeding type, and owner's income. However, the serum phosphorus and magnesium levels did not vary significantly across the different parameters tested, except for sex and owner's income in the case of phosphorus. Three sick goats had hypocalcemia, which means that their calcium and magnesium levels were lower than the standard values of 5.9±0.5 and 1.9±0.2 mg/dl, respectively. However, their phosphorus levels were normal across all groups of sick goats. In conclusion, the value of an important mineral for bone healing is lower in both sick and healthy goats, which is a frightening sign for bone problems. Most goats have low levels of calcium and magnesium but average levels of phosphorous. Based on these findings, sufficient calcium and magnesium can be added to feed and given orally to further prevent bone fracture. Keywords: Calcium, Clinically sick animals, Feeding type, Indigestion problems, Magnesium, South Asian region.
This study aims to examine the performance and nutritional quality of lesser mealworms (Alphitobius diaperinus) reared with different protein levels in the culture medium. The research method used was a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 5 replications. The treatments involved providing different protein levels in the culture medium: A (13%), B (15%), C (17%), and D (19%). The variables observed were larval consumption (g/500 g medium), larval production (g/500 g medium), larval body weight gain (g/500 g medium), chitin content (%), crude protein (%DM), nitrogen retention (%), crude fat (%DM), crude fat digestibility (%), and metabolizable energy (kcal/kg) of lesser mealworms. The result of this study showed that differences in protein levels in the culture medium had a very significant effect (P < 0.01) on larval consumption, larval production, larval body weight gain, chitin content, crude protein, nitrogen retention, crude fat, crude fat digestibility, and metabolizable energy of lesser mealworms. This study concluded that 19% protein culture medium was the optimal treatment for lesser mealworm rearing, yielding larval consumption of 181.87 g/500 g medium, larval production of 122.52 g/ 500 g medium, larval body weight gain of 107.51 g/500 g medium, chitin content of 21.17%, crude protein of 46.77% (DM), crude fat of 25.69% (DM), nitrogen retention of 78.72%, crude fat digestibility of 79.55%, and metabolizable energy of 2994.25 kcal/kg. The findings indicate that smaller mealworms hold considerable potential as an alternative source of animal protein for poultry feed. Keywords: Feedstuff, Lesser Mealworm, Nutritional Quality, Performance, Protein Medium.
Hermetia illucens larvae is a promising raw material as an alternative ecological raw material for obtaining feed ingredients. The aim of this review is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of research in this topic by critically analyzing existing studies. Based on the review, recommended doses of defatted Hermetia illucens larval meal in the diet were identified. Replacing fish meal with Hermetia illucens larval meal in the amount of 25 and 50% ensures stable weight gain and high-quality fish products. When feeding largemouth bass and red hybrid tilapia, the recommended proportion of replacing fish meal with insect meal is no more than 30%. Substitution of vegetable protein with Hermetia illucens protein in the diet of sea bass in the amount of 40% improves the histological condition of intestinal tissue. Replacing linseed fat in the amount of 30 and 60 g/kg of feed with fat from Hermetia illucens larvae in feeding rabbits revealed a negative effect on meat quality: a high content of saturated fatty acids is observed. As a positive effect of Hermetia illucens fat, a decrease in meat oxidation can be noted. The use of full-fat Hermetia illucens meal in the diet of piglets should be limited to 2%. However, the protein of the Hermetia illucens larvae has great potential and can be partially replaced in combination with the protein of other insects. A number of studies presented in this review have proven the economic efficiency of using Hermetia illucens larval meal in feed production: the cost of Hermetia illucens larval meal is lower than the cost of fish meal by 0.35 USD/kg, which increases the profitability of using this type of raw material by 25%. The problems of the widespread use of Hermetia illucens larval meal in animal feeding have been identified, which consist in the low attractiveness of meat and fish products grown on feed using insects. In order to reduce the negative attitude of consumers to such food products, it is necessary to increase public awareness of the environmental friendliness and safety of using such components in animal feeding. Keywords: Fat sources, Feed components, Hermetia illucens, Insect flour, Protein sources.
The nutritional value of a feedstuff depends not only on its chemical composition but also on the capacity of rumenal microbes to colonize and degrade it. This study compared the in sacco degradation kinetics of four legume forages (Moringa oleifera, Leucaena leucocephala, Indigofera and Gliricidia sepium) using three rumen fistulated goats in a 4×3 completely randomized design (CRD). Seventy-two nylon bags (10 × 5 cm, 40–50 μm pore size) containing 5 g of each forage (ground to 2 mm) were incubated for 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, or 72 hours (12 bags per time point). The study determined the soluble fraction (a), potentially degradable fraction (b), total degradable fraction (a+b), degradation rate constant of fraction b (c), lag time (Lt), degradation effectiveness (DE), and rumen undegradable protein (RUP). The results of CP degradation revealed no significant differences among forages in fractions a, b, or a + b, but fraction c, Lt, DE, and RUP differed significantly. The degradation rate (c, h⁻¹) of crude protein ranked as Moringa (0.17) > Leucaena (0.09) = Indigofera (0.09) > Gliricidia (0.03), while Lt was shortest for Moringa (3.60 h) and longest for Gliricidia (11.96 h). Moringa and Indigofera exhibited the highest DE and lowest RUP of all treatments. Similar trends were observed for crude fiber: Moringa showed the greatest DE (26.72% Lt) compared to Leucaena (18.76 h Lt). In conclusion, all four legumes were efficiently degraded in the goat rumen, through the rate and extent of degradation varied markedly among species, reflecting differences in their biochemical composition and structural carbohydrates.
