Abstract. Rohmatussolihat, Ridwan R, Fitri A, Sarwono KA, Astuti WD, Firmansyah D, Juanssilfero AB, Fidriyanto R, Ridla M, Mubarik NR, Jayanegara A. 2026. Effects of lactic acid bacteria inoculants on fermentation characteristics and microbial community profiles of napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) silage. Biodiversitas 27 (4): d270438. https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d270438. Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is an important tropical forage; however, its high moisture content and low water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) often impair silage fermentation. This study evaluated the effects of different lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants on fermentation characteristics, nutrient preservation, and microbial community dynamics of napier grass silage. Four indigenous LAB strains, Companilactobacillus kimchii InaCC-B982, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum InaCC-B1028, Limosilactobacillus fermentum InaCC-B1024, and Levilactobacillus brevis InaCC-B1052, were applied individually and as a mixed inoculum and compared with an uninoculated control. Silage was sampled after 7, 14, and 28 days. LAB inoculation significantly improved fermentation quality compared with the control by accelerating acidification, lowering pH (3.69-3.86), increasing lactic acid concentration (2.38-4.90% DM), and suppressing yeasts and coliform bacteria. Among the inoculants, L. plantarum InaCC-B1028 showed the most consistent and superior performance, characterized by rapid and stable pH reduction (3.73-3.78), higher lactic acid production, minimal ammonia-N accumulation (≤0.08% DM), and improved crude protein retention (8.7-9.2% DM). In contrast, L. brevis and the mixed LAB treatment resulted in higher acetic acid concentrations, suggesting enhanced aerobic stability but less consistent nutrient preservation, whereas L. fermentum exhibited intermediate effects. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the bacterial community was dominated by Lactiplantibacillus and Companilactobacillus, with species such as L. plantarum, L. pentosus, L. paraplantarum, and C. kimchii contributing to fermentation dynamics. Genus-level dominance was consistent with species-level composition, indicating robust taxonomic structure across hierarchical levels. Overall, L. plantarum InaCC-B1028 is the most effective inoculant for improving fermentation efficiency, nutrient preservation, and microbial stability, highlighting its potential for enhancing silage quality in tropical forage systems.

Dietary fiber has been widely recognized for its beneficial effects on poultry performance, particularly in improving feed efficiency and maintaining digestive health in broiler chickens. However, the use of conventional fiber sources is often limited by high cost and dependence on imported materials. This research aimed to evaluate the potential of empty palm fruit bunches (EPFB), a by-product of the palm oil industry, as a locally available dietary fiber source and to assess its effects on growth performance and gastrointestinal development in broilers. A total of 200 Cobb day-old chicks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments for 35 days: T0 (control diet without added fiber), T1 (control diet supplemented with 0.8% Arbocel®), T2 (control diet supplemented with 0.8% EPFB), and T3 (control diet supplemented 0.8% EPFB plus an enzyme cocktail). The inclusion of EPFB, either alone or in combination with enzymes, had no significant effects on body weight gain, feed intake, or feed conversion ratio. Likewise, the relative weight and length of the gastrointestinal tract did not differ significantly among treatments. These findings indicate that EPFB can be safely incorporated at the tested level as a locally available dietary fiber source without negative impacts on broiler performance.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different probiotic administration methods on productive performance, intestinal health, and visceral organ development in broiler chickens. The study used 400 one-day-old unsexed Lohmann broiler chicks reared for 35 days and randomly allocated into 4 treatments and 5 replicates (20 birds per replicate) using a completely randomized design. The probiotics contained Lactobacillus sp. (2 × 107 CFU/mL), Bacillus sp. (1.6 × 107 CFU/mL), and Streptomyces sp. (7.4 × 109 CFU/mL). The probiotic administration methods included: untreated (control, T1), administered in drinking water (T2), sprayed onto the litter (T3), and administered through drinking water and sprayed onto the litter (T4). Probiotics were supplied at 2 mL/L of drinking water and 80 mL per pen (2 m × 1 m) for the spraying treatment. The results showed that compared to the control, probiotic administration (T2 and T4) improved (p < 0.05) body weight gain, feed intake, and decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR), water intake, mortality, and spleen weight. Intestinal health status improved (p < 0.05), as indicated by increased lactic acid bacteria populations and enhanced villus length, surface area, and crypt depth. Ileum weight (

This study evaluated how plants with different dominant phenolic fractions affect in vitro ruminai fermentation characteristics and methane production. Three phenolic-rich species were tested: Swietenia mahagoni (high condensed tannins), Clidemia hirta (high hydrolysable tannins), and Eugenia aquea (high non-tannin phenolics). Each was incubated alone or mixed with Carica papaya (CP), a low-phenolic substrate. A 24 h in vitro rumen fermentation assay was conducted to measure total gas production, organic matter digestibility, methane output, microbial population, volatile fatty acid (VFA) profiles, and ammonia concentration. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's test (n = 4 per treatment). Mixing phenolic-rich plants with CP significantly reduced methane emissions (P < 0.05), with CP + S. mahagoni showing the greatest reduction (18.6%). This effect was likely associated with tannin-nutrient complex formation, which modulated rumen microbial activity, supported fibre fermentation and VFA production, and limited protein degradation for ammonia synthesis (P < 0.05). The strong negative relationship between total phenols or tannins and methane output highlights the important role of phenolic compounds in regulating rumen fermentation. These findings suggest that tannin-rich plants are promising natural feed additives for mitigating enteric methane emissions in ruminants.

This study evaluated the effects of Spirulina sp. supplementation combined with vitamin E in laying hen diets on egg physical quality and shell strength during storage under different durations and temperatures. Four dietary treatments were used: T0 (control diet with 100 IU/kg vitamin E), T1 (0.5% Spirulina sp. + 100 IU/kg vitamin E), T2 (1.0% Spirulina sp. + 100 IU/kg vitamin E), and T3 (2.0% Spirulina sp. + 100 IU/kg vitamin E). The experiment employed a completely randomized design with a 4 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement and five replications. The factors consisted of diet, storage duration (7 and 14 days), and storage temperature (room and refrigerated). Storage duration and temperature significantly (P<0.001) reduced HU, while longer storage significantly decreased yolk and increased albumen percentages (P<0.001). Diet and storage duration significantly (P<0.001) influenced yolk color. Egg weight was not affected by the treatments. In conclusion, dietary treatment significantly affected yolk color and Haugh unit. The 0.5% Spirulina inclusion level resulted in the highest Haugh unit, indicating improved albumen quality, whereas 2.0% Spirulina enhanced yolk pigmentation. Storage temperature influenced internal egg quality, with refrigerated storage better maintaining albumen percentage and Haugh unit compared to room temperature.

The increasing scarcity and environmental concerns associated with conventional protein sources, such as meat and bone meal (MBM) and soybean meal (SBM), underscore the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) offer a promising solution due to their high protein content and capacity to convert organic waste into valuable biomass. This study investigated the effects of three dietary protein-to-carbohydrate (P:C) ratios, R1 (1:3), R2 (1:4), and R3 (1:7), on the growth performance, feed intake, and nutritional composition of BSFL. Larvae fed R1 and R2 diets exhibited higher dry matter intake (161.89-164.72 mg/larva) and final live weights (82.31-83.23 mg/larva) compared to R3 (71.42 mg/larva; ). Feed conversion ratios (FCR) were significantly lower in R1 (1.95) and R2 (2.00) than in R3 (2.23), indicating better feed efficiency at higher protein levels. Similarly, the protein efficiency ratio (PER) favoured R1 (2.51) and R2 (3.10) over R3 (4.67; ). Feed reduction and bioconversion efficiency (BER) were also improved in R1 and R2 treatments. Survival rates exceeded 89.94% across all groups, while prepupa formation peaked in R2 (2.46%; ). Strong correlations were observed between P:C ratio, crude protein intake ( ), and FCR ( ). Overall, the 1:3 P:C ratio yielded the lowest FCR, while 1:4 offered a more balanced outcome between performance and efficiency. The 1:7 ratio may favour lipid accumulation. These findings support the strategic formulation of BSFL diets in sustainable livestock feed systems.

This study evaluates the silage fermentation quality, rumen fermentation dynamics, degradability, and methane emissions of total mixed rations (TMRs) formulated primarily with varying ratios of pineapple peel and maize husk alongside other agricultural by-products (tofu waste 30%, soy sauce waste 15%, rice bran 10%, and cassava pulp 5%). The TMR formulations differed in crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) content due to the changing proportions of pineapple peel (40% to 0%) and maize husk (0% to 40%), with TMR-1, TMR-2, TMR-3, TMR-4, and TMR-5 containing pineapple peel to maize husk ratios of 40:0, 30:10, 20:20, 10:30, and 0:40%, respectively. All TMR silages were well-preserved, as evidenced by low pH (4.06-4.18) and high lactic acid content (1.89-2.25% dry matter). TMR-1 and TMR-2, with lower NDF and higher total digestible nutrients (TDN), demonstrated superior fermentation quality, greater total short-chain fatty acid (TSCFA) production, and lower methane emissions (15.98-15.87% of TSCFA) compared to TMR-4 and TMR-5 (17.85-17.98%). The higher in vitro degradability observed in TMR-1 and TMR-2 was associated with balanced CP levels (14.02-14.86%) and moderate NDF content (46.06-46.36%), which supported efficient microbial fermentation. In contrast, TMR-4 and TMR-5, with higher NDF content (47.98-48.98%), showed reduced degradability and increased methane production. These results highlight the potential of TMR-1 (40:0) and TMR-2 (30:10) as promising options for beef cattle. However, the lack of vitamin and mineral supplementation is a limitation that should be addressed, and further in vivo studies are necessary to validate nutrient absorption, utilisation, and overall animal performance.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of replacing meat and bone meal (MBM) with insect-based protein sources, Silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori) meal (SPM), and Javanese bird grasshopper (Valanga nigricornis) meal (FGM) on rumen degradability, fermentation characteristics, total gas production, and methane emissions in vitro. Six experimental diets, each with five replicates, were tested, namely P1 (100% Napier grass), P2 (80% Napier grass + 20% MBM), P3 (80% Napier grass + 20% full-fat SPM (FSPM)), P4 (80% Napier grass + 20% defatted SPM (DSPM)), P5 (80% Napier grass + 20% full-fat FGM (FFGM)), and P6 (80% Napier grass + 20% defatted FGM (DFGM)). The result showed that the total gas and methane production were significantly lowered by insect-based protein meal and MBM (P < 0.05). In vitro dry matter degradability (IVDMD) and in vitro organic matter degradability (IVOMD) of insect-based protein meal were not significantly different from MBM and control diet (IVDMD: P = 0.87; IVOMD: P = 0.966). Insect-based protein meal and MBM reduced total volatile fatty acid (VFA) and propionate proportion while also increasing NH3-N and acetate:propionate ratio, as evidenced by P < 0.05. These results showed that insect-based proteins, particularly DSPM and FGM, had a similar digestibility to MBM, reduced methane emissions, and could effectively replace MBM in ruminant diets.

This study evaluated the effects of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) leaves extract (CLE) in drinking water on the performance and health profile of IPB-D1 chickens. Cassava leaves are known to contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and saponins which have antioxidant and antibacterial properties. These compounds can provide positive effects such as feed efficiency, improving growth performance and health status of chickens by improving the immune system and reducing oxidative stress. Cassava leaves extract acts as a phytogenic additive that can be given in livestock drinking water. This study used 180 IPB-D1 chickens aged 2–8 weeks were randomly assigned to three treatments: CLE0 (control), CLE1 (17 ml/l CLE), and CLE2 (50 ml/l CLE). Parameters observed included growth performance, organ morphometry, hematological profiles, and ileal histology. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (p<0.05). cassava leaves extract supplementation did not adversely affect growth or feed intake. Final body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not significantly different among the groups. A reduction in leukocyte counts was observed, particularly in the CLE2 group, with a relative increase in heterophils, though values remained within physiological limits. Histological analysis revealed a significant increase in villus surface area in the CLE2 group, followed by CLE1, compared to the control (CLE0), suggesting enhanced intestinal morphology and nutrient absorption potential. Cassava leaves extract can be given in the drinking water of IPB-D1 chickens without disrupting their performance and health profile. These findings indicate that cassava leaves extract can improve gut structure without compromising performance, supporting its application as a safe and beneficial phytogenic additive in poultry diets.

Pellet quality is a key factor influencing poultry growth performance. The use of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a pellet binder and protease enzyme supplementation via drinking water may improve nutrient availability and digestive efficiency. This study evaluated the effects of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) with varying viscosities and protease enzyme supplementation via drinking water on growth performance in IPB-D1 chicks (n = 250) with five dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Design (5 replicates of 10 chicks each). Treatment included: a control diet (C0P0), a diet containing 0.5% CMC with a viscosity of 1000–2500 cps (C1P0), the same CMC level and viscosity with 10 mg/L protease enzyme in drinking water (C1P1), a diet containing 0.5% CMC with a viscosity of 2500–4000 cps (C2P0), and the same CMC level and viscosity with 10 mg/L protease enzyme in drinking water (C2P1). Growth performance parameters evaluated included feed intake, water intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality. No significant differences (P>0.05) were found across treatments. However, descriptively, the combination of high-viscosity CMC and protease enzyme showed a tendency to improve growth efficiency. This suggests a potential synergistic effect worth further exploration in IPB-D1 chickens.

Poultry nutrition is greatly influenced by genetic composition and developmental stage, with protein intake playing a pivotal role in performance metrics. However, precise feeding guidelines, especially concerning protein levels and the role of bioactive compounds during the starter phase, remain insufficiently developed for the IPB D-1 chicken, a hybrid composed of 75% local and 25% broiler genetics. Optimizing growth necessitates careful adjustment of protein intake throughout the rearing period. This study examined the effects of two protein levels (20% and 18%) on unsexed, day-old IPB D-1 chickens. Two hundred chicks were allocated into four treatment groups, each with diets containing either 20% or 18% protein, with or without dragon fruit peel extract supplementation. Performance indicators such as body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality were measured. Results indicated that chickens fed a 20% protein diet supplemented with dragon fruit peel extract exhibited significantly enhanced weight gain, improved FCR, and lower mortality rates (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that optimizing protein content with natural additives like dragon fruit peel extract may enhance growth performance during the starter phase for hybrid broiler chickens.

Silage fermentation quality and nutrient composition are significantly influenced by the raw material used before ensiling, including agronomic practices such as fertilizer application. This study evaluated the effects of different levels of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) biofertilizer applied during corn cultivation on nutrient composition, silage fermentation characteristics, in vitro rumen fermentation dynamics, and methane emissions. Corn plants were harvested 82 days postplanting, cut 10 cm above ground level, and manually chopped into pieces of 3-5 cm in length. The chopped forage was packed into 10-liter silos, compacted to expel air, and sealed to ensure anaerobic conditions. All samples were ensiled for 30 days. A completely randomized design was employed with three AMF biofertilizer levels (0, 10, and 20 g per planting hole) and six replications. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey's test for multiple comparisons. The results indicated that AMF application had a limited effect on nutrient composition but significantly increased (P < 0.05) water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content, which is crucial for efficient fermentation. All silages were well preserved, as evidenced by a pH below 4. Enhanced in vitro rumen fermentation, indicated by increased total short-chain fatty acid (TSCFA) production, higher gas output, and a slight improvement in degradability, was associated with higher WSC content. Elevated WSC levels also contributed to reduced methane emissions by promoting more efficient microbial fermentation.

Daun singkong merupakan pakan alternatif yang potensial karena daun singkong memiliki kandungan protein kasar dan energi yang tinggi, namun pemanfaatannya dalam pakan unggas dibatasi oleh faktor pembatas seperti asam sianida, kandungan serat tinggi, dan daya cerna nutrisi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pemberian ransum yang mengandung tepung daun singkong dengan suplementasi enzim terhadap organ dalam ayam broiler. Penelitian ini menggunakan 48 ekor ayam pedaging strain Cobb dengan rancangan acak lengkap faktorial yang terbagi dalam dua faktor pengamatan dan empat kali ulangan. Perlakuan yang digunakan meliputi taraf penambahan tepung daun singkong yang berbeda-beda (0%; 1,5%; dan 3,0%), serta penambahan enzim NSP (non-starch polysaccharides) dan protease dengan dosis masing-masing 250 g/ton pakan (dengan dan tanpa enzim). Variabel yang dinilai adalah bobot relatif organ dalam (jantung, ginjal, kandung empedu, sekum, dan kolon) dan panjang relatif sekum dan kolon. Analisis data menggunakan analisis varians (ANOVA) dengan uji post-hoc yang dilakukan untuk mengetahui perbedaan nyata. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tidak ada interaksi antara tepung daun singkong dan enzim terhadap organ dalam (P <0,05). Namun penggunaan tepung daun singkong dalam ransum hingga 3,0% tidak memberikan dampak negatif terhadap kesehatan ayam broiler. Penambahan enzim dapat mengimbangi dampak buruk yang ditimbulkan oleh penggunaan tepung daun singkong dalam ransum. Kata kunci: Tepung Daun Singkong, Enzim, Pakan lokal, Broiler

Research on the extraction of mannan polysaccharides from palm kernel meal (PKM) remains limited. This study aimed to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method, focusing on varying extraction times to maximize the yield of mannan polysaccharides from PKM. A completely randomized design (CRD) was utilized, involving seven treatments and five replications. The treatments included: T0 (untreated PKM; control); T1 (PKM+UAE for 30 minutes+E1 [single extraction]); T2 (PKM+UAE for 60 minutes+E1); T3 (PKM+UAE for 90 minutes+E1); T4 (PKM+UAE for 30 minutes+E2 [sequential extraction]); T5 (PKM+UAE for 60 minutes+E2) and T6 (PKM+UAE for 90 minutes+E2). Yield data were analyzed descriptively, while fiber composition and total sugar content were statistically evaluated using ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple range test. Results indicated that the T2 and T5 treatments produced the highest yields (E1:4.62%; E2:9.20%) compared to other methods. Total sugar content in UAE-treated samples (3.96%-10.79%) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than in the control (T0). However, no significant differences (p>0.05) were observed between T2-T3 and T5-T6. In conclusion, the 60- minute UAE method (T5) was the most effective and efficient, achieving the highest yields of mannan polysaccharides and total sugar content. This study underscores the potential of UAE to enhance bioactive polysaccharide extraction from PKM.

This research sought to explore how different processing methods, including soaking and peeling the beans, and the introduction of protease enzyme and non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) enzymes, impact the nutrient content, metabolizable energy, and protein digestibility of processed Jack bean meal. The study utilized a completely randomized design, with four treatments and four replications. A total of 36 animals were involved, with 32 used for measuring metabolizable energy and protein digestibility, and 4 broiler chickens for endogenous measurement. Treatments included processed Jack bean meal alone, with protease enzyme, with NSP enzymes, and with both enzymes combined. Results showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in metabolizable energy and protein digestibility with enzyme supplementation. This improvement was attributed to the protease enzyme breaking down proteins into smaller peptides and NSP enzymes facilitating the breakdown of non-starch polysaccharides, enhancing digestion and absorption. In conclusion, supplementing peeled Jack bean meal with protease and NSP enzymes enhances its metabolizable energy and protein digestibility, suggesting its potential as an alternative protein source for broiler chickens.

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the inclusion of pellet binders on pellet quality and broiler performance, including growth metrics and organ development. A total of 130 data points acquired from 21 published articles were used as a database for determining the effectiveness of pellet binders on pellet quality, performance, and health of broilers. The Hedges’d value was employed as a measure of effect size (ES) in the present meta-analysis. The data were analyzed using a random effects model in OpenMEE software. The addition of pellet binders significantly increased the pellet durability index (PDI), pellet hardness, and moisture content (p<0.05). However, the meta-analysis results suggest that broiler performance, including feed intake, body weight, and FCR, as well as broiler carcass yield, including total carcass, breast, and thighs, were not impacted (p>0.05). In addition, pellet binders did not significantly affect (p>0.05) the relative organ weights, including the gizzard, heart, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. However, liver weight was significantly different (P<0.01). The meta-analysis showed that pellet binders improved feed quality metrics such as pellet durability, hardness, and moisture, but did not impact broiler performance metrics, including feed intake, body weight, FCR, carcass yield, or other organ weights. Overall, pellet binders did not enhance efficiency in broiler production.

Abstract Canavalia ensiformis L. (jackbean) meal shows potential as an ingredient for poultry feed protein source, providing essential nutrients for poultry growth while reducing dependence on soybean meal. However, the incorporation of jackbean meal in poultry rations is limited due to a need for comprehensive information on factors such as nutritional and anti-nutritional content, digestibility, and nutrient utilization. This experiment is designed to contribute valuable insights into the potential of jackbean meal as an alternative protein source for poultry feed by assessing its physicochemical value, metabolizable energy, and protein digestibility. The study assessed the crude levels of protein, fiber, ash, and ether extract, as well as the presence of HCN. Additionally, it evaluated the bulk and tapped density of peeled and unpeeled jackbean meal compared to soybean meal. Metabolizable energy and protein digestibility were also assessed. The acquired data underwent analysis through analysis of variance and Tukey test when significances were found. The results of the experiment indicated that the physicochemical quality, metabolizable energy, and protein digestibility of the peeled and unpeeled jack bean meal was comparable to that of soybean meal. In addition, the peeled revealed better results compared to the unpeeled jackbean meal.